Published in the Daily Graphic on 19/03/2010, pg 33
Story: Matilda Attram
THE Deputy Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, Mr Seth Tekper, has called on all professional bodies in all fields to exhibit professional integrity to promote public accountability and transparency in the affairs of the country.
The minister stated that there was the need for professional institutions to hold their members accountable to ethical and professional standards as well as collaborate as major stakeholders in public sector reforms
Speaking at the 2010 induction service for members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG) Mr Tekper said it was members of the institute who would prepare the corporate and public records that would give confidence to Ghanaians that the resources were being used in a transparent manner.
He told the 258 newly qualified chartered accountants of the institute that the Government would continue to promote and facilitate programmes that would enhance high quality professional education at all levels in the country.
The course which was to equip members with requisite knowledge, skill and abilities of the profession was to train and provide vital information on the acts on which the institute was established, the profession’s code of ethics as well as managerial responsibilities that would constitute the success of the profession.
It is also expected to enable the new members to enhance the amount of efficiency executed in their work to promote accountability and transparency.
With a number of about 2,500 membership and 11 governing council members, it also bears the responsibility of providing accounting standards in both private and public organisations to promote efficiency, accountability and transparency in the delivery of services.
Mr Tekper commended the management and the council of the institute for its pioneering role in the support of human resource development and urged inductees to be honest, discipline and dedicated to their profession to promote the institute’s motto of integrity.
The President of the institute, Mrs Cecilia Nyann indicated that the course was designed to expose members to the structure and discourse on the legal framework of the profession that would keep members mindful of the ethical concerns involved to ensure transparency and accountability.
She said it included an exposition on career guidance and development to equip members with the necessary tools for effective career development and advancement.
“It is essential for a professional accountant to have a firm grasp of the Ghanaian business environment”, she stated.
She encouraged members to make reference to standards adopted by the institute that would help refresh their knowledge acquired to enable them to contribute effectively towards the country’s economic growth.
The Chairman for the occasion, Mr John Klinogo also urged members to be part of all managerial processes of their organisations as well as accept and face challenges in the professional manner.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Gender Equality: A cornerstone of dev't
Published in the Daily Graphic on 20/03/2010, pg 11
Story: Matilda Attram
Gender equality (also known as gender equity, gender egalitarianism, or sexual equality) is the goal of attaining equality of the genders or the sexes. This stems from a belief in the injustice of the myriad of gender inequalities.
World bodies have defined gender equality as related to human rights, especially women's rights and economic development. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) defines gender equality as "levelling the playing field for girls and women by ensuring that all children have equal opportunity to develop their talents.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) declared gender equality "first and foremost, a human right”. The importance of gender equality is underscored by its inclusion as one of the eight Millennium Development Goals. Gender equality is acknowledged as being a key to achieving the other seven goals. Gender equality is, first and foremost, a human right.
Women are entitled to live in dignity and in freedom from want and from fear. Empowering women is also an indispensable tool for advancing development and reducing poverty. Empowered women contribute to the health and productivity of whole families and communities and to improved prospects for the next generation. Every single goal is directly related to women's rights, and societies where women are not afforded equal rights as men can never achieve development in a sustainable manner.
Yet discrimination against women and girls - including gender-based violence, economic discrimination, reproductive health inequities, and harmful traditional practices - remains the most pervasive and persistent form of inequality. Women and girls bear enormous hardship during and after humanitarian emergencies, especially armed conflicts.
Over the years, a number of organisations, both national and international, have been at the forefront of advocating for women, promoting legal and policy reforms and supporting projects that improve women's health and expand their choices in life.
In line with these objectives the Ghana Research and Advocacy Programme (G-rap), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Accra, has organised a national gender forum to promote gender equality in the country.
It was on the theme ‘Civic Engagement for Gender Equality and Good Governance in Ghana: Sharing Experiences, Contesting Spaces, Renewing Commitments’.
The two-day forum provided participants the opportunity to share ideas on key issues pertaining to gender equality and the challenges involved, as well as to find measures to help solve gender problems.
They discussed issues on gender and climate change, gender equality, contesting media space, advocating women’s economic justice, and men as partners in promoting gender equality and using good governance to encourage pro-poor policy formation and advocacy that would create a platform to engage stakeholders in gender issues.
The Minister for Women and Children’s Affairs, Mrs Juliana Azumah-Mensah, stressed the need to factor gender issues in every nation’s governance programme to enhance national development.
She said realising the need to make governance gender responsive in order to cater effectively for the different needs of men, women, children and underprivileged people, a national women’s machinery had been established to support women's participation in decision-making.
Mrs Azumah-Mensah said the government had also embarked on programmes and activities that contributed to increasing women's participation in local governance in the country.
She, however mentioned inadequate human and financial resources, inadequate capacity for gender policy analysis and the continuous low level of participation of women in governance and other levels of public decision-making as some of the challenges facing the country in making governance gender responsive.
A Reviewer and Lecturer of the University for Development Studies, Dr Agnes Apusigah, explained that the relationship between men and women in the allocation of resources without discrimination was a step toward gender equality, adding that the G-rap was involved in the promotion of gender equality due to the limited attention given to gender issues in the country.
She said G-rap promoted gender equality programmes to support the advocacy on poverty reduction as its contribution towards national development.
Dr Apusigah called on stakeholders to help strengthen structures that promoted gender equality to enhance diverse ideas that would promote the country’s development.
Story: Matilda Attram
Gender equality (also known as gender equity, gender egalitarianism, or sexual equality) is the goal of attaining equality of the genders or the sexes. This stems from a belief in the injustice of the myriad of gender inequalities.
World bodies have defined gender equality as related to human rights, especially women's rights and economic development. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) defines gender equality as "levelling the playing field for girls and women by ensuring that all children have equal opportunity to develop their talents.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) declared gender equality "first and foremost, a human right”. The importance of gender equality is underscored by its inclusion as one of the eight Millennium Development Goals. Gender equality is acknowledged as being a key to achieving the other seven goals. Gender equality is, first and foremost, a human right.
Women are entitled to live in dignity and in freedom from want and from fear. Empowering women is also an indispensable tool for advancing development and reducing poverty. Empowered women contribute to the health and productivity of whole families and communities and to improved prospects for the next generation. Every single goal is directly related to women's rights, and societies where women are not afforded equal rights as men can never achieve development in a sustainable manner.
Yet discrimination against women and girls - including gender-based violence, economic discrimination, reproductive health inequities, and harmful traditional practices - remains the most pervasive and persistent form of inequality. Women and girls bear enormous hardship during and after humanitarian emergencies, especially armed conflicts.
Over the years, a number of organisations, both national and international, have been at the forefront of advocating for women, promoting legal and policy reforms and supporting projects that improve women's health and expand their choices in life.
In line with these objectives the Ghana Research and Advocacy Programme (G-rap), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Accra, has organised a national gender forum to promote gender equality in the country.
It was on the theme ‘Civic Engagement for Gender Equality and Good Governance in Ghana: Sharing Experiences, Contesting Spaces, Renewing Commitments’.
The two-day forum provided participants the opportunity to share ideas on key issues pertaining to gender equality and the challenges involved, as well as to find measures to help solve gender problems.
They discussed issues on gender and climate change, gender equality, contesting media space, advocating women’s economic justice, and men as partners in promoting gender equality and using good governance to encourage pro-poor policy formation and advocacy that would create a platform to engage stakeholders in gender issues.
The Minister for Women and Children’s Affairs, Mrs Juliana Azumah-Mensah, stressed the need to factor gender issues in every nation’s governance programme to enhance national development.
She said realising the need to make governance gender responsive in order to cater effectively for the different needs of men, women, children and underprivileged people, a national women’s machinery had been established to support women's participation in decision-making.
