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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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Parliament Approves $300 Million World Bank Facility to Transform Secondary Education

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Published: July 21, 2026

Published at: 7: 53Pm

By Saibu Terry

Parliament has approved a US$300 million credit facility between the Government of Ghana and the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank Group to support the country’s secondary education sector.

The financing will be used to implement the Secondary Education for Transformation for Access, Relevance and Results for Jobs Project, which seeks to expand access to quality secondary education while improving learning outcomes and employability.

Presenting the Finance Committee’s report to the House, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Isaac Adongo, explained that the facility is designed to increase equitable access to secondary education, eliminate the double-track system, and enhance the quality and labour-market relevance of both secondary and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes.

According to him, the project will help strengthen Ghana’s education system by ensuring that students acquire the knowledge and skills needed to meet the demands of the modern job market.

Following the approval, the Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, expressed appreciation to Parliament for endorsing the agreement. He noted that the funding would play a significant role in strengthening Ghana’s education system and advancing the government’s efforts to provide accessible, relevant, and quality secondary education for all.

The approval marks a major investment in Ghana’s education sector and is expected to support ongoing reforms aimed at improving infrastructure, expanding access, enhancing teaching and learning, and better preparing students for employment and national development.

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Abdul Fatawu Issahaku Completes Permanent Move to Ipswich Town

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Published: July 21, 2026

Published at: 4:47Pm

BY Saibu Terry

Ghana international winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku has completed a permanent transfer from Leicester City to Ipswich Town, signing a five-year contract with the newly promoted Premier League club.

Ipswich Town confirmed the signing on Monday, announcing that the 22-year-old has joined the club for an undisclosed fee after successfully completing the transfer from Leicester City. 

Fatawu, who impressed during his spell at Leicester and represented Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is expected to add pace, creativity, and attacking flair to Kieran McKenna’s side as they prepare for the new Premier League campaign. 

The move marks another significant step in the career of the Black Stars winger, who has established himself as one of Ghana’s brightest attacking talents.

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Sankara Nationals FC Appoint Abubakari Nassam as New Head Coach

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Published: July 21, 2026

Published at: 4:21Pm

Story by Saibu Terry

Sankara Nationals FC have officially announced the appointment of experienced tactician Abubakari Nassam as the club’s new Head Coach ahead of the 2026/27 Access Bank Division One League season.

The Yendi-based club confirmed the appointment in an official statement, expressing confidence that Coach Nassam’s vast coaching experience will strengthen the team’s ambitions for the upcoming campaign.

Coach Nassam joins Sankara Nationals after successful spells with both the men’s and women’s teams of FC Samartex, as well as Steadfast FC. His experience across different levels of Ghanaian football is expected to provide the technical leadership needed as the club prepares for another competitive Division One League season.

The club welcomed the new manager with a warm message, saying: “We are delighted to unveil Coach Abubakari Nassam as the new Head Coach of Sankara Nationals FC. We are confident that the wealth of experience he has gained over the years will be a tremendous asset as we prepare for the upcoming Access Bank Division One League season. Welcome to the Sankara Nationals FC family, Coach. Amaraaba Coach!”

Supporters of the “Warriors of SankaraYili” will be hoping Nassam’s appointment marks the beginning of a successful era as the club targets a strong performance in the new Division One League season.

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