Day: March 8, 2024

Women have been urged to be cautious about the way and manner they relate with men at the workplace to avoid being sexually abused or harassed, as Ghana joins the rest of the World to mark the International Women Day (IWD).

March 8, is celebrated annually as the IWD to recognize the socio-economic and cultural and political achievements of women nomic, cultural, and political achievements of women across the globe and marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

According to Mr Ephraim Bintnir, the Project Coordinator of the MIHOSO International Foundation, a Sunyani-based NGO, ‘some men tried to take advantage of women and abuse them sexually because of the way they (women) relate with them at the workplace.’

The MIHOSO foundation works to improve the socio-economic livelihoods of indigenous women and vulnerable and marginalized people in society.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani to mark the IWD, Mr Bintnir also advised unemployed young women to always seek employ
ment, and worked at organisations which were gender sensitize.

They could do this when the take their time and check the history, and background of those organisation they sought or wished to work with, he stated.

There is also the need for women to be educated on human and gender right issues, policies, and conventions so that they would be well empowered and be in a better position to insist on their rights at workplaces, Mr Bintnir.

Miss Irene Esinam Akana, the Gender Advisor, MIHOSO Foundation, asked women to remain bold, speak out and resist attempts by their superiors at the workplace to abuse them sexually.

She said though women were vulnerable, it was uncivilized that some men tried taking advantage of them, when they sought jobs, and asked women not to compromise their stance, instead they prepared themselves well for the job market.

Ms Akana also advised women against indecent dressing and urged them to carry themselves well to earn respect at the workplaces.

‘Men you know are usually attracte
d by the things they see. Sometimes we ourselves push for it and come back to complain,’ she stated, and entreated women to remain modest and develop themselves.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Victims of the Ashaiman military brutalities following the murder of Trooper Sherif Imoro in 2023, have marked one year of their pain, calling on the Government to compensate them.

On March 7, 2023, military men stormed the Ashaiman Taifa community and meted out several brutalities on residents, following a mob killing of Imoro some days earlier in the community.

Mr Emmanuel Kumadey, the lawyer and spokesperson for the victims, addressing the media, said the Parliamentary Committee on Interior and Defence had completed its investigations and submitted recommendations to the House for consideration.

Mr Kumadey emphasized that the victims would not relent in their fight to seek justice and accountability on the issue to prevent future injustices.

‘The victims of the military brutality humbly request the President and the Government to immediately pay them their just compensation and fully implement the report of the Committee on Defence and Interior on the Military Operation at Ashaiman.’

He said one year
on, the victims said life had been extremely difficult for them since they had been burdened with ‘constant excruciating body pains and deteriorating health conditions, as well as living with the trauma they experienced on March 7, 2023.’

Meanwhile, some of the victims alleged that two victims had passed on due to the brutalities, explaining that while one died three days after the incident, the other one passed away on the eve of the first anniversary.

Mr Issah Daniel Damson, one of the victims, said there was an urgent need for them to be compensated, explaining that he had lost his job as a cargo driver due to his current health condition, resulting from the ordeal he went through at the hands of the military, which had incapacitated him from driving as he used to.

Mr Damson stated that the actions of the military personnel undermined the ‘see something, say something’ mantra, as it would be difficult for people to voluntarily provide useful information on security matters if they invaded an area and as
saulted residents as a strategy of seeking information.

He said many of them were still grappling with physical and emotional scars, and having lost their jobs, they continued to seek medical attention.

He said the soldiers caused damage to his properties and arrested him and other residents to Burma Camp.

Damson noted that none of the 247 victims were involved in the killing of the soldier that triggered the attack.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Vivo Ghana in collaboration with HR Focus Africa has launched a project dubbed ‘ShePower’ Project to promote female diversion and inclusion at the workplace.

The project seeks to nurture the future generations of women and girls, empower them to own their growth to enable them take up leadership positions.

The project was on the theme; ‘Creating a Culture of Inclusivity: Together We Rise’ which ties in with the Sustainable Development Goal 5.

Mrs Mercy Amoah, Human Resources Manager, Vivo Energy Ghana, in a speech said the project was to bolster the presence of women in leadership positions, cultivate an inclusive and diverse work environment and empower female employees in their professional journeys.

She added that it would confront, address gender-based biases, stereotypes and obstacles that could impede their career advancement and establish avenues for networking and mentorship.

She said 50 per cent of women fell short in terms of career advancement and picking up leadership positions, therefore th
ere was a need to increase awareness and focus on women inclusivity.