Mrs Azumah-Mensah said the government had also embarked on programmes and activities that contributed to increasing women's participation in local governance in the country.
She, however mentioned inadequate human and financial resources, inadequate capacity for gender policy analysis and the continuous low level of participation of women in governance and other levels of public decision-making as some of the challenges facing the country in making governance gender responsive.
A Reviewer and Lecturer of the University for Development Studies, Dr Agnes Apusigah, explained that the relationship between men and women in the allocation of resources without discrimination was a step toward gender equality, adding that the G-rap was involved in the promotion of gender equality due to the limited attention given to gender issues in the country.
She said G-rap promoted gender equality programmes to support the advocacy on poverty reduction as its contribution towards national development.
Dr Apusigah called on stakeholders to help strengthen structures that promoted gender equality to enhance diverse ideas that would promote the country’s development.
PRO-LINK, others address gender issues
Published in the Daily Graphic on 18/03/2010 pg 11
Story: Matilda Attram
PRO-LINK Ghana, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) committed to educating women on health issues, in collaboration with the Gender Studies and Human Rights Documentation Centre and the Ghana AIDS Commission, has underlined the need for intensive public education on negative traditional practices and social norms that lead to sexual violence and sexual abuse against women and children.
The organisations have, therefore, made a presentation to the Ministry for Women and Children’s Affairs on the issue. That was after they embarked on a walk to educate the public on the negative effects of sexual abuse and the possible increase in HIV infection, in commemoration of the celebration of International Women’s Day marked on March 8.
It also formed part of PRO-LINK’s project drawn to address gender issues in the country.
Issues raised in the statement to the ministry touched on inhuman widowhood rites in some areas of the country, the need to review the age for the performance of puberty rights, since underage girls were regarded as matured for marriage after undergoing such rites and the need for traditional leaders and family heads to reduce the cost of dowry to enable would-be couples to maintain a cordial relationship that would help them cater for their children and enhance family cohesion.
Others are the need to make Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) medical services available at all levels to all survivors of sexual violence within 72 hours of the incident, the need to effectively enforce Child’s Policies and the Children’s Act relating to age limits for persons who patronise nightclubs, drinking bars, game and video centres, and the sale of alcoholic beverages to children under 18 years.
The rest are the need to review the time for showing obscene films that make use of strong language and violence on television, which has created problems for parents in the guidance and control of their children, and the need to review and intensify moral and life skills education in basic schools.
The Deputy Director of PRO-LINK Ghana, Madam Getrude Nunoo, said the HIV pandemic in Ghana had a significant gender dimension which must be addressed, and pointed out that about 58 per cent of women constituted the HIV population in the country.
She stated that in Ghana it was estimated that two out of every 10 women had their first experience of sexual intercourse by force, while gender inequality left women with less opportunities to negotiate for safe sex.
She said for that reason the organisation had embarked on the implementation of innovative and aggressive initiatives in HIV high prevalent communities in the country, and mentioned some of these communities as the Fanteakwah and Lower Manya districts in the Eastern Region, Kumasi metropolis and Obuasi Municipality in the Ashanti Region, as well as the Damgbe East and West districts in the Greater Accra Region.
The Head of Programmes for PRO-LINK Ghana, Madam Ethel Sackitey, said even though advocacy activities were ongoing in the various communities, some of the issues required government intervention in terms of the enforcement of existing laws.
The Deputy Minister for Women and Children’s Affairs, Madam Hawa Boya Gariba, who received the statement on behalf of the sector minister, commended the organisations for their public educational programmes.
Story: Matilda Attram
PRO-LINK Ghana, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) committed to educating women on health issues, in collaboration with the Gender Studies and Human Rights Documentation Centre and the Ghana AIDS Commission, has underlined the need for intensive public education on negative traditional practices and social norms that lead to sexual violence and sexual abuse against women and children.
The organisations have, therefore, made a presentation to the Ministry for Women and Children’s Affairs on the issue. That was after they embarked on a walk to educate the public on the negative effects of sexual abuse and the possible increase in HIV infection, in commemoration of the celebration of International Women’s Day marked on March 8.
It also formed part of PRO-LINK’s project drawn to address gender issues in the country.
Issues raised in the statement to the ministry touched on inhuman widowhood rites in some areas of the country, the need to review the age for the performance of puberty rights, since underage girls were regarded as matured for marriage after undergoing such rites and the need for traditional leaders and family heads to reduce the cost of dowry to enable would-be couples to maintain a cordial relationship that would help them cater for their children and enhance family cohesion.
Others are the need to make Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) medical services available at all levels to all survivors of sexual violence within 72 hours of the incident, the need to effectively enforce Child’s Policies and the Children’s Act relating to age limits for persons who patronise nightclubs, drinking bars, game and video centres, and the sale of alcoholic beverages to children under 18 years.
The rest are the need to review the time for showing obscene films that make use of strong language and violence on television, which has created problems for parents in the guidance and control of their children, and the need to review and intensify moral and life skills education in basic schools.
The Deputy Director of PRO-LINK Ghana, Madam Getrude Nunoo, said the HIV pandemic in Ghana had a significant gender dimension which must be addressed, and pointed out that about 58 per cent of women constituted the HIV population in the country.
She stated that in Ghana it was estimated that two out of every 10 women had their first experience of sexual intercourse by force, while gender inequality left women with less opportunities to negotiate for safe sex.
She said for that reason the organisation had embarked on the implementation of innovative and aggressive initiatives in HIV high prevalent communities in the country, and mentioned some of these communities as the Fanteakwah and Lower Manya districts in the Eastern Region, Kumasi metropolis and Obuasi Municipality in the Ashanti Region, as well as the Damgbe East and West districts in the Greater Accra Region.
The Head of Programmes for PRO-LINK Ghana, Madam Ethel Sackitey, said even though advocacy activities were ongoing in the various communities, some of the issues required government intervention in terms of the enforcement of existing laws.
The Deputy Minister for Women and Children’s Affairs, Madam Hawa Boya Gariba, who received the statement on behalf of the sector minister, commended the organisations for their public educational programmes.
Students receive Australian scholarships
Published in the Daily Graphic on 15/03/2010 pg 55
Story: Matilda Attram
Forty-three students from five West African countries have received scholarships under the Australian Development Scholarship to further their education in that country.
They include 11 each from Ghana and Nigeria, seven from Liberia, six from Sierra Leone and eight from The Gambia.
The 43 are to undertake their masters degree programmes and postgraduate studies in the fields of food and agriculture, security, mining and natural resource management, public sector reform and child and maternal health within two years.
The objective is to help developing countries reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development, in line with Australia's national interest.
At a pre-departure briefing ceremony in Accra, the Australian High Commissioner, Mr William Billy Williams, said the initiative was aimed at maximising the benefits of Australia's extensive scholarship programmes to support enduring ties between Australia and other countries.
He said the programme would be extended to offer awards to students from 25 countries in Africa by 2011, at which time it would extend the award to 1,000 students per year across the continent.
He explained that the Australian government was helping countries in the West African sub-region achieve the Millennium Development Goals agreement set out between developing and developed countries.
Mr Williams said the Australian government, through AusAID, an Australian government agency that manages its overseas aid programme, provided official development assistance for 75 countries, with a strong focus on the Asia-Pacific region.
The Programmes Manager of Gunn Rural Management of the Australian Development Scholarship (GRM-ADS), Mr Matthew Pritchard, took participants through the process of their stay and study in Australia.
Story: Matilda Attram
Forty-three students from five West African countries have received scholarships under the Australian Development Scholarship to further their education in that country.
They include 11 each from Ghana and Nigeria, seven from Liberia, six from Sierra Leone and eight from The Gambia.
The 43 are to undertake their masters degree programmes and postgraduate studies in the fields of food and agriculture, security, mining and natural resource management, public sector reform and child and maternal health within two years.
