The Coronavirus pandemic keeps on disturbing the world in so many ways. Millions are dying globally, tens of thousands are being infected daily while the negative economic impact cannot be overlooked and thwarted.
The closure of non-essential services has brought an untold hardship to the destitute in many societies. However, life is more important than material gains therefore, taking precautionary measures is very key.
The Ahafo Regional Security Council, led by the Regional Minister, Hon. Evans Opoku Bobie (MP) organised stakeholders consultative meeting on how to strengthen measures to help curb the spread of the deadly virus.
After a deeper deliberation on the negative effects of the actions of some deviant traders, it was unanimously agreed that, all Weekly Market centres in the region must be close down with effect from Monday. 27th April, 2020 for the next two weeks.
Some of the towns which observe weekly markets are Goaso, Mim, Kukuom, Hwidiem, Kenyasi, Bechem, Duayaw Nkwanta etc
This will help the region to stop the spread of Covid 19.
MMDCEs, Health Authorities, Security Services, Traditional leaders, Government officials etc consented to this decision by the region.
The region has also ban all tricycles popularly known as PRAGYIA in the region with effect from the same date, Monday. 27th April, 2020.
The Police service and other security Authorities have been tasked by the Ahafo Regional Security Council to enforce this new convention. Failure to comply by these directives will lead to prosecution of offenders.
The Ahafo Region is among the regions which has not recorded a single case of the Carcinogenic Coronavirus pandemic.
Hon. Evans Opoku Bobie, who is the Regional Minister and doubles as the Member of Parliament for Asunafo North Constituency disclosed to Cash Media that, the decision is bitter sweet but everyone must obey it as such.
It is very imperative to note that, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued guidelines to all Countries which includes, mandatory quarantine, repatriations of citizens and preparedness at workplaces.
WHO is also working with a network of experts to coordinate regional surveillance efforts, epidemiology, modelling, diagnostics, clinical care treatment and other ways to identify, manage the disease and limit widespread transmission globally?
The Regional Health Director, Mr Boakye Boateng urged all individuals to observe physical distancing in all their endeavours as part of the measures to reduce the spread of the Pernicious pandemic.
The wearing of nose mask shouldn’t be a joke at all. “A nose mask is a must”. He stated.
A decision was made that proper screening of travellers shall be intensify in the region.
Ghana’ innovative decision to use drones to deliver PPEs and samples for testing in the fight against the Coronavirus is fast getting international recognition as Britain has announced it will use drones for COVID-19 medical deliveries from next week.
Government has employed the services of the Zipline Drones to deliver urgent medical essentials, especially samples from remote communities to designated testing centres to help in the fight against the Coronavirus.
Earlier this week, the TIME magazine reported that Ghana is the first country in the world to employ this innovation since COVID-19 broke out, and also revealed America’s intention to urgently consider using the drones.
Britain is now the latest state to announce its readiness to use the drones in its charge on the Coronavirus.
At its daily COVID-19 press briefing, Sky News reported that British Transport Secretary Grant Shaps announced that drones are being trialed to deliver medical supplies to help Britain’s response against the Coronavirus.
The trial, according to the Transport Secretary, will begin next week and it will carry supplies to St Mary’s Hospital on the Isle Of Wight.
Considering the urgency of the situation and Britain’s quest to immediately employ the drones service, the Transport Secretary said he had “fast-tracked” the trials following a £28m awarded by the government earlier this year to Southampton and Portsmouth councils to carry out drone operations as part of a wider trial.
Before the outbreak of the Coronavirus, Ghana had been employing drones to deliver urgent medical supplies to remote communities since the Zipline Service was launched by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia last year.
The introduction of the drones was criticised by the opposition NDC who said the service was not needed in the country.
Events, especially during the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic, have however proved that the government was even ahead of many developed countries in the world.
Ghana has two main drone stations at Omenako in the Eastern Region and Mampong in the Ashanti Region.
Works are also nearing completion for the third and forth zones at Kukua near Walewale, in the North East Region and Sefwi Wiawso in the Western North Region.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ellembelle in the Western Region, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has launched an Ellembelle Food Bank project to feed the needy, sick and vulnerable persons in the Ellembelle District and its environs.
The former Petroleum Minister, speaking to Citi News at the launch of the initiative said there are about two million Ghanaians, mostly children and elderly who are vulnerable to food insecurity hence the need for such initiative to combat hunger among the poor.
“This is a community-based effort and the goal here is to energize the community to create a community spirit of giving. What we have done today is to create an avenue of people who can give on a daily basis to drop food. We know that we have 1,500 million people in Ghana go hungry every day and the situation has even worsened by the pandemic and the difficulties we face. I think this is the time that we as a people or community must show love by sharing. The indication we have is that on a daily basis, one-third of the food we have go waste, but how do we ensure that we share it? And I think that the Food Bank will do exactly that.â€
“The Food Bank is currently stocked and opened to the needy and vulnerable. It will continue to be operational in partnership with all groups interested in helping to improve the quality of life of beneficiaries. This will act as the central warehouse to salvage and preserve food to combat hunger as well as provide relief for all persons especially the aged struggling to obtain food to feed…Food will be distributed on the basis of need, emergency or illness (i.e. senior citizens, low-income families, victims of disaster or pandemics). Recipients will not be required to exchange money or services for food,“ he said.
Â
Mr. Kofi-Buah who spent time to distribute hampers of provisions and packed food to the aged and needy persons at Ampain Community also in the Ellembelle District said the food bank is a non-partisan initiative which will be managed by critically selected stakeholders including the clergy, chiefs and Imams in the district.
“A management committee shall be formed comprising of partners and representatives from corporate entities, government inspection Agencies, Religious bodies, Chiefs, NGOs and beneficiary communities. This is to ensure the efficient operation and management of the food bank to achieve fair distribution of food items to beneficiaries without regard to colour, gender, political affiliation and status.“
Â
The DCE for Ellembelle, Kwasi Bonzoh, who graced the launch also donated GHS1,000 to the committee to manage the Food Bank to help in restocking the Food Bank.
He commended the MP for the Food Bank initiative.
“Basically the MP is providing the platform for everybody to bring on board whatever food items that can be brought on board. A proposal has been sent to the assembly and management would look at it but in my personal capacity, I have donated a seed of thousand Ghana Cedis to support with buying of food items all in appreciation of the first initiative of such kind in the district.“
Needy persons and the aged who attended the launch were given hampers of rice and provisions.
They also praised the MP, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, for the gesture.
The Ellembelle Food Bank situated at Aya Community has a standby mobile Van to distribute the over GHS50,000 worth of assorted food stock across the Ellembelle District.
The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is embarking on a free face mask distribution for his constituents.
According to the legislator, local dressmakers in the Juapong, Battor, Mepe and Aveyime have been contracted to produce 20,000 face masks which will be distributed free of charge.
Mr. Ablakwa explained that the processes involved in the production of the face masks will be done in strict adherence with the FDA and Ghana Standard Authority Guidelines as well as the District Health Directorate.
“I have mobilized and contracted our local dressmakers and tailors in Juapong, Battor, Mepe and Aveyime to produce 20,000 face masks for free distribution to my beloved constituents.â€
“We are ensuring the 20,000 face mask production is done according to FDA guidelines and with the blessing of our District Health Directorate,†said Ablakwa.
He explained that the initiative is not only aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19 but also to ensure local garment making industry at the district level is revived.
“With this initiative, we do not only help prevent coronavirus from entering our constituency, but we are also reviving the businesses of our local garment-makers who have taken a big hit due to the restrictions on social and religious gatherings and therefore not many are making new clothes.â€
“I am happy to have spent the day in Juapong where we commenced the free distribution to over a thousand people including the youth, market women, shop owners, welders, commercial drivers and the Juapong District Police Command,†the North Tongu legislator added.
The Volta Region has recorded 10 cases of COVID-19. At the national level the case count stands at 1,279.
Wearing of face masks made mandatory in Accra to stop COVID-19 spread
As part of measures to curb the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease in the country, wearing of face masks in public places was made mandatory within the Greater Accra Region earlier this week.
The directive was issued by the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council.
A statement signed by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Ishmael Ashitey said notices of “NO FACE MASK, NO ENTRY†should be visibly displayed at vantage points including offices, lorry stations, shops, markets, malls, banks, pharmacies, among others.
Mr. Ashitey explained that the decision to force Ghanaians within the region to wear face masks was adopted by the Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) during its crunch meeting held on Wednesday, April 22, 2020.
A Crop Physiology and Crop Improvement Scientist Dr. Michael O. Adu, a Senior Lecturer at the Crop Science Department, University of Cape Coast and Dr. Ebenezer Gyamera, a Lecturer and the Acting Farm Manager of the same university have said that coronavirus has affected every aspect of human life including Agriculture.
They were both speaking on GBC Radio Central’s Central Morning Show on Friday 24th April, 2020 on the topic “COVID-19: effects on Agriculture” hosted by D. C. Kwame Kwakye.
Dr. Gyamera who has a speciality in Animal Husbandry & Nutrition asserted that there is a common medicine called iron dextran which is given to piglets three days after they are born which is now very scarce. The shortage is likely to lead to high mortality of piglets on pig farms as a result of anaemia due to the unavailability of the medication on the market. He attributed the shortage of the drug and other veterinary supplies to panic buying by well-to-do farmers.
The expert said the border closure has affected the importation of day-old chicks into our country. “About 95 per cent of all day-old chicks raised in Ghana are imported”. The lockdown and the border closure would affect the importation and farmers cannot get birds to keep”.
“Eggs become abundant during September-October of every year but I can assure you that, egg production would dwindle and the price of eggs would go up making it expensive”.
He averred that he saw something on social media where a dairy farmer in the USA was throwing 54,000 litres of fresh milk away. The reason being that the cheese manufacturing company that would have purchased the milk for further processing is out of production because of coronavirus. “The farmer cannot drink all the fresh milk and has no facility to store and this becomes a huge cost to the farmer” he added.
He explained further that, broilers that were raised to be sold at Easter were not sold during the Easter due to the lockdown in some parts of the country and observance of social distancing protocols. The effect is that most of such birds are still being fed by farmers hence increasing their cost of feeding. “One sad aspect is that when broilers become heavy up to a certain weight they can collapse and die” resulting in huge financial losses to the farmer.
