Day: October 29, 2023

The Ministry of National Security Sunday debunked reports that the Military has raided Garu in the Upper East Region, resulting in some residents sustainingvarious degrees of injuries with more than 50 hospitalised. A statement issued by the Ministry and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra said an irate youth group, armed with AK 47 rifles, machetes and other weapons, on Tuesday, October 24, attacked a team of five counter-terrorismintelligence officers on critical, special operations. The officers, deployed by the Ministry of National Security, sought refuge at the Garu Police Station but the irate youth followed up and ‘fired multiple shots with the intention of killing the officers.’ The Ministry and the Ghana Armed Forces, on Saturday, October 28, conducted a joint operation in the town to seizethe weapons used by the perpetrators of the attack. That resulted in a number of them being arrested, the statement said. The Ministry deemed the attack on the security personnel at the police station highly unacceptable. It strongly condemned acts aimed at intimidating and harming officials of State Security and intelligence agencies, whileimpeding them from effectively executing their mandated to safeguard the peace and stability of Ghana. ‘Whereas the Ministry of National Security works to promote active citizen participation in safeguarding the peace and stability of our dear nation, deliberate acts that seek to jeopardise the lives of personnel of State Security and Intelligence Agencies will not be countenanced,’ it said. It cautioned the public to act in consonance with the laws of Ghana to avoid any such operations. Reports on social media on the morning of October 29 alleged that personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces had stormed Garu to avenge attacks on some national security operatives, where some residents were brutalised.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Electoral Commission (EC) says it will welcome public scrutiny and criticisms of its work, especially as the nation heads into a crucial election in 2024, however, this must be done with objectivity and candour. Mrs Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the EC, said that would ensure national peace, security and sustenance of the country’s democracy. ‘We at the EC are not above scrutiny. Scrutinise and critique our work as your role requires but do so with objectivity. Criticisms laced with insults and falsehood should be beneath you,’ she told members of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) on Sunday. This was part of her keynote address during the 27th GJAAwards held at the Accra International Conference Centre. It was on the theme: ‘Leveraging Media Freedom to Sustain the Democratic and Security Architecture: The Litmus Test of Election 2024’. The EC Boss noted that the stakes for the 2024 Election were high because they could make or break the peace and security. ‘We are partners in this quest to build our nation. We should put our nation first and work to ensure that irrespective of our political divide, our actions and activities inure to the benefit of our dear country.’ She, therefore, urged the media to be conversant with the delicate interplay required of them to safeguard Ghana’s democracy, peace and harmony. ‘The 2024 Election will be more than democratic exercise, it is the test of our nation’s resilience.’ ‘As journalists, you’ll play a crucial role in building up that resilience. You’re the ears, eyes and hearts of the citizens,’ she said. The role of journalists could either impact the nation positively or negatively, Mrs Mensa said, and called for the truth to be upheld at all times. ‘Ensure that your work goes beyond mere rhetoric to practicing responsible journalism’, she admonished, and acknowledged the pioneering role the media had played in shaping and shepherding the nation’s democracy over the years. The EC Chairperson chastised some media outlets for being used as vehicles for spreading propaganda, churning falsehoods and misinformation, thus, polarising the citizenry on political party lines. The media must rise to their responsibility of promoting transparency, truth and accuracy, she said. ‘Your work as journalists will impact positively or negatively on our dear nation. As the Fourth Estate, you’re not only facets of our democracy, you’re its bedrock, beacon of truth.’ ‘You’re the guardians of transparency. You’re the vanguard for freedom, catalyst for informing and shaping public debate.’ The National Media Commission, she said, must ensure strict adherence to media ethics and set the standards to promote truth and respect and punish those who flouted the rules and regulations. The citizens must be discerning and demand the truth always from the media. ‘The power of the pen is unmatched and, therefore, must always engage in fact-checking of every information received thoroughly to avoid misinforming the public.’ In all, 34 awards were presented to journalists and media organisations for exceptional reporting and excellent work, with Mr Erasmus Asare Donkor, a Broadcast Journalist with Multimedia Group, being crowned the Journalist of the Year.