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VC calls for huge investment in teachers  .

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Professor Daniels Obeng-Ofori, the Vice-Chancellor of the Catholic University of Ghana has called for huge investments in the professional development of teachers as the nation advances in Science, Technology, Engineering and Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education.

He said teachers needed comprehensive and continuous training to be innovative enough in teaching methodologies and handle STEAM education effectively.
Professor Obeng-Ofori made the call when addressing the Second Special Congregation of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani.

It was on the theme “Empowering future leaders through STEAM education,” and the event saw the graduation of 373 students, comprising 254 males and 119 females.

They had successfully completed their studies and received their respective qualifications and 289 of them obtained undergraduate degrees, 55 awarded advanced degrees in the postgraduate and 32 obtaining Diplomas.

Prof. Obeng-Ofori explained that STEAM education enriched learning experiences, fostered creativity, innovation, communication skills and interdisciplinary connections.

However, he mentioned limited resources, lack of qualified teachers, gender, and socio-economic disparities as well as insufficient practical learning opportunities as some of the challenges which ought to be tackled to advance the study of STEAM in the country.

Prof Obeng-Ofori said on-going efforts including promoting gender equality, provision of scholarships, mentorship programmes and awareness creation were in the right direction to address such challenges.

He called for effective collaboration between the government, educational institutions, and the industry, saying that was essential in creating synergy to drive progress.

By forming partnerships, these entities could leverage each other’s expertise and resources to shape a robust STEAM education ecosystem.
Madam Justina Owusu Banahene, the Bono Regional Minister said the government

remained committed to supporting the growth and development of educational institutions in the country.

She said the government recognised the critical role Universities played in the socio-economic development of the nation and would continue to ensure that the teaching and learning environment of these institutions were improved for academic excellence.

Madam Owusu-Banahene said the government was commitment to enhance STEAM education to build a better, self-reliant, innovative, and competitive country with others globally.

Prof. Asare-Bediako, the Vice Chancellor of UENR, urged the faculty, researchers, and students to enhance their involvement in the study of STEAM by utilising interdisciplinary approaches towards driving impactful research and real-world applications.
He stressed the need for a strong commitment to nurturing a culture of innovation and collaboration and ensuring that their contributions to STEAM education had a lasting impact on societies.

He gave highlights of some achievements of the students, saying three teams of the University secured US$75,000 start-up capital at the 2024 KIC Agritech Pro Final.
Eight students also participated in the ERASMUS plus exchange programme at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava.

Mr Osei Kofi Fosu, a fourth-year Agribusiness student, won the Agrihouse Foundation Bootcamp Competition and received GHC 75,000 to establish a cutting-edge input dealer business at Dormaa-Ahenkro in the Bono Region.

Swedruman Council honours R &B Farms CEO for meritorious services to humanity.

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The Swedruman Council of Chiefs has honoured the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of R& B Farms, Mr Richard Ekow Quansah for his selfless, meritorious and dedication services to Agonaman general development.


According to the Council, Mr Ekow Quansah’s services for the entire Agonaman have been tremendous, touching many lives in the Agona West Municipality and beyond.


Presenting the citation during the 2024 Akwambo festival celebration at Swedru, Nana Kweku Esieni V, Regent of the town said the R&B Farms CEO deserved to be honoured because he had demonstrated commitment in the provision of education, health, social services and job creation for the youth in the Municipality.


According to Nana Esieni, the CEO single handedly sponsored almost the entire final funeral rites of the late Nana Kobena Asiedu Botwe II, Chief of Agona Swedru in 2022.


Nana Esieni, said Mr Quansah also donated two patients monitor machines and three incubator machines worth 30,000 US dollars to the Swedru Municipal government hospital to complement the efforts of doctors and nurses of the facility to deliver quality healthcare.


The Regent said the high profile personality of Agona Swedru had given more opportunities for the youth to be engaged in his companies throughout the country to create jobs and wealth.


The Swedruman Council of chiefs further presented similar citations to many Agonaman citizens who have contributed their quota in diverse ways to ensure rapid development of the Municipality.


