News
JHS student sentenced for stealing alcoholic beverages

For stealing alcoholic beverages worth GH₵4,000.00 and cash of GH₵400.00 from a drinking bar, a 19-year-old Junior High School student has been sentenced to six months imprisonment by the Nkawie Circuit Court.
Emmanuel Antwi,19, could not control himself and broke down in tears when the court, presided by Mr Johnson Abbey, pronounced the sentence on him on Thursday.
He pleaded guilty and was convicted on his own plea by the court.
Prosecuting, Detective Chief Inspector Comfort Amankwaa, told the court that Antwi and the complainant were both residents of Maabang, near Adankwame in the Atwima-Nwabiagya North District of Ashanti Region.
She said on April 28 this year, at about 11pm, the convict broke into the drinking bar and took away several sachets of alcoholic beverages and fled.
The prosecution said the complainant detected the theft the following morning and some neighbours alerted her about the suspicious movement of Antwi in the area, the previous night.
The convict, the prosecution said, was armed with iron bars and entered the spot through the ceiling, and took the drinks valued at GH¢4,000.00 as well as cash of GH¢400.00.
According to the prosecution, the complainant therefore, reported the matter to the Adankwame police who arrested the convict.
Chief Inspector Amankwaa said during interrogation, the convict admitted the offence and he was then charged and brought before the court.
FROM KINGSLEY E. HOPE, KUMASI
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