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Let’s ban tobacco usage in Ghana-Dr Osei

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Dr Akwasi Osei, the Chief Executive Officer, Mental Health Authority (MHA), has charged the Government to ban tobacco usage in the country because it is killing more people annually.

 

He said, “I know it is not going to be easy but the evidence is clear and scientists also agree that tobacco is killing people so why don’t we hold the bull by the horn and place a ban on tobacco use in the country.”

 

Dr Osei made the call at a stakeholders’ meeting on tobacco control organised by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in collaboration with developmental partners in Accra.

 

Data available indicated that more than 6,700 Ghanaians die annually from tobacco-related illnesses.

 

Out of this figure, 4,422 representing 66 per cent died prematurely under age 70 while 1,206 representing 18 per cent lost their lives due to exposure to second-hand smoke.

 

The CEO of MHA said, “death due to tobacco is preventable, that is why we should not leave ourselves, 4 per cent of Ghanaians to die from tobacco. It should not be part of the worldwide picture of eight million tests a year,” he added.

 

Dr Osei noted that tobacco use even though brought some form of benefits such as relieving restlessness and anxiety to smokers, the damage it caused far outweighed the benefits, thus cautioned people against it.

 

He said people must therefore find ways of dealing with their depression, anxiety, and restlessness as the continuous use of a particular drug could lead to addiction, adding that, “addiction predisposes one to other types of mental illnesses”.

 

The meeting formed part of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), needs assessment in Ghana to identify gaps and provide recommendations on how to address these gaps.

 

It also sought to provide expert contributions and mobilise resources to support implementation of the WHO FCTC to contribute to the achievement of wider Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

Dr Baffour Awuah, Acting Director of Technical Coordination and Special Advisor on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) to the Minister of Health, speaking at the event, said the Government was exploring the adoption of comprehensive smoke free policies and had ratified the World Health Organisation (WHO) Protocol to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products.

 

 

He said the needs assessment mission in Ghana offers an opportunity to identify the rhythmic changes in tobacco control to enable the country to modify the best approach to curb the growing menace.

 

Dr Awuah said the Ministry of Health, requested for the needs assessment to assess the country’s progress in the implementation of the WHO FCTC treaty whilst determining the gaps between the requirements of the treaty and the tobacco control measures adopted by Ghana over the last decade.

 

He thus commended the efforts of the coordinating team, the FDA, UNDP and WHO in moving the project forward.

 

Ms Emily Roberts, a Policy Analyst with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), noted that Ghana was losing GHS668 million every year due to tobacco use.

 

She said investing now in tobacco control measures would prevent more than 20,000 deaths and avert GHS1.3 billion economic losses by 2037.

 

Ms Roberts said it was important that Ghana implemented FCTC policy actions, including increasing tobacco taxation to reduce the affordability of tobacco products and create smoke-free public and workplaces to protect people from the harms of tobacco smoke.

She called on the Government to implement the plain packaging of tobacco products, enforce a comprehensive ban on all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship to win against the menace.

 

The Policy Analyst, among other things, recommended the development of a national tobacco control strategy to strictly enforce the prohibition of the sale of tobacco to minors.

 

Deputy Chief Executive Officer, FDA, Seth K. Seneake, said the Authority was focused on enforcing the ban on tobacco advertising and promotion, implementing pictorial health warnings, ratification of the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Tobacco Trade and mass media campaigns on tobacco dangers.

 

He noted that the WHO FCTC’s needs assessment would help in developing the requisite legislation to address the rapidly evolving facets of tobacco control.

 

Dr Olivia Boateng, Director, Tobacco and Substances Abuse Directorate and Focal Person for Ghana WHO FCTC Secretariat, said the country had made much effort towards tobacco control.

 

But that notwithstanding, more efforts are being made to enhance the weak tobacco tax structure and cessation to attain the WHO recommendations.

GNA

GPL Preview: Great Olympics ploy to deepen Hearts woes; Nsoatreman to mark debut

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The 2022/23 betPawa Ghana Premier League heads into week two with some intriguing fixtures.

The Phobians got off to a shaky start last weekend, losing 1-0 to the Aduana Stars, and would be looking to make amends against regional rivals Great Olympics.

