In a vibrant celebration of youth creativity and health advocacy, the Ghana Dental Association (GDA) has wrapped up an innovative essay competition that has captured the imagination of young students.

Timed perfectly with World Oral Health Day (WOHD), the competition challenged students aged 12 to 15 to unravel the fascinating connection between oral health and mental well-being under the inspiring theme, “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Mind.”

Technology Meets Healthcare Innovation

Global technology brand Tecno Mobile stepped up as one of the competition’s key sponsors, transforming an educational initiative into an exciting opportunity for young writers. By offering cutting-edge technological prizes, Tecno not only incentivized participation but also highlighted the critical role of technology in public health education.

Celebrating Young Scholars

The competition culminated in an awards ceremony as part of GDA and Pepsodent’s WOHD celebration organized at Ridge Church school on  March 20, where exceptional young writers were recognized for their insightful essays:

• First Place: Nii Omanye O. Koney from Christ the King International School claimed the top prize – a state-of-the-art Tecno laptop

• Second Place: Richelle Zuviel Segkpeb, also from Christ the King International School, received a Tecno tablet

• Third Place:  Jecty Daisy Afua Oforiwa fromBishop Bowers School also received a Tecno tablet.

Ghana Dental Association Merges Education and Creativity in WOHD Celebrations

The Ghana Dental Association (GDA) infused its World Oral Health Day (WOHD) observances with both purpose and playfulness, hosting a jingle competition for dental students nationwide. Participants from various schools crafted lively tunes inspired by this year’s theme, blending oral health advocacy with music and fun.

Technology giant Tecno reaffirmed its partnership by awarding tablets to winning teams, a gesture highlighting their ongoing support for innovative health education. The initiative underscored GDA’s commitment to engaging communities through dynamic, accessible approaches beyond conventional outreach.

Beyond Just a Competition

Tecno’s involvement goes far beyond mere sponsorship. The company has demonstrated a genuine commitment to community development, using technology as a powerful tool for education and awareness.

A Spark of Nationwide Change

As Ghana commemorates World Oral Health Day, this initiative stands as a powerful testament to the potential of collaboration.

It proves that when passionate organizations come together, even the smallest ideas can ignite significant change.

The competition not only sheds light on the important connection between oral and mental health but also empowers young students to think creatively about wellness and social impact.

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Creative Arts and Ghana Tourism Authority has concluded a successful trade and investment mission to the United States, with official visits to Memphis, Tennessee, Detroit Michigan and Columbus, Ohio aimed at strengthening economic ties, forging strategic partnerships, showcasing tourism and the Black Star Experience.

The delegation was led by the Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Yussif Jajah, and included Mrs. Maame Efua Houadjeto, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Ben Anane-Nsiah, Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, and Ms. Annabelle McKenzie, Director of the International Affairs Secretariat of the Ghana Tourism Authority.

At the core of the mission was the goal of establishing and expanding trade and investment relationships across key U.S. cities. The delegation met with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, private sector leaders, business chambers, universities, and cultural organizations to position Ghana as a viable hub for international investment, tourism and trade across diverse sectors, including real estate, manufacturing, education, creative industries, and hospitality.

In Memphis, the delegation was hosted by the Mayor’s Office in partnership with GUBA (Grow, Unite, Build Africa). 

The visit built on the momentum from the 2022 Memphis in May International Festival, when Ghana was the honored country and a sister-city agreement was signed.

Discussions focused on expanding this partnership, particularly in the areas of trade, tourism promotion, and education. Notably, the University of Memphis, which enrolls over 200 Ghanaian students, was highlighted as a key partner in fostering academic and cultural exchange.

In Detroit, the delegation engaged with both diaspora and non-diaspora stakeholders around investment collaboration. City and business leaders expressed strong interest in working with Ghana on initiatives in real estate development, entertainment and culture.

Plans are underway to organize a Ghana Cultural Fair in Detroit to celebrate Ghana’s heritage while promoting economic opportunities. In Columbus, Ohio, where Ghana remains the only country with a sister-city relationship, the delegation was welcomed by the Mayor of Columbus.

 The meetings focused on trade, with stakeholders emphasizing a shared commitment to expanding business and exchanges between Ghana and Columbus-based institutions and investors.

Ghana recognizes the vital role that the global African diaspora plays in national development and continues to champion reconnection efforts. The delegation engaged the diaspora “Ghana is committed to creating meaningful pathways for the diaspora to return, not just for visits, but to invest, to collaborate, and to contribute.

Through the Black Star Experience, we invite our brothers and sisters across the globe to reconnect with their roots while becoming active participants in Ghana’s future.”

 The Black Star Experience serves as a unifying platform, welcoming global Africans and partners alike to engage with Ghana through heritage tourism, cultural exchange, and economic opportunity for both diaspora and non-diaspora stakeholders looking to connect with Ghana,” said Mrs. Maame Efua Houadjeto.

Next steps in international outreach include upcoming missions to New Orleans, New York,  Washington, D.C., and other key cities across the U.S., as part of ongoing efforts to promote tourism, investment, cultural exchange, and global collaboration under the Black Star Experience.