Day: March 7, 2024

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Enam Hadzide registers over 1000 people under NHIS in Asuogyaman


Mr. Pius Enam Hadzide, the 2024 New Patriotic Party parliamentary candidate for Asuogyaman Constituency in the Eastern Region, has registered about 1000 people under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), to enable them to freely access medical care.

Mr Hadzide told the Ghana News Agency that what prompted him to take that action was the frequent requests he had been receiving from the residents to assist them with their medical bills.

He said that the NHIS had greatly benefited many individuals in the country by providing free healthcare but pointed out that there were still people in the constituency who have not registered or were unable to renew their expired cards.

According to him, the ongoing exercise was open to all residents of Asuogyaman, free from any political affiliation, and therefore encouraged everyone to participate in it.

‘Since I’m not a member of parliament, I think it necessary to help my Constituents in a way that would facilitate their future which is why I’m registering and r
enewing their health insurance cards,’ he said.

He expressed his commitment to registering all residents in the constituency, which consists of 37 electoral areas and 144 polling stations, including Boso, Agya Bui, Tosen Nanor, Labolabo, Fintey, Frankadua, Mpakadan, South Senchi, Akrade, Abume, Kpedzi, Mpamprase, Abomayaw, and Apeguso. Mr Hadzide said his focus was on improving healthcare for the people of Asuogyaman, with plans to prioritised the act if elected as an MP.

Mr Klenam Kudjo, a beneficiary, expressed his gratitude to the parliamentary candidate for his support, adding that 10 members of his family including his grandchildren, have all benefited from the exercise.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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Thirteen health personnel honoured in Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality


The Prestea Huni-Valley Municipal Health Directorate has honoured thirteen health personnel and facilities for their outstanding contributions to healthcare delivery in the Municipality.

The awards, instituted by the directorate, took place at the Bogoso Golden hotel during their annual health performance review meeting which was on the theme: ‘Enhancing effective networks of practice to build a resilient healthcare delivery system’.

The best facility for health centre and Community-Based Health Planning Service (CHPS) respectively, went to the Aboso health centre and the Huniso CHPS.

Madam Lydia Ansah, from the Bogoso health centre won the best technical officer, while Mr Felix Amanuvor, won the best TB Coordinator.

From the Aboso health centre, Madam Francisca Mawulede Mammah, won the best general nurse for the health centre category, while for the hospital category, Mr Kofi Adjei, from the Prestea Government hospital picked that award.

The best community health nurse category for CHPS, health centre a
nd hospital, respectively went to Mr Charles Kojo Andoh, at Kurantin CHPS, Mr Isaac Peter Minneaux, at Huni-Valley health centre and Madam Lisa Gyenin, from Bogoso Government hospital.

The best midwife, health centre category went to Madam Hawa Amoah, of the Aboso health centre, with the hospital category going to Nana Efua Ampomawah-Assan, of Prestea Government hospital and Madam Lydia Dzivenu of the Kurantin CHPS received the award for that category.

Special awards were also presented to other hard-working personnel in the Municipality.

Each of the awardees took home items ranging from a double door fridge, chest freezer, air conditioner, 32- or 43-inch television set, Gas-stove with cylinder, orthopedic mattress, microwave, blender to a standing fan among others.

Dr Anthony Adofo Ofosu, the Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) said awarding and recognising health workers was the passion of the GHS council.

He said the maiden national health workers award was held in November 2023,
and hoped this year’s ceremony would be better.

Dr Ofosu commended the municipality for buying into the staff award scheme and thanked the various sponsors who had contributed immensely to make the award ceremony possible, and ‘I will be really looking forward to seeing some of your award winners at the national award in November this year,’ he added.

Mr Timothy Kobina Ofori, the Municipal Director of Health Service thanked the sponsors for providing all the items that they needed to reward their staff.

He said, ‘All the health indicators are not looking good. Some are also looking so bad, and we believe with the inception of this award our staff will be motivated and our cherished clients will be given the best service’.