There is pressure mounting on Head Coach Samuel Boadu, especially after last week’s defeat, and he would need maximum points against Great Olympics, a side they have failed to beat in the last four match-ups.

Great Olympics began the season with a 1-0 win over Bechem United and would be looking for another victory against their rivals, who are desperate for points.

After their week one match against defending champions Kumasi Asante Kotoko was postponed, Nsoatreman would mark their league debut this Friday.

The Nana Konamansah Park would be the scene of the action as the debutants take on Bibiani Gold Stars, who were defeated in their first match against Dreams.

Accra Lions would be back at home on Saturday as they lock horns with Karela United.

The Lions suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Kotuku Royals last weekend and would set sights on getting some points on the board, but it wouldn’t come easy against Karela United, who won their first game.

Tamale City would play their first home game at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium when they host Legon Cities. The Tamale-based side, who qualified for the league through an intense playoff, would be looking to get some points after losing to Karela United in week one.

Coach David Duncan’s Medeama SC would fancy securing all three points against Real Tamale United after their away win against Legon Cities last week.

It was an impressive victory for the guys in “Mauve and Yellow” as they target a second successive league win against Real Tamale United.

Defending Kotoko would not be in action this weekend as they face Rail Club De Kadiogo of Burkina Faso in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League.

Below are the fixtures for Week Two:

Nsoatreman FC vs. Bibiani Gold Stars (Friday)
Accra Lions vs. Karela United (Saturday)
Dreams FC vs. Kotoku Royals  (Sunday)
Hearts vs. Great Olympics  (Sunday)
Medeama vs RTU  (Sunday)
Tamale City vs. Legon Cities (Sunday)
King Faisal vs. Aduana Stars  (Sunday)
Samartex 1996 vs. Berekum Chelsea  (Monday)

GNA

Fuel, utility tariffs pushes price of sachet, bottled water up

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The National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP) has announced an upward increment in the prices of sachet and bottled water effective Monday, September 19.

The price reviews have been necessitated by the rising cost of inputs such as fuel and packaging materials which are mainly imported as well as electricity and water  tariff increment which took effect from September 1, 2022, a statement from the NASPAWAP has said.

Ice bottled water, 500ml will be retailed at GH¢2, and iced bottled water, 750ml or medium size, will be retailed at GH¢3. Also, Iced sachet water will be sold at GH¢0.50p.

A bag of sachet water, 500ml by 30, will now sell at GH¢7 from the retail trucks. Mini shops will now retail a bag of sachet at GH¢9 per bag.

“These reviews serve as a guide to all regional associations and to ensure uniformity across the country,” the statement said adding that there might be slight variations across regions due to haulage to remote and distant areas.

“At our previous review in March 2022, the dollar was in the region of GH¢8.5. Currently, it is inching up to GH¢10. Fuel prices have significantly gone up since our last review. It was GH¢9 and now it is GH ¢14.5, which is a 61 percent change since March 23, 2022.”

The suggested adjustment is to help producers cover their production costs. We appreciate the difficulties our consumers have to go through to endure these hardships. We appeal to all to bear with us,” it intimated.

Leveraging National Expertise to Drive New Exploration in South Sudan

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JUBA, South Sudan, September 14, 2022/APO Group/ —  As the only major oil producer in East Africa, South Sudan has prioritized exploration in 2022 and beyond with the aim of bringing new supplies online that will help meet regional demand for oil and gas. In line with this objective, the opening panel discussion during day two of South Sudan Oil & Power 2022 (https://bit.ly/3A1hgvV) explored the country’s exploration prospects. 

Moderated by Akol Dok, Managing Partner, Orus Consulting, speakers included Dr. Omar Abu-Elbashar, Managing Director, Petro-Tec; KB Trivedi, Technical Director and Chief Geologist, SFF; Eng. Majak Arop Wunrok, President, Nile Drilling; Charles Dekori, Country Manager, Schlumberger South Sudan; and Michael Alier Deng, Chairman, South Sudan Petroleum Engineers and Geologists.

