Tetteh Quarshie (GN)
Story: Alice Aryeetey
TWO traditional rulers have begun an initiative to celebrate and recognise the achievement of Tetteh Quarshie in the era of cocoa production in the country.
The two rulers, Nii Nortey Owuo III,Chief of Osu and the Mamponghene, Osabarima Kwame Otu Darte III, at a ceremony to begin a yearlong programme to be held next year in memory of Tetteh Quarshie , called on the government and the people of Ghana to celebrate and commemorate Tetteh Quarshie for the honour he did the country.
Tetteh Quarshie was a pre-independence Ghanaian agriculturist who first introduced the cocoa crop to the country in 1879, by bringing its seeds on his return from Fernando Po.The crop has since been the bedrock of the country’s economy.
He had also been the most successful entrepreneur the country had ever produced.
On his return to the country, Tetteh Quarshie planted the seeds in Accra, but did not yield any fruits. He therefore decided to go back to Mampong, where he worked as a Blacksmith, to plant the cocoa beans, and that was successful.
Many equally important historic Ghanaians who have contributed to the country’s development has always been remembered and celebrated, but according to the chiefs, Tetteh Quarshie has not been given the needed commemoration.
The cocoa crop he brought to the country has been a major export crop of the Ghanaian economy.
Speaking at the ceremony, Nii Owuo III stated that cocoa had been of help to sustaining the country’s development, for which the one who first introduced it into the country needed to be remembered.
He also stated that if it had not been Tetteh Quarshie who brought the fruit to Ghana, the nation would have suffered greatly despite the oil production.
“Even if we have found oil, oil cannot do what cocoa has done for the country”, he said.
He expressed his gratitude to the Mamponghene, who brought up the initiative,and paid him (Nii Owuo III) a visit as well, to discuss how and what should be done in memory of Tetteh Quarshie.
Nii Owuo III further advised the youth of Osu and all Ghanaians to uphold the unity that had transpired between Osu and Mampong Akuapem, and to also urged other chiefs and people in the country emulate what the two chiefs of the Osu and Mampong Akuapem communities had done, since that would transform into bringing peace and unity among all ethnic groups and Ghanaians which would in turn aid in developing the country.
“This should have been done long ago, but we will start for our predecessors to continue”, he added.
Osabarima Kwame Otu Darte III stated that there was the need for a day to be set to celebrate and commemorate Tetteh Quarshie. He therefore appealed to all Ghanaians and the government to help in making that possible since Tetteh Quarshie had contributed greatly to the nation’s economic growth.
A yearlong programme had been tabulated for the celebration, but would begin with a memorial church service at Osu to mark his death. The chiefs would also meet with government officials to discuss the issue of setting a day to celebrate Tetteh Quarshie, as well as what would be done in memory of him.
In attendance was the elders and some people of the Mampong Akuapem who paid a brotherly visit to the Osu chief to plan the celebration of Tetteh Quarshie, and other sub chiefs and people of Osu.
Wednesday 28 December 2011
Thursday 8 December 2011
Mental health care in Ghana
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 650,000 Ghanaians out of the country’s total population of over 22 million are suffering from a severe mental disorder, while 2,166,000 are suffering from a moderate to mild mental disorder.
According to the WHO, with less than 14 psychiatrists in the country to take care of the huge number of people suffering from a moderate to mild and severe mental disorder, treatment of mental illness is bound to experience a serious treatment gap of 98 per cent.
Mental health is defined by the WHO as a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.
Most people consider mental illness as a disease for drug addicts and people who are demonised.
Speaking at the 2nd annual Inter-Medical school public speaking competition held in Accra on Monday, the president of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons (GCPS), Prof Dr. Dr. Sir George Wireko Brobby said one of the countless challenges confronting effective mental health service delivery in the country is the problem of stigmatisation.
He said stigmatisation had not only affected the patients, but has affected their families, as well as health workers including psychiatrists and only a few medical students are willing to take up a position in the mental health sector or major in mental health due to the stigma.
He said deep-seated stigmatisation has eroded the interest of even medical students in the field of psychiatry and unless the government is prepared to give incentives to residents of psychiatry, this condition will remain unsurmountable.
The 2nd Annual Inter-Medical school public speaking competition was organised by the Association of Ghanaian Professionals in Ireland (AGPI), in collaboration with St Patrick’s University Hospital in Ireland, St John of God Development Company, the office of the Chief Psychiatrists of the Ghana Health Service, the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons.
The theme for the debate was; A modern Mental health law coupled with increased funding for mental health services delivery is essential for accelerated national development.
The competition was aimed at promoting psychiatry as a career option for medical students in line with efforts to mobilise and inspire medical students and Ghanaian residents to consider psychiatry as a career optionadvocate for the promotion of mental health.
The schools which competed in the debate were the University of Ghana Medical School (UGMS), the University of Cape Coast School of Medical Sciences (UCCSMS),the University for Developmental Studies Medical School (UDSMS), and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology School of Medical Sciences (KNUSTSMS).
Prof. Dr. Dr. Sir Brobby said most people in the country have considered mental illness as the preserve for drug addicts and people who are demonised, adding that mental health service over the past years had also been overlooked by many people including governments.
This calls for radical steps to reform the mental health sector, a situation which justifies the one initiated by AGPI. The AGPI is an association aimed at mobilising material and human resources for development, and mobilising and inspiring Ghanaians and Africans in Ireland to enable them achieve their full potentials through education, entrepreneurship, enterprise and healthy living.
It has also been at the frontline in current efforts towards devising credible and sustainable solutions to the many problems confronting mental health in Ghana.
The Chairperson of AGPI, Dr Vincent Agyapong, urged the government to set up a Presidential Special Initiative (PSI) on Mental health and disability to radically revamp the sectors. He also called on all persons in authority to agree to and help in the enactment of the Modern health bill which is currently before parliament to be passed into law.
According to Dr Agyapong, the president should positively react to the bill by implementing its passage into law. “The president promised to be the father of all when voted to power, and no father will afford to see his children mentally ill on the streets”, he said.
All the speakers of the four medical schools challenged that with the enactment of the bill into law, most students would be encouraged to take up the course of psychiatry. They held the view that the promotion of mental health in the country would go a long way to help in the accelerated development of the country at large.
The deputy minister for education Hon Mahama Ayariga, urged other Ghanaian diaspora based organisations to emulate the AGPI to come up with initiatives and programmes that would impact on vulnerable societies across our dear nation.
UCCSMS emerged the winners of the debate,while UDSMS came second, with KNUSTSMS being adjuged third and UGMS the fourth after the competition.
Help the mentally ill.
Her clothes were tattered, her hair, dirty, brown and twisted like a nursery of sprouting seedlings.With an occasional smile and frown, she roamed bare footed on the streets, saluting anybody who cared to stare at her frightening image.