Nana Nteboah Prah IV, the Divisional Chief of Himan-Prestea Traditional Area, added that awarding health personnel within our Municipality was a good initiative adopted by the health directorate.

He explained that ‘We do health reviews from time to time, we criticise and we look at our
shortfalls and see what we can do in the years ahead then that ends.

‘Few take steps to say thank you to most of the health personnel but this being the first in our Municipality, it will serve as a motivation for the staff to pour out their hearts in delivering quality services,’ he said.

Some awardees who interacted with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) said the recognition would inspire them to put in more effort to safe life.

Mr Nurudeen Jamio, the Administrator of the Prestea Government hospital and secretary to the awards interviews committee, giving further insight into the award processes said the Municipal Director of Health Service constituted a nine-member committee to interview 32 nominees from CHPS, health centres and hospitals.

He said every facility was asked to nominate their best for the various categories, adding that ‘even though all the nominees are health personnel, their work requirement, challenges and dynamics are different across the facility levels and in the GHS, we have different fa
cility levels’.

‘We have hospitals that are higher than health centers, health centers are higher than CHPS. So, if you want to merge all staff over there and access them it is not going to be fair, because their daily issues are different, so we group them according to the levels,’ he said.

Mr Jamio said they were assessed on communication abilities, clinical excellence, leadership, professional development, community impact and advocacy, of which the raw results were compiled and presented for the selections to be made.

He lauded the Municipal Director of Health Service for bringing several stakeholders together to assist the programme, with the current understanding that health financing was a multi-sectoral collaboration.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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Inadequate health personnel, poor road network, impeding quality healthcare – Dr Nasas


Inadequate health personnel, poor road network, lack of decent and high cost of accommodation for health staff, have been identified as key challenges militating against quality healthcare delivery in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region.

Dr Ofosu Kwabi Nasas, District Director of Health Services, who stated these said health workers were refusing postings to the district due to these and many other challenges in the area.

Speaking at the 2023 annual health performance review meeting at Adubia, Dr Nasas pointed out that urgent steps were needed to address the challenges to pave way for quality healthcare delivery in the district.

He said the district, which was endemic to Buruli ulcer and other diseases caused by illegal mining activities, which were rampant in the area, needed urgent attention in terms of equipment, logistics, consumables and others, to support patient care.

Dr Nasas however, commended health workers in the district for their hard work and dedication in the face of the huge c
hallenges and urged them to continue to work to improve the health of the people.

Some health workers who distinguished themselves in their duties were awarded in a ceremony at the review meeting.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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ECOWAS Court holds orientation programme for new staff members


The ECOWAS Court of Justice has commenced a two-day orientation programme for newly recruited staff members at the seat of the Court in Abuja.

Speaking at the opening of the orientation programme, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, Chief Registrar of the Court, charged the newly recruited staff members to quickly familiarise themselves with the structure, processes and functioning of the various departments of the Court.

He urged the new staff members to take advantage of the programme and utilise the knowledge gained from the orientation for the effective discharge of their responsibilities.

Dr Ouro-Sama advised the participants to respect the organisation’s hierarchy, rules and procedures, ethics, and to foster integrity, transparency, objectivity and team spirit across divisions and departments.

In a welcome address, Dr William Towah, Director of Administration and Finance, who was represented by the Human Resource Officer, Mrs Mariame Kone enjoined the new staff members to uphold the ethics and diligently carry out
their obligations.

The periodic orientation programme is organised by the Court as part of its integration process for new staff into the processes and procedures of the organisation.

Presentations will be delivered on various topics including the history of the Court, its vision, mandate and strategic goals, structure, legal texts as well as the judicial statistics of the Court.??

The new staff members will also be sensitized on the functions of departments and units of the Court, including the Research and Documentation Department, the Department of Administration and Finance and the Protocol, ICT and Communication units of the Court.??

Representatives of the ECOWAS Pension Office and the ECOWAS Staff Mutual Credit Union will also take their turn on sensitising the new staff about savings and retirement plans.

