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Plan International Ghana presents farm implements, business support items to women groups 

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Tamale, Feb. 4, GNA – Farm implements, business support items, and educational materials have been presented to some women’s groups in the Kumbungu and Tolon Districts of the Northern Region as part of efforts to empower them through sustainable entrepreneurship and community development. 

The items included polytanks, tricycles, deep freezers, grinding mills, soya planters, threshers, galvanised chain links, metal poles, Learning through Play Materials for children in the project communities 

The rest were wellington boots, sets of smart television, personal protective equipment for honey producers, knapsack sprayers, gas cylinders, soya and snail dryers, packaging materials for snails, and honey. 

The items were presented by Plan International Ghana in partnership with the Women Integrated Development Organisation, and Urbanet with funding support from the Global Affairs Canada. 

It formed part of Women’s Innovation for Sustainable Enterprises (WISE) project and the beneficiaries were the project’s mentees, selected saving groups, and safe spaces. 

The presentation formed part of activities to end the WISE project, which is a five-year initiative implemented in Northern, Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo regions 

Mr Gbana Sulemana, Northern Programme Influencing and Impact Area Manager, Plan International Ghana, speaking during the presentation of the items to the beneficiaries in Tamale, said it formed part of efforts to improve women’s agency and economic empowerment. 

The WISE project seeks to improve women’s agency to exercise decisions regarding their participation in economic growth and increased productivity, profitability and innovation of women-owned businesses. 

Mr Sulemana said 12,641 women benefited directly from the project with 4,046 receiving targeted support for agricultural and green business activities. 

He said, “The items we are handing over to you are not just tools; they are symbols of your potential and the bright future that lies ahead.” 

He said the project had led to growth in productivity, profitability, and innovation amongst women-owned businesses, adding it had seen women take their decisions with confidence and authority. 

Madam Bridgette Sheini, Head, Kumbungu District Business Advisory Centre of the Ghana Enterprises Agency, commended Plan International Ghana and partners for championing women’s economic growth and development. 

She pledged to facilitate periodic supervision of the beneficiaries to ensure the sustainability of the project in the district. 

Madam Gifty Adam, a resident of Chanzegu in the Kumbungu District and beneficiary of the project, thanked Plan International Ghana and partners for the support and expressed her readiness to put the tools to good use. 

Northern Regional Minister urges groups to work together for development  

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Mr Ali Adolf John, Northern Regional Minister, has urged all interest groups in the region to put aside their political, religious and ethnic differences and work together for the accelerated development of the area. 

He assured the groups of his commitment to collaborate with all, including youth, civil society organisations and traditional authorities to promote sustainable socio-economic development of the region. 

Mr John said this on Monday whilst addressing the press at the Northern Regional Coordinating Council in Tamale to mark his first official day at work after being sworn into office by the President. 

He touched on peaceful coexistence, saying he would engage with the traditional authorities and security agencies to come out with measures to prevent violence and ethnic conflicts in the region. 

He said, “Let me send a warning signal to any individual or group of people, who will want to cause mayhem in the region to desist from such evil intentions because my administration will not tolerate such activities.” 

He spoke about addressing youth unemployment, saying he would engage master crafts men to facilitate apprenticeship programmes and entrepreneurship skills trainings to empower the youth with self-employable skills. 

Mr John said, “As I indicated during my vetting concerning our youth migrating to the south, I will work to ensure that the region is attractive enough to motivate them to stay and work towards the overall development of the region.” 

He touched on the perennial water shortage in the Tamale Metropolis and other parts of the region, assuring that it would be one of his major priorities to ensure adequate water supply in the region. 

Plan International Ghana presents farm implements, business support items to women groups

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Editor
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Farm implements, business support items, and educational materials have been presented to some women’s groups in the Kumbungu and Tolon Districts of the Northern Region as part of efforts to empower them through sustainable entrepreneurship and community development. 