Ama Santo (not her real name) has become the street monarch of Odorkor, her appearance strikes fear into every child. Her name is nightmare for disobedient children and a parent’s triumph card for children who refuse to obey instruction. In a good mood, she is the street sweeper, the dancer and the comedian whose rumblings split lungs.
Like Ama, there are many mentally derailed people in our communities with no attempt to get them off the street. If not their families, the state has closed its eyes on them and allowed them to waste their productive years on the streets and in drains.
In the recent past, it was unusual to see many mentally ill men and women on our streets. They were either taken to the hospital or kept at home in order not to bring shame to the family.
This trend has changed so significantly that at every corner of the street you find yourself in Accra, you would definitely meet a number of “mad men” either lying down on the street, looking so dirty and sometimes naked or you would find them picking foods from the gutters and even on rubbish heaps.
Many mentally ill men have been abandoned by their families and left homeless and destitute. They do not eat or sleep in good environments, which put their lives in danger.
It is so pathetic to see your fellow brother, sister, mother, or father in that kind of devastating state.
The influx of mentally ill on the streets is a growing phenomenon in our dear motherland, in which the street has become the home and hospital of these ill persons.
Several factors have paved way for this depressing development.
One of the countless challenges confronting effective mental health service delivery in the country is the problem of stigmatisation. Stigmatisation had not affected only the patients, but has affected their families as well as health workers including psychiatrists.
Stigmatisation has worn the interest of even medical students in the field of psychiatry, unless the government is prepared to give incentives to residents of psychiatry.Only a few medical students want to take up a position or major in the mental health sector due to the stigma attached to it.
Most people in the country consider mental illness as the preserve for drug addicts and people who are demonised. Mental health service over the past years had also been overlooked by many people including governments.
The WHO estimates that approximately 650,000 persons in Ghana suffer from a severe mental disorder and further 2.17 million from moderate to mild mental disorders with a treatment gap of 98% of the affected population.
Mental health care in Ghana is based in the South, while that of the North, I read about in a publication on the website of Basic Needs Ghana, an NGO, is non-existent; There were only few beds in the regional hospitals, with no psychiatrists, or just a few nurses to cater for them. Thus making all serious cases to be sent to the hospital in Accra for treatment.
Even in Accra, there is over reliance on psychiatric hospitals to treat mentally ill people, and they are also relied on to deliver services for the whole country.
Anytime matters or issues of development are being discussed, the mentally deranged persons on our streets are forgotten about. These “mad men” on the streets poses threats to commuters or people who walk on the streets.
Ghana’s 1972 mental health decree strongly emphasised institutional care to the detriment of providing mental health care in primary health care settings, contradictory to both national and international policy directives.
The modern mental health bill which protects the rights of people with mental disorders and promotes mental health care in the country in accordance with international human rights standards which has been developed and currently before parliament to be passed into law, would go a long way to develop the country.
This bill, if enacted into law would help improve mental health care in the country, and encourage more health professionals and medical students to enter the mental health sector. The Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) even failed to recognise this perturbing situation. Most people have forgotten that unhealthy people would translate into an unhealthy nation, therefore the quest to eradicate poverty in the system would remain futile if proper mental health care is absent in the system. This is because mentally derailed persons are not allowed to work to increase productivity and contribute to the development of the country.
Mentally ill men have been left hovering around the streets posing danger to commuters and themselves as well.
Many have forgotten that these “mad men” were born like each one of us by a woman, who bore her in her womb for nine good months just like any of us.
The declaration on the rights of mentally retarded persons, proclaimed by the General Assembly resolution 2856 (XXVI) of December 20, 1971 indicates that the mentally retarded person has a right to economic security and to a decent standard of living. He has a right to perform productive work or to engage in any other meaningful occupation to the fullest possible extent of his capabilities.
This is something which is missing in some parts of Africa especially Ghana. Only a few number of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and individuals have taken it upon themselves to help save the lives of these mad men on the streets, and make them feel useful in the community.
Ghanaians who have disregard for the mentally ill patients on the streets should always remember that they (“mad men”) were once like them, and in every mad man, there is a potential drug addict, and slayer who can be the good cause of social vices and destruction of good things in the society.
If they have nothing to eat and go very hungry, they would turn to robbing people in the society to get food, or pick foods from the dirty gutters, which is harmful to their health.
The sleeping places of these people are nothing to write home about; some sleep in the middle of streets, others in deserted damaged cars full of mosquitoes which affect the health of these vulnerable and ignorant ones.
The government must give the due support to organizations such as the Association of Ghanaian Professionals in Ireland (AGPI), and individuals who have put forth resources to help curb this sticky situation.
Friday 2 December 2011
Lands in the capital not well managed---- Minister tells chiefs
THE Greater Accra Regional minster, Nii Armah Ashietey, has said chiefs in the region are the poorest among other chiefs in the country because they have not managed the lands in the national capital well.
According to him, lands in the national capital should have been the most expensive and hard to acquire.
In addition, he said, money or revenue generated from the sale of such lands could be used for developmental projects in the region.
He made these statements at a one-day special assembly meeting of the Ga South Municipal Assembly.
During the meeting at which the former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the assembly, Sheriff Nii Otoo Dodoo, officially handed over documents to him to oversee the affairs of the municipal, following the president’s order after revoking the MCE from office.
Hon Ashietey commended the former MCE for doing his best to deliver the required services to the assembly.
He was optimistic that the next person to be appointed would deliver good services to help in the development of the municipality.
He also advised the assembly members to cooperate with the situation and join hands to help move the municipal forward.
Hon Sheriff called on the assembly members to give support to whoever was appointed to the position and promised that he wouldn always support in the development of the assembly anytime he is called upon to do so.
Hon Sheriff also thanked the assembly members for giving him the due support while he was in office, and apologised to any person he might have offended during his tenure.
Most assembly members of the various areas in the municipality complained of poor sanitation, lack of facilities to convey garbage, tools for clean-up exercises, and mobilisation allowances which have not been forthcoming.
They therefore called on the government to come to the aid of the assemblies by giving them the maximum financial support needed to help in their development which would in turn be for the betterment and development of the country at large.
Picture: Hon Sheriff Nii Otoo Dodoo handing over document to the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon Nii Armah Ashietey.Looking on is the Presiding member of the assembly.
According to him, lands in the national capital should have been the most expensive and hard to acquire.
In addition, he said, money or revenue generated from the sale of such lands could be used for developmental projects in the region.
He made these statements at a one-day special assembly meeting of the Ga South Municipal Assembly.
During the meeting at which the former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the assembly, Sheriff Nii Otoo Dodoo, officially handed over documents to him to oversee the affairs of the municipal, following the president’s order after revoking the MCE from office.
Hon Ashietey commended the former MCE for doing his best to deliver the required services to the assembly.
He was optimistic that the next person to be appointed would deliver good services to help in the development of the municipality.
He also advised the assembly members to cooperate with the situation and join hands to help move the municipal forward.
Hon Sheriff called on the assembly members to give support to whoever was appointed to the position and promised that he wouldn always support in the development of the assembly anytime he is called upon to do so.
