Human Rights Reporters Ghana (NGO)

Year: 2021

  • Safeguard the rights of your children for a brighter future-Joseph Wemakor told parents

    Safeguard the rights of your children for a brighter future-Joseph Wemakor told parents

    The Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), Mr. Joseph Wemakor has charged teachers, parents and guardians to be committed towards the welfare of their children and always strive hard to do everything humanly possible to ensure their rights are protected and dignity ensured to guarantee a brighter future for them.  

    He warned that under no circumstance should parents or caregivers allow the rights of their wards to be infringed upon by anyone regardless of their age or status simply because they are equally humans who are entitled to their dignity and rights and therefore ought to be protected and treated with respect.

    Mr. Wemakor gave the advice while delivering a speech on the theme: “Children security, our priority for a brighter future” at the sixth graduation ceremony of the World of Hope International School which he chaired last Thursday November 9, 2021 at the school’s courtyard.

    The colorful ceremony marked the graduation of twenty-five young nursery scholars who passed on to kindergarten including some from the kindergarten graduating to class one pupils.

    Delivering a speech at the event, Mr. Samuel Romeo Ankamah, a community leader lauded the pupils for demonstrating excellent performances at the ceremony.

    He called on the parents and guardians of school children to show love, care and attention to them so they can grow up to become useful to society.

    For his part, Mr. Samuel Romeo Ankamah called on parents and guardians of school children to forge stronger partnerships with teachers to promote quality and holistic education for their children.

    Manager of the school, Mr. Moro Addy commended parents and guardians for entrusting the task of academic development of their wards to the school, but appealed for teamwork between parents and teachers to ensure that children attain all-round education by the time they complete school.

    Speaking in an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the graduation exercise, he underscored the need for the youth to be involved in decision making processes so they can contribute their quota meaningfully to cause the needed change we desire.

    In his closing remark, Mr. Joseph Wemakor encouraged all and sundry to become advocates of human rights, educate the masses on their rights and stand up for themselves and others whenever their rights are being infringed upon to engender peace, security and justice in the world.  

    The graduation ceremony was climaxed with presentation of certificates of merit to the young scholars amidst a beautiful display of a line-up of choreographed Ghanaian dances and drama sketches including poetry recitals.

    The World of Hope International School (WOHI) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) established by a US-based philanthropist, Monica Westin with the aim of changing the world and making a difference in the lives of children in areas of human rights, tolerance, non-violence education and health awareness among others.

    With much commitment and focus on child education, World of Hope Int’l established a preschool in 2007 which was registered under the Ghana Education Service (GES) and handed the responsibility to train children and inculcate in them knowledge and skills ranging from literacy, numeracy and creative arts as well as problem solving skills so as to empower them to become useful in the future.

    Currently with a school population of sixty-five pupils and six female staff, the school is committed to advancing the cause of children’s education within the Sansam Odumase community in the Ga West Community with development of talents, skills and imparting of knowledge at the core of its operation.

     
    Source: WOHI
     

  • HRRG boss Joseph Wemakor’s activism leads to exclusive dinner with former US Ambassador to Ghana

    HRRG boss Joseph Wemakor’s activism leads to exclusive dinner with former US Ambassador to Ghana

    The Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) Joseph Kobla Wemakor, recently found himself dining with former US Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Stephanie Sullivan, in a remarkable evening that celebrated the heroes of the 16 Days of Activism Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Campaign.

    Wemakor’s unwavering dedication to his activism roles has paid off, leading to a prestigious invitation to Ambassador Sullivan’s residence in Accra on the eve of December 9, 2021.

    This exclusive event brought together a plethora of influential figures, from notable activists to staunch defenders of human rights, women’s rights, gender empowerment, and child rights.

    During this memorable evening, Wemakor had the privilege of not only sharing a meal with the esteemed US Ambassador but also engaging with a diverse array of individuals committed to making a difference in various spheres of social justice.

    The gathering provided an opportunity for networking, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas among like-minded individuals striving to create a more equitable and inclusive society.