Dr. Gyamera speaking about Lockdown areas, said, in Abokobi, a suburb in Accra, farmers couldn’t farm due to the partial lockdown and that is one area where people farm a lot in the capital city. “When this happens, farmers lose out and it affects the food chain as well”.
The Acting Farm Manager said in the wisdom of the government some economic activities were allowed to go on even during the partial lockdown because in his view, for instance, if someone has gone to buy tomatoes and is unable to sell within about 4 days all those goods would get rotten. “That decision by the government was in the right direction and that cushioned farmers a bit”.
In responding to what can be done going forward, he implored government to consider assisting farmers and in his view, the 600 million Ghana Cedis government has earmarked for SME’s, farmers should be considered because most of the SME’s get their inputs from farmers. “Not supporting farmers would make the support by government incomplete” Dr. Gyamera added.
“Everything that needs to be done can be done because where there is a will there is a way” Dr Gyamera said. He was responding to how farmers can be supported within our peculiar unstructured society. He further added that “Agric Extension Officers can help out in identifying farmers who would need help and same can be supported but was quick to add that not all farmers need government support post COVID-19“.
Reacting to a caller’s question as to how government can support farmers by taking an active part in farming activities, Dr. Gyamera said there are two main paths or approach to this. There is Socialism where we all farm for government and capitalism where farms belong to individuals and not the state. He further said, “Ghana is a capitalist country and if a farmer needs help then he must go and register under the government’s policy of Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ). Under this programme, all you need to do is to go to the District Agric Office and register and get all the necessary government support.
Dr. Adu, on the other hand, responding to the same question admonished that, Ghana is very lucky because there wasn’t total lockdown and as such farmers could go and plant their crops. He was quick to add that all farmers should be careful and observe all protocols as prescribed by the Ghana Health Service especially social distancing. He argued that there are good lessons to be learnt from the COVID-19 situation. Efforts should be made in building resilient systems for future occurrences. This should include enhancing local capacity and manufacturing of agro-inputs and in processing agricultural products.
The crop Physiology and Improvement Scientist, Dr. Adu explained further that, the agricultural value chain is complex and long, involving producers, marketers, transporters, processors and consumers. In total lockdowns, farmers cannot farm and farm produce cannot be transported. Agro inputs will not also move. These would be very dire for a country like Ghana whose farming is mostly small-scale subsistence and the arable lands are poor in quality. Farmers would have reduced yields and that would affect them economically. Particularly for perishable goods such as vegetables and fruits, lockdowns could lead to massive deterioration. This would effectively alter supply and demand dynamics, and impact prices, ultimately affecting consumers.
When asked about how COVID-19 can affect our farming situation in Ghana, he said our situation is better since we never experienced total lockdown. He recounted his experiences when buying fruits for his son he had to think twice because he was somehow scared not knowing where the fruits had come from and how it had been handled. He was reluctant to buy fruits such as bananas which are eaten raw. Such consumer behaviours, he said, could impact farmers adversely.
In concluding the discussion, Dr. Gyamera said “I have been very happy with the kind of love shown by Ghanaians towards fighting COVID-19 but same help should be extended to either an old man or old lady who is a farmer in your community. You can look for any farmer in your area and ask him or her what can be done to help and provide either seedlings or seeds or any other input to assist such a farmer”.
Members of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) in the Nandom Municipality of the Upper West region have threatened to embark on a sit-down strike on Monday, April 27, 2020.
The action is to protest the alleged neglect of three of their members who were exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case.
The Nandom Municipal Chairman of the Association, Yendornaa Kafunla John, in an interview with Citi News complained that three nurses and a doctor were exposed to the case but authorities in the municipality only quarantined the doctor.
“I have reported everything to the region and it has given me the go-ahead that if nothing will be done and if all nurses at the OPD will not be quarantined starting from Monday there will a total sit-down strike and nothing is done we will extend it furtherâ€, he said.
COVID-19 cases in Upper West region
The first case in the region was announced by the Minister on March 27, 2020.
According to the Minister, the patient is a 42-year-old Ghanaian who visited the UK, Spain and returned to Ghana through Egypt.
Currently, the region has 8 confirmed cases.
Nurses & Midwives Association wants reassigned U/W GHS director investigated
This call comes after the association “intercepted a letter dated, 20th April 2020 signed by the Director-General of the GHS, Dr Parick Kuma-Aboagye re-assigning Dr O.K Afreh to the headquarters of the GHS.â€
While applauding the Director-General for the action, the association called for an expedite handover.
The association further called for an audit of “all financial handlings within his [Dr. Osei Kuffour Afreh] tenure as Regional Director, especially in his last week in office. The recent quota/financial clearance for the recruitment of staff into the service in the region. The over 40 CSM deaths in the region and all donations received through the Health Directorate in respect of the fight against COVID19 and CSM in the Upper West Regionâ€.
Ghanaian division two league outfit Cheetah FC has annouced a vacancy for a position as Scouts.
Cheetah FC is widely known for producing great talents like Emmanuel Toku, Wakaso Alhassan, Ishmael Yartey, Christian Atsu, Iddris Mohammed and hosts of others and want new scouts who will help in producing talents for the footballing market.
According to the President of the club Abdul Hayye Yartey, interested persons must be easy to identify young talents, loyal and committed to the aim and objectives of the club.
Interested persons are encouraged to submit their application to email address cheetahfc@yahoo.co.uk or contact the team on 0278227777
Business operators have been asked to make sure customers washed their hands properly when they visit their premises.
Mrs Sybil Boison, Volta Regional Environmental Health Officer said handwashing with soap under running water remained the surest safeguard against spreading contagious diseases, and must be enforced at all public venues.
She made the call when she met management and staff of the Stadium Gate shopping mall in Ho, during an extensive tour of public facilities in the Region, including; commercial centres, educational, health facilities and public offices to assess the implementation of safety protocols in the wake of the novel coronavirus.
Mrs Boison demonstrated appropriate handwashing to the staff of the mall, asking them to devise ways of encouraging all visitors to wash and disinfect their hands.
“We must insist on handwashing before entryâ€, she said, adding that staff of retail outlets were essential and must be protected.
Mrs Boison also asked that the body temperatures of all visitors be taken, and said her office would offer the necessary support in ensuring compliance.
She further advised staff to wear their nose masks at all times, saying the risk of infection from spittle was very high.
Mrs Boison called for the strict implementation of social distancing particularly at the checkout sections, and said cashiers must wash hands often to avoid infections through money exchanges.
The Health Officer and her team earlier visited some other retail outlets including; Melcom, insisting on the constant disinfection of surfaces and shared spaces.
She told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that her office would work to ensure that the compliance checklist was followed to the letter.
She also said public education materials including; jingles would be produced and distributed to help outlets to sensitise customers.
The GNA observed that Stadium Gate shopping mall was observing precautionary measures including; social distancing.
A notice at the mall temporarily banned window shopping, while customers are regulated to avoid overcrowding.
Ghana and Trabzonspor forward Caleb Ansah Ekuban hopes to help his side win the Turkish Super League title at the end of the season.
Trabzonspor currently sits on top of the Turkish league with 53 points before the league was halted by the Coronavirus pandemic.
Ekuban hopes to help his side beat off competition from Istanbul Basaksehir as they are tied on the same points.
“At this stage, I only think about the end of the league and the championship that we are close to winning here. I am happy in Trabzon. They sit and talk at the end of the season.”
The Ghanaian striker has scored three goals and made three assists for his side in the 2019/20 season.
Prices of hand sanitizers have come down drastically in the Kumasi metropolis, following a boost in production by local companies and institutions.
Currently, almost all local alcoholic beverage distillery companies in Kumasi as well as institutions such as the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi Technical University and the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), are producing hand sanitizers.
This mass production seems to have flooded the local market, forcing the prices of personal hygiene and protective medical disinfectant, down to the reach of the majority of the people.
A survey conducted by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) Business Desk in Kumasi to sample prices of hand sanitizers, barely forty (40) days after Ghana recorded its first two cases of coronavirus, saw a drastic reduction in prices of the product.
A medium-size standard hand sanitizer produced per the required standards of the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and Ghana Standard Authority (GSA), is now selling between GH¢10.00 – GH¢15.00, about half the price, when the product gained instant prominence, following the recording of the first COVID-19 case in the country.
The small sizes could also be purchased for GH¢7.00 or GH¢8.00.
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has, however, cautioned the public against the purchase and use of fake and unapproved hand sanitizers.
The GNA gathered that a standard hand sanitizer must have an ethanol content of about 65 percent, to be able to kill harmful bacteria.
Dr. Ernest Kwarko, a Technical Member of the Kumasi Metropolitan Emergency Health Committee, the body mandated to coordinate the campaign against COVID-19, told the GNA in an interview that, the use of hand sanitizers, face masks and other personal protective items should not be compromised at this critical time.
Ghana has over the last one month, recorded more than one thousand (1,000) confirmed cases of COVID-19 and nine deaths.
Dr. Kwarko advised the public to make the use of protective items and personal hygiene such as regular washing of hands under running water, a regular feature in their daily lives to help prevent infections.
They should also adhere to all health guidelines and protocols, such as social distancing instituted by the government for their safety.
High Grade Family Fans in Wa have made some donation to the Wa Government Hospital as part of support to fight the global pandemic, COVID-19, otherwise known as coronavirus.
The fans who made the donation did it on behalf of Samini, Head of High Grade Family. Samini who hails from Wa, in the Upper West Region was made a Youth Chief (Pebilii Naa) in December 2018.
Samini since then has been making periodic trips back home and is still connecting more with his people back home in Northern Ghana. This donation is in line with future projects he seeks to execute in Wa and its environs.
Dr Nabil, Acting Medical Director who received the items on behalf of the Wa Government Hospital was elated by the kind gesture from the multiple award winning Musician.
The items included 21 boxes of hand sand sanitizers, 3 boxes of hand gloves, 20 packs of face masks, among others.
See let me tell you today, no matter how beautiful and “backly†endowed a lady maybe, if the breast has fallen badly trust me you can lose your guy to a fellow lady whose breast is firmly standing.
We know breast feeding can easily make your breast fall but there is a sure way out to prevent it from falling by wearing the right size of bra.
If you noticed that your breast is attempting to fall, my sister you have to consider the type of bra.
Below are the simple ways to get a fallen breast stand firm again
Start massaging your breast daily, with olive oil each day for ten to fifteen minutes in circular motion. This helps blood to circulate in the area and prevent further falling and sagging. Always massage upward and inward to prevent sagging. Please never massage your breast without oil as you will damage delicate skin tissue. Any natural oil could be used for massaging.
