TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • Police on manhunt for 6 Nigeriens who escaped from quarantine centre in Kadjebi

    The Police Command in the Oti Region has begun a manhunt for 6 Nigeriens who escaped from a mandatory quarantine centre in Kadjebi.

    The Nigeriens were part of 37 commuters who were arrested last week.

    The arrested persons are said to be returning from Nkawkaw in the Eastern Region where they said the Covid-19 has affected business in the area.

    District Chief Executive (DCE) of Kadjebi, Maxwell Asiedu blamed poor security for the ability for the 6 persons to escape.

    “There was only one guard, this four-bedroom is a guest house…the police on duty said he also went out to buy credit card before he came they were not there.”

    He said the District Security Council have agreed to search for them.

    “The following day DISEC met and deliberated on it, we have agreed that we are going to look for them. The way it looks it seems they are still around because all their belongings are still there, their chargers, slippers and other things. It means that they are still around only that maybe somebody has camped them in their room so we searching seriously for them.”

    The Upper West Police Commander DCOP Francis Aboagye Nyarko this month also narrated how a Nigerian COVID-19 escapee was arrested.

    The 46-year-old Nigerian, Simon Okafor Chukudi, tested positive for coronavirus on Monday, April 13, 2020, but disappeared from his residence at Wapaani, a suburb of the regional capital, Wa after health authorities informed him about his status.

    He was arrested at Wa and has so far been transferred to the regional isolation centre.

    DCOP Aboagye Nyarko has explained how he was arrested on April 16, 2020.

    “An informant assisted us to arrest him at a hideout at Wa Polytechnic area, he had left his home and was with some friends in a different residence. We went to the residence around 10:00 pm and we found him there. We have been informed that he had already had contact with some persons, 7 in all, 5 men and 2 women and we have taken those people into quarantine too. I don’t know his intentions for running away but what he did was bad, the community folks are now happy we have arrested him”.

     

    Source: PrimeNews Ghana

  • 72-year-old man shot dead at Kandiga in Upper East Region

    A 72year-old man was on Friday shot dead at Kandiga in the Kassena Nankana Municipal (KNM), Upper East Region, after a two-day violent conflict between the Doba Community in the Kassena Naakana West District and Kandiga.

    The two communities share boundaries and have over the past years disagreed over the ownership of a piece of land on which an old structure that has been earmarked to be renovated and converted to a Police Station is sited.

    According to Police Superintendent Francis Agyare, the KNM Police Commander, the conflict started last Wednesday when the people of Doba noticed that the old structure was being renovated by the Kandiga people.

    He said it was quickly put under control by a joint force of the military and the police but after calm had returned, an unidentified person, two days later, shot the old man who was standing in front of his house.

    Following the incident, the KNM imposed restrictions on movement of people in the two communities and beefed up security to maintain calm.

    A statement issued by the Municipal Assembly and copied to the media, said: “in accordance with the Imposition of Restriction Act 2020, Act 1020 and on the authority of the Upper East Regional Security Council, the Kasena-Nankana Municipal Security Committee (MUSEC) in conjunction with the District Security Committee of the Kasena-Nankana West District Assembly, hereby announce for the information of the general public, especially the chiefs and people of Doba and Kandiga traditional area, that restriction of movement of persons within the area has been imposed, from 6:00pm to 8:00am each day beginning from Friday 24th April, 2020 until further notice”.

    The statement added that it was prohibited to carry arms or other similar harmful implements in the area and anybody who flouts the directives will be dealt with accordingly by the security services.

    Meanwhile, the security in the area is maintaining calm while the shooting incident is being investigated.

     

    Source: GNA

  • Ghana records 54 malaria deaths in first quarter

    Ghana has recorded a total of 54 malaria deaths between January and March 2020, the Ghana Health Service has said.

    Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, has called on the public to take charge of their health and that of their families by observing the precautionary protocols of malaria just as they do for COVID-19.

    He said in other to reduce the number of deaths, it was important people observed the protocols by sleeping under an insecticide treated net, test and confirm the incidence of malaria in their bloodstreams before they take any artemether-lumefantrine (ACT).

    Dr Aboagye said pregnant women were to take all recommended doses of Sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (SP) to keep themselves and unborn babies safe from malaria and also comply with malaria treatment as prescribed, he said.

    This was contained in a statement issued in Accra by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in commemoration of the 2020 World Malaria Day.

    The theme; “Zero malaria starts with me”, is a movement dedicated to driving action and making change, and this starts with each and every one.

    The 2020 World Malaria Day highlights, recognizes and revitalizes the involvement of high burden countries in Africa, Ghana inclusive, which collectively account for approximately 70 per cent of the global malaria burden.

    World Malaria Day (WMD) is commemorated every year on 25th April to recognize global efforts to control malaria. Globally, 3.3 billion people in 106 countries are at risk of malaria.

    Since 2008, this day has been commemorated with emphasis on various themes assigned by the Roll Back Malaria Partnership to End Malaria (RBM) & The World Health Organization (WHO).

    Ghana between January and March, 2020, has recorded a total of 1,001,070 malaria cases in the country more than half of the 2,346,677 suspected cases tested, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has stated.

    Dr Kuma-Aboagye said out of the 1,001,070 malaria cases, 21,201 were children under five years and 28,764 pregnant women.

    Furthermore, 42 per cent of the 58,775 admissions due to malaria were among children under five years while malaria deaths between January and March 2020 stand at 54 adding that 16 deaths of which occurred among children under five years.

    With the involvement and commitment of political decision-makers, the private sector, civil society, the academic community and the public, World Malaria Day 2020 rejuvenates malaria control and elimination efforts across the globe, it said.

    The statement said the “Zero Malaria Starts with Me” was officially launched in Ghana last year by the First Lady, Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo.

    “In Ghana, we are working to build political will, ensure efficient use of existing resources, increase private sector support and boost media engagement in order to kick start the decade that will end malaria in Africa.”

    Ghana, over the years has made considerable gains in the fight against malaria. Using the targets set in the National Strategic Plan (2014-2020) of reducing morbidity and mortality by 75 per cent by 2020 with 2012 as baseline.

    The country by this has made some notable achievements by reducing malaria related deaths at all ages, from 88 per cent of 2,799 in 2012 to 333 by end of 2019.

    “In 2012, the country recorded eight malaria deaths every day but this was reduced to one malaria death every day in 2019,” it added.

    The statement said between 2012 and 2019, malaria related admissions (all ages), reduced by 8 per cent, Malaria parasite prevalence rate in children under five years reduced from 21 out of 100 children being positive in 2016 to 14 children out of 100 being positive in 2019 reduced. This represents a 32 per cent reduction in malaria prevalence between 2016 and 2019.

    “Since 2012, the proportion of Out Patients Department (OPD) malaria cases, tested by microscopy has steadily increased to 40 out of 100 suspected cases being tested in 2012, to 94 out of 100 suspected cases being tested in 2019”.

    “So almost every suspected case seen at the health facilities are tested to confirm if it is malaria before being treated,” it said.

    The statement said millions of Ghanaians have been reached with effective life-saving tools such as long lasting insecticide treated nets, indoor residual spraying and preventive antimalarials.

    It said working together with funding and implementing partners, civil society organizations and communities have led to increased access to malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

    It said in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is possible to lose sight of the deadly malaria disease and the gains made over the years both individually and collectively to protect ourselves and risk reversing hard-won progress in the malaria fight.

    However, it is equally important to sustain the efforts made by the Ghana Health Service and its partners to advance efforts made to prevent, detect and treat malaria.

    Over the past few months, the world has been hit with the COVID-19 pandemic, including Ghana which reported its first two cases on 12 March 2020.

    Since then, the country has recorded 1,279 cases, with over 134 recoveries and 10 deaths as at the last update.

    This is an infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered SAR-COV-2. Until its outbreak in Wuhan China in December 2019, this strain of the virus was unknown.

    The COVID-19 pandemic as reported by WHO, is testing the resilience of our health systems; adding to the heavy toll malaria exacts on the population.

    Additionally, COVID-19 underscores the critical importance of having strong surveillance and health care systems to effectively address existing infectious disease like malaria.

     

    Source: GNA

  • Mercy Johnson welcomes 4th child in America

    Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson and her husband Prince Odi Okojie have welcomed her fourth child in the United States.

    The s*x of her new baby has not yet been disclosed.

    Actor JnrPope broke the news on his official Instagram page;

    Congratulations @mercyjohnsonokojie On The Arrival Of Your New Born….. God is indeed The Greatest…..
    We celebrate with you………

    #swagnation lets celebrate her 🍾 🍾 🍾 🍾 🍾 🍾 🍾 🍾 🍾 🍾

    Congratulations are certainly in order.. Check out the photo below;

    Source: GhanaCelebrities.Com

  • Coronavirus: Mahama worried 3 million Ghanaians could get infected with more deaths

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has supported projections that millions of people could be infected by Coronavirus in the country.

    Speaking via a digital conversation Thursday evening on Ghana’s COVID-19 situation, former President Mahama noted that in view of the current number of cases recorded in the nation, there is the possibility that about 3 million Ghanaians may contract the virus and a significant number of the infected persons may die.

