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Newcastle hold Manchester City to a draw

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Anthony Gordon strikes home Newcastle's second-half penalty

Anthony Gordon’s second-half penalty earned Newcastle a point as Manchester City were held to a draw at St James’ Park.

City defender Josko Gvardiol had put the visitors ahead after 35 minutes when he finished smartly from Jack Grealish’s lay-off.

However, while Mateo Kovacic and Rico Lewis combined well in covering for the influential Rodri, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, City eventually buckled during Newcastle’s best spell of the game just after the break.

When Bruno Guimaraes played an excellent pass through the City defence, Kyle Walker played Gordon onside and the England forward went down under Ederson’s challenge. Ederson was booked and Gordon kept his cool to send the Brazilian the wrong way from the spot.

Pep Guardiola’s side should have been further ahead at the break but Ilkay Gundogan fluffed his attempted chip after Newcastle keeper Nick Pope had presented a clearance straight to City when he was a long way out of his goal.

Both sides tried to force a winner, with Newcastle substitute Sean Longstaff going close for the hosts and Bernardo Silva testing Nick Pope deep in stoppage time.

The Magpies remain with only one win in 34 top-flight meetings with City, who have have now dropped four points in the space of a week after their 100% start to the campaign.

Credit: bbc.com

Full Statement: Rebuttal of unfounded allegations against Hon. Albert Kan-Dapaah

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Mr Albert Kan Dapaa, National Security Minister

My attention has been drawn to recent unfounded and baseless allegations made by Mr. Kevin Taylor, a social media commentator, falsely accusing me of involvement in Illegal Gold Mining activities, commonly known as “Galamsey”.
These allegations are false and without merit. I wish to emphatically state that I have no concessions and I am not engaged in any form of mining whether legal or illegal.
These malicious claims are a deliberate attempt to tarnish my reputation and
distract from my work.
I urge the public to disregard these baseless accusations and remain vigilant against misinformation, particularly on social media platforms.
SGD
HON. ALBERT KAN-DAPAAH

THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR GHANA: BAWUMIA’S LEADERSHIP OF ECONOMIC EXPERTISE AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION

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Veep Dr Mahamudu Bawumia

In the wake of the upcoming leadership transition in Ghana, there is a pressing need for visionary leadership that can navigate the country through complex economic challenges and embrace the opportunities presented by the global digital transformation. As Ghanaians evaluate potential candidates to lead the nation after the tenure of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the candidacy of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia emerges as a compelling choice, given his profound understanding of economic issues, expertise in global digital transformation, and track record as both a seasoned politician and technocrat.
Dr Bawumia’s deep understanding of economic principles and policies sets him apart as a leader capable of steering Ghana towards sustainable development and prosperity. With a background in economics and extensive experience in monetary policy formulation and implementation, he possesses the analytical skills and strategic vision needed to address the structural challenges facing Ghana’s economy. Throughout his tenure as Vice President, Dr. Bawumia has been a vocal advocate for fiscal discipline, prudent management of resources, and the adoption of innovative economic policies to stimulate growth and attract investment. His leadership in initiatives such as the Economic Management Team and the Ghana Beyond Aid agenda underscores his commitment to transforming Ghana’s economic landscape and reducing reliance on external aid.
Furthermore, Dr Bawumia’s expertise in global digital transformation positions him as a forward-thinking leader capable of harnessing technology to drive socio-economic development in Ghana. Recognizing the transformative power of digital innovation, he has championed initiatives such as the National Digital Property Addressing System and the Mobile Money Interoperability platform, which have facilitated financial inclusion, enhanced government service delivery, and fostered entrepreneurship. His advocacy for the digitization of key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education reflected his vision of leveraging technology to empower citizens, promote efficiency, and unlock new growth opportunities.
Beyond his technical expertise, Dr. Bawumia’s track record as a politician and technocrat speaks to his ability to translate vision into action and deliver tangible results for the Ghanaian people. Having served in various capacities, including Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana and running mate to President Nana Addo in two successive elections, he has demonstrated leadership, integrity, and a commitment to public service. His collaborative approach to governance, ability to build consensus, and willingness to engage with stakeholders across sectors underscore his effectiveness as a leader capable of uniting diverse interests towards a common goal.
Former President John Agyekum Kufuor’s endorsement of Dr. Bawumia’s leadership qualities further reinforced the compelling case for his candidacy. As Ghana stands at a critical juncture in its development trajectory, characterized by complex economic dynamics and rapid technological change, the need for visionary leadership has never been greater. Dr. Bawumia’s unique combination of economic acumen, technological expertise, and leadership experience positions him as the ideal candidate to lead Ghana into a new era of progress and prosperity.
Ghanaians, we have a pivotal opportunity to shape the future of our nation by electing leaders who possess the vision, competence, and integrity to lead effectively. Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s understanding of economic issues, expertise in global digital transformation, and track record as a politician and technocrat make him a compelling choice to lead Ghana after the Nana Addo government by entrusting him with the presidency, Ghanaians can pave the way for transformative leadership that prioritizes economic development, embraces technological innovation, and ultimately delivers tangible benefits for all citizens.
Long live Ghana!!
Long live NPP!!

