Day: April 10, 2024

‘I would have lost my life to COVID-19 if my family were poor. Despite the government support and interventions, they were not enough to save my life from the dreaded virus.

‘The country’s health system is challenged, and any outbreak of infectious diseases could be devastating on the population if care is not taken,’ Mr David Dannor (borrowed name), a survivor of COVID-19 disclosed in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Cape Coast.

‘People spent hundreds of cedis to ensure they accessed the best health services and treatment for the disease.’

‘Also, contact tracing was a major challenge. Those with whom I got into contact before testing positive were not traced and quarantined. This is one example of the many loopholes in the health system.’

The country needs robust healthcare structures to ensure its preparedness to counter any form of emergency. This is where adequate funding must be prioritised.

It is against this backdrop that the COVID-19 experience should be a case study to identify the sh
ortfalls, strengths, and weaknesses in Ghana’s health system.

Madam Gifty Armond (real name hidden) a businesswoman who lost her husband to COVID-19, attributed her loss to the unavailability of resources/medication for victims.

Though her husband was quarantined at home for care and treatment, medication became a challenge as it took so long before deliveries were made to the house.

”Sometimes it takes a week before we receive deliveries when his drugs had finished a long time,’ she said.

The country’s effective response to emergencies came into play during the pandemic, which emphasizes the need for the Government to consider proposals for the establishment of a health emergency fund to resolve such issues. This must, however, be pursued rigorously to counter future threats.

The COVID-19 Levy

The levy was introduced in the 2021 Budget and Economic Policy of the Government and was implemented as a temporary measure to recoup some of the expenses made in response to the pandemic and help put the econom
y back on track.

As Ghana grapples with the economic fallout being experienced by some other countries in the world, of which the COVID-19 pandemic has been cited as a contributory factor, discussions have emerged regarding the appropriateness of using the levy to bolster response to a future pandemic, if the need arises.

In recent months, there has been mixed reaction over the continued imposition of the COVID-19 levy. While some are advocating it should be scrapped since the pandemic is over and its original purpose has become obsolete, others say it should be channelled into a public health emergency fund (PHEF) to address broader societal needs.

Key among these advocates are civil society groups, economists, and politicians.

Repurposing the COVID-19 levy into an emergency fund would ensure greater transparency, accountability, and efficiency in addressing pressing needs, especially building resilience against future crises through strategic resource allocation.

‘I believe the Levy was set up purposel
y because of the COVID-19 pandemic and to help us regain our economy. It’s almost three years now since the disease left, What’s the essence of the levy again? It must be scrapped completely’ a health worker said.

Opportunity/ Challenges in transitioning COVID-19 levy to Emergency Fund

Some stakeholders have cautioned against the potential misuse of such funds and emphasised the need for a robust oversight mechanism to safeguard it against corruption.

In spite of the fears, they believe that a dedicated PHEF will enhance Ghana’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to a wide range of health emergencies, some of which the country relies on foreign aid to combat, which may not be forthcoming.

While the Government has acknowledged the growing calls for re-evaluating the COVID-19 levy, it has re-affirmed its commitment to fiscal prudence and responsiveness.

Its officials have indicated openness to exploring alternative approaches to resource mobilisation.

As Ghana navigates the complexities of post-pa
ndemic recovery, the debate surrounding the COVID-19 levy reinforces broader questions about fiscal policy, governance, and social resilience.

While opinions may vary on the best course of action, one thing remains clear: the need for adaptive and forward-thinking strategies to address immediate challenges and future uncertainties.

Whether the COVID-19 levy evolves into a Public Health Emergency Fund or undergoes alternative transformation, the ultimate goal must be to prioritise the well-being and resilience of the Ghanaian society to withstand any shocks; both internally and externally, albeit with good leadership, solid preparedness and high sustainability rate.

Thus, the establishment of a fund to assist in fighting against the public health crisis to strengthen Ghana’s self-reliance and avoid seeking external support during emergencies is an advocacy that cannot be overstated.

Source: Ghana News Agency

‘I would have lost my life to COVID-19 if my family were poor. Despite the government support and interventions, they were not enough to save my life from the dreaded virus.

