News
KOICA Ghana schools awardees on scholarship scheme
• Awardees with organisers
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Ghana has held an orientation programme for the latest recipients of the KOICA Scholarship Programme, a major category of its Capacity Improvement and Advancement for Tomorrow (CIAT) Fellowship Programme.
The event marked the beginning of an exciting journey for 25 scholarship awardees, who were set to pursue advanced studies (Masters and PhD) in South Korea.
The orientation was a comprehensive session aimed at preparing the awardees for their academic and cultural experiences in Korea.
The event featured a series of informative presentations and interactive sessions designed to equip the scholars with essential knowledge and skills.
In his opening remarks, the Ambassador of Korea to Ghana, Mr Kyongsig Park, congratulated the awardees on their achievement and reminded them of the significance of their roles in strengthening the partnership between Ghana and Korea.
He alluded KOICA Scholarship programme to the ongoing Olympic Games in France, sharing that it also brings together outstanding talents from 100 countries, all competing to gain more knowledge and experience in Korea.
He added that, “all awardees are the representatives of Ghana and must endeavour to succeed in this competition, as it will lay the foundation for a brighter future for Ghana.”
The orientation featured a special moment for the 2022 KOICA SP cohorts, who were officially inducted as alumni.
The KOICA CIAT Fellowship programme continues to be a beacon of educational excellence and international collaboration, offering Ghanaian public officials the chance to gain world-class education and bring back valuable expertise to support the development of their nation.
There were knowledge-sharing segments as key presentations focusing on the prospects of scholarships in Korea, providing the awardees with detailed information on the academic opportunities, cultural experiences, and career advancements available through the CIAT Fellowship.
This was led by Dr Lloyd G. Adu Amoah, Director of Center for Asian Studies at University of Ghana.
Ms Eunsoo Oh, the Deputy Country Director of the KOICA Ghana Office, delivered a presentation on KOICA’s values and integrity pledge, urging individuals and entities associated with KOICA to uphold these principles.
Another presentation offered a personal perspective, as a distinguished alumnus, Ms Abena Manso-Howard, recounted her experiences, giving the new scholars a firsthand account of life and learning in Korea.
By Michael D. Abayateye
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
