Home Blog Page 119

It is illegal to smoke in public places – FDA.

By
Editor
-
0

Mr. Abel Ndego, the Acting Upper East Regional Head of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), has cautioned members of the public against smoking in public places.


He said it was prohibited for anyone to use any form of tobacco products including shisha, cigarettes, and cigars in such places, saying that per the provisions of part Six of the Public Health Act, smoking in public places was outlawed.


He said “It is now illegal to smoke in any public place, so smoking is prohibited in facilities including restaurants, hotel premises, pubs, night clubs, offices, bus terminals, market centres, and schools, as they all constituted public places.


“Anywhere there is more than one person gathered, becomes a public place,” he said.


Mr. Ndego gave the caution at a sensitisation programme on the regulation of tobacco and tobacco products in Ghana, organised by the Regional Office of the FDA, for owners and operators of hotels, restaurants, pubs and night clubs in the Bolgatanga and Kassena-Nankana Municipalities of the Region.


He indicated that it was not allowed for drivers to smoke in their vehicles while there were passengers and explained that “Once you carry a passenger in your vehicle, it becomes a public space, so you are liable to all the regulations that relate to a public space.”.


The Acting Head told the participants that if they wanted their patrons to smoke, they must create designated smoking areas under strict requirements and approval by the FDA.
He added that the law also prohibited all forms of tobacco advertisement and that of tobacco products, therefore for facilities that were displaying shisha hookers, it was a form of advertisement and a total violation of the law.


“Tobacco producers and retailers cannot also sponsor any event in this country,” he told the participants.
Touching on packaging, labeling and health warning on tobacco products, Mr Ndego said the FDA, as part of efforts to sensitise members of the public, insisted that all tobacco products should have designated health warnings accredited by the Authority.


“As much as possible, we want to always warn the potential user of all the health implications and risks associated with the use of tobacco and its products, so that if probably you did not know, and you can read, you will know that the product has a caution statement.


“We realised over time that just the words form of the warnings were not getting the required output because not everyone is literate. So, we decided to incorporate pictorial warnings,” he said.
He urged the participants to ensure strict compliance with the law and for “the Upper East Region to be the most compliant area when it comes to tobacco control”.


Some of the participants who spoke with the Ghana News Agency after the programme, commended the Authority for the continuous engagements with stakeholders to ensure public safety, and gave the assurance that they would play their roles as owners and operators of public places to complement the FDA’s efforts.

Ursula Owusu-Ekuful renovates Dansoman Special School.

By
Editor
-
0

Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, MP for Ablekuma West, has commissioned the renovated Dansoman Special School as a significant milestone in improving education for children with special needs in the constituency.
The new facilities include three classrooms, a staff common room, a principal’s office, and toilet and urinal facilities.

These upgrades address the previous challenges where children were cramped into a single room without adequate amenities.

Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful said she was committed to addressing the difficulties that confront these children.

She expressed her joy in creating a more comfortable and conducive learning environment, including special ramps for children with mobility challenges.

She reaffirmed her belief in inclusive education, emphasising that children with special needs deserve quality education in dignified conditions.

Mr. Christian Julius Aforlah, Municipal Director of Education, Ablekuma West, lauded the MP’s efforts in enhancing education within the constituency.

Madam Charity Lariba Daboya, the School’s Principal, noted that the school serves 50 students but faces challenges, particularly with some parents’ lack of support for their children’s education.

She appealed to corporate entities, philanthropists, and individuals to contribute toward sustaining the school’s operations and the welfare of the children.

This renovation exemplifies the importance of prioritising inclusive infrastructure and fostering a society that supports individuals with diverse needs.

Namibia elects first female president in disputed poll.

By
Editor
-
0

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, from the governing South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo), has been voted in as Namibia’s first female president after last week’s disputed election.

The electoral commission said she had won more than 57% of the votes cast, with her closest rival Panduleni Itula getting 26%.

But following logistical problems and a three-day extension to polling in some parts of the country, Itula said on Saturday that his party would not recognise the results alleging electoral malpractice.

As a consequence, most of the opposition parties boycotted the results announcement on Tuesday evening in the capital, Windhoek, The Namibian newspaper reports.

“The Namibian nation has voted for peace and stability,” the Reuters news agency quotes Nandi-Ndaitwah as saying once the outcome had been announced.

Swapo has been in power in the large but sparsely populated southern African country since independence in 1990.

A party stalwart, Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is currently the vice-president, is a trusted leader having served in high government office for a quarter of a century.

Once sworn in she will be joining an exclusive club as at the moment Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan is Africa’s only female president.

A trained dentist, Itula, of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), is seen as more charismatic than Nandi-Ndaitwah and managed to dent Swapo’s popularity in the last presidential election in 2019, reducing its vote share to 56% from 87% five years earlier.

