Provost of the College of Humanities of the University of Ghana, Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, has called on the government to lead the charge in the implementation of the national Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR policy, which was launched in 2016, to guide corporate entities on how to execute CSRs. 

He said the government’s failure to guide the use of the policy, has resulted in corporate entities, finding it difficult to execute CSRs, that resonate with their operations. Professor Ofori emphasized that Ghana’s CSR policy has a wealth of knowledge to direct corporate entities and organizations on how Corporate Social Responsibility needs to be carried out.  

Speaking at his inaugural lecture on the topic; ‘‘Of Indomie, Kalypo, and Condoms, an intimate conversation about Corporate Social Responsibility in Ghana’’, Professor Ofori, advised organizations to focus on CSRs that feed into their organizational strategy to avoid running at a loss.

Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, is also variously referred to as corporate responsibility, corporate citizenship, sustainability, or corporate philanthropy. 

It entails not only what companies do with their profits but also how they make those profits. In effect, Corporate Social Responsibility is about managing relationships in all key spheres of an organization’s influence at the workplace, the marketplace, the supply chain, the community, and the public policy realm. 

It goes beyond philanthropy and compliance but addresses how companies manage their economic, social, and environmental impacts. As a result of this multiplicity of emphasis and resolve, ‘Corporate social responsibility’ has become many things to many people because it is being practiced in different ways depending on the context. 

Research suggests that CSR when used smartly, confers numerous benefits, such as cost reduction, improves reputation, and has the potential to build a responsible brand. the research also indicates that in Ghana, there is a lack of direction to how CSR is being practiced, and that has led to many corporations engaging in incidental CSRs. 

Corporate Social Responsibility has come to stay, just like the organizations. This has led to the realization by organizations that they are required to do more across the entire series of their operations to be more economical, efficient, and productive while attending to issues of responsibility. 

Therefore, organizations have no choice as it is no longer a matter of whether corporate social responsibility is to be considered, but rather a studied and deliberate assessment of the type, framework, model, or approach that organizations are to adopt to fall in line with stakeholders’ expectations and their own publics.

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Some angry residents around the Dome Parakou Estate Junction blocked the road linking Dome-Kwabenya and Okaikoi North major stretch to protest the perennial flooding in the area anytime it rains.

The residents are blaming the current flooding on the poor drainage system constructed some few months ago which was to address the flooding but it has rather worsened the situation.They are of the view that the construction was poorly done this leaving them vulnerable anytime it rains.

A resident explained that the poor and smallish nature of the bridge constructed no long ago makes their rooms get flooded and properties destroyed anytime there is a slight downpour. A resident, who gave his name as Enoch Sarpei speaking to reporters has this to say “It was around 3:30 am that the rain started and the rainwaters came and flooded everywhere. I am a mechanic and I am lucky that there were no cars here when the flood came else it would have spoilt them.

The contractor working on the bridge is to blame. The bridge is too small for the heavy volumes of water that passes through.The contractor or whoever designed it should have raised it but failed to do so and we are begging the authorities to take action and raise the bridge just like it has been done at Alajo and Achimota.”

Meanwhile, the Ga East Municipal Director for the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), one Seth Kofi Osei Kissi  said the people living near the area had been asked to move away since the place is a flood prone zone but they have refused to adhere to instruction.

“We have gone there to educate them that the rains will be heavy this year and so they should move away from there because when it rains, it floods there up to window level but they are still living there.” He added 

According to him safety education and precautions have been intensified for the people to move away from there which they have persistently resisted.

“I had a distress call around 5:30 am that some residents of Christian Village, a community at the boundary between Dome-Kwabenya and Okaikoi North have blocked the road with containers and barrels and cars were not moving meanwhile that place is a busy point and so there was heavy traffic there in the morning,” he said 

It took the intervention of officers from NADMO who engaged the people before they could move the items placed on road to allow traffic to follow.

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The Minister of State for Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development, and Member of Parliament for Akuapem South Constituency, Mr. Osei-Bonsu Amoah, has emphasized the need for better planning, spatial distribution, and services in urban areas to prevent flooding.