    “The model government is working with, the projection is that up to 3 million Ghanaians may be infected by the virus and a significant number may require hospitalization or may even die from the virus,” he emphasized.

    The former President was worried this prediction might come to pass due to President Akufo-Addo’s lifting of restrictions on movement and his decisions in fighting against the pandemic.

    “In his last address to the country, President Nana Akufo-Addo lifted the partial lockdown imposed on Greater Accra, Greater Kumasi and their environs and Kasoa. At the time the country was recording increasingly higher infections, it was therefore not surprising that many Ghanaians including public health experts were puzzled about the considerations underlying the President’s decision. The number of infections are not only rising steeply but there is also clearly a horizontal community spread of the virus. The majority of the Regions in our country have reported cases and the bulk of the positive cases we’re seeing are of people who have no history of foreign travel.”

    Mr. Mahama wondered whether the President considered the “huge backlog of tests that have not yet been cleared and the many possible cases roaming in our communities that have not yet been tested due to a lack of mass testing” before arriving at his decision.

     

    Source: Peace FM

  • Zero malaria achievable First Lady

    First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo has entreated Ghanaians to pay attention to the proper diagnosis of suspected malaria even as they observe the protocols of preventing COVID-19.

    In a message to mark World Malaria Day on Saturday, 25 April 2020, Mrs Akufo-Addo also encouraged Ghanaians to sleep under treated mosquito nets to prevent mosquito bites and pregnant women to call on health facilities for the intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp-SP medicines) to protect themselves and their unborn children.

    Mrs Akufo-Addo further called on Ghanaians to support the fight against malaria by promoting antenatal care, advocating increased investment in malaria and other health programmes and by simply standing in solidarity with those who are most affected by the disease.

    According to her, zero malaria is achievable “when we all show commitment and collaborate better”.

    World Malaria Day is an international observance commemorated every year on 25 April and recognises global efforts to control malaria.

    Globally, 3.3 billion people in 106 countries are at risk of malaria. In 2012, malaria caused an estimated 627,000 deaths, mostly among African children.

    According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) between 2000 and 2014, the number of malaria-related deaths fell by 40% worldwide, from an estimated 743 000 to 446 000.

    But in recent years, progress has ground to a standstill. According to WHO’s World malaria report 2019, there were no global gains in reducing new infections over the period 2014 to 2018. And nearly as many people died from malaria in 2018 as the year before.

     

    Source: Class FM

  • ‘Immunity passports’ against Coronavirus premature – WHO

    The World Health Organisation (WHO), has stated that there is not enough evidence about the effectiveness of antibodies-mediated immunity to guarantee the accuracy of an “immunity passport” or “risk-free certificate,” for the COVID-19.

    It stated that as of April 24, 2020, no study had evaluated whether the presence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 conferred immunity to subsequent infections by the virus in humans or not.

    The WHO was reacting to suggestions by some governments that the detection of antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, could serve as the basis for the issuance of an “immunity passport” or “risk-free certificate”.

    This certificate they propose, would enable individuals to travel or to return to work assuming they were protected against re-infection.

    However, the WHO in its scientific brief, released on Friday, April 24, said there was currently no evidence that people who had recovered from COVID-19 and had antibodies were protected from a second infection.

    Considering the measurement of antibodies specific to COVID-19, the brief said the development of immunity to a pathogen through natural infection was a multi-step process that typically took place over one to two weeks.

    This, it noted, could cause people who assumed that they were immune to a second infection – because they had received a positive test result – to ignore public health advice.

    The use of such certificates may, therefore, increase the risks of continued transmission of infections.

    The WHO said, it had, therefore, published guidance on adjusting public health and social measures for the next phase of the COVID-19 response.

    It was still reviewing the evidence on antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, adding that most of these studies showed that people who had recovered from infection had antibodies to the virus.

    “However, some of these people had very low levels of neutralizing antibodies in their blood, suggesting that cellular immunity may also be critical for recovery,” it said.

    It also explained that the body responded to a viral infection immediately with a non-specific innate response in which macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells slowed the progress of virus and may even prevent it from causing symptoms.

    This non-specific response, it said, was followed by an adaptive response where the body made antibodies, which were proteins called immunoglobulins that specifically bound to the virus.

    It explained that the body also made T-cells that recognised and eliminated other cells infected with the virus, and termed this as “cellular immunity”.

    “This combined adaptive response may clear the virus from the body, and if the response is strong enough, may prevent progression to severe illness or re-infection by the same virus,” it explained.

    Laboratory tests that detected antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in people, including rapid immunodiagnostic tests, needed further validation to determine their accuracy and reliability, it explained.

    “Inaccurate immunodiagnostic tests may falsely categorise people in two: ways – The first, may falsely label people who have been infected as negative, while those who have not been infected could falsely be labelled as positive, with both errors having serious consequences that would affect control efforts”.

    These tests also needed to accurately distinguish between past infections from SARS-CoV-2 and those caused by the known set of the six human coronaviruses, four of which caused the common cold and circulated widely.

    The other two viruses are responsible for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.

    The WHO said people infected by any one of these viruses may produce antibodies that cross-reacted with antibodies produced in response to infection with SARS-CoV-2.

    It said many countries were now testing for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at the population level or in specific groups, such as health workers, close contacts of known cases, or within households.

     

    Source: GNA 

  • Coronavirus: 271 new cases recorded in Ghana, one more person dies

    Ghana has recorded an additional 271 cases of the novel coronavirus, taking the country’s total positive cases to 1550.

    One more person has also died according to the latest update from the Ghana Health Service (GHS) on Sunday, April 26, 2020.

    The death toll now stands at 11 with 155 persons recovering from the disease.

    The recoveries represent approximately 10 percent of Ghana’s total case count as of April 26.

    The Ghana Health Service data analysis also reveal that 62 percent of infected persons in Ghana are male while 38 percent are female.

    The data also reveals that only 16 percent of infected persons have a travel history with a staggering 84 percent having no clear history of travel.

    Ghana lifts lockdown

    Exactly a week ago, President Nana Akufo-Addo lifted a three-week lockdown in two cities, citing improved coronavirus testing and the “severe” impact of the restrictions on the poor and vulnerable in the country.

    In a televised address , Akufo-Addo said the decision did not mean the government was letting its guard down, saying existing bans on public gatherings and school closure were still in place.

    He urged Ghanaians to wear masks when going outside and to continue adhering to social distancing measures in public places.

    Regional breakdown:

    *Greater Accra Region 1,347

    *Ashanti Region 69

    *Eastern Region 57

    *Oti Region 17

    *Central Region 17

    *Northern Region 13

    *Volta Region 10

    *Upper West Region 8

    *Upper East Region 8

    *North East Region 2

    *Western Region 1

    *Western North Region 1

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Lack of amenities renders CHPS compound in Lower Manya Krobo useless

    The lack of electricity, water and other health equipment needed to deliver health services to the people of Klo Djekiti in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality is rendering a newly built CHPS compound useless.

    If this issue persists, it means nine more adjoining communities including Anummako, Akomakompa, Ogenya, Otsitsee, Yongosisi, Trawa, Ketem, Patsunya and Gbagblam will all be denied access to healthcare, a situation they have been enduring for many years.

    Construction of the Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound which was provided through advocacy by SEND GHANA, an NGO, under its “People for Health Project”, was completed in June 2019, but it is not in use because of the unavailability of the amenities.

    The Djekiti community had been without a health facility for many years, a situation which compelled the residents to commute over 6 kilometres on very deplorable roads to Obopa or Krobo Odumase to access a nearby health facility.

    According to some of the residents, the lack of health facility created a lot of inconveniences for them, especially pregnant women and children, since it was difficult for them to transport the sick or the women in labour on a motorbike through the rough road.

    “Vehicles do not come here. Only one bus comes here once in a while. Even that, it comes as early as 3am and when it leaves, unless the next market day,” one of the residents said.

    Another resident, Bismark Sackey Tetteh, who applauded the Municipal Assembly for putting up such a beautiful edifice as CHPS compound, expressed concern that the lack of water and electricity was worrisome and was not making the facility functional nor attracting health workers to stay in the community.

    “Even if the nurses will not get light, as for water they need to get it a well water or a borehole water,” Bismark Sackey Tetteh Richard said.

    Also, due to lack of social amenities and deplorable roads, health workers posted to Djekiti had to live far away at Obopa and traverse the poor road on a motorbike periodically to and fro to render their services to the community.

    Ghanaweb captured these health workers, three of them on a single motorbike, going to the community to work. One of them expressed that the clinic needs to urgently start functioning to serve the health needs of the residents.

    “If this clinic starts operating, it is going to help a larger number of people, over ten communities are going to benefit from it. So it is very important we start operating at the CHPS Compound.

    “I have been in the Djekiti community for four years now. Initially there was no CHPS Compound but recently the Assembly has come to build one for us which we are yet to start work in.

    “Now the CHPS compound is ready but there is no water, no electricity and some of the things we use to work too are not ready. So, for now, we are only rendering outreach services at the place.