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Rotary club of Sekondi- Takoradi as part of its corporate social responsibilities has organized a breast cancer awareness and screening exercise dubbed ‘boobrisky’. This year’s exercise saw the partnership of sister clubs such as rotary club of Takoradi Anaji, VRA Hospital, VRA ladies’ association, Virtuous ladies, the Aboadze and Takoradi enclave of lions’ club international participating in the exercise. The screening exercise, which lasted for more than six hours, was to help community members know their status on the condition and take steps in the prevention and treatment to avoid complications associated with Breast Cancer in Ghana, especially Western Region. Mr. Cosmos Segbefia, the President for the Rotary Club of Sekondi Takoradi during the exercise, told the Ghana News Agency that, the club for the past seven years, had organized similar exercises in communities within the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, which had contributed significantly to early detection and treatment saving lives of people, especially women. He noted that those who needed further attention from the screening exercise would be referred and monitored as part of the project and success story on saving lives in communities through these kind gestures. Ms. Yaa Amoako-Adu, President of the Virtuous Board room said partnering Rotary was to raise awareness on men vulnerabilities to the conditions She narrated, ‘Recently, I visited a friend of mine who lost the husband through breast cancer, I know a lot of people will find it rare to a lot of because they think breast cancers only affects females or women.’ Ms. Amoako-Adu said there was the need to push information further to sensitize men, adding ‘we have realized people do not take things seriously with regard to the male counterpart. I came here today with male lecturer and a course-mate and other women in my class to get screened and help in advocacy’. A Melvin Jones Fellow of the Aboadze Enclave Lions Club, Adolf Djabanor, said educating the public on health issues was critical on informed living. He said the club did a lot of work last year pertaining to Education and awareness on childhood cancers. Mr Djabanor said the club also engaged in activities such as sight for all, hunger project, environment, diabetes, and projects to create awareness for better lifestyle. Ms. Gifty Aidoo, Vice President of the VRA Ladies Association, encouraged communities to disregard myths and misconceptions regarding the disease and rather subject themselves to full course treatment to decrease the rate of deaths.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The wives of Ghana Prison Service officers have participated in a breast cancer education and screening campaign organised by the Atua Government Hospital at Odumase Krobo in the Eastern Region. Female inmates at Akuse joined the wives of prison officers, who are members of the Prison Officers’ Wives Association (PROWA), to support the global initiative. A total of 33 groups of women received training on self-examination and identifying potential symptoms of breast cancer. There were also 17 spouses of jail guards and 16 female convicts who underwent screenings. Ms. Rejoice Nyame, the interim president of PROWA, indicated that there were various misconceptions surrounding breast cancer that discourage people from voluntarily getting regular health checks. One of these misconceptions, according to her, is the belief that it is a death sentence, which has led to individuals being hesitant to seek routine checks and inspections at the hospital. She noted that it was important for women to prioritise their health and take proactive measures to prevent potential harm by undergoing regular screenings, which would enable them to catch any potential signs early and take appropriate action to address them. She said waiting for a condition to worsen before seeking help was not advisable and urged all women to utilise the breast screening process to prevent any negative outcomes. According to Ms. Naomi Badzi, a physician assistant at the Atua Government Hospital, breast cancer is a prevalent form of cancer among women and has a high mortality rate, second only to lung cancer. The cause of breast cancer remains unknown, she added, but certain risk factors, such as being female, can contribute to its spread. She noted there had been experiences of various breast-related issues, which were a part of people’s personal histories, especially a family history of breast cancer. She mentioned that certain genetic factors could contribute to persons inheriting cancer. Other factors that can increase the risk of breast cancer include exposure to radiation, obesity, early onset of menstruation, later onset of menopause, having children at a later age, consuming alcohol, and using birth control methods. Ms. Badzi highlighted the significance of women regularly conducting breast examinations to detect any abnormalities and further recommended that women in their forties and older should consider getting a mammogram to examine the condition of their breasts. ‘If you notice a change in the colour of your skin around the breast, inverted nipples, or numbness in the armpit, these could be potential symptoms of breast cancer,’ she explained. ‘Timely detection is crucial for saving lives, so it’s important to take action before the situation becomes irreversible.’ According to Ms. Safoa Dora, the wife of a jail officer, there used to be a misconception that breast cancer was as deadly as the coronavirus or Ebola. However, thanks to education, her understanding of the disease has changed. She also discovered that early detection could lead to effective treatment, so it was important for all women to undergo screening to prevent any potential harm.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Luanda – Angolan president João Lourenço said Saturday in Luanda that his country intends to develop closer cooperation with the Czech Republic by identifying areas of common interest.

