Accra, Ghana-The Planning Committee of the 10th Anniversary Celebrations of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, on Thursday express gratitude to the President, Professor John Evans Atta Mills, for not only joining Otumfuo and Asanteman to commemorate the event, but for providing various forms of support to make the occasion a memorable one.
In a statement signed by George Bosiako Osei-Antwi, The Media Relations Manager, the Committee similarly thanked former President Jerry John Rawlings, the Chief Justice, Members of the Council of State, current and past Ministers of State, current and past Members of Parliament, and other state dignitaries and security services for their attendance and support.
The Committee also expressed appreciation to Ex- President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah of Sierra Leon, Ex-President Festus Mogae of Botwana, the former Spanish Prime Minister Jos Maria Aznar and Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria.
It also thanked all who contributed in every way to make the 10th Anniversary Celebrations a big success especially the Companies, Institutions and individuals who made donations in Cash and in kind, and spent time and effort to participate in all the various activities.
“While the Committee acknowledges that there was massive enthusiasm for the activities, we observe with regret that some Organizational over-enthusiasm did not allow a large number of people, particularly at the popular stand at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, to enter the gates to watch the events”.
“Arrangement of seats for some invited dignitaries was also abused. The Committee regrets the inconveniences caused in any way to any individuals or Institutions who were affected and prays that this will not be repeated in future.”
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Total Ghana supports malaria campaign
Accra, Ghana- Total Petroleum Ghana Limited on Thursday organised a float and children's party across the country to create awareness on the need to prevent malaria.
Mr Jonas Ayi, Executive Director, Human Resource and Communication noted that Total was organising series of educational campaign through out the country on the dangers of malaria.
He noted that the company was spending over GHC 20,000 on the campaign aside other external support adding, "this is in view of the fact that one child dies every 30 seconds of the disease".
Mr Ayi noted "Total Worldwide is focusing its 2009 fight against malaria on children who were the most vulnerable group".
He added that in line with its campaign, a special educative game had been developed to enhance awareness on malaria prevention.
Mr Ayi said Total Ghana would also undertake public education campaign in some selected schools and deprived areas.
"Total is committed to human centered activities and we will continue to undertake such social responsibilities as a contribution to the growth and development of the society", he added
Mr Jonas Ayi, Executive Director, Human Resource and Communication noted that Total was organising series of educational campaign through out the country on the dangers of malaria.
He noted that the company was spending over GHC 20,000 on the campaign aside other external support adding, "this is in view of the fact that one child dies every 30 seconds of the disease".
Mr Ayi noted "Total Worldwide is focusing its 2009 fight against malaria on children who were the most vulnerable group".
He added that in line with its campaign, a special educative game had been developed to enhance awareness on malaria prevention.
Mr Ayi said Total Ghana would also undertake public education campaign in some selected schools and deprived areas.
"Total is committed to human centered activities and we will continue to undertake such social responsibilities as a contribution to the growth and development of the society", he added
Thursday, April 23, 2009
National Child Health Promotion week is here again
Accrai, Ghana - This year’s National Child Health Promotion Week would be launched at Takoradi on Thursday, April 30.
Mr Winfred Wunu, Western Regional Nutrition Officer of Ghana Health Service (GHS) who announced this on Wednesday said it would be under the theme “Follow Your Child’s Growth-Use Your Child Health Records”.
Addressing a press conference at Takoradi, Mr Wunu said the week celebrated in the second week of May every year, was instituted by GHS in 2004 to improve service delivery and coverage of children under five years.
Mr Wunu who represented the Western Regional Director of Health Services said during the week-long celebration existing child health services would be advocated in the Metropolitan, Municipal and Districts.
He explained that the launch would be followed with service delivery in all health facilities from May 4-8 and key services to be offered would include immunisation, Vitamin “A” Supplementation, distribution of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN), growth promotion and birth registration.
Mr Wunu said Vitamin “A” Supplementation was intended to ensure strong and healthy children from six months to five years, and children were expected to be immunised at least five times before they attain a year, while ITNs should be re-treated every six months.
He advised parents and children to sleep under ITNs and regularly weigh their children from birth to five years.
Mr Wunu announced that management of GHS had introduced new child health records cards with information on the new treatment for malaria, other interventions and World Health Organisation (WHO) new growth chart for children.
The growth chart was designed after WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study undertaken in selected countries including Ghana.
Mr Winfred Wunu, Western Regional Nutrition Officer of Ghana Health Service (GHS) who announced this on Wednesday said it would be under the theme “Follow Your Child’s Growth-Use Your Child Health Records”.
Addressing a press conference at Takoradi, Mr Wunu said the week celebrated in the second week of May every year, was instituted by GHS in 2004 to improve service delivery and coverage of children under five years.
Mr Wunu who represented the Western Regional Director of Health Services said during the week-long celebration existing child health services would be advocated in the Metropolitan, Municipal and Districts.
He explained that the launch would be followed with service delivery in all health facilities from May 4-8 and key services to be offered would include immunisation, Vitamin “A” Supplementation, distribution of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN), growth promotion and birth registration.
Mr Wunu said Vitamin “A” Supplementation was intended to ensure strong and healthy children from six months to five years, and children were expected to be immunised at least five times before they attain a year, while ITNs should be re-treated every six months.