The objective is to help developing countries reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development, in line with Australia's national interest.
At a pre-departure briefing ceremony in Accra, the Australian High Commissioner, Mr William Billy Williams, said the initiative was aimed at maximising the benefits of Australia's extensive scholarship programmes to support enduring ties between Australia and other countries.
He said the programme would be extended to offer awards to students from 25 countries in Africa by 2011, at which time it would extend the award to 1,000 students per year across the continent.
He explained that the Australian government was helping countries in the West African sub-region achieve the Millennium Development Goals agreement set out between developing and developed countries.
Mr Williams said the Australian government, through AusAID, an Australian government agency that manages its overseas aid programme, provided official development assistance for 75 countries, with a strong focus on the Asia-Pacific region.
The Programmes Manager of Gunn Rural Management of the Australian Development Scholarship (GRM-ADS), Mr Matthew Pritchard, took participants through the process of their stay and study in Australia.
Tema Lube assists Korle-Bu ENT
Published in the Daily Graphic on 11/03/2010 pg 38
Story: Matilda Attram
The Tema Lube Oil Company Limited has donated medical instruments worth GH¢20,000 to the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
The items include sets of mini scissors, micro forceps, telescopes, punch, an electrical cable system and accessories.
They will be used to diagnose and detect diseases of the ear, nose and throat to support the operations of the unit, as well as improve the skills of doctors at the unit.
Presenting the instruments in Accra yesterday, the Director of the company, Mr Richard Adu Poku, stated that the donation was in line with its good corporate citizenship objective.
He said the company was aware of the plight of the ENT Unit, which is in dire need of vital equipment for quick diagnoses and treatment as a result of a recent fire outbreak which destroyed a number of equipment.
“We, therefore, deem it an honour and as part of our social responsibility to favourably respond to an appeal to contribute our quota in re-equipping the centre,” he stated.
Mr Poku added that the company believed that the instruments would effectively assist in the accurate and prompt diagnoses and treatment of ENT cases that were brought there.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Professor Nii Otu Nartey, who received the instruments, said they would enable the hospital to offer quality healthcare services to Ghanaians.
He expressed his gratitude to the management and staff of Tema Lube Company Limited for their gesture and gave the assurance that the items would be used for the purposes for which they were donated.
Story: Matilda Attram
The Tema Lube Oil Company Limited has donated medical instruments worth GH¢20,000 to the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
The items include sets of mini scissors, micro forceps, telescopes, punch, an electrical cable system and accessories.
They will be used to diagnose and detect diseases of the ear, nose and throat to support the operations of the unit, as well as improve the skills of doctors at the unit.
Presenting the instruments in Accra yesterday, the Director of the company, Mr Richard Adu Poku, stated that the donation was in line with its good corporate citizenship objective.
He said the company was aware of the plight of the ENT Unit, which is in dire need of vital equipment for quick diagnoses and treatment as a result of a recent fire outbreak which destroyed a number of equipment.
“We, therefore, deem it an honour and as part of our social responsibility to favourably respond to an appeal to contribute our quota in re-equipping the centre,” he stated.
Mr Poku added that the company believed that the instruments would effectively assist in the accurate and prompt diagnoses and treatment of ENT cases that were brought there.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Professor Nii Otu Nartey, who received the instruments, said they would enable the hospital to offer quality healthcare services to Ghanaians.
He expressed his gratitude to the management and staff of Tema Lube Company Limited for their gesture and gave the assurance that the items would be used for the purposes for which they were donated.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Call on youth to get right attitude
Published in the Daily Graphic on 6/03/2010, pg 6
Story: Matilda Attram
THE right attitude is not only a requisite for successful leadership but also an essential factor in the success of any field of human endeavour, says the former Minister of Defence, Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor.
He said although a right attitude was required from a leader, it was only an ingredient to success, as wisdom was the main key to all fields.
“There are those who are of the opinion that Ghana has not done as well as expected over the years because many people in leadership positions lack the correct attitude,” he stated.
Dr Kufuor was speaking at a memorial lecture organised by the Accra Diocesan Council of the Anglican Young People’s Association (AYPA) in Accra.
It was on the theme, ‘Good Attitude: A Requisite for Successful Leadership’.
It was part of the association’s annual week celebration in honour of the Founder of the association, Bishop Aruna Kojo Nelson.
It was to portray the founder’s values for the Anglican Church to the youth.
Dr Kufuor, who was the guest speaker for the occasion, said one needed more than the correct attitude to succeed as a leader, adding “You need wisdom; the attribute Solomon asked of the Lord at the beginning of his reign as King of Israel.”
According to him, leadership connoted power, authority, honour, financial well-being, prestige and personal advantage.
He stated that one also needed intelligence, as well as a focused life, with the application of selflessness in a chosen career to reach the top in the world of politics, business, academia, among other professions.
“At the heart of every successful leadership is the spirit of sacrifice. A leader must learn to ‘give up’ in order to ‘go up’ and must set good examples too,” stated Dr Kufuor.
The National President of AYPA, Mr Emmanuel Nii Armah Tackie, said the celebration allowed Anglican youth to unite, as well as socialise, to enhance the development of the Anglican Church in the country.
He said the youth, through the association, had acquired leadership skills to take up responsibilities in the church and the country as a whole.
“Most AYPA members have lived up to expectations. We have some as Parochial Church Council members, Synod members, Chalice assistants and priests,” he stated.
Reacting to the purpose of the theme for the celebration, Mr Tackie pointed out that there was the need to support the youth to transform into good leaders who could face the challenges of the future.
Bishop Aruna Nelson was said to be a committed, hardworking member of the Anglican Church in the country and beyond.
Story: Matilda Attram
THE right attitude is not only a requisite for successful leadership but also an essential factor in the success of any field of human endeavour, says the former Minister of Defence, Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor.
He said although a right attitude was required from a leader, it was only an ingredient to success, as wisdom was the main key to all fields.
“There are those who are of the opinion that Ghana has not done as well as expected over the years because many people in leadership positions lack the correct attitude,” he stated.
Dr Kufuor was speaking at a memorial lecture organised by the Accra Diocesan Council of the Anglican Young People’s Association (AYPA) in Accra.
It was on the theme, ‘Good Attitude: A Requisite for Successful Leadership’.
It was part of the association’s annual week celebration in honour of the Founder of the association, Bishop Aruna Kojo Nelson.
It was to portray the founder’s values for the Anglican Church to the youth.
Dr Kufuor, who was the guest speaker for the occasion, said one needed more than the correct attitude to succeed as a leader, adding “You need wisdom; the attribute Solomon asked of the Lord at the beginning of his reign as King of Israel.”
According to him, leadership connoted power, authority, honour, financial well-being, prestige and personal advantage.
He stated that one also needed intelligence, as well as a focused life, with the application of selflessness in a chosen career to reach the top in the world of politics, business, academia, among other professions.
“At the heart of every successful leadership is the spirit of sacrifice. A leader must learn to ‘give up’ in order to ‘go up’ and must set good examples too,” stated Dr Kufuor.
The National President of AYPA, Mr Emmanuel Nii Armah Tackie, said the celebration allowed Anglican youth to unite, as well as socialise, to enhance the development of the Anglican Church in the country.
He said the youth, through the association, had acquired leadership skills to take up responsibilities in the church and the country as a whole.
“Most AYPA members have lived up to expectations. We have some as Parochial Church Council members, Synod members, Chalice assistants and priests,” he stated.
Reacting to the purpose of the theme for the celebration, Mr Tackie pointed out that there was the need to support the youth to transform into good leaders who could face the challenges of the future.
Bishop Aruna Nelson was said to be a committed, hardworking member of the Anglican Church in the country and beyond.
MTN launches newsletter
Published in the Daily Graphic on 4/03/2010, pg 24 (spread, middle pg)
Story: Matilda Attram
MTN Ghana yesterday launched its first external newsletter to serve as the company's official corporate magazine.