Hon Sheriff also thanked the assembly members for giving him the due support while he was in office, and apologised to any person he might have offended during his tenure.
Most assembly members of the various areas in the municipality complained of poor sanitation, lack of facilities to convey garbage, tools for clean-up exercises, and mobilisation allowances which have not been forthcoming.
They therefore called on the government to come to the aid of the assemblies by giving them the maximum financial support needed to help in their development which would in turn be for the betterment and development of the country at large.
Picture: Hon Sheriff Nii Otoo Dodoo handing over document to the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon Nii Armah Ashietey.Looking on is the Presiding member of the assembly.
Credit Unions to Devise strategies for competition.
1/12/11
Credit Union (Finance)
Story: Alice Aryeetey
Credit unions have been urged to devise strategies to stay ahead of the competition they face from the formal financial institutions.
According to the Metro Director of Cooperatives Department, Mr John K.Nyarko, the competition should provide an impetus for credit unions to devise strategies to attain their targets which are being wooed by the formal institutions, in the fields of both urban and rural financial inter mediation.
He disclosed this at the 5th Annual General Meeting of the Associated Teachers Co-operative Credit Union Limited (ATCCUL) in Accra today(Thursday).
The ATCCUL, since its inception has had an aim of empowering its members by providing a means of self-help and mutual help, which would have a positive and lasting impact on the members’ livelihoods through improvements in their conditions of living, through savings and borrowing activities.
Mr Nyarko advised that credit unions adhere strictly to their lending policies. He stated that when members of the union borrow against their savings, and a charge is placed on such savings, such members are still allowed to withdraw their savings.
This, he said threatens the liquidity situation of credit unions and prevent the satisfaction of the needs of members in need.
According to Mr Nyarko, the empowerment of the members can be created only through the collaboration of the various players in the credit union industry. “There must be integration of our individual efforts in order for us to achieve our collective goal of life time benefits for each other”, he added.
He further stated that the union needs to stay in touch with the members and not become unspecified with growth in business and membership, because the members must derive tangible benefits in order to want to continue to belong to and sell the credit union idea to others.
The General Manager of Credit Unions Association (CUA), Mr Emmanuel Darko made said the social and economic waves blowing throughout the country calls for credit unions to sharpen their managerial and technical skills to be more competitive and be able to keep abreast with time.
He entreated all credit unions to examine the need to increase the capital base, profitability, and improve liquidity to be able to meet demand of members at the right time, and increase membership base.
Mr Darko advised members of the ATCCUL to examine their expenditure patterns, and learn how to use money profitably for the benefit of the next generation to come.
The ATCCUL, was formed in 1996 to help both teachers and the general public to gain resources from the union to reduce poverty and ensure a sustainable livelihood for their dependents through the co-operative credit union concept. The union currently have a membership of 1004, comprising of teachers, traders, and people from other business sectors.
Credit Union (Finance)
Story: Alice Aryeetey
Credit unions have been urged to devise strategies to stay ahead of the competition they face from the formal financial institutions.
According to the Metro Director of Cooperatives Department, Mr John K.Nyarko, the competition should provide an impetus for credit unions to devise strategies to attain their targets which are being wooed by the formal institutions, in the fields of both urban and rural financial inter mediation.
He disclosed this at the 5th Annual General Meeting of the Associated Teachers Co-operative Credit Union Limited (ATCCUL) in Accra today(Thursday).
The ATCCUL, since its inception has had an aim of empowering its members by providing a means of self-help and mutual help, which would have a positive and lasting impact on the members’ livelihoods through improvements in their conditions of living, through savings and borrowing activities.
Mr Nyarko advised that credit unions adhere strictly to their lending policies. He stated that when members of the union borrow against their savings, and a charge is placed on such savings, such members are still allowed to withdraw their savings.
This, he said threatens the liquidity situation of credit unions and prevent the satisfaction of the needs of members in need.
According to Mr Nyarko, the empowerment of the members can be created only through the collaboration of the various players in the credit union industry. “There must be integration of our individual efforts in order for us to achieve our collective goal of life time benefits for each other”, he added.
He further stated that the union needs to stay in touch with the members and not become unspecified with growth in business and membership, because the members must derive tangible benefits in order to want to continue to belong to and sell the credit union idea to others.
The General Manager of Credit Unions Association (CUA), Mr Emmanuel Darko made said the social and economic waves blowing throughout the country calls for credit unions to sharpen their managerial and technical skills to be more competitive and be able to keep abreast with time.
He entreated all credit unions to examine the need to increase the capital base, profitability, and improve liquidity to be able to meet demand of members at the right time, and increase membership base.
Mr Darko advised members of the ATCCUL to examine their expenditure patterns, and learn how to use money profitably for the benefit of the next generation to come.
The ATCCUL, was formed in 1996 to help both teachers and the general public to gain resources from the union to reduce poverty and ensure a sustainable livelihood for their dependents through the co-operative credit union concept. The union currently have a membership of 1004, comprising of teachers, traders, and people from other business sectors.
500 Farmers gets sponsorship
MTN-ESOKO (Agric)
Story:Alice Aryeetey, Ada
Five hundred farmers in the country have received sponsorship from MTN in partnership with Esoko, to be trained on the use and benefits of the Esoko Information Product.
The Esoko Information Product is a platform which provides current market data via Short Messaging Service (SMS) and the web to stakeholders within the agriculture and trade sectors in developing countries.
Esoko is a technology-based Market Information System (MIS) classified as agricultural informatics or e-agriculture. It provides agricultural stakeholders like farmers and traders with information such as prices, and a platform for advertising, and negotiating (buy/sell) offers, and facilitates direct marketing campaigns using SMS.
The initiative, dubbed MTN farmerfirst, would provide a unique opportunity and platform for farmers and agricultural enterprises to have vital information on how much to sell and where to sell their produce, to be able to conduct their business efficiently, via SMS.
The 500 farmers were selected from the Dangbe East, Samsam Odumase (Ga West) and Akuapim South farming Districts, and they would enjoy free SMS subscription to Esoko’s market information for one year.
The farmerfirst initiative is aimed at giving all farmers across the country the opportunity to properly market their harvest to a greater buyer audience.
Access to ready and up to date information, proper storage, transportation of agricultural produce to market centres, as well as getting competitive prices for the products have been major challenges that farmers face in the country.
The farm produce, as a result of these problems do not get onto the market in a good state for human consumption, and sometimes contributes to the loss of the farmers.
At the launch of the project in Ada-Kasseh in the Greater Accra Region yesterday (Wednesday), the Corporate Services Executive (CSE) of MTN, Mrs Cynthia Lumor, said MTN partnered with Esoko to address these problems to help increase productivity in the agriculture sector, which would in turn boost the economy and lead to development.
She was optimistic that the price and advertising information would avoid post-harvest losses;thereby improving their lot.