Start swimming, and learn the butterfly stroke, this help to make the breast muscle firm and strengthen the breast.Start doing pushups to enhance the size of the breast
ICE CUBE MASSAGE.
Ice massage use an icecube and rub it in a circular motion around each breast dab dry with a soft towel put on a lifting bra for 20 minutes and repeat the process 4 times a day.
The Western Regional Health Directorate has disclosed that the region has recorded 437 suspected cases of Coronavirus so far.
Out of the 437 suspected cases, one has been tested positive and it was recorded in Sekondi-Takoradi.
In totality as of Friday, April 24, 2020, the Region is having 322 pending cases.
Giving the daily situation report as of today, Friday, April 24, 2020, Dr. Jacob Mahama, the Western Regional Health Director stated that the Regional Health Directorate has collected 437 samples from the various Districts within the region for test.
He added that out of the 437 samples collected, 115 results have been received.
According to him, 114 samples have tested negative with one positive case.
Giving the breakdown of the report, he said Sekondi-Takoradi has recorded 138 suspected cases with 26 tested negative, with 1 positive case.
He said 111 suspected cases are being pending.
He continued that Shama District has recorded 83 cases where 2 negative cases have been recorded with 81 cases pending.
In Ahanta West, 50 suspected cases have been recorded and out of the figure, 7 cases have been tested negative awaiting for 43 results.
Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality has so far recorded 39 suspected cases with 31 negative cases and 8 pending.
Effia Kwesimintsim has also 37 suspected cases, 10 being negative and 27 pending.
23 suspected cases have been recorded in Mphoor District of which 10 cases have been tested negative with 13 cases pending.
Amenfi West has recorded 21 suspected cases, 9 out of the number have been tested negative awaiting 12 suspected cases.
Prestea Huni-Valley, on the other hand, has recorded suspected 18 cases, 9 people have been tested negative and 9 cases are yet to be released.
Nzema East has 10 as suspected cases with 3 negative cases and 7 suspected cases are yet to be released.
Ellembelle District has also recorded 9 suspected cases of which 3 suspected cases have been tested negative and the 6 suspected cases are being pending.
Amenfi East has recorded 6 suspected cases, 3 suspected cases have been tested negative and 3 being pending.
Jomoro being the last District has recorded 3 suspected cases with 1 negative case and the two suspected cases are being pending.
Logistics Management
The Western Regional Health Directorate as of April 9, 2020, has received quantity of logistics from individuals, private companies and other benevolent organizations and these logistics have been distributed since April 16, 2020.
These were items; 400 examination gloves, 400 nose masks, 100 coveralls, 100 N95, 100 goggles-reusable, 40 infrared thermometers and 400 shoe covers.
The rest were; 200 2litres of hand sanitizers, 49 4.5litres of hand sanitizers, 200mls of hand sanitizers, 25 beds with mattresses, 25 bedside Lockers, 99 boxes of Cocoa Powder Natural, 20,000 A2 Posters (COVID-19) and 2,500 Bumper stickers (COVID-19).
Public Advice
The Health Director has advised residents in the region to stay home and report any suspected case to them on 0208149141 for prompt action.
He added, “Do not hide any relative or friends returning from any affected areas to prevent the spread of the disease”.
He, therefore, called on them to practice regular handwashing with soap under running water or use hand sanitizer when necessary.
He also urged them to practice social and physical distancing protocols.
Dr. Mahama kicked against the stigmatization with the disease. “Do not stigmatise people with the disease or people living in an area with a confirmed case”.
He pledged the Health Directorate together with the NCCE would continue with their Public Sensitization on COVID-19 Preventive Measures.
Treatment Centres in Western Region
So far, the Region has thirteen (13) treatment centres and they include; Takoradi Hospital, Kwesimintsim Hospital, Tarkwa Municipal Hospital, Apinto Hospital, Axim Government Hospital, Half Assini Government Hospital.
The rest are; Wassa Akropong District Hospital, Prestea Government Hospital, Nana Hima Dekyi Hospital, Ahmadiyya Mission Hospital, Fr. Thomas Allan Rooney Memor Hospital at Asankragua and St. Martin de Pores Hospital in Ellembelle District.
Ghana has so far, recorded 1,279 confirmed cases with 10 deaths and 137 recoveries.
The Nyive Sector Command of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has intercepted an Opel Astra vehicle believed to be smuggled through unapproved routes between Hodzoga – Takla border, near Ho at about 0030 hours on Friday.
A release signed by Mr Felix Klu-Adjei, Officer-In-Charge of Volta Region Public Affairs Unit of GIS, said Superintendent Justice K. K. Setordjie, the Sector Commander picked up an Intel concerning the illegal cross border syndicated activity and activated alertness of men.
He said the driver of the smuggled vehicle with a suspicious registration number GG 477 – 14 sped-off on seeing the Immigration Border Patrol Team after entering into Ghana’s jurisdiction from Togo.
Mr Klu-Adjei said the driver and other occupants then escaped into the adjoining bush abandoning the vehicle at the fringes of Takla town, upon noticing the closeness of the pursuing officials.
He said the vehicle was towed to the Nyive Command and subsequently handed over to the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority in Ho for the necessary investigations.
Meanwhile, the Nyive and Shia Sector Commands have since the closure of the country’s borders with its neighbours intercepted five motorbikes at various segments of unapproved routes ostensibly for smuggling in foreigners.
Deputy Commissioner of Immigration, Mr Peter Nantuo, Volta Regional Commander, commended the Sector Commanders and their officers for the dedication and professionalism to duty and ensuring security at the country’s borders in the wake of COVID 19.
He thanked the chiefs, opinion leaders, youth groups and the media for their respective roles and collaborations and cautioned against illegal activities at the country’s borders.
A group described as the Coalition of Concerned Citizens of the Upper West Region have petitioned the Regional Minister, Dr Hafiz Bin Salih, to investigate a number of allegations levelled against the Regional Health Director, Dr Osei Afreh Kuffuor.
Dr Kuffuor who was posted to the region as the Regional Health Director in October 2018, has attracted lots of criticisms regarding his style of management of the COVID-19 pandemic and the outbreak of the Cerebral Spinal Meningitis (CSM) which has claimed 40 lives so far in the region.
Mr Issahaque Suleman, a Co-Convener of the Coalition of Concerned Citizens of Upper West in the company of other group members presented the petition to the Minister at his office on Friday.
Mr Suleman said the group which was concerned about the manner in which their people were dying out of the CSM, commenced its own investigation into the matter and have established a number of issues.
He said some of the issues they found include lack of pre-public education on the disease and other administrative issues bordering on distribution of equipment and medicines to health facilities, financial malfeasance among others.
Mr Suleman said these were serious issues that could not just be swept under the carpet, hence the decision of the group to petition the Minister to cause an investigation into the matter and address them appropriately.
Dr Bin Salih after receiving the petition disclosed that Dr Kuffuor had been reassigned to the headquarters of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in Accra.
The Regional Minister also pointed out that the 40 CSM deaths recorded in the region were as a result of late reportage of the victims to health facilities.
He stressed that the region with the help of Ghana Health Service (GHS), the World Health Organisation (WHO), government and other philanthropist have enough medicine to treat all CSM cases now and in the near future.
Dr Bin Salih, however, commended the group for using the appropriate channel to address their grievances, saying a society, which resort to appropriate channels of addressing grievances would have the potential to grow since development thrived in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity., to investigate a number of allegations levelled against the Regional Health Director, Dr Osei Afreh Kuffuor.
Dr Kuffuor who was posted to the region as the Regional Health Director in October 2018, has attracted lots of criticisms regarding his style of management of the COVID-19 pandemic and the outbreak of the Cerebral Spinal Meningitis (CSM) which has claimed 40 lives so far in the region.
Mr Issahaque Suleman, a Co-Convener of the Coalition of Concerned Citizens of Upper West in the company of other group members presented the petition to the Minister at his office on Friday.
Mr Suleman said the group which was concerned about the manner in which their people were dying out of the CSM, commenced its own investigation into the matter and have established a number of issues.
He said some of the issues they found include lack of pre-public education on the disease and other administrative issues bordering on distribution of equipment and medicines to health facilities, financial malfeasance among others.
Mr Suleman said these were serious issues that could not just be swept under the carpet, hence the decision of the group to petition the Minister to cause an investigation into the matter and address them appropriately.
Dr Bin Salih after receiving the petition disclosed that Dr Kuffuor had been reassigned to the headquarters of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in Accra.
The Regional Minister also pointed out that the 40 CSM deaths recorded in the region were as a result of late reportage of the victims to health facilities.
He stressed that the region with the help of Ghana Health Service (GHS), the World Health Organisation (WHO), government and other philanthropist have enough medicine to treat all CSM cases now and in the near future.
Dr Bin Salih, however, commended the group for using the appropriate channel to address their grievances, saying a society, which resort to appropriate channels of addressing grievances would have the potential to grow since development thrived in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has asked Pharmacists to ensure that no staff, client or member of the public is allowed into the pharmacy without a properly worn nose mask.
A statement signed by Benjamin K. Botwe, President PSGH, said where it is imperative to attend to a client or a community member who does not have a nose mask, the interaction should be done outside the pharmacy, with the staff member appropriately protected.
“All pharmacy staff should put on nose masks, preferably fluid resistant nose masks at all times when on duty. Sick staff members should be allowed to stay home until they get well or call the emergency numbers if need be,†it said.
The statement further called for the display of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols relating to COVID-19 in pharmacies for the information of staff and the public.
Also, there must be regular cleaning and disinfection of Pharmacy premises, floors and counters and the use of methylated spirit or any appropriate virucidal disinfectant hourly to clean surfaces that are often touched or held.
The statement also called for a barrier or clearly marked out area to be put in place at a distance of at least two metres between clients and pharmacy staff.
Social distancing protocols should also be enforced among clients who enter the pharmacy, it said.
Veronica bucket, soap and alcohol-based hand sanitizers should be provided at the entrance of all pharmacies for the use of everyone entering the pharmacy.
As much as possible, staff strength should be reduced to the barest minimum and measures put in place to reduce contact time and working hours of staff.
For clients who show signs or symptoms of COVID-19, the District Management Health Team in the locality should be immediately notified for further guidance.
Pharmacists and pharmacy staff should continuously appraise themselves of current information and regular updates on COVID-19.