Speaking on the role data provision plays in driving new exploration, Dr. Abu-Elbashar stated that, “Any international company interested in blocks can approach us and get access to data and evaluate it. This is the protocol and we have already managed to get 74 companies interested in the data for South Sudan and we currently have several companies bidding for the blocks,” adding that, “The most important thing to do is adopt a strategy for the oil and gas industry in South Sudan. You need to have international oil companies come and produce oil. In that regard, we have to promote South Sudan competitively. You, therefore, have to consider fiscal and legal terms to attract companies.”

You can find oil with an old way in an old area, or a new area, but you will never be able to use an old way of looking for oil in the current situation we are in

South Sudan has produced oil for a number of years, and the success of the sector is largely attributed to the role both local and international companies have played.

“Nile drilling was established to provide drilling and integrated services to the Joint Operating Companies in South Sudan. Nile Drilling managed to acquire and purchase two drill rigs. We have a long way to go to acquire more service rigs because this industry has huge opportunities. Nile Drilling has managed to do successful operations and our performance is great. This would not happen without our reliable and technical workforce and engineers. 95% of our workforce are South Sudanese with 5% of expats from Sudan. So, operations are being run by South Sudanese,” stated Wunrok.

Meanwhile, despite production success, much of the country’s resources remain untapped. As such, the government has prioritized exploration with the aim of improving energy security and independence.

“When any investor comes to a country, the first thing is the return on investment, the second is security of investment and the third is trust. So far, there is no doubt about that here. You can go to the Minister at any time and talk to them. It is so transparent and such a vibrant system here. We are so happy to work with South Sudan and we are certainly looking forward and ahead to do something more,” stated Trivedi.

Speaking on the need to drive new exploration to capitalize on untapped reserves, Dekori stated that, “In exploration, there is a lot that has happened in the last twenty years. For us, any challenging industry is an opportunity to develop technology to drive that industry. There is a lot happening in terms of acquisition, seismic processing and surveying. You can find oil with an old way in an old area, or a new area, but you will never be able to use an old way of looking for oil in the current situation we are in. You need to be complicated in your approach when you are looking for oil. Explorers must take advantage of technologies because they are the best technologies that have come in.”

Finally, Deng emphasizes that the country is open and ready to welcome investors, adding that, “The notion that South Sudan does not have any technicians or engineers that can do the jobs is not accurate. We have 87% of locals working in the industry, most of which are technical. Let us be assured that we have people who are capable of developing and running your projects. Come and invest in South Sudan and employ the local workforce. There is no better time than now to invest in South Sudan. There is peace and stability. Seize this opportunity and invest. Let us develop our resources.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Kokma improves sanitation at Tema Station bus terminal

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The sanitation condition at the Tema lorry Station Bus Terminal in Accra has seen some improvement, Mr Samuel Nii Adjei Tawiah, Municipal Chief Executive of Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly said on Wednesday.

The MCE said that the improvement was due to the many interventions put in place to address sanitation conditions in the municipality, particularly, the Tema Station bus terminal.

The Tema station bus terminal is one of the oldest lorry stations in Accra, which serves drivers and passengers from far and near. Over time, the lorry station now has a market where food items, cloths, shoes and other items are being traded.

Sanitation condition at the lorry station was poorly managed. In the absence of a refuse bin, heaps of rubbish were gathered uncollected while traders and drivers engaged in brisk business without clearing the filth away.

Previously, traders and drivers blamed the authorities for poor management of sanitation, although they paid for refuse collection.

Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr. Samuel Nii Adjei Tawiah said the Assembly since it assumed office, noticed a gap in the sanitation situation within the municipality including the Tema station bus terminal.

He made it known that the assembly has currently taken over the management of the Tema lorry station to ensure a clean environment.

“With the new management, drivers and traders are made to pay for the refuse they generate while cleaners have been employed to sweep the premises by the close of the day.” he said

Currently, the lorry station is swept frequently while refuse containers are collected at short intervals and containers placed in the communities so that people could dump and pay.

The MCE was happy to note that measures put in place to ensure a clean environment within the municipality was making a headway.

“We realized that as an assembly we have to employ people and pay them through our Internally Generated fund (IGF) to clean the municipality. I am saying this because we have most of the ceremonial roads in our assembly so there are private contractors for example that clean the main ceremonial roads,” he said.

