The Importance of Education

Ebenezer Otoo, a Ghanaian teacher emphasizes the importance of investing in education. An increased in finance for education can add to students' leaning and increased teacher's spirit. This can increase students' knowledge and push them to lean, while giving teachers the strength and confidence to keep working.

Some of the challenges Otoo and other teachers face in Ghana are politician interfering, a lack of resources (textbooks and teachers cannot use their own money to by textbooks, and infrastructure. If teachers do not have the equipment they need, they cannot do anything about it. 

To counteract these challenges, the government should increase its investment in education. With the funds and resources students can learn more, which is important for their future. This can impact their future positively. In addition, these funds can impact future students. They can be better equipped and crate a better life for themselves. Not only students can develop from teaching, but society as a whole. The world can change with more funding for education.

Sources:

We need to invest in education | Africa Renewal (un.org)

177 Words

Women Against Adversity

Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee became Ghana's first female ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations in New York in the year of 2015. She reflected on this experience as it was international Women's Day. 

She was excited to have recognition in her career, but some people were surprised seeing a woman in that position. Those who opposed her position thought New York would be too and for her and there should be male ambassador instead. She had to show her male colleagues that she capable by doing more. It took a lot of years to show her Ghana at the UN. 

Pobee knows firsthand the difficulties and challenges women face firsthand when it comes to conflicts. Those challenges could put stops for women in political and peace process, for example, cultural or not having the space to lead and participate. This must change as women's voices can show different ideas and perspectives. She met many women, specifically African women who shared her same struggles as her role at the UN. In 2012, women demanded to be at the negotiation table as they were not invited. This was a great step for women's voices to be heard. 

Peace is likely to last if women are involved in the process. This is shown through research when women participate in peace negotiations. 

Women's voices are important to be heard and empowered because peace will be long-lasting. 

Sources:

Women Hold Up Half the Sky | Africa Renewal (un.org)

244 Words 

Pages of Modern Artists

Orlando Mensah is a founder and artistic director of Manju Journal. His debut book Voices: Ghana's Artists in Their Own Words, published by Twentyfour Thirtysix entailed Ghanaian artists, which featured 80 interviews of artists, curators, and gallerists. Mensah founded Manju Journal in 2015 to celebrate contemporary Africa. He describes Ghanaian art as "deeply rooted in its cultural heritage". The art in Manju Journal represents people of African ancestry and capture the essence of Ghana's culture and history. 

In the past European colonizers brought back art from Africa and studied the art. This separated the artist from their art leaving them unnamed and uncredited. Presenting artists art in books and articles allows their voices to be heard and to show the beauty of the world, in this case Ghana. This is very important to show culture, narratives, and history through art, which shows a glimpse of Ghana. This also allows to showcase not only Ghana, but the whole African continent respectfully. This showcases what is not published in Western media. 

There is a future of Ghana with flourishing art and media. 

Sources:

Ghana's Most Exciting Contemporary Artists, in Their Own Words                                                      - Africa.com (www.africa.com)

Ghana’s most exciting contemporary artists, in their own words | Dazed (dazeddigital.com)

205 Words

Support for Climate Change Adjustment

Ghana was able to obtain finical support for climate adaptation and migration endeavors. This was occurred in the 2023 International Monetary Fund (IMF)/World Bank Group (WBG) Annual Meetings. World Bank's International Finance Cooperation (IFC) is the leader of the funding for Ghana's execution for various climate change initiatives. This was to fuel sustainable growth, encourage a suitable planet, and create employment opportunities. This would be an amazing impact not only for Ghana, but as Africa as a whole. This opportunity is great for design and understanding financing, specifically carbon credit financing. In addition, long-lasting resources and creative financial ideas for climate mitigation and adaption. This cause is aligned with electronic vehicles and solar energy, which is crucial for longevity and growth, but there needs to be transparency for the resources and proper use of the funding by the government and leadership. Immediate climate change concerns should be addressed, but long-erm longevity for climate change should be implemented as well. This would not only help in the present but the future as well. 

Sources:

Ghana has Secured Critical Financing Support for its Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Endeavors - Africa.com (www.africa.com)

Ghana Secures Financing For Climate Initiatives At IMF/WBG Annual Meetings - Forbes Africa

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Economic Success with Ghana and the Diaspora

Lorraine Wright-Boateng MBE, founder of a Strategic Advisory Practice, is leading a mission for more business and investment opportunities in Ghana. Wright-Boateng goal is for nations, Ghana and the UK to form stronger connections. She wants to bridge that gap. In addition, she aims to facilitate the difficulties of exploring Ghana's business and investment environment. People in Ghana are frustrated and leave in fear, so Wright-Boateng wants to ensure that they do not feel that way. Thats here passion, which is great because Ghanaians should not be taken advantage by people especially between the UK given the two nations' history.  This could also help Ghana economic wise. 

President Nana Akufo-Addo issued a campaign, which allowed African diaspora to view Ghana, gain citizenship, and reconnect with their heritage. This happened in 2018. Lorraine Wright-Boateng has becoming a prominent person for giving out strategic guidance for property investment and expanding business in Ghana. 

Wright-Boateng had misconceptions of Ghana when it came to investing. She has since learned that Ghana has a growing economy, young and growing population, stable political system, and the systems in the country work. This is preferable for foreign investment. 

Ghana is open to investments, such as the "Year of Return" initiative. About 1,500 African Americans relocated to Ghana since the success on the initiatives, such as "Year of Return" and efforts of people like Wright-Boateng. This is great because people can connect with their heritage and culture and appreciate it. This can also help in investment opportunities. 

Sources:

Lorraine Wright-Boateng (www.africa.com)

253 Words