The PSGH leadership has taken note of the shortage of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) on the market and is in discussion with various stakeholders to ensure the availability of PPEs for pharmacists.
“The PSGH appreciates all pharmacists for continuing to hold the line and playing their part on the frontline in these difficult times.
The PSGH appealed to the public to adhere to all the measures and interventions put in place to contain the spread of COVID-19.
“If you must go out, please wear a mask, keep the right social distance when interacting with people. Wash and sanitize your hands as often as possible and if going out is not too essential, please stay at home.†Statement added.
The government, through the Ministry of the Interior, has initiated discussions with the Guinean Embassy to decide whether or not to repatriate the Guineans, who recovered from COVID-19 in Tamale.
Alhaji Alhassan Issahaku, Northern Regional Coordinating Director, who briefed the GNA in Tamale on Friday, said telephone discussions were held today, after which the Guinean Embassy officials, by telephone, also spoke with their compatriots at the quarantine facility in Tamale.
Four out of the eight Guineans, who tested positive for the COVID-19 in Tamale on March 29, have recovered from the disease, and want to leave the quarantine facility.
However, they want to leave the quarantine facility together with their remaining three compatriots, who are yet to recover from the disease, a situation, which made the authorities in Tamale not to heed to their demands to leave as they could spread the disease.
Another concern is the issue of the closure of the country’s borders, which means that even if they leave the quarantine facility, they would not be able leave the country.
This angered them (Guineans) and they threatened mayhem including; threats of causing destruction to property.
There are also fears that those that had recovered from the disease could get infected again as they continue to stay in the same facility with those that were yet to recover.
Alhaji Issahaku, however, said they were strongly advised to observe the social distancing protocol to avoid getting infected again.
He expressed the hope that the national level discussions ongoing between the government and the Guinean Embassy would soon yield positive results in terms on how best to handle the situation.
Editor-in-Chief of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr has called for a collective effort from all Ghanaians to fight against the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
Kwesi Pratt Jnr was worried about the attitude of some citizens who might have relaxed on their efforts in addressing the pandemic and preventing mass transmission of the virus.
Although disagreeing with President Akufo-Addo for lifting restrictions on movement, he called on every individual in the country to be a responsible citizen and adhere to all the safety protocols to fight the disease.
Mr. Pratt believed should the nation unite irrespective of religion, political affiliations and other differences, the disease will be overcome and therefore there will little to no spread of the virus.
“We have to unite to fight this disease. It is not about religion, political affiliation or anything. We will win if we come together to fight the disease,” he said on Peace FM’s ‘Kokrokoo’ program Friday.
Ghana has recorded 1,279 cases of COVID-19 with 134 recoveries.
Minister for Communications, Ursula Owusu says Ghana led the way with the Covid-19 application virtual concert and the World Health Organisation (WHO) also followed suit.
The virtual concert which was held on Easter Monday to launched the Covid-19 application came under heavy criticism.
Critics of the concert believe the virtual event was a waste of money and time. They said the energy put into the event could have been channelled into more profitable things that will help prevent the spread of the virus.
They also argue that the Ministry of Information press briefings could have been used for the said purpose.
The app was aimed at helping health authorities track Covid-19 cases in the country.
Responding to the critics on Asempa FM’s Ekosiisen, Ursula Owusu said a lot of thinking went into the decision to hold a virtual concert.
According to her, the Ministry was looking at innovative ways of doing things during the Covid-19 pandemic and they came up with the virtual concert.
The same idea was being put together by the Ministry of Tourism, therefore, the two ministries collaborated for the event.
She explained that the same event being criticised by some people was what WHO also did for fundraising on Thursday.
With this, Ursula Owusu said Ghana led the way for others to also learn from.
She bemoaned the posture of Ghanaians about the virtual concert, arguing that if the same was done in other jurisdictions the critics would have applauded them.
The Communications Minister said the idea of the concert was to try and utilise the talent of the musicians during this time and if Ghanaians continue this way we may end up killing creativity in the country.
Sharing his views about how important the exercise was, she said music plays a big role in the ability of people to remember things because it helps imprints concepts in our memory as normally done when we were kids.
The US virus death toll has surpassed 50,000, according to data from Johns Hopkins University, in what is the world’s deadliest Covid-19 outbreak.
More than 3,000 deaths came in the last 24 hours, and there are now over 870,000 confirmed cases nationwide.
But the US still has a lower mortality rate than most European nations based on current case counts, as the White House task force has emphasised.
The grim news comes as parts of the US reopen after weeks of lockdown.
Some hair salons, bowling alleys and other businesses are opening on Friday in Georgia, Alaska and Oklahoma.
The US has by far the highest death toll and case count in the world.
However, it has a population of 330 million, much higher than other worst affected countries such as Spain and Italy.
Dr Deborah Birx, an expert on the White House Covid-19 task force, has said the country has “one of the lowest mortality rates in the entire world”.
On a per capita basis, the reported US death rate of 1.4 is lower than Spain, Italy, France, Belgium and the UK.
The US is top of the grim league table for reported coronavirus deaths, but that’s not the whole picture.
Part of the reason is population – many countries in Europe have reported more deaths per head of population than the US and Europe as a whole has reported more deaths overall.
But beware of comparing huge countries in this way.
The picture in New York is very different to the picture in the rest of the US and the same goes for other countries.
Italy really has two epidemics – one in the north of the country that overran healthcare and another down south that is much less advanced.
Death rates also depend on how you count – France’s and Belgium’s figures include suspected Covid cases, making their figures look a lot worse.
Recent steep rises in the daily US death toll are also partly due to the inclusion of “probable” virus deaths.
The US Centers for Disease Control on 14 April said their case counts would include both confirmed and probable cases and deaths.
A probable Covid-19 death is one that meets clinical and epidemiological criteria but has not been confirmed by testing.
It is also important to note that many mild Covid-19 cases remain unreported, so the death rate from confirmed cases is not the same as the disease’s overall death rate.
Testing efforts are key to tracking the actual mortality and spread of the disease.
Vice-President Mike Pence, the taskforce leader, said the US has conducted 4.9 million tests thus far, and is working with governors to expand testing.
The $484bn economic stimulus bill, passed yesterday by Congress, also includes funding for testing expansion.
The US is top of the grim league table for reported coronavirus deaths, but that’s not the whole picture.
Part of the reason is population – many countries in Europe have reported more deaths per head of population than the US and Europe as a whole has reported more deaths overall.
But beware of comparing huge countries in this way.
The picture in New York is very different to the picture in the rest of the US and the same goes for other countries.
Italy really has two epidemics – one in the north of the country that overran healthcare and another down south that is much less advanced.
Death rates also depend on how you count – France’s and Belgium’s figures include suspected Covid cases, making their figures look a lot worse.
Recent steep rises in the daily US death toll are also partly due to the inclusion of “probable” virus deaths.
The US Centers for Disease Control on 14 April said their case counts would include both confirmed and probable cases and deaths.
A probable Covid-19 death is one that meets clinical and epidemiological criteria but has not been confirmed by testing.
It is also important to note that many mild Covid-19 cases remain unreported, so the death rate from confirmed cases is not the same as the disease’s overall death rate.
Testing efforts are key to tracking the actual mortality and spread of the disease.
Vice-President Mike Pence, the taskforce leader, said the US has conducted 4.9 million tests thus far, and is working with governors to expand testing.
The $484bn economic stimulus bill, passed yesterday by Congress, also includes funding for testing expansion.
Award-winning reggae dancehall artiste, Stonebwoy has declared dancehall artistes as the most talented in the world.
Speaking to Serwaa Amihere on GhOne about his new album, “Angloga Junctionâ€, Stonebwoy explained that, Dancehall artistes have the ability to switch to any genre of music with ease.
He further added that his Angloga Junction album is the most talked-about song aside Coronavirus.
Earlier this morning, one netizen tried to suggest that talented Afrobeats musician, Kelvynboy was an ungrateful person because he failed to share anything that had to do with the release of Stonebwoys fourth studio album “Anloga Junctionâ€Â on any of his social media platform.
That suggestion from the netizen did not really go down well with Kelvynboy and he made sure that displeasure was fully expressed in the reply he gave the guy.
Well, after all, is said and done, the “Mea†hitmaker has finally shared the flyer of the album on his Instagram story and told all his followers that it is out so they can check it out.
I am pretty sure this will put an end to all the rumour mongering.
In other news, the former Burniton Music Group signed musician has a new spanking tune titled “Momoâ€Â out.
US President Donald Trump has been lambasted by the medical community after suggesting research into whether coronavirus might be treated by injecting disinfectant into the body.
He also appeared to propose irradiating patients’ bodies with UV light, an idea dismissed by a doctor at the briefing.
Another of his officials had moments earlier said sunlight and disinfectant were known to kill the infection.
Disinfectants are hazardous substances and can be poisonous if ingested.
Even external exposure can be dangerous to the skin, eyes and respiratory system.
What did President Trump say?
During Thursday’s White House coronavirus task force briefing, an official presented the results of US government research that indicated coronavirus appeared to weaken more quickly when exposed to sunlight and heat.
The study also showed bleach could kill the virus in saliva or respiratory fluids within five minutes and isopropyl alcohol could kill it even more quickly.
William Bryan, acting head of the US Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate, outlined the findings at the news conference.
While noting the research should be treated with caution, Mr Trump suggested further research in that area.
“So, supposing we hit the body with a tremendous – whether it’s ultraviolet or just very powerful light,” the president said, turning to Dr Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus response co-ordinator, “and I think you said that hasn’t been checked but you’re going to test it.
“And then I said, supposing you brought the light inside of the body, which you can do either through the skin or in some other way. And I think you said you’re going to test that too. Sounds interesting,” the president continued.
“And then I see the disinfectant where it knocks it out in a minute. One minute. And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning?
“So it’d be interesting to check that.”
Pointing to his head, Mr Trump went on: “I’m not a doctor. But I’m, like, a person that has a good you-know-what.”
He turned again to Dr Birx and asked if she had ever heard of using “the heat and the light” to treat coronavirus.
“Not as a treatment,” Dr Birx said. “I mean, certainly, fever is a good thing. When you have a fever, it helps your body respond. But I’ve not seen heat or light.”
“I think it’s a great thing to look at,” Mr Trump said.