“Though we are also playing our part as assembly, the citizens, those who ply Tema station, also have to keep the place tidy. We will do our best but without the effort of the media, the campaign on sanitation should not be left with the Assembly alone. At least all and sundry must be on board so that we keep our transport terminal as one of the best “.

Meanwhile, traders at the lorry station, have expressed mixed reactions regarding the new development. According to some traders they no longer sweep but makes daily payment whiles others have been employed to sweep and collect the rubbish.

For others, the poor sanitation condition at the lorry station for years remained the same. Madam Patience Alabi, a food vendor at the lorry station expressed worry that despite the payment for refuse, the place continued to be in a mess.

“Tema station is too filthy, it tarnishes our image, especially when travellers get to the station. Even when the station had been swept at night, we come in the morning to sweep again as well as scrubbing our working space. The sweepers have also not been consistent as they complain about non-payment. We are always reminded of the Covid-19 which is still in existence and the volume of filth over here is disturbing.”

She pleaded with the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly to pay the cleaners well to enable them to execute their jobs well.

Mr Clement Nii Adjei, Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) station Master at the Tema-Ashaiman branch of the Tema Station lorry park also shared similar sentiments.

“There is no neatness here anymore. We are told people are paid to sweep here but we come back to the station only to find the place packed with rubbish. The sanitation problem here is too bad and nothing has changed. The stench emanating from the gutters is killing us. We are pleading with authorities to help solve the problem.”

Mr Adjeitse Kotey, also a concerned driver, appealed to authorities to close the gate of the lorry station yard to save the place from a mess. Adding, that “People defecate here indiscriminately, and we have to scrub the place at all times”

 

Meanwhile, cleaners at the lorry station have also denied allegations for not sweeping at regular times. According to them, after sweeping at night, some junkies pick rubbish from traders and drop anywhere at the station, which they said was hampering the progress of their work.

GNA

This demonstrates incompetence! – Opare Addo of the NDC dismisses Akufo-Addo for his remark on Aisha Huang

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George Opare Addo, the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC’s) national youth organizer, claims that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has demonstrated that he is simply not doing a good job.

He claims that either the president is dozing off at work or he has no idea what his duties as president of the Republic of Ghana entail.

President Akufo-Addo admitted that he was unsure whether popular Chinese gala queen Aisha Huang was deported back in 2018. Mr. Opare Addo was responding in response.

Speaking on Ho-based Stonecity Radio on Tuesday, September 13, President Akufo-Addo admitted that there is some uncertainty surrounding the resident status of Chinese national Aisha Huang, also known as En Huang, in 2018.

“When you have the situation like this woman [Aisha Huang]…I am not still sure whether she was in fact deported or whether she fled the country the first time and has now come back or whatever but there still seems to be some uncertainty about it,” he said.

But speaking on TV3‘s New Day on Wednesday, September 14, NDC’s National Youth Organiser said this is not the first time President Akufo-Addo has denied knowledge of issues that are open secrets.

“This is the same man who told us Aisha Huang was deported,” he referred to the President’s statement in 2019 at a forum at Princeton University in the United States of America.

At the forum, President Akufo-Addo indicated: “I think the decision to deport Aisha Huang in hindsight was a mistake and that is why that process and procedure is being stopped.”

“How do you marry the two? How do you understand the issues he is telling us?” Mr Opare Addo wondered.

He said having been a District Chief Executive (DCE) before, and, for that matter, the head of District Security Council (DISEC), security briefings are given regularly.

Therefore, he stressed, the President as the Commander-In-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces gets briefings more regularly.

The former Akwapim North DCE said no antics can push the Aisha Huang issue to the backburner and the revelations are only questioning the competence of the President.

“That is the mark of incompetence on the part of His Excellency the President.”

 

Kudus surpasses his previous career high as Liverpool defeats Ajax.

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The Ghanaian midfielder maintained his excellent form on Tuesday, when he silenced Anfield with an unstoppable goal.

Mohammed Kudus’ thundering goal in Ajax’s 2-1 loss to Liverpool in their Uefa Champions League match at Anfield on Tuesday set a new career high by scoring five goals in his past four games.

For Ajax, the Ghanaian midfielder started up front, and it took him until the 27th minute to make an impact when he leveled the score by smashing home a Steven Berghuis pass after Egypt striker Mohamed Salah had given Liverpool the lead in the 17th.

