Ekumfi Chiefs Petition Mahama For Development

Nana Otwer Koko Nyieku VII

The Chiefs of the Ekumfi Traditional Area have appealed to the Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, urging him to address their development needs if he wins the 2024 elections.

Speaking on behalf of the chiefs, Nana Otwer Koko Nyieku VII, the Sumankwaahen of Ekumfi Traditional Area and Odzikro of Ekumfi Srafa commended Mahama’s achievements during his previous term as president, describing him as “Action Man” and “Edwumawura” in contrast to the current NPP government led by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia. Nana Nyieku VII lamented that, the current administration has neglected Ekumfi, noting that, “not even a kilometer of road has been tarred by this current administration.’ 

Nana Nyieku VII expressed confidence that, only Mahama’s leadership and the NDC’s governance could bring the much needed development to Ekumfi. He urged Mahama to prioritize infrastructure projects such as road improvements and the mechanization of agriculture. He further pledged the chiefs’ readiness to allocate land for agricultural and other developmental initiatives.

Reiterating the community’s desire for change, Nana Nyieku VII cautioned Mahama to remain alert and attentive in the upcoming elections, despites the gods endorsing his victory. “Shine your eyes,” he repeated three times, emphasizing the need for vigilance.

Finally, Nana Nyieku VII appealed to Mahama to consider Dr. Ekow Kwainoe for appointment in his government, seeing it a strategic move to foster development within Ekumfi.

By: Yusuf Ibrahim Dadzie

ATIABS Observes “Fruit Day” as Part of Nutrition Friendly School Initiative

 Pupils showcasing their fruits 

Attakwaa T. I. Ahmadiyya Basic School (ATIABS) in the Ekumfi District of the Central Region has observed its inaugural “Fruit Day” on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. The event marked the school’s recent inclusion in the Nutrition Friendly School Initiative (NFSI), a programme crafted to promote healthy eating habits, sanitation and physical activity within a safe schoo environment.

“Fruit Day” is part of the NFSI, a collaborative effort led by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Ghana Health Service (GHS) and Ghana Education Service (GES) with additional support from the Government of Norway. The initiative aims to cultivate healthy nutrition practices, enhance hygiene and sanitation, and encourage physical activities among pupils in participating schools across the country.

Mr. Eshun addressing pupils on "Fruit Day"

During the event, Mr. George Eshun, the School Health Education Programme (SHEP) Coordinator for Attakwaa T. I. Ahmadiyya Basic School, outlined the various components of the NFSI that will be rolled out in the school. These include, Fruit and Vegetable Day, Health Inspection Day, General Cleaning of School Compounds, Physical Activity Day, Girls’ Iron and Folic Acid Tablet Supplementation, Nutrition Education and the SMART School Initiative. One of the innovative policies crafted by the school to dovetail into this initiative is the “Operation Plant a Fruit,” which seeks to encourage the cultivation of home-grown fruits. This initiative which is set to be rolled out on Thursday, October 17, 2014, is designed to boost pupils’ fruit consumption within a purely organic environment while alleviating the financial burden of purchasing fruits.

In his address to pupils and teachers, Mr. Eshun emphasised the numerous health benefits of eating fruits, including serving as a catalyst in digestion, promoting skin health, providing protection against cancer and other diseases and facilitating wound healing. He encouraged pupils to adopt the habit of eating fruits daily underscoring the importance of personal hygiene practices such as proper handwashing with soap under running water and washing fruits before consumption.

Mr. Eshun also urged teachers to foster a supportive environment for these practices and to promote the principles of the NFSI, ensuring the programme’s successful implementation in the school.

A section of teachers eating watermelon on fruit day

“The observation of “Fruit Day” will be regularly done to foster a culture of healthy living and eating balance meals among pupils of Attakwaa T. I. Ahmadiyya Basic School and participants of the Nutrition Friendly School Initiative”, he stressed.

By: Yusuf Ibrahim Dadzie

“Be Messengers with Good Moral Character,” NDC Communicators Charged

 

Kweku Arkoh Yehoah, Deputy C/R. Comms. Officer

The Deputy Central Regional Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Comrade Emmanuel Kweku Arkoh Yeboah, has called on communication officers within Ekumfi Constituency to uphold moral integrity and professionalism in their roles. He emphasized that, exhibiting good moral character and being diligent would not only attract new members but also make the party more appealing thereby enhancing its chances of in the 2024 general elections.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 13-Member Communication Committee of the NDC in Ekumfi on Friday, October, 11, 2024, Comrade Kweku Arkoh noted that, the attitudes and actions of some as well as lack of active engagement had at times discouraged potential supporters. He urged officers to embrace their roles as messengers of the party with a high moral standard. “Be messengers with good moral character,” he stressed highlighting how vital this is in political engagement as that would have a positive impact on the party’s progress. He further advised communicators to give opportunities for other competent individuals to serve, emphasizing the benefits of a diverse and skilled team.

He also addressed the issue of inadequate logistics, which hampers effective communication. He urged party leadership and other stakeholders to offer words of encouragement and practical resources to enhance communication efforts. As a sign of his commitment, he donated a cash of Five Hundred Ghana Cedis (GH¢500.00) and announced that, his boss, Hon. Gabriella Tetteh, the Regional Communications Officer, would donate megaphones to augment communicators’ outreach efforts.

Kwesi Dawood, fmr C/R Comms. Officer

In a strategic discussion on the theme, “The Resetting Ghana Agenda; the Ekumfi Perspective,” Comrade Kwesi Dawood, former Regional Communications Officer, elaborated on key policies from the NDC’s 2024 manifesto. He urged communicators and “serial callers” alike to thoroughly understand these policies and present them effectively to the electorate. One of the interventions he highlighted was the “Formula 1-3-3,” which is part of the NDC’s 24-hour economy policy initiative aimed at driving economic growth by creating a three-shift system for businesses and public institutions, with each shift running for eight (8) hours.

Nii Commey Adams, C/R Secretary

Comrade Gabriel Nii Kommey Adams, the Central Regional Secretary, took the opportunity to remind the communication officers of essential qualities they must embody. He stressed the importance of confidence, understanding key issues, localizing messages, being respectful and decorous in one’s discourse, remaining humble and loyal to the party. He further encouraged them to educate voters and work towards retaining the Parliamentary seat by supporting Dr. Othniel Ekow Kwainoe while also securing a second term for His Excellency John Dramani Mahama as President.

Nana Araba Ahinfuwa III, Queen of Ekumfi Abor

Key dignitaries in attendance included, Nana Araba Ahinfuwa III, Queen of Ekumfi Abor, who urged communicators to engage in factual debates whenever they have the opportunity, Alhajj Joseph Antobam, Constituency Chairman, Ismaael Nana Asamoah, Vice Chairman, Edward Acquah Fayah, Secretary, Nimo-Acquaah, Deputy Secretary, Raymond Armah Moore, Organiser and Comrade Maxwell Adokoh, Youth Organiser and his Deputy, Nurideen Otoo, Abraham Aikins (Aikins 2), Chairman Ekow Forson. 

Kow Kakra Nketsia-Richardson, Comms. Officer

The inauguration was organized under the auspices of Comrade Kow Kakra Nketsia-Richardson, Constituency Communications Officer and his Deputy, Richard Bright Arthur.

By: Yusuf Ibrahim Dadzie