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Neo Learning Initiative holds symposium to promote reading and skills development
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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 Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has taken note of public allegations of extortion and related conduct made against the Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
The allegations were made by the Chief Executive of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi.
In a brief statement, the OSP said it has also received a joint petition submitted by two persons, as well as two separate petitions from other persons, in relation to the same allegations.
“Given the nature of the allegations, the OSP will assess the case and determine whether it falls within its statutory mandate and whether further investigative action is warranted,” the statement said.
The development comes amid a heated public feud between the Minority in Parliament and the leadership of GoldBod over the operations of the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme.
The Minority, led by Afenyo-Markin, has accused GoldBod and the Bank of Ghana of causing a loss of over $1.7 billion, citing the International Monetary Fund’s August 2026 report. The Minority has vowed to pursue the matter as Parliament has reconvened for an emergency sitting.
GoldBod, on the other hand, has rejected claims by some NPP MPs, including Tano South MP Dr Gideon Boako, that it owes the Bank of Ghana GH¢1 billion in overdrafts, describing the claim as “false and malicious.”
In the latest twist, GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi has accused the Minority Leader of extortion and related conduct, an allegation that has triggered petitions to the OSP.
The OSP is mandated under Act 959 to investigate and prosecute specific cases of alleged or suspected corruption and corruption-related offences involving public officers and politically exposed persons.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, has filed his nomination to contest the position of General Secretary again as the party begins its rebuilding efforts ahead of the 2028 general elections.
He was accompanied by party stalwarts and supporters who were in high spirits, expressing confidence that he is the right person to hold the position.
Speaking after filing his nomination, Mr Kodua Frimpong assured the rank and file of the party that he would not disappoint them.
“I can assure you that the faith the rank and file of the party have had in me, I will never disappoint them,” he said.
He also pledged to run a clean campaign devoid of personal attacks.
“I can assure you that our internal campaign will be devoid of personal attacks,” he told his fellow contestants and the rank and file of the party as he seeks to retain his position.
His tenure has seen the party through the 2024 general elections, where the NPP lost power to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) after eight years in government.
The party is currently in a rebuilding phase, with internal elections scheduled to elect new national executives to lead its reorganization towards the 2028 polls.
The General Secretary position is considered one of the most influential in the party’s administrative structure, responsible for the day-to-day running of the party secretariat and implementation of party decisions.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
