The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation has launched an ambitious initiative to bridge the digital gender gap by training 100 teachers across the Savannah Region to equip 1,000 senior high school girls with essential Information Communication and Technology (ICT) skills.

The comprehensive training program took place on Monday, September 15, at the Assembly Hall of Damongo Senior High School, bringing together educators with ICT backgrounds from across the Savannah Region. This “train the trainers” approach aims to create a multiplier effect, enabling each trained teacher to impact multiple students in their respective schools.

The timing of this initiative is particularly strategic, as it prepares participants for an upcoming regional ICT competition scheduled for October 28.

Savannah Regional Coordinating Director Mr. Ebenezer Amoah emphasized the importance of the training, urging teachers to approach their preparation with dedication to ensure their students achieve success in the competition.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Communication, Mr. Augustin Hesse, Director of Policy, Budgeting and Innovation, Monitoring and Evaluation, highlighted the critical importance of digital literacy in today’s world. “The training will help equip and prepare our young girls for a better future,” he stated, underscoring the ministry’s commitment to ensuring equal access to technological education.

This initiative reflects a broader understanding that digital skills are no longer optional but essential for future career prospects. By focusing specifically on girls, the program addresses historical gender disparities in technology education and careers.

The Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT plays a crucial role in supporting this initiative. Madam Abigail, representing the Centre’s Director General, announced an incentive structure designed to motivate both teachers and students. “About 20% of girls who come out as winners will be awarded, and so shall the teachers,” she revealed, encouraging educators to maximize their efforts.

The Centre has also committed to providing essential resources, with computer logistics being identified as a top priority to ensure teachers have the necessary tools for effective instruction.

The strong backing from educational authorities was evident in the participation of Savannah Regional Deputy Director of Education Madam Sheila Author, who represented the Savannah Regional Director of Education. Her presence and endorsement of the program as a priority initiative demonstrates the alignment between the Ministry of Communication and the Education sector.

“It is with great pleasure that we train the trainers of our girls in ICT,” she remarked, expressing appreciation for the collaborative effort while emphasizing the importance teachers should place on this training opportunity.

This initiative represents a significant investment in Ghana’s digital future, particularly in empowering young women to participate fully in the technology-driven economy. With 100 trained teachers ready to impact 1,000 girls across the Savannah Region, the program has the potential to create lasting change in digital literacy rates and career aspirations.

The success of the upcoming October competition will serve as an important measure of the program’s effectiveness and may inform similar initiatives in other regions across Ghana. As digital technology continues to reshape global industries, programs like this ensure that Ghanaian girls are not left behind but are instead positioned to lead in the digital economy of tomorrow.

Telecom giant continues commitment to educational excellence with focus on STEM and gender inclusivity

MTN Ghana has awarded scholarships to 500 students for the 2025/2026 academic year under its flagship MTN Bright Scholarship Scheme, with the ceremony taking place at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi on Monday, September 8, 2025.

The latest cohort includes 187 female and 313 male beneficiaries from across Ghana, reflecting the telecommunications company’s commitment to promoting gender equality and ensuring talented students are not denied educational opportunities due to financial constraints.

The scholarship recipients were selected from 3,691 applications through a rigorous vetting process that saw 1,200 candidates shortlisted for interviews. Among the 500 beneficiaries, 300 are undergraduate students pursuing STEM and technical disciplines, while 200 are teachers advancing their education at various public universities. The program also prioritized inclusivity, with 33 differently-abled students among this year’s recipients.

Since its relaunch in 2018, the Bright Scholarship Scheme has supported 720 students nationwide, providing comprehensive coverage including tuition, accommodation, and stipends for books and living expenses. The program’s impact has been remarkable, producing 10 valedictorians and best graduating students, 520 graduates with First Class Honours, and 94 who completed their degrees with Second Class Upper Division.

Dr. Isaac Mate, General Manager for Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN Ghana, speaking on behalf of CEO Stephen Blewett, emphasized the program’s transformative power. “This achievement demonstrates that when students are supported with the right resources, they can thrive academically and make meaningful contributions to society. MTN’s Bright Scholarship continues to be a beacon of hope for students and families across the country.”

The company has ambitious plans for expansion, with Dr. Mate announcing MTN Ghana’s commitment to scaling the program to cover 1,500 beneficiaries over the next three years, maintaining focus on STEM fields, vocational and technical programs, and teacher development.

The awards ceremony, attended by dignitaries, education stakeholders, and traditional leaders, received high praise from government officials. Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who served as guest of honor, commended MTN Ghana’s leadership in addressing educational inequality.

