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‘Govt should be cautious about re-opening of schools’

An educationist is appealing to the government to deal cautiously with the issue of re-opening schools in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic.

This was necessary because the issue at stake was a serious one which must be handled with maximum care to prevent the disease from escalating further in the country.

The educationist who pleaded anonymity in an interview with The Spectator said having considered  the rate at which the infection was spreading , the authorities should make room for the COVID-19 positive  figures to subside before considering re-opening the schools.      

According to her, it was unfortunate that some of their colleagues were pressing hard for re-opening of schools with no regards to the serious health implications at stake, especially when it came to dealing with large  number of children.    

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She was of the view that since the number of COVID-19 cases had increased over a relatively short period, there was the possibility of encouraging the further spread of the disease in schools, hence the need to be careful not to put the children at risk.

The educationist said though students in tertiary institutions could be careful and conduct  themselves well, it would be extremely difficult for teachers who handled nursery and kindergarten schools to take absolute control of the children.

She said at their age, the children hugged and held  hands of each other as a sign of expressing love.

The educationist intimated that some parents said they would not allow their children to go to school should the government re-open  schools at a  time when even adults struggled to escape being infected.

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She described the situation as a dicey one since teachers could also infect the pupils and vice versa.

On her part, the Headmistress of St Maurice Roman Catholic  A & B  Junior  High School, La,  Mrs Evelyn  Ampomah- Nkansah  said in as much as stakeholders in education were  eager for the re-opening of  schools, the right structures must be put in place to facilitate a swift academic work and prevent the students from contracting the virus.

She intimated that something must be done about class sizes because a class with  an average of 45 students would not be a conducive environment  for social distancing.

She  added that parents and guardians must monitor their children at home and prevent them from going to unacceptable sites on the internet.

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By Raymond Kyekye

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The 7th National Women’s Summit & Expo introduces Industry Spotlight 

As the world confronts the complex challenges of sustainable development, food security, and economic growth, one thing is clear: women are essential to the future of agribusiness.

 Recognizing this vital contribution, the 7th National Women’s Summit & Expo is set to shine a spotlight on women in agribusiness through its new Industry Spotlight Series with an event dubbed; ‘Women in Agribusiness Industry Mixer’.

 This exciting initiative aims to elevate the voices, achievements, and impact of women within the agricultural sector, ultimately strengthening Ghana’s food value chain and boosting economic development. The event is slated for Friday, 21st February at the Kosmos Innovation Center at 5pm prompt.

Agriculture: The Backbone of Ghana’s Economy

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Agriculture is the beating heart of Ghana’s economy, supporting millions of livelihoods—particularly those of women.

 The sector accounts for around 20% of the country’s GDP and plays an essential role in driving economic growth. Women are at the forefront of food production, processing, distribution, and market innovation, making crucial contributions to the sector’s ongoing development. Yet, despite their significant impact, women in agribusiness still face barriers such as limited access to finance, technology, and markets, which hinder their full participation and potential.

Unlocking the Potential of Women in Agribusiness

The 7th National Women’s Summit & Expo aims to tackle these challenges head-on, providing a platform for engagement, knowledge-sharing, and policy discussions. 

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On February 21, 2025, the Women in Agribusiness Industry Mixer at the Kosmos Innovation Center will gather women entrepreneurs, agribusiness professionals, investors, and key stakeholders.

 The event will facilitate idea exchange, explore potential partnerships, and drive collaborative solutions. Discussions will focus on four critical areas:

The 7th National Women’s Summit & Expo 2025 is more than just an event—it’s a call to action for gender equality. By focusing on agribusiness, an industry crucial to economic transformation, this year’s summit will serve as a launchpad for meaningful engagement, policy dialogue, and business opportunities.

Participants will

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• Network with industry leaders, investors, and policymakers

• Explore partnerships and collaborative solutions

• Engage in high-level discussions on key industry challenges

• Showcase innovative products and services

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• Champion the future of women in agribusiness

At the National Women’s Summit & Expo on  March 7, will focus  thought-provoking and in-depth discussion on “Women in Agribusiness” as part of our Industry Spotlight series. 