    “They drilled a borehole but then it is not working. The handle too is off. We are looking forward for a source of water and other equipment that we will use to start work,” the health worker said.

    According to the community health worker, the road leading to Djekiti was one more challenge for them,

    “Here the roads are very bad; the roads leading to other communities. We serve ten communities under Djekiti, they are very far from here and the roads are very bad. The means of transport is just motorbike and sometimes you get accidents on the way and a whole lot of things.

    “For now, I am appealing that NGOs or anybody who wants to help to come and help us get water, at least a poly tank will help so we can save rainwater as well as use. Then the road leading to other outreach points is very bad. If something can be done about it will help,” she requested.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Samuel Takyi’s fears ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games

    Samuel Takyi – one of Ghana’s candidate for the 2020 Olympic Games is harboring fears of battling with his weight following the postponement of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

    Takyi qualified at the Africa Olympic Qualifier in Dakar, Senegal early this year as a featherweight boxer but with the postponement of the Games in Tokyo due to the coronavirus pandemic, the young boxer is afraid he might not make the exact weight next year.

    The International Olympic Committee (IOC) together with the Local Organising Committee (LOC), called off the Games due to the coronavirus pandemic that has hit the world.

    Takyi said in an interview with the GNA Sports that, after explanations from his coaches on the need to postpone the Games, he came to the realization that life was more important but added that, he may struggle to make weight in 2021.

    The featherweight boxer said, he was worried about his weight but was encouraged to train daily and keep on checking on the scale regularly to ensure he was within weight each day.

    Takyi, 19, said he cannot afford to miss the Games due to challenges with his weight hence had been regular at the gym to ensure he was in the best of shapes and within his weight whilst he awaits 2021

    “It’s a difficult thing to do especially when you have to make sure you are within weight but that is my profession I have to remain disciplined and ready for battle all the time,” he stated.

    Takyi, also known as the “The Ring Warrior” said boxing is my talent and now my profession and I do it with passion.

    “Qualifying into the national team was a surprise, but with hard work and determination I made it to the Olympics and I will not let anything to distract me,” he added.

    Takyi has over amateur fights to his credit and remains one of Ghana’s medal hopeful for the Games.

    Source: GNA

  • Issues of pay-cut should be a consensus between players and management – Yahaya Mohammed

    Aduana Stars forward Yahaya Mohammed believes players can only agree to pay-cuts when there is an agreement between them and management of clubs.

    The 32-year old goal poacher, however, adds he will be the first person to take a pay-cut should such a proposition be laid before players of Aduana Stars.

    There has been the argument that players in the local league accept reductions in their salaries due to the financial impact of coronavirus on clubs.

    “Issues of pay cut should be a consensus between players and Management of clubs,” Yahaya Mohammed told Sikka Sports. “I will be the first person to accept pay-cut at Aduana Stars,” he added.

    Several European clubs have either agreed or deferred their salaries in other to help combat the pandemic.

    There were reports that Hearts and Kotoko have been speaking to their players over pay-cuts but nothing has been agreed on yet.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Playing GPL games behind closed doors will affect club owners big time – Yahaya Mohammed

    Aduana Stars forward Yahaya Mohammed believes the idea of playing games behind closed doors will hugely affect revenues streams of clubs in Ghana if it is considered as an option following COVID-19.

    The Ghana Premier League is currently on hold because of the outbreak of the cornavirus, but there are considerations to play games behind close doors should the topflight resume in other to control the spread of the virus.

    However, the bulky forward does not think it will be a good option for football administrators in the country, who largely depend on gate proceeds to finance their clubs.

    “Playing Ghana Premier League games behind closed doors will affect club owners big time,” Yahaya Mohammed told Sikka Sports.

    Mohammed was enjoying a good season, having bagged 11 goals before the suspension of the league. The 32-year old reveals it’s been tough for players since the halting of football.

    “It has not been easy with the suspension but taking your personal training serious is important,” says the attacker.

    The Black Stars player insists it will be a bumpy when the game resumes after COVID-19.

    “It will be a ding dong affair after Covid-19,” Yahaya concluded.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Coronavirus has affected my movements – Bernard Tekpetey

    Fortuna Dusseldorf striker Bernard Tekpetey has admitted that the coronavirus has affected his normal routines and has been forced to postpone activities because of it.

    The Black Meteors forward has been in Germany since the pandemic began and has been allowed to train with the rest of his teammates as they prepare for the return of the Bundesliga on May 9th.

    In an interview with Joy News, the 22-year-old revealed how much the disease has affected his plans.

    “It has changed a lot of things including my movements, a lot of meeting schedules and things I had to postpone due to this virus. I think it has changed a lot of things as well.”

    Source: footballghana.com

  • I am rather grateful than regretful – Clifford Aboagye

    Ghanaian midfielder Clifford Aboagye has opened up on his career path so far and says he is grateful than regretful.

    The former Inter Allies player has been tipped to be the next big thing for Ghana football having starred in the FIFA U-20 tournament in 2013.

    However, 25-year-old is still yet to realise his full potential since the FIFA tournament.

    Speaking on Instagram with Juliet Bawuah, the midfielder said: Ghanaians are expecting me to be playing in one of the big Leagues in Europe and so far as I have the talent, I believe with hard work I can break through. I am rather grateful and not regretful.

    Aboagye was named the Bronze Ball winner of the 2013 tournament with Manchester United’s Paul Pogba picking up the Golden ball and the former believes that despite his slow career progression all hope is not lost.

    People are thinking I should be at par with my colleagues I played the World Cup without when I back I feel I should be grateful. I feel it is a gradual process and I have a lot of years ahead of of me to continue my career.

    Aboagye featured for Ghana in the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup aiding the West Africa nation to a third place finished.

    He currently plays Mexican top-flight side Queretaro FC.

    Source: Prime News Ghana

  • Playing GPL games behind closed doors will affect club owners big time – Yahaya Mohammed

    Aduana Stars forward Yahaya Mohammed believes the idea of playing games behind closed doors will hugely affect revenues streams of clubs in Ghana if it is considered as an option following COVID-19.

    The Ghana Premier League is currently on hold because of the outbreak of the coronavirus, but there are considerations to play games behind close doors should the topflight resume in other to control the spread of the virus.

    However, the bulky forward does not think it will be a good option for football administrators in the country, who largely depend on gate proceeds to finance their clubs.

    “Playing Ghana Premier League games behind closed doors will affect club owners big time,” Yahaya Mohammed told Sikka Sports.

    Mohammed was enjoying a good season, having bagged 11 goals before the suspension of the league. The 32-year old reveals it’s been tough for players since the halting of football.

    “It’s not being easy with the suspension but taking your personal training serious is important,” says the attacker.

    The Black Stars insists it will be ‘ding dong’ affair when the game resumes after COVID-19.

    “It will be a ding dong affair after Covid-19,” Yahaya concluded.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Election 2020: Mahama beats Akufo-Addo with 54.7% of votes to emerge winner in online poll

    A new poll shows that 54.7% of Ghanaians are ready to vote for former president John Dramani Mahama in the 2020 elections.

    The sitting president, Nana Akufo-Addo, only pulled 45.3% of the votes.

    The poll was organised by singer Becca on her Twitter handle.

    According to her, many people had been sending personal requests to her direct message asking for such a poll to be carried out.

    Many people have reacted to the results with the majority rooting for Mahama and telling why they will vote for him.

    Musa, Prince, Stone, Nana, for instance, says he will vote for Mahama:

    Tettey told why he will never vote for Akufo-Addo:

    Somnet and Walid have their own explanation for choosing John Mahama:

    Source: Yen.com

  • Government directs trotro drivers, food vendors others to wear mask always

    The Minister of Health has directed all food vendors, commercial vehicle drivers and other selected group of individuals to always wear face mask as part of efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

  • Damongo: VRA/NEDCo must compensate us for damaging our electrical gadgets – Residents

    Residents of the Savannah Regional capital Damongo are up in arms against the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) after a sudden high voltage supply across homes and Public facilities at about 12:00 midday on Friday, April 24, 2020, resulting in the destruction of electrical appliances such as TV sets, woofers, radio sets, laptops, refrigerators and a host of other electrical gadgets.

  • Ghanaians in Western Australia offer food assistance during coronavirus pandemic

    The negative impact of Coronavirus Pandemic on families, students, and migrants with no permanent residency in countries where they live is huge and easy to miss.

    This has been recognized by the Ghana Association of Western Australia where an effort is being made to assist students and families who currently have no reliable sources of income or support.

    A message sent out to members of the association said “The Ghana Association of Western Australia is creating a platform for Ghanaians, especially those who may be challenged economically by the COVID-19 pandemic to receive some assistance”

    Those in need were encouraged to contact the association for some help.

    Dr. Albert Amankwaa, President of the Ghana Association of Western Australia says the Australian government has extended significant help to citizens and permanent residents, but many Ghanaians who are temporary residents or students have not benefited. Having heard of the plight of many, the association decided to organised some assistance.

    As of the time of filing this report, the number of people infected by COVID-19 in Western Australia is less than 600 with a significant daily decrease in new cases.

