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Coastal Development Authority provides PPE to NTC
The Coastal Development Authority (CoDA) on Monday presented 200 nose masks and 100 pieces of hand sanitisers to New Times Corporation (NTC), publishers of Ghanaian Times and The Spectator, as part of efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The Authority said it would extend same gesture to vendors within the coastal zone to help reduce their exposure to the disease.
Mr Jerry Ahmed Shaib, Chief Executive Officer of CoDA, presenting the items in Accra, commended NTC for creating awareness on preventive measures to help fight the disease.
“The fight against the disease does not solely lie on government and institutions in the country. We cannot do this alone as an agency. We need all of you and that is why we appreciate the work the media is doing in this fight. You have been supportive and we are really appreciative,” he said.
“Your publication has given relevance to what we are currently doing including donation of sanitary items and nose masks to fight COVID-19,” he added.
CoDA, he noted, would collaborate with the corporation to deepen the country’s development agenda.
Mr Dave Agbenu, Editor of Ghanaian Times, receiving the items, expressed gratitude to CoDA for the gesture saying that the donation would be an added boost to the company which has been at the forefront of the fight against the disease.
“Our work here is a public service. We commenced this campaign to educate the public on the importance of wearing nose mask and how it could be done properly. This is our contribution to the fight against COVID-19 and we will continue until this ‘new enemy’ is defeated,” he stated.
He said Ghanaian Times and The Spectator would continue to provide the platform for the public to voice their opinions and ideas to help build the country.
By Spectator Reporter
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ASWIM lauds Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
The Association of Women in the Media, (ASWIM) has congratulated Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on her historic achievement as Ghana’s first female Vice President.
The association said her trailblazing journey with sterling accomplishments from academia to politics, is undoubtedly, a vivid inspiration to countless women and girls across Ghana and Africa.
This was contained in a statement signed by its president, Mrs Mavis Kitcher, and copied to The Spectator on Tuesday in Accra.
“ASWIM celebrates your remarkable career, marked by numerous firsts, including the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, (UCC), and the first female to hold a professional chair in Ghana, (UCC),” the statement said.
It said the accomplishments of Prof Opoku- Agyemang were clear testament to the brilliance, resilience and resourceful nature of the complete beautiful African woman.
“As she takes on this new role, ASWIM proudly lauds her commitment to education, women’s empowerment, distinguished public service and patriotism and is very confident that her pursuit of excellence, love for humanity, humility, decency, modesty and commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable will characterise Ghana’s political leadership and public service,” the statement added.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Entertainment
Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
