Category: General

On occasion of this year’s International Women’s Day, which is observed annually on March 8th, The Hunger Project Ghana (THP-Ghana), has advocated for women empowerment for a hunger-free world.

A statement issued by THP-Ghana, copied to the Ghana News Agency said the THP, an International non-governmental organisation headquartered in New York, United States, with its roots stretching across Africa, Asia and Latin America stands as a beacon of hope in the fight against hunger and poverty.

It said since 1996, THP had been active in Ghana focusing on building community capacity towards sustainable hunger and poverty eradication through self-reliance for productive and healthy living.

‘At the heart of THP’s vision is a world without hunger, and its mission is to address the underlying systems of inequity that perpetuate hunger and poverty,’ it stated.

‘Through strategic pillars such as community mobilisation, women’s empowerment, and collaboration with government agencies, THP has been instrumental in transf
orming the lives of many.’

The statement said central to THP-Ghana’s effort is the Women Empowerment and Development Programme, which has garnered significant attention for its role in poverty reduction.

It said as the world celebrates International Women’s Day on the theme ‘Count Her in: Accelerating Gender Equality Through Economic Empowerment,’ THP-Ghana reflects on its efforts in empowering women over the years.

It reiterated that the impact of THP-Ghana extends across the socioeconomic landscape of women and young girls, offering opportunities for both educated and uneducated individuals.

It said through leadership and skills training, THP engages unemployed women, providing them with vocational education in fields such as sewing, catering and other expertise to enable sustainable livelihoods.

The statement said one shining example was Madam Hellen Agbodzi, a 43-year-old entrepreneur from Kpando Fesi.

It said starting with just two bowls of soya beans costing 2.00 cedis in 2013, Madam Agbodzi ventu
red into the soya kebab business, gradually expanding her enterprise with the support of THP.

It said through access to financial assistance and mentorship, she diversified her business, ventured into peanut butter processing, and even expanded into selling groceries.

Adding that today, Madam Agbodzi not only supports her family but also contributes to her community’s economic growth.

It said Madam Agbodzi’s journey from starting as a small soya kebab business to becoming a successful entrepreneur is a testament to the impact from the leadership and skills training provided by THP-Ghana.

The statement said similarly, Madam Catherine Aban from Asafora village exemplifies the transformative power of THP’s vocational training.

It said despite facing financial challenges, that halted her education, Madam Aban pursued her passion for dressmaking, thanks to the vocational training provided by THP-Ghana.

It said with guidance from THP-Ghana’s Her Choice Project, she honed her skills and eventually established
her own fashion center.

It said today, she not only runs her own fashion business but also mentors other aspiring young girls, embodying the spirit of paying it forward.

The statement said then there was Madam Vida Quarshie, a 32-year-old mother of two who found renewed hope through THP’s intervention.

It noted that initially working alone as a dressmaker, Madam Quarshie’s income was modest.

It said however, after participating in THP events, she gained confidence in her ability and started training young girls in her community, significantly boosting her income, and investing in other ventures like mango farming.

The statement reiterated that her journey from a struggling dressmaker to a successful businesswoman reflects the tangible outcomes of THP-Ghana’s interventions.

It said through training and support, Madam Quarshie has significantly increased her income, invested in her children’s education, and continues to aspire for further growth.

It said additionally, women like Madam Elizabeth Nuamah an
d Madam Vida Ofosaa had embraced THP’s programmes, leveraging them to expand their businesses and support their families.

It said through soap making, textile design and other skills acquired with THP’s support, these women had not only achieved financial independence but had also become leaders and mentors in their community.

The statement said Madam Vida Ofosaa had not only transformed her own life, but she had also become a catalyst for change within her community.

It said Madam Elizabeth Nuamah’s narrative on the other hand epitomizes resilience and ambition.

It said from acquiring skills in soap making to becoming an entrepreneur; adding that these stories underscore the ripple effect of women’s economic empowerment and the transformative impact of THP-Ghana’s programs on individual lives and communities.

‘As we (THP-Ghana) commemorate International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering women and advancing gender equality.’

The statement said by celebrating the achievements of women
and continuing to advocate for their rights, THP-Ghana strives to create a world where every woman could thrive and succeed.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The atmosphere at the Ministry of Finance on Thursday, March 7, was a solemn one as members of staff reacted in disbelief over the sudden death of Dr John Ampontuah Kumah, a Deputy Finance Minister.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ejisu in the Ashanti Region died at age 45.

At about 1430 hours when the Ghana News Agency visited the Ministry, some staff had gathered in groups of three and four, discussing the news of his demise, while others were heard from his office screaming in disbelief.

‘With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our Deputy Minister for Finance, and MP for Ejisu Constituency, Dr John Ampontuah Kumah. May he rest well in the Lord,’ the Ministry said in post on ‘X’ [formerly, Twitter].

Madam Cecelia Isabella Akwetey, Head of Public Relations at the Ministry, who spoke in a sad tone, told GNA that they were waiting for a confirmation of the Deputy Minister’s death from the family, before they heard Parliament announced it.

Parliament, on Thursday, March 7, ended proceedings in the
House abruptly and adjourned sitting to Friday, March 8, following the demise of the MP.

A staff member at the Ministry who spoke on anonymity expressed shock about the death of the Deputy Minister, saying: ‘Good men don’t live long.’

‘I’m even confused; I just ended up sending a document to a different office because of this. It’s really sad,’ another member of staff said.

The lawyer and entrepreneur, was married to Apostle Lilian Kumah, and left behind six children.

The MP assumed office as the Deputy Finance Minister in 2021, and served on Parliament’s Employment, Social Welfare and State Enterprises and Appointment Committees.