    However, social and economic activities are still on hold with no guaranteed income for some families, temporary residents, and students.

    Full economic recovery appears to be nowhere near the horizon, but Ghanaians in this community who have benefited from the modest assistance offered by the Ghana Association of Western Australia are grateful that some help could be so close.

    This AfricanPod Business Forum report was produced while keeping the necessary social distancing rules being observed worldwide to combat the Coronavirus pandemic.

     

    Source: Phillip Nyakpo, Contributor

  • COVID-19 cure: 33 herbal medicines submitted for testing

    The Deputy Director at the Centre for Plant Medicine Research, Dr Alfred Ampomah Appiah, revealed that in addition to the 33 samples received from the health ministry, it has continued to receive more herbal medicines for testing.

    Dr Appiah explained that the centre was testing the drugs to verify if they had antiviral properties to help fight the COVID-19.

    “What is being done globally is to test certain medicines that have already been selected to have certain antiviral properties and the prospects of those drugs are being monitored to test its effectiveness to the novel virus,” he added.

    There were earlier claims that COA FS, a locally produced dietary supplement could cure COVID-19. But authorities at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) observed that it had neither been independently tested nor verified COA FS as a treatment for COVID-19.

    In other news, a laboratory test conducted on COA FS drug by the Cape Coast Teaching hospital has confirmed that the product does not contain E-Coli and is not yeast or mould contaminated as claimed by the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority.

    It will be recalled that a press release dated April 17, 2020, and signed by Mrs Delese A.A Darko, the Chief executive officer of the FDA, indicated that COA FS drug contained E-Coli that makes individuals prone to kidney failure. Among other claims, it was said that the supplement made people with weak immune systems get critically sick upon taking COA FS.

     

    Source: Yen

  • Archbishop Palmer-Buckle refutes claims of meeting to resolve Ga Mantse Chieftaincy issues

    The Metropolitan (Catholic) Archbishop of Cape Coast, Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle has denied being part of a two-day meeting at Peduase aimed at resolving the long-standing Ga Mantse Chieftaincy issues.

    In a strongly-worded statement copied to GhanaWeb, the Archbishop indicated that such reports contained in a TV Africa video dubbed “Omanye Aba: Gborbu Wulomo Shitse breaks silence on Ga Mantse Chieftaincy issues” was aired recently by the station.

    He stated: “I have been compelled to state categorically that I, Charles G. Palmer-Buckle was never at any such meeting”.

    He continued: “I have been involved in trying to find a peaceful solution to the Ga Mantse Chieftaincy issues, and I am still willing and ready to offer my services, if and when needed as a Ga-nyo…to find a lasting solution to the Ga Mantse Chieftaincy issues”.

    Archbishop Palmer-Buckle is, however, seeking that records of history be set right and his purported presence at the meeting be corrected immediately for he was “never present at any such meeting.”

    Read his full statement below.

     

    Source: ghanaweb 

     

     

  • Observe malaria prevention protocols GHS

    Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, has called on the public to take charge of their health and that of their families by observing the precautionary protocols of malaria just as they do for COVID-19.

    With Ghana recording 54 malaria deaths in the first quarter, Dr. Aboagye said it was important people observed the malaria prevention protocols by sleeping under an insecticide-treated net and test and confirm the incidence of malaria before treatment.

    Dr Aboagye said pregnant women were to take all recommended doses of Sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (SP) to keep themselves and unborn babies safe from malaria and also comply with malaria treatment as prescribed.

    This was contained in a statement by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in commemoration of the 2020 World Malaria Day.

    The theme: “Zero Malaria Starts with Me”, is a movement dedicated to driving action and making change.

    The 2020, World Malaria Day highlights, recognizes and revitalizes the involvement of high burden countries in Africa, Ghana inclusive, which collectively account for approximately 70 per cent of the global malaria burden.

    World Malaria Day (WMD) is commemorated every year on 25th April to recognize global efforts to control malaria. Globally, 3.3 billion people in 106 countries are at risk of malaria.

    Since 2008, this day has been commemorated with emphasis on various themes assigned by the Roll Back Malaria Partnership to End Malaria (RBM) & The World Health Organization (WHO).

    Cases

    Ghana between January and March, 2020, has recorded a total of 1,001,070 malaria cases in the country more than half of the 2,346,677 suspected cases tested, the GHS stated.

    Dr Kuma-Aboagye said out of the 1,001,070 malaria cases, 21,201 were children under five years and 28,764 pregnant women.

    Furthermore, 42 per cent of the 58,775 admissions due to malaria were among children under five years while 16 of the total number of deaths for the period occurred among children under five years.

    “With the involvement and commitment of political decision-makers, the private sector, civil society, the academic community and the public, World Malaria Day 2020 rejuvenates malaria control and elimination efforts across the globe,” it said.

    The statement said the “Zero Malaria Starts with Me” was officially launched in Ghana last year by the First Lady, Mrs Rebecca Akuffo Addo.

    “In Ghana, we are working to build political will, ensure efficient use of existing resources, increase private sector support and boost media engagement in order to kick start the decade that will end malaria in Africa, ” it said.

    Ghana, over the years has made considerable gains in the fight against malaria. Using the targets set in the National Strategic Plan (2014-2020) of reducing morbidity and mortality by 75 per cent by 2020 with 2012 as baseline.

    The country by this has made some notable achievements by reducing malaria related deaths at all ages, from 88 per cent of 2,799 in 2012 to 333 by end of 2019.

    “In 2012, the country recorded eight malaria deaths every day but this was reduced to one malaria death every day in 2019,” it added.

    The statement said between 2012 and 2019, malaria related admissions (all ages), reduced by 8 per cent, Malaria parasite prevalence rate in children under five years reduced from 21 out of 100 children being positive in 2016 to 14 children out of 100 being positive in 2019 reduced. This represents a 32 per cent reduction in malaria prevalence between 2016 and 2019.

    “Since 2012, the proportion of Out Patients Department (OPD) malaria cases, tested by microscopy has steadily increased to 40 out of 100 suspected cases being tested in 2012, to 94 out of 100 suspected cases being tested in 2019”.

    “So almost every suspected case seen at the health facilities are tested to confirm if it is malaria before being treated,” it said.

    The statement said millions of Ghanaians have been reached with effective life-saving tools such as long lasting insecticide treated nets, indoor residual spraying and preventive antimalarials.

    It said working together with funding and implementing partners, civil society organizations and communities has led to increased access to malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

    It said in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is possible to lose sight of the deadly malaria disease and the gains made over the years both individually and collectively to protect ourselves and risk reversing hard-won progress in the malaria fight.

    However, it is equally important to sustain the efforts made by the Ghana Health Service and its partners to advance efforts made to prevent, detect and treat malaria.

     

    Source: Daily Guide Network

  • Benedicta Gafah shares hot Semi-Nude photo on the Instagram to tease her fans

    The Instagram page of actress/TV host Benedicta Gafah has been attracting a lot of eyes balls in the last few days following the negative stories about her that surfaced online.

    Even though things did not look too good for her, Benedicta Gafah has not also failed at keeping the eyes that visit the page glued on there.

    She has been sharing some lovely videos, photos and even great news to get all her followers talking about her and not the negatives.

    Well, she is back again today and this time, the Music Music show co-host has decided to cause a stir by sharing a semi-nude photo.

    In the photo sighted by zionfelix.net, Benedicta Gafah was seen in a waist shaper which shows her raw backside, thighs, and hips.

    Per the caption she added, we can conclude that the photo is being used to market her Gab Beauty products.

    Check her out below

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Contact @gab__beauty for your snatchy waist body shapewear 😘😍💖

    A post shared by HRH Benedicta Gafah👑✨ (@empress_dictabee) on

    Source: zionfelix

  • You have become a global icon NUGS to Akufo-Addo

    The National Union of Ghana Students has lauded President Nana Akufo-Addo for his leadership during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

    “The student movement has closely monitored and learnt a lot from your passion and temerity to able to rid the nation and Africa of this Coronavirus. The student union wishes to commend your efforts; your bold, decisive and extraordinary leadership in these difficult times. We are even more proud to associate with your leadership, because, in 3 years, you have become an African and global icon.”

    These were the words of the President of the National Union of Ghana Students, Isaac J. Hyde, when he led a delegation made up of leaders of student unions across the country to honour an invitation by the President to the Jubilee House on Friday, 24th April, 2020.

    Appreciating the efforts of the President in the fight against COVID-19, he said, “a few days ago in a conference of student unions across Africa, one thing was clear. Ghana under your leadership gained commendation as a sub-regional force in adopting a comprehensive and aggressive model for fighting the Coronavirus”

    According to him, this clearly means “the future leaders of this country and Africa have endorsed your courageous leadership.”

    Occasioned at the behest of the President, the meeting also discussed “the few concerns and recommendations about the new e-learning directives in the education sector” which was introduced following the suspension of the normal school schedule due to the pandemic.

    Acknowledging the support that the Ministry of Education has extended to the student union, he said “the leadership of Dr Matthew Opoku-Prempeh has been forthwith with concerns from the students front, which has seen to the unity of the National Union of Students.

