News
Hope and focus in difficult times
The past two years has been unlike any we can remember, and one we’ll never forget. We’ve been tried and tested, and in the process, we’ve learned more about ourselves and our world. It has been a time of adjustments, disappointments, and some cancelled events. Even worse, it has been a time of many losses, as many of us have lost loved ones. Sadly, no one has been left untouched by this global pandemic.
One university president said of his students at the start of the outbreak: “They will put up with absence and isolation …, and they will redouble their efforts to achieve the best things. They are determined to convert this disruption into an opportunity for excellence.”
That’s not the typical way of looking at disruption or tragedy. Most of the time, we just want to minimise the damage, heal as much as possible, and try to return to normal, even if we still have to carry some scars. But could there really be something better than “normal” ahead of us? Can we “convert this disruption into an opportunity for excellence”?
For example, could our experiences make us more compassionate or more loving; what the Bible calls the “more excellent way”? Perhaps, as we remember some of the isolation we felt during lockdowns, we will find ways to reach out to people who (for whatever reasons) might still feel isolated. As we reflect on the generosity of neighbours who shared with us when food ran out, we can find ways to share what we have with others in need. As we think of the innovations, large and small, that have helped us push through our difficulties, we can thank the medical personnel on the front lines and in the laboratories, who worked day and night to facilitate everything from ventilators to vaccines.
And perhaps most important, as we remember those who are no longer with us, we can consider how they would want us to go forward with our lives. What kind of excellence could we pursue in their memory?
Without question, the experiences of the past two years will change us. We will never truly be “back to normal.” But maybe normal is not what we want anyway, as long as “an opportunity for excellence” is within reach.
For two years, the pandemic has given us something this world has rarely faced; a common hardship. While everyone’s experience has been different, no person, no corner of the world, has been left untouched by this modern-day plague. The world feels different now; jobs and schools and so many other things have been forced to adapt. Yet, in the midst of all this change and instability, we’ve also rediscovered some things that never change, everlasting things that we value, now more than ever before.
For one, we have rediscovered the value of connection, of contact, and of love. We need one another. While video calls and online streaming are miraculous innovations, the pandemic has taught us that nothing can take the place of a face-to-face conversation with a dear friend or a warm hug from a family member. There’s just something irreplaceable about being together.
We have rediscovered how much we need kindness, compassion, and patience. One sad consequence of so much social distancing is the distance it too often puts between hearts and minds. The result is that people are more likely to use sarcasm, anger and criticism to express disagreement, especially online. At the same time, we’re more inspired than ever when someone resists those trends with kindness, gratitude, and respect. The power of kindness is never more apparent than when it takes us by surprise.
Of course, we’ve always known that closeness and kindness are important. These true principles have brought hope and joy to humanity during every trial and tragedy we’ve ever faced. But sometimes, in the midst of our troubles, we focus on the wrong things.
A beloved religious leader, Russell M. Nelson has said, “The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.” God doesn’t always spare us from difficult circumstances, but He does give us true principles to keep us focused. If we focus on our most treasured relationships, on connecting with people we love, we’ll find strength to endure. If we focus on helping and caring about others, we’ll find that our own problems become smaller. Most of all, if we focus on the Lord and His goodness, we’ll find joy. It has always been available; we just need to know where to look.
By Samuel Enos Eghan
The Ghana Tourism Development Company Limited (GTD) in collaboration with the Department of Organisation and Human Resource Management, University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) has marked the 2026 World Safety Day Celebration in Accra.
The event held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at the Cedi Conference Centre, Legon was under the theme “Good Psychosocial Working Environment: A Pathway to Thriving Workers and Strong Organizations.”
The day is observed globally to promote safe and healthy working conditions and to raise awareness about both physical and psychological risks at the workplace.
The event formed part of efforts by stakeholders to deepen national conversations on workplace safety, particularly the growing concern about psychosocial well being.
In his keynote address, the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo stressed that workers must not be treated as machines but as human beings with dignity, rights and families.
He explained that unsafe work environments marked by fear, harassment, intimidation and excessive pressure reduce productivity and weaken organisations.
He noted that although physical hazards such as faulty equipment and unsafe buildings remain a concern, psychological risks including excessive workload, bullying, job insecurity and toxic communication are equally dangerous and must be addressed.
According to him, psychological hazards are real, measurable and preventable, and should be treated with the same urgency as physical risks.
He maintained that safe and healthy working conditions are not a luxury but a fundamental right that supports productivity and social justice.
Dr Pelpuo further stated that the government remains committed to strengthening occupational safety and health systems, adding that worker wellbeing is a core responsibility of leadership and not a public relations issue.
He urged employers to create environments where dignity is protected, and workers are empowered to speak without fear.
The Dean of University of Ghana Business School, Prof Ernest Y Tweneboah Koduah noted that the school is committed to shaping a better world of work that is equitable, productive and sustainable.
He announced that the school has secured accreditation from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission to introduce a programme in organisational health and safety.
He explained that gaps in workplace safety in Ghana are linked to weak enforcement, underreporting and limited professional training.
He added that the new programme will equip graduates with the skills to prioritise employee wellbeing as a key organisational responsibility.
Prof Tweneboah Koduah urged organisations to assess psychosocial risks, invest in human resource capacity and create environments where workers can openly discuss mental health concerns.
He emphasised that collaboration between academia and industry is essential to addressing workplace safety challenges.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, the Registrar of the University of Ghana, Emelia Naa Kwantsua Agyei Mensah described the event as historic, noting that it is the first time the university is marking the global observance.
She explained that the focus on psychosocial wellbeing reflects current realities in the world of work.
She stated that employee health, including mental and emotional wellbeing, directly affects productivity, morale and institutional performance.
Mrs Agyei Mensah added that the university is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for staff and students, beyond minimum legal requirements.
She called on leaders to reflect on the kind of workplaces they create and to prioritise the wellbeing of employees.
CEO of the GTDC, Prof Kobby on his part noted that its participation aligns with its commitment under the Riyadh Declaration, which calls on member states to improve infrastructure and public safety, as well as enhance services, transport, connectivity and accessibility.
He indicated that the company intends to use the platform to highlight Ghana’s readiness to implement the declaration, with a strong focus on worker safety and wellbeing as a foundation for sustainable tourism development.
The event brought together policymakers, academics, industry players and students to discuss strategies for improving workplace safety and promoting healthier work environments across the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Minister for Energy, John Abdulai Jinapor, has praised engineers and technical teams working to restore electricity after a fire at the Akosombo Substation disrupted power supply.
He said this after visiting the facility on Monday night to assess ongoing repair works following the incident, which affected the control room and caused the loss of more than 1,000 megawatts of power to the national grid.
During the visit, he interacted with engineers and technicians who have been working continuously under difficult conditions to restore operations.
He said he was impressed by their dedication, courage, and professionalism despite the challenges.
The minister commended the teams for their resilience and sacrifice, noting that their efforts reflect a strong sense of duty and commitment to national service.
He assured them of the government’s full support as they continue with the restoration work.
He also assured the public that authorities are doing everything possible to restore stable electricity supply as soon as possible.
By: Jacob Aggrey