Mr Raphe Botchwey, a Contractor, received on behalf of Mr Quansah and commended the Council of chiefs for recognising the invaluable contributions by Mr Quansah towards human and economic transformation of the Area.


Mr Botchwey said he grew up together with the CEO at Dwenho , a community in Swedru and that becoming a successful entrepreneur did not come easy, but through dint of hard work and sacrifices.
He therefore admonished the youth not to rush in life but strive hard to attain higher education and those choosing businesses, seek help to make it in life.

SSNIT launches Mobile Service Week to drive informal sector participation.

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The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has launched the 2024 SSNIT Mobile Service (SMS) Week, calling on all workers to sign on to the scheme to secure their future.


It urged traders, market women, entrepreneurs, and other workers in the informal sector to sign up on the scheme.


The SMS Week seeks to take service delivery to the doorsteps of clients, particularly with the aim of ramping up the number of self-employed people on the scheme.


The Trust has deployed 76 mobile teams to designated locations across the country to support to customers in all ways including registering employers, issuing statement of accounts, merging SSNIT and National Ghana Card numbers of members, and reactivating accounts.


This year’s SMS Week is on the theme: “Sign up with SSNIT today for a pension that pays you as long as you live.”
The SSNIT Digital Bouquet comprising the SSNIT Mobile App, an upgraded website and portal, and an upgraded USSD platform was concurrently launched to enhance the quality of service delivered to customers.


The digital tools are expected to enable members and clients transact business with the Trust through their mobile devices with convenience and easy access to virtually every service.
Mr Kofi Bosompem Osafo-Maafo, the Director-General of SSNIT, cautioned that old age, invalidity, and death did not discriminate and, therefore, it was imperative to enrol on the scheme against such eventualities.
He noted with concern that while 60 per cent of 3.2 million formal sector workers were covered under the SSNIT scheme, only 3.2 per cent (100,000) of the 3.1 million qualified informal sector workers were on the scheme.


He said the number was an improvement upon that of last year, but it remained insignificant and implored every working member of the public to join the scheme irrespective of their job or earnings provided they were not above the age of 45.


“To those of you running your own businesses, you can choose a future that is dignified and self-reliant. We urge you not to wait until it is too late because with the SSNIT Scheme, every month of contribution matters,” he stated.


Mr Maafo said the SSNIT scheme provided better value than securing long-term investments such as treasury bills, adding that monthly pensions were increased annually to help maintain the purchasing power of pensioners.


“The Trust pays old age pension for life, even beyond 100 years; it does not matter how long you live. SSNIT will continue to pay you pension, provided you have contributed for at least 15 years,” he noted.
He indicated that the Trust paid some GHS3.2 billion to beneficiaries from January to June this year alone.
The Director-General assured the public of the Trust’s commitment to managing the monies prudently to maximise the returns and ensure the scheme remained robust for future generations.
Touching on the new digital tools, he entreated all stakeholders to leverage the platforms to enjoy the convenience and speed that SSNIT provided.


Mrs Justina Marigold Assan, the Central Regional Minister, in a statement delivered on her behalf advised the public relying on relatives to cater for them in difficult times to stop because they could be disappointed.


She urged SSNIT to engage the media as well as community information centres to get more people to join the scheme.
She also entre

ated the clergy to offer education on the scheme to their congregations during their sermons to further the drive.

Legatum Center at MIT Successfully Concludes Bootcamp for Early-Stage Innovators in Ghana.

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The Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at MIT has successfully concluded its intensive bootcamp for early-stage innovators in Ghana.  

The three-day programme, in partnership with the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), the Ghana Hubs Network (GHN), The She Hub Ghana and with support of the Mastercard Foundation, equipped 25 promising Ghanaian ventures with the skills and tools necessary to propel their businesses forward.  

“This bootcamp provided a valuable platform for Ghanaian entrepreneurs to gain critical insights and strategies for navigating the unique challenges and opportunities presented by growth markets,” said Dina H. Sherif, Executive Director of the Legatum Center.   

