News
Mayor of Accra sensitises traders on Monkeypox; urges compliance with
The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has cautioned traders operating within the Central Business District (CBD) to strictly adhere to the Assembly’s red line policy and maintain proper hygiene in the wake of rising public health concerns, including the threat of monkeypox.
Speaking during a tour of the metropolis on Friday, to continue the reintroduction of the redline policy along the key routes, including the ECG Junction to Ghana School of Law, the Shopping Mall opposite the King Tackie Tawiah Statue, Makola 31st (Kojo Thompson Avenue), and Kinbu Street (Tudu), Mayor Kpakpo Allotey cautioned the traders against selling on road shoulders and obstructing vehicular movement.
“I’m begging you, please position yourself well, that’s all we want,” the Mayor told traders, stressing that their safety is at risk.
“Right now, there are diseases like monkeypox out there, and if you’re not careful and you contract it, there’s no medicine,” he added.
He expressed his displeasure at the unsanitary conditions created by some traders and urged them to clean their trading areas immediately after generating waste.
“This woman has made a lot of rubbish here; I am supposed to sack her. Clean the place as soon as you make the rubbish so that we don’t fall sick. Let’s live peacefully together, change your behaviour, please,” he said.
Mayor Allotey emphasised that his intention was not to oppress traders but to protect lives and restore order.
“The President did not assign me to come and disturb you, and also, he doesn’t want any problems,” he said.
“We have only one Ghana. If I don’t see to it and Ghana gets destroyed, you people will say that when the new Mayor came, he was a liar and a lazy person,” he continued.
Reaffirming his commitment to fairness and dialogue, the Mayor said, “No one came here to sack somebody. They didn’t give us power to oppress you. Our president, John Mahama, is not like that”.
He communicates with us behind closed doors before we come out. He said it’s humans we’re going to look after. Humans are not animals. If you’re doing something with them, you have to engage.”
He warned that sensitisation would soon be over from next week, stressing that “Whenever I come around and you have gone contrary to my words, I am going to seize your items and donate them to the Prison Service and the orphanage.”
The Mayor assured the traders that the pavement and streets have not been sold to any individual, warning against unauthorised occupation while reiterating the Assembly’s commitment to reintroduce the red lines policy to guide traders on where they can lawfully operate, stating, “When you arrange yourself well, we’ll come and mark the line.”
He called on traders to cooperate, make space, and support the city’s quest to restore order and improve public safety.
News
Govt urged to provide safe, supportive environment for menstruating girls
The government has been urged to take urgent steps toward providing a safe and supportive environment for menstruating girls to ensure proper personal hygiene and promote school attendance.
Sarah Nkansah Boateng, a midwife at the Eastern Regional Hospital made the call during a forum organised as part of activities to observe Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration in the New Juaben North Municipality of the Eastern Region.
The event was held under the theme “Together for a Period-Friendly World.”
She noted that many girls skip school during their menstrual periods due to a lack of access to sanitary products and appropriate spaces to change them.
“The basic necessities for these girls are not being provided; creating a safe and enabling environment is crucial,” Madam Boateng emphasized.
She called on school authorities and policymakers to prioritise the construction of hygienic and private changing spaces in schools.
She further appealed for a collective effort to address menstrual health challenges affecting girls in the community.
The New Juaben North Municipal Director of Health Services, Nana Yaa Konadu, also highlighted her office’s initiatives in both school-based and community clinics to educate young girls on menstrual hygiene.
She stressed the health implications of poor menstrual hygiene, saying, “When girls lack access to sanitary pads and a clean environment, it can negatively impact their reproductive health.”
Madam Konadu warned that the absence of menstrual hygiene facilities and products left some girls vulnerable to exploitation, increasing the risk of teenage pregnancy.
The Municipal Chief Executive for New Juaben North, Mr Samuel Adongo, described menstruation as a natural biological process and not a taboo or burden.
He expressed concern over the poor state of sanitation facilities in schools.
“I have visited almost all public schools in the municipality, and none has a proper, standard toilet facility suitable for girls,” he stated.
Mr Adongo assured that the assembly would work to create an enabling environment to reduce school absenteeism related to menstruation.
“Too many girls are missing school because of their menstrual cycle, and this is unacceptable,” he added.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman, Koforidua
News
Akwesi Agyeman, Ekpe vow to lead GJA to ‘era of purpose and professionalism’
As the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) prepares for its national elections, two of the key contenders, General Secretary Aspirant Akwasi Agyeman and Vice Presidential hopeful Rebecca Ekpe have called for a return to ethical journalism, stronger mentorship and institutional reforms.
They both made the remarks during separate visits to The Spectator and The Ghanaian Times, respectively to solicit for votes.
Akwasi Agyeman, an Editor with Multimedia is seeking to lead the association into what he calls a “new era of purpose and professionalism.”
He stressed the urgent need to reposition the GJA as a strong and relevant voice in national affairs.
“We cannot continue with business as usual. The GJA must be visible, active, and fearless in advocating for the rights and welfare of journalists,” he said during a meeting with media practitioners in Accra.
Mr. Agyeman noted that his leadership will focus on building partnerships, improving member services, and restoring the dignity of the Association. “We need to rekindle the spirit of solidarity within the GJA and provide real value to members, especially the younger generation,” he added.
Ms Rebecca Ekpe, a respected Broadcast Journalist and Editor, echoed similar sentiments in her call for mentorship and capacity building.
“I discovered through my journey that journalism is not just my job, it is who I am. My path in journalism was shaped by my seniors in the newsroom, and now I feel called to give back,” she said.
Ms Ekpe envisions a GJA where senior journalists regularly engage with young professionals through face-to-face mentoring and training platforms. “Even if you attend a session and pick just one idea, it could change the course of your career,” she remarked.
She also raised concerns about the rise of misinformation and the blurred lines between journalism and social media content creation. “People sit online insulting others and call themselves journalists. When they are attacked, GJA defends them, but we must ask: are they truly journalists? We must protect the integrity of our profession,” she stressed.
The Editor of The Spectator, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo wished them well in their campaigns and quest to serve the GJA.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
