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River waves flood three communities in Ada

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Azizanya-Ada, April 10, GNA- Over 300 residents of Azizanya, Kewunor, and Ayigboe, communities in Ada East, have been left homeless due to flooding in the communities following some waves emanating from the Volta River.

 
Lodges, drinking spots, and other business entities along the river bank have also been affected, with over 100 structures being submerged and properties destroyed.


The river, which has been overflowing its banks for three days now, has worsened the plight of inhabitants of communities along its banks after the spillage of the Akosombo dam, which displaced close to a thousand people in the latter part of 2023.


Mr Gabriel T. Akli, the Assembly member for Azizanya-Kewinor Electoral Area, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that, even though this was a regular occurrence, it has become intense.


Mr Akli said, “The communities have been facing this challenge, but not as strongly as this; we have noticed that after the Akosombo and Kpong dam spillages, the banks have been washed, exposing the communities to the waves of the river and the sea since they are close to the estuary.”


He said they were awaiting some promise from the Ada East District Assembly to help create an embankment to protect the communities.


He explained that because the Assembly was yet to have its presiding member elected, the convening of various committees had become a challenge, hindering them from putting their issues, including the flooding, before the Assembly for handling.


He suggested that the only solution to save the communities from the waves was to embank the river with sand.


Some of the affected residents told the GNA that they had lost their properties to the flood waters, indicating that their mattresses, clothing, smoked fish, utensils, cash, and other valuable items had all been washed away.


According to them, whenever the communities get flooded, people come to their aid with foodstuffs and sometimes mattresses, but they end up losing them to the floods.


They, therefore, appealed to organisations, the government, and individuals to help embank the river as a more permanent solution to their plight instead of the donations of items, which they said, even though important, was a temporary solution.


IGP high-level delegation meets woman whose ear Police Officer mutilated

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 The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, has sent a high-level delegation of Police officers to Judith Yaakuma, who suffered a severe ear injury at the hands of a Police Officer.

This was after the Crime Check Foundation (CCF) stepped in and continued its efforts to seek justice for the victim, prompting the IGP delegation to visit the victim.

Disclosing to the Ghana News Agency in an interview, Alhaji Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng, Executive Director of CCF, said the top hierarchy police delegation, visited Judith Yaakuma’s family and assured them of the Ghana Police Service’s commitment to hold the officer accountable.

He said the Police investigation into the matter was in its final stages and expressed confidence in the Police service to deliver justice to the victim.

The CCF, a prominent crime advocacy organisation launched a media campaign to denounce the actions of a defiant Police Officer identified as Clement Suputour, which garnered a lot of public interest in the case.

According to Alhaji Kwarteng, the Police Service assured the victim that the issue would not be put to bed and that they would ensure that Suputour was sanctioned.

He noted that the seriousness of the incident has prompted legal action against the Ghana Police Service, with a lawsuit amounting to GH₵ 2.5 million being filed concerning the case.

He said CFF would continue to monitor the development of the matter to ensure that Clement Suputour is sanctioned by the law and justice is delivered to the victim.

The victim’s family expressed their gratitude to CCF for the support, including legal representation.

“She praised the foundation for its tireless work and expressed her relief that justice was finally within reach for her daughter,” he said.

GHS urges media to promote local foods 

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The media has been called upon to promote local foods in a bid to ensure quality nutrition among the populace. 

Ms Catherine Adu-Asare, Programmes Manager of the Diet and Healthy Life Programme of the Ghana Health Service, said the nutrition landscape was changing from healthy diets to unhealthy foods as nation witnessed a shift from traditional to modern foods. 

She said the increase in lifestyle diseases and obesity connected to mostly ultra processed foods, had majority lacking key components such as fiber. 

Ms Adu-Asare made the call while engaging media practitioners in the Volta Region at a three-day workshop on nutrition organised by the Africa Catalysing Action for Nutrition, a non-for-profit organisation with a focus on delivering a “healthy and well-nourished Africa.” 

She noted a growing trajectory of undernourishment and obesity and said young people registering Non-Communicable Diseases showed the shift in disease burden.  

“We are gradually transitioning into a triple burden – Obesity, iron deficiency, over nourishment, undernourishment among the under five children. 

The concept of locally available foods is very important. It is very sustainable and so, the media should promote these local foods.” 

Ms Adu-Asare said the seasonability and price should be considered in promoting local delicacies, adding that there existed lots of wild fruits that should be publicised to help enhance food security. 

