People & Lifestyle
FEATURE: Should National Service Still Be Compulsory?
Hello Mr. President…..
Another service year is about to begin and fresh graduates are having sleepless nights over the difficult processes they may have to go through in order to do their national service as required by law. Considering the state in which we are as country where companies are finding ways to limit the number of employees who should be present at work, I sit back to ponder on the above question as I reflect on the frustrations graduates may have to go through to secure a place to do their national service especially in this period of COVID 19.
I believe National Service which is portrayed in its de jury term as a service to our nation (building the motherland Ghana) is rather a disservice in its de facto term.
Should we still consider national service a compulsory requirement after completing a tertiary institution? I strong believe the answer is a big NO. Especially not when some ministries, agencies and companies are closing down because of the negative impact of COVID 19.
Mr. President, just so that you are aware, some companies do not train national service persons because service persons only have one year to stay with them and for that reason it would not be cost effective to allocate budget to train these service persons who will be leaving experienced to go and work for competing firms.
To make things worse, because national service is compulsory and the notion is that you would not get a job without the national service certificate, every student’s first line of thought after completing a tertiary institution is national service. That notwithstanding, the tertiary institutions are producing more graduates than the agencies and companies in Ghana can accommodate yearly. So every year there are people who do not have a place to do their national service even though they are ready and willing to render their services to the motherland.
With all these evidence presented, the questions I would like to put across are these, what if there was no national service, are we saying we would not have patriotic citizens? What if national service is not compulsory, can we not have people willing to render their service to the nation after school? Must the possession national service certificate be a requirement for securing a job?
I believe, the fact that national service is a constitutional requirement does not mean the constitution cannot be amended. National service should be made optional so that people can render their services to the nation willingly. With this, the country would not be under pressure to allocate funds that could been used for long term developmental projects to pay National Service Persons for rendering their services to the nation. I believe the way forward is to encourage entrepreneurship among our young graduates. The budget allocation for paying national service persons can be used as a source of capital to finance young graduates with innovative business ideas that can move this country to its desired level of Economic Independence.
Mr. President I genuinely believe you are a people’s president. You take the views and concerns of the citizens into careful consideration. I urge you to make a little adjustment to the system for the young graduates.
Thank you.
Writer:
Frank Kwamla Ahiase
Human Resource Officer
Sneda Shopping Centre
Spintex, Accra
frankahiase@gmail.com
0559033138
People & Lifestyle
1xBet recommends: don’t miss 2023 CAF Women’s Champions League main intrigue
Who will challenge the favorite duo? Reliable bookmaker 1xBet is talking about the third CAF Women’s Champions League, which will occur from November 5 to 19 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Women’s football development
Women’s football is growing in popularity and winning new fans in Africa and worldwide. In the summer of 2022, the Women’s African Cup of Nations took place in Morocco which was broadcast by channels from more than 60 countries. The tournament attracted much attention, and the continent’s four best teams – South Africa (CAN winner), Morocco, Zambia and Nigeria – played in the 2023 World Cup.
At the World Cup, the only African team that failed to make it to the playoffs was Zambia. The South African national team lost 1/8 to the Netherlands (0-2), Morocco could not find arguments against France (0-4), and Nigeria only missed out on England, the future finalist of the tournament, in a penalty shootout.
The standard of women’s football on the continent grows yearly, and the prestigious CAF WCL tournament provides great opportunities for African footballers to progress and perform at the highest level.
Participants and format
Eight teams will take part in the CAF WCL finals. Athletico Abidjan received a quota as the tournament host, and Moroccan AS FAR – thanks to their victory in the last edition. SC Casablanca (Morocco), JKT Queens (Tanzania), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Ampem Darkoa (Ghana), Huracanes FC (Equatorial Guinea) and AS Mande (Mali) proved their strength in the qualifying round of the tournament, finishing top in their respective qualifying zones.
As a result of the draw, the participants were divided into two groups. Quartet A included Athletico Abidjan, SC Casablanca, JKT Queens and Mamelodi Sundowns, while Group B included AS FAR, Ampem Darkoa, Huracanes FC and AS Mande. In the group stage, each team will play one match with each of the opponents, and then the two best representatives of each quartet will play in the semi-finals. Africa’s top team will be crowned in the final match on November 19, with the losers battling it out for third place the day before.
CAF Women’s Champions League Favorites
AS FAR and Mamelodi Sundowns are considered the tournament favorites. Both teams have already won the CAF WCL and are the only ones among all participants playing in the final part of the tournament for the third time in a row.
Morocco has positioned itself as a leader in continental women’s football and is investing heavily in its development. AS FAR won its tenth domestic trophy in April and is now preparing to defend its African title.
Mamelodi Sundowns have reached the previous two tournament finals. In 2021, the team confidently beat Hasaacas Ladies 2-0 in the final, but last season, it lost to AS FAR 0-4 and is probably dreaming of revenge. South Africa’s women’s players easily qualified in their qualifying zone, scoring 21 goals in 5 matches and heading into the group stage in excellent form.
Will the main favorites be able to confirm their ambitions, or will new stars write a new page in Africa’s most prestigious club tournament? Follow the exciting women’s tournament and bet on your favorites with 1xBet!
People & Lifestyle
UBA Clinches Dual Honors at SSI Awards 2023 Accolades for Educational Support and Exceptional Partnerships
United Bank for Africa (Ghana) Ltd has proudly secured two prestigious accolades at the 2023 Sustainability and Social Investment Awards. The bank was honoured as the “Best in Educational Support” for the third consecutive year and received recognition for its outstanding “Partnerships and Collaborations”.
Accepting the awards on behalf of UBA, Henry Nii Dottey, the Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, expressed the bank’s deep-rooted commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 4 and 17. Henry underscored UBA’s strategic partnerships with key entities such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), emphasizing their collective efforts to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), thereby fostering growth and development in Ghana and the wider African continent.
Under the theme “Sustainability and the Economy: Creating a Sustainable Future,” the SSI Awards 2023 recognized individuals and organizations making impactful contributions to sustainable development and social investment in Ghana.
Professor Douglas Boateng, Chairman of the Award Board, praised the significance of acknowledging initiatives that bring tangible and lasting change to communities. He emphasized the awards ceremony as a powerful platform to showcase innovative efforts that make a real difference in the areas where organizations operate.
The SSI Awards 2023 serve as a catalyst for transformative change, inspiring individuals, organizations, and policymakers to prioritize sustainability and social investment. Professor Boateng highlighted the crucial role of recognizing and celebrating those who contribute significantly to these areas, creating a ripple effect that motivates others to make meaningful contributions, irrespective of scale, in preparation for the betterment of society for generations to come.
UBA’s dual triumph at the SSI Awards underscores the bank’s commitment to making a positive impact on both a local and global scale, setting a standard for excellence in the realm of sustainability and social investment.
People & Lifestyle
Sweet Dreams in Style: Finding the Perfect Pajamas for You
1. Introduction to Pajama Fashion
Once a mere necessity for a good night’s sleep, pajamas have transcended their traditional role, morphing into a significant fashion statement. The evolution of pajama fashion mirrors changes in societal norms and cultural tastes. From simple nightgowns to chic loungewear sets, pajamas now play a pivotal role in our wardrobe, offering both comfort and style. The journey of pajamas from mere sleepwear to trendy outfits showcases the dynamic nature of fashion and its ability to adapt to our evolving lifestyle needs.
2. The Role of Fabrics in Comfort and Style
In the world of sleepwear, the fabric is a silent comforter, whispering ease into our nighttime attire. Pajamas crafted from cotton breathe life into summer nights, offering a cool embrace. Meanwhile, silk slides over the skin with a promise of luxury, perfect for those seeking a touch of elegance in their slumber. Every material, from the snug warmth of flannel to the gentle caress of satin, serves a dual purpose: ensuring our utmost comfort and enhancing the visual appeal of our bedtime ensemble. The right fabric doesn’t just dress us for sleep; it sets the stage for a night of peaceful dreams and stylish repose.
3. Exploring Pajama Styles and Cuts
The world of pajamas is a kaleidoscope of styles and cuts, each uniquely suited to different tastes and body shapes. Consider the jacquard cotton pajama set, a harmonious blend of style and comfort. Its intricate patterns speak to those who admire detail and texture in their sleepwear. For a touch of sleek sophistication, the v-neck ice silk pajama stands out. Its smooth fabric glides over the skin, offering a cool, luxurious feel that’s perfect for warmer nights or those who prefer a featherlight touch.
Then, there’s the charm of the retro or vintage cotton gauze pajama set. This style is a nod to the past, where comfort met simplicity in a lightweight, breathable fabric, ideal for those who treasure a classic, airy feel in their night attire.
Each style serves more than the purpose of comfort; it’s a reflection of personal aesthetics and a celebration of individuality. Finding the right pajamas becomes not just about a good night’s sleep but an expression of personal style, making every night a journey into comfort and fashion.