He advised parents and children to sleep under ITNs and regularly weigh their children from birth to five years.
Mr Wunu announced that management of GHS had introduced new child health records cards with information on the new treatment for malaria, other interventions and World Health Organisation (WHO) new growth chart for children.
The growth chart was designed after WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study undertaken in selected countries including Ghana.
media urged to promote social stories
Accra, Ghana– The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has tasked the Ghanaian media to devote daily space and airtime for civic education to ensure that citizens were alive to their rights and responsibilities.
“The steady democratic development in the country demands an equally active citizen’s participation and act of responsiveness from both the government and the governed from an informed position.
“It is the wish of the NCCE that as citizens of Ghana, from whom all governments derive their power, we will strive to deepen our civic knowledge, sharpen our civic skills and position ourselves appropriately to participate effectively in governance in order to achieve transparency in governance and strengthen the culture of government accountability,” Mr Baron Amoafo, NCCE Deputy Chairman in Charge of Programmes stated at a press conference in Accra.
Mr Amoafo therefore tasked the media to slot civic education on their daily programme on air and in the newspapers, saying, “This will go a long way to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.”
The press conference organized by the NCCE was to officially launch the ninth Constitution Week celebration, which is on the general theme: “Beyond Elections, Citizens’ Participation and Government Accountability”.
The week starts from April 28 to May 4 throughout the country.
The celebration, instituted by the NCCE, is to enable Ghanaians to participate in discussions, debates, theatre performances and other activities on the constitution to make it "a living document embodied on the mind and heart for the attainment of democracy and good governance".
It is also as a result of an urgent demand for knowledge and information on the constitution to accelerate the growth and sustenance of democracy and constitutionalism in the country.
Mr Amoafo said since 1992, Ghanaians have had the opportunity to exercise their sovereign will and power through elections, in choosing or selecting the president as enshrined in the constitution.
He said the elections have shown that the power to select our leaders such as the president and members of parliament rather resides with the people and that the electorates had the power to vote for a new set of government or retain the government.
Mr Amoafo said the theme would enable the public to consider whether after the elections, the people of this country had any further role to play in ensuring accountability of government.
Mr Kwaku Baa Owusu, NCCE Director of Public Education described Election 2008 as a poll which for the second time in the nation’s political history changed the political administration of the country, and reinforced the national resolve to build a society that was premised on the principles of democracy.
He explained that while democracy remained the preferred system of governance, it was important that as a nation, “we do not limit its essence to practice to elections only”.
“The elections are over, but our democracy is not over. Beyond elections, there are even greater challenges of governance. It is only with effective participation of the citizenry in national affairs at all levels that good governance, whose attributes include transparency and accountability in public and private life, can be ensured.
“The 1992 constitution, in its preamble, demands transparency and accountability. As a nation, therefore, the people have an obligation to permanently engage their leaders on the basis of a principled, democratic arrangement to build a society that respects the virtues of transparency and accountability,” he stated.
Mr Baa Owusu said “it is important that, as citizens, we initiate and implement constructive actions towards ensuring that our leaders do address our needs.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that the right national priorities are set and that our national resources are properly managed in the best interest and welfare of the citizens.
“As citizens, we need to encourage ourselves to be concerned with issues and developments around us. We must ensure that things done in our name and our national resources are properly managed in the best interest and welfare of the citizens”.
“The steady democratic development in the country demands an equally active citizen’s participation and act of responsiveness from both the government and the governed from an informed position.
“It is the wish of the NCCE that as citizens of Ghana, from whom all governments derive their power, we will strive to deepen our civic knowledge, sharpen our civic skills and position ourselves appropriately to participate effectively in governance in order to achieve transparency in governance and strengthen the culture of government accountability,” Mr Baron Amoafo, NCCE Deputy Chairman in Charge of Programmes stated at a press conference in Accra.
Mr Amoafo therefore tasked the media to slot civic education on their daily programme on air and in the newspapers, saying, “This will go a long way to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.”
The press conference organized by the NCCE was to officially launch the ninth Constitution Week celebration, which is on the general theme: “Beyond Elections, Citizens’ Participation and Government Accountability”.
The week starts from April 28 to May 4 throughout the country.
The celebration, instituted by the NCCE, is to enable Ghanaians to participate in discussions, debates, theatre performances and other activities on the constitution to make it "a living document embodied on the mind and heart for the attainment of democracy and good governance".
It is also as a result of an urgent demand for knowledge and information on the constitution to accelerate the growth and sustenance of democracy and constitutionalism in the country.
Mr Amoafo said since 1992, Ghanaians have had the opportunity to exercise their sovereign will and power through elections, in choosing or selecting the president as enshrined in the constitution.
He said the elections have shown that the power to select our leaders such as the president and members of parliament rather resides with the people and that the electorates had the power to vote for a new set of government or retain the government.
Mr Amoafo said the theme would enable the public to consider whether after the elections, the people of this country had any further role to play in ensuring accountability of government.
Mr Kwaku Baa Owusu, NCCE Director of Public Education described Election 2008 as a poll which for the second time in the nation’s political history changed the political administration of the country, and reinforced the national resolve to build a society that was premised on the principles of democracy.
He explained that while democracy remained the preferred system of governance, it was important that as a nation, “we do not limit its essence to practice to elections only”.
