Author: Web Desk

Mr Timothy Dotsey, Administrator, Ho Technical University has urged Ghanaians to prioritise rail transportation for economic growth and connectivity. The move, he said would help facilitate the movement of people and goods and reduce traffic congestion, carbon emissions and also reduce cost on fossil fuel. Mr Dotsey who is also Research and Business Consultant, Social and Economic advocate, in an interaction with the Ghana News Agency, said rail transport served as a backbone for transportation which helped in offering effective, sustainable and mass transit solutions, and should be prioritised. 'High cost of rent in the cities of the country was due to the congestion as a result of lack of reliable and timely transport system in the areas,' he added. He added that developed nations such as Japan, Germany, and others who utilised the rail transport system served them as a linchpin of their development strategies with the efficiency of moving goods which helped as the pivotal in bolstering economic growth and global competitiveness. Mr Dotsey also mentioned that the efficiency of rail transport would not only ease the burden on roads, but also contribute significantly to environmental conservation by promoting a greener mode of transport. 'The ability to transport goods swiftly and cost effective in enhancing market accessibility and competitiveness, facilitating industrial growth and bolstering supply chain.' He said that the country faced multifaceted infrastructure challenges, adding 'an intensive and efficient rail network stand as a beacon of hope.' Mr Dotsey explained that country stood at the brink of unparalleled economic and societal advancement after enhancing the transformative potential of a rail transport system. He said the envisioned rail system was not merely tracks and trains, but rather symbolises empowerment for rural community which would enhance market access for entrepreneurs and sustainable pathways for economic growth. Mr Dotsey also appealed to the government to extend the constr uction of the railway in the country for easy accessibility. Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Isaac Kofi Egyir, Director-General of Prisons, has urged officers of the Prisons Services to continue to remain vigilant and extra alert during the festive season. 'Let us be mindful of our personal security and that of our families during these periods,' he said. The Director-General in a Christmas message said: 'May the joy of this festive season renew our commitment to working together to achieve our goal'. He expressed gratitude and appreciation to all officers for the exemplary humanity shown, and the display of unmeasured fortitude and diligence in executing their duties. He said though the year had been challenging, they had proven to be resilient and discharged their duties diligently. During the Christmas period, the Director-General held a party for children around Local Prison Community and fed the inmates of the facility. It is an annual event to celebrate the season outside Accra with officers and their children. A total of 200 children were fed and treated to good music. Prizes were awarded to winners and runners-up of various competitions, including musical chairs, bottle filling, apple hunt, spelling, and dancing. Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has climaxed its 50th anniversary celebration with a buffet dinner and awards night in Accra. The night was to recognize and reward the efforts of hardworking staff for their unwavering commitment and support towards the growth and development of the tourism industry, and for ensuring the smooth execution of all policies and initiatives introduced within the year. Mr Akwesi Agyeman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GTA, said the relentless efforts of staff of the GTA across the country had contributed to the successes achieved so far in the industry and need to be recognized. He said the endless efforts of these individuals had been evident in various projects that were successfully commissioned within the year.? 'The GTA has been very dedicated to promoting tourism in Ghana. This year we have not only managed to establish one of the state's most visited tourist sites in Accra, which is the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park but also when you go to other regions, we have br ought many tourist sites to life.' Mr Agyeman added that various infrastructural development at some tourist sites were also ongoing in places like Paga, and Salaga, and Bonwiere museum would also be a commissioned in some few weeks. He encouraged all staff to continue to work together to promote tourism in Ghana and paid glowing tribute to pioneers and staff who were working hard to keep Ghana at the top of tourism destinations. 'As we reflect on the past achievement on the Ghana Tourism Authority, we look forward to future filled with endless possibilities.' Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku Mantey, said 50 years of promoting tourism in Ghana required a lot of passion and dedication to be made possible. He commended the President for giving the Ministry the conducive environment to freely operate and make Ghana a globally recognized tourism destination. He stated that this milestone gives the Ministry a reason to celebrate and appreciate all who have played a role in making this possible. 