News
Take interest in science subjects — Mrs Phyllis Otu
Ghanaian students have been encouraged to take keen interest in the study of science subjects in order to help in the development of the country.
Mrs. Phyllis Otu, the Head of Department (HoD), Science Laboratory Technology Department (SLTD), Accra Technical University (ATU), was addressing 113 Junior High School students who received a day’s practical laboratory training at the university.
She said her presence and other females in science-related fields were enough proof to erase the erroneous opinion that science was difficult and, therefore, should be reserved for boys.
She said the programme was aimed at igniting in the youth the passion for science, adding that the department would in the future follow up to the schools to find out how the students fared in the practical training received, and identify some of their challenges.
Mrs Otu said the department offered all science courses in the university and asked the students to remain focused in their studies but eschew negative tendencies and over relying on social media to the detriment of making use of their precious time.
The programme under the auspices of Science Laboratory Technology Department (SLTD), of the Accra Technical University in collaboration with ignite Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics (iSTEM), a research group which assists students in research activities, drew students from Calvary Methodist JHS 1, Reverend Lartey Adotey Memorial School, both at Adabraka, and Labone SDA School, Accra..
The programme was under the theme “Contributing to the Scientific and Technological base of the Nation.”
The students who were divided into groups, were taught the components used in the preparation of alcohol, sanitizer, the extraction of DNA from banana and how to build a circuit to produce light.
Mr Bright Azumah, a lecturer in Biochemistry at ATU, and one of the facilitators who taught the students how to connect a battery to an L.E.D light source, use electrical energy to produce heat and mechanical energy among others, said the lessons learnt formed the foundation of building electrical devices including smart phones, building their own software and coming out with many inventions.
Mr Ayi Joshua Oku, the President of Science Laboratory Technology, ATU, reiterated the need for more students to study science and technology since it provided a lot of options and benefits to the nation.
Three participants, Alia Yusif and Nadia Ahmed both students of Labone SDA School and Barikisu Abubakar of Reverend Lartey Adotey Memorial School, were grateful for the hands-on-laboratory experience they received, adding that they had been inspired to pursue science at the higher level.
By Raymond Kyekye
News
Chief Imam endorses ‘Let Love Lead’s’ clean-up campaign at Nkrumah Circle
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has thrown his weight behind the upcoming city-wide clean-up exercise scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Kwame Nkrumah Circle.
The revered Islamic leader gave his blessing during a consultative meeting with organisers of the exercise, calling the initiative a “commendable national duty” that aligns with both religious and civic responsibility.
The clean-up, which marks the third edition of a growing sanitation drive, is being organised by community stakeholders and supported by civil society groups.
This year’s exercise is especially symbolic as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of the June 3, 2015 flood and fire disaster that claimed over 150 lives at the same location.
“The well-being of our people and the cleanliness of our environment are acts of faith and service,” the Chief Imam said.
“We must all come together—Christians, Muslims, traditionalists, and non-religious people alike—to honour the memory of those lost and prevent future tragedies,” He added.
Organisers, ‘Let Love Lead’, say the Chief Imam’s endorsement adds significant moral weight to the campaign, which already enjoys growing national support.
Engagements have also been held with traditional rulers, MPs, government officials, and social influencers to galvanise wider participation.
This year’s event is expected to go beyond sanitation. Side activities include medical outreach, disaster preparedness education, interfaith prayers, and donations to victims of the June 3 disaster.
Nene Lartey Osakonor I (Big Dawood), a traditional leader spearheading coordination, described the Chief Imam’s support as “invaluable.”
He said, “We are deeply honoured by the Chief Imam’s endorsement.
“His message is a powerful reminder that sanitation is not just a government or NGO responsibility—it’s a spiritual and civic duty,” he added.
More institutions, volunteers, and media houses are expected to join the campaign as the date draws near.
News
Speaker joins Ugandan Parliament’s inaugural sitting
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, was among distinguished African leaders who witnessed the Inaugural Sitting of the 5th Session of Uganda’s 11th Parliament yesterday.
The event, presided over by Uganda’s Speaker, Rt. Hon. Anita Anette Among, marked the beginning of the final legislative session before the country heads to the polls to elect new lawmakers.
Speakers and presiding officers from Namibia, Congo, East African Legislatures, Kenya’s Senate, South Sudan, and the Leader of the West Africa bloc of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) also attended the session.
In accordance with Uganda’s 1995 Constitution, President Yoweri Museveni delivered the State of the Nation Address, highlighting his government’s achievements.
Using pictorial evidence and videos, he showcased progress in infrastructure development, particularly road construction, and efforts to ensure food security.
The President also emphasized advancements in healthcare, including research initiatives and improved service delivery.
He further noted groundbreaking innovations in science and technology, such as the production and export of the Kirra electric cars.
President Museveni thanked Parliament for supporting government initiatives and pledged more developmental projects, including additional roads across constituencies. As Uganda prepares for elections, he expressed confidence in his National Resistance Movement’s performance while wishing all political parties well.
Following the address, Parliament is set to commence debates next week before receiving the President again for the budget presentation.
Speaker Among commended the President for his support to the legislature and urged Members of Parliament to uphold patriotism and dedicated service.
Bagbin Calls for African Unity
At a dinner hosted for visiting delegations, Rt. Hon. Bagbin, who also chairs the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of African Legislatures (CoSPAL), urged Uganda to remain committed to African unity and socio-economic development.
The event reinforced the spirit of Pan-African cooperation as nations strengthen parliamentary ties for continental progress.
