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Naa oo Naa Foundation hosts maiden ICT and career support programme for visually impaired
The Naa oo Naa Foundation, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to empowering vulnerable groups, has held the maiden edition of its “Sight Beyond Eyes” ICT and Career Support Programme for visually impaired persons in Ghana.
The initiative, held at Ghana National College, offered ICT training, mentorship, and career guidance, and also provided laptops and learning materials to support the academic journey of visually impaired students.
The programme seeks to promote inclusion, highlight powerful disability-success stories, and support Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) across educational institutions. It further aims to emphasise that disability is not inability, and that providing equal opportunity is essential for national development.
Organised in partnership with the Pan-African Professional Alliance at Pennsylvania State University (USA) and Franco Trading Enterprise, the event brought together mentors, professionals, and visually impaired learners.
A visually impaired lawyer and lecturer at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Mr. Carruthers Tetteh, shared his inspiring journey. Once fully sighted, he lost his vision at age eleven, a development that forced him to move from regular school to a specialised institution. Despite the setback, he refused to abandon his ambitions.
Now a member of the Foundation’s Board and head of its Persons with Special Needs Unit, Mr. Tetteh recounted how resilience and hard work carried him through secondary school to the University of Cape Coast, where he graduated with First Class Honours in Law. Today, he is a practising lawyer and the first visually impaired person to lecture in Law in Ghana.
He urged students never to allow disability or circumstance to limit their aspirations, stressing that “with the right mindset, support, and determination, one can rise above any challenge,” and encouraged them to recognise the power within themselves.
The programme’s career session featured Ms. Sabina Sabia Bolsong Young, a private legal practitioner, and Mr. Frank Boakye Yiadom, APR, a Corporate Communications expert at UCC.
They guided students through academic planning, career pathways, and strategies for excellence at the tertiary level. They encouraged participants to identify their strengths early, seek mentorship, and make use of available support systems.
Project Manager of the Foundation, Mr. Fredrick Quaicoe, explained that the initiative was designed to equip visually impaired students with practical ICT skills, prepare them for higher education, and position them competitively for the job market. He appealed for increased financial and logistical support from individuals, organisations, and state institutions to expand the programme.
Joining virtually from the USA, Dzigbordi L. Dzakpa, a lawyer and researcher at Pennsylvania State University, spoke on “The Critical Role of Digital Literacy in Enhancing Independence and Inclusion.” She noted that digital competence is no longer optional but essential for meaningful social and economic participation.
Additionally, Dr. Francis Wiredu, a Clinical Optometrist at Healthy Eyes Eyecare & Optical Centre, delivered a session on proper eye-care management.
The Foundation’s Director of Communications and Public Relations, Ms. Catherine Antwi Boasiako, emphasised that inclusive empowerment remains a key pillar of national development. She encouraged stakeholders to incorporate disability inclusion at all levels of planning, decision-making, and implementation to ensure that no Ghanaian is left behind.
The Criminal Investigation Department has launched an investigation into a viral video in which a woman identified as Arianna Naomi Mackey, an American citizen, claims she was kidnapped by five masked men, whom she alleges were officers of the Ghana Police Service on snap-check duty in Accra, and robbed her of some amount of money.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the video was recorded at a hotel in Accra where Ms. Mackey and two companions were staying.
According to the police, investigation also confirmed that they checked out of the hotel on December 5, 2025.Checks at the Kotoka International Airport also disclosed that she left Ghana on the same day.
The Police subsequently contacted the alleged victim to assist the investigation. She indicated to Police that she was out of the country and she could not get the names of the alleged officers nor the number plate of the vehicle they were using.
Police further requested for the contact details of her friend in Ghana, who she said was with her during the time of the incident.
She, however, stated that her friend does not want to be involved in the investigation.
According to the police, she has since deleted the video on her page and further efforts by the Investigators to contact her through WhatsApp calls and messages have proved unsuccessful, as she has declined to respond and later blocked the team.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to secure her cooperation through appropriate diplomatic channels.
The Ghana Police Service has noted that it treats such allegations very seriously and remains committed to uncovering the facts in this case.
The Northern Regional Police Command has arrested three men believed to be part of a kidnapping syndicate responsible for abducting a 42-year-old man in Wapuli, a community in the Yendi District.
The suspects, Haruna Seidu, Amidu Bandi and Osman Bandi allegedly kidnapped the victim and demanded GH¢100,000 from his family for his release.
According to a police statement, officers from the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate were deployed to Wapuli after the incident was reported.
The team conducted surveillance and launched a rescue operation.
On Friday, December 5, 2025, police successfully rescued the victim and arrested the suspects after what was described as an intense exchange of gunfire.
The suspects were later taken into custody and are expected to be arraigned before court.
The Police said the a fourth suspect, who is believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the operation, is currently on the run.
They urged the public to provide any information that may lead to his arrest.
By: Jacob Aggrey
