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NTC appoints 2 Deputy Editors
The New Times Corporation (NTC) has appointed two persons to senior positions at its Editorial Departments.
Mrs. Georgina Naa-Maku Quaittoo, has been appointed the Deputy Editor of The Spectator, while Mr. Augustine Cobba-Biney has also been appointed Deputy Editor of the Ghanaian Times.
Their appointments took effect from February 1, 2021.
Deputy Editor,
The Spectator
Mrs Quaittoo, who has over 17 years experience in journalism, joined the NTC as a Senior Reporter, rose to the rank of Chief Reporter and to Assistant Editor.
She began her journalism career with the Ghanaian Times before moving to The Spectator. Prior to her appointment as Deputy Editor, she acted as the Editor of The Spectator from January 2019 to October, 2020.
Mrs Quaittoo is passionate about the vulnerable, and as Gender Desk Editor, she wrote extensively on women and children bringing their issues to the fore for redress. She wrote extensively also on science and technology, nutrition and relationship.
She holds a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Gender, Peace and Security (MGPS) from the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping
Training Centre, a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Adult Education from the Institute of Continuing and Distance Education, University of Ghana.
She again holds a Post-graduate Diploma in Communication Studies from the School of Communication Studies, University of Ghana, a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree and a Diploma in Education from the University of Cape Coast.
Mrs Quaittoo hopes to support the Editor to take The Spectator to new heights.
Mr Cobba-Biney
Mr Cobba-Biney, who was employed on March 1, 2001 as the Central Regional Correspondent of the Ghanaian Times, brings on board 20 years of experience in journalism practice.
He rose through the ranks to become the Deputy News Editor in November 2012. In February 2017, he was appointed the Sub- Editor of The Spectator.
Until his appointment as the Deputy Editor, Mr Cobba-Biney was the Night Editor of both Ghanaian Times and The Spectator.
He has covered high profile assignments including the National Reconciliation Commission and the Constitutional Review Commission sittings.
Mr Cobba-Biney is a former Central Regional Secretary of the Ghana Journalists Association and was among 35 best journalists nominated by the Association for its awards in 2012.
He holds a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Media Management from the Ghana Institute of Journalism, a Degree in Communications Studies from the University of Ghana and also a Diploma in Journalism from the Ghana Institute of Journalism.
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Manhyia would serve as Ghana’s unifying force …Otumfuo assures on commemoration of 27 years on the Golden Stool
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday celebrated his 27th enstoolment with a colourful and culture-rich ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, drawing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.
Clad in splendid kente and adorned in rich traditional regalia, the dignitaries added colour and elegance to the occasion, as the palace grounds came alive with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture.
Traditional drumming, dancing and symbolic rites underscored the deep-rooted heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, captivating guests and reaffirming the value of tradition in modern society.
Speaking at a high-level Executive Gala organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Office of the President in strategic partnership with the E ON 3 Group, the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ gala, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to guard against the divisive tendencies of partisan politics.
The event was to honour the Asantehene’s nearly three-decade reign under the theme ‘Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development through Royal Vision’.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that such attitudes threatened the country’s long-standing values of unity, civility and brotherliness.
He assured that Manhyia would continue to serve as a unifying force for the nation.
The celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gold coins to notable national leaders, including the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President in recognition of their contributions to peace and national development.
By Spectator Reporter
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has appealed to regional Queenmothers Association to support efforts to achieve 30 per cent women’s representation in leadership by the close of 2026, noting that women remain significantly underrepresented in elected positions.
The ministry said queenmothers had a critical role to play in identifying, mentoring and grooming the next generation of women leaders.
Speaking at an engagement with regional paramount queenmothers, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection and Member of Parliament (MP) of the Krowor Constituency, in the Greater Accra Region, said the ministry required active collaboration from queenmothers to encourage more women to contest elections.
Dr Lartey noted that negative stereotyping and the persistent association of female politicians with promiscuity continued to discourage many competent women from seeking leadership roles.
“The attacks, insults and shaming push many capable women out of the race before they even start,” she mentioned.
She urged queenmothers to provide direct support to young women in their communities who aspire leadership positions.
According to her, such support should include mentoring, coaching and guiding women through the processes of declaring interest, campaigning and navigating political party structures.
Dr Lartey encouraged women to remain persistent in pursuing leadership opportunities despite setbacks.
“Leadership is not always won on the first try. They should not give up if they do not succeed at first,” She added.
Responding on behalf of the association, Nana Otubea II, President of the All Regional QueenMothers Association and Paramount Queenmother of the Nkonya Traditional Council, described the call as laudable and pledged the association’s support towards achieving the 30 per cent target.
She commended Dr Lartey and the ministry for their efforts in advancing the welfare and empowerment of women.
Nana Otubea II also praised Parliament for passing the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024, describing it as a landmark legislation that would deepen Ghana’s democratic governance architecture.
She said the law would help improve female representation in leadership by mandating progressive targets and promoting gender parity in public life and decision-making.
Nana Otubea II urged that the full implementation of the Affirmative Action Act should include the integration of queenmothers into the National House of Chiefs, describing their exclusion as inconsistent with the principles of equity and inclusion.
She further stated that queenmothers play central roles in dispute resolution, chief nomination, community development and women’s mobilisation, yet are sidelined when national chieftaincy policies are formulated.
She called for legal and administrative reforms to permit the election of paramount queenmothers to the National House of Chiefs, suggesting that at least one queenmother from each region be represented. – GNA