Among reasons for malnutrition, according to the Programme Manager, were low physical activity, cultural influences, and traditional food practices that affected consumption. 

Food taboos, economic factors, peer influence, and changing environmental patterns counted among factors limiting food availability and choices, and the media’s role in buying habits was also emphasised. 

AfriCan’s three-day training workshop brought together media practitioners from across the various fields of practice and provided enhanced education on the various facades of nutrition, including production, processing, and climate related developments. 

Professor Francis Zotor, Trustee of the AfriCan, that the initiative hoped to position media as key proponents of enhanced nutrition in the communities and formed part of a broadened stakeholder focus towards improving the outcomes. 

Professor Lydia Aziato, Vice Chancellor of the University of health and Allied Sciences who opened the workshop, said there were prevailing hold of customs and imposed taboos on the nation’s feeding regime, and there was the need to “disabuse mindsets so that our people can feed well. 

“In all these, the important thing is that we want our people to stay healthy and not come for admission,” the Vice Chancellor said and commended AfriCan for the essential education. 

Emmanuel Agbaxode, Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association in the Volta and Oti Regions, asked beneficiaries to use the opportunity to build their knowledge to enable them effectively deliver on the frontlines of the nutrition campaign. 

Eid al-Fitr prayers observed in Dambai, marking the end of Ramadan

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GNA-Krachi East Muslims have performed Eid al-Fitr prayers at Dambai Lapaz park to mark the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.

Ramadan is a period of fasting where Muslims are required to abstain from food and water, from sunrise to sunset.

It is a spiritual exercise that helps Muslims to get rid of undesirable habits, while imbibing their fortitude and patience.

The month long fast also enable Muslims to empathize with the least fortunate members in society who suffer from hunger due to poverty and keep Satan and his promptings away.

Alhaji Ahmed Djibiriel Isaah of the Ahlussuna Wal-Jama’Ah, prayer leader prayed for the improvement in the conditions of Ghanaians and other citizens across the world.

Delivering his sermon, Alhaji Isaah underscored the need for Muslims to have strong belief in Allah.

He further stated that those who relied solely on Allah and trusted him only do not get shaken by unpleasant circumstances but rather have the strong conviction that their future is secured.

Mr Nelson Kofi Djabab, the parliamentary candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) thanked the Muslims community for their fasting and prayers to the nation.

He asked the leadership of Imams to remember all NDC parliamentary candidates and their presidential candidate, Mr John Dramani Mahama in prayers ahead of December polls.

Mr Sadiq Abubakar, former Regional Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), in the Oti Region addressed the Muslims on behalf of the parliamentary candidate, Mr Michael Yaw Gyato.

He expressed gratitude to all Muslims for bringing Ramadan which is the Holy month in Quran to an end.

Mr Gyato said, appealed to the Muslims to work hard and get more votes for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, flagbeare of the party in the upcoming general elections.

He expressed confidence in Dr Bawumia’s ability to drive economic development and growth in the country.

He emphasised the importance of embracing forward thinking ideas, citing the success of digitalization in the various sectors.

CHRAJ appeals to President Akufo-Addo to “urgently” sign Anti-witchcraft Bill 

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The Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has appealed to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to as a matter of “urgency” sign the Anti-Witchcraft Bill passed by Parliament some nine months ago. 

The Commission said the Bill when assented would tackle head on witchcraft allegations and attacks in the country. 

Mr Joseph Whittal, Commissioner for CHRAJ, said this on the sidelines of a National Policy Dialogue on Access to Justice for Women Accused as Witches in Ghana, organised by CHRAJ and Crossroads International. 

He said witchcraft allegations and attacks were still ongoing in some parts of the country because there was no concrete law to proscribe punishments for persons involved. 

“The practice is still going on the ground and the main instrument to cease or force the practice to come to an end is the deterrence of the Bill,” he stressed. 

Mr Whittal said customs and traditions that infringed on the constitutional rights of individuals should be abolished. 

He said the Commission had been engaging traditional leaders to ensure that people, especially the vulnerable, were not discriminated against and their rights trampled upon in the name of tradition. 

He added that they had also been engaging persons accused of being witches. 

Mr Withal urged District Assemblies in localities where the witches’ camps were located to take full responsibility of the welfare and wellbeing of the inmates. 

Ghana’s Parliament on July 28, 2023, passed the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2022. 

The object of the Bill is to amend the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Acts 29), to prohibit the practice by any person as a witch doctor or a witch finder; to proscribe the declaration, accusation, naming or labelling of another person as a witch; and for related matters. 