In an exclusive interview on GTV’s Breakfast Show on June 9, 2024, Mr. Amoah noted that individuals often purchase land in areas without basic services and expect the government to provide them, which can lead to unplanned development and flooding.

“In Accra here, somebody will say that I’ve bought land, let’s say, even if it’s 10 kilometers, but within Accra here. He goes there, there are no services there, no water, no electricity, poor road, everything, but once he has located there, he expects the service to get to him and as more people even add to it, that means that more services will have to be provided.”

He mentioned that people are rather putting up structures in an unplanned manner and expect the government to provide all the necessary services for them. He called on the Municipal and District Assemblies to ensure a strict adherence to their constitutional roles and mandates in order to prevent buildings from springing up in flood-prone areas.

“My problem is, if you are an assembly, you run the Assembly very well, you should know that somebody wants to put a kiosk here. That person is not right to put a kiosk there. You warn the person, the next moment you move the kiosk away, but you see “stop work” and whatever, and the warning is there and it’s there for years.”

He bemoaned the absence of sanctions in the local government structures in the country. According to him, the absence of those sanctions is what have led to the unplanned structures being raised in flood prone areas across the country. This he said has also led to lack of resources in the various District and Municipal Assemblies.

He further called on the Municipal and District Assemblies to be proactive in their checks and supervision of buildings that are being put up in their jurisdiction and clamp down on unauthorized structures at their cradle stage before it is fully built into a house.

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The Chairman of the National Planning Committee of the 50th Anniversary of the SOS Children’s Villages Ghana, Godknows Kwaku Kporha has called on philanthropists, corporate donors, NGOs and benevolent organizations among others to come on board to support the SOS Children’s Villages Ghana so they can get enough financial muscle to impact many more lives in Ghana.

He made the call in an interview with GBC News at Asiakwa in the Abuakwa South Municipality of the Eastern Region during a Sports Festival organized by the Asiakwa SOS Children’s Villages as part of activities of celebrating the 50th Anniversary Celebration of SOS Children’s Villages Ghana. 

The SOS Children’s Villages Ghana since its presence in Ghana in 1974 has been supporting the lives of children and young people without parental care, or at the risk of losing it. They also ensure that children grow with the care, protection, and relationships they need to become their strongest selves and self-resilient and reliant.

As part of activities to mark their presence in Ghana and the impact they have made in the lives of children and the youth for the past 50 years, the Asiakwa SOS Children’s Villages organized a Sports Festival for four schools in the Abuakwa South Municipality which include their school, Asiakwa SOS Hermann Gmeiner School, Akim Adukrom MA Basic School, Asiakwa Presby Junior High School and Adasawase Presby Basic School. Some of the activities they participated in include football, table tennis, and netball.

In an interview with GBC News, the Chairman of the National Planning Committee of the 50th Anniversary of the SOS Children’s Villages Ghana, Godknows Kwaku Kporha noted that they are committed to providing care and support for children in Ghana, adding that in providing care they need to ensure that the beneficiary children are safe and provided with the conducive environment to develop to become responsible people in the future.

He explained the conducive environment includes the right to quality education, care, and entertainment, right to healthcare, among others.  Mr. Kporha reiterated that they are committed to reaching out to millions of children out there that need their care and called on corporate organizations to come on board to support them in that course.

The Programmes Director of Asiakwa SOS Children’s Villages, Josephine Afrawuah urged society and parents to recognize that children are the future of society and the families. She encouraged families to support in bringing up children who in one way or the other have lost their parents, adding that the best place to groom a child is the biological setting.

Madam Afrawuah reiterated that most of the negative activities in society are mostly perpetrated by young people who grew up from neglected families without having responsible upbringing. She spoke on why they organized the sports activities.

 Activities for the 50th Anniversary Celebration began with the unveiling of the 50th Anniversary logo some months ago, float, sports festival which was organized and replicated across all the four programmes locations in Ghana namely SOS Asiakwa, Tema, Kumasi and Tamale.

There will also be an open day programmes to educate people about the activities of SOS, coding for kids, a national alternative care conference with the climax being the awards and dinner night for their corporate partners in July this year.

