News

New GNPC Foundation Boss Assures Takoradi Technical University Scholarship Beneficiaries

Published

4 weeks ago

February 13, 2025

Spread the love

The newly appointed Executive Director of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation Foundation, Helga Josephine Miranda Boadi, has assured GNPC Foundation’s scholarship beneficiaries at TTU of sustained support from the scholarship scheme to aid their academic work.

Speaking during her first interaction with TTU students benefiting the GNPC Foundation scholarship since her appointment as the Executive Director of GNPC Foundation, said she will ensure a new chapter in the Foundation’s efforts to empower deserving students across Ghana.

She added that she is being guided by the briefing received from her predecessor, Dr. Dominic Eduah.

“Dr. Edua has briefed me on some of the challenges you face, particularly the delays in your disbursements. They have also informed me that the school has been written to, so you should not have problems with being allowed to write exams. The only assurance we can give you is that, as has been done for you previously, the funds will come. Due to the change in government, things aren’t the same, but I’m not here to change what has been done. I am here to hopefully make it bigger and better for all of us,” she assured.

While emphasizing the need to support persons with disabilities and calling for more women to be included in the scholarship programme, she urged students to give their best.

“I’m also very happy that we are supporting persons with disabilities because it’s very important. I’m happy that I’m seeing women, and I hope to see more women. I know you have exams, so do what you do and give us your best. Trust the process; they have brought you this far, and we will carry you further,” she emphasized.

Helga Josephine Miranda Boadi, in addition to her interaction with the students also paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor of TTU, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun. They discussed the future of GNPC Foundation’s collaboration with TTU to further enhance educational opportunities for students, particularly those in underserved communities.

The Vice Chancellor, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, on his part expressed gratitude to GNPC Foundation for its relationship with TTU but called for more help to address some of the challenges of the University.

“We have been working with the GNPC Foundation for a long time, and as a University, we have pressing needs. We have a student population of about 18,000 and three campuses. This is the only Technical University in the Western Region, so you can see the huge number of students we take care of. We really need the GNPC Foundation,” he said.

The Pro Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victor Bondzie Micah, also speaking during the courtesy call requested for GNPC Foundation’s support for the construction of the Akatekyi campus road and additional equipment for student training.

TTU’s Officer In-charge of Scholarships, Olivia Agyemang also thanked the GNPC Foundation, noting the benefit of its scholarship for students.

“On behalf of our scholars, we want to thank the GNPC Foundation for your continued support of our students. Had it not been for the scholarship, most of them would have dropped out, so we are grateful,” she noted.

News

Western Regional Minister Pledges Support to Takoradi Technical University (TTU)

Published

2 weeks ago

March 3, 2025

KSmylesGH

In Pic: Western Region Minister and Vice Chancellor of Takoradi Technical University

Spread the love

The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, pledged his full support to Takoradi Technical University (TTU) during a courtesy call by the university’s management. This commitment aligns with his goal to enhance infrastructure development and academic excellence at TTU.

During a courtesy call to the Minister by the management of TTU to formally welcome him, the Western Regional Minister acknowledged the University’s immense contribution to human resource development in the Western Region and pledged to strengthen the existing collaboration between the University and the Regional Coordinating Council, RCC.

“I know the RCC has been collaborating with you on many fronts, so it will continue—perhaps even be deepened under my watch. I recognize the massive role you play in our human resource development and let me also commend you and your management for the progress the University has made from 2016 up to now,” he stated.

Minister Joseph Nelson further emphasized the importance of TTU in the Western Region’s development and assured the University of his commitment to addressing its challenges, particularly those concerning its Akatakyei campus, where illegal mining activities have been a concern.

“I have taken notice of your campus at Akatakyei and the challenges that you face. A letter came through about some galamsey activities around the area, and that has been part of some engagements we’ve had to see how the matter can be dealt with. The RCC can only support the good cause you are engaged in,” he assured.

While reiterating his open-door policy, he reassured TTU of his unwavering support for the progress of the university.

“The RCC can only support the good cause you are engaged in. Count on us and count on me as the Regional Minister to support you. If there are any issues that you think I or the RCC can assist with, don’t hesitate to come to me—my doors are always open. When TTU makes progress, the Western Region progresses. Be rest assured that you have my full support, whether it’s about infrastructure or anything else that will bring progress and be worthwhile,” he affirmed.

The Vice Chancellor of TTU, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, while stating the purpose of their visit, emphasized TTU’s mandate to drive capacity building, research, and regional development.

“Our mandate is also to develop the region in terms of capacity building, research, and other areas. Since you have assumed office, I think we need to work together to develop the region in many areas, including enhancing tourist sites and exploring other business opportunities,” he emphasized.

