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‘Rebecca Foundation committed to partnering Merck Foundation for change’
Bouquet for First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo as she arrives in Dubai to participate in the 9th Africa
Asia Luminary on Tuesday. She was welcomed on arrival by the CEO of the Merck Foundation, Senator Dr.
Rasha Kelej.
The First Lady of Ghana, Rebecca Naa Okaikor Akufo-Addo, has assured Merck Foundation of her continuous commitment in her quest to change the status quo.
According to the First Lady, her Rebecca Foundation is committed to working together with Merck Foundation to make a difference in the lives of the people of Ghana.
Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo made this pledge during her address at the inaugural session of the 9th edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary held on Tuesday, November 16 at Hilton Hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
She expressed appreciation to the gathering for their support and solidarity for making the 6th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary hosted in Accra, Ghana in 2019 a success.
The First Lady of Ghana said the country’s partnership was launched in January 2019 and has since been a productive collaboration not only for her office but for society in general.
Mrs Akufo-Addo said growing up, she saw a gross injustice of women being tagged as infertile.
According to her, Merck Foundation’s support for infertility and other conditions in Ghana has been immense, adding that as a result, about 110 public sector healthcare providers have received specialists training.
This, she said, has resulted in improving equitable and quality healthcare solutions and praised the awards event which has so far rewarded about 100 Ghanaian journalists and musicians.
Mrs Akufo-Addo further noted that her Foundation and Merck Foundation would continue to inspire girl education through the ‘Educating Linda’ initiative among other initiatives.
According to her, through this initiative about 20 highly performing but underprivileged girls have received scholarships with about 3,000 sets of schools supplies distributed to schools in Ghana and looking forward to launch additional five books to support the effort.
Mrs Akufo-Addo lauded Merck Foundation for its decision to support her “Because I want to be” mentor Initiative, which encourages girls to stay in school and support dropouts with skills training.
She established the Rebecca Foundation in 2017, with a focus on the wellbeing of Ghanaian women and children in the areas of education, health and women’s economic empowerment.
The Rebecca Foundation continues to be a major partner to the Ministry of Health in the provision of services to Ghanaians especially women and children.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme, Dubai
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Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation –Pres.Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the misuse of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for personal financial gain by individuals in leadership positions.
Speaking during a meeting with Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) on Thursday, March 13, the President directly attributed the dire state of SOEs to their leadership, accusing chief executives, management teams, and governing boards of prioritising personal enrichment over organisational efficiency.
He pointed to bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures as factors draining public funds while SOEs continue to rely on government bailouts.
“Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation by appointees. The chief executives, management, and boards of these enterprises are responsible for this situation. Some SOEs have become perennial loss-makers, draining public funds with bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures while relying on government bailouts as if entitled to them. Many of these entities are at their lowest point in the entire history of the Fourth Republic,” he said.
President Mahama further noted that many SOEs have been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to consistent financial losses. He cited the 2023 State Ownership Report by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), which highlighted systemic inefficiencies and wasteful expenditures within these entities.
He therefore reaffirmed his commitment to reforming under-performing SOEs and ensuring they serve national interests.
He warned that loss-making SOEs will no longer be tolerated and will either be merged, privatised, or closed.
“I will assess you based on your performance. If you do not align with the pace of the reset agenda, you may be asked to step aside. If that adds to the horror movie, so be it,” he added.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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Prophet Courage Heavens set to launch ‘Predestination’ book on March 23
Prophet Courage A. Heavens is set to launch the much-awaited book titled ‘Predestination’ on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 5:00PM.
The launch, which is expected to impact lives, will take place at Crossgates Ministries, Flattop, off N1 Highway, opposite Angel Hauz.
The book is aimed at addressing the way people struggle to understand how free will and destiny align.
It is also aimed at providing clarity on God’s sovereignty and one’s place in His divine plan.
The various chapters of the book address various issues through scriptures and personal stories.
Committed to impacting society, part of the proceeds from the book will go into Courage Heavens Education Legacy (CHEL), an educational foundation transforming lives.
CHEL is dedicated to providing financial support and mentorship to brilliant but needy students, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities for a better future.
Prophet Courage Heavens is a prolific writer and previously authored Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani, a powerful book that encourages unwavering faith in times of trials.
In addition, he has written seven more prophetic and life-changing books that are yet to be published.
He is dedicated to raising the next generation for impactful ministry. As the leader of Crossgates Ministries, he nurtures believers in faith and purpose.
