Saturday, November 7, 2009 (The Mirror Pg 25)
By Rebecca Kwei
Chiropractic practice is being considered for the mainstream of health delivery in the country.
This is under the Ministry of Health’s quality assurance policy on training and practice of complementary health practitioners.
This was made known by the Minister of Health designate, Dr Ben Kumbour, at the launch of the Chiropractic and Wellness Centre’s corporate wellness programme in Accra.
Chiropractic is an alternative medical system which takes a different approach from standard medicine in treating health problems. Its basic concept is that the body has a powerful self-healing ability and the chiropractic professionals use a type of hands-on therapy called spinal manipulation or adjustment.
According to the minister, in line with the programme, the chiropractic doctor was to be seen as a primary contact practitioner, who is a collaborator and sees to the optimum function of the body.
Additionally, he said, guidelines for regulatory control of all wellness spas and complementary alternative medicine practices by the ministry were being rolled out for implementation.
He said the board of the Regulatory Council would soon be inaugurated to enable the registry for complementary medicine to become fully operational.
Dr Kumbour said the launch of the corporate wellness programme had come at a time when Ghana was experiencing an increase in lifestyle-related diseases.
“Much of the work of the middle and upper classes falls under the category which is described as sedentary, and this, coupled with opportunities for over-indulgence while doing less manual work, puts these classes of the population at serious risk of cardio-vascular and other lifestyle diseases,” he observed.
He noted that a key component of every successful nation was a healthy and vibrant workforce and that the workplace was, therefore, the perfect place to start a health and wellness revolution.
“Diseases need hospitals to be treated, and the public health service needs the community to support each other in disease prevention but wellness depends on the choices an individual makes on personal discipline, moral behaviour, lifestyle and early health preventive interventions,” Dr Kumbour added.
He expressed the hope that insurance companies would begin to pay for chiropractic services to enable more people to access the service.
The CEO of the Chiropractic and Wellness Centres, Dr Marcus Manns, said in Ghana and globally, employees and employers were grappling with the challenge of maintaining a healthy balance between being productive at work while maintaining a quality life at home.
He said the centre thus felt it was necessary to introduce a programme that specifically targeted the workplace.
The corporate wellness programme was designed such that the centre would introduce and maintain a wellness culture in an organisation that creates happier, healthier, more focused and productive employees.
“The health choices your employees make today create a healthy or sick bottom line for your company tomorrow,” Dr Manns added.
He noted that preventable diseases made up 70 per cent of the entire burden of illness and associated costs to corporations.
The features of the corporate wellness programme include quarterly corporate wellness workshops, advanced strategies to adapt to stress, workstation exercises, ergonomics for life, on-site massages and corporate wellness consultancy.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Set up national cancer control programme
Saturday, October 24, 2009 (The Mirror Pg 25)
By Rebecca Kwei
The Director of the National Centre for Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine, Dr Joel Yarney, has called for the establishment of a National Cancer Control Programme in the country.
This he said he would help increase cancer awareness and reduce its burden in the country.
“Just as we have the National Malaria Control Programme and for Tuberculosis, we need one for cancer so that cancers in all forms can be taken seriously because it is a major public health problem. Cancer awareness will permeate to the district level and there will be more public education” he told The Mirror in an interview.
Additionally, he said there was also a need for a National Cancer Registry to enable the country collect accurate cancer data that can be used for cancer control and research purposes.
The centre which is located at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital handles all kinds of cancers such as breast, cervix, prostrate, head and neck, bowel, and gynaecological cancers except cancers of the blood.
In 2008, the centre handled 950 new cases of cancers as compared to about 850 in 2007. As of now (October) the cancer cases seen at the centre is 910 and Dr Yarney was sure the figure may get to a 1000 by the end of the year.
He said breast cancer was the leading case that was brought to the centre. In 2008, there were 266 new cases representing 28 per cent of the total number of cancers reported there.
Dr Yarney said a cancer control programme and a cancer registry in the case of breast cancer would also help in institutionalising a screening programme for women who are 40 years and above.
He attributed the increasing number of cancer cases reported at the centre to increase in awareness adding that “a cancer registry will give you an accurate picture of the cancer cases in the whole country. The figures are for this centre only and not a reflection of what is happening in the whole country. Nigeria has a cancer registry and so has Zimbabwe”.
October is breast cancer month and touching on that Dr Yarney said about 65 per cent of patients who reported at the centre with breast cancer cases reported very late when the cancer had reached an advanced stage.
“Most women fear that their breast will be cut and they will die but it is not automatic. Being diagnosed of breast cancer is not a death sentence” he stressed.
Dr Yarney said as soon as a woman feels a lump in her breast, it was important to see a doctor and not attribute it to the work of witches.
He said when breast cancer was detected early it can be cured adding that breast cancer in its early stage presents no symptoms “that is why every woman must make a conscious effort to self examine her breast regularly and if there is anything unusual see a doctor.”
Some risk factors of breast cancer, Dr Yarney said was that if one had a relative who had breast cancer before age 40 or family history of breast cancer, then one has a high risk of developing breast cancer; high fatty food, sedentary lifestyle, early menstruation, late menopause, hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptive which he said was debatable.
He explained that one or several risk factors does not necessarily mean one will develop cancer since some women with breast cancer have no known risk factors other than being a woman.
He said the centre runs a breast cancer screening programme every Tuesday and said any woman can walk in for screening since there was no need for a referral.
The centre also has all modalities such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy for the treatment of cancers.
According to Dr Yarney, the cost of treatment for cancers at the centre was manageable adding that breast cancer was on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and some of the medication for treatment.
By Rebecca Kwei
The Director of the National Centre for Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine, Dr Joel Yarney, has called for the establishment of a National Cancer Control Programme in the country.
This he said he would help increase cancer awareness and reduce its burden in the country.
“Just as we have the National Malaria Control Programme and for Tuberculosis, we need one for cancer so that cancers in all forms can be taken seriously because it is a major public health problem. Cancer awareness will permeate to the district level and there will be more public education” he told The Mirror in an interview.
Additionally, he said there was also a need for a National Cancer Registry to enable the country collect accurate cancer data that can be used for cancer control and research purposes.
The centre which is located at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital handles all kinds of cancers such as breast, cervix, prostrate, head and neck, bowel, and gynaecological cancers except cancers of the blood.
In 2008, the centre handled 950 new cases of cancers as compared to about 850 in 2007. As of now (October) the cancer cases seen at the centre is 910 and Dr Yarney was sure the figure may get to a 1000 by the end of the year.
He said breast cancer was the leading case that was brought to the centre. In 2008, there were 266 new cases representing 28 per cent of the total number of cancers reported there.
Dr Yarney said a cancer control programme and a cancer registry in the case of breast cancer would also help in institutionalising a screening programme for women who are 40 years and above.
He attributed the increasing number of cancer cases reported at the centre to increase in awareness adding that “a cancer registry will give you an accurate picture of the cancer cases in the whole country. The figures are for this centre only and not a reflection of what is happening in the whole country. Nigeria has a cancer registry and so has Zimbabwe”.
October is breast cancer month and touching on that Dr Yarney said about 65 per cent of patients who reported at the centre with breast cancer cases reported very late when the cancer had reached an advanced stage.
“Most women fear that their breast will be cut and they will die but it is not automatic. Being diagnosed of breast cancer is not a death sentence” he stressed.
Dr Yarney said as soon as a woman feels a lump in her breast, it was important to see a doctor and not attribute it to the work of witches.
He said when breast cancer was detected early it can be cured adding that breast cancer in its early stage presents no symptoms “that is why every woman must make a conscious effort to self examine her breast regularly and if there is anything unusual see a doctor.”
Some risk factors of breast cancer, Dr Yarney said was that if one had a relative who had breast cancer before age 40 or family history of breast cancer, then one has a high risk of developing breast cancer; high fatty food, sedentary lifestyle, early menstruation, late menopause, hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptive which he said was debatable.
He explained that one or several risk factors does not necessarily mean one will develop cancer since some women with breast cancer have no known risk factors other than being a woman.
He said the centre runs a breast cancer screening programme every Tuesday and said any woman can walk in for screening since there was no need for a referral.
The centre also has all modalities such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy for the treatment of cancers.
According to Dr Yarney, the cost of treatment for cancers at the centre was manageable adding that breast cancer was on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and some of the medication for treatment.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Increase women's participation in governance
Saturday, October 10, 2009 (The Mirror Pg 36)
By Rebecca Kwei
A Governance Programme Officer of the Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF), Ghana, Mr Frank Wilson Bodza, has called on the government to come out with an affirmative action policy for the country to ensure increased women’s participation in political decision-making.
He said analysis of countries that had adopted affirmative action showed increased participation of women in governance in those countries.
Mr Bodza explained that affirmative action was an action by an institution to improve the lot of poorly represented people, adding that it was a temporary measure to address a structural or systemic problem over time.
He made the call at a media seminar on affirmative action policy organised by Wildaf, Ghana, in Accra.
Giving examples of countries that have affirmative action policy , Mr Bodza said Rwanda which practices constitutional quota had 24 seats reserved for women.
He said Rwanda had an 80-member parliament and now had 45 women parliamentarians.
Another country, Sweden, has a 50 per cent quota for women in all the parties and there are 164 women in the 349-member parliament.
The 150-member parliament of The Netherlands has 62 women while in South Africa there are 132 women in the 400-member parliament.
The number of women in Ghana’s 200-member parliament in 1992 was 16 and increased to 18 in 1996 and then to 19 in 2000.
In 2004, the 230-member parliament had 25 women. This number, however, decreased to 20 in 2008. The number has further been reduced to 19 following the death of the MP for Chereponi, Doris Asibi Seidu. The by-election was won by Mr Samuel Abdulai Jabanyite of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He said Ghana made bold steps towards affirmative action in the 1960s where 10 women were elected unopposed to represent their regions in 1960 and the number of women parliamentarians increased to 19 in 1965 where 10 went through the special law and nine contested and won on merit.
Mr Bodza said Wildaf was not satisfied with the number of women appointed to political positions, and appealed to government to be committed to its promise of reviewing the 1998 Affirmative Action Policy Guideline.
He said, for instance, the 10-member Government Economic Advisory Council had no woman on the council and queried whether “there was no woman economist in Ghana?”
The 25-member Council of State has only three women while the 10 regional ministers had only one woman.
“There is a need for affirmative action not in all sectors but for political decision making because of the low number of women representation. Both men and women need to represent equally,” he emphasised.
The National Programmes Coordinator of Wildaf, Bernice Sam said Ghana had ratified many international instruments which advocate affirmative action to ensure equal gender participation and representation in political decision making.
For instance, she said the Beijing Platform for Action of 1995 calls on governments to meet a 30 per cent representation of women in political positions.
Ms Sam said Rwanda, Mozambique, South Africa and Uganda had achieved the United Nations threshold of 30 per cent and beyond.
She said women parliamentarians represented 8.7 per cent (20 out of 230) in Ghana which places the country at the 108th position of world classification of women’s representation in parliament.
By Rebecca Kwei
A Governance Programme Officer of the Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF), Ghana, Mr Frank Wilson Bodza, has called on the government to come out with an affirmative action policy for the country to ensure increased women’s participation in political decision-making.
He said analysis of countries that had adopted affirmative action showed increased participation of women in governance in those countries.
Mr Bodza explained that affirmative action was an action by an institution to improve the lot of poorly represented people, adding that it was a temporary measure to address a structural or systemic problem over time.
He made the call at a media seminar on affirmative action policy organised by Wildaf, Ghana, in Accra.
Giving examples of countries that have affirmative action policy , Mr Bodza said Rwanda which practices constitutional quota had 24 seats reserved for women.
He said Rwanda had an 80-member parliament and now had 45 women parliamentarians.
Another country, Sweden, has a 50 per cent quota for women in all the parties and there are 164 women in the 349-member parliament.
The 150-member parliament of The Netherlands has 62 women while in South Africa there are 132 women in the 400-member parliament.
The number of women in Ghana’s 200-member parliament in 1992 was 16 and increased to 18 in 1996 and then to 19 in 2000.
