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Lack of educational facilities impeding learning of children in rural communities

By
ISAAC AKWETEY-OKUNOR
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The CEO of As I Grow assisting some of the children to put on their footwear and uniforms after the donation

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of As I Grow, which is based at Larteh in the Akuapem North Municipality, Mr. Debrah Bekoe Isaac, has advocated for a paradigm shift in terms of the way children are educated in the country.

According to him, one of the major problems impeding education in the deprived communities in Ghana was the absence of educational equipment and facilities, a situation that called for immediate redress.

Taking a closer look at the current educational trend, the ‘As I Grow’ CEO disclosed that “there should be a paradigm shift in terms of raising the general standards in the area of learning for all children”.

Side view of the multipurpose facility

According to him, it has been estimated that more than seventy percent (70%) of children in the deprived community schools in Ghana do not have the required educational materials such as exercise books, writing materials, uniforms, footwear and bags among others.

Mr. Debrah Bekoe Isaac was speaking at a ceremony to hand over school uniforms to school children in Asaase Korkoo MA Basic School and Atwetwerede DA School in the Okere and Akuapem North districts.

He bemoaned that most of the parents of these children are farmers whose low incomes do not allow them to properly take of their children.

He, therefore, called on the government, institutions and members of parliament, opinion leaders, clergy, NGOs and individuals to come to the rescue of these children in the deprived communities, since they are the future of the country.

Koforidua Gets Modern Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Complex

By
ISAAC AKWETEY-OKUNOR
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Nkosuohene of the Kwahu Nkwatia and the Chairman of the Kabaka Foundation, Nana Owiredu Wadie I addressing the gathering

In line with the sustainable development goals on quality and affordable healthcare delivery, the Nkosuohene of Kwahu Nkwatia and the Chairman of the Kabaka Foundation, Nana Owiredu Wadie I, has constructed an ultra-modern Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Complex at the Eastern Regional Hospital.

The aim of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) project was to prevent neonatal and infant mortality in the region.

The interior of the complex being inspected by some of the very important people who graced the ceremony

Speaking at the handing-over ceremony of the newly constructed multipurpose Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Nana Owiredu Wadie I, said the idea for constructing the building was to improve the health condition of babies and young children.

Touching on the essence of the facility, the Kwahu-Nkwatia Development chief asserted that the project, which has been named after the Omanhene of New Juaben, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, would help save lives of new born babies at the hospital.

Nana Owiredu Wadie I continued that the multipurpose facility would also help attend and manage resuscitation of the pre-term and full-term infants.

The Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong, on his part expressed his deepest appreciation to Nana Owiredu Wadie I for his generosity, and commitment to the welfare of the community.

He also acknowledged the exemplary leadership of the Medical Director of the Eastern Regional Hospital and his team, for their unflinching support and commitment towards the completion of the important project.

Mr Seth Acheampong explained that the NICU complex represents a beacon of light for the region’s future, a testament to what can be achieved when individuals and organisations come together with a common purpose to save and improve the lives of the youngest and most vulnerable citizens.

“The Eastern Region of Ghana, like many other parts of our great nation, has faced its share of challenges, especially in healthcare delivery. Our neonatal care facilities have been stretched to their limits, often unable to provide the level of care that our newborns deserve”, he stressed.

He further asserted that “It is a fact that, in the past, we have lost too many precious lives. We cannot stand by and let this continue,’’ Mr Seth Acheampong bemoaned.

The Eastern Regional Minister opined that the Nana Akufo-Addo led government places much emphasis on the health sector and appreciates the support and collaboration with Non-Profit Organisations such as the Kabaka Foundation.

Mr. Seth Acheampong promised that the government would continue to invest in capital projects through the construction, upgrading and equipping of hospitals and polyclinics in all the regions in the country, to enable everyone everywhere access quality health care without financial difficulties.

On behalf of the hospital authorities, Mr. Seth Acheampong pledged to take on the responsibility of maintaining and operating the facility to the highest standards, adding that the healthcare professionals will ensure that the care provided is nothing short of excellence.

 

Dr Ebo Hammond, Director of Health Administration and Support Services Division, Ghana Health Service (GHS), said that the multipurpose Neonatal Intensive Care Unit would offer a nurturing environment for healing and growth of the well-being of the infants.

The Director of Health Administration and Support Services Division, Ghana Health Service (GHS), argued that the commissioning of the project represents a significant step towards delivery of healthcare.

