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New Times Corporation MD bids farewell, hands over to IMC
The Managing Director of the New Times Corporation (NTC), Mr Martin Adu Owusu, has officially proceeded on leave prior to early retirement.
Having served the Corporation for 29 years, Mr Owusu’s decision was precipitated on health grounds.
The Board Chairman of the NTC, Professor Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo, made the announcement on Monday during a staff durbar.
In his absence, an Interim Management Committee (IMC) has been set up to be chaired by a board member, Mr Kwesi Adjei Kersi, and supported by Dr Charity Binka, also a board member.
Representing management on the committee are the editors of The Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers, Alhaji Abdul-Rahaman, and Mrs Georgina Naa-Maku Quaittoo.
They are joined by the Human Resource and Administrative Manager, Mrs Agnes Nketia.
Their mandate is to oversee the day-to-day running of the Corporation until the NMC appoints a substantive Managing Director.
Professor Kwansah-Aidoo commended Mr Owusu for his 29 years of service, describing his contribution as invaluable to the growth of the Corporation.
Mr Adu Owusu, in an emotional farewell, thanked the staff for the support he has enjoyed and asked them to work hard to improve the fortunes of the corporation.
Following the announcement, Mr Adu Owusu officially handed over the administration and operation of the NTC to the IMC at a brief ceremony on Wednesday.
The Chairman of the IMC, Mr Kwesi Adjei Kersi, called for unity and cooperation among the staff and members of the committee, insisting that “unity and cooperation are crucial ingredients needed for the survival and progress of the Corporation.”
Mr Kersi urged staff to work in close cooperation with the committee to overcome the challenges facing the NTC.
He stressed that without unity and teamwork, the organisation would falter.
Mr Kersi noted that the committee’s immediate focus would be to stabilise the company, strengthen accountability, and chart a path toward growth.
Present at the ceremony were the Board Chairman, Professor Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo, the outgoing Managing Director, Mr Martin Adu-Owusu, the Editors of The Ghanaian Times and The Spectator Alhaji Salifu Abdul-Rahman and Mrs Georgina Naa-Maku Quaittoo respectively, and the Human Resource and Administrative Manager, Mrs Agnes Nketia.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie & Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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Prioritise affordable treatment of sickle cell treatment —Health Expert
Health experts have urged Ghana to prioritise affordable and accessible treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD) as advanced, but costly curative therapies remain out of reach.
SCD, an inherited blood disorder, affects about three in every 100 newborns in Ghana.
Globally, around 1,000 babies are born with the condition daily, with three-quarters in sub-Saharan Africa.
The disease causes severe complications including chronic pain, anaemia, infections, strokes and organ damage, often leading to shortened life expectancy.
In recent years, gene therapy has been developed as a potential cure.
However, its cost—running into millions of dollars per patient—makes it financially and technically inaccessible in Ghana.
According to Dr Lawrence Osei-Tutu, a Sickle Cell and Childhood Cancer Expert at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, “the country must instead focus on practical, lower-cost interventions such as hydroxyurea”, a decades-old cancer drug proven to reduce painful episodes, hospitalisation and life- threatening complications in SCD patients”.
Taken orally, the medicine improves red blood cell function and is considered safe and effective.
“Hydroxyurea therapy is as good as the cure and a low-hanging fruit to pluck, we must bring a cure to our sickle cell warriors, but do so sustainably.” he urged.
In a chat with The Spectator here, he said to create awareness on the disease, the expert noted that despite its benefits, “hydroxyurea is not widely accessible in Ghana.”
Stressing that, “many patients either cannot afford it or struggle with irregular supply through the health system.”
Moreover, he argued that scaling up access would provide immediate relief while the country builds the infrastructure, trains specialists and secures funding needed to support curative therapies in the future.
With an estimated 15,000 babies born with sickle cell disease annually in Ghana, Dr Osei Tutu cautioned that “failure to improve access to effective treatment will leave many patients vulnerable to preventable complications and early death.”
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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Let’s reintroduce Cultural Studies to complement educational reforms — Tourism Minister
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has emphasised the importance of reintroducing Cultural Studies in schools as part of Ghana’s broader educational reform agenda.
She said Cultural Studies would complement existing efforts to reposition Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to promote digital literacy and expand Creative Arts education.
Speaking at the 2025 Homowo Festival of the people of Ningo-Prampram, held on the theme: “Education: The Best Legacy for our Children,” Madam Gomashie said cultural education was critical to national identity and development.
She noted that the festival’s theme aligned with the Government’s vision to transform education in Ghana and encouraged the youth to embrace it not only as a means of personal development but also as a way of preserving traditional values.
These values, including patience, wisdom, and hard work, were at the core of the Homowo celebration, the Minister said.
“Cultural festivals like Homowo are vital instruments for strengthening cultural identity, preserving historical memory, and fostering national unity. Additionally, festivals serve as platforms for educating the youth through storytelling, music, dance, and other traditional practices, while also providing opportunities for community engagement.”
Madam Gomashie highlighted the strong foundation that Ghana’s tourism was built on, which included culture, traditions, and the creative industry, collectively contributing to over GH¢4.8 billion to the economy.
“Festivals give tourists reasons to visit our country. Therefore, with the right infrastructure and the development of all the domains, the sector can do more than what has been recorded,” she added.
Mr Sam Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, commended the community for their vibrant participation in the festival. He announced plans for the construction of a new nursing training school in Ningo, aimed at expanding access to healthcare education in the area.
Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII, Paramount Chief of Great Ningo Traditional Area; King Dr Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse; Nene Tetteh Wakah III, Paramount Chief of the Prampram Traditional Area; Prof. Odaifio Welentsi III, Paramount Chief of the Nungua Traditional Area; Naana Dugbakuwor Dugba II, Paramount Queen Mother of Great Ningo; and Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Special Envoy on Religion and Inter-Faith Affairs, who represented the Chief of Staff, were among dignitaries at the festival. -GNA
