Community event shines spotlight on achievements in addressing forced and child labour at Atiwa East District

A community event in Atiwa East District, Ghana, organized by the Edmark Rescue Foundation and Rainforest Alliance, highlighted achievements in combating child and forced labour in the cocoa and gold mining sectors. The event, supported by the Norwegian government through NORAD, brought together stakeholders to discuss progress and strategize further initiatives. Key figures emphasized the project's positive impact on reducing child labour, increasing school enrolment, and enhancing child protection mechanisms. The event underscored the importance of collaborative efforts among government bodies, NGOs, and private sector entities in safeguarding children's rights and well-being.

GAMA Sanitation and Water Project receives Engineering Excellence Award for its innovative solutions

The Greater Accra Metropolitan Area Sanitation and Water Project (GAMA SWP) received the Engineering Excellence Award from the Ghana Institution of Engineering for its innovative contributions to the WASH sector. The project, led by Ing. George Asiedu, focuses on providing universal access to sanitation facilities, particularly for marginalized communities, through the development of the biodigester toilet. With over 50,000 household toilets installed and significant improvements in public health and environmental sustainability, the project has set a high standard for urban sanitation in Ghana. Its success has been recognized by various sectors, sparking interest in replicating the initiative nationwide.

Reroy Cables CEO Wins Presidential Honor

Dr. Mrs. Kate Quartey-Papafio, CEO of Reroy Cables Ghana Limited, was honored by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo with the Legacy and GADIA State Award 2023 for her excellence in leadership, business, and gender empowerment. Reroy Cables, founded in 1992, has grown into a major player in the cable manufacturing industry in Ghana and Sub-Saharan Africa, contributing significantly to socio-economic development and electricity expansion. Kate's leadership has earned her numerous awards and recognition from prestigious institutions.

Why government must respond urgently to issues tabled by CRPD to relieve plights of PLWDs

Persons living with disabilities (PLWDs) in Ghana face significant challenges in accessing basic services and amenities, despite the country's ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The government has been criticized for not fully implementing the Persons with Disability Act of 2006, leaving many public buildings inaccessible. Discrimination in employment, education, and healthcare further exacerbates the plight of PLWDs, with over 82% unemployed. The article calls for urgent government action to enforce existing laws, improve accessibility, and collaborate with organizations like the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations to address these issues.

Joseph Wemakor: How I intervened to address critical social issues which affected my country

Joseph Wemakor recounts his efforts to address critical social issues in Ghana, including a wave of kidnappings, teenage pregnancy, and drug abuse. His initiatives, particularly the 'Kidnapping, Teenage Pregnancy and Tramadol/Drug Abuse Sensitization Campaign' (KTT Project), have significantly raised awareness and reduced kidnapping cases. The campaign also led to the establishment of the Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), an NGO focused on protecting human rights. The text highlights the involvement of various stakeholders, including the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Education Service, in these efforts.

Joseph Wemakor: why Ghana needs to prioritize urgent abolition of death penalty

The article argues for the urgent abolition of the death penalty in Ghana, citing it as a violation of human rights, an ineffective deterrent to crime, and a flawed justice tool fraught with biases. It highlights the irreversible nature of capital punishment, its discriminatory application, and the lack of evidence supporting its efficacy in reducing crime. The author, Joseph Kobla Wemakor, emphasizes the need for Ghana to join the global movement against the death penalty, advocating for alternative measures to address crime and promote justice and human rights.

Why the Affirmative Action Bill must be urgently passed into law in Ghana

Affirmative action policies are crucial for addressing historical injustices and promoting social justice and equality in Ghana. The Affirmative Action Bill, which aims to ensure gender parity in Ghanaian politics by reserving at least 40% of public offices for women, has been in parliament for over a decade without being passed into law. Civil society organizations, including ABANTU for Development, Network for Women’s Rights in Ghana, ActionAid, and others, have been actively advocating for the bill's passage. The Affirmative Action Coalition, led by Sheila Minkah-Premo, has been at the forefront of these efforts, emphasizing the bill's importance in promoting gender equality and national unity. Human Rights Reporters Ghana has also been vocal in its support, using media platforms to raise awareness. The bill's passage is seen as essential for creating a more equitable future for all Ghanaians.

Bringing hope to young PLWDs, women and children in Central Tongu District: The story of Evelyn Agbese

Evelyn Agbese, founder of the Mama Lynn Charity Foundation, is a beacon of hope for young Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs), women, and children in the Central Tongu District of Ghana. Her foundation, established in 2012, empowers the vulnerable through various programs, including education, healthcare, and advocacy. Evelyn's efforts have led to significant achievements, such as providing wheelchairs and facilitating medical surgeries for PLWDs. Her dedication has earned her recognition, including being named one of the five outstanding women of the Central Tongu District. Evelyn's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact of individual efforts in creating a more inclusive society.

Medical doctor by dream; fisherman by desperation

Thomas Larnyo, a 24-year-old from Akateng Manya in Ghana's Eastern Region, aspired to be a medical doctor but was forced into fishing due to financial constraints and lack of infrastructure. The community faces severe challenges, including lack of electricity and potable water, which hinder educational progress and overall quality of life. Local leaders, including MP Joseph Tetteh and DCE Felix Odjao Nartey, acknowledge the issues but offer no immediate solutions. The article calls for intervention from the government, NGOs, and philanthropists to address these systemic problems.

Large corporations supported by the government must end the abhorrent exploitation of Ghanaian cocoa farmers

The cocoa industry in Ghana, a significant contributor to the economy, faces severe exploitation of farmers by large corporations, supported by the government. These corporations pay extremely low prices for cocoa beans, leading to economic hardship for farmers, who also lack essential resources and market information. Oxfam's report highlights the worsening conditions for farmers, especially women, since 2020, while major chocolate producers have seen increased profits. The government is criticized for turning a blind eye to this exploitation due to its financial gains. The article calls for urgent action from all stakeholders, including the media, advocacy groups, and corporations, to ensure fair prices, sustainable farming practices, and the protection of farmers' rights.