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‘Maintain clean environments while observing social distancing ‘
Mama Afiakumah II, Queen of the Tsowu-Afede Clan of Ve-Deme in the Afadzato South District of the Volta Region, has said that the social distancing protocol in the wake of efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, is no justification to leave the surroundings dirty.
She insisted that communities must still be kept clean while observing the social distancing.
Mama Afiakumah described as highly unpatriotic the lazy attitude of some young people who hid under the social distancing protocol and refused to tidy up their communities in recent times.
She made the remarks while presenting 10 Veronica buckets, 10 buckets, consignments of liquid soap, hand sanitisers, paper towels and masks among other items, worth about GH₵4,000 to the Ve-Deme community to support the hand washing culture in the area.
Mama Afiakumah said that the pandemic should rather prompt the citizenry to renew their patriotic spirit and team up to fight the virus with great zeal and enthusiasm for life to return to normal in the country as soon as possible.
The queen also entreated parents to monitor their children around the clock while schools were shut, to ensure that they did not drift “off course in these trying times”.
She explained that, leaving children to be on their own all the time may cause them to indulge in vices inimical to their future.
“Our children can continue to learn even outside the classroom until the schools re-open,” Mama Afiakumah added.
She pointed out that the crusade against COVID-19 required all hands on deck, for which she called on all and sundry to support the government’s efforts to contain the spread of the virus.
The queen highlighted the need to maintain high standards of hygiene at all times, saying cleanliness was next to godliness.
She commended the Tsowu-Afede Clan for their strong communal spirit and unity, and urged them to maintain and utilise it to support the community’s set of development objectives.
She announced plans to grow trees along the one-kilometre road between the Ve-Deme junction and the community, with support from the Forestry Commission, saying that the project could be carried out vigorously by the youth in strict adherence to the social distancing protocol.
“There is a lot we can do for ourselves before looking up to the government for support for other projects,” Mama Afiakumah pointed out.
Receiving the items, Togbe Sodzi VI thanked Mama Afiakumah for the unfading concern for the welfare of Ve-Deme and described her as a jewel of the soil.
He gave the assurance that the Ve-Deme community would remain united and focused in its unflinching resolve to support the fight against COVID-19.
From Alberto Mario Noretti, Ve-Deme
News
GBBF assistant treasurer, Aurora Commodore-Toppar eyes GOC Treasure slot at Elective Congress on Saturday
The Assistant treasurer of the Ghana Basketball Federation (GBBF), Madam Aurora Commodore-Toppar, has set her sights on becoming the next assistant treasurer of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) at the upcoming Elective Congress on Saturday.
The daughter of the former Chief Executive Officer of Accra Hearts of Oak, Mr. Emmanuel Martey Commodore-Mensah, will be vying for the position against Bernard Quartey of the Ghana Boxing Federation and Edward Patrick Nii Lante Banerman of the Handball Association of Ghana.
Having had her nomination approved by the GOC’s Electoral Commission, the well-seasoned banker, with over 15 years of rich working experience, believes she is well-suited and positioned to help structure the finances of this esteemed organisation.
In a chat with Spectator Sports, the captain of the bronze-winning 2024 University of Ghana basketball team at the 11th African University Games in Zaire, Nigeria, revealed her commitment to effective and accurate financial management, growth, and development of all associated sports federations.
She said, “I am committed to the growth of the GOC, and I want to offer my financial knowledge to aid in ensuring that the GOC operates with the highest standards of financial governance and set-up.”
According to her, the mission is to help promote the GOC’s agenda widely, and having served for over two decades in sports—especially basketball—in various capacities and roles, she believes this experience will help protect the GOC’s finances.
“If elected as assistant treasurer, I will do my utmost, together with the treasurer, to manage the GOC’s finances, including accounting and financial reporting among others,” she added.
According to her, “Accurate financial record-keeping has been a problem across the board; I will help eradicate this issue.”
Aurora Commodore-Toppar stands for transparency, hard work, and an inclusive work culture, she further added.
The former Aburi Girls’ Secondary School basketball team captain has played pivotal roles in improving sports in the country—especially basketball—including being a member of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 2023 Africa Games, an LOC member for the recently concluded Hoop Rave SHS competition, a project lead for FIBA’s “Her World, Her Rules” initiative, chair for the 2024 Fetu Afahye Basketball Tournament, and founder of the Stomp De Yard Basketball Tournament, among others.
BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY
News
113 Cardinals hold 3rd General Congregation in Rome
The 113 Cardinals present in Rome held the third General Congregation on Thursday morning, and announced who will deliver the two pre-conclave meditations.
The Cardinals decided that Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández will celebrate the Mass on the sixth day of the Novemdiales, instead of Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
They agreed that Fr. Donato Ogliari, O.S.B., Abbot of St. Paul Outside the Walls, will deliver the first meditation on Monday, and that Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, Preacher Emeritus of the Papal Household, will deliver the second meditation at the beginning of the conclave, whose starting date has not yet been decided.
The Cardinals began a conversation about the Church and the world, deciding to hold the next General Congregation on Friday morning at 9:00 AM.
The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, told journalists that 61,000 people have paid their respects to the late Pope Francis as of 1:00 PM on Thursday, adding that St. Peter’s Basilica should close at midnight on Thursday, unless large crowds are still queuing to enter.
Following the Pope’s funeral on Saturday, April 26, a Rosary will be held in front of the Basilica of St. Mary Major on Saturday at 9:00 PM.
Mr. Bruni said the burial service for Pope Francis will take place in private.
Starting the morning of Sunday, April 27, the faithful may begin to visit the tomb of Pope Francis at the Marian Basilica.