She said some of the initiatives under the project included mentorship sessions, capacity building workshops, career guidance and counseling and leadership programmes aimed at addressing cultural, mindset and behaviour.

Dr Mrs Ellen Hagan, Chief Executive Officer of L’aine Service Limited, said employers should see women fit for certain positions and men should not be seen as solely responsible for some tasks, adding that women were not inferior to such roles.

She said industry players must pave way for women and girls to attain higher levels in their professional ranks to achieve gender equality to be able to attain the Sustainable Development Goal five.

She urged women to walk with knowledge and wisdom and be excellent in their job to create more positive experiences for future women.

She said women should be hungry for leadership positions, ‘if women do not take up leadership positions how do we influence decisions and let men unders
tand how women can do more and better’.

She advised women to aim higher, persevere and change their mind-set and be positive to rise in their ranks.

Mrs Shirley Tony Kum, Corporate Communications Manager, Vivo Ghana in an interview with the media said, looking at the oil and gas sector, women were less and were not willing to pick up leadership roles, therefore there was a need to sensitise and encourage women to be willing to pick up managerial roles at workplace.

She said women and girls must rise across all spectrum from classroom to work to help prevent gender inequality across board.

However, women perceived the energy sector to be a male dominated area which hindered their ability to compete with men. ‘So there must be a strong education to help erase that mentality to help achieve gender equity in the energy sector’.

Speaking about the project, she said it was to encourage women and girls to take Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields in the working sector and pick up positio
ns which were men dominated.

The project was launched to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The National Association of Nzema Students – Ghana (NANS-GH), has unequivocally condemned the recent statements made by Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, Board Chair, Center for Democratic Development (CDD), Ghana, for her assertion that ‘some Nzema culture supports homosexuality.’

According to the Association, such claims were not only misleading but also disrespectful to the deeply rooted cultural values of the Nzema people.

‘Nzema culture, marked by its rich traditions and historical significance, does not support the inaccuracies put forth by Prof. Audrey Gadzekpo’.

This was contained in a press release issued and signed by President of NANS-Ghana, Mr Obed Kofi Lannister and copied to Ghana News Agency at Aiyinasi.

Prof Gadzekpo on March 02,2024 launched a scathing attack on Joy News file that ‘some aspects of Nzema culture support homosexuality.’

The release said ‘our cultural practices are founded on respect, understanding, and a celebration of diversity, and any misrepresentation threatens to erode the
integrity of our identity.’

In the light of this, ‘NANS-GH demands an immediate and unqualified apology from Prof. Audrey Gadzekpo for her misguided comments. ‘We firmly believe that a public acknowledgment of the inaccuracies in her statement is essential to rectify the harm caused by the dissemination of such misinformation.’

The release called on the Nzema traditional rulers to lend their authoritative voices to this matter by publicly denouncing Prof. Gadzekpo’s statement.

It noted that the influence of traditional leaders was instrumental in preserving the sanctity of their cultural heritage, and their support was crucial in ensuring the accurate representation of Nzema values.

‘It is important to note that our condemnation is not an attempt to stifle discourse or limit academic freedom. However, we emphasize the need for responsible and accurate representation, especially when discussing the cultural practices of distinct communities.’

The statement reaffirmed the association’s commitment to foster
ing a climate of inclusivity and respect within their communities.

‘We encourage open dialogue that is grounded in truth and understanding, and we remain vigilant in protecting the reputation and authenticity of Nzema culture,’ the release said.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, the Western Regional Minister, says the region is receiving its fair share of national transformative and development interventions that are shaping the landscape of communities in the area.

He said the government’s commitment to infrastructure projects, economic empowerment, and social interventions was unwavering, and new initiatives were unfolding, laying the groundwork for the region to thrive in all facets of the economy.

He was giving updates on the state of the region, when he addressed the 67th Independence Day parade, held at Sekondi.

The day was celebrated on the theme: ‘Our Democracy Our Pride’.

According to Mr Darko-Mensah, the government had implemented a number of projects that had positively impacted all the sectors of the local economy.

Speaking on education, he stated that since 2017, the government had expanded educational facilities like dining halls, dormitories, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centres, classroom blocks and libraries in
across the various schools in the region.

He said: ‘Notable are the 300 capacity girls dormitory block for Huni Valley Senior High School (SHS) funded by Goldfields Foundation, and 400 capacity girl’s dormitory block at Annor Adjaye SHS funded by Tullow Ghana.

