The coalition of Concern Private School Teachers Ghana (COPSTEG) says it is disappointed in President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for failing to factor teachers into the Coronavirus budget.
In a release, leadership for the group said, government has continuously ignored the plight of private school teachers in its policy intervention and has done same in this season of the lockdown.
According to the release, COPSTEG is saddened by the development although it considers the lockdown directive a crucial.
“But one thing the government or the President failed to ask is how are these teachers going to survive since our major source of income is the small salary we receive and this salary also comes from the small school and the feeding fee our employers take from the Parents.â€
However, COPSTEG called on the government to do the needful.
Read the full statement below.
Coalition for Concern Private School Teachers Ghana – COPSTEG
Non-Payment of Private School Teachers Salary.
The coalition of Concern Private School Teachers Ghana (COPSTEG) is expressing its disappointment in the government and the Education Ministry for neglecting them in this trying times as the government pretends such people do not exist.
On the 16th March 2020, teachers wake up one morning to hear in the news that President Nana Addo has directed all schools be closed down due to the COVID 19 pandemic which is spreading across the country.
We believe that it’s a call in the right direction since most of the students are likely to be infected by this virus.
But one thing the President failed to ask is how are these teachers going to survive since our major source of income is the small salary we receive and this salary also comes from the small school and the feeding fee our employers take from the Parents.
As a result, most of the schools are unable to pay their staff which has to put our members into starvation.
But as we speak, government has paid all public school teachers leaving the private school teachers. Even though we are not employed by the government, the president should at least put some measures in place to see to it that we those in the private schools are also paid.
We have waited patiently, thinking that the president in his last address will mention a package for we private school teachers but nothing of that sought happened. So, for God’s sake what have we done to the government? We ask, is it that government does not realize our contribution to the education sector.
We are therefore calling on the President to:
1. Liaise with Private school owners to release some incentives for private school teachers if salaries can’t be paid between April and June.
2. Put measures in place to ensure that 2/3 of private school teachers’ salary passes through the controller.
3. Employ some of the teachers who are currently at home doing nothing to support sensitise the campaign against the spread of COVID 19.
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, a group known as OPEC+, have agreed to cut oil output by 10 million barrels per day (bpd) in May and June.
That’s according to a statement released by the group.
The move according to analysts is designed to help prop up petrol prices, which have been battered by the Coronavirus pandemic.
OPEC+ said the cuts would be eased between July and December to eight million bpd, and the reductions would then be relaxed further to six million bpd between January 2021 to April 2022.
The group said it would hold another video conference meeting on June 10 to assess the market. But it did not mention the conditions for countries outside the grouping to reduce oil output.
Earlier on Thursday, the mega players were seeking to convince Mexico to join in a deal to implement record oil cuts to lift crudes prices battered by the coronavirus crisis, an OPEC source told Reuters news agency.
OPEC+ ministers were trying to persuade Mexico to cut its output by 400,000 bpd based on the country’s output level in October 2018, as part of broader cuts.
A worldwide lockdown to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic has cut fuel demand by roughly 30 percent and contributed to a crash in prices that took major benchmarks down by more than two-thirds before they recovered in recent days in anticipation of action from oil producers.
In Ghana, fuel prices have reached very low levels for some time now, and it is projected to go further down.
Prices of Brent crude is presently going for US$31.48 on the world market.
A gallon of petrol is now going for the average of GHS18 instead of the previous GHS23.
The number of persons tested positive for Coronavirus in Eastern Region has risen to 28.
The confirmed cases were recorded from about half of 244 samples of construction workers sent to Noguchi Institute for Medical Research.
The 244 are quarantined contacts in AFCON Construction Company in Lower Manya Krobo where an Indian expatriate working on Tema to Akosombo railway project tested Positive on March 31, 2020.
The cases are expected to increase as more results are yet to be released, the Eastern Regional Minister Eric Kwakye Darfour revealed this Friday, April 10, 2020, during an interview with host Kwaku Kwabi popularly known as Dawuro, on Kingdom FM in Accra
“Where the cases are being recorded is not the Kpong community but Camp of a construction company where many of the workers are Indian expatriates. Results of samples released From last night till this afternoon indicate 28 confirmed cases. so far what I have are 28 confirmed cases. It is likely the number will increase because of these results so far from among half of the samples being tested,†the Regional Minister stated.
On Thursday, April 9, 2020, Eastern region recorded 15 more COVID-19 cases bringing the total number of cases in the region to 16.
Prior to the announcement, the Eastern Regional Health Directorate issued a statement under the signature of the Regional Director Dr Mrs Alberta Adjaben Biritwum Nyarko appealing for more Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) as results for some suspected COVID-19 in the region pends.
According to the Directorate, limited quantities of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) received are distributed by the Regional Medical Stores to health facilities as and when they become available from Headquarters.
The Health Directorate acknowledged that many health facilities have received donations of various logistics from their Municipal and District Chief Executives and Members of Parliament and other benevolent organizations but are not enough, therefore “imploring individuals and groups, co-operate bodies etc to support this fight against COVID-19 by donating in cash or kind such as PPEs, ventilators, beds, mattresses, infusion pumps, fuel, sanitizers etc to the Regional Health Directorate to support the work our teams are doing across the region and also to support the setting up of a 100-bed COVID-19 Treatment Centre in the Regionâ€.
According to the statement, the Regional Health Directorate had submitted a total of 373 samples of suspected Coronavirus cases to Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research awaiting results.
Out of the number, 244 samples were taken from contacts connected to Indian expatriate who tested positive of COVID-19 in Lower Manya Krobo Municipality. Three are also persons who had contact with a person tested Positive in the Upper East Region.
The statement added “There are 3 other contacts we have traced and are following up on who is linked to the confirmed case in Upper East Region. They are also doing well. Their samples have also been sent and we await results. Cumulative samples we have taken and submitted total 373?.
The statement said health workers in the region are being trained in batches to build their capacity to enable them to manage COVID-19 cases.
Communication materials are also being distributed to all health facilities across the region including private facilities. Case management and contact tracing teams are being supported in the field by the Security agencies and the collaboration has been excellent.
The Regional Health Directorate is however worried about lack of physical or social distancing across the region, especially in commercial areas.
Member of Parliament(MP) for Okaikwei Central, Patrick Yaw Boamah in an interview monitored by MyNewsGh.com has charged his colleagues Members of Parliament(MPs) to sacrifice and show love to their constituency in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Patrick Boamah has donated a hot meal to the vulnerable in his constituency. After the donation, he told the media that he has provided breakfast for more that one thousand in his constituency.
“I have provided breakfast for more that one thousand people in my constituency…I am doing my very best because this is the time to sacrifice and show love for your constituencyâ€, he said.
All ministers of State, Chief of Staff, deputy Chiefs of Staff, Secretary to the President, Secretary to the Cabinet, presidential staffers and presidential aides have decided to donate 50% of their salaries, to the COVID-19 National Trust Fund.
The three-month salary deduction begins April, May, and June.
The COVID-19 fund, established by President Akufo-Addo on March 27, is expected to aid in the fight against the coronavirus and assist in the welfare of the needy and the vulnerable.
All Deputy Ministers have also agreed to donate 50% of their salaries for the next two months, this April and May.
Cerebral Spinal Meningitis (CSM) has killed 37 people in Upper West Region out of a total number of 247 cases recorded in the last 13 weeks, giving a case fatality rate of 15.4 percent.
Providing an update on the disease, Dr Hafiz Bin Salih, the Upper West Regional Minister, indicated that Nadowli-Kaleo District recorded the highest number of 12 deaths out of 74 cases, followed by Nandom District with 10 deaths out of 76 cases.
The Jirapa Municipality is next with nine deaths out of 42 cases; Wa Municipality, four deaths out of 27 cases, while Wa West District and Lawra Municipality recorded a death each out of a total of 15 and eight cases recorded respectively.
Apart from the Sissala East Municipality, which recorded five cases with no death, the remaining districts namely; Lambussie, Sissala West and Wa East Districts have not recorded any case of the disease yet.
Dr Bin Salih described the 15.4 per cent fatality rate as high and attributed it to late reporting to health facilities on the part of victims.
The Regional Minister noted that, the Regional and District Public Health Management Committees and the meningitis response plan had been activated to guide investigations among others.
Also, the training and use of Chiefs, Queen mothers and other stakeholders to support in the sensitization of their respective communities on the signs and symptoms of the disease and the need for early reporting to health facilities also took place.
Other efforts in the areas of surveillance; laboratory investigations; case management; advocacy, communication, community engagement and social mobilization; and logistics had also been taken care of to enhance the fight.
Emphasizing on logistics, Dr Bin Salih noted that in addition to the existing stock of drugs, the World Health Organisation (WHO) donated 5,000 vials of ceftriaxone and 1,100 bags of infusion to the Region to support case management.
He mentioned poor health seeking behaviour by the population, stigmatization due to similarity of symptoms of CSM and COVID-19, inability of majority of facilities to perform culture, and low community patronage in sensitization programmes as some of the challenges militating against the fight.
He cautioned the public against stigmatizing CSM or COVID-19 patients or communities saying, “We need all hands on deck to slow down the incidence of CSM in the Regionâ€.
While commending individuals and organisations so far for the support, Dr Bin Salih also called on individuals and corporate organisations to come to the aid of the Region, stressing “no contribution shall be deemed smallâ€.
The Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana says the lockdown announced by the president some two weeks ago has halted all funeral activities, opening the floodgate for congestion.
General Secretary of the association Mr. Kofi Jordan in an interview said although the mortuaries are capable of taking in more bodies, they will soon be full.
He told Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5fm that the president when he placed a ban on social gatherings said families could organised private burials.
He has therefore admonished families to organise private burials for the departed t decongest the mortuaries.
The president in March banned all public gatherings including conferences, workshops, funerals, festivals, political rallies, church activities and other related events as part of measures to stop the spread of Coronavirus in the country.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in a national address on Sunday [March 15, 2020] said: “I have decided in the interest of public safety and the protection of our population to review the public gathering advisories earlier announced as follows: Firstly, all public gatherings including conferences, workshops, funerals, festivals, political rallies, sporting events and religious activities, such as services in churches and mosques, have been suspended for the next four (4) weeks.â€
He said private burials are allowed but should just be for a few people.
“Private burials are permitted, but with limited numbers, not exceeding twenty-five (25) in attendance.â€
The Ghana Health Service has disclosed the distribution of recorded Coronavirus cases by sex.
Out of 378 cases recorded, 40.8% are women whereas 59.2% are men.
Over the past eleven (11) days, a number of measures have been introduced to control and prevent further spread of COVID-19 in Ghana.
Among these include restrictive movement in the hotspots of the outbreak, enhanced surveillance including intensive contact tracing and laboratory testing. These measures have resulted in a sudden increase in case detection, with high number of cases being reported.
As of 09 April 2020, 22:00 HRS, a total of 37,405 samples (from routine and enhanced surveillance) have been collected. Out of these, 14,611 have been tested with 378 being positive for COVID-19.
The breakdown of the 378 positive cases are as follows: four (4) have been treated, discharged and have tested negative, 366 cases have been categorised as mild to moderate disease on treatment, two (2) cases are currently on ventilators and six (6) have died.
Of the 378 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 192 were reported from the routine surveillance, 71 from enhanced surveillance activities and 115 from travellers under mandatory quarantine in both Accra and Tamale.
Regions that have reported cases are Greater Accra, Ashanti, Central, Eastern, Northern, North East, Upper East and Upper West regions.
A man alleged to be mentally deranged has killed his father at Brepaw a farming community in the Upper Manya Krobo District of the Eastern Region.
The incident occurred Friday, April 10, 2020.
The suspect Kofi Felix believed to be in his 30s was overpowered by angry residents in the community after the gruesome act and was nearly lynched having beaten him to a pulp.
The body of the deceased has been taken to the Asesewa Government Hospital Morgue.
The suspect is in the custody of Asesewa Police assisting with investigations.
A 50-year-old farmer has been found dead on his farm at Kraboa Coaltar in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region.
The deceased identified as Emmanuel Mensah Agboti, left home on Wednesday, April 8, 2020, to spray weedicide in his farm but did not return.
He was found dead Thursday morning during a search for his whereabouts.
Preliminary investigations by the local Police suggest he might have been strangled to death by unknown assailants.
Starr News has gathered that the deceased and his in-laws were litigating over a piece of farmland which belongs to his wife.
He is reported to have been warned by his in-laws to stop cultivating on the said land which he refused.
Before his death, some unknown persons set fire into his harvested maize.
Wife of the deceased left home two weeks ago to trade at a local food market centre but has since not returned.
Some Residents in Kraboa Coaltar allege the latest incident brings to four incidents of people dying in such mysterious circumstances within six months in the community.
As part of measures to stimulate the minds of young people and to optimize responsible use of time during the stay-at-home efforts of government to fight the spread of Coronavirus, the Ghana Library Authority, has launched the “National Short Story Writing Challenge†to curate more short stories by young people and make it available for it wider audience through the Ghana Library App.
National Short Story Writing Challenge is an open subject story writing contest for children from age 9 to 18. Contestants are not limited to particular subjects and can therefore choose to write about any topic of their interest.
Speaking at the launch, the Executive Director of the Ghana Library Authority stated, “We all know the crisis the whole world is facing as a result of the COVID -19 pandemic. Schools, public libraries and other places which will intellectually engage children have all been shut down. Therefore, we are launching this challenge to encourage young writers and to intellectually engage them at home.â€
“A lot of Ghanaian children are very imaginative and you will be amazed at how a 9 year old will write in a very creative way. You may even think it was written by a professional adult writer. The interesting part is, winning stories will be published on the Ghana Library App so this basically means that we are encouraging children to write for childrenâ€, he added.
The National Short Story Writing Challenge seeks to inspire young writers nationwide to showcase their creative and critical thinking skills.
Selected applicants will be divided into two age groups; Junior Group will comprise applicants from 9 to 12 years while the Senior Group will comprise applicants from 13 to 18 years.
The winners of each group and their respective runners up will receive cash prizes. Winners will receive GHC1000, 1st runners- up will receive GHC500 and 2nd runners- up will receive GHC300.
The winners will be ambassadors and also have their stories published on the Ghana Library App.
Registration should be done via www.ghanalibrary.org/shortstorychallenge , fill the application form and click on the “Upload†button to upload your entry. The entry must be a Word document (MS Word) or Portable Document Format (PDF) file and not more than 1500 words in Arial font.
Closing date for entry is 10th May, 2020. All entries must be submitted before 5 pm GMT on the closing date of competition. Entry is free.
World Child Cancer has donated GHC 100,000 worth of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other medical consumables to the Department of Child Health of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) to protect health workers against the Coronavirus pandemic.
The items, which were donated with funding support from the Department For International Development (DFID) and UBS Optimus Foundation included; Pulse oximeter, disposable protective gowns, Nitrile gloves, sterile gloves, shoe covers, surgical caps, face mask N95/FFP2, gauze, and cotton wool.
The rest were, blood pressure apparatus, digital thermometers, autoclave machine, disposable bed sheet, liquid, parazone, hand sanitizers, tissue, goggles, gun thermometers, Glucostrips-one touch select, syringes and needles-5cc, syringes and needles-2cc, Methylated spirit (95), Artery forceps, Infusion pump, and vein finder.
Some of the items donated would be conveyed to the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
Mrs Serwaa Owusu-Ansah, the Programme Coordinator World Child Cancer, who presented the items, said children are the future of the country and the donation was to ensure that those who are providing care to them are well protected in this era of COVID-19.
This, she said, would augment government efforts to support COVID-19 response in the country.
Prof Lorna Awo Renner, the Head of Pediatric Oncology Unit, receiving the donation on behalf of the Department, expressed gratitude to the NGO for the gesture.
This would go a long way to protect health workers and enable them deliver quality service to children particularly those with cancer who visit the facility, she said.
“We look forward for a long collaboration as this would help prevent the spread of the disease among children who are vulnerable,†she said.
Prof Renner said COVID-19 has gotten the attention of many people even across the globe but there are other diseases such as cancer, malaria, TB among others and urged Ghanaians to take note of these and also protect themselves as such.
She advised parents to report children to the hospital should they detect changes in them for early treatment.
Prof Renner said the hospital has put in place measures to prevent the spread of the disease among women whose children are on admission.
“We have also implemented full preventive measures, observing social distancing, hand washing, the use of sanitizer. All these seek to minimize contact with the children,†she said.
She urged mothers to stay at home to prevent exposing their children unnecessarily to people who are infected and only go out if need be but advised them to use face mask to protect themselves.
World Child Cancer is a Non-Governmental charity organization was established in 2007 and is aimed at improving access to diagnosis, supportive palliative and potentially curative care for children with cancer around the world.
Cerebral Spinal Meningitis (CSM) has killed 37 people in Upper West Region out of a total number of 247 cases recorded in the last 13 weeks, giving a case fatality rate of 15.4 percent.
Providing an update on the disease, Dr Hafiz Bin Salih, the Upper West Regional Minister, indicated that Nadowli-Kaleo District recorded the highest number of 12 deaths out of 74 cases, followed by Nandom District with 10 deaths out of 76 cases.
The Jirapa Municipality is next with nine deaths out of 42 cases; Wa Municipality, four deaths out of 27 cases, while Wa West District and Lawra Municipality recorded a death each out of a total of 15 and eight cases recorded respectively.
Apart from the Sissala East Municipality, which recorded five cases with no death, the remaining districts namely; Lambussie, Sissala West and Wa East Districts have not recorded any case of the disease yet.
Dr Bin Salih described the 15.4 per cent fatality rate as high and attributed it to late reporting to health facilities on the part of victims.
The Regional Minister noted that, the Regional and District Public Health Management Committees and the meningitis response plan had been activated to guide investigations among others.
Also, the training and use of Chiefs, Queen mothers and other stakeholders to support in the sensitization of their respective communities on the signs and symptoms of the disease and the need for early reporting to health facilities also took place.
Other efforts in the areas of surveillance; laboratory investigations; case management; advocacy, communication, community engagement and social mobilization; and logistics had also been taken care of to enhance the fight.
Emphasizing on logistics, Dr Bin Salih noted that in addition to the existing stock of drugs, the World Health Organisation (WHO) donated 5,000 vials of ceftriaxone and 1,100 bags of infusion to the Region to support case management.
He mentioned poor health seeking behaviour by the population, stigmatization due to similarity of symptoms of CSM and COVID-19, inability of majority of facilities to perform culture, and low community patronage in sensitization programmes as some of the challenges militating against the fight.
He cautioned the public against stigmatizing CSM or COVID-19 patients or communities saying, “We need all hands on deck to slow down the incidence of CSM in the Regionâ€.
While commending individuals and organisations so far for the support, Dr Bin Salih also called on individuals and corporate organisations to come to the aid of the Region, stressing “no contribution shall be deemed smallâ€.
The Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) has expressed concerns if further steps are not taken “all the good efforts applied will come to nought and eventually our country will be consumed by this ravaging novel virusâ€.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Director of Research and Advocacy of the Bureau, Etornam Korda, said Ghana must be ahead of Coronavirus.
She said the periodic updates from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is inspiring but the latest update as regards the lockdown and the data on the spread of infections gives cause to worry.
The Bureau has therefore asked government to impose a 21-day lockdown across all the 16 regions, shore up tracing and testing capacity efforts, put more into education and monitor suspected cases to minimize frequent cases of escapes as well as expand testing sites across all the regions “within the shortest possible timeâ€.
Ghana has so far confirmed 378 cases of the viral disease with six deaths. Four have, however, recovered.
On Thursday when he addressed the nation, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said his efforts at containing the spread of the virus have been “modestly successfulâ€.
But the Bureau said it is better to impose other measures than wait for a disaster to happen.
“We therefore urge all Ghanaians to join us in the call for the extension of restricted movements across the country and support Government in these trying times.
“We further call on all citizens and residents to comply with the directives on restriction of movements; as our collective discipline remain key in this fight against the nCov-19.
“We encourage the men and officers in the law enforcement front to demonstrate tact and professionalism at all times in their enforcement duties.
“Indeed, these are not pleasant times and lockdowns/restrictions are costly both to the individual, business and the State, but the alternative is disaster that is even more costly.â€
A Ghanaian medical doctor, who was also a Professor at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) School of Medicine, Professor Jacob Plange-Rhule, has died in Accra today.
He reportedly died earlier Friday, April 10, 2020, after battling with an unknown illness for some time now.
The former President of the Ghana Medical Association and former Rector of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons made monumental contributions to the medical field both as a doctor and lecturer.
Confirming his passing, Dr Sodzi-Sodzi Tettey wrote: “I did not receive any letter to come here. I am here out of respect for Sodzi and Ernest who asked me to come, but if we really want to improve the quality of care and set up proper structures, then we ourselves have to do things properly and formally appoint people into those roles!†Prof. Jacob Plange-Rhule, Rector, Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons. RIP Prof!!! Below the belt!
What a bad day! Damirifa due, due, due …â€
Many others have taken to social media to praise the deceased for his marked contributions to the country.
Some Catholic penitents flagellated themselves and prayed outside closed churches in the Philippines to commemorate the death of Jesus on Good Friday, despite strict government orders for people to stay indoors to contain the coronavirus.
The capital, Manila, and many parts of the Catholic-majority Southeast Asian country have been in “enhanced community quarantineâ€, but that did not stop some devotees from doing their annual penitence for Lent.
“We are here because we want the spread of COVID-19 to end and we pray that things in our country will go back to normal,†said Edward Degusano, who joined a self-flagellation ritual outside a church in Manila.
COVID-19 is the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, which emerged in central China late last year and has spread around the world, infecting some 1.6 million people and killing nearly 100,000 of them.
The Philippines has recorded 4,195 coronavirus cases, with its death toll reaching 221 on Friday.
Bishops in Manila suspended services for the Holy Week due to the lockdown, which began in mid-March.
The Catholic church has expressed disapproval of the self-punishments, saying prayers and sincere repentance are enough for sins to be forgiven.
But many Catholics in the Philippines perform religious penance during the week leading up to Easter as a form of worship and supplication, believing that the ritual can even cure illnesses and make wishes come true.
The General Manager for Accra Great Olympics, Oluboi Commodore has confirmed that the club will be making new additions to the team in the coming days.
Olympics have been reshuffling their squad after a not so impressive opening 15 matches in the suspended Ghana Premier League.
After 15 matches into the 2019/2020 season, the Wonder Club sits 10th on the standings of the division on the back of 6 wins, 2 draws, and 7 defeats.
According to the Oluboi Commodore, the club will ship out 13 player due to their poor performances and they gap will be filled by another set of players who will help them mount a strong challenge in the second round when the league resumes.
“A lot of players have been shown the exit. We are also bringing in a lot of players. We have scouted some very good players. Not players that will come to justify their inclusion. Some are from WAFA.
“For the players put on transfer we have already told them and with time we will list their names. They are 13 players. And the players coming in are ten playersâ€, Mr. Oluboi said.
According to reports, some experience players released by the club include Godfred Saka who joined the club barley four months ago, Ollenu Ashitey, goalkeeper Ernest Sowah, 2007 Ghana Premier League top scorer Emmanuel Clottey among others.
Boris Johnson “must rest up” after he was moved from intensive care with coronavirus, his father has said.
“He almost took one for the team and we’ve got to make sure we play properly now,” Stanley Johnson told the BBC.
Downing Street said the PM waved his thanks to staff at St Thomas’ Hospital in London as he was moved on Thursday.
Meanwhile, scientific adviser Prof Neil Ferguson, who was asked about coming out of lockdown, said it would likely “be targeted by age, by geography”.
A spokesman for No 10 said the prime minister “continues to be in very good spirits”, and emphasised Mr Johnson was at an “early stage” of his recovery from coronavirus.
Earlier, Stanley Johnson spoke of his “relief” that his son had begun his recovery, adding that he thought his illness had “got the whole country to realise this is a serious event”.
He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that there would have to be a “period of adjustment” before the PM returned to work in Downing Street.
Prof Ferguson, of Imperial College London, told Today that work to end the coronavirus lockdown in the UK was the “number one topic and priority” both in the scientific community and in government. “Every waking minute, as it were,” he said.
Speaking about what measures might be needed to end the lockdown, Prof Ferguson said the UK would have to introduce larger levels of testing at community level “to isolate cases more effectively”.
However, he suggested the lockdown would have to remain in place for “several more weeks”.
The government has launched a campaign urging people to stay at home over the Easter Bank Holiday.
It comes as Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick defended his travel moves amid reports he flouted lockdown rules.
The MP for Newark in Nottinghamshire is said to have travelled from London to a second home in Herefordshire, and separately visited his parents in neighbouring Shropshire, according to the Daily Mail and the Guardian.
The government has advised against travel to second homes – and urged people to distance themselves from elderly relatives.
Mr Jenrick said he had been in London on ministerial duties and left for what he said was a family home in Herefordshire to join his wife and children.
He added that he visited his parents to deliver essentials, including medicines – allowed by the rules.
Downing Street has defended Mr Jenrick, saying it was “not an unnecessary journey” for cabinet ministers commuting to and from London to rejoin their family.
“We’re confident that he complied with the social distancing rules,” a spokesman said.
Medeama will make a last attempt to sign former Asante Kotoko striker Sogne Yacouba today (Friday) after both parties failed to reach an agreement on Thursday, GHANAsoccernet.com can report.
The Mauve and Yellows and the player’s representatives failed to reach an agreement after a marathon meeting in Tarkwa.
The financial demands from the Burkina Faso striker appeared to have scuttled the deal.
Both parties had reached a mutual agreement for the deal to be finalized but the player made a sensational U-turn on his financial entitlement to put the deal in jeopardy.
If Friday’s meeting failed to yield results, the deal will be off the table, GHANAsoccernet.com can report.
Medeama made an attractive offer for the player, but he suddenly changed his stance after initially agreeing to the offer.
It’s unclear if the two-time FA Cup holders will push ahead to sign the player as it appears the club has grown impatient with the player’s stand-off.
Medeama is largely seen as a perfect destination for Yacouba to recover his form after he was restricted at Kotoko prior to his departure over contractual issues.
Yacouba is a free agent after ending his contract with giants Asante Kotoko.
Former Hearts of Oak midfielder Kofi Abanga has named three teammates he enjoyed playing with during his time with the Ghanaian giants.
Abanga who controversially joined Hearts of Oak after a long transfer saga picked Esme Mends, Francis Jojo Bossman and Obed Ansah as the best players he shared the pitch with at Hearts of Oak.
“I enjoyed playing with Esme Mends, Francis Bossman and Obed Ansah during my Hearts of Oak days,” he told Sikka Sports.
The mercurial midfielder together with the likes of Bossman and Ansah formed a solid midfield for the Phobians in the late 2000’s.
The 32-year old has been inactive for almost two years but revealed he is fit and has no intentions of retiring anytime soon.
“I’m fit and not thinking about retirement now,” said the midfielder.
Abanga left Ghana for China briefly before returning to join Elmina Sharks but struggled to make a mark with the sea animals.
It is unclear which club the midfielder will join but there are reports he might return to Sharks before the transfer window shuts.
Growing numbers of fake medicines linked to coronavirus are on sale in developing countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.
A BBC News investigation found fake drugs for sale in Africa, with counterfeiters exploiting growing gaps in the market.
The WHO said taking these drugs could have “serious side effects”.
One expert warned of “a parallel pandemic, of substandard and falsified products”.
Around the world, people are stockpiling basic medicines. However, with the world’s two largest producers of medical supplies – China and India – in lockdown, demand now outstrips the supply and the circulation of dangerous counterfeit drugs is soaring.
In the same week the World Health Organization (WHO) declared coronavirus a pandemic last month, Operation Pangea, Interpol’s global pharmaceutical crime fighting unit, made 121 arrests across 90 countries in just seven days, resulting in the seizure of dangerous pharmaceuticals worth over $14m (£11m).
From Malaysia to Mozambique, police officers confiscated tens of thousands of counterfeit face masks and fake medicines, many of which claimed to be able to cure coronavirus.
“The illicit trade in such counterfeit medical items during a public health crisis, shows a total disregard for people’s lives,” said Interpol’s Secretary General Jurgen Stock.
According to the WHO, the broader falsified medicines trade, which includes medicines which may be contaminated, contain the wrong or no active ingredient, or may be out-of-date, is worth more than $30bn in low and middle-income countries.
“Best case scenario they [fake medicines] probably won’t treat the disease for which they were intended”, said Pernette Bourdillion Esteve, from the WHO team dealing with falsified medical products.
“But worst-case scenario they’ll actively cause harm, because they might be contaminated with something toxic.”
The supply chain
The global pharmaceutical industry is worth more than $1 trillion. Vast supply chains stretch all the way from key manufacturers in places such as China and India, to packaging warehouses in Europe, South America or Asia, to distributors sending medicines to every country in the world.
There is “probably nothing more globalised than medicine” said Esteve. However, as the world goes into lockdown, the supply chain has already begun to uncouple.
Several pharmaceutical companies in India told the BBC they are now operating at 50-60% of their normal capacity. As Indian companies supply 20% of all basic medicines to Africa, nations there are being disproportionately affected.
Ephraim Phiri, a pharmacist in Zambia’s capital Lusaka, said he was already feeling the strain.
“Medicines are already running out and we are not replenishing them. There is nothing we can do. It’s been really hard to get supplies… especially essential medicines like antibiotics and antimalarials.”
Producers and suppliers are also struggling as the raw ingredients to manufacture tablets are now so expensive, some companies can simply not afford to keep going.
One producer in Pakistan said he used to buy the raw ingredients for an antimalarial drug called hydrochloroquine for about $100 a kilo. But today, the cost has increased to $1,150 a kilo.
Image captionPresident Trump has touted the efficacy of hydrochloroquine – but there’s no clear evidence it can help fight Covid-19
With an increasing number of countries going into lockdown, it’s not only the reduction in production that’s problematic, it’s also the increase in demand, as people around the world anxiously stockpile basic medicines.
It’s this unstable combination of reduced supply and increased demand that has led the WHO to warn of a dangerous spike in the production and sales of fake drugs.
“When the supply does not meet the demand,” said Esteve, from the WHO, “it creates an environment where poorer quality or fake medicines will try to meet that demand.”
Fake medicine
Speaking to pharmacists and drug companies around the world, the global supply of antimalarials is now under threat.
Ever since US President Donald Trump began referring to the potential of chloroquine and a related derivative, hydroxychloroquine, in White House briefings, there has been a global surge in the demand for these drugs, which are normally used to tackle malaria.
Coronavirus and chloroquine: Is there evidence it works?
The WHO has repeatedly said there is no definitive evidence that chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine can be used against the virus that causes Covid-19. However, at a recent news conference, whilst referring to these antimalarials, President Trump said: “What do you have to lose? Take it.”
As the demand has soared, the BBC has discovered large quantities of fake chloroquine in circulation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon. The WHO has also found the fake medicines for sale in Niger.
The antimalarial chloroquine is normally sold for about $40 for a pot of 1,000 tablets. But pharmacists in the DRC were found to be selling them for up to $250.
The medicine being sold was allegedly manufactured in Belgium, by “Brown and Burk Pharmaceutical limited”. However, Brown and Burk, a pharmaceutical company registered in the UK, said they had “nothing to do with this medicine. We don’t manufacture this drug, it’s fake.”
Image captionCounterfeit antimalarial drugs discovered in circulation in the DRC
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, Professor Paul Newton, an expert in fake medicines at the University of Oxford, warned the circulation of fake and dangerous medicines would only increase unless governments around the world present a united front.
“We risk a parallel pandemic, of substandard and falsified products unless we all ensure that there is a global co-ordinated plan for co-ordinated production, equitable distribution and the surveillance of the quality of the tests, medicines and vaccines. Otherwise the benefits of modern medicine… will be lost.”
Managing Director of Hearts of Oak Fredrick Moore has revealed that the club has signed 70% of of their target for the second round of the Ghana Premier League.
The Ghanaian giants have already confirmed two signings, both foreign players and are closing in on the signing of former defender Nuru Sulley.
The club has completed the signing of Nigerien midfielder Mamane Lawali and former Nigeria U-17 forward Danjuma Ademoli Kuti.
“We’ve got about 70% of the players that we targeted,” Fredrick Moore told Sikka Sports.
The former C.E.O of the Institute of Chattered Accountants Ghana also disclosed that some players will be sent on loan to make way for the new acquisitions.
“We’ve got players that we might let go on loan to get playing time,” he added.
The Phobians had a decent first half in the 2019/20 Ghana Premier League after accumulating 21 points and are just seven points adrift of leaders Aduana Stars.
The Rainbow club also have a game in hand after their match against King Faisal was postponed due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus in Ghana.
Former Ghana Premier League goal king Eric Bekoe has picked Columbus Crew captain Jonathan Mensah as the most difficult defender he played against in the Ghana Premier League.
Bekoe faced Mensah, who was then an Ashantigold defender in the Ghana Premier League in the 2007/08 season, the season he won the Golden Boot.
The former Asante Kotoko striker was in top form scoring against any team he came across but had a tough time against the FIFA U-20 World Cup winner.
“Jonathan Mensah is the best defender I played against in the Ghana Premier League,” he told Sikka Sports.
Eric Bekoe came across many top defenders, and he is always remember for the hell he went through in a game against Hearts of Oak, where he was ‘manhandled’ by Daniel Coleman.
The 33-year old had an excellent season in the 2007/08 season, going to win the Ghana Premier League and the FA Cup under coach Bashiru Hayford.
Former head coach for the Black Stars of Ghana, James Kwesi Appiah has stressed that he always made it known to his players that he will not tolerate indiscipline in his camp.
The gaffer was in charge of the senior national team of Ghana for the first time between 2012 and 2014 before he was sacked after failing to win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
After 3 years, he was re-appointed to coach the Black Stars between 2017 and 2019.
During the 2 stints he had with the team, there were times where news of uneasiness and indiscipline in camp came out.
Reliving the past, Coach Kwesi Appiah noted that regardless of what was reported, all the players that passed through his hands were always disciplined.
“All the players that passed through my hand’s behavior was fantastic because I made them know that if there is any sense of insubordination you will be replaced by another player.
“Although there will be one or two who will misbehave, the bottom-line was to get the best out of them on the field and talked to in obeying rules and regulationsâ€, the 59-year-old tactician told Light FM.
Coach Appiah has been replaced as the head coach for the Black Stars by coach CK Akonnor.
The Board Chairman for the governing body of the Ghana National Sports Authority (NSA) and Parliamentary Aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ashanti Akim Agogo Constiuency, Hon. Kwadwo Baah Agyemang, has suggested that, the country should initiate policy that will seek the welfare of its retired sports men and women in the country.
It has been noticed in the country for several years that, Ghana does not regard her retired sports legends. Ghana has become a powerhouse in the world of sports as a result of quality personnel the country had produced days back and in recent times, yet, it has not fully recognized her sports men and women when they are on retirement.
According to Hon. Kwadwo Baah Agyemang, there should be a policy for the country’s retire sports men and women as social security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) does for her subscribers on their retirement.
Speaking in an interview on an Accra based Angel 102.9 fm, the chairman hinted that, the country’s athletes fade off from the system after they had retired. Most of them after wearing the national colours battle to make a square meal. This is the reason for which there must be a policy that consciously seek their welfare.
“One has to achieve a legendary status before one qualifies to benefit from that policy, for example a footballer has to play at least 20 matches for the national team before they can qualify for the policy”, he stated.
He also disclosed that, sports contribute enormously to the country’s economy and so, the government must invest in the sports sector as he will do for other sectors, because the country’s future is centered on the youth who are the epicenter of the sports.
The aspiring legislature also added that, before the suspension of all social gatherings due to the Coronavirus pandemic by the president, H.E. Nana Addo Akufo Addo, all stakeholders in the sporting fraternity agreed in a meeting to reduce drastically supporters in the various stadia to avoid the pandemic from spreading.
The wife of Keche Andrew Joana Grey Cudjoe has made an interesting revelation on the amount of money she earns in a month in a recent interview.
According to Joana, her networth is about $700M. She explains that she makes a profit of about $700 Million each year. She disclosed that she stuffs her bank account with enough money from he hard earned hustle.
In a excerpt from a yet to be aired interview on the Delay Show, the business lady Joana explained into details how she was able to lift her $200,000 profit to$700M every year. Joana is a business dealer and a gold dealer as well.
Joana has been fired by some social media users on Instagram. Most people have described her statement as a lie. Many believe she is just bragging to gain attention from the public.
Managing Director of Accra Hearts of Oak, Mr Frederick Moore has brushed off calls that the club needs to own and operate its own newspaper in this current times.
According to the MD,the most important thing for the club presently is to win football matches and not to publish newspapers.
“Winning on the pitch is what Hearts of Oak is known for not Hearts News. There’s an Akan proverbs which goes that we do what is needful before what is appropriate” he told Sikka Sports in an interview.
Hearts of Oak used to have the Hearts news, a newspaper that published and disseminated the club news to its supporters while also generating revenue but it has been defunct for a while now.
With the comments made by the club’s DM, it appears it does not feature prominently oF their immediate agenda.
Former Ghanaian international James Kwesi Appiah has been giving tips on how to succeed as the head coach for the Black Stars.
According to the experienced tacticians, a coach will need to be bold in his decision making, have a tough skin to deal with criticism, and also have the midst that sacking is part of the job.
In an interview with Light FM, Coach Kwesi Appiah shared, “One thing that I know is that, if you are fearful in taking decisions, accepting criticisms and facing sack on the Black Stars job, you are not going to be successful. For instance, if you fear of bringing in new good players to replace the old players, you are not going to do the country good.
The ex-Kotoko captain added, “Even our last game against South Africa, I included 8 debutants and I was told that do you know your job is at stake but I took the risk that if we get eliminated, the country will benefit from the new talents introduced for the futureâ€.
Coach Kwesi Appiah has coached the Black Stars of Ghana on 2 different occasions.
Although he had his issues, he opines that his leadership skills and his boldness got him through.
Nii Adjei Tawiah, Korle Klottey Municipal Chief Executive, together with other officials from the Assembly have embarked on a demarcation exercise at the Adabraka market to ensure that traders adhere to social distancing.
The market segregation exercise was to ensure that not all traders would be at the market at all times but just a few at a particular time.
Addressing the traders Nii Tawiah indicated that, the assembly had observed that the traders were not adhering to the social distancing protocol which could help in halting the spread of COVID-19.
He said this was not the time for talking but time for the laws to be enforced to help halt the spread and ensure that everyone was safe.
“The virus is no respecter of persons and it does not know about market days or not. The way you go about your normal business claiming today and tomorrow are your market days, if we are not careful we would be doing more harm than good to ourselves and the Assembly would not just sit and watch. We are taking action now,†he said.
He, therefore, advised the traders not to ignore any of the precautionary measures outlined by the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service to ensure they are safe and healthy.
Mr Bernard Yingura, the Coordinating Director of the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly said for some time now they had been in constant communication with the leadership of the market to discuss ways of implementing and observing social distancing in the market.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman Dangote Industries Limited has assured Nigerians and Africans of victory over the coronavirus pandemic.
The assurance was detailed in a goodwill message on the occasion of his 63rd birthday issued by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Dangote Group, Mr Anthony Chiejina on Friday in Lagos.
The foremost entrepreneur commended the efforts of the organized private sector, which through the Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) initiative had raised over N21 billion to support government efforts to tackle the pandemic in Nigeria.
Dangote also lauded the efforts of the government at all levels and those on the frontline of the fight against COVID-19, which currently was ravaging the economic, health and social sectors of the country.
“All hands must be on deck to help fight the coronavirus pandemic, and every gesture of support from other stakeholders outside government and the business community in Nigeria and Africa, would go a long way to help tackle this global dimension issue, with its impact felt all over the world.
“If we all work together to combat this virus, then there is light at the end of the tunnel,†he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dangote, through his philanthropic organization, Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has donated N2 billion in cash and other materials to the CACOVID Fund.
He also donated four ambulances to the Lagos State Government to support its efforts.
Under his leadership, CACOVID is building isolation centres in some states inclusive of 500-bed temporary medical facility in Kano, 1,000-bed facility in Lagos, 210-bed isolation centre in Rivers, 200-bed facility in Abuja,200-bed facility in Enugu and another 200-bed facility in Borno states respectively.
A regional court in eastern Germany has ruled that locals can go to the popular Baltic coast this Easter weekend, despite the coronavirus lockdown.
The Greifswald higher court said the regional government’s travel ban was “disproportionate” in curbing people’s local freedom. Germans from other regions remain banned from the coast.
The Mecklenburg-West Pomerania government has accepted the decision.
But the government urged locals to stay 2m (6.6ft) apart to avoid contagion.
Temperatures on Germany’s Baltic coast are set to climb above 20C on Sunday and forecasters say it will be a sunny Easter weekend.
Lockdowns are in force across Germany, but the restrictions vary from state to state. The toughest measures have been imposed in Bavaria and the Saarland.
The number of Germans infected with Covid-19 has risen for the fourth day in a row, reaching 113,525, the respected Robert Koch Institute says. There had been four days of decline. Almost half of those infected have recovered, says the RKI.
And the death toll has reached 2,373, with another 266 fatalities reported on Friday – still well below the death rates in Italy, Spain, France and the UK. Johns Hopkins University in the US puts the number of infections in Germany at over 118,000 with more than 2,600 deaths.
Germany’s large-scale testing for infection is believed to have kept the figures down.
Magnet for holidaymakers
The picturesque town of Stralsund on the Baltic coast is Chancellor Angela Merkel’s constituency – she has held that seat since 1990.
Nearby lies the island of Rügen, a major holiday destination for Germans.
One of the lawyers who argued against the regional government’s travel ban, Jost von Glasenapp, called it “meaningless”, broadcaster NDR reported.
Nobody, he said, had been able to explain to him “why the infection risk was higher when people travelled from the overcrowded town to the spacious coast”.
In its ruling the court also described as “incomprehensible” the authorities’ decision to exclude the regional capital Schwerin and its suburbs from the travel ban.
And the judges argued that there would now be more space in the seaside resorts because foreigners and Germans from outside the region could not go there.
Two cases lodged by Germans living outside Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, who wanted to travel there, were rejected by the court.
Farmworkers fly-in
In another exception to Germany’s lockdown, the federal government is allowing thousands of Romanians and Poles to fly in to help with the spring harvest, especially to pick asparagus and strawberries.
Buses took newly arrived Romanians to farms from Düsseldorf airport on Thursday.
There is a shortage of farm labour because of the coronavirus restrictions, so up to 80,000 foreign seasonal workers will be allowed in during April and May, on direct flights.
In normal years some 300,000 labourers travel to Germany for fruit and vegetable picking.
Authorities are doing medical checks on those arriving at farms, keeping them separate from other workers, and obliging them to work only in small groups.
A union spokesperson, Reinhard Steffen, voiced concern about the scheme, in a Reuters interview.
“We fear that hygiene standards will not be met and people’s accommodation will not be properly regulated. We are calling for quarantine, with a maximum of two people to one room,” he said.
in the three major markets in Koforidua for two weeks for non-adherence to the social distancing protocols.
They are the Juaben Serwa, Central and the Agatha market and the suspension takes effect from Sunday, April 12 to 26, 2020 to enable the assembly to strategise on how to run a shift system for the traders to reduce congestion.
A joint statement issued by PHERM and NJSMA, signed by Mr Musah Yahaya Froko, Municipal Coordinating Director and copied to the GNA, made it clear that the suspension follows the failure to observe the social distancing protocols to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Many residents had expressed worry over the congestion at the three markets since the President gave the directives on the social distancing protocol in all markets.
A visit to these three markets by GNA indicated that the Agatha market where traders from across the region bring foodstuffs on Mondays and Thursdays for sale had no handwashing facilities and was very congested making the social distancing protocol difficult to observe.
The Juaben Serwa and the Koforidua central markets, however, had the handwashing facilities but were inadequate and it was also observed that it was not being used
Images have emerged of coffins being buried in a mass grave in New York City, as the death toll from the coronavirus outbreak continues to rise.
Workers in hazmat outfits were seen using a ladder to descend into a huge pit where the coffins were stacked.
The location is Hart Island, used for New Yorkers with no next of kin or who could not afford a funeral.
New York state now has more coronavirus cases than any single country, according to the latest figures.
The state’s confirmed caseload of COVID-19 jumped by 10,000 on Thursday to 159,937, of whom 7,000 have died.
Spain has had 153,000 cases and Italy 143,000, while China, where the virus emerged last year, has reported 82,000 cases.
The US as a whole has recorded 462,000 cases and nearly 16,500 deaths. Globally there are 1.6 million cases and 95,000 deaths.
The drone footage comes from Hart Island, off the Bronx in Long Island Sound, which has been used for more than 150 years by city officials as a mass burial site for those with no next-of-kin, or families who cannot afford funerals.
It is probable that many of the coffins are for coronavirus victims, but it is not clear whether they fall into the above categories.
Burial operations at the site have ramped up amid the pandemic from one day a week to five days a week, according to the Department of Corrections.
Prisoners from Rikers Island, the city’s main jail complex, usually do the job, but the rising workload has recently been taken over by contractors.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio indicated earlier this week that “temporary burials” might be necessary until the crisis had passed.
“Obviously the place we have used historically is Hart Island,” he said.
The number of coronavirus deaths in New York state increased to 799 on Wednesday, a record high for a third day.
But Governor Andrew Cuomo took heart from the fact that the number of Covid-19 patients admitted to New York hospitals dropped for a second day, to 200.
He said it was a sign social distancing was working. He called the outbreak a “silent explosion that ripples through society with the same randomness, the same evil that we saw on 9/11”.
Another glimmer of hope was heralded on Thursday as official projections for the nationwide death toll were lowered.
The 60,000 projection would match the upper estimate for total flu deaths in the US between October 2019 to March 2020, according to government data.
But Vice-President Mike Pence stressed on Thursday that Covid-19 is about three times as contagious as influenza.
The White House has previously touted estimates that 2.2 million Americans could die from coronavirus if nothing was done to stop its spread.
Stay-at-home orders have in the meantime closed non-essential businesses in 42 states, while drastically slowing the US economy.
New data on Thursday showed unemployment claims topped 6 million for the second week in a row, bringing the number of Americans out of work over the last three weeks to 16.8 million.
Chicago meanwhile imposed a curfew on liquor sales from 21:00 local time on Thursday to stop the persistent violation of a ban on large gatherings.
The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has begun tracking businesses to assess the socio-economic impact of covid-19 in Ghana.
The online survey will also assess measures put in place by businesses to mitigate the impacts of covid-19 as well as efforts to build better recovery for businesses and cross border trade.
Results from the survey will inform policy directions in protecting jobs and safeguarding progress of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The findings will also provide insights into keeping the promise of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) alive as a tool to handle future pandemics and protect jobs and businesses especially for youth and women.
Government Statistician, Professor Samuel Kobina Annim, called on businesses to participate in the survey to inform policy decisions.
Business owners, Managing Directors or representatives of micro, small and medium scale businesses are being requested click here to participate in the survey.
“I make a clarion call to all apex bodies of businesses in Ghana including Association of Ghana Industries, Ghana Chamber of Commerce, Business and Trade Associations, Private Enterprise Foundation and National Board for Small Scale Industries and individual businesses to participate in the surveyâ€, Prof. Annim appealed.
He noted that the roll-out of a soft loan scheme of up to 600 million cedis by the government is a direct response to the adverse effects of COVID-19 and its attendant policy interventions.
The loan which is for micro, small and medium scale businesses will have a one-year moratorium and two-year repayment period.
Acting Resident Representative of UNDP Ghana, Gita Welch, said covid-19 is not only a health problem but also a development crisis with enormous socioeconomic impact.
“…for its assessment, empirical data will be required to ensure that recovery efforts are better directed,†she said.
“This is a growing partnership that we hope will make a difference in providing the much-needed data for policy options and decision makingâ€, she stated
The socioeconomic impact study is part of a broader partnership seeking to strengthen capacities for economic and strategic policy development in response to COVID-19.
The partnership, led by the GSS, includes other government institutions, the UN system in Ghana, development partners, academia and private organizations.
Other interventions of the partnership will include re-engineering SDGs financing architecture to protect jobs and safeguard SDGs progress amidst COVID-19; supporting youth innovations in fighting COVID-19; and building resilience of local economies.
Ghana as at April 8 recorded 313 cases of coronavirus with six deaths.
A number of measures including a partial lockdown have been put in place by government to curb the spread of the virus.
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, the Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh, has commended precautionary measures taken by Chirano Gold Mines Ltd. as the company works to help protect employees and local communities from COVID-19.
The Asomah-Cheremeh paid a working visit to the mine to review the proactive actions and protocols put in place to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
While mining workers are exempt from the lockdown announced by government, Chirano has continued to implement numerous measures and has taken extra steps to continue safe operations at the mine.
For example, staff who have the capacity to work from home have been doing so, and those whose presence is required on-site are restricted to the catchment area of the mine.
Chirano has also put in place medical screening for all persons visiting the site, and the temperatures of all workers are checked before entering the site. Hand sanitizers have been placed at vantage points at multiple locations at the mine, while extensive social distancing practices are enforced.
To protect the catchment community, the mine has implemented sanitization programs in immediate local communities, including homes and markets, and has rolled out a public health awareness program to educate residents and employees on proper hygienic practices to help stop the spread of the virus.
The Minister of Lands and Natural resources, who went through thorough medical screening with his staff before the visit, noted that the measures taken can substantially contribute to efforts to help stop the spread of the virus both at the mine and at immediately surrounding communities.
Chirano has disinfected and sanitized local communities to help prevent the spread of coronavirus
The Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh also noted that Chirano has rigorous preparedness plans in place to contain and manage a possible positive COVID-19 test at site, in accordance with protocols of government and health authorities.
Chirano has established an isolation center and equipped it with coronavirus test kits, personal protective equipment and other necessary medical supplies.
The Minister said he had been mandated to inspect and assess the measures being put in place by mining companies in the country to protect employees and noted that the preventative actions that Chirano is taking are best in class.
Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh inspecting a ward at the Chirano COVID_19 isolation centre
Vice President and General Manager of Chirano Gold Mines Ltd., Terence Watungwa assured the Minister that existing measures will be sustained and new ones will be rolled out to protect employees and local communities as the coronavirus situation evolves.
The Korele-Klottey Municipal Assembly on Thursday announced that the Cocoa Marketing Board (CMB) Market in Accra will be closed from midnight on Thursday due to non-adherence to COVI-19 protocols especially the two-metre social distancing.
“Any trader from today midnight found trading will be made to face the full rigorous of the law by paying GHC12, 000.00 or serve a term of four years imprisonment as indicated in the law”.
Mr Samuel Nii Adjei Tawiah, Municipal Chief Executive of Korke-Klottey who made the announcement said, the Assembly as a team advised and cautioned the market women to exercise a new trend of market attendance by traders on a rotational basis.
He said that was to ensure that enough space existed to reduce overcrowding between traders and buyers in order to exercise the social distancing protocols.
But the MCE in his announcement stated that the assembly’s visits to the market revealed that they were not adhering to the protocols and were recalcitrant towards exercising the social distancing.
He said some of them even moved onto the main roads to display their goods against the rules of engagement.
Mr Tawiah said the Assembly would now provide the market women with Identification Cards with colours of the National Flag, Red, Yellow and Green to indicate a shift system of trading in the market to ensure the COVID-19 protocols were observed.
He called on the market women to adhere to the closure directive for their personal safety.
One of the market women, Madam Naa Ayele in an interview with the Ghana News Agency said, “Only a few of us were observing the COVID-19 protocols, but pleaded with the assembly to reconsider its decision and open the market.”
She said upon opening the market, the assembly could constantly visit there to arrest and prosecute the recalcitrant traders who refused to exercise the protocols of the COVID-19.
This she said would ensure that traders respected the protocols to save themselves from being infected with the virus.
Officials of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) have, since the outbreak of the coronavirus in Ghana, been partaking in international conferences with partners through technology, hence syndication will not be affected by the outbreak of the pandemic, Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Chief Executive Officer has said.
There were fears the syndication may not happen following the coronavirus outbreak which is devastating the global economy.
But Mr Boahen Aidoo assured stakeholders that players in the cocoa sector are working through the use of modern technology in spite of the pandemic hence no need to panic.
He also disclosed that the timing of the cocoa syndication has changed but not cancelled entirely.
Mr Boahen Aidoo told TV3 in an interview on Thursday April 9 that : “There have been some meetings outside Ghana that because of the COVID-19 pandemic we cannot travel to take part but we are doing conference calls to take part.â€
He added : “We are also rescheduling the programme of syndication. The timing may delay but again but it will not mean that we cannot have syndication at all. Definitely syndication will take place.â€
He also said the COVID-19 will not have serious impact on production in the 2021 crop season because COCOBOD is in full operation despite the outbreak.
“We are working around the clock to ensure that the services that will go to our cocoa farmers are delivered and we are doing so with all our allied agencies.
“Nothing is halting our operations and let me also assure our farmers that purchasing of cocoa is also not stopped.â€
COCOBOD is targeting one million metric tons for the 2021 season.
Congratulations have started pouring in for Berla Mundi about founding love.
Her colleague, Giovani Caleb took to Facebook to congratulate following her rumoured marriage with Joe Mettle.
“Congrats Berla Mundi (Berla Addardey) Love is a beautiful thing,†he wrote.
Another media personality, Kofi Okyere Darko also congratulated the television presenter by writing: “Congratulations Berla Mundi Love is a fabulous thing! Wish you well.â€
Currently, nothing is known about the man who Berla has fallen in love as Ghanaian gospel musician has denied rumours that they were planning to get married after the Coronavirus has been combatted.
As Zionfelix.net reported earlier, Joe Mettle said there is no iota of truth in multiple reports that Berla and him are preparing to tie the knot.
Strongman has sent out a piece of advice to his peers not to let money control their mindset.
Strongman made the above statement via the micro-blogging platform otherwise knowns as Twitter perhaps to put sense in his fans who are developing a bad attitude.
The rapper who acquired a Nissan Elantra not long ago was once tagged by his fellow rapper Medikal as broke when the two faced-off in a lyrical battle which according to social media users, Strongman won.
“Never let money free your bad character which was jailed by poverty,†he tweeted.
A Ghanaian Youtuber during this Coronavirus season decided to test some male celebrities in Ghana and the results is very shocking.
There have been stories of male celebrities taking advantage of ladies who slide into their DMs on social media and getting into their pants.
In order to satisfy her curiosity, the youtube by name Ama Governor sent direct messages to some Ghanaian male celebrities to ascertain their reactions.
Although some fell for it, others did not and were not even interested in chatting her.
Actress Joselyn Dumas has since the inception of this week been giving money out to her followers on Twitter.
The actress is expected to give 50 people some amount of money to support them as parts of the country is currently on partial lockdown.
However, movie producer, Leila Djansi reacting to the donations advised the actress to rather spend the money on people who need it because if these tweeps can afford data it means they are not needy.
But Joselyn Dumas seems not to have heeded the advice by Leila as she has continued sharing of the money on Twitter.
Fifty lucky people are expected to get the money the actress is sharing on Twitter. However, the amounts are not been disclosed to the public.
The Chinese government has issued a new draft list of livestock that can be farmed for meat in the wake of the coronavirus epidemic, which is suspected to have originated from wild animals in a Wuhan wet market.
Beijing temporarily banned all trade in wild animals for food following the outbreak, which has now spread globally to infect more than 1.6 million people, but the new law has yet to be finalized.
China’s Ministry of Agriculture issued a draft list of animals considered fit to be used as livestock on Wednesday night, including dietary staples such as pigs, cows, chickens and sheep, as well as “special livestock” such as a number of species of deer, alpaca and ostriches.
Two species of fox, raccoons and minks can be kept as livestock but not for their meat.
There is no mention of the species of animal which are suspected by scientists to have spread the virus to humans, such as pangolins, bats and civet cats.
Don’t blame bats for coronavirus pandemic, blame humans03:07
Dogs are also absent from the list of livestock, which, if formally enforced, would lead to China’s first countrywide ban on their consumption in a victory for animal rights activists.
“With the progress of human civilization and the public’s concern and preference for animal protection, dogs have evolved from traditional livestock to companion animals,” said an accompanying explanation of the draft. “They are generally no longer regarded as livestock in the rest of the world. It is not advisable to list them under livestock or poultry in China.”
The draft has still yet to be finalized and the public has until May 8 to provide feedback.
In a statement on Thursday, the Humane Society International said that the draft proposal could be a “game-changer” for animal protection in China.
“We have to await the outcome of the consultation phase but this draft could effectively pave the way for China to officially take dogs and cats off the menu,” spokeswoman Wendy Higgins said.
The initial outbreak of the novel coronavirus epidemic has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan, capital of Hubei province in Central China, where a wide variety of wild animals were being sold as meat, including snakes, porcupine and raccoon dogs.
Wet market is a widely used term across parts of Asia to describe markets that sell meat, fish and perishable goods. Not all wet markets sell animal products.
The consumption of wild animals is not common in most of China but there is a highly lucrative trade, especially in the country’s south.
When wild animals are kept in close proximity and unsanitary conditions, experts say there is a high risk of viruses spreading between the animals and then potentially to humans.
Researchers have theorized that it may have been a bat or a pangolin who originally spread the virus to humans, but there has been no conclusive answer yet.
The Eastern region has recorded 15 more COVID-19 cases bringing the total number of cases in the region to 16.
The region recorded its first case on March 31 but has since had 15 more confirmed cases.
A breakdown from the Eastern region Health Directorate stated that a total of 257 contacts have been identified with 252 identified and followed up. The statement added that five other contacts have completed the 14-day quarantine and tested.
Meanwhile, confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Ghana have risen to 378, President Akufo-Addo has disclosed.
The President made the disclosure in his 6th address to the nation since the first case was confirmed in the country.
TikTok, the fast-growing mobile video app, pledged Thursday to contribute $250 million to coronavirus relief efforts around the world.
The Chinese-based firm, which US officials and lawmakers have assailed for potential security risks, said the funds would be for “front line medical workers, educators, and local communities deeply affected by the global crisis.”
TikTok’s move follows similar announcements from technology firms including Google, Facebook and Netflix as well as from leaders of Microsoft, Amazon and Twitter.
“We are committed to playing our part in that global outpouring of mutual support and giving,” TikTok president Alex Zhu said in a statement.
“We want to magnify all we are seeing across our community and translate it into concrete relief for those most affected by this crisis.”
TikTok said $150 million of the funds would be allocated for medical staffing, supplies, and hardship relief for health care workers through the US Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, and agencies working to distribute supplies in hard-hit countries including India, Indonesia, Italy and South Korea.
Another $40 million will be donated to “organizations that serve groups representative of TikTok’s diverse user communities, including musicians, artists, nurses, educators, and families that have come together on our platform,” Zhu said.
TikTok said it would match $10 million in donations to its “community relief fund,” with some of that going to artists, songwriters, and music professionals hurt by cancelled performances and gig work.
Another $50 million will be applied to a “creative learning fund” to support distance learning efforts worldwide.
TikTok, popular with teens for its short music videos, has become one of the most widely used social platforms in recent months and has seen interest surge during the pandemic.
The application, owned by Chinese tech company ByteDance, saw 65 million worldwide downloads in March, according to analytics site SensorTower.
But officials from the FBI, the Justice Department and Homeland Security have warned that the video-sharing app could become another tool exploited by Chinese intelligence services.
TikTok has denied any ties with the Chinese government.
Yemen has reported its first coronavirus case – in the eastern province of Hadramout.
Aid groups have been warning the spread of the disease could have a catastrophic impact in the war-torn country.
Yesterday, a unilateral two-week ceasefire called by the Saudi-led coalition fighting against Houthi rebels in Yemen came into effect.
The five-year conflict has devastated Yemen, reportedly killed more than 100,000 people, and triggered what the UN considers the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
India’s 28 million Christians are just waking up to Good Friday under lockdown.
Like in many other countries around the world, there will be no church services today. Instead, people will either have small prayer ceremonies at home or follow church services online.
“This year, for the first time in the history of Christianity, the celebration of Good Friday and Easter will be held without parishioners physically attending the church services,” Father Maverick Fernandes, director Caritas Goa, a social wing of the Goa Church, told the PTI news agency.
A few big churches in Indian cities like Mumbai and Delhi, and across states like Goa and Kerala have already announced that they would live stream their services on web platforms, like YouTube and Facebook.
Around the world, there are now more than 95,700 deaths that have been linked to Covid-19 and if the past days’ trend continues, this weekend will see that number pass the 100,000 mark.
The highest toll is in Italy where 18,279 people have died with Covid-19, followed by the US (16,684), Spain (15,447), France (12,228) and the UK (7,993).
Again, those numbers have to be read with caution as many countries don’t test people who died at home.
Gospel musician Evangelist Diana Asamoah has opined that the outbreak of the coronavirus has exposed the so-called prophets of God.
The musician told Fiifi Pratt on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm that, the virus has given us an opportunity to see how fake some of the prophets we have in the country are.
She said, â€this is the time we need the so-called prophets. Those who sell koko and gives the weirdest directions are needed. This is the time we need those who walk on dust and ask their members to mix it water and drink. The outbreak has exposed the prophets. I am not going to mention names but the fake ones know themselves.â€
To her, the outbreak has stopped the fake prophets from taking advantage of their members.
She said, â€there are prophets who sell orange and all manner of things in the name of prophetic directions. They are all silent now.â€
She has therefore asked Ghanaians to learn their lessons and separate the fake men of God from the genuine ones.
Diana Asamoah also asked churches to lend a helping hand to the vulnerable.
“This is the time the church must support the poor. Any church that fails to support the poor in the face of the outbreak should be boycotted”, she stated.
