News
NCCE, UNFPA engage Bakpa Avedo market community on adolescent health, gender equality
The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) with support from the Global Affairs Canada, have organised a community durbar at the Bakpa Avedo Market in the Central Tongu District to educate market women and men on adolescent health, gender equality and the prevention of gender-based violence.
The engagement, held on June 25, formed part of efforts to raise awareness on issues affecting adolescents and promote peaceful coexistence through the elimination of harmful social practices.
Mr George A. K. Amey, Central Tongu District Director of the NCCE, said the programme formed part of the Commission’s efforts to deepen public understanding of issues affecting adolescents and promote respect for the rights of women and girls.
He said civic education played a critical role in changing attitudes and behaviours that fuelled teenage pregnancy, gender inequality and gender-based violence.
Mr Amey encouraged participants to become ambassadors of the messages by educating their families, neighbours and peers, stressing that collective community action was essential to building a safe, inclusive and violence-free society.
Mr Wisdom Nyikplokpo, a Public Health Officer, appealed to parents, particularly fathers and boys, to support adolescent girls to realise their full potential by providing their basic needs and guidance.
He said such support would reduce the vulnerability of young girls to exploitation and teenage pregnancy, adding that parents should serve as mentors and role models to their children.
Madam Evelyn Abese, Psychosocial Counsellor and Chief Executive Officer of the Mamalyn Charity Foundation, urged residents to reject all forms of gender-based violence, describing it as a major threat to families and community development.
She emphasised that violence was not the solution to resolving conflicts and encouraged dialogue, mutual respect and consensus in addressing disagreements.
Mrs Ametsigo Kaka Justine, a retired educationist, called for equal opportunities for both men and women, noting that societal practices had historically favoured men at the expense of women and girls.
She said women and girls deserved equal access to education, leadership and economic opportunities and appealed to men to support efforts aimed at empowering females to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Madam Mawusi Teyikpa, Queen Mother of the Bakpa Avedo Market, expressed appreciation to the NCCE, UNFPA and Global Affairs Canada for bringing the civic education programme to the community.
She expressed hope that the initiative would help reduce the incidence of teenage pregnancy, prevent gender-based violence and promote equal opportunities for both men and women to live peacefully and harmoniously. -GNA
The Ghana Police Service has arrested 24 suspected criminals during a special intelligence led operation carried out across several communities in the Ashanti Region.
According to a press release issued by the Ashanti Regional Police Command, the operation was conducted by the Inspector General of Police Special Operations Team in collaboration with the Regional Command as part of efforts to clamp down on crime and improve public safety.
The operation covered Kodie, Apagya, Dechemso, Old Tafo Ahenbronum, Ahodwo and Abofour, where officers targeted suspected drug peddlers and other people believed to be involved in criminal activities.
The Police disclosed that the suspects comprise 21 men and three women.
They include Richmond Okyere, 49, who was allegedly found in possession of a pump action gun bearing serial number 21GN 1918, as well as Mark Appiah Kubi, Nkrumah Zakaria, Paul Addo, Louis Samba, Azupeh Kelvin, Stephen Opoku, Fredrick Boakye, Frimpong Yiadom, Dennis Owusu.
The rest are Alfred Agyeman, Owusu Davis, Kwaku Agyemang Duah, Akwasi Amankwah, Solomon Asamoah, Bushiru Alhassan, Juliana Vivor, Douglas Osei, Kwabena Aikins, Osman Ibrahim, Amponsah Emmanuel, Kwabena Fosu, Ama Pokuah and Musah Haruna.
According to the Police, officers also retrieved a number of items during the operation, including two unregistered vehicles, a Mercedes Benz saloon car, an unregistered motorcycle, a pump action gun, seven rounds of ammunition, a fireproof safe, and large quantities of suspected narcotic substances.
The Police further indicated that the exhibits included 489 pieces of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis, parcels of suspected narcotic substances, various quantities of Tramadol tablets, narcotics processing materials, bottles of a drink suspected to be mixed with narcotic substances, locally made toffees believed to contain narcotics, a Dell laptop, two LED television sets, three boxes of African Viagra, crushers, lighters, ash residue believed to be linked to narcotics use, and cash suspected to be proceeds from the sale of drugs.
The statement noted that all the suspects are in Police custody assisting with investigations, while the recovered items have been retained as evidence. It added that those found culpable after investigations would be put before the court.
The Ghana Police Service reaffirmed its commitment to sustained intelligence led operations to combat drug related offences, violent crime and other forms of criminal activity.
It appealed to the public to support law enforcement by providing credible information on criminal activities through the nearest Police Station or the designated emergency channels.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Two days of non-stop rains last Monday plunged the capital into major flooding, grinding activities to a halt.
The rains which started on Sunday resulted in massive flooding in many areas, culminating in the death of 12 with hundreds displaced.
In areas like the Odawna area, Alajo, Achimota and many others, flood waters swept through the township, clearing properties and filling homes.
This year’s rainy season had a devastating impact with the intensity and volume of surpassing the previous years.
It exposed serious shortcomings in the country’s drainage infrastructure, planning, sanitation and building standards.
In many parts of the country, roads have been inundated as choked drains overflowed, turning major streets into flood drains.
The situation also worsen traffic congestion, with motorists spending several hours navigating flooded roads and commuters arriving home late after work.
With the Ghana Meteorological Agency forecasting more rainfall in the weeks ahead, there is an urgent need for the government to intensify measures to address the problem.
This should include improving drainage systems, enforcing planning regulations and ensuring strict compliance with building standards.
To improve the situation, buildings constructed on water ways are being demolished to create a clear path for flood waters.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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