In 2004, the 230-member parliament had 25 women. This number, however, decreased to 20 in 2008. The number has further been reduced to 19 following the death of the MP for Chereponi, Doris Asibi Seidu. The by-election was won by Mr Samuel Abdulai Jabanyite of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He said Ghana made bold steps towards affirmative action in the 1960s where 10 women were elected unopposed to represent their regions in 1960 and the number of women parliamentarians increased to 19 in 1965 where 10 went through the special law and nine contested and won on merit.
Mr Bodza said Wildaf was not satisfied with the number of women appointed to political positions, and appealed to government to be committed to its promise of reviewing the 1998 Affirmative Action Policy Guideline.
He said, for instance, the 10-member Government Economic Advisory Council had no woman on the council and queried whether “there was no woman economist in Ghana?”
The 25-member Council of State has only three women while the 10 regional ministers had only one woman.
“There is a need for affirmative action not in all sectors but for political decision making because of the low number of women representation. Both men and women need to represent equally,” he emphasised.
The National Programmes Coordinator of Wildaf, Bernice Sam said Ghana had ratified many international instruments which advocate affirmative action to ensure equal gender participation and representation in political decision making.
For instance, she said the Beijing Platform for Action of 1995 calls on governments to meet a 30 per cent representation of women in political positions.
Ms Sam said Rwanda, Mozambique, South Africa and Uganda had achieved the United Nations threshold of 30 per cent and beyond.
She said women parliamentarians represented 8.7 per cent (20 out of 230) in Ghana which places the country at the 108th position of world classification of women’s representation in parliament.
Community involvement in HIV, AIDS key
Saturday, October 3, 2009 (The Mirror Pg 25)
By Rebecca Kwei
THE President of Afro Global Alliance, Chief Austin Arinze Obiefuna, has called for more community involvement in the fight against HIV and AIDS pandemic.
He said the community’s involvement in the care and support of people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS will complement efforts of governments and civil society to reduce the burden of the disease.
Chief Abiefuna made the call at the opening of a four-day special meeting of the International Advisory Board of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial in Accra.
The Memorial, a programme of the Global Health Council, is one of the largest grass roots mobilisation campaigns for HIV/AIDS awareness in the world.
He said the 2006 UNAIDS report indicated that sub-Saharan Africa had the largest burden of the AIDS epidemic and it was estimated that about 2.1 million Africans died of AIDS in 2006.
He said HIV/AIDS and other related diseases like tuberculosis were no longer a health matter, but “a government, development and collective issue requiring the attention of all of us.”
The Country Co-ordinator of UNAIDS, Dr Leo Zekeng, also emphasised the need to broaden and strengthen engagements with communities in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
Dr Zekeng cautioned Ghana not to be complacent about the drop in the HIV prevalence but rather double up to make sure the prevalence was further reduced.
The national adult HIV prevalence is 1.7 per cent, which is a decline from the 2007 prevalence of 1.9 per cent.
The International Outreach Co-ordinator of the Global Health Council, Todd Lawrence, said the Candlelight Memorial started in 1983 and took place on the third Sunday of May every year and led by a coalition of 1,200 community organisations in 115 countries.
He said the coalition hosted local memorials that honoured the lost and raise social consciousness about the disease.
Additionally, he said the memorial provided opportunities for leadership development, policy advocacy, partnerships and improvement of community mobilisation skills.
In a speech read on her behalf, the acting Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr Angela El-Adas, said with the almost 33 million people living with HIV and AIDS, the programme continued to offer global solidarity and hope to generations.
By Rebecca Kwei
THE President of Afro Global Alliance, Chief Austin Arinze Obiefuna, has called for more community involvement in the fight against HIV and AIDS pandemic.
He said the community’s involvement in the care and support of people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS will complement efforts of governments and civil society to reduce the burden of the disease.
Chief Abiefuna made the call at the opening of a four-day special meeting of the International Advisory Board of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial in Accra.
The Memorial, a programme of the Global Health Council, is one of the largest grass roots mobilisation campaigns for HIV/AIDS awareness in the world.
He said the 2006 UNAIDS report indicated that sub-Saharan Africa had the largest burden of the AIDS epidemic and it was estimated that about 2.1 million Africans died of AIDS in 2006.
He said HIV/AIDS and other related diseases like tuberculosis were no longer a health matter, but “a government, development and collective issue requiring the attention of all of us.”
The Country Co-ordinator of UNAIDS, Dr Leo Zekeng, also emphasised the need to broaden and strengthen engagements with communities in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
Dr Zekeng cautioned Ghana not to be complacent about the drop in the HIV prevalence but rather double up to make sure the prevalence was further reduced.
The national adult HIV prevalence is 1.7 per cent, which is a decline from the 2007 prevalence of 1.9 per cent.
The International Outreach Co-ordinator of the Global Health Council, Todd Lawrence, said the Candlelight Memorial started in 1983 and took place on the third Sunday of May every year and led by a coalition of 1,200 community organisations in 115 countries.
He said the coalition hosted local memorials that honoured the lost and raise social consciousness about the disease.
Additionally, he said the memorial provided opportunities for leadership development, policy advocacy, partnerships and improvement of community mobilisation skills.
In a speech read on her behalf, the acting Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr Angela El-Adas, said with the almost 33 million people living with HIV and AIDS, the programme continued to offer global solidarity and hope to generations.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Civil society health forum held in Accra
Saturday, September 26, 2009 (The Mirror Pg 18)
By Rebecca Kwei
The Director of the Institute of Local Government Studies, Dr Esther Offei Aboagye, has called on the public sector to recognise the important role civil society organisations (CSOs) play in the health sector.
Dr Aboagye said the CSOs are important stakeholders in health delivery and the public service has no choice but to rely on their initiatives to help reach the unreached in society.
Dr Aboagye made the call at a two-day civil society health forum in Accra which was organised by the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Health. It was on the theme “Reaching the Unreached: The role of civil society”.
She also called on the public sector to enhance its capacity to be able to accept the ability of civil society to deliver.
“There is an unfortunate tendency on either side to lump all together, public health practitioners seeing all CSOs as charlatans and CSOs seeing public health practitioners as all unfeeling and uncaring”, she noted.
She described the unreached as those who do not have access to acceptable, basic standards of health care.
She commended NGOs and CSOs for their support in health delivery in remote areas despite the numerous challenges that they face.
However, she said for CSOs to play its role effectively, they must be integrated into the sustainable institutions of the state which has the mandate and responsibility to ensure effective, equitable and quality life for all.
The Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Elias Sory, said the contribution of NGOs and CSOs to health delivery in the country was key and they cannot be left out if the health sector was to succeed.
He urged them to organise regular training to build their capacity and efficiency.
Dr Sory said although a good number of NGOs and CSOs were doing well, there were others who had ulterior motives and suggested that they review each other.
He also suggested that the organisations should find innovative ways of reaching the unreachable; not only in the rural areas but in the cities as well.
The Country Representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Daniel Kerpesz, commended NGOs and CSOs for their role in the health sector and other areas and said their commitment had pushed issues of the vulnerable on the world agenda.
A representative of the Royal Netherlands, Mr Theophilus Ayugane, called on NGOs and CSOs to be more transparent and accountable to the constituencies they represent, improve research capacity and institute measures to expose fraudulent organisations.
By Rebecca Kwei
The Director of the Institute of Local Government Studies, Dr Esther Offei Aboagye, has called on the public sector to recognise the important role civil society organisations (CSOs) play in the health sector.
Dr Aboagye said the CSOs are important stakeholders in health delivery and the public service has no choice but to rely on their initiatives to help reach the unreached in society.
Dr Aboagye made the call at a two-day civil society health forum in Accra which was organised by the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Health. It was on the theme “Reaching the Unreached: The role of civil society”.
She also called on the public sector to enhance its capacity to be able to accept the ability of civil society to deliver.
“There is an unfortunate tendency on either side to lump all together, public health practitioners seeing all CSOs as charlatans and CSOs seeing public health practitioners as all unfeeling and uncaring”, she noted.
She described the unreached as those who do not have access to acceptable, basic standards of health care.
She commended NGOs and CSOs for their support in health delivery in remote areas despite the numerous challenges that they face.
However, she said for CSOs to play its role effectively, they must be integrated into the sustainable institutions of the state which has the mandate and responsibility to ensure effective, equitable and quality life for all.
The Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Elias Sory, said the contribution of NGOs and CSOs to health delivery in the country was key and they cannot be left out if the health sector was to succeed.
He urged them to organise regular training to build their capacity and efficiency.
Dr Sory said although a good number of NGOs and CSOs were doing well, there were others who had ulterior motives and suggested that they review each other.
He also suggested that the organisations should find innovative ways of reaching the unreachable; not only in the rural areas but in the cities as well.
The Country Representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Daniel Kerpesz, commended NGOs and CSOs for their role in the health sector and other areas and said their commitment had pushed issues of the vulnerable on the world agenda.
A representative of the Royal Netherlands, Mr Theophilus Ayugane, called on NGOs and CSOs to be more transparent and accountable to the constituencies they represent, improve research capacity and institute measures to expose fraudulent organisations.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
GJA launches HIV/AIDS project
Saturday, September 19, 2009 (The Mirror Pg 34)
By Rebecca Kwei
The Acting Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr Angela El-Adas, has called on the media to use its agenda setting role to educate the public on the need to lead healthy lifestyles so as to prevent the spread of the HIV infection.
She said the media was an important partner and had a vital role to play in the campaign to reduce HIV related stigma and discrimination in the society.
Dr El-Adas made the call at the launch of a Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) project dubbed “Using the Media to Create Public Awareness on HIV and AIDS” in Accra. The one-year project is being sponsored by the Ghana AIDS Commission.
The Acting Director-General said the commission recognised the need to engage the media in order to deepen knowledge on HIV and AIDS, enhance accurate reporting of HIV issues and keep HIV in the spotlight.
She said this year, the commission had supported more than 24 radio stations and other media houses across the country to intensify programmes aimed at behaviour modification and dispel misinformation/misconception surrounding the disease among others.
On the HIV epidemic, she said from 1986 to 2006, 121,050 AIDS cases were reported by the Ministry of Health and in 2006, about 297,000 Ghanaians were estimated to be living with HIV. Currently, about 240,000 Ghanaians are believed to be living with the virus.
She said the national adult HIV prevalence was 1.7 per cent which was a decline from the 2007 prevalence of 1.9 per cent.
She said the HIV epidemic in Ghana was described as a general one, with pockets of high prevalence among certain sub-populations and geographic areas.
However, she noted that these pockets of high prevalence had the capacity to increase the HIV and AIDS cases in the country and said it was important to use effective interventions to reduce the infection in those areas.
Dr El-Adas said over the next five years the commission would invest in evidence-based prevention interventions to avert new infections, while scaling up treatment and care efforts for those already infected and affected.
The President of the GJA, Mr Ransford Tetteh, said for an area such as HIV and AIDS, which is both technical and scientific, one must get the issues right before attempting to inform and educate the public.
Therefore, he said “we are pleased that through this project, we are going to educate ourselves more of HIV and AIDS, so that we can give this dangerous disease that still has no cure the deserved attention, so that we can employ the necessary mass communication strategies against it to be able to expose its dangers persistently and consistently to our people.”
Mr Tetteh said the project would organise training programmes for journalists specialising in health reporting.
Additionally, there will be an award scheme, where journalists who write exclusive stories on HIV and AIDS and related health issues will be rewarded. The writer of any story that is carried in the media and meets the criteria set will receive GH¢100. There will also be a special award at the 2010 GJA awards night.
The Programme Manager of the National AIDS Control Programme, Dr Akwei Addo, who chaired the launch, said although knowledge of HIV and AIDS was high, only a few of the population adhered to preventive methods.
He also appealed to the media to educate the public on the need to protect themselves from HIV, patronise Voluntary Counselling and Testing and not to stigmatise those who are infected and affected.
By Rebecca Kwei
The Acting Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr Angela El-Adas, has called on the media to use its agenda setting role to educate the public on the need to lead healthy lifestyles so as to prevent the spread of the HIV infection.
