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Direct Aid Ghana supports RMU to construct ultra-modern mosque complex
Construction works for an ultra-modern mosque complex at the Regional Maritime University (RMU) in Accra commenced in earnest on Friday.
This follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the RMU and Direct Aid Ghana (sponsors of the facility).
Estimated at $70,000, the mosque when completed would have boreholes, decent washrooms and other facilities to ensure that muslim students, lecturers and the RMU community at large have a conducive environment for prayers.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, the Ag. Vice Chancellor of the RMU, Dr Jethro W. Brooks Jr on behalf of the Board of Governors, expressed appreciation to Direct Aid Ghana for the support.
“We have for some time now been trying to identify resources for the construction of a place for our Muslim community. Not only for our students but for lecturers and people within the Nungua community,” he stated.
“At long last, we do have a worship centre for our Muslim brothers and sisters and are grateful to Direct Aid Ghana for the timely intervention,” he stated.
He was hopeful that a similar gesture would be replicated by the Christian community to ensure that students have a decent place of worship instead of using the classrooms.
“We hope the project would be finished in few months. The faster, the better for our students to have a place to pray,” he stressed.
The Country Director for Direct Aid Ghana, Sami Henedak said, disclosed that the project would be completed in four months as they were through with the foundation.
“We would deliver quality on time since full funding for the project is ready. We also encourage the university to assist in ensuring that the project is completed on time,” he added.
“We are here to support, help communities and change the lives of people here in Ghana and other African countries we operate in,” he stated.
On his part, Country Accountant, Mr Ahmed Jemal Beshir said the project was the beginning of many of such partnerships to happen between Direct Aid and RMU.
“We look forward to a sustainable working relationship with the RMU and we assure you that the project would be completed on time,” he said.
By Michael D. Abayateye
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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.
