Accra, Oct. 18, GNA - Mr Ebenezer Appiah Denkyirah, Director-General of the Ghana health service (GHS), on Wednesday in Accra, launched a 47-page manual to serve as a regional reference document for Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member countries, institutions and organisations in the management of health care waste. The document provides legal, administrative and financial guidelines on daily basis for rational and responsible management of health care waste in the sub-region. The manual, which is to read, understand and implement, was developed by the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Organisation (ALCO), a sub-regional institution, mandated to help in the prevention of HIV and AIDS, facilitation of free movement of people and goods along the road linking Abidjan and Lagos, among other functions. The fight against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STDs) as well as HIV and AIDS along the Abidjan-Lagos corridor, requires a multi-dimensional approach to halt the potential risk of further spread of the disease along the stretch due to poor management of health waste. The ALCO’s intervention, therefore, covers five ECOWAS member countries: Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria. Governments of these countries have ratified the document, to affirm their commitment to ensuring the implementation of the guidelines for the proper management of health care waste in their respective countries. Mr Appiah Denkyirah said although Ghana had a similar document, its implementation had not been effective, and expressed the hope that the new manual would complement the existing one to promote best practices along this corridor. Dr Edith Clark, Programme Manager, Occupational and Environmental Health Unit, who gave highlights of the manual, said health care waste was any form of waste generated at health care facilities. She explained that health facility waste could be classified as either hazardous or non-hazardous, where the former included sharp and contaminated objects that need to be packaged separately in a coded disposal bag to prevent contamination. The manual, contains basic information about the nature, generation collection, storage, transport, treatment and disposal of health care waste hence its implementation would certainly ensure a culture of best practices at health facilities and borders to help minimise the incidence of infections of STIs as well as HIV and AIDS, Dr Clark said. According to her, it was clear that management of such waste in the sub-region was bedevilled with challenges such as ignorance among stakeholders, absence of strong policies, legal framework and weak capacity of waste management professionals, among others. Dr Clark noted that poor management of health care waste increasingly exposed medical staff and the population to an unhealthy environment and the risk of infections. She said, consequently, ALCO's interventions were focused on awareness campaign, provision of equipment for personal protection, construction of incinerators and septic tanks, and partnership with the private sector in the collection, removal and disposal of such forms of waste. Dr Clark asked stakeholders to embrace the use of the manual to ensure safe health care environment for both medical staff and patients. GNA...
Tarkwa Banso (W/R), October 18, GNA - The Esuoso Traditional Council has advised Ghana Manganese Company (GMC) Limited to desist from going further to procure the Console Number Two land for the company’s gold mining project. Nana Asare Kojo, Gyasihene of Esuoso Traditional Council, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that the company had gone on the quite about this land for their Nsuta gold mining project without consulting the traditional authorities of the Esuoso Stool Council. He said the land GMC was striving to procure include part s of Tamso, Akyempim and Akyem and was undergoing series of infrastructural development by the occupants. Nana Kojo said due to the steps the company had taken, most of the tenants who had been issued with the necessary documents covering the land had threatened to sue the traditional authorities. GNA...
Wa, Oct. 18, GNA – Nana Perbi and Friends, a group of celebrated gospel musicians, have organised a peace musical concert in the Upper West Region to promote peace, especially with the forthcoming December elections. The programme, dubbed: “Nana Perbi and Friends National Peace Musical Tour,” is under the auspices of Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin. It is being organised by Nana Perbi Group of Companies Africa Holdings, in collaboration with Stella Seal Ministries, with local support from the Sombo Lifestyle Center and Winner’s Chapel International – Wa Branch. Speaking to the media in Wa, Nana Perbi said there had been various calls by politicians, the clergy, Muslim leaders, traditional leaders and well meaning Ghanaians on the need for peaceful elections, saying the Nana Perbi and Friends Musical Tour was aimed at building on that call. He said elections across Africa had, to a large extent, been always marred by violence and anarchy but Ghana had always stood tall over the years, adding that this was the time to consolidate the achievement and continue to be a shining example to Africa and the rest of the world. Nana Perbi made a special appeal to religious and traditional leaders to influence their people to eschew acts that could undermine the conduct of this year’s elections. He also appealed to the media to help promote the peace musical tour event to enable it to achieve its intended purpose. The nationwide tour, which started from the Upper West Region, would be featuring seasoned and budding gospel artistes including Stella Seal, Amy Newman, Selina Boateng, O.J. Nicholas Omane Acheampong, DSP Kofi Sarpong, and Cece Twum. GNA...