The IPC has said it will “pursue justice through the courts” and has encouraged people who felt that they had been unable to vote because of mismanagement by the electoral commission to go to the police to make a statement.

Swapo led the struggle for nationhood against apartheid South Africa. Ahead of last Wednesday’s general election there had been some speculation that it would suffer the fate of other liberation parties in the region.

South Africa’s African National Congress lost its outright parliamentary majority in May and the Botswana Democratic Party was kicked out of power after nearly six decades following October’s election.

Parliamentary standoff delays $300m World Bank funding for Ghana.

By
Editor
-
0

The government has admitted that the parliamentary impasse has stalled the disbursement of $300 million in World Bank funding for Ghana.

This amount is part of a larger financial support package from the World Bank aimed at stabilising the economy, financing critical sectors, and addressing fiscal deficits. However, the funds remain inaccessible due to the unresolved deadlock in Parliament.

The legislative body has been on an indefinite recess as the two main political parties remain locked in a dispute over which side commands the majority of seats.

“We should have passed some legislations that should have qualified us for $300 million from the World Bank. However, the World Bank has not disbursed the money because those bills have not been passed because parliament has not been working as it should.

“This is just one example of how the impasse in the house has affected government business,” Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam said during his monthly economic update on Tuesday.

The Minister was confident that the impasse would be resolved soon, allowing Ghana to receive the funds without significant setbacks.

He also expressed its readiness to present the mini-budget despite the ongoing standoff in Parliament.

However, he awaits a resolution of the stalemate to secure a confirmed date for the budget reading adding that the government is focused on delivering its policy priorities for sustained economic growth.

“It [budget] has been presented to Parliament. We are waiting for Parliament’s own time. If this current parliament doesn’t pass, the next parliament will approve it. Certainly, if Parliament is not functioning it affects the government.”

There are concerns that the current Parliamentary standoff could potentially lead to a government shutdown next year, particularly affecting the payment of salaries to public sector workers.

The Finance Minister was hopeful about a swift resolution to facilitate the timely delivery of the budget and ensure the smooth implementation of state policies.

“To say that the economy has not been affected would be an understatement”, Dr. Amin Adam admitted.

Parliament is expected to reconvene from its indefinite break on December 16, 2024.

Samira Bawumia Shakes Kejetia Market.

By
Editor
-
0

The Second Lady, Hajia Samira Bawumia, on Tuesday took the Dr Mahamudu Bawumia Bold Solutions message to the heart of Kumasi, storming the famous Kejetia Market with a passionate appeal to the traders and residents to support Dr. Bawumia’s presidential bid.

Mrs. Bawumia’s visit to Kejetia Market was met with excitement and enthusiasm, as the market women and traders gathered around her, eager to listen to her message.

With her trademark warmth and charisma, the Second Lady engaged the women, sharing Dr. Bawumia’s vision for a prosperous and developed Ghana.

The Bawumia Bold Solutions message, which emphasizes the need for a transformative leader who can drive Ghana’s development agenda, resonated deeply with the market women and traders.

Accompanied by the Ashanti Regional NPP Executives, Mrs. Bawumia highlighted Dr. Bawumia’s achievements as Vice President, including his role in implementing the Free SHS policy, the Digital Address System, and the Mobile Money Interoperability platform.

The Second Lady also emphasized Dr. Bawumia’s commitment to empowering women and promoting grassroots development.

She noted that Dr. Bawumia’s presidency would prioritize the needs of women, children, and the vulnerable, ensuring that everyone has access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

As Mrs. Bawumia interacted with the market women and traders, it was clear that the Bawumia Bold Solutions message had struck a chord.

The crowd was enthusiastic and receptive, with many expressing their support for Dr. Bawumia’s presidential bid.

Veep Bawumia unveils E-Gates at KIA, Ghanaians to enter country with Ghana Card.

By
Editor
-
0

Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia Tuesday commissioned six newly installed electronic gates (E-Gates) at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to enhance the processing time of passengers’ travelling documents and credentials. 


To that end, Ghanaians with Ghana Cards can now enter Ghana with ease. 


The home-grown technology was a collaboration between the government of Ghana, through the Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Aviation Authority, Ghana Airport Company Limited, and Margins Group. 


During the unveiling ceremony at the arrival hall of the KIA, Vice President Bawumia said the e-gates would improve border security and management at the airport, land, and sea entry points. 


The facility, he said, would also curb fraud, smuggling, and undesirable elements from entering the country. 
The e-gates leverage innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence, biometrics, and real-time data processing to create a frictionless and secure travel experience. 


The new border control system and the e-gates are designed to benefit a wide range of travelers, including Ghanaians, members of the diaspora and foreign visitors. 


By pre-registering biometric data and travel credentials, travelers can bypass traditional queues, which will significantly reduce waiting times. 


