Ghana Celebrates 66 Years of Independence.

Ghana's Independence Day is a momentous occasion celebrated annually on March 6th, commemorating the country's freedom from colonial rule. The day was marked by various events and activities across the country, including parades, flag-raising ceremonies, cultural displays, and speeches.

The Independence Day celebrations in Ghana are usually marked with a grand parade in the capital city, Accra, which is attended by the country's top officials, including the President, Ministers, and members of the diplomatic corps. However, in the last few years, it celebrations have been rotating in other regional capitals. This year the national parade was organized in the Volta Regional capital, Ho. The parade is a showcase of the country's military might and cultural diversity, with marching bands, colorful displays, and traditional dances. 

The President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwah Akuffo-Addo welcomed the guest of honour, President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau and current Chair of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), His Excellency Umaro Sissoco Embaló to the event.

In his speech, the president of Ghana stated that "Sixty-six (66) years down the line, we have worked hard to live up to this responsibility, even though we acknowledge that we have not fully realised our potential and the dreams and aspirations of our forebears, who fought for the independent Ghana we have today. "

Ghanaians across the country, both at home and abroad, also participated in the celebrations by dressing in the national colors of red, gold, and green, attending local events, and sharing messages of hope and unity on social media platforms. The Independence Day celebrations provide an opportunity for Ghanaians to reflect on the country's progress over the years, and to renew their commitment to work towards building a better Ghana.

In addition to the parade, there was a host of other activities to commemorate the anniversary. These include cultural festivals, art exhibitions, concerts, and sporting events. 

As Ghana marks its 66th anniversary of independence, it is worth reflecting on the journey the country has taken since gaining freedom from colonial rule. Ghana has come a long way, with significant achievements in areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. However, there is still much work to be done to address the challenges that continue to face the country, including poverty, inequality, and corruption. The Independence Day celebrations provide an opportunity for Ghanaians to renew their commitment to tackling these challenges and building a prosperous, peaceful, and united Ghana.

In conclusion, Ghana's Independence Day on March 06, 2023, was a momentous occasion, as the country celebrated its 66th anniversary of independence. The day did not only bring Ghanaians together, but provided a sense of renewed hope. will be marked by a grand parade, cultural displays, and a host of other activities, providing an opportunity for Ghanaians to come together to celebrate their country's achievements and renew their commitment to building a better Ghana. As the country moves forward, it is important to remember the sacrifices made by the country's founding fathers and to work towards realizing their vision of a united, prosperous, and peaceful Ghana.

World Radio Day; GJA cautions radio broadcasters ahead of 2024 elections.

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has cautioned radio broadcasters and journalists ahead of the 2024 elections. In a statement read behalf of the GJA Present Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour by Madam Rebecca Kpeh, Editor-in-Chief for GBC online, reiterated the fact that “radio is a powerful communication channel that can be used for good and evil in equal measure”. And for that matter, the broadcast of hate can lead to violence. She said this at the world radio day event at the UNIMAC-GIJ auditorium in Dzorwulu on February 13, world radio day on the theme “forging peace, civility and addressing incitement to violence: The role of radio.”

The event organized by the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UNIMAC-GIJ) in partnership with UNESCO Ghana brought together media practitioners, academia, students and lovers of radio to stimulate dialogue on the theme as well as share some solidarity messages from partners.

The Ghana National Commission for UNESCO in a solidarity message delivered by Mr. Peter Agyakwah, Manager for Engineering, NCA stated that, independence and impartial news reporting is a driver for democracy and good governance and therefore encouraged radio presenters, personalities and owners to ensure a balanced approach to sharing information in their broadcasts. The National Communication Authority (NCA) in a solidarity message expressed excitement on the theme as it directly speaks on some recurring events in Bawku. Mr. Agyakwah informed the audience that the NCA prioritizes licenses for community radio as it gives a voice to communities. He added that the NCA has provided over 700 licenses to give communities in that regard.

The panel discussion at the event explored issues of language usage and monitoring on radio and the role it plays in shaping thoughts and informing people at all times but critically in ensuring peace during and after elections.  It also highlighted the trend of misinformation on social media and overall increasing climate of fake news online as an emerging challenge to radio broadcasts. The panelists include Mr. Winston Amoah, Co-host for Joy Super Morning Show, Mr. Kweku Krobea Asante, Media Foundation for West Africa, Dr. Yawa Sarfo, Lecturer UNIMAC-GIJ and Mr. George Amu, Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council. Mr. George Amu.

Mr. Kafui Dey, the MC for the event and co-host of the GTV Breakfast Show encourage students to take advantage of the new radio platforms like twitter spaces, clubhouse, podcasts to develop contents and hold conversations that promote development.

In conclusion, World Radio Day is a day to celebrate the power of radio and its ability to connect people across the globe. It is a reminder of the importance of this medium of communication and the role it plays in our lives and the event placed the importance of radio in perspective on how it can promote peace for development countries like Ghana.

