Major General Anita Asmah Makes History as UNDOF Force Commander
In a historic milestone for the United Nations and the African continent, Major General Anita Asmah of Ghana has officially assumed command as the Force Commander and Head of Mission for the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). She succeeds Major General Patrick Gauchat of Switzerland, marking a significant achievement as the first African woman to hold this prestigious position. UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced the appointment of Major General Asmah on December 11, 2024. She brings over 31 years of distinguished service in the Ghana Armed Forces and extensive experience in United Nations peacekeeping missions. Her previous roles included Deputy Force Commander of UNDOF from 2021 to 2023, where she played a crucial role in maintaining the ceasefire between Israel and Syria in the Golan Heights. In her new role, Major General Asmah is committed to addressing the mission’s challenges, including geopolitical complexities and harsh environmental conditions. She expressed her enthusiasm and readiness to lead, stating, “I am happy and wholeheartedly accept this role to serve. It is an opportunity to lessen the suffering of the people in the region.” Major General Asmah’s appointment is a testament to her exceptional leadership and dedication to peacekeeping. Her career has been marked by significant contributions to various UN missions, including the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC). She has also held several senior positions within the Ghanaian Armed Forces, shaping the future of peacekeeping through her work at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre. Her historic appointment has been celebrated as a step forward for gender parity in peacekeeping. Commodore Faustina Boakyewaa Anokye, former Deputy Force Commander for the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Western Sahara (MINURSO), described it as a significant milestone for women in the military. As Major General Asmah takes on this groundbreaking role, she remains optimistic about the future of the mission and the impact of the UN Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy (2018–2028). She emphasized the importance of women excelling in their responsibilities to pave the way for more women in command positions. For more information, visit United Nations in Ghana.
Eric Kwesi Oppong Begins Academic Journey as Chevening Scholar at Oxford Brookes University
Eric Kwesi Oppong, Spring-UP Global Network’s PR & Development Director, has embarked on a new academic journey as a Chevening Scholar at Oxford Brookes University for the 2024/2025 academic year. Eric is pursuing an MA in Education (Leadership and Management), a programme renowned for its cutting-edge curriculum. A Prestigious Scholarship Eric is one of the 15 scholars from Ghana who was awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship for the 2024/2025 academic year. The prestigious award recognises exceptional individuals with leadership potential. As part of this scholarship, Eric is undertaking courses such as Learning and Development in Childhood, Leading and Managing People in Education, Leading Change in Education, Inclusive Curriculum, and Mentoring in Education. These courses are designed to equip him with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a significant impact in the field of education. Eric at the Farewell ceremony for 2024/2025 cohort of Chevening scholars from Ghana Enhancing Educational Interventions Eric is enthusiastic about how this academic opportunity will empower him to enhance his role within the Spring-UP Global Network, a nonprofit organisation that promotes quality education and lifelong learning opportunities in Ghana. “I am excited about how this will empower me to enhance my role within the Spring-UP Global Network, enabling us to create and implement more sustainable and impactful educational interventions for the children we serve in Ghana,” said Eric. Eric was instrumental in the success of the Deloitte WorldClass Initiative in Ghana, a partnership with Spring-UP Global Network, which saw both organisations collaborate to refurbish and restock eight (8) school libraries, providing over 9,400 books and impacting the lives of over 23,319 children across five (5) regions in Ghana in just twenty (20) months. Eric with a learner at the commissioning ceremony of the Osu Cluster of Schools library, Accra Leadership Role at Oxford Brookes University In addition to his studies, Eric serves as postgraduate representative for the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Oxford Brookes University for the 2024/25 academic year. This faculty comprises the School of Education, Humanities and Languages, the School of Law and Social Sciences, and the Institute of Public Care. Advocacy and Representation As postgraduate representative, Eric is working closely with the Vice President of Education and Advocacy, and Brookes Union. He will represent and advocate for the academic and non-academic interests of over 18,000 students, contributing to improving and advancing the faculty’s educational offerings. “This role offers me the opportunity to work closely with the Vice President of Education and Advocacy and Brookes Union, representing and advocating for the academic and non-academic interests of over 18,000 students and meaningfully contributing to the improvement and advancement of the faculty’s educational offerings,” he remarked. Collaborative Efforts Eric looks forward to collaborating with undergraduate colleagues and course representatives to achieve their collective objectives. “I look forward to working closely with my undergraduate colleagues and course representatives to achieve our collective objective,” he added. A Bright Future Ahead Eric holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Economics from the University of Cape Coast. Eric Kwesi Oppong’s journey as a Chevening Scholar at Oxford Brookes University is an excellent landmark in his career and highlights his dedication to educational excellence and community development. His academic achievements and leadership roles are expected to have a lasting impact on the educational landscape in Ghana and beyond.
Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey’s Historic Win as the First Ghanaian and 7th Secretary-General of the Commonwealth
On 25th October 2024, history was made as the Commonwealth Heads of Government selected Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, as the incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. This makes her the first Ghanaian and the seventh Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. Her journey to this prestigious role has been nothing short of inspiring. She has broken barriers and set new standards for future generations. As the first Ghanaian to hold this distinguished position, she embodies the spirit of progress and unity the Commonwealth stands for. Ghana’s President, H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, was among the first to extend heartfelt congratulations, reflecting the immense pride and joy felt throughout Ghana. Hon. Botchwey’s victory is not just a personal triumph but a national celebration, showcasing Ghana’s growing influence on the global stage. Born in Accra, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey pursued her secondary education at St. Mary’s Girls’ Senior High School in Korle-Gonno. She is an alumna of several prestigious institutions, including the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Pitman’s Central College, the University of London, and the University of Westminster in the United Kingdom (UK). Her impressive academic credentials include an Executive MBA focusing on Project Management, an MA in Public Communication, a Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB), a Diploma in Public Relations and Advertising, and a certificate in Marketing Management. Congratulations, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey. You have made Ghana proud.
Behind the Wheel: a Thief’s Failed Heist
That heavy slap should have bathed your entire body, you unscrupulous being. Can’t I doze off in peace? Is my head your head? If I choose to rotate my head southwardly or diagonally, I beg na your concern? Hear me out peeps, it was one of those tiring days after work around 9pm. looking at the time alone should tell you how tired I was. We all know the hassle we go through in getting troski at night. So I managed to secure myself a seat after pushing someone aside, not intentionally, I didn’t even get to see the person to offer my apologies. Survivor of the fitters huh? I finally grabbed a seat, exactly behind the driver. The bus conductor doing his job, asked and collected his fare step by step without hesitation. But hold on, hello! Can’t we catch a breathe? I mean, we just grabbed a seat for crying out loud. It’s not like we’re running away with your money. Do we resemble Usain Bolt in any way to you? Regardless of my thoughts, the bus conductor went ahead and collected his GHC 6.20p. One woman screamed and asked, “mate, 3ny3 sis cedi 20 pesewas oo, 3y3 sis cedi.” She again went ahead to say, “me koraa menni 1 cedis mpo.” That was when everyone began to murmur. “Oh so na we all dey the soup inside and never raised a concern.” All hail the woman for being the majority leader of troski affairs. The bus conductor realizing the issue at hand, interjected by saying “3y3 Station Car.” Laughing out loud so much in my head that I couldn’t hold it in, burst out into tears of joy. Don’t ask me if I won the lottery. Eei station car indeed, then if it was Kantanka’s car, I’m sure the fare would have increased. He still insisted on taking the exact amount of which we complied after disagreeing for a while. We had no other choice but to pay. Right from the stretch of Suncity hotel, I laid my head close to the window. I couldn’t cheat nature and so, I began to doze off. As unperturbed as I could be, the pothole-ridden road didn’t get to me. The movement of the vehicle changed from “Adowa” to “Alarm shake” in no time and, that was when I realized bodies were flying high. My head kept moving to and fro and that was when I realized a stern look All this while, this young man sat next to me, fidgeting and biting his nails. He looked wasted, can’t blame him. I blame the scalding weather. Who knows how much he sold at the market today? God dey, we dey. It gets better each day. At this juncture my eyes were too heavy to carry and all I could do was to shut them down as we approached La Palm Royal Beach Hotel. Unknowingly, this man had an ulterior motive. He was scheming a way out of how to steal from our troski majority leader. Like why? He maneuvered his way through the little space between the seats in front of us and oh, luck shone on him. The light in the bus had been put off. I guess that was his major advantage to bring his plan to life. His hand mistakenly touched the leg of a certain lady and that was when the slap came in. The mate put on the light amidst the brouhaha. In fact, people do walk with their problems so, you better watch yourselves out there, a little caution. He managed to take the tied rubber in the woman’s basket and he felt the slap so hard that he let go of the tied rubber. My eyes were widely open all this while, I mean, what is sleep? Sleep is for the weak. Man began to sob oo, the slap enter am ruff ruff. Majority leader found her rubber when someone alighted at Nungua Cold store. That was when it dawned on her that the “Thief of Baghdad” was behind the falling of her hard earned day money. Come and see beatings. He really suffered in the hands of the men in the bus. I alighted before knowing his fate.