The items included polytanks, tricycles, deep freezers, grinding mills, soya planters, threshers, galvanised chain links, metal poles, Learning through Play Materials for children in the project communities 

The rest were wellington boots, sets of smart television, personal protective equipment for honey producers, knapsack sprayers, gas cylinders, soya and snail dryers, packaging materials for snails, and honey. 

The items were presented by Plan International Ghana in partnership with the Women Integrated Development Organisation, and Urbanet with funding support from the Global Affairs Canada. 

It formed part of Women’s Innovation for Sustainable Enterprises (WISE) project and the beneficiaries were the project’s mentees, selected saving groups, and safe spaces. 

The presentation formed part of activities to end the WISE project, which is a five-year initiative implemented in Northern, Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo regions 

Mr Gbana Sulemana, Northern Programme Influencing and Impact Area Manager, Plan International Ghana, speaking during the presentation of the items to the beneficiaries in Tamale, said it formed part of efforts to improve women’s agency and economic empowerment. 

The WISE project seeks to improve women’s agency to exercise decisions regarding their participation in economic growth and increased productivity, profitability and innovation of women-owned businesses. 

Mr Sulemana said 12,641 women benefited directly from the project with 4,046 receiving targeted support for agricultural and green business activities. 

He said, “The items we are handing over to you are not just tools; they are symbols of your potential and the bright future that lies ahead.” 

He said the project had led to growth in productivity, profitability, and innovation amongst women-owned businesses, adding it had seen women take their decisions with confidence and authority. 

Madam Bridgette Sheini, Head, Kumbungu District Business Advisory Centre of the Ghana Enterprises Agency, commended Plan International Ghana and partners for championing women’s economic growth and development. 

She pledged to facilitate periodic supervision of the beneficiaries to ensure the sustainability of the project in the district. 

Madam Gifty Adam, a resident of Chanzegu in the Kumbungu District and beneficiary of the project, thanked Plan International Ghana and partners for the support and expressed her readiness to put the tools to good use. 

MTN Ghana CEO highlights role of digital connectivity in realising Africa’s single market  

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Mr Stephen Blewett, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, has highlighted the crucial role of digital connectivity in realising Africa’s vision of a single market.  

He emphasised that discussions about Africa’s economic integration would be meaningless without significant investment in digital infrastructure and connectivity. 

Mr Blewett, in view of that, indicated that MTN, as Africa’s leading telecommunications provider, was proud to play a pivotal role in advancing digital access, integration and economic inclusion as the continent worked towards achieving prosperity. 

Mr Blewett said this while addressing policymakers, industry leaders, and key stakeholders from across the African continent during this year’s edition of the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD), held in Accra. 

The APD is an annual platform that convenes Africa’s leadership from both the public and private sectors to engage, forge partnerships and commit to accelerating the creation of the continent’s single market as enshrined in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement for a prosperous Africa.  

APD provides the space for Africa’s political and business leaders to work closely together to shape, drive, and deepen intra-African trade and investments to achieve the full implementation of the AfCFTA. 

Mr Blewett said, “At MTN Ghana and the MTN family, we are particularly excited about these important conversations and are proud to play a pivotal role as Africa’s leading telecommunication provider. This is because all the discussions of delivering Africa’s single market will come to naught without investing in connectivity and integration. Digital access, internet connectivity, digital literacy and skills, as well as promotion of E-commerce, mobile banking and a host of others are central to our vision for Africa.” 

He said MTN’s commitment to digital transformation aligned with the company’s Ambition 2025 strategy, which aimed to accelerate economic and social progress through cutting-edge telecommunications solutions.  

He said by investing in digital infrastructure, the company sought to enhance cross-border trade, financial inclusion and access to technology that would enable African businesses and individuals to thrive. 

He emphasised that “As a brand that is at the heart of harnessing Africa’s potential, this platform presents a fine opportunity for MTN to position itself as a valued partner in Africa’s progress, steering critical conversations and shaping our future.” 

MTN Ghana, through its extensive investments in mobile connectivity and digital solutions, has been a key enabler of economic growth and financial inclusion.  