She said the media was an important partner and had a vital role to play in the campaign to reduce HIV related stigma and discrimination in the society.
Dr El-Adas made the call at the launch of a Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) project dubbed “Using the Media to Create Public Awareness on HIV and AIDS” in Accra. The one-year project is being sponsored by the Ghana AIDS Commission.
The Acting Director-General said the commission recognised the need to engage the media in order to deepen knowledge on HIV and AIDS, enhance accurate reporting of HIV issues and keep HIV in the spotlight.
She said this year, the commission had supported more than 24 radio stations and other media houses across the country to intensify programmes aimed at behaviour modification and dispel misinformation/misconception surrounding the disease among others.
On the HIV epidemic, she said from 1986 to 2006, 121,050 AIDS cases were reported by the Ministry of Health and in 2006, about 297,000 Ghanaians were estimated to be living with HIV. Currently, about 240,000 Ghanaians are believed to be living with the virus.
She said the national adult HIV prevalence was 1.7 per cent which was a decline from the 2007 prevalence of 1.9 per cent.
She said the HIV epidemic in Ghana was described as a general one, with pockets of high prevalence among certain sub-populations and geographic areas.
However, she noted that these pockets of high prevalence had the capacity to increase the HIV and AIDS cases in the country and said it was important to use effective interventions to reduce the infection in those areas.
Dr El-Adas said over the next five years the commission would invest in evidence-based prevention interventions to avert new infections, while scaling up treatment and care efforts for those already infected and affected.
The President of the GJA, Mr Ransford Tetteh, said for an area such as HIV and AIDS, which is both technical and scientific, one must get the issues right before attempting to inform and educate the public.
Therefore, he said “we are pleased that through this project, we are going to educate ourselves more of HIV and AIDS, so that we can give this dangerous disease that still has no cure the deserved attention, so that we can employ the necessary mass communication strategies against it to be able to expose its dangers persistently and consistently to our people.”
Mr Tetteh said the project would organise training programmes for journalists specialising in health reporting.
Additionally, there will be an award scheme, where journalists who write exclusive stories on HIV and AIDS and related health issues will be rewarded. The writer of any story that is carried in the media and meets the criteria set will receive GH¢100. There will also be a special award at the 2010 GJA awards night.
The Programme Manager of the National AIDS Control Programme, Dr Akwei Addo, who chaired the launch, said although knowledge of HIV and AIDS was high, only a few of the population adhered to preventive methods.
He also appealed to the media to educate the public on the need to protect themselves from HIV, patronise Voluntary Counselling and Testing and not to stigmatise those who are infected and affected.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Chief Psychiatrist calls for mental health law
Saturday, September 12, 2009 (The Mirror Pg 34)
By Rebecca Kwei
The Chief Psychiatrist, Dr Akwasi Osei, says there is an urgent need for the Mental Health Bill to be passed into law since it will protect the rights of people.
He noted that mental health borders mainly on human rights and the law will prevent people from being abused.
“Every day that the bill is delayed, somebody’s right is being abused and the country loses resources,” he said.
Dr Osei was speaking at a day’s workshop for reporters on the Mental Health Bill in Ghana. The workshop was organised by BasicNeeds, an NGO that seeks to bring change in the lives of people with mental illness or epilepsy and their families.
According to Dr Osei, the bill, which has been revised many times and currently with the Attorney General, has nine sections, including a Mental Health Board to oversee the implementation of the law.
There is also a Mental Health Service, which will be separate from the Ghana Health Service, making it autonomous, but will collaborate with the general health system.
Other sections are the Mental Health Review Tribunal to rule on abuse of rights of patients; Visiting Committees to ensure that the right things are being done; Voluntary and Involuntary treatment; Rights of persons with mental disorder and Protection of Vulnerable groups.
Dr Osei said the Mental Health Bill would de-emphasise institutional care and emphasise community care, making mental care cheaper.
He said the bill had gone through a lot of consultation and the World Health Organisation would likely use it as a template for Gambia.
A Psychiatrist Consultant, Dr J. B. Asare, who presented a paper on “A justification for a separate Mental Health Service with an authority”, said the bill sought to improve the care of the mentally ill in the country.
Additionally, it would address the decentralisation of mental health care at community and in spiritual and traditional settings.
Dr Asare said mental health would be much visible and better funded, if it was established as an authority.
On why the bill, which was drafted in 2004, was still in the offing, he said among others that there was lack of interest in mental health by policy makers and very little consideration was given to mental health during health sector reforms.
For his part, a Health Management Consultant, Dr Kofi Ahmed, said an independent Mental Health Law was needed because mentally ill persons, in most cases, could not control themselves and so were regarded as people who needed special attention.
Giving a historical perspective of the Bill, he said in 1888, the colonial government passed the first legislative instrument, the Lunatic Asylum Ordinance, Cap 79.
The Ordinance remained in force with little amendment until 1972, when the Mental Health Decree, NRCD 30, now Mental Health Act, 1972, was introduced.
A representative of the Human Rights Advocacy Centre (HRAC), Ms Maria Amanor-Akrofi, said people with mental disabilities experienced some of the harshest conditions of living that existed in any society.
Most of the hardships, she noted, were caused by discrimination and the absence of legal protection against improper and abusive treatment.
The Director, Legal Services of the Attorney General’s Department, Mrs Estella Appiah, who chaired the function, said everyone had a role to play in the passage of the bill and appealed to journalists not to stigmatise by using words such as ‘mad’ or ‘lunatics’ for mentally ill persons.
Mr Humphrey Kofie of BasicNeeds also appealed to media practitioners to continue advocating the passage of the mental health bill into law since the country stood to gain a lot from it.
By Rebecca Kwei
The Chief Psychiatrist, Dr Akwasi Osei, says there is an urgent need for the Mental Health Bill to be passed into law since it will protect the rights of people.
He noted that mental health borders mainly on human rights and the law will prevent people from being abused.
“Every day that the bill is delayed, somebody’s right is being abused and the country loses resources,” he said.
Dr Osei was speaking at a day’s workshop for reporters on the Mental Health Bill in Ghana. The workshop was organised by BasicNeeds, an NGO that seeks to bring change in the lives of people with mental illness or epilepsy and their families.
According to Dr Osei, the bill, which has been revised many times and currently with the Attorney General, has nine sections, including a Mental Health Board to oversee the implementation of the law.
There is also a Mental Health Service, which will be separate from the Ghana Health Service, making it autonomous, but will collaborate with the general health system.
Other sections are the Mental Health Review Tribunal to rule on abuse of rights of patients; Visiting Committees to ensure that the right things are being done; Voluntary and Involuntary treatment; Rights of persons with mental disorder and Protection of Vulnerable groups.
Dr Osei said the Mental Health Bill would de-emphasise institutional care and emphasise community care, making mental care cheaper.
He said the bill had gone through a lot of consultation and the World Health Organisation would likely use it as a template for Gambia.
A Psychiatrist Consultant, Dr J. B. Asare, who presented a paper on “A justification for a separate Mental Health Service with an authority”, said the bill sought to improve the care of the mentally ill in the country.
Additionally, it would address the decentralisation of mental health care at community and in spiritual and traditional settings.
Dr Asare said mental health would be much visible and better funded, if it was established as an authority.
On why the bill, which was drafted in 2004, was still in the offing, he said among others that there was lack of interest in mental health by policy makers and very little consideration was given to mental health during health sector reforms.
For his part, a Health Management Consultant, Dr Kofi Ahmed, said an independent Mental Health Law was needed because mentally ill persons, in most cases, could not control themselves and so were regarded as people who needed special attention.
Giving a historical perspective of the Bill, he said in 1888, the colonial government passed the first legislative instrument, the Lunatic Asylum Ordinance, Cap 79.
The Ordinance remained in force with little amendment until 1972, when the Mental Health Decree, NRCD 30, now Mental Health Act, 1972, was introduced.
A representative of the Human Rights Advocacy Centre (HRAC), Ms Maria Amanor-Akrofi, said people with mental disabilities experienced some of the harshest conditions of living that existed in any society.
Most of the hardships, she noted, were caused by discrimination and the absence of legal protection against improper and abusive treatment.
The Director, Legal Services of the Attorney General’s Department, Mrs Estella Appiah, who chaired the function, said everyone had a role to play in the passage of the bill and appealed to journalists not to stigmatise by using words such as ‘mad’ or ‘lunatics’ for mentally ill persons.
Mr Humphrey Kofie of BasicNeeds also appealed to media practitioners to continue advocating the passage of the mental health bill into law since the country stood to gain a lot from it.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Programme to fight against malaria launched
Saturday, September 5, 2009 (The Mirror Pg 32)
By Rebecca Kwei
The Minister of Health, Dr George Sipa-Adjah Yankey has called for the commitment and support of all in the fight against malaria.
Dr Yankey was speaking at the launch of Team Ghana-United Against Malaria (UAM) in Accra.
The UAM is a campaign involving football teams and heroes, celebrities, health and advocacy organisations, governments and corporate organisations to unite through sports to support the global fight against malaria.
It is also directed at strengthening political and public will in donor countries to increase malaria programming and funding.
The health minister said malaria was a bane to development and pledged the Government’s commitment to do everything possible including vector control and clinical treatment to help eliminate the disease.
Dr Yankey reminded personalities and organisations that “as we sign up to Team Ghana-United Against Malaria, we are making a decision to make a difference. It is a decision to change the course of the disease, change the course of our country and, therefore, the course of the sub Saharan Africa where malaria kills nearly one million children and adults every year and $12 billion of GDP is lost due to its impact.”
He said, “when the mosquito comes to bite you, it does not ask if you are NPP or NDC, ” adding “As long as God gives me breath, mosquito will have no peace.”
Explaining the UAM, Mr Emmanuel Fiagbey of Voices for Malaria-Free Future of the Johns Hopkins University, said the strategy sought to select groups of partners committed to ending malaria and willing to offer their good name and support in conjunction with the heightened activity around the FIFA 2010 World Cup to dramatically reduce deaths from malaria by 2015.
He said football provided a platform to draw everybody on board and the 2010 World Cup which would take place in South Africa would give malaria unparalleled visibility.
Already, the Irish National Team and the Eagles of Mali have signed up to UAM.
At the forum, the President of the Ghana Football Association(GFA), Mr Kwesi Nyantakyi pledged the support of the Ghana Black Stars to the UAM campaign.
Coincidentally, the Minister of Sports Mr Rashid Pelpuo could not attend the programme because he was down with malaria and was represented by the acting CEO of the National Sports Council, Mr Worlanyo Agrah.
Mr Worlanyo said the formation of Team Ghana-United Against Malaria was a laudable effort through which “we can all employ our popular sport — football to motivate our young people, sportsmen and women to adopt the right malaria prevention and treatment practices.”
The UAM is supported by the Ghana Malaria Voices, National Malaria Control Programme, Roll Back Malaria, United Nations Foundation, MTN, among others.
By Rebecca Kwei
The Minister of Health, Dr George Sipa-Adjah Yankey has called for the commitment and support of all in the fight against malaria.
Dr Yankey was speaking at the launch of Team Ghana-United Against Malaria (UAM) in Accra.
The UAM is a campaign involving football teams and heroes, celebrities, health and advocacy organisations, governments and corporate organisations to unite through sports to support the global fight against malaria.
It is also directed at strengthening political and public will in donor countries to increase malaria programming and funding.
The health minister said malaria was a bane to development and pledged the Government’s commitment to do everything possible including vector control and clinical treatment to help eliminate the disease.
Dr Yankey reminded personalities and organisations that “as we sign up to Team Ghana-United Against Malaria, we are making a decision to make a difference. It is a decision to change the course of the disease, change the course of our country and, therefore, the course of the sub Saharan Africa where malaria kills nearly one million children and adults every year and $12 billion of GDP is lost due to its impact.”
He said, “when the mosquito comes to bite you, it does not ask if you are NPP or NDC, ” adding “As long as God gives me breath, mosquito will have no peace.”
