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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.
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.
