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Editorial: Government And Mortuary Workers Must Reach An Amicable Solution

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THE CHRONICLE
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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

WASCAL assesses impact of Waste-2-Energy Site at Gyankobaa 

By
ERNEST BEST ANANE
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The Waste-2-Energy Site at Gyankobaa

WASCAL, under the funding support of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Germany, has visited its improved waste to energy site, to assess its impact on Ghanaians.

The participants with WASCAL Executives inspecting the project site at Gyankobaa

The visit was to ensure the sustainability of the pilot hybrid Waste-to-Energy (W2E) plant at Gyankobah, in the Nwabiagya South Municipality on Wednesday.

The objective of the programme is to develop an exit strategy to ensure long-term sustainability of the W2E project.

It also aims to advance waste segregation and convert various waste fractions into energy using biogas plants, pyrolysis and solar PV systems.

Dr. Bruno Korgo, Regional Coordinator, Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen, WASCAL, explained that the facility, which commenced partial operations on April 26, 2022 is a key milestone in the project.

According to him, the project is geared towards cutting edge technology of waste treatment recovery and applications in terms of energy production.

He noted that they have opened up the volume of waste treated at the project site daily and monthly.

He said the technology that is demonstrated in the facility is to showcase not only in Kumasi or Ghana, but can be replicated in other African countries.

Dr. Bruno disclosed that the visit at the project site is part of preliminary activities for participants at a workshop to discuss the exit plan and the sustainability of the project.

He said the design and idea of the project is to demonstrate and develop innovation and functional business models that could serve any other operators or responsible public or private organisations working in sanitation and waste energy.

Dr. Bruno Korgo, Regional Coordinator Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen, WASCAL

Dr. Murtala Mohammed, from CSIR-Institute of Industries, Research Science, said they are getting about ten tons of waste to the facility in the Nwabiagya South Municipality and have involved residents, since it is community owned.

He expressed the need for every government to be interested in the system, as waste has always been a challenge, noting that communities experience flooding because of the way we manage our waste system.

He said in a system which does not actually deal with the waste situation, the government should take the project seriously to benefit from its products.

According to him, the project would not only generate gas but also compost, from the processing of the waste for Agricultural purposes.

Bobrisky: Reps to probe corruption allegations against EFCC, NCS

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House of Representatives

The House of Representatives, on Thursday, passed a resolution to investigate the bribery allegations levelled against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) by social media influencer, Martins Otse also known as VeryDarkMan.

The resolution of the House came after the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State, Patrick Umoh.

In his address to his fellow lawmakers, Umoh expressed concern over the widely circulated publication by VeryDarkMan against the EFCC and the NCS.

He said, “The publication alleges that the EFCC dropped money laundry charges against Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky upon collection of the sum of N15,000, 000.

“The publication alleges that Idris Okuneye, upon conviction for abuse and defacing of the Naira, by the court, did not serve his time at the Nigeria Correctional Service, but was lodged outside the confines of the service.

“We are disturbed about the damning allegations against Nigerian critical law enforcement agencies-the EFCC and the NCS established by this hallowed chambers to fight correction and incarcerate persons convicted of crime for correctional purposes respectively.”

Credit: channelstv.com

Govt making concerted efforts to reduce food importation –Wale Edun

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Minister of Finance, Wale Edun

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, says the Federal Government is making concerted efforts to reduce food importation. Edun, while fielding questions at the inter-ministerial press briefing which is part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary, noted that the long-term agricultural goals of the Federal Government is already yielding results.

He said the production of seeds and seedlings made available to farmers is part of efforts by the government to improve on food production.

He also said that the removal of fuel subsidy was a necessary and bold move by President Tinubu that has drawn support from international financiers.

Edun said that although the effect of the subsidy removal has been tough on Nigerians the government has embarked on several intervention to cushion the hardship by the direct payment of N75,000 to 15 million households.

According to him, just last week, 840,000 payments have been made already.

On the petroleum sector, the Minister mentioned that the president has implemented a major innovation in facilitating a mechanism where domestic operators can buy crude from local refineries in naira.

He said efforts to stabilize the economy are yielding fruits as inflation is reducing, exchange rate stabilizing and the nation’s reserves are rising.

Credit: channelstv.com

77 communities in Anambra have no public schools –Soludo

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Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo

Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has disclosed that up to 77 communities in the state lack public schools.

He pointed out that his administration is working to address the concern and provide options for Anambra people, assuring to continue to provide the resources for continuous learning by teachers.