Explaining the UAM, Mr Emmanuel Fiagbey of Voices for Malaria-Free Future of the Johns Hopkins University, said the strategy sought to select groups of partners committed to ending malaria and willing to offer their good name and support in conjunction with the heightened activity around the FIFA 2010 World Cup to dramatically reduce deaths from malaria by 2015.
He said football provided a platform to draw everybody on board and the 2010 World Cup which would take place in South Africa would give malaria unparalleled visibility.
Already, the Irish National Team and the Eagles of Mali have signed up to UAM.
At the forum, the President of the Ghana Football Association(GFA), Mr Kwesi Nyantakyi pledged the support of the Ghana Black Stars to the UAM campaign.
Coincidentally, the Minister of Sports Mr Rashid Pelpuo could not attend the programme because he was down with malaria and was represented by the acting CEO of the National Sports Council, Mr Worlanyo Agrah.
Mr Worlanyo said the formation of Team Ghana-United Against Malaria was a laudable effort through which “we can all employ our popular sport — football to motivate our young people, sportsmen and women to adopt the right malaria prevention and treatment practices.”
The UAM is supported by the Ghana Malaria Voices, National Malaria Control Programme, Roll Back Malaria, United Nations Foundation, MTN, among others.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Kofi Akordor — Journalist of the Year
Saturday, August 29, 2009 (The Mirror Pg 11)
By Rebecca Kwei
At the 14th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) awards ceremony, one man stood tall — Mr Stephen Kofi Akordor of the Graphic Communications Group Limited. He was adjudged the GJA Journalist of the Year 2008.
He was also named the GJA Columnist of the Year at the ceremony.
Mr Akordor joined the Editorial staff of the Daily Graphic in February, 1982 as Staff Reporter.
That same year, he was adjudged the Best Reporter on the News Desk by the company.
In 1983, he was posted to Ho as the Volta Regional Correspondent until 1992, when he returned to Accra to work on the Sub-Desk of the Daily Graphic.
Again in 1995, Mr Akordor was transferred to The Mirror, a weekly paper of the Graphic Communications Group and while there, wrote a column; The International Front, which won him The Best GJA Columnist Award in 2003.
During another change in 2003, he was re-posted to the Daily Graphic as Chief Sub-Editor.
In 2005, Mr Akordor won the GJA Best Feature Writer Award and it was in the same year that he started a new column; ‘From my Rooftop’ which touched on mostly social and national development issues in the Daily Graphic.
Yet another feather in his cap, Mr Akordor in 2006 won the GJA Columnist of the Year Award.
On how he feels about winning all these awards, Mr Akordor said, “I feel honoured and also appreciate the fact that my employers and readers acknowledge my contribution to the development of journalism in the country.”
Mr Akordor said he was inspired to write because he wants to “see my country move from this miserable state to a developed country. The media can be used as a development agent to sensitise and inspire people to bring about change.”
Mr Akordor has performed various assignments on the Political, Features and the Sub desks of the Daily Graphic.
However, he continued writing his column “From my Rooftop” ,which he never missed even when he is on leave.
“The only time this column was not featured was a week in June, 2005 when I was involved in a motor accident,” he recalled.
Mr Akordor advised media practitioners to focus on the national development agenda and not their parochial interest, adding that “at the end of the day a better Ghana means a better life for all of us.”
For emerging the best journalist of the year 2008, Mr Akordor will attend a four-week journalism programme at the Thomson Foundation in Cardiff University in the United Kingdom (UK), a four-week familiarisation tour of some media facilities in the UK and a visit to Unilever Headquarters in UK. He also received a certificate, a plaque and a laptop.
He attended Mawuli School for his secondary education; then continued at the Ghana Institute of Journalism and later at the School of Communication Studies of the University of Ghana, Legon.
He is married with six children.
By Rebecca Kwei
At the 14th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) awards ceremony, one man stood tall — Mr Stephen Kofi Akordor of the Graphic Communications Group Limited. He was adjudged the GJA Journalist of the Year 2008.
He was also named the GJA Columnist of the Year at the ceremony.
Mr Akordor joined the Editorial staff of the Daily Graphic in February, 1982 as Staff Reporter.
That same year, he was adjudged the Best Reporter on the News Desk by the company.
In 1983, he was posted to Ho as the Volta Regional Correspondent until 1992, when he returned to Accra to work on the Sub-Desk of the Daily Graphic.
Again in 1995, Mr Akordor was transferred to The Mirror, a weekly paper of the Graphic Communications Group and while there, wrote a column; The International Front, which won him The Best GJA Columnist Award in 2003.
During another change in 2003, he was re-posted to the Daily Graphic as Chief Sub-Editor.
In 2005, Mr Akordor won the GJA Best Feature Writer Award and it was in the same year that he started a new column; ‘From my Rooftop’ which touched on mostly social and national development issues in the Daily Graphic.
Yet another feather in his cap, Mr Akordor in 2006 won the GJA Columnist of the Year Award.
On how he feels about winning all these awards, Mr Akordor said, “I feel honoured and also appreciate the fact that my employers and readers acknowledge my contribution to the development of journalism in the country.”
Mr Akordor said he was inspired to write because he wants to “see my country move from this miserable state to a developed country. The media can be used as a development agent to sensitise and inspire people to bring about change.”
Mr Akordor has performed various assignments on the Political, Features and the Sub desks of the Daily Graphic.
However, he continued writing his column “From my Rooftop” ,which he never missed even when he is on leave.
“The only time this column was not featured was a week in June, 2005 when I was involved in a motor accident,” he recalled.
Mr Akordor advised media practitioners to focus on the national development agenda and not their parochial interest, adding that “at the end of the day a better Ghana means a better life for all of us.”
For emerging the best journalist of the year 2008, Mr Akordor will attend a four-week journalism programme at the Thomson Foundation in Cardiff University in the United Kingdom (UK), a four-week familiarisation tour of some media facilities in the UK and a visit to Unilever Headquarters in UK. He also received a certificate, a plaque and a laptop.
He attended Mawuli School for his secondary education; then continued at the Ghana Institute of Journalism and later at the School of Communication Studies of the University of Ghana, Legon.
He is married with six children.
Kris Stars: New kids on the block
Saturday, August 22, 2009 (The Mirror Pg 14)
By Rebecca Kwei
“So you think you can dance” is an American dance reality show and competition that airs on Fox in the United States of America.
But if you were to pose this question “So you think you can dance? to Kris Stars, the current Malta Guinness Street Dance champions the answer will be a resounding “Yes”!
Kris Stars comprises six young guys between the ages of 20 and 26 from Teshie, a suburb of Accra.
They are Henry Afotey Odai (Spirit) who is the leader of the group, Anselm Afotey Otu (Wonder), Enoch Oko (Young Saint), Solomon Afotey Odai (Wise King), Joseph Okai (Volume) and Manesseh Tawiah Nartey (Madmax).
According to group, four of them namely Henry, Anselm, Enoch and Solomon having been dancing together with the 2001 National Dance Champ, Paa T for the past eight years.
But when Malta Guinness introduced the Street Dance competitions, they recruited Joseph and Manesseh who were also top street dancers in their neighbourhood to join them.
“Winning the competition really makes us feel good” said Henry but for Joseph, it was more of surprise.
“We presented the best choreography, we had energy and were creative,” Anselm chipped in.
The group believes when it comes to dance moves of flipping, cramping, popping, locking and tricks, nobody can beat them.
Henry said the group took part in last year’s competition and although did not win, they did not rest on their laurels but strategised and participated again adding that “champions never quit.”
All the members of Kris Stars are Junior High School graduates but “because of financial problems, we could not further our education,” Anselm explained.
Dancing now is their career and they are loving every bit of it.
For emerging winners the group has qualified to represent Ghana at the Malta Guinness Street Dance International to be held in Nairobi, Kenya on September 12, 2009. They also received GH¢5,000 and a year supply of Malta Guinness products.
Henry said the group is preparing feverishly for the competition in Kenya and are hopeful to win the ultimate prize. They will face the very best crews from Africa, Asia, Europe and North America, with teams coming from Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Cameroon, the Philippines, Holland, France and the USA.
Last year’s winners 2Puff who represented Ghana went on to win the international award and Kris Stars said “we are aware of the task before us and we dare not fail Ghana. With God all things are possible.”
The group appealed to the government and other stakeholders in the arts and entertainment industry to take an interest in dance because a lot of talents abound in that sector.
“It should not always be about football, there are a lot of people who can dance and if their talents can developed it will go a long way in helping the country,” Enoch said.
The group said it was grateful to Malta Guinness and appealed to all Ghanaians to support them to enable them win the ultimate prize in Kenya.
Perhaps the words of the Managing Director of Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited (GGBL), Mr Ekwunife Okoli, at the finals held on August 14, at the National Theatre “judging by the high level of energy, vitality and goodness displayed by the winners, Kris Stars have the potential to make Ghana and GGBL proud in Kenya next month by becoming the World Champions in the International Malta Guinness Street Dance competition,” will come true.
By Rebecca Kwei
“So you think you can dance” is an American dance reality show and competition that airs on Fox in the United States of America.
But if you were to pose this question “So you think you can dance? to Kris Stars, the current Malta Guinness Street Dance champions the answer will be a resounding “Yes”!
Kris Stars comprises six young guys between the ages of 20 and 26 from Teshie, a suburb of Accra.
They are Henry Afotey Odai (Spirit) who is the leader of the group, Anselm Afotey Otu (Wonder), Enoch Oko (Young Saint), Solomon Afotey Odai (Wise King), Joseph Okai (Volume) and Manesseh Tawiah Nartey (Madmax).
According to group, four of them namely Henry, Anselm, Enoch and Solomon having been dancing together with the 2001 National Dance Champ, Paa T for the past eight years.
But when Malta Guinness introduced the Street Dance competitions, they recruited Joseph and Manesseh who were also top street dancers in their neighbourhood to join them.
“Winning the competition really makes us feel good” said Henry but for Joseph, it was more of surprise.
“We presented the best choreography, we had energy and were creative,” Anselm chipped in.
The group believes when it comes to dance moves of flipping, cramping, popping, locking and tricks, nobody can beat them.
Henry said the group took part in last year’s competition and although did not win, they did not rest on their laurels but strategised and participated again adding that “champions never quit.”
All the members of Kris Stars are Junior High School graduates but “because of financial problems, we could not further our education,” Anselm explained.
Dancing now is their career and they are loving every bit of it.
For emerging winners the group has qualified to represent Ghana at the Malta Guinness Street Dance International to be held in Nairobi, Kenya on September 12, 2009. They also received GH¢5,000 and a year supply of Malta Guinness products.
Henry said the group is preparing feverishly for the competition in Kenya and are hopeful to win the ultimate prize. They will face the very best crews from Africa, Asia, Europe and North America, with teams coming from Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Cameroon, the Philippines, Holland, France and the USA.
Last year’s winners 2Puff who represented Ghana went on to win the international award and Kris Stars said “we are aware of the task before us and we dare not fail Ghana. With God all things are possible.”
The group appealed to the government and other stakeholders in the arts and entertainment industry to take an interest in dance because a lot of talents abound in that sector.
“It should not always be about football, there are a lot of people who can dance and if their talents can developed it will go a long way in helping the country,” Enoch said.
The group said it was grateful to Malta Guinness and appealed to all Ghanaians to support them to enable them win the ultimate prize in Kenya.
Perhaps the words of the Managing Director of Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited (GGBL), Mr Ekwunife Okoli, at the finals held on August 14, at the National Theatre “judging by the high level of energy, vitality and goodness displayed by the winners, Kris Stars have the potential to make Ghana and GGBL proud in Kenya next month by becoming the World Champions in the International Malta Guinness Street Dance competition,” will come true.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Fake drugs threaten public health
Saturday, August 8, 2009 (The Mirror Pg 15)
By Rebecca Kwei
The Director of the United States Pharmacopoeia Drug Quality and Information Programme, Dr Patrick Lukulay, has stressed the need for more public education on the effects of substandard and counterfeit medicines to public health.
He said people should be made to understand that medicine quality was not a luxury but rather a matter of life and death.