Creativity In Advocacy: Arts, Media & Pop Culture leading the way for HIV & SRHR Integration

POSTER PRESENTATION AT WOMEN DELIVER GLOBAL CONFERENCE IN VANCOUVER, CANADA

Authors: Francis Oko Armah & John Kwasi Amuzu

What are the possibilities of Integrating HIV & SRHR? Youth Speak their mind!

Ever wondered why it is important to integrate HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Programming and Advocacy? These young people, tell us more.

When you stand up for girls, you stand up for everyone

For Francis Oko Armah, when you take a stand for young girls and women, you take a stand for everyone. “People should know that standing and defending the human rights of girls and young women is standing for everyone,” he said. “Once we’re able to realise the inequalities and injustices that our girls and young women face, we stand for their human rights, and it means that we stand for the human rights of everyone else.” Armah is a youth activist in Accra, Ghana, where he engages young people, especially women and girls, to learn more about reproductive health and demand access to health solutions. He does this in a variety of ways including using social media, traditional media, through work in schools and even hosting discussions for young people in community halls. He does this in rural locations throughout northern Ghana. Education key to empowerment Armah saw that many young girls and women faced gaps of knowledge in terms of sexual and reproductive health, which lead to early pregnancies and complications. He realized better informed girls and young women was key to claim their human rights to control their own bodies, their health and their education. However, entering the conversation as a young man advocate in what is perceived as a female-owned dialogue, Armah encountered some resistance. It took time for him to build trust, with the girls and young women – many of whom wondered “what a man knew about menstruation?” He also had to battle against stereotypes from other men, who wondered if he was “man enough” to talk to them about things like safe sex and condoms. The key to winning over both groups was communication, he said. For young people he was seen as someone who would listen to their problems and concerns – many for the first time. And he provides a space for them ask questions and get information. “One of the strategies that worked for me … I organized some debates … between the boys and the girls about sexual health and … rights,” he said “And as the boys and girls argue their points, it moves from a discussion with just me to a discussion amongst themselves about the issue.” Armah’s quest to improve better access to sexual and reproductive health and gender information  brought him to the Human Rights Council in 2017, where he took part in a panel looking into  improving access to this kind of information. In Geneva, he learned how to better advocate  tactically for change. “I learned about the different dimensions in different countries and different tactics used all for the same issue,” he said. “Since I have been back, I have tried to employ some of these lessons in my approach and delivery of my work and the challenges I face.” Realizing his role as a human rights defender Despite his championing for the rights of young people to have better access to and better types of sexual and reproductive health education, and pushing for the ability for young girls and women in particular to have greater say over their own bodies, Armah only recently realized that  he was a human rights defender. It was during one of the lively back and forth discussions he hosts, where youth discussed different types of sexual exploitation and abuse cases. A young girl approached him at the end of the meeting,  to reveal to him that she was being abused, but no one believed her. She wanted her abuser to be stopped or for her community to know what he was doing.  Armah helped the girl to find counselling  and through those services report the abuse. She told Armah she spoke to him because, despite him being a man, she saw how he stood up for girls. No man in her life had stood up for her. “I realized that I didn’t just listen to people’s stories, we act,” he said. “So that was the moment that I realized that what I was doing was defending people’s human rights.” “Education in particular sexual and reproductive health education is an important human right to  stand for because it empowers young people in particular young girls and women to have a full body autonomy and to learn about their health and rights. It also encourages young men and boys to  engage in positive masculinity to help create a more equal world,” Armah said. Originally published by Office of The Human Rights Commissioner, United Nations Human Rights

CEDAW GENERAL RECOMMENDATION NO. 35; What does it mean for Women and Girls?

What Do world leaders and global advocates have to say about the General Recommendation No. 35 of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women?

Francis Oko Armah features..

Dear Africans, Before You Blame Anyone for The Situation In Libya....

Dear African brothers and sisters in Africa and in the Diaspora,

before you task the Western Media, Countries, Football stars, the UN, other diplomatic missions to respond to the slavery happening in Libya, before you flaunt social media with frames over the outrage on the slavery auctions happening in Libya, you need to understand this. Now grab a chair, sit and read!!

Slavery of all kinds is a violation of Human Rights and is not acceptable under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and a dozen other documents signed by Global, Regional and National bodies “mandated” by Law or otherwise to protect and fight for the Human Rights of citizens across the world.

Why will people spend a fortune on a journey and be ready to endure all kinds of torture travelling 1000s of miles through deserts, forests, humid days and cold nights and willing to be traded at about $400 cross the Mediterranean Sea with dreams of making it to Europe?

What will subject anyone to the point of trading off their dignity as Humans after series of torture to a few hundreds of Dollars? Perhaps, Life is better lived elsewhere other than the African Continent. No?!

When each year, 250, 000 young people compete for 5000 new jobs, the graduate population keeps increasing against the number of jobs. When working conditions of employed youth is nothing to write home about. Talk of the 1000s of secondary school graduates working in factories subjected to hazardous work only for a meagre amount of Cedis that basically covers transportation to work and in some fortunate cases, afford meals. What about the number of graduates who stoop for anything that comes their way just to cope with the harsh conditions of living.