He was the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), a centre to stimulate growth in Ghana’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Under his leadership, the programme trained some 7,000 start-ups in 2018 under the Presidential Business Support programme and supported 1,350 beneficiaries with funds.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts
degree in Economics with Philosophy at the University of Ghana, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Law) LLB in 2011.

He also had a Professional Law Certificate from the Ghana School of Law in 2013, and admitted to the Ghana Bar in 2013.

Prior to working for the government, Dr Kumah was the founding member and Managing Partner of Aduaprokye Chambers, a law firm.

He also worked as the founder of Majak Associates Ltd, a building and construction company.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The death of the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ejisu, Dr John Ampontuah Kumah, has broken the hearts of members of the entire constituency, throwing the town into a state of shock.

As the news of his demise was announced Thursday afternoon, men, women, the elderly and children were seen gathering around his residence, physically in grief and could not control their tears.

The MP, also the Deputy Minister of Finance, was reported to have died in the early hours of the day after a short illness.

What most of the people did not understand was the fact that they did not hear of his sickness nor his hospitalisation.

The shocking news of his death had taken the people by surprise and most of them were yet to come to terms with it.

A visit by the Ghana News Agency to the Ejisu Township saw the whole area was in a state of mourning, with most of the people in disbelief and speechless.

People had gathered in groups in front of the residency discussing what could possibly had caused the sudden death of the MP.

D
r Kumah, a lawyer and entrepreneur, was the first Chief Executive of the National Entrepreneurial and Innovation Programme (NEIP) before his appointment as a Deputy Minister for Finance.

He left behind six children and a wife, Apostle Lilian Kumah.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Tema Branch of Sinapi Aba Savings and Loans, has?launched?the fifth edition of its?mentorship programme for customers.

Ms Mary-Ann Hanson, the Tema Branch Manager, said the programme aims at empowering women through a series of trainings.

Ms Hanson stated that the initiative sought to build a platform for accomplished individuals in business to share their expertise and skills with the next generation to foster growth.

Mr Emmanuel Mensah Charway, the Mataheko Branch Manager of Sinapi Aba, said the six-month programme would nurture beneficiaries, who were mostly women, in several business models, including customer service.

He also stated that the programme, which was in line with the company’s objective, would create a platform for mentors who have acquired skills in previous sessions to impart knowledge to others.

Madam Rebecca Yisrael, a hairdresser, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the programme has had a great impact on her career as a hairdresser.

She said she joined the third session as a
mentee and, through that, had now become a mentor, adding that applying the knowledge from the training had transformed her business.?

She expressed excitement about her role, saying, ‘In transitioning into a mentor role, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to impart my knowledge and skills to my mentees.’

She stated that the programme had provided participants with knowledge on how to interact with individuals of different personalities, which enhanced their ability to adapt and thrive in the industry.

Madam Divina Addo, a cake decorator and mentor, also praised the impact the programme had had on her work and promised to share her knowledge with others.

‘I am happy to announce that I’ve been selected as a mentor for the fifth mentorship programme. It is a great opportunity for me to now guide others in their journey,’ she added.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Nabdam District Chief Executive, Madam Agnes Anamoo has said the country’s practice of democracy as a system of governance must not be considered an option, but a must for Ghana’s development.

She said despite its imperfections, the practice of democracy had not only resulted in the stability of the country but also led to growth in major sectors, giving meaning to the struggles Ghana’s forefathers, who fought restlessly to gain independence and secured freedom to past and present generations.

‘Our practice of democracy as a system of governance is often seen as a benchmark that most African countries aspire to attain, and we must not compromise it for any undesirable form of governance like dictatorship,’ she added.

The DCE made these remarks at the 67th Independence Parade in Nangodi of the Nabdam District in the Upper East Region which was held on the theme: ‘Our Democracy, Our Pride.’

Madam Anamoo said the government was committed to advancing good governance to achieve the?national development go
al and to create a state where all citizens were safe with their welfare guaranteed.

‘The government would therefore continue to provide opportunities for the full participation of the average citizen to fulfill their hopes and aspirations, and it is against this background that the government has set up the Free Senior High School policy and continues to provide resources for it to survive even in the wake of the global crisis,’ she said.

She called on the youth and elders to embrace democracy and inculcate in their children its values and the spirit of patriotism which would adequately prepare them to manage the country’s affairs soon.

Madam Anamoo indicated that the District Assembly, through the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) project, had renovated the Dagliga primary school and had also begun the construction of various infrastructures in health and education across the district.

She said when completed the facilities would expand access to education and improve health care de
livery for the people in these communities and beyond.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as the Running Mate to the Party’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, for the 2024 presidential election.

This was after a National Executive Committee Meeting held on Thursday, March 4, 2024, in Accra.

A statement signed by Mr Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, NDC General Secretary, said her confirmation was indication of the Party’s commitment to ‘diversity and inclusivity of women in leadership roles.

‘Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is a distinguished academic and leader renowned for her dedication to education and public service.

‘Having served as Minister for Education and as the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, she has emerged as a trailblazer for women in leadership across Ghana.

‘Her nomination underscores the NDC’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and the empowerment of women in leadership roles,’ the statement read.

The Party said Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang ‘brings
a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the NDC’s presidential ticket’.

President John Mahama, Mr Kwetey added, had expressed confidence in his Running Mate, praising her ‘integrity, dedication, and vision for a better Ghana,’ adding the Professor was ‘the ideal candidate’ to join him in leading NDC to victory in the 2024 elections.

‘The NDC is excited to present such a formidable team to lead the Party’s ticket. With John Mahama and Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang at the forefront, the NDC is poised to introduce a bold and progressive vision for the future of Ghana,’ the statement added.

Source: Ghana News Agency