Kudus was found by Berghuis at the edge of the box, and the Ghanaian sent an unstoppable rocket that hit the crossbar with his left foot to make it five goals in his last four games.

It is the second Champions League goal in as many games for Kudus who also scored and provided an assist as Ajax thrashed Rangers 4-0 in Amsterdam last week.

The goal against Rangers was his second of the season after opening his 2022-23 account by netting in the 4-0 league defeat of Cambuur on September 3 and followed it up with a double in Ajax’s 5-0 mauling of Heerenveen 5-0 in an Eredivisie fixture last Saturday.

Before the goal, Kudus had caused the Liverpool backline problems with his pace in behind, his first opportunity coming after eight minutes when he drove into the box but could not find the space to shoot.

The Ghanaian had an impressive first half, ending it with an 100 per cent chance conversion rate after scoring from his only shot while he won four duels and had three touches in the opposition box.

His influenced waned in the second half as Liverpool upped the ante but he had one opportunity to score when he made another run behind the defence with 18 minutes to go only to be flagged offside.

Kudus was replaced after 86 minutes and left the pitch after managing 29 touches, three successive dribbles past opponents out of the five he attempted, while he had a 67 per cent pass accuracy after seeing eight of his 12 passes find their targets.

Kudus has quickly turned around his season after appearing to be on the way out of the club last month due to limited opportunities under coach Alfred Schreuder.

Tuesday’s match was his third straight start after playing bit-part roles in Ajax’s opening six games of the season and he is now making it harder for Schreuder to leave him out of the starting 11.

 

Blekusu Health Centre poses danger to staff, patients

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The Blekusu Health Centre in the Ketu South Municipality is in a deplorable state and continues to pose danger to the staff and patients.

A visit by the Ghana News Agency to the centre showed the over 30-year-old facility, built by the community to serve the health needs of the people, had gaping cracks all over.

One of the rooms is so dilapidated that it had been abandoned for fear of collapse, thus negatively impacting the limited space of the single block serving as the health centre.

Madam Seraphine Kusade, the Midwife In-Charge of the centre, said the building should, at least, be refurbished to make it fit for healthcare delivery as its current state was a cause of worry.

“As you can see, we have cracks all over the building. At the reproductive and child health unit, when heavy rains come, it leaks. We have been managing the situation for some time now but it’s really a challenge to us,” she said.

“We have notified the directorate about the poor state of the facility and it’s our hope that urgent attention would be given to it so we can have peace of mind to render services to the community,” Madam Kusade said.

Mr Joseph Kwami Degley, the Municipal Director of Health Services, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said the Directorate recognised the deplorable state of the health facility and had alerted key stakeholders to get a suitable place to ensure accessible and improved healthcare delivery.

“The Directorate drew the attention of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE ), chiefs, elders, and the Assembly member for Blekusu to the dilapidated state of the centre,” he said.

“It’s our recommendation that a new facility be constructed for an improved healthcare delivery to the people.”

Mr Maxwell Koffie Lugudor, the Ketu South MCE, said the Assembly was concerned about the state of the Blekusu Health Centre because of the priority it placed on the people’s health.

He reiterated the need to raise funds to refurbish it to ensure quality healthcare to the people.

 

Lights, camera, action!

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The Healing Jesus Campaigns have resumed full swing – 3 countries, and 6 cities.
It’s exciting!

The first stop, is the magnificent Port city Toamasina, East Coast of Madagascar.
The very air of the city resonated with enthusiasm and expectation as the Evangelist Dag Heward-Mills arrived with his highly organized campaign team ready to take Toamasina by storm.

The banner of Jesus flew high.

The saving Jesus.

The healing Jesus.

The miracle-working Jesus.

Yes, He showed up in Toamasina, and what glorious works were seen as the evangelist preached, taught, and ministered healing to the masses.

The Evangelist Dag Heward-Mills also spent time empowering the pastors and church workers in Toamasina during the pastors conferences held in the mornings.

The months of preparation definitely paid off. We’re eager to see what the Lord will do through the tireless efforts of the Healing Jesus campaign team in Madagascar. Stay connected for updates from the next city!

In Pictures: Healing Jesus Campaign, Toamasina, Madagascar

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