    Wemakor’s journey serves as a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and determination in effecting positive change.

    His encounter with Ambassador Sullivan underscores the importance of grassroots activism and advocacy in advancing crucial causes and fostering meaningful connections on a global scale.

    As Wemakor continues his vital work with Human Rights Reporters Ghana, his experience at the dinner with Ambassador Sullivan stands as a reminder of the impact that dedicated individuals can have in shaping a more just and compassionate world.

     

     

  • Joseph Wemakor:UN Human Rights Day 2021: Reflections on Ghana’s role

    Joseph Wemakor:UN Human Rights Day 2021: Reflections on Ghana’s role

    For the simple truth that we are humans, we are entitled to freedoms and liberties to have full realization of our unique existence irrespective of race, religion, color, status, age, sex, ethnicity, is the result of adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the UN on 10th December, 1948.

    In effect, all peoples of the world reaffirmed faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person conspicuously after the horrors of Nazi atrocities in the Second World war.

    It is in this spirit, the Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), joins all peoples of the world in commemorating this important day. 

    As Ghana is a proud dignitary to this worthy document, we take the opportunity to reaffirm our faith in the fundamental human rights of all Ghanaians devoid of prejudice, discrimination, bias or violence to express opposing thoughts and views. 

    The HRRG wants to use this day in helping citizens reflect on how we as a people have contributed in furthering the enjoyment of these fundamental rights enshrined in our 1992 constitution by all manner of persons in the past 11 months. 

    The nation continues to be a beacon of democracy after a successful exercise of our political rights resulting in the swearing-in of H.E. Nana Akufo Addo and his government on 7th January, 2021 with the two major political parties gaining equal seats in the Legislature, rightly accepting the wishes of the electorate. 

    Ghana has further demonstrated its commitment to respecting the civil rights of its people when one party felt aggrieved with final electoral results and had the opportunity to seek redress in the apex court of the land where all and sundry accepted the final ruling on the electoral dispute. This, once more advertised this nation as exemplary among its peers on the continent.

    Social activism

    However, efforts at projecting Ghana as a champion with a high human rights record have been blighted by significant human rights violations. 

    The youth of the nation expressed much dissatisfaction and frustration at the rate of development or lack of it, in what they called ‘Fix The Country Movement’. For weeks, the Ghana Police Service deployed tactics enough to prevent the ‘Fix The Country Movement’ activists from enjoying their rights to demonstrate to drum home their concerns, though eventually the court gave them the go ahead to express themselves on the streets.

    In July 2021, the shocking news of a murdered social activist named as Ibrahim Mohammed a.k.a. Kaaka Macho, who constantly criticized the ruling government for its poor performance, was reported.

    While speculations remain that agents of the ruling party have a hand in his untimely death, police investigation claim otherwise. 

    In a related development, the unresolved murder led citizens of Ejura where Kaaka hailed from, to protest outcome of police investigations which also results in indiscriminate shooting by security operatives taking the lives two victims.

    Unfortunately, the men in uniform who shot the firearm are yet to be interdicted.

    Topmost of all rights abuses observed in Ghana continues to be domestic violence against women and girls, who happen to be the vulnerable group the Human Rights Reporters Ghana seeks to protect through its works.

    Domestic and Gender Based Violence

    As we celebrate 73 years of recognising and promoting equal rights among all peoples of the world, women and girls continue to suffer all manner of physical and emotional violence from spouses and partners. 

    Coupled with the unending COVID-19 global pandemic bringing many economies almost to their knees, the section of society who are reeling from the impact are helpless women and girls who are at the mercy of abusive men. 

    Yearly, 30-35% of all women and girls according to statistics from independent and state institutions encounter some varying degree of domestic abuse. Meaning for every 3 Ghanaian females, one had experienced one form of physical or emotional abuse.

    It is in recognition of this horrific statistics that in September, 2021, the Gender, Children and Social Protection Ministry outdoor a Domestic Violence Information Portal to provide database on Domestic/Sexual and Gender Based Violence and Child Marriage in Ghana.