The Private Member’s Bill was sponsored by Mr Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of 

Parliament (MP) for Madina. 

Other sponsors are Hajia Laadi Ayii Ayamba, NDC MP for Pusiga; Dr Godfred Seidu Jasaw, NDC MP for Wa East, Madam Helen Adjoa Ntoso, NDC MP for Krachi West and Madam Betty Nana Efua Krosbi Mensah, NDC MP for Afram Plains North. 

Witch camps are settlements were women accused of being witches are kept for safety. 

Such women have been accused of witchcraft for reasons, including mental health problems.  

MCE urges reconstruction of palm oil processing factory ruined by fire 

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 Alhaji Umar Bodinga, Municipal Chief Executive for Abuakwa North in the Eastern region, has urged non-governmental organisations to provide support for the reconstruction of the YWCA-31st December women palm oil processing factory at Akyem Tafo. 

He made the call after a large inferno gutted the palm oil processing factory, destroying about 3000 gallons of palm oil worth over 1.2 million cedis and other essential equipment, leaving behind its debris.  

According to him, the Assembly could not afford the cost of reconstructing the factory, urging organisations and stakeholders for prompt assistance to resurrect the factory and give the impacted women hope again. 

“Help is desperately needed to repair and recover as the community struggles with the consequences of this awful tragedy in the hopes of giving the impacted women and labourers economic empowerment and stability again,” he said.  

However, the future is now unknown for 100 artisanal female palm growers and labourers whose lives were dependent on the factory. 

Officers from the Ghana National Fire Service’s Bunso Fire Station intervened to put the fire under control, and they have since started an investigation into the incident. 

The cause of the inferno is currently unknown.  

Not only is the palm oil produced in Akyem Tafo consumed locally but it is also exported to neighbouring West African nations and other countries, expanding its scope beyond the local market. 

One of the affected individuals, Ms. Joyce Asiamah, told the GNA that she had prepared about 50 jerricans for shipment to Europe and the USA, but the inferno destroyed everything. 

“We work with loans, and now that everything has gone down, we have no hope from anywhere.”  

She appealed to the government to come to their aid, otherwise, “We don’t know what to do exactly because the devastation has caused us to be ill.”  

The former first lady, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawling, founded the 31st December women’s movement in 1990 to empower women to be achievers and financially stable. 

The project extends its scope beyond palm oil production to include shea butter making, bakery operations, a gari processing factory, and more. 

FDA warns against importation of unhygienic baby diapers

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The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has warned manufacturers, importers and distributors of baby diapers against the importation of unhygienic baby diapers, also known as bale diapers into the country.


It said it was against the FDA Guideline for Registration of Medical Devices (Appendix II) and the Ghana Standard Authority’s specifications for single-use disposable baby diapers (GS 1166:2017).


A statement issued in Accra and copied to the Ghana News Agency said the Authority had noted with great concern, the continuous practice of importing disposable baby diapers into the country, either unhygienically packaged in bales or hidden in bales of used clothing.


“These baby diapers are subsequently repackaged and offered for sale without adequate labeling information or no labelling information at all.”


It said the importation of unregistered, poor quality and unhygienically packaged baby diapers into the country would result in their seizure and safe disposal at a cost to the importer.


It said the public needed to note that materials used for baby diapers were tested by the Authority during the product registration process.


“This ensures that any dyes, skin irritants, or toxins are absent so as not to cause harm to babies.

In addition, handling of bale diapers, frequently re-packed and relabeled under insanitary conditions can cause germs to enter the genital region of a child, especially a girl child, further posing great danger to their health and well-being,” it stated.


The Authority said imported finished baby diapers should be registered before importation, with an approved label and ready for sale.


 A finished registered baby diaper is a diaper that has been duly evaluated by the FDA and conforms with GS 1166:2017.


The statement said all registered diapers imported into the country must be well-packaged and properly sealed to protect the product from moisture, soiling, contamination and damage during transportation, storage and distribution throughout the product’s shelf-life.

 
It said the Authority also allowed the importation of raw materials for the manufacture of baby diapers, but the importer should have a licensed facility for the manufacture of baby diapers.


“All facilities, both local and foreign, for the manufacture of baby diapers, are subjected to Good Manufacturing Practice inspection and relevant fees apply,” it added.


It said the FDA would continue to collaborate with the GRA (Customs Division) to ensure that disposable baby diapers on the market were safe and met the required standards.


It urged the public to help protect babies from the risk of infections by buying only FDA registered baby diapers, adding that the list of registered disposable baby diapers could be found on the FDA website: www.fdaghana.gov.gh.



