Day: March 3, 2023

Mr Samuel Atuahene Antwi, the Nutritionist at the Tema Metropolitan Health Directorate, has called on corporate bodies, churches, and entertainment centres, among other public places, to create breastfeeding corners for the comfort of lactating mothers.

He said such centres would provide privacy for the mothers to properly breastfeed their babies for good nutritional care.

Mr Atuahene Antwi said this at the “Your Health! Our Concern! is a Ghana News Agency Tema regional initiative, aimed at promoting communication on health-related issues and improving health literacy among the people.

He explained that as part of the objective to promote the “Start Right, Feed Right from Birth to Two Years,” public advocacy, it had been identified that female workers had a challenge with adhering strictly to the campaign message due to a lack of proper places for breastfeeding.

“Those who cannot sacrifice their privacy always cut short the compulsory breastfeeding period, affecting the proper nutritional care for babies, which must be paramount,” he said.

“The issue of malnutrition can gradually be solved through the establishment of a baby-friendly environment and allowing lactating mothers to bring their babies to work.’’

“Motherhood should not prevent ladies from pursuing or performing their rightful duties, let us create the enabling environment for lactating mothers to enjoy both motherhood and work at the same time”.

Mr Francis Ameyibor, the Tema Regional Manager, GNA, said the health dialogue sought to educate the public on issues to enhance the wellbeing of the citizenry.

“We must all be concerned about the health of some other person to develop a healthy society,” said.

SOURCE: GHANA NEWS AGENCY

Former President John Dramani Mahama, says the Party must regain the Hohoe Constituency Parliamentary seat from the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

“We must take our Hohoe seat back from the ‘atiglinyi’ (elephant). I feel shy when I am told that Hohoe is an NPP Constituency. I feel ashamed.”

Mr Mahama addressing delegates in Hohoe as part of activities to launch his flagbearer campaign in the Volta region said losing the seat was an abomination that must be cured as soon as possible, which may never happen again.

He said the first thing the Party needed to win its primaries and the 2024 elections was unity and urged the parliamentary candidates and delegates to go into the May 13 presidential and parliamentary primaries with clean campaign messages.

He said the Party would support the Constituency with all logistics, adding that all branches must benefit from any planning that would be handed over to the Constituency and the Party would train delegates as polling agents to ensure free and fair elections.

He noted that the country had reached a level where experience was needed rather than experimentation. “We do not want any ‘togbe domkpor’ (try me), the domkpor, domkpor, this is where it has ended us today. I am sorry to say that our country Ghana is broke.”

Mr Mahama lamented the current situation in the country, touching on issues surrounding the government’s Domestic Debt Exchange Programme and the finance minister, who was still in office despite all the issues raised about him.

He noted that the NDC Party owed 120 billion cedis debt as they exited office and despite that the Party wisely modernised the country.

Mr Newton Darkey, Constituency Chairman noted that as an orphan Constituency, they would need logistical support if Mr Mahama won the presidential primaries.

He said Mr. Mahama was the only candidate in the Party to lead and win the 2024 elections.

Mr Darkey said looking at the calibre of all candidates contesting the parliamentary primaries in the Constituency, there was no doubt that anyone, who emerged the winner would win the parliamentary seat.

Mr Mawutor Agbavitor, the Party’s Volta Regional Chairman noted that the hardship experienced by Ghanaians especially Voltarians demanded that the people of the region had to choose a leader who sympathised with them.

He said he had declared his support for Mr Mahama to win the Presidential primaries of the Party.

Events at the venue took a different turn when the lights in the auditorium went off when Mr Mahama took the stage to address the congregation.

Mr Mahama was accompanied by Mr Edward Doe Adjahoe, former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Joshua Alabi, Mr Julius Debrah among other dignitaries and National, Regional and Constituency executives.

Present also were the six candidates who picked nomination forms to contest the parliamentary primaries in the Constituency.

Mr Mahama is embarking on a three-day tour of parts of the region including Hohoe, Kpando, South Dayi, Central and South Tongu, Akatsi North and South, Commiserate with the chiefs and people of Ziofe for the loss of the late Paramount Chief of Traditional Area, Torgbuiga Binah Lawluvi VI on Friday.

SOURCE: GHANA NEWS AGENCY

Management and staff of the Upper East Regional Hospital in Bolgatanga, in collaboration with stakeholders have launched a campaign for funds to construct a Haemodialysis Centre for the Region.

The Hospital, which is the major referral centre for the Region, also receives cases from parts of Burkina Faso, Upper West and North East Regions have no Haemodialysis Centre and had over the years relied on the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) for Haemodialysis services.

The idea to establish the Centre was mooted by Mr Ayamga Ayariga, a Critical Care Nurse in the Hospital, and championed by Dr Emmanuel Akatibo, a Physician Specialist.