    Today, we remind all women and girls who are the sustainers of our society that, Article 2 of the all-important quasi-sacred document (Universal Declaration of Human Rights) outlines the fundamental human rights of all people in every corner of the globe where it opines that, “Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.” And an organization such as ours will continue to champion this cause.

    Article 5 further protects them stating, “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”

    This notwithstanding, these vulnerable groups endure some of the most violent attacks, emotional abuse and financial emasculation. 

    On March 11th, 2021, Philip Caesar Kumah, a deputy director of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) allegedly killed his girlfriend after constant physical abuse in the Volta region.

    In a similar vein, a businessman named Prince Charles Dedjoe who had shortly been en-stooled as an Awomefia of the Anlo people beats his wife to death after a misunderstanding. 

    Another domestic abuse worth mentioning is the case of the Emmanuel Kwesi Dawood, a communicator of the NDC who sexually abuses his teenage daughter for close to two (2) years and impregnating her in the process. 

    Violence against women and girls rob them of their dignity through rape and physical torture with women and girls with disabilities suffering the most. 

    As we mark the Human Rights International Day 2021, the Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) will like to use this special occasion to call on government and other social bodies to ensure the safety and protection of these persons so they can continue to contribute meaningfully to the development of this nation.

    Justice for Ahmed Suale

    As a non-governmental organization (NGO) comprising journalists, lawyers and human rights activists in Ghana, our outfit again demands that law enforcement agencies put their arsenals together to bring to book the killers of Ahmed Suale, who dedicated his life to bringing to light the nefarious activities of nation wreckers.

    All the state owes his memory and family members is bringing justice to bear.

    The author is a staunch human rights activist, gender advocate and the Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana

  • Human Rights Group sensitizes 1,000 students in V/R on human rights to commemorate human rights day 2021

    The Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), a non-governmental organization which champions human rights advocacy and education in Ghana has equipped one thousand (1,000) students in the Volta Region with adequate knowledge on their basic rights and freedoms.

    The beneficiaries who are students of the Anlo Afiadenyigba Roman Catholic Junior High School including Anlo Afiadenyigba Evangelical Presbyterian (E.P) Primary School and Junior High School were vigorously sensitized on human rights with focused attention on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and its powerful 30 articles which clearly spelt out human rights.

    They were also empowered with comprehensive information on teenage pregnancy and drug abuse to guide in their stages of life in order not to fall victims.     

    The gesture, which seeks to promote human rights and its education with the aim of guaranteeing cultural change was in commemoration of this year’s Human Rights Day.

    Mr. Joseph Wemakor, the Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), who led the sensitization team to the region observed that community sensitization is essential to reducing young people’s vulnerability to kidnapping, teenage pregnancy, drug abuse and other social vices hence the need to always make it a conscious effort to empower the youth with the right information at all times.

    While identifying disregard for human rights as the major cause of peace, freedom and justice eluding many regions of the world, Mr. Wemakor admonished the students to always ensure strict adherence to the principles of human rights which embrace respect for the individual, equality and non-discrimination in order to make the world a better place for all.   

    Human Rights are defined as basic rights and freedoms to which all human beings are entitled, often held to include the right to life and liberty, freedom of thought and expression and equality before the law

    Human Rights are based on the principle of respect for the individual. Their fundamental assumption is that each person is a moral and rational being who deserves to be treated with dignity. They are called human rights because they are universal.

    Headmaster of Anlo Afiadenyigba E.P School, Mr. James Deyfor speaking on the sidelines of the sensitization exercise lauded the Human Rights Reporters Ghana team for taking time out of their busy schedules to bring education on human rights to the students in the school.

    While describing the exercise as a good initiative which would bring about change in the school, he observed that most students unfortunately do not simply understand the meaning of human rights and what contribute to rights abuse therefore often misconstrue it

    Citing one of such instances, he averred that some students have misunderstood sweeping of the school environment as an abuse of rights whenever instructed to do so as result of the ban of corporal punishment in schools by the Ghana Education Service (GES) which he identified as a challenge.