To that end, travelers’ hours of waiting can now be completed in as little as 15 minutes from landing to the exit points. 


The Vice President said with the commissioning of the E-Gates, it would curb fraud, smuggling and undesirable persons from entering the country. 


“This is a vision that has taken four years to conceptualise, design, build and implement. 


“It is a testament to the strength of local expertise and collaboration. This major achievement highlights how home-grown solutions can meet and exceed global standards,” Dr Bawumia stated. 


The Vice President said the Government had been focusing on homegrown solutions in implementing digitisation  programmes including the mobile money, interoperability, the Ghana national ID system and the Ghana Card. 


He said the technology leveraged the comprehensive identity framework integrating biometric data, digital data, addresses and personal identities into a secure platform. 


“This framework has transformed service delivery across sectors from health insurance and driver’s licensing to tax identification and patient management,” he stated. 


For instance, he said, the Ghana Card has also become a critical tool for national security, supporting law enforcement and other agencies.


“Notably, the Ghana card was recognised by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICOWA), headquartered in Montreal, Canada. 


He said it was recognised as a valid e-passport card and since this recognition, Ghanaians had been able to travel to Ghana across 197 countries and accessing over 44,000 airports worldwide with just the Ghana Card.


“So, you can travel from all these 44,000 airports into Ghana with your Ghana Card, because the ICOWA system recognised the Ghana Card as an e-passport document of tax. 


Building on this foundation, he said, the Ghana Immigration Service, in partnership with the margins group, developed an intelligent border control system. 


“The culmination of this effort is the e-gates we unveil today, delivering a much security transparency and efficiency at all entry points, airports, sea points and land borders. 


Dr Bawumia said the global travel landscape was evolving radically, with innovations such as biometric e-gates and digital travel credentials becoming the new standard.  


“For example, the United Kingdom has begun trials of facial biometric e-gates that allow travelers to pass through immigration without presenting physical passports. Similarly, the European Union is advancing its digital travel credential initiative, enabling travelers to submit their credentials digitally in advance for faster clearance,” the Vice President stated. 


The Vice President said Ghana had embraced those global advancements, integrating biometric verification and digital travel credential technologies into a single platform. 


“This dual capability positions Ghana as a pioneer in intelligent border control, aligning with global standards, while placing us ahead of many advanced countries at the moment,” he said. 


The Vice President said with the ability to facilitate e-vices and a fully digital travel process, Ghana was now prepared for the future of border management. 


These advancements, he said, reflected the country’s readiness for the fourth and fifth industrial revolution, ensuring adaptability to future innovations.

 
Mr. Kwame Asuah Takyi, the Comptroller General, Ghana Immigration Service, in his welcome remarks, said the e-gates would improve the efficiency of the border management system and modernise the operations of the airport. 

Akufo-Addo Donates 45 Vehicles To NHIA.

By
Editor
-
0

In a move to boost the operations of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), President Akufo-Addo has donated 45 vehicles to the authority.

The donation, which was made through the President’s Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Opare, is part of the government’s efforts to revamp the NHIA and improve healthcare delivery in the country.

The NHIA has undergone significant transformation since 2016, when it was on the brink of collapse.

According to the NHIA boss, Dr. Aboagye Dacosta, the authority was bankrupt in 2016, with a debt of GHC 1.2 billion.

However, through prudent management and government support, the NHIA has been able to clear its debts and is now financially stable.

In fact, Dr. Dacosta revealed that the NHIA has grown by six-fold since 2016, with its budget increasing from GHC 1.2 billion to GHC 6.8 billion.

The authority has also been able to pay GHC 2.8 billion in claims to healthcare providers since January this year.

The donation of 45 vehicles to the NHIA is expected to enhance the authority’s monitoring and supervision of healthcare providers, as well as improve its operational efficiency.

The NHIA has also been working to improve healthcare delivery in the country.

Recently, the authority enrolled 20 healthcare facilities to provide dialysis treatment to patients with kidney disease.

The authority has also added more complex diseases to its coverage, including childhood cancer, mental health, family health, sickle cell, and breast cancer.

Overall, the donation of 45 vehicles to the NHIA is a significant boost to the authority’s operations and is expected to improve healthcare delivery in the country.

Ashanti Region Records High Turnout In Special Voting.

By
Editor
-
0

The Ashanti Region has witnessed a remarkable turnout in the special voting exercise, with an average voter turnout of 87.3% across the region.

This impressive showing is a testament to the region’s enthusiasm for the upcoming general elections.

According to reports from the various constituencies, the special voting exercise was largely successful, with many voters casting their ballots without any major incidents.

The high turnout is a significant improvement from previous elections, and it demonstrates the growing interest in the democratic process among the people of the Ashanti Region.

Here are the details of the special voting exercise from the various constituencies in the Ashanti Region:

– Old Tafo Constituency: 286 out of 329 registered special voters cast their ballots, representing a turnout of 86.9%.