Dr Ebo Hammond revealed that the hospital would receive an oxygen plant to help reduce oxygen needs in the region.

The ceremony was attended by some prominent traditional leaders in the region including Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, Akwamumanhene, Daasebre Kwaku Benteng III, Omanhene of New Juaben Traditional Council.

Others include Rev Josephine Nyarko, Dr. Ebo Hammond, Eastern Regional Minister and health practitioners in the region.

UPSA VC urges gov’t to use marketing to revitalise economy

By
admin
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Professor Abednego Feehi Okoe Amartey, Vice Chancellor, University of Professional Studies, Accra has urged the government to use marketing as a transformative tool to speed up the economic recovery of the country.

He said, when applied professionally, marketing could play a central role to revitalise the economy and help businesses emerge stronger from challenging times.

“Let us embrace marketing as a powerful instrument of change. By doing so, we can foster economic recovery, enhance the resilience of our economy and our businesses, and pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future Ghana,” Prof Amartey said.

He said this as the Guest of Honour at the 34th Annual National Marketing Performance Awards, organised by the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana (CIMG).

This year’s edition was on the theme: “Marketing: A Tool for Economic Recovery”.

Prof Amartey said the government could use marketing for economic recovery by strategically promoting domestic tourism, attracting foreign direct investments and promoting crucial industries.

It could also provide marketing support to small and medium-sized enterprises.

He said: “Visit Japan Campaign”, “Invest in Greece”, “Dubai Expo 2020”, “Brand Jamaica” and Spain’s “Rebirth of the City”, were marketing strategies used by such countries to revive their economies.

Prof Amartey said using marketing as a tool for economic recovery came with obstacles that government must overcome to ensure successful recovery.

The challenges include budget constraints, changes in consumer behaviour, market saturation, digital noise and global competition.

Other challenges are sustainability and ethical concerns, measuring returns on investment and adapting to new technologies.

“Addressing these challenges requires careful planning, strategic thinking and a willingness to adapt to evolving economic conditions and consumer preferences,” Prof Amartey stated.

Mr David Afflu, Chief Executive Officer, GB Foods won the 2022 Marketing Man of the Year whilst Mrs Patricia Obo-Nai, Chief Executive Officer, Vodafone Ghana won the Marketing Woman of the Year 2022.

The Marketing Practitioner of the Year 2022 went to Nana Essilfuah Tamakloe, Director, Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Absa Bank.

Priscilla Mawuse Menka and Agnes Narkie Odonkor were both adjudged the Marketing Student of the Year 2022.

The Annual National Marketing Performance Awards is to create awareness on the importance of marketing, promote high professional standards and excellence among practitioners, engender healthy competition among organisations, and ensure high quality business products and services.

GNA

W.G.T Annan’s Foundationrenovates Saltpond JHS

By
NAABENYIN JOOJO AMISSAH
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The official inauguration of the renovated building

The Dr W.G.T Annan Educational Trust Fund has extended its kindest courtesy to the S.S Peter and Paul Anglican Junior High School at Saltpond, in the Mfantseman Municipality in the Central Region.

The Dr G.W.T Annan Educational Trust Fund had renovated a dilapidated library of the school and furnished it with two projectors, a television set, ceiling fans and refrigerator, as well as furniture, among others.

Additionally, the Trust Fund had reconstructed a ramshackle six unit classroom block, which had not received any facelift since it was originally built several decades ago, as one of the early schools in Saltpond.

Other initiatives undertaken by the Trust Fund include the construction of a modern day urinal at the school, while it had also fully sponsored the connection of pipeline to the school.

The aforementioned initiatives, which cost the Trust Fund several thousands of cedis, were meant to sustain the legacy of the late Dr G.W.T Annan, a former pupil of the school and a proud native of the town.

According to the managers of the Fund, the late Dr Annan stated in his will that all his properties must be rented out, with further instructions that the proceeds from the rents must be used to support the development of the school.

The Executioner of his will, Mr James Baiden and other stakeholders, including his children, as a result established the Dr G.W.T Annan Educational Trust Fund in his memory, in order to spearhead the fulfilment of his aspirations and sustain his cherished legacy.

The renovated classroom block at Salpond

Since the demise of Dr Annan about twenty-two years ago, the Trust Fund, which was instituted in his name, had continuously assisted the S.S Peter and Paul Anglican Junior High School at Saltpondand the Kormantse Basic Schools.

