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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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Liverpool appoint Iraola as head coach ‎

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Published: June 4 2026
Published at: 7:47Pm
Source BBC Sports

‎Liverpool have appointed Andoni Iraola as their head coach on a two-year contract following the sacking of Arne Slot.

‎The Reds announced Slot’s exit on Saturday, a year after the Dutchman guided them to the Premier League title.

‎Former Bournemouth manager Iraola, 43, joins after delivering the Cherries’ finest top-flight season to date, finishing in sixth place.

‎That was only one position and three points behind Liverpool and gave Bournemouth a place in next season’s Europa League.

‎The Spaniard announced in April that he would leave Bournemouth this summer and he had been linked with Crystal Palace and AC Milan.

‎Now he moves to Merseyside, with Liverpool having qualified for next season’s Champions League despite finishing the Premier League season with 60 points – their lowest tally since 2015-16 and a distant 25 points behind winners Arsenal.

‎”Really excited, really excited,” said Iraola. “Because obviously you know about Liverpool, you know that it’s a big club, a massive club, one of the biggest in the world.

‎”You don’t need a lot of things to get attracted by Liverpool. Liverpool is Liverpool.”

‎He added: “I think Liverpool gives me the chance to coach top players, and top players give you the chance to fight for titles. To win titles.

‎”Obviously when you arrive at a place, you cannot promise everything. You cannot promise. But it’s true that I understand where I’m coming and what is expected.

‎”I’m ready for the challenge.”

‎Iraola is understood to be keen to bring Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper, his assistants at Bournemouth, to Anfield as part of his coaching staff.

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Black Stars Touch Down in USA for 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ready to Fly Ghana’s Flag High

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Published: June 4 2026

Published at: 07: 40am

Story by Saibu Terry

Ghana’s senior national football team, the Black Stars, have officially arrived in the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the start of what many hope will be a memorable campaign on football’s grandest stage.

The four-time African champions touched down on Thursday morning, June 4, 2026, in high spirits, carrying the hopes and expectations of millions of Ghanaians both at home and abroad. Players, technical staff, and officials were warmly received as the team settled into its World Cup base to begin final preparations for the tournament.

The Black Stars’ arrival signals the culmination of months of hard work, meticulous planning, and a successful qualification journey that earned Ghana a place among the world’s football elite. Blending experienced campaigners with a new generation of talented players, the team is determined to compete strongly against the best nations in the world.

Speaking upon arrival, members of the squad expressed confidence in their preparations and reaffirmed their commitment to making the nation proud. They emphasized unity, discipline, and determination as the key values that will guide their quest for success throughout the competition.

Ghana will begin its World Cup campaign against Panama, a fixture that is expected to provide an early test of the Black Stars’ ambitions. The team remains focused and motivated as it looks to make a strong start in the tournament.

Support for the Black Stars has continued to pour in from fans across Ghana and the diaspora, with many expressing optimism about the team’s chances of making a significant impact at the global showpiece.

With national pride at stake and the eyes of the football world watching, the Black Stars are ready to showcase the resilience, talent, and fighting spirit that have long defined Ghanaian football.

As the countdown to their opening match begins, Ghana stands united behind its beloved Black Stars, hoping they can write another glorious chapter in the nation’s rich football history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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Haruna Iddrisu Calls for African-Led Digital Education Systems at 18th Ministerial Round Table

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Published: June 3 2026

Published at: 8:16Pm

Story by Saibu Terry

Education leaders, policymakers, development partners and technology experts have renewed their commitment to advancing Africa’s digital education agenda following discussions at the 18th Ministerial Round Table focused on building sovereign, innovative and inclusive learning systems across the continent.

Delivering the keynote address, Ghana’s Minister for Education and Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, challenged African countries to move beyond dependence on externally developed digital education solutions and position themselves as global leaders in technology-driven learning.

He highlighted Ghana’s ongoing investments in digital education, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and curriculum reforms aimed at preparing students for the demands of the future economy.

According to the Minister, Africa’s digital transformation in education must be driven by locally relevant content, stronger institutions and equitable access to technology-enabled learning opportunities. He stressed the importance of ensuring that African learners benefit from educational systems designed to address the continent’s unique needs and realities.

Hon. Iddrisu further called for increased investment in AI literacy and the development of ethical frameworks grounded in African values, cautioning against a situation where the continent becomes merely a consumer of technologies developed elsewhere.

Also speaking at the event, UNESCO Representative to Ghana, Mr. Edmond Moukala, underscored the importance of foundational literacy in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. He noted that core skills such as reading, writing, critical thinking and information evaluation remain essential building blocks for digital and AI competencies.

Mr. Moukala also advocated the establishment of public digital learning platforms that support teachers, safeguard data privacy and promote education as a public good accessible to all.

The round table concluded with a shared commitment among stakeholders to responsibly harness technology, strengthen partnerships and accelerate Africa’s education priorities through home-grown, inclusive and sustainable digital learning systems.

Participants agreed that collaboration among governments, development partners, educational institutions and technology experts will be crucial to ensuring that Africa’s digital education future is shaped by the continent’s own vision, values and aspirations.

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