Dr Lukulay said this at a plenary session of the 10th Commonwealth Pharmacists Association Conference and the 74th Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana Annual Conference, which is taking place in Accra.
Pharmacists from across the globe are taking part in the meeting, which is on the theme, “Managing threats and crisis: The vital role of pharmacy in an unstable world”.
Dr Lukulay said counterfeit and substandard medicines were a threat to public health and economic development and a burden on national health care.
He noted that every counterfeit or substandard medicine one takes undermines investments in healthcare systems, erodes patient trust in conventional medicines and people go untreated leading to prolonged illness or death.
Additionally, he said the wrong chemical in a medicine could lead to death while sub-potent treatment causes resistance and treatment failure.
Dr Lukulay further called for robust legislation and regulation and proactive citizens who would serve as community watch or whistleblowers in the fight against counterfeit or substandard medicines.
Speaking on the topic, “Are we safe? The threats confronting global health”, the Executive Director of the Justice and Human Rights Institute, Dr Kenneth Attafuah, said the safety and well-being of humanity was endangered by factors that were more social and political than biological and medical.
He said the health of people particularly in growing democracies was threatened every day by nefarious activities of people such as crooked politicians, corrupt public officials and common criminals than by viruses, germs and pathogens.
Dr Attafuah said the bulk of human suffering and misery derived not from disease but from ill-treatment of mankind by mankind.
“Around the world and throughout history, wars, coups d’etat, civil unrest, post-election violence and abuse of power and authority have had debilitating effects on individuals and communities,” he said.
He noted that the continued existence of many forms of diseases such as malaria, kwashiorkor and guinea worm was a direct reflection of political and economic choices made by world leaders.
To better ensure the health and well-being people, Dr Attafuah said it was imperative that “we improve the living conditions of people; reduce health inequities through action on the social determinants and health; and combat all the 17 forms of discrimination prohibited by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 and related conventions and protocols”.
Additionally, he said, it was important to tackle the inequitable distribution of power, money and resources.
The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, Dr Alex Dodoo, said the meeting would afford pharmacists the opportunity to discuss how they could provide solutions to deal with threats and crisis confronting the modern world.
By Rebecca Kwei
The Director of the United States Pharmacopoeia Drug Quality and Information Programme, Dr Patrick Lukulay, has stressed the need for more public education on the effects of substandard and counterfeit medicines to public health.
He said people should be made to understand that medicine quality was not a luxury but rather a matter of life and death.
Dr Lukulay said this at a plenary session of the 10th Commonwealth Pharmacists Association Conference and the 74th Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana Annual Conference, which is taking place in Accra.
Pharmacists from across the globe are taking part in the meeting, which is on the theme, “Managing threats and crisis: The vital role of pharmacy in an unstable world”.
Dr Lukulay said counterfeit and substandard medicines were a threat to public health and economic development and a burden on national health care.
He noted that every counterfeit or substandard medicine one takes undermines investments in healthcare systems, erodes patient trust in conventional medicines and people go untreated leading to prolonged illness or death.
Additionally, he said the wrong chemical in a medicine could lead to death while sub-potent treatment causes resistance and treatment failure.
Dr Lukulay further called for robust legislation and regulation and proactive citizens who would serve as community watch or whistleblowers in the fight against counterfeit or substandard medicines.
Speaking on the topic, “Are we safe? The threats confronting global health”, the Executive Director of the Justice and Human Rights Institute, Dr Kenneth Attafuah, said the safety and well-being of humanity was endangered by factors that were more social and political than biological and medical.
He said the health of people particularly in growing democracies was threatened every day by nefarious activities of people such as crooked politicians, corrupt public officials and common criminals than by viruses, germs and pathogens.
Dr Attafuah said the bulk of human suffering and misery derived not from disease but from ill-treatment of mankind by mankind.
“Around the world and throughout history, wars, coups d’etat, civil unrest, post-election violence and abuse of power and authority have had debilitating effects on individuals and communities,” he said.
He noted that the continued existence of many forms of diseases such as malaria, kwashiorkor and guinea worm was a direct reflection of political and economic choices made by world leaders.
To better ensure the health and well-being people, Dr Attafuah said it was imperative that “we improve the living conditions of people; reduce health inequities through action on the social determinants and health; and combat all the 17 forms of discrimination prohibited by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 and related conventions and protocols”.
Additionally, he said, it was important to tackle the inequitable distribution of power, money and resources.
The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, Dr Alex Dodoo, said the meeting would afford pharmacists the opportunity to discuss how they could provide solutions to deal with threats and crisis confronting the modern world.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Bern is the best
Saturday, July 18, 2009 (The Mirror Pg 46)
By Rebecca Kwei
It is a new beginning for 28-year-old, Bern Mensah with the clothing line Jenesus (Genesis - the beginning) who was adjudged the best up-and-coming designer in Ghana.
The competition for amateur designers was held as part of this year’s Fashion Weekend to unearth young creative talents in the fashion.
During the auditioning, the best eight young designers, namely, Klekleli Dzidienyo, Elimens, Quami Wear, Rowena Adjivon, Salimi, Bern Mensah, Doreen Lartey and Miriam Yentumi were selected.
However, Miriam Yentumi dropped out and she was replaced by Rita.
On July 1, which was the first day of the Fashion Weekend, the eight amateur designers showcased their designs which received high marks from the audience at the Accra International Conference Centre.
The number was pruned down to four — Bern, Salimi, Klekleli and Doreen.
The French Embassy which sponsored the competition also selected two young designers namely Atsu and Tei to bring the number of finalists to six.
At the final competition which was held at the residence of the French Ambassador to Ghana, Francis Huatut, on July 14, which also happened to be France National Day, the six designers justified why they were in the finals.
Diva Bibie Brew opened the show when she sang the national anthems of both Ghana and France.
The finalists then showcased a design each which was the product of a one-week workshop held for them under the tutelage of Cameroonian designer, Angi-Haif.
Angi-Haif won a competition for up-and-coming designers two years ago in Niger.
To prove to the judges that they had what it took to be crowned as the best up-and-coming designer,the finalists again exhibited three different outfits of their own.
In the end, it was a ‘close call’ between Bern and Salimi but the judges, Sima Ibrahim, CEO of Exopa Model Agency, organisers of the event, Angi-Haif and Valerie Lesbros of the French Embassy settled on Bern.
“I was elated when I was declared the winner but then it occurred to me that this is where the actual work begins” said Bern in an interview.
For his prize, Bern will be sponsored by the French Embassy to France for two weeks to study under one of the top designers there.
Bern who has a degree in Communication Design from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) said when he goes to France, he would not only be an observer but would try and make contacts which would help him in the fashion industry.
He said fashion was not only about the arts but it had a business aspect and he was hopeful the trip would expose him to that side as well.
Aside making clothes, Bern also does accessories such as bags and footwear.
He said he did a minor in fashion design and product design while studying for his degree at KNUST and he decided to go into fashion after school after one of his lecturers who had seen some stuff he had created encouraged him.
Bern said he would work hard to make his designs not only well known in Ghana but across the globe.
According to Sima Ibrahim, he was happy that his agency had played a part in unearthing new talents in the fashion industry.
He was hopeful that this would encourage many up-and-coming designers to participate in the competition when it comes up again next year.
For next year, Sima said the competition would also be open to amateur designers from other African countries.
He indicated that Exopa Model Agency was in the process of getting a database for designers and appealed to interested designers to contact the agency.
He said there are a lot of designers in the country but they do not know who to contact neither to they get the platform to showcase their designs and that the database will help the agency to have a variety of designers to showcase their talent whenever there was a fashion show.
By Rebecca Kwei
It is a new beginning for 28-year-old, Bern Mensah with the clothing line Jenesus (Genesis - the beginning) who was adjudged the best up-and-coming designer in Ghana.
The competition for amateur designers was held as part of this year’s Fashion Weekend to unearth young creative talents in the fashion.
During the auditioning, the best eight young designers, namely, Klekleli Dzidienyo, Elimens, Quami Wear, Rowena Adjivon, Salimi, Bern Mensah, Doreen Lartey and Miriam Yentumi were selected.
However, Miriam Yentumi dropped out and she was replaced by Rita.
On July 1, which was the first day of the Fashion Weekend, the eight amateur designers showcased their designs which received high marks from the audience at the Accra International Conference Centre.
The number was pruned down to four — Bern, Salimi, Klekleli and Doreen.
The French Embassy which sponsored the competition also selected two young designers namely Atsu and Tei to bring the number of finalists to six.
At the final competition which was held at the residence of the French Ambassador to Ghana, Francis Huatut, on July 14, which also happened to be France National Day, the six designers justified why they were in the finals.
Diva Bibie Brew opened the show when she sang the national anthems of both Ghana and France.
The finalists then showcased a design each which was the product of a one-week workshop held for them under the tutelage of Cameroonian designer, Angi-Haif.
Angi-Haif won a competition for up-and-coming designers two years ago in Niger.
To prove to the judges that they had what it took to be crowned as the best up-and-coming designer,the finalists again exhibited three different outfits of their own.
In the end, it was a ‘close call’ between Bern and Salimi but the judges, Sima Ibrahim, CEO of Exopa Model Agency, organisers of the event, Angi-Haif and Valerie Lesbros of the French Embassy settled on Bern.
“I was elated when I was declared the winner but then it occurred to me that this is where the actual work begins” said Bern in an interview.
For his prize, Bern will be sponsored by the French Embassy to France for two weeks to study under one of the top designers there.
Bern who has a degree in Communication Design from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) said when he goes to France, he would not only be an observer but would try and make contacts which would help him in the fashion industry.
He said fashion was not only about the arts but it had a business aspect and he was hopeful the trip would expose him to that side as well.
Aside making clothes, Bern also does accessories such as bags and footwear.
He said he did a minor in fashion design and product design while studying for his degree at KNUST and he decided to go into fashion after school after one of his lecturers who had seen some stuff he had created encouraged him.
Bern said he would work hard to make his designs not only well known in Ghana but across the globe.
According to Sima Ibrahim, he was happy that his agency had played a part in unearthing new talents in the fashion industry.
He was hopeful that this would encourage many up-and-coming designers to participate in the competition when it comes up again next year.
For next year, Sima said the competition would also be open to amateur designers from other African countries.
He indicated that Exopa Model Agency was in the process of getting a database for designers and appealed to interested designers to contact the agency.
He said there are a lot of designers in the country but they do not know who to contact neither to they get the platform to showcase their designs and that the database will help the agency to have a variety of designers to showcase their talent whenever there was a fashion show.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
The obamas are here
Saturday, July 11, 2009 (The Mirror Pg 3)
Compiled by: Rebecca Kwei
US President, Barack Obama, his wife, Michelle, and two children, Malia Ann and Natasha Obama touched down at the Kotoka International Airport last night and they were met on arrival by President John Evans Atta Mills and other government officials.
Presidents Obama and Mills are expected to hold a breakfast meeting this morning. According to news reports former Presidents Jerry John Rawlings and John Agyekum will also be at the breakfast meeting.
After the breakfast meeting, President Obama and Michelle will then head to the La township where they will visit the La General Hospital.
Today seems a busy day for President Obama as he will be at the Accra International Conference Centre where he is expected to make a major policy statement on Africa.
The US first family will then depart for Cape Coast where he will be received by the Oguaa Omanhen, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II at his palace. The Oguaa chiefs will honour Mrs Obama with the title of queen after which they will tour the Cape Coast Castle.
After Cape Coast, the Obamas will return to Accra today and Presidents Obama and Mills will address a conference at the Kotoka International Airport before saying goodbye to Ghana.
President Obama is the third US President to visit Ghana. The first was Bill Clinton with his wife, Hillary, in 1998 and George Bush and wife, Laura in 2008.
“This historic visit is a testimony to the very warm and friendly relations between our two countries. It is rare that a developing country like ours has had the privilege of receiving three sitting American presidents under two different administrations in Ghana,” the Minister of Foreign Affair, Alhaji Mohammed Mummuni said in Parliament.
