News
LLN calls for the protection of girls against social media predators
Founder of the Leading Ladies Network (LLN), a women’s leadership development organization, Madam Yawa Hansen Quao is advocating for an increase in awareness on the dangers social media could have on young girls who are oblivious of how to use such tools safely.
According to her, though social media had many importance, it also posed dangers to ignorant users, especially children and young girls.
She made the call last week during the final leadership mentorship session organised by her outfit for schoolgirls at the Ladies of Asumption Catholic School in the Ga North Municipality of the Greater Accra Region.
The event formed part of series of mentorship sessions organized by the LLN for school girls within the municipality.
One of the key training programmes the LLN had integrated into its plan of action she said was on social media which entailed how to teach young girls how to safely use such technological tools safely.
She also stated that as part of the engagements, the young girls were schooled on the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) and also how they could be entrepreneurially minded.
“Also we focused our programmes on mannerism and how these girls at their young ages could becomes professionals in the near future. We know that all the seeds we have planted in these girls during the mentorship programme will bear fruits.”
“We are grateful to the girl child education coordinator for the Ga North Municipality and the entire team for making this year’s edition of our mentorship sessions with young schoolgirls a success,” she added.
Madam Hanson revealed the LLN had started receiving positive feedbacks about the programmes, saying many requests have been received from various districts across the country for her outfit to replicate such mentorship programmes in more districts across Ghana.
“I am happy about this and feel encouraged by the fact that the schoolgirls are doing better in their respective schools, they are becoming student leaders and I think these interventions are very transformative and this really makes us feel encouraged,” she added.
Executive Director of an NGO called The Woman Called She, Ms Elsie Boateng in a presentation dubbed “Think before you Click” said due to the vulnerability of young girls on social media, especially when it comes to cyber bullying, there was the need for more coaching, to protect girls from becoming victims of such unpleasant situations.
She stated that there was a lot knowledge gap when it comes to awareness about the use of social media among young girls.
She therefore urged teachers and guardians to ensure they coached young girls on how to remain mindful about their engagements on social media and other online spaces.
BY RAISSA SAMBOU
For the first time in its seven-year history, the celebrated Guinea Fowl Bazaar has been brought to Accra, marking a significant expansion of an event that has, for the past six years, been a staple in Tamale.
The two-day cultural and culinary festival, held from May 1–2, drew over 500 patrons and featured nearly 20 vendors, to promote Northern Ghana’s rich food culture particularly guinea fowl delicacies.
Hosted by By Faith Catering Services, the bazaar brought together traditional leaders, cultural groups, food entrepreneurs, and government representatives in a display of heritage and enterprise.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Angelo Dogbe, the Northern Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority underscored the importance of promoting indigenous cuisine as a tool for economic development and cultural preservation. Chiefs from the Northern Region also graced the occasion, lending traditional authority and reinforcing the cultural significance of the festival.
A major highlight of the bazaar was a series of captivating cultural performances representing the diverse tribes of the Northern Region. Attendees were treated to traditional music, dance, and attire, transforming the venue into a lively tapestry of Northern identity and pride.
Vendors expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to showcase their products to a new audience in the capital. Many noted increased visibility, networking opportunities, and strong sales throughout the two-day event.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of By Faith Catering Services, Mrs. Matilda Zenabu Pipio described the Accra edition as a strategic move to broaden the reach of the festival and create new economic pathways for vendors and producers from the north.
She announced plans to make the Accra bazaar an annual event, emphasizing its potential to boost employment, promote guinea fowl production, and introduce more Ghanaians to the unique flavours of Northern cuisine.
She said, the event is a platform for cultural exchange, economic empowerment, and national unity through food.
She commended partners and called on more organisers to support and invest in initiatives like this.
Meanwhile, the organizers of Guinea fowl Bazaar paid a courtesy call to the Editor of Spectator, Mrs. Georgina Naa-Maku Quaittoo and Mr. David Adadevoh, Acting Editor of The Ghanaian Times.
Both editors lauded the initiatives and encouraged the organizers to sustain it.
Organizers for the initiative and called on stakeholders and cooperate bodies to support this good course.
By Geoffrey Buta.
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.