Speaking at a ceremony to officially inaugurate the refurbished library and the renovated classroom block, the Mfantseman Municipal Director of Education, Betty Kurentsiwa Smith, praised the managers of the Fund for their foresight.

She noted that education was the backbone of every society and the progress of any nation depended significantly on the quality of education the citizens acquire and, therefore, praised all stakeholders for their roles over the years in promoting quality education in the school.

“Our schools are central to the education system, but it takes collective effort of parents, teachers, chiefs, assembly members PTA, SMC businessmen and women and community organisations to create such a thriving educational ecosystem,” she said.

Stakeholders, she added, had a key role to play in ensuring that schools remained vibrant, inclusive and well equipped, with the necessary resources to enhance teaching and learning processes that would shape and mould the minds of the pupils.

The schools in the municipality, she said, faced a lot of challenges in delivering on their core mandate of equipping learners with necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the complicities of the world in which we are.

She, therefore, expressed profound gratitude to the Dr W.G.T Annan Educational Trust Fund for working closely with the school to address some of the major challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and limited teaching and learning resources.

The initiative by the Fund, to support and improve the quality of education in the school, falls under Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Additionally, connecting water to the school would go a long way to support Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) on water and sanitation, which seeks to ensure safe drinking water and sanitation for all.

Digital Innovation is improving access to healthcare- says Health Expect

By
JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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Dr Abimbola Adebakin

The founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Advantage health, Abimbola Adebakin who described digital innovation in health as an augment of physical interactions with health system, said it is improving access to healthcare delivery.

In a interview ahead of the highly anticipated Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA), renowned expert Dr. Adebakin shared her valuable insights on the future of digital innovation in the health sector. Her contributions shed light on the transformative potential of technology and its ability to revolutionize healthcare delivery.

Abimbola Adebakin who doubles as co-leads on Transforming Health in Africa through digital Innovation emphasized the importance of embracing cutting-edge technologies to improve patient care and facilitate more efficient healthcare systems.

Despite challenges with impacts in terms of innovation, she noted that health expects are  beginning to monitor impacts because, “right now people are not able to order for their medicines. People are now able to use telemedicine for consultation. People are now able to stay in their homes and get their lab, their laboratory specimens taken from home and they can get the results by email”.

The impacts of these digital innovation, she said, have been measured currently, and those are the kind of things that needs to begin to highlight at the CHPIA conference for public health in Africa.

On policy and regulatory frameworks that need to be in place to support the widespread adoption of digital health innovations policy and regulatory frameworks, Abimbola said, “the need for data accountability for data protection. Well, now that then looking at our data, our things have to be captured in electronic records in return means we need to put in place the right policies to protect the patients as well as protect the health care providers”.

She stressed the importance of maintaining patient privacy and security while harnessing the power of technology. The need for robust regulations and policies to protect patient data was also highlighted.

She also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence (AI), telemedicine, and wearable devices as catalysts for change in the industry, citing an example, when you take some AI monitored scanners and take it to women that are pregnant in the rural areas who are far away from scanning machines, what you’ve done is you’ve taken care to the point, which is needed.

Dr. Abimbola indicated that by leveraging machine learning algorithms, healthcare providers can gain deeper insights from patient data, leading to more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.

Regarding telemedicine, Dr. Abimbola emphasized its ability to bridge the gap between patients and healthcare professionals, especially in remote areas. With telemedicine, patients can access quality healthcare services, irrespective of geographical limitations.

The co-leads for the track on digital Innovations in Health for the CPHIA 2023 added that the conference will also play a role in fostering innovation and driving the adoption of digital health solutions.

She disclosed that the conference is in its third year, and will dive deeper and some insights around health care across the continent from all these next nine tracks in Public health compared to the previous conference, “We have nine trucks covering epidemiology and diagnostics, covering women in health, health system strengthening, covering digital health and many more”.

She assured that the conference will serve as a the chance for attendees to forge partnerships.

“We have big institutions that are investing millions of dollars in innovation in Africa, but we also have mid-sized to small sized institutions, some which are not for profit, who have partners across the continent so that will break the silence. There are also civil organizations present at the conference and they are looking for partners to come over with that in mind, to learn, and also to find credible partners that you can work with”, she added.

Again, she asserted that the convening power of the African CDC will bring together a growing number of practicing firms and they have life experience to demonstrate to anyone coming from all across Africa.

