News
Low turn-out on 1st day as tertiary institutions re-open

Low turnout greeted the first day of re-opening for final year students of tertiary institutions which were compelled to shut down in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the country.
Ghanaian Times reporters visited various campuses and observed that the University authorities have taken delivery of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including face or nose masks, liquid soaps, tissue papers and thermometer guns from the National Council of Tertiary Education (NCTE), which are to be used by lecturers and teachers to protect themselves.
Although some have maintained their virtual class work model through on-line learning and teaching during the three months absence of physical presence on campus, others have taken advantage of easing of the restrictions to recall students to campus to complete the academic calendar.
At the University of Ghana, Legon campus, some students were seen arriving at their various halls of residence to resume academic work.
As directed, hygiene protocols to help stop the spread of the virus had been put in place at the various lecture and residential halls.
While, the Central University College and the Ghana Telecom University College took advantage of the online learning and teaching to the extent of conducting examinations for their final year students the Methodist University College has however recalled the students to campus to use six weeks for assessment and examinations for both postgraduate and Level four students numbering about 1,200.
Professor Asabere Ameyaw, President of the Methodist University College, said enough measures to promote social distancing and personal hygiene had been instituted to check the spread of the disease campus.
He said students had been asked to bring their own food from home due to the closure of the canteen and were dissperse as soon as lectures or examinations were over adding that a COVID-19 response team was on stand-by to respond to any unforeseen circumstances that may come up.
At the Ghana Telecom University College, Vice President, Professor Isaac Abeku Blankson said as ICT oriented institution, they took advantage of the on-line platform to complete the academic calendar well ahead of time.
At the Central University College at Mataheko, the reporter was informed by the security personnel present that the students have completed their examinations,thus,there was no need for them to return to campus.
AMA TEKYIWAA AMPADU AGYEMAN, REPORTS that at the Koforidua Technical University(KTU), lectures started at about 7:00 AM with both lecturers and students wearing their nose masks.
Security personnel at entrance had the thermometer guns and were checking temperatures of all who entered the campus.
Veronica buckets were also placed at the entrance and vantage points of the university to promote proper and regular hand washing.
Registrar of KTU, Dr Nii Annang Mensah-Livingston explained that the university was expecting about 3, 600 final year students to return to complete the semester and write their examinations.
He said lecture halls had also been rearranged and their sizes reduced in line with the President’s directive, adding “number of students in our GETFund Hostels has also been reduced and our COVID-19 Response team had also interacted with private hostel owners to also observe the safety protocols.”
In case of emergencies, he noted that an isolation room had been made available while awaiting the Eastern Regional COVID-19 response team to pick them up for further health checks.
At the All Nations University, the Registrar, Reverend Adraina Ion said final year students would not be returning physically as they would be completing their courses online, adding that, safety protocol measures had been put in place at the University.
DAVID O. YARBOI-TETTEH REPORTS from the Winneba campus of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) that few students had reported to campus as of 11:00 AM yesterday.
Their temperatures were taken as some officials handed over to the students their face masks.
The Public Relations Officer of UEW, Ernest Azutiga, said the institution had received 38,000 facemasks and other essentials to be distributed to the students and lecturers in all the four campuses of UEW including Winneba, Ajumako, Kumasi and Ashanti Mampong.
He indicated that, management of UEW had also installed 137 automatic hand sanitisers at the various academic facilities and halls of residence on campus.
At the University of Cape Coast (UCC), arriving students underwent protocols including hand washing, use of sanitisers, temperatures taken and student’s identity checked before being allowed to enter the hall.
At the Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU), the atmosphere was calm with few of the students going through the registration process.
Some of the students who were staying outside campus, had also moved to take up residence on campus in order to protect themselves from contracting the virus.
Public Relations Officer of CCTU, Fred Opare Baako said the institution had taken delivery of over 5,000 face masks, thermometer guns, liquid soaps, Veronica buckets and tissue papers from the government.
The authorities, he said, had put in place measures to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
From Takoradi, Clement Adzei Boye, reports that the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) and Takoradi Technical University (TTU) had reopened to students for academic work to begin.
The Registrar of UMaT, Mr Matthew Kwabena Okrah indicated that, to safeguard the health and safety of the University community, the Security Unit would enforce the No Mask, No Entry directive.
He announced that students would report to the UMaT Clinic upon arrival, for screening from June 15 to 17.
Additionally, the Security Unit would further ensure that there would be no mass gatherings including church services or meetings, association meetings, or any form of gathering of students apart from lectures on campus.