The company continues to bridge the digital divide by expanding access to high-speed internet and mobile money solutions ensuring that businesses and individuals, regardless of their location, are connected to opportunities. 

Mr Blewett underscored the importance of overcoming Africa’s historical challenges and shifting the narrative towards innovation, youth empowerment and economic resilience. 

He urged leaders across various sectors to work together in the spirit of Pan-African cooperation to shape the continent’s narrative and seize emerging opportunities. 

He said, “When I think of these things, I am always reminded that our time is now. It’s a time of action, and we need to remember that we need to move forward with that mindset. Together, in the true spirit of Pan-African cooperation, we can control and shape our narrative, and I’m confident that we will seize the opportunities for our continent,” he stated. 

Nana Akosua Gyamfiaba II ready to take up Council of State Western Region Slot  

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Takoradi, Feb. 4, GNA-Nana Akosua Gyamfiaba II, the Acting Paramount Queen mother of the Shama Traditional Council, says she is committed to driving positive change in the Western Region if elected a member of the Council of State. 

She also pledged to advocate regional development by championing projects and policies that focused on critical areas such as infrastructure development, education, and healthcare. 

Nana Akosua Gyamfiaba II, the Queen Mother of the Nyankrom Community in the Shama District, shared her vision to becoming the Council of State member for the region in an interview with the Ghana News Agency.  

She pledged to offer expert advice and support to the President and other government officials on regional issues, leveraging on her knowledge and experience. 

Nana Akosua Gyamfiaba II stressed the need for effective collaboration with traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to understand their concerns and priorities, ensuring inclusive decision-making. 

She said addressing regional-based challenges would be her focus, adding that she would work tirelessly to bring attention to pressing regional issues such as poverty, education, and healthcare to find sustainable solutions to the challenges. 

“My vision is to also entrench the cultural heritage while, fostering entrepreneurial and other investment initiatives aimed to create a lasting positive impact on the Western Region and contribute to Ghana’s overall development, she added. 

Nana Akosua Gyamfiaba II is the acting paramount queen mother of the Shama Traditional Council. Known in private life as Ms Linda Bartrop-Sackey, Nana Akosua Gyamfiaba is a native of Nyankrom near Shama.  

Born on the 19th of April, 1963, at Cape Coast to the late Mr Alfred T. R. Bartrop-Sackey (public servant, secretary to the Central Regional House of Chiefs) and Mrs Magdalene Bristowe Bartrop-Sackey, a fashion designer and homemaker.  

She began her basic education in cape coast, shuttling through four different basic schools in the Cape Coast district – Mensah Sarbah Primary School, Wesley Girls Primary School, Pedu DC Primary and Albert Sam Memorial Preparatory School. 

 She continued to the University Practice Secondary School and graduated with GCE ordinary level certificate from Technology secondary school (KNUST)in Kumasi. 

Having pursued a career in administration and secretaryship, she completed her studies at Takoradi Technical University, formerly Takoradi Polytechnic. With her profession in administration, she worked with several companies and agencies in Accra. With her entrepreneurial and managerial skills, she set up her own private companies and shops. She is the CEO of Nana Akosua Gyamfiaba Foundation. 

As the queen mother of Nyankrom and the acting Paramount Queen mother, she had carried out her role with passion, dedication and commitment, earning her the accolades “affable nanahemaa” and “unprecedented queen mother “. 

The community has benefitted immensely with her studies and background in chieftaincy studies; leadership and management, developmental projects and youth empowerment programmes.  

To broaden her horizon in what she sees as the mining, oil and gas and its attendant effects on the environment she undertook training on women empowerment. 

Her versatility has made her the face of the Traditional Councils as she acts as its paramount queenmother.  

Her passion for advocacy, girls’ empowerment, youth development and community welfare is unparalleled. 

 She has served on many boards, and committees and pioneered projects and celebrations which has placed her community on the map.  