Customers or farmers can request for information such as Price alerts, Bids and Offers, News and Advisories information through the short code 1900 at a cost of 8 pesewas. Other services available on the platform include Polls, Inventory counts, and transport information.
According to the Deputy Minister for Local Government and Rural development, Mr Aquinas Quansah, the initiative was a laudable one since it would assist farmers in making beneficial economic decisions and help to reduce the amount of time they spend commuting to different markets to inquire about the price of their products.
“If this technology is fully embraced, the total life cycle of food production and distribution will become more efficient”, he added.
Mr Quansah noted that the government would assist the farmer in maximising the full benefits due him on his farming activities.
Story:Alice Aryeetey, Ada
Five hundred farmers in the country have received sponsorship from MTN in partnership with Esoko, to be trained on the use and benefits of the Esoko Information Product.
The Esoko Information Product is a platform which provides current market data via Short Messaging Service (SMS) and the web to stakeholders within the agriculture and trade sectors in developing countries.
Esoko is a technology-based Market Information System (MIS) classified as agricultural informatics or e-agriculture. It provides agricultural stakeholders like farmers and traders with information such as prices, and a platform for advertising, and negotiating (buy/sell) offers, and facilitates direct marketing campaigns using SMS.
The initiative, dubbed MTN farmerfirst, would provide a unique opportunity and platform for farmers and agricultural enterprises to have vital information on how much to sell and where to sell their produce, to be able to conduct their business efficiently, via SMS.
The 500 farmers were selected from the Dangbe East, Samsam Odumase (Ga West) and Akuapim South farming Districts, and they would enjoy free SMS subscription to Esoko’s market information for one year.
The farmerfirst initiative is aimed at giving all farmers across the country the opportunity to properly market their harvest to a greater buyer audience.
Access to ready and up to date information, proper storage, transportation of agricultural produce to market centres, as well as getting competitive prices for the products have been major challenges that farmers face in the country.
The farm produce, as a result of these problems do not get onto the market in a good state for human consumption, and sometimes contributes to the loss of the farmers.
At the launch of the project in Ada-Kasseh in the Greater Accra Region yesterday (Wednesday), the Corporate Services Executive (CSE) of MTN, Mrs Cynthia Lumor, said MTN partnered with Esoko to address these problems to help increase productivity in the agriculture sector, which would in turn boost the economy and lead to development.
She was optimistic that the price and advertising information would avoid post-harvest losses;thereby improving their lot.
Customers or farmers can request for information such as Price alerts, Bids and Offers, News and Advisories information through the short code 1900 at a cost of 8 pesewas. Other services available on the platform include Polls, Inventory counts, and transport information.
According to the Deputy Minister for Local Government and Rural development, Mr Aquinas Quansah, the initiative was a laudable one since it would assist farmers in making beneficial economic decisions and help to reduce the amount of time they spend commuting to different markets to inquire about the price of their products.
“If this technology is fully embraced, the total life cycle of food production and distribution will become more efficient”, he added.
Mr Quansah noted that the government would assist the farmer in maximising the full benefits due him on his farming activities.
Wednesday 30 November 2011
Ghana, China sign agreement on military supplies
Military Collaboration (Security agencies)
Story: Alice Aryeetey
GHANA and China have signed an agreement for a military collaboration for the supply of military facilities and other equipment to the former to help strengthen its knowledge-based capacity in peace-keeping initiatives.
Under the partnership, there would be military training exchange programmes between the two countries for the benefit of drawing lessons from their respective sectors for purposes of embarking on peace-keeping programmes.
Ghana’s Minister of Defence, Lt Gen J.H. Smith, signed on behalf of the Government of Ghana while the General State Counsellor and Minister of National Defence of the People’s Republic of China, Gen Liang Guanglie, initialled for his country.
Gen Guanglie arrived in the country on Tuesday with a 21-member delegation for a three-day official visit. He laid wreaths at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum in Accra yesterday in honour of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President.
According to him, there is the need to intensify the existing friendship between the two countries in the areas of promoting peace and unity for which reason he recommended a collaboration between the defence ministries of the two countries.
Lt. Gen. Smith for his part was optimistic that the visit of his Chinese counterpart which was the first to the country would yield the needed results for their mutual benefit and expressed gratitude to the delegation for the visit.
There was an exchange of gifts by the two ministers after a closed-door bilateral talks on issues of national security. A stool, a piece of Kente, as well as some cocoa products, were presented to Gen Guanglie as a gift. Gen Guanglie in return presented a Chinese artwork to Lt. Gen Smith.
The Chinese delegation later toured the ministry’s museum to explore the tools and some attires used by some past military men, and the pictures of great men and women who fought and stood in for peace to prevail in the country.
Story: Alice Aryeetey
GHANA and China have signed an agreement for a military collaboration for the supply of military facilities and other equipment to the former to help strengthen its knowledge-based capacity in peace-keeping initiatives.
Under the partnership, there would be military training exchange programmes between the two countries for the benefit of drawing lessons from their respective sectors for purposes of embarking on peace-keeping programmes.
Ghana’s Minister of Defence, Lt Gen J.H. Smith, signed on behalf of the Government of Ghana while the General State Counsellor and Minister of National Defence of the People’s Republic of China, Gen Liang Guanglie, initialled for his country.
Gen Guanglie arrived in the country on Tuesday with a 21-member delegation for a three-day official visit. He laid wreaths at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum in Accra yesterday in honour of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President.
According to him, there is the need to intensify the existing friendship between the two countries in the areas of promoting peace and unity for which reason he recommended a collaboration between the defence ministries of the two countries.
Lt. Gen. Smith for his part was optimistic that the visit of his Chinese counterpart which was the first to the country would yield the needed results for their mutual benefit and expressed gratitude to the delegation for the visit.
There was an exchange of gifts by the two ministers after a closed-door bilateral talks on issues of national security. A stool, a piece of Kente, as well as some cocoa products, were presented to Gen Guanglie as a gift. Gen Guanglie in return presented a Chinese artwork to Lt. Gen Smith.
The Chinese delegation later toured the ministry’s museum to explore the tools and some attires used by some past military men, and the pictures of great men and women who fought and stood in for peace to prevail in the country.
Agreement (Energy)
Story: Alice Aryeetey
THE Ministry of Energy has signed an agreement with three local manufacturing companies for the supply of GH¢80,000,000 worth of electrical cables and conductors for the implementation of the Self-Help Electrification Programme (SHEP).
The three local companies are Tropical Cables and Conductor Limited, Reroy Cables Limited and Nexans Kabelmetal (Gh) Limited.
Those who signed the agreement were Dr Joe Oteng-Adjei, the sector minister, who signed on behalf of the ministry; Mr J.B. Quartey Papafio, for Reroy cables; Mr Martin Borovsky and Mr Aaron Sagoe, for Nexans Kabelmetal (Gh) Limited; and Mr Tony Oteng Gyasi, for Tropical Cables.
The extension of electricity infrastructure is the major objective of the government’s poverty reduction and growth agenda to support the operation of productive ventures, social projects and activities, especially in the rural areas.