The newsletter, dubbed Y'ello! Ghana and MTN Ghana Government and Regulatory Newsletter (GOVREL), is a quarterly publication which will contain stories on various issues concerning the company to keep subscribers and stakeholders informed on the operations of the organisation.
It will provide information on the executives of the organisation, as well as its corporate responsibilities to national development.
It is also expected to solicit a feedback from subscribers and stakeholders on the various activities, products and services of the company.
Speaking at the launch in Accra, the Corporate Services Executive of MTN, Mrs Mawuena Trebarh, stated that the organisation believed in the importance of an external newsletter as part of a corporate responsibility that could help improve on its customer care services.
She explained that an external newsletter was a powerful tool for effective communication with the external public.
"We are confident that in addition to the media as a channel for informing our major stakeholders about our activities, we have a responsibility to provide details of our activities from a corporate perspective," she said.
She used the opportunity to thank the media for their support in improving the company's activities, adding, "You have been our voice and a major channel for communicating with our stakeholders and customers."
The Minister for Information, Mr John Tia Akologu, in an address, pointed out that the sharing of information which provided a well informed and better educated public was a great asset to national development.
"MTN Ghana has chosen not only to educate its own staff on the activities of the company but also extended the facility to the Ghanaian public as a whole," he said.
He emphasised the government's commitment to the passage of the Right to Information Bill to motivate developmental aspirations.
Mr Akologu congratulated MTN Ghana on its achievements and urged it to explore avenues that would help enrich the magazine through collaboration.
"I hope that the birth of this newsletter will afford subscribers the opportunity to explore all possible avenues in maximising the benefits provided," he added.
The Deputy Minister for Communications, Mr Gideon Quarcoo, observed that MTN Ghana was involved in socio-economic activities that had contributed to the development of the nation and congratulated it on its efforts.
A representative of the production team of the newsletter, Mr Philip Mensah, explained that the publication focused mainly on sports, since the company was the main sponsor of the 2010 World Cup.
He expressed the hope that the publication would enhance the operations and services of the company.
The newsletter has stories on the MTN group profile, activities and services, Y'ello dairy, government and regulatory relations, events and the organisation's social responsibility projects.
Story: Matilda Attram
MTN Ghana yesterday launched its first external newsletter to serve as the company's official corporate magazine.
The newsletter, dubbed Y'ello! Ghana and MTN Ghana Government and Regulatory Newsletter (GOVREL), is a quarterly publication which will contain stories on various issues concerning the company to keep subscribers and stakeholders informed on the operations of the organisation.
It will provide information on the executives of the organisation, as well as its corporate responsibilities to national development.
It is also expected to solicit a feedback from subscribers and stakeholders on the various activities, products and services of the company.
Speaking at the launch in Accra, the Corporate Services Executive of MTN, Mrs Mawuena Trebarh, stated that the organisation believed in the importance of an external newsletter as part of a corporate responsibility that could help improve on its customer care services.
She explained that an external newsletter was a powerful tool for effective communication with the external public.
"We are confident that in addition to the media as a channel for informing our major stakeholders about our activities, we have a responsibility to provide details of our activities from a corporate perspective," she said.
She used the opportunity to thank the media for their support in improving the company's activities, adding, "You have been our voice and a major channel for communicating with our stakeholders and customers."
The Minister for Information, Mr John Tia Akologu, in an address, pointed out that the sharing of information which provided a well informed and better educated public was a great asset to national development.
"MTN Ghana has chosen not only to educate its own staff on the activities of the company but also extended the facility to the Ghanaian public as a whole," he said.
He emphasised the government's commitment to the passage of the Right to Information Bill to motivate developmental aspirations.
Mr Akologu congratulated MTN Ghana on its achievements and urged it to explore avenues that would help enrich the magazine through collaboration.
"I hope that the birth of this newsletter will afford subscribers the opportunity to explore all possible avenues in maximising the benefits provided," he added.
The Deputy Minister for Communications, Mr Gideon Quarcoo, observed that MTN Ghana was involved in socio-economic activities that had contributed to the development of the nation and congratulated it on its efforts.
A representative of the production team of the newsletter, Mr Philip Mensah, explained that the publication focused mainly on sports, since the company was the main sponsor of the 2010 World Cup.
He expressed the hope that the publication would enhance the operations and services of the company.
The newsletter has stories on the MTN group profile, activities and services, Y'ello dairy, government and regulatory relations, events and the organisation's social responsibility projects.
Loss of control by teachers over students- cause of indiscipline in schools
Published in the Daily Graphic on 3/03/2010, pg 11
Story: Matilda Attram
THE Greater Accra Regional Minister, Nii Armah Ashietey, has attributed indiscipline in the country’s educational institutions to the loss of control by parents and school authorities over students.
He said majority of parents had lost grip on their children due to neglect and the lack of parental guidance leading to unacceptable behaviours of the youth in the country.
Unfortunately, the world had become a materialistic place where in their bid to get the best of life, some teachers and parents were unable to pay much attention the children, he observed.
As a result, he said the students were left on their own both at home and at school without much control.
Nii Ashietey was speaking at the launch of the 70th anniversary celebration and the Padua Foundation of the Ebenezer Senior High School in Accra.
It was on the theme: ‘Challenges Facing Secondary Education: The Paduan Perspective’.
Apart from indiscipline being a major problem confronting the educational sector, he said lack of commitment of some teachers, poor management and supervision, absence of proper guidance and counselling services, and inadequate infrastructure also contributed to the challenges facing the development of the educational sector.
He said education was a major pre-requisite for societal progress that inculcated a sense of discipline and provided a variety of relevant occupational skills necessary for human resource development.
“Education is of significant importance because it reinforces knowledge and skills acquired and inculcates discipline and selflessness in students,” Nii Ashietey stated.
He pointed out that stakeholders, parents and teachers could help curb the problem if maximum corporation was applied in the upbringing of children.
Nii Ashietey said there was the need for parents, teachers and other stakeholders to devote time, money and other resources to ensure quality education for children.
“The time has come for us to reflect on what went wrong and what has happened to our positive moral values which our grandparents and parents applied in nurturing us into responsible adults,” he noted.
He called on all to contribute to the supervision of children to enable them to become responsible adults in future.
He said, “We should instil in our children confidence and good moral values to make them understand the essence of education”.
The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South, Mr Fritz Baffour, stated that education was a major element needed for a successful life.
He said education broadened the mind and skills of an individual, which helped him to focus and contribute to the success of others in society.
The Headmistress of the school, Mrs Elizabeth Addo, in her address, indicated that the school since its establishment had produced a number of great personalities who could be found in various sectors of the country’s development.
She mentioned lack of a fence around the school that posed security problems, as well as the inability to complete the visual arts block and structures to accommodate staff, as major challenges facing the school.
Mrs Addo appealed to stakeholders to help build public trust in the students to enhance their value in the development of the nation.
Present at the ceremony were some chiefs of the Ga Traditional Area including the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Tawiah III, and some old students of the school.
Story: Matilda Attram
THE Greater Accra Regional Minister, Nii Armah Ashietey, has attributed indiscipline in the country’s educational institutions to the loss of control by parents and school authorities over students.
He said majority of parents had lost grip on their children due to neglect and the lack of parental guidance leading to unacceptable behaviours of the youth in the country.
Unfortunately, the world had become a materialistic place where in their bid to get the best of life, some teachers and parents were unable to pay much attention the children, he observed.
As a result, he said the students were left on their own both at home and at school without much control.
Nii Ashietey was speaking at the launch of the 70th anniversary celebration and the Padua Foundation of the Ebenezer Senior High School in Accra.
It was on the theme: ‘Challenges Facing Secondary Education: The Paduan Perspective’.