The management assured students and parents that it was working to ensure the safety of all members of the university community.
For his part, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) for TTU, Kow Richardson, explained that final years would spend four weeks for lectures in addition to the virtual lectures which took place during the close- down of school.
This, he said, would be followed by a two-week examination.
All students and lecturers, he noted, would be provided with the needed PPEs including hand sanitisers and nose masks with ‘no mask, not entry’ notices posted at all vantages points.
KINGSLEY E.HOPE in KUMASI reports from the Kumasi Campus of UEW that, there was low turnout at the time of visit by the Ghanaian Times as at 11:30 am.
The few students that had reported were given personal protection equipment by management of the institution as it was observed that Veronica buckets were strategically being fitted.
Some of the few students who were spotted on campus during the Ghanaian Times’ visit could not hide their joy for the reopening of lectures as they claimed staying home for long made them rusty.
Similarly at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), there was very low turnout at the campus on the first day of re-opening school although management had instituted safety protocols as directed.
At Christian Service University College, a private university, at Kwadaso in Kumasi, the institution was already two weeks into their take home virtual examination with one week to complete.
It was gathered that, the final year students were already done with their examination and working on their thesis as management of the institution was already preparing for the 2020/2021 academic year.
Source: Ghanaian Times
News
The role of employment status, wealth, geographical location in divorce
Several research findings have identified factors likely to account for divorce. These factors include (but are not limited to):
1. Employment Status and Income Levels of Individuals
Several research on the employment status of married individuals have identified how it influences marital stability. If the husband is employed, the likelihood of the marriage ending in divorce is low.
The is because, as the head, he would be in a better position to provide for the family’s needs, strengthening the family and increasing their standard of living (Lee, unpublished).
On the contrary, women who are employed are at risk of having a higher divorce rate, particularly when they find themselves in unhappy marriages.
This is because they can afford to be independent and cater for their children (Becker, Landes & Michael, 1977; Oppenheimer, 1997; Sayer & Bianchi, 2000). Moore’s (1994) argument also supports the fact that women’s divorce risks increase as they find themselves in highly time-demanding occupations outside the home. This is because they might be unable to devote ample time to their spouses and children.
Despite these findings, I know of a good number of women who are doing their best to maintain some balance between their married life and their work. I highly commend such women for their extra efforts on behalf of their families.
2. Wealth
Research shows that the individuals’ wealth status could either increase or decrease the probability of divorce. Some scholars (Kurderk, 1993 and Rootalu, 2010) indicated that when individuals are more affluent and wealthy, marriage stability is compromised because couples could easily afford the costs involved in the divorce process.
Others also suggest that individuals who are not wealthy (especially women) are at lower risk of divorce than more prosperous women (Ambert, 2002).
3. Geographical Location or Type of Residential Place
Geographic location and its characteristics could impact your marriage’s stability. Several studies on the location of residence have shown that married couples who live in urban communities are more likely to experience divorce than their rural counterparts (Adegoke, 2010; Adedokun, 1998).
According to Takyi (2001) and Moore (1994), urbanisation undermines African marriages.
Characteristics dominant in urban communities, such as the preference for conjugal union over the extended family and the increasing number of women in restrictive and time-consuming employment setups, have been argued to weaken the foundation of families and marriages.
This is because the conjugal family type does not allow for the involvement of other extended family members except for the immediate family (nuclear family). The immediate family is mainly made up of the married couple and their children; hence, there is less opportunity for the involvement of other members of the other family.
Indeed, it matters a lot how much your in-laws are involved in your marriage (in a healthy way, without much interference).
Modernisation in Africa is destroying the benefits that could have been derived from couples’ healthy relationships with the extended family.
Oppong (1992) supported this argument that African modernisation has led to the type of urbanisation, encouraging wide separation from extended families. Unfortunately, urbanisation supports an individualistic living arrangement (devoid of considerations for other families).
It is not surprising that a good number of researchers confirm that urban divorce rates exceed rural areas’ rates.
To be continued …
Source: Excerpts from “PREPARING FOR A HAPPY AND FULFILLING MARRIAGE: Everything You Need to Know Before You Say ‘I Do’” Book by REV. COUNSELOR PRINCE OFFEI (Psychotherapist, Lecturer, and Marriage Therapist). ORDER BOOK NOW: https://selar.co/preparing-for-a-happy-and-fulfilling-marriage
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COUNSELOR PRINCE & ASSOCIATES CONSULT (CPAC COUNSELLOR TRAINING INSTITUTE)
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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
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.
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
• 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
• 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
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
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.
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!