‘The country’s health system is challenged, and any outbreak of infectious diseases could be devastating on the population if care is not taken,’ Mr David Dannor (borrowed name), a survivor of COVID-19 disclosed in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Cape Coast.

‘People spent hundreds of cedis to ensure they accessed the best health services and treatment for the disease.’

‘Also, contact tracing was a major challenge. Those with whom I got into contact before testing positive were not traced and quarantined. This is one example of the many loopholes in the health system.’

The country needs robust healthcare structures to ensure its preparedness to counter any form of emergency. This is where adequate funding must be prioritised.

It is against this backdrop that the COVID-19 experience should be a case study to identify the sh
ortfalls, strengths, and weaknesses in Ghana’s health system.

Madam Gifty Armond (real name hidden) a businesswoman who lost her husband to COVID-19, attributed her loss to the unavailability of resources/medication for victims.

Though her husband was quarantined at home for care and treatment, medication became a challenge as it took so long before deliveries were made to the house.

”Sometimes it takes a week before we receive deliveries when his drugs had finished a long time,’ she said.

The country’s effective response to emergencies came into play during the pandemic, which emphasizes the need for the Government to consider proposals for the establishment of a health emergency fund to resolve such issues. This must, however, be pursued rigorously to counter future threats.

The COVID-19 Levy

The levy was introduced in the 2021 Budget and Economic Policy of the Government and was implemented as a temporary measure to recoup some of the expenses made in response to the pandemic and help put the econom
y back on track.

As Ghana grapples with the economic fallout being experienced by some other countries in the world, of which the COVID-19 pandemic has been cited as a contributory factor, discussions have emerged regarding the appropriateness of using the levy to bolster response to a future pandemic, if the need arises.

In recent months, there has been mixed reaction over the continued imposition of the COVID-19 levy. While some are advocating it should be scrapped since the pandemic is over and its original purpose has become obsolete, others say it should be channelled into a public health emergency fund (PHEF) to address broader societal needs.

Key among these advocates are civil society groups, economists, and politicians.

Repurposing the COVID-19 levy into an emergency fund would ensure greater transparency, accountability, and efficiency in addressing pressing needs, especially building resilience against future crises through strategic resource allocation.

‘I believe the Levy was set up purposel
y because of the COVID-19 pandemic and to help us regain our economy. It’s almost three years now since the disease left, What’s the essence of the levy again? It must be scrapped completely’ a health worker said.

Opportunity/ Challenges in transitioning COVID-19 levy to Emergency Fund

Some stakeholders have cautioned against the potential misuse of such funds and emphasised the need for a robust oversight mechanism to safeguard it against corruption.

In spite of the fears, they believe that a dedicated PHEF will enhance Ghana’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to a wide range of health emergencies, some of which the country relies on foreign aid to combat, which may not be forthcoming.

While the Government has acknowledged the growing calls for re-evaluating the COVID-19 levy, it has re-affirmed its commitment to fiscal prudence and responsiveness.

Its officials have indicated openness to exploring alternative approaches to resource mobilisation.

As Ghana navigates the complexities of post-pa
ndemic recovery, the debate surrounding the COVID-19 levy reinforces broader questions about fiscal policy, governance, and social resilience.

While opinions may vary on the best course of action, one thing remains clear: the need for adaptive and forward-thinking strategies to address immediate challenges and future uncertainties.

Whether the COVID-19 levy evolves into a Public Health Emergency Fund or undergoes alternative transformation, the ultimate goal must be to prioritise the well-being and resilience of the Ghanaian society to withstand any shocks; both internally and externally, albeit with good leadership, solid preparedness and high sustainability rate.

Thus, the establishment of a fund to assist in fighting against the public health crisis to strengthen Ghana’s self-reliance and avoid seeking external support during emergencies is an advocacy that cannot be overstated.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Nigerian entertainment industry was shocked to received devastating news of the untimely death of beloved actor Junior Pope Odonwodo, who is said to tragically passed away while en route to a movie location in Asaba, Delta State.

The shocking announcement was made by filmmaker Sam Ola-tunji, who also disclosed that three others lost their lives in the same incident.

But in a trun of events Emeka Rollas, the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeriaz said Junior Pope Odonwodo, was resucitated and was receiving treatment in a hospital.