Disinfectants don’t work inside the body
Analysis by Rachel Schraer, BBC health reporter
Using a disinfectant can kill viruses on surfaces. It’s a very good idea to keep clean the things you touch, using products with anti-microbial properties – for example, substances with a high alcohol content.
There is also some evidence that, in general, viruses on surfaces die more quickly when directly exposed to sunlight. But we don’t know how much or how long they have to be exposed for UV light to have an effect, so you’re far safer just washing your hands and surfaces and trying not to touch your face.
Crucially, this is only about infected objects and surfaces – not about what happens once the virus is inside your body.
One of the main ways of catching the virus is by breathing in droplets expelled by an infected person, mainly by sneezing and coughing. The virus very quickly begins to multiply and spread, eventually reaching the lungs.
Not only does consuming or injecting disinfectant risk poisoning and death, it’s not even likely to be effective.
Equally, by the time the virus has taken hold inside your body, no amount of UV light on your skin is going to make a difference.
And since UV radiation damages the skin, using it to kill the virus could be a case of – to borrow a well-worn phrase – the cure being worse than the disease.
What’s the reaction been to Trump’s comments?
Doctors warned the president’s idea could have fatal results.
Pulmonologist Dr Vin Gupta told NBC News: “This notion of injecting or ingesting any type of cleansing product into the body is irresponsible and it’s dangerous.
“It’s a common method that people utilise when they want to kill themselves.”
Kashif Mahmood, a doctor in Charleston, West Virginia, tweeted: “As a physician, I can’t recommend injecting disinfectant into the lungs or using UV radiation inside the body to treat Covid-19.
“Don’t take medical advice from Trump.”
John Balmes, a pulmonologist at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, warned that even breathing fumes from bleach could cause severe health problems.
He told Bloomberg News: “Inhaling chlorine bleach would be absolutely the worst thing for the lungs. The airway and lungs are not made to be exposed to even an aerosol of disinfectant.
“Not even a low dilution of bleach or isopropyl alcohol is safe. It’s a totally ridiculous concept.”
Mr Trump has previously hyped a malaria medication, hydroxycloroquine, as a possible treatment for coronavirus, though he has stopped touting that drug recently.
This week a study of coronavirus patients in a US government-run hospital for military veterans found more deaths among those treated with hydroxychloroquine than those treated with standard care.
Reacting to the president’s remarks on Thursday evening, Joe Biden, his likely Democratic challenger in November’s White House election, tweeted: “UV light? Injecting disinfectant? Here’s an idea, Mr President: more tests. Now. And protective equipment for actual medical professionals.”
“The disinfectant, where it knocks it out in a minute, and is there a way we can do something like that by injection inside, or almost a cleaning. It gets in the lungs” — Trump seems to suggests that injecting disinfectant inside people could be a treatment for the coronavirus pic.twitter.com/amis9Rphsm
Only this week, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned Americans to be careful with cleaning products as sales of household disinfectants soar amid the pandemic.
“Calls to poison centres increased sharply at the beginning of March 2020 for exposures to both cleaners and disinfectants,” found the agency’s weekly morbidity and mortality report.
The US Food and Drug Administration has warned against ingesting disinfectants, citing the sale of bogus miracle cures that contain bleach and purport to treat everything from autism to Aids and hepatitis.
The agency’s website says: “The FDA has received reports of consumers who have suffered from severe vomiting, severe diarrhoea, life-threatening low blood pressure caused by dehydration, and acute liver failure after drinking these products.”
Last week a federal judge secured a temporary injunction against one organisation, known as the Genesis II Church of Health and Healing, for marketing a product equivalent to industrial bleach as a remedy for coronavirus.
The United Nations on Friday launched a global push to speed up production of a vaccine for the new coronavirus as US President Donald Trump came under fire for suggesting injecting patients with disinfectant.
The pandemic has upended life around the planet as nations try to stop the spread of the disease that has so far claimed more than 190,000 lives, infected nearly three million people and hammered the global economy.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said defeating the pandemic will require the biggest health effort ever seen as the United Nations joined forces with world leaders and the private sector to develop, produce and distribute a vaccine for COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.
“We face a global public enemy like no other,” Guterres told a virtual briefing. “A world free of COVID-19 requires the most massive public health effort in history.”
“None of us is safe until all of us are safe,” the UN chief said. “COVID-19 respects no borders. COVID-19 anywhere is a threat to people everywhere.”
While the disease appears to be peaking in Europe and the United States, other nations are still in the early stages of the fight and the WHO has warned strict measures should remain until there is a viable treatment or vaccine.
The race is on around the world to develop one, with the University of Oxford launching a human trial, while Germany announced similar trials will start by next week.
In a briefing at the White House, scientists said they had found the virus was quickly destroyed by sunlight, raising hopes that the pandemic could ease as the northern hemisphere summer approaches.
“Is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning?” Trump said. “It sounds interesting to me.”
But his suggestion was met with disbelief by many experts who cautioned against any such experiment.
“This notion of injecting or ingesting any type of cleansing product into the body is irresponsible, and it’s dangerous,” Vin Gupta, pulmonologist and health expert told NBC News.
The United States is now the worst-affected nation in the world, with about 50,000 coronavirus deaths.
In a bid to restart its economy, the US state of Georgia will lift restrictions further than most on Friday when it allows businesses like gyms and hair salons to reopen; a move seen as too far by some.
“This is an irresponsible move that is based solely on dollars over science,” Randy Adler, owner of Babs Midtown restaurant, told AFP. “It is not the right thing to do.”
Ramadan on lockdown
Across the globe more than four billion people are still under some form of lockdown or stay-at-home order even as governments begin easing restrictions, weighing the risk of more infections against growing economic fallout.
Muslims across the world began marking the holy month of Ramadan under the confinement orders on Friday, with bans on prayers in mosques and large gatherings of families and friends to break the daily fast, a centrepiece of the holy month.
In the Saudi holy city of Mecca, the Grand Mosque, usually packed with tens of thousands of pilgrims during Ramadan, was deserted as religious authorities suspended the year-round umrah pilgrimage.
“We are used to seeing the holy mosque crowded with people during the day, night, all the time… I feel pain deep inside,” said Ali Mulla, the muezzin who gives the call to prayer at the Grand Mosque.
But despite the coronavirus threat, clerics and conservatives in some countries including Bangladesh, Pakistan and Indonesia — the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation — have pushed back against social distancing rules, refusing to stop gatherings in mosques.
Several thousand people attended evening prayers on Thursday at the biggest mosque in the capital of Indonesia’s conservative Aceh province, and there were similar scenes at many sites in Pakistan.
The WHO called for a stop to some Ramadan activities to lower the risk of infections, and authorities in several countries have explicitly warned of the threat from large religious gatherings.
Distancing measures and the severe economic impact of the pandemic have also meant many charitable activities during Ramadan, especially food distribution and other donations, have been hit hard.
Massive economic stimulus
The economic devastation wreaked by lockdowns indoors is huge, with the world facing its worst downturn since the Great Depression.
US lawmakers covered their faces with masks and voted in small groups to approve a $483 billion stimulus plan, on top of a $2.2 trillion package already enacted.
The money will back small businesses on the brink of bankruptcy and hard-pressed hospitals as the world’s biggest economy reels, with more than 26 million people losing their jobs since the pandemic hit.
In Europe, the hardest-hit continent, leaders haggled by video conference over their own package that could top one trillion euros, as the European Central Bank chief warned of the risk of “acting too little, too late”.
The 27-nation European Union agreed to ask the bloc’s executive arm to come up with a rescue plan by May 6, sources told AFP.
The crucial economic discussions come as parts of Europe slowly loosen restrictions after progress on reducing the number of new infections.
But experts have warned of a possible second wave, and authorities are ramping up their capacity to deal with it in Germany, where curbs on public life have been eased recently.
The German Football League says it is ready for the Bundesliga to resume from May 9, though without fans in stadiums and with strict player hygiene measures. A final government decision is expected next week.
A leading disinfectant producer has issued a strong warning not to use its products on the human body after Donald Trump suggested they could potentially be used to treat coronavirus.
Reckitt Benckiser, which owns Lysol and Dettol, said “under no circumstance” should its products be injected or ingested.
President Trump faces a backlash over his comments at a briefing on Thursday.
Disinfectants are hazardous substances and can be poisonous if ingested.
Even external exposure can be dangerous to the skin, eyes and respiratory system.
Mr Trump’s comments have been heavily criticised by doctors and have generated a huge online response. They have provoked hundreds of thousands of comments and caused well-known cleaning brands to trend on social media.
Reckitt Benckiser, which also owns the brands Vanish and Cillit Bang, said its products should not be administered “through injection, ingestion or any other route”.
“Our disinfectant and hygiene products should only be used as intended and in line with usage guidelines. Please read the label and safety information,” the company said in a statement.
What did President Trump say?
During Thursday’s White House coronavirus task force briefing, an official presented the results of US government research that indicated coronavirus appeared to weaken faster when exposed to sunlight and heat.
The study also showed bleach could kill the virus in saliva or respiratory fluids within five minutes, and isopropyl alcohol could kill it even more quickly.
Mr Trump then hypothesised about the possibility of using a “tremendous ultraviolet” or “just very powerful light” on or even inside the body as a potential treatment.
Trump’s claims fact-checked
The fake health advice you should ignore
Will coronavirus go away in the summer?
“And then I see the disinfectant where it knocks it out in a minute. One minute,” he said. “And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning?
“Because you see it gets in the lungs and does a tremendous number on them, so it’d be interesting to check that,” he said.
In a statement, the White House press secretary said the president had “repeatedly” told Americans to consult doctors about coronavirus treatment.
“Leave it to the media to irresponsibly take President Trump out of context and run with negative headlines,” Kayleigh McEnany said.
His comments have dominated social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit since Thursday night.
Many compared his idea to a dangerous viral trend in 2018 where people ate Tide laundry detergent pods.
Lysol, which is one of the America’s best known cleaning brands, has been named in tweets at least 125,000 times since the White House news conference.
Owners Reckitt Benckiser said they issued their statement on Friday “due to recent speculation and social media activity”.
What’s the medical reaction been?
Doctors warned that the president’s suggestion could have fatal results.
“This notion of injecting or ingesting any type of cleansing product into the body is irresponsible and it’s dangerous,” Dr Vin Gupta, a pulmonologist and global health policy expert, told NBC news. “It’s a common method that people utilise when they want to kill themselves.”