“The elections are over, but our democracy is not over. Beyond elections, there are even greater challenges of governance. It is only with effective participation of the citizenry in national affairs at all levels that good governance, whose attributes include transparency and accountability in public and private life, can be ensured.
“The 1992 constitution, in its preamble, demands transparency and accountability. As a nation, therefore, the people have an obligation to permanently engage their leaders on the basis of a principled, democratic arrangement to build a society that respects the virtues of transparency and accountability,” he stated.
Mr Baa Owusu said “it is important that, as citizens, we initiate and implement constructive actions towards ensuring that our leaders do address our needs.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that the right national priorities are set and that our national resources are properly managed in the best interest and welfare of the citizens.
“As citizens, we need to encourage ourselves to be concerned with issues and developments around us. We must ensure that things done in our name and our national resources are properly managed in the best interest and welfare of the citizens”.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
I will discharge my duties with a human touch-Justice Bamford-Addo
Accra, Ghana – The Speaker of Ghana's Parliament, Justice Joyce Bamford-Addo, has said although she wielded a lot of power under the Standing Orders of Parliament, she would endeavour to discharge her duty and make rulings with a human touch.
She said both sides of the House voted for her by consensus and she had since received a lot of support and cooperation from the majority and minority in Parliament.
She was speaking to a delegation of queen mothers from North and South Ketu Districts in the Volta Region who paid a courtesy call on her at Parliament House.
Justice Bamford-Addo said she felt proud for occupying the position as Speaker on behalf of women and would work hard to succeed during her term as Speaker of the Fifth Parliament.
She urged the queen mothers to continue with their work in the communities and stressed their importance in society.
She said both sides of the House voted for her by consensus and she had since received a lot of support and cooperation from the majority and minority in Parliament.
She was speaking to a delegation of queen mothers from North and South Ketu Districts in the Volta Region who paid a courtesy call on her at Parliament House.
Justice Bamford-Addo said she felt proud for occupying the position as Speaker on behalf of women and would work hard to succeed during her term as Speaker of the Fifth Parliament.
She urged the queen mothers to continue with their work in the communities and stressed their importance in society.
Training on Radiation opens
Accra, Ghana– A five-day training Programme for physicists and engineers in the health sector was opened on Monday with a call on participants to adopt both preventive and maintenance habits to avoid rampant breakdown of hospital equipment.
The workshop, organized by the International Atomic Energy Commission and facilitated by the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission engaged participants from African countries including Ghana, Tanzania, Congo, Niger, South Africa, Uganda and Tunisia to enhance their capacity as well as training them on the maintenance of Siemens ECAM Gamma Cameras, (a radioactive equipment used in diagnosing cancers and liver problems among other aliments.)
Dr Mary Boadu, Acting Director, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute at the Commission said the proper maintenance of such cameras was essential to ensure continuous service delivery to patients.
She urged the participants to use the opportunity to exchange ideas and share information that would improve their work in their respective countries.
Dr Boadu said the training, which was a follow-up on a similar one held in South Africa in 2008 would also teach participants to separate operator faults, quality problems and breakdown, check system and software settings and identify system related serial numbers to enhance radioactive operation in their respective countries.
Dr Verna Vanderpuye, Acting Director, National Centre for Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital noted that the expensive nature of
the equipment demanded that personnel were trained to carefully operate them.
Mr. Paul Obeng, Course Coordinator said already
the International agency had donated about 10 Gamma
ECAM cameras to African countries adding, “Ghana’s
camera broke down in 2008 and was only repaired in February this year”.
He said the training was imperative to ensure
that respective user countries provided a first line maintenance and diagnostics in case of break down before and outside expertise could be sought.
The workshop, organized by the International Atomic Energy Commission and facilitated by the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission engaged participants from African countries including Ghana, Tanzania, Congo, Niger, South Africa, Uganda and Tunisia to enhance their capacity as well as training them on the maintenance of Siemens ECAM Gamma Cameras, (a radioactive equipment used in diagnosing cancers and liver problems among other aliments.)
Dr Mary Boadu, Acting Director, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute at the Commission said the proper maintenance of such cameras was essential to ensure continuous service delivery to patients.
She urged the participants to use the opportunity to exchange ideas and share information that would improve their work in their respective countries.
Dr Boadu said the training, which was a follow-up on a similar one held in South Africa in 2008 would also teach participants to separate operator faults, quality problems and breakdown, check system and software settings and identify system related serial numbers to enhance radioactive operation in their respective countries.
Dr Verna Vanderpuye, Acting Director, National Centre for Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital noted that the expensive nature of
the equipment demanded that personnel were trained to carefully operate them.
Mr. Paul Obeng, Course Coordinator said already
the International agency had donated about 10 Gamma
ECAM cameras to African countries adding, “Ghana’s
camera broke down in 2008 and was only repaired in February this year”.
He said the training was imperative to ensure
that respective user countries provided a first line maintenance and diagnostics in case of break down before and outside expertise could be sought.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Rail transport to be developed to address road crashes
Accra, Ghana– Mr Mike Hammah, Minister for Transport, on
Wednesday said rail transport would be developed to address the recent
spate of road accidents.
He said education, enforcement and engineering alone could not fully address the problem of road accidents stressing the need for rail transport
to help cut down on the carnage.