Throughout his career, Junior Pope Odonwodo had endeared himself to audiences with his ability to bring characters to life and immerse himself fully in his movie roles.

Beyond his on-screen persona, Junior Pope Odonwodo is known for sharing glimpses of his personal life with his fans, including his loving relationship with his wife and children.

He has also ventured into skit-making, where he showcases his creativity and entertain his audience with engaging and humorous
content.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

Three persons who assaulted a student for allegedly causing a tricycle rider’s penis to shrink have appeared before a District Court at Awutu Breku in the Central Region.

The three are Zakaria Zulkani, Seidu Abdul Nasir and Innusah Musah, all tricycle riders.

They have been charged with publication of false news, deceiving public officer, conspiracy to commit crime and assault.

The court presided over by Naomi A. A. Kuntour did not take their pleas and remanded them into police custody.

The prosecution led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Thomas Sarfo and Chief Inspector Bernice Wie Kpuusuu said the complainant Abdul Suleman was a student and resident of Kojo-Oku, a suburb of Gomoa Nyanyano.

Zulkani, the first accused person, Seidu Abdul Nasir, the second accused and Innusah Musah, the third accused person are all tricycle riders and residents of Walantu, Kasoa.

On March 31, 2024, at 11:00am, the complainant boarded Zulkani’s tricycle from Kasoa to Millennium City junction.

They were two pe
ople on board, but the other person alighted at Kakraba near KFC.

The prosecution said on reaching Ghana Revenue Office, the complainant gave his fare to Zulkani but he told him to wait.

The prosecutor said Zulkani after riding for a few meters closer to ‘I see Block Factory’ stopped and parked off the road and said he was going to urinate.

The prosecution said Zulakni was making phone calls whiles urinating and suddenly he went to the complainant and started accusing him of causing his penis to shrink.

Subsequently, the prosecution said Zulkani held the complainant’s dressfirmly and called Nasir and Musah to come.

The prosecution said due to Zulkani’s false alarm, Nasir and Musah arrived at the scene, and without asking any question subjected the complainant to severe beatings.

Fortunately for the complainant, the prosecution said the Central East Police Patrol Team arrived at the scene and rescued the complainant and brought both parties to the Millennium City Police station where a complaint was lodg
ed.

The prosecution said Zulkani was escorted to the Kasoa Polyclinic for examination and treatment.

After the examination, the Medical Officer on duty said Zulkani’s penis was normal and stable contrary to his assertion.

The prosecutor said the complainant was issued with a Police medical report form for treatment.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Ethiopian Muslims across the country are celebrating the 1445th Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan today.

Muslims in large number marched to Addis Ababa Stadium to celebrate the1445th Eid al-Fitr.

President of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council Sheikh Haji Ibrahim and many other religious fathers, members of the diplomatic community and other invited guests attended the morning prayers.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Three teachers held for alleged employment scam have been granted a GHC350,000.00 bail each by an Accra Circuit Court.

Samuel Mensah Amelikpo, David Bacha Ntenyam and Daniel Ofori Boateng are to get two sureties each who from the Ghana Education Service (GES) teaching profession or family members.

They are to report to the Police every Wednesday.

The case has been adjourned to April 30, 2024.

All the three denied conspiring to defraud 42 persons of GHC394,500.00 under the pretext of securing jobs for them into the GES.

Police Chief Inspector Daniel Danku told the Court presided over by Mr Samuel Bright Acquah that Sumaila Awueidze, the complainant was unemployed and resident of Kukurantumi in the Eastern Region.

He said Amelipko lived at Awoshie, a suburb of Accra, Bacha, resident of Asamankese, Eastern Region, while Boateng stayed at Effiduase in the Ashanti Region. They are all teachers.

In August 2023, Amelikpo communicated to the complainant that GES recruitment slots were available and that he ha
d protocol to recruit people.

Amelipko during the conversation allegedly gave full assurance and promised to make refund when the recruitment failed.

The prosecution said due to such representation, the complainant became convinced and organised forty-two (42) interested applicants.

It said on August 29, 2023, Amelikpo demanded and collected GHC394,000.00 from the complainants to get them the jobs but failed to do so and went into hiding.

The Court heard that all efforts made by the complainant to reach Amelikpo proved futile thus, a report was made to the police.

The prosecution said on October 18, 2023, Amelikpo was arrested at Odorgonno Accra and in his investigation cautioned statement, he admitted having collected the above-mentioned amount of money from the complainant to secure jobs for his applicants but failed.

Amelikpo mentioned Bacha and Boateng as his accomplices, leading to their arrest on November 10, 2023, at Asamankese and Asante Effiduase respectively.

The prosecution told the Court th
at Bacha in his cautioned statement admitted the offence and told the Police that he only received GHS388,000.00 from Amelikpo and same was handed over to Boateng and one Reuben Bempoh for the recruitment.

Boateng in his cautioned statement also admitted having received monies from Amelikpo and Bacha but paid into the Vodafone Cash wallet accounts produced by Bempoh, whom he met online and also claimed working at GES, National Headquarters Accra.

During investigation, the police retrieved GHC70,000.00 from Boateng and same was handed over to the complainant.

The police are still investigating the matter.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Ethiopia and Japan held an inaugural political consultation, a significant milestone for diplomatic ties between the two countries.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two nations convened their inaugural political consultation in Tokyo, Japan on 9th April 2024.

State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga and Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Kiyoto Tsuji co-chaired the meeting.

After the opening remarks by the co-chairs, participants engaged in a robust exchange of views, delving into the domestic landscapes of both nations and exploring avenues to strengthen bilateral ties.

Discussions encompassed diplomatic and economic relations, as well as broader Japan-Africa relations, it was indicated.

Speaking at inaugural political consultation, Ambassador Mesganu underscored Ethiopia’s profound commitment to nurturing its relationship with Japan, highlighting the pivotal role of platforms like political consultations in bolstering bilateral and multilateral
cooperation.

He advocated for the enhancement of trade and investment links, recognizing the mutual benefits such collaboration could yield for the two countries.

Vice Minister Tsuji on his part, indicated Japan’s aspiration for a robust partnership with Ethiopia.

The deliberations also saw a comprehensive review of bilateral relations and constructive dialogue on various regional and multilateral issues of mutual concern.

This inaugural political consultation marks a pivotal step in deepening the bond between Ethiopia and Japan, paving the way for enhanced collaboration and mutual prosperity in the years to come.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Ethiopia and Japan held an inaugural political consultation, a significant milestone for diplomatic ties between the two countries.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two nations convened their inaugural political consultation in Tokyo, Japan on 9th April 2024.

State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga and Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Kiyoto Tsuji co-chaired the meeting.

After the opening remarks by the co-chairs, participants engaged in a robust exchange of views, delving into the domestic landscapes of both nations and exploring avenues to strengthen bilateral ties.

Discussions encompassed diplomatic and economic relations, as well as broader Japan-Africa relations, it was indicated.

Speaking at inaugural political consultation, Ambassador Mesganu underscored Ethiopia’s profound commitment to nurturing its relationship with Japan, highlighting the pivotal role of platforms like political consultations in bolstering bilateral and multilateral
cooperation.

He advocated for the enhancement of trade and investment links, recognizing the mutual benefits such collaboration could yield for the two countries.

Vice Minister Tsuji on his part, indicated Japan’s aspiration for a robust partnership with Ethiopia.

The deliberations also saw a comprehensive review of bilateral relations and constructive dialogue on various regional and multilateral issues of mutual concern.

This inaugural political consultation marks a pivotal step in deepening the bond between Ethiopia and Japan, paving the way for enhanced collaboration and mutual prosperity in the years to come.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Plan International Ghana and World Vision Ghana have expressed concern regarding the alleged marriage between a 12-year-old girl and a 63-year-old traditional priest in Nungua, Accra, Ghana .

‘We have also noted with concern the various media reports of certain individuals attempting to justify and defend the alleged union under the guise of traditional and cultural practices.

We strongly condemn this repulsive act and assert unequivocally that there is no justification for the marriage, union, or betrothal of a girl child to a man, regardless of cultural traditions or any other pretext. She is a child, not a bride! The welfare of the child is paramount in all situations’.

A joint press statement signed By Constant Tchona and Laura Cristina Delvalle, Country Director and National Director of Plan and World Vision respectively and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra in Accra said Child marriage was a form of gender-based violence and a grave violation of human rights that perpetuated a cycle of povert
y, illiteracy, and gender inequality, depriving children, particularly girls, of their rightful childhood, education, and opportunities for a brighter future.

‘This grave and unlawful act constitutes a major infringement of the rights to bodily autonomy for the 12-year-old girl and potentially to all Ghanaian girls exposed to such traditional malpractices. The purported marriage of this 12-year-old girl undoubtedly possess a significant threat to her health, education, and holistically, her personal and professional development’.

The statement said that action violated the Children’s Act of Ghana, 1998 (Act 560), specifically Section 14, which forbade the marriage or betrothal of children under the age of eighteen (18) years.

‘ Additionally, Section 16 underscores the State’s solemn duty to shield children from exploitation, abuse, and any form of violence, including early marriage.

‘As a signatory to international conventions such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), Ghana is bound by its
commitment to eradicate child marriage and align its laws and policies with the principles enshrined in such conventions’.

It said it was imperative that the Government of Ghana upheld its obligation to protect the rights of all individuals, and take concrete actions to eliminate harmful practices such as Child Early and Forced Marriage (CEFM), including through effective legislation and awareness raising with communities about the physical and mental harm, and long-term adverse impacts that resulted from this harmful practice.

‘In light of this, while we commend the Ghana Police Service for taking swift action to keep the child and her mother under police protection, we demand the following:

‘That the laws be enforced to their fullest extent in order to effectively deter similar acts from occurring anywhere within the country.

‘ That the government of Ghana collaborates with law enforcement agencies and civil society organizations to ensure that justice is served swiftly’.

The statement also called for
the prevention of the parents of the child from supporting and affirming the purported marriage and the harmful traditional practice(s) be abolished with immediate effect.

‘That the 12-year-old girl is released to continue her education in a safe environment and that the 12-year-old girl is protected from victimization and stigma and provided with all the support she needs to thrive in her environment.

It also called on the government to extensively roll out public education to create awareness of the harmful traditional practices that prevented girls from developing their full potential and every girl and child should have the autonomy and necessary knowledge to make informed decisions about her body.

‘As we condemn this act, Plan International Ghana and World Vision International Ghana stand in solidarity with rights groups and advocates, who are tirelessly working to promote gender equality and end CEFM.

‘We stand firm in our commitment to protecting the rights and wellbeing of children and girls. CEFM
has no place in our society and must be eradicated. We would continue to provide resources in all forms to ensure the protection, fulfilment and promotion of children’s rights, especially, the girl child in line with the CRC and all other international frameworks that enhances the fundamental rights of children’.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Robot Desta, which was in display at the Science Museum starting today, has been developed by Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute and iCog Labs in collaboration with other institutions.

Children, youths and various sections of the society visited robot Desta and the Startups Exhibitions already opened at the science museum.

On the occasion, State Minister of Finance, Eyob Tekalign said that Ethiopia has embarked on emerging technology of AI by giving particular attention to the global technological age.

Stating that Robot Desta has been made to speak Amharic, the state minister said Ethiopia is striving to come closer to technological age of AI.

Robot Desta will participate at the music event tomorrow night with the famous Mulatu Astatke, founder of a hybrid of music form called Ethio Jazz.

Starting from come Friday, Desta will be displayed at Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute with other robots, it was learnt.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Robot Desta, which was in display at the Science Museum starting today, has been developed by Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute and iCog Labs in collaboration with other institutions.

Children, youths and various sections of the society visited robot Desta and the Startups Exhibitions already opened at the science museum.

On the occasion, State Minister of Finance, Eyob Tekalign said that Ethiopia has embarked on emerging technology of AI by giving particular attention to the global technological age.

Stating that Robot Desta has been made to speak Amharic, the state minister said Ethiopia is striving to come closer to technological age of AI.

Robot Desta will participate at the music event tomorrow night with the famous Mulatu Astatke, founder of a hybrid of music form called Ethio Jazz.

Starting from come Friday, Desta will be displayed at Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute with other robots, it was learnt.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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

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

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

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

Danyo died on the way to the hospital.

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

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

The suspect is currently in Police custody helping i
n investigation.

Police sources confirmed the incident to GNA when contacted.

Source: Ghana News Agency