“Through interactive workshops led by MIT faculty, experienced entrepreneurs, and industry experts, participants honed their value propositions, refined their business models, and developed strong leadership skills—all essential ingredients for achieving sustainable growth.”  

The bootcamp’s curriculum, characterized by the integration of the Center’s own growth market case studies with cutting-edge theory, covered topics such as design thinking, product-market fit, systems change entrepreneurship, and market-creating innovation.  

Participants also gained practical tools for crafting a strong and scalable business model. The final day focused on developing effective leadership skills, crafting compelling narratives, and building strategic partnerships.  

“The Legatum Center Bootcamp was a game-changer! After three businesses, I finally have the clarity to build something truly groundbreaking,” said Charity Dzidedi Ofosuhene, Founder of Black Tech Lead.  

“The structured knowledge and incredible network are invaluable. Huge thanks to the Legatum Center, the Ghana Enterprises Agency, and Ghana Hubs Network for this amazing opportunity.”  

Recognizing the critical role of partnerships in delivering impactful bootcamps, the Legatum Center acknowledges the invaluable support of GEA and GHN, for creating a welcoming environment for the participating innovators. “The Legatum Center Bootcamp aligns perfectly with GEA’s mandate to empower Ghanaian businesses and equip them with the tools they need to thrive,” Mrs. Kosi Yankey-Ayeh, CEO at the Ghana Enterprises Agency.  

“We are proud to partner with the Legatum Center and GHN to cultivate a vibrant innovation scene in Ghana. This bootcamp provided a valuable platform for early-stage ventures to gain the knowledge and connections necessary to contribute to our nation’s economic growth.”  

The Legatum Center remains committed to fostering a thriving ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa.  

Bootcamp participants now join a community of thousands of innovators, change agents, and ecosystem players across the continent connected through the Legatum Center and its programme partners.  

Jupitar to showcase musical ingenuity with ‘Young Mason’ EP.

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Ghanaian Afro-dancehall artiste Jupitar is set to release another groundbreaking Extended Play (EP) titled ‘Young Mason’ in September 2024.

Following the success of his album ‘The One’ a few years ago, the multiple-award-winning singer is ready to delight music fans with a new collection of songs.  

The multi-genre EP features explosive masterpieces from Afrobeats, Reggae, and Dancehall music, as well as very inspirational tracks from Jupitar.  

In an interview with GNA Entertainment, Jupitar emphasised his excitement for the upcoming release, which is expected to debut in September.  

“My fans have been craving this music project, and I am thrilled to announce its release in September, and they should highly anticipate some good music.

“The EP is a story of my music career as I reflect on a journey that demonstrates hard work and dedication. The term ‘Young Mason’ represents a young builder, echoing how far we have come,” he said.

The upcoming ‘Young Mason’ is expected to feature some top collaborations including Ghanaian musical talents.

Jupitar has had a stellar music career spanning over two decades and has featured on some top musical stages around the world, including the International Arts Festival in the USA and the Sting Music Festival in Jamaica.

International Youth Day: Hope for Future Generation calls for investment in digital infrastructure.

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Hope for Future Generation, a non-government organization with focus on youth development and health, has called on the government and international organisations to invest in digital infrastructure for affordable and reliable Internet connectivity.

Digital infrastructure, the Organisation stated, promoted digital literacy through programmes that equipped youth with the necessary skills to navigate and utilise digital technologies effectively.

This is in a statement from the NGO issued to the Ghana News Agency to mark International Youth Day on August 12.

It is on the theme “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.”

“Supporting youth-led initiatives by providing funding and resources for projects that leverage digital tools to address Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), cultivate leadership, tackle unemployment and critical issues that affect young people is equally important,” it said.

The statement called on all to commit to fostering inclusive policies that bridged the digital divide and protected the rights of young people in the digital space.

By recognising and supporting the contributions of youth in digital transformation, the country could create a more equitable and sustainable future.

That, would help harness the power of digitalisation to accelerate progress towards the SDGs and ensuring that no young person was left behind.

This year’s theme highlights the transformative potential of digitalisation and the critical contributions of youth leadership in addressing global challenges.