The Minister made the statement when Dr Marius Haas, German Ambassador
to Ghana, and Mr Yannick Aplogan, General Manager of Lufthansa in Ghana,
paid a courtesy call on him in Accra.
Mr Hammah said it was difficult to sustain the country’s road infrastructure and therefore appealed to the German government to cooperate
with Ghana at the bilateral level so that government could access grants
for development.
The Minister said the recent oil find in the country would be a challenge to the transport sector, especially the ports, since the infrastructure was poorly developed for transporting the oil.
He added that, in view of the oil and gas find, the Ministry would
organize a workshop in July, engaging all stakeholders in the transport
industry to discuss the challenges of the oil find on the transport sector.
Dr Haas said the two countries needed to cooperate to identify strategic areas and projects that could be developed.
He urged government to engage the private sector in the development agenda of the government to enable them to access funds to develop various sectors.
Wednesday said rail transport would be developed to address the recent
spate of road accidents.
He said education, enforcement and engineering alone could not fully address the problem of road accidents stressing the need for rail transport
to help cut down on the carnage.
The Minister made the statement when Dr Marius Haas, German Ambassador
to Ghana, and Mr Yannick Aplogan, General Manager of Lufthansa in Ghana,
paid a courtesy call on him in Accra.
Mr Hammah said it was difficult to sustain the country’s road infrastructure and therefore appealed to the German government to cooperate
with Ghana at the bilateral level so that government could access grants
for development.
The Minister said the recent oil find in the country would be a challenge to the transport sector, especially the ports, since the infrastructure was poorly developed for transporting the oil.
He added that, in view of the oil and gas find, the Ministry would
organize a workshop in July, engaging all stakeholders in the transport
industry to discuss the challenges of the oil find on the transport sector.
Dr Haas said the two countries needed to cooperate to identify strategic areas and projects that could be developed.
He urged government to engage the private sector in the development agenda of the government to enable them to access funds to develop various sectors.
The raining season is here again
Accra, Ghana– Easter Monday’s heavy down-pour, which was experienced in most parts of the country is likely to usher in the first and major rainy season, Mr Amos Narh of the Meto the trological Services Department has warned.
Mr Narh, who is in charge of the Department at the Kotoka International Airport, said although atmospheric conditions had not been favourable for some time, the conditions finally changed to precipitate the Monday’s rains.
He said the northern part of the country, however, would experience the rainy season much later than the southern part.
The down-pour measured from 0.2 millimetres within Wa in the northern part of the country to as much as 75.1 millimetres in Ketekrachi in the Volta Region.
Mr Narh advised farmers within the southern part of the country, especially those in Greater Accra, Ashanti and Brong-Ahafo regions to hold on with their planting of crops until one or two more rainfalls.
He said farmers in the northern part on the other hand could begin planting somewhere in the middle of May, 2009.
Mr Narh said if any one attempted to plant crops earlier than the period advised they risked a situation where the lack of rain fall for a period might result in their crops not being able to survive.
Mr Narh, who is in charge of the Department at the Kotoka International Airport, said although atmospheric conditions had not been favourable for some time, the conditions finally changed to precipitate the Monday’s rains.
He said the northern part of the country, however, would experience the rainy season much later than the southern part.
The down-pour measured from 0.2 millimetres within Wa in the northern part of the country to as much as 75.1 millimetres in Ketekrachi in the Volta Region.
Mr Narh advised farmers within the southern part of the country, especially those in Greater Accra, Ashanti and Brong-Ahafo regions to hold on with their planting of crops until one or two more rainfalls.
He said farmers in the northern part on the other hand could begin planting somewhere in the middle of May, 2009.
Mr Narh said if any one attempted to plant crops earlier than the period advised they risked a situation where the lack of rain fall for a period might result in their crops not being able to survive.
UNESCO says developing countries had a chunk of illiterate population
Accra, Ghana – The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) said
there were about 774 million illiterate adults in the world with 64 per cent
of the figure being women.
The report also indicated that majority of the illiterate adults were found in developing countries adding, “Illiteracy seems to be a less priority, compared to issues of access and teaching”.
Mr Akwasi Addae-Boahene, Country Director, World University Services
of Ghana, in a statement to launch the Global Action Week on Education
organized by the Ghana National Education Campaign Coalition added that
literacy was one of the most neglected of the six goals of the “Education for All”.
The global theme for the celebration is: “Youth and Adult literacy and Lifelong Learning” but Ghana had adopted “Literacy for All, a Challenge to National Development” to drum home the need for Policy makers to pay attention to the sector.
He said in Ghana nearly 42 per cent of the population was illiterate. Additionally about 50 per cent of women in Ghana were illiterate compared to
33 per cent of men.
However, there are regional disparities across the rural and urban divide: the proportion of the population that is illiterate in Greater Accra is 21 per cent, while Ashanti is 40 per cent. Brong Ahafo, 54 per cent meanwhile the three northern regions has over 76 per cent.
Mr. Addae-Boahene noted that the literacy rates at the basic level continued to decrease thus affecting the ability of pupils to perform.
The Global Action Week 2009 which will be observed in Ghana from April
20-25 would be used to pressurize government to place literacy policies at
the centre of education systems and development and create awareness on the
need for families to whip up interest in reading and writing.
there were about 774 million illiterate adults in the world with 64 per cent
of the figure being women.