This, she said is important that the Africa led initiative like this is promoting digital health where you can see incredible example to take from and take back and deploy.

Additionally, Dr. Abimbola said the conference will bring a lot more scientific papers that have been analyzed and are going to be showcased and therefore they are getting more insight on what people are working on that attendees can tap into.

The annual Conference is being hosted by the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the African Union in partnership with Zambia Ministry of Health.

 

This year’s conference is scheduled for 27-30 November 2023 in Lusaka, Zambia, and it will take a more forward-looking approach, highlighting how stakeholders across the continent are breaking barriers and disrupting the status quo through cutting-edge science and programming under the theme “Breaking Barriers: Repositioning Africa in the global health architecture.”

Background

The annual International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) provides a unique African-led platform for leaders across the continent to reflect on lessons learned in health and science, and align on a way forward for creating more resilient health systems.

Expanding the horizons of the conference once again, cphia2023 will showcase how the continent is breaking down barriers, reaffirming Africa as a powerhouse in science and innovation, generator of new knowledge and health products, and exemplar of progress.

As African countries accelerate the realization of a New Public Health Order, this year’s conference will help to build a healthier, more prosperous Africa – for the continent, and the world.

Okyenhene worried over migration of youth to Gulf States & concomitant exploitations

By
admin
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Okyenhene speaking at the ceremony

The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, is worried over the millions of African youth who are continually lured into slavery in the Mid-Eastern and the Gulf countries, in expectation of greener pastures.

He said the most disheartening aspect of the phenomenon are the plight of young African women who are forced into domestic and sex slave in these countries.

Okyenhene Signing MOU between Worcester Polytechnic Institute and the Akyem Abuakwa State

Speaking at the Congregational Ceremony of the North Eastern University, Boston, USA, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin hinted that even though the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights prohibit human beings from being held in slavery or servitude, the worse form of slavery continues to happen and is targeting the very poor African youth.

He opined that, the Universal declaration on human rights further states that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, however, the opposite is, in reality in most parts of the world, with Africa at the receiving end.

Osagyefo attributed these human rights violations to the phenomenon of mass poverty in Africa, occasioned by multifaceted indicators.

The Okyenhene mentioned that over one billion people, two thirds of them women and children, live in extreme poverty of less than one dollar a day.

“Over 60% of the adult population in Sub-Saharan Africa is engaged in Subsistence agriculture with reliance on rainfall, due to the absence of irrigation. In essence, there is no all-year-round employment. Thus, mass rural poverty, drudgery and unemployment is endemic.

“However, these rural communities have been able to survive by the means of inherent human ingenuity to adaptation, knowledge of the nature and established customary institutions for the preservation and sustainable exploitation of natural resources”, he said.

According to him, in the past five decades, livelihoods have encountered the hazards of climate change and will compound existing poverty.

“The adverse impact of climate change will be most striking in the developing Nations of Africa because of our geographical and climatic conditions, our high dependence on natural resources, our limited capacity to adapt to changing climate, projected changes in the incidence, frequency, intensity and duration of climate extremities, as well as more gradual changes in the average climate will notably threaten civilization, further increasing inequalities between the developing and developed worlds.

“Climate change is,therefore, a serious threat to poverty eradication and its anticipated impact on developing countries paint a gloomy picture due to the economic importance of climate sensitive sectors like agriculture and fisheries, which support the livelihoods of majority of its people.”

Okyenhene with the President,Provost and Senior Board officials of the Northeastern University

Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin said African countries lack the human, institutional and financial capacity to anticipate and respond to the direct and indirect effects of climate change.

Their vulnerability is highest as they bear the greatest burden of climate change, in terms of loss of lives and relative effects on investments and failed poverty reduction policies on the economy.
According to him, the conventional policy models for tackling poverty fail to take into account the peculiar socio-economic and political conditions in Africa.

He said in most instances, the vast majority of those living on one dollar ($1) a day, mostly rural dwellers are not captured by governmental statistics and state institutions, making poverty reduction through fiscal institutions ineffective.

“The core of the matter lies in the fact that policy measures for livelihood, food security and occupational agriculture are designed by bureaucrats in the capitals of Africa completely divorced from the conditions and circumstances of local communities and the neglect of the participation of traditional leaders in these communities.

Age-old customary observances that assured the integrity of the natural ecology, including accumulated knowledge of the flora and fauna of these living communities have been ignored in the developmental policies”, he said.
He advised policy makers to take advantage of the knowledge, expertise and leadership of traditional leaders to ensure the fight against poverty is won.

