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Tyla, Rema and Tems make Obama’s Summer playlist

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Tems, Barack Obama and Rema

Former US President Barack Obama has unveiled his traditional summer playlist, featuring a vibrant blend of global and local talent.

From viral stars like Tommy Richman and Paul Russell to establishment artists including Bob Dylan and Rolling Stones, the playlist gives a wide breadth of genre and scope, something that we’ve come to expect from the former US President year after year.

Among the selected artists are Nigeria’s rising stars, Tems and Rema, who have earned coveted spots on the prestigious playlist.

Tems’ soulful hit ‘Love Me Jeje’ from her debut album is included, showcasing her emotional depth and captivating style. Meanwhile, Rema’s chart-topping single ‘Yayo’ from his sophomore album “Rave & Roses” (not “HEIS”) has also made the cut, boasting an impressive 60 million streams on Spotify and topping the charts in Greece.

Obama shared the playlist on his X handle, saying, “As summer winds down, I’m excited to share some of my recent favorite tunes – and, as always, I’ve curated an eclectic mix. I hope you discover something new to enjoy!”

Obama’s playlist also features Charli XCX’s “365,” Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em,” Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby,” “Wanna Be” by Glorilla & Megan Thee Stallion, Billie Eilish’s “CHIHIRO,” as well as classic tracks like 2Pac’s “How Do U Want It” featuring K-Ci & JoJo and Bob Dylan’s “Silvio.”

Recall during a recent interview with influencer Carter Gregory (thecarterb), Obama revealed that his daughters, Sasha and Malia, play a key role in keeping his musical tastes current and broadening his musical horizons.

“I get referrals from my daughters — which keeps me not stuck in the ’80s,” the former president told Mr Gregory.

Feature: Tackling Diabetes and Hypertension: A Lifeline Through NHIS Annual Health Check-Ups

By
JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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High Blood Pressure and Diabetes

Diabetes and hypertension rank among the leading four non-communicable diseases (NCDs) responsible for mortality worldwide. An estimated 537 million people aged 20-79 years are affected by these conditions globally, with over 75% residing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Alarmingly, nearly half of those affected remain unaware of their diagnosis. Ghana faces numerous health challenges, with some having a more devastating impact than others. Research indicates that NCDs are steadily becoming the leading cause of death in the country, with cardiovascular diseases at the top and diabetes among the top ten.

To address this growing concern, the Ghanaian government, through agencies such as the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has implemented various strategies. Additionally, foreign health partners and non-governmental organizations (NGOs)/social enterprises have joined forces to combat the escalating crisis.

However, the landscape of healthcare in Ghana is set to undergo a significant transformation with the launch of the National Health Insurance Scheme’s (NHIS) Annual Health Check-Ups (AHC) program. This innovative initiative targets one of the country’s most pressing health challenges—non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes and hypertension, which have increasingly burdened the population.

With the AHC program, the NHIS aims to shift the focus from reactive to preventive healthcare, offering a proactive approach to managing and mitigating the impact of NCDs.

The Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases in Ghana

Non-communicable diseases are a leading cause of death globally, and Ghana is no exception.

In recent years, the country has seen a marked rise in cases of hypertension, diabetes, and cancer, among other chronic conditions. According to statistics, currently, the prevalence of hypertension is reported between 27% and 34%. On average, one in four adults in Ghana has hypertension. Nearly, less than 35% are aware of their status with only 22% on treatment.  In 2021, over 5 million people in Ghana had hypertension.

According to Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye, Director General of the Ghana Health Services, NCDs account for more than 40% of all post-mortality cases in the country.

Hypertension, in particular, has become a silent epidemic. Since 2017, it has been the third leading cause of post-mortem admissions and a major contributor to mortality in Ghana. The economic burden of managing these diseases is staggering.

The estimated cost of treating a single case of breast cancer in Ghana is approximately $20,145, while the lifetime cost of managing hypertension can reach up to $119,000. These figures underscore the urgent need for preventive measures to address the growing burden of NCDs such as Diabetes and Hypertension on the country’s healthcare system.

