By J.K Nabary
Winneba (C/R), Oct 6, GNA-Mr George Opare Addo, Minister for Youth, Development and Empowerment has commended the Ghana Home Economics Association (GHEA) for the continuous skills training of the younger generation.
Part of the training includes the provision of conceptual tools and self-assurance skills to drive innovation across all sectors, from ustainable food systems, textiles designing to nutrition service and entrepreneurial ventures.
Mr Opare Addo said commended the association for its mission over the past six decades, during which it ensured that the discipline continued and remained relevant.
Mr Addo made the commendation when he joined the members of the association at a conference to celebrate its significant national milestone of 60 years of existence in the country.
It was celebrated on the theme: “60 years of Home Economics in Ghana; The past, the present and the Future”.
The celebration provided a platform for the members to reflect on their journey, honour pioneers, development partners and stakeholders, and chartered a progressive path into the future.
People from diverse backgrounds, including Mrs Edith Francois and Togbe Foe Tsali II both former presidents of the association; and Dr Mrs Esther Amoah, formerly of the Home Economics Department of the University of Cape Coast, were among the speakers at the ceremony.
They spoke on contemporary issues in Home Economics, and on the theme to inform both policy and practice and drew attention to a better course for the Association.
The objectives of GHEA are to promote the status of Home Science in Ghana, provide opportunities through conferences, symposia and seminars to aid better living standards in homes and communities.
It is also to encourage high professional standards of its members, engender research in home science at all levels, promote relations with national and international organisations working for improvement of homes and families.
Mr Opare Addo stated that the prospective applications of Home Economics were vast with pivotal catalyst from nutritional science to domestic space, agriculture and agro- business, with principles to guide value chain automatisation, prevent post-harvest losses and stimulate the creative industry.
On the perception that the field was exclusively feminist endeavour, Mr Opare Addo said that must be erased and be seen as modern entrepreneurial discipline with micro-economic imperatives as well as micro-level household management.
Mr Opare Addo said: “As we continue with the 24-Hour Economy, we believe strongly that if we position home economics very well, it can drive the initiative of President John Dramani Mahama, to actively champion it as a legitimate pathway for success, irrespective of gender.”
He stated that Home Economics was a critical discipline for national development and therefore pledged government’s support to ensure greater investment in the field to help explore every opportunity for the young people of the country to collectively build a brighter future for Ghana.
Madam Comfort Medah Kutum, the President of the association, gave thanks to Almighty God for his unfailing love and mercies in the past six decades of dedication, innovation and impactful service.
She said they had equipped generations with essential life skills, promoted sustainable practices and fostered socio-economic development in the country.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/Benjamin Mensah