Osagyefo called for deeper and effective cooperation between Okyeman and the North Eastern University, Boston to set the pace for cooperation between traditional leaders in Africa and the global academia.

The Okyenhene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin later on signed a memorandum of Understanding between the Akyem Abuakwa State and the Worcestor Polytechnic Institute in the United States of America, to enhance research activities and publications related to mine land reclamation.

The five year MOU will also enhance joint publication of research finding between institutions of higher learning in the Akyem Abuakwa State and Worcester Polytechnic, participation in seminars and academic meetings, scholarship and undergraduate opportunities, graduate and students’ activities and exchange of research personnel.

Actress Linda Osifo reveals reason why she wanted to bleach her skin

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Linda Osifo

Popular Nigerian Actress, Linda Osifo, has revealed that she contemplated bleaching her skin while in Canada because of racial slurs.

The Actress, who was born in Benin City, Nigeria, before moving to Canada at 16, said the racism she suffered was traumatising for her because it came from “within”.

Asked: “You talked about wanting to bleach your skin because when you grow up people would call you a monkey (sic). [Did] this literally happen?”

Osifo replied: “Yeah. It happens absolutely. And it happens from your shade too, you know. So, that’s why it’s even more of a weird thing.”

“I always feel that those who get bullied, don’t get bullied by outsiders. It’s from within. Because if somebody else says it, you may not care but if somebody who is around you, who you are always kinda seeing every other day says it, it hurts more.”

“This was when I was a teenager in Canada. The positive aspect of moving [back] to Nigeria, was seeing more of individuals who look just like me.”

She disclosed this in a recent interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo.

 

Akwaboah in tears as he buries late father

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Akwabaoh Jnr welcoming Amakye Dede to the funeral grounds

The family of the late musician, Kwadwo Akwabaoh, was unable to hold back tears during the final funeral rites held in his honour.

The event took place on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Trede in the Ashanti Region.

His son, musician Akwaboah Jnr, his wife and other family members captured in videos and pictures were seen crying as they bid the late singer goodbye.

Present at the event to support and console the family were some members of GHAMRO, actress Nana Ama McBrown, Kojo Antwi, Fameye, Kwabena Kwabena and others.

During the ceremony, Maame Tiwaa from the renowned Yaw Sarpong and the Asomafo group delivered a moving performance to celebrate the late legend.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

I want to have dinner with Burna Boy –Chelsea star Lauren James

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Burna Boy and Lauren James

Chelsea Women forward Lauren James wants to have dinner with Grammy-winning singer Burna Boy.

She revealed this in a recent interview with Sky News when asked who the three people she would invite for dinner would be.

James said she would choose the interviewer, comedian Kevin Hart, and Burna Boy. She explained that Hart is very funny and she would like to have a good laugh with him, and that Burna Boy is a great singer and she would love to get to know him better.

Dinner with the Nigerian music icon may come as a surprise to some, given that she sparked controversy in Nigeria after stamping on Super Falcons defender Michelle Alozie during the FIFA Women’s World Cup round of 16 clash between Nigeria and England.

The dependable Chelsea player later apologized to Alozie on social media for the act. Credit: citinewsroom.com

 

I’m not under pressure to dress indecently to sell my music -Adina

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Adina

Known for her decent dressing, award winning Singer and songwriter, Adina Thembi, popularly known as Adina has firmly stated that she will never use sex to sell her music.

“I won’t succumb to indecency just to get attention or stay relevant in the industry. Decency sells too, and it’s a choice I am proud to make,” she said.

“I am not pressured to conform to any immoral standards to sell my craft. My training even won’t allow it, and it is a personal decision too.

“People want a certain image, and when they think of branding and getting people to know them, they think of going with what is making everyone popular, like what we see on our screens. Mine is what you are seeing now. I have tried mine and it’s working for me,” Adina added.

The ‘Adidede’ crooner believes that maintaining decency can be just as successful in generating sales and attention in the entertainment industry.

Speaking in an interview with Showbiz, Adina said that she will not compromise her principles for the sake of popularity.

Adding that she will rely on her talent and values than flashing skin to attract attention and maintain her relevance.

She attributed her commitment to projecting decency and genuine self-expression to her background and belief in the power of personal branding, adding that her brand is built on the values and image she currently portrays.

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