Apart from indiscipline being a major problem confronting the educational sector, he said lack of commitment of some teachers, poor management and supervision, absence of proper guidance and counselling services, and inadequate infrastructure also contributed to the challenges facing the development of the educational sector.
He said education was a major pre-requisite for societal progress that inculcated a sense of discipline and provided a variety of relevant occupational skills necessary for human resource development.
“Education is of significant importance because it reinforces knowledge and skills acquired and inculcates discipline and selflessness in students,” Nii Ashietey stated.
He pointed out that stakeholders, parents and teachers could help curb the problem if maximum corporation was applied in the upbringing of children.
Nii Ashietey said there was the need for parents, teachers and other stakeholders to devote time, money and other resources to ensure quality education for children.
“The time has come for us to reflect on what went wrong and what has happened to our positive moral values which our grandparents and parents applied in nurturing us into responsible adults,” he noted.
He called on all to contribute to the supervision of children to enable them to become responsible adults in future.
He said, “We should instil in our children confidence and good moral values to make them understand the essence of education”.
The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South, Mr Fritz Baffour, stated that education was a major element needed for a successful life.
He said education broadened the mind and skills of an individual, which helped him to focus and contribute to the success of others in society.
The Headmistress of the school, Mrs Elizabeth Addo, in her address, indicated that the school since its establishment had produced a number of great personalities who could be found in various sectors of the country’s development.
She mentioned lack of a fence around the school that posed security problems, as well as the inability to complete the visual arts block and structures to accommodate staff, as major challenges facing the school.
Mrs Addo appealed to stakeholders to help build public trust in the students to enhance their value in the development of the nation.
Present at the ceremony were some chiefs of the Ga Traditional Area including the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Tawiah III, and some old students of the school.
Ghana Post, VRA issue Nkrumah stamps
Published in the Daily Graphic on 3/03/2010, pg 31
Story: Matilda Attram
THE Volta River Authority (VRA), in collaboration with Ghana Post, has introduced new postage stamps as part of the activities marking the centenary celebration of the birth of the First President of Ghana, the late Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
The stamps, which were released for sale yesterday, bear pictures of some achievements made by Dr Nkrumah to improve on the development of the nation including the signing ceremony of the Akosombo Dam agreement, the Akosombo Generating Station, the Akosombo Dam and the Takoradi Thermal Plant.
Others are the 'Tema Thermal Plant, the switching on of the power after inaugurating the Kpong Dam and switching on of the Akosombo generating station.
The introduction of the stamps is also to encourage Ghanaians to bring to life the vision Dr Nkrumah had for the nation and the African continent.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, the acting Managing Director of Ghana Post, Mr Nicholas Dery, said stamps played an important role in the development of a nation.
He said they were symbols that portrayed the values and efforts of a nation within its boarders and beyond.
He recalled the pride taken by Ghana Post in recognition of the achievements of Dr Nkrumah and expressed the hope that it would forever be a legacy in the history of Ghana.
"We did not hesitate to partner the VRA in the issuance of these stamps because we recognise the First President as the trailblazer in Ghana's development; one of which monumental achievements, the VRA, we celebrate today," stated Mr Dery.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of VRA, Mr Kweku Andoh Awotwi, in a welcoming address, indicated that VRA had expanded electricity generation over the years with Dr Nkrumah being the first board chairman of the organisation and providing quality leadership after independence.
The Board Chairman of VRA, Professor Akilagkpa Sawyerr, explained that the conception of the Akosombo power project was a vision to transform the lives and conditions of the people of Ghana and the entire continent.
He added that Ghana's dream of transforming lives through the project was shattered after the overthrow of Dr Nkrumah in 1966.
Professor Sawyerr urged Ghanaians to revive the confidence portrayed by the nation's forefathers, adding that "unless we can retrieve the spirit of aiming high, all our efforts will be in the service of others. Let these stamps symbolise the unfinished story of a nation".
Story: Matilda Attram
THE Volta River Authority (VRA), in collaboration with Ghana Post, has introduced new postage stamps as part of the activities marking the centenary celebration of the birth of the First President of Ghana, the late Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
The stamps, which were released for sale yesterday, bear pictures of some achievements made by Dr Nkrumah to improve on the development of the nation including the signing ceremony of the Akosombo Dam agreement, the Akosombo Generating Station, the Akosombo Dam and the Takoradi Thermal Plant.
Others are the 'Tema Thermal Plant, the switching on of the power after inaugurating the Kpong Dam and switching on of the Akosombo generating station.
The introduction of the stamps is also to encourage Ghanaians to bring to life the vision Dr Nkrumah had for the nation and the African continent.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, the acting Managing Director of Ghana Post, Mr Nicholas Dery, said stamps played an important role in the development of a nation.
He said they were symbols that portrayed the values and efforts of a nation within its boarders and beyond.
He recalled the pride taken by Ghana Post in recognition of the achievements of Dr Nkrumah and expressed the hope that it would forever be a legacy in the history of Ghana.
"We did not hesitate to partner the VRA in the issuance of these stamps because we recognise the First President as the trailblazer in Ghana's development; one of which monumental achievements, the VRA, we celebrate today," stated Mr Dery.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of VRA, Mr Kweku Andoh Awotwi, in a welcoming address, indicated that VRA had expanded electricity generation over the years with Dr Nkrumah being the first board chairman of the organisation and providing quality leadership after independence.
The Board Chairman of VRA, Professor Akilagkpa Sawyerr, explained that the conception of the Akosombo power project was a vision to transform the lives and conditions of the people of Ghana and the entire continent.
He added that Ghana's dream of transforming lives through the project was shattered after the overthrow of Dr Nkrumah in 1966.
Professor Sawyerr urged Ghanaians to revive the confidence portrayed by the nation's forefathers, adding that "unless we can retrieve the spirit of aiming high, all our efforts will be in the service of others. Let these stamps symbolise the unfinished story of a nation".
Educational reform will address child development
Published in the Dail Graphic on 2/03/2010, pg 11
Story: Matilda Attram
THE President, Professor John Evans Atta Mills, has assured Ghanaians that the new educational reform policy will address issues regarding the development of children’s potentials to ensure equity in resource allocation.
He said the policy, which was already in operation had produced results of some relevant interventions in the educational sector which was expected to tackle the problem of poverty in the country.
“The child is central in my government and in the development of the human resource agenda. Since government is the main player in giving national policy direction, it will play a leading role in charting the path for integrating, maintaining and developing our children and their potential for the benefit of society”, he stated.
President Mills gave the assurance in a speech read on his behalf by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Nii Armah Ashietey, at the 2009 president’s end-of-year party organised for some selected schools in the Ga-West Municipal Assembly.
It had the theme: ‘Children and the United Nations Convention on the Right of the Child (UNCRC) at Twenty’.
The celebration, which took place in all other regions of the country, was to enable children interact with stakeholders and policy makers.
It was also aimed at giving children the opportunity to dialogue with their leaders on issues concerning their welfare.
The President observed that Ghana was the first country to ratify the UNCRC 1990 and said the concept for the development of children in the country had since improved.
“The government, through organisations that deal with children’s affairs like the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs (MOWAC), is vigorously pursuing programmes that empower women and which ensures protection, survival, participation and development of children”, he said.
He urged children to take their lessons seriously to enable them become responsible leaders in future.
The Greater Accra Regional Director of the Department of Children, MOWAC, Mr Peter Akyea, indicated that MOWAC, in collaboration with other organisations such as the social welfare, health and educational agencies in the country and beyond were making efforts to implement various policies and programmes to ensure the survival, development, protection and participation of children in national development.
He pledged on behalf of the department, to upgrade existing children’s parks in the region to encourage activities that would contribute to the quality development of children.