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On Thursday, May 2, the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, commissioned the 124 households under the Appiatse reconstruction project.

Although the beneficiary residents of phases one and two of the project expressed satisfaction, victims who were compensated with some money to repair their damaged structures, and those yet to be captured under the subsequent phase 3 of the project, are not enthused.

One of the residents who has been given money, Alhaji Osman Ibrahim, said, “Prices have gone up, prices of iron rods, roofing sheets, and other materials have gone up. The money they gave us is not enough. Thieves have stolen all the building materials, and we have to purchase them again. Some received GHS7,000, others GHS8,000, and so on. They constructed the road to a certain part and left it in front of our houses.”

“They also refused to provide us with light and water. It will not help if they come and stay when ours is not ready. We have warned before that we will not allow anybody to come and occupy the place, because the disaster affected all of us in a day. How can some live with lights while we don’t have any?”

One of the aggrieved residents, Joseph Armoh, said, “I’m not happy today, even though it’s a good thing to commission it. But why would you build and commission for others, while others are still in pain? We should all be relieved from the pain on the same day. I think what they did is not in favour of all of us.”

“Some of us are not happy about it, even though we are here to support the commissioning of phase 1. We want to say that whoever is in charge of phase 3 should double up, to let us also get our building, so that we can also feel at home. I’m currently living in a rented apartment in Bogoso.”

“We’re not happy, because we expect certain things to be done before this commissioning and as I talk to you, there are a lot of things that have not been put in place. We came to support the government to do the commissioning, we have taken a decision to do a press conference and we will let the whole nation know what we are actually going through.

“The phase one they commissioned is not even completed. The water installation is not completed yet, every house has been fixed with a water closet. Can they stay without water? How are they going to cope? Some of the block houses which were pulled down by the contractors have not said anything about it yet. When are they going to start and complete?” Another aggrieved resident, Kingsford Philip Amponsah, said.

In January 2022, a vehicle carrying about 10 tonnes of mining explosives to the Chirano Mines collided with a motorcycle, resulting in the detonation of the explosives, which destroyed the entire community.

After the unfortunate incident, the government immediately commenced the reconstruction process, which has seen the completion of 124 housing units and auxiliary facilities for the survivors.

The newly built structures, ranging from one-bedroom to seven-bedroom units, come with enhanced facilities, including a market, six-unit classroom and kindergarten blocks, inner roads, water and electricity, a drainage system, and a water storage system.

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Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has commissioned and handed over the first phase of the redeveloped  Appiatse Community in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality of the Western Region.  

The 124 housing units, beautifully built with bricks, comprise two to seven-bedroom houses, with kitchen and toilet facilities. The redeveloped community is hooked to the national grid, has its roads tarred, access to potable water, kindergarten and six-unit classroom block with sanitation facilities. 

The project has transformed the Appiatse Community into a modern town, which was destroyed on Thursday, January 20, 2022, through an explosion. Dr Bawumia said the redevelopment was a testament to restoring dignity to the affected. 

“Immediately after the incident, I led a delegation made up of Ministers of State, Heads of Security Services, officials from NADMO and other government officials to commiserate with the victims of the incident,” he said. 

“I saw at first hand the devastation the incident had caused with some of the people unfortunately losing their lives, while others suffered various degrees of injury.”  

“While we mourn those who lost their lives through the tragic incident, we stand in solidarity with the survivors who bore physical and emotional trauma.” 

He praised the heroic efforts of those who rescued some of the injured and sent them to various health facilities. 

On January 20, 2022, a motorbike rider went under a truck transporting explosives for the gold mine in Bogoso causing an explosion in an area. 

Some residents rushed to the scene to witness what had happened, but unfortunately a second blast occurred a few minutes later, destroying dozens of buildings and injuring many. Thirteen people died.  

The Appiatse Support Fund was launched to raise money, among other things, to support the victims of the incident and reconstruct the community. This birthed the Appiatse Redevelopment Project, starting in September 2022. 

Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, commended the Vice President for showing commitment in the reconstructing of the Appiatse Community.  