By Nana Asare Baffour

Arrest Of Democracy Hub Protesters: It’s Fake News, Louise Is Not Pregnant according to medical reports

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The protesters in scuffle with the police

The police Administration has denied reports that its officers arrested and detained a pregnant woman, Gloria Vera Louise, after taking part in the Democracy Hub demonstration.

In a statement issued last night, the police said though the lady was indeed arrested, she is not pregnant as is being claimed.

Oliver Vormawor removing the ignition key to a police towing vehicle

According to the police statement, following the accusations being made against them, they decided to verify it by sending Louisa to the Police Hospital in Accra and a private health facility for medical examination.

The statement said the reports issued by both health facilities indicated that the lady is not pregnant.

The police again denied arresting a 12 year old boy and a 68 year old woman and detaining them.

According to the security agency, in the course arresting violent demonstrators, the Police realised that one of the suspects, Grace Asantewaa, a 50 year old woman, who is being paraded by the organisers as a 68-year old, had a child with her.

In order not to separate the child from the woman, the child was allowed to accompany her to the Police Station.

At the Police Station, the Police provided the child with food and for the sake of the child, her guardian, Grace Asantewaa, was granted a Police enquiry bail and allowed to go home with the child.

The police statement said they have since charged Grace Asantewaa for the offence of exposing the child to danger, for bringing her to the demonstration grounds, contrary to section 71 of the Criminal Offences Act;1960 (Act 29).

The following is the full statement issued by the police;

POLICE UPDATE SEVEN (7) ON DEMOCRACY HUB DEMONSTRATION 

As the public may recall, the Police on 9th July, 2024 received a notice from the Democracy Hub, of their intention to hold a protest from 21st to 23rd September 2024, at the Revolutionary Square in front of the Jubilee House.

Even a military vehicle was prevented from using the road

On receipt of the notice from the group, the Police engaged the Conveners and agreed with them on the chosen date of the demonstration, but advised them to change their chosen venue, the Revolutionary Square, for the demonstration, which was considered a security zone and likely to affect public defence, public order, public safety, public health and the running of essential services.

However, the Organisers refused to consider an alternative location and insisted on picketing at the Revolutionary Square. The Police was, therefore, compelled to take the matter to the court for a determination as to the venue. For purposes of emphasis, the Police was not in court to prevent them from demonstrating on the stated dates.

The High Court on 18th September 2024, granted an order to prohibit Democracy Hub from using the Revolutionary Square as the venue for their intended demonstration.

The Police subsequently met with the organisers and urged them to accept seven venues proposed by the Police.

Unfortunately, despite Police efforts to facilitate their constitutional right to demonstrate, the organisers remained adamant and insisted that they will disobey the order of the courts and picket at the Revolutionary Square, in front of the Jubilee House.

The demonstrators preventing a military vehicle from accessing the road

On 21st September 2024, the demonstrators unlawfully assembled at the 37 Interchange and engaged in the following acts, among others, which caused extreme inconvenience to the general public, particularly the motoring public.