“Inhaling chlorine bleach would be absolutely the worst thing for the lungs,” pulmonologist John Balmes told Bloomberg News. “The airway and lungs are not made to be exposed to even an aerosol of disinfectant.
“Not even a low dilution of bleach or isopropyl alcohol is safe. It’s a totally ridiculous concept.”
This is not the first time that Mr Trump’s medical advice has generated controversy and criticism.
He has previously hyped a malaria medication, hydroxychloroquin, despite a lack of clinical evidence it helps treat Covid-19 and some concerns it can even be detrimental.
Poisoning and death risks
Analysis by Rachel Schraer, BBC health reporter
Using a disinfectant can kill viruses on surfaces. It’s a very good idea to keep clean the things you touch, using products with anti-microbial properties – for example, substances with a high alcohol content.
There is also some evidence that, in general, viruses on surfaces die more quickly when directly exposed to sunlight. But we don’t know how much or how long they have to be exposed for UV light to have an effect, so you’re far safer just washing your hands and surfaces and trying not to touch your face.
Crucially, this is only about infected objects and surfaces – not about what happens once the virus is inside your body.
One of the main ways of catching the virus is by breathing in droplets expelled by an infected person, mainly by sneezing and coughing. The virus very quickly begins to multiply and spread, eventually reaching the lungs.
Not only does consuming or injecting disinfectant risk poisoning and death, it’s not even likely to be effective.
Equally, by the time the virus has taken hold inside your body, no amount of UV light on your skin is going to make a difference.
And since UV radiation damages the skin, using it to kill the virus could be a case of – to borrow a well-worn phrase – the cure being worse than the disease.
Earlier this week, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned Americans to be careful with cleaning products as sales of household disinfectants soar amid the pandemic.
“Calls to poison centres increased sharply at the beginning of March 2020 for exposures to both cleaners and disinfectants,” the agency’s weekly morbidity and mortality report found.
The US Food and Drug Administration has also warned against ingesting disinfectants, citing the sale of bogus miracle cures that contain bleach and purport to treat everything from autism to Aids and hepatitis.
Last week, a federal judge secured a temporary injunction against one organisation, known as the Genesis II Church of Health and Healing, for marketing one of these products as a potential coronavirus cure.
More than 12 million players logged in for Fortnite’s concert featuring Travis Scott, with reviewers calling it “stunning” and “spectacular”.
It included a skyscraper-sized version of Scott teleporting across the landscape as he performed his songs.
Fortnite is one the world’s most popular games, attracting millions of young players from across the globe.
Scott used the opportunity to reveal a new song, while players celebrated the event with themed in-game items.
The award-winning artist has sold tens of millions of records in his career, and was due to perform at the world-famous Coachella music festival this summer before it was postponed.
Those who missed the digital debut, however, can catch “encore” performances at the weekend.
A digital version of Scott performed a fully-animated, scripted 10-minute set – shorter than a concert performance.
As Scott moved from song to song, his virtual avatar changed – first into a cyborg, then a fluorescent spaceman.
The landscape shifted and crumbled around players on an enormous scale.
After it was over, Scott tweeted: “Honestly today was one of the most inspiring days. Love every single one of you guys.”
Immediate past Chief Executive Officer of Ashantigold SC, Frederick Acheampong says he is proud of the work he did for the Miners during his two years reign.
According to the GFA Executive Council Member who resigned from his post yesterday, he and his colleagues have moved the Ashantigold brand to a greater height than it was in 2018.
In an interview with Kumasi based Kessben FM, the renowned sports journalist said “In my time at AshantiGold [with my colleagues], we achieved a lot together. When I arrived, I felt that AshantiGold was a big club and deserved an improvement in the brand to become huge in the system. We made an effort in that area. There were even people I brought on board [for that] and paid them from my own pocket.â€
He added that with the exception of the CAF Confederation Cup, the club under his tenure performed better in all the competitions they participated in.
“There is no competition that was organized during my time that AshantiGold did not perform well. In the cancelled Premier League during the 2017/18 season, we were tied with Medeama SC at the top with 27 points. We reached the semi-finals in the tier one of the NC Special Competition and won the tier two of the NC Special Competition. We always performed.â€
“We did not perform that well in continental competitions but it was a learning experience for us,†said Frederick Acheampong
The Upper West Regional chapter of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, wants the reassigned Health Director for the region to handover immediately.
Dr Osei Kuffour Afreh was appointed to a different post effective May 11, but members of the Association say they want him out of his office before that date.
In a statement copied to JoyNews, the health workers who accuse Dr Afreh of presiding over an ailing health system said, the call is important because “his further dragging of the process will worsen the situation as he may not be able to focus on giving instructions to his subordinates as we are beginning to see in some places.
“Members of the GRNMA constitute up to 70% of the total workforce in the health sector, therefore, when a sector gets bad, our members bear the brunt the most.â€
The Association adds that if by Monday April 27, 2020 Dr Afreh fails to initiate steps to handover, all Nurses and Midwives in the region will “wear red and to work as a first step to drum home this crucial call.â€
Ranking Member on the Education Committee of Parliament, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, wants the Education Ministry to negotiate with telcos for a reduction in data prices for basic schools across the country.
This follows concerns of lack of access to teaching and learning by pupils after the closure of public institutions by government, as part of measures to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Many academic institutions have migrated course modules and activities online, to allow students catch up with lessons amid the ban on social distancing.
Even though it has become a novel way of dealing with the issue, students whose families do not have the financial muscle, cannot afford the luxury of devices and the internet connectivity to access these resources.
In this regard, Nortsu-Kotoe called for a dialogue between government and the internet service providers to bridge the equality gap in tuition.
“The Ministry of Education can negotiate with the telecom providers so that they can reduce the cost of data for students who are on the e-learning platform,†he said on Joy FM Midday News on April 24.
The Member of Parliament for Akatsi North Constituency added that, students in this bracket “should be given a subsidy so that the parents can afford.â€
He also explained that government should have provided students with smartphones as part of its preparation ahead of the roll-out of its various online interventions.
E-learning platforms receive boost from Telcos amid Covid-19
Meanwhile, the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications (GCT) on April 14, announced that it has allowed “free access to over 100 educational online sites, e-learning platforms and libraries (public, private and foreign)†to enable students continue with academic activities from the comfort of their homes.
In a press statement, the Chamber also revealed, it was supporting “over 240,000 customers consuming over 3,000 GB (3TB) per day for educational purposes.â€
President Akufo-Addo has thrown a challenge to members of the media, to ensure true and accurate reportage on all things Covid-19.
The president said this when he addressed the leadership of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), Private Newspaper Publishers Association of Ghana (PRIMPAG) and the National Media Commission (NMC), at the Jubilee House at his invitation as part of efforts of his government to consult all identifiable groups in the country on the way forward with regard to the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
The President first observed that the media has been for government, “an invaluable allyâ€. “An invaluable ally on two fronts,†the President said.
Firstly, “in helping to get the information and education out there to the citizenry of our country about this new menace to the progress on the human race†and secondly and equally important “is your roles as the vehicle of accountability. I am a strong believer that in all circumstances, even in the conduct of war, governments and public officials should be held accountable for what they do and you are the vehicles for accountability in our society and that is how it should be†President Akufo-Addo posited.
“One thing that is important though is that there should be accuracy in what you convey, that is critical. Different perspectives, different views, different conclusions, on certain facts are inevitable, it is but of the whole process of being human, we cannot all have the sale head, God did not make it that way but we can agree on facts and as much as possible when it comes to public discourse, the truth, the accuracy of what is pervade is very critical, especially in an emergency of this nature where the slightest misinformation, slightest inaccuracy, misinterpretation can lead to a lot of grieve, and difficulty†President Akufo-Addo added.
Chairman of the National Media Commission, Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh, addressing the President on behalf of the media delegation noted that the media fraternity is deeply in the debt of the President for his invitation extended to them to meet with him. He accepted the admonishing of the President to the media to ensure accurate reporting on the Covid-19 pandemic in the country.
“Our assurance to the government is that we will do whatever we need to do to support the government in making sure that the people of this country come out of this pandemic stronger they were before†the NMC Chairman, Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh said.
Ghana international Sulley Muntari is reportedly on the verge of joining Ghana Premier League Giants Hearts of Oak for the 2019/2020 season.
The former AC Milan midfield gem is currently without a club and is set to join the Phobians on a free transfer.
According to Kumasi based Fox FM, Sulley is currently in talks with officials of the rainbow club to relaunch his football career after leaving the local scene in 2001.
The 35-year-old trained with Hearts of Oak last year and has expressed his interest in joining the club on permanent basis.
Muntari has been unattached after leaving Spanish La Liga 2 club Albacete in 2019.
Hearts of Oak are hoping to end their eleven-year Premier League title drought this season.
The Phobians currently occupies the ninth position with 21 points after fourteen matches in the 2019/20 Ghana Premier League season which has been suspended following the Coronavirus pandemic.
Muntari is regarded by most Ghanaians as one of the best midfielders to feature for the senior national team.
He is capped 84 times for Ghana with 20 goals to his credit.
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu has reminded Muslims in the country to adhere to the ban on congregational prayers in the month-long fast of Ramadan.
Following the outbreak of the Coronavirus, the country has been observing a ban on religious gathering, including congregational prayers at mosques by Muslims for the past one month.
With the month of Ramadan deemed as a special month of devotion, which brings together large number of Muslims to pray together, Sheikh Sharubutu has reminded Muslims the need to continue to observe the ban during the holy month.
“Congregational prayer is something essential in our religion but there can arise a sitiation or circumstance where you cannot do what is permissible,†Sheikh Sharubutu said on Thursday when Vice President Bawumia called on him on his 101st birthday anniversary at his residence.
“We have bot been restrained from praying. We have only been restrained from assembling because that is one of the means through which the disease is spread so it is for our own good that such restraints have been imposed on us.â€
“Therefore, I urge and entreat all members of the Muslim community to obey this simple directives (ban on congregational prayers and observing social distancing.)
The Chief Imam added that the imposition of the ban is not a punishment, adding that it is important for all to respect it because the measures are in the collective good of everyone.
“Let us endeavour to abide by the rules and the directives which are for our own good so that we dont expose ourselves to the risks of contracting and transmitting the virus.â€
Sheikh Sharubutu also reminded Muslims to pray for Ghana during this difficult moment.
“As we pray at our various homes, let us remember and pray fervently to God to save our country and the world from this affliction.â€
Accra Hearts of Oak have denied and described as untrue rumours that they have signed former Black Stars midfielder Sulley Muntari.