The report also indicated that majority of the illiterate adults were found in developing countries adding, “Illiteracy seems to be a less priority, compared to issues of access and teaching”.
Mr Akwasi Addae-Boahene, Country Director, World University Services
of Ghana, in a statement to launch the Global Action Week on Education
organized by the Ghana National Education Campaign Coalition added that
literacy was one of the most neglected of the six goals of the “Education for All”.
The global theme for the celebration is: “Youth and Adult literacy and Lifelong Learning” but Ghana had adopted “Literacy for All, a Challenge to National Development” to drum home the need for Policy makers to pay attention to the sector.
He said in Ghana nearly 42 per cent of the population was illiterate. Additionally about 50 per cent of women in Ghana were illiterate compared to
33 per cent of men.
However, there are regional disparities across the rural and urban divide: the proportion of the population that is illiterate in Greater Accra is 21 per cent, while Ashanti is 40 per cent. Brong Ahafo, 54 per cent meanwhile the three northern regions has over 76 per cent.
Mr. Addae-Boahene noted that the literacy rates at the basic level continued to decrease thus affecting the ability of pupils to perform.
The Global Action Week 2009 which will be observed in Ghana from April
20-25 would be used to pressurize government to place literacy policies at
the centre of education systems and development and create awareness on the
need for families to whip up interest in reading and writing.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
NSRC to train volunteers to manage crash victims
Accra, Ghana- The National Road Safety Commission (NSRC) is in the process of training volunteers in accidents prone areas on Post Crash management to mitigate the deaths toll and disability.
Mrs May Obiri-Yeboah, Director, Planning and Programmes of NSRC added, "For it has been found that improper and unprofessional handling of crash victims could further worsen their plights".
Speaking at a sensitization forum organized by the Ghana Mental Health Association (GMHA) in collaboration with GPRTU and the NSRC, Mrs Obiri-Yeboah said government was also considering building Trauma Centres on major highways as a more efficient approach to dealing with emergencies on the road.
The theme: "Mental Health and Road Crashes" was chosen to create awareness on psycho-social effect of crashes as well as it economic and cost implications on the individual, families and the nation as a whole.
Mrs Obiri-Yeboah said 1600 people died annually of road crashes and over 1000 injured. The cost of crashes to the country is estimated at 165 million dollars.
"Indeed it will be difficult to divorce mental health from road crashes as the resultant trauma, stress and distress suffered by the crash victims may have serious implication for mental stability", she added.
She noted that road safety was a shared responsibility, "and we are counting on your support to achieve the vision of making our roads transportation the safest in Africa".
Dr Akwasi Osei, Chief Psychiatrist, Accra Psychiatric Hospital called on the DVLA to include Epilepsy Test in addition to eye before licensing any driver.
He reiterated that 90 per cent of crashed were born out of human errors and advised drivers in particular to stay away from drugs and alcohol.
Dr Osei noted that Ghana was ranked second in terms of crashes adding, "Though Ghana is always first, it doesn't have to be first in crashes".
Rev Godson Akpalu, President of GMHA said actions of the driver on the road was important in ensuring safety adding, "With all the improvement made on our road safety assurance scheme, we expect drastic reduction in the number of accidents".
He added that the mental condition of drivers was therefore imperative.
Rev Akpalu urged drivers to be discipline especially on the road.
Mrs May Obiri-Yeboah, Director, Planning and Programmes of NSRC added, "For it has been found that improper and unprofessional handling of crash victims could further worsen their plights".
Speaking at a sensitization forum organized by the Ghana Mental Health Association (GMHA) in collaboration with GPRTU and the NSRC, Mrs Obiri-Yeboah said government was also considering building Trauma Centres on major highways as a more efficient approach to dealing with emergencies on the road.
The theme: "Mental Health and Road Crashes" was chosen to create awareness on psycho-social effect of crashes as well as it economic and cost implications on the individual, families and the nation as a whole.
Mrs Obiri-Yeboah said 1600 people died annually of road crashes and over 1000 injured. The cost of crashes to the country is estimated at 165 million dollars.
"Indeed it will be difficult to divorce mental health from road crashes as the resultant trauma, stress and distress suffered by the crash victims may have serious implication for mental stability", she added.
She noted that road safety was a shared responsibility, "and we are counting on your support to achieve the vision of making our roads transportation the safest in Africa".
Dr Akwasi Osei, Chief Psychiatrist, Accra Psychiatric Hospital called on the DVLA to include Epilepsy Test in addition to eye before licensing any driver.
He reiterated that 90 per cent of crashed were born out of human errors and advised drivers in particular to stay away from drugs and alcohol.
Dr Osei noted that Ghana was ranked second in terms of crashes adding, "Though Ghana is always first, it doesn't have to be first in crashes".
Rev Godson Akpalu, President of GMHA said actions of the driver on the road was important in ensuring safety adding, "With all the improvement made on our road safety assurance scheme, we expect drastic reduction in the number of accidents".
He added that the mental condition of drivers was therefore imperative.
Rev Akpalu urged drivers to be discipline especially on the road.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Health Minister lauds Britain's assistance to Ghana
Accra,Ghana – Dr. George Yankey, Minister for Health on Monday lauded the British government’s contribution to the fight against maternal and child mortality.