    “We also commend the Minister in charge of Tertiary Education, Hon Prof Yankah, for his efforts in engaging the student union. Barely a week ago, we presented a petition raising some concerns across the student front to the outfit of the Ministry of Education. We were very amazed that, in less than 24 hours, we were called into a meeting so that we can put our issues up so that major stakeholders like the National Council for Tertiary Education, the Vice-Chancellors Ghana and other relevant stakeholders were brought together as much as possible for our issues to be addressed”, he added.

    He indicated that though “all the issues have not been completely dealt with, we are very hopeful. The sort of attention and recognition given to the issues we presented to the Ministry told us that indeed this is a government that is very much concerned about our education.”

    Source: Jubilee House 

  • Eric Dizan is the most skillful player at Hearts of Oak- Frederick Ansah Botchway

    Hearts of Oak midfielder Frederick Ansah Botchway says Ivorian International Eric Dizan is the most skillful player in the team.

    Eric Dizan joined Hearts of Oak in the just ended second transfer window and is yet to feature for the club.

    The former Stade Abidjan player seems to have impressed the technical handles and his team mates even before joining the team.

    Speaking to Saddick Adams in an interview, Frederick Ansah Botchway said the Ivorian is the most skillful player in the Hearts team, “I think there’s this guy who has been training with us. I don’t know why he hasn’t played yet but he is the most skillful player in the squad. Very skilful. He is Ivorian. His name is Eric (Dizan)”

    Eric Dizan has signed a three-year deal with the Phobians in the just ended transfer window.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Felix Annan encouraged me to join Berekum Chelsea- Danlad Ibrahim

    Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Ibrahim Danlad has opened up on why he joined Ghana Premier League side Berekum Chelsea on loan this season.

    The national U-20 goalkeeper joined the Berekum side on a season long loan after the arrival of Kwame Baah earlier this season.

    Danlad revealed that he had a discussion with Asante Kotoko captain Felix Annan before agreeing to join Berekum Chelsea

    “ I sat down with Felix Annan when I had to join Chelsea on loan”, he told Space FM.

    “Felix Annan encouraged me to join Chelsea and it has shown that I made a good decision”

    He added “at a point in time,I acted as goalkeepers trainer because our goalkeepers trainer wasn’t around at that point. I call the current Kotoko goalkeepers’ trainer for directives”.

    Ibrahim Danlad has been the safest pair of hands for Berekum Chelsea this season.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Kotoko confirm release of three players

    Asante Kotoko have released three players from the club, according the Public Relations Officer of the team Kennedy Boakye Ansah.

    The players include midfielders Kelvin Andoh and Kingsley Osei Effah and defender Evans Owusu.

    “”Kelvin Andoh, Evans Owusu and Kingsley Effah released by Asante Kotoko,” the PRO told Sikka Sports.

    The trio have been asked to join any club of their choice ahead of the second round of the Ghana Premier League.

    Evans Owusu, who lost his position to Ibrahim Imoro has moved to Anyinase based club Karela United.

    Andoh and Osei Effah are yet to confirm their next moves.

    The Porcupine Warriors are yet to make new signings but there are reports of interest in Ashantigold captain Latif Anabila.

    Asante Kotoko finished the first round of the league in third with a game in hand.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Listen: E.L recruits Sarkodie for Azonto tune “Revival”

    Just as promised, two of the biggest torch-bearers of the azonto era back in the day, E.L and Sarkodie have teamed up on a new single titled “Revival”.

    This new tune comes at the back of the recent campaign of the Sarkodie revive the old Azonto craze.

    Check out “Revival” from below.

    Source: zionfelix

  • Blows at NDC press conference in Effutu

    Some members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Effutu constituency of the Central region have exchanged blows during a press conference on Saturday to speak against what they say is the illegal suspension of some party executives.

    Four executives within the constituency including Deputy party treasurer, the Communications Officer, and an aspiring parliamentary candidate who lost the primary have reportedly been suspended indefinitely.

    But the affected persons have strongly contested their suspension insisting their suspension was unlawful as they’ve not violated any provision of the party’s constitution.

    Speaking to the media to air their resentment, the ‘suspended’ Communications officer, Alexander Dadzie condemned the attack meted on them which he alleged was orchestrated by some party executives led by former Constituency Chairman, Paa Nii Lamptey.

    Mr Dadzie said: “We were attacked by some macho men wielding sticks and other weapons for no wrong down. We were only exercising our constitutional duty which we are entitled to. I have been hit with an offensive weapon and other persons were also hurt. This is bad and must be condemned by all.”

    He called on the NDC national executives to take control over affairs of the Effutu constituency and ensure there is peace in the party failure of which the party will perform abysmally in the upcoming December general elections.

    Other stalwarts within the constituency have blamed the new Parliamentary candidate James Kofi Annan for being the root of division in the party ever since he was acclaimed a few months ago.

    They claim his machinations soon after joining the NDC party caused the illegal suspensions.

     

    Source: Class FM

  • MoH issues guidelines on homemade face masks

    The Ministry of Health (MoH) has issued a directive on the production and use of homemade face masks.

    The MoH recommended the use of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) approved masks, stating that in cases where they are not available, homemade masks can be used.

    It, however, gave specific guidelines for its production including the use of JAVA or WAX cloths sown triple-layered and stringed with side loops to be worn as hooks to the ear.

    It also stated that calico inlaid with fabric stiffens and inner covered with side loops to be worn as hooks to the ear can be used.

    “Homemade masks with strings to be tied behind the neck or head are not encouraged.”

    Adult masks must not be worn by children —CHILD appropriate length masks must be worn by children.

    It is important that all masks used to meet the minimum standards of safety, ” the directive signed by Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) Dr. Patrick Kumah Aboagye, stressed.

    Procedures For Wearing And Removing A Mask

    The health authority also gave a step by step tutorial on how to wear, remove and dispose of or clean a face mask.

    “Clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer before putting on a mask.

    Ensure that your mask fully covers your mouth and nose with no gaps between your face and the mask.

    Avoid touching the mask after you have won it, ” it said.

    Is also urged the public to remove their face masks by passing a finger through the loop of the mask behind one ear and lifting off without touching the front of the mask.

    The MOH again cautioned against the use the masks for more than 12 hours at a time.

    “Do not re-use single-use surgical masks more than twice or N95 masks more than three times.

    Replace the mask immediately it is damp or soiled, ” it added.

    It further noted that when using a re-usable mask, it must be put into a soapy or bleach lathered water immediately it is removed.

    The MoH said the reusable mask must be left in the water for five (5) minutes before washing.

    “Rinse, dry and iron before reuse, ” it explained.

    It said all masks must be disposed into a closed bin or burn in a safe place after which the individual must
    immediately wash his/her hands with soap and water and where unavailable, must apply alcohol-based sanitizer.

    Mandatory Use Of Masks

    Food vendors and sellers at markets commercial vehicle drivers and attendants, commuters on public transports, persons in public and commercial centers, facilities and buildings are required at all times to wear masks, according to the Moh.

    It said commercial centers included but not limited to offices, bars, workshops, restaurants, sports arenas and spas, salons, shopping malls, churches, clinics and hospitals and all other facilities accessible to the public whether privately or publicly owned.

    It said the directive is to help prevent the contamination, infection or transmission of the virus among the public.

     

    Source: Daily Guide Network

  • MoH issues guidelines on homemade face masks

    The Ministry of Health (MoH) has issued a directive on the production and use of homemade face masks.

    The MoH recommended the use of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) approved masks, stating that in cases where they are not available, homemade masks can be used.

    It, however, gave specific guidelines for its production including the use of JAVA or WAX cloths sown triple-layered and stringed with side loops to be worn as hooks to the ear.

    It also stated that calico inlaid with fabric stiffens and inner covered with side loops to be worn as hooks to the ear can be used.

    “Homemade masks with strings to be tied behind the neck or head are not encouraged.”

    Adult masks must not be worn by children —CHILD appropriate length masks must be worn by children.

    It is important that all masks used to meet the minimum standards of safety, ” the directive signed by Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) Dr. Patrick Kumah Aboagye, stressed.

    Procedures For Wearing And Removing A Mask

    The health authority also gave a step by step tutorial on how to wear, remove and dispose of or clean a face mask.

    “Clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer before putting on a mask.

    Ensure that your mask fully covers your mouth and nose with no gaps between your face and the mask.

    Avoid touching the mask after you have won it, ” it said.

    Is also urged the public to remove their face masks by passing a finger through the loop of the mask behind one ear and lifting off without touching the front of the mask.

    The MOH again cautioned against the use the masks for more than 12 hours at a time.

    “Do not re-use single-use surgical masks more than twice or N95 masks more than three times.

    Replace the mask immediately it is damp or soiled, ” it added.

    It further noted that when using a re-usable mask, it must be put into a soapy or bleach lathered water immediately it is removed.

    The MoH said the reusable mask must be left in the water for five (5) minutes before washing.

    “Rinse, dry and iron before reuse, ” it explained.