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 Traders and commercial drivers, who plied the Koforidua-Ada-Asesewa road in the Eastern Region, have expressed discomfort about the worsening condition of the stretch and appealed to the government to reshape it to facilitate their movements and economic activities.

The traders, who made the appeal through an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said the bad nature of the road had not only slowed down their economic activities, but had a devastating effect on their health and well-being.

Madam Afrane, a market woman at Nkurakan, a farming community in the area, told the GNA that she had been buying painkillers whenever she used the road and returned from the market.

Bright Narh, popularly known as “Anyemi,” a commercial driver who plied the Adukrom-Oterkporlu-Asesewa-Nkurakan portion of the stretch remarked that it was uncomfortable to ply the road, which was always dusty in the dry and muddy in the wet seasons.

“We only spend our daily sales to repair our vehicles due to the nature of the road,” he said.

During a visit, the GNA noticed the Nkurakan-Apesua-Huhunya-Klo-Agogo-Obawale-Sikabeng-Oterkporlu-Asesewa stretch was in a bad shape.

The untarred road had developed several potholes, posing threats to the life of commuters, motorists, passengers and drivers, as hundreds of traders and market women used the stretch mostly on Mondays and Fridays, being the market days at Nkurakan, Akate, Klo-Agogo and Asesewa.

Checks showed the same stretch connects to the Boti and Akaa WaterFalls, as well as “Umbrella Rock,” and other beautiful tourist destination sites in the Yilo and Manya Krobo areas.  

As one of the busiest roads in the region, the stretch further links towns and communities within the Upper Manya, Lower Manya, Yilo Krobo Municipalities as well as the Asuogyaman and Okere Districts to Koforidua, the Eastern regional capital.

Some passengers also used the road connecting the Northern and Southern parts of the Volta Regions, Tema and parts of the Greater Accra Region. 

Due to the dusty nature of the road, many shops at Apesua, Kwasi Diaka and Huhunya communities, as well as some fuel filling stations had stopped operating.

Mary Tamatey, a provision shopkeeper, told the GNA that “We only inhale the dust emanating from the road when we come to work. Our daily sales have gone down and we plead with the government to do something about the road”.

The GNA gathered that several operators of food joints, and hairdressing salons along the road had also closed their shops contemplating relocating their businesses.

Mr Joseph Laweh, a dealer in hardware at Nkurakan confirmed the road had been awarded on contract, the contractor had not been seen on site for years.

Some students of the Apesua Community Senior High School along the stretch said the dusty nature of the road was affecting their health.

When contacted, Mr Emmanuel Tetteh Kwao, the Assemblyman for Nkurakan Central Electoral Area, alleged that because the contract was awarded at the national level, they were unable to trace the contractor.

He said his outfit had written officially to Mr Eric Tetteh, the Municipal Chief Executive, and urged the residents and users of the road to remain calm, as he followed up with the letter.

Mr Kwao said the bad nature of the road was having a negative effect on revenue mobilisation, saying it was difficult for revenue collectors to collect taxes at the markets, communities and businesses along the stretch.

He said Mondays and Thursdays were market days at the Nkurakan market, Tuesdays and Fridays at Klo-Agogo markets, Wednesdays and Saturdays at Akate market and Fridays at Asesewa market, saying the assembly could mobilize more revenue for development if the road was put in good shape.

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The Deputy Attorney General, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, has stated that his office is currently investigating to determine the validity of the marriage ceremony between Gborbu Wulomo and Naa Okromo.

This follows the release of the minor to her parents on Thursday, April 18, after being in the custody of the Department of Social Welfare under the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection for the past two weeks.

Addressing the press, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah indicated that the outcome of the probe would be made known to the public. 

“Our officers are reviewing the docket to ascertain various issues. One, whether what took place was actually marriage or not. We have not come to any conclusion on that issue yet.”

“So the officers in the Ministry are reviewing the docket and if we come to any conclusion on that issue, it will be made known to the public.”

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 Colonel Dr. Mohammed Wumbei, Command Logistics and Gender Advisor at the Army Training Command, has underscored the Ghana Armed Forces‘ (GAF) loyalty in upholding the Ghana Gender Policy.