In an interview with All Africa on why he (President Obama) picked Ghana as the first place to visit in sub-Saharan Africa , he said “Well, part of the reason is because Ghana has now undergone a couple of successful elections in which power was transferred peacefully; even in a very close election. I think that the new President, President Mills, has shown himself committed to the rule of law; to the kind of democratic commitment that ensure stability in a country. And I think that there is a direct correlation between government and prosperity. Countries that are governed well, that are stable, where the leadership recognises that they are accountable to the people and that institutions are stronger than any one person, have a track record of producing results for the people. And we want to highlight that.”
President Obama’s visit to Ghana has been described by many as historic and about 507 media men both international and local have applied to cover the event and reports also say hotels in Accra and Cape Coast are fully booked.
Compiled by: Rebecca Kwei
US President, Barack Obama, his wife, Michelle, and two children, Malia Ann and Natasha Obama touched down at the Kotoka International Airport last night and they were met on arrival by President John Evans Atta Mills and other government officials.
Presidents Obama and Mills are expected to hold a breakfast meeting this morning. According to news reports former Presidents Jerry John Rawlings and John Agyekum will also be at the breakfast meeting.
After the breakfast meeting, President Obama and Michelle will then head to the La township where they will visit the La General Hospital.
Today seems a busy day for President Obama as he will be at the Accra International Conference Centre where he is expected to make a major policy statement on Africa.
The US first family will then depart for Cape Coast where he will be received by the Oguaa Omanhen, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II at his palace. The Oguaa chiefs will honour Mrs Obama with the title of queen after which they will tour the Cape Coast Castle.
After Cape Coast, the Obamas will return to Accra today and Presidents Obama and Mills will address a conference at the Kotoka International Airport before saying goodbye to Ghana.
President Obama is the third US President to visit Ghana. The first was Bill Clinton with his wife, Hillary, in 1998 and George Bush and wife, Laura in 2008.
“This historic visit is a testimony to the very warm and friendly relations between our two countries. It is rare that a developing country like ours has had the privilege of receiving three sitting American presidents under two different administrations in Ghana,” the Minister of Foreign Affair, Alhaji Mohammed Mummuni said in Parliament.
In an interview with All Africa on why he (President Obama) picked Ghana as the first place to visit in sub-Saharan Africa , he said “Well, part of the reason is because Ghana has now undergone a couple of successful elections in which power was transferred peacefully; even in a very close election. I think that the new President, President Mills, has shown himself committed to the rule of law; to the kind of democratic commitment that ensure stability in a country. And I think that there is a direct correlation between government and prosperity. Countries that are governed well, that are stable, where the leadership recognises that they are accountable to the people and that institutions are stronger than any one person, have a track record of producing results for the people. And we want to highlight that.”
President Obama’s visit to Ghana has been described by many as historic and about 507 media men both international and local have applied to cover the event and reports also say hotels in Accra and Cape Coast are fully booked.
Soul Food stars spice up fashion weekend
Saturday, July 4, 2009 (The Mirror Pg 39)
By Rebecca Kwei
It was no sham — Boris Kodjoe, the German-Ghanaian actor and designer, and his wife, Nicole Ari Parker, were indeed in Accra to participate in this year’s Ghana Fashion Weekend 2009.
Boris, well known for his role as Damon Carter and Nicole as Terri Joseph in show time drama ‘Soul Food’ added a special touch to the event with their presence.
At the opening fashion show on Wednesday, July 1 in the evening, eight up and coming designers showcased their talent.
The eight namely, Elimens, Quami Wear, Rowena Adjivon, Salimi, Bern Mensah Doreen Lartey and Rita made casual and formal outfits for both men and women .
The budding designers incorporated new trends of puff sleeves, balloon/parachute skirts and maxi summer dresses in the outfits they made using local fabrics.
As the Exopa models hit the runway with the designs of the amateur designers there were loud cheers of appreciation.
According to Sima Ibrahim, the CEO of Exopa Model Agency, organisers of the event, the fashion show for the amateurs was the preliminary stage and another contest will be held on July 14 at the residence of the French Ambassador to Ghana to select the best up-coming fashion designer who will be sponsored by the French Embassy to France to develop his or her talent.
The surprise of the night was when after Exopa models wearing hot pants and had showcased specially designed muscle t-shirts of Barack Obama by London-based Jojo Castilo, Sima Ibrahim together with Boris who wore a -shirt with the inscription “Welcome home” also hit the runway briefly.
Later in a speech, Boris said he was excited to be home and grateful to the organisers of the event.
Mr Ibrahim said organising the event had not been easy but he never gave up and thanked sponsors for their support.
Ace designers, Kofi Ansah of Ghana, Pepita D of Benin and Modella of Nigeria also exhibited their designs.
The Exopa kid models were also a delight to watch in the new range of Da Viva fabrics.
Ghana’s fastest rapper, Sarkodie and Kwaw Kesse entertained the audience.
Ghana Fashion Weekend ends today with a mega fashion show at 7 p.m. at the International Conference Centre.
There will also be a football gala in which Boris would feature at the FC Nania Park, Legon at 12 noon.
By Rebecca Kwei
It was no sham — Boris Kodjoe, the German-Ghanaian actor and designer, and his wife, Nicole Ari Parker, were indeed in Accra to participate in this year’s Ghana Fashion Weekend 2009.
Boris, well known for his role as Damon Carter and Nicole as Terri Joseph in show time drama ‘Soul Food’ added a special touch to the event with their presence.
At the opening fashion show on Wednesday, July 1 in the evening, eight up and coming designers showcased their talent.
The eight namely, Elimens, Quami Wear, Rowena Adjivon, Salimi, Bern Mensah Doreen Lartey and Rita made casual and formal outfits for both men and women .
The budding designers incorporated new trends of puff sleeves, balloon/parachute skirts and maxi summer dresses in the outfits they made using local fabrics.
As the Exopa models hit the runway with the designs of the amateur designers there were loud cheers of appreciation.
According to Sima Ibrahim, the CEO of Exopa Model Agency, organisers of the event, the fashion show for the amateurs was the preliminary stage and another contest will be held on July 14 at the residence of the French Ambassador to Ghana to select the best up-coming fashion designer who will be sponsored by the French Embassy to France to develop his or her talent.
The surprise of the night was when after Exopa models wearing hot pants and had showcased specially designed muscle t-shirts of Barack Obama by London-based Jojo Castilo, Sima Ibrahim together with Boris who wore a -shirt with the inscription “Welcome home” also hit the runway briefly.
Later in a speech, Boris said he was excited to be home and grateful to the organisers of the event.
Mr Ibrahim said organising the event had not been easy but he never gave up and thanked sponsors for their support.
Ace designers, Kofi Ansah of Ghana, Pepita D of Benin and Modella of Nigeria also exhibited their designs.
The Exopa kid models were also a delight to watch in the new range of Da Viva fabrics.
Ghana’s fastest rapper, Sarkodie and Kwaw Kesse entertained the audience.
Ghana Fashion Weekend ends today with a mega fashion show at 7 p.m. at the International Conference Centre.
There will also be a football gala in which Boris would feature at the FC Nania Park, Legon at 12 noon.
Fashion Weekend takes off July 1
Saturday, June 27, 2009 (The Mirror Pg 46)
By Rebecca Kwei
All is set for this year’s Ghana Fashion Weekend which will take place at the Accra International Conference Centre from July 1-4, 2009.
The event is a blend of modelling shows and fashion exhibition and it is aimed at promoting and attracting investments to the African fashion industry.
It is on the theme “Harnessing Creative Talents within Africa” is the theme for the event.
“We are ready and looking forward to a successful fashion programme. It promises to be the biggest fashion in Ghana. An event full of colour, style, glamour and splendour,” said Sima Ibrahim, the CEO of Exopa Model Agency, organisers of the event.
Being one of the biggest fashion shows to be held in Ghana, Mr Sima said 100 local and foreign Exopa models including Miss Venezuela as well as 30 kid models will hit the runway to showcase outfits of eight local and 13 foreign designers.
The designers are Kofi Ansah, Allan David, House of Eccentric, Nallem, Kiki Clothing, Kennedy (winner of Sew Project) all from Ghana, Alphadi from Niger and Modela from Nigeria.
The rest are Osman D and Alain Niava both from Cote d’Ivoire, Amaduo Diop, Senegal and Pepita D, Benin.
The main side attraction for the event is that Boris Kodjoe, the German-Ghanaian actor and designer, who owns the Ziami Clothing lines, will be in Ghana to grace the occasion. He will be accompanied by his wife, Nicole Ari Parker, who is also an actress.
Boris, well known for his role as Damon Carter in show time drama ‘Soul Food’, will showcase his designs.
Aside exhibiting his designs, Boris will also use the opportunity to learn more about the Africa fashion and film industries.
Boris and Nicole founded a non-profit organisation in honour of their daughter, Sophie Kodjoe who suffers from spina bifida, a common birth defect in the US, affecting the brain and/or spine and he (Boris) will give a talk on spina bifida while in Ghana.
On the programme outline, Mr Sima, said the exhibition of fashion products and accessories will be open in the morning of July 1 which will be followed by a press conference in the evening.
A fashion show by eight amateur fashion designers have been selected to feature in this year’s Ghana Fashion Weekend will then take place.
The best up-coming fashion designer will be sponsored by the French Embassy to France to develop his or her talent.
The rest of the days will feature exhibitions and fashion shows in the evening and the event will be climaxed with a mega fashion show on July 4.
Mr Sima was hopeful that the fashion weekend 2009 will put Africa’s fashion industry on the world map and appealed to corporate bodies to support the event.
By Rebecca Kwei
All is set for this year’s Ghana Fashion Weekend which will take place at the Accra International Conference Centre from July 1-4, 2009.
The event is a blend of modelling shows and fashion exhibition and it is aimed at promoting and attracting investments to the African fashion industry.
It is on the theme “Harnessing Creative Talents within Africa” is the theme for the event.
“We are ready and looking forward to a successful fashion programme. It promises to be the biggest fashion in Ghana. An event full of colour, style, glamour and splendour,” said Sima Ibrahim, the CEO of Exopa Model Agency, organisers of the event.
Being one of the biggest fashion shows to be held in Ghana, Mr Sima said 100 local and foreign Exopa models including Miss Venezuela as well as 30 kid models will hit the runway to showcase outfits of eight local and 13 foreign designers.
The designers are Kofi Ansah, Allan David, House of Eccentric, Nallem, Kiki Clothing, Kennedy (winner of Sew Project) all from Ghana, Alphadi from Niger and Modela from Nigeria.
The rest are Osman D and Alain Niava both from Cote d’Ivoire, Amaduo Diop, Senegal and Pepita D, Benin.
The main side attraction for the event is that Boris Kodjoe, the German-Ghanaian actor and designer, who owns the Ziami Clothing lines, will be in Ghana to grace the occasion. He will be accompanied by his wife, Nicole Ari Parker, who is also an actress.
Boris, well known for his role as Damon Carter in show time drama ‘Soul Food’, will showcase his designs.
Aside exhibiting his designs, Boris will also use the opportunity to learn more about the Africa fashion and film industries.
Boris and Nicole founded a non-profit organisation in honour of their daughter, Sophie Kodjoe who suffers from spina bifida, a common birth defect in the US, affecting the brain and/or spine and he (Boris) will give a talk on spina bifida while in Ghana.
On the programme outline, Mr Sima, said the exhibition of fashion products and accessories will be open in the morning of July 1 which will be followed by a press conference in the evening.
A fashion show by eight amateur fashion designers have been selected to feature in this year’s Ghana Fashion Weekend will then take place.
The best up-coming fashion designer will be sponsored by the French Embassy to France to develop his or her talent.
The rest of the days will feature exhibitions and fashion shows in the evening and the event will be climaxed with a mega fashion show on July 4.
Mr Sima was hopeful that the fashion weekend 2009 will put Africa’s fashion industry on the world map and appealed to corporate bodies to support the event.
HIV infection in low risk population high
Saturday, June 27, 2009 (The Mirror Pg 34)
By Rebecca Kwei
A study on the distribution of new HIV infections in Ghana show that over a one-year period the highest proportion of infection occurred among the general, low risk population.
