News
Neo Learning Initiative holds symposium to promote reading and skills development
The Neo Learning Initiative has held a symposium at Awutu Beraku in the Central Region to launch its plans and programmes aimed at helping children develop their talents and life skills.
The event, held on Friday, December 19, 2025, brought together education stakeholders, parents, and officials from various government departments.
Acting Director of the Social Welfare Department, Mr. Ebenezer Hammond, welcomed participants on behalf of the District Chief Executive.
He commended the organisers for focusing on children’s welfare and development.
A speech read on behalf of the Executive Director of Neo Learning Initiative, Madam Irene Asare Frimpong, stressed that every child has a unique ability.
She noted that some children are gifted academically, others practically, while some excel in both.
According to her, what matters most is creating the right support system to help each child succeed.
She added that society needs people who are deliberate about doing good.
Madam Gloria Eshun from the National Commission for Civic Education urged parents and guardians to help children pursue areas they are naturally talented in, rather than forcing them into fields they do not enjoy.
Contributions were also made by Madam Linda Afua Dedume and Mr. Benjamin Narh from the Social Welfare Unit, Madam Effie Cooke of the Culture Department, Madam Lydia Parry from the Information Department, and Mr. Ebenezer Pobee of the National Youth Authority, among other unit heads.
The keynote address was delivered by an educationist and physicist, Dr. George Afrifa Yamoah.
He explained that regular reading builds confidence and shared success stories of people who developed strong reading habits.
He encouraged parents to ensure their children read for at least ten minutes each day and called on all stakeholders to play their part in child development.
Dr. Eric Opoku Agyemang, a lecturer based in the United States of America, encouraged participants to read widely, noting that readers gain knowledge and experience far beyond their peers.
Drawing from his personal experience, he also urged children to learn more about Artificial Intelligence, describing it as the future and a valuable tool for creating wealth.
Before the open forum session, Mr. Daniel Arthur outlined the organisation’s key programmes, including advocacy and awareness creation, career and skills development, career counselling, vocational training, community learning, scholarships, and school support initiatives.
Participants commended the Neo Learning Initiative for its effort to promote reading and skill development among learners.
THE 2026 Akwambo Festival at Gomoa Amoanda in the Ga East District has been held with a call for unity, peace, and collective action towards local development.
The festival, celebrated under the theme: ‘Unity, Peace and Development,’ provided a platform for community leaders and residents to highlight critical challenges affecting health, education, water, and sanitation in the area.
The durbar took place on Saturday at the Town Square of Gomoa Amoanda, attracting chiefs, elders, and residents from across the district.
Addressing the gathering, the Odikro of Gomoa Amoanda, Nana Kofi Budu Sersah IV, appealed for urgent government and stakeholder support to address the lack of a CHPS compound, reliable drinking water, proper school infrastructure, and additional teachers.
He disclosed that land had been allocated for the construction of a CHPS compound and called for support from the government, corporate bodies, and benevolent individuals.
Touching on sanitation, Nana Budu Sersah IV noted that the construction of a public toilet had stalled due to financial constraints and appealed for assistance to complete the project.
Representing the Central Regional Minister, Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere, the District Chief Executive for Gomoa East, Margaret Naana Ackom, pledged government support for key development initiatives.
She announced a donation of 20 bags of cement for the public toilet and assured further assistance for other projects once land was made available.
The Prampimhene of the Awutu Traditional Area in the Central Region, Nana Okromansah Klordey I, who also serves as the Mankrado of Pakro Akuapim in the Eastern Region under the stool name of Nana Ntow Amoah II, expressed concern over rising drug abuse among youth.
By Stephanie Birikorang
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
THE Ofankor–Nsawam road commuters appear to have breathe a sigh of relief over the progress of work on the road project which has reached 81 per cent completion.
A visit by The Spectator to the project site revealed that a significant portion of the road had already been asphalted, while most of the storm drains and culverts had been completed.
In addition, the various flyovers and pedestrian footbridges were at different stages of completion.
This appears to be the best news for commuters that ply the road daily as information indicated that the project would be completed on schedule.
According to the Chief Resident Engineer, Kwabena Bempong, steady progress had been made across the 33.4-kilometre stretch.
He expressed the hope that the remaining works would be delivered within the revised timeline, subject to the resolution of outstanding land issues at Nsawam Junction.
The Ofankor–Nsawam road forms part of National Route Six (N6), a major arterial highway linking Accra to the northern parts of the country and extending further to the Sahelian regions of West Africa.
The project scope includes the construction of four major interchanges at Amasaman, Pobiman, Medie and Nsawam Junction, alongside service roads and other ancillary facilities and is valued at $346.5 million.
By Kingsley Asare
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
