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Ghana advances women’s football development with expanded national team structure
In a clear statement of intent towards enhancing Women’s 1¹¹¹1 development, Ghana has announced the formation of new national teams across additional age categories.
This initiative aligns with Ghana’s overarching Women’s Football Strategy, which seeks to create a sustainable pathway for player progression from grassroots levels to elite competition.
With the addition of the U16, U18, U19, U21, and U23 squads, the West African nation now boasts a comprehensive structure catering for the progression of female football talent. The newly created categories are configured to complement the already established U15, U17, U20, and senior national team, the Black Queens.
This strategic move underscores Ghana’s commitment to nurturing young talents and building a productive pipeline for the progression of future stars in Women’s Football.
The newly introduced national teams will serve as pivotal platforms for player development, providing opportunities for aspiring footballers to hone their skills and gain invaluable experience at various stages of their careers.
It’s noteworthy that while the existing teams, including the U15, U17, U20, and senior national team, primarily focus on competitive endeavors, the recently formed squads—U16, U18, U19, U21, and U23—are designed with a clear developmental mandate.
These teams will function as incubators for emerging talent, offering structured training programs, exposure to international competitions, and expert coaching to nurture the potential of young footballers.
By investing in youth development and providing comprehensive support systems, Ghana aims to enhance the quality and depth of its talent pool, thereby strengthening its position in Women’s Football in Africa and globally.
The significance of this expansion goes beyond mere numbers; it symbolizes Ghana’s proactive approach towards gender equality and inclusivity in sports.
By bolstering opportunities for young female footballers, the nation not only cultivates athletic prowess but also empowers women to excel in traditionally male-dominated fields, promoting diversity and social inclusion.
The introduction of these age-specific national teams, further underscores Ghana’s recognition of the importance of early talent identification and nurturing.
By establishing structured pathways for talent development, the nation ensures that promising young players receive the guidance and support needed to realize their full potential, ultimately enriching the talent pool of Ghanaian football.
As the new national teams embark on their journey, they carry the hopes and aspirations of a nation eager to witness the emergence of future football icons.
Their success will not only be measured by victories on the pitch but also by the enduring legacy of empowerment and opportunity they represent for generations to come.
In the ever-evolving landscape of women’s football, Ghana stands at the forefront of progress, blazing a trail of innovation and inclusivity.
With the establishment of national teams across all age categories, the nation paves the way for a brighter and more equitable future for female footballers, solidifying its position as a beacon of inspiration for the global football community.
GFA COMMUNICATIONS
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GEXIM to host “SME GO” programme stakeholder sensitisation and fair on September 18
The Ghana Export – Import Bank (GEXIM) in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ghana Enterprises Agency and Development Bank of Ghana will be hosting the final phase of the stakeholder sensitisation exercise on the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Growth and Opportunity (SME GO) Programme at the Bank’s headquarters located at the Africa Trade House, in Accra.
The stakeholder sensitisation event is scheduled to take place on Wednesday SSeptember18, 2024 at 10 am and will give attendees a deeper insight into the SME GO Programme with a focus on the dynamics of the programme, eligibility criteria application process and how the initiative seeks to assist Ghanaian SMEs to scale up and compete favorably in the international marketplace.
The confirmed speakers and dignitaries for the event will highlight how Ghanaian SMEs can leverage on the SME GO Programme to build the capacities and make them sustainable.
They include Hon. Abena Osei-Asare, Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, Hon. K. T. Hammond, Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Nii Kwartei Titus Glover, Greater Accra Regional Minister as well as the Chief Executive Officers of the Ghana Enterprises Agency and Development Bank of Ghana.
Alongside the stakeholder sensitisation event, GEXIM will be hosting a special edition of its popular SME Fair dubbed “SME GO Mart” at the forecourt of the Africa Trade House, from 8am to 8pm.
The theme for the “SME GO Mart” is “Celebrating Ghanaian SMEs” and it will provide a platform for Ghanaian entrepreneurs to showcase various top-quality Made-In-Ghana products.
Over hundred Ghanaian entrepreneurs with unique products have been confirmed to participate in the fair.
They will be exhibiting several unique and authentic products at unbeatable prices including food and ingredients, beverages, skin and beauty care products, textiles, apparel, garments, leather footwear, slippers, and many others.
In July 2024, the Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Finance launched the SME GO Programme, a ground breaking initiative which sought to provide Ghanaian SMEs with the needed funds, requisite technology and knowledge as well as other relevant resources and tools to aid their growth to become international giants.
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Zipline, GHS reduce maternal mortality in Ashanti Region by 56.4% – Study
A recent impact assessment study on aerial logistics to improve maternal health and emergencies has revealed a remarkable reduction in maternal mortality by 56.4% in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Zipline and the Ghana Health Service (GHS).
This was revealed at the National Ghana Health Service Research Conference organized by the Ghana Health Service in partnership with Zipline. The study, which focused on the impact of aerial logistics in healthcare, also noted a 19.9% increase in antenatal visits and a 25% rise in in-facility births, signaling a significant boost in maternal health outcomes.
The success according to the study is attributed to the on-demand availability of blood and essential medical supplies provided by Zipline’s innovative drone delivery system. This consistent access to critical resources has increased patient confidence in the healthcare system, encouraging more mothers to seek necessary care throughout their pregnancies.
Speaking on the highlight of the study, the Research Officer at Ashanti Regional Health Directorate stated, “the significant decrease in maternal mortality we’ve seen is a clear indication of the vital role that reliable access to medical supplies plays in healthcare. The ability to deliver blood and essential medicines exactly when they’re needed has transformed how mothers in the Ashanti Region perceive and engage with the healthcare system.”
“It’s an achievement that speaks to the importance of introducing technology in healthcare delivery. Mothers now feel more confident in seeking care, knowing that they will receive the support they need throughout their pregnancies,”he stated.
The study examined data from 191 health facilities, including hospitals, health centers, and Community-based Health and Planning Services (CHPS) Compounds. Among these, 99 facilities were served by Zipline’s aerial logistics, while 91 were not. The research employed adjusted rates for various key indicators, such as antenatal consultations, emergency visits, referrals, live births, hysterectomies, maternal deaths, and neonatal deaths, as the main dependent variables.
The qualitative aspect of the study aimed to describe and analyze the changes in satisfaction levels among healthcare providers and patients, perceived quality of care in maternal health and emergencies, and experiences related to the use of aerial logistics. In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 patients and 23 healthcare providers at the participating facilities.
Globally, maternal mortality remains a critical public health challenge, with stark disparities between high-income and low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the majority of maternal deaths occur in LMICs, often due to preventable causes. In Ghana, particularly in the Ashanti Region, the problem is critical, reflecting the broader challenges faced across the African continent. Beyond this, socio-economic, geographic, and infrastructural factors intensify the risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions to improve maternal health outcomes.
As maternal mortality continues to pose a challenge in low-to-middle-income countries, the success seen in Ghana’s Ashanti Region offers a promising model for other regions and nations striving to improve maternal health outcomes through innovative solutions.
Zipline is poised to continue leading the way in revolutionizing healthcare delivery, ensuring that every mother has access to the life-saving resources, no matter where she lives.
