News
Hoteliers urged to help fight terrorism
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) in-charge of the Volta Region, Mr Edward Oduro Kwateng has asked hotel operators to screen their clients thoroughly and pass any suspicious information on them to the police without delay.
This, he said, was a necessary move to forestall possible terrorist activities as the country heads for the polls in December 7.
DCOP Oduro Kwateng was opening a day’s seminar on ‘Crime Prevention at Workplaces, Home and the General Elections’ for about 50 selected participants from the hospitality industry, banks, other corporate bodies, public utility organisations and security groups from the region at Ho.
The seminar was meant to equip the participants with modern techniques and tips to prevent crimes in their premises and homes.
He pointed out that Ghana was vulnerable to terrorist attacks, saying terrorists could strike anywhere and anytime.
According to him, the recent agitation by the so-called Western Togoland secessionist group in the Volta Region and some parts of the Eastern Region had raised the risk of terrorist attacks in the country.
“It, therefore, calls for increased vigilance, awareness and personal safety,” the regional commander added.
DCOP Oduro Kwateng highlighted the need for corporate bodies such as banks, hotels, shopping malls, places of worship and businesses to commit greater resources and zeal towards preventing terrorist attacks and other forms of crime.
He touched on the forthcoming general elections and gave the assurance that the police had strategised on how to prevent violence before, during and after the elections.
He warned that the security agencies would deal decisively with people whose conduct undermined national security.
The participants were taken through Potential Terrorism and Related Activities, Personal Security Awareness, and Technology in Crime Fighting, among other topics.
From Alberto Mario Noretti, Ho
News
Invest in the welfare of children – UNICEF
The Country Representative for United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Ghana, Mr. Osama Makkawi Khogali, has urged the government and other stakeholders to invest more in the welfare of children.
He explained that Africa was home to a growing number of children, and by the year 2050, four out of every 10 children in the world will live in Africa.
This, he said, was a major reason why more investments are needed in children’s education, health, nutrition, safety, digital access, and job training.
Mr Khogali said this in a statement copied to The Spectator in Accra on Monday June 16 to commemorate the Day of the African Child.
Every year on June 16, the Day of the African Child is celebrated to remember the brave children of the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa. These children stood up against unfair education and fought for their rights. Today, the day reminds everyone to stand up for the rights and welfare of African children.
Mr. Khogali said, “we must act now so that children would not only survive but grow and succeed. Africa’s future is global, and it begins with the children of today.”
The Country Representative for UNICEF said, in Ghana, children make up about 45 per cent of the country’s population, indicating that the future of Ghana depends heavily on how well children were supported and protected today.
He therefore called on governments, communities, families, and individuals to work together and make sure every child has access to good education, health care, safety, and opportunities.
“Helping children now is the smartest way to build a strong and successful country,” he added.
UNICEF is the world’s leading children’s organisation. It works in over 190 countries to protect children’s rights and ensure that every child has the chance to live, grow, and reach their full potential.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
News
First Lady, Lordina Mahama address 7th Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit in Dubai
The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana on Wednesday, June 18, addressed the prestigious 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit in Dubai.
The programme held at Hilton Hotel was attended by First Ladies from about 15 African and Asian countries.
The First Lady shared insights on strengthening healthcare systems, empowering women, and celebrating the impactful partnership between Ghana and the Merck Foundation over the past 13 years.
Mrs Mahama also underscored the critical role of First Ladies as Ambassadors for the “More Than a Mother” campaign, working to break the stigma around infertility and promote gender equality.
At the Committee Meeting held on Thursday, June 19, Mrs.Lordina Mahama through her presentation showed video documentary of her varied projects aimed at impacting lives.
The documentary showcased her extensive works in Education, health and other sectors of the country.
This received applauds and commendation from her colleague First Ladies and leadership of Merck Foundation.
Expressing gratitude to the Merck Foundation, she reiterated her and the Lordina Foundation’s commitment to strengthening collaboration for enhanced initiatives in health, education, and combating social stigma across Ghana.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme, Dubai