The Ga-West Municipal Director of Education, Mr Badu Asiedu, called on parents to motivate and support their children in education to help them become responsible adults in future.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Ga-West Municipal Assembly, Mr Ebenezer Nii Armah Tackie, also pledged the assembly’s support and assistance to the Municipal Education Directorate to effectively ensure the improvement of teaching and learning in the municipality.
He advised the children to be obedient, respectful and disciplined in their activities.
Participating schools included Amasaman Primary and Junior High School (JHS), Ashaiman M/A Primary and JHS, Opah Primary and JHS, Kuntunse Primary and JHS, Mayera Presby Primary and Mayera M/A JHS.
Story: Matilda Attram
THE President, Professor John Evans Atta Mills, has assured Ghanaians that the new educational reform policy will address issues regarding the development of children’s potentials to ensure equity in resource allocation.
He said the policy, which was already in operation had produced results of some relevant interventions in the educational sector which was expected to tackle the problem of poverty in the country.
“The child is central in my government and in the development of the human resource agenda. Since government is the main player in giving national policy direction, it will play a leading role in charting the path for integrating, maintaining and developing our children and their potential for the benefit of society”, he stated.
President Mills gave the assurance in a speech read on his behalf by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Nii Armah Ashietey, at the 2009 president’s end-of-year party organised for some selected schools in the Ga-West Municipal Assembly.
It had the theme: ‘Children and the United Nations Convention on the Right of the Child (UNCRC) at Twenty’.
The celebration, which took place in all other regions of the country, was to enable children interact with stakeholders and policy makers.
It was also aimed at giving children the opportunity to dialogue with their leaders on issues concerning their welfare.
The President observed that Ghana was the first country to ratify the UNCRC 1990 and said the concept for the development of children in the country had since improved.
“The government, through organisations that deal with children’s affairs like the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs (MOWAC), is vigorously pursuing programmes that empower women and which ensures protection, survival, participation and development of children”, he said.
He urged children to take their lessons seriously to enable them become responsible leaders in future.
The Greater Accra Regional Director of the Department of Children, MOWAC, Mr Peter Akyea, indicated that MOWAC, in collaboration with other organisations such as the social welfare, health and educational agencies in the country and beyond were making efforts to implement various policies and programmes to ensure the survival, development, protection and participation of children in national development.
He pledged on behalf of the department, to upgrade existing children’s parks in the region to encourage activities that would contribute to the quality development of children.
The Ga-West Municipal Director of Education, Mr Badu Asiedu, called on parents to motivate and support their children in education to help them become responsible adults in future.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Ga-West Municipal Assembly, Mr Ebenezer Nii Armah Tackie, also pledged the assembly’s support and assistance to the Municipal Education Directorate to effectively ensure the improvement of teaching and learning in the municipality.
He advised the children to be obedient, respectful and disciplined in their activities.
Participating schools included Amasaman Primary and Junior High School (JHS), Ashaiman M/A Primary and JHS, Opah Primary and JHS, Kuntunse Primary and JHS, Mayera Presby Primary and Mayera M/A JHS.
KRIF Rewards loyal workers
Published in the Daily Graphic on 2/03/2010, pg 33
Story: Matilda Attram
NINE workers of KRIF Ghana Limited, a business organisation that deals in currency handling equipment, stationery, office equipment and security safes, have been awarded by the company in Accra.
The nine are Mr Jacob Tetteh, who won the Overall Best Team Player for 2009, while Mr Enock Manford took the Most Loyal and Committed Team Player. Mr Benedictus Kpormagbey won the Most Hardworking Team Player Award.
Mr Humphery Sowah received the Most Target-Oriented Team Player Award, Mr Bismark Ofori, the Most Customer Focused Team Player, Mr Ben Kotei received the most Punctual and Regular Team Player Award.
The rest of the award winners are Mr Eric Ohene, the Best Dress Team Player, Mr Eugene Amevi, the Best National Service Award, and Ms Joyce Akowuah Mensah, the Most Promising Team Player Award.
The award ceremony, dubbed ‘KRIF 2009 Team players Awards/Dinner’, was to reward hardworking staff whose efforts contributed immensely to the success of the company in 2009. It was also to acknowledge the contribution of all workers of the company and to also motivate them.
The General Manager of the company, Mr Christian Yeboah, assured the workers that the company would continue to organise local and foreign training programmes to help them upgrade their knowledge, skills and competence as team players.
He said the company would also continue to collaborate with experts and officials from major foreign suppliers of equipment to interact with the workers and users of their products to enhance good working relationships.
He stated that although 2009 was a difficult year for many businesses, the company managed to discharge quality service to its customers, giving an assurance that the company would continue to render quality service throughout this year.
The Chairman of the company, Mr Kennedy Okosun, congratulated the award winners and urged all workers of the company to devote their best to improve on the productivity of the company and the country as a whole.
Story: Matilda Attram
NINE workers of KRIF Ghana Limited, a business organisation that deals in currency handling equipment, stationery, office equipment and security safes, have been awarded by the company in Accra.
The nine are Mr Jacob Tetteh, who won the Overall Best Team Player for 2009, while Mr Enock Manford took the Most Loyal and Committed Team Player. Mr Benedictus Kpormagbey won the Most Hardworking Team Player Award.
Mr Humphery Sowah received the Most Target-Oriented Team Player Award, Mr Bismark Ofori, the Most Customer Focused Team Player, Mr Ben Kotei received the most Punctual and Regular Team Player Award.
The rest of the award winners are Mr Eric Ohene, the Best Dress Team Player, Mr Eugene Amevi, the Best National Service Award, and Ms Joyce Akowuah Mensah, the Most Promising Team Player Award.
The award ceremony, dubbed ‘KRIF 2009 Team players Awards/Dinner’, was to reward hardworking staff whose efforts contributed immensely to the success of the company in 2009. It was also to acknowledge the contribution of all workers of the company and to also motivate them.
The General Manager of the company, Mr Christian Yeboah, assured the workers that the company would continue to organise local and foreign training programmes to help them upgrade their knowledge, skills and competence as team players.
He said the company would also continue to collaborate with experts and officials from major foreign suppliers of equipment to interact with the workers and users of their products to enhance good working relationships.
He stated that although 2009 was a difficult year for many businesses, the company managed to discharge quality service to its customers, giving an assurance that the company would continue to render quality service throughout this year.
The Chairman of the company, Mr Kennedy Okosun, congratulated the award winners and urged all workers of the company to devote their best to improve on the productivity of the company and the country as a whole.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Gov't embarks on infrastructural improvement in SHS
Published in the Daily Graphic on 2/03/2010, back pg lead.
Story: Matilda Attram
THE government has started infrastructure development in senior high schools (SHSs) in the country as part of efforts to cater for fourth-year SHS students.
The projects, which are estimated to cost millions of Ghana cedis, are expected to adequately equip the schools to run the new four-year second-cycle programme effectively.
Funding for the project is being sourced from donor organisations.
The Deputy Director in charge of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Education, Mr Paul Kofi Krampa, disclosed this in an interview in Accra yesterday.
He said the project, which was expected to be completed by the next academic year, would improve on learning facilities in public SHSs.
“Projects are ongoing in some schools and are expected to be completed by September this year to make room for the admission of new students for the programme,” he added.
Among the projects were the construction of additional classroom blocks, the provision of relevant textbooks and accommodation for teachers, he said.
He said attention would be given to less-endowed schools to bring them up to a standardised level to effectively churn out outstanding students.
Mr Krampa said the government was attaching importance to the project due to its seriousness about reforming second- cycle education.
Cabinet has given approval for the reversal of the duration of the SHS course from four to three years, effective September this year.
The NPP administration, in the 2007 educational reform, introduced the four-year programme.
Under the reform, there is a four-year programme for SHS and 11 years of basic education.