It is anticipated that the extension of electricity would be a source of accelerated growth, poverty reduction and general prosperity to the people of Ghana.
According to Dr Oteng-Adjei, the active involvement of Ghanaians in the extension of electricity to rural areas through local content and participation would help create jobs.
That, he said, would also be a great source of income for jobless young graduates from the polytechnics and universities.
The National Electrification Scheme (NES), which is the vehicle for attaining the government’s major objective, commenced in 1990, with the aim of extending the reach of reliable electricity supply to all parts of the country over a 30-year period.
The SHEP was put on board to complement the NES to ensure that communities are connected to the national grid provided the communities fall within 20 km radius of an existing medium voltage (MV) network, among other things.
Dr Oteng-Adjei stated that 789 communities in the regions had ongoing projects to be completed under the programme.
“The project is being funded by a credit facility from the Trust Bank, and the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO), another local entity expected to supply molten aluminium that will be used for the manufacture of these cables,” he said.
The three companies were urged to seize the opportunity to prove to all that given the chance Ghanaian companies could deliver timeously and at competitive prices.
The minister said if it was discovered that the conductors and cables for the project were not made by the companies in Ghana, legal proceedings would be taken against them and their contract terminated.
The representatives of the three companies expressed their gratitude to the government and the Ministry of Energy, and assured the people of Ghana that they would produce good cables.
Story: Alice Aryeetey
THE Ministry of Energy has signed an agreement with three local manufacturing companies for the supply of GH¢80,000,000 worth of electrical cables and conductors for the implementation of the Self-Help Electrification Programme (SHEP).
The three local companies are Tropical Cables and Conductor Limited, Reroy Cables Limited and Nexans Kabelmetal (Gh) Limited.
Those who signed the agreement were Dr Joe Oteng-Adjei, the sector minister, who signed on behalf of the ministry; Mr J.B. Quartey Papafio, for Reroy cables; Mr Martin Borovsky and Mr Aaron Sagoe, for Nexans Kabelmetal (Gh) Limited; and Mr Tony Oteng Gyasi, for Tropical Cables.
The extension of electricity infrastructure is the major objective of the government’s poverty reduction and growth agenda to support the operation of productive ventures, social projects and activities, especially in the rural areas.
It is anticipated that the extension of electricity would be a source of accelerated growth, poverty reduction and general prosperity to the people of Ghana.
According to Dr Oteng-Adjei, the active involvement of Ghanaians in the extension of electricity to rural areas through local content and participation would help create jobs.
That, he said, would also be a great source of income for jobless young graduates from the polytechnics and universities.
The National Electrification Scheme (NES), which is the vehicle for attaining the government’s major objective, commenced in 1990, with the aim of extending the reach of reliable electricity supply to all parts of the country over a 30-year period.
The SHEP was put on board to complement the NES to ensure that communities are connected to the national grid provided the communities fall within 20 km radius of an existing medium voltage (MV) network, among other things.
Dr Oteng-Adjei stated that 789 communities in the regions had ongoing projects to be completed under the programme.
“The project is being funded by a credit facility from the Trust Bank, and the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO), another local entity expected to supply molten aluminium that will be used for the manufacture of these cables,” he said.
The three companies were urged to seize the opportunity to prove to all that given the chance Ghanaian companies could deliver timeously and at competitive prices.
The minister said if it was discovered that the conductors and cables for the project were not made by the companies in Ghana, legal proceedings would be taken against them and their contract terminated.
The representatives of the three companies expressed their gratitude to the government and the Ministry of Energy, and assured the people of Ghana that they would produce good cables.
Contractors (commodities)
Story: Alice Aryeetey
A regulatory framework designed to enhance the image of the construction industry in Ghana is to be established.
The regulatory framework would be a specific response to the general tune of promoting sustainable growth in the sector along the country’s development path, and would provide appropriate legislation for driving best practices in the sector.
The Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors of Ghana (ABCECG), that is spearheading the process has called on the Government’s support in that regard.
The construction industry in Ghana holds the key to the development of the nation, but has been left alone without much attention.
It also contributes to national socio-economic development by providing significant employment opportunities to both the skilled and non-skilled.
It also provides the infrastructure and facilities such as schools, factories, and shops, housing, hospitals, and buildings for national communications network, required for other sectors of the economy to grow.
According to the General secretary of the construction and building materials workers union of Ghana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), Mr Pius Quainoo,the commercial exploitation of oil and gas will stimulate demands in the building and construction industry, and business, as usual cannot take Ghana to the new level of anticipated development.
At a sensitisation forum in Accra by the ABCECG, on the establishment of the regulatory body for the construction industry in Ghana,he said the circumstances in the building and construction sector needs change and improvement.
According to him the Construction Industry Development Board I envisage for Ghana should be a regulator that is insulated from Ministerial control.
“A regulatory framework is required to enhance the image of the sector which has sunk too low”, he added.
Mr Quainoo, said Ghana needs an independent multi-stakeholder regulatory body just as all progressive countries have done for the sector. He advised that the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) should be assigned with a specific agenda and provided with necessary resources and a clearly defined mandate to oversee the development of the industry.
The construction and Building Materials Workers Union of the GTUC proposed that the CIDB should be composed of State Owned Institutions, Private Sector Organisations, Trade unions, and Client Organisations.
He further said that labour representation should not be left out of the composition of the CIDB for Ghana when the law is been put together. “No entity could represent labour better than itself as the largest single civil society organisation”, he added.
The Deputy Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing, Dr Mustapha Ahmed, said it is relevant for all stakeholders to support this subject, because it would help address the challenges faced by the association.
He assured the Association that government has taken the lead in showing commitment in the formulation of policies and establishing institutions to support this cause and make the regulatory body sustainable when set up.
Story: Alice Aryeetey
A regulatory framework designed to enhance the image of the construction industry in Ghana is to be established.
The regulatory framework would be a specific response to the general tune of promoting sustainable growth in the sector along the country’s development path, and would provide appropriate legislation for driving best practices in the sector.
The Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors of Ghana (ABCECG), that is spearheading the process has called on the Government’s support in that regard.
The construction industry in Ghana holds the key to the development of the nation, but has been left alone without much attention.
It also contributes to national socio-economic development by providing significant employment opportunities to both the skilled and non-skilled.
It also provides the infrastructure and facilities such as schools, factories, and shops, housing, hospitals, and buildings for national communications network, required for other sectors of the economy to grow.
According to the General secretary of the construction and building materials workers union of Ghana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), Mr Pius Quainoo,the commercial exploitation of oil and gas will stimulate demands in the building and construction industry, and business, as usual cannot take Ghana to the new level of anticipated development.
At a sensitisation forum in Accra by the ABCECG, on the establishment of the regulatory body for the construction industry in Ghana,he said the circumstances in the building and construction sector needs change and improvement.
According to him the Construction Industry Development Board I envisage for Ghana should be a regulator that is insulated from Ministerial control.
