News
TMA to build police post near new motorway interchange
As part of efforts to ensure the continuous presence of the Police at the newly constructed Tema Motorway Interchange, the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) in collaboration with its partners has decided to construct a post for the Tema Regional Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) closer to the interchange.
The post which is expected to be located on a space in front of the construction headquarters and around the Southern Fried Chicken Restaurant would also have a control tower to deal with traffic management at the heart of Tema and also help to ensure that possible road crashes and accident cases receive prompt response.
The Public Relations Officer for the TMA, Frank Asante told the Ghanaian Times that the Police Post would purposely be for the MTTD and would be at a location within the precincts of the Motorway Interchange to enable the police maintain its presence at all times.
He disclosed that the facility would also have a towing service to attend to vehicles that may break down among others.
He said the security presence at such a facility was key and hence the plans to ensure that the place was always safe for the public.
The Tema Regional Motor Traffic and Transport Department Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Joseph Owusu-Bempah in an interview said the proposed site for the construction of an MTTD and the control tower to take care of traffic management within the heart of Tema would have a great impact on traffic.
“Most traffic incidents happen in and around the Motorway Intersection and it is important prudent police presence is felt at the place” he explained.
He disclosed that the Regional MTTD Command had, hitherto, secured a two office accommodation for that purpose from the Ghana Highway Authority, but due to the new construction, that building was demolished.
ACP Owusu-Bempah said though the contractor had already provided a small post for use by the Regional MTTD there was no parking space and therefore the place had not been convenient.
He said the Regional MTTD Command was poised to use its strong ties with the leadership of TMA to see to it that the project came into fruition.
FROM DZIFA TETTEH, TEMA
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