“Your contribution is helping in reducing infant mortality by one third and we are hoping that every community with 500 inhabitants will have a clinic to serve their health needs”.
Dr Yankey said this when Mr Nicholas Westcott, the British High Commissioner to Ghana in the company of Mike Hammond, Country Director DFID paid a courtesy call to deepen the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
He noted that the ministry was committed to meeting the MDGs on health, “and this will help to reduce the current difficulties the ministry was facing”.
Dr Yankey said about 45 per cent of the disease burden was malaria related which he noted was affecting the country’s per capita income and GDP.
Mr Westcott noted his country’s significant contribution in the areas of health, trade and development adding, “Although good progress had been made, we will continue to help Ghana achieve the MDGs”.
He said though the Credit Crunch was a global issue, resources would be harnessed to support Ghana in the area of malaria, which he said, “We providing over 1.38 million pounds this year for malaria control and prevention”.
“Your contribution is helping in reducing infant mortality by one third and we are hoping that every community with 500 inhabitants will have a clinic to serve their health needs”.
Dr Yankey said this when Mr Nicholas Westcott, the British High Commissioner to Ghana in the company of Mike Hammond, Country Director DFID paid a courtesy call to deepen the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
He noted that the ministry was committed to meeting the MDGs on health, “and this will help to reduce the current difficulties the ministry was facing”.
Dr Yankey said about 45 per cent of the disease burden was malaria related which he noted was affecting the country’s per capita income and GDP.
Mr Westcott noted his country’s significant contribution in the areas of health, trade and development adding, “Although good progress had been made, we will continue to help Ghana achieve the MDGs”.
He said though the Credit Crunch was a global issue, resources would be harnessed to support Ghana in the area of malaria, which he said, “We providing over 1.38 million pounds this year for malaria control and prevention”.
The youth urged to live decent lives
Accra, Ghana- Pastor Mensa Otabil, General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church on Sunday charged the youth not to make compromises as they journey into adulthood but rather pursue God in holiness and apologetic of heart.
He said it was unfortunate that Christians, especially the youth were dishonouring themselves
in all kinds of profanity and immorality and blamed it on modernity and current trends.
He asked the youth not to follow the abominations of the west because their standards are not that of God.
Speaking at a Palm Sunday service at ChristTemple in Accra, he said; “God does not lower his standards because of modernity and current trends because he is the same as he was at the time of Creation.”
Pastor Otabil said not only did we sin as individuals but most often society’s sins became “our sin too because we look on unconcerned, tolerate it and then become part of it.”
He said many Christians go to other places for all kinds of power and protection under the cover of darkness adding, “all these are abominations and are detested by God”.
He said it was unfortunate that Christians, especially the youth were dishonouring themselves
in all kinds of profanity and immorality and blamed it on modernity and current trends.
He asked the youth not to follow the abominations of the west because their standards are not that of God.
Speaking at a Palm Sunday service at ChristTemple in Accra, he said; “God does not lower his standards because of modernity and current trends because he is the same as he was at the time of Creation.”
He noted that though Palm Sunday is known as the triumphant entry into Jerusalem it was a cruel and painful ordeal for Jesus Christ, through which God in his mercy found the remedy for sin.
Pastor Otabil said not only did we sin as individuals but most often society’s sins became “our sin too because we look on unconcerned, tolerate it and then become part of it.”
He said many Christians go to other places for all kinds of power and protection under the cover of darkness adding, “all these are abominations and are detested by God”.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Road crashes munch 1.6 per cent of GDP
Accra, Ghana- Road crashes contribute 1.6 per cent loss of the country’s Gross Domestic Products, Mr Justice Amegashie, Director of the Drivers and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), said on Friday.
He said insurance companies therefore had a major role to play in researching into causes of road crashes and share the findings for stakeholders to adopt more pragmatic measures in dealing with the situation.
Mr Amegashie said this at the launch of Vanguard Assurance Company Limited road safety campaign aimed at reducing accidents especially during the Easter festivities.
He said ensuring road safety was not the duty of one entity, “and that is why corporate Ghana must be concerned in that direction”.
Mr Gideon Amenyedor, Acting Chief Executive, Vanguard Assurance, said the campaign would focus on two thematic areas: “If you drink, Don’t Drive and if you drive don’t drink; and “If you are tired, don’t drive and if you drive and get tired on the way, break and take a rest.”
Mr Amenyedor therefore urged the public to contribute to the campaign by sending SMS to their friends on the need to maintain and ensure safety on the road particularly at Easter.
Mr Daniel Awuah-Darko, Vice Chairman of Vanguard, reminded Ghanaians that road safety was a collective responsibility, saying “Let us therefore keep each other safe on the road”.
He said insurance companies therefore had a major role to play in researching into causes of road crashes and share the findings for stakeholders to adopt more pragmatic measures in dealing with the situation.
Mr Amegashie said this at the launch of Vanguard Assurance Company Limited road safety campaign aimed at reducing accidents especially during the Easter festivities.
He said ensuring road safety was not the duty of one entity, “and that is why corporate Ghana must be concerned in that direction”.
Mr Gideon Amenyedor, Acting Chief Executive, Vanguard Assurance, said the campaign would focus on two thematic areas: “If you drink, Don’t Drive and if you drive don’t drink; and “If you are tired, don’t drive and if you drive and get tired on the way, break and take a rest.”