The general, low risk population accounted for 30.2 per cent of infection, while individuals involved in casual heterosexual sex with non-regular partners was 15.5 per cent.
The Programme Manager of the Non-communicable Diseases Unit of the Ghana Health Service, Dr William Bosu, presented the findings at a dissemination forum in Accra which was organised by the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) and UNAIDS.
Giving a background to the study, Dr Bosu said the UNAIDS Modes of Transmission model was applied to an epidemiology and response synthesis project in Ghana to estimate the distribution of new infections and also to identify those populations at highest risk of HIV infection.
He said when the inputs from the epidemiological synthesis report was used, the model generated 13,437 new HIV infections in Ghana in 2008.
According to the findings, clients of sex workers accounted for 6.5 per cent and sex workers 2.24 per cent, while female partners of clients accounted for one-fifth (22 per cent) of all new infections.
Dr Bosu said sex work thus accounted for 31 per cent of all new infections over a one-year period, adding that “over a longer time period, this figure would be considerably higher, since some of the HIV infections in men in the low-risk and casual heterosexual sex groups are likely to have been contracted from female sex workers (FSWs) by men who were previously clients of FSWs.
The study further revealed that 23 per cent of new infections occurred in high risk groups, namely, injecting drug users (IDUs), men who have sex with men (MSM) and FSW and their regular partners.
Dr Bosu noted that contrary to general perception that MSMs are an insignificant group, they contributed 7.2 per cent of all new infections.
However, he said the population sizes used for high-risk groups such as FSWs, IDUs and MSM were basically speculative and the results should be interpreted with caution.
Additionally, reliable national estimates of the percentage of men who buy sex in Ghana were also not available.
Medical injections and blood transfusions together accounted for about 0.4 per cent of all new infections.
On recommendations, Dr Bosu said there were several data gaps, including size of most-at-risk populations (MARPs) and there was an urgent need to address that.
Furthermore, the study recommended that there was the need for more socio-political openness about MSM activities in order to easily identify them and provide MSM-friendly preventive and clinical services.
In his presentation on a ‘Preliminary 2008 DHS Report — Ghana-HIV Component’, a Technical Director of the GAC, Dr Richard Amenyah, said although awareness of AIDS was universal, in-depth knowledge on how to prevent it needed to improve.
Furthermore, he said risky behaviour in terms of multiple partnerships and engaging in higher risk sex was on the increase and there appeared to be a disconnect between knowledge and practice.
Dr Amenyah said “the 69 per cent reduction for funding for prevention intervention of HIV and AIDS between 2005 and 2007 has to be reversed if we want to see positive behavioural change and aversion of new HIV infections”.
The acting Director-General of the GAC, Mr Maxwell Addo, said in view of the enormous challenges HIV and AIDS posed to the nation, there was the need for collaborative actions to promote national response in the fight against the pandemic.
A reproductive health consultant, Prof Fred T. Sai, who chaired the programme, said it was important for scientists and clinicians to help politicians to follow the right policies.
By Rebecca Kwei
A study on the distribution of new HIV infections in Ghana show that over a one-year period the highest proportion of infection occurred among the general, low risk population.
The general, low risk population accounted for 30.2 per cent of infection, while individuals involved in casual heterosexual sex with non-regular partners was 15.5 per cent.
The Programme Manager of the Non-communicable Diseases Unit of the Ghana Health Service, Dr William Bosu, presented the findings at a dissemination forum in Accra which was organised by the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) and UNAIDS.
Giving a background to the study, Dr Bosu said the UNAIDS Modes of Transmission model was applied to an epidemiology and response synthesis project in Ghana to estimate the distribution of new infections and also to identify those populations at highest risk of HIV infection.
He said when the inputs from the epidemiological synthesis report was used, the model generated 13,437 new HIV infections in Ghana in 2008.
According to the findings, clients of sex workers accounted for 6.5 per cent and sex workers 2.24 per cent, while female partners of clients accounted for one-fifth (22 per cent) of all new infections.
Dr Bosu said sex work thus accounted for 31 per cent of all new infections over a one-year period, adding that “over a longer time period, this figure would be considerably higher, since some of the HIV infections in men in the low-risk and casual heterosexual sex groups are likely to have been contracted from female sex workers (FSWs) by men who were previously clients of FSWs.
The study further revealed that 23 per cent of new infections occurred in high risk groups, namely, injecting drug users (IDUs), men who have sex with men (MSM) and FSW and their regular partners.
Dr Bosu noted that contrary to general perception that MSMs are an insignificant group, they contributed 7.2 per cent of all new infections.
However, he said the population sizes used for high-risk groups such as FSWs, IDUs and MSM were basically speculative and the results should be interpreted with caution.
Additionally, reliable national estimates of the percentage of men who buy sex in Ghana were also not available.
Medical injections and blood transfusions together accounted for about 0.4 per cent of all new infections.
On recommendations, Dr Bosu said there were several data gaps, including size of most-at-risk populations (MARPs) and there was an urgent need to address that.
Furthermore, the study recommended that there was the need for more socio-political openness about MSM activities in order to easily identify them and provide MSM-friendly preventive and clinical services.
In his presentation on a ‘Preliminary 2008 DHS Report — Ghana-HIV Component’, a Technical Director of the GAC, Dr Richard Amenyah, said although awareness of AIDS was universal, in-depth knowledge on how to prevent it needed to improve.
Furthermore, he said risky behaviour in terms of multiple partnerships and engaging in higher risk sex was on the increase and there appeared to be a disconnect between knowledge and practice.
Dr Amenyah said “the 69 per cent reduction for funding for prevention intervention of HIV and AIDS between 2005 and 2007 has to be reversed if we want to see positive behavioural change and aversion of new HIV infections”.
The acting Director-General of the GAC, Mr Maxwell Addo, said in view of the enormous challenges HIV and AIDS posed to the nation, there was the need for collaborative actions to promote national response in the fight against the pandemic.
A reproductive health consultant, Prof Fred T. Sai, who chaired the programme, said it was important for scientists and clinicians to help politicians to follow the right policies.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Miss Ghana starts in Wa
Saturday, June 20, 2009 (The Mirror Pg 46)
By Rebecca Kwei
Wa, the capital of the Upper West Region will tonight host the first of the regional events of the Miss Ghana and National Dance Championship.
Media Whizzkids, the original franchise holders of the Miss Ghana pageant who has taken over the management and production of the popular event from Sparrow Productions at the end of a five-year deal, has promised a well repackaged event which it hopes will produce a Miss World from Ghana by the end of 2011.
The regional nation-wide public format of the event which made it one of the best entertainment shows in the country, was lost during the last five editions of the event and according to the Managing Director of Media Whizzkids, Mr Christopher Adama, the company was ready to go to all 10 regions of the country in search of a worthy beauty queen and a dance champ.
Mr Adama said further that the public will this time have some say in who represents them at the Miss Ghana final. Unlike previous editions where judges selected two beauties to represent each region, three contestants will now be selected and the public will vote to choose the one to go through to the final event in Accra.
“Our aim is to make the event more interactive by giving the public a chance to make an input,” Mr Adama said in a chat with The Mirror. “We think it would be exciting for everyone to participate in coming up with who wears the regional crown and eventually, the national crown.”
For the dance segment, individuals or groups can register to participate.
Musicians King Ayisoba, Kawa Stone and Sherifatu Gunu will perform at Wa.
This year, the winner of the beauty contest will drive away a fresh Tata Safari four-wheel drive as well as represent Ghana at the Miss World contest and sponsors’ products while the dance champ receives GH¢5,000 plus sponsors’ products.
The next regional event will be in Bolgatanga on Friday, June 26 while the Northern Region will take its turn on Saturday, June 27, in Tamale.
This year’s Miss Ghana and National Dance Championship is sponsored by PHC Motors, DDP, Bonaqua, Labadi Beach Hotel, ABL, Danny’s Decoration, GTV, Somovision, Soundcheck, Trendsetters and Graphic Showbiz.
By Rebecca Kwei
Wa, the capital of the Upper West Region will tonight host the first of the regional events of the Miss Ghana and National Dance Championship.
Media Whizzkids, the original franchise holders of the Miss Ghana pageant who has taken over the management and production of the popular event from Sparrow Productions at the end of a five-year deal, has promised a well repackaged event which it hopes will produce a Miss World from Ghana by the end of 2011.
The regional nation-wide public format of the event which made it one of the best entertainment shows in the country, was lost during the last five editions of the event and according to the Managing Director of Media Whizzkids, Mr Christopher Adama, the company was ready to go to all 10 regions of the country in search of a worthy beauty queen and a dance champ.
Mr Adama said further that the public will this time have some say in who represents them at the Miss Ghana final. Unlike previous editions where judges selected two beauties to represent each region, three contestants will now be selected and the public will vote to choose the one to go through to the final event in Accra.
“Our aim is to make the event more interactive by giving the public a chance to make an input,” Mr Adama said in a chat with The Mirror. “We think it would be exciting for everyone to participate in coming up with who wears the regional crown and eventually, the national crown.”
For the dance segment, individuals or groups can register to participate.
Musicians King Ayisoba, Kawa Stone and Sherifatu Gunu will perform at Wa.
This year, the winner of the beauty contest will drive away a fresh Tata Safari four-wheel drive as well as represent Ghana at the Miss World contest and sponsors’ products while the dance champ receives GH¢5,000 plus sponsors’ products.
The next regional event will be in Bolgatanga on Friday, June 26 while the Northern Region will take its turn on Saturday, June 27, in Tamale.
This year’s Miss Ghana and National Dance Championship is sponsored by PHC Motors, DDP, Bonaqua, Labadi Beach Hotel, ABL, Danny’s Decoration, GTV, Somovision, Soundcheck, Trendsetters and Graphic Showbiz.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
12 Wannabe stars unveiled
Saturday, June 13, 2009 (The Mirror Pg 46)
By Rebecca Kwei
For the next 13 weeks, 12 wannabe music stars will pit their talents against one another for the title of Star of the Future.
The 12, comprising seven ladies and five gentlemen, who were unveiled at the National Theatre on Tuesday, are Akosua Kyeremanten, Rachel Cochrane, Lillian Lanquaye-Tetteh, Pearl Farkye, Daniel Essel and Bright Korley Martey,
The rest are Christian Owusu, Rose Pomaney, Enoch Larbi, Nelson Narh, Bertha Bridget Kankam and Nyaneba Attuah.
Twenty contestants made it out of the over 700 who auditioned for the series and the number pruned to the final 12.
If their performances at the launch were anything to go by, then the judges face an uphill task because the contestants have real musical talents.
Although it was the first time many of the 12 contestants were performing live to a large audience, they managed to excite the audience with their joint performance.
The contestants were given pep-talks by some industry gurus such as Abraham Ohene Gyan, Amandzeba and Sammi Helwani on what to expect once they enter the competition and how to conduct themselves in order to survive in the music industry.
The next 13 weeks promise to be exciting in the search for the voice of a new generation, and to determine this the contestants will be put through different tests, with themes like Pop Night, Highlife Night, Gospel Night and Oldies Night. The number of contestants will be reduced till the final show which has been slated for August 22, 2009.
According to Ms Juno Turkson, the Public Relations Executive of Charterhouse, the National Theatre will be the home of the Stars of the Future as the weekly performances will be recorded to a live audience at 7 p.m. every Friday for the duration of the series.
She said the contestants would also be coached on stage performance, song writing, choreography and basic knowledge in copyright and artistes management.
The judges for this season are ace radio presenter, Doreen Andoh; producer extraordinaire, Zapp Mallet, and the CEO of EKB records, Kiki Banson.
The Music Director of the series is Mr Johny Fingers, while Master Mix Studios will provide sound, with music by the resident band, the Shabo Crew.
The series is currently airing on GTV, with the performance show airing at 3 p.m. every Sunday and the eviction show at 9.30 p.m. on Tuesdays.
Those who miss these shows can look forward to the Stars of the Future radio edition.
Stars of the Future series is a Charterhouse production, with sponsorship from MTN, Coca Cola, Castle Milk Stout and Somovision.