“This scholarship is not just giving hope – it is correcting systemic imbalances and ensuring that all students, regardless of gender or background, have a fair chance to succeed,” Dr. Amoakohene stated. He particularly highlighted the focus on STEM education, describing it as a model for how private sector initiatives can align with government efforts to provide equal educational access.

The minister challenged scholarship recipients to excel and serve as inspiration for other private sector players to expand support for national development through education.

The ceremony featured emotional testimonies from scholarship recipients who described how the initiative had lifted significant financial burdens, allowing them to concentrate fully on their academic pursuits. Many expressed profound gratitude to MTN Ghana for providing opportunities that had once seemed beyond reach.

The MTN Bright Scholarship Scheme has evolved from a financial aid program into what organizers describe as “a movement of empowerment, diversity, and opportunity.” With its gender-inclusive approach and continued expansion plans, the initiative represents MTN Ghana’s broader mission of driving sustainable change and shaping the future of education in the country.

The scholarship program stands as one of Ghana’s most significant private sector contributions to education, demonstrating how corporate social responsibility can create lasting impact on individual lives and national development. As MTN Ghana looks toward supporting 1,500 students over the next three years, the Bright Scholarship Scheme continues to serve as a beacon of hope for ambitious students across the nation.

A serious accident involving a heavy-duty Daewoo Rhino truck carrying bags of charcoal has blocked an emergency road in Damongo. The truck fell on the Disco 7-galamsey station road, which leads to the St. Anne Catholic hospital and the fire service station, making it a critical route for ambulances and fire tenders.

According to an eyewitness, a store owner at the scene who spoke to Spear FM News Team, the accident occurred suddenly, with the sound of breaking metal followed by the truck veering off the road and falling into a gutter. The witness suspects that the accident may have been caused by overloading, as the truck was heavily laden with charcoal. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported. However, the identities of the driver and mate remain unknown as they seem to have hidden their identities.

The blocked road poses a significant challenge for emergency services, particularly given the location’s proximity to the hospital and fire station. Efforts are likely underway to clear the wreckage and restore access to the emergency route.

This incident highlights the importance of road safety, especially for heavy-duty vehicles carrying substantial loads. The cause of the accident is yet to be determined, and investigations may be necessary to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The 2025 Yagbon Damba Festival was celebrated with great durbar at the historic Jakpa Palace in Damongo, bringing together distinguished guests, paramount chiefs, queen mothers, and invited guests.

Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, the King and Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, delivered a powerful address emphasizing the importance of peace, unity, and development in the Savannah Region.

The speech read by Yapeiwura Dr. A.B.T Zakariah on behalf of the Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale (I) acknowledged the recent disturbances that have affected the kingdom, testing its unity. He emphasized that festivals like Damba are not just for merriment but also for renewal, healing, and rededication to the values that bind the people together. The Yagbonwura observed a minute silence in honor of national heroes who lost their lives in a helicopter crash and Gonjaland brothers and sisters who perished in the conflict between Gonjas and Birifuos.

The Yagbonwura stressed that peace is the foundation of progress and unity is the greatest shield for development. He urged the government to support the codification of customs and practices regarding succession to prevent avoidable conflicts, citing Article 270 of the 1992 Constitution that entrusts the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs with addressing these matters.

Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale (I) highlighted the significance of education in shaping the future of the Savannah Region. He appealed for support for the Bii-Kunuto Educational Fund, launched in 2022 to aid brilliant but needy students across Gonjaland. The theme of the 2025 Damba festival, “Building a Brighter Future for the Savannah Region and Gonjaland through the Bii-Kunuto Educational Fund,” underscores the importance of education in the region’s development.

On Infrastructure Development, the Yagbonwura appealed for government intervention to rehabilitate Nyange, the sacred cradle of the Gonja Kingdom, and to support the Damongo Nursing and Midwery College, which requires renewal of accreditation and critical infrastructure.

Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I reaffirmed that land in Gonja belongs to the Gonja Traditional Authority, emphasizing the need to preserve order and respect for tradition. He urged settlers on Nyange land to relocate to preserve the sanctity and cultural heritage of the area.

The Yagbonwura called on political leaders, chiefs, youth, civil society, and all stakeholders to join hands in strengthening peace and protecting cherished Gonja customs. He emphasized the importance of unity across political, traditional, and social lines, citing the late Kofi Annan’s words, “We may have different religions, different languages, different colors, but we all belong to one human race.”

Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I extended his heartfelt gratitude to the President of the Republic of Ghana, the Government, revered Chiefs, illustrious sons and daughters, and cherished partners for their continuous support. He also appreciated the security agencies for their unwavering commitment and dedication during the recent conflict.