The NHIS Annual Health Check-Ups

In response to this pressing health crisis, the NHIS has introduced the Annual Health Check-Ups (AHC) program. This initiative is designed for citizens aged 18 and above who are registered with the NHIS and possess a Ghana Card.

The AHC program includes a comprehensive package of health screenings: blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests, body mass index (BMI) assessments, and counseling sessions. These screenings are crucial for the early detection of potential health issues, particularly those related to NCDs.

The program is not just about testing; it represents a paradigm shift in the way healthcare is delivered in Ghana. By encouraging citizens to undergo regular health check-ups, the NHIS aims to promote a culture of preventive healthcare. This approach is expected to reduce the burden of serious health conditions, improve the quality of life for Ghanaians, and ultimately, decrease the overall cost of healthcare.

Accessibility and Implementation

One of the standout features of the AHC program is its accessibility. Eligible beneficiaries can enroll in the service by dialing a USSD short code, which will be announced soon. This code will allow them to generate an Access Ticket on their mobile phones during their birth month, making the process straightforward and user-friendly. The program will be implemented nationwide, with services available at designated public and private health facilities.

This accessibility is crucial, as it ensures that all citizens, regardless of their location, can benefit from the program. The initiative is a testament to the NHIS’s commitment to equitable health access, ensuring that even those in the most remote areas can participate in these vital health screenings.

The Importance of Preventive Healthcare

Preventive healthcare is increasingly recognised as a cornerstone of effective health management. Dr. Ernest K.P. Kwarko, Board Chairman of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), emphasized this point during the launch of the AHC program. He noted that early detection and intervention are key to preventing serious health conditions, reducing the burden of diseases, and improving overall quality of life.

The benefits of preventive healthcare are well-documented. Regular health check-ups can lead to the early detection of conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, allowing for timely interventions that can prevent complications. For instance, managing high blood pressure before it leads to more severe cardiovascular issues can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Similarly, early detection of high blood sugar levels can help prevent the onset of full-blown diabetes, which, if left unchecked, can lead to complications such as kidney failure, blindness, and amputations.

The AHC program also includes counseling sessions, which play a critical role in educating citizens about healthy lifestyles and preventive measures. These sessions provide an opportunity for healthcare providers to engage with patients, offering personalized advice on diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors that can help prevent the onset of NCDs.

A Holistic Approach to Health

The AHC program is not just about addressing the current health issues in Ghana; it is also about laying the foundation for a healthier future. By focusing on preventive care, the NHIS aims to increase life expectancy and reduce the cost burden of curative healthcare. The initiative’s broader goals include accelerating the achievement of universal health coverage and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3, which focuses on health and wellness.

In addition to the core screenings offered through the AHC program, the NHIA has plans to introduce additional interventions in the future. For example, the introduction of Pap smear tests for women will further expand the scope of preventive care, addressing another critical area of women’s health. These planned expansions reflect the NHIA’s commitment to comprehensive healthcare, ensuring that all aspects of citizens’ health are addressed.

Addressing the Financial Barriers

One of the significant challenges in accessing healthcare in Ghana is the financial barrier that many citizens face. The high cost of medical treatment often prevents people from seeking care until it is too late. By offering free annual health check-ups, the NHIS is removing this barrier, making essential health services accessible to all citizens.

Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye acknowledged the economic burden of NCDs and expressed optimism that the AHC program would be a game-changer in Ghana’s healthcare landscape. The initiative is expected to complement existing service delivery efforts, providing a much-needed boost to preventive healthcare in the country.

A Call to Action

The launch of the AHC program is a significant step forward in Ghana’s healthcare journey. However, for the initiative to achieve its full potential, it requires the active participation of all citizens. Dr. Kwarko urged all Ghanaians to take advantage of the free service, stressing that preventive healthcare is crucial for leading healthier lives.

This call to action is particularly important in a country where the burden of NCDs is on the rise. By participating in the AHC program, citizens can take control of their health, ensuring that they are aware of any potential health issues before they become serious. This proactive approach is essential for reducing the incidence of NCDs and improving the overall health of the population.