Speaking to ghanaweb.com, a Management member of the club who wishes to remain anonymous for now said Hearts of Oak have not been in touch with the former AC Milan and Inter midfielder and thus is shocked that anyone will suggest that Sulley Muntari has joined the Phobians on a two year deal.
“A journalist was chatting with me on WhatsApp and asked me if we were done with the Sulley deal and I responded yes because in my mind he was talking about our new signing called Nuru Sulley. I think the journalist mistook that for Sulley Muntari and that is how come the story got out. But I can tell you on authority that we have not signed Sulley Muntari. It is not true.” Our source said.
Rumors were rife on Friday afternoon that Muntari had joined the former League champions ahead of the start of the second round of the Ghana Premier League.
The rumours made some sense because of Muntari’s admission sometime back that he is an avid Hearts of Oak admirer and fan. He has even trained with the Phobians in the past and actually played a friendly game for them at the Legon Park a little over a year ago.
Muntari has been Ghana for some time now and has been spotted training with some Black Stars players such as Mubarak Wakaso at the Madina Astro turf facility.
Muntari has been without a club after ending his stay with Spanish lower tier side Albecete.
The 35-year old left Ghana as a teenager in 2002 to join Udinese before moving on to enjoy huge success in his career in Europe, where he played for the likes of AC Milan and Inter Milan.
Sulley won several trophies in Europe including club football’s biggest trophy, the UEFA Champions League.
He was also a member of the Portsmouth team that won the FA Cup in 2008. He scored the important winner in the semi final against Manchester United.
Meanwhile, the return of the Ghana Premier League is yet to be known after it was halted because of the outbreak of the coronavirus.
Newcastle United winger Christian Atsu has failed to reach the semi-finals of premier League Invitational tournament following a heavy defeat against Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Atsu who advanced to the quarter-finals following a 2-1 victory Tottenham Hotspurs’ Sissoko was hoping to cause massive upset by eliminating favourite Trent.
The Ghanaian took the lead, however, he surrendered it to lose 4-1 and crash out of the tournament.
The Premier League is on a coronavirus-induced suspension and while people remain at home because of the subsequent lockdown, the ePremier League presents an opportunity to keep the players and fans engaged and entertained. Selected Premier League players will go up against one another by representing their clubs in EA Sports FIFA 20.
The winner of the competition will be announced on April 25, with the proceeds going to the #PlayersTogether campaign in support of the National Health Service – the agency at the forefront of fighting the coronavirus pandemic in the United Kingdom.
Ghana midfielder, Iddrisu Baba says he is impressed with his form and numbers in the Spanish Premier La Liga.
Baba made his debut for Real Mallorca on April 27, 2019, where he replaced Salva Sevilla in the 88th minute against Málaga CF.
Now, the 24-year-old is enjoying a forced break from soccer due to the Coronavirus outbreak and has time to reflect.
“I think I have improved if I look at the number of games I have played,” he says in an interview with Play Red.
“I think that says a lot. Comparing this season with last season, this has been excellent. If I want to be a part of this team all the time, I have to do more than I am doing now. Every season there are new talents, so you should be there as the competition progresses.
“I would like to thank Vicente Moreno enormously for the credibility and confidence he has given me, but I think there is still room for improvement.
“It really is my first season and I am still trying to get used to everything. I think there is still room for improvement, so I would like to thank you.
“As for the rest, I have to try harder if I want to maintain or go beyond the level of confidence that has given me,” he added.
High Grade Family Fans in Wa have made some donation to the Wa Government Hospital as part of support to fight the global pandemic, COVID-19, otherwise known as coronavirus.
The fans who made the donation did it on behalf of Samini, Head of High Grade Family. Samini who hails from Wa, in the Upper West Region was made a Youth Chief (Pebilii Naa) in December 2018.
Samini since then has been making periodic trips back home and is still connecting more with his people back home in Northern Ghana. This donation is in line with future projects he seeks to execute in Wa and its environs.
Dr Nabil, Acting Medical Director who received the items on behalf of the Wa Government Hospital was elated by the kind gesture from the multiple award winning Musician.
The items included 21 boxes of hand sand sanitizers, 3 boxes of hand gloves, 20 packs of face masks, among others.
Ghanaian Actress and producer, Yvonne Nelson has advised players in the showbiz industry to consider investing in fixed assets.
She took to her Twitter page to advise colleagues to be smart and think about the years ahead and invest in fixed assets and stop borrowing.
Nelson believes Ghanaians are waiting to make mockery of creative persons who fail to manage and invest the little they have during their heydays.
The actress seems concerned about the welfare of her colleagues when they are no more in active service.
“Did I hear showbiz? Relax with the borrowing Charley. Live your life. Be smart. INVEST in fixed assets….think about the years ahead….peeps are waiting to laugh at you in 5years when you broke.†Yvonne Nelson tweeted
Did i hear showbiz? Relax with the borrowing charley. Live your life. Be smart. INVEST in fixed assets….think about the years ahead….peeps are waiting to laugh at you in 5years when you broke.
— ð“¨ð“¥ð“žð“ð“ð“” | ð“ð“”ð“›ð“¢ð“žð“ (@yvonnenelsongh) April 22, 2020
Ghana defender Gideon Mensah remembers the first trophy he won with Red Bull Salzburg when he first arrived in Europe to begin his professional career.
The left back was a member of the Red Bull Salzburg youth team that won the UEFA Youth League after beating Benfica in the finals three years ago.
The Austrians came back from a goal down to defeat the Portuguese giants in a game that Mensah played an integral role.
“Three years ago today playing for Red Bull Salzburg, we came back from a goal down to beat Benfica 2-1 in the finals of the UEFA Youth League which was my first trophy as a professional player,” the 21-year old recollects.
Mensah has steadily progressed at the club, but he is yet to break into the senior team after loan spells at Stum Graz and Zulte Waregem.
However, his impressive performances for Zulte Waregem this season has seen him earn national team call ups, and played in the 2021 Nations Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Sao Tome back in November.
Blogger and rapper, Samuel Dortey Kumah popularly known in entertainment circles as Sammy Kay has revealed his interesting real-life “broken heart” story on Okay 101.7 FM’s ‘Blezz de mic’ segment.
In an interview with Abeiku Santana, the blogger recounted his humble beginning as a DJ through to trying his hands on accounting at Accra Polytechnic.
The “go online†hitmaker seized the opportunity to explain to Ghanaians the reason behind his latest single titled “Broken heart” featuring the silky smooth vocalist Kurl Songx.
The blogger/rapper explained that he lost his girlfriend called “Feli Nuna Memuna” to a man who had a Range Rover, some years back.
He said he got to know about the infidelity of his girlfriend through an Uber driver, thus the reason for his current banging tune “Broken heart”.
The song currently has an animation video attached to it on YouTube.
Twelve out of Ghana’s sixteen regions have recorded confirmed cases of the Coronavirus.
The Oti and the Western North Regions were the latest to record confirmed cases of COVID-19 in an update provided by the Ghana Health Service on Friday, April 24, 2020, which has seen the national case count shoot up to 1,279.
The Western North Region has recorded one confirmed case while the Oti Region has 13 confirmed cases.
The data published on the Ghana Health Service COVID-19 website indicates that the Greater Accra region has the highest number of confirmed cases in the country with 1,089.
The Ashanti region follows with 69 confirmed cases while the Eastern Region has recorded 56 cases.
The Northern region has recorded 13 cases, with the Volta region having 10 cases, Central region recording nine positive cases and the Upper West Region as well as the Upper East Region having eight cases each.
The North East Region has two cases, while the Western Region has a case.
The Savannah, Bono, Ahafo and Bono East Regions have not recorded any cases.
Algeria has ended a full lockdown on the northern Blida province, the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic in the country, and replaced it with a curfew during the holy month of Ramadhan.
Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerad said the curfew will begin at 14:00 local time (13:00GMT) and end at 07:00 the next day.
It is unclear if the full lockdown on Blida province, which was to end in a week, will be re-introduced after Ramadhan.
Other nine provinces, including the capital Algiers, that had a curfew starting from 15:00 local time will now have a relaxed curfew starting from 17:00.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said there had been improvement since the lockdown and curfew were imposed and soon “normal life†would resume, according to Xinhua news agency.
A suspected thief alleged to have stolen a mobile phone valued at GH¢70 and a cash amount of GH¢1,004 at Lingbensi, near Daboya in the North Gonja District of the Savannah Region, has been lynched by a mob.
The deceased, Isaiah Abraham aged 35 years was found dead within the Lingbensi community with bruises all over his body.
Police
The Savannah Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP), Mr Enoch Adutwum Bediako who made this known to Graphic Online said on April 22, 2020, the Assemblymember for Lingbensi electoral area accompanied by Set Dari, the unit committee chairman, Adam Borsah and James Asumah came to report that about 6.30 am on April 22, 2020, one Isaiah Abraham aged 35 was found dead in the community with bruises all over his body.
DCOP Bediako said based on the report, the Police in Daboya with the complainants visited the scene and on the spot investigation revealed that the deceased went and stole one Techno T37 mobile phone valued at GH¢70.00 and a cash amount of GHC1,004 belonging to one Latif Basingwe.
He said the deceased suspect was chased and lynched by a mob in the community.
DCOP Bediako said before a hearse could be found to transport the body to the morgue for post mortem, the body was buried according to Islamic tradition.
Advice
He said no arrest has been made and used the opportunity to appeal to residents in the area to desist from mob justice and hand over suspected criminals to the Police.
From all indications, Sister Derby is still not over her ex boyfriend, AMG signee, Medikal even though the latter has clearly moved on judging from his recent marriage.
Sister Derby recently released a song titled “Sweet Ex†after she posted a picture of Medikal kissing her on the cheek and wished him a happy birthday on her Instagram page.
Anyway, Sister Derby who is still promoting her song gave a brutal reply to a fan who quizzed her why she still keeps talking about her Ex if she claims not to have anything to do to him.
In her response, Sister Derby hilariously revealed that she used to “chop†Medikal rough rough rough when they were still dating.
Ever since Medikal dumped Sister Derby to marry YOLO star, Fella Makafui, it has been one controversy after the other. Some people claimed Fella Makafui trapped Medikal with a pregnancy to which she has vehemently denied.
Ghanaian forward Michael Sarpong has denied claims that he insulted President of Rwandan side Rayon Sports leading to the cancellation of his contract at the club.