Speakers at the programme include Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, Chief Registrar, Dr Athanase Atannon, Deputy Chief Registrar, Dr Ousmane Diallo, Director of Research and Documentation, Heads of Divisions
and Units, and staff from the Protocol, ICT and Communication units.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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John Kumah was Ghanaian patriot par excellence – President Akufo-Addo


President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has paid a touching tribute to the late John Apontua Kumah, describing him as a ‘Ghanaian patriot par excellence’.

‘His unwavering dedication to service, his tireless commitment to the betterment of our nation, and his profound passion for uplifting the lives of the people of Ejisu and Ghana were evident to all who had the privilege of knowing him,’ the President said of the Deputy Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Ejisu.

The sudden passing of the 45-year-old lawyer and entrepreneur shocked the nation on Thursday, March 7.

President Akufo-Addo extended his condolences to the bereaved family, which includes his widow and six children.

He expressed his sadness, saying: ‘The untimely exit of the Deputy Finance Minister has left us all bereft of a bright, energetic light in our midst.’

Mr Kumah, the President stated, would be remembered for his humility, and genuine concern for others, which endeared him to all who crossed his path.

His passing had greatl
y been felt by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), of which he was a stalwart member, and all segments of the society, the President lamented.

‘May God bless him, and allow his soul to rest in perfect peace in His Bosom until the Last Day of the Resurrection when we shall all meet again.’

Mr Kumah was the first Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), an initiative of the Akufo-Addo-led Administration.

Meanwhile, Ghana’s Parliament ended its sitting abruptly on Thursday, after the Speaker was informed of the development.

‘Honourable Members, for good reasons, the House will have to adjourn, so I put the statement straight away. The House is adjourned until tomorrow 10 O’clock in the forenoon,’ the Speaker, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, said.

The mood of Ghanaians on the various social media platforms monitored by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) was that of sorrow and anguish.

Tributes poured in to invariably celebrate his love for humanity, humility and de
dication to national duty.

The situation at Ejisu, the late MP’s abode, was also not different as some of the constituents reportedly wailed, while recounting his good deeds.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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Vodza community to mark Easter with regatta


The people of Vodza near Keta in the Keta Municipality will mark this year’s Easter festivities with a regatta festival (boat race).

This will be the community’s way of raising awareness of preserving the ecotourism of the Keta Lagoon and promoting economic resources of the area.

The two-day fun-packed event, which is being organised by the Vodza Ecotourism Iiitiative would be the second of its kind after it was first held in 2022 in partnership with the Keta Municipal Assembly.

It forms part of a five-year plan to expose the area to investors for jobs in both the recreational and fishing industries.

Madam Sese Gadzekpo, one of the trustees of Vodza Ecotourism Initiative, speaking in an interview with Ghana News Agency, said the aim of this year’s event was to increase revenue for the local fishing community and to provide them with alternative sources of income to mitigate the economic impact of displacement caused by rising tides and flooding.

Among the activities to be held include, ‘Woezor’ Night on
Friday, March 29 to welcome natives’ home with traditional and cultural performances by indigenous drumming groups, an ‘Artisan Market’ where local artisans would showcase their handiworks and talents and ‘Midunu’, a food fair to showcase indigenous traditional dishes and snacks.

On Saturday, March 30, there would be Regatta canoe race for both men and women on the Keta Lagoon to entertain participants and audience with swimming competitions and line fishing (fudodo).

The canoe jams would be held later in the evening to entertain both young and old with contemporary dance music.

Mr Venunye Amegago, a planning committee member, also urged the public to patronise the event for a rich experience.

‘This year’s regatta festival will be a rich experience of culture, canoe activities, and a social event to reconnect with our community, not for only people of Vodza but nearby communities and the public,’ Mr Venunye said.

Vodza is a fishing community located on the strip of sandbar between the Gulf of Guinea at t
he south and the Keta Lagoon on the north, which exposes the natives to both lagoon and sea fishing.