    He therefore appealed to the HRRG team to intervene and help correct such misrepresentation of facts with their information.

    For his part, the Headmaster of Anlo Afiadenyigba R.C. Primary and Junior High School, Mr. Moses Topha-Mills noted the visitation of the HRRG’s sensitization team to the school for the second time is apt and indeed of great relief to the entire students’ body as a result of the impact, exposure and the enlightenment they have enjoyed.

    “The sensitization is very useful and I must commend the Human rights reporters Ghana for the initiative”.

    “The last time they came, for many months now, we have seen that the students’ attitudes have changed positively and they no longer use to do things that would endanger their future”.

    He furthered: “In all, the knowledge level of the students have improved in human rights. It has broadened their horizon and I’ll encourage such exercise to be done on a termly basis”.

     This is the second time, the students of Anlo Afiadenyigba Primary and JHS (A&B school) have benefited from the sensitization campaign by the Human Rights Reporters Ghana.

    The first time was in May 2019 at a period when the HRRG embarked on the nationwide sensitization campaign on Kidnapping, Teenage Pregnancy and Tramadol Abuse /Drug Abuse (KTT Project)  to educate the public particularly school children on the tricks employed by the kidnappers to lure their unsuspecting victims  so they can easily foil their attempts.

    The KTT campaign focused on addressing the issues of kidnapping, teenage pregnancy and drug abuse but equally set about creating a deeper education on human rights to bring about a cultural change.

    Since the roll out of the program in July 2019, the campaign team has managed to reach over 60,000 beneficiaries particularly school children, parents and youth groups in the communities and religious settings within three regions of Ghana.

    The positive feedback received from some beneficiaries a year after staging the campaign demonstrated the success of the initiative in saving lives and contributing significantly towards the advancement of the SDGs. 

    The initiative had won many hearts and attracted commendations towards the HRRG and its amazing team of volunteers both in and outside the borders of Ghana.

    Human Rights Day is observed by the International community every year on 10 December. It commemorates the day in 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

    The day is observed via high-level political conferences and meetings by cultural events and exhibitions dealing with human rights issues to enhance public awareness of people’s social, cultural and physical rights, as well as ensure everyone’s wellbeing.

    This year’s commemoration is on the theme: “Equality- Reducing inequalities, advancing human rights”.

    The sensitization exercise was supported by the United for Human Rights (UHR), an International non-profit (US based )organization dedicated to implementing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at all levels of society.

    The Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) is an initiative of young Ghanaian journalists, editors, lawyers and human rights activists who have joined forces to address human rights violations in Ghana and beyond to bring countries closer to achieving the SDGs.

    Watch video here:

     
    Source:HRRG
     

  • Human Rights Reporters Ghana condemn harrasment of a female by police officer

    Human Rights Reporters Ghana condemn harrasment of a female by police officer

    The Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), a media advocacy cum human rights non-governmental organization has expressed utter shock at a viral video which captured police officer allegedly harassing a female in a vehicle.

    In a press release signed by Joseph Wemakor, it’s Executive Director, the group outrightly condemns the shameful and indispicable act of General Lance Corporal Victor Antwi Yeboah’, the police officer allegedly accused of harrasing the woman in the video while commending the police authority for swift arrest of their own upon launching preliminary investigations into the accident.

    “This singular act is a further departure from the convention of citizens meted out with abuse by agents of our security apparatus with impunity which often go unpunished”, the statement said while lauding the police force for a good job done.

    In adding their voice to the numerous calls by civil society organizations and the general public alike for justice to be served to the victim while the perpetrator is punished when found culpable, the group further appealed to all citizens to play their part in the fight against violations of human rights especially the state authorities by appropriately using their communication gadgets like smartphones or cameras to discreetly record and share all forms of right abuses to raise awareness and rid of miscreants in the reputable security services within the country.

