TIG Post

Author: Persis

  • Coronavirus: Government feeding 400k homes in vulnerable communities in lockdown areas Akufo-Addo

    The government is feeding some 400,000 individuals and homes in vulnerable communities in Accra, Kasoa, Tema and Kumasi through the Coronavirus Alleviation Programme (CAP).

    This was disclosed by President Akufo-Addo in his address to the nation on Sunday, 5 April 2020.

    The areas under the programme are the affected areas the Government has locked-down and restricted movement to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

    According to the President, the food distribution begun in Accra on Sunday and will begin in Kumasi on Monday, 6 April.

    The objective of this CAP, according to Nana Akufo-Addo “is to protect households and livelihoods, support micro, small, and medium-sized businesses, minimise job losses, and source additional funding for promotion of industries to shore up and expand industrial output for domestic consumption and exports.”

    “Through this Programme, the Ministries of Gender, Children and Social Protection and Local Government and Rural Development, and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), working with MMDCEs and the faith-based organisations, have begun to provide food for up to four hundred thousand (400,000) individuals and homes in the affected areas of the restrictions. This begun in Accra today, and will begin in Kumasi tomorrow,” he added.

    The food will come in the form of dry food packages and hot meals.

    Nana Akufo-Addo has stated that he will determine whether or not to extend the duration of the two-week restriction on movement, and the implementation or otherwise of any more enhanced measures to deal with the virus after the test results of some 15,384 people reached through contact tracing are released next week.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Youre our heroes, heroines; thanks for your sacrifice Akufo-Addo to health workers

    President Nana Akufo-Addo has thanked all health workers and frontline staff helping to fight the coronavirus outbreak in Ghana, which has, so far killed five people out of the two hundred and fourteen infected persons in the country.

    In his fifth address to the nation since the disease entered Ghana, President Akufo-Addo said on Sunday that: “Let me thank, in particular, all our frontline actors who continue to put their lives on the line to help ensure that we defeat the virus”.

    “To our healthcare workers, I say a big ‘ayekoo’ for the continued sacrifices you are making in caring for those infected with the virus, and in caring for the sick in general.

    “You are the heroes and heroines of our generation, and the government will do all in its power to provide you with the relevant tools to do your work effectively”, he noted.

    “To the men and women of our security services, who have been enforcing the directives, by patrolling our streets day and night, conducting surveillance, snap checks and mounting roadblocks, we are deeply in your debt.

    “It is these security measures that have created the basic framework within which our medical personnel are able to pursue contact tracing, testing and treatment of persons with the virus, whose implementation offers us the most secure means to defeat the virus”, the President said.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Close contacts of pregnant coronavirus patient in Bolgatanga identified Minister

    11 persons who came into contact with the pregnant woman who has tested positive for Coronavirus in Bolgatanga, have been identified.

    This is according to Health Authorities in the Upper East Region.

    The regional Minister, Tangoba Abayage said the 11 contacts traced will be followed up on for testing immediately.

    The pregnant woman was diagnosed with novel coronavirus when she went to the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital with symptoms of COVID-19.

    Her samples were tested at the Kumasi Center for Collaborative Research and came out positive.

    The minister stated that the patient is in a stable condition.

    “The patient is clinically stable and in good health…at the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital as the sore throat and cough has subsided. She is able to eat without any discomfort or difficulty. 11 of her close contacts have been identified so far and are being followed up,” she said.

    Though the patient has no history of travelling outside Ghana nor contact with any of the other confirmed cases, the Upper East Coordinating Council says she returned from the Western region on Friday, March 27, 2020.

    The Coronavirus team in Tarkwa has however refuted that claim.

    She went to the hospital on 28th March 2020, with symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

    Her results came back positive on April 3, 2020 after her samples were taken to the Kumasi Center for Collaborative Research

    Ghana has so far recorded 214 cases of the pandemic with five deaths and three recoveries.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Security services have discharged their mandate with professionalism – Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has disclosed that the “police, military and other members of our security services have discharged their mandate with considerable professionalism” due to the two-weeks lockdown to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Ghana.

    The first days of Ghana’s partial coronavirus lockdown have seen allegations of unnecessary brutality and violence by soldiers.

    Social media had been awash with videos of security forces brutalising civilians allegedly found to be flouting the lockdown directive.

    There is also a call by Ghanaians on the government for oversight and the protection of civil liberties.

    The Ghana Armed Forces have denied that its personnel was the ones captured in some videos circulating on social media.

    The Armed Forces in a statement said checks reveal that most of these videos are old incidents that are unrelated to the ongoing exercise.

    However, the President in his 5th address to the nation on the COVID-19 pandemic praised the security services for exhibiting professionalism in their duties.

    “Reports I have received so far indicate that the police, military and other members of our security services have discharged their mandate with considerable professionalism,” he said.

    He stated that originators of fake videos of alleged brutality by members of the security agencies will be tracked.

    He said, “In the very few instances where members of our security agencies have employed the use of excessive force against the citizenry, in enforcing the restrictions on movement, the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff of the Armed Forces have taken steps to investigate such incidents, and, they have given me the assurance that those found culpable, will be duly sanctioned.”

    He noted: “I am extremely disturbed by the actions of a few, unpatriotic persons, who are deliberately passing off and circulating old videos of alleged brutality by members of the security agencies, largely of foreign origin, and presenting them as though they were new incidents by Ghanaian security personnel, which have occurred during the course of this past week. It is sad, it is unfortunate, and it must end.

    “We should all be in this fight together, and there is nothing to be gained with widespread fabrication and distribution of such videos, whose sole aim is to create discontent and undermine the trust of the population in the men and women of our security services. Who gains from such conduct? Nobody in their right senses! The law enforcement agencies are determined to locate the originators of these anti-social acts.”

    Source: pulse.com.gh

  • Police informant goes missing amid threats from implicated drug lord

    The family of a 35-year-old Police informant in Kasoa near Accra, have been thrown into a state of sadness and uncertainty following the disappearance of their relative, Sika Sannie, for about two weeks now, few days after revealing his role in the capture of a hardened drug baron.

    According to a reliable family source, Sannie disclosed to his closest sibling about his role in the capture of the drug Lord some few weeks ago when he also expressed how he was afraid for his life after the disappearance without trace of his own partner a few weeks earlier.

    It was then he also revealed how he has been working for many years as an informant for the Police and how his latest work succeeded in helping the Police to arrest the big drug baron who had evaded them for years.

    The case went to court with the accused remanded but he was eventually freed with his high connections. It was afterwards that Sannie and his partner started receiving death threats from the camp of the drug kingpin. They didn’t take it seriously until the sudden disappearance of Sannie’s partner with all attempts to trace him proving fruitless.

    Sannie apparently realised the grave enormity of the situation and therefore opened up to his closest brother, confessing his Police informant role and how he was afraid for his life due to the threats from the said drug baron.

    “The family was very afraid when Sannie told them that his life was in danger and were planning to send him to their village in the North so he can hide there for a while,” the family source said.

    “However before they could do anything, Sannie went missing after he didn’t return from an errand in town which got everybody worrying. We have searched for him everywhere, called all his friend’s we know and still nobody knows where he is. Not even the Police can help,” he added.

    “The whole family is traumatised, they fear that Sannie may have been captured by the drug baron and are afraid what may have happened to him. We are only praying that he is free from harm and will return to his family soon,” he said, tearfully.

    Source: Prince Dornu, Contributor

  • Government will provide alternatives for private health workers to access free transportation – Oppong-Nkrumah

    Government is working to make available alternative transport companies that will help private entities to also provide free transport services for health workers in the Covid-19 fight.

    This is according to the Minister for Information, Oppong-Nkrumah who believes this move will allow private companies to complement the work of the government.

    Citi TV yesterday cancelled their planned free bus service for health workers in the Greater Accra Region at last hour scheduled to commence today Monday, April 6, 2020.

    The management of the station decided to cancel the initiative after the operators of the Aayalolo Bus Service The Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE) communicated to the station via an email at 4 pm on Sunday to indicate that the buses, would no longer be available for planned service, following a government directive to the company to deploy all their buses within the lockdown area.

    The communication to withdraw the service came several hours after Citi TV staff, branded the Aayalolo buses under the supervision of the GAPTE officials.

    President Akfu-Addo during his late-night address also announced free bus service for health workers among other incentives.

    Many were earlier unhappy with the decision of GAPTE to withdraw their buses. Some noted that the Citi TV initiative could have been made part of government’s exercise.

    Explaining the circumstances leading to the withdrawal of the buses, Oppong Nkrumah first commended the initiative.

    He stated that the withdrawal had the potential to create the impression that government is competing or having challenges.

    “…first of all Citi TV must be commended for this initiative and indeed the many other initiatives you led in being responsible as a corporate entity, it is the commendable thing that you don’t need to stop. Secondly is unfortunate how the logistical arrangement I think for this intervention that Citi seeks to do has been handled in the final bit, it has the potential to create the impression as though we are either competing or we are having some challenges which ought not to be the case. It is true that it has come to my attention that Citi announced on Thursday that you were also going to provide support of some buses to assist health workers as part of activities to help the Covid-19 fight.

    According to him, the Ministers for Finance and Transport were earlier directed to resolve the issues of Aayololo after they suspended their services last week and as a result of that directive the issues have been solved leading to the redeployment of the buses.

    “You will recall that earlier the Minister for Transport had brief the country about various interventions that they are putting in place and had mentioned that the Aayalolo buses are supposed to be made available to support in the various interventions and then by Thursday or Friday Aayalolo suspended their services, I was behind the podium at my press briefing when it was raised and I recall saying that the Ministers for finance and transport have been instructed to work together to resolve that challenge.”

    “The brief I have is that it is out of this intervention that they are making available the buses generally to provide free transport for health workers on the general buses but they have also designated some 15 buses in Greater Accra dedicated to helping health workers plying separate routs…” he added.

    He concluded that other arrangements are being made for private entities to equally support the programme.

    “We are working to achieve the same objective, I think we should be able to work together make some alternate transport companies buses available so that what Citi wants to do compliment what the state is doing doesn’t have to fall out of place…”

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • NPA fleecing 98% LPG users – Alex Mould

    An energy expert is awed as to why the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) will be fleecing about 98 percent of consumers of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) only two (2) percent consumers to enjoy.

    The NPA has introduced a GHp13.5 new Cylinder Recovery Margin during the last Petroleum Pricing window. The new levy or margin is to help the LPG Marketing Companies offset aspects of the cost involved in procuring and branding cylinders for the new energy policy, the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) which is currently being piloted in two assemblies, thus, Obuasi and Kwaebibirem Municipal assemblies.

    The new margin adds up to increase the price of LPG at the pumps at the expense of consumers nationwide, despite only two assemblies are benefiting now. Since the announcement by the NPA, many Ghanaians are at a shock for such decision at a time when global citizens are facing economic hardship amidst COVID-19 mitigation measures being implemented by nations.

    “Why the decision to immediately burden all consumers (even those outside of CRM pilot and operational regions), with the margin? Why should consumers outside the new policy’s pilot regions pay now?”, Alex Mould, former NPA and GNPC CEO has quizzed in a statement he shared in reaction to the introduction of the new margin.

    Not only is the energy and financial expert is worried about the charging of all LPG users for only 2% users to benefit from a new policy but also he believes the timing is bad.

    Below is the full statement

    WHY MUST 98% of LPG CONSUMERS PAY NEW MARGIN TO BENEFIT ONLY 2% – ALEX MOULD TO GOVERNMENT

    We understand the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) introduced a GHp 13.5 Cylinder Recovery Margin during the last Petroleum Pricing window.

    This is bad timing by the Authority; considering the current health crisis the last thing the consumer needs is to be burdened with this margin during such difficult and tumultuous times.

    As such, the NPA owes the general public a thorough and detailed explanation. We understand they’ve engaged stakeholders in 10 out of the 16 regions but I still can’t fathom why the rush to introduce the new margin when there’s not enough literature out there to educate and prepare the minds of LPG consumers.

    For starters, why the decision to immediately burden all consumers (even those outside of CRM pilot and operational regions), with the margin? Why should consumers outside the new system’s pilot regions pay now?
    This distribution system is being given a trial run in the following pilot sites: Kade in the Eastern region and Obuasi in the Ashanti region, which currently account for less than 2% of total LPG usage.

    However, as the Cylinder Recovery Margin has been introduced nation-wide, this connotes 98% of consumers are paying for the benefit of the 2% i.e. those within the two pilot regions.

    Silently slipping the Cylinder Recovery Margin into the pricing model with no prior communication is not only unfair but comes across as deceitful.

    Especially at a time when prices have fallen and the benefit should accrue to consumers!!!

    Some other questions that the NPA needs to answer include the following:

    – Is there a roadmap that can be shared with the public to understand the complete rollout plan?
    – How will the margin be collected, and what accounting mechanisms are in place to ensure transparency and effective disbursement measures? i.e. Payment Accounts, Responsible parties for disbursement, etc.
    – Is there a communication plan for the public to learn the guidelines regarding usage, phase-out, and replacement of current cylinders?
    – Clarity on why consumers who have already invested in ownership of cylinder(s) are being unlawfully charged for new ones with no additional benefits?
    – How will current cylinder owners refill their cylinders in this new recirculating model?
    – Are cylinder owners now stuck with redundant cylinders that can not be filled? There should be some sort of cylinder exchange or replacement plan, with a buy-back or exchange mechanism; so existing cylinders will automatically be replaced, free of charge, in this recirculation exercise.

    These are mind boggling questions that I’ve researched myself but surprisingly found little or no answers on the internet nor the NPA’s website.

    The LPG Marketers have called for a withdrawal of this new LPG margin. Yet, the NPA continuously insists that the new LPG margin did not result in LPG price hikes.

    It’s a disingenuous and inconsiderate Regulator who disregards the plight of consumers!!!

    END

    Signed
    Alex Mould
    04/04/2020

    Source: Dickson Boadi, Contributor

  • GHp 13.5 Cylinder Recovery Margin wont increase gas price NPA

    The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has said the the introduction of the GHp 13.5 Cylinder Recovery Margin would not lead to any pump price increment of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) in Ghana.

    The LPG Marketing Companies Association of Ghana (LPGMCs) had issued a statement on April 3, 2020, calling for the withdrawal the GHp 13.5.

    The margin took effect on April 1, 2020.

    But a statement issued by its Corporate Affairs Department, the NPA stated categorically that, contrary to the claim of the marketing companies that the introduction of the margin will increase the product price at the pumps and thereby burden the consumer, the facts as they stand do not support that.

    It says “ per our projection for this very pricing window (1st April to 15 April, 2020), consumers are expected to enjoy a price reduction of about 11.56 percent even with the introduction of the Cylinder Recovery Margin.”

    “These projections were made before the decision to introduce the Cylinder Recovery Margin.

    It is important to state that under the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM), LPG cylinders will be procured, owned, branded and maintained by the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and LPG Marketing Companies (LPGMCs),” it stated.

    The LPGMCs and OMCs will assume full responsibility of the safety and maintenance of the cylinders, and also be liable for any accident involving their branded cylinders, it stated.

    “The margin is therefore to assist the marketers offset some of their financial expenses, in accordance with the full cost recovery principle of petroleum products pricing in Ghana.”

    “It is therefore unfortunate for the LPGMCs to hold such a position. That notwithstanding, the NPA will continue to engage them on this and other related issues of mutual concern,” according to the statement.

    “We take note of the concerns raised in the statement regarding tax components in LPG and, we are happy to communicate a positive outcome in the fullness of time.”

    It is the sole priority of the NPA that the public interest is served, it stated.

    “It is also a responsibility of the NPA that the safety and security of the general public is not compromised,” it added.

    Source: DailyGuideNework.com

  • Global food prices drop in March – FAO Index

    World food prices declined sharply in March, driven mostly by demand-side contractions linked to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the drop in global oil prices due mostly to expectations of economic slowdown as governments roll out restrictions designed to respond to the health crisis.

    The FAO Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of commonly traded food commodities, averaged 172.2 points during the month, down 4.3 percent from February.

    “The price drops are largely driven by demand factors, not supply, and the demand factors are influenced by ever-more deteriorating economic prospects,” said FAO Senior Economist Abdolreza Abbassian.

    The FAO Sugar Price Index posted the biggest drop, down 19.1 percent from the previous month. Causes include lower demand from out-of-home consumption linked to the confinement measures imposed by many countries, and lower demand from ethanol producers due to the steep fall in crude oil prices.

    The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index declined 12.0 percent in one month, mainly stemming from falling palm oil prices linked to the plunge in crude mineral oil prices and rising uncertainties over the pandemic’s impact on vegetable oil markets worldwide. Soy and rapeseed oil prices followed the trend.

    “Oil prices have fallen by more than half during the past month, which catalyzes a large downward impact on biofuels, which are an important source of demand in the markets for sugar and vegetable oils,” said FAO analyst Peter Thoenes.

    The FAO Dairy Price Index fell by 3.0 percent, driven by declining quotations and global import demand for skim and whole milk powders, due largely to disruptions in the dairy supply chains because of the containment measures aimed at controlling the spread of COVID-19.

    The FAO Cereal Price Index in March declined 1.9 percent from February and stood at nearly its level of March 2019. International wheat prices declined, as the effects of large global supplies and broadly favorable crop prospects outweighed those of increased import demand from North Africa and some small export limitations imposed by the Russian Federation. Maize prices also declined due to both large supplies and much weaker demand from the biofuel sector.

    International rice prices, by contrast, rose for the third consecutive month, with Indica quotations buoyed by stockpiling spurred by concerns over the pandemic and reports that Vietnam might introduce export bans – which the government has since downplayed.

    FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu told national leaders “to make sure that agricultural trade continues to play its important role in contributing to global food security” and to avoid policies that stymie trade flows that underpin food-supply systems. FAO is closely monitoring prices and logistical issue for food commodities with an eye to alerting countries of emerging problems that could exacerbate potential disruptions during the pandemic.

    The FAO Meat Price Index fell by 0.6 percent, led by drops in international quotations for ovine and bovine meats, for which export availabilities are large and trade capacity dampened by logistic bottlenecks. But pig meat quotations rose amid surging global demand and as processing facilities were hampered by the restrictions on the movement of workers.

    Comfortable cereal supplies

    FAO’s forecast for 2020 world wheat production remains unchanged from the previous month, at the near-record level of last year, which, coupled with ample inventories, will help shield food markets from turmoil during the coronavirus storm.

    In this month’s Cereal Supply and Demand Brief, FAO’s hiked its estimate for worldwide cereal output in 2019 to 2 721 million tonnes, a 2.4 percent increase from 2018. By type, FAO’s 2019 estimates now stand at 1 445 million tonnes for coarse grains, 763 million tonnes for wheat and 512 million tonnes for rice (milled basis).

    While localized disruptions, mostly due to logistical issues, pose challenges to food supply chains in some markets, their anticipated duration and magnitude are unlikely to have a significant effect on global food markets, FAO said.

    FAO’s 2020 forecast for world wheat production is unchanged from last month at 763 million tonnes, with expectations of lower outputs in the European Union, Ukraine and the United States of America compensated by anticipated production gains in the Russian Federation, India and Pakistan – although locust infestations in the latter two countries could temper the foreseen increase.

    For maize, the leading coarse grain, bumper harvests are expected in Brazil and Argentina, and South Africa’s maize output is forecast to recover strongly after last year’s drought. Elsewhere, sowing decisions may be influenced by the downturn in international maize prices.

    FAO’s forecast for world cereal utilization for 2019/20 has been raised slightly to 2 722 million tonnes, a 1.2 percent annual increase. World cereal stocks at the close of the 2020 seasons are expected to contract by 8 million tonnes from their opening levels, pushing the global cereals stock-to-use ratio down to 30.7 percent, which is still considered a comfortable level. World trade in cereals is forecast to increase by 2.3 percent from the previous year to reach 420 million tonnes.

    Source: fao.org

  • NPA dismisses LPG marketers arguments of overburdening consumers

    The National Petroleum Authority has dismissed arguments by the Liquified Petroleum Gas Marketing Companies Association of Ghana that the introduction of the Cylinder Recovery Levy will increase the cost of LPG.

    The Liquified Petroleum Gas Marketing Companies Association of Ghana, in a statement, called on the NPA to withdraw the new levy immediately, and further engage industry players on the best way forward.

    But the NPA, in response, said: “We wish to state categorically that contrary to their claim that the introduction of the margin will increase the product price at the pumps and thereby burden the consumer, the facts as they stand do not support that”.

    “Per our projection for this very pricing window (1st April to 15 April 2020), consumers are expected to enjoy a price reduction of about 11.56 per cent even with the introduction of the Cylinder Recovery Margin. These projections were made before the decision to introduce the Cylinder Recovery Margin.

    “It is important to state that under the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM), LPG cylinders will be procured, owned, branded and maintained by the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and LPG Marketing Companies (LPGMCs).

    “The LPGMCs and OMCs will assume full responsibility of the safety and maintenance of the cylinders, and also be liable for any accident involving their branded cylinders. The margin is therefore to assist the marketers offset some of their financial expenses, in accordance with the full cost recovery principle of petroleum products pricing in Ghana”, said NPA.

    Further, the NPA explained that it is unfortunate for the LPGMCs to hold such a position. That notwithstanding, it will continue to engage them on this and other related issues of mutual concern.

    It, however, takes note of the concerns raised in the statement regarding tax components in LPG and, “we are happy to communicate a positive outcome in the fullness of time”.

    It pointed out that it is the sole priority of the NPA for public interest to be served, adding it is also a responsibility of the NPA that the safety and security of the general public is not compromised.

    “We believe strongly that it is in the interest of the general public, Petroleum Service Providers, motorists and consumers of petroleum products that, we develop a model that will secure the safety of the general public, in order to forestall the past occurrences of gas explosions we have witnessed as a nation.

    “We are certainly aware of the difficult situation we all find ourselves in at this time, and the last thing we will do is to further burden the consumer with additional taxes.”

    The NPA it said, therefore, assures members of the general public of its commitment to ensure product availability, affordability and accessibility, while ensuring the safety of the general public and the business viability of players across the value chain.

    Source: ClassFMOnline.com

  • Coronavirus: Scientists brand 5G claims ‘complete rubbish’

    Conspiracy theories claiming 5G technology helps transmit coronavirus have been condemned by the scientific community.

    Videos have been shared on social media showing mobile phone masts on fire in Birmingham and Merseyside – along with the claims.

    The posts have been shared on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram – including by verified accounts with hundreds of thousands of followers.

    But scientists say the idea of a connection between Covid-19 and 5G is “complete rubbish” and biologically impossible.

    The conspiracy theories have been branded “the worst kind of fake news” by NHS England Medical Director Stephen Powis.

    Conspiracy theory

    Many of those sharing the post are pushing a conspiracy theory falsely claiming that 5G – which is used in mobile phone networks and relies on signals carried by radio waves – is somehow responsible for coronavirus.

    These theories appear to have first emerged via Facebook posts in late January, around the same time the first cases were recorded in the US.

    They appear to fall broadly in to two camps:

    • One claims 5G can suppress the immune system, thus making people more susceptible to catching the virus.
    • The other suggests the virus can somehow be transmitted through the use of 5G technology.

    Both these notions are “complete rubbish,” says Dr Simon Clarke, associate professor in cellular microbiology at the University of Reading.

    mobile network
    Masts caught fire in Birmingham and Merseyside, prompting investigations

    “The idea that 5G lowers your immune system doesn’t stand up to scrutiny,” Dr Clarke says.

    “Your immune system can be dipped by all sorts of thing – by being tired one day, or not having a good diet. Those fluctuations aren’t huge but can make you more susceptible to catching viruses.

    “Radio waves can disrupt your physiology as they heat you up, meaning your immune system can’t function. But 5G radio waves are tiny and they are nowhere near strong enough to affect the immune system. There have been lots of studies on this.”

    It would also be impossible for 5G to transmit the virus, Adam Finn, professor of paediatrics at the University of Bristol, adds.

    “The present epidemic is caused by a virus that is passed from one infected person to another. We know this is true. We even have the virus growing in our lab, obtained from a person with the illness. Viruses and electromagnetic waves that make mobile phones and internet connections work are different things. As different as chalk and cheese,” he says.

    Graphic shows 5G's frequencies on the electromagnetic spectrum - within the non-ionising band at the lower end of the scale.

    It’s also important to note another major flaw with the conspiracy theories – coronavirus is spreading in UK cities where 5G has yet to be deployed, and in countries like Iran that have yet to roll out the technology.

    There were plenty of scare stories about 5G circulating before the coronavirus outbreak which Reality Check has already looked into, such as this piece: Does 5G pose health risks?

    Earlier this year, a long-running study from the watchdog the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) rebutted these claims, saying there was no evidence that mobile networks cause cancer or other illnesses.

    Coronavirus: What you need to know graphic featuring three key points: wash your hands for 20 seconds; use a tissue for coughs; avoid touching your face

    But if anything, the misinformation seems to have escalated.

    Trade body Mobile UK has said false rumours and theories linking 5G and coronavirus were “concerning,” while the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has reiterated there is “absolutely no credible evidence for the link”.

    Viruses invade human or animal cells and use them to reproduce, which is what causes infection. Viruses cannot live very long outside a living thing, so they have to find a way in – usually via droplets of liquid from coughs or sneezes.

    Genome sequencing of this coronavirus suggests it jumped from animals to humans – and then began to pass from human to human.

    Source: bbc.com

  • COVID-19: All persons in mandatory quarantine who tested negative discharged Oppong-Nkrumah

    All persons who have been in mandatory quarantine over the past 2 weeks and have tested negative for the COVID-19 after two tests within the period have been sent home.

    This was disclosed by Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, on Saturday, April 4, in a Twitter update.

    He stated that beginning Saturday, persons who have successfully undergone the 14-day mandatory quarantine will be sent home with assistance from the National Security.

    Those who live outside Accra, or wish to be sent to destinations outside the Region will also be catered for.

    The exercise, he tweeted, will take place over two days, Saturday and Sunday.

    Kojo Oppong Nkrumah mentioned, “Today and tomorrow we are commencing an exercise to take home, our Colleagues who have been in mandatory quarantine for the last 14days and who tested negative after both tests.”

    “The national security secretariate and the military are coordinating the exit and transport to their homes. For those who desire to go outside Accra, arrangements are being made to assist them to the exits of Accra,” he added.

    Updates from the Ghana Health Service website dedicated to the provision of verified information indicate that

    “As at 4 th April 2020, Ghana has recorded a total of 214 cases of COVID-19 with five (5) deaths. Currently, the number of regions reporting cases are as follows: Greater Accra, Ashanti, Northern, Upper West Eastern and Upper East Region. The Greater Accra Region has most cases (189) followed by the Ashanti Region (12), Northern Region (10), Upper West Region (1), Eastern Region (1) and Upper East Region (1).

    “Most of the cases are reported from routine / enhanced surveillance activities. Cases from travellers under mandatory quarantine are 90,” it added.

    Source: ABCNewsGh.com 

  • It is not your business to tell us how to use our data Franklin Cudjoe to Telecoms Chamber

    Founding President of the Policy think tank, IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe has taken a swipe at the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications for advising the public on how to use their internet data during the lockdown period.

    According to him, it is not the business of the Chamber to direct consumers on how to use their data on videos and other fun activities during this lockdown period.

    He opines that the Chamber should rather have as its business how fighting regulators on what describes as  ”their offensive wasteful interventions such as the 50% hike in CST( tax).

    His comments follow a 10 point document issued by the Telecommunications Chamber urging Ghanaians to be guided by the way they use mobile data.

    The chamber, among others, called on the populace to avoid unnecessary video calls and also limit the amount of data they use within digital rush hours such as 9am and 11am as well as 7pm and 11pm.

    The document discourages the sending of bulk emails, leaving applications active when not in use, avoid sending large bulk files among others.

    ”It is not the business of the Telecoms Chamber to be telling consumers how to use their data on videos and other fun activity during this lockdown period,”

    ”It is the surest way to keep psychologically safe. They should battle the regulators on their offensive wasteful interventions such as the 50% hike in CST( tax) and we will all be fine. We love the Chamber nonetheless!” he wrote on Facebook.

    Source: ABCNewsgh.com

  • Coronavirus: Go for voluntary tests Speaker urges MPs, Staff

    The Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Aaron Mike Ocquaye has disclosed that he has taken the test for Coronavirus and it turned out negative.

    He made this known in an announcement to the house when they sat on April 4, 2020

    “I wish to inform you that I took the Coronavirus test three days ago and my test result came Negative. Praise the Lord”. An elated Prof. Aaron Mike Ocquaye disclosed.

    The speaker who voluntarily tested on April 2 used the opportunity to encourage staff and all lawmakers to take the test

    “All members and staff who wish to do voluntary testing should see Dr Pambo.”

    Speaking on efforts at ensuring that the Members of Parliament and other staff at Parliament were safe, the speaker disclosed that ”In accordance with the crisis, we have made satisfactory arrangements to protect our MPs and officials in many ways including fumigation of the premises and offices, leave granted to some workers to enable spacing according to regulations, masks, sanitizers, self-isolation of all our people who returned from duties abroad, sensitisation and education,

    Source: mynewsgh.com

  • Akufo-Addo to address Ghanaians on progress of lockdown today

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will today April 5, 2020, give an account of the progress of the partial lockdown of Accra and Kumasi.

    This was disclosed by the Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.

    The address is expected to be made at 6:00pm.

    The President according to Oppong Nkrumah will account to the country for what has been done so far these past 7 days of the partial lockdown.

    He added that the President will give an indication of the kind of report that will be given to the public.

    The President today extended the closure of Ghana’s borders by 2 weeks.

    He said this has become necessary as it ensures that Ghana does not import more cases.

    So far Ghana has recorded 214 cases with 5 deaths so far.

    A two weeks partial lockdown of Accra and Kumasi is in effect.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Akufo-Addo to give account of lockdown directives on April 5

    President Akufo-Addo will tomorrow April 5, 2020, give an account of the progress of the partial lockdown of Accra and Kumasi. This was disclosed by the Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.

    The address is expected to be made at 6:00pm.

    The President according to Oppong Nkrumah will account to the country for what has been done so far these past 7 days of the partial lockdown.

    He added that the President will give an indication of the kind of report that will be given to the public.

    The President today extended the closure of Ghana’s borders by 2 weeks.

    He said this has become necessary as it ensures that Ghana does not import more cases.

    So far Ghana has recorded 205 cases with 5 deaths so far.

    A two weeks partial lockdown of Accra and Kumasi is in effect.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Increase of coronavirus cases in Ghana not a surprise – Dr Beyou

    Dr. Titus Beyou, Deputy General Secretary and Member of Infectious Diseases Committee of the Ghana Medical Association says he is not surprised by the daily rise in COVID-19 cases in Ghana.

    He disclosed that the rise in cases is due to the fact that more tests are being conducted daily.

    He said we could have more numbers but that should not cause any fear and panic.

    ” I am not surprised about the fact that the numbers keep rising, this is simple, we are doing more testing and we are getting more cases, this will soon reduce”, he stated.

    He advised that many should observe all safety measures and adhere to the lockdown directives.

    Ghana has recorded 205 cases so far with 5 deaths.

    There has also been some good news as some 30 people have been discharged after showing massive signs of improvement.

    Meanwhile, the Minister for Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah announced today that President Akufo-Addo has extended the closure of Ghana’s borders by 2 weeks.

    The 14-day partial lockdown of Accra and Kumasi is still in effect.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Coronavirus: Mahama donates PPEs, gumboots worth GHC300,000

    Former President John Mahama has donated PPEs and gumboots amounting to GHC300,000 to support the fight against the deadly Covid-19 in Ghana.

    The items included 500 PPEs and 500 gumboots.

    The former President in a live Facebook address Saturday said he intends adding on some more in the coming days because of the threat from the Accidents and Emergency ward nurses at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

    Mr. Mahama also noted he was pleased with the investment his government made in health infrastructure across the country.

    “It is with great humility that I note the massive investment made in the health sector during my tenure as President,” he said.

    The donation comes as health professionals at the Accidents and Emergency Centre of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital say they will not continue working until everyone in the department is tested for Covid-19.

    According to the nurses, all staff at the emergency unit are living in fear after their management hid information about a covid-19 patient from them.

    “It is sad to inform our heads of department that it has created fear and panic among we the nurses who are always close to the patients. We write with deep pain and regret as such information has been kept from us and consequently putting us at risk.

    “As we write this letter, a substantial number of nurses at the centre are not in their right state of mind,” the nurses in a statement.

    They are also demanding for PPEs to be provided to them before they return to work.

    Source: starrfm.com.gh

  • Coronavirus in Africa: close to 8,000 cases, 334 deaths, 702 recoveries

    There are now more than over 6,700 confirmed cases of coronavirus across the continent, with a number of African countries imposing a range of prevention and containment measures against the spread of the pandemic.

    According to the latest data by the Africa Center for Disease Control on COVID-19 in Africa, the breakdown remains fluid as countries confirm cases as and when. The whole of Africa has rising cases with a handful of countries holding out.

    We shall keep updating this list which will be put in sub-continental blocs: East, West, Central, Southern and North Africa. All statistics are sourced from Africa CDC updates, from the John Hopkins University and from official government data.

    The classifications are based on where the countries are located especially in the case of countries that belong to two different blocs, like Tanzania in East Africa, despite belonging to EAC and SADC.

    Major stats as at April 3
    Confirmed cases = 7, 933
    Number of deaths = 334
    Recoveries = 702
    Infected countries = 50
    Virus-free countries = 4

    Countries in alphabetical order
    Algeria 1,171
    Angola 8
    Benin 16
    Botswana 4
    Burkina Faso 302
    Burundi 3
    Cameroon 509
    Cape Verde 6
    Central African Republic 8
    Chad 8
    Congo-Brazzaville 41
    DR Congo 148
    Djibouti 49
    Egypt 985
    Equatorial Guinea 16
    Eritrea 22
    Ethiopia 35
    Eswatini 9
    Gabon 21
    (The) Gambia 4
    Ghana 205
    Guinea 73
    Guinea-Bissau 15
    Ivory Coast 218
    Kenya 122
    Liberia 7
    Libya 17
    Madagascar 70
    Malawi 3
    Mali 39
    Mauritania 6
    Mauritius 186
    Morocco 791
    Mozambique 10
    Namibia 14
    Niger 120
    Nigeria- 210
    Rwanda 89
    Senegal 207
    Seychelles 10
    Sierra Leone 2
    Somalia 7
    South Africa 1,505
    Sudan 10
    Tanzania 20
    Togo 40
    Tunisia 495
    Uganda 48
    Zambia 39
    Zimbabwe 9

    Virus-free = Sao Tome and Principe, Comoros, Lesotho, South Sudan

    Source: africanews.com

  • French doctor apologizes for ‘Africa’ coronavirus test idea

    Suggesting Africans test a “repurposed” tuberculosis vaccine to help find a COVID-19 vaccine has triggered outrage. A French anti-racism group slammed the idea floated by two French doctors, one of whom has apologized.

    Paris intensive care doctor Jean-Paul Mira apologized Friday for suggesting the testing in Africa of a “repurposed” tuberculosis vaccine as a COVID-19 beater during an expert chat with a colleague on television.

    “Africa isn’t a testing lab,” replied retired Ivory Coast football star Didier Drogba, and a Moroccan lawyers’ collective had said it would sue Mira for racial defamation.

    French group SOS Racisme said Africans aren’t guinea pigs and France’s CSA broadcast ethics watchdog said it had received a complaint.

    Paris’ clinic network, including Mira as head of intensive care at its Cochin hospital, on Friday quoted him as saying: “I want to present all my apologies to those who were hurt, shocked and felt insulted by the remarks I clumsily expressed.”

    On Wednesday, in a broadcast on the channel LCI, Mira discussed the rush to find anti-coronavirus vaccines with Camille Locht, research head at France’s National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), based in Lille.

    Police man a checkpoint in Cape Town erected as part of coronavirus measures (AFP/R. Bosch)

    Coronavirus crisis: How is life changing around the world?

    Their focus was BCG, a vaccine against tuberculosis used for decades to help shield health workers and reputed to reduce suffering from respiratory illnesses among children as well as mitigating asthma and autoimmune diseases.

    Mira posed the question: “… shouldn’t we be doing this study in Africa, where there are no masks, no treatment, no intensive care, rather as was done with certain studies on AIDS, where things are tested on prostitutes because it’s known that they are highly exposed (to HIV)?”

    Locht replied: “You’re right, we are thinking in parallel by the way about a study in Africa with the same kind of approach, (but) it doesn’t prevent us from being able to think about a study in Europe and Australia at the same time.”

    She was referring to a BCG vaccine trial in Australia among some 4,000 health workers.

    Spanish, French, German and Dutch research entities, including INSERM, are also preparing trials using genetically-modified vaccines.

    Radboud University in the Netherlands said the BCG vaccine did not directly protect against the coronavirus but could boost immune systems among patients and health workers and ease infections by the new Sars-CoV-2 virus.

    Source: dw.com

  • Coronavirus: Police gifts drivers gloves, nose masks at Lapaz

    Security personnel stationed at Lapaz, a suburb of Accra, to enforce the lockdown directives by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo chose to educate drivers who ply that route on Coronavirus and also gift these drivers hand gloves and nose masks.

    To prove to Ghanaians that the Police is indeed a friend to the civilian, all drivers who used the Lapaz-N1 Highway on Friday were inspected to ensure they were wearing PPEs, those who didn’t have were immediately given some to put on.

    This as a measure is to contain the spread of the deadly Coronavirus among the Ghanaian populace.

    Some parts of the country are currently under a mandatorily partial lockdown. These are Accra, Kumasi, Tema, and Kasoa.

    Ghana as of yesterday has recorded 205 Coronavirus cases with 5 deaths and a good number of recoveries.

    Watch the report carried by UTV and monitored by GhanaWeb below:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    #TheLockdown #StayAtHome #StopTheSpread

    A post shared by UTV Ghana (@utvghana) on

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Lockdown: Court remands 14 stubborn Kasoa residents

    The Awutu Ofaakor Circuit has remanded fourteen recalcitrant persons in Kasoa into police custody for defying the directives of the lockdown announced by President Akufo-Addo.

    They are to appear in court again on April 16, 2020.

    The caged persons were picked up in Kasoa after several police interrogations which showed they were moving about aimlessly at a time when they should have been indoors.

    According to the Police, the fourteen were acting contrary to the provision of Act 10/12 of 2020 hence their arrest and prosecution.

    Meanwhile, Kasoa District Police commander Superintendent Samuel Odame, in an interview with Kasapa FM News Yaw Boagyan lamented the flimsy excuses given by Kasoa residents whenever they are stopped by security officials enforcing the lockdown.

    He stated that going forward, his officers will enforce the law to the letter and will not entertain intangible reasons.

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • 90 foreign nationals arrested, quarantined

    Ninety (90) Foreign Nationals who entered the country illegally have been arrested at Kenyasi Abirem in the Ashanti Region.

    The group, comprising of 22 females and 68 males are currently being kept in isolation at the Atonsu Agogo Hospital.

    They will be screened and investigated as well, according to officials.

    Restrictions on Movement

    Some parts of the country are under lockdown following the implementation of the Executive Order on the restrictions on movement in Greater Accra and Greater Kumasi, and Kasoa.

    Following the passage of the Imposition of Restriction Bill 2020 in March, President Akufo-Addo announced a partial lockdown last week.

    The two-week restriction on movement within the Kasoa township, Greater Accra Region and Greater Kumasi and some municipalities in the Ashanti Region, effective 1 am on Monday, 30 March 2020, is part of measures to prevent further spread of the deadly Coronavirus.

    Ghana’s COVID-19 Case Count

    The Ghana Health Service (GHS) as of 3rd April 2020, Ghana has recorded a total of 205 cases of COVID-19 with five (5) deaths. Currently, the number of regions reporting cases are as follows: Greater Accra, Ashanti, Northern, Upper West Eastern, and Upper East Region. The Greater Accra Region has most cases (183) followed by the Northern Region (10), Ashanti Region (9), Upper West Region (1), Eastern Region (1) and Upper East Region (1).

    Lockdown Exemptions

    Essential service providers and some other business enterprises are however exempted from the lockdown.

    But some are deliberately flouting the lockdown directive and have been seen going about their duties as in normal times.

    Arrest of Foreign Nationals

    HelloFM and PeaceFM’s Senior Correspondent in the Ashanti Region, Sampson K. Nyamekye reports that the operation was led by Staff Sergeant Asamoah Isaac and other Military personnel from the headquarters of the Central Command of the Ghana Armed Forces attached to Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly for the lockdown exercise.

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • Every patient is a potential coronavirus case, take precaution – GMA advises doctors

    The Ghana Medical Association has advised doctors across the country to regard every patient as a potential Coronavirus case and take the necessary precautions when attending to them.

    In a statement to its members, the Association also urged managers of the various health institutions in the country to ensure the availability of Personal Protective Equipment at all points of first patient contact.

    “All clinicians are to maintain a high index of suspicion for Covid-19 in any/all patent encounters. It is safer to assume any patent being seen at these places is a potential Covid-19 case until proven otherwise,” the statement issued on Friday, 3rd April 2020 reads.

    It added that “in very high-risk hospitals such as the Teaching Hospitals and the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (GARH) there is the need to review the protocols for PPE use in the emergency units.”

    The GMA further called for an improvement in communication between health workers within and between health facilities as that will help control the spread of the pandemic

    Read the full statement below

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com1>

  • Traders, buyers keep Kasoa New Market busy despite lockdown

    While some traders in some markets are recording low sales due to the enforcement of the partial lockdown by Ghana’s security personnel, the situation is different at the Kasoa New Market.

    Just like any normal day in one of the busy markets in Kasoa, which serves as a centre for buyers and traders from surrounding communities, a tour to the place on Day 5 of the lockdown was no different.

    Despite the heightened education on the deadly Coronavirus by the media and the government on the need to maintain social distancing, use PPEs and most importantly to stay at home, the brisk activity at the Kasoa new market shows some Ghanaians are yet to understand how dangerous the virus is.

    Hundreds of market women, buyers are seen engaging in all kinds of trading activities; with children loitering around in the market.

    This was reported by UTV Ghana and monitored by GhanaWeb.

    Watch the video below:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • 75 markets in Volta Region to be disinfected today

    Some 75 markets in 18 Municipal/District Assemblies of the Volta Region will be disinfected today, April 4, 2020.

    This comes on the back of similar ones conducted in the Greater Accra Region, Ashanti Region, Upper West Region, North East Region, Ahafo, Bono and Bono East Regions.

    The exercise forms part of measures to disinfect public spaces to control the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

    Ahead of the exercise, the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) in a statement said markets, shops adjacent markets and lorry parks within the region will be closed down and urged traders to comply with the directive.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the exercise will simultaneously take place in the major markets in all the eighteen (18) Municipal and District Assemblies in the region. In addition, all the lorry parks and shops, stores, restaurants, chop bars and all businesses that operate adjacent or close to the various markets will be affected and therefore will all remain closed on Saturday, 4th April 2020, from 5:00 am to 2:00 pm.”

    “For the purposes of clarity, we attach herewith the list of the affected markets and areas for the traders and other service providers who operate at these places to be notified and educated so that they comply with the directive to close their shops and stay away from them during the period the exercise will take place,” the statement added.

    The statement, signed by the Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, added that all “Hon. Municipal/District Chief Executives are hereby directed to engage with the market Queens and traders as well as other service providers of the affected markets to solicit their full support and co-operation.”

    The statement further indicated that the exercise will be carried out by personnel from Zoomlion and assisted by sprayers from the Municipal/District Assemblies.

    Adding that there will be the presence of personnel from the security agencies to ensure compliance with the directive.

    The Ministry of Local Government commenced the nationwide disinfection of markets in the Greater Accra Region on Monday, March 23, 2020, where about 137 markets were disinfected.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Coronavirus: Build your economy Africa told

    A Pan Africanist, Abdul Aziz, has indicated that the coronavirus pandemic presents an opportunity for Africans to unite to build their own economy in order to reduce the over-reliance on the developed countries for goods and services.

    He noted that Africans have for a very long time depended on external support for basic goods and services which could have been produced on the continent with the right institutional frameworks in place.

    Therefore, he sees this pandemic as an opportunity to rethink into the decisions to seek external support to solve problems among Africans.

    “This COVID-19 presents an opportunity for black people to unite and build our own economy. We have relied on the foreigners for a very long time and that is bad,” he told Richard Appiah Sarpong, a journalist in an interview on Friday, April 3.

    He added: “Very soon a vaccine will emerge from the continent. We all remember a black man from Ghana first developed a vaccine for Ebola before the whites brought theirs and so I believe that a vaccine will soon come out from our continent.”

    He also believed the outbreak which emerged from China is biological warfare between the world superpowers including America, Chain and other European countries.

    “A critical assessment of this whole issue reveals to me that this is biological warfare between the superpowers especially China and America,” he said.

    Source: laudbusiness.com

  • BoG extends deadline for meeting minimum capital requirements

    The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has extended the deadline for meeting the minimum capital requirements for the banking and specialised deposit-taking institutions, as well as payment service providers and electronic money issuers.

    The BoG in a press statement issued in Accra yesterday, signed by its Secretary, Ms Sandra Thompson and copied to the Ghanaian Times, said the deadline for meeting the minimum capital requirements by all existing payment service providers and electronic money issuers as well as banks and specialised deposit-taking institutions “is extended from June 30, 2020 to December 31, 2020”.

    “The deadline for meeting the Payment and Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) and International Standard Organisations 27001 certification requirements is extended from June 2020 to December 2020. This applies to all existing electronic money issuers and payment service providers that fall under the licence category required to meet the above certification,” the statement said.

    It said the deadline for meeting the minimum infrastructure and governance requirements had been extended from June 2020 to December 2020.

    “On account of security concerns, all existing financial technology firms that intend to integrate with the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement System (GhIPSS) are required to meet GhIPSS minimum security and control requirements by December 31, 2020,” the statement said.

    To operationalise the Payment Systems and Services Act 2019 (Act 987), the BoG issued a notice on the minimum capital requirements, permissible activities, fees, governance and systems requirements for payment service providers and electronic money issuers.

    Source: ghanaiantimes.com.gh

  • Lockdown: Foodstuff locked up at Techiman market

    A number of cargo trucks loaded with foodstuff like maize, groundnut, cassava, yam, beans among others have been locked up in the Techiman Market in the Bono Rast Region.

    This is due to the partial lockdown being experienced in Accra and Kumasi as part of measures to control the coronavirus spread.

    At the market yesterday, hundreds of cargo trucks parked at the market waiting for the ban to be lifted.

    Traders were busily going about their business activities without due regard to protocols laid down by the government and Ghana Health Service to control the disease.

    There was an absence of social distancing. Veronica buckets with water and soaps for washing hands were not available.

    Though traders said they have heard of the COVID- 19, and measures to control it, they blamed the Techiman Municipal Assembly for not making efforts to provide them with enough buckets and water to wash their hands frequently.

    Former President of Techiman Maize Sellers Association, Mohammed Abdulai said though there is no lockdown in Bono East Region, the lockdown in Accra and Kumasi has affected them because most cargoes go there to offload their goods.

    He said all the cargo from the northern parts of the country that are in transit at Techiman were all stuck and could not move down south due to the lockdown.

    He pleaded with government to grant the cargoes access to the lockdown areas to avert food crisis.

    Source: dailyguidenetwork.com

  • CACI donates GHC100,000 to support Coronavirus National Trust Fund

    The Christ Apostolic Church International as a way of supporting the government’s efforts in the fight against Coronavirus has donated an amount of GHC 100,000 to the COVID-19 Trust Fund.

    A delegation from the church led by Apostle Samuel Amponsah-Frimpong, General Secretary presented the cheque to the receivers of the trust fund.

    Before the donation on 3rd April 2020, the Chairman of the church Apostle George Yeboah declared three (3) days fasting and prayers for Ghana against the novel Coronavirus, also known as Coronavirus.

    Apostle George Yeboah believes in the following scriptures and statements in the word of God, for which reason he has declared the three days prayer and fasting and called on all members to partake in order for God to deliver Ghana from this pestilence:

    “And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.” Exodus 15:26 (KJV)

    “Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? Why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?” Jeremiah 8:22 (KJV)
    “again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.” Matt.18:19 (KJV)

    “Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you lose on earth will be lost in heaven.” Matt. 18:18 (NKJV) etc.

    It must be recalled that before the government officially introduced the restriction of mass gathering, the Church organised a massive prayer meeting at the Black Star Square to pray for the nation.

    Present at the occasion were Apostle Samuel Amponsah-Frimpong (General Secretary), Apostle Samuel Addai-Kusi (Director of Missions), Apostle Joseph Kweku Arhin (Director of Christian Education), Elder Robert Ansu – Yeboah (Director of Finance), Elder Emmanuel Abankwah (General Elder).

    Christ Apostolic Church Int. is a Pentecostal church that is known to believe in divine healing. In the early days of the church, church members were barred from visiting the hospital to seek medical care whenever they fell sick since they believed God would heal them divinely. In view of this, the church was given the name “Kyiri bentua.”

    History has it that, one Mr Daniel Osei received divine healing from a deadly pestilence in 1921 at Asamankese through a prayer meeting of Apostle Anim. Additionally it is on record that one Apostle Daniel Owiredu of the C.A.C. raised back to life a half-dead prince at the Manhyia palace when he was shot by someone. This miracle moved the then Ashanti king to donate a big plot of land to CACI at Bantama, Kumasi. These were but few examples of divine healings which members experienced in the early stages of the church.

    Source: Adjetey Sowah, Contributor

  • No coronavirus test, no work Korle Bu accident centre nurses

    Nurses at the Accidents and Emergency Centre of the Korle Bu Teaching Hosptial have said they will not work until all of them are tested for coronavirus.

    The nurses said the move has become necessary after a patient was tested positive for COVID-19 at the Accidents and Emergency Centre but the information was kept from them by their superiors thereby putting them at risk.

    “As we write this letter, a substantial number of nurses at the centre are not in their right state of mind. We are emotionally and psychologically stressed and saddened with fear and panic,” the nurses said in a statement.

    “We, therefore, come together as aggrieved nurses of this centre that we are not working until everyone in the department is tested and results submitted and sorted out,” the statement added.

    The nurses also want to be provided with the Personal Protective Equipment to protect them.

    Doctors at the same department had earlier threatened to withdraw their services over claims of poor preparedness to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

    Below is the full statement:

    COALITION OF NURSES AT ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY CENTRE, KORLE-BU TEACHING HOSPITAL

    We write in line to the content of a letter circulating about a patient who tested positive to COVID-19 at the Accident and Emergency Center.

    It is sad to inform our heads of department that it has created fear and panic among we the nurses who are always close to the patients.

    We write with deep pain and regret as such information has been kept from us and consequently putting us at risk.

    Do not give audience to people who don’t believe coronavirus exists – Media urged
    Volume 90%

    As we write this letter, a substantial number of nurses at the centre are not in their right state of mind.

    We are emotionally and psychologically stressed and saddened with fear and panic.

    Our head of department informed us of a planned mass testing for staffs but we are yet to be informed of a date for the exercise.

    Our official letter for this action is ready and will be submitted to the appropriate offices on Monday, April 6, 2020.

    We, therefore, come together as aggrieved nurses of this centre that we are not working until everyone in the department is tested and results submitted and sorted out.

    Also, all the appropriate PPEs should be provided to aid us work effectively and efficiently without putting ourselves and patients at risk.

    This will help us deal with all forms of psychological and emotional stress, so we can work with sound minds and give our patients the best of care.

    In conclusion, all we want to say is, NO TESTING WITH SUBMITTED RESULTS, NO WORK, NO APPROPRIATE PPEs, NO WORK

    Signed:

    NURSES AT ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY CENTER, KBTH

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Coronavirus: Church of Pentecost donates GHS30k medical supplies to Prisons Service

    The Church of Pentecost (CoP) in Greater Accra has donated some personal protective equipment (PPEs) to the Ghana Prisons Service to curb the spread of the deadly Coronavirus in the prison facilities in Ghana.

    The donation, which was made on Friday, April 3, 2020, at a short presentation ceremony in Accra, include 5 Infrared thermometers, 32 Veronica buckets with a table stand and washbasins, 16 boxes of Carbolic soaps, 30 boxes of tissues and 2 boxes of hand sanitisers.

    The rest are 22 boxes of disposable gloves, 300 pieces of face masks, 500 bottles of Dettol, 10 gumboots and 20 sets personal protective equipment (PPEs) consisting of coveralls, nose masks, N95 Respirators, face shields, goggles, aprons, examination gloves, and heavy-duty gloves.

    The items were received on behalf of the Prisons Service by the Deputy Director of Prisons, Mrs Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, who doubles as the Director of Health for the Prison Service.

    In his remarks, the Deputy Health Minister, Hon. Alexander K. Abban, expressed his gratitude to the church for their support to the prisons who, according to him, are most vulnerable in times like this. “As a result of the COVID-19, we see ourselves to be facing some form of psychological captivity.

    The question we must ask is, what about those who are already dealing with physical captivity and now have to contend with psychological captivity?” he quizzed.

    In a related development, CoP-Greater Accra has also donated medical supplies to the Ministry of Health, Pentecost Hospital at Madina, La Clinic and Raphal Medical Centre at Tema, in support of the fight against COVID-19.

    It will be recalled that the General Headquarters of the church on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, donated PPEs to the Ministry of Health and released 12 vans to the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) for nationwide public education.

    Among other donations by the church, the CoP-Ashanti Region (comprising 11 administrative areas) and the Ho Area have also made separate donations to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and the Ho Teaching Hospital respectively in support of the fight against COVID-19.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Ill stop attending my church if they donate to coronavirus fund Artiste Manager boldly declares

    A Ghanaian artiste manager, Eddie Kay has expressed his disappointment in churches making donations to support government following the outbreak of Coronavirus.

    As one of the measures to combat the spread of the Coronavirus disease in Ghana, President Nana Akufo-Addo announced the initiation of a crucial trust fund.

    After naming the board of trustees to be chaired by former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo, President Akufo-Addo appealed to Ghanaians and institutions to support the fund.

    Following his call, many Ghanaian institutions, churches and individuals have contributed their quota to support.

    But Eddie who is not enthused about the move took to Facebook to share his sentiment.

    His post sighted by Zionfelix.net read: “If My Church Donate a Dime Into Government COVID-19 Fund. I Will Stop The Church Simple.”

    Source: Zionfelix.net

  • We will not burden consumers with additional taxes NPA tells LPGMCs

    The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has indicated it would burden consumers of their product with additional taxes especially not when the country is on partial lockdown and trying very hard to fight the deadly Coronavirus pandemic.

    This debunks media reports that the LPG Marketing Companies Association of Ghana (LPGMCs) are calling for the withdrawal of GHp 13.5 Cylinder Recovery Margin which took effect April 1, 2020.

    According to the NPA in a statement to GhanaWeb, the margin is to assist marketers to offset some of their financial expenses, the action, they averred is in accordance with the full cost recovery principle of petroleum products pricing in Ghana.

    “Per our projection for this very pricing window (1st April to 15th April, 2020), consumers are expected to enjoy a price reduction of about 11.56 per cent even with the introduction of the Cylinder Recovery Margin. These projections were made before the decision to introduce the Cylinder Recovery Margin,” the statement reads further

    The NPA then assured the general public of their commitment of ensuring product availability, affordability and accessibility, while their safety and the business viability of players across the value chain.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Eyes on the Ground: Work resumes on 10-year-old drainage system at Sakaman during lockdown

    In April 2010, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly under the leadership of Oko Vanderpuye razed down over twenty houses at Sakaman in the Ablekuma North District.

    The AMA explained that, with the onset of rains in the following months, the demolition was necessary to allow it construct a huge drainage system for the area.

    The cries and protest of the citizen went unheard as the AMA demolished houses it claimed were on waterways.

    The AMA subsequently awarded the construction of drainage and work quickly began.

    After some remarkable progress at the initial stages, work stalled and abandoned with the explanation to the residents some of whom had to use alternative routes to access their homes.

    Ten years and three presidents on from when the demolition exercise was undertaken, and the drainage system is yet to be completed.

    Interesting to note that make-shift structures for the workers have now been turned into houses with some of them settling in the community.

    Earlier this year, residents received the good news as work resumed on the facility.

    Work has been progressing quite well as workers are ever-present on the site.

    Following the coronavirus pandemic, the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo ordered a lockdown of some parts of Accra and Ablekuma Municipality under which Sakaman falls.

    The president in his address, stressed on the fact that only providers of essential services would be permitted to work with construction workers inclusive.

    A visit to the site Friday morning showed workers busily going about their duties and working tirelessly to complete the project before the rainy season.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ghanaian man invents solar-powered hand sensitive barrel to help fight COVID-19

    A Ghanaian man has gone viral after inventing a solar-powered hand sensitive barrel to help curtail the spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

    The unique invention is to encourage the constant washing of hands in a hygienic manner in the wake of the pandemic.

    The barrel has an in-built sensor which makes sure that once your hand is under the tap, soapy water automatically drops.

    The system then allows for a 15-second gap before the water also starts flowing for the person to wash his or her hands into the barrel.

    Demonstrating how it works, the inventor said the whole system is powered by solar panels and one does not need to touch the tap before being able to wash his or her hands.

    Ghana has now recorded 204 Coronavirus cases as of today, Friday, April 3, 2020.

    Watch the demonstration of how the man invents solar-powered hand sensitive barrel works:

    Source: Pulse.com.gh

  • Coronavirus: Ghana’s confirmed cases now at 205

    Ghana has confirmed one (1) additional COVID-19 case from Upper East Region. This particular case has no travel history or contact with any of the other confirmed cases in the country, the Ghana Health Service has disclosed.

    As at 3rd April 2020, Ghana has recorded a total of 205 cases of COVID-19 with five (5) deaths. Currently, the number of regions reporting cases are as follows: Greater Accra, Ashanti, Northern, Upper West Eastern and Upper East Region. The Greater Accra Region has most cases (183) followed by the Northern Region (10), Ashanti Region (9), Upper West Region (1), Eastern Region (1) and Upper East Region (1).

    Most of the cases are reported from routine / enhanced surveillance activities. Cases from travellers under mandatory quarantine remain 89.

    All five (5) deaths had underlying chronic medical conditions prior to COVID-19 infection.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Cut electricity tariff CUTS Ghana urges PURC

    Cuts Ghana, a research and public policy think tank, has called on the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to review electricity tariffs for all classes of electricity consumers.

    Mr Appiah Kusi Adomako, the Country Director of CUTS Ghana, said in a statement that currently, the cost of energy supply is going down across the world, hence the PURC must also review electricity prices downward.

    “In the light of the falling prices of the key input fuel for power generation in the world market, it is fair and reasonable for the PURC to consider immediate review of electricity tariffs to give relief to businesses and consumers.

    “From the last review of tariffs when it took effect from July 1st, 2019, the Commission made their tariffs determination based on some key assumptions, which have changed substantially.

    “With respect to natural gas and heavy fuel oil (HFO) as fuel for generation of electrical energy for the 2019-2020 tariff period, the Commission approved a US$ 6.08/MMBtu as the Weighted Average Delivered Price of Gas and US$ 390/Metric Tonne for HFO,” the statement said.

    It further stated that “now, with the fall in demand for crude oil and natural gas, the current price for natural gas has fallen from $6.07/MMBtu in July 2019 to $1.8/MMtu as of today. At the same time, crude oil has fallen to about $20 per barrel”.

    “According to the Ministry of Energy, the total installed capacity for existing plants in Ghana is 4,132MW consisting of Hydro 38%, Thermal 61% and Solar less than 1%. Since about two-third of Ghana energy mix is from thermal sources which use either natural gas or crude oil which has seen a drastic fall in prices from the previous review, the Commission should as a matter of priority consider tariffs review.

    “All over the world, countries that depend on natural gas and fuel have seen prices of electricity going down and for that reason Ghana cannot be an exception to this obvious reality.

    “As it has always been the case for tariff review in Ghana whereby utility providers submit proposals to the PURC for upward review, today, we the consumers of electricity in Ghana are calling on the Commission to act in the interest of electricity consumers and review prices down.”

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Dumelo feeds police, military on lockdown patrol

    Everyone is trying to do their little to help. A joint effort! You can call it that. Politicians, health groups, private companies, military and para military bodies, churches among many others.

    In their respective ways, they are contributing to help the course of combating the Coronavirus in Ghana.

    Actor turned politician; John Dumelo has joined the train. On the fifth day of the partial lockdown in the Greater Accra region, he provided lunch for police and military persons keeping watch and maintaining order in the Ayawaso West Constituency.

    “#This too shall pass”, he wrote after updating his timeline.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Airbus Scandal: Amidu’s request much ado about nothing – Edudzi Tamakloe

    Lawyer Edudzi Tamakloe has described as ‘diversionary’ attempt by Martin Amidu to investigate the Airbus Bribery scandal.

    “As for this government anytime they are under pressure they look for something to divert attention,” he said in an interview on Neat FM, Wednesday.

    The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has invited four individuals to assist in investigations into an alleged act of bribery and related offence in the purchase of three aircrafts from Airbus SE for Ghana.

    Those invited include: UK/Ghanaian citizen Samuel Adam Foster alias Samuel Adam Mahama and UK nationals; Philip Sean Middlemiss; Sarah Davis and Sarah Furneaux.

    However, Edudzi Tamakloe believes, Martin Amidu’s quest to get to the root of the Airbus scandal is ‘much ado about nothing’ and further bemoaned why the Special Prosecutor is allowing himself to be ‘used for a political agenda at his age’.

    It’s just much ado about nothing. In this era of coronavirus where our borders have been closed how are they going to come; to do what? If the time is not right, why are you publishing it? This is mere politics. Have you seen an invitation where passport details and guarantors are published?

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • Sunyani Regional Hospital cries for more PPEs

    It has emerged that the Sunyani Regional Hospital has not got enough Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to be able to deal with an outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

    Even though the facility has the infrastructures to handle a possible case of COVID-19, frontline health personnel lack the necessary protective gears.
    The Bono Regional Medical Director, Dr E.K. Amponsah, has revealed that the situation puts health personnel at the facility at risk as the facility is among the two treatment centres established in the Bono region.

    According to him, the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which include face shields, gloves, goggles and glasses, gowns, head covers, masks, respirators, and shoe covers are key at this critical moment as they protect wearers against the transmission of germs through contact and droplet routes.

    He reveals that despite their importance in the CIVD-19 fight, attempts by management to get enough for use at the facility have been unsuccessful due to several bureaucratic procedures.

    Speaking in an interview with Ghanaweb.com, Dr Amponsah decried the seriousness of the issue and pleaded with NGOs, Civil Society Organisations and the general public to come to their aid.

    “It is sad but the reality is that we do not have enough PPEs at this facility to handle an outbreak of coronavirus. There are some but they are not enough to be used by all the front- liners in an event of a possible outbreak in the region.

    “We are therefore appealing to the general public to help in that regard since we have an impending problem on our hands”.
    Meanwhile, some nurses who spoke to this portal on condition of strict anonymity have threatened to withdraw their services should management fail to procure enough Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for use in the coming days.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Coronavirus: Support the vulnerable Ghanaians urged

    A civil servant and resident in Akyem Oda, Mr Ibrahim Ismaela, has urged individuals who have a little more to spare to support the vulnerable within their communities during this lockdown period.

    Mr Ismaela who made this remark after donating some items to the Birim Municipal Assembly for onwards distribution to frontline health workers said the donation was his personal contribution towards the fight against the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

    At a brief ceremony at Akyem Oda, Mr Ismaela handed over the items which included 10 Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), Theatre Aprons and 100 Veronica Buckets to the Birim Central Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Ms Victoria Adu to be distributed to doctors, nurses and security officers within the municipality.

    “It is my hope that those of us whom God has bestowed some wealth would support our various communities, especially the vulnerable. That I believe is statesmanship,” he said.

    “My prayer is that God in His wisdom will cleanse and heal our land of this pandemic,” he added.

    The MCE who received the items expressed her appreciation for the gesture and commended Mr Ismaela for contributing his quota to help support the fight against the COVID-19.

    She also seized the opportunity to urge citizens to abide by the measures put in place by the government.

    Source: starrfm.com.gh

  • Hydroxychloroquine rated most effective coronavirus treatment, poll of doctors finds

    An international poll of thousands of doctors rated the Trump-touted anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine the best treatment for the novel coronavirus.

    Of the 6,227 physicians surveyed in 30 countries, 37 percent rated hydroxychloroquine the “most effective therapy” for combating the potentially deadly illness, according to the results released Thursday.

    The survey, conducted by the global health care polling company Sermo, also found that 23 percent of medical professionals had prescribed the drug in the US — far less than other countries.

    “Outside the US, hydroxychloroquine was equally used for diagnosed patients with mild to severe symptoms whereas in the US it was most commonly used for high risk diagnosed patients,” the survey found.

    The medicine was most widely used in Spain, where 72 percent of physicians said they had prescribed it.

    A debate about hydroxychloroquine was sparked two weeks ago after President Trump touted the drug as a possible “game-changer” in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting critics to accuse him of peddling unproven, untested remedies.

    To date, “there is no evidence” that any medicine “can prevent or cure the disease,” according to the World Health Organization.

    But Sermo CEO Peter Kirk called the polling results a “treasure trove of global insights for policymakers.”

    “Physicians should have more of a voice in how we deal with this pandemic and be able to quickly share information with one another and the world,” he said in a press release.

    The 30 countries where doctors were surveyed included Europe, South America and Australia — and no incentives were provided to participate, the company said.

    Source: Natalie O’Neill | nypost.com

  • John Boadu donates PPE to health facilities in Assin Central

    The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) John Boadu, has donated hundreds of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other items to health facilities in the Assin Central Municipality.

    The items include alcohol-based hand sanitizers, hand gloves, nose mask, Veronica Buckets, boxes of tissue papers, mattresses and liquid soaps.

    The gesture was part of his contribution to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

    He spoke of the need to maintain good personal hygiene, especially, at the markets and lorry stations places he said were highly prone to the transmission of the virus.

    Mr Boadu expressed confidence in the prudent measures outlined by the Government and the Ghana Health Service to contain the spread of the virus.

    He urged all and sundry to adhere to the recommended safety measures and assured that the Committee would routinely revise the measures and strategies put in place to educate and protect the general public from the disease.

    Mr Boadu who is a native of Assin Fosu was accompanied by Mr Nicholas Fiifi Baako, the Municipal Chief Executive and some health officials, engaged traders at the main market, public Places and the Divisional Police Command.

    Mr Benjamin Amoako, the Municipal Director of the Ghana Health Service who received the item hailed the NPP Scribe who is also a philanthropist and urged others to emulate him.

    He indicated that health facilities in the area were in dire need of infra-red monitors and other support mechanisms to enable them function effectively.

    The Health Directorate together with other key stakeholders such as traditional and religious leaders, transport unions and assembly members had begun intensive public sensitisation to combat the spread of COVID-19 in the Area.

    Through that, a Risk Communication Team (RCT) had been formed at the district and community levels, which were touring and educating the people at the doorstep of all.

    The Municipal Health Director commended members of the local RCT made up of opinion leaders, assembly members, health officials among others for their dedication and commitment to serve and save humanity.

    Source: GNA

  • Coronavirus: 6,000 contacts traced, samples going through testing

    A total of 6,000 people who came into contact with coronavirus patients in Accra and Kumasi have been traced and their samples taken for testing.

    These contacts were traced by a team of about 300 people who have been trained to undertake the exercise in the affected areas.

    At news briefing in Accra today [Friday, April 3, 2020], the Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Patrick Aboagye, said a total of 538 people who were also under mandatory quarantine had been tested.

    He explained that 49 out of the 204 cases the country had recorded had been discharged and were under homecare treatment.

    Ghana has so far recorded five deaths and 204 cases of the coronavirus as of Thursday, April 2, 2020.

    All the five dead victims of the disease had underlying chronic medical conditions prior to COVID-19 infection.

    Dr Aboagye also said the service (GHS) will today [Friday, April 3, 2020] begin a training programme for some health personnel on how to use the mini ventilators in the recently distributed ambulances across the country.

    He said Ghana so far has a total of 200 ventilators in the Intensive Care Units of both public and private hospitals.

    Touching on Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), Dr Aboagye called on the heads of the various public health facilities to ensure optimum use of the PPEs.

    Source: .graphic.com.gh

  • Prisons Service starts release of 808 prisoners on amnesty

    The Ghana Prisons Service has activated the process for the release of the 808 prisoners who have been granted amnesty by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    “The list has gone to the stations and they are doing the documentation and then release them,” the Chief Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Prisons Service, Mr Courage Atsem, told the Daily Graphic in Accra.

    Although he could not give figures, he said his “checks are that all those granted amnesty at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison have been released”.

    He said the release of the prisoners depended on when the documentation would be completed.

    “It depends on how far the officer in charge and his team are able to do the documentation for the release, but I believe that by now a lot of them have gone out,” the PRO stated.

    The amnesty

    On Thursday, March 26, 2020, President Akufo-Addo granted official pardon to 808 prisoners based on the recommendation of the Prisons Service Council and in consultation with the Council of State.

    A statement issued by the Director-General of Prisons, Mr Patrick Darko Missah, explained that the list included 783 first-time offenders who had served half of their sentences, 11 seriously ill prisoners and three aged (very old) prisoners.

    The others were seven prisoners on death row whose sentences have been commuted to life imprisonment and four prisoners serving life sentences whose sentences have been commuted to 20-year definite terms.

    Process

    Explaining the process for the release of prisoners granted official pardon by the President, Supt. Atsem said: “When the President comes with the list of inmates who have been granted amnesty, the Prisons Headquarters submits the list to the various stations for them to implement the amnesty.”

    “The stations have to check their records to be sure that they are releasing the right people,” he added.

    Details

    Providing further details of the amnesty, the PRO said those whose life sentences had been commuted to 20 years would have their 20-year sentences take effect from the time the amnesty was granted.

    “It means they will now start afresh,” he said.

    He said per the law, for one to qualify for amnesty from death row to a life sentence, that person might have done at least 10 years on death row.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Police Commanders to be sanctioned for flouting COVID-19 lockdown directive

    The Ghana Police Service says it will sanction commanders whose jurisdictions were found flouting the partial lockdown directive enforcement.

    A police wireless message signed by the Commissioner in charge of police administration, George Akuffo Dampare, said it had come to the attention of the police administration that some personnel were preventing vehicles carrying food and other permitted items from reaching their destinations.

    He has therefore directed Commanders to take immediate steps to halt the practice.

    He further urged police personnel to discharge their duties with professionalism.

    The message added that “Commanders whose jurisdiction are found flouting this directive will be held responsible and sanctioned accordingly.”

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Two coronavirus patients in critical condition in Ghana

    The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed that two individuals are currently in critical condition after announcing that Ghana has so far recorded 204 cases of Coronavirus.

    Until now, the number of cases recorded stood at 195.

    According to the GHS, “Since the last situational update, Ghana has confirmed nine additional COVID-19 cases, all from the Greater Accra region. Four of them have no history of travel nor contact with any confirmed case. Other four have no travel history but are contacts of confirmed cases in Ghana, and one travelled to Ghana from Benin within the past 14 days.

    “As at 2nd April 2020, Ghana has recorded 204 cases COVID-19 with five (5) deaths. The number of regions reporting cases remains five (5) (Greater Accra, Ashanti, Northern, Upper West and Eastern). The Greater Accra Region has most of the cases (183) followed by the Northern Region (10), Ashanti Region (nine), Upper West Region (one) and Eastern Region (one).

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    Source: bestnewsghana.com

  • Coronavirus: GIS goes after tenants who entered Ghana in March

    The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) is calling on all landlords and property owners to “immediately” furnish it with information on tenants who travelled into Ghana from Tuesday, March 3 to Monday, March 23.

    “This is to enable the GIS effectively and efficiently identify such individuals through contact tracing for the Ghana Health Service to assess and manage them.”

    A statement issued by the Head of Public Affairs of the Service, Superintendent Michael Amoako-Atta, said failure to adhere to this will attract severe sanctions.

    The sanctions will be in accordance with the laws of Ghana.

    Ghana has scaled up testing of citizens in an effort to stem the spread of coronavirus.

    Enhanced testing began by the Ghana Health Service on Monday will see citizens who returned to Ghana from Sunday, March 15 tested.

    But the Ghana Immigration Service says “it will continue to take initiatives aimed at enforcing directives by relevant authorities to combat the deadly virus”.

    The latest move covers Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians.

    Source: 3news.com

  • Coronavirus: Give us financial clearance now, the nation needs us Jobless nurses

    Unemployed graduate nurses have asked the Ministry of Health to liaise with the Finance Ministry to ensure that their financial clearance is released to enable them to be employed.

    The nurses, in a statement, said the struggle for their employment with the Ministry of Health after completion of school in 2017 has been back and forth.

    The leaders of the Unemployed Graduate Nurses Association were arrested and almost processed for court, the statement said, because “we chose nursing and midwifery and don’t wish to stay at home while our skills rot when the nation needs us.”

    “We would like to, as a matter of urgency, call on the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, to: Officially release the financial clearance and open the portal with immediate effect, for the 2017 diploma and degree group of nurses and midwives, as promised in a recent engagement with Dr Kwesi Asabire, Director HR-MoH and Dr Barnabas Yeboah, Director of Nursing and Midwifery, MoH.

    “We also give the MoH/MoF a 14-working day ultimatum to release the financial clearance of the 2017 NAC/NAP group.”

    Read the full statement below:

    GRADUATE UNEMPLOYED NURSES AND MIDWIVES ASSOCIATION 2/04/2020

    TO ALL MEDIA HOUSES.

    A PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    The leadership of the aforementioned group would like to draw the attention of the general public and all our sympathisers to the persistent deceit we have suffered and continue to suffer at the hands of the current government.

    We can boldly say that after the 2017 group of Nurses and Midwives were denied trainee allowance during their course of training, the then presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party and now President, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo won the 2016 elections on the back of the promise of immediate employment for the 2017 batch of Nurses and Midwives but has so far failed woefully on that promise.

    The struggle for employment with the Ministry of Health after completion of school in 2017 has been back and forth, and not very long ago, leaders of this association were arrested and almost processed for court; our crime, we chose Nursing and Midwifery and don’t wish to stay at home while our skills rot when the nation needs us.

    It may surprise you to know that till date, we are still sitting at home and our juniors who completed and passed their Licensure Examination in 2018 and beyond, have joined the queue in unemployment.

    In an attempt to calm the pressure after we announced dates for nationwide demonstrations, the Ministry of Health promised on the 23rd of January 2020 in a meeting led by Dr Kwesi Asabire Director HR, MoH, The Human Resource Manager of Ghana Health Service and a Representative from the Presidency to provide Financial Clearance for all Unemployed Nurses and Midwives who are due for employment before 31st March, 2020 but the said date has elapsed and that promise is yet to see the light of the day despite our full cooperation, which resulted in the decision to suspend our nationwide demonstration.

    Leadership appreciates the efforts put up so far by the Human Resource Department of the Ministry of Health in the bid to secure our Financial Clearance but would like to register our displeasure at how woefully they have failed in fulfilling their promise.

    We would like to as a matter of urgency call on the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance to:

    1. Officially release the Financial Clearance and open the portal with immediate effect, for the 2017 Diploma and Degree group of Nurses and Midwives as promised in a recent engagement with Dr Kwesi Asabire, Director HR-MoH and Dr Barnabas Yeboah, Director of Nursing and Midwifery, MoH.

    2. We also give the MoH/MoF a 14-working day ultimatum to release the financial clearance of the 2017 NAC/NAP group.

    3. In addition, a 14-working day ultimatum to release Financial Clearance for the 2017 DIPLOMA/ NAC&NAP REFERRED GROUP and the 2018 batch of Unemployed Nurses and Midwives.

    4. Duly execute the order of His Excellency, the President to increase the Health staff in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

    We would like to also thank the National Executive Council of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), especially Madam Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo for her continuous engagement with the Ministry of Health to get her junior colleagues permanent employment, even though we are not satisfied with the level of work done.

    We also as a matter of urgency call on the GRNMA to request:

    1. For their continuous support in the fight for our Financial Clearance and subsequent Posting.

    2. That they sympathise with their junior colleagues by laying down their tools to register their displeasure over Government’s inability to fulfill its obligation (the 31/03/2020 promise).

    It is very obvious how important health professionals are to the country especially during the outbreak of COVID-19 and we as a group made up of thousands of unemployed Nurses and Midwives have been ever ready to serve our mother Ghana in these trying times and beyond.

    We as an association shall advice ourselves and come out in our numbers to register our displeasure, should Government fail to respond to the above concerns.

    In the meantime, we humbly call on all our members to remain calm and resolute as we continue to engage the relevant authorities through dialogue and a philosophy of non-violence.

    Thank you.

    Source: classfmonline.com