‘There is an ongoing boys dormitory block for Takoradi SHS and girls dormitory block for Methodist SHS, and boys and girls dormitory at Bompeh Secondary Technical School all funded by Tullow Ghana.’

The Regional Minister, however, indicated that there were a number of uncompleted school projects which the government had put measures in place to complete them by end of this year.

In terms of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education, Mr Darko-Mensah noted that the Western Region had benefitted from programmes, where STEM centres had been built in Fijai SHS and Ghana Secondary Technical School.

He said plans were advanced to resource the centres with computers, smart boards and other necessary equipment to facilitate the STEM
programme in the Region.

On the Free SHS, he indicated that the policy increased SHS enrolment from 57, 596 in 2017 to a cumulative figure of 467, 905 in 2023.

The Western Regional Minister said despite the increase in enrolment, the implementation of the Free SHS/ Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) had also improved upon the quality of

education, and that, the government was determined to strengthen the programme to benefit more students.

Touching on local economic development, Mr Darko-Mensah noted that the region had made significant strides in achieving more with regards to the government’s flagship One-District One-Factory (1D1F) policy, saying it was progressively generating income for the people.

According to him, six companies were currently in full operation giving employment to the teeming youth in the region.

They are; KEDA Ceramics Company in Shama, NARUBIZ Company at Dompim, GREL Company in Agona-Nkwanta, GKV Investment Company in Eshiem, Amenfi Farms Limited and Fatala Ghan
a Limited.

On transportation and other infrastructure projects, the Western Regional Minister mentioned the Takoradi Habour Expansion, Western Railway Line Rehabilitation, Western Corridor Gas Infrastructure Development, Western Region Water Supply, Paa Grant Dualization of Sekondi-Takoradi link road, Agona Nkwanta to Tarkwa Road, Takoradi Market Circle and GNPC Operation Headquarters as some of the projects the government had invested in.

Mr Darko-Mensah gave the assurance that the government was committed to completing the Takoradi Market Circle Redevelopment project and other abandoned projects in the region.

‘In the same vein, we are in contact with the Ministry of Roads and Highways to consider the completion of the following priority roads in the region: Takoradi (PTC) Interchange; Takoradi-Agona Nkwanta dual carriage, Apowa-Mpohor, Bawdie-Asankragwa, Bogoso-Prestea, Gwira-Samenyi-Half-Assini, Shama Junction-Shama to Aboadze, Asankragwa to Sefwi-Bekwai and Asankragwa to Sameraboi as well as Watrem to
Adjakamanso,’ he indicated.

Touching on health, he mentioned that pursuant to the Zero Malaria agenda, the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service had unveiled the National Malaria Elimination Plan (NMESP) 2024-2028 with the aim of completely eradicating malaria in Ghana.

On agriculture, he said, the Regional Department of Agriculture was currently implementing the E-Extension, Rearing for Food and Jobs, and the Planting for Food and Jobs Phase Two as part of efforts to improve food security in the country, while creating jobs in the agricultural value chain.

The region would continue to work hard to safeguard agriculture production through the government’s flagship programmes, the Regional Minister said.

On issues of security, Mr Darko-Mensah noted that the region was peaceful and commended the security services for their alertness and professionalism in ensuring the relative serenity the region was enjoying.

He also applauded the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and other
partners for supporting the government to implement sustainable policies meant to bring development in the region.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Tema East Member of Parliament, Mr Isaac Ashai Odamtten, has in collaboration with the Tema Manhean Polyclinic, organised a public forum for residents of Manhean to address their health concerns.

Mr Odamtten said the move was to strengthen ties with the Polyclinic and help improve public health service delivery to the people.

He said the move was also to allow the community members to bring forth their challenges in accessing health care in the area for the health workers to address them accordingly.

He mentioned that as the constituency was developing, the healthcare needs of the people kept expanding; therefore, there was a need to strictly focus on building structures to meet the healthcare needs of the community members.

The MP said the provision of effective and efficient healthcare infrastructure begin with a national policy, which was then decentralised to the community level, adding that low investment from the Government had resulted in limited health facilities in the communities.

He added
that an adequate health workforce was also needed to align with the health demands of the populace and to actualize the full potential of the facility by responding to the community members’ needs.

He said the initiative by former President John Dramani Mahama for the establishment of the Community Health and Planning Services (CHPS) compound, which Tema received several of them was aimed at solving the immediate health needs of the people.