* Blocking the intersection in all directions with vehicles, stones and logs, causing massive vehicular traffic across the City.

* Setting fire in the Intersection

* Harassing and attacking road users, including Military and Police officers.

* Abusing Police and Military officers

* Banging on vehicles

* Playing football on the road and

*Causing unlawful damage

These unGhanaian, uncivil and unlawful acts of the demonstrators caused extreme inconvenience to commuters who were caught in traffic for several hours, persons in need of medical care had difficulty reaching the medical facilities, families visiting their loved ones who are on admission at the hospital had difficulty getting to them with essential supplies.

There were also delays for people attending social and cultural activities such as funerals, which define us as a people and there was a negative impact on commercial activities, including people missing their flights and others not being able to access their businesses.

Following an assessment of the situation at the end of the first day, the Police cautioned the organisers that the Police will not allow them to demonstrate at the 37 Intersection, but should move the demonstration to any of the seven locations the Police proposed to them, to be able to provide the necessary security.

The demonstrators disregarded the caution by the Police and unlawfully assembled once again at the 37 Intersection the following day, and began to repeat the previous day’s actions.

While the Police were persuasively and professionally engaging them to leave the street to restore normal traffic flow, the demonstrators attacked the Police, with one of them going into a Police vehicle, removing the ignition key and running away with it, while others were throwing Police barriers at the Police, among others.

The Police had no option than to arrest them. In all, 54 persons were arrested and all of them have been put before the court, in line with the due process of the law. The case is being prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney-General.

Following the arrest, the attention of the Ghana Police Service has been drawn to reports suggesting that a 12-year-old child, a 68-year-old woman and a pregnant woman were among those arrested and detained. We would like to categorically state that all these are false and they are calculated attempt by the organisers to court public sympathy.

We, therefore, urge the public to disregard these reports and treat them with the contempt it deserves.

In the case of the 12-year old child and the 68-year old woman, in the course of the arrest, Police realised that one of the suspects, Grace Asantewaa, a 50 year old woman, who is being paraded by the organisers as a 68-year old, had a child with her.

In order not to separate the child from the woman, the child was allowed to accompany her to the Police Station.

At the Police Station, Police provided the child with food and for the sake of the child, her guardian, Grace Asantewaa, was granted a Police enquiry bail and allowed to go home with the child.

The Ghana Police Service has charged Grace Asantewaa for the offence of exposing the child to danger, for bringing her to the demonstration grounds, contrary to section 71 of the Criminal Offences Act;1960 (Act 29).

In the case of the alleged pregnant woman, Gloria Vera Louise, We would like to clarify that at the time of the arrest, there was no visible indication that she was pregnant.

Additionally, at no point during the arrest or subsequent interactions did they said suspect inform the Police of a pregnancy.

Again, there was no communication to the court of any such condition, either by herself or through her lawyers.

In order to establish the veracity or otherwise of the claim out there, of the alleged pregnancy, the Police took the initiative and sent her to the Police Hospital and an independent health facility for a thorough medical examination.

Both medical results came out negative, suggesting that Gloria Vera Louise is not pregnant, as claimed.

Gov’t Won’t Entertain Any Act Of Lawlessness –Fatimatu

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Fatimatu Abubakar, Information Minister

The Information Minister, Fatimatu Abubakar, has re-echoed government’s strong position against lawlessness in the country.

Her comment follows last week’s demonstration organised by Democracy Hub, a pressure group that disturbed public order in Accra and was reported by the international media.

In a post on the social media, X,  Minister Fatimatu argued that while individuals or groups have the right to organise demonstrations, it should be devoid of vandalism and attack on law enforcement officers.

“Ghana has always supported citizens’ right to demonstrate peacefully. However, acts of vandalism, attacks on police and disruptions to public order will always be contained by the Police in any jurisdiction,” she stated in the post.

The Democracy Hub demonstrators allegedly defied a court injunction and police directives, leading to clashes with the law enforcement officers at the 37 Military Hospital Roundabout in Accra.

The protesters, who were expressing grievances against illegal mining and government’s alleged complicity, resorted to blocking roads and damaging public and private property, prompting swift police intervention.

The exercise has so far seen the arrest of over 40 demonstrators, who are currently facing various charges including unlawful assembly, causing damage to property and obstruction of public order.

The Information Minister also highlighted that Ghana’s legal system is fully equipped to handle such cases, ensuring that justice is served appropriately.

“Ghana’s courts are mature enough to examine evidence against accused persons and make appropriate decisions,” she stated, underscoring the government’s confidence in the judiciary to process the matter fairly.

The Minister called for a balanced approach in media reporting, urging both local and international outlets to provide accurate and unbiased coverage of events that impact the nation’s image.

Meanwhile, the police have been commended by some members of the public for their professionalism in handling the situation, ensuring minimal disruption to the public despite the protesters’ defiance.

The Authorities have also assured the public that measures are being put in place to maintain peace and order in the capital.

Dismissed military officer, others jailed 180yrs

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Jailed

A dismissed military officer, a former police officer and a civilian have been sentenced to serve a total of 180 years after being found guilty of robbing a nurse at Ashaley-Botwe, Accra.

Judge Evelyn Asamoah, presiding over Circuit Court 10, in Accra, sentenced each of the convicts to 30 years for both conspiracy and robbery.

The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, meaning each convict will serve a maximum of 30 years in prison.

Addressing the court before the sentence, the police prosecution officer, ASP Emmanuel Haligah, prayed the presiding judge to impose appropriate custodial sentence on the convicts, taking into account the aggravating factors.

He again urged the court to take note of the seriousness of the offense, the premeditated nature of the criminal plans, and the torture endured by the complainant.

Also looking at the rising prevalence of similar cases in society, the court should go for retributive punishment to serve as a deterrent for security personnel who are meant to protect citizens and not commit crimes.

Imprisoning these individuals will effectively reduce the number of such offenders on our streets.

He told the court that the complainant in the case, Shirley Asafo Agyei, is a nurse living in Ashaley-Botwe, while Michael Baffour (A1) is a driver residing at Ngleshie Amanfrom, near Kasoa.

Isaac Amejor (A2) is a driver living at Kasoa High Tension. Saddick Muntakilu is unemployed and resides at Asamankese, Eastern Region, along with one other individual who is at large.

The court heard that on March 2, 2023 the complainant withdrew GH¢40,700.00 from the Adjiriganor branch of Ghana Commercial Bank for a housing project.

She boarded a commercial vehicle heading to Ashaley-Botwe School Junction and upon reaching a section of the road, near Ability Microfinance, A1, A2, A3 and one other individual, with A2 in police uniform, blocked the vehicle.

They forcibly dragged the complainant out and into their taxi, then drove her to a location near the University of Ghana Medical Centre.

The complainant screamed for help but they threatened to kill her if she doesn’t keep quiet. They handcuffed, tasered and collected her bag containing the sum of GH¢40,700 00 and IPhone 11 Promax valued at GH¢9,500.00.

After robbing the complainant, the convicts abandoned her in the bush, whilst she was still in a handcuff and left.

The complainant managed to reach the roadside, where some coconut sellers helped her get to the Legon Police Station, where she filed an initial report and had her handcuffs removed.

On March 14, 2023, the complainant petitioned the Director General of the CID for assistance. Subsequently, on March 26, 2023, A1, A2, and A3 were arrested at their hideout along the Tema Motorway stretch.

A search of the convicts revealed a military uniform belonging to Michael and a police uniform belonging to Isaac. Investigations revealed that Michael is a dismissed military officer, Isaac is a former police officer, and A3 is unemployed.

On April 14, 2023, an identification parade was held at the CID headquarters, where the complainant identified A1, A2 and A3 as the individuals who robbed her.

In their caution statement, made in the presence of an independent witness, the accused admitted to robbing the complainant and sharing the stolen items.

Following the investigation, the accused were charged and brought before this court.