The Savannah Regional Minister, Hon. Salisu Issifu Be-Awuribe, also delivered a speech on behalf of the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, reaffirming the government’s commitment to peace in the Savannah Region. He stated that the government has formed a mediation committee to address conflicts in the region and reaffirmed that the Yagbonwura is the allodial owner of the land in Gonjaland.

As the festival comes to a close, the people of Gonjaland look forward to a brighter future built on the foundations of peace, unity, and development. “Long live the Gonja Kingdom! Long live the Savannah Region! Long live Ghana”.

The Gonjaland Youth Association (GLYA) in a press conference on September 9, 2025 has strongly condemned remarks made by Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, former Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security, regarding the recent conflict in Gbiniyiri, Sawla-Tuna-Kalba.

Dr. Boakye-Danquah’s call for a total state of emergency in the entire Savannah Region and his claim that “it is the Gonja guys that are doing this… they have rifles, they have ammunition” have sparked outrage among the Gonja community.

According to the GLYA, these comments are “misleading, inflammatory, and unfair,” distorting the true nature and history of the conflict. The association asserts that the Gbiniyiri conflict began as a local dispute between two individuals from the Brifo-Lobi community, which was being addressed through traditional processes led by the Gbiniyiri chief. However, a violent and coordinated attack on the Gbiniyiri Chief’s palace resulted in the killing of three unarmed Gonja youth.

The Gonjaland Youth Association demands that Dr. Boakye-Danquah provides credible and verifiable evidence to support his claims about Gonjas possessing rifles and ammunition. They also want him to explain the rationale behind his call for a state of emergency across the entire Savannah Region, which they believe risks destabilizing the area and escalating tensions.

“If he fails to provide evidence, we demand an immediate retraction of his comments and a formal public apology to the people of Gonjaland,” said Al-Hassan Baba Darison, National President of GLYA.

The GLYA highlighted the historical context of the Brifo-Lobi people in Gonjaland, who fled persecution in French-ruled Côte d’Ivoire a century ago and were granted refuge by Yagbonwura Mahama Dagbonga, then King and Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom. Despite disregard for agreements in later years, the Gonja people have remained committed to peace.

“The Gonja people are proud descendants of Sumaila Ndewura Jakpa, a leader whose legacy of courage, unity, and justice remains our guiding light. But let no one mistake our peaceful nature for weakness. We will always rise lawfully and resolutely to defend our people, our dignity, and our ancestral lands,” Al-Hassan Baba Darison emphasized.

The GLYA reminds public figures that words carry immense weight in times of conflict and tension. Irresponsible public commentary can derail peace efforts, polarize communities, and endanger lives. They urge leaders to promote truth, accountability, and justice, working together to restore peace through dialogue, fairness, and mutual respect.

The Association sang a phrase from the Gonja anthem, which says, “Any stranger that comes to settle on our land will be upheld in dignity, and it should be a mark on us,” to demonstrate the Gonjas’ accommodating nature and commitment to peaceful coexistence with strangers settling on their land.

The Abease Traditional Council, in collaboration with the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs, has taken a significant step in enhancing the capacity of traditional leaders in the Abease Traditional Area. A one-day orientation workshop was held for members of the Council, Adikrofo, Adikrofo Obapanin, and elders, focusing on shaping their knowledge and skills in chieftaincy matters.

The Omanhene/President of Abease Traditional Council, HRM Obrenpong Kru Takyi II, urged participants to show greater commitment to the program, emphasizing its importance in equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively discharge their duties.

Obrenpong expressed gratitude to the Registrar of the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs for facilitating the program and commended the Registrar of Abease Traditional Council for his effective organization.

Mr. Alfred Dodoo, Regional Registrar for Bono East House of Chiefs, delivered a presentation on the Chieftaincy Act 2008 (Act 759), highlighting the significance of registration, its benefits, and strategies for minimizing chieftaincy litigations. He emphasized the need for traditional leaders to support their Omanhene in attracting investors to the area.

The workshop provided an opportunity for participants to engage with the presenter and clarify their doubts.
Nana Nima Kruwa, Dama Nkwanta Odikro Obapanin, thanked the Omanhene, the Council, and the Regional House for the insightful program, requesting more such initiatives in the future.

The orientation workshop is a significant step towards empowering traditional leaders in the Abease Traditional Area. By enhancing their knowledge and skills, the program aims to promote peace, stability, and development in the community. The collaboration between the Abease Traditional Council and the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs demonstrates the commitment of both institutions to capacity-building and development in the region.

By: Iddrisu Adam Afuli, Abease Traditional Council