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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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FC Tamale President Ibrahim Gagbuni Supports Northern Women’s Football Unity Games‎

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Published: September 5, 2026

Published at: 7:30Pm

By Abu Liza


‎ President of FC Tamale, Mr. Ibrahim Gagbuni, has demonstrated his commitment to the development of women’s football in the Northern Region by donating 10 family packs of Verna drinking water to the Northern Regional Women Football Clubs Association.


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‎The donation is to support the Association’s upcoming Unity Games in Kumbungu, an initiative aimed at bringing women’s football clubs together to promote unity, friendship, sportsmanship and community cohesion.
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‎Mr. Gagbuni said football goes beyond competition and can serve as a powerful tool for unity, peace and humanity. He encouraged participating clubs, players, officials and organizers to use the games to strengthen relationships and promote the development of women’s football in the region.


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‎The FC Tamale President noted that although the donation may be modest, it represents his willingness to support initiatives that create opportunities and improve the welfare of women involved in football.
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‎The Northern Regional Women Football Clubs Association expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as an important show of solidarity and support for the Unity Games.


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‎The Unity Games in Kumbungu are expected to bring together women’s football clubs in a spirit of friendship, healthy competition and collective development

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NAFCO Warns Public Against Fraudsters Posing as Agents to Secure School Feeding Contracts

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Published: September 3, 2026

Published at: 06:12Pm

By Saibu Terry

The National Food Buffer Stock Company Limited (NAFCO) has cautioned members of the public against individuals allegedly posing as agents of the company and claiming to have influence over the award of food supply contracts to second-cycle institutions.

According to NAFCO, the individuals are going around soliciting money from unsuspecting members of the public under the pretext of helping them secure food supply contracts.

In a disclaimer issued by its Corporate Affairs Department on Thursday, September 3, 2026, NAFCO stressed that no third party is engaged in the award and allocation of contracts for food supplies to schools.

The company explained that it operates an open-door policy and encouraged interested entities to register at its offices nationwide and undergo a rigorous merit-based selection process.

NAFCO warned that the selection process is devoid of third-party influence and urged the public to disregard anyone who claims to have connections or influence over the award of food supply contracts.

The company further advised anyone approached by individuals soliciting money in exchange for assistance in securing food supply contracts to report them to the nearest police station.

For further clarification on NAFCO’s operations, the company urged the public to contact its hotlines on 0244669709, 0549004501, and 0269983462, or email info@nafco.gov.gh.

NAFCO reiterated that members of the public should exercise caution and avoid making payments to individuals who claim they can influence the contract award process.

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Former Ghanaian Footballer Jafar Samed Issah Cheers on Friend Jaleen Smith as Croatia Thrash Latvia‎

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Published: August 29, 2026

Published at: 01:18Pm

By Saibu Terry
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‎Former Ghanaian professional footballer Abdul Jafar Samed Issah was in attendance, alongside his spouse Khadija , to support his close friend Jaleen Devon Smith as Croatia secured a convincing 115–80 victory over Latvia in the FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifying campaign on Thursday, August 27, 2026.


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‎Issah, who enjoyed a professional football career with stints in Denmark, Latvia, Ethiopia and other European destinations, made time to cheer on Smith as Croatia bounced back strongly following their defeat to Germany.
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‎Smith was instrumental in Croatia’s impressive performance, showcasing the form and quality that have made him an important figure for the national team. The result provided Croatia with a much-needed boost in their qualifying campaign.


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‎Beyond the sporting arena, Smith and Issah have developed a close friendship over the past year. Their relationship has extended beyond football and basketball, with the pair sharing ideas about potential humanitarian and community-development projects in northern Ghana.


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‎Smith, an American-born professional basketball player who has represented Croatia at international level, has developed a growing admiration for Ghana and is reportedly keen to contribute to initiatives that could positively impact communities in the northern part of the country.
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‎The friendship between the two sports personalities has therefore evolved into more than a personal connection, with discussions around future projects creating excitement among Smith’s supporters and admirers in Ghana.
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‎Smith recently signed with Hapoel Jerusalem, where he is set to compete in the Israeli Premier League and EuroCup. As he continues to make an impact on the basketball court, his growing connection with Ghana through his friendship with Jafar Samad Issah could open the door to meaningful humanitarian initiatives in the future.
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‎For Issah, Thursday’s game was another opportunity to stand firmly behind his friend and celebrate Croatia’s emphatic victory over Latvia.

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