    It said all masks must be disposed into a closed bin or burn in a safe place after which the individual must
    immediately wash his/her hands with soap and water and where unavailable, must apply alcohol-based sanitizer.

    Mandatory Use Of Masks

    Food vendors and sellers at markets commercial vehicle drivers and attendants, commuters on public transports, persons in public and commercial centers, facilities and buildings are required at all times to wear masks, according to the Moh.

    It said commercial centers included but not limited to offices, bars, workshops, restaurants, sports arenas and spas, salons, shopping malls, churches, clinics and hospitals and all other facilities accessible to the public whether privately or publicly owned.

    It said the directive is to help prevent the contamination, infection or transmission of the virus among the public.

    Source: Daily Guide Network

  • Blows at NDC press conference in Effutu

    Some members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Effutu constituency of the Central region have exchanged blows during a press conference on Saturday to speak against what they say is the illegal suspension of some party executives.

    Four executives within the constituency including Deputy party treasurer, the Communications Officer, and an aspiring parliamentary candidate who lost the primary have reportedly been suspended indefinitely.

    But the affected persons have strongly contested their suspension insisting their suspension was unlawful as they’ve not violated any provision of the party’s constitution.

    Speaking to the media to air their resentment, the ‘suspended’ Communications officer, Alexander Dadzie condemned the attack meted on them which he alleged was orchestrated by some party executives led by former Constituency Chairman, Paa Nii Lamptey.

    Mr Dadzie said: “We were attacked by some macho men wielding sticks and other weapons for no wrong down. We were only exercising our constitutional duty which we are entitled to. I have been hit with an offensive weapon and other persons were also hurt. This is bad and must be condemned by all.”

    He called on the NDC national executives to take control over affairs of the Effutu constituency and ensure there is peace in the party failure of which the party will perform abysmally in the upcoming December general elections.

    Other stalwarts within the constituency have blamed the new Parliamentary candidate James Kofi Annan for being the root of division in the party ever since he was acclaimed a few months ago.

    They claim his machinations soon after joining the NDC party caused the illegal suspensions.

    Source: Class FM

  • Hearts of Oak star Frederick Ansah Botchway came close to quitting due to poverty

    Hearts of Oak midfielder Frederick Ansah Botchway has narrated how he came close to quitting football due to poverty.

    Botchway recounts walking 12.5 km from his residence in Ablekuma to Darkuman for training because he could not afford the transport fare.

    He revealed the lack of financial support nearly pushed him to abandon the dream of becoming a professional footballer.

    “I had contemplated quitting football several times. There were periods that I almost gave up. Imagine walking from Ablekuma to Darkuman to train everyday. You don’t even have 1 cedi in your pocket to board a car,” Botchway reveals in chat with journalist Saddick Adams.

    “The club I was playing, there was no salary, no winning bonus for three years. I just wanted to play and make a mark.

    At a point, I packed my things to stay in a mission house because it was closer to my club training base.

    ”The mission house became my home. When the church folks cook, I get some to eat.

    “That’s how I survived. When Liberty signed me, my salary was 200 cedis and I was very excited for the first time.”

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • John Antwi: Pyramids FC star is the most expensive striker in Egypt

    Ghana striker John Antwi is regarded the most expensive centre forward in the Egyptian Premier League.

    The Pyramids FC player is valued at € 1,000,000 after a recent study and evaluation of players in the country’s top-flight.

    The 25-year-old is followed by Zamalek’s Mostafa Mohamed who also is valued at € 950,000.

    In third place, Al Ahly striker Marawan Mohsen who market valued is pegged at € 800,000 which is equivalent to 13, 500,000 Egyptian pounds.

    Another Zamalek player Kabongo Kasongo comes in at fourth place with the same marketing value as Mohsen (€ 800,000).

    Al-Ahly striker Aliou Badji came in fifth position with the same transfer value (€ 800,000) as Mohsen and Kasongo.

    Salah Mohsen, the Al-Ahly striker who is on loan at Smouha, Hossam Hassan of Smouha and Zamalek striker Omar Al-Zamalek follow in that order.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Serie A giants Juventus joins race for Thomas Partey’s signature

    Italian Serie A giants, Juventus have joined the race to sign Ghana international Thomas Partey.

    The Atletico Madrid midfielder has been strongly linked to Arsenal this summer.

    Arteta has plans of bolstering is central-midfield, with the Gunners poised to lose on-loan Real Madrid man Dani Ceballos in the near future once his season-long loan deal expires.

    The Gunners must cough £43.5million to sign the 26-year-old this summer.

    Meanwhile, the Serie A title holders have joined the race to land the midfielder as manager Maurizio Sarri eyeing the Ghanaian to bolster his midfield.

    Juventus feels midfielder Blaise Matuidi is out of gas and would want to add the player to their ranks.

    Partey has also been linked to Manchester United and Manchester City as well as AS Roma and Inter Milan.

    However, reports in Spain suggest Atletico Madrid are ready to improve Partey’s contract.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Saturn disappearing much faster than scientists anticipated

    If you were to pick Saturn out of a lineup youd probably recognize it by its iconic rings. Theyre the biggest, brightest rings in our solar system. Extending over 280,000 km from the planet; wide enough to fit 6 Earths in a row. But Saturn wont always look this way. Because its rings are disappearing.

    Thats right, Saturn is losing its rings! And fast. Much faster, even, than scientists had first thought. Right now, its raining 10,000 kilograms of ring rain on Saturn per second. Fast enough to fill an Olympic-sized pool in half an hour.

    This rain is actually the disintegrated remains of Saturns rings. Saturns rings are mostly made up of chunks of ice and rock. Which are under constant bombardment: Some by UV radiation from the Sun and others by tiny meteoroids.

    When these collisions take place, the icy particles vaporize, forming charged water molecules that interact with Saturns magnetic field; ultimately, falling toward Saturn, where they burn up in the atmosphere.

    Now, weve known about ring rain since the 1980s when NASAs Voyager mission first noticed mysterious, dark bands that turned out to be ring rain caught in Saturns magnetic fields. Back then, researchers estimated the rings would totally drain in 300 million years. But observations by NASAs former Cassini spacecraft give a darker prognosis. Before its death dive into Saturn in 2017, Cassini managed to get a better look at the amount of ring-dust raining on Saturns equator.

    And discovered that it was raining heavier than previously thought. With these clearer observations, scientists calculated the rings had only 100 million years left to live. Now, its tough to imagine a ringless Saturn.

    But for much of its existence, the planet was as naked as Earth. While Saturn first formed around 4.5 BILLION years ago, studies suggest the rings are only 100- 200 million years old, tops. Thats younger than some dinosaurs.

    So when you think about it, were pretty lucky we happened to be around to see those magnificent rings. Really lucky, in fact. Because efforts to study those rings have led us to other discoveries.

    For example, as Cassini explored Saturns moon Enceladus, it uncovered a trail of ice and gas leading back to Saturns E ring. Enceladus is the whitest, most reflective moon in our solar system.

    And by studying the ring more closely, scientists now know why. Turns out, the moon is constantly gushing out gas and dust.

    Some of it ends up in space and in the E ring while the rest snows back onto the moons surface, creating a blinding white frost.

    So, who knows what other discoveries might be hiding within the rings? At the very least, its clear wed better keep looking while we still can.

     

    Source: Business Insider USA

  • Kia truck kills twenty-year-old at Kwahu

    A Kia truck conveying mining equipment with registration number AS 9946-14, crashed a twenty-year-old man to death around Bonokrom junction in the Aowin Municipality of the Western North Region.

    The deceased, Kofi Adobia was riding an unregistered Haojin motorbike with Prince Ansah as the pillion rider when the accident happened on Monday at about 1830 hours.

    Ansah, 18, who sustained various degrees of injury, was quickly transported to the Enchi Government Hospital where he is currently on admission and receiving treatment.

    The body of the deceased, which was deposited at the same facility morgue, has been released to the family for burial after a postmortem.

    Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Henry Bacho, Divisional Commander of Enchi who confirmed the story to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said on April 20, 2020, the police had information that the deceased and the pillion rider were riding from Kwahu towards Enchi.

    He said when they reached Bonokrom junction between Samreboi and Bonokese interchange, the Kia truck which was driven by Kwame Nzuwa, 43, bumped the two which resulted in the death of Adobia while Ansah survived with injuries.

    ACP Bacho said the suspected driver fled from the accident scene but was apprehended the following day by the police at Asankragua and has been granted bail to assist investigations.

    According to the Divisional Commander, the father of the deceased later went to the Enchi police station and identified the victim as his son.

     

    Source: GNA

  • Over 26,000 women to lose access to contraceptives due to COVID-19

    A report by Marie Stopes Ghana has warned that about 26,600 women in Ghana risk losing access to contraceptives and post-abortion pills due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in the country.

    The report revealed that the inability to have access to the pills during this pandemic could lead to 9,768 unintended pregnancies, about 16,740 unsafe abortions, and 92 pregnancy-related deaths.

    And the first-hand effect was witnessed in Accra and Kumasi during the lockdown where women found it difficult to seek contraception and post-abortion care services.