Mr Amenyedor therefore urged the public to contribute to the campaign by sending SMS to their friends on the need to maintain and ensure safety on the road particularly at Easter.
Mr Daniel Awuah-Darko, Vice Chairman of Vanguard, reminded Ghanaians that road safety was a collective responsibility, saying “Let us therefore keep each other safe on the road”.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
GIJ to become research hub
Accra, Ghana- Mr Kweku Rockson, acting Rector of the Ghana Institute of Journalism, has said the school is positioning itself to become a research and post-graduate centre for learning and training of communicators.
The move is to provide the relevant skills, knowledge, as well as give students the best training as far as the growth of communication and journalism is concerned.
"The emphasis on research would form the basis of our future curriculum development," Mr Rockson said at the launch of GIJ’s Golden Jubilee celebration under the theme: "50 Years of GIJ-Defining Africa's Communication Agenda.”
He said continuous refinement of the school's programmes was to equip graduates to fit into the job market and make relevant contribution to the industry and society as a whole.
"We envisage a type of professional journalist who has the ability to objectively analyse issues and provide the public with relevant information.”
Mr Rockson said GIJ would continue to modify its curricula in accordance with modern and international trends, adding “we are currently in the process of creating a Sandwich Centre and a Centre for Media and Public Policy, which will serve as a platform to engage the media and policy makers on national issues."
He said the upgrading of the Institute to University status had further deepened its position as a prestigious communication institute not only in Africa but across the globe.
"The GIJ has the capacity and desire to expand and admit more students who want to further their education in the area of communication and journalism studies.
“We are, however, constrained in terms of space which is affecting our ability to admit more students for our various programmes."
Mr Rockson lauded the vision of the founding fathers, whilst acknowledging the contributions of stakeholders to the development of the school.
Dr Joe Annan, Deputy Minister of Education, tasked media personnel to specialize in order to make them more knowledgeable in those particular areas, saying "all over the world, specialization is the order of the day".
He added that journalists must use the power vested in them to foster unity and development through good, accurate, accountable and quality reports.
Mr Abrahim Awal, Managing Director, Graphic Communications, who chaired the function, noted that Ghana's quest for true democracy could be achieved only when journalists played their expected role in society.
The move is to provide the relevant skills, knowledge, as well as give students the best training as far as the growth of communication and journalism is concerned.
"The emphasis on research would form the basis of our future curriculum development," Mr Rockson said at the launch of GIJ’s Golden Jubilee celebration under the theme: "50 Years of GIJ-Defining Africa's Communication Agenda.”
He said continuous refinement of the school's programmes was to equip graduates to fit into the job market and make relevant contribution to the industry and society as a whole.
"We envisage a type of professional journalist who has the ability to objectively analyse issues and provide the public with relevant information.”
Mr Rockson said GIJ would continue to modify its curricula in accordance with modern and international trends, adding “we are currently in the process of creating a Sandwich Centre and a Centre for Media and Public Policy, which will serve as a platform to engage the media and policy makers on national issues."
He said the upgrading of the Institute to University status had further deepened its position as a prestigious communication institute not only in Africa but across the globe.
"The GIJ has the capacity and desire to expand and admit more students who want to further their education in the area of communication and journalism studies.
“We are, however, constrained in terms of space which is affecting our ability to admit more students for our various programmes."
Mr Rockson lauded the vision of the founding fathers, whilst acknowledging the contributions of stakeholders to the development of the school.
Dr Joe Annan, Deputy Minister of Education, tasked media personnel to specialize in order to make them more knowledgeable in those particular areas, saying "all over the world, specialization is the order of the day".
He added that journalists must use the power vested in them to foster unity and development through good, accurate, accountable and quality reports.
Mr Abrahim Awal, Managing Director, Graphic Communications, who chaired the function, noted that Ghana's quest for true democracy could be achieved only when journalists played their expected role in society.
Buruli Ulcer strategy to focus on early detection
Accra, Ghana - Based on the best available evidence, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) new strategy for Buruli Ulcer (BU) control will focus on early case detection and early initiation of antibiotic treatment
for patients.
This was announced on Monday by WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr
Luis Sambo, in an address to the High-Level Leadership Meeting on BU which
took place in Cotonou, Benin Republic.
Explaining the rationale behind the focus of WHO’s BU control strategy
on early detection and early commencement of treatment, Dr Sambo stated that “early treatment with antibiotics is vital to avoid the progression of the disease to its destructive and disabling stages.”
He also informed the participants: “WHO’s strategy for BU control calls
for universal access by all populations to appropriate health care … and given that the incidence of the disease is highest among deprived populations, treatment should be free of charge or at a cost affordable by the poor.”
The Regional Director listed some of the numerous advantages of the new strategy as including: the alleviation of suffering and disabling complications, reduction in the cost for specialized surgery; better integration of Buruli Ulcer control activities into the primary health care system, and the lowering of the direct and indirect cost of treatment.
Dr Sambo described the development of drug treatment of BU as a notable achievement which had revolutionized the management and treatment of the disease and reduced by half the need for expensive surgical treatment.