“A regulatory framework is required to enhance the image of the sector which has sunk too low”, he added.
Mr Quainoo, said Ghana needs an independent multi-stakeholder regulatory body just as all progressive countries have done for the sector. He advised that the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) should be assigned with a specific agenda and provided with necessary resources and a clearly defined mandate to oversee the development of the industry.
The construction and Building Materials Workers Union of the GTUC proposed that the CIDB should be composed of State Owned Institutions, Private Sector Organisations, Trade unions, and Client Organisations.
He further said that labour representation should not be left out of the composition of the CIDB for Ghana when the law is been put together. “No entity could represent labour better than itself as the largest single civil society organisation”, he added.
The Deputy Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing, Dr Mustapha Ahmed, said it is relevant for all stakeholders to support this subject, because it would help address the challenges faced by the association.
He assured the Association that government has taken the lead in showing commitment in the formulation of policies and establishing institutions to support this cause and make the regulatory body sustainable when set up.
Two dead (Courts &Crime)
Story: Alice Aryeetey
Residents of Black Smith near Laterbiokorshie in Accra are in a state of fear and shock over the mysterious death of two persons whose body was found in the area in two successive weeks.
The latest to have raised eyebrows is Septuagenarian, Samuel Nartey,aged 75, who was found dead last Saturday with blood stains on his body and shirt.
The deceased, identified by some residents as Foyoo, a landlord, was said to have left home on Friday morning to sign a tenancy agreement with one of his tenants at Gbawe in Accra but never returned until his body was found.
Although the residents claimed the incident was the second in two weeks, the Mamprobi police said last Saturday’s incident was the only one reported to it.
A polythene bag, and a receipt with the amount of GHC1400 signed on it was found beside the body. There was, however, no money in the polythene bag.
According to a tenant, known as Aunty Kukua, who lives in the same house with the deceased, he left the house on Friday morning to meet someone in one of his houses at Gbawe.
“He did not come back until this morning that we have found his dead body”, she said.
This was corroborated by another resident, Nii Boye, a close friend of the deceased,who said Foyoo left the house to sign a tenancy agreement and to take an amount money from someone who wanted to rent a room in one of his house at Gbawe, in Accra.
The residents alleged that the people who killed the man might have taken the money away and might have done so because of the money, and said that they suspect the person who gave the money to the man to be the one who killed him.
Even though the Mamprobi Police confirmed the story, a police officer who spoke to the Daily Graphic anonymously, said the station was not aware of the earlier incident involving an unidentified young man who was also found dead in a similarfashion.
The source said the family members of the dead man came to report that the old man was lying dead near the street at Blacksmith, so they would start investigations after a post mortem had been done to know if the man was murdered or he died a natural death.
As part of enhancing security in the area,the source told the Daily Graphic that they would intensify police patrol there, and would engage the residents in the area to help the police in combating crime in the area.
The source said the residents would be encouraged to form a watch dog committee in order to safeguard the area, and alert the police anytime they had a problem.
The police officer also advised Ghanaians to be careful anytime they go out in the evening, and advised that people should not stay out longer in the nights if they were alone, since crime rate or killing of people increase during Christmas or when it is getting closer to December.
Picture: The Deceased and the polythene found beside him at Blacksmith.
Story: Alice Aryeetey
Residents of Black Smith near Laterbiokorshie in Accra are in a state of fear and shock over the mysterious death of two persons whose body was found in the area in two successive weeks.
The latest to have raised eyebrows is Septuagenarian, Samuel Nartey,aged 75, who was found dead last Saturday with blood stains on his body and shirt.
The deceased, identified by some residents as Foyoo, a landlord, was said to have left home on Friday morning to sign a tenancy agreement with one of his tenants at Gbawe in Accra but never returned until his body was found.
Although the residents claimed the incident was the second in two weeks, the Mamprobi police said last Saturday’s incident was the only one reported to it.
A polythene bag, and a receipt with the amount of GHC1400 signed on it was found beside the body. There was, however, no money in the polythene bag.
According to a tenant, known as Aunty Kukua, who lives in the same house with the deceased, he left the house on Friday morning to meet someone in one of his houses at Gbawe.
“He did not come back until this morning that we have found his dead body”, she said.
This was corroborated by another resident, Nii Boye, a close friend of the deceased,who said Foyoo left the house to sign a tenancy agreement and to take an amount money from someone who wanted to rent a room in one of his house at Gbawe, in Accra.
The residents alleged that the people who killed the man might have taken the money away and might have done so because of the money, and said that they suspect the person who gave the money to the man to be the one who killed him.
Even though the Mamprobi Police confirmed the story, a police officer who spoke to the Daily Graphic anonymously, said the station was not aware of the earlier incident involving an unidentified young man who was also found dead in a similarfashion.
The source said the family members of the dead man came to report that the old man was lying dead near the street at Blacksmith, so they would start investigations after a post mortem had been done to know if the man was murdered or he died a natural death.
As part of enhancing security in the area,the source told the Daily Graphic that they would intensify police patrol there, and would engage the residents in the area to help the police in combating crime in the area.
The source said the residents would be encouraged to form a watch dog committee in order to safeguard the area, and alert the police anytime they had a problem.
The police officer also advised Ghanaians to be careful anytime they go out in the evening, and advised that people should not stay out longer in the nights if they were alone, since crime rate or killing of people increase during Christmas or when it is getting closer to December.
Picture: The Deceased and the polythene found beside him at Blacksmith.
Thursday 10 November 2011
(Bortianor Island) Fisherfolk turn landing site into permanent abode
Story and picture: Alice Aryeetey
A large number of people have abandoned their homes to live on a land between the sea and a river near Tsokomey, an area at Bortianor, in the Ga west municipality in the Greater Accra Region.
Anytime the sea and river overflow due to heavy rainfall, the people living on this island, popularly known as "Faa naa" lose their property but they are not dispirited enough to go back to their hometowns.
After the recent heavy rainfall, the river overflowed its banks and destroyed the structures, (huts and mud houses) that serve as homes for the people.
Some natives of Tsokomey said efforts made to evacuate the people had been unsuccessful .
The Solo Wulomo of Bortianor, Numo Commey V, a custodian of the land, said the land was given to some fishermen from Anloga in the Volta region so many years ago to use as a place of collating their catch and to have some rest after fishing before going back to their hometown.
The women that lived there at first, also smoked the fish to preserve them before it gets to the hinterland. They, therefore, built a few huts which they used as their sleeping place along the shores of the sea.
Currently, the place has become a big town, where people from Ada, Keta, and other towns in the Volta Region are living with their wives and children.
Some of the people, who have houses at Bortianor and Accra, have also left the comfort of their homes to this hazardous community where there is no potable water, electricity, hospital or school.
The children in this community always have to cross the river to the nearby town to school. Due to the non-existence of a hospital on this land, pregnant women deliver on canoes while they are been transported to the clinic in the nearby town and others also die on their way to the hospital.