    Country Director of Marie Stopes Ghana, Anne Coolen in the statement explained that “Delays to access caused by social distancing, healthcare shutdowns and travel restrictions will have a profound impact, meaning thousands of women and girls will face unintended pregnancies and possible unsafe abortions.”

    The organisation, therefore, wants government to include the reproductive healthcare women need in the list of essential services by allowing them access contraception and post-abortion care services remotely via telemedicine, allowing pharmacies to provide services and removing unnecessary waiting times and the need for multiple doctor sign-offs.

    They also added that “Women and girls will pay the price if the government does not act now to safeguard access to essential healthcare, including contraception and post-abortion care.”

    “But if the government is willing to work with providers there are simple, effective, and proven steps that could save thousands of lives and Marie Stopes Ghana would be very happy to support those efforts,” they continued.

    Source: ABCNewsgh.com

  • NDC reports suspicious meeting to police after injunction on EC workshop

    Police at Airport are investigating a complaint lodged by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over an ongoing meeting at the City Escape Hotel in Accra.

    The party suspects that the said meeting is a conference by the Electoral Commission (EC) which the court stopped from taking place after an injunction secured by the Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam Nartey George.

    The injunction was however issued for a meeting scheduled to take place at the City Escape Hotel in Prampram.

    The injunction is in place from April 24, 2020, to April 27, 2020.

    Though there are several government-registered vehicles in the premises of the Hotel, it is unclear if the said workshop is ongoing.

    Police from the airport command are currently at the hotel premises.

    The EC was planning to hold a national planning meeting and a training workshop to prepare and plan for the upcoming voter registration exercise.

     

    The programmes were scheduled to take place from Apri 24, 2020, to April 29, 2020, at the City Escape Hotel.

    The meeting was to be held in three different batches in order to observe the social distancing protocols amidst the outbreak of the coronavirus in Ghana.

    The plans for new register are currently on suspension because of the coronavirus pandemic.

    The voters registration exercises was initially scheduled to begin on April 18, due to COVID-19.

    Following the suspension, the EC had said it is collaborating with health experts to decide on a more favourable date depending on the prevalence rate of the virus.

     

    Source: citinewsroom 

  • University of Ghana commences production of alcohol-based hand sanitizers

    As part of efforts to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease in the country, the University of Ghana School of Pharmacy has ventured into the business of producing alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

    The sanitizers, which are labelled Pharmol Sanitizers, are in 200ml and 1L units and have been vetted, approved and registered by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).

    According to the The Pharmol sanitizer also known as UG Sanitizer, appears in two forms hand gel and spray Sanitizers.

    The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the high demand of face masks and hand sanitizers as these are the widely accepted commodities that aid in the combat of the coronavirus pandemic.

    The outbreak of the disease in the country has seen some of the tertiary institutions in the country coming up with efforts to help in the fight which has since claimed 10 lives.

     

    Already, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology is producing hand sanitizers for sale.

    Source: ABCnewsgh.com

  • B. Foster Bakery supports NCCE with ¢5,000

    B. Foster Bakery, bakers of B. Foster bread-based in Koforidua in the Eastern Region, has presented a cheque of Gh¢5,000.00 to the Eastern Regional office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to enable them to fuel their vehicles to continue with their public education on the coronavirus.

    The support was to encourage the institution to sensitize as many citizens as possible about the COVID 19 pandemic and what they have to do to reduce the spread of the disease.

    Presenting the cheque at a donation ceremony where other members of the Eastern, Volta and Oti Regional branch of the Association of Ghana Industries(AGI) made presentations to the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council to support the efforts of Eastern Region to control the spread of COVID 19 in the region, Felix Berbiye, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of B. Foster Bakery underscored the importance of the NCCE in the fight against the coronavirus, hence the decision of the company to support the organization.

    He said the NCCE has a mandate and with the needed push, he was hopeful that they would embark on a series of awareness creation in the districts across the region.

    The CEO indicated that his organization would also support some communities in the New Juaben South and North Municipalities with hand sanitizers, veronica buckets and tissue papers to help in the control of the spread of the coronavirus in the society.

    Eric Kwakye-Darfour, Eastern Regional Minister who received the cheque on behalf of NCCE immediately handed over the cheque to the Eastern Regional Director of the NCCE.

    He commended B. Foster for the generous support to the NCCE at this crucial time.

    The Eastern Regional Director of NCCE, Alex Sackey after receiving the cheque thanked the company for the gesture extended to them as an institution to undertake sensitization and awareness programmes in the region.

    He indicated that the support will go a long way to help the work of the NCCE in the region in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus.

    Mr Sackey said, since the start of efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus in the country, it is the Church of Pentecost that had offered their evangelism van to the NCCE to embark on sensitization exercise across the region but for some time now, they had been stacked due to fuel constraints.

    He said with the support, they will go back to the communities to ensure that they reach out to those communities that were left out in their earlier campaign against the spread of the virus.

    Present at the ceremony were officials of the ERCC and the Regional Chairman of the AGI Eastern, Volta, and Oti Regions, Dela Gadzanku.

     

    Source: GNA 

  • Amos Frimpong picks his best Asante Kotoko XI

    After seven years of loyal service to the Porcupine Warriors, Amos Frimpong has featured himself in the selection of his best Asante Kotoko XI.

    The former captain also mentioned the likes of Jordan Ayew, Ahmed Toure and current skipper Felix Annan in his team.

    Frimpong who featured mainly as a right-back, joined the Porcupine Warriors from BA United in 2012 and became a key member of the team.

    He won 3 League titles, 2 FA Cup, 2 President cups, 1 NC Tier One trophy, 3 Super Cup, and 1 SWAG cup during his time with the club.

    Below is the list of his XI:

    1. Felix Annan

    2. Amos Frimpong

    3. Eric Donkor

    4. Ohene Brenya
    5. Awal Mohammed

    6. Jackson Owusu

    7. Emmanuel Gyamfi

    8. Jordan Opoku

    9. Ahmed Toure

    10. Dauda Mohammed

    11. Frank Sarfo Gyamfi

    Source: Ghana Crusader

  • Rwandan officers raping and killing during lockdown

    An international pressure group has accused the Rwandan security forces of killing, raping and arresting people since a coronavirus lockdown came into force.

    Human Rights Watch says at least two people have been shot dead in the southern Nyanza district.

    It says those accused of breaking lockdown rules have been detained in stadiums, and women raped by men in military uniforms.

    Journalists and bloggers who have reported on the alleged abuses have been detained.

    The Rwandan military says it has opened an investigation into the alleged incidents, and detained five suspects.

    Source: BBC

  • Taxi driver murdered; car snatched at Apam junction

    A 23-year-old taxi driver has been murdered and dumped in a nearby bush at Gomoa Ankamu in the Gomoa West District of the Central Region.

    A resident, Joe Abekah, said the deceased sustained a lot of deep cuts on his head.

    According to him, the killers must have hired the deceased from Mankessim.

    The body has been conveyed by Apam District Police Command to Winneba Trauma and Specialist Hospital Mortuary for preservation whiles investigations ongoing, ,Kasapa FM has reported.

    Meanwhile, Assemblyman for Gomoa Ankamu-Simbrofo Electoral area, Isaac Kelly Arthur in an interview expressed worry over the increasing number of such crimes in the area.

    “What the armed robbers do is that when they see a new taxi cab, they hire and direct the driver towards a bushy area and try to kill the driver and take the car away. The Police patrol in this area must be stepped up to prevent such crimes from being committed.”

    It is the second time in a month a taxi driver has been killed with the same modus operandi.

    On April 25, a 20-year-old taxi driver at Ashaiman in the Greater Accra Region, who was hired by a car-snatching syndicate from Ashaiman to Dawhenya, was gruesomely murdered.

    The lifeless body of the taxi driver, Emmanuel Bioh, was found with bullet wounds in a bush at Aveyime in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region without the car.

     

    Source: theghanareport 

  • 130 Riders arrested for violating social distancing protocol

    The Accra Regional Police Command has intensified its operation to arrest recalcitrant members of the public who are flouting the social distancing directive as well as perpetuating crime.

    Within two days, the police have impounded more than 130 motorbikes and arrested some riders in various parts of Accra for breaching the directive aimed at reducing the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

    Also, four suspected robbers are currently being held by the police after they were arrested for allegedly attacking some individuals in some streets in parts of Accra.

    Caution

    Following the lifting of the partial lockdown directive, the police last Wednesday cautioned the general public that its operation to clamp down on people who defied the directive, particularly, on social distancing would continue.

    It also said they would continue to look out for criminals, and urged the public to comply with the directives and general law and order.

    Operation social distancing

    In a special operation, dubbed “Operation Social Distancing,” a team of policemen swooped on motorbike riders violating the directive in and around Tudu, the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange, Ministries enclave, UTC, Kimbu and Tema Station, all in Accra.

    Briefing the Daily Graphic, the Accra Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Mr Frederick Adu Anim, said motorbike riders were banned from picking a pillion rider in order to observe the social distancing protocol as part of measures to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus.

    He said the command observed that almost immediately after the partial lockdown was lifted, some riders began violating the directive and were riding in parts of the city with pillion riders.