“However, many challenges still lie ahead”, he said, adding, that they included the need to develop a simple diagnostic test to help health workers in rural clinics to diagnose the disease; better surveillance and case notification to allow for the commencement of early treatment; shortage of qualified health workers, and inadequate funds for research into the epidemiology of BU, its mode of transmission, and improved diagnosis and treatment.
He paid tribute to the Heads of State attending the meeting, saying that their presence in Cotonou was evidence of the importance they attached to BU control. “Let us work together to get to the root of this disfiguring disease
of which mankind is still a victim in the 21st century,” he said.
Dr Sambo pledged that WHO would continue to work with countries and development partners to ensure the attainment by Member States of internationally agreed health objectives.
A neglected but treatable tropical disease, Buruli ulcer, is caused by infection with Mycobacterium ulcerans, a relative of the bacteria that cause tuberculosis and leprosy.
The disease is characterized by skin lesions which persist without healing.
Named after an area of Uganda where it was once highly prevalent, it is present in over 30 countries worldwide.
for patients.
This was announced on Monday by WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr
Luis Sambo, in an address to the High-Level Leadership Meeting on BU which
took place in Cotonou, Benin Republic.
Explaining the rationale behind the focus of WHO’s BU control strategy
on early detection and early commencement of treatment, Dr Sambo stated that “early treatment with antibiotics is vital to avoid the progression of the disease to its destructive and disabling stages.”
He also informed the participants: “WHO’s strategy for BU control calls
for universal access by all populations to appropriate health care … and given that the incidence of the disease is highest among deprived populations, treatment should be free of charge or at a cost affordable by the poor.”
The Regional Director listed some of the numerous advantages of the new strategy as including: the alleviation of suffering and disabling complications, reduction in the cost for specialized surgery; better integration of Buruli Ulcer control activities into the primary health care system, and the lowering of the direct and indirect cost of treatment.
Dr Sambo described the development of drug treatment of BU as a notable achievement which had revolutionized the management and treatment of the disease and reduced by half the need for expensive surgical treatment.
“However, many challenges still lie ahead”, he said, adding, that they included the need to develop a simple diagnostic test to help health workers in rural clinics to diagnose the disease; better surveillance and case notification to allow for the commencement of early treatment; shortage of qualified health workers, and inadequate funds for research into the epidemiology of BU, its mode of transmission, and improved diagnosis and treatment.
He paid tribute to the Heads of State attending the meeting, saying that their presence in Cotonou was evidence of the importance they attached to BU control. “Let us work together to get to the root of this disfiguring disease
of which mankind is still a victim in the 21st century,” he said.
Dr Sambo pledged that WHO would continue to work with countries and development partners to ensure the attainment by Member States of internationally agreed health objectives.
A neglected but treatable tropical disease, Buruli ulcer, is caused by infection with Mycobacterium ulcerans, a relative of the bacteria that cause tuberculosis and leprosy.
The disease is characterized by skin lesions which persist without healing.
Named after an area of Uganda where it was once highly prevalent, it is present in over 30 countries worldwide.
Right activist stress right to information
Accra, Ghana– The right to information is key for effective and functional democracy especially in developing countries, Ms Florence Nakazibwe of the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, said on Thursday.
“Indeed information is central to the development of Ghana’s young democracy,” she said, adding that this was why the authorities must furnish the public with information to ensure transparency and accountability.
Ms Nakazibwe said this at the Second National Organizing Committee (NOC) meeting of the National Commission on Civic Education charged with the responsibility of planning this year’s Constitution Week celebration.
She noted that the demand to operationalise the right to information was therefore imperative to empower the people to exercise their monitoring role on the activities of government.
“It is important to note that protecting this right will promote civic participation in the democratic process, build confidence in government activities and strengthen its credibility and effectiveness among the citizenry,” she added.
Ms Nakazibwe said the quest for information flow could only be attained through strong legislation “and the process of law making must be participatory and informed by realities of communities concerned”.
This year’s Constitution Week celebration under the theme: “Beyond Elections: Citizen Participation and Government Accountability” would be marked by series of lectures and round-table discussions on selected topics.
The topics include: Realizing Constitutional Values through the Protection of the Right to Information; “Building a New Participatory Culture for Ensuring Government’s Accountability” and “The Role of Chiefs in Ghana’s Democracy”.
“Indeed information is central to the development of Ghana’s young democracy,” she said, adding that this was why the authorities must furnish the public with information to ensure transparency and accountability.
Ms Nakazibwe said this at the Second National Organizing Committee (NOC) meeting of the National Commission on Civic Education charged with the responsibility of planning this year’s Constitution Week celebration.
She noted that the demand to operationalise the right to information was therefore imperative to empower the people to exercise their monitoring role on the activities of government.
“It is important to note that protecting this right will promote civic participation in the democratic process, build confidence in government activities and strengthen its credibility and effectiveness among the citizenry,” she added.
Ms Nakazibwe said the quest for information flow could only be attained through strong legislation “and the process of law making must be participatory and informed by realities of communities concerned”.
This year’s Constitution Week celebration under the theme: “Beyond Elections: Citizen Participation and Government Accountability” would be marked by series of lectures and round-table discussions on selected topics.
The topics include: Realizing Constitutional Values through the Protection of the Right to Information; “Building a New Participatory Culture for Ensuring Government’s Accountability” and “The Role of Chiefs in Ghana’s Democracy”.
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