Upper West NDC shows women DCE aspirants “red card”

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The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has shown women Municipal and District Chief Executive (DCE) aspirants in the Upper West Region “red card” after the shortlisted over 160 aspirants in the region.

A total of eight females out of 165 aspirants in the region filed to be considered for the MDCE positions in five districts and municipalities.

They were; Mary Haruna and Millicent Zuuri in the Nadowli-Kaleo District; Mary Zimaal and Cecilia Soyelleh, Lawra Municipal; Pognaa Cecilia Tier, Nandom Municipal; Mercy Bisunkaana Nyame and Helen Tanlugu, Sissala East Municipal; and Basi Braimah Mumuni, Sissala West District.

However, the shortlisted aspirants in the region released by the NDC in a statement signed by Charles Lwanga Puozuing (Esq), the party’s Regional Secretary, indicated that all the three aspirants selected from each district for onward submission to the Presidency for selection were males.

That followed a four-day rigorous vetting process for all the 165 aspirants in the region by a ten-member team constituted by the party.

Meanwhile, the NDC, in its 2024 election manifesto, said it will “mandate a minimum 30 per cent quota for women in all political appointments.”

Professor Robert Yennah, the Chairperson of EODF In Action, a gender-sensitive organisation, expressed concern about the decision of the vetting committee to exclude females from the shortlisted aspirants especially since the NDC had a target for women representation in its government.

He said the target should not only be applied to ministerial appointments but all appointments in the country including regional and district levels.

“Those in charge of the appointments should take a second look at that (the shortlisted aspirants) and ensure that women also have a place in our politics.

At least, when it (the shortlisted aspirants) goes to the Presidency, this kind of lopsided situation should be questioned and rectified,” Prof. Yennah stated.

Considering the country’s quest to achieve gender parity by 2030 as provided by the Affirmative Action and Gender Equity Act, 2024 (Act 1121), one would have thought that the vetting committee would have considered competent women who had expressed interest in heading some District and Municipal Assemblies in the region.

President John Dramani Mahama had exhibited a commitment to involving competent women in his government with the appointment of women into key positions within his government.

With Ghana’s Vice President also being a woman (Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang), the vetting committee and leadership of the NDC in the Upper West Region should have taken a cue to consider competent women who had presented themselves for the MDCE positions.

Traditional Council sympathizes with Otomfour Osei Tutu II, Kumasi Asante Kotoko FC 

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The Nsoatre Traditional Council in the Bono Region has sympathized with the deceased family, the Kumasi Asante Football Club (FC) and Asantehene Otomfour Osei Tutu II over the death of the club’s passionate supporter. 
 
It condemned the uncouth “behaviour of some of the football fans that led to the untimely death of an ardent supporter of Kumasi Asante Kotoko FC”, describing the death of the fan as unfortunate and unacceptable. 
 
The deceased identified as Francis Frimpong, popularly known as ‘Pooley’ was allegedly stabbed to death during the ‘match day 19’ of the premier league encounter between Kumasi Asante Kotoko FC and the Nsoatreman FC at the Professor Amoah Koromansah II stadium at Nsoatre. 
 
Police have since arrested and detained three suspects, including Mr Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, the owner and financier of the club and also the former Minister of Employment and Labour Relations in connection with the crime. 
 
Addressing a news conference at Nsoatre in the Sunyani West Municipality, Nana Hinneh Marfo, the Dabehene (sub-chief) of the Traditional Council said: “it is sad that this unfortunate behaviour happened on the stool land of Nsoatre which we see as unfortunate due to the cordial relationship between Nsoatreman and Asanteman dating back to 1740”. 
 
He expressed the condolences of the chiefs and people of Nsoatre to the Asanteman and the Asantehene Otumfour Osei Tutu II, as well as the widow of the deceased. 
 
“The Nsoatre Traditional Council see football as a game that should unite families, villages, towns, cities and countries but what happened yesterday is a disgrace to all football lovers”, Nana Marfo stated, and gave the assurance that the traditional council would do “everything within its means to uncover the perpetrators to face the laws of the country.” 
 