Effiduase/Asokore Constituency: 555 out of 610 registered voters cast their ballots, representing a turnout of 90.98%.


Asante Akim Central: 463 out of 550 registered voters cast their ballots, representing a turnout of 84.1%.


Oforikrom Constituency: 355 out of 400 registered voters cast their ballots, representing a turnout of 88.75%.


Asawase Constituency: 418 out of 494 registered voters cast their ballots, representing a turnout of 84.61%.


– Bekwai Constituency: 560 out of 658 registered voters cast their ballots, representing a turnout of 85.1%.


Obuasi East Constituency: 284 out of 330 registered voters cast their ballots, representing a turnout of 86.06%.


Atwima Nwabiagya South Constituency: 411 out of 507 registered voters cast their ballots, representing a turnout of 81.1%.


Fomena Constituency: 221 out of 224 registered voters cast their ballots, representing a turnout of 98.66%.


Offinso North Constituency: 532 out of 569 registered voters cast their ballots, representing a turnout of 93.4%.


Juaben Constituency: 126 out of 143 registered voters cast their ballots, representing a turnout of 88.11%.


Atwima Nwabiagya North Constituency: 240 out of 273 registered voters cast their ballots, representing a turnout of 87.9%.


Kwabre East Constituency: 808 out of 942 registered voters cast their ballots, representing a turnout of 85.8%.

The high turnout in the special voting exercise is a positive sign for the upcoming general elections, which are scheduled to take place on December 7, 2024.

The Electoral Commission has been working tirelessly to ensure a smooth and transparent electoral process, and the success of the special voting exercise is a testament to their efforts.

Mahama vows to tackle galamsey, promote responsible mining practices.

By
Editor
-
0

Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has vowed to introduce sustainable mining practices to address environmental degradation in areas prone to illegal mining.

Speaking to party supporters at Akrokkeri in the Fomena Constituency on the third day of his six-day campaign tour in the Ashanti Region, Mahama acknowledged the critical role of small-scale mining in the local economy.

He assured miners that his administration would implement policies aimed at safeguarding the environment while enhancing mining livelihoods.

“I know that here in Adansi, you deeply value small-scale mining. The NDC will bring policies to support small-scale miners and ensure the land is preserved for future generations,” Mahama stated.

He highlighted the devastating impact of illegal mining activities (galamsey) on the country’s natural resources and pledged to establish mechanisms that promote responsible mining, including the reclamation of degraded lands and the use of modern, eco-friendly techniques.

Furthermore, Mahama urged voters to prioritize competency over political loyalty in the upcoming general elections, calling on them to support a leader who can address the pressing challenges facing the nation.

The Fomena Constituency, known for its mining activities, has been a focal point of discussions on environmental and economic sustainability, making Mahama’s promises particularly resonant with local communities.

Adutwum Launches Education TV.

By
Editor
-
0

The Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has launched a new television station to provide opportunity for students across the country to learn through digital media.

Speaking at the launch yesterday in Accra, the minister said the TV station would also help enhance access to education at all levels, improve quality of teaching and learning as well as, make education relevant to the socio-economic transformation agenda of the country.

According to the minister, visual learning helps students to retain knowledge for a long time, hence, the need for the ministry to establish a TV station that would not only provide opportunity to improve students’ learning outcomes in Ghana, but a medium to reach out to many students in all parts of the country.

The minister, who was excited about the new phase of education in recent times following the development in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), said apart from Ghana, the TV station will also broadcast to 27 other African countries.

“This is a watershed moment for our nation, a time to tell our story to the world. The education system is emerging to become one of the best in the world, but a time to also provide a platform for our children to learn, a time to democratise education,” he stated.

He added that the Ministry of Education TV (MOE channel) would also provide students access to inclusive quality education regardless of location, using distance mode.

Dr. Adutwum further indicated that considering the major investment made by the NPP government in the education sector, especially on STEM education in the last seven years, the TV station will help Ghanaians to appreciate the educational infrastructure across the country.

Centre for National Distance Learning and Open Schooling (CENDLOS), the agency mandated to infuse ICT into education, tasked to ensure every child irrespective of location has access to education and in charge of distance education in Ghana, spearheaded the establishment of the MOE Channel located at Ridge in Accra.

Executive Director of the Centre for National Distance Learning and Open Schooling, Nana Gyamfi Adwabour, for his part, said the center, which focuses on educational technology, infrastructure capacity and content assessment, will broadcast programmes that would dovetail into the major objectives of the centre.

He said the Ministry of Education channel (MOE Channel) will also highlight the activities of its agencies and partners such as the National School Inspectorate Authority (NaSIA), Ghana Education Service (GES) and stakeholders who have over the years embarked on projects to enhance education in Ghana.

1...118119120...1,457Page 119 of 1,457