Fans of the various contestants are urged to vote for their favourites to stay in the competition by sending their names to MTN short code 1750. The public makes 70 per cent of the decision of who leaves the show and who stays on till the finals.
By Rebecca Kwei
For the next 13 weeks, 12 wannabe music stars will pit their talents against one another for the title of Star of the Future.
The 12, comprising seven ladies and five gentlemen, who were unveiled at the National Theatre on Tuesday, are Akosua Kyeremanten, Rachel Cochrane, Lillian Lanquaye-Tetteh, Pearl Farkye, Daniel Essel and Bright Korley Martey,
The rest are Christian Owusu, Rose Pomaney, Enoch Larbi, Nelson Narh, Bertha Bridget Kankam and Nyaneba Attuah.
Twenty contestants made it out of the over 700 who auditioned for the series and the number pruned to the final 12.
If their performances at the launch were anything to go by, then the judges face an uphill task because the contestants have real musical talents.
Although it was the first time many of the 12 contestants were performing live to a large audience, they managed to excite the audience with their joint performance.
The contestants were given pep-talks by some industry gurus such as Abraham Ohene Gyan, Amandzeba and Sammi Helwani on what to expect once they enter the competition and how to conduct themselves in order to survive in the music industry.
The next 13 weeks promise to be exciting in the search for the voice of a new generation, and to determine this the contestants will be put through different tests, with themes like Pop Night, Highlife Night, Gospel Night and Oldies Night. The number of contestants will be reduced till the final show which has been slated for August 22, 2009.
According to Ms Juno Turkson, the Public Relations Executive of Charterhouse, the National Theatre will be the home of the Stars of the Future as the weekly performances will be recorded to a live audience at 7 p.m. every Friday for the duration of the series.
She said the contestants would also be coached on stage performance, song writing, choreography and basic knowledge in copyright and artistes management.
The judges for this season are ace radio presenter, Doreen Andoh; producer extraordinaire, Zapp Mallet, and the CEO of EKB records, Kiki Banson.
The Music Director of the series is Mr Johny Fingers, while Master Mix Studios will provide sound, with music by the resident band, the Shabo Crew.
The series is currently airing on GTV, with the performance show airing at 3 p.m. every Sunday and the eviction show at 9.30 p.m. on Tuesdays.
Those who miss these shows can look forward to the Stars of the Future radio edition.
Stars of the Future series is a Charterhouse production, with sponsorship from MTN, Coca Cola, Castle Milk Stout and Somovision.
Fans of the various contestants are urged to vote for their favourites to stay in the competition by sending their names to MTN short code 1750. The public makes 70 per cent of the decision of who leaves the show and who stays on till the finals.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
HIV prevalence rate drops
Saturday, June 6, 2009 (The Mirror Pg 28)
By Rebecca Kwei
The national HIV prevalence rate dropped from 1.9 per cent in 2007 to 1.7 per cent in 2008.
The national median HIV prevalence also declined to 2.2 per cent in 2008.
This was made known at the dissemination of 2008 HIV Sentinel Survey Report and National HIV and AIDS Prevalence Estimates and Projections in Accra last Tuesday.
The HIV Sentinel Survey is a cross-sectional survey targeting pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in selected antenatal clinics in Ghana.
According to the Programme Manager of the National AIDS Control Programme, Dr Nii Akwei Addo, who presented the results, the consecutive decline of the HIV prevalence was also witnessed in 2004 and 2005.
He said the Eastern Region continued to be the region with the highest prevalence level of 4.2 per cent, while the Northern Region had the lowest prevalence of 1.1 per cent.
However, all the regions, with the exception of the Eastern Region, recorded a decrease in prevalence from 2007. Three regions, namely, the Greater Accra, Ashanti and Eastern, had prevalence rates of three per cent and above.
The Upper West Region recorded the highest decline from 3.3 per cent to 1.6 per cent, while three regions, Volta, Western and Upper East, had also witnessed consistent decline in prevalence since 2006.
According to the report, HIV prevalence in urban areas was higher than in rural areas. The mean HIV prevalence of urban communities is 2.6 per cent, compared to 2.3 per cent in rural areas.
For the age group, the highest prevalence of 3.0 per cent is recorded within the 25-29 year group, while the least of 1.2 per cent is recorded in the 15-19 year group.
The prevalence rate among the 15-24 year group, which is used as a marker for new infections, is 1.9 per cent.
The report indicated that 94.5 per cent of the HIV positive samples were HIV type I, while 3.8 per cent was HIV type II, with dual infection of HIV types I and II being 1.7 per cent.
For syphilis, the median prevalence for 2008 was 3.8 per cent, showing a decrease from 2007 which was 5.1 per cent.
The Central Region remained the region with the highest syphilis prevalence, with an increase in the rate from 18.6 per cent to 20.5 per cent.
The region with the lowest syphilis prevalence was Northern, following a decline in prevalence from 2.1 per cent to 1.7 per cent.
HIV prevalence among sexually transmitted infection (STI) clients almost doubled from 5.7 per cent to 10.5 per cent in 2008.
The Adabraka and Kumasi STI sites recorded a prevalence of 15 per cent and 6.5 per cent, respectively. The prevalence among females (11.8 per cent) is still higher than that of males (7.8 per cent) and high in the 35-39 year group (15.9 per cent).
On estimations and projections of the HIV prevalence, Dr Addo said an estimated 236,151 people, comprising 98,306 males and 137,845 females, live with HIV and AIDS in Ghana.
He said there were 22,541 new infections and 18,082 AIDS deaths, out of which 2,241 were children.
It was projected that while the number of AIDS deaths was expected to decline, the number of people living with HIV was expected to increase gradually with improved access to anti-retroviral therapy (ART), coupled with resulting new infections.
On the challenges, Dr Addo said there was the need to sustain prevention education targeted at the youth and other special groups.
He said the persistence of syphilis in some sites for the past years required further examination to explain its influence on the overall regional HIV prevalence, adding that STI services must be strengthened to ensure that all clients were tested for HIV.
The Minister of Health, Dr George Sipa-Adjah Yankey, said the country must not be complacent due to the decline of the HIV prevalence rate but maximise efforts to attain a further reduction in the HIV disease, adding that “a single case of HIV anywhere is HIV everywhere”.
By Rebecca Kwei
The national HIV prevalence rate dropped from 1.9 per cent in 2007 to 1.7 per cent in 2008.
The national median HIV prevalence also declined to 2.2 per cent in 2008.
This was made known at the dissemination of 2008 HIV Sentinel Survey Report and National HIV and AIDS Prevalence Estimates and Projections in Accra last Tuesday.
The HIV Sentinel Survey is a cross-sectional survey targeting pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in selected antenatal clinics in Ghana.
According to the Programme Manager of the National AIDS Control Programme, Dr Nii Akwei Addo, who presented the results, the consecutive decline of the HIV prevalence was also witnessed in 2004 and 2005.
He said the Eastern Region continued to be the region with the highest prevalence level of 4.2 per cent, while the Northern Region had the lowest prevalence of 1.1 per cent.
However, all the regions, with the exception of the Eastern Region, recorded a decrease in prevalence from 2007. Three regions, namely, the Greater Accra, Ashanti and Eastern, had prevalence rates of three per cent and above.
The Upper West Region recorded the highest decline from 3.3 per cent to 1.6 per cent, while three regions, Volta, Western and Upper East, had also witnessed consistent decline in prevalence since 2006.
According to the report, HIV prevalence in urban areas was higher than in rural areas. The mean HIV prevalence of urban communities is 2.6 per cent, compared to 2.3 per cent in rural areas.
For the age group, the highest prevalence of 3.0 per cent is recorded within the 25-29 year group, while the least of 1.2 per cent is recorded in the 15-19 year group.
The prevalence rate among the 15-24 year group, which is used as a marker for new infections, is 1.9 per cent.
The report indicated that 94.5 per cent of the HIV positive samples were HIV type I, while 3.8 per cent was HIV type II, with dual infection of HIV types I and II being 1.7 per cent.
For syphilis, the median prevalence for 2008 was 3.8 per cent, showing a decrease from 2007 which was 5.1 per cent.
The Central Region remained the region with the highest syphilis prevalence, with an increase in the rate from 18.6 per cent to 20.5 per cent.
The region with the lowest syphilis prevalence was Northern, following a decline in prevalence from 2.1 per cent to 1.7 per cent.
HIV prevalence among sexually transmitted infection (STI) clients almost doubled from 5.7 per cent to 10.5 per cent in 2008.
The Adabraka and Kumasi STI sites recorded a prevalence of 15 per cent and 6.5 per cent, respectively. The prevalence among females (11.8 per cent) is still higher than that of males (7.8 per cent) and high in the 35-39 year group (15.9 per cent).
On estimations and projections of the HIV prevalence, Dr Addo said an estimated 236,151 people, comprising 98,306 males and 137,845 females, live with HIV and AIDS in Ghana.
He said there were 22,541 new infections and 18,082 AIDS deaths, out of which 2,241 were children.
It was projected that while the number of AIDS deaths was expected to decline, the number of people living with HIV was expected to increase gradually with improved access to anti-retroviral therapy (ART), coupled with resulting new infections.
On the challenges, Dr Addo said there was the need to sustain prevention education targeted at the youth and other special groups.
He said the persistence of syphilis in some sites for the past years required further examination to explain its influence on the overall regional HIV prevalence, adding that STI services must be strengthened to ensure that all clients were tested for HIV.
The Minister of Health, Dr George Sipa-Adjah Yankey, said the country must not be complacent due to the decline of the HIV prevalence rate but maximise efforts to attain a further reduction in the HIV disease, adding that “a single case of HIV anywhere is HIV everywhere”.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Fashion trade fair for Sept
Saturday, May 30, 2009 (The Mirror Pg 46)
By Rebecca Kwei
Come September this year, a trade fair that will help Ghanaian designers meet, network and trade directly with international buyers will take place at the Accra International Conference Centre.
Dubbed ‘Clothes Show Live! Ghana ’09 it will operate as a fashion road show brand (Clothes Show Live) which has been running in the UK for more than 20 years where local fashion designers sell their apparel on the spot to buyers from the large chain of retail shops.
Speaking at the press launch in Accra, the event organiser, Eric Manu of the London Designers Fashion Show Limited, explained that the event is not a fashion show but rather a trade fair which will run for two days.
Although, there will be a catwalk show, Mr Manu maintained that it is a trade fair where participants will set stalls and show their new collections to fashion consumers.
“During the day, there will be a 10-minute catwalk show every hour by various designers, but there will be many stalls with exciting exhibits for everyone,” he said.
So far about 30 international designers of African descent are preparing to come and join other local designers for the exhibition.
Some of the designers are Kofi Ansah, Ghana, Imane Ayissi, Cameroon, House of Ole, Kluk CGDT, Thula Sindi, David Tlale all from South Africa, Bantu Wax, Ethiopia (based in US), Sika Designs, Ghana (based in UK), Deola Sagoe, House of Jole, both from Nigeria and Mustafa, Tanzania.
He said the event is open all — seamstresses, tailors, fashion designers, fashion accessories producers, shoe designers and makers, textile manufacturers and any industry that has a link to fashion from Africa.
According to Mr Manu who has been in the fashion business in the UK for close to 10 years, his vision came about as a result of a deep passion to help stimulate the fashion industry in Africa.
“Being from Ghana, I chose to make Ghana the home for this event, so that we may hold the exhibition periodically and bring in many participants from all over the world, thereby building on our tourism receipts too.”
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Hanna Tetteh, said the fashion industry in Ghana has a great future if the private sector collaborates with government to create a platform to showcase Ghana’s potential to the global market.
Additionally, she said the industry has the potential of creating job opportunities for the many unemployed youth and urged the organisers of the event to link up with our tertiary institutions to discover the numerous talents in the industry that are produced yearly and create a platform for them to showcase their talent.
By Rebecca Kwei
Come September this year, a trade fair that will help Ghanaian designers meet, network and trade directly with international buyers will take place at the Accra International Conference Centre.
Dubbed ