Day: March 8, 2024

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WTA Foundation and Gates Foundation launch new campaign—Women Change the Game—to urge action on women’s health and nutrition

Campaign includes the groundbreaking WTA Foundation Global Women’s Health Fund, which aims to help at least 1 million women in its first year with an inaugural donation from WTA Tour title sponsor Hologic

St. Petersburg, Fla. and Seattle, March 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, on International Women’s Day, the WTA Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation unveiled Women Change the Game, a new campaign uniting the power of women’s tennis and philanthropy to elevate women’s health and nutrition as a global priority. A key component of the campaign is the first-of-its-kind WTA Foundation Global Women’s Health Fund. With an inaugural donation from WTA Tour title sponsor Hologic, in its first year, the Fund will focus on a key aspect of preventive care: It aims to support at least one million women with prenatal vitamins in low- and middle-income countries where access to adequate nutrition for maternal health is limited.

“Throughout my life, tennis has given me a pathway to pursue my dreams, and I know first-hand how important it is to have access to the right health care and nutrition,” said Caroline Wozniacki, former WTA World No. 1 champion, and mother of two. “On International Women’s Day and beyond, I am proud to shine a light on women’s health and nutrition in the hopes that all women can reach their full power and potential.”

Women spend 25% more of their life in poor health than men, according to a 2024 report by the World Economic Forum. This significant health gap impacts women’s quality of life and limits their ability to engage in the workforce and earn a living for themselves and their families. And in the face of global crises—humanitarian disasters, war, and climate change—women and girls suffer the worst consequences.

“Every woman and girl deserves an equal opportunity to be her best—whether in school, at work, or on the tennis court,” said Naomi Osaka, four-time Grand Slam singles champion and new mom. “We are stepping up for women in need, because when we champion each other, we all win.”

Today, more than 1 billion women and girls lack access to the good nutrition and healthy diets they need to survive and thrive, with dire consequences for themselves and their children. Across the world, the gender nutrition gap is worsening. Women and girls are 50% more likely to suffer from malnutrition than boys and men. While the majority of expectant mothers in high-income countries take prenatal vitamins throughout their pregnancies, most women in low- and middle-income countries lack access to this simple, lifesaving resource. Prenatal vitamins provide key nutrients that dramatically reduce the risk of stillbirth, infant mortality, and babies born small and vulnerable, and they improve women’s health.

“It is unacceptable that so many women and girls don’t have access to adequate nutrition and basic care,” said Melinda French Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “The WTA Foundation was founded on the idea of equal opportunity, and that’s exactly what Women Change the Game is about. Nowhere is it more important to level the playing field than women’s health.”

Women Change the Game
Women Change the Game will engage global audiences through tennis—translating the power of elite athletes on the court into elite influence off the court—to take on some of the most pressing and urgent issues for women and girls. A critical component of the campaign is the new WTA Foundation Global Women’s Health Fund, which will mobilize resources for lifesaving women’s health and nutrition products and services that are readily available in high-income countries but are difficult to access or altogether unavailable in low- and middle-income countries.

The campaign features creative assets, including video, digital, and social content, that elevate the voices of elite women athletes in service of women’s equality and better health and nutrition for women worldwide. A series of activations across the Hologic WTA Tour will engage corporate sponsors, tournaments, philanthropic partners, athletes, and fans to raise awareness and funding for women’s health and nutrition. The campaign drives audiences to womenchangethegame.com to engage on the issues and donate.

The WTA Foundation Global Women’s Health Fund
The fundraising component of the partnership is the Global Women’s Health Fund, with the kick-off donation of $1.5 million coming from Hologic, title sponsor of the WTA Tour and one of the world’s top medical technology innovators focused on improving women’s health and well-being. Collaboration on the Fund marks the latest expansion of the WTA’s and Hologic’s comprehensive, multiyear alliance to elevate women’s well-being. The Fund leverages data insights from sources like the Hologic Global Women’s Health Index, which shows the interlocking importance of preventive care, access to adequate food and shelter, strong educational opportunities, and other critical resources for women and girls of all ages.

“Whether it’s prenatal vitamins for expectant mothers or routine screenings for breast and cervical cancers, we know that early intervention is pivotal to helping women live longer and better,” said Stephen P. MacMillan, chairman, president, and CEO of Hologic. “As the first donor to the Global Women’s Health Fund, we’re teaming up with the WTA Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in urging others—businesses, foundations, governments, tennis fans—to join us in this crucial movement of improving women’s health.”

For at least the first year, every dollar raised through the Fund will be directed toward the Child Nutrition Fund, a global initiative aimed at ending child wasting led by UNICEF, with support from the U.K. government, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and other partners. UNICEF, a leader in global health and nutrition, has the worldwide footprint and local partnerships necessary to bring products and services directly into the hands of women in need around the world.

For more information about Women Change the Game and the WTA Foundation’s Global Women’s Health Fund, visit www.womenchangethegame.com.

About the WTA
Founded by Billie Jean King in 1973 on the principle of equal opportunity, the WTA is the global leader in women’s professional sports. The WTA is one of the world’s most recognizable and high-profile sports organizations, consisting of more than 1,600 players representing over 80 nations, all competing to earn WTA rankings points and prestigious tournament titles. The Hologic WTA Tour is comprised of over 70 events and four Grand Slams, spanning 30 countries and regions across six continents with a global audience of more than 1 billion. Further information on the WTA can be found at wtatennis.com.

About the WTA Foundation
Serving as the philanthropic arm of the leading women’s professional sport globally, the WTA Foundation empowers girls and women to live fully and supports our WTA communities worldwide through initiatives promoting equality, education, leadership, and health and wellness.

About the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people’s health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Mark Suzman, under the direction of Co-chairs Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates and the board of trustees.

Attachments

WTA Foundation
wtacommunications@wtatennis.com

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Media@gatesfoundation.org

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Children appeal to parents, stakeholders to provide basic needs


Some children under the Child-Friendly Accountability Mechanism (CFAM) platform in the Sagnarigu Municipality and Kumbungu District have appealed to parents and caregivers to prioritise their future by adequately providing them with their basic needs.

They mentioned quality and accessible education, health care services, good shelter and social amenities, career guidance and counseling services, and opportunities for skills learning at the appropriate age would ensure a conducive environment to guarantee them a bright future.

This was contained in a communique read on behalf of the CFAM members by Miss Barika Iddrisu, a CFAM member from Zagyuri Anglican JHS, at the CFAM District Level Forum at Gbanyamni in the Sagnarigu Municipality of the Northern Region.

The CFAM members, who participated in the forum, were drawn from Nangbagu Garizegu, Katariga, Zagyiri and Gbaynamni the Sagnarigu Municipality, and Bognaayili the Kumbungu District.

The forum, attended by schoolchildren, parents, and representatives of
some state institutions, including Ghana Education Service, Ghana Health Service, Department of Children, Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, and chiefs, was to enable children to identify child protection gaps in their communities and advocate ways to addressing them.

The forum was organised by Markaz-Al-Bishara Child Development Programme (MABCDP) with support from Children Believe, an international non-governmental organisation.

As part of the forum, the children recited poems drawing attention to their plight.

The communique said children were being abused emotionally, mentally and physically and exposed to many dangers, and some had to sell in the morning before going to school, and after school, closing late at night just to get money for the next day at school.

It said many school girls got exploited in the process and became pregnant and dropped out of school or given out in marriages they were not prepared for.

It added that ‘Parents and caregivers are enrolling some schoolchi
ldren into apprenticeship work such as motor fitting, hairdressing, tailoring amongst others while they are still in Primary or JHS.’

It said, ‘this practice mostly leads to school drop-out since many are unable to cope with academic work and apprenticeship work at that time and age,’ hence need to prioritise their basic needs.

The communique said, ‘As we celebrate our municipal child forum today on the theme: ‘Promoting the holistic development of children: The role of parents and caregivers in Sagnarigu Municipality’, we pledge to play our part as responsible children and appeal to stakeholders and duty-bearers to also pledge on their part to provide educational services, health, shelter, justice delivery and social services that will serve as a vehicle for us to fulfill our full potentials in the future.’

Dr Issahaku Abdul Rahaman, Chief of Gbanyamli, appealed to parents to encourage their children and motivate them on the need to understand and uphold their cultural values.

He also advised parents not
to harass teachers in trying to impact knowledge to their children, adding that they should support teachers in training their children for a good future.

Mr Yussif Abubakari, a staff at the Sagnarigu Municipal Health Directorate, who represented the Municipal Health Director, appealed to parents and caregivers to take good care of their children, especially during their adolescent stage to lead upright lives.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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St Francis College of Education matriculates new students


The Saint Francis College of Education (FRANCO), Hohoe, has held its matriculation ceremony for 355 students for the 2023/24 academic year.

Dr Adwoa Kwegyiriba, Principal of the College, said the College received a total of 3,871 applications out of which 3,523 were shortlisted.

She said in conformity to Ghana Tertiary Education Commission’s standards, the College admitted only 355 students made up of 210 males representing 59.15 per cent and 145 females, representing 40.85 per cent for the academic year.

Dr Kwegyiriba said Management was aware of the infrastructural needs of the College with efforts to construct new classroom blocks and hostels thereby calling for private partnerships.

She said Management had changed the dilapidated white boards with new ones for smooth teaching and learning and also making frantic efforts to improve upon the infrastructural development.

Dr Kwegyiriba said a 300 Capacity Hostel Project for students was on-going and called for speedy work on the project.

She said the C
ollege’s library had been well resourced into a modern facility and the computer lab, resourced with over 50 computers.

Dr Kwegyiriba said the lecture halls were also undergoing a facelift with some renovations such as floor tiles while plans were underway to renovate the dining environment with plastic chairs and tables.

She said the fence wall project was also ongoing to aid as protection to all.

Dr Kwegyiriba appealed to old students and benevolent individuals and organisations for a bus and an operational vehicle to facilitate the smooth running of the College.

She said the College was in partnership with the Thomas More University in Belgium and their mobility programme allowed student and staff to travel to Belgium yearly to learn and host staff and students of Belgium.

The 17th Matriculation was on the theme: ‘Training the professional teacher: A change maker of societal development.’

Mr Gabriel S. Kploanyi, a former Volta Regional Director of Education, commended management of the College for ha
ving the well-being of the learners at heart in its decision making and solutions provided.

He urged the matriculants to be professional, change makers and disciplined to the core in their pursuit of academic success.

Mr Kploanyi called on the lecturer to commit to fostering a generation of teachers who would be the architects of societal development, ‘one classroom at a time.’

Source: Ghana News Agency

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Ghanaians urged to reflect on struggles by the forebears


Prof Anselm Komla Abotsi, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Education Winneba, (UEW), has called on Ghanaians to remember the sacrifices made by their ancestors which paved the way for the country’s freedom and independence.

He said the citizenry must reciprocate their example for future generations to also enjoy the fruits of the country.

Prof Abotsi made the call in a speech he delivered at the celebration of the 2024 Edition of Ghana National History Day (GNHD), and a symposium, organised by the Department of History Education of UEW, at Winneba.

The celebration was under the theme: ‘Debating Nationalism and Patriotism in Ghana’s History.’

It targeted students from the Basic, Senior High Schools and the university.

According to him, the motive behind the creation of GNHD by the department was to instil the love for history learning and researching by encouraging thousands of students, teacher and history enthusiast to participate in discussing history and doing historical re
search.

Prof Abotsi stated that the premise of the GNHD, was also to build on the idea that history-making was active, relevant, universally appealing, and an opportunity for all to learn about it by exploring, examining and sharing one’s history.

Reflecting on the history of the country, he stated that one could learn valuable lessons to guide a brighter future.

Dr Mrs. Anita O Adu-Boahen, Head of Department of History Education of the Faculty of Social Sciences of UEW, noted that the concept of nationalism was often deployed to divide and exclude the other.

She said patriotism, a high virtue, had now been redefined to suggest that any love for one’s country must affirm blinding support for the sectional and divisive ideals promoted either by politicians or leaders spearheading specific group interests.

According to her, patriotism had and continued to suffer a fierce contest from partisanship.

The first generation of African leaders who spearheaded the struggle for independence prided themselves with
being called nationalists, a term they often deployed as a rallying cry for galvanizing local resistance to the encroaching and brutal forces of colonialism.

And when they used that word, they evoked the spirit of patriotism with deep love for their people whom they envisioned as a nation, she added .

Dr Mrs Adu-Boahen urged Ghanaians to emulate the courage and self-sacrifice of their forbearers who defied the frightening consequences of resisting colonial rule and be directed at building a nation united with the love for democracy and respect for the Constitution of Ghana.

Patriotism and nationalism she indicated were in line with courage and civil responsibility and therefore urged the teaching of civics in schools towards imparting holistic value that promoted nation building.

Prof Samuel Adu Gyamfi of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Prof Wilson Yayoh from University of Cape coast and Dr Mjiba Frehiwot of Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, were the panellists of the
symposium, with Dr Akwesi Kwarteng Amoako-Gyampah as the moderator.

They made presentations on different perspectives of the theme and nationalism and patriotism and their role in shaping Ghana were discussed.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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Sunyani Technical University admits over 3,000 freshers for 2023/2024 academic year


The Sunyani Technical University (STU) has admitted 3,362 fresh students to pursue various diploma and degree programmes for the 2023/2024 academic year.

According to Professor Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah, the Vice Chancellor (VC), the university issued admission letters to a total of 5,704 prospective students.

Freshers for the academic year showed an increase of 14.0 percent over last year’s figure of 2,949 students.

Addressing the 28th matriculation ceremony of the university at its main campus in Sunyani on Friday, the VC said 2,252 of the fresh students, representing 67.0 percent were male whilst 1,110 representing 33 percent were females.

In terms of disciplines, 2,833, representing 84.3 percent enrolled into science, technology, engineering and TVET based programmes as against 529, constituting 15.7 percent for Business and Administration.

That, Prof Adinkrah-Appiah explained, was in line with the university’s mandate as a Technical University and attributed the significant rise in the student enrolme
nt for the academic year to several factors, including good performance of students in the world of work, as well as advertisements.

He said the introduction of new Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes was another key factor that had contributed to the increase in the student enrolment, saying the university was undertaking a more intensive enrolment drive to continuously improve its annual enrolment into new and existing academic programmes.

‘When patronage of such industry-driven programmes is improved, it would help produce more skilled graduates who can readily find employment or set up their own businesses to reduce the existing high spate of youth unemployment facing our country in recent times,’ Prof Adinkrah-Appiah stated.

The university currently runs the following programmes under GTEC accreditation: nine Master of Technology (MTech), 26 Bachelor’s programmes (BTech. and BSc. Programmes), 23 Higher National Diploma (HND), five Diploma and eight other non-tertiary programmes.

Prof Adinkrah-Appiah s
aid all was set for the university to start apprenticeship programmes under the Phase IV of the Ghana TVET Voucher Project (GTVP) under the auspices of KFW, indicating that 100 Mastercraft Persons (MCPs) from various Trade Associations had already been registered to commence the training as an initial step for training of all Apprentices under these MCPs.

He urged all prospective students, both local and foreign, to take advantage to enroll on these innovative and industry-driven programmes to acquire the requisite knowledge, technical and professional skills that would make them readily employable to avoid the ‘temptation of joining the so-called Unemployed Graduates Association in Ghana after going through some other programmes which are more susceptible to joblessness.’

The University is also making efforts to introduce several tailor-made micro-credentialled Programmes (Short Courses) for industry practitioners within and around the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo regions, which would eventually lead to full
degree certifications.

‘Establishments such as Newmont Ghana Gold-Ahafo Mine, VRA, and the Ghana Water Company within the three regions are informed to take advantage of these programmes at the Sunyani Technical University to provide life-long learning opportunities for their esteemed staff,’ Prof Adinkrah-Appiah said.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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Egypt wins gold medals in Table Tennis Men’s/Women’s team events


Egyptians demonstrated their supremacy in African table tennis by winning gold medals in both men’s and women’s singles as well as team events at the ongoing 13th African Games at the Accra International Conference Center (AICC).

In the men’s team event, Omar Assar, Youssef Abdelaziz and Mohamed El-Beiali defeated Nigeria’s Olajide Omotayo, Qadri Aruna and Taiwo Mati to maintained their tittles.

Assar defeated Omotayo 3-0 in the first game, whereas Abdelaziz humbled Aruna 3-1 and El-Beiali Mati edged 3-1 to complete their 3-0 win over Nigeria.

In the female’s category, Egypt ladies also continued the unbeaten record back in 2011, after defeating Nigeria 3-0 to emerged winners.

It was Dina Meshref, Hana Goda and Mariam Alhodaby who dominated their Nigerians counterparts Offiong Edem, Hope Udoaka and Fatimo Bello to reclaim their tittle.

Since dethroning Nigeria at Maputo 2011 in Mozambique, the Egyptian women led by Meshref have been dominating the event since.

In the history of the games, Nigeria has w
on the women’s tittle seven times from 1978, to 2007 while Egypt started from 2011 till date in the women’s encounter.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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Ghana Karate-do poised to win medals at AG 23


The Ghana Karate-do team is poised to win medals and at the ongoing 13th African Games, which commenced on Friday, March 8, 2024.

?This follows the arrival of equipment imported by the government through the Ministry of Youth?and Sports for the games. ?

?Mr Nathaniel Johnson, President of the Ghana Karate-do Federation, disclosed this in an interview with the GNA Sports in Accra.

The equipment includes tatami mat, shoes, bags, karate attires, and LED Screen among others for the competition.

In all, 27 countries including Ghana, Senegal, Morocco, Nigeria, Egypt among others are vying for honours in the Karate-do event.

Mr. Johnson said the arrival of the equipment boosts the morale of the team, having been in doubt over the arrival of the items.

‘This is good news not only for the Federation but for the Africa Karate Federation and the Word Karate Federation as well’, he said.

‘I believe that the karate competition is one of the favorites to earn Ghana medals’, the President said adding that ‘the feder
ation boasts of gold medal prospects in the team especially Edmund Amoako who has won a lot of gold medals on the African Continent’.

Mr. Antonio Espinos, President of the World Karate Federation said the federation was doing everything possible to ensure that the game becomes an Olympic sport. ???????

He commended the Ghana Federation for the efforts being made to bring the sport into an international standard.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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13th African Games: Ghana, Congo share points in fascinating Group A encounter 


The Black Satellites of Ghana were held to a goalless draw by their Congolese counterparts in Group A of the 13th African Games football competition. ?

Ghana Coach Desmond Sakyi Ofei, in his first competitive game for the Black Satellites, started the likes of Abdul Aziz Issah and Ofori Marcathy, who have been brilliant for their club sides this season.

The Black Satellites of Ghana made a good start to the game, controlling affairs in every department with some neat and tidy passes.

Ghanaian winger Emmanuel Mensah had a glorious opportunity to put his side ahead in the 21st minute, but Congolese goalkeeper Dhody Bissila pulled off a brilliant save.

Dreams FC playmaker Abdul Aziz Issah was the danger man for the Black Satellites, but the well-organised Congolese defence neutralised the Ghanaian attacker.

Ghana had numerous opportunities to take the lead in the first half, but their lack of experience was evident as they failed to capitalise.

Both sides started the second half with intensity. Ghana had
a chance to take the lead, but Musibau Aziz shockingly missed from five yards to the despair of

the few home fans.

The Congolese seemed a very compact side and very difficult to break for the Black Satellites, who mounted a series of attacking strides.

Musibau Aziz came so close to giving Ghana the lead, but his 30-yard effort came off the crossbar to the relief of the Congolese players. ?

There was no late drama as both sides settled for a point each.

Ghana will be seeking their first win of the tournament when they face Gambia on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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Ghana’s Janet Acquah loses Olympic Games opportunity 


Ghana’s Janet Acquah lost unanimous 0-5?Tapei’s Guo-Yi-Xuan?in the women’s Flyweight -50Kg at the ongoing WQT Boxing Road to Paris 2024 Olympic games in Busto- Arsizio, Italy.

Janet’s defeat today leaves Theophilus Kpakpo Allotey (Flyweight -51kg) as Ghana’s sole hope for a slot in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Allotey would face South Korean opponent Inkyu Kim on Sunday for a place in the quarterfinals.

The five other Ghanaian boxers including Samuel Takyi at the competition have been either defeated or disqualified and out of the Italy qualifiers.

There’s a last window of opportunity to qualify for the Paris 2024 in Bangkok – Thailand in June.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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ATTF President commends Ghana for a good show


Mr. Khaled El-Salhy, the President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) says the Accra 2023 African Games competition is the best to be organized in the history of the competition.

He said Ghana provided the best competition as compared to the previous ones adding that ‘I can say that this African Games is the best game for table tennis. Ghana brought a lot of improvements to the competition.

‘The number of countries has increase to 29 members and that is the highest record so far because in Congo Brazzaville it was 24 countries.

Speaking in a press conference, he said through collaborative efforts and strategic investments, ATTF would cultivate a new generation of skillful players capable of competing in Africa and beyond.

‘We did not play only quarter or semifinals but round of 72 and you don’t know which team would qualify to the next round.

‘I want to congratulate the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo and President of Ghana Table Tennis Federation for the efforts to raise the
standards of this games, especially in table tennis,’ Mr. El Salhy added.

According to El Salhy the standards displayed by the players were also high adding that it shows clearly that Africa table tennis has come of age.

Mr. Wahid Oshodi Enthan – Vice President of the ATTF, thanked Ghana for hosting the African Games, ‘to be able to take this event on, it requires encouragement, hard work, determination, focus and we must thank the President of Ghana for that’.

He said, the West Africa Table Tennis need to learn from other countries, ‘we need to learn more about table tennis in other places especially from the North Africans.

He said the North Africans had been able to turn things around developed the game to the highest level hence their dominance.

Mr. Mawuko Afadzinu, President of the Ghana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) said though the team missed out of medals, he was satisfied with their performance.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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African Games: Rich cultural heritage on display as Ghana stages spectacular opening ceremony


Ghana has made history with a colourful and spectacular display of her rich cultural heritage at the opening ceremony of the 13th African Games at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.

Fireworks, exhibition of different kinds of African costumes, dance, among others took the centre stage at the newly built stadium in a ceremony that lasted for almost an hour.

The occasion generated over 2.2 billion viewership across the globe as dances and choreographies erected in the stadium specifically for the show.

The launch of the 13th African Games was punctuated by the usual parade of athletes representing 53 countries taking part in the high mass of the continental sport.

Renowned dancehall artiste Shatta Wala, Pat Thomas, Ebo Taylor, South Africa’s Kamo Mphela and King Promise also thrilled fans with some breathtaking performances.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo welcomed all participating countries in his inaugurating speech, wishing them good luck.

He urged participants to use the games to exhibit
the talents that Africa possesses.

Mr. Mousse Fati Mahamat, Chairperson, African Union Commission commended the Government of Ghana for the massive investments in sporting facilities and infrastructure to host the games.

‘Sports has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does, it speaks to youth in a language they understand’, he said.

The gallant sports personality urged athletes and officials to be ambassadors of fair play, equity, discipline, inclusion, tolerance and teamwork in order to host a successful event.

This Games is marked by the participation of more than 6,000 athletes from 53 countries, competing in 29 disciplines.

The African Games features Armwrestling, basketball, boxing, chess, football, volleyball, handball, athletics, table tennis, tennis, badminton, among others.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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FDA engages media managers on advertisement of regulated products


The Upper West Regional office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), has engaged radio station managers in the region on the Authority’s guidelines and the provision of the Public Health Act 2012 (Act 851) on advertisement of its regulated products.

Per section 114 (1) of the Public Health Act: ‘a person shall not advertise a drug, a herbal medical product, cosmetic, medical device or household chemical substance to the public as treatment, preventive or cure for a disease, disorder or an abnormal physical state unless the advertisement has been approved by the Authority.’

Also, subsection (2) says: ‘Despite subsection (1), a person shall not advertise a drug, a herbal medical product, medical device or cosmetic for the treatment or cure for diseases specified in the Fifth Schedule.’

The diseases specified in the Fifth Schedule included: hypertension, diabetes, and AIDS, among others.

Also, the FDA guidelines provided that advertisement of alcoholic beverages must be done after 8:00pm and before 6:00am.

Mr Kelvin Dafaari Sunkpal, the Acting Upper West Regional Head of the FDA, said any radio station that violates those provisions and guidelines would be punished according to the law.

He also entreated the radio station managers to ensure that any advertisement of FDA-regulated products including food, medicines, cosmetics, and alcoholic beverages among others was approved by the FDA.

‘Anyone who comes to your radio station to advertise any FDA-regulated product, please ask for the FDA approval letter before going ahead to advertise.

‘If you do any advertisement for any FDA regulated products, be it medicine, food or drink which the FDA has not approved, you will face the consequences,’ Mr Sunkpal advised.

He said though the various radio stations in the region had been supporting the FDA with airtime to do public education, the issue of flouting the regulations on advertisement of FDA-regulated products in the region was worrying.

He also said it was illegal to mount a billboard less than 200 meters fro
m a second cycle or basic school advertising alcoholic beverage.

He, thus, appealed to the media to help the FDA in the region to clamp down on that by reporting such adverts to the authority for the necessary actions to be taken.

Mr Sunkpal also urged the media to collaborate with the FDA to educate the public on the dangers of drug abuse in the region.

Mr Christopher Asiedu, the Acting Upper West Regional Manager of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, suggested that the FDA should make copies of the regulations and provisions of the Public Health Act on advertisement of FDA-regulated products available to the various radio stations to serve as reminders to them.

Source: Ghana News Agency