    Read the full statement below:

  • COCJASAARC engages National Road Safety Authority on road crashes

    COCJASAARC engages National Road Safety Authority on road crashes

    A group calling itself the Coalition of Concerned Journalists and Social Activists (COCJASAARC) on Monday December 22, 2021 paid a courtesy call on the National Road Safety Authority to brief them on their activities and how both organizations can collaborate effectively to help reduce road crashes in the country.  

    The group led by a seven-member delegation comprising its executives were given a rousing welcome by a waiting team of top officials at the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) upon a visit to their office located at Ridge in Accra.

    Mr. Joseph Wemakor, the Co-convener of COCJASAARC who briefed the gathering first introduced the group and further proceeded to outline its activities in detail to the officials of the NRSA.

    He observed that the group is on the mission to embark on a campaign with the aim of raising public awareness on road safety in a bid to help lessen the incidence of road crashes including the fatalities, injuries and other challenges that comes with it to the barest minimum.   

    He added that the group, having been alarmed by the outcome of events in the wake of numerous road crashes which has claimed several lives in recent times believes the government is handicapped in dealing with the situation hence the need to come on board with the National Road Safety Authority and strongly back its efforts in achieving results.

    Mr. Wemakor himself who had been a victim of a gory road accident which he narrowly escaped by the grace of God this year, recounting his traumatic experience remarked that: “I derive my passion to lead this campaign to a successful end on the basis that I myself have been a victim and equally shared in the plight of all Ghanaians who happened to be victims as well”.

    The Director of Planning and Programs at the National Road Safety Authority, Ing. David Osafo Adonteng who in turn addressed the COCJASAARC membership on behalf of his team commended the group’s effort to support its outfit in a bid to realize its objectives.

    According to him, it was a great surprise for him to see a group of young journalists and social activists coming together for the first time with so much verve to champion a cause which others have deserted due to failure while in the process of delivery.

    He equally used the occasion to announce its outfit’s newly launched road safety campaign dubbed: “Stay Alive” to the group, stressing, “that’s what we’re going to go with for the next three (3) years”.

    While touting the project as one which is founded on the National Framework, he quickly urges the Coalition to support it and ensure their upcoming campaign equally fits into it, insisting that, “every campaign from anywhere would have to be built into it”.

    “So we are not going to allow any campaign to run parallel without falling into the framework”, he hinted, adding: “Because we need to regulate what everybody does”.

    Touching on the dos’ and don’ts of a successful road safety campaign, Mr. Adonteng recounted an instance where the Authority had expressed disgust about the activities of some campaigners who engaged the public with the wrong information.

    “There were times, anywhere you get to you’ll hear somebody saying I am doing a road safety campaign and we didn’t know them. Some were using all sorts of words”, for example: If you speed or overspeed, you’re a fool”.

    In his estimation, the content of their message was in a complete bad taste for public consumption and warned the group against dissemination of such ‘unsavory messages’ to the public particularly to motorists and road users.

    For her part, Head of Corporate Affairs of the National Road Safety Authority, Pearl Adusu encouraged members of the Coalition to exude confidence in the face of any challenges that may arise during the course of their campaign period and be highly committed to task towards realization of desired objectives.

    Coalition of Concerned Journalists and Social Activists (COCJASAARC) as the name implies is a network of over 60 media and civil society organizations made up of journalists and social activists who are committed to ensuring safety on our roads.

    The group as part of measures to ensure road crashes are significantly reduced if not eliminated is bent on engaging the Ghanaian populace especially motorists and road users on the need to strictly adhere to road safety regulations in order to save lives

    The campaign dubbed: ‘Stop road crashes, save lives’ is aimed at raising awareness on road safety, and instilling a culture of discipline among road users before, during and after the yuletide season in an attempt to lessen incidence of road traffic crashes, fatalities and injuries on our roads so as to remain safe.

    It would witness the campaigners vigorously engage road users and the general public at major lorry stations/parks, market places and religious settings located within three regions; namely the Greater Accra, Central Ashanti and the Northern Regions of Ghana where they would be vigorously sensitized and presented with educational materials on road safety regulations to help create deeper education and awareness on road safety which would yield a positive result.

