Some female students and guardians in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region are excited about the government’s Girls in ICT initiative, which aims to empower them with essential skills in Information and Communication Technology.

The programme, set to continue this year, has sparked hope among the girls, who believe it will enhance their digital literacy and employability.

Ms. Mary Avli, a past student of the Sogakope Senior High School disclosed to the Ghana News Agency that she had always been interested in technology, and this initiative was great opportunity for her to acquire skills that would help secure a good job.

“I’m particularly interested in cyber security, and I believe this programme will give me the expertise I need to succeed in this field.

Some other female students in the district shared Ms. Avli’s sentiments, stating that the programme would trigger a chance to bridge the gender digital divide and promote their participation in the technology industry.

Some guardians in the district also welcomed the initiative, believing it would help mitigate social vices and empower their wards to become great leaders.

“I’m thrilled about this programme,” Madam Helen Doe, a guardian, said.

She mentioned that the initiative would not only equip her ward with valuable skills but also deter her from teenage pregnancy and drug abuse.

Some of the guardians lauded the government and entreated that the initiative be maintained and executed in all parts of the country.

The Girls in ICT initiative has garnered support from the community, with many stakeholders optimistic about its potential to transform the lives of young girls in the district. –GNA

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in collaboration with Opportunity International Savings and Loans has held a mentorship programme for students of the Ashaiman Technical Vocational Institute on entrepreneurship.

The programme which was on the theme “Ghana’s Future: Our Collective Responsibility” was aimed at empowering the next generation of leaders to build a brighter, more prosperous future.

Mrs. Salvata M. Koku, the Ashaiman Municipal Director of NCCE, noted that the programme was organised to bring entrepreneurs with expertise to educate the students on their career path.

Dr. Imurana Mohammed, Director of Programmes, NCCE, emphasised the importance of value, adding that for students to excel, they must uphold certain values such as time management and dedication.

He stressed that values make a difference in every field; therefore, students must be passionate and sincere and work professionally with excellence and commitment to their duties.

Madam Dinah Kakari, the Head of Transformation for Opportunity International Savings and Loans, reiterated the importance of values, indicating that without good values, one could not handle works that involve money, noting that there was a link between values and financial success.

She advised students to show interest in investment and budget for financial transformation, cautioning them against engaging in illegal activities to make money.

“Avoid using bad and illegal ways like cheating, robbery, internet fraud, drugs, prostitution, adultery, hatred, human sacrifices, and selling of bad goods to make money. Start saving now, at least 10 per cent of your daily monies,” she said.

Miss Jaliilatu Alhassan, Chief Executive Officer of Hajia Luxury Empire, highlighted the importance of education, encouraging them to focus and participate in school activities.

Miss Alhassan explained that they must recognise that their future was in their hands; therefore, they should make good decisions as they grow.

She stressed that entrepreneurship was something that was built over time; therefore, they should not compete with anyone but rather focus on themselves for greater achievements. –GNA

 The wearing of gloves have become increasingly common in various settings, including healthcare, hospitality and even in public places as a perceived means of protection against germs and diseases.

However, the Minister of Health, Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, at the com­memoration of the World Hand Hy­giene Day (WHHD) on Monday, he said wearing gloves was not a substitute for proper hand hygiene practices.

Although gloves were indispensable in clinical care, the Health Minister stated that hand washing was the safest and effective way to protect public health and prevent the spread of infections.

Mr Akandoh gave the reminder when Ghana joined the rest of the world to commemorate World Hand Hygiene Day (WHHD).

The day, which was celebrated on the theme: ‘It might be gloves, it’s always hand hygiene,” is aimed at underscoring the importance of proper hand hygiene, especially in healthcare settings over the reliance on gloves.

“Hand hygiene is a simple, low-cost, yet extraordinary powerful intervention that saves lives, reduces healthcare-associated infections and protects both patients and healthcare providers,” Mr Akandoh explained.

He said consistent practice is es­sential- from both top administrator to frontline staff. He also called the public to adopt hand hygiene as a lifestyle.

“Importantly, we have set a bold target: by 2026, all regional and teaching hospitals in Ghana will rou­tinely monitor hand hygiene compli­ance and provide regular feedback as an integral part of their quality frameworks,” he added.

Mr Akandoh further indicated that the Ministry was committed to ensuring sustainable hand hygiene infrastructure across all public health facilities and support local production of affordable hygiene products.

He said his outfit will also promote waste management systems aligned with environmental sustainability principles and encourage health train­ing institutions to prioritise hygiene in their pre-ser­vice curricula.

Again, He called on Ghanaians and healthcare pro­viders to extend hygiene education beyond hospital walls into homes, schools and communities to nurture a lasting culture.

In a message delivered on be­half of the World Health Organisa­tion (WHO), the representative, Dr Fank Lule, said healthcare workers play a critical role in preventing the spread of pathogens and Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) by adopting and practicing frequent hand hygiene as part of their routine work.

He also indicated that evidence suggests about 70 per cent of health care workers do not routinely prac­tice hand hygiene and yet studies have shown that practicing routine hand hygiene achieves a reduction in healthcare associated infections.

 By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu