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A Journey of Resilience, Rooted in a Mother’s Sacrifice – The story of Mary Ayariga

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Published :30 September 2025

Against the odds, Mary Ayariga, a young woman from Zebila proves that dreams can defy tradition.

When Mary Awinimi Ayariga walked across the stage to receive her Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations Management from the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), the applause was more than an academic milestone. It was the sound of a dream fulfilled, the echo of prayers answered, and a mother’s sacrifices finally rewarded.

Background

Mary’s journey began in Zebila, a farming community in Ghana’s Upper East Region where opportunities for girls are often defined by tradition. For many, the path is clear: stay home and help the family, marry early, or, if fortunate, enroll in a teacher training college. The idea of attending a university in the capital city seemed not just unlikely, but almost impossible.

But Mary wanted something different.
“They said I would fail, that I’d come back home with an unwanted pregnancy. Their words hurt, but I refused to let them define me.”

Her father had passed away, leaving her mother as the sole pillar of the family. As the first child, with no older sibling to look up to, Mary carried the weight of responsibility and expectation on her shoulders. Her mother, running a modest restaurant, became both provider and cheerleader, investing everything, time, resources, and prayers into her daughter’s education.

At UPSA, life tested Mary in ways she never imagined. There were nights when she studied through tears, days when money was scarce, and moments when loneliness and doubt threatened to overshadow her dream. Yet, she pressed on.
“Every late night, every tear, every prayer, and every moment of doubt has led to this testimony. This degree is not just mine, it belongs to my mother and everyone who believed in me.”

Graduation day was more than a personal triumph. It was a statement to her community, to every girl in Zebila who has been told that her place is only in the home. It was proof that resilience, faith, and determination can rewrite any story.

“I did this for my mum, for my late father who didn’t live to see this day, and for every girl who has been told her dreams are too big,” Mary said, holding back tears of joy. “This is not the end, this is only the beginning of greater things.”

Mary’s story is now an inspiration in Zebila and beyond, a reminder that the barriers of tradition can be broken, and that when faith meets determination, nothing is impossible.

A Reflection of a Bigger Challenge
Mary’s story is not unique. Across Ghana, and especially in the Upper East Region, thousands of girls face cultural, economic, and social barriers to education. UNICEF and other education stakeholders have consistently highlighted challenges such as child marriage, teenage pregnancy, poverty, and entrenched gender norms that prevent girls from pursuing higher education.

In regions like the Upper East, where poverty rates are among the highest in Ghana, girls are often the first to be pulled out of school to support family businesses or care for siblings. Many are pressured into early marriages, ending their dreams of education before they begin. Those who manage to enter higher education often do so with little encouragement from their communities.

Mary’s triumph therefore carries a wider meaning: it challenges stereotypes, reshapes perceptions, and reinforces the urgent call to invest in girl child education. Her journey underscores that when girls are given opportunities and support, they do not only transform their own lives but also inspire entire communities.

As Ghana continues to push toward achieving gender equality in education, stories like Mary’s are a reminder that empowering girls through education is not just a personal victory, it is a societal breakthrough.

Story by: Prince Tamakloe
 

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Quality Ice CEO Alhassan Iddi Donates Deep Freezer to Sankara Nationals FC


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Published: 21 October 2026

Published at: 11:09Am

By Saibu Terry


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‎The Chief Executive Officer of Quality Ice, a leading producer and distributor of quality mineral water in Yendi and the Eastern Corridor, Mr Alhassan Iddi, has donated a brand-new deep freezer to Sankara Nationals FC to support the club’s operations.


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‎The donation was made on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at the club’s headquarters in Yendi, with representatives of the playing body and management receiving the item on behalf of the club.
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‎The delegation was led by players’ leadership representatives Mohammed Salis Toufick and Sulemana Murtala, alongside management member Tahiru Osman.


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‎Mr Iddi’s gesture is expected to contribute to the club’s operational needs as Sankara Nationals FC continues its campaign in the 2026/27 UMB Division One League.
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‎Quality Ice has established itself as one of the major producers and distributors of quality mineral water in Yendi and the wider Eastern Corridor, with the donation reflecting a show of support for the development of football in the area.