The NHIS Annual Health Check-Ups program represents a bold and innovative approach to tackling the burden of non-communicable diseases in Ghana. By shifting the focus from curative to preventive care, the initiative has the potential to transform the country’s healthcare landscape, improving the quality of life for millions of Ghanaians.

The success of the program, however, depends on the collective effort of all stakeholders—citizens, healthcare providers, and the government. It is a shared responsibility to ensure that this initiative achieves its goals, paving the way for a healthier, more prosperous Ghana. As the program rolls out nationwide, it is hoped that it will serve as a model for other countries in the region, demonstrating the power of preventive healthcare in improving public health outcomes.

‘I can’t speak’ – Mourinho criticises ref after loss

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admin
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Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho said he “can’t speak” about refereeing decisions he felt led to Fenerbahce’s exit from the Champions League.

Mourinho believes his side can go far in the Europa League – which they will now drop into – if refereeing standards improve.

Fenerbahce’s chances of Champions League progress were ended on Tuesday by a 118th-minute penalty awarded to opponents Lille for handball following a video assistant referee (VAR) check.

Jonathan David converted the kick to make it 1-1 on the night and give Lille a 3-2 aggregate victory in the third qualifying round.

It means Mourinho’s side will play in the Europa League next season, a trophy he lifted with Manchester United in 2017, having won it in its previous incarnation as the Uefa Cup with Porto in 2003.

“We would never win the Champions League. We would never reach the Champions League final. Never,” said Mourinho.

“But we go to Europa League and in Europa League if – if – I don’t want to say the rest. I prefer to stay on the ifs.”

Fenerbahce, trailing 2-1 from the first leg, took the game to extra time in Istanbul after an injury-time own goal from Bafode Diakite before David’s penalty.

Mourinho added: “If we can do a great Europa League. If, if, if. But we can do a great Europa League with if. I can’t speak more than the if. If not I am in trouble.”

Credit: bbc.com

Adumasa gets new Chief 

By
SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
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Nana Siaw Badu and Nana Akosua Antwiwaa after the enstoolment ceremony

Thirty-seven-year-old Educationist, Mr. Isaac Osei, has been enstooled as the new chief for Adumasa in the Nkoranza District of the Bono East Region.

He answers to the stool name, Nana Siaw Badu III.

The enstoolment ceremony took place at the Adumasa Palace last Friday, four years after Nana Agyei Boateng II was destooled.

It was witnessed by personalities, including the District Chief Executive of Techiman North, the Education Director, residents and many personalities.

The residents expressed their profound gratitude to the traditional leaders, especially the Queen Mother, Nana Akosua Antwiwaa, for providing them with a new chief at long last.

Nana Siaw Badu III expressed his appreciation to the Queen Mother and stool elders for the honour done to him and promised to work hard to champion the development of the community.

He cautioned the youth against all forms of social vices and to be productive.

The Queen Mother, Nana Akosua Antwiwaa, appealed to the new chief to work hand in hand with his elders to develop the town. She called for unity among all the elders to ensure peace and development.

Nana Osei Bonsu, a former chief of the town who represented the Abusuapanin of Adumasa, Nana Sekyere, advised Nana Siaw Badu to accord the Queen Mother and Elders, as well as community members, respect to help him succeed as a chief.

Gallagher back at Chelsea as Atletico move stalls

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admin
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Conor Gallagher

Conor Gallagher is expected to return to training at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground on Wednesday, after landing back in London with his Atletico Madrid transfer in the balance.

The England international, 24, was pictured in the La Liga club’s Metropolitano Stadium on Saturday and spent five days in a hotel in Madrid but has been unable to complete his £33m move.

It was halted because Chelsea’s £34.5m deal to sign Spanish striker Samu Omorodion collapsed over personal terms on Sunday.

The Spanish club need to make a major sale to fund their move for Gallagher after signing Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez for £81.5m on Monday.

The Gallagher deal is not considered to be off at the moment but remains under threat of collapse.

If Chelsea sign Portugal forward Joao Felix from Atletico it could salvage Gallagher’s move – but a fee must first be agreed.

Felix is ready to return to Chelsea after spending six months on loan at the club in 2023.

However, if a fee cannot be agreed for Felix then Gallagher’s transfer will likely collapse.

Chelsea want to sell Gallagher to avoid losing him on a free transfer, with just 11 months left on his contract.

On Saturday, Atletico had posted a picture of Gallagher at their stadium saying he was there to “finalise his transfer”.

Credit: bbc.com

Naomi Osaka admits she ‘feels strange’ on court after maternity break

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Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka says she still does not feel like herself on court eight months into her comeback season after a maternity break. The four-time grand slam title winner is also puzzled at her lack of power and accuracy.

The 26-year-old was beaten by Ashlyn Krueger in the second round of qualifying for the Cincinnati Open, the latest setback in a patchy run of form heading into the final grand slam tournament of the year at the US Open, which starts on 26 August. Osaka triumphed at Flushing Meadows in 2018 and 2020.

“My biggest issue currently isn’t losses though, my biggest issue is that I don’t feel like I’m in my body,” Osaka wrote on Instagram. “It’s a strange feeling, missing balls I shouldn’t miss, hitting balls softer than I remember I used to. I try to tell myself: ‘It’s fine, you’re doing great. Just get through this one and keep pushing,’ mentally it’s really draining through.

“Internally, I hear myself screaming: ‘What the hell is happening?!’”

Osaka returned to action in January after a 15-month break during which she gave birth to her daughter. Now ranked 90th in the world, her best results have been runs to the quarter-finals at Doha and ’s-Hertogenbosch.

“I’ve played a handful of matches this year that I felt like I was myself and I know this moment is probably just a small phase from all the new transitions (clay, grass, clay, hard), however, the only feeling I could liken how I feel right now to is being postpartum,” Osaka said.

“That scares me because I’ve been playing tennis since I was three, the racket should feel like an extension of my hand.”

Osaka said she did not understand why everything about her game felt “almost brand new” again.

Credit: theguardian.com

Napoli ‘offer Chelsea Victor Osimhen as part of swap deal for Romelu Lukaku’

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Victor Osimhen

Napoli have reportedly offered Victor Osimhen to Chelsea as part of a swap deal for Romelu Lukaku.

However, Chelsea are dissatisfied with the sum of cash that the Serie A side have offered for Lukaku, who has two years left on his deal at Stamford Bridge.

Napoli have reportedly offered £25.6million for Lukaku, but Chelsea are demanding closer to £40m.

Lukaku has spent the last two seasons on loan at Inter Milan and Roma, scoring 35 goals in that time, and wanrts to be reunited with Antonio Conte in Naples.

And Giovanni Manna, Napoli’s sporting director, has been conducting talks in London to try and see a deal over the line, as per The Times.

Osimhen has been prolific in Serie A for multiple years and in 2022-23 dispatched 31 goals in all competitions, helping to fire Napoli to the title.

Despite a quieter 2023-24 season he is still hot property and much admired by Paris Saint-Germain as well as Saudi Arabian clubs.

So desired is Osimhen that two Chelsea icons are reaching out to him with persuasive intent: John Obi Mikel and Didider Drogba.

‘I hope that Chelsea fans will finally see him come to the club. I’ll make sure I send him those text messages and calls, making sure Chelsea is his top priority, said Mikel.

‘But it seems like he loves the club and wants to come to Chelsea. I’m sure he has all the big clubs wanting to sign him. I think if we can secure his signature it would be fantastic for the club.

‘Didier is also speaking to him, sharing his own ideas and what the club means to us. We all want to see Victor come to the club. If it happens, it happens. It’s a huge transfer fee, but if we can match it and get him to the club that would be absolutely fantastic.’

Credit: dailymail.co.uk

Japan’s Prime Minister says he will step down after political scandals

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Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced he will step down next month and will not run for a second term as leader of the long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party, following a series of political scandals that fueled calls for him to resign.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Kishida said it is necessary to present the LDP as a “changed party.”

“Transparent and open elections and a free and vigorous debate are more important than ever. The most obvious first step, to show that the LDP will change, is for me to step aside,” he said.

The LDP, which has held power almost continuously since its founding in 1955, has in recent months been embroiled in one of Japan’s biggest political scandals in decades.

Two of the most influential factions in the LDP have been accused of failing to properly declare their income and expenditure and, in some instances, allegedly rerouting political funds to lawmakers as kickbacks.

Scandals surrounding several high-ranking officials haven’t helped, with some accused of involvement with election law violations or of offensive past comments against minorities.

Kishida had tried to contain the damage, replacing several cabinet ministers last year. But that hasn’t done much to restore public support; one survey by the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper showed a historic high in public disapproval toward the cabinet, at 79%.

Kishida took office in October 2021, replacing Yoshihide Suga – who occupied the role for a year after Abe stood down with ill health in 2020.

During nearly three years in office, Kishida has vowed to take anti-corruption measures and institute party reforms, including dissolving factions and taking disciplinary action against any corrupt lawmakers.

Concerns about Japan’s economy, including the weakening of the yen against the US dollar, have also undermined confidence in Kishida’s economic policies.

He had previously denied he would step down as party leader despite public criticism and sinking ratings.

Credit: cnn.com

 

Thai court dismisses PM for violating constitution

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Srettha Thavisin only became PM last August

A Thai court has dismissed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for appointing to his cabinet a former lawyer who was once jailed.

The Constitutional Court ruled that Mr Srettha had violated the “rules on ethics” with “the display of defiant behaviour”.

The 62-year-old Srettha, who has been in power for less than a year, is the third PM in 16 years to be removed by the same court.

He will be replaced by an interim leader until Thailand’s parliament convenes to elect a new prime minister.

Mr Srettha’s dismissal means he has now gone the way of so many other parties and administrations in Thailand – felled by the disproportionate power of the country’s constitutional court.

Politics in Thailand is not known for its ethics; bribery is commonplace and ministers with more serious convictions have been allowed to serve in the past.

Most people in Thailand will see this as a political verdict, though exactly who was pushing for it is not yet clear.

In May the court had accepted a petition filed by some 40 senators asking to remove the PM from his position over his appointment of Pichit Chuenban – who was previously sentenced to six months in jail for attempted bribery.

On Wednesday, five of the nine judges ruled that Mr Srettha had indeed violated the ethics of his office by appointing a lawyer who had a criminal conviction to his cabinet, despite him quitting after just 19 days.

The vote for a new prime minister will involve plenty of backroom bargaining, while Thailand struggles to revive its faltering economy.

Credit: bbc.com

Sudan peace talks start; but neither warring side showed up

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People have fled their homes as a result of the Sudan war

Fresh peace talks aimed at ending Sudan’s 16-month war have begun despite the two warring sides refusing to enter the negotiating room.

The US, which is leading the talks, insisted the event continued regardless, saying “we are going to try to do everything we can to try to end this horrific crisis in Sudan”.

Fighting between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has killed thousands, driven about 10 million people from their homes and sparked what the United Nations has called the “world’s worst hunger crisis”.

The army said it would boycott the talks days before they were scheduled to start, while RSF delegates arrived in Switzerland but at the last minute said they would stay away.

Dashing hopes of a ceasefire, the army said it would not attend as the RSF had not implemented “what was agreed upon” in Saudi Arabia last year.

The paramilitary group had not met key conditions of the Jeddah Declaration, such as withdrawing its fighters from civilians’ houses and public facilities, the army said.

As late as Tuesday night, there were still hopes that Sudan’s army would arrive for the talks. Tom Perriello, the US Special Envoy for Sudan, said at 23:30 GMT (00:30 Swiss time) that the delegates were “still waiting on the SAF”.

“The world is watching,” he posted on X.

Mr Perriello said that in the army’s absence, the other parties would “explore every option to support the people of Sudan”.

The RSF also posted on Tuesday night, saying its arrival in Geneva was “a powerful testament to our resolve and determination to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people”. The group called on the army to attend the talks.

Credit: bbc.com

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