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Kpone Katamanso Imams call on The Spectator, Ghanaian Times Editors
Leaders of the Muslim community in the Kpone- Katamanso Metropolitan area on Wednesday called on the editors of the state-owned newspapers, The Ghanaian Times and The Spectator, and called for stronger collaboration to deal with some of the societal issues that confront them.
The visit was to first of all introduce the Muslim clerics in the area and also ensure a fair representation of Muslims’ perspectives on national discourse.
Both parties discussed issues of content balance, community development, and partnership opportunities.
The delegation, led by the Metropolitan Imam, Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, said the Muslim community in Kpone Katamanso alone estimated to be over 620,000, well-structured and plays an active role in both civic and religious life.
He disclosed that the community has been divided into 18 zones, each led by a zonal Imam, with the Municipal Imam serving as the head.
“We have a constitution, and we work closely with the assembly, central government, and traditional authorities. Our presence is strong, and we want the media to reflect that,” the Imam stated.
Alhaji Abdulai further stressed that the Muslim leadership in Kpone Katamanso operates in a democratic and accountable manner, mirroring Ghana’s own political system.
He also stated that zonal Imams were eligible to rise to the position of municipal Imam, and the leadership regularly engages with government, civil society, and traditional leaders to promote peace and development.
Recently, the Municipal Imam received a certificate of recognition from a local chief during a youth gathering, a testament to the cordial relationship between Muslims and traditional authorities in the area.
“Our community is disciplined, organised, and proactive. We believe the media should showcase these positive stories instead of leaving gaps that are usually filled by stereotypes or misinformation,” he added.
Quoting a verse from the Qur’an, one of the leaders reminded us that all humans were created from a single source and must, therefore, treat each other as brothers and sisters, irrespective of religion.
On her part, the Editor of The Spectator, Mrs Georgina Naa Maku Quaittoo, welcomed the initiative and expressed readiness to collaborate with the Muslim community.
She indicated that the papers remain committed to inclusiveness and community development.
The Editor of The Ghanaian Times Alhaji Salifu Abdul-Rahman, expressed concern about the growing influence of social media in shaping public opinion, warning that many online platforms often spread misinformation about religion.
“Social media is full of half-truths. We prefer the credibility of the established press. If issues are reported by The Times or Spectator, they carry weight,” he said.
Practical partnership ideas were also discussed, including establishing newspaper stands in Muslim-dominated communities such as Ashaiman, Nima, and Madina, to create space for regular opinion pieces by Muslim scholars. “If our readers in these communities know their voices are represented in the pages of The Times or Spectator, it builds both trust and readership,” the editor added.
Both sides agreed to continue the dialogue and build a long-term partnership that would give voice to Muslims while also strengthening interfaith understanding.
The Muslim leaders pledged to provide regular articles for publication, while the newspapers assured them of space to promote peace, inclusion, and national development.
They pledged to contribute accurate and insightful content on Muslim perspectives, festivals, and social development efforts, so that the wider Ghanaian public would gain a more balanced understanding of the faith.
The delegation included imams from various communities within the Kpone Katamanso Metropolitan Assembly.
They included Mustapha Abdul Wahaab, Appolonia, Mohammed Rufai, Peaceland, Mohammed Aminu Masud, Washington and Sa-id Mukhtar Abubakar, New Zealand.
The rest Shafiu Jibril, Washington, Salih Usman, Chief, Washington, Salis Abubakar, Zenu and Soalihu Mohammed Awal, Kpone-Bawaleshie.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
MTN Ghana has hosted more than 200 students from various educational institutions in Accra for an engaging, hands-on technology immersion at MTN House, bringing classroom theory to life and fueling interest in STEM and digital innovation.
Students from Ashesi University, Ghana International School, Cradle Star Academy, and Kinderland School explored MTN Ghana’s rich history, core values, customer-focused innovations, and digital transformation agenda.
They were introduced to the company’s sustainability and social impact initiatives, spanning education, youth empowerment and community development. A key highlight of the visits was a tour of MTN Ghana’s Network Operations Centre (NOC) and data centres.
The students gained first-hand exposure to the advanced technology, systems, and expertise powering seamless connectivity for millions daily – offering a rare look into how MTN ensures network performance, security, and resilience.
Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, noted, “Hosting students at MTN House reflects our commitment to shaping Ghana’s digital future. As we deliver our Ambition 2030 strategy, we are deepening investments in youth development through programmes like the Bright Scholarship, the MTN Digital Skills Academy, and collaborations on the One Million Coders Programme and the Girls in ICT initiative led by the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation.”
Paschal Paaga, Manager for IT Projects Implementation, emphasised the importance of experiential learning.
‘’By opening our doors, we are helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry. We want young people to see the real-world impact of technology and be inspired to pursue careers in STEM.”
For many participants, the experience was transformative. Maame Sapomaa, a Level 300 Information Systems student from Ashesi University, shared, “The visit was incredibly inspiring. Everything we have learned in the classroom came to life, and we were exposed to new concepts beyond our studies. It has motivated me even more to pursue a career in technology.”
As MTN Ghana advances its Ambition 2030 vision, the company remains committed to driving digital inclusion, platform-led innovation, and building strategic partnerships that support Ghana’s long-term socio-economic development.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has expressed sorrow over the death of two Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates in a road accident in the Upper West Region.
The deceased are Taufi Ibrahim and Abdul Khalid, both students at Chiana Roman Catholic Junior High School.
“Management of the Ghana Education Service has received with profound sorrow the tragic news of the untimely demise of two Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates, Taufi Ibrahim and Abdul Khalid, students of Chiana Roman Catholic Junior High School in the Upper West Region,” a statement issued by Mr Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations, GES, said.
It said preliminary reports indicated that the students died in a road traffic accident on Sunday, May 3, while travelling to Wa ahead of the commencement of the examination.
“We are deeply saddened that these young lives, full of promise and potential, have been cut short under such distressing circumstances.
“Management and staff of GES, and the entire education community, extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the school, their classmates, and all who have been affected by this tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.”
The statement said Management of the GES would continue to liaise with the appropriate authorities to ascertain full details of the incident and consider measures to prevent similar occurrences. –GNA