Ghana Sweeps Top 3 Awards at 2023 WASSCE International Excellence Awards
Three Senior High School (SHS) graduates who participated in the 2023 WASSCE have grabbed the first, second and third positions in the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) International Excellence Award. The three outstanding students were awarded at the 72nd Annual Council Meeting in Freetown, Sierra Leone on Tuesday, 19th March 2024. Amo-Kodieh Leonard Kofi Marton from the St James Seminary Senior High School came first, Dzandu Selorm from Labone Senior High School placed second and Daniel Asenso-Gyambibi also from St James Seminary placed third. The three topped the 2,327,342 candidates who sat for the WASSCE (SC) 2023 in the five member countries of WAEC. For the first prize, the overall best student took home $1500, the second-place winner received a second-prize award of $1200 and the third-prize winner received $900 from the WAEC Endowment Fund. Currently, Mr Amo-Kodieh and Mr Dzandu are reading Medicine at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology while Mr Asenso-Gyambibi is a student at the Ashesi University. The International Excellence Awards for WASCCE for School Candidates are presented to the three (3) overall best candidates from the member countries that subscribe to the WASSCE, namely the Gambia, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Representing Ghana at the awards ceremony were council members of the WAEC, led by the Chief Government nominee, who is also the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Dr Eric Nkansah; Ghana’s Non-Council Member on the Board of Trustees of the WAEC Endowment Fund, Nana Appiagyei Dankawoso I; the Chief Director of the Ministry of Education, Mrs Mamle Andrews; the Head of National Office (HNO), Wendy Enyonam Addy-Lamptey, and all the other members. The International Excellence Awards was instituted in 1985 to reward and celebrate candidates with outstanding performance in the Council’s Senior High School Certificate examinations.
Dr Adaora Remy Umeoji appointed Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank
Nigeria’s Adaora Remy Umeoji has been appointed as Zenith Bank’s new Group Managing Director/CEO, making her the first female CEO since the bank was founded in 1990. She is a fellow of notable professional bodies including the Chartered Banker Institute, UK, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Nigerian Institute of Management, Institute of Credit Administration, Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Nigeria, Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators, and the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria, among others. She has a PhD, a Master’s in Law and two Bachelors in addition to other certifications from MIT Sloane, Columbia & Harvard universities. She has impacted many lives through her philanthropic and humanitarian activities through her NGOs; Pink Breathe Cancer Foundation and the Adorable Foundation focused on educating, and catering for cancer patients and indigent children, especially the Girl-Child. She succeeds the current CEO, Ebenezer Onyeagwu, whose five-year tenure ends on May 31, 2024. According to the bank’s statement, “her appointment is consistent with the bank’s executive transition tradition, succession plan, and strategy of grooming leaders from within.” Adaora Umeoji has nearly 30 years of experience in banking, having previously served as Deputy MD of the bank from 2016.
2015 Ghana’s Most Beautiful Winner Called to the Ghana Bar
Oheneba Akosua Safoah, popularly known as Esi has been called to the Ghana bar. She joins the over 1,000 newly certified lawyers who have been granted the authority by the Ghana Legal Counsel to commence their legal careers in the country at the 60th enrollment ceremony organized by the Ghana Legal Counsel and held at the Accra International Conference Centre on Friday, October 20, 2023. The 2015 Ghana’s Most Beautiful winner, Esi, represented the Central Region in the glamorous beauty pageant, where she was crowned the winner after a rigorous contest She acquired a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Information Studies and consequently pursued law for three years at the GIMPA law faculty after being crowned GMB winner in 2015. She passed her entrance exams and moved on to study the professional course at the Ghana School of Law, Makola. Her academic achievement was celebrated in grand style by the Founder and Leader of the Movement for Change, Alan Kyerematen in a cocktail party attended by friends, family and other Youth Leaders. The Ghanaian beauty queen is now Oheneba Akosua Safoah ESQ, a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Ghana.