Additionally, they will delve into the following topics;

1. Access to Finance and Investment Opportunities for Women in Agriculture

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Access to finance remains one of the biggest hurdles for women in agribusiness, restricting their ability to scale and innovate. The Industry Mixer will offer a unique opportunity for women entrepreneurs to connect with investors, financial institutions, and development partners, exploring innovative financing models and investment opportunities that can fuel growth.

2. Sustainable and Innovative Agricultural Practices

As pressure mounts for the agricultural sector to adopt sustainable and innovative practices, the event will spotlight best practices in sustainable agriculture. Success stories will be shared, and participants will gain insights into innovative approaches that enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impact in production, processing, and distribution.

3. Market Expansion and Value Chain Optimization

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Many women in agribusiness struggle with limited access to markets and value chains. 

The mixer will focus on strategies to overcome these barriers, facilitating discussions on how women-led ventures can tap into local, regional, and even global markets, thereby unlocking growth and expanding their reach.

4. Policy Advocacy for Gender-Inclusive Agribusiness Growth

To create an environment where women in agribusiness can truly thrive, policy reform is key. 

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The event will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society organizations to discuss and advocate for policy initiatives that foster gender-inclusive growth within the agribusiness sector.

The Industry Spotlight Series – Women in Agribusiness is a Charterhouse production and brought to you by Geisha in partnership with Kosmo Innovations Center.

Admission is absolutely free!

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Gyakye Quayson calls for unity and reform in Black History Month address

James Gyakye Quayson, Member of Parliament for Assin North, delivered a compelling speech in Parliament to mark Black History Month, emphasizing unity, self-sufficiency, and inclusive governance.

He paid tribute to Black leaders such as Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., and Barack Obama, highlighting their contributions to justice and equality.

 He also addressed Africa’s paradox of wealth and underdevelopment, citing historical exploitation and economic dependency as major obstacles.

“Black History Month is a call to action. It reminds us of the need for unity among Black people worldwide. By learning from the past and building solidarity, we can create a future of dignity and empowerment,” he stated.

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Ghana as the Gateway to Africa

Mr.Quayson reaffirmed Ghana’s role as the Gateway to Africa, pointing to the Year of Return and Beyond the Return initiatives, which have strengthened ties with the global African diaspora.

 These programmes have brought investments in real estate, hospitality, and tourism, boosting economic growth and cultural connections.

Call for Reform: Dual Citizenship and Governance

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A key focus of his address was the need to amend Ghana’s dual citizenship laws, which restrict Ghanaians with dual nationality from holding political office. He urged Parliament to expedite the Dual Citizenship Amendment Bill to allow skilled and committed diaspora Ghanaians to contribute to leadership and development.

“The fight against dual citizenship restrictions is not a personal battle but a national conversation. Our Constitution must evolve to reflect the global realities of our people,” he asserted.

The Black Star Experience: A Cultural and Economic Vision

Mr.Quayson also highlighted the Black Star Experience, an NDC initiative aimed at making Ghana a global hub for arts, culture, and tourism. With year-round celebrations in literature, fashion, film, and music, the initiative is expected to attract investment, create jobs, and boost local businesses.

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“This initiative will enhance tourism revenues, provide skills transfer, and cement Ghana’s position as a leader in creative and economic innovation,” he noted.

Recognizing and Empowering New Citizens

Mr.Quayson advocated for policies that integrate African Americans and other nationals who have settled in Ghana, allowing them to contribute to governance and leadership.

“Leadership is not confined to nationality by birth but defined by the ability to serve, innovate, and uplift communities,” he emphasized.

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A Call for Unity and Progress

Concluding his speech, he urged for a collective effort to create an inclusive and progressive Ghana.

“The journey ahead is long, but together, we can redefine what it means to be Ghanaian, ensure equal opportunities, and build a future our children will be proud of,” he affirmed.

Mr.Quayson’s remarks has reignited discussions on diaspora engagement, constitutional reforms, and Ghana’s cultural and economic leadership. His message of resilience and unity serves as a guiding beacon for the nation’s future.

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