 It said there had been an immense increase of young people leveraging digital tools for research to deepen their knowledge in leadership. 

The statement said webinars, virtual conferences, and collaborative learning enhanced the skills and confidence of the youth, fostering meaningful participation and equipping them for leadership roles. 

Digital empowerment, it said, equipped them to actively participate in decision-making processes, driving positive change in their communities and beyond.

Reserach reveals that many young people, particularly in low-resource settings, lack access to the internet, smartphones, and digital literacy.

This digital divide marginalises them, preventing their full participation in the digital economy and hindering their ability to leverage these tools for personal and community development. 

Addressing digital exclusion, the statement said it was imperative to ensure that all young people, regardless of their status could contribute to and benefit from the digital transformation.

Hope for Future Generationhas worked in Ghana with over 23 years’ experience in health and socioeconomic development.

The Organisation priorities the youth as significant actors of leveraging digital tools to foster sustainable development. 

Campaign on drowning prevention awareness among school children gets result.

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A recent pilot educational campaign at Weweso Primary School in Kumasi, in Ghana’s Ashanti region, has successfully raised awareness about water safety and drowning prevention among school children aged five to 14 years and their teachers/caregivers. 

Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury deaths globally, with about 236,000 drowning deaths occurring yearly.  

In Ghana, an estimated 1,360 drowning deaths occur annually, with children and young adults being the most affected groups.  

Despite its severity, drowning remains a neglected public health concern in Ghana and many other countries worldwide. 

The campaign, an initiative of the Emerging Leaders in Drowning Prevention Programme, was conducted with training from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) and funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies.  

It aimed to raise awareness about drowning risks, promote safe water practices, and pave the way for future drowning prevention interventions. 

Participants demonstrated an improved understanding of the specific dangers associated with different water bodies, potential drowning locations, and risky behaviours that can lead to drowning incidents.  

Children and teachers now better understand the importance of active adult supervision, wearing life jackets, acquiring swimming skills, and using the buddy system around water.  

The campaign successfully increased awareness of drowning prevention, addressed misconceptions, improved supervision of children, and encouraged responsible behaviour around water bodies. 

Participants showed a significant mindset shift, recognizing the role of risky behaviours in causing drownings. 

Following the success of the campaign, it is recommended that it be replicated across different regions of Ghana for wider coverage and long-term impact.  

Further recommendations include involving parents, communities, and relevant stakeholders, seeking partnerships to equip children with swimming skills, and incorporating drowning prevention education into the national school curriculum. 

The drowning prevention educational campaign was designed to enhance water safety knowledge among children and educators, promoting safer practices and reducing drowning incidents.  

This initiative reflects a commitment to safeguarding the well-being of children and fostering a safer community. 

Tobinco Pharmaceuticals wins court case over fake drugs importation.

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Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited (TPL)has won a court case againstFood and Drugs Authority (FDA) over accusations of importation of fake drugs into the country. 

An Accra High Court, presided over by Her Ladyship, Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, exonerated the Company in a ruling dated July 29, 2024, contrary to claims of wrongdoing by then Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Dr. Stephen KwabenaOpuni. 

A statement released by the Corporate Affairs of the pharmaceutical company, said, “Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited (TPL) and its Group Chairman, Mr Samuel AmoTobbin, never imported fake drugs into the country, contrary to claims by former Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Dr. Stephen KwabenaOpuni, a court ruling has declared.”

Between September and December 2013, Dr. Opuni, reported Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited and its CEO Mr Samuel AmoTobbin to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and caused the latter’s arrest on the premise that the Company had imported fake drugs. 

The Opuni-led FDA proceeded to lock warehouses belonging to the Company across the country with the closure of the warehouses leading to a rapid expiration of the Company’s products.

The FDA also banned Bliss GVS Pharma Limited, the then principal business partner of Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Ltd from importing drugs into Ghana and labelled stored drugs as fake, leading to the confiscation of the drugs from customers.

Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited in proving its innocence commenceda legal action against the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) on July 19, 2019, for abuse of statutory powers and duties and prayed the court for damages.

