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Abantu urges journalists to promote gender equity
Abantu for Development, a women centered NGO has underscored the need for aspiring journalists to familiarize themselves with gender-sensitive reporting from the onset of their career.
According to the group, the training of journalists must also focus more on raising awareness on gender issues because of its relevance in the society, especially in developing countries where women are often the driving change agents on the ground.
This call was made during a day’s workshop for female media practitioners held at the Yiri Lodge, Legon, Accra last week.
It was organised by Abantu for Development with support from the University of Bristol.
As a main component of the training, a historic film to challenge misrepresentation of women centered issues and gender activism in Ghana was screened for participants and learn and share their views.
The non-fictional film, titled “When Women Speak” directed by prominent film director, Ms Aseye Tamakloe featured powerful Ghanaian women including wife of the late former president of Ghana, Jerry John Rawlings, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, former editor of the Daily Graphic, member, Network for Women’s Rights in Ghana (NETRIGHT) Madam Ekua Ansah-Eshon, Executive Director Salt and Light Ministries, Ms Joyce Rosalind Aryee and Professor Dzodzi Tsikata, founding member, NETRIGHT.
The documentary challenges perceptions that Ghanaian women’s activism around existential and political issues was of more recent or originated from the western world.
It traces 16 women who came of age in the 1960s and 1970s and follows their experiences narrated in their own words, as Ghana passed through periods of military, single-party and multi-party rule.
Director, Abantu for Development, West Africa Region, Dr Rose Mensah-Kutin said women’s contribution towards development could not be underrated, adding that all women must join forces “so that our voices can be heard in every part of the world.”
She also called on men to join the fight for gender equity.
She also revealed that “When Women Speak” was available online for free on https/whenwomenspeakfilm.com.
On her part, a representative of the University of Bristol, Professor Kate Skinner commended participants for their input to the workshop, which she described as mind opening and hoped that the film would change negative perceptions about women empowerment in Ghana and the world at large.
Meanwhile journalists who benefitted from the workshop expressed gratitude to organisers for the training and assured that they would focus more on gender sensitive issues in their various news coverages.
BY RAISSA SAMBOU
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Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation –Pres.Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the misuse of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for personal financial gain by individuals in leadership positions.
Speaking during a meeting with Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) on Thursday, March 13, the President directly attributed the dire state of SOEs to their leadership, accusing chief executives, management teams, and governing boards of prioritising personal enrichment over organisational efficiency.
He pointed to bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures as factors draining public funds while SOEs continue to rely on government bailouts.
“Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation by appointees. The chief executives, management, and boards of these enterprises are responsible for this situation. Some SOEs have become perennial loss-makers, draining public funds with bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures while relying on government bailouts as if entitled to them. Many of these entities are at their lowest point in the entire history of the Fourth Republic,” he said.
President Mahama further noted that many SOEs have been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to consistent financial losses. He cited the 2023 State Ownership Report by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), which highlighted systemic inefficiencies and wasteful expenditures within these entities.
He therefore reaffirmed his commitment to reforming under-performing SOEs and ensuring they serve national interests.
He warned that loss-making SOEs will no longer be tolerated and will either be merged, privatised, or closed.
“I will assess you based on your performance. If you do not align with the pace of the reset agenda, you may be asked to step aside. If that adds to the horror movie, so be it,” he added.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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Prophet Courage Heavens set to launch ‘Predestination’ book on March 23
Prophet Courage A. Heavens is set to launch the much-awaited book titled ‘Predestination’ on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 5:00PM.
The launch, which is expected to impact lives, will take place at Crossgates Ministries, Flattop, off N1 Highway, opposite Angel Hauz.
The book is aimed at addressing the way people struggle to understand how free will and destiny align.
It is also aimed at providing clarity on God’s sovereignty and one’s place in His divine plan.
The various chapters of the book address various issues through scriptures and personal stories.
Committed to impacting society, part of the proceeds from the book will go into Courage Heavens Education Legacy (CHEL), an educational foundation transforming lives.
CHEL is dedicated to providing financial support and mentorship to brilliant but needy students, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities for a better future.
Prophet Courage Heavens is a prolific writer and previously authored Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani, a powerful book that encourages unwavering faith in times of trials.
In addition, he has written seven more prophetic and life-changing books that are yet to be published.
He is dedicated to raising the next generation for impactful ministry. As the leader of Crossgates Ministries, he nurtures believers in faith and purpose.