Bawku, Oct. 18, GNA - Mr. Roland Adatuu, founder and leader of Youth Link Ghana and the Executive Board Chairman of the Yes-Ghana Youth Manifesto Coalition, has warned the youth of Bawku not to allow themselves to be used by politicians during the December polls to foment trouble. He said this when he interacted with the youth of the municipality to advise them on how to conduct themselves during the election. Mr. Adatuu said the youth had always been engaged by politicians to cause mayhem during elections, the consequences of which actions often affect the youth themselves. He pointed out that politicians from especially the two leading parties, the NDC and NPP, had often made the youth to engage in acts of violence. He noted that the youth also assisted politicians in their campaign activities and often engaged in acts of indiscipline such as careless riding, unnecessary tooting of horns and unleashing of insults on their opponents. Mr. Adatuu said the youth are the future leaders of the country and that if they allowed themselves to be misused by politicians, they would ruin their own future. He called on the youth of Bawku to exercise decorum in their speech, especially during campaigns and other party activities. GNA...
Accra, Oct. 18, GNA – Screening for the Glo Soccer Academy (GSA), commenced at the Lizzy Sports Complex in Accra on Wednesday with hundreds of teenagers showing up for the exercise. Players between the ages of 14 to 17 years displayed their skills in a bid to attract the attention of the coaches in the two day exercise. Coach Tony Baffoe, one of the technical officials for the exercise expressed satisfaction with the level of skills displayed by the teenagers adding that adding that the momentum would be sustained for the exercise in the coming weeks. “I am also delighted that parents are making time off their busy schedules to accompany their wards to the venue of the screening.” Baffoe stated. The Academy is designed to scout for talents from Nigeria, Ghana and Benin Republic. In all 33 talented finalists will be shortlisted for the Dream Team and camped in Lagos where they will be trained by celebrity coaches from West Africa and Manchester United for five weeks. The sixteen finalists who make the Dream Team will go on training tour of Manchester United Soccer School in the UK and also become Glo Ambassadors. GNA...
Accra, Oct. 16, GNA – The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has congratulated the senior national team, the Black Stars, on qualifying for the 29th Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa next year. It said the Black Stars lone goal victory over Malawi at their own back yard was a clear demonstration of their determination and commitment to make a representation at the continent’s biggest football festival. According to the statement, qualifying for the competition is just the beginning of the journey to glory, hence the team should not be swollen headed but remain focused in the attempt to restore the glory of the nation at the continental level. “We have for the past 30 years gone without any continental glory despite the many successes chalked over the years. “It is, therefore necessary for members of the technical team and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to draw up a comprehensive programme for the competition to enable the team put to up a good show at the continental show piece,” the statement noted. It also congratulated the national under-17, female team, the Black Maidens on winning the bronze medal at the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) under-17 female World Cup in Azerbaijan. It said the performance of the team gives the nation enough hope that will one day the country will conquer the continent and world in the near future. SWAG also congratulated the GFA for ensuring the successes of the two national teams and urged them to remain focused to ensure the effective execution of future assignments. GNA...
Accra, Oct. 18, GNA - The 20th edition of the annual Thome Halim Cabalan basketball memorial tournament will commence on Monday October 22, in Accra. This year’s edition marks the 20th anniversary of the death of the man, who donated the Lebanon court to the Ghana Basketball Association (GBA), which has helped to develop the game tremendously. The championship will be fought keenly between the top flight sides in both the male and female divisions in the Greater Accra League. Teams expected to competitive in this year competition include CEPS, Tema Youth, Reformers, Holy Family, Fire, Magic, Panthers and Police during the two-week period. At stake will be a giant trophy and cash prizes for winners. GNA...
Accra, Oct 18, GNA - Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, Presidential candidate of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP), on Wednesday called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to vigorously investigate allegations that foreign entities were funding political parties in the country. He said if such allegations were true, it contravened the Political Parties Law, Act 574, that prohibits foreign funding of political parties, demanding that the Electoral Commission investigate the matter properly to engender confidence in the country’s political order and to bring about transparency in the body politick of Ghana. “The EC should not take this matter lightly; it should build the capacity to handle these issues in order to bring greater transparency in our political processes so that the people can accept the outcomes of the election”. Dr Nduom who was speaking to journalists after filling his nomination papers at the EC, said foreign interest should not invest in political parties because the political entities end up doing what is consistent with the interest of the foreign entities. He said Ghanaians should not trust and vote for any political party in Ghana that does not disclose the sources of its funding, challenging his political opponents to disclose their sources of funding for accountability and transparency sake in order to protect the sovereignty of Ghana’s electoral process. The Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG) has alleged that the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) was being financed by a Chinese company, Huawei. Dr Nduom also cautioned those who intended to cheat in the polls to gear up for a show-down with the PPP, because the party would contest the EC in court to annul the results of any polling station that records even one vote more than what is on the register. “We will not allow anyone to cheat or steal in this elections and go free….So if some people thinks that a polling station is in their strong hold and wants to use that advantage to subvert the electoral process should think twice. “Those who want to cheat and steal should stand ready to face the consequences of their actions”, he declared. Dr Nduom also renewed his challenge to other contestants in the presidential race to make firm commitments to transparent and incorruptible leadership, by declaring their assets and tax obligations to Ghanaians. He reiterated that what Ghana needed to propel it to the enviable economic status was a competent and incorruptible leadership, one which the PPP would offer and bring about true progress, peace and prosperity to “Ghanaisn”. Dr Nduom said that he was committed to the principle of incorruptible leadership and had thus requested the Internal Revenue Service to furnish him with certified true copies of his income tax returns and that this would be made available to the public when he gets the document. He disclosed that he had also asked the Auditor-General to provide certified true copies of the assets report that he filed as a Minister of State and Member of Parliament and his party’s National Treasurer was working to provide the public the PPP’s financial report that would include the sources of funding for national campaign. He said PPP was a purposeful, positive and peaceful entity, saying, “Ï am happy that in this short period the party has attracted the right people for the right image”. He said “there is a silent majority who are supportive of this party and we are very confident of our chances in this elections”. “Whatever the outcome of results of the election, I would be proud of the PPP and the team it has built….And no matter the results of the elections, the PPP would keep the message of incorruptible leadership on the front burner”. GNA...