The cost involved in establishing the Centre is estimated at GH?800,000.00

Speaking at the launch, Mr Stephen Yakubu, the Regional Minister, said “We have chosen for ourselves to raise funds towards the establishment of a 24-hour state-of-the-art Haemodialysis Centre to provide service for clients in the Region.”

He said even though the challenge to have the Centre in the Region was huge, if accomplished, it would be an “Opportunity for us to stop being victims of circumstance.

“It is an opportunity for us as stakeholders in the Region to ensure that Haemodialysis services are provided to persons confronted with renal conditions which for some time now has become more prevalent than ever.”

Mr Yakubu said “It is unacceptable that in today’s modern Ghana, we still have to travel to TTH and other tertiary health facilities outside the Region for dialysis. This is highly unbearable, avoidable and profoundly unjust.”

He noted that the lack of some medical equipment for the management of health conditions in the Region had over the years claimed several lives and hindered the progress and development of individuals and communities in the Region.

The Minister acknowledged Mr Ayariga and Dr Akatibo for their “sense of initiative” and commended the management of the Hospital for supporting the idea.

He pledged GH?5000.00 towards the project and tasked all 15 Municipalities and District Assemblies to each donate GH?5000.00 as seed capital to the fund, while several institutions and individuals at the launch, made various donations to the fund.

Dr Aiden Suntaa Saanwie, the Medical Director of the Hospital, explained that kidneys served as one of the major excretory organs in the body, “So it is the responsibility of the kidneys to get rid of all the toxins produced in the body.

“These toxic substances accumulate in the body if the kidneys fail to get rid of it, it results in injuries to other normal cells, and eventually leads to morbidity and mortality if nothing is done about it,” he said.

He said kidneys could be managed conservatively if they failed, “But in the very advanced stage, there are two current ways of handling it, either by renal transplant or renal dialysis.

“Transplant is offered in Ghana, but is very expensive and not readily available. So we are left with the option of dialysis, which is equally expensive anyway, but if you compare the two devils, you will take the dialysis,” the Medical Director said.

He said with the support of stakeholders in the Region, the Hospital could establish a dialysis Centre to offer services without patients travelling to Tamale on daily basis.

The Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang who chaired the function, said the Region was far from the nation’s capital and often had little or no benefit from projects centred at the national level.

“So we as a people need to come up and do things for ourselves. Whilst we are demanding, we must be doing certain things ourselves to let it be known that we are very serious. We as Chiefs will not stop in our course to request from the government what we think is due us,” the Chief said.

SOURCE: GHANA NEWS AGENCY

Some angry fans of Accra Hearts of Oak prevented the team’s Head Coach Slavko Matic from training with his side on Friday morning ahead of Sunday’s encounter against archrivals Kumasi Asante Kotoko.

There has been intense pressure on Matic to resign from his position following their bad run of form, which has seen Hearts drop into sixth place with 28 points on the league table.

Ahead of the crucial encounter with Asante Kotoko, Matic, who showed up at the club’s training ground on Friday morning, was not allowed to join the first team at training by some angry fans.

The club had earlier issued a statement urging fans to remain calm and not engage in any form of violence.

“As a club, the safety of all its employees remains paramount. We are law-abiding and will therefore not shield anyone who engages in any violence against the spirit of the game.

“We urged all Phobians to rather channel their petitions or grievances, if any, through the management to the Board for redress,” the statement said.

But some fans did not heed to the call from the club as they were present at the training grounds and prevented Matic from undertaking his duties.

Further information gathered indicates that the Serbian gaffer has reported the case to the Police Headquarters in Accra, with investigations currently ongoing.

The Phobians face a stern test against a strong Kotoko side on Sunday, as the winner of the encounter would also clinch the 2023 President’s Cup.

SOURCE: GHANA NEWS AGENCY

_: Dr Adinkra Kyeremeh, the Sunyani Municipal?Director,?Ghana Health Service has advised women to go for?cervical?cancer?screening at any nearest health facility for?early detection and treatment of?any changes in the cervix.?

He said all women were at risk and?were likely?to get the disease, but the?best?decision for?its?prevention was?early and?constant screening?to?avoid further?complications that might lead to?death.?

Dr Kyeremeh who advised in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, noted that one could?be vaccinated against the?disease at?the early?ages?of 12 and 13 before one would become sexually?active.

“If?not, regular?screening starting from age 20 and above??remains the?best?preventive method?of the disease’s occurrence”, he added.

Dr Kyeremeh said more nurses?had?been?trained and were available at the health facilities for?screening services to ensure?the screening of women?of the required age.

