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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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Sankara Nationals FC Clinches Win at Yapei FC to Take Top Spot in Zone 1A

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Published : 11 October 2025

Published at: 7:37Pm

By Saibu Terry

In a Pulsating match at the Jinapor Stadium on Saturday, October 11, 2025, Sankara Nationals FC secured a hard-fought victory over Yapei FC, moving them to the top of the Access Bank Division One League Zone 1A standings.

The visitors took the lead just before halftime when midfield maestro Mohammed Salis Toufick’s strike to give Sankara Nationals a 1-0 advantage at the break.

Earlier in the game, Yapei FC was awarded a penalty in the 35th minute, but Sankara Nationals’ goalkeeper Kalala made a spectacular save to deny the home side.

In the second half, Yapei FC pushed hard for an equalizer, but Sankara Nationals’ defense held firm. The Yendi-based club’s resilience paid off, earning them a narrow win.

With this victory, Sankara Nationals FC now tops Zone 1A after 3 matches with two wins one draw with 7 points.

Coach Mohammed Bashiru Joe Baah’s side will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming match at the Yendi youth resource center against Northern city Fc.

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Sheihu Dalhu Celebrates UDS, Presents Giant Trophy to the Team

Leader of Ahlul Bayt and Shia Community in Northern Region, Sheihu Abdul Mumin Dalhu has presented a giant glittering trophy to UDS Football Team in honor of their glory at the World Universities Game in Dalian, China.

While the players were sharing their reflections of their remarkable success on Sagani TV’s ‘GAME DAY’ Sports Program in Saturday, 11th October, 2025, the Prominent Islamic Cleric, took everyone by surprise including the producers and host of the program, joining the playing body LIVE in the studio to celebrate their feat and presented them with the trophy as surprise package for their performance.

He also presented a Wrist watch to the Head of the Technical team, Coach Shaibu Tanko as appreciation for guiding the side to chalk such a success.

The gesture by Sheihu Dalhu demonstrates joy the University has brought to the people of the North through sports, representing pride and recognizing the need to reward hard work.

Before the presentation, Sheihu Dalhu lauded players for their bravery and fighting spirits, exalting their patriotism which served as catalyst to their deserved triumph, emphasizing that they should continue to exudes patriotism in every endeavor as it is a pillar for success in life.

The revered Islamic Scholar also re-echoed the voices of some advocates that the University for Development Studies deserves to have its own stadium to further harness talents for the nation.

On behalf of the team, the captain of the side, Mohammed Asigri thanked the Zongo Chief in Tamale for the enormous gesture done them.

Story by : Inusah Dondaliya

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2025 Best Graduating Law Student is the Daughter of A.B.A Fuseini

Latifa Teiya Fuseini was emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Student of the Ghana School, the Class of 2025.

Among the 824 Lawyers who have been called to the Bar today at the ceremony held in Accra Conference center, Latifa Teiya Fuseini rose above all to become best graduating student through excellence academic work, due diligence and meticulousness.

She received John Mensah Sarbah memorial prize, the highest honor for the best graduating student, becoming the third student from KNUST to win the award in a row.

Going viral following her emergence with flying colors as the Overall best learner of the Law during the graduation, many have been itching to know her background and the stuff she made of to wet their appetite.

In a quest to satisfying the demand of the curious minds on the subject matter, Ghananewsnet.com has delved deeper into ascertaining the personality of Latifa Teiya Fuseini.

With authority and certainty, Ghananewsnet.com can Divulge that she comes from the home of knowledge, wisdom and Proverbs as she is a daughter to A.B.A Fuseini, a Ghanaian seasoned Politician and Former MP for Sagnarigu Constituency, known for his proverbial pronouncement and prowess in every context especially on his public commentary.

Born in Accra, she is the second child amongst four siblings sharing Biological ties with Hon. A.B.A Fuseini. Latifa Teiya is believed to be in her mid 20s now.

Before joining the Ghana School of Law to pursue her law studies, she acquired her LLB from KNUST.

Story by: Inusah Dondaliya

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