Apart from fishing, the residents are mainly traders who trade in various varieties of processed fish to nearby markets including Keta, Denu, Akatsi, and Anloga.

The vastness of the lagoon makes Vodza a strategically located area for boat racing and its related activities.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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develoPPP?Ventures?opens application for?Idea Competition, winners get up to EUR100,000


?develoPPP?Ventures?Ghana, a catalyst for change for local impact driven businesses, has opened applications for its Idea Competition, an initiative for Ghana’s innovative startups to?scale up?and positively impact local communities.

Selected companies can obtain up to EUR 100,000 in grant funding to scale their innovations.

A press release issued by?develoPPP?Ventures?Ghana, copied to the Ghana News Agency, said the initial selection would be?based on idea competitions, leading to a pitch event.?

Successful companies?would?undergo due diligence before a contract is concluded, and funds are disbursed.

‘This time, the initiative targets young, dynamic growth-stage companies in Ghana with innovative business models aimed at positively impacting local communities and ready for scaling,’ it said.

‘Special emphasis is placed on women-led startups and those promoting gender equality, aligning?with the 2X Challenge criteria.’

By applying to?develoPPP?Ventures Ghana, eligible businesses?could benefit in many wa
ys including visibility, where they could tap into the extensive network and expertise of the matching-fund and its partners.

They would also receive tailored support to?maximise?their chances of success.??

Through annual and bi-annual calls for applications in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania,?develoPPP?Ventures welcomes all startups that meet the eligibility criteria.?

The release said prospective participants were required to be registered in Ghana or plan to do so before receiving investment, with at least one annual financial statement provided. ?

They must showcase a viable business model with a relevant product or service already on the market, generating initial revenues (proof-of-concept).?

Applicants?must also provide evidence of commitment or investment from other investors equaling the amount of the grant financing (EUR 100,000 in this case).

They must submit, by?March?31, 2024, a sound financial and strategic business plans covering a three-year period, outlining how the funds would be?u
tilised?for growth and achieving break-even.

The applicant’s?business model should demonstrate significant development relevance, scalability, and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

‘To participate, interested?companies should visit?https://www.developpp.de/en/application/ventures for detailed participation conditions and application submission,’ the release said.

develoPPP?is a funding scheme of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).?

It is aimed at companies that want to invest sustainably in a developing or emerging country and expand their local operations.?

Prerequisites for support are a long-term business interest in the country and a sustainable developmental benefit for the local people.

The scheme offers?customised?funding opportunities for already well-established companies as well as aspiring start-ups.?

Source: Ghana News Agency

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Sales-boy remanded into police custody for alleged stealing


The Ashaiman District Court has remanded Gideon Oduro, a sales boy, into police custody for allegedly stealing an amount of Gh?30,000 belonging to his employer.

Oduro, who pleaded guilty to the charge of stealing, was remanded by the court presided over by Mr Derick Eshun Parden to reappear on March 8, 2024.

Prosecuting the case, Inspector Kwadwo Danso, said the complainant, Mr Isaac Amoah, is a businessman, whereas the accused person works as a salesboy in his shop.

He said about two years ago, the complainant employed Oduro to manage his phone shop located at the Ashaiman Traffic Light area with a monthly salary of Gh?500.

The facts of the case indicated that Oduro was initially at the shop with another salesgirl who resigned on December 31, 2023, leaving him alone to manage the shop, which at the time had a stock of phones worth over Gh? 30,000.

The prosecution added that on January 31, 2024, the complainant visited the shop and decided to check the stock since new items were brought in.

He said, to
the complainant’s surprise, Oduro could not account for the sales of phones amounting to Gh? 30,000.

He was therefore arrested and handed him, over to the Ashaiman police, where a formal complaint was made.

According to the prosecutor, Oduro was cautioned, and during the investigation, his MTN momo statement from MTN Ghana Limited, which was obtained, revealed that he used the sales for online betting.

He was therefore charged and put before the court after investigation.

Source: Ghana News Agency