     “As media practitioners, our agenda setting role is key in determining the success of this project to a large extent coupled with the aggressive utilisation of social media as a tool to facilitate our campaign messages to reach out to our widest audiences as possible with the good news”, the group’s Convener Samuel Adobah has said.

     Source:COCJASAARC

  • Joseph Wemakor honored for his efforts in promoting peace, security, education in Africa

    Joseph Wemakor honored for his efforts in promoting peace, security, education in Africa

    Celebrated journalist and a staunch human rights activist, Joseph Wemakor has been conferred on the covetous Honorary Award for Peace, Security & Education of the Year at the Maiden Edition of the Africa Early Childhood Education (AECEA) 2021 which came off on Saturday November 13, 2021 at the plush CIBT auditorium near Adabraka in Accra on Saturday November 13, 2021.

    The AECEA 2021 is an initiative of the Transformational Empowerment and Rural Integration Africa Foundation (TERIA), an NGO with support of hosts of partners  including the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Alliance and the Ministry of Gender Children and Social Protection among others  which seeks to recognize, reward and motivate outstanding preschool teachers, institutions including some notable personalities whose tenacity, hard work and commitment to work have significantly contributed to shaping the early childhood education sector in Ghana.

    Joseph Wemakor who doubles as a peace ambassador, a national SDGs champion (Co-convener of Youth Platform and the SDG 3 of the Ghana CSOs Platform on SDGs), youth leader and a trained climate change proponent has been honored for his efforts which contributed immensely towards promotion of peace, security and education in Africa.

    “This citation is in honour of Joseph Kobla Wemakor, Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) for your outstanding efforts which significantly contributed towards ensuring Peace and Security prevail among the Youth including the development of the Early Childhood Education Sector in Ghana.

    It is with the utmost privilege that TERIA Foundation, organizers of the Africa Early Childhood Education Awards confers on you this honorary citation to motivate, inspire and urge you on to remain steadfast in your good deeds in order to become an agent of change and a beacon to many generations yet unborn, the citation complementing his honour reads”.

    Mr Wemakor, in line with his passion as a human rights activist founded the Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), a non-governmental organization which is dedicated to protecting and ending human rights abuses in Ghana and beyond. HRRG brings together journalists, news editors, human rights activists, advocates, defenders and lawyers together to advance the rights of women, girls, children, young people with disabilities and other minority groups.

    In 2019, he led the HRRG to launch a nationwide sensitization campaign on Kidnapping, Teenage Pregnancy and Tramadol Abuse (KTT Project) as a response to the increasing incidents of kidnappings in Ghana. 

    The KTT campaign focused on addressing the issues of kidnapping, teenage pregnancy and drug abuse but equally set about creating a deeper education on human rights to bring about a cultural change.

    Since the roll out of the program in July 2019, the campaign team has managed to reach over 60,000 beneficiaries particularly school children, parents and youth groups in the communities and religious settings within three regions of Ghana.

    The positive feedback received from some beneficiaries a year after staging the campaign demonstrated the success of the initiative in saving lives and contributing significantly towards the advancement of the SDGs. 

    The gesture has won many hearts and attracted commendations towards the HRRG and its amazing team of volunteers both in and outside the borders of Ghana.

     It equally paved the way for the HRRG to be nominated among ten (10) organizations across Africa who emerged as finalists for the 2020 Africans Rising Activism Award under the Movement of the Year category. Amazingly, the HRRG was the only activist group from Ghana to be chosen for this prestigious award.

    Mr. Wemakor has been recognized on several platforms for his activism roles which endeared many hearts both at the local and the International level. In October 2020, he was featured in the ‘Business Woman Magazine’, a prestigious Ukrainian based glossy magazine which profiles influential men and women at the global level who have excelled in their various fields of endeavors including social issues, business, politics, governance, critical human rights issues and diplomacy.