In a congratulatory message on the celebration of the European country’s Independence Day, João Lourenço said he hoped it would be possible to exploit the great potential that exists in both countries for mutual benefit.

In the message, João Lourenço suggests the holding of high-level meetings to lay the foundations for strengthening bilateral cooperation in the near future.

Long-standing relations

Relations between the two countries date back to the proclamation of Angola national independence through the then Czechoslovak Socialist Republic.

With a long-standing relationship, Angola and the Czech Republic have been considering establishing more solid and effective co-operation in a wide variety of areas.

Political-diplomatic and cooperation relations between the Republic of Angola and the Czech Republic date back to January 1, 1993.

In December 1999, a Declaration was signed on the ties between the two countries, which were strengthened in 2006 with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding and the Development Cooperation Programme.

The Czech Republic is a Central European country bordered to the north by Poland and Germany, to the east by Slovakia, to the south by Austria and to the west by Germany.

The country’s capital is the city of Prague, which is also its largest and most populous, with over a million inhabitants.

Source: Angola Press News Agency

Addis Ababa, A high-level training organized for members of the House of People’s Representatives (HPR) has kicked off at the Africa Leadership Excellence Academy (AFLEX).

Thematic areas of national, regional, and global peace and development will be covered during the ten-day training, it was learned.

HPR House Speaker, Tagesse Chafo, and Zadig Abraha, AFLEX President, presided over the first day of training at the premises of the Africa Leadership Excellence Academy.

On the occasion, the Speaker said the training aims at enabling the MPs to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities.

The training will also provide insight into Ethiopia’s existing situation in terms of politics, economy, government administration, and international relations, he added.

The participants are expected to grasp an adequate understanding of national, regional, continental, and international current issues.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Addis Ababa, The Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture has distributed new vehicles and laboratory equipment worth 34 million USD to regional agricultural bureaus and research centers. The critical assets were purchased with financial support from development partners.

At a ceremonial handover, Minister of Agriculture Girma Amenti and World Bank Country Director Ousmane Dione presented 197 vehicles, 1,850 motorcycles, and lab equipment to help strengthen Ethiopia’s agricultural sector.

In remarks, Minister Amenti said the provisions will accelerate and aim at expediting the achievements being registered in the sector, citing the encouraging successes in summer wheat production, the green legacy initiative, and the “Yelemat Tirufat” development campaign, which focuses on nutritional opulence.

He pledged robust agricultural extension services to enable the majority of farmers to harvest surplus production.

The minister added that the assets will promote sustainable community-based watershed development, increased climate resilience, and greater agricultural productivity overall.

The modern vehicles, motorcycles, and equipment will empower regional bureaus to realize greater food security, environmental sustainability, and prosperity for Ethiopia’s rural communities.

The minister also mentioned the community-based basin development being carried out by the government in 501 districts located in 11 regional states and 1 city administration with 500 million USD obtained from the World Bank.

The World Bank Director for Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, and South Sudan, Osman Dio, said Ethiopia has been registering successful achievements in land management, including the Green Legacy Initiative.

The Country Director stated that the support is instrumental in helping accelerate agricultural production and productivity in all areas of the country.

The World Bank will work to implement Ethiopia’s best practices across sub-Saharan African countries, he stressed.

He affirmed that work being carried out with the government of Ethiopia, particularly in the digital registration of fertile lands developed through the ongoing basin development programs, will be intensified.

The support is provided through the Agricultural Growth Program (AGPII) and the Climate Action through Landscape Management (CALM) Program; food and nutrition laboratories are provided by the Food and Nutrition Program, as indicated

Source: Ethiopian News Agency