“We want to assure all peace loving citizens that Nsoatre is a peaceful town and the chiefs would not superintend any unlawful acts that would bring disgrace and lawlessness into the country”, Nana Marfo assured. 
 
“We also hope to maintain the cordial relationship between Nsoatreman and Asanteman and would liaise with the security agencies to fight for justice for the family of the deceased too”, he added. 

Amansie West Health Directorate grapples with severe shortage of health personnel 

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      Manso-Nkwanta (Ash), Feb. 4, GNA – The Amansie West District Health Directorate is grappling with a severe shortage of healthcare workers, despite a significant surge in Outpatient Department (OPD) attendance in health facilities in the area. 

Outpatient Department visits are said to have increased by more than 50%, compared to 2023 figures, yet the district lacks critical medical personnel, particularly midwives, pharmacy technicians, and laboratory staff. 

Mr Bernard Badu Bediako, the District Director of Health Services, speaking at the annual performance review meeting and awards ceremony at Manso-Nkwanta, appealed for immediate government intervention to address the staffing challenges. 

Mr Bediako noted that the increased patient attendance was largely due to improvements in healthcare access, including the establishment of new health facilities and the introduction of modern medical practices.  

He further highlighted the success of immunization programmes in the district. 

“Our initial target was to achieve 95% vaccine coverage for children under five years, but we surpassed expectations, exceeding 100% of the estimated 2024 population of 170,443.  

This achievement reflects the hard work and commitment of our community health nurses,” he stated. 

Maternal healthcare services are, however, under severe strain due to a shortage of midwives.  

Many experienced midwives, some with over a decade of service, have requested transfers, but replacements have not been provided. 

“In December 2024, the government deployed about 20 new healthcare workers to the district, but only one was a midwife.  

This is a major concern, especially for maternal and child health services,” Mr Bediako lamented. 

Facilities such as Esaase Bontefufuom Hospital and the newly established Manso Nkwanta Government Hospital are struggling to provide skilled maternal care, putting pregnant women and newborns at risk. 

Beyond midwives, the district is also facing an acute shortage of pharmacy technicians and biomedical laboratory staff, making it difficult for hospitals to deliver essential medical services. 

“Currently, we have only one pharmacy technician in the entire district, and he is not even a permanent staff member.  

Additionally, there are no biomedical laboratory staff available, meaning our hospitals are unable to conduct critical medical tests,” Mr Bediako disclosed. 

These shortages delay access to essential medicines and prolong diagnosis times, negatively affecting patient care. 

The health Director also pointed out that retaining medical professionals in the district had been a major challenge. 

Many workers request transfers after years of service, leaving gaps that remain unfilled. 

“The government has made efforts to improve staff distribution, but retention remains a challenge. 

Many midwives are leaving, and their departure is affecting service delivery,” he noted. 

To address the situation, he urged the government and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to prioritize the posting of midwives, pharmacy technicians, and laboratory staff to the district. 

“We are working under a holistic assessment framework set by the Ghana Health Service, which focuses on improving healthcare staffing, infrastructure, and quality of service. 

 However, without adequate personnel, these goals will be difficult to achieve,” he emphasized. 

Responding to the concerns, Mr. Ebenezer Awuku, Regional Estate Manager of the Ghana Health Service, acknowledged the staffing shortages and announced plans to improve accommodation for health workers in the district. 

“We recognize the challenges healthcare workers face in Amansie West, particularly with accommodation. We are working to improve accommodation facilities to make their stay more comfortable,” he said. 

As part of the event, outstanding health workers were honoured for their dedication. 

Madam Evelyn Tweneboah, a midwifery officer at Manso Jeninso CHPS Compound, was recognized for her 22 years of service to the community. 

Expressing her gratitude, she said, “I love serving this community, and this award is a great honor for me.” 

Despite the staffing challenges, the Amansie West Health Directorate remains committed to providing quality healthcare services. 

However, authorities stressed that urgent government action was needed to ensure adequate staffing and sustainable healthcare delivery in the district. 