He expressed the institution’s commitment to collaborating with the Minister’s office to enhance key sectors such as tourism, business, and infrastructure development.

“We have research directorates and other offices that I believe we can work with to help develop the region,” he added.

News

Ramadan 2025 Starts Globally with Messages of Peace

Published

2 weeks ago

March 1, 2025

KSmylesGH

Spread the love

The holy month of Ramadan has officially begun on March 1st, 2025, as announced by various Muslim leaders and organizations globally. Celebrations and greetings for Ramadan Mubarak are widespread, with individuals and communities expressing hopes for peace, reflection, and community spirit. Observances range from festive decorations in Gaza to official statements from political and religious figures worldwide.

This year, an extraordinary celestial alignment has led to a rare synchronization of moon sightings across countries like Saudi Arabia, India, the UAE, Pakistan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and many others, uniting Muslims worldwide in the commencement of this holy month. The exact start date hinges on local moon-sighting traditions, but the shared timing fosters a sense of global connection among the Muslim community.

As Ramadan begins, messages of peace and unity have emerged from various leaders and individuals. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, in a statement around this time, expressed hopes that the holy month would “bring peace and guide us towards a more just and compassionate world,” a sentiment echoed from previous Ramadan messages and likely reflective of 2025’s tone given ongoing global challenges.

On X, users have shared similar calls for harmony, with posts emphasizing reflection, mercy, and an end to conflict, such as one noting, “Let us all—brothers, sisters, and friends—embrace peace and restrain from war and conflict. May this holy month bring harmony to the world.” These messages align with Ramadan’s spiritual focus on fasting, prayer, charity, and self-discipline, encouraging Muslims to deepen their faith and extend goodwill.

The month, expected to end around March 29 or 30 with Eid al-Fitr, is a period of daytime fasting from dawn to dusk, increased devotion, and acts of charity—core practices rooted in the commemoration of the Quran’s revelation to the Prophet Muhammad.

Amidst this, the synchronized start has been highlighted as a symbol of unity, with leaders and communities worldwide urging for peace, especially in conflict zones like Gaza and Sudan, as noted in prior UN statements. While these aspirations are aspirational, they reflect Ramadan’s broader ethos of fostering compassion and solidarity across borders.

News

Zelenskyy-Trump Meeting Turns Heated Over Diplomacy Critique

Published

2 weeks ago

March 1, 2025

KSmylesGH

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance

Spread the love

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance at the White House, leading to a heated exchange regarding the U.S. support for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflicts with Russia. Zelenskyy was accused of being disrespectful, while he criticized the U.S. diplomatic approach.

The meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump, which took place on February 28, 2025, in the Oval Office, escalated into a heated confrontation over differing views on diplomacy.

The encounter, attended by Vice President JD Vance, was initially intended to advance negotiations on a deal involving Ukraine’s rare earth minerals and potentially pave the way for ending the war with Russia. However, it quickly devolved into a public dispute.

The tension reportedly ignited when Vance advocated for diplomacy as a means to end the conflict, contrasting it with what he described as the Biden administration’s approach of “chest-thumping.” Zelenskyy challenged this perspective, questioning what kind of diplomacy Vance meant, given Russian President Vladimir Putin’s history of breaking agreements, such as ceasefires and prisoner exchanges since 2014.

Zelenskyy’s pointed critique—delivered directly in English without an interpreter—prompted a sharp rebuke from Vance, who called it “disrespectful” for Zelenskyy to “litigate” the issue in front of the American media in the Oval Office. Trump joined in, accusing Zelenskyy of being ungrateful for U.S. support, reportedly saying, “You’re not acting at all thankful,” and warning that Zelenskyy was “gambling with World War III.”

The exchange grew increasingly acrimonious, with raised voices and interruptions. Zelenskyy suggested that the U.S. might eventually feel the war’s repercussions despite its geographic distance, a remark Trump dismissed, insisting Zelenskyy was in no position to dictate what Americans would feel.

The meeting ended abruptly, with Zelenskyy leaving the White House earlier than planned, a scheduled joint press conference canceled, and no minerals deal signed. Afterward, Trump posted on Truth Social that Zelenskyy had “disrespected” the U.S. and was “not ready for peace,” while Zelenskyy maintained on X that Ukraine sought a “just and lasting peace” and thanked America for its support.

The fallout underscored a stark divide: Trump and Vance framed their approach as pragmatic diplomacy to end the war, while Zelenskyy emphasized the need for security guarantees, reflecting Ukraine’s distrust of Russia based on past violations. The public nature of the clash, unfolding before cameras, marked a significant breach of typical diplomatic decorum and left the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations uncertain.