Banker Robbed At Gunpoint In Accra –accused persons remanded

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Accra Circuit Court

The Circuit Court in Accra, presided over by Mr Kwabena Kodua Obiri-Yeboah, has remanded three men accused of armed robbery, following a strong objection to their bail by the prosecution.

The trio, identified as Peter Amuzu (alias Master Pee), Isaac Brena Eshun (aka Young) and Ibrahim Mohammed (aka King Dawa) are charged with conspiring to rob a banker, Karyen Afriyie Gabriel at gunpoint.

During the court hearing on September 25, 2024 the accused denied the charges and requested bail.

However, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Emmanuel Haligah argued that their release could pose a flight risk and increase the likelihood of further offenses.

ASP Haligah detailed the allegations, revealing that Amuzu, whilst previously incarcerated for another robbery, recruited Eshun to assist in future criminal activities.

The pair, armed with a pistol, reportedly attacked Karyen Gabriel on August 19, 2024 stealing her Mercedes Benz C180 and a handbag containing valuable items, including cash and personal documents.

Following the robbery, Eshun was apprehended, leading to the recovery of stolen items and the identification of Amuzu and Mohammed as accomplices.

The investigation also uncovered links to another robbery involving a Toyota Fortuner, which had been sold to Mohammed.

Mr. Obiri-Yeboah ruled to remand the suspects in custody until October 9, 2024 as the police  continue to pursue a fourth suspect, known as Kwame, believed to possess the weapon used in the crimes.

The prosecution emphasised the seriousness of the charges and the potential consequences, should the accused be released on bail.

Presenting the facts in court, ASP Haligah stated that Amuzu is a self-proclaimed steel bender living at American House, near East Legon in Accra. Eshun is a driver from Takoradi in the Western Region and Mohammed is a businessman residing at Gurugu in the Northern Region.

In March 2024, while on remand in a police cell at Madina for a separate robbery charge, Amuzu recruited Eshun, who was also incarcerated for a theft offense. They plotted to carry out a robbery upon their release.

On August 19, 2024 Amuzu and Eshun, armed with a pistol, assaulted the complainant at the entrance of her home.

Amuzu ordered the complainant at gunpoint to come down from her car, a Mercedes Benz C180 with registration number AA199121 valued 60,000 Euros equivalent to GH¢1,045738.00.

She obliged for fear of losing her life. Eshun quickly took charge of the steering wheel of the car and they drove it away from the scene alongside the complainant’s hand bag, containing a German passport, 3 iPhones valued at GH¢44,629.43, Ghana card, ATM cards, health insurance card, cash to the sum of US$1500 USD, GH¢16,000.00 and an unspecified amount of Jamaican Dollars.

A few days later, Eshun took the car to Tamale, on the instructions of Amuzu to sell same to Mohammed, who had also accepted to buy same.

Amuzu made cash transfer of GH¢10,000.00 to Eshun’s mobile money account, 0550571605, as part payment. Mohammed then removed the registered number plate from the car to conceal its identity.

On August 22, Eshun was arrested at Dansoman and a search conducted on him led to the retrieval of one gold coloured iPhone 14 Promax, Samsung Galaxy A15, air pods, the sum of GH¢18,000.00, $101USD, 4000 Uganda shillings, 400 Rwanda franc, 550 Jamaican Dollars and other personal effects belonging to the complainant. Eshun admitted the offence and mentioned Al (Amuzu) as his accomplice.

On 23/08/24, Al was arrested at American house, near East Legon, where an iPhone 13 Promax belonging to the complainant’s friend, Mansour Inusah, a witness in this case was retrieved from him. Al admitted to the offence and mentioned A3 as his old friend in Tamale whom he had instructed A2 to send the car to.

On August 24, 2024 Mohammed was also arrested in Tamale in possession of complainant’s Mercedes Benz and a Toyota Fortuna 4X4 with registration No GX2735-19.

Mohammed asserted that he also bought the Toyota Fortuner 4X4 from Amuzu and his friend, called Kwame, in the month of February 2024.

Investigation further revealed that the rightful owner of the Toyota Fortuner 4X4 was shot and robbed by Amuzu and his accomplice, Kwame in another robbery case at Lakeside estate.

During the investigation, Mohammed admitted that he gave Amuzu an amount of GH¢7,000.00 to be used to procure a gun, which was used in the robbery four days before their arrest.

He acknowledged making a payment of GH¢10,000.00 toward the GH¢300,000.00 price for the stolen Mercedes Benz.

On August 31, Eshun and Mohammed led the police to a location in Techiman where they had discarded the complainant’s personal belongings.

The retrieved items included a German passport, ATM cards, a Ghana card, and other documents belonging to the complainant.

The accused were charged with the offenses and brought before the court.

Meanwhile, efforts are underway to apprehend Kwame, who is believed to be in possession of the weapon used in the crimes.

Melcom Care Foundation Donates Essential Items To Accra Police

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Francis Sam, General Manager of Melcom Group

The Melcom Care Foundation, the charitable arm of the Melcom Group of Companies, has donated various items, including office equipment to both the Greater Accra Regional and Darkuman District Police Commands.

This initiative underscores the foundation’s commitment to supporting local law enforcement agencies, in their ongoing efforts to ensure public safety.

Some of items donated to the Police

At a ceremony held yesterday at the Melcom headquarters, on Spintex Road in Accra, Superintendent Juliana Obeng, Director of Public Affairs and Assistant Superintendent of Police, Cynthia Annana, Director of Logistics, accepted donations that included a 89-liter Dzire Refrigerator and an Akai Water Dispenser, on behalf of the Accra Regional Police Command. Meanwhile, ASP Asomah Benneh and ASP Seraphine Wemegah received office desks and chairs for the Darkuman District Police Command.

In his brief remarks, Mr. Francis Sam, General Manager of Melcom Group emphasised the importance of supporting the police.

“We meet here today to answer the call of the Ghana Police Service, who diligently serve our safety and security needs daily,” he stated.

He stated the crucial role that the peace and security services play in fostering a conducive environment for investment and community development.

“Our belief is that peace and security are essential ingredients for increased investment, which benefit national service delivery, affordable goods and services and employment for Ghanaian youth,” Mr. Sam added.

He noted that the work of the Ghana Police Service enables citizens to feel safe and secure, allowing them to go about their daily lives with confidence and in peace.

The Melcom Care Foundation primarily focuses on health and education, but Mr. Sam reiterated that without a foundation of peace and security, these areas cannot thrive.

“This donation reflects our commitment to corporate social responsibility and our recognition of the vital role played by the police in maintaining safety in our communities,” he concluded, wishing the Ghana Police Service continued success in their duties across the nation.

This gesture marks an important step in strengthening the relationship between the business community and law enforcement, fostering a safer environment for all Ghanaians.

Editorial: Government And Mortuary Workers Must Reach An Amicable Solution

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Editorial

The strike by the Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana is having a devastating impact on public mortuaries in the Ashanti Region, leaving families in a state of distress.The strike is in protest of poor working conditions, inadequate salaries and the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) for mortuary workers.

The families waiting to take the bodies of their relatives at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital are among those stranded and demanding immediate action from the government.The President of the Mortuary Workers Association in the Ashanti Region, Ebenezer Esillifi, has vowed the strike will continue until their demands are met.

The strike has brought operations at government mortuaries in the region to a standstill, causing a backlog of bodies and putting a strain on the healthcare system. The situation is likely to worsen unless a resolution is reached soon.The government has been urged to intervene and resolve the strike, which is having a devastating impact on families and the healthcare system.

This strike by the Mortuary Workers is very sad and appalling. The strike, fueled by demands for better salaries, improved working conditions and access to personal protective equipment (PPE), has brought public mortuaries in the region to a grinding halt, leaving the entire healthcare system burdened by this crisis.

This issue lies on the neglected role of mortuary workers in Ghana’s healthcare framework. They handle some of the most sensitive and high-risk work, managing the deceased, many of whom may have succumbed to infectious diseases. This service requires not just diligence and care but also protection from potential health hazards. However, the fact that these workers must fight for basic PPEs shows that we have failed as a country.

The implications of the strike are grave, extending beyond the mortuary workers themselves. Families have been left stranded at places like Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, unable to retrieve the bodies of their loved ones. For many, the delay in funeral rites has deepened the trauma of loss. With no end in sight to the strike, these families are left in limbo, their grief compounded by the uncertainty of when they can proceed with funerals.

Moreover, the strike has placed immense pressure on the healthcare system, as public mortuaries are inundated with bodies that cannot be processed. The backlog is already stretching available resources, risking the integrity of these facilities and their ability to maintain sanitary conditions. Without swift intervention, this situation threatens to escalate into a public health crisis, exacerbating existing challenges within the system.

The government, tasked with safeguarding public health, cannot afford to ignore the legitimate demands of mortuary workers. The risks these workers face, from exposure to infectious diseases to the psychological toll of their work are significant, yet they are neither compensated fairly nor provided with adequate safety measures. This is not a group of workers making extravagant requests but rather asking for protection and fair treatment in their jobs.

Also, we believe that addressing this strike requires more than just a temporary fix. While a quick resolution to this standoff is crucial to avoid further emotional and logistical damage to families and the healthcare system, it must also trigger a broader conversation about the structural challenges in healthcare service delivery.

Mortuary workers, like many other essential health workers in the country, are often marginalized, underpaid, and undervalued. As the country grows and its healthcare needs become more complex, the welfare of all workers especially those dealing with high-risk and sensitive tasks must become a priority. The government should implement systemic reforms to ensure that all essential health workers are adequately supported, both in terms of working conditions and compensation.

Additionally, public health responses must include forward-thinking measures. Adequate staffing levels, provision of PPE, and structured protocols for the care of the deceased are not luxuries they are foundational to a functioning health system. If these gaps are not addressed, the healthcare system will remain vulnerable and future labor unrest or public health emergencies could bring the system to a halt once again.

This is a crisis that affects families, the dignity of the deceased and the overall public health system. The government must act swiftly and comprehensively to resolve the immediate issue, ensuring that grieving families can bury their loved ones and that the healthcare system can function without further disruption.

33,000 benefit from AngloGold’s free medical treatment since 2021

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Edmund Oduro Agyei addressing the Odumase Community during the mini clinic

It has been established that about 33,000 people have benefited from AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine’s free medical outreach programmes under its Health Outreach Programmes since 2021.

The Community Relations Manager of the company, Mr. Edmund Oduro Agyei made this known at a mini clinic held at Odumase, in the Obuasi East District of Ashanti.

He noted that to complement the free screening and treatment, AngloGold was constructing ultra-modern health facilities with the state-of-art equipment and amenities in various communities in the Adansi enclave.

The Community Relations Manager said in furtherance of its objectives, AngloGold had refurbished and upgraded the Anyinam clinic to a health centre status.

Currently, he said, a health centre to serve New Dokyiwa/Binsere communities was under construction while expanding the Akrokerri Health Centre to include a newly constructed surgical theatre.

“Our free health screening and treatment today exemplifies our belief that quality health care should be accessible to everyone regardless of their circumstances.

“We understand that many people face barriers to accessing essential medical services and so it is our mission to break down those barriers and bring critical health resources directly to you,” he said.

Doctors attending to members of the Odumase community during the clinic

Mr. Oduro Agyei expressed his appreciation to the company’s partners in the mini clinic, which included Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation, Quantum LC, Veolia, GIZ and Iris Titus Glover Medical Outreach.

The Obuasi East DCE, Madam Faustina Amissah, encouraged all citizens of Adansi to rally behind AngloGold so that it will continue to give the needed support towards the development of Adansi.

Kwantepenaa Kwamoa Bosompim II, Benkumhene and Regent of Odumase, in his remarks noted that the second coming of AngloGold has been a blessing to the entire people of Adansi, as they have witnessed tremendous developments.

He pledged the chiefs’ support towards the company’s continued success in the years ahead.

From Frederick Danso Abeam, Odumase

The Ghanaian Chronicle