Tamale, Oct. 17, GNA – Madam Delores Dickson, Executive Director for Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED-Ghana), has suggested the need for a linkage between school curricula and the industrial field for graduates to properly integrate into the job market. She said what was being taught in our schools does not have much relevance to the job market thus creating problems in the system saying ‘there needs to be a better link between skills development, education and industry’. Madam Dickson was speaking in Tamale on Wednesday during a learning forum for national partners of CAMFED innovation bursary programme where selected young ladies were being linked to some individuals and institutions to sharpen their business ideas. She said about 30 young ladies were being assisted by her outfit on the path to successful entrepreneurship. Madam Millicent Achimboye, Business Development Manager of CAMFED, said had developed CAMFED Master Card Foundation partnership programme, a five-year pilot programme targeted at Cama members thus young women that have been trained by CAMFED. She said the programme offers an innovative approach to expose beneficiaries to new knowledge, skills, markets and financial services that will allow them to replicate business models in their communities. Madam Achimboye said the objective of the programme was to create the opportunity for potential young entrepreneurs to lead the change through innovation and diversification to be delivered with a network of partners both locally and internationally. She noted that the new innovation had established businesses in rural communities using appropriate technologies and generating new employment generated by Cama entrepreneurs adding that it ‘will become a foundation for a more vibrant local business environment’. She mentioned soap and detergent production, solar energy generation, textiles and agro-processing, mobile health servicing, crafts and catering services, Information Communication Technology /photography, bead making, fashion designing and shea butter processing as some of the business ideas that the Cama members were engaged in. Madam Achimboye said young women needed to develop good business plans to attract funding support provided by micro finance institutions. Alhassan Sohua, a young entrepreneur trained by CAMFED, said she has ventured into solar installation and selling of solar energy products to hospitals, schools and communities and making good profit and entreated more young people to develop interest in business activities to make good money for themselves. She said her products have helped most deprived communities to have access to electricity noting that the set up capital has been a major worry and appealed to organizations to support young persons interested in growing their own businesses. GNA...
Kade, Oct.18, GNA - A police prosecutor on Wednesday challenged the eligibility of a lawyer to ply his trade and dared him to produce his license in court. Police Chief Inspector, Francis Cobbina, said since Mr Osei Kwadwo Addo’s name was not on the list of lawyers permitted to practice law in 2012 published by the General Legal Council, he should not be permitted to appear for a client facing a criminal charge before the Kade District Magistrate’s court. When the Magistrate, Mr Abdul Majid Illiasu, asked the prosecutor for the grounds for the submission, he said he had the list of lawyers who had been licensed to practice in 2012. The Magistrate therefore asked Inspector Cobbina to submit the list and he later produced a Daily Graphic issue of June 17 this year, which had the names of all licensed lawyers. The magistrate then requested Mr Addo to produce his license but he replied that he left it at home. The case was then adjourned to November 08 for the lawyer to produce his valid license which allows him to practice law in Ghana. It all started when Mr Addo, who was defending Christopher Gbadasu, who stood surety for one Victoria Agboada, facing charge of “fictitious trading”, submitted that his client never entered into any agreement with the Police before Victoria was released. The lawyer called on the prosecution to prove that the surety truly entered into bail agreement (bond) of GH¢ 10,000.00 before Victoria was released. The prosecution had it that Gbadasu after signing the bond on January 07. was asked to produce Victoria on January 10 and when he failed to do so on January 13, a forfeiture of recognizance was served on him and was summoned to appear before the Court to show cause why the bond of GH¢ 10,000.00 should not be extracted from him. Chief Inspector Cobbina not satisfied with the submission of the lawyer, who is also the counsel for the Kwaebibirem District Assembly, applied to the court to ask Mr Addo to show his valid license that allows him to practice law for the year 2012. GNA...
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