Story: Matilda Attram
THE government has started infrastructure development in senior high schools (SHSs) in the country as part of efforts to cater for fourth-year SHS students.
The projects, which are estimated to cost millions of Ghana cedis, are expected to adequately equip the schools to run the new four-year second-cycle programme effectively.
Funding for the project is being sourced from donor organisations.
The Deputy Director in charge of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Education, Mr Paul Kofi Krampa, disclosed this in an interview in Accra yesterday.
He said the project, which was expected to be completed by the next academic year, would improve on learning facilities in public SHSs.
“Projects are ongoing in some schools and are expected to be completed by September this year to make room for the admission of new students for the programme,” he added.
Among the projects were the construction of additional classroom blocks, the provision of relevant textbooks and accommodation for teachers, he said.
He said attention would be given to less-endowed schools to bring them up to a standardised level to effectively churn out outstanding students.
Mr Krampa said the government was attaching importance to the project due to its seriousness about reforming second- cycle education.
Cabinet has given approval for the reversal of the duration of the SHS course from four to three years, effective September this year.
The NPP administration, in the 2007 educational reform, introduced the four-year programme.
Under the reform, there is a four-year programme for SHS and 11 years of basic education.
'Parents must cater for upkeep of children'
Published in the Daily Graphic on 25/02/2010, pg 11
Story: Matilda Attram
IT is the responsibility of parents to cater for the development and upkeep of their children to enable them to contribute to the development of the nation, the Minister designate for the Employment and Social Welfare Ministry, Mr E. T. Mensah, has stated.
He said this could be done through discipline at the time and period of children’s development.
“It is important to discipline our children and spend time with them teaching them what they need to know to help them become responsible in future,” he said.
Mr Mensah was speaking at a thanksgiving service organised by the Wesley Methodist Cathedral Church in Accra to climax its 2010 children’s week celebration.
It was on the theme: “The Bible, The Child and Money World”.
The celebration, known as ‘Children’s Day’, is to inspire children to exhibit their talents, as well as promote the activities of children in the society.
Mr Mensah stated that although the development and upkeep of children were the sole responsibility of parents, other members of society such as teachers also played important roles in disciplining children.
He called on parents to partner teachers to discipline their children rather than becoming upset with teachers when they tried to put the children on the right path.
Mr Mensah also appealed to parents to keep their children away from uneducative media programmes while advising the children to take their studies seriously.
The Board Chairman of Prudential Bank Limited, Mr John Saka Addo, said parents must discipline and teach their children the importance of reading the Bible.
He said the reading of the Bible contributed immensely to the process of discipline, since it taught them how to relate to one other in society.
“It teaches parents how they should relate to their children, the same way as how children should relate to the elderly”. Siting Ephesians 6: 1-4 which he said placed emphasis on this.
He advised parents to discipline their children with love and teach them the habit of cultivating the habit of saving for future use.
“Brethren it is well noted that all of us are found in a world where money is valued. In discharging our responsibilities let us not teach children the love for excessive money but to work hard to earn that for their upkeep, ” Mr Addo said.
In his sermon, the Circuit Minister for the Wesley Methodist Cathedral Church, Accra, Rev Ishmael Ofori Quaye, encouraged parents to inculcate in their children the need to speak the truth and be faithful to God.
Story: Matilda Attram
IT is the responsibility of parents to cater for the development and upkeep of their children to enable them to contribute to the development of the nation, the Minister designate for the Employment and Social Welfare Ministry, Mr E. T. Mensah, has stated.
He said this could be done through discipline at the time and period of children’s development.
“It is important to discipline our children and spend time with them teaching them what they need to know to help them become responsible in future,” he said.
Mr Mensah was speaking at a thanksgiving service organised by the Wesley Methodist Cathedral Church in Accra to climax its 2010 children’s week celebration.
It was on the theme: “The Bible, The Child and Money World”.
The celebration, known as ‘Children’s Day’, is to inspire children to exhibit their talents, as well as promote the activities of children in the society.
Mr Mensah stated that although the development and upkeep of children were the sole responsibility of parents, other members of society such as teachers also played important roles in disciplining children.
He called on parents to partner teachers to discipline their children rather than becoming upset with teachers when they tried to put the children on the right path.
Mr Mensah also appealed to parents to keep their children away from uneducative media programmes while advising the children to take their studies seriously.
The Board Chairman of Prudential Bank Limited, Mr John Saka Addo, said parents must discipline and teach their children the importance of reading the Bible.
He said the reading of the Bible contributed immensely to the process of discipline, since it taught them how to relate to one other in society.
“It teaches parents how they should relate to their children, the same way as how children should relate to the elderly”. Siting Ephesians 6: 1-4 which he said placed emphasis on this.
He advised parents to discipline their children with love and teach them the habit of cultivating the habit of saving for future use.
“Brethren it is well noted that all of us are found in a world where money is valued. In discharging our responsibilities let us not teach children the love for excessive money but to work hard to earn that for their upkeep, ” Mr Addo said.
In his sermon, the Circuit Minister for the Wesley Methodist Cathedral Church, Accra, Rev Ishmael Ofori Quaye, encouraged parents to inculcate in their children the need to speak the truth and be faithful to God.
Nestle Ghana rewards loyal customers
Published in the Saturday Mirror on 27/02/2010, pg 26
By: Matilda Attram
Six loyal customers of Nestle Ghana Limited, manufacturers of food beverages, have emerged grand winners of the MILO Go for Goals promotion organised by the company.
They are Yaw Abroad and Augustine Boamah, who won the ultimate prizes of airline tickets to watch the South Africa 2010 World Cup with spending money of $1,000 each.
Followed by the ultimate winners were Francis Somuah and Vida Ashiatey, who won a 32-inch LCD television set each.
Juliana Ohenewaa and Kelvin Vanlare took home a set of home theatre each as their prizes for participating in the grand draw of the promotion.
Presenting the prizes in Accra, the Managing Director of Nestle Ghana Limited, Samer Chedid, stated that the promotion, which started in November 2009 and ended in January this year, was part of the company’s way of rewarding its loyal customers.
He pointed out that turnout of participants all over the country attested to how Ghanaians patronised products of the company.
He encouraged all to continue patronising Milo, among other products of the company, to win more prizes, as well as attain good health.
“We had over 250,000 entries during the period of the promotion and many instant prizes such as school bags, travelling bags, water bottles, footballs, among others, have been given out at our retail joints already,” he said.
The MILO Go for Goals promotion required customers of Milo food beverage to submit two tin alufoils of the 400gm size or four of its 200gm sachets at any of its redemption points.
One was also to scratch a scratch board to win instant prizes or complete a coupon to enter the grand draw of the promotion.
Fourteen-year old Vanlare, who won a set of home theatre, expressed his excitement to the Mirror saying “I entered the draw after reading it in the newspapers and having confident I would win I decided to participate.”
By: Matilda Attram
Six loyal customers of Nestle Ghana Limited, manufacturers of food beverages, have emerged grand winners of the MILO Go for Goals promotion organised by the company.
They are Yaw Abroad and Augustine Boamah, who won the ultimate prizes of airline tickets to watch the South Africa 2010 World Cup with spending money of $1,000 each.
Followed by the ultimate winners were Francis Somuah and Vida Ashiatey, who won a 32-inch LCD television set each.
Juliana Ohenewaa and Kelvin Vanlare took home a set of home theatre each as their prizes for participating in the grand draw of the promotion.
Presenting the prizes in Accra, the Managing Director of Nestle Ghana Limited, Samer Chedid, stated that the promotion, which started in November 2009 and ended in January this year, was part of the company’s way of rewarding its loyal customers.
He pointed out that turnout of participants all over the country attested to how Ghanaians patronised products of the company.
He encouraged all to continue patronising Milo, among other products of the company, to win more prizes, as well as attain good health.
