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From Joana Kumi, Cape Coast

The Director of Feeder Roads in the Central Region, Mr. Abudulai Braimah, has revealed that 52 feeder roads in the region have been left abandoned due to financial constraints.

He made this known during a working visit by the Central Regional Minister, Hon. Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere to various government agencies within the region.

During the visit, which was attended by officials from the Central Regional Coordinating Council (CRCC), Mr. Braimah expressed concern over the persistent delays in funding that have stalled several road construction projects.

“We often complete all the required processes and are assured that funds will be released within a specified period. Unfortunately, these promises are frequently unfulfilled, making it impossible to continue our work,” he lamented.

He further noted that, apart from funding issues, the department also faces severe logistical challenges that hinder its operations.

He suggested that the government should consider partnering with private organizations to help bridge the financial gap and facilitate the completion of road projects.

Other departments voice their concerns

As part of his tour, the Minister also visited key institutions, including the Department of Urban Roads, the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), and Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU), where he interacted with officials about their challenges and the way forward.

At the Department of Urban Roads, the Director, Mr. Jacob Nelson, reaffirmed that the lack of logistics has significantly affected their operations.

He also disclosed that their office operates from a rented facility and that efforts were underway to
construct a permanent office as they have already secure land.

He appealed to the Minister to facilitate support to fast-track the process.

At the Ghana Highway, the Regional Director, Mrs. Mercy Payne, raised concerns over increasing encroachment on road reserves.

She explained that such encroachments pose a major challenge to future road expansion projects and also put road users at risk.

“Encroachment on road reserves not only hampers road expansion efforts but also creates safety hazards for motorists and pedestrians. We need stringent enforcement of regulations to address this issue,” she stressed.

During the Minister’s visit to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFOII) and a Regional Commander of the Department, Merinda Mary Attigah-Mensah highlighted several pressing challenges, including inadequate firefighting equipment, limited training resources, and a shortage of essential office furniture and tools.

She also expressed concerns about poor urban planning, which often makes firefighting efforts difficult.

“Many buildings are constructed without proper access routes for emergency responders. In some cases, when a fire breaks out, we struggle to reach the scene because there is no entry point for our fire trucks. This greatly hampers our ability to save lives and property,” she noted.

CCTU commends minister’s engagement

At Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU), the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kwaku Adutwum Ayim Boakye, lauded the Minister for his visit, describing it as a proactive step in understanding institutional challenges firsthand.

He assured the Minister that CCTU remained committed to equipping students with technical and vocational skills that would contribute meaningfully to national development.

Minister calls for professionalism and community participation

Addressing stakeholders at various institutions, the Regional Minister urged professionals to remain committed to their duties and assured them that the government was making efforts to provide the necessary resources to support their work.

“The government is doing everything possible to ensure that institutions receive the necessary support, but professionalism and dedication to duty are equally essential,” he stated.

He also called on all institutions to play an active role in addressing illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey,’ which continues to pose a threat to the country’s environment and water bodies.

Additionally, he encouraged all government agencies to participate in the monthly regional clean-up exercise, held on the last Saturday of every month, to promote environmental cleanliness and public health.

source: Facebook..

A high-level delegation, led by Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Finance, Hon. Abena Osei Asare, and key officials from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), visited the Akanu-Noepe Joint Border Post (JBP) and the Aflao Border Post to assess operations and enhance regional trade facilitation.

The delegation, which included the Commissioner-General of GRA, Rev. Amishaddai Owusu-Amoah, and the Commissioner-General of Customs, Col. Kojo Damoah (Rtd.), engaged in discussions with the Togolese Commissioner-General to explore strategies for the full operationalization of the JBP. These talks aimed at maximizing revenue collection and improving cross-border trade efficiency.

The visit also served as an opportunity for officials to familiarize themselves with border operations and identify measures to support Ghana’s Beyond Aid agenda. The effective implementation of the JBP is expected to strengthen trade facilitation and bilateral cooperation between Ghana and Togo.

Also in attendance were officials from the Ghana Immigration Service, their Togolese counterparts, and representatives from Ghana Link and the Ministry of Roads and Highways.

credit.. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122100363686791204&set=pcb.122100364070791204

From Joana Kumi, Komenda

The Vice Dean of the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Professor Akwasi Kwarteng Amoako-Gyampah, has called on teachers to prioritize making a meaningful impact on their students and society rather than focusing solely on personal gains.

Speaking at the 4th Brew Sam-Creedy-Komeh Ababio Annual Memorial Lecture at Komenda College of Education, Professor Amoako-Gyampah emphasized that teaching is a noble profession that thrives on selflessness.

According to him, educators must dedicate themselves to the growth and development of their students without expecting material rewards.

The event, which was held under the theme “Lawrence Alfred Creedy and the Development of Teacher Education in Ghana, 1948-1962,” highlighted the invaluable contributions of the first principal of Komenda College of Education, Lawrence Alfred Creedy.

Professor Amoako-Gyampah noted that Creedy’s unwavering commitment to education was rooted in a deep sense of duty rather than personal benefit, urging contemporary and aspiring teachers to emulate his dedication.

“The great opportunities you are enjoying now were made possible by those who came before you. Someone fought for them, and so you too must work hard and contribute to today’s education system without expecting immediate rewards,” he advised.