Interestingly, women are forbidden from bearing children on the island, and it is also a taboo for one to die on the land.
When a woman is close to her delivery time or month, she has to move to another town to give birth before coming back to Faa naa.
Similarly, When a person dies, the family or household from which the person comes from is fined a sum of money and asked to provide a goat, bottles of schnapps, and pipes to perform some ritual to appease the gods of the sea.
Some of the people of the island who spoke to the Daily Graphic said that they had been living there for so many years and raised their families there, and therefore did not have anywhere to go if they were asked to leave.
Pix 1. A Hut of a resident collapsed by the flood
pix 2. The huts that have been built in between the river and the sea.
A large number of people have abandoned their homes to live on a land between the sea and a river near Tsokomey, an area at Bortianor, in the Ga west municipality in the Greater Accra Region.
Anytime the sea and river overflow due to heavy rainfall, the people living on this island, popularly known as "Faa naa" lose their property but they are not dispirited enough to go back to their hometowns.
After the recent heavy rainfall, the river overflowed its banks and destroyed the structures, (huts and mud houses) that serve as homes for the people.
Some natives of Tsokomey said efforts made to evacuate the people had been unsuccessful .
The Solo Wulomo of Bortianor, Numo Commey V, a custodian of the land, said the land was given to some fishermen from Anloga in the Volta region so many years ago to use as a place of collating their catch and to have some rest after fishing before going back to their hometown.
The women that lived there at first, also smoked the fish to preserve them before it gets to the hinterland. They, therefore, built a few huts which they used as their sleeping place along the shores of the sea.
Currently, the place has become a big town, where people from Ada, Keta, and other towns in the Volta Region are living with their wives and children.
Some of the people, who have houses at Bortianor and Accra, have also left the comfort of their homes to this hazardous community where there is no potable water, electricity, hospital or school.
The children in this community always have to cross the river to the nearby town to school. Due to the non-existence of a hospital on this land, pregnant women deliver on canoes while they are been transported to the clinic in the nearby town and others also die on their way to the hospital.
Interestingly, women are forbidden from bearing children on the island, and it is also a taboo for one to die on the land.
When a woman is close to her delivery time or month, she has to move to another town to give birth before coming back to Faa naa.
Similarly, When a person dies, the family or household from which the person comes from is fined a sum of money and asked to provide a goat, bottles of schnapps, and pipes to perform some ritual to appease the gods of the sea.
Some of the people of the island who spoke to the Daily Graphic said that they had been living there for so many years and raised their families there, and therefore did not have anywhere to go if they were asked to leave.
Pix 1. A Hut of a resident collapsed by the flood
pix 2. The huts that have been built in between the river and the sea.
Sunday 6 November 2011
Pupils study under sheds - Awaiting inauguration of new classrooms
Pupils study under sheds - Awaiting inauguration of new classrooms
Story and picture: Alice Aryeetey
SOME lower primary pupils of the Kpobikope D/A Primary School in the Ga West Municipality continue to study under trees and sheds, despite the completion of a classroom block for the school two months ago.
This is because the classroom block, which was built as part of government’s efforts to eliminate children studying under trees, remains locked awaiting furniture and its official inauguration.
The pupils are, however, using some chairs and tables under the trees and have to be cramped into existing classrooms anytime it rains.
The keys to the new block are in the custody of the Ga West Municipal assembly. Officials maintain that the new building needed to be well-furnished to adequately cater for the needs of the pupils.
According to the Headmaster of the school, Mr. James Badji, the classroom block was completed about two months ago and the keys to the classrooms were handed over to the officials.
He said the pupils felt insecure anytime it rained which also affected smooth academic work.
“We informed the Municipal Chief Executive about it but he also insisted that the classroom block needs to be inaugurated before use”, he said.
When the Graphic contacted the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ga West Municipal assembly, he said contract had been awarded for the procurement of new furniture to be used in the new classrooms and that they were waiting for the furniture before the classroom would be inaugurated for use.
“Since it is a new building, we also want the furniture to be new before opening them”, he said.
Monday 24 October 2011
SMOKING
Smokers (health)
Article: Alice Aryeetey
“Smokers die young” and “Smoking is harmful to your health” is the inscription on some cigarette packs, alerting smokers on the dangers and harm smoking can cause to their lives but people ignore them and enjoy the habit of blowing the smoke anyway.
The inscriptions confirm that the manufacturers of these cigarettes are aware of its dangers but still produce and put them on the market for people to buy.
It does make sense in business, but on the morality scale, the tobacco industry is sending a lot of people to their graves before their time.
Despite efforts by various organizations and bodies through advertising campaigns to help people quit smoking, to reduce cancer and related health problems, the rate of smoking continues to rise in Africa.
Statistics show that smoking prevalence is increasing dramatically. The current youth smoking rate in Burkina Faso is 37%, in Ghana and Nigeria, 17%, in South Africa 24% and in Zimbabwe 58%. The tobacco marketing in Africa is massive and many children start smoking when as young as eight or nine years old.
According to Anti-tobacco experts, the chemicals used in the production of these cigarettes are very harmful to our health since they are not meant for human consumption.
Benzene, a petrol additive obtained from coal and petroleum and used as a solvent in fuel and chemical manufacture is one of the chemicals used in producing cigarettes. Another deadly cheamical is the formaldehyde, which is used to preserve dead bodies and and known to cause cancer, respiratory and gastrointestinal problems.
Ammonia, acetone, tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide and other more harmful chemicals are been used to manufacture or produce cigarettes.
Most cigarette smokers die of tobacco-related diseases, and pregnant women who use cigarettes also have birth defects including mental and physical disabilities in their babies.
According to experts,children and babies who live in a home where there is a smoker are more prone to athsma and ear, nose and chest infections. They also have an increased risk of dying from cot death (sudden infant death syndrome) and are more likely to become smokers themselves when older.
On the average, they do less well at reading and resoning skills compared with children in smoke-free homes, even at low levels of smoke exposure.
The Bystanders who do not smoke are the most vulnerable to these harms caused by the secondhand smoke they breathe in and this laed to the banning of smoking at many work and public places.
Ninety per cent of lung cancer cases are due to smoking, and smoking is the most common cause of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) which is a collective term for a group of conditions that block airflow and make bretahing more difficult.
Smoking stains the teeth and gums and causes an acid taste in the mouth which contributes to the development of ulcers. It reduces the blood supply to the skin and lowers levels of vitamin A, thus makes the skin pale with more wrinkles.
According to experts, smokers are more likely to get lung cancer, throat cancer and mouth cancer. Only 0.5 per cent of people who had never touched a cigarette develop lung cancer.
Other major risks caused by smoking are that it raises blood pressure, a risk factor for heart attacks and stroke.
Who should therefore be blamed for the consequences and bad effects cigarettes and tobaccos have on our lives?
Is is the companies that produces it, the one who imports it, the one who sells it, or the ignorant smoker out on the street ,or yet the literates who knows of the dangers but still ignores and enjoy the habit of smoking?
