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Let’s use Ada Asafotufiami festival to promote Ghanaian tourism-Mankralo
The Mankralo of Ada, Nene Agudey Obitchere III, has called on Ghanaians to utilise the celebration of festivals to promote tourism which will serve as huge economic boost for the country.
Speaking on behalf of the Ada Traditional Area, Nene Abram Kabu Akuaku II at the launch of the 2024 Ada Asafotufiami festival (for the people of Ada in the Greater Accra Region), he said, there were many tourism attractions within the country that could be highlighted and promoted during such celebrations.
“Aside the fact that festival serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by forefathers to secure the Ada state, with thousands of Ghanaians especially Ada natives, home and abroad expected to grace the festival, it would serve as a huge tourist attraction for the country at large,” he stated.
“Let us also be worthy ambassadors to the rest of the world. At least, we can tell people of the Estuary where the Volta River joins the sea and the beautiful islands created by the huge volumes of water washing its way right from Burkina Faso and entering Ghana from the north, all the way here to the lowest point in the South of Ghana,” he stated.
He said there were abundant spread of tourism and hospitality facilities in the area, with some offering horse-riding, jet skiing, kayaking canoeing, cycling and whale watching.
“Asafotufiami resonates with most Ghanaian communities, especially the Ga-Dangmes and it reminds us of the heroic traits of our forebears in fighting for self-preservation and fending off domination,” he stated.
He added that, it was important to celebrate, reunite and remind the younger generation of Ghanaian culture and identity.
The Mankrola who doubles as the Chairman of the 2024 Asafotufiami Planning Committee, added that, the festival would be a time to reunite, mend fences and work together towards development of Ada and the country at large.
“The euphoria that engulfs the celebrations lives beyond the few days that are spent here. Ada has benefitted greatly therefrom, and surely would keep the festival flame burning always,” he stated.
He called on the youth within and without to come on board to make the celebrations a memorable one for visitors and tourists.
This year’s festival, the 87th edition would be held under the theme, “Upholding the Discipline of Our Forebears as a Tool for Sustainable Development and Unity of Ada,” and scheduled for August 1-8.
The launch was held by the Ada Traditional Council in collaboration with the Asafotu Planning Committee with support from Electrochem Ghana Limited and other sponsors.
Consequently, Electrochem Ghana Limited,operators of the Songhor Salt Lagoon donated GHC200,000 to support the festival.
The launch was held amidst firing of musketry (a symbolic feature of the festival), performance by Awa Group (a traditional singing and dance group) as well as a display by the Ada Youth Organisation.
Aside the chiefs and traditional leaders, the occasion was also graced by dignitaries including the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ada, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe-Ghansah and the District Chief Executives of Ada West and East, Mr Sampson Tetteh Kpankpah and Ms Sarah Dugbaki Pobee respectively.
By Michael D. Abayateye
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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.