He said because of the policy enacted in 2015, the GAF had developed its own gender policy to prompt a review of existing regulations within the GAF to promote gender equality within its ranks.

Col. Wumbei said their language has evolved to be more gender-sensitive, indicating that all officers were referred to as soldiers.

Col Wumbei made the commitment in an interview with the media in Sunyani at the last day of a nationwide sensitization campaign, organized by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in partnership with the GAF with support from the Elsie Initiative Fund.

 The campaign aimed at educating senior high and tertiary institutions and other selected institutions about the various career opportunities available within the GAF and to dispel stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding military careers.

The beneficiary students of the campaign were from Sunyani Senior High School, St. James SHS and Seminary, Odomaseman SHS, Notre Dame Girls SHS and Berekum SHS.

Col. Wumbei said Ghana had committed to various international protocols to promote gender equality and equity, additionally, the constitution prohibited discrimination based on gender, colour and race.

He said in recent years, GAF had observed a disparity between the number of females recruited and the national female population and as a result, efforts were being made to increase female representation, while the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, also called for increased female participation in peacekeeping operations worldwide.

Col. Wumbei said the military as an institution had its own set of values, customs, and traditions that were actively working to facilitate increased female participation in decision-making processes.

He said there had been several high-profile promotions of female officers, a feat that was previously unattainable, “We did not have any female generals in the past, but now we could boast of about five”, he indicated.

Colonel Wumbei mentioned that after engaging with senior high schools, the military would extend its outreach to the public, acknowledging that traditional values and customs had perpetuated certain stereotypes, but through education such barriers could be overcome.

Mrs. Adelaide Ekua Otoo, Senior Programmes Officer of the Women Youth Peace and Security Institute, KAIPTC, said the institute enthusiasm in promoting the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1325 on women, peace, and security, and 2250 on youth, peace, and security.

 She said the resolutions would enhance women’s participation in peace and security matters, particularly in peacekeeping operations since the goal was to ensure that women were actively involved in peacekeeping efforts.

Mrs. Otoo stressed the importance of women participation in the Ghana Armed Forces peacekeeping operations to encourage young girls to join the armed forces, specifically through combat and combat support units to provide them with valuable opportunities in building a successful career within the Armed Forces.

She said by joining the military, the young girls have the potential to progress through the ranks and eventually attain leadership positions as uniformed women to play significant roles in decision-making processes related to peace and security in the country and on the continent.

As part of the sensitization campaign, participants were sensitized on gender stereotypes and biases, general eligibility for cadets, soldiers, recruitment of soldiers in the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as the units and requirements of the Ghana Army.

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Ghana, known as the “Gateway to West Africa,” is a land rich in cultural heritage, vibrant traditions, and artistic expression. From its colorful festivals to its intricate artifacts, Ghana’s cultural tapestry reflects the diversity and resilience of its people.

Steeped in history and tradition, Ghana’s heritage serves as a source of pride and identity for its citizens, providing a glimpse into the past while guiding the future.

March is a month dedicated to celebrating Ghana’s rich history, vibrant culture, and most importantly, its monumental victory in achieving independence from British colonial rule in 1957. As a new day dawns, let us take a moment to reflect on the elements that define us as Ghanaians.

The Hearth
The hearth, known as ‘Mukyea’ in the Akan language and ‘La-teh’ in the Ga language, holds a significant place in traditional Ghanaian homes, playing a vital role in daily life.

Crafted from a mixture of clay and water, the hearth is shaped and left to dry for several days before being used for cooking. In the absence of ovens during the 16th and 17th centuries, this traditional hearth served as the primary means of cooking, providing the necessary heat for preparing meals at home.

Despite the convenience offered by modern ovens and electric cookers, many Ghanaians still appreciate the unique taste and flavor imparted by food cooked on a hearth. Traditionalists and typical Ghanaians alike often attest that dishes prepared on a hearth possess a distinct and superior taste compared to those cooked on metal coal pots or electric cookers.

The Earthenware
Earthenware and wooden grinders hold a rich history in Ghanaian culture, tracing back to ancient times. These objects, crafted with care and tradition, serve various practical and cultural purposes within Ghanaian society. Earthenware, known for its diverse array of colors, reflects the regional diversity of Ghana.