In the face of all these, a growing phenomenon that is rearing its ugly head is tobacco companies offering free cigarettes to young people at events with the intention of getting them hooked.
I therefore urge the government to take first-rate step about this issue to protect the lives of all smokers. A stitch in time they say saves nine, but to me, a stitch in time saves generations to come.
ORAL SEX IS RISKY
Licking is risky - Doctor warns
By: Alice Aryeetey
MEN who engage in oral sex have been cautioned against the act, since they stand the risk of getting infected with candidiasis of the throat.
According to Dr Prince Tamakloe, the Head of the Microbiology Department at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, a female carrier could easily infect her partner through oral sex.
Oral sex is when you stimulate your partner’s genitals with your mouth, lips or tongue.
Candidiasis is an infection caused by a yeast-like fungus called candida. It can infect the mouth, vagina, skin, stomach and urinary tract. According to experts, 75 per cent of women will get a vaginal yeast infection during their lifetime, while 90 per cent of all people with HIV and AIDS develop candida infections.
However, candidiasis of the throat also known as oral candidiasis results from an oral yeast infection or fungal infection that starts in the mouth and spreads down the oesophagus.
Oral candidiasis infections are most often recognised from symptoms such as burning and pain in the mouth or throat, fever and oral lesions.
Some visible signs include a heavily coated or discoloured tongue and cracks around the mouth. Other signs are cravings for sugar, alcohol, bread or carbohydrates, fatigue, depression, muscle aches and joint pain.
Dr Tamakloe noted that if not treated well it could cause infertility in women and prolonged throat cancer in men.
He advised women to dry their underwear in the sun and not indoors to prevent mouldy conditions.
Experts advise that those suffering from the ailment should eat balanced diet and avoid alcohol, sugar, white flour, refined or processed carbohydrates, milk and anything containing yeast. Also sufferers must disinfect their toothbrushes by dipping them in hydrogen peroxide for a few minutes before and after each brushing to prevent re-infection.
By: Alice Aryeetey
MEN who engage in oral sex have been cautioned against the act, since they stand the risk of getting infected with candidiasis of the throat.
According to Dr Prince Tamakloe, the Head of the Microbiology Department at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, a female carrier could easily infect her partner through oral sex.
Oral sex is when you stimulate your partner’s genitals with your mouth, lips or tongue.
Candidiasis is an infection caused by a yeast-like fungus called candida. It can infect the mouth, vagina, skin, stomach and urinary tract. According to experts, 75 per cent of women will get a vaginal yeast infection during their lifetime, while 90 per cent of all people with HIV and AIDS develop candida infections.
However, candidiasis of the throat also known as oral candidiasis results from an oral yeast infection or fungal infection that starts in the mouth and spreads down the oesophagus.
Oral candidiasis infections are most often recognised from symptoms such as burning and pain in the mouth or throat, fever and oral lesions.
Some visible signs include a heavily coated or discoloured tongue and cracks around the mouth. Other signs are cravings for sugar, alcohol, bread or carbohydrates, fatigue, depression, muscle aches and joint pain.
Dr Tamakloe noted that if not treated well it could cause infertility in women and prolonged throat cancer in men.
He advised women to dry their underwear in the sun and not indoors to prevent mouldy conditions.
Experts advise that those suffering from the ailment should eat balanced diet and avoid alcohol, sugar, white flour, refined or processed carbohydrates, milk and anything containing yeast. Also sufferers must disinfect their toothbrushes by dipping them in hydrogen peroxide for a few minutes before and after each brushing to prevent re-infection.
POSTERS
Posters (Metro)
Story: Alice Aryeetey
Posters are one of the most popular forms of outdoor advertising in the country. But their indiscriminate posting which has become a blot on some edifices in Accra has incurred the wrath of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly.
Incensed by what it described as the indiscriminate posting of posters which continue to deface the city, the AMA says it would in no time deal with individuals and organizations that continue to flout the law by posting their posters all over unauthorized places.
Ironically, guilty among the organizations that have joined the posting spree are churches with posters announcing crusades, conventions and meetings.
Entertainment event organizers and movie produces are no different as they have reduced almost all visible walls in the city to advertising boards.
The rising trend of posters of political aspirants within and around the metropolis particularly on public spaces defiantly against numerous calls against indiscriminate pasting of posters also leaves much to be desired.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the Public Relations Officer of the AMA, Numo Blafo III, said the removal of the posters was an on-going exercise which fed into the Assembly’s aim of beautifying the city.
He, however, bemoaned the activities of some organizations and individuals who undermine efforts to beautify the national capital.
According to Numo Blafo III, these organizations and churches failed to take the right step to advertise or publicize their organizations and programmes in the metropolis.
“You need to take a permit from the AMA to post bills at vantage points provided in the metropolis”, he said.
The AMA, he stated was collating the addresses and telephone numbers of those flouting the law and would start prosecuting them very soon.
Asked about whether alternative places had been provided for such posters, the PRO said there were locations where boards had been made erected at vantage points for the posting of bills at a fees.
When the Daily Graphic went around some part of the city, it observed that a number of places which hitherto were flooded with such posters had now been whitewashed with “POST NO BILLS HERE. OFFENDERS WILL BE PROSECUTED” boldly written on the walls.
Story: Alice Aryeetey
Posters are one of the most popular forms of outdoor advertising in the country. But their indiscriminate posting which has become a blot on some edifices in Accra has incurred the wrath of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly.
Incensed by what it described as the indiscriminate posting of posters which continue to deface the city, the AMA says it would in no time deal with individuals and organizations that continue to flout the law by posting their posters all over unauthorized places.
Ironically, guilty among the organizations that have joined the posting spree are churches with posters announcing crusades, conventions and meetings.
Entertainment event organizers and movie produces are no different as they have reduced almost all visible walls in the city to advertising boards.
The rising trend of posters of political aspirants within and around the metropolis particularly on public spaces defiantly against numerous calls against indiscriminate pasting of posters also leaves much to be desired.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the Public Relations Officer of the AMA, Numo Blafo III, said the removal of the posters was an on-going exercise which fed into the Assembly’s aim of beautifying the city.
He, however, bemoaned the activities of some organizations and individuals who undermine efforts to beautify the national capital.
According to Numo Blafo III, these organizations and churches failed to take the right step to advertise or publicize their organizations and programmes in the metropolis.
“You need to take a permit from the AMA to post bills at vantage points provided in the metropolis”, he said.
The AMA, he stated was collating the addresses and telephone numbers of those flouting the law and would start prosecuting them very soon.
Asked about whether alternative places had been provided for such posters, the PRO said there were locations where boards had been made erected at vantage points for the posting of bills at a fees.
When the Daily Graphic went around some part of the city, it observed that a number of places which hitherto were flooded with such posters had now been whitewashed with “POST NO BILLS HERE. OFFENDERS WILL BE PROSECUTED” boldly written on the walls.
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