He further stated, “Creedy did not come to Komenda College of Education to merely make a living but to inspire generations of students who passed through this institution.”

The celebration, which coincided with World Mathematics Day, featured various activities to commemorate both occasions.

A poem was recited to mark the global event, while a drama performance vividly portrayed the historical significance of Lawrence Alfred Creedy’s leadership at Komenda College of Education.

Adding his voice to the discussion, the former Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, Ghana, Most Rev. Titus Awotwi-Pratt, lamented the growing trend of insults in the country, especially in political discourse.

He observed that it has become common to see young people disrespecting their elders simply because of political differences.

“Because of politics, you will see a young man or woman insulting someone who could even be their grandfather. This is unacceptable. No matter the situation, we must respect and appreciate old age,” he stressed.

Most Rev. Awotwi-Pratt also touched on issues of personal hygiene and appropriate dressing within the teaching profession.

He emphasized that Alfred Creedy valued cleanliness and detested filth, a principle that should be upheld by teachers and students alike.

He expressed concern over the dressing habits of some teachers, stating that the way educators present themselves has a significant impact on the impressionable minds of students.

“Teachers must set a good example. The kind of dressing we see some teachers wearing these days does not reflect the dignity of the teaching profession,” he noted.

He urged teachers to be role models in all aspects of their lives, from their appearance to their conduct, as students often look up to them for guidance.

He further encouraged teachers to embrace the challenges that come with the teaching profession, reminding them that while teaching is not an easy career path, it is one that brings immense fulfillment when approached with passion and dedication.

“Teaching is not an easy job, but if you do it with a genuine heart and uphold good values, the rewards will come in due time,” he reassured them.

Also speaking at the event, the Central Regional Minister, Hon. Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere, underscored the importance of cleanliness in the region, citing the prevalence of cholera as a major concern.

He revealed that the government was spending significant resources on treating cholera cases—funds that could otherwise be channeled into developmental projects.

“We must all take cleanliness seriously. The government is spending huge sums of money treating cholera, money that could be used for other developmental initiatives. Let’s prioritize sanitation in our communities,” he urged.

The event served as a reminder of the core values that should guide the teaching profession, reinforcing the need for selflessness, discipline, and commitment to national development.

From Joana Kumi, Winneba

Students at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), have been sensitized on sexual harassment and the need to report such incidents without fear.

The event, organized by UEW’s Gender Mainstreaming Directorate in collaboration with Perfector of Sentiments (POS) and sponsored by Amplify Change, featured a panel discussion where experts shed light on the various forms of harassment and the legal consequences attached.

Legal officer at UEW, Lawyer Kwasi Ndom Dampson, underscored that sexual harassment takes both verbal and non-verbal forms and is often trivialized.

“Many people engage in harassment without realizing it. Offensive words, sexist slurs, sexually suggestive stares, and even nicknames like ‘sweetest,’ ‘sexy,’ ‘baby,’ ‘my girlfriend,’ or ‘my boyfriend’ can be considered harassment and carry serious repercussions,” he explained.

He further highlighted that society tends to downplay certain behaviors, but they can have severe legal consequences when reported.

“Under Article 15 of the 1992 Constitution, anyone found guilty of sexual harassment can face imprisonment ranging from a day to six months,” he warned.

Director of the Office for Institutional Advancement, Prof. Lucy Effah Attom, encouraged students to speak up when faced harassed.

“The patriarchal system often silences women, making them feel less human. But we must move past the stigma that discourages victims from speaking out,” she stated.

She also emphasized that power dynamics play a significant role in harassment, urging continuous education on the issue.

She urged UEW students “to read the school’s handbook on sexual harassment because ignorance will not be an excuse,” she added.

Madam Mercy Catherine Adjebeng, another speaker, noted that many cultural beliefs that treat women as property after a bride price payment must be challenged noting that “when you question such norms, you are often criticized, but we need to push for change,” she stated.

Former Pro-Vice-Chancellor and senior lecturer at the Department of Communication Studies, UEW, Prof. Andy Ofori-Birikorang, blamed entrenched patriarchal attitudes for perpetuating harassment.

“Men have been conditioned to believe they own women’s bodies. We need to reshape these beliefs through awareness,” he asserted.

He urged that men be included in all discussions on sexual harassment, as they are often the perpetrators.

“Men must be part of the education process. This is not just a women’s issue,” he emphasized.

The Founder and Executive Director of POS, Mr. Jonathan Osei Owusu, revealed that his organization is spearheading educational campaigns in five universities across Ghana—UCC, the University of Ghana, KNUST, UEW, and UDS—to intensify awareness of sexual harassment.

“Sexual harassment must be eradicated, especially in our educational institutions,” he declared.

He emphasized the importance of consent, stating, “Your body is yours. My body, my integrity—it’s mine.”

He called on institutions to take harassment seriously and ensure the safety of victims who come forward. “If we create safer learning environments, we build stronger societies,” he concluded.

source: Paliarment of Ghana

The family of the late former legislator for Biakoye Constituency, Hon Emmanuel Kwasi Bandua has paid a courtesy call on the Rt Hon Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin. The delegation led by Brigadier General Windfred Dzandu Hedidor officially informed him of the demise of the former Legislator. The final funeral rites is scheduled on1st March, 2025 at the Prince of Peace Methodist Church, Teshie Nungua.