    As a celebrated journalist, he has picked up multiple journalism awards for his dexterity and captivating news reporting with much focus on critical issues which always catch the attention of policy makers. This include the enviable ‘Campus Clique Awards 2016’ of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (maiden edition), the Migration Media Awards 2018 (Winner) as well as the recipient of the “GIJ 60th Anniversary Media Contest” for producing outstanding print report which sheds light on the Sustainable Development Goals.

    Joseph Wemakor is equally the National Focal Person of the taskforce for the African Network of Young Leaders for Peace and Sustainable (ANYL4PSD) in Ghana as well as the newly elected 2nd Deputy Director of Communication for the Bureau of African Peace (BAP), a regional non-profit organization committed to promotion of United Nations Peace Ideals.

    The colorful ceremony which came under the theme: “Childcare & Security During & Post Covid-19 Era” also witnessed some excellent, hardworking, committed and deserving preschool teachers, institutions and notable personalities recognized for their immense contributions which brought about the desired change in the early childhood education sector across Africa.

    Speaking at the event, Mad. Joyce Larnyoh, the Chair of the CSOs Platform on SDG 4 admonished the early childhood workers to be guided by the strategy of the 8 guidelines which underpin good interaction captured under emotional and comprehensive development of children in discharge of their duties at all times.

    While congratulating the winners for their efforts, she equally appealed to the preschool teachers to always endeavour to prioritize the needs of kids and be able to deal with their emotional faculty while sticking to the regulative components always to avoid causing them any discomfort.

    Some other winners under various categories include Emammuella Ntow, the Educator of the year (female category), Derrick Ofori the Educator of the year (male category), Esther Delali Gbodui (Assistant of the year), Romay Christian Montessori (Early childhood centre of the year), Dorcas Daisy Doku (school head of the year), Charles Sam Crabb (personality of the year and the Great Mission International (NGO of the year).

    The event was graced by hosts of dignitaries including some crème de la crème of the society, government appointees, educationists, students, and the hierarchy of the Ghana Civil Society Organization platform on SDGs, leaders from the various Civil Society Organizations, NGOs, and representatives of partnering organizations including some members of the general public.

     Source: TERIA

  • Full list of winners of the prestigious Africa Early Childhood Education Awards 2021

    Full list of winners of the prestigious Africa Early Childhood Education Awards 2021

    The maiden edition of the prestigious Africa Early Childhood Awards (AECEA) 2021 went down in history with pomp and pageantry at the plush CIBT auditorium near Adabraka in Accra on Saturday November 13, 2021.

    The colourful ceremony which came under the theme: “Childcare & Security During & Post Covid-19 Era” witnessed some excellent, hardworking, committed and deserving preschool teachers, institutions and notable personalities recognized for their immense contributions which brought about the desired change in the early childhood education sector across Africa. 

    AECEA 2021 is an initiative of Transformational Empowerment and Rural Integration Africa Foundation (TERIA Foundation), an NGO and supported by hosts of organizations, institutions and individuals including the Ministry of Education, Institute for Liberty and Policy Innovation (ILAPI), Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), Ghana Civil Society Organizations Platform on SDGs, Livelihood Development For Human Rights Promotion (Sierra Leone), Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Ghana Tourism Authority, SWEB Foundation, Hope Source Foundation, Minerva Books & Stationery, Bamimo Enterprise, Ghana Education Alliance, My Child My concern, GHANNSE, Dext Technology Limited, Citi FM &TV and Pato’s Imaj Fashion.

    Check out the full list of winners under various awards categories below:


     

    Source: AECEA 2021

  • Ghana to hold first ever Africa Early Childhood Education Award on Nov. 13, 2021 

    Ghana to hold first ever Africa Early Childhood Education Award on Nov. 13, 2021 

    All roads lead to the CIBT Auditorium near GNAT Hall, Adabraka in Accra on Saturday November 13, 2021 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm for the Maiden Edition of the Africa Early Childhood Education Awards 2021 (AECEA) ceremony. 