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‎Speaking on behalf of the club’s Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Osman Baba Daney, management member Tahiru Osman, popularly known as Orga, expressed profound gratitude to Mr Iddi for his generosity and commitment to supporting the club.


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‎He assured the donor that the deep freezer would be put to its intended use and maintained appropriately for the benefit of the club.
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‎The management, players, technical staff, supporters and all stakeholders of Sankara Nationals FC have expressed their appreciation to Mr Iddi and Quality Ice for the timely support.


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‎The club has also offered prayers for God’s blessings upon the donor, asking for continued prosperity and success in his business endeavours.
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‎The donation comes at a positive moment for Sankara Nationals FC, who are enjoying an impressive start to the 2026/27 UMB Division One League season.
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‎The Yendi-based side currently lead the Zone One A standings with 13 points from five matches, having recorded four wins and one draw.


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‎Their unbeaten run has strengthened their position at the top of the table as they continue to pursue their ambitions in the ongoing campaign.
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‎The club’s management has consistently called for support from individuals, businesses and other stakeholders to help sustain its progress and strengthen its efforts both on and off the pitch.


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‎Mr Alhassan Iddi’s donation is another welcome contribution towards that objective, with Sankara Nationals FC expressing optimism that such acts of goodwill will inspire further support for the club.

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NLA Presents GH¢10 Million Dividend to Government

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Published: October 2, 2026

Published at : 05:59Pm

By SAIBU TERRY.

The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has presented a GH¢10 million dividend to the Government of Ghana, marking the Authority’s return to contributing directly to the Consolidated Fund.

The cheque was presented by the NLA Board and Management to the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, with Director-General Mohammed Abdul-Salam leading t8he Authority’s delegation.

The payment represents the NLA’s first dividend contribution to the state since 2017, according to reports on the presentation.

Dr. Ato Forson welcomed the development but stressed that the contribution should not be treated as a symbolic gesture. He called for sustained efforts by the NLA to improve its revenue generation and deliver greater financial value to the state.

The Finance Minister further disclosed that the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the NLA and the Attorney-General, is reviewing existing revenue-sharing agreements involving the Authority. According to him, the review is intended to address arrangements that may have limited the revenue accruing to government.

In a statement shared on his Facebook page, NLA Director-General Mohammed Abdul-Salam said the dividend reflects the Authority’s renewed focus on efficiency, transparency and revenue generation.

He said the NLA would continue working to strengthen its operations and contribute meaningfully to national development through its statutory mandate.

The GH¢10 million payment is therefore being positioned as part of broader efforts to improve the NLA’s financial performance and strengthen its contribution to Ghana’s public finances.

The NLA has also urged the public to remain vigilant against fraudsters and scammers who may seek to exploit the Authority’s name for fraudulent activities.

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GABBSO Hospital Zone Treats Dakpema Pupils and Staff to Free Haircuts

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Published: September 26, 2026

Published at: 05:11

Ghananewsnet.com

​ Pupils and staff of the Dakpema Primary and Junior High School were met with a pleasant surprise on Friday, September 25, 2026, as the Hospital Zone of the Ghana Association of Barbers and Barbering Salon Owners (GABBSO) rolled out a free haircut outreach at their school compound.

​The community focused initiative brought smiles to the faces of over 100 students, providing them with fresh grooming free of charge.

According to leadership, the exercise forms part of the association’s broader corporate social responsibility to give back to society and support parents within the local community.

​Speaking during the outreach, the Regional Secretary of GABBSO, Mr. Abu Abdulai, who also serves as the Northern Regional Secretary for Association of Small Scale Industries(ASSI) took the opportunity to champion industry unity.

He urged fellow barbers operating within the region who have yet to join the association to register, emphasizing the numerous welfare and professional benefits members stand to gain.

​Mr. Abdulai also made a direct appeal to the Member of Parliament (MP) who double as Ghana Education Minister, Honourable Haruna Iddrisu, calling for partnership and financial or logistical support.

He noted that with backing from the lawmaker, GABBSO can successfully scale up the initiative to reach many more schools across the constituency.

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