Ave-Afiadenyigba inaugurates Torgbui Vorvorli, Mama Atseshi as Chief, Queen 

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Ave-Afiadenyigba (V/R), Feb. 03, GNA- The Royal Clan of Tornyigbi of Ave-Afiadenyigba in the Akatsi North District has inaugurated Torgbui Vorvorli III as Chief of the area in a colourful event. 

Torgbui Vorvorli was outdoored at the weekend after he was captured, confined and made to undergo the rites of passage in accordance with the chieftaincy customs and traditions. 

He was outdoored along with Mama Atseshi II, the Queen of Ave-Afiadenyigba. 

At the inaugural ceremony, Torgbui Vorvorli, called for the support of the people to address the development needs of the community, saying that his current position came with an onerous task. 

He underscored the need for the people to unite to achieve real development within their community. 

The new Chief also prayed for the people to be filled with the spirit to embrace communal labour, to make it possible for the community to undertake self-help projects, which involved residents playing key roles in supporting developmental projects in their localities. 

Mama Atseshi expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in her and pledged to work with other queens to support the chiefs in the Traditional Area for the common good of the people. 

She also called for support and direction from the queens to enable her to perform her new role creditably to benefit especially, women and the youth. 

Torgbui Nuku Mortsi VIII,  representing the Ave-Afiadenyigba Traditional Council, told a touching story to convey the fragility, preciousness and vulnerability of life and urged the two new traditional leaders to do their best and develop their inner strengths and resilience to cope with challenges that would come as a result of their new roles, in the interest of their people.  

There were other solidarity messages from other traditional areas in the district, pledging their support and wishing the new rulers well in their reign. 

Mr Isaac-Newton Sowu, the Assembly member for the area told Ghana News Agency in an interview that he expected the new Chief and Queen to work with other chiefs in the Traditional Area to champion development projects which would leapfrog the quality of life of the people. 

The ceremony chaired by Torgbui Adogo Agbalekpor V, the President of Tagba Traditional Council was attended by chiefs from far and near including from the VaKpo Traditional Area in the North Dayi District, as well as dignitaries and people from the diaspora. 

The 64-year-old Torgbui Vorvorli known in private life as Mr Edward John Badzi is a businessman and agri-entrepreneur, while 45-year-old Mama Atseshi known in private life as Mrs Eunice Anumah, is into events management and a Director and Chief Executive Officer of C-Mart Events and UniSet Ventures respectively. 

Female sprayer graduate makes waves in Krachi East

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Dambai (O/R), Feb 3, GNA-Madam Cecilia Enyonam Gyamiti, a talented young female sprayer has made history by becoming one of the first women in the Oti Region to graduate from the prestigious ‘Isha Alla’ Auto Spraying Shop in Dambai. 

The 28- year old’s remarkable achievement has sent excitement to the Municipality, with many hailing her as a trailblazer and role model for young women in the area. 

Madam Gyamiti’s exceptional skills and dedication to her craft have earned her recognition from her peers and mentors. 

After completing her three-year apprenticeship, she was awarded a certificate that would open doors to global opportunities. 

Her graduation is evidence to her hard work, perseverance, and determination to succeed in a male-dominated field.  

Her achievement serves as a reminder that women can excel in any field the choose, breaking down barriers and shattering stereotypes. 

As she sets out to make her mark in the spray-painting industry, Madam Gyamiti’ is poised to inspire a new generation of young women to pursue careers in the trades vocation. 

Mr. Osmanu Thaidu, Mastercraftsman of ‘Isha Allah Auto Spraying Shop,’ said Madam Gyamiti has been an outstanding learner throughout her apprenticeship. 

Her commitment to learning and improving her skills has been impressive and he has no doubt she would excel in her career as a spray painter. 

He added that madam Gyamiti’s presence in the shop brought in significant business and revenue, the young lady brought businesses and money into the shop, her skills and work ethic attracted many customers, “we are grateful for her contributions.” 

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