 

Jealous man stabs rival to death

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Kwasi Badji, 47-year-old farmer at Okanta near Kadjebi in the Oti Region has allegedly stabbed his rival to death.

 
 
An eyewitness, who wanted to remain anonymous, said Badji stabbed Kudzo Danyo, 52, a farmer, at a meeting held on Monday April 8, to address pertinent misunderstanding between the deceased and his wife, Madam Brinna.

 
 
Badji, who was attending the said meeting without invitation according to sources, was having an amorous affair with the married woman.

 
 
The witness said during the encounter the deceased rained insults on his wife, which infuriated Badji leading to a fight with the suspect subsequently drawing a sharp knife to stab the deceased multiple times.

 
 
Danyo died on the way to the hospital.

 
 
The suspect after the incident fled into the bush wielding a gun and cutlass, the source said.

 
 
The eyewitness said the suspect returned to town on Tuesday, April 9 ostensibly to gather some items to escape, but was arrested by the Kadjebi Police.

 
 
The suspect is currently in Police custody helping in investigation.

 
 
Police sources confirmed the incident to GNA when contacted.

 

Tema Oil Refinery hasn’t been taken over by Sentuo-Management 

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Management of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Limited has debunked public assertions that the country’s premier refinery has been taken over by the recently opened private Sentuo Oil Refinery. 

A statement issued by the corporate and public affairs department of the company and copied to the Ghana News Agency on Wednesday said there were no talks for the sale of the refinery and no ceremony had been arranged to mark Sentuo’s acquisition of TOR. 

It stated that the refinery, along with its ambitions to enhance its terminal business, was steadfast in its commitment to its objective of restoring and resuming the operation of the processing plants and equipment. 

“Before beginning any commercial endeavour, TOR performs extensive due diligence in addition to abiding by all legal and regulatory obligations. For the records, we have not entered into any unapproved mergers or acquisitions,” it stated. 

It noted that Sentuo and TOR worked together on crude storage, “such that Sentuo pays TOR to store some of its crude oil in the refinery’s storage tanks. When Sentuo is ready to refine the crude oil, TOR pumps it back to Sentuo.” 

The statement said TOR cherished its relationship with its stakeholders and would disclose any noteworthy adjustments or developments clearly and openly. 

“As far as its activities are concerned, TOR Ltd. is steadfast in its commitment to promoting understanding and explicitly asserts that the management of the refinery has not been taken over by Sentuo Oil Refinery,” it stressed. 

GTA holds first quarter PPPF in Koforidua to strengthen tourism and hospitality 

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The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has held its first quarter private and public partnership forum (PPF) in Koforidua this year. 

The forum, which saw about 150 participants, was themed, “Financial Empowerment for the Tourism and Hospitality Sector.” 

Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, GTA, Ghana Tourism Federation, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Hotels Association, Development Bank Ghana, Zenith Bank, the Tourism Society of Ghana, and others. 

Addressing the participants, Mr Mark Okraku Mantey, the Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, said financial empowerment was the cornerstone of sustainable growth in every industry. 

Therefore, he emphasised the necessity of finding other funding sources from which the tourism sector can harness to ensure the sustainability of the sector, especially for small and medium enterprises in the tourism space. 

“Small and medium enterprises form the backbone of our economy. They are the agents of innovation, job creation, and community development,” he noted. 

Mr Akwasi Agyeman, the Chief Executive Officer of the GTA, said the PPPF was inaugurated in 2021, although it was established under Article 42 of the Tourism Act 2011 (Act 817). 

He stated that the PPPF had a mandate to engage the private sector in discussions about significant issues that impacted the country’s tourism sector’s development. 

He mentioned that the tourism sector has trained about 3000 people in areas such as service quality, destination management, digital marketing, and customer service, among others. 

He said that the training took place due to concerns raised in previous PPPF held to empower individuals in the tourism sector. 

Also, he said more than 13 Memorandums of Understanding have been signed with communities to ensure community empowerment, adding, “Through these MoUs, some tourist sites are being developed.” 

He disclosed that a policy paper from the last PPPF held in the Western Region has been developed to ensure that taxes and levies are harmonised. 

However, Mr Agyeman indicated that the policy paper that advocated for a flat tax rate for the private tourism sector was not featured in the recent budget statement read in parliament. 

Therefore, he reassured us that efforts were still underway to include the agenda in the next budget that parliament would read. Economy PPPF Tourism – Participants at the Private and Public Partnership Forum in Koforidua 

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