Count yourself fortunate if you live this experience in the Capital Accra. For young people in different parts of Ghana, it’s even tougher, and perhaps more difficult a reality for the out of school youth who despite their exuberance, are left with little to no options of hazardous work in the regions. Look into the real cases of illegal gold mining know as “galamsey” operations; it is a clear issue of exploitation of young people, and women by the brains behind the operations.

The constant display of better standard of living in EU, US and other parts of the world in our media; Television series, movies, display of wealth by fellow Africans in the Diaspora against the increasing hardship experienced by the people makes the dream to migrate to Europe or elsewhere by hook or crook so close to reality, that they don’t really mind if they are sold at the cost of $400. After all, if they make it to wherever they intend to, the notion is that they will be better off than $400 or any amount or torture they might have endured in the course of the journey. Get the drill?

Modern day slavery and human rights trafficking Ghana and in many African countries happen every day. In fact, as you read, there is a higher chance migrants are being prepared for a journey to an unknown destination. The traffickers are Ghanaians too. They live with you, in the church, across the street, in your homes, everywhere. Look on the streets of Accra and other major cities, the advertisements of better jobs in the west and gulf countries with unbelievable salaries, assured visa clearances. Those are all entry points for these migrants who want better standards of living.

Go to the Kotoka International Airport, despite immigration checks to filter these cases, traffickers are also smart ahead of their game. Migrants are schooled on what to say and how to say it. There are points when asked questions on suspicions of trafficking, some go mute. My prayers go out to the immigration and flight ground staff who couldn’t handle a group of about 10 young girls from different part of Ghana on a journey to the gulf but could not speak English or the widely spoken Twi. This was an eyewitness’ account in March 2017. Turns out, they were schooled by traffickers who were within the airport but the girls refused to identify. Long story short, the girls left the shores of Ghana and many more leave the country every day. It has become the norm for high school students as I gathered in several parts of Ghana to migrate to these countries after high school and it’s a booming business for traffickers. Read the Fake News Story about the Fake US Embassy for more.

Why would the Foreign Minister for Denmark apologise for his country’s role in Slave trade in Africa decades ago, and a Ghanaian sarcastically respond otherwise. It tells you how real of an impression migrants have of the land of milk and honey. You don’t need a prophet to tell you this.

Why is The French President’s reaction about slavery in Libya making headlines and not the reaction of our numerous African Leaders? Because the West through its programmes with your governments (go and demand the right answers from your leaders) have established initiatives and inject resources to make life better for people to stay and build their countries rather than look elsewhere. The International Organisation for Migration supports numerous programmes through government and in recently as circulated on social media, supporting the Ghana Consulate in Malta, repatriate Ghanaian migrants back to their country. How much money does the Government of Ghana inject into this? Ask your government!

Recently, The US Ambassador to Ghana charged the country to tackle the trafficking of persons serious else Ghana stands the risk of losing $500 million of aid. Click here to read more.. That was in June 2017.

Someone tell the president his comment is not enough to deal with the issue, we need action! We were all in Ghana when the US Ambassador raised the concern. Simple logic teaches us that from all indications, a country who needs a sort of warning on the risk of losing aid money over trafficking of its own citizens for serious actions to be taken is not a country that stands for its people. Will you blame the west for not harnessing the huge dividend of your own labour force? Come on!! 

So before you change your facebook profile picture to sympathise with our African brothers in Libya, If you hold any information from the authorities about traffickers or conmen known as “connection men” who lure people into trafficking them elsewhere for greener pastures, you are part of the problem. If you are directly or indirectly exploiting people at the workplace and under paying them, you are part of the problem. To the “burgers” out there promising people heaven and earth faking documents for people to travel, spare us the “fake” sympathy and rant on social media calling the west to react, you are part of the problem. To those of you who encourage your friends and siblings

to run away from the least opportunity they get to travel abroad, stop the hypocrisy, you are part of the problem. The governments and sportsmen and women who travel with spectators for world games and some end up not returning home, stop the blame game and admit you are part of the problem. I will not talk about the men and women of God who equally contribute to this through their work because, as you may know, we are a highly religious country and I do not want to incur the wrath of God over my cute little life so I will skip that and move on to those calling on BBC and other western media to report on the issue, ask your national media houses if they are adequately dedicating enough airtime or willing to commit resources to help journalists do a thorough coverage of the realities. There is no saviour who will jump in to save the situation as we all expect. Collectively, we have contributed to the situation in Libya today and no amount of speeches, rants, and fake news going round on social media and different spaces can solve the situation unless we demand the right answers and objectively fight for equal economic opportunities for all.

I am willing to volunteer my time to uncover some realities behind the trafficking of persons or contribute to research on the matter. Kindly share resources or reach out to me at okofrancis@gmail.com

Let's have an objective discussion, leave a comment below.

Thank you