    Sustained operation

    The command therefore embarked on an operation last Wednesday and Thursday with a team of policemen drawn from the Operations Unit and Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Regional Command.

    The objective, DCOP Adu Anim said, was to arrest motorbike riders who were defying the social distancing directive.

    During the operation, he said, some commercial motorbike riders who had stationed their motorbikes at some vantage points were seen calling for passengers and they were arrested.

    Some of the motorbike riders, he said, abandoned their motorcycles and bolted on seeing the police during the operation.

    Mr Adu Anim said the exercise would take place in the region as all divisional and district commanders had been tasked to replicate it in their areas of responsibilities.

    Robbers

    Three robbers were arrested by the Amasaman Police, while the fourth suspect was also arrested by the Anyah Police. All the arrests were made yesterday.

    The suspects are Munkaila Mahmud ,19, Abbas Haruna, 22, Eric Agyei, 28, and Nasiru Mohammed, 28. An accomplice of Mohammed is currently on the run and being hunted by the police.

    Bag snatching

    Briefing the Daily Graphic, the Public Relations Officer of the Accra Regional Police Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mrs Effia Tenge, said the three suspects, Mahmud, Haruna and Agyei were arrested at about 12:10a.m. on Friday April 24, 2020 at Peace Village, a suburb of Amasaman, in the Greater Accra Region.

    She said the suspects were believed to have trailed their victim while she was walking home from work and attempted to snatch her handbag which contained her valuables.

    The victim raised an alarm which attracted some neighbours, including police personnel who came to her rescue.

    The suspects were overpowered and arrested by the police and taken to the Amasaman Police Station where they were detained.

    Police to the rescue

    On the same day at about 1:20a.m, Mrs Tenge said the police in Anyaa, near Ablekuma, arrested Nasiru Mohammed for allegedly attempting to steal from some persons together with his accomplice, now at large.

    She said the suspects met their victims at Nii Bortey near the Anyaa Market and demanded money from them.

    The suspects, she said, conducted a search on the victims and found nothing so they asked their victims to kneel.

    However, one of the victims escaped and met the police patrol team on his way and narrated the incident to them.

    The patrol team proceeded to the scene and arrested Nasiru Mohammed but his accomplice escaped.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh 

  • Zlatan Ibrahimovic says statue vandals are ‘kindergarten level’

    Zlatan Ibrahimovic says people who vandalised a statue of him earlier this year are “at kindergarten level” and that his story will “remain forever”.

    The AC Milan striker is training at Swedish club Hammarby while Italy is in lockdown during the coronavirus crisis.

    After he invested in Hammarby last year, vandals repeatedly defaced a statue of him outside boyhood club and rivals Malmo before it was eventually toppled and removed in January.

    “It’s a shame,” Ibrahimovic told Dplay.

    “They want attention and want the media to write about it – it’s at kindergarten level and we’re bigger than that.”

    Talking about the vandalisation for the first time, he added: “The statue was what it was, but that doesn’t mean that my story will be torn down, it will remain forever.”

    Former Sweden striker Ibrahimovic, 38, made his professional debut for Malmo 20 years ago but bought a 25% stake in Hammarby in November.

    Ibrahimovic, who scored during a televised training match for Hammarby on Friday, said he now felt he had been “too kind” to Malmo by giving them 100m Swedish krona (£8.05m).

    “I played for Malmo and I did what I did for Malmo, even though I was not welcome and was not wanted,” said Ibrahimovic, who left the club to join Ajax in 2001.

    “They should be grateful, and those who know it, they know it.”

    The former Juventus and Barcelona player rejoined Milan on a six-month deal in December after leaving LA Galaxy.

    When asked about his future, Ibrahimovic said he will “see what happens” after he is able to return to Milan.

    The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has said Serie A could return in late May or early June, having been suspended since 9 March.

    “I have a contract with Milan and we will see how it ends there, if it ends,” said Ibrahimovic.

    “I want to play football for as long as I can and be able to contribute something, not just play for what I have done or who I am.

    “We’ll see what happens – who knew coronavirus would come and turn the world upside down in two weeks?”

     

  • Government urged not to ‘sit on the bench’ in Newcastle takeover

    The government has been urged to “take a role” in the potential £300m Saudi-backed takeover of Newcastle United.

    Clive Betts, the chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Football, said Saudi Arabia’s alleged role in pirate network beoutQ “should be an immediate priority for regulatory scrutiny surrounding the takeover”.

    The broadcaster has been illegally showing Premier League matches in the Middle East.

    It is understood the Premier League is carrying out the necessary paperwork with regards to its owners’ and directors’ test for the proposed takeover of the Magpies.

    Saudi broadcaster Arabsat has always denied that beoutQ uses its frequencies to broadcast illegally.

    Earlier this week, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said the issue was a matter for the Premier League, but Betts thinks intervention is needed and the government should “not sit on the bench”.

    “The government does have a responsibility. They should be looking into it. Football is the sport and there is a national interest in this,” he told BBC Sport.

    “Where you have a conflict over the potential undermining of commercial contracts by organisations seeking to buy a club then that’s much closer to home.”

    Betts says he is worried that broadcast rights-holders like Qatar-based beIN Sport – which has urged the Premier League to “interrogate” the takeover – may reconsider their partnerships if the piracy continues.

    Betts added: “Why would you sign contracts and pay money if others just take it for free? It undermines the whole Premier League and it’s like inviting a cuckoo into the nest.

    “While the Premier League needs to seriously look at any potential conflict between the ownership of a football club and the alleged three-year theft of UK media rights by the future owner, the government should take a role, not sit on the bench.”

    The purpose of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Football is to “raise matters of importance with the football authorities”.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Brazil justice minister Moro quits in Bolsonaro clash

    Brazil’s Justice Minister Sergio Moro has resigned amid tension with President Jair Bolsonaro.

    Mr Moro, a former judge, had threatened to quit after the president fired one of his allies – federal police chief Mauricio Valeixo – on Thursday.

    Speaking on TV, Mr Moro said there was no reason to sack Mr Valeixo, calling it political interference.

    Mr Moro is one of the president’s most popular ministers. He oversaw Brazil’s biggest-ever anti-corruption probe.

    Mr Valeixo’s dismissal was announced, with no further details, in the official gazette.

    Mr Moro had threatened to resign if Mr Valeixo were dismissed, but then said he would stay if he were allowed to choose a replacement.

    Brazil’s currency – the real – sank to a record low of 5.50 per dollar on Thursday, amid the political uncertainty.

    Fighting corruption was a key issue for Jair Bolsonaro in his 2018 presidential campaign.

    Mr Moro once said he “would never enter politics”, but later said he accepted the invitation to join Mr Bolsonaro’s cabinet in order to implement an anti-corruption and anti-organised crime agenda.

    He was promised full autonomy for his department, which united the justice and public security portfolio in a so-called “super ministry”.

    Mr Moro oversaw a huge corruption probe which exposed billions of dollars in bribes and ended in the jailing of many powerful businessmen and politicians, including leftist former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Israel further eases virus measures for shops, restaurants

    The Israeli government Friday approved new steps to ease its lockdown measures for retail and service businesses, in the hope of reinvigorating the collapsing economy.

    While malls will remain closed, all other shops will be allowed to reopen if they follow strict measures such as limiting the number of customers on the premises, a joint statement from the prime minister’s office and the finance and health ministries said.

    Wearing face masks in public became mandatory earlier this month, and will also be required in stores.

    Hairdressers and beauty salons will be permitted to reopen with client limits, while restaurants and cafes, which over the past weeks have been delivery-only, can start selling takeaway.

    Less than a week ago, Israeli authorities announced the reopening of certain shops including hardware stores.

    The new measures will come into effect at midnight Saturday and will apply until May 3, the statement said.

    Also Friday, the government voted to provide support worth eight billion shekels (over $2.2 billion) to the self-employed and to small businesses.

    Israel announced its first case of the novel coronavirus on February 21, and has since officially declared more than 14,800 cases, including 193 deaths.

    The country took rapid measures to impose social distancing and has been in lockdown for weeks.

    A poll published Friday in Maariv newspaper found 60 percent of Israelis surveyed had a favourable view of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions to prevent the spread of the virus.

    But the same percentage thought his handling of the economy was poor.

    Before the coronavirus crisis, Israel had an unemployment rate of around 3.4 percent, but that has jumped to around 25 percent since the shutdown.

    Source: france24.com

  • Cameroon police disperse Muslim worshippers

    Muslims in Cameroon have clashed with police at the start of the holy month of Ramadan for violating government orders not to gather because of the coronavirus pandemic, reports broadcaster Voice of America (VOA).

    Police dispersed worshippers from 13 mosques in the West, Central and Far North regions where they had insisted on gathering for prayers, the report quotes a police statement as saying.

    Awah Fonka, governor of the West region, told VOA that he had asked the police to force worshippers out of mosques in the towns of Foumban, Foumbot and Bafoussam.

    Cameroon has recorded more than 1,430 Covid-19 infections, including 43 deaths from the respiratory illness.

    Source: BBC