News
Receive Christ’s body in worthy manner – Rev Fr Kyei
Rev Fr Bernard Kyei, the Priest –In –Charge of St John of God Catholic Church at Amrahia in the Adentan Municipality of the Greater Accra Region has advised Christians to treasure the reception of the body and blood of Jesus Christ in a worthy manner since it is acceptable and pleasing to God.
Preaching the sermonat the church on Sunday, June 19, 2022 to mark the solemnity of Corpus Christi,he said though the body and blood of Jesus Christ had undergone criticisms and subjected to series of tests by people who doubted the veracity of themystery, these could not discredit the value it contained.
Rev FrKyei explained that Corpus Christi was a mystery many people failed to comprehend and that it was unfortunate some Christians had grown weak and sick because of theunworthy manner in which they received the body and blood of the Saviour.
Hesaid the transformation of the body and blood was beyond what the physical eye could see and therefore, advised them to take advantage of the humility of Jesus Christ to feed their souls in order to promote their spiritual growth for eternal life.
He emphasised the need for Christians to always yearn for the reception of the body and blood of Jesus Christ because the Saviour of the universe promised, “I am the bread of life that has come down from heaven, and anyone who comes to me shall have everlasting life.”
He again said that the communion believers received was the true body and blood of Jesus Christ, adding that Melchizedech prefigured the coming of Jesus Christ as the Saviour of the world.
Touching on the celebration of Fathers’ Day, he said that marriages were fraught with a myriad of problems, some of which included childlessness after many years of marriage, the attitude of irresponsible fathers who had created problems for mothers, difficulty in getting mento marry, living in abusive and quarrelsome marriages, and men who engaged in polygamous marriages, among others.
Rev FrKyei praised fathers for the invaluable services they have rendered totheir families and the state and asked them to continue though the task was daunting.
He bemoaned the fact that though the world celebrated Fathers’ Day, some mothers had gone through serious problems due to the conduct of some fathers, adding that despite the challenges, they should be grateful to God.
He advised the faithful to look at the positive side of life and praise God in all circumstances because the Creator would work out everything good in their lives.
He called on Christian wives and families to pray for husbands who were irresponsible so that God would change their character saying that some fathers suffered in silence while the contributions of others were not recognised.
Mr Kodzo Mensah Vormawor and Mrs GertrudeAzumah, both senior members of the church, also commended the invaluable services fathers had rendered to their families and prayed that God would bless them and give them the zeal to do more.
They asked fathers who were not living up to expectation to turn a new leaf in order to attract the love and respect of their children.
In gratitude to God for their 20th wedding anniversary, Mr and Mrs Kenneth Azumah donated new dress to the church choir.
Parishioners also witnessed the inauguration of the St Joseph Northern Society of the church under the Presidency of Mr Edward Adimazoya, who is the President of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC).
By Raymond Kyekye
News
Govt urged to provide safe, supportive environment for menstruating girls
The government has been urged to take urgent steps toward providing a safe and supportive environment for menstruating girls to ensure proper personal hygiene and promote school attendance.
Sarah Nkansah Boateng, a midwife at the Eastern Regional Hospital made the call during a forum organised as part of activities to observe Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration in the New Juaben North Municipality of the Eastern Region.
The event was held under the theme “Together for a Period-Friendly World.”
She noted that many girls skip school during their menstrual periods due to a lack of access to sanitary products and appropriate spaces to change them.
“The basic necessities for these girls are not being provided; creating a safe and enabling environment is crucial,” Madam Boateng emphasized.
She called on school authorities and policymakers to prioritise the construction of hygienic and private changing spaces in schools.
She further appealed for a collective effort to address menstrual health challenges affecting girls in the community.
The New Juaben North Municipal Director of Health Services, Nana Yaa Konadu, also highlighted her office’s initiatives in both school-based and community clinics to educate young girls on menstrual hygiene.
She stressed the health implications of poor menstrual hygiene, saying, “When girls lack access to sanitary pads and a clean environment, it can negatively impact their reproductive health.”
Madam Konadu warned that the absence of menstrual hygiene facilities and products left some girls vulnerable to exploitation, increasing the risk of teenage pregnancy.
The Municipal Chief Executive for New Juaben North, Mr Samuel Adongo, described menstruation as a natural biological process and not a taboo or burden.
He expressed concern over the poor state of sanitation facilities in schools.
“I have visited almost all public schools in the municipality, and none has a proper, standard toilet facility suitable for girls,” he stated.
Mr Adongo assured that the assembly would work to create an enabling environment to reduce school absenteeism related to menstruation.
“Too many girls are missing school because of their menstrual cycle, and this is unacceptable,” he added.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman, Koforidua
News
Akwesi Agyeman, Ekpe vow to lead GJA to ‘era of purpose and professionalism’
As the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) prepares for its national elections, two of the key contenders, General Secretary Aspirant Akwasi Agyeman and Vice Presidential hopeful Rebecca Ekpe have called for a return to ethical journalism, stronger mentorship and institutional reforms.
They both made the remarks during separate visits to The Spectator and The Ghanaian Times, respectively to solicit for votes.
Akwasi Agyeman, an Editor with Multimedia is seeking to lead the association into what he calls a “new era of purpose and professionalism.”
He stressed the urgent need to reposition the GJA as a strong and relevant voice in national affairs.
“We cannot continue with business as usual. The GJA must be visible, active, and fearless in advocating for the rights and welfare of journalists,” he said during a meeting with media practitioners in Accra.
Mr. Agyeman noted that his leadership will focus on building partnerships, improving member services, and restoring the dignity of the Association. “We need to rekindle the spirit of solidarity within the GJA and provide real value to members, especially the younger generation,” he added.
Ms Rebecca Ekpe, a respected Broadcast Journalist and Editor, echoed similar sentiments in her call for mentorship and capacity building.
“I discovered through my journey that journalism is not just my job, it is who I am. My path in journalism was shaped by my seniors in the newsroom, and now I feel called to give back,” she said.
Ms Ekpe envisions a GJA where senior journalists regularly engage with young professionals through face-to-face mentoring and training platforms. “Even if you attend a session and pick just one idea, it could change the course of your career,” she remarked.
She also raised concerns about the rise of misinformation and the blurred lines between journalism and social media content creation. “People sit online insulting others and call themselves journalists. When they are attacked, GJA defends them, but we must ask: are they truly journalists? We must protect the integrity of our profession,” she stressed.
The Editor of The Spectator, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo wished them well in their campaigns and quest to serve the GJA.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