This, he explained was because symptoms of the?disease such?as?vaginal discharge, loss of weight,?post-menstrual?bleeding, and painful?sexual?intercourse were indications?that ?cancer had already been?developed and?the chances of?a patient’s survival become less.

Dr Kyeremeh stressed the survival of a patient?in such a time depended on?the stage?of the disease and explained?sometimes cancer might either be just?at the?cervix or?might have?been spreading?to the?other organs of the body.

He?said the?screening?was free?during campaigns whenever support had been received from some philanthropists and non-governmental?organizations.

Dr Kyeremeh urged women to take advantage to go for the services whenever there was an announcement?anywhere for a free screening?to save themselves from?other health complications related to the disease.

He?said last year the?Bono region recorded eight?positive cases of the disease after the screening, saying some patients were in very critical condition.

Dr Kyeremeh stated surgery?could sometimes be?done?as part of the treatment for?the?removal of the cervix to?prevent ?cancer?from spreading?to the lungs,?liver,?abdomen, and other parts of the body.

He, however, stressed women 20 years?and?above should not wait?for the?announcement of?free screening?before?they visited any health centre because “the screening is free all the time”.

Dr Kyeremeh however indicated that a small?amount of money might be?charged sometimes?to keep?a health facility where the services were being provided running because the exercise was not covered by the health insurance scheme.?

SOURCE: GHANA NEWS AGENCY

A joint White Coat ceremony has been held for students of the Schools of Medicine, and Pharmacy of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS).

The ceremony passes students into clinical apprenticeship, which is a significant milestone in the journey to the medical profession, and saw 71 level 400 students from the School of Medicine, and 39 level 500 from the School of Pharmacy, initiated.

The School of Medicine included students pursuing bachelors in Medicine, and Surgery, and the students were distributed among ten mentors who would guide field development.

The symbolic donning of the white coat, and the hippocratic oaths were undertaken amid cheers from colleagues and families who thronged the Cedi Auditorium to celebrate the mileage.

Professor Lydia Aziato, Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University, who chaired the ceremony, urged the students to exude confidence as the University, with its vocational skills development outlook, was “already” exposed to clinical work.

She said trainees need to be confident to be able to mount the task ahead, and must build up strength to muster the remainder of the courses.

Prof Aziato congratulated the schools for their achievements and asked the students to consider the white overgarment’s symbolism with psychological value, and work with compassion to secure trust from clients.

“Within the Ghanaian context most of our patients do not ask questions.?

“They trust that you know best,” she said, advising the students to always work under superior guidance and the tenets of the profession, noting, “ethical principles are very important throughout the health professional’s career”.?

Divine Banyubala, Registrar at the Ghana Medical and Dental Council, who administered the oaths for students of the School of Medicine, asked them to work within their responsibilities and limitations and not take responsibilities beyond their competence.

He welcomed them to the profession, and advised them to look out for one another as they sojourned the burdening world of real time practice.

Dr. Martha Gyansa-Lutterodt, a former Director of Technical Coordination at the Ministry of Health, and who was Guest Speaker, said, “This white coat should serve as a reminder to conduct our lives and engage in your artistic endeavours with integrity and honour.”

She said the joint ceremony would help build teamwork and strengthen cooperation among the two major health professional classes.

Speaking on the topic “Ethical Responsibilities of Physicians and Pharmacists”, Dr. Martha Gyansa-Lutterodt said trainees should hold up ethics as the key to professionalism in the high risk endeavour.

“Wherever your profession takes you, and I will encourage each and every one of you to cultivate a spirit of cooperation and not competition,” she said while underscoring the need for humility in ensuring continuous learning.

Dr Gyansa-Lutterodt, encouraged students to strive to remain competent within the ever-transforming industry, and also work to reduce errors in an era of information avalanche and an overly interactive society.

SOURCE: GHANA NEWS AGENCY

Newly admitted students at the Accra College of Education have been advised to strive for academic excellence and develop critical thinking skills for their career development.

The students were advised to devise strategies for independent learning and participate in collaborative studies to explore their full potential for national development.

Professor Samuel Atintono, the Principal of the College, advised on Friday at the 5th matriculation ceremony of the students to pursue a four-year Bachelor of Education.

The College admitted 321 students out of 1,712 applications due to limited infrastructure to pursue programmes in Early Childhood education, Primary and Junior High School education.

The ceremony is the fifth batch since the College started admitting students for the four-year Bachelor of Education in the 2018/2019 academic year, and the fourth batch of students matriculating with affiliation to the University of Ghana, Legon.

The students took the Matriculation Oath, administered by Mr Clement Afriyie Oppong, the College Secretary.

The Principal advised the students to get the right balance of life, managing the time they spent on their studies, social engagements, and other forms of social learning.