'This milestone serves as a testament to the authority's resilience in enhancing Tourism in Ghana.' 'As we celebrate this Golden Jubilee let us re- affirm our dedication to promoting Tourism in Ghana. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the GTA and its stakeholders. May the next 50 years be a testament to our commitment and dedication to making Ghana a number one go to tourism destination.' The awards were presented in batches, in accordance to the 'Best Performing Staff from each Department', followed by the 'Best Performing Staff From Each Region', 'Best Regional Office', 'Longest Serving Staff', 'CEO Special Award' and the 'Best Performing Department'. In all 34 staff members across the country were awarded. Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Kwabena Obeng, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of K.P.S. Company Limited, dealers in mining equipment, has been enstooled as the Head of the Aduana Royal Family (Abusuapanin) of Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area. With the stool name Nana Kwabena Obeng Il, he is to act on behalf of his elder brother, Nana Kofi Kyem II, who has a health condition. Abusuapanin Obeng, also the new chief of Pataboso, was outdoored at a colourful ceremony with customs and tradition at play, attended by Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi ll, Abakomahene, Nana Kojo Somiah ll, Krontihene of Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area, and Nana Kofi Anarfi ll, among others. Nana Kyem advised the new Family Head to be submissive, humble and respectful to his Chief, elders and the people. He asked him to serve diligently and with integrity, and also learn the traditions of the family to enable him to leave a good legacy as Abusuapanin. Nana Kyem called on his family and members of the Anhwiaso Traditional Council to give him their full support and respect him as their Abusuapanin. He urged them to unite for peace and development. The new Family Head, Nana Obeng, in brief remarks expressed appreciation to his elder brother, the family and members of the Anhwiaso Traditional Council and Sefwi Pataboso for the honour done him. He pledged his commitment to cooperating with the chiefs and all stakeholders to facilitate infrastructural development of the area. Source: Ghana News Agency

Inspire To Act in collaboration with Dawah Academy has begun the implementation of a project to educate members of the public on tuberculosis (TB) targeting a total of 16,000 family members in six districts in the Northern Region. The year-long project being implemented in Tamale Metropolis, Sagnarigu, Nanumba North, Gushegu, Yendi and Karaga Districts will train some 120 faith-based actors, and an additional 120 clinical and non-clinical staff of the Ghana Health Services to intensify awareness of TB. The project, 'Promoting the Human Rights of People with and Affected by TB to Health Services, ' is supported by the Stop TB Partnership and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) with funding from USAID and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS and Tuberculosis. Alhaji Abdul-Rashid Imoro, Executive Director of Inspire to Act, a youth advocacy organisation, at a consultative stakeholder engagement forum in Tamale to kick-start the project, said it was to build the capacities of some traditional auth orities, faith-based actors, and other healthcare workers to champion campaigns on the abuse of the rights of persons affected by tuberculosis. Participants were drawn from the Tamale Metropolis and Sagnarigu Municipality including some selected traditional authorities, staff of the Ghana Health Service, tuberculosis champions and other faith-based actors. Alhaji Imoro said the project was intended to change the negative impression of tuberculosis patients to enable victims to access quality health care. He urged members of the public not to stigmatise and discriminate against people affected by tuberculosis and said it was discouraging more people from knowing their status, thus leading to surging cases of the disease in the country. Alhaji Abdul-Karim Ibrahim, Executive Director of Dawah Academy, an Islamic focus organisation and lead implementing partner of the project, underscored the significant role of traditional authorities and other stakeholders towards addressing some of the myths and misconcept ions associated with tuberculosis. He appealed to them to use their platforms to sensitise their followers on the disease as well as encourage them to avail themselves of testing and treatment. Dr Anthony Gingong, Northern Regional Tuberculosis Coordinator, said his outfit, with the support of the health facilities and other NGOs, has intensified their advocacy and case search on tuberculosis, resulting in most of the cases recorded and treated at the various facilities. He lauded the National Tuberculosis Programme for facilitating the regular flow of tuberculosis medications, which contributed significantly to the detection and treatment of cases in the region. Bishop Raymond Kassim, Northern Regional Chairman of the Ghana Charismatic Council, commended partners for the project and said tuberculosis was still prevalent in the country. Source: Ghana News Agency