Soludo who was speaking at a meeting with heads of public schools in Anambra, said: “Securing our future is a collective effort. We must seize the opportunity now.

“It is the greatest investment we can make. 77 communities in this state have no public schools, so this is something we’re are working towards.

“We inherited arrears of pensions and gratuities. We will soon complete the payments.

“Anyone that retires under my watch usually get their entitlements after successful documentation.

“Though I have approval to borrow 100 billion naira since I came in, we haven’t borrowed. This is because we don’t want to encumber the future. I will borrow to build capacity for the future.

“Under my watch, we are going to maintain fiscal sustainability.”

The governor enumerated the strides of his administration in all sectors of the state economy, including recruitment of 8,115 teachers, recruitment of over 1,000 doctors and health personnel, empowerment of 5000 youths and additional 8000 youths in the “one youth, two skills entrepreneurship scheme”.

Credit: dailypost.ng

I didn’t sack Emir Sanusi, $49.8bn never went missing in my govt –Ex-President Jonathan

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Former President Goodluck Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, on Thursday, denied sacking the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, for alleging that $49.8 billion went missing from the country’s coffers.

Jonathan said Sanusi was suspended because the Financial Reporting Council queried CBN’s expenditure and his tenure elapsed.

He said an international audit firm was employed to scrutinize the CBN and it was discovered that no amount went missing, contrary to Sanusi’s claim.

Jonathan spoke at the launch of the book, ‘Public Policy and Agents Interests: Perspectives from the Emerging World’, co-authored by former Minister of Finance, Shamshudeen Usman, who served as Minister of Planning under his government.

According to Jonathan: “Let me mention that I did not agree with some issues raised by one of the contributors. But I don’t intend to join issues because he is our royal father. And he is here.

“The one he raised that he was sacked because he blew a whistle that the Federal Government lost $49.8 billion is not quite correct. He was not sacked, he was suspended because the Financial Reporting Council queried the expenditure of CBN. And there were serious infractions that needed to be looked at. That was the reason.

“But somehow, the time was short. So before we finished, his tenure elapsed. Probably, he would have been called back.

“On the issue of $ 49.8 billion, till today, I am not convinced that the Federal Government lost $49.8 billion.

“And more so, when our revered royal father came up with the figures. First $49.8 billion, later $20 billion and later $12 billion. I don’t even know the correct one.”

Credit: dailypost.ng

Ho Municipal assembly fails to meet revenue target

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Ho Economy Revenue Mobilization

The Ho Municipal Assembly in the Volta Region has reported a less-than-expected performance in the mobilisation of Internally Generated Funds (IGF) for the first half of 2024.

Mr Divine R.K Bosson, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), revealed that the Assembly had collected GHC 2,055,838.67 as at June, representing 62.71 per cent of the projected GHC 3,278,211.04 for the period.

Mr Bosson made the disclosure during the Second Ordinary General Assembly meeting of the Ninth Assembly. He expressed concern over the shortfall, noting that this year’s performance was significantly lower than the Assembly’s achievements in the previous year.

“Our performance in terms of IGF mobilisation for the period under review has not met our expectations. This year’s performance is a far cry from what we achieved last year,” he said.

He said as of the end of August 2024, the Assembly continued to experience stagnation in its revenue mobilisation efforts.

Out of a projected budget of GHC 4,370,948.05 the Assembly had only generated             GHC 2,581,516.82 representing a modest performance of 59.01 per cent.

Mr Bosson acknowledged the challenges faced in mobilising IGF and emphasised the need for immediate action to rectify the situation.

“The performance will be thoroughly interrogated, and we will find lasting solutions to ensure we meet our targets. Everyone must sit up and take responsibility to recover the lost revenue grounds,” he added.

Regarding property rate collection, Mr Bosson noted that since the assembly took control after the revocation of a previous contract, they had not fully capitalised on the opportunity.

He expressed disappointment in the performance so far, indicating that it had been below expectations.

“While some bills have been distributed, and necessary follow-ups are being made, many bills are still pending in our offices, waiting to be dispatched,” the MCE pointed out.

He called on the assembly to streamline its processes and ensure timely collection of property rates to boost its revenue.

Mr Bosson urged the assembly to focus on improving its revenue mobilisation strategies, particularly through innovative approaches to property rate collection and other revenue-generating activities.

He emphasised that the financial health of the assembly was crucial for the effective delivery of developmental projects and services to the people of Ho.

The MCE also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the assembly members and municipal staff, stressing that every effort must be made to enhance its financial standing for the remainder of the year.

As the assembly moves into the second half of 2024, efforts are expected to be intensified to bridge the gap between the projected and actual revenue figures, ensuring that the Ho Municipal Assembly meets its financial obligations and development goals.

From Michael Foli Jackidy, Ho

GNA

Don’t sit in a car whilst the driver is refuelling –NPA

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CEO of NPA, Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has cautioned commercial drivers against refuelling vehicles with passengers onboard.The Authority said such a practice endangered the lives of passengers as they were exposed to harmful chemicals.

Speaking at the NPA Central Regional sensitisation durbar in Cape Coast, the Central Regional Manager of NPA, Mr. Michael Opoku-Obiri, said one of the primary risks associated with refueling is the inhalation of toxic fumes.

He explained that gasoline contains harmful chemicals like Benzene, a known Carcinogen. These fumes can easily enter vehicles through open windows or doors, exposing passengers – especially children and the elderly – to health risks such as nausea, dizziness and respiratory issues.

He noted that despite the open, well-ventilated nature of most fuel stations, drivers often overlook the dangers of trapped fumes inside vehicles.

Many drivers routinely stop at gas stations without asking passengers to exit the vehicle. Whether rushing to drop kids at school, heading to work, or running errands, refuelling with passengers inside the car is a common practice.

However, this seemingly harmless habit has serious safety implications, with the most significant danger being the risk of fire.

From January to July 2023, Ghana recorded 3,819 fire incidents across various sectors, with commercial and fuel-related fires being major contributors.

In light of the frequent fire outbreaks at gas and filling stations in recent years, Nana Aduam stressed the need for increased public education on safety measures related to fuel and gas usage.

Mr. Opoku-Obiri indicated that the Authority had implemented several safety regulations to ensure public safety at fuel stations.

He explained that while refuelling, it may seem like a routine task, it carries significant risks that are often underestimated.

‘By taking simple precautions, such as ensuring passengers exit the vehicle and remaining vigilant about potential hazards, drivers can significantly reduce the dangers associated with refueling’, he said.

Mr. Opoku-Obiri also noted that although specific rules governing the refueling of commercial vehicles are not publicly available in one comprehensive document, general safety guidelines and warnings are emphasised.

He gave the assurance that the NPA will continue its efforts to raise awareness, educate, and inform dealers of petroleum products, consumers, and passengers about the dangers of neglecting safety measures in the use of gas and fuel.

In her speech, the Paramount Queen mother of Agona Nsaba, who also serves as the President of the Central Regional Queen Mothers Association, Nana Adwoa Nkansah Aduam III, called for stricter enforcement of the NPA regulations on refueling vehicles with passengers onboard. She noted that this practice posed significant health and safety risks to the public.

Nana Adwoa Nkansah Aduam III emphasised that the NPA must ensure stricter enforcement of its public safety mandate.

She commended the Authority for its ongoing efforts to educate the public on safety protocols within the petroleum industry.

However, she also called for further action, especially as the country approaches the dry season when the risk of fire incidents is heightened.

He likely buys in bulk – Diddy’s lawyer explains why rapper had 1,000 bottles of baby oil

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Sean “Diddy” Combs

The lawyer of American rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs’ has explained the rapper’s alleged possession of 1,000 bottles of baby oil, stating that the hip-hop mogul likely buys in bulk.

Diddy was arrested on September 16 in New York and later charged with sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains in custody as he awaits trial.

The federal prosecutors claimed that Homeland Security found the extensive supply during a raid on Diddy’s properties as part of an ongoing investigation into sex trafficking.

The baby oil was reportedly discovered alongside other items during a raid connected to allegations that Diddy hosted “freak off” sex parties involving coerced sexual performances, claims that the 54-year-old mogul has denied.

But reacting to the allegation, Diddy’s attorney, Marc Agnifilo said in an interview with TMZ, “I don’t know where the number ‘1,000’ came from. I can’t imagine it’s thousands,” Agnifilo said,

He added that the quantity may have been exaggerated. “One bottle of baby oil goes a long way,” he noted, questioning the need for such a large supply.

Agnifilo also suggested that Diddy, who owns multiple homes, might simply purchase items in bulk.

“He has a big house. He buys in bulk. I think they have Costcos in every place where he has a home,” he stated, making light of the situation by referencing the bulk-buying habits commonly associated with large retail stores.

Agnifilo insisted that any activities involving Diddy were consensual, adding, “These are consensual adults doing what consensual adults do.”

Credit: citinewsroom.com

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