The court, in its ruling,asserted that Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Ltd did not import fake drugs into the Ghanaian market.

It also affirmed that the acts of the FDA and its Chief Executive Officer at the time, constituted misfeasance of a public office- an abuse of the FDA’s statutory powers and duties.

The Court also confirmed that because the Company was fined after some of its drugs had expired in terms of registration, the FDA, led by Dr. Opuni, failed or refused to register the drugs that had not expired in terms of registration.

It upheld that the FDA’s former CEO, Dr. Opuni, targeted the Company without any reason, as his departure led to the registration of the drugs.

Again, the Court acknowledged the coercion of MrTobbin and the Director of Bliss GVS Pharma, Mr. Kamath, to sign the “so-called” confession statements.

The Court again explained that a review of both documents confirmed that the wording was the same, with the only differences being the letterhead, names and signatures of the signatories.

Mr Samuel AmoTobbin, in a response to the ruling, said: “It is a positive feeling anda welcome news for a court of competent jurisdiction to affirm my innocence. It’s a very great feeling.”

He said Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Ltd had always produced and marketed its drugs professionally to its valued Ghanaian and African customers, and would never endanger their health, adding that the Company would continue to produce quality drugs and other medical supplies to promote quality healthcare.

Cocoa Farmers’ Pension Scheme to kick off in Assin enclave.

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The Cocoa Farmers’ Pension Scheme (CFPS)will soon kick off at AssinFoso, AssinBereku and New Edubiase to allow cocoa farmers enjoy the benefits for decent living after retirement.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo launched the CFPS in December 22020, aimedatguaranteeing decent pension for cocoa farmers in Ghana to have a good living standard after pension.

Mr David Asare Oduro, the Cooperate Affairs Manager of Ghana COCOBOD, said the scheme was a 36-year-old provision in section 26 of the Ghana Cocoa Board Law 1984 (PNDC L.81) which mandated Organisationtoset up contributory insurance for cocoa farmers.

At a meeting with cocoa farmers in the Assin enclave to further explain the CFPS to them, he said the scheme required that five per cent of every sale of beans be deducted and transferred into the pension account for the government to add one per cent to itas its contribution.

For age, he noted that older people who will be enrolled could decide to opt out after five years and young cocoa farmers at age 55 or decide to remain on the scheme and retire later.

The scheme, he statedwouldbe operated by the purchasing clerks and regulated by a 10-member Board of Trustees, including four cocoa farmers in cocoa growing districts.

He asked farmers to cooperate with the officers from COCOBOD who had been tasked to collect their data for Cocoa Management System (CMS), to get a robust database of all cocoa farmers in the country for effective tracking of their contributions.

He said the CMS, facilitate the prompt payment of claims to beneficiary farmers and entreated all cocoa farmers to sign on to the scheme to enjoy the full sets of benefits it offered.

Mr Stephen Kissi, a cocoa farmer, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency said, the CFPS wasgood news as they would also enjoy the same privilege as government workers did.

Another cocoa farmer, Mrs Akosua Manua appealedto all cocoa farmers to get on board to also enjoy the benefits government had introduced.

Good Neighbours Donate condoms to GHS.

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Good Neighbours Ghana, an NGO on Friday donated 69 cartoons of condom to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to compliment effort to reduce Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV among the public.

The gesture also aims to encourage family planning among the youth to reduce teenage pregnancy

MrNamun Heo, Country Director, Good Neighbours Ghana, said the donation was part of Good Neighbours works to make the world a safe place where people live in harmony.

“We are supporting over 50 countries worldwide and 16 countries in Africa in all sectors to ensure quality of life for all,” he said.

Dr Anthony Adofo Ofosu, Deputy Director General of the Ghana Health Service thanked Good Neighbours and said the condoms will supplement the GHS commodity security given the fact that condoms play a dual role in prevention and protection from STIs and HIV.

He said recent data from the Ghana AIDS Commission showed that new HIV infections were on the rise, yet condom utilization among the youth is quite low and this is an issue of national concern.

He said the GHS will ensure that the commodities get to the people who need them to protect themselves.

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