Black earthenware, crafted in the Eastern Region, stands distinct from the brown earthenware produced in Nfensi in the Ashanti Region and Tano-North in the Bono Region. Tano-North, renowned for its craftsmanship, often produces both black and brown earthenwares, showcasing its versatility and skill.

These earthenware pieces serve as essential tools in Ghanaian kitchens, used for grinding pepper, tomatoes, garden eggs, and other ingredients. Beyond their practical function, they also hold cultural significance, often being used in homes and restaurants to serve meals, particularly fufu or the traditional dish known as ‘Kokonte’.

Through their usage, earthenware and wooden grinders not only facilitate culinary practices but also uphold and celebrate Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.

Basket
Baskets, once primarily utilized by women for shopping or transporting food to farms in the past, have now emerged as ubiquitous items in contemporary times. Locally called ‘K3nt3n’ by the Akans and Ga-Adangbe, it is significant in the history of the famous Okomfo Anokye.

These baskets are typically handwoven in Bolgatanga, located in the Northern Region, as well as in the Greater Accra Region. Ghanaians take pride in the array of beautiful and culturally significant objects within their heritage, with traditional baskets holding a cherished place.

In modern times, the allure of these traditional baskets remains undiminished. Loved ones often opt to present gifts in rattan baskets, eschewing ordinary plastic bowls, as the former exude an irresistible charm and boast exceptional durability.

Canoes
Canoes stand as emblematic symbols of Ghana’s coastal communities, where fishing sustains livelihoods and fosters cultural traditions. Crafted with precision and skill, these canoes serve as vital tools for navigating the waters and supporting the local fishing industry.

Made from sturdy wood, these canoes provide a reliable means of transportation for fishermen as they venture into the depths of the ocean. Their robust construction ensures the safety of fishermen during their perilous expeditions, offering a sense of security amidst the unpredictable waters.

Beyond their practical function, canoes also hold cultural significance within Ghanaian coastal communities. Some canoe owners adorn their vessels with motivational messages, serving as inspirational beacons for others in the community. These messages not only uplift spirits but also embody the resilience and determination of Ghana’s fishing communities.

Wooden drums
Wooden drums, adorned with intricate African designs, stand as timeless symbols of Ghana’s rich cultural heritage. Available in a myriad of sizes and colors, these drums serve as powerful storytellers, echoing the rhythms of Ghanaian life and tradition.

Traditionally crafted with care and attention to detail, these drums hold deep cultural significance and are integral to various aspects of Ghanaian society. They resonate with the heartbeat of the nation, pulsating with energy during festivals, installations of chiefs and queens, and school anniversary celebrations.

Embodying the spirit of communal celebration, wooden drums take center stage during national occasions such as the annual Independence Day on March 6th. Their resounding beats unite people from all walks of life, fostering a sense of unity and pride in Ghana’s cultural identity.

Beads
Beads play is a significant part of the Ghanaian culture, mostly worn by women and royals. Fashion has now paved way for all interested persons to also wear beads around their wrists.

Historically, women wearing beads around their waist symbolize womanhood, sexuality, femininity, fertility, healing, spirituality, body shaping, first menses, protection, seduction, and wealth, amongst other things. Traditional leaders also wear beads around their wrists, necks and ankles to symbolize authority.

Rattan furniture
Rattan furniture stands out as a rare and affordable treasure in Ghana, favored by elites and expatriates alike. Its unique design captivates Ghanaians and tourists alike, drawing them to adorn their homes with its charm. Crafted locally in Ghana, particularly in cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale.

Rattan furniture boasts versatility, gracing corporate offices, homes, restaurants, and pubs with its allure. Just like traditional wooden furniture made from Odum, Wawa, or Iroko trees, rattan pieces serve as captivating accents, attracting attention wherever they are placed.

The elephant grass is also used to make hand fans.  It is used to fan royals and others also use them in the kitchen.

Even though there are a wide variety of artefacts that spell out the rich cultural heritage of Ghana, these eight is very imminent in the socialization process of a home grown Ghanaian.

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