“We had over 250,000 entries during the period of the promotion and many instant prizes such as school bags, travelling bags, water bottles, footballs, among others, have been given out at our retail joints already,” he said.
The MILO Go for Goals promotion required customers of Milo food beverage to submit two tin alufoils of the 400gm size or four of its 200gm sachets at any of its redemption points.
One was also to scratch a scratch board to win instant prizes or complete a coupon to enter the grand draw of the promotion.
Fourteen-year old Vanlare, who won a set of home theatre, expressed his excitement to the Mirror saying “I entered the draw after reading it in the newspapers and having confident I would win I decided to participate.”
Ghana prepares to mark Home Economics Day
Published in the Daily Graphic on 27/02/2010, pg 19
Story: Matilda Attram
THE Ghana Home Economics Association (GHEA) is making major preparations towards the celebration of this year’s World Home Economics day slated for March 24.
It is on the theme ‘Home Economics beyond one hundred years- empowering for the digital world’.
The celebration is to project the roles of the subject in human activities in society.
According to the International Federation for Home Economics (IFHE), a global network of Home Economics experts, the subject focuses on fundamental needs and practical concerns of individuals and families in everyday life and their importance both at the individual and the near community levels which ensures the enhancement of well being in the ever challenging environment.
It said the subject integrated knowledge, processes and practical skills from multiple discipline synthesised through interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary inquiry as well as pertinent paradigms.
“Most of all, Home Economics NGOs around the world demonstrate capacity to take critical, transformative, emancipatory actions to enhance well-being and to advocate for individuals, families and communities at all levels and sectors of society”, it stated.
The IFHE called on all members of the association and supporters to think globally and act locally in definitive and result- oriented ways to help improve lives in society.
Outlining the activities for the celebration in Ghana, the President of GHEA, Mrs Veronica Jackson, stated that there would be a health walk and talk in the morning of March 20 at the forecourt of the Ministry of Education in Accra, leading to a climax with a ceremony on March 24, 2010 at the Ghana National Association of Teacher’s (GNAT) Hall, also in Accra.
She therefore urged all, especially those involved in Home Economics, to participate actively in the celebration to promote a quality lifestyle in society.
Story: Matilda Attram
THE Ghana Home Economics Association (GHEA) is making major preparations towards the celebration of this year’s World Home Economics day slated for March 24.
It is on the theme ‘Home Economics beyond one hundred years- empowering for the digital world’.
The celebration is to project the roles of the subject in human activities in society.
According to the International Federation for Home Economics (IFHE), a global network of Home Economics experts, the subject focuses on fundamental needs and practical concerns of individuals and families in everyday life and their importance both at the individual and the near community levels which ensures the enhancement of well being in the ever challenging environment.
It said the subject integrated knowledge, processes and practical skills from multiple discipline synthesised through interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary inquiry as well as pertinent paradigms.
“Most of all, Home Economics NGOs around the world demonstrate capacity to take critical, transformative, emancipatory actions to enhance well-being and to advocate for individuals, families and communities at all levels and sectors of society”, it stated.
The IFHE called on all members of the association and supporters to think globally and act locally in definitive and result- oriented ways to help improve lives in society.
Outlining the activities for the celebration in Ghana, the President of GHEA, Mrs Veronica Jackson, stated that there would be a health walk and talk in the morning of March 20 at the forecourt of the Ministry of Education in Accra, leading to a climax with a ceremony on March 24, 2010 at the Ghana National Association of Teacher’s (GNAT) Hall, also in Accra.
She therefore urged all, especially those involved in Home Economics, to participate actively in the celebration to promote a quality lifestyle in society.
Respect our leaders
Published in the Daily Graphic on 27/02/2010, pg 18
Story: Matilda Attram
The Vice President of Global Bible Society, Professor Mrs Irene Odotei, has called on Ghanaians to change their attitudes towards leaders and among themselves to foster activities that will help improve on development.
She expressed the need for Ghanaians to avoid negative attitudes of overshadowing the hope of improving on the nation’s development.
She mentioned attitude of encouraging leaders and individuals involved in activities that would promote development as some elements needed to be considered by Ghanaians.
“Let us respect and affirm our leaders in their activities, for there is hope for the future only if we do the right thing”, she said.
Professor Odotei was speaking at a Bible Sabbath organised by the Bible Society of Ghana (BSG) as part of the activities for its 2010 Bible week celebrations in Accra.
It was under the theme ‘God’s Word:Hope for the Today and Tomorrow’.
It was to unite the various churches and christian denominations in the country to share the word of God as well as raise funds to support the work of God.
Professor Odotei pointed out in her address that, Ghana was among a few blessed nations with rich resources and could improve on its development if utilised in the right direction.
She said the future of the nation depended on the youth who required the support of the older generation to build their capacities in facing future challenges.
“We must appreciate God for giving us the resources and knowledge we need to develop. We must inspire our younger ones in their activities, let us see the good in them and take responsibility of their activities to motivate them to contribute to development”, stated Professor Odotei.
In a welcome address, the General Secretary of the BSG, Rev Kofi Owusu, indicated that the Bible week celebrations was instituted to be observed annually to enable christians emphasis their commitment to God and His word.
He stated that the celebration was important at this time of the world when all was focus on economic crises and how to prosper.
“In a world which is fast changing with its devastating consequences, it is important to turn to the Bible. It is important to be reminded that life is more than possessions”, he stated.
Rev Owusu pointed out that BSG was a non profit organisation with a mandate of translating the word of God into local languages to enable all persons have access to its contents.
He, therefore, appealed to christians to support BSG to sustain the work of God.
The President of Ghana Union Conference, Pastor Samuel Adama Larmie, in his sermon encouraged all christians to cultivate the habit of reading the Bible to strengthen and share their faith with others.
Story: Matilda Attram
The Vice President of Global Bible Society, Professor Mrs Irene Odotei, has called on Ghanaians to change their attitudes towards leaders and among themselves to foster activities that will help improve on development.
She expressed the need for Ghanaians to avoid negative attitudes of overshadowing the hope of improving on the nation’s development.
She mentioned attitude of encouraging leaders and individuals involved in activities that would promote development as some elements needed to be considered by Ghanaians.
“Let us respect and affirm our leaders in their activities, for there is hope for the future only if we do the right thing”, she said.
Professor Odotei was speaking at a Bible Sabbath organised by the Bible Society of Ghana (BSG) as part of the activities for its 2010 Bible week celebrations in Accra.
It was under the theme ‘God’s Word:Hope for the Today and Tomorrow’.
It was to unite the various churches and christian denominations in the country to share the word of God as well as raise funds to support the work of God.
Professor Odotei pointed out in her address that, Ghana was among a few blessed nations with rich resources and could improve on its development if utilised in the right direction.
She said the future of the nation depended on the youth who required the support of the older generation to build their capacities in facing future challenges.
“We must appreciate God for giving us the resources and knowledge we need to develop. We must inspire our younger ones in their activities, let us see the good in them and take responsibility of their activities to motivate them to contribute to development”, stated Professor Odotei.
In a welcome address, the General Secretary of the BSG, Rev Kofi Owusu, indicated that the Bible week celebrations was instituted to be observed annually to enable christians emphasis their commitment to God and His word.
He stated that the celebration was important at this time of the world when all was focus on economic crises and how to prosper.
“In a world which is fast changing with its devastating consequences, it is important to turn to the Bible. It is important to be reminded that life is more than possessions”, he stated.
Rev Owusu pointed out that BSG was a non profit organisation with a mandate of translating the word of God into local languages to enable all persons have access to its contents.
He, therefore, appealed to christians to support BSG to sustain the work of God.
The President of Ghana Union Conference, Pastor Samuel Adama Larmie, in his sermon encouraged all christians to cultivate the habit of reading the Bible to strengthen and share their faith with others.
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