VETERAN GHANAIAN LAWYER AKOTO AMPAW IS DEAD
A veteran Ghanaian lawyer Anthony Akoto Ampaw, has passed on. The late private legal practitioner was the lead lawyer for President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo during the 2020 election petition. According to reports, he died at the University of Ghana Medical Center (UGMC) in the early hours of Friday, October 20, Reports indicate the veteran lawyer has been under the weather for quite some time now. The bereaved family is yet to issue an official statement. As a human rights activist and anti-corruption campaigner, he has an impeccable legacy in the legal fraternity. He attained the nickname ‘Che Che’ in his days as a student at the University of Ghana. The late Akoto Ampaw is a graduate of the University of Ghana, LL.B., 1973 and the Ghana School of Law, Company Law, Industrial Law, and Litigation among others. He’s known as one of the people who stood and criticized the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill. Mr Ampaw was a valued partner at Akufo-Addo, Prempeh & Co., a prestigious law firm associated with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Dr Nathaniel Codjoe; St Peter’s Boys SHS former student picks 16 awards from UCC Medical School
Dr Nathaniel Nii A. Codjoe, a young medical doctor has been adjudged the best graduating student from the University of Cape Coast Medical School taking home 16 awards out of 22 at the second session of the 55th Congregation Ceremony held for graduates from the College of Health and Allied Sciences. The awards winning medical doctor picked up the following awards: 1. Best Student in Anatomy 2. Best Student in Medical Biochemistry 3. Best Graduating Student in Physiology 4. Best Student in Microbiology 5. Best Student in Community Medicine 6. Best Student in Chemical Pathology 7. Best Student in Pharmacology 8. Best Student in Clinical student 9. Best Graduating Male Student 10. Best Graduating Pre-Clinical Student 11. Best Student in MB ChB Final Part II 12. Best Overall Performance 13. Best Overall Male Medical Student 14. Best Student in Family Medicine 15. Molecular Medicine with Certificate 16. Best student in Ear, Nose and Throat Rotation Dr Nathaniel Nii A. Cudjoe is an old boy of St Peter’s Boys Senior High School where he represented the school in the popular National Science and Maths Quiz. Even though he was denied entry into the University of Ghana Medical School, he transferred to the UCC Medical School the following year, defying all odds by excelling and graduating as an award-winning physician. “I had 7 ‘A’s and a B2 after writing the WASSCE in 2015, so I applied to Legon (UG) that year and I wasn’t granted entry into the medicine, but I was granted entry into Bachelor of Pharmacy, so I did Pharmacy for a year there and then transferred to UCC to study medicine,” he said in a GTV interview. Since the news broke out, the freshly graduated medical doctor has been invited to meet various dignitaries including the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and Ghana’s Minister for Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum. Dr Cudjoe’s tenacity and determination is worth emulating.
KNUST places second at the World Universities Debating Championships
In the recently concluded World Universities Debating Championships (WUDC), the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) competed and finished second in the English as a Second Language (ESL) division. KNUST is the first African university to set this milestone in the competition since it began 43 years ago by coming in second at the global competition. This year, the tournament took place in Madrid, Spain. The four universities in the competition debated the resolution, “The house believes that feminists should refrain from criticizing widespread religious practices that have different rules based on gender,” at the finals. KNUST finished second in the Pan African Universities Debate Championship (PAUDC) in Nairobi, Kenya, before the global championships. According to the Voice of KNUST on twitter, Prosper Michael Ametu, a BA Sociology level 400 student, and Vincent Johnson Attakpah, a BSc Statistics level 400 student, qualified after nine rounds of debate. Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson, vice chancellor of KNUST, praised the debaters for bringing honour to the school and to Africa. She encouraged the students to properly prepare for the competition that will be held in Vietnam the following year by expressing her optimism and belief in them. The World Universities Debating Championships (WUDC) is the biggest debating competition in the world.