Mr Adamtten said hospitals and special health facilities were also constructed during the period in various districts to handle referral cases from the CHPS compounds.

He called on community members to support the health workers to be able to discharge their duties, even though there were some challenges that the government, district assemblies, and MPs like himself were to address.

The MP explained that the annual release of GHc100,000 from the National Health Insurance Funds to the constituency or metropolis did not come to him but rather was lodged into the coffers
of the Metro Health Directorate.

He said he would, however, liaise with the directorate on what to use the money for, noting that, for instance, some were used to maintain official vehicles and other health-related needs of the directorate.

Mr Odamtten said his office’s contributions to the health sector exceeded what the annual national health insurance funds could provide, adding that Manhean Polyclinic was established over 60 years ago and needed major infrastructure interventions that go beyond the funds.

Dr Sally Quartey, the Director of Health Services, Tema Metropolitan Health Directorate, said the facility had been lifted to a polyclinic status, leading to the expansion of their activities.

She said due to the proximity of the polyclinic to the sea, most of its equipment and infrastructure had been affected by the sea breeze, causing rust and damage to them.

Meanwhile, the MP donated GHC 5,000.00 to the Directorate during the forum to help run the affairs of the facility.

Source: Ghana News Age
ncy

Female journalists and media practitioners have called on society to recognize the contributions and achievements of female journalists and honour them.

‘The time has come for the Government and other key stakeholders to recognise and honour female journalists for their roles in the challenging media landscape of the country,’ the journalists stressed.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi on the International Women’s Day and the work of a female journalist, the women said female media practitioners were playing frontal roles in shaping society and needed to be recognized, especially during women’s day celebrations.

They also stressed the need to address the biases and stereotype against all women at all levels of life from childhood to adulthood,

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day Celebration is: ‘Invest in Women; Accelerate Progress.’

Ms. Akua Afriyie, a reporter with an online news portal, said there must be positive change and advancement in the lives of women in the media cir
cles.

This is because, they work as harder as their male counterparts, and they must be allowed to undertake more challenging work in the industry.

She said through programmes and grants, women journalists must be empowered with training opportunities and be supported to become leaders in the media industry.

She added that investing in women was the best way in solving most global crisis.

Ms Gina Ankumah, Chief Journalist, at a television station pointed out that investing in women would help realise the gender equality dividend for all in society,

She said women journalists had played significant roles in the media industry and had helped brought a more diverse and inclusive media landscape and this needed to be recognized.

Ms. Ewurama Addo, a journalist with a radio station at Takoradi, said innovative approaches must be explored to finance women’s economic justice and rights, to help eradicate poverty among women.

‘Women journalists work hard but most of them are poorly remunerated.

‘We start work
from dawn to dusk but are always financially constrained’, she pointed out.

Women in the media face the same threats as their male counterparts.

Additionally, they experience gender inequalities and safety issues as well as underrepresentation.

The ladies called on the government to help these brilliant women in journalism thrive in which ever ways they desired.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region has urged the public to invest in women for their safety and economic development.

This, they said, would help improve the progress and inspiration for inclusiveness in all sectors as well as recognising the important contributions of women in society.

Madam Linna Elinam Bensah, the NCCE Director at Keta, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency to commemorate this year’s ‘World International Women’s Day,’ said the day, which is celebrated on March 8 every year, was aimed at giving women hope and the recognition to understand their values.

‘Women need protection for their safety and encouragement to inspire them to become self-reliant,’ she stated.

Madam Bensah further indicated that the day was set aside to give women the needed recognition for their achievements regardless of nationality, linguistic, ethnicity, cultural, economic, political, and others.

Madam Bensah appealed to the public to provide an eq
ual environment and investment to women in the areas of training, treatment, and opportunity to spark gender equality in societies.

‘Am happy the dimensions in gender balance are changing gradually over the years, and societies are now producing women who are presidents, army commanders, Vice-Chancellors, heads of institutions among others,’ she said.

Madam Bensah further explained that women’s safety and economic empowerment devoid of bias, discrimination, and others would create a healthy environment for equal collective decision-making.

She appealed to individuals, corporate organisations and institutions to inculcate into women the hope and courage to take various leadership roles that could impact the development of various communities.

Madam Bensah also charged women to avail themselves of leadership positions to take on the mantle of gender balance.

This year’s World International Women’s Day celebration is on the theme: ‘Investing in Women: Accelerate Progress.’

Source: Ghana News Agency