    The event which comes under the theme: “Childcare & Security During & Post Covid-19 Era” seeks to recognize and reward early childhood teachers who have excelled in their works including some notable personalities whose contributions brought about the needed change and advancement to the sector. 

    The noble initiative, according to the organizers’ is equally an avenue to shine a light on the activities of pre-school teachers, encourage and motivate them to work hard towards improving the welfare of the pre-school children particularly within the early childhood education sector in Ghana.

    The much-awaited event is expected to be graced by the former First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Mad. Lordina Mahama as the special guest of honour. 

    The AECEA 2021 is the brainchild of Transformational Empowerment and Rural Integration Africa Foundation (TERIA), a non-governmental organization with support of its partners including the Ministry of Education, Institute for Liberty and Policy Innovation (ILAPI), Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), Ghana Civil Society Organizations Platform on SDGs, Livelihood Development For Human Rights Promotion (Sierra Leone), Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Ghana Tourism Authority, SWEB Foundation, Hope Source Foundation, Minerva Books & Stationery, Bamimo Enterprise, Ghana Education Alliance, My Child My concern, GHANNSE, Dext Technology Ltd., Citi FM &TV and Pato’s Imaj Fashion among others.

    Touching on the award scheme, Lead Initiator who doubles as the Executive Director of TERIA, Mr. Walter Mawuli Gli remarked the scheme is a laudable initiative which would remain viable and sustainable for generations to come to make an impact.

    While expressing optimism towards the success of the first edition, he quickly called on well-meaning individuals, philanthropists, institutions, organizations and agencies both home and abroad to come on board, partner and support the scheme to flourish. 

    Check out the full list of nominees for the award below:

     
    EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR (FEMALE CATEGORY) 

    1.Patience Essuman

    2.Dorcas Daisy Doku

    3.Joyce Yeboah

    4.Emammuella Ntow

    5.Rachael Addai

    EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR (MALE CATEGORY) 

    1. Derrick Ofori

    EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTRE OF THE YEAR
     

    1.Park Kids International

    2.Romay Christian Montessori.

    3.Faries School

    4.Kinderville School

    ASSISTANT OF THE YEAR

    Esther Delali Gbodui

    SCHOOL HEAD OF THE YEAR

    1.Patience Kofi

    2.Dorcas Daisy Doku

    3.Diana Lamptey

    4.John A.Nyavor.

     
    NGO OF THE YEAR

    1.Save our Future Ghana.

    2.Street Girls Aid

    3.Great Mission Int.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • HRRG demands justice for two minors stripped naked and paraded the streets

    The Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), a media advocacy cum human rights non-governmental organization has commended the Ghana Police Service for their swift response in apprehending the main suspects who have been alleged of brutalizing two minors on the streets of Akuapem-Adawso in the North Municipality of the Eastern region.

    The victims, both 14 years of age were reported to have been publicly and forcibly stripped naked and paraded on the streets over an alleged GHC100 theft and a mobile phone.

    The shameful act was captured on a video which went viral showing the hands of the minors tied while being assaulted and paraded naked from the Tinkong stretch of the Koforidua -Mamfe highway to the Adawso township on the market day on October 29, 2021.

    The attack triggered public outcry and condemnation including the police who reacted swiftly leading to the subsequent arrest of the prime suspects who are currently in their custody pending further investigations into the matter.

    The swift move by the police in apprehending the prime suspects in the centre of the unfortunate incident has won the hearts of many including the Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) to respond.

    In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Mr. Joseph Wemakor and copied to the press, he outrightly condemns the inhumane act perpetrated on the minors while applauding the efforts of the Ghana Police Service for their quick response in dealing with the matter resulting in immediate arrest of the alleged perpetrators.

    It also called on the police to help demonstrate similar commitment it has exuded by expediting actions in probing the matter to ensure justice is served the victims and their families.  

    HRRG equally says it joins hand with the police service in cautioning the public to refrain from indiscriminately usurping the powers of the proper adjudicative arm of the state in proffering judgment and other punitive processes.

    Read the full statement below: