In several viral videos circulating online, Wizkid appeared somber as he took part in his mother’s candlelight procession.
The participants in the procession harmoniously sang worship songs while donning matching black shirts featuring images of the singer’s late mother.
In a deeply emotional moment, the singer united with close family members and a circle of friends, all attired in black attire.
Wizkid, who remained quietly seated throughout the event, was accompanied by his elder sister, the astute Project Management Consultant, Busayo Balogun.
This poignant event unfolded in Lagos State and included a procession through Shitta Small London in Surulere, a community closely tied to WizKid’s origins and upbringing.
Wizkid lost his mother during the early hours of Friday, August 18, 2023.
Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has expressed optimism that the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values 2021 being considered by Parliament will be enacted into law before Christmas this year.
He made this known during an interaction with the media.
“When this law passes hopefully before Christmas this year, when it’s passed it then means that your editorial policy will need to take into cognizance the content of movies or videos that you air to ensure that it does not infringe on the law,” he added.
The bill, also known as the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill, has been under review in Parliament for approximately two years, sparking debates and discussions both within Ghana and on the international stage.
The bill seeks to criminalize activities related to homosexuality and impose penalties on offenders.
However, the MP has emphasized that once the law is enacted, editorial policies will need to be revised to ensure compliance, and any content contrary to the law, particularly in videos and movies, will not be tolerated.
He has also voiced his frustrations about pressure to adopt certain lifestyles that are inconsistent with Ghana’s culture and traditions.
He emphasized that Ghana should uphold its cultural and traditional values, and passing the anti-gay law is essential to maintain these values.
“They have our cultures we have our customs, our customs are not pro LGBTQ, you are coming to our country to come and do business or whatever here and you that I should leave the God given highway and go and enter the gutter. “
Earlier this year, Sam George responded to a claim made by the US Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Virginia Palmer, regarding the potential loss of investor confidence if the anti-gay bill is passed into law.
“Ghana is a very welcoming, tolerant society, with lots of interreligious harmony, lots of ethnic harmony that makes Ghana strong and stable, and attractive for investments.
“I hope it stays that way with regard to the LGBTQI Community. There is money to be made, and the color of your money is green or red but if there is discrimination or worse then that will send a signal to not just LGBTQ investors but other American companies that Ghana is less welcoming than I am telling people that it is now,” US Ambassador Virginia Palmer said in an interview on Thursday, August 10,” she added.
The MP reiterated that Ghana remains open and welcoming to American investors, highlighting the nation’s stable and viable democracy.
In a Twitter post, he emphasized Ghana’s readiness to embrace investors who value principles of integrity and respect for the cultural values of the Ghanaian society.
“Dear Virginia Palmer, US Ambassador to Ghana, I have seen videos of your comments at the US-Ghana Business Summit. “You have expressed fears that investors from the US would not find Ghana attractive if we as Ghanaians uphold our values and reject the depravity of LGBTQI. I find that really surprising,” he stated.
The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values 2021 was introduced to Parliament in July 2021 and underwent its first reading on August 3 of the same year.
The bill was presented by a group of eight members, including Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, Rev John Ntim Forjour, Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, and Rita Naa Odoley Sowah.
Other members who introduced the bill include Helen Adjoa Ntoso and Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwami Dafeamekpor.
While some segments of society support the bill due to its alignment with Ghana’s cultural and religious values, it has faced criticism from human rights activists who argue that it infringes upon the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals.
The Member of Parliament (MP) representing Akim Swedru in the Eastern Region, Kennedy Osei Nyarko, has claimed that within the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), the National Democratic Congress (NDC) perceives vice-president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as a significant threat among all the potential flagbearers.
He explained that Dr. Bawumia is the only candidate who can lead the NPP to break the “eight-year cycle.”
“Among all the five, who is the most attacked candidate? When NDC [set] their eyes on you, consistently attacking you, then you are the one that they fear the most” Mr. Osei Nyarko said.
He also emphasized the role played by Dr. Bawumia in the NPP’s “phenomenal” performance in the Northern region.
“This is someone who has given so much for the country; I’m not saying the others haven’t given, but when you look at the individual contribution, Bawumia has done well. Look at the days of the Supreme Court, he tried his best, in my opinion,” Mr. Osei Nyarko added.
He also underscored Dr. Bawumia’s instrumental role in the NPP’s remarkable performance in the Northern region.
The party’s presidential primary is scheduled for November 4, 2023.
Over 200,000 party delegates are expected to participate in the highly anticipated elections.
Vying for the flagbearership position are Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong, former Agriculture Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and former Mampong MP Addai Nimo.
Mother of the government’s Spokesperson on Governance and Security, Palgrave Frimpong Boakye-Danquah, is scheduled to be laid to rest on Friday, October 13.
Madam Gladys Awura Adwoa Warewaa Twum-Barima passed away on Friday, August 18, after a brief illness.
In line with the funeral arrangements, a laying in state ceremony will be held on Friday at Transition Funeral Home in Haatso, Accra.
A memorial service and the final funeral rites will also take place on the same day at the same venue.
However, her interment will be a private event in Kyebi, her hometown.
A thanksgiving service is planned at the Presbyterian Church of Ghana – Joy Congregation at Ashongman on Sunday, October 15.
Madam Gladys Awura Adwoa Warewaa Twum-Barima was 78 years old.
She is survived by four children, including Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, the aspirant for the Abuakwa North New Patriotic Party Parliamentary Candidate.
Employees at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) are insisting on the immediate removal of their Director-General, Professor Amin Alhassan, citing his alleged ineffective management of the organization.
They have displayed red banners both within and around the GBC premises to emphasize their demands.
As per the employees, the Director-General’s four-year contract reached its conclusion on October 1, and they believe any further extension would be detrimental to the Corporation.
Samuel Nathaniel Kevor, the Divisional Union Chairman of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation Workers Union, expressed to Citi News that GBC’s condition has deteriorated under the leadership of Mr. Alhassan.
“Our Director-General’s contract officially ended on the 1st of October, 2023. Consequently, employees have collectively agreed that we granted him a peaceful four-year tenure, but we are dissatisfied.
“The organization is in decline, and the availability of essential resources has become a significant challenge. We have come to the realization that we must make the appointing authority understand that extending the contract will result in the organization’s collapse.”
The Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) has voiced its dissatisfaction regarding the prolonged delay in distributing food supplies to Senior High Schools nationwide.
CHASS is calling for Senior High Schools to have the option to procure their own food supplies for their students.
Addressing the 61st National Annual Conference, Reverend Steven Owusu Sekyere, the President of CHASS, emphasized the need for CHASS to have a say in the selection of food supplies for schools.
He pointed out that allowing schools to independently purchase their food supplies would help resolve the logistical and operational issues that frequently disrupt food distribution to various SHSs across the country.
“We are urging management to ensure a timely release of the entire funding for schools to make our work less stressful, and monies allocated for all activities must be increased significantly to meet the current market price of goods and services. This will help to provide our students with the required resources for their educational needs,” he said.
“CHASS also passionately wishes to reiterate our plea to management to allow the various schools to procure the food items to feed the students. This has been our unblemished request for years, and it is due to the way some suppliers sometimes disappoint us in supplying some food items on time. We are of the firm belief that procuring the food items by ourselves will reduce the logistical and operational challenges that come with it,” he added.
Chief Executive Officer of National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, has expressed his reservations and directed a question towards the organizers of the #occupyjulorbihouse movement.
During a press interaction, he deliberated on the potential for adopting a more appropriate appellation for their campaign.
Dr. Boye argued that the process of naming should be undertaken with due diligence, given the profound significance of names and their associated connotations.
In his perspective, Dr. Boye highlighted the inherent significance of names, underscoring their implicit meanings and symbolism.
He pointed out the importance of exercising caution in selecting a name like ‘julorbi,’ as it translates to “thief” in the Ga language.
He contended that such a choice could inadvertently convey a negative message to both the Ga tribe and the broader community.
Furthermore, Dr. Boye underscored the significance of upholding Ghana’s rich customs and traditions.
He stressed the need for individuals to be mindful of their actions and their potential impacts on societal progress and well-being.
“People have the right to protest, but if the title of your protest is ‘julorbi’,it’s my language, you know the meaning of ‘julorbi’ in Ga? It means thief. Please we are a country of customs and norms, you are the one preaching advancement of society. You mean you couldn’t have had a different name occupyjulorbihouse,” he added.
The organizers of the #OccupyJulorBi House protest, known as The Democracy Hub, initiated the first protest from September 21 to September 23, 2023.
They have recently declared their plan to launch a second edition of the protest, scheduled to occur from December 1 to December 31, 2023, at Jubilee House.
The organization has expressed serious concerns about the current state of the nation under President Akufo-Addo’s leadership.
The Democracy Hub asserts that the President’s management of the country has been characterized by incompetence, a lack of integrity, the routine abuse of power, and greed.
They are particularly troubled by the persistent high levels of youth unemployment, economic mismanagement that has endangered the prospects of young people and pushed millions of Ghanaians into poverty.
They are also alarmed by declining press freedom, extrajudicial killings, and the slow progress in democratic reforms.
South Dayi representative in Parliament, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has indicated that the Minority do not expect support from the Majority side of the House regarding their effort to extend an invitation to Dr. Ernest Addison, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), to Parliament.
Mr Dafeamekpor emphasized that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmakers failed to support some of their own colleagues who called for the removal of the Finance Minister. Therefore, he does not expect the NPP to support the Minority’s efforts.
“We in the NDC don’t expect it after all, the NPP MPs couldn’t support their own calls for removal of Ken Ofori Atta, how can they support us?” Dafeamekpor tweeted.
The Majority Leader had earlier informed the Minority that they should not count on support from the Majority if they decide to file a motion to invite Governor Addison to Parliament.
According to Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the Minority has already formed a negative opinion about the Governor through their street protests, and therefore, they should not anticipate backing from the Majority side of the House in summoning Dr. Addison to Parliament.
He argued that instead of staging street protests, the opposition Members of Parliament could have chosen to invite the Governor to address questions concerning the new headquarters building and the GHS60.8 billion loss incurred by the Bank, in a more civil manner.
“We are Members of Parliament, we could have invited the Governor to come and talk about the issues that are not clear to us. You go on a demonstration and organize a press conference against the man then you come back to Parliament to move the motion [to invite him], do you want me to support that?
“Now, you have made up your mind that whatever has been done by [the Governor] is inappropriate, you are not going to countenance it, so if he comes to explain the issues, are you going to take it or jettison it?” the Suame Lawmaker told TV3’s Evelyn Tengmaa in an interview on Monday, October 9.
The Minority had called for the resignation of Dr. Addison as well as his two deputies – Dr. Maxwell Opoku-Afari and Elsie Addo Awadzi – due to alleged mismanagement. After an ultimatum demanding their resignation expired, the caucus took to the streets to march to the central bank’s headquarters to make their demand more forceful.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament expressed their discontent with the allocation of over $200 million for the construction of a modern headquarters in Accra while the Bank had reported financial losses. They also accused the Bank of violating the Bank of Ghana Act by writing off government debt amounting to GH¢48.4 million and printing excess cash for government expenses.
Ningo Prampram lawmaker, Samuel Nartey George, asserted that the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament had invited Dr. Addison several times to answer questions related to the Bank’s operations, but he appeared only three times in the last seven years.
In response to this claim, Mr. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stated that the accusations made by the Minority were unfounded and inappropriate.
Regarding the protest, Dr. Addison conveyed that it was “completely unnecessary” and maintained that neither he nor his two deputies had any intention of resigning.
He emphasized that the Minority in Parliament had other means to address their concerns in a civilized manner, rather than through street demonstrations.
Additionally, he clarified that the decision to build the new headquarters was made in 2019 when the Bank was profitable, and it was not a response to a crisis.
Ghanaian media personality, Kwami Sefa Kayi, has expressed his concern about the growing complacency among the leadership of both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) regarding the behavior of the youth associated with their respective parties.
In his conversation with the media, Mr Kayi highlighted that the lack of discipline and accountability towards certain Ghanaian youth has allowed them to act without restraint.
“Concerning the issue of the youth, two youths from NDC and the NPP, one goes by the name Ernest Kofi Owusu Bempah is NPP, one is also Amos Blessing Amorse is NDC and excuse me to say they are fooling. Owusu Bempah is spearheading a group, #fixingthecountrymovement which aims to picket at former president Mahama’s office,” he added.
His remarks were prompted by recent actions taken by two youths affiliated with the NDC and the NPP.
Ernest Kofi Owusu Bempah, who is associated with the NPP, announced the establishment of an advocacy group and their plan to conduct a nationwide campaign across all 16 regions of Ghana.
The central objective of this campaign is to spotlight and promote the significant achievements of President Akufo-Addo’s administration.
In response to this, Amos Blessing Amorse, a regional youth organizer within the NDC, issued a letter where he warned that if Owusu Bempah’s group resorts to violence, they should be prepared to cover the expenses for their coffins and graves before picketing at the residence of the former president, John Dramani Mahama.
Mr Amorse added, “in the event Owusu Bempah and his group remain nonchalant and attempt anything close to what they have announced, they should pay for their coffins and graves before they come.”
Mr Kayi expressed deep disappointment that these statements and warnings from both groups have been circulating for approximately a week, yet there has been no condemnation or response from the authorities.
He questioned whether authorities were waiting for a harmful incident to occur before addressing these issues.
Mr Kayi further stressed the urgency of rectifying the situation, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration for the betterment of the country.
“It’s been over a week and I haven’t heard any NPP leader or NDC’s leader speak against this and we have kept quiet and watching. I am sure if we dont speak against this and something bad comes out of this we will end up blaming each other. How can a regional youth organizer make such threats in a letter asking protestors to bring their coffins along,” he added.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have jointly launched simultaneous investigations into the activities of former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, and her associates.
In a statement posted by the OSP on Twitter, it revealed that the investigations primarily focus on scrutinizing their assets and financial transactions within the United States of America.
It added that the collaborative effort aims to determine the legality of the wealth held by Ms. Dapaah and her associates, both concerning the movement of funds from Ghana to the United States and vice versa.
“These investigations primarily focus on examining their assets and financial transactions within the United States of America,” the OSP added.
Ms. Dapaah came under public scrutiny in July when it was revealed that two of her domestic workers were facing charges of alleged theft, involving significant sums of money and valuable items.
As a result, she resigned from her position on July 22, 2023, following public pressure.
Meanwhile, the former Sanitation Minister has taken legal action by filing an interlocutory injunction application against the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in an attempt to halt the investigation and prosecution of her and her husband, Daniel Osei Kufuor, on charges of suspected corruption and corruption-related offenses.
he is also seeking to unfreeze her bank accounts and challenge the reseizure of monies found at her residence in Abelemkpe, which were refrozen.
Her legal team is requesting a court order that prohibits the OSP from continuing the investigation into her and her husband for corruption-related offenses.
“A Declaration that the Respondent’s re-seizure of the money (initially seized from the Applicant’s home on 24/07/23) and re-freezing of Applicant’s bank accounts respectively on 5th September 2023 is unfair, unreasonable, capricious, arbitrary, and ultra vires the Respondent’s statutory powers under Act 959 relative to the constitutional provisions of Articles 23 and 296 of the Constitution, 1992.”
Court documents filed by the OSP have indicated that Ms. Dapaah used aliases to obscure transactions linked to undeclared real estate business and other activities, which led to the reseizure and refreezing of her bank account.
However, Ms. Dapaah has refuted these claims, characterizing them as misleading.
Ghanaian journalist, Kwesi Pratt has directed a thought-provoking question to the Chief Executive Officer of the InterCity State Transport Corporation, Nana Akomea, sparking discussions regarding interpersonal relationships and attitudes towards infidelity.
During a media interaction, Mr. Pratt asserted that it is inappropriate for a man to resort to violence when he discovers that his wife is involved in infidelity.
He contended that just as a woman should not resort to violence if she discovers her partner’s infidelity, a man should also refrain from such behavior when faced with a similar situation.
Mr. Pratt pointed out that such behavior contributes to the negative perception of men as being harsh and cruel.
He emphasized, “Would you resort to violence if your wife cheats on you? You have no right to resort to violence if your wife is unfaithful. Some men have contributed to the negative stereotype of men as cruel by their actions. Since a wife cannot resort to violence if her husband is unfaithful, a man should similarly refrain from violence when his wife cheats.”
In response, Nana Akomea stated that no one is advocating for violence in the event of a spouse’s infidelity.
Instead, he suggested that if a person finds themselves in such a situation, the appropriate action is to separate from the unfaithful partner.
He expressed, “We are not suggesting that you should resort to violence if you discover that your wife is cheating. The proper course of action in such circumstances is to end the relationship.”
Chairman of a 7-member ad hoc committee, Mr. Samuel Atta-Akyea, tasked with investigating a leaked tape containing discussions of a plot to oust the Inspector General of Police (IGP), George Akuffo Dampare, has expressed his regret in taking on the role of chairing the committee.
This follows serious allegations made by the lawyer of IGP George Akuffo-Dampare, Mr. Kwame Gyan, accusing Atta-Akyea of making prejudicial comments that could compromise the integrity of the investigation.
Mr Gyan further alleged that Atta-Akyea was acting as if he were the sole commissioner overseeing the investigation, revealing matters that were supposed to be kept confidential during in-camera hearings and fabricating baseless stories during media interviews.
He also claimed that Atta-Akyea had an agenda against the IGP.
In response to these allegations, Atta-Akyea expressed his frustration during an interview with Kasapa 102.5FM/Agoo TV on Wednesday.
“I wish I did not chair this committee; I’m being honest. Because I don’t understand the baseless accusations against me by the lawyer for the IGP when people are rather commending me for steering the affairs of the committee well. What is the problem of the IGP’s lawyer? Your client is not at the centre of the probe; if the lawyer has not abreast himself of why the committee was set up, he should do so. Where is the IGP in this matter? Why is the lawyer saying that I’m trying to make the IGP the accused person? Clearly, I nor the committee have not done that.
“By my training, I can never manufacture lies against the IGP. It will not bring me any profit. What is Atta Akyea’s interest in the disgrace of the IGP?” the MP for Abuakwa South quizzed.
He stated that he wished he had not taken on the role of chairing the committee, as he found the accusations baseless and unwarranted.
“He will be granting media interviews to the extent that after one sitting, he went out there and said the extended tape, which was submitted by Bugri Naabu and had not been played at the committee, has been doctored. Very prejudicial comments,” he said.
Atta-Akyea emphasized that he had no personal issues with the IGP and questioned the motives behind the allegations against him.
He defended his actions, asserting that he was committed to conducting a fair and impartial investigation and that he had not sought to make the IGP an accused person in the process.
Atta-Akyea called for a proper understanding of the committee’s objectives and the role of the IGP in the matter. He also stressed his commitment to honesty and integrity in handling the investigation.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced its collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and various stakeholders to introduce electric and autonomous vehicles in Ghana.
According to the Authority, this will help enhance the country’s transportation infrastructure.
This revelation came during the inaugural International Driver and Vehicle Licensing Innovation Conference held in Accra, where transportation experts explored creative approaches to enhance the transport system.
Prince Opoku Edusei, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the DVLA, explained that the authority is implementing new innovations to advance the transportation sector in the country.
“We aim to bring together experts in the transport space to deliberate on the future of transport,” he said. “We all know several transformations have emerged globally as far as transport is concerned.
“We now have vehicles that drive themselves, vehicles that can even fly. Too many technologies are being introduced as far as transportation is concerned.”
The one-week memorial for Theresa Kufuor, former President John Agyekum Kufuor’s wife, is taking place today, October 11 in Peduase, Eastern Region.
The commemoration commenced in the morning, at the private residence of the former President, with esteemed guests in attendance, including President Akufo-Addo, government ministers, Independent Candidate Alan Kyerematen, as well as family and friends.
The final funeral rites for the former First Lady will be conducted at the state house’s forecourt on November 16, 2023.
Subsequent funeral ceremonies will continue in Kumasi on November 18, culminating in her interment on November 19, 2023.
Theresa Aba Kufuor, who passed away on October 1, 2023, had been a dedicated companion to former President Kufuor for the entirety of their 61-year marriage.
She hailed from a well-known family in Odumase, Bono Region, and had a career as a retired nurse and midwife. Born on October 25, 1935, Theresa Aba Kufuor reached the age of 87 at the time of her passing.
Most of her working life was spent in the United Kingdom, following her studies at the Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford and Paddington General Hospital in London.
She achieved qualifications as a state-certified midwife with a focus on premature nursing. She was the youngest child in her family.
Samuel Atta Akyea, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee tasked with investigating a leaked tape allegedly plotting the removal of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has rejected accusations of bias against the IGP.
The lawyer representing the IGP, Kwame Gyan, accused Atta Akyea of unfair treatment toward his client.
However, the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South has countered these allegations, asserting that he has overseen the committee’s proceedings without prejudice.
“The word doctored is what did not sit well with him, but I said is deduced from how it started. Was I not together with my committee members who afforded the IGP the best opportunity to speak to the press?
“The same chairman who afforded the IGP together with my committee members the opportunity to speak to the press is being biased. It’s a baseless allegation and the rest of the committee members thought that the lawyer who said it would be bold to say it again, and they will respond, but he didn’t”.
Mr Atta Akyea also clarified why the committee decided not to allow members of the Police Service Management Board to attend Tuesday’s in-camera hearing.
According to him, it would be unfair to have non-witnesses present during an in-camera session, and the committee believed that admitting senior officers who were not going to speak would be unjustified.
President Akufo-Addo has affirmed his administration’s commitment to raise the National Service Scheme (NSS) to the status of an Authority.
He made this announcement at the 50th-anniversary celebration of the NSS, held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra.
During his speech, President Akufo-Addo revealed that a draft policy document is currently in development and will soon be presented to Parliament.
This document will guide the scheme’s implementation and is a significant step forward as it marks the first time such a policy document will be presented in the NSS’s history.
Additionally, a draft Bill will be presented to Parliament for consideration, aiming to transition the NSS into an Authority.
This transformation will provide a legal framework for the employment of e-models, with a model called “deployment for employment” as part of the transition.
The President acknowledged the various youth programs established by his government under the NSS to harness the potential of young graduates and address their specific employment needs.
He emphasized the scheme’s role in creating a positive impact and contributing to the nation’s development.
President Akufo-Addo also highlighted the financial restructuring of the NSS and praised its leadership for their significant contributions over the years.
He disclosed that the scheme would create 81,000 jobs in the agricultural and allied sectors through the economic enclave program over the next four years.
This initiative will involve deploying 65,000 graduate youths to agricultural enclaves, developing 20,000 hectares of land for production, producing 110,000 metric tons of food, and generating revenue of approximately $92 million by the end of the year.
The Deputy Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Hajia Rabi Salifu, has suggested that the National Democratic Congress may have masterminded the invasion of the UTV studio by individuals associated with the NPP.
In an interview with the media, Hajia Rabi Salifu discussed the possibility of the NDC orchestrating the incident, stating, “this possibility is very great because you can never underestimate the NDC, it could be our own opposition trying to get faces to stage this, you might never know, this is a possibility I will explore. Given how desperate they are (NDC), they’re not far from doing that.”
While condemning the actions of the invaders, she also raised concerns about potential bias in the moderation of TV and radio shows, suggesting that biased moderation and topic selection could have contributed to such incidents.
“These young people taking that approach was wrong; however, we should also see what would have triggered that. Just maybe, somebody who is opposing the current leadership of the party trying to make the leadership of the party unpopular could try to stage people and do this,” she said.
Hajia Rabi Salifu emphasized that she was not justifying the actions of the invaders and expressed the party’s readiness to support the police in their investigation of the incident.
“These young people taking that approach was wrong however we should also see what would have triggered that”. Just maybe, somebody who is opposing the current leadership of the party trying to make the leadership of the party unpopular could try to stage people and do this”
“I am not justifying what they did, that is not to say I am so sure about who would have sent them because the police is investigating it and we are ready as a party to support the police service to do the investigations” she added.
A communication member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Twum Barimah, has expressed his support for political activist and social commentator A Plus for his actions at the studios of UTV.
Speaking as a panel member on UTV’s morning show, Twum Barimah stated that although he is not a fan of A Plus, he believes A Plus did the right thing by tearing up a letter written by the NPP to UTV regarding its United Showbiz program.
He emphasized that the NDC has never thought of raiding or invading the premises of other TV and radio programs in the country that seem to favor the ruling NPP, despite their content.
“I am not a fan of A Plus but I give it to him. He has done very well. He did well for shredding the letter and this is why. Number one, the content stated that the program was serving the interest of the NDC. You read it. The programme is serving the NDC? Then we should have stopped Oman FM’s Boiling Point a long time ago. Seriously. How can you be angry about a UTV show because you feel it is serving the interest of the opposition party? We should have closed down Oman FM a long time. The content of the show has changed; does NPP give content?” he quizzed.
The chaos at UTV’s studios occurred on Saturday, October 7, 2023, when alleged thugs, believed to be affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP), disrupted a live broadcast of the United Showbiz show.
This incident followed A Plus’s decision to tear up a letter addressed to UTV’s management by the NPP, which demanded reforms to the United Showbiz program. A Plus had criticized the letter’s content and the propriety of its issuance during a previous broadcast.
In our community, stroke is an event that can affect anyone, reshaping lives in an instant.
However, a stroke does not have to be the end of the road; it can be a beginning—a beginning of recovery, renewal, and rediscovery of life’s possibilities.
In this article, we’ll explore the importance of rehabilitation after stroke, shedding light on the journey to recovery and the hope it brings to survivors and their families.
A stroke, often referred to as a “brain attack,” occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, either by a clot (ischemic stroke) or a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke).
The consequences can be life-altering, affecting mobility, speech, and cognitive functions. Recovery from a stroke is a complex and often challenging process, but it is a journey that can be guided by post-stroke rehabilitation.
This comprehensive and personalized program is designed to address the unique needs and challenges faced by stroke survivors.
Post-stroke rehabilitation is a collaborative effort that involves a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including: physiatrists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists or counselors. Starting rehabilitation as early as possible is critical for achieving the best outcomes.
Research has shown that stroke survivors who begin rehabilitation within the first few days or weeks after their stroke tend to experience better recovery. Family and caregivers play a significant role in the rehabilitation process.
Their support, encouragement, and involvement in therapy sessions can enhance a stroke survivor’s progress.If you or a loved one has experienced a stroke, don’t underestimate the importance of rehabilitation.
Work closely with your healthcare team and therapists to develop a personalized plan that addresses your specific needs and goals.
Remember, stroke recovery is a journey that takes time and determination, but with the right support and rehabilitation, it’s a journey filled with possibilities for renewed health and well-being.
Physiotherapy and traditional rehabilitation are two important components of stroke recovery, often used in combination to help stroke survivors regain function and improve their quality of life.
In our part of the world the education on the choosing of a proper rehabilitation program has not be well done, and so the choice of physiotherapy ,modern medicine, and traditional rehabilitation has not been explained very well to the general public, with people taking decisions based on recommnedations of friends and neighbours.
Physiotherapy (Physical Therapy) primarily focuses on improving physical function and mobility. It targets specific impairments and limitations related to movement, strength, balance, and coordination.
Traditional Rehabilitation in our part of the world has been focused on mainly usage of herbs and concoctions and sometimes superstition to help revive stroke patients, although these methods themselves may not necessary be harmful, little is known about their effectivesness.
Another issue that arises is the lack of scientific data and regulation of these practices . the lack of training of these practioners who normally ‘inherited’ or were ‘gifted ‘their craft, sometimes put the lives of their patients in harm, as most patients finally return to modern medicine for cure afterwards.
Physiotherapy is a subset of stroke rehabilitation, focusing specifically on physical aspects of recovery. Traditional rehabilitation, on the other hand, encompasses a wider range of therapies, which may come with their challenges.
The choice between the two depends on the individual needs and goals of the stroke survivor, and often, a combination of both approaches is used to provide comprehensive care and support for stroke recovery. A healthcare team in consultation with the patient and their family should develop the specific treatment plan
Stroke recovery is a journey that takes time, determination, and support, and it’s a journey filled with possibilities. Post-stroke rehabilitation is the bridge that connects survivors to renewed hope and a path toward recovery.
If you or a loved one has experienced a stroke, remember that you are not alone.
Reach out to your healthcare team and therapists to develop a personalized rehabilitation plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. Together, we can turn the page to a new chapter of life—a chapter filled with recovery, resilience, and the promise of renewed well-being.
Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that affects thousands of children and adults worldwide, and it presents unique challenges to both patients and healthcare professionals.
As a neurosurgeon with experience in treating individuals with cerebral palsy, I want to shed light on this complex condition, explore its origins, and discuss the role of neurosurgery in its management.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of non-progressive neurological disorders that impact a person’s ability to move and maintain posture. It is caused by damage to the developing brain during pregnancy, childbirth, or early childhood. CP varies in severity, and affected individuals can experience a wide range of motor and cognitive challenges.
Cerebral palsy presents a host of challenges, not only for those diagnosed but also for their families and caregivers.
The condition can manifest in various ways, including spasticity (muscle stiffness), dyskinesia (involuntary movements), and ataxia (lack of muscle coordination).
These motor impairments can significantly affect a person’s daily life, mobility, and independence. Neurosurgery is one facet of the multidisciplinary approach to managing cerebral palsy.
While it does not cure the condition, neurosurgical interventions can be beneficial in specific cases, particularly when addressing issues related to muscle spasticity and mobility.
Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) is a surgical procedure that involves selectively cutting the sensory nerve roots in the spinal cord to reduce muscle spasticity.
It can improve mobility and reduce pain in some individuals with CP. Neurosurgeons can implant baclofen pumps that deliver medication directly into the spinal fluid to manage muscle stiffness and spasticity.
In cases where severe muscle contractures or skeletal deformities occur due to cerebral palsy, orthopedic surgeries can help correct these issues and improve functional mobility.
Effective management of cerebral palsy typically requires a comprehensive, team-based approach. Pediatricians, neurologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and other specialists work together to create individualized treatment plans.
Early intervention and ongoing therapies are crucial to maximizing a person’s potential for independent living. The goal is to enhance mobility, improve communication, and provide a better quality of life for individuals with CP.
While cerebral palsy presents unique challenges, there are reasons for optimism. Advances in medical research, including stem cell therapy and neuroplasticity-based interventions, offer hope for improved treatments and outcomes in the future.
Furthermore, advocacy groups, support networks, and community organizations play a vital role in raising awareness about cerebral palsy, supporting affected individuals and their families, and advocating for accessible healthcare and education.
While cerebral palsy poses significant challenges, it is essential to focus on the potential for progress and the resilience of those living with the condition.
With ongoing research, continued support, and a compassionate community, we can work towards a brighter future where individuals with cerebral palsy can lead fulfilling lives and achieve their fullest potential.
Cerebral palsy manifests in diverse ways, with varying degrees of motor dysfunction and associated challenges. Some individuals may have mild motor impairments and lead relatively independent lives, while others may require extensive care and support for daily activities.
Here are some of the challenges commonly faced by individuals with CP: The hallmark of CP is motor dysfunction, which can include muscle spasticity (stiffness), dyskinesia (involuntary movements), or ataxia (lack of coordination).
These impairments can affect mobility and functional independence. Some individuals with CP may have difficulties with speech and communication due to muscle control issues.
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices and therapies can help address these challenges.
CP can be associated with other medical conditions, including seizures, intellectual disabilities, and sensory impairments, which further complicate the clinical picture.
Neurologists and neurosurgeons play a critical role in diagnosing and managing cerebral palsy. Our expertise includes assessing the neurological basis of the condition, differentiating it from other disorders, and recommending appropriate interventions.
Here are some key aspects of neurology’s role: Neurologists often collaborate with other healthcare professionals to diagnose CP through clinical evaluations, medical history, and imaging studies like MRIs.
Medications may be prescribed to manage muscle spasticity, alleviate pain, and address associated conditions, such as seizures. Neurologists work closely with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists to develop personalized rehabilitation plans to improve mobility, independence, and communication.
Regular follow-up appointments with a neurologist help track a patient’s progress, adjust treatments as needed, and provide ongoing guidance and support.
While cerebral palsy presents significant challenges, there is reason for optimism. Advances in medical research, rehabilitation techniques, assistive technology, and supportive communities are transforming the landscape of CP care.
In conclusion cerebral palsy is a complex condition that requires a multifaceted approach to care. As a neurosurgeon, I am committed to working alongside a dedicated team of healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care for individuals with CP. Innovations such as robotic exoskeletons, brain-computer interfaces, and stem cell therapies are showing promise in enhancing mobility and improving the quality of life for individuals with CP.
Early intervention, individualized treatment plans, and an inclusive and supportive environment are crucial in maximizing the potential of those affected by the condition.
A notorious thief in Bogoso has met his untimely death after an unsuccessful robbery attempt in the nearby community of Akoko Bedi Aburo.
The lifeless body of the thief, identified as Romeo, was discovered by residents of Akoko Bedi Aburo on the morning of October 9, 2023.
Romeo had been bound to an electricity pole in the area by unknown assailants, his wrists secured with a rope. His body bore evidence of severe beatings, and it was clear that he had succumbed to his injuries.
Peter Afful, a resident of the community, recounted the discovery, saying, “It was my sister who went to see it and called me to also come and witness. In fact, I don’t know how it happened, but I believe he went to steal and luck eluded him which has led to his death.”
Romeo was known in the Bogoso community for previous incidents where he had been stripped naked and tied to an electric pole in Chapel Square after being caught stealing.
He was spared further harm with the intervention of some community leaders who pleaded on his behalf. However, his luck ran out on that fateful Monday morning when no one came to his rescue.
Residents expressed little surprise at Romeo’s lynching, citing his history of theft and criminal activities.
They also voiced concerns about the increasing number of theft cases in the community, which had left them living in fear whenever they went to bed.
They called on security agencies to enhance police presence in Bogoso to ensure greater safety and security.
President Akufo-Addo has declared a state funeral in honor of the late former First Lady, Theresa Kufuor.
During a meeting with the family of the late former First Lady, President Akufo-Addo announced that the state funeral will take place on November 16, 2023.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized that Theresa Kufour deserves the utmost respect of the state, hence the decision to hold a state funeral in her honor.
Theresa Kufuor, born on October 25, 1935, was the wife of John Agyekum Kufuor, the second President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana, and served as the former First Lady of Ghana.
She had a background in nursing and midwifery.
Mrs. Kufuor’s education began at the Catholic Convent, OLA, in Keta, Volta Region, Ghana. She later pursued nursing training in London at the Southern Hospital Group of Nursing, Edinburgh, Scotland.
She furthered her studies at the Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford and Paddington General Hospital in London, earning qualifications as a State Certified Midwife with a Certificate in Premature Nursing.
Theresa and John Kufuor met in 1961 at a Republic Day Anniversary Dance in London and married in 1962 when he was 23 years old. They had five children and eight grandchildren. She was a devoted Roman Catholic.
Despite her role as the First Lady of Ghana for eight years from 2001 to 2009, she maintained a relatively low profile in the political arena. However, in 2007, she advocated for policy changes in the Government’s white paper on Educational Reforms to support the implementation of UNESCO’s Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) program for kindergarten children.
Theresa Kufuor also established the Mother and Child Community Development Foundation (MCCDF), a non-governmental organization operating in Ghana and Canada, focused on preventing mother-to-child transmission and supporting various community development initiatives.
Ghanaian musician and media personality, Blakk Rasta, has criticized the host of “Kokrokoo” on Peace FM, Kwame Sefa Kayi, for not condemning the invasion of United Television (UTV) by individuals affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Blakk Rasta accused Kwame Sefa Kayi of accepting an appointment from President Akufo-Addo, which he believes has silenced him from speaking out against issues in the country, including the UTV invasion.
Blakk Rasta suggested that if he were in Kwame Sefa Kayi’s position, he would have resigned from his appointment as a board member of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to distance himself from the Akufo-Addo-led government.
He expressed disappointment that Kwame Sefa Kayi, as a member of the NPP, had not openly condemned the attack on UTV, suggesting that his government appointment had compromised his ability to speak out.
Blakk Rasta made these remarks during an interview with the media, where he expressed his views on the incident at UTV.
The incident involved individuals associated with the NPP who stormed the UTV studios and disrupted a live broadcast of the United Showbiz program, which featured panel member A-Plus.
The individuals were reported to have entered the studio with hostile intentions and demanded an explanation from A Plus for tearing a paper related to the NPP. The disruption led to the temporary suspension of the live broadcast.
The final funeral rites of the late National Democratic Congress (NDC) stalwart, Dr. Hanny-Sherry Naa Sackley Ayittey, are scheduled for Friday, November 10, 2023.
The ceremony will be held at the forecourt of the State House, followed by a private burial.
Additionally, a thanksgiving service will be conducted on Sunday, November 12, at 9 a.m. at the Royal House Chapel in Accra.
Prior to these events, a night of tributes, hymns, and song ministration in her honor will be held at the NDC headquarters in Accra on November 3, 2023, at 7 p.m.
Dr. Hanny-Sherry Ayittey, a former Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, passed away on Saturday, July 22, at the age of 75. Hanny Sherry Ayittey (8 February 1948 – 22 July 2023) was a Ghanaian biochemist, politician, and women’s activist.
She held various ministerial positions in Ghana, including Minister for Health from February 2013 to June 2014 and Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology from 2009 to 2012.
She graduated from Labone Secondary School in Accra, earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Master of Science in industrial microbiology from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), and was involved in non-governmental organizations in Ghana.
She had a notable career in various management boards and international conferences, including representing Ghana in climate change and biodiversity conventions.
The Asante Youth Association has issued a one-month ultimatum to the government, demanding the immediate resumption of work on numerous abandoned projects within the Ashanti Region.
They have warned of a large-scale protest if the government does not comply with their request.
Furthermore, the association is urging the government to prioritize development in the region, expressing their dissatisfaction with what they perceive as neglect by the Akufo-Addo-led administration, despite the Ashanti Region being a stronghold of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Some of the cited abandoned projects include phases two and three of the Kumasi International Airport, phase two of the Kejetia-Central Market redevelopment project, and the Mother and Baby Unit at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).
Road projects in various areas such as the Manso enclave, Kwabre East, Bosomtwe, and others are also mentioned.
Nana Oppong Boadi, the Vice President of the Asante Youth Association, expressed disappointment with the Akufo-Addo government, alleging that the President has not treated Ashanti Region residents fairly.
He warned that if the government does not take prompt action to address their concerns, a protest would be their last resort.
“All Kumasi projects are at a standstill, the Central Market project is abandoned, Komfo Anokye Maternity Block, Airport Project, we don’t know what is going on again. Bosomtwe road we don’t know what is going on again. Manso Nkwanta, Anhiawa Nkwanta, Kwabre roads, no work is going on. They have not started any major work in Suame.”
“From today till November, if these projects are still abandoned, and the contractors of those who are supposed to work are not on the site, we will go there ourselves and see if they are not there, we are going to protest. We will organize all the youth in Asante kingdom to fight. It is uncalled for. The way Asantes rallied behind President Akufo-Addo, we never expected him to do this, he has not been fair to Asantes and NPP people in the region,” he added.
The group also expressed disappointment with Ashanti Region residents in ministerial positions and the numerous Members of Parliament from the region, accusing them of not doing enough to advocate for development.
They threatened to campaign against these MPs in the upcoming general elections if they fail to take measures to ensure the region receives its fair share of development.
A political historian at KNUST, Prof. Samuel Adu-Gyamfi, suggested that the region’s electorate should take strong measures to demand development from the NPP-led government, including resorting to protests, to make their concerns heard and taken seriously.
The Asante Youth Association, in existence for the past 70 years, has been actively advocating for development in the Ashanti Region.
A Nigerian actor and director, Charles Inojie, has expressed concern about the presence of what he refers to as an “army of Jezebel daughters” within the movie industry.
Mr Inojie indicated that these individuals aim to entice directors and producers into offering them movie roles in exchange for sexual favors.
He shared these thoughts during the recent episode of ‘The Honest Bunch Podcast,’ where he was co-hosted by Chinedu Ani Emmanuel, also known as Nedu.
He emphasized that the issue of exchanging sex for roles in Nollywood is not limited to filmmakers alone; some actresses also actively engage in this practice to secure movie roles.
He said: “There are some actresses who can do anything just to be in front of the camera. And when you meet a character who is not properly formed as the director or producer, he will fall. So, there are actresses like that. The issue of sex-for-role is not just one-way. It is a two-way thing.
“There is also an army of Jezebel daughters looking for directors and producers to fall … So, the level of desperation among some of these girls is also an issue.
He further discussed the level of desperation among some individuals in the industry, referring to them as “an army of Jezebel daughters” seeking to influence directors and producers.
He emphasized that the vulnerability of certain filmmakers makes them susceptible to falling into such traps, especially those set by individuals with unstable backgrounds.
“That’s why they are quick to fall into the booby traps set by a lot of producers and directors with characters that are not properly formed; people who came from very shaky backgrounds,” he added.
Over 900 individuals of the 2023 batch have received approval from the Independent Examination Committee of the General Legal Council.
This group includes 499 students who had been initially denied admission to the Ghana School of Law two years ago but were subsequently admitted following a series of protests and appeals.
Following the release of the results, Odupong Agyapong Atta-Agyapong, the immediate past SRC president of the Ghana School of Law, who spoke to the media highlighted the significance of this year’s call to the bar ceremony.
“It’s exciting how students are reacting on their WhatsApp pages and statuses,” he said. “For the first time, we are going to have over 900 students called to the Ghana bar. It’s quite historic given the turn of events in the past.”
Atta-Agyapong encouraged students who did not make it onto the list to maintain their determination and strive to be called in the mini-call scheduled for March next year.
“It’s not the end of the road,” he emphasized. “We have a mini-call, and it’s expected that next year these students will be offered the opportunity to sit for the supplementary exams, and when they are successful, they will be called.”
Atta-Agyapong encouraged students who did not find their names on the list to persevere and aim for inclusion in the upcoming mini-call scheduled for March next year.
“It’s not the end of the road,” he said. “We have a mini-call, and it’s expected that next year these students will be offered the opportunity to sit for the supplementary exams, and when they are successful, they will be called.”
For the past two months, inhabitants of Tamale and its adjacent communities have been experiencing irregular power outages, the most prolonged instances of which took place during the initial week of September.
Concerned residents are worried that these persistent outages might herald a return of the “dumsor” era, characterized by sporadic power cuts and electricity load shedding.
They are calling on authorities to provide explanations for these outages and implement lasting solutions to the problem, which consistently plunges the city into darkness.
Martey Rafael, a storekeeper at ‘Enso Nyame Y3’ Cold Store, shared the severe impact these power outages have had on businesses. He recounted instances of having to discard meat and fish due to spoilage caused by the power interruptions.
Rafael urgently appealed to the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) to address the erratic power supply situation, emphasizing the dire consequences it inflicts on local businesses.
“Our business is suffering greatly from these outages, and NEDCo needs to act fast,” he asserted.
“Just last week, we had to dispose of some of our products to prevent this place from emitting foul odours that could drive customers away.”
Meanwhile, NEDCo has refuted claims that the country is on the verge of experiencing a peak in electricity shortages due to the recent power outages in northern Ghana.
Maxwell Kotoka, the Corporate Communications Manager at NEDCo, explained that the recent disruptions in power supply were caused by various factors that their technical team is actively managing.
He noted that challenges often arise during the rainy season, as a single storm can damage their power infrastructure, resulting in significant outages.
Kotoka also linked the recent outages to the aging machinery that NEDCo has been using since its inception. However, he assured the public that management is diligently working to replace these machines to improve service.
Kotoka expressed optimism that the ongoing month-long Phase III of the revenue mobilization drive by the electricity company would yield the necessary resources to equip NEDCo adequately.
He underscored the importance of customer payments for power, as it serves as a vital source of income to enhance NEDCo’s ability to effectively serve the community.
Chair of the Parliamentary Committee investigating the leaked audio concerning plans to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Samuel Atta Akyea, has prevented members of the Police Management Board (POMAB) from attending the in-camera proceedings.
The senior police officers, who had accompanied their superior to the initial committee appearance, were asked to leave by Mr. Atta Akyea before the commencement of the in-camera hearing on Tuesday, October 10.
Subsequently, these officers had to wait for the IGP in the conference room.
Sources within the committee revealed that the chairman expressed discomfort with the officers’ presence during the proceedings.
Meanwhile, Kwame Gyan, legal representative for the IGP, has made serious accusations against the committee chairman, claiming that he is pursuing a biased agenda against his client.
Gyan highlighted concerns about Mr. Atta Akyea’s behavior, suggesting that the committee chairman was making prejudicial remarks that could compromise the investigation’s integrity.
Mr. Atta-Akyea, also serving as the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, has faced significant scrutiny for his handling of the case.
Gyan accused Mr. Atta Akyea of operating as if he were the sole commissioner overseeing the investigation and expressed his team’s reluctance to accept such a situation in the future.
“He has his own agenda,” asserted Mr. Gyan, indicating that Mr. Atta-Akyea had revealed his biased intentions.
Kwame Gyan further accused Mr. Atta Akyea of granting media interviews after committee meetings with damaging comments and disclosing matters meant for in-camera hearings, fabricating stories without basis.
“He has his own agenda,” Mr. Gyan asserted, hinting that Mr. Atta-Akyea has revealed his biased intentions for all to see.
Kwame Gyan accused Mr. Atta Akyea of granting media interviews after committee meetings with detrimental comments.
He accused Mr Atta Akyea of disclosing matters that he himself reserved for in-camera hearing and fabricating stories without basis.
“He will be granting media interviews to the extent that after one sitting, he went out there and said the extended tape which was submitted by Bugri Naabu, and had not been played at the committee, has been doctored. Very prejudicial comments.
“Because of respect for Parliament and the institution and persons on the Committee, I drop my guns, but I’m going to do what lawyers do, going forward” Lawyer Gyan stated.
Gyan indicated his intention to adopt a more assertive legal stance moving forward, emphasizing his respect for Parliament and the institution while asserting his plan to proceed with legal actions.
It’s worth noting that the case involves three serving police officers and a former regional chairman of NPP who were caught on tape plotting the removal of the IGP.
One of the panelists on UTV, Mr. Logic, has shared his experience during a disturbing incident when a group of thugs invaded the UTV studio, disrupting the show and causing chaos.
Recalling the terrifying ordeal and his location at the time of the incident, Mr. Logic revealed that he was forced to seek refuge under a table in the master control room.
He condemned the violent act and explained that he remained hidden beneath the table for approximately half an hour.
Describing his distressing experience, he mentioned that the space under the table in the cramped master control room lacked proper ventilation.
He expressed his unhappiness with the situation, emphasizing the discomfort he endured during that time.
“I am not happy about what happened at all. That master control room doesn’t have enough space, yet you should’ve seen the table under which they pushed me. It’s very bad! What I went through in the control room under the table wasn’t good at all. For about 45minuites I was hidden in the control room covered and squeezed under the table.
“It seemed like they came for all of us, but I emerged from hiding when they began calling out A Plus’ name. I am deeply disappointed. If this was indeed orchestrated by a faction within the NPP, then it’s a huge disappointment. I am awaiting confirmation of who sent them before I make any further statements,” he remarked.
Mr. Logic further stated that he would eventually reveal more details about the incident, particularly regarding the individuals responsible for organizing the attack, once their identities were uncovered.
“It looked like they came here for all of us but I came out when they started calling out A Plus’ name. I am so disappointed. If this was truly an NPP gang, then I am disappointed. The person who sent them really goofed. I am waiting to know who sent them before I speak,” he added.
The attack on UTV has elicited strong condemnation from the Ghanaian public, with calls for swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Various entities, including the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), the Ghana Journalists Association, and the Ministry of Information, have all expressed their condemnation of the attack.
In context, the incident occurred when a group of young men, claiming affiliation with the New Patriotic Party (NPP), disrupted the United Showbiz program shortly after it began.
They stormed the UTV studios during the live broadcast, demanding an apology from one of the panelists, A-Plus, whom they accused of insulting the party, the president, and the vice president.
Subsequently, the Ghana Police Service arrested 16 individuals in connection with the incident, and investigations into the matter are currently ongoing.
Work on the second phase of the Obetsebi-Lamptey Interchange, which had been temporarily suspended in May of this year, is poised to resume once the government concludes negotiations with its external creditors.
This assurance was provided by Owusu Sekyere Antwi, the Resident Engineer overseeing the project.
The project initially commenced in February 2021, with a targeted completion date in March of this year. Unfortunately, progress came to a halt due to the government’s debt exchange program.
Mr. Antwi clarified that the work suspension primarily stemmed from a government directive rather than financial constraints.
He explained, “The funds allocated for the project are available for use, but we must respect the decision of our client, who has requested that we pause until discussions with its financial partners are concluded.”
About three weeks ago, the contractor, Messrs QGC UK Limited, returned to the site to initiate work. However, they subsequently withdrew from the site, disappointing the public’s expectations.
This delay has raised concerns among the public, particularly motorists and commuters, who are urging the government to provide funding to complete the project.
Portion of the project
Mr. Antwi shed light on the contractor’s actions, stating that they had returned to the site to safeguard a significant number of pre-cast slabs that had been exposed to the elements and dust on the bridge to prevent deterioration.
During our visit to the site, we observed only a limited workforce, which Mr. Antwi explained was a cost-saving measure. He mentioned that the remaining workers would be called back when work officially resumes.
Mr. Sekyere-Antwi disclosed that approximately 83% of the project had been completed, with the remaining 17% expected to take about six months to finish once work recommences.
He noted that work on the bridge, including the steel superstructure, substructure, and pillars, had been completed, leaving only the concrete work, which requires 21 days to cure before asphalt laying.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the storm drains in the area had been completed, with the remaining work involving the drains from SIC to Royal House Chapel and those near Korle-Bu.
The second phase of the interchange project, with a budget of 92 million Euros, began in February 2021 and was originally slated for completion in March 2023.
However, due to unforeseen challenges, construction engineers requested an extension, which was granted.
This phase of the project encompasses the third tier, extending from the interchange towards Abossey Okai, as well as the installation of underground storm drains from the Hyundai stretch to Pamprom, near Kaneshie.
These additional storm drains aim to mitigate the recurring issue of flooding in the area.
It’s worth noting that the first phase of the project, valued at $35 million, was successfully completed in November of the previous year, achieving completion five months ahead of schedule.
In recent years, Ghanaian funeral proceedings have taken on a new dimension, with pallbearers dressing in regalia and engaging in lively dances while carrying the deceased in creatively crafted coffins.
This practice, seen as a form of showmanship, has sparked controversy and differing opinions.
Speaking to the media, Dr. Yaw Twerefour, the Chief Executive Officer of the Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency, expressed concerns about this trend.
He described the showmanship and dancing exhibited by pallbearers as a disregard and disrespect for the deceased.
Dr. Twerefour highlighted that while the agency does not necessarily object to dancing with the deceased, they have serious concerns when the body or coffin falls during these elaborate displays.
“The Agency, does not have a problem dancing with the dead body, we have a problem when the body falls or the casket drops,” he said.
He emphasized that the falling or dropping of dead bodies and caskets is a criminal offense under the country’s criminal code and represents the desecration of bodies.
Additionally, Dr. Twerefour mentioned disputes regarding how morticians decorate and display dead bodies during funeral processions. He cited instances where deceased individuals are decorated according to their professions, which he views as problematic.
The Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency is open to receiving complaints from bereaved individuals who believe their deceased relatives were not properly preserved at the morgue.
Dr. Twerefour noted that morgues with such reported incidents may risk having their licenses revoked due to acts of unprofessionalism.
In summary, the recent trend of elaborate funeral displays involving dancing pallbearers has raised concerns about the respect and dignity afforded to the deceased, as well as potential legal issues related to mishandling of bodies and caskets.
The Chairman of the Board at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. David Nkansah-Dwamena, has emphasized the hospital’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services in Ghana.
Speaking during the centenary anniversary celebration of the hospital, Dr. Nkansah-Dwamena stated that the hospital is actively training and retraining its staff in transplantation services to better assist Ghanaians in need of medical care.
The aim is to reduce the need for Ghanaians to travel abroad for medical treatment and to provide comprehensive healthcare locally.
Furthermore, the hospital is working to establish a legal framework, particularly focusing on kidney transplant services. Dr. Nkansah-Dwamena urged Parliament to support and pass the necessary legislation to formalize organ donation, harvesting, and transplantation, which could save countless lives.
“The board, under my leadership, is dedicated and committed to expanding the services that are being provided. This has already begun with the introduction of kidney transplant services by our local team of surgeons and other professionals.
“With this aspect, the board is supporting management to secure the necessary legislative framework to formalize our transplantation services in the country. We will also support the introduction of other services and procedures through further training for staff that will make it needless for Ghanaians to travel to other countries for medical care.
“We are therefore calling on parliament and other agencies to support the preparation and passage of the law on tissue donation, harvesting, and storing of various organs that will save the lives of thousands of Ghanaians who are sick and in need of help.”
He also called upon corporate entities and individuals to support the hospital in addressing various challenges and improving healthcare delivery.
The hospital has been undergoing infrastructure development and expansion efforts to meet the growing demands of patients.Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, which began with a 200-bed capacity in 1923, has grown to become the third-largest hospital in Africa, playing a pivotal role as the leading national referral center in Ghana.
“By all standards, Korle Bu is a large hospital with complexities that require hard work, dedication, and commitment to address. Since the appointment of the board, under my leadership, we have dedicated our attention and energy to several projects that are currently ongoing in the hospital to see their successful completion.
“We plan to ensure that Korle Bu improves our service delivery to ensure the country achieves universal health coverage. Some of them have been completed and are ready to be commissioned, others are nearing completion and some are also yet to take off.
“One attention is on the provision of new infrastructure to shore up the capacity of the hospital to meet the demands of our patients. We also have to provide directions on some of the aging infrastructure that require replacements. In spite of the measures that the government is providing for new infrastructure, there is still the need for the support of corporate bodies and individuals to complement the efforts of the government.
“The help and support of corporate bodies and individuals will help in comprehensively addressing the challenges confronting the hospital.”
Its commitment to advancing healthcare services and introducing transplantation services demonstrates its dedication to improving healthcare access and outcomes for Ghanaians.
Salifu Abdulai, a 33-year-old nurse working with the Walewale Municipal Hospital, has tragically lost his life after a violent attack by a group of ‘Wee Smokers’ in Walewale Moshifong on October 8, 2023.
During a confrontation, the ‘Wee Smokers’ assaulted him with hard objects, resulting in severe head injuries.
After the attack, the deceased who is also known as Expensive was discovered by his co-tenants and rushed to Walewale district hospital around 7 PM.
Due to the seriousness of his condition, he was referred to Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH). Sadly, upon arrival at TTH, he was pronounced dead.
Salifu Abdulai had previously worked at Savelugu Municipal Hospital in the Northern Region before being transferred to Walewale government hospital in 2022.
The Walewale cemetery, close to Moshifong, is reportedly a gathering place for ‘Wee Smokers’ who utilize the nearby forested area to consume marijuana and substances like tramadol.
The exact cause of the altercation leading to Salifu’s death remains unknown.
The municipal police command in Walewale is actively investigating the matter, and one suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder.
Africa Education Watch (EduWatch), an education think tank, has urged the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to expedite the prosecution of candidates who were arrested for misconduct during the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE).
While EduWatch commended the partnership between the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) and WAEC to enhance exam security, it noted security breaches that resulted in the premature circulation of exam questions on social media.
The organization called for swift investigations and the public release of outcomes in these cases.
EduWatch also demanded sanctions against school heads/owners cited by WAEC for obstructing monitors from entering exam centers. It stressed the importance of resourcing WAEC to hire adequate Non-GES External Supervisors at every exam center for every paper.
Additionally, EduWatch recommended that the Ghana Education Service (GES) escalate the sanctions for teachers involved in misconduct to outright dismissal, making a strong ethical stand against staff participation in exam malpractices.
Furthermore, the organization urged the government to amend the WAEC Law, as the current sanctions outlined in the law are outdated.
According to EduWatch, the 2006 WAEC Act is no longer sufficient to address the complexities of contemporary exam malpractice and fraud.
“As far back as 2021, WAEC submitted at a stakeholder convening in Koforidua hosted by Parliament, with the Ministry of Education, Security Agencies and GES in attendance that, the sophistry in today’s examination malpractice and fraud was fast overtaking the deterrent relevance of the WAEC Act, 2006 (Act 719). The sanctions regime provided in the Law is significantly outdated, whereas the scope is too constricted to provide a responsive legal framework for a credible examination. This makes the pursuit of adequate sanctions/successful prosecution of examination malpractices/fraud culprits very challenging. The Ministry of Education must prioritise the amendment of the WAEC Law.”
Former Minister for Science, Environment, and Technology, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, has expressed his support for the yet-to-be-approved new dialysis cost proposed by the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
This development follows public discontent when the hospital’s Renal Dialysis Unit announced an increase in dialysis session charges from GH¢380 to GHS¢765.42 on September 27.
The Minority Caucus in Parliament denounced the hike, labeling it as illegal and excessive, and demanded an immediate reversal.
However, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng shed light on the financial challenges faced by hospitals like Korle Bu in acquiring and maintaining advanced medical equipment needed for treatments such as dialysis.
He emphasized that these machines are costly and require ongoing maintenance and operational expenses.
Furthermore, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng noted that if the government cannot grant exemptions or reduce taxes on critical medical equipment, hospitals may have no choice but to pass on these expenses to patients.
In response to public outrage, the hospital reversed its decision within 48 hours. This episode underscores the ongoing debate in Ghana regarding healthcare costs and accessibility.
Prof. Frimpong-Boateng’s support for the hospital’s position on dialysis charges sheds light on the complexities of balancing the need for quality healthcare with the financial constraints faced by healthcare institutions.
The Democracy Hub, the organization responsible for coordinating the #OccupyJulorBi House protest, has declared its intention to hold a subsequent series of demonstrations in the upcoming days.
According to a statement released by the group, these protests scheduled to occur between December 1 and December 31, 2023, at ‘Julorbi House.’
Their primary objective is to address a variety of concerns related to governance and democracy within Ghana.
The group has expressed grave apprehensions about the current state of the nation under President Akufo-Addo’s leadership.
“Democracy Hub believes that the President’s stewardship of this country demonstrates incompetence, a lack of integrity, routine abuse of power and greed.
“We are perturbed high levels persistent unemployment among the youth; and the level of economic mismanagement that has jeopardized the future of young people as well as pushed nearly millions of Ghanaians into poverty. We are further concerned about the deteriorating press freedom, extra judicial killing, and the prosecution activities for democratic reforms,” part of the statement read.
These concerns encompass persistent issues such as high levels of youth unemployment and economic mismanagement.
The Democracy Hub has characterized the President’s leadership as marked by incompetence, a lack of integrity, routine abuse of power, and greed.
They have emphasized their concerns about the ongoing challenges facing the youth, economic mismanagement, deteriorating press freedom, extra-judicial killings, and the pursuit of democratic reforms.
Among their demands, the group is calling for the immediate resignation of the President or his impeachment by Parliament. Additionally, they are advocating for the swift prosecution of corrupt officials, including those with connections to the President’s family and inner circle.
Beyond these demands, the protests will also serve as a platform to educate the Ghanaian public about the need for a new Constitution. The Democracy Hub contends that the existing 1992 constitution is ill-equipped to address the current challenges facing the country and advocates for progressive constitutional reforms.
The initial #OccupyJulorBi House protest occurred from September 21 to September 23, 2023. Despite initial clashes with the police, the demonstrators persisted with their protest to express their dissatisfaction with the government.
A renowned Ghanaian singer, Mzbel, has recently unveiled her entrepreneurial journey alongside her successful music career.
Speaking to the media, she shared insights into how she has effectively managed both aspects to achieve economic sustainability.
Mzbel operates four distinct businesses, each with its unique purpose and focus. These enterprises include Bela’s Pub, Bela’s Jam Records, Bel Eye Media, and Bel Care Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting the less fortunate in society.
Mzbel elaborated on her business portfolio, shedding light on their respective missions and operations.
Bel Care Foundation: Mzbel’s philanthropic venture, the Bel Care Foundation, focuses on supporting the less fortunate. The foundation regularly organizes events and initiatives to aid those in need, including visits to lesser-known orphanages. Their mission is to create awareness and encourage people to contribute to the welfare of vulnerable communities.
Bela’s Playground: This kid-centric business, Bela’s Playground, is designed to provide children with a safe and enjoyable space for recreational activities. It’s a place where kids can come together to play and have fun, fostering memorable moments of joy.
Bela’s Pub: Mzbel’s pub venture caters to adults seeking entertainment. Here, patrons can enjoy live band music and various forms of entertainment. The pub offers a vibrant atmosphere for socializing and relaxation, featuring live sessions to enhance the overall experience.
Bela’s Eye Media: Bela’s Eye Media specializes in TV production, offering a range of services. Mzbel’s venture has been involved in producing television shows, including a reality series similar to “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.”
Additionally, they engage in vox pop interviews, capturing public opinions on trending topics. The company also provides equipment rental services, such as cameras, lighting, sound equipment, and more.
Bela’s Jam Records: Mzbel’s record label, Bela’s Jam Records, is currently on hold. She expressed concerns about artistes she had signed, citing disappointments as a reason for its temporary suspension.
She emphasized the need to acquire further knowledge in record label management before resuming operations.
Organ donation and transplantation are essential aspects of healthcare, holding the potential to save lives and enhance the well-being of many individuals.
In Ghana, efforts to raise awareness and establish legislation in this field have been prompted by the acknowledgment of their vital role in medical interventions.
However, Ghana currently lacks comprehensive legal frameworks to facilitate the harvesting, donation, and transplantation of human organs.
This deficiency is a cause for concern among experienced medical practitioners, often leading to preventable deaths in major hospitals.
A significant milestone was achieved earlier this year when the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital conducted two kidney transplants using an entirely Ghanaian medical team, a notable accomplishment in the country.
Despite this progress, individuals in need of kidney transplants, for instance, can only receive organs from close family members due to the absence of laws allowing doctors to accept organs from unrelated third parties.
Introducing legislation in this domain would significantly expand the pool of potential donors, potentially saving numerous lives. Moreover, it would enable individuals to express their willingness to donate organs upon their passing, offering a chance for their organs to extend the lives of others.
In essence, implementing comprehensive legislation on organ donation and transplantation in Ghana is a crucial step towards improving healthcare, reducing preventable deaths, and fostering a culture of altruism and life-saving contributions within society.
Presently, senior medical professionals at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital have developed a draft legislation document addressing organ harvesting and donation in Ghana.
This document has undergone rigorous review and refinement involving various health ministries, awaiting the crucial stage of legal drafting.
A Urologist at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Professor Matthew Kyei, has elaborated on the legal drafting process, emphasizing the translation of the draft document into legal language to meet required standards.
Once completed, the draft legislation will be presented to parliament for consideration, with the hope of subsequent approval and enactment into law.
Professor Kyei stresses that successful passage of this legal framework as a Bill would establish a structured and regulated framework for the harvesting and utilization of donated organs, significantly enhancing the ability to save lives through organ transplantation and addressing a critical healthcare need in the country.
The proposed Organ Donation Bill, upon approval, aims to establish a comprehensive legal framework promoting ethical and regulated organ donation, expanding the donor pool, safeguarding against exploitation, and ensuring equitable access to donated organs for those in need.
This would ultimately save lives and enhance the healthcare system in Ghana.
A distressing incident has occurred in Gonasua, a farming community situated in the Jaman South Municipality of the Bono Region, where a 14-year-old boy stands accused of the alleged murder of his grandmother.
The suspect, identified only as Clifford, is believed to have committed this heinous act, resulting in the tragic demise of Madam Veronica Abena Kwaabena.
Shockingly, the boy reportedly buried the remains of his grandmother in a garden located in the backyard.
According to the available information gathered by GhanaWeb, Clifford resides in Faaman, another community situated near Drobo. He had visited his grandmother in Gonasua the previous week.
The grim details continue as it is reported that a granddaughter who cohabited with the deceased returned from school to a distressing scene.
She discovered Clifford cleaning what appeared to be bloodstains, although the boy purportedly claimed it was the result of an animal he had slaughtered.
The Assembly Member for the Gonasua Electoral Area, Ferkah Richard, has confirmed this tragic incident.
He disclosed that Madam Veronica Abena Kwaabena was declared missing on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, following unsuccessful attempts to locate her whereabouts. The community is now grappling with the shock and sorrow brought about by this horrifying event.
“The deceased was declared missing last week Wednesday prompting a search for her and a series of announcements on the radio but all to no avail”. Ferkah Richard added that after three days of intensive search by the community, the mortal remains of the deceased were found in the garden on Friday, October 6, 2023, which led to the subsequent arrest of the suspect.
“We searched for the woman for three days and on the third day we found her remains in the garden located on the compound where the deceased lived and the suspect was arrested based on evidence available”.
A 15-year-old boy has been accused of allegedly k!lling his grandmother and h!ding her body under a sink behind the woman's house for three(3)days at Drobo-Gonasua for three days in the Jaman South Municipality of the Bono Region.
A disconnection exercise conducted by the Northern Electricity Distribution Company of Ghana (NEDCo) on Monday, October 9, has led to a confrontational situation with the local youth.
The youth expressed their grievance, contending that they had not received sufficient prior notice regarding the impending disconnection.
They politely requested the supervisor to grant them a two-day grace period to settle their outstanding electricity bills.
To their disappointment, the NEDCo officials declined their request and instructed their team to proceed with the disconnection process as planned.
This decision ignited the frustration of the youth, prompting them to engage in a confrontation with the NEDCo team. Eventually, the escalating tension compelled the NEDCo officials to leave the community.
In response to the unfolding events, the NEDCo team, seemingly frustrated by the confrontation, returned to Chereponi and carried out a complete disconnection of electricity services in the entire Wanchiki area.
Regrettably, this action adversely affected even those residents who had diligently paid their electricity bills on time.’Regrettably, this action adversely affected even those residents who had diligently paid their electricity bills on time.
Times are undeniably challenging in terms of financial stability, but even amidst these difficulties, an unemployed individual has demonstrated unwavering integrity and kindness.
Dela Anim, the man in question, in an interview with Accra-based Adom FM revealed how he discovered a polythene bag containing over GH¢100,000 in the back seat of a taxi he had boarded on his way to Abossey-Okai, Accra.
Narrating the event, Dela explained that he was en route to Abossey-Okai for a specific task when he noticed the bag.
“I live at Nungua and I had to come to Labadi. From there, I was going to visit someone at Abossey-Okai. So, I took a car to Nima Mobil to take care of something. From there, I picked another taxi towards Abossey-Okai. But upon getting to Silvercup (Kokomlemle), I saw that there was a blue-black polythene bag there. I opened it and realised there was money in it.
“Initially, I wanted to give it to the driver, but I wasn’t sure about that driver whether he would safely deliver it, so, I thought it wise to come here myself… I even got here before we counted it. When I found it, I didn’t touch it. So, I came to the reception and the lady helped me count,” he said.
When Dela Anim was asked why he chose to return the money, he attributed it to his strong Christian beliefs.
“I owned a transport business but it has collapsed so I’m unemployed and depend on the benevolence of my family to survive but growing up as a Christian and Presbyterian, my parents taught me not to take what is not mine and that has guided my siblings and I throughout life,” he said.
An employee from the FM station provided additional information regarding the discovered belongings, indicating that the money exceeded GH¢100,000. However, the exact amount was intentionally withheld.
Additionally, an ID card found among the items had the name Esther Sackey on it, prompting the station to launch efforts to locate this individual.
Some customers of the Electricity Company Ghana (ECG) in Accra have been left stranded after facing challenges in topping up their prepaid meters.
Reports obtained by The Independent Ghana confirm system glitches at ECG, making it challenging for customers to successfully top up their accounts.
A consumer, Emmanuel Karlu, in an interview shared his experience, recounting how he procured ECG credits from the ECG office located on Dome Kwabenya road on Friday, October 6, 2023, only to discover upon returning home that his electricity supply had not been restored.
“I came here on Friday to purchase credit for my prepaid meter but unfortunately when I went back home to slot the card in my meter but I still didn’t have light, the feedback I got was card error. So I returned on the same day, upon getting there I was told they had closed so the following morning I was there, I was given someone’s number to call for assistance,” he added.
Mr. Karlu further explained that he visited the ECG office the following day, where officials assured him that they were addressing the issue and assured of a swift resolution.
However, to his dismay, he returned to the ECG office on Monday, October 9, 2023, as the problem had not been rectified.
Expressing the losses incurred during this three-day period, he lamented the spoilage of perishable food items in his refrigerator.
“I called the person; he was at my place but said he couldn’t ascertain what was really wrong with my meter. From Friday to today I haven’t had light, everything in my fridge have gone bad. I am here again on Monday morning and the guy I met in there said I should go and that an expert will help me fix the problem at home. I don’t really understand what is going on with the system,” he stated.
Additionally, another woman with a similar predicament, Doris Konadu, who was present at the office, disclosed that she had purchased ECG credits the previous week, receiving a confirmation message, yet she had been enduring power outages since then.
” I purchased credits online for lights last week which I never received, I followed up but I was told it was because my meter is old. Although I was given a confirmation message, I have been sleeping in dark ever since,” she added.
Meanwhile the ECG is yet to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the reported challenges with prepaid meters and the difficulties faced by its customers in Accra.
The Chairman of the Board of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. David Nkansah-Dwamena, has announced that the hospital is actively working to establish a legal framework for formalizing transplantation services, with a particular focus on kidney transplants.
Dr. Nkansah-Dwamena urged Parliament to prioritize the passage of the necessary legislation to facilitate these life-saving procedures for sick Ghanaians.
Speaking at the launch of the hospital’s centenary anniversary in Accra on October 9, Dr. Nkansah-Dwamena revealed that the hospital’s management, with the support of the board, is committed to training and retraining staff in transplantation services.
“The board, under my leadership, is dedicated and committed to expanding the services that are being provided.
This has already begun with the introduction of kidney transplant services by our local team of surgeons and other professionals.
“With this aspect, the board is supporting management to secure the necessary legislative framework to formalize our transportation services in the country. We will also support the introduction of other services and procedures through further training for staff that will make it needless for Ghanaians to travel to other countries for medical care.
“We are therefore calling on parliament and other agencies to support the preparation and passage of the law on tissue donation, harvesting, and storing of various organs that will save the lives of thousands of Ghanaians who are sick and in need of help,” he said.
He emphasized the board’s dedication to expanding the range of services offered by the hospital, including the introduction of kidney transplant services by a local team of surgeons and professionals.
Furthermore, Dr. Nkansah-Dwamena called for parliamentary and agency support to prepare and pass legislation related to tissue donation, organ harvesting, and organ storage.
This legal framework is crucial to saving the lives of thousands of sick Ghanaians in need of medical assistance.
Dr. Nkansah-Dwamena also appealed to corporate bodies and individuals to support the hospital’s ongoing projects and initiatives, emphasizing the need for their contributions to address the challenges faced by the hospital.
Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, established on October 9, 1923, has grown from a 200-bed facility to one with a capacity of 2,000 beds. It is currently the third largest hospital in Africa and serves as Ghana’s leading national referral center.
The hospital was initially established to address the healthcare needs of the indigenous population under the administration of Sir Gordon Guggisberg, then Governor of the Gold Coast.
Chairman of the Board of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. David Nkansah, has urged parliament to accelerate the legislative process for the legalization of organ harvesting and transplantation within the country.
He emphasized that this action could potentially save the lives of numerous Ghanaians who are in dire need of organ transplants.
Dr. Nkansah made this plea in Accra during the launch of the hospital’s centenary anniversary.
He stressed the importance of parliamentary support for the hospital’s endeavors to achieve international recognition as a healthcare institution known for its prompt healthcare interventions in the West African sub-region.
He stated, “We are therefore calling on parliament and other relevant agencies to endorse and pass legislation concerning tissue donation, organ harvesting, and organ storage. Such laws would contribute to saving the lives of countless sick Ghanaians in need of organ transplants.”
Furthermore, Dr. Nkansah underlined the hospital’s ambition to transform into a hub for medical tourism, with the ultimate objective of achieving universal health coverage.
He suggested that if corporate entities were to sponsor the renovation of specific hospital wards, it would significantly improve the hospital’s infrastructure.
On Saturday, October 7, 2023, the Medical and Dental Council (MDC) of Ghana signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ghanaian Doctors and Dentists Association UK (GDDA-UK) during the 18th Annual Health Conference of the GDDA-UK in London.
This historic agreement was signed by Dr. Divine Ndonbi Banyubala, the Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council (MDC) of Ghana, and Dr. William Kedjanyi, President of GDDA-UK.
The MOU addresses the credentialing and licensing process for UK-based Ghanaian physicians and other physicians interested in contributing to training, specialty and subspecialty service provision, including organ/tissue transplantation procedures and health research collaboration.
The MOU aims to expedite and reduce the cost of the process by fifty percent and includes provisions for waiving examinations in certain special situations for select UK-based physicians.
Additionally, it aligns with GDDA-UK’s mandate to provide educational and faculty support to the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Prominent figures present at the signing ceremony included Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, H.E. Papa Owusu-Ankomah, Hon. Dr. Nana Ayew Afriye, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, Prof. Samuel Debrah, President of Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons (GCPS), Prof. Richard Adanu, Rector GCPS, Prof. Sandra Hewlett, Ag. Dean of the University of Ghana Dental School, and Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service.
Dr. Kedjanyi emphasized that the MOU would facilitate GDDA-UK members’ registration with MDC Ghana, enabling them to provide quality and safe specialist and sub-specialist medical and dental services and support academic activities such as teaching and research through medical and dental schools and the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons (GCPS).
The Registrar, Dr. Banyubala, highlighted the importance of harnessing diasporan resources and leveraging technology to enhance the local training of doctors and dentists, provide quality specialist services, and promote collaborative health research. He mentioned that these efforts align with the consensus policy decisions from last year’s medical and dental training and practice conference organized by the Council as part of its 50th Anniversary celebrations.
H.E. Papa Owusu-Ankomah emphasized that this historic event aligned with the Embassy and Government’s agenda of mobilizing Ghanaians in the diaspora for national development. He expressed gratitude to the Registrar, Dr. Banyubala, the Board of the Council, and the executives of GDDA-UK for their perseverance and patience in making the MOU a reality.
Hon. Dr. Afriye, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, affirmed Parliament’s support for this visionary and historic event, recognizing its potential to position Ghana as the health tourism hub for West Africa.
Dr. Kedjanyi concluded by expressing his gratitude to all involved parties, including H.E. Papa Owusu-Ankomah, Hon. Dr. Nana Ayew Afriye, Dr. Divine Banyubala, Prof. Samuel Debrah, and Prof. Richard Adanu, for making this long-awaited goal a reality
The one-week commemoration of the passing of former First Lady Mrs. Theresa Kufuor is scheduled for Wednesday, October 11, 2023.
Mrs. Kufuor, who had been ill for an extended period, passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the age of 87.
This announcement was conveyed in a statement issued by the office of former President John Agyekum Kufuor.
The statement further detailed that the one-week observance will take place at the Peduase residence of Former President John Agyekum Kufuor, from morning until evening. The public is cordially invited to attend.
“It is hereby announced for the attention of the general public that the One-Week Observance of the demise of the former First Lady, Mrs. Theresa Kufuor, will be held on Wednesday 11th October 2023 at the Peduase residence of Former President John Agyekum Kufuor from morning to evening. All are cordially invited,” the office said in a statement.
The office of the former president also expressed its preference for well-wishers intending to visit the family to offer condolences and sympathy to do so by Monday, October 9th, to allow for preparations at the premises on Tuesday for the activities scheduled for the following day.
Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Education Minister, emphasizes the importance of trained leaders over apprenticeship-produced leadership in Ghana’s education system. He made this statement during the launch of the National Education Leadership Institute (NELI) in Takoradi.
Dr. Adutwum also highlighted the results of a 2022 National Standardized Test, which revealed that 62% of Primary-2 students struggled with reading. He noted that this situation was even more critical in 2015.
“In a test conducted in 2015, only 2% of Primary-2 students could read in this country. Thereafter, in 2022, the President invested resources and was able to access every Primary-2 student in the country on the National Standardized test.
“The test result which is out has revealed that 38% of the students can read, but I’m not happy about it [because] it also said 62% can’t read and we can’t be happy with that,” he noted.
“We have to begin to raise a new generation of education leaders who will be interested in learning outcomes and who will lead the charge to ensure that Ghana’s fortunes will change.
“We cannot depend on this apprenticeship leadership any longer…we have to fast-track the Wesley Girls’ experience so we can get more effective school leadership and this is where the National Education Leadership Institute comes in.
“The apprenticeship would be there but people will also have to study and understand what makes schools work in Ghana,” he emphasized.
“The Hon. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum is one of the best appointments I have made as President” – President Akufo-Addo extols Education Minister. pic.twitter.com/MgfmUdlJGT
— The New TESCON Informant (@tesconinformant) October 5, 2023
Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, the presidential hopeful from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has unveiled a strategy to address the longstanding problem of corruption in Ghana.
During an interview with Bola Ray on Starr FM, Agyapong pledged to implement a six-month amnesty period for corrupt government officials to discreetly return embezzled funds once he assumes the presidency.
Agyapong’s proposed policy offers a brief six-month window during which government officials who have misappropriated public funds can voluntarily return the ill-gotten gains without facing any inquiries. This amnesty initiative is designed to incentivize corrupt officials to step forward and take responsibility for their actions, potentially easing the financial burden that corruption imposes on the nation.
However, Mr Agyapong issued a stern warning to those who choose not to take advantage of this amnesty. He stated, “If you don’t return it, and we conduct investigations, and you are found to have embezzled the government’s funds, the law will deal with you.”
He reiterated his unwavering dedication to pursuing accountability and justice for those corrupt individuals who choose not to cooperate.
Corruption has been a deeply entrenched issue in Ghana for a considerable period, with successive administrations struggling to curb its prevalence. The suggested amnesty represents a departure from the customary leniency often extended to corrupt officials, especially those in influential positions.
The NPP’s presidential aspirant emphasized his resolve not to succumb to pressure from religious leaders, politicians, or traditional authorities who may seek clemency for corrupt individuals.
Mr. Agyapong argued that effective governance hinges on discipline, which he identifies as the third pillar of the Patriotism, Honesty, and Discipline (PHD) principles. He believes that by strictly enforcing discipline within the government, Ghana can make significant progress in combatting corruption and advancing transparency and accountability.
The announcement has generated both support and controversy in Ghana, with some applauding Agyapong’s resolute stance on corruption, while others voice concerns about the potential misuse of power during investigations.
As the country approaches the presidential election, Agyapong’s proposed policy is likely to remain a central topic of public discourse, shaping the nation’s approach to combating corruption in the years to come.
Hon. Ken Agyapong [@honkenagy] says @sarkodie is one of his favorite artistes in Ghana and he likes the way he always brings out good productions, quality vides etc. He adds that,with his packaging and presentation,that's with we need in our industry to potray Ghana to the world. pic.twitter.com/It5N0V4Ks5
The Minority in Parliament has urgently called on the government to grant necessary tax exemptions to facilitate the immediate clearance of antiretroviral drugs and essential medical equipment and supplies currently held up at the nation’s ports.
The Minority’s plea arises from reports of donated shipments of HIV antiretroviral drugs remaining stranded at the ports since July this year, causing unnecessary shortages for individuals living with HIV.
In a statement released on Friday, the Minority emphasized that those relying on the Abacavir Lamivudine treatment regimen were at an elevated risk of developing drug resistance, rendering the antiretroviral drug ineffective against the virus.
They pointed out that if this risk materialized, it would necessitate additional funding to address the HIV challenge in Ghana.
Consequently, the Minority demanded that “the Ministry of Finance as a matter of urgency issue the necessary tax exemption waivers to ensure that immediate clearance of the antiretroviral drugs and other medical equipment and consumables; implement an automated tax exemption waiver system for medical consumables and equipment to curtail needless delays in clearing such items at the port and institute reforms at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning to ensure that systemic failures that lead to needless delays in the performance of its functions are eradicated.”
“The Health and well-being of Ghanaians are non-negotiable, and we urge the government to act swiftly and responsibly in addressing this crisis,” it added.
The Minority emphasized that this situation constituted a national emergency and, if left unchecked, could lead to an increase in Ghana’s HIV prevalence rate, heightened morbidity and mortality among individuals living with HIV, and an overall increase in the cost of HIV management in the country.
They concluded by stating that the health and well-being of Ghanaians were of utmost importance and urged the government to act swiftly and responsibly to address this crisis.“The Health and well-being of Ghanaians are non-negotiable, and we urge the government to act swiftly and responsibly in addressing this crisis,” it added.