Despite the termination of his contract for allegedly insulting Sadate Munyakazi, the striker reveals he was misquoted by the media for trying to fight for his salary.
According to Sarpong, the news of his sacking came to him as a shock but explains there was a communication gap between him and the President.
“What really happened was that I was home and a friend here referred me to an article that he has heard from the media that the President of the club told the media that he has agreed with the players that we will not take salaries for the month of February and March,” said Sarpong.
“And the person asked me how are we going to survive and I told him it is not true, the President has never spoken to me about that and so let me ask my captain and some few players at the club and get back to him,” he added.
He continues: “So I asked, some few players if they have really agreed with the President about our salaries and they said no, and even the President has not called them.
“I was there and the media called me saying this is what is happening in camp, has the president agreed with players to not pay salaries for February and March and I said no. Ever since the lockdown, the President has never called me or spoken to me so I don’t know anything about that.
“So they asked what do I think should be done, and I said he could have called us and maybe proposed something because there is no job at the moment, maybe I will pay half of the salary so that after everything is done I can give you full payment because we are home.
“I’m a foreigner here, I don’t have anybody to go to if I’m hungry and we are in lockdown too so at least if I have some money on me in these times it will help me and they said okay.
The media went on to ask the Ghanaian’s opinion about the President, where Sarpong disclosed that some of the players have not been happy with the way he runs the club.
“I told the media I am a foreigner here but some players have said since they came the President hasn’t been good to them and they don’t like him because every day we are owed salaries for a couple of months, so the players don’t really like him. These were my words before the interview ended.
“So I was there when I had a letter that what I said in the media I should go and retract it, I should write a letter of apology to him the President. The letter was sent in French and I told him I can’t speak French so if he can send the letter in English I will be able to reply in English.
“They never got back to me, the letter was still in French and I didn’t know what it was talking about until yesterday, Thursday when the treasurer sent me another letter in French, so I asked why they keep sending me letters in French because I don’t speak French so I sent it to my manager here.
“But he didn’t get back to me because he was also in a meeting. So I went to Instagram only to see the club has released me and I am free to go to wherever I want to so I called my manager to ask him what is really going on and he confirmed the team has released me. I was shocked and I even explained to him what really happened. I never insulted the President, I can never do that, I was only fighting for my salary.”
Sarpong had five months left on his contract and the club already owes him three months salary.
Ghanaian defender Samuel Inkoom has been explaining the reason behind the decision to sign for Georgian side FC Samtredia.
The 30-year-old signed a six-month contract with the side in February 2020.
The former Ghana international has revealed the reason for opting for less-fancied Georgia.
“Two years ago, when I completed a 1-year disqualification due to financial disagreement with the agent, I received an offer from Shevardeni, Aka Goshadze contacted me. It is true that Georgia was one of the countries I wanted to visit, but I did not want to play in the second division,”
“Later, I received an offer from Gegi Kikabidze, who offered me to come to Samtredia. Then I found information about this club and learned a lot, for example, that this club recently became the champion of Georgia, then failed, and now it has returned to the top league.
“During the negotiations, I learned about the team’s goals. The fact that this club has high goals. I liked the conditions offered to me from Georgia, I considered it the best option and most importantly, I did not forget the promise given to my Georgian teammates.
“I like the plan of this club, the attitude of the management, the coaching staff and Kakha Kacharava directly towards the goals. I would like to thank Gegi Kikabidze, Mikheil Khutsishvili and Levan Zukhbaia for inviting me to play in this club.
“In the first two rounds, I was convinced that easy matches would not happen in Georgia, but I came to “Samtredia” to win the championship.”
Women say the uncertainty surrounding maternity services during the coronavirus outbreak is “making a stressful situation harder”.
Some NHS trusts are not allowing home births or partners on a ward following a birth, while others are.
One trust only provides face-to-face postnatal support when it is “absolutely essential”.
The Royal College of Midwives says services may need to be reduced due to Covid-19.
Like many areas in the health sector, staff shortages caused by sickness and workers self-isolating are impacting resources, the college adds.
Nadia Hussein from Leeds is more than a week overdue with her second child.
Due to coronavirus measures, the 33-year-old’s birthing plan is no longer possible and she is anxious her husband can only stay with her for two hours following the birth.
“It’s going to be difficult because it’s going to be different,” Nadia explains. “What a lot of pregnant women are experiencing is a loss of control.
“I understand any decisions that trusts have made are for the benefit of my health and the midwives, but it’s sad because you have an image in your mind of what you would like, and it’s not working out.”
Jacqui Budden gave birth to her first child Evie on Good Friday, more than two weeks after the UK’s lockdown was announced.
Husband Tom was allowed to be present for the birth, but was soon asked to leave the ward.
“It was hard to say ‘bye’ to Tom so soon after Evie arrived,” says the 31-year-old. “The nurses and midwives were amazing, but it’s not the same as having your partner there to give you the emotional and physical support that you need.”
The BBC asked a group of NHS trusts and boards across the UK about the services they are able to provide during the coronavirus pandemic.
Nine trusts in England, five boards in Scotland and one trust in both Wales and Northern Ireland responded.
All 16 bodies said one birth partner could be present during labour, but just over a quarter of those asked are allowing partners on the postnatal ward following the birth.
Around a third of trusts and boards that spoke to the BBC are now allowing home births.
In the weeks after a birth, midwives and health visitors are now heavily relying on virtual communication to provide families with postnatal support.
Home visits are mostly still happening, but one trust in London said it only allows face-to-face contact when it is “absolutely essential”.
NHS Providers – which represents hospital trusts – say maternity services are constantly under review.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Roberto Azevêdo, have on Friday April 24 issued a joint call for governments to refrain from imposing export and other trade restrictions on key medical supplies and food and to quickly lift those put in place since the start of the year.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, some governments have adopted measures to facilitate imports of medical products, such as cutting import duties, curbing customs-clearance processes, and streamlining licensing and approval requirements, the two agency heads noted.
Similar attention should be paid to facilitating exports of key items such as drugs, protective gear and ventilators, they added.
While global trade rules allow for temporary export restrictions to prevent or relieve critical shortages, “we urge governments to exercise caution when implementing such measures in the present circumstancesâ€.
“What makes sense in an isolated emergency can be severely damaging in a global crisis,†they warned. “Such measures disrupt supply chains, depress production, and misdirect scarce, critical products and workers away from where they are most needed.â€
“The result is to prolong and exacerbate the health and economic crisis — with the most serious effects likely on the poorer and more vulnerable countries.â€
Ms Georgieva and DG Azevêdo also expressed concern with the decline in the supply of trade finance, which ensures that imports of food and essential medical equipment reach the economies where they are most needed. In addition, despite strong supply, export curbs on some food items are beginning to appear.
“The experience in the global financial crisis showed that food export restrictions multiply rapidly across countries and lead to ever greater uncertainties and price increases,†they noted.
A leading disinfectant producer has issued a strong warning not to use its products on the human body after Donald Trump suggested they could potentially be used to treat coronavirus.
Reckitt Benckiser, which owns Lysol and Dettol, said “under no circumstance” should its products be injected or ingested.
President Trump faces a backlash over his comments at a briefing on Thursday.
Disinfectants are hazardous substances and can be poisonous if ingested.
Even external exposure can be dangerous to the skin, eyes and respiratory system.
Mr Trump’s comments have been heavily criticised by doctors and have generated a huge online response. They have provoked hundreds of thousands of comments and caused well-known cleaning brands to trend on social media.
Reckitt Benckiser, which also owns the brands Vanish and Cillit Bang, said its products should not be administered “through injection, ingestion or any other route”.
“Our disinfectant and hygiene products should only be used as intended and in line with usage guidelines. Please read the label and safety information,” the company said in a statement.
What did President Trump say? During Thursday’s White House coronavirus task force briefing, an official presented the results of US government research that indicated coronavirus appeared to weaken faster when exposed to sunlight and heat.
The study also showed bleach could kill the virus in saliva or respiratory fluids within five minutes, and isopropyl alcohol could kill it even more quickly.
Mr Trump then hypothesised about the possibility of using a “tremendous ultraviolet” or “just very powerful light” on or even inside the body as a potential treatment.
“And then I see the disinfectant where it knocks it out in a minute. One minute,” he said. “And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning?
“Because you see it gets in the lungs and does a tremendous number on them, so it’d be interesting to check that,” he said.
In a statement, the White House press secretary said the president had “repeatedly” told Americans to consult doctors about coronavirus treatment.
“Leave it to the media to irresponsibly take President Trump out of context and run with negative headlines,” Kayleigh McEnany said.
His comments have dominated social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit since Thursday night.
Many compared his idea to a dangerous viral trend in 2018 where people ate Tide laundry detergent pods.
Lysol, which is one of the America’s best known cleaning brands, has been named in tweets at least 125,000 times since the White House news conference.
Owners Reckitt Benckiser said they issued their statement on Friday “due to recent speculation and social media activity”.
What’s the medical reaction been?
Doctors warned that the president’s suggestion could have fatal results.
“This notion of injecting or ingesting any type of cleansing product into the body is irresponsible and it’s dangerous,” Dr Vin Gupta, a pulmonologist and global health policy expert, told NBC news. “It’s a common method that people utilise when they want to kill themselves.”
“Inhaling chlorine bleach would be absolutely the worst thing for the lungs,” pulmonologist John Balmes told Bloomberg News. “The airway and lungs are not made to be exposed to even an aerosol of disinfectant.
“Not even a low dilution of bleach or isopropyl alcohol is safe. It’s a totally ridiculous concept.”
This is not the first time that Mr Trump’s medical advice has generated controversy and criticism.
He has previously hyped a malaria medication, hydroxychloroquine, despite a lack of clinical evidence it helps treat Covid-19 and some concerns it can even be detrimental.
The United States will not take part in the launching of a global initiative on Friday to speed the development, production, and distribution of drugs and vaccines against COVID-19, a spokesman for the U.S. mission in Geneva told Reuters.
“There will be no U.S. official participationâ€, he said in an email reply to a query.”
“We look forward to learning more about this initiative in support of international cooperation to develop a vaccine for COVID-19 as soon as possible.â€
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a suspension of funding to the World Health Organization (WHO), where it is the largest donor.
French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will help launch the global initiative on Friday, the U.N. agency said ahead of the 1300 GMT event.
 
 
 
 