“You must avoid spending so much time on social media, which does not contribute to your academic work.”

“Be open-minded to be able to learn new ideas to expand your intellectual horizon,” he said.

Prof Atintono urged the students to read the students’ handbook to be abreast of the code of conduct and relevant information on the various programmes of the College.

He advised the students to study diligently and direct their energies to academic and professional work to graduate as successful professional teachers.

The Principal stated that the College required the support of both the students and the staff to be successful in its strides toward achieving its vision to become the Centre of Excellence in teacher education in the country.

“Your choice to be part of the College is a clear indication that you aspire to achieve the academic and professional excellence that the College stands for and are ready to work hard to be successful in the College,” he said.

On new initiatives, he said the College in collaboration with Sabre Education, an NGO, established a resource centre for students pursuing early-grade education to enhance practical learning.

The College is also soliciting support from the government and private investors to undertake the furnishing of a modern ICT centre, the construction of 1,000 new hostel facilities, and the refurbishment of Science, and Home Science laboratories.

He said the College was ready to support the students’ success, adding: ” We have committed some efforts to improving the academic facilities on campus to promote teaching and learning.”

Mr Benjamin Sarpong, on behalf of the students, encouraged his colleagues not to be carried away with city life but to focus on studies and contribute to the nation’s development.

There are 46 Colleges of Education in the country with the mission of training teachers to become professionally competent.

SOURCE: GHANA NEWS AGENCY

Mrs. Diana Asonaba Dapaa, the Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, has launched the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS) School of Law to bring legal education and training closer to northern Ghana.

A total of 105 students had been enrolled to begin a four-year and a three-year law studies programme at the school.

Speaking on the theme, “Access to Legal Education, a Joint Responsibility, getting it Right” during a ceremony at the SDD-UBIDS to launch the Law School, Mrs. Dapaa called on the school authorities to maintain the highest quality of training.

She stressed that establishing the law school would undoubtedly bring legal education close to the people of the Northern sector who had had none in the area since the first School of Law in Ghana was established in the country in the 60s.

“This will bring legal services to the doorstep of the underserved part of the society and also reduce the concentration of lawyers in the cities and make legal services easily available to the people of the Northern part of Ghana”, the Deputy Attorney General added.

Mrs. Dapaah stated that a new legal profession bill was being prepared because of the changing trends in society, which sought to amend and consolidate the law relating to the legal profession.

She explained that the new bill would provide the legislative framework that recognised and licensed Universities to open law faculties and to sanitize the mass production of law graduates by ensuring standardisation in the monitoring of those institutions to see to their optimum performance.

She said the SDD-UBIDS law school had the privilege of collaborating with other law schools and private law faculties in the country and therefore had no reason to fail saying, “You should escape the challenges of the earlier faculties that were started in the country.”

She expressed concerns about the decline of the standards of lawyers that were produced from the law schools and said the dispensation of justice was crucial in society and charged stakeholders of the legal fraternity to be as good as the lawyers they trained.

“The university must be mindful of the student /lecturer ratio to ensure the quality of teaching is not compromised for students to get full tuition including seminars, tutorials, lectures, and libraries, extra-curricular activities so students don’t easily memorize and regurgitate principles”, she said.

Professor Kwadwo Appiagyei Atua, a lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) law school who spoke on the Perspective of the law programme, said the establishment of the school of law signified an important development in the Northern part of Ghana`s legal education as it would help to give legal literacy to the rural parts of society and reduce the gap in legal training in Ghana.

He said the university was the foundation of lawyers in Northern Ghana and urged the management of the school to pay attention to the rule of law to “lay the foundation right so tomorrow, you will be on the right side of history.”

Professor Philip Duku Osei, the Vice Chancellor of the University, said they had learnt from the law schools that are already established and would draw from the experience of the GIMPA, which they were collaborating with on faculty and course exchange programmes “to begin our journey by running instead of crawling.”

He assured all that the school had gathered a team of lecturers and provided the right environment for smooth academic work to flourish.

He said the government was aware of the vast developmental needs of Northern Ghana hence the establishment of the SDD-UBIDS to provide education and the developmental needs of the people.

He, however, appealed to the government for the completion of the critical infrastructural projects of the school including the modern library, and the main auditorium among others.

Prof. Osei told the students that there was so much to learn and acquire and that they would not regret choosing the SDD-UBIDS as their first choice.

Mr Kweku Yamoah Paintsil, the Chairman of the University Council, congratulated the graduates and asked them to do their best not to put their chosen profession into disrepute and to put the knowledge gained to the benefit of society.

The vision of the SDD-UBIDS is to be an internationally acclaimed center of excellence in higher education.

SOURCE: GHANA NEWS AGENCY