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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.
Troubled and anxious citizens in Damongo of the Savannah Region have expressed concerns about the number of young people, believed to be under the age of 18, involved in ‘shisha’ smoking in pubs and drinking spots within the township.
Eyewitnesses say the minors were seen patronising nightlife venues, where Shisha smoking happen in the open.
The situation has sparked renewed public concern over the enforcement of child protection laws and regulations governing the operations of entertainment centres in the municipality and country as a whole.
An eyewitness, who spoke to The Spectator on conditions of anonymity for security reasons, noted that the situation was becoming increasingly common.
“This is not a one-off incident. It is becoming very common, but residents like us cannot openly report or speak about it because our lives will be at risk,” he said.
Under Ghanaian law, minors were prohibited from patronising Shisha.
Public health experts have consistently warned that shisha use exposes users to harmful substances that can negatively affect brain development, respiratory health, and overall well-being, particularly among young people.
The residents believe the alleged incidents point to broader challenges relating to youth supervision, substance abuse, and weak enforcement of existing regulations and have called on municipal authorities, security agencies, and regulatory bodies to intensify monitoring of pubs and entertainment centres to ensure compliance with the law.
In an effort to address the menace, Mr Salisu Be-Awurbi, the Savannah Regional Minister, has led public education campaigns, engaged security agencies, and supported enforcement actions to address the rising use of illicit substances in the region.
Wura Kelly Seidu Boresah I, the Chief of Damongo, has also called on all stakeholders including parents, community leaders, institutions, and young people to actively support efforts to curb drug abuse, warning that the rising consumption of hard drugs poses a serious health threat to the future of the youth in the Savannah Region.
He also cautioned individuals involved in the sale and distribution of illicit drugs to immediately desist from the practice, stressing that offenders will face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the law.
From Geoffrey Buta, Damongo, Savannah Region
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Dr Theresa Baffour, an advocate for ending violence and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SAHM SAHW Foundation, has said that society plays a critical and pivotal role in breaking the cycle of domestic violence.
According to her, domestic violence is a major contributor of making women, who are mostly the victims, mentally derailed and unable to engage in economic activities.
She said this when the foundation called on the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, to solicit support for the initiative by the “Strong and Healthy Minds, Strong and Healthy Women” (SAHM SAHW) to combat domestic violence within the Ga State.
The visit was occasioned by the fact that domestic violence cases have become quite prevalent in the Ga communities and is retarding growth.
According to her, the canker was an impediment to national development because the victims were usually tortured and would have to go through series of therapies to return to the right state of mind.
Dr Baffour mentioned that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) places a mental toll on women, and was, therefore, important to break the cycle through comprehensive mental health support, crisis intervention and empowerment programmes in communities with high rates of GBV.
This intervention, she underscored, would help in empowering the denigrated victim of domestic violence to soundly heal, build and thrive.
Dr Baffour added that the initiative would provide holistic, trauma-informed mental health care and advocacy for young women affected by domestic violence.
According to her, the above statement would create safe spaces for healing and equipping them with entrepreneurial skills for renewed hope and empowered life.
The Ga Mantse pledged his support for the laudable initiative to combat domestic violence and also acknowledged the need to address it in the Ga State.
Further endorsement came from Justice Julia Naa-Yarley Adjei Amoah, Chief of Staff at the Office of the Ga Mantse, as she commended the team of SAHM SAHW Foundation for taking a bold step to end the canker in the Greater Accra.
She added that it was a step in the right direction to save vulnerable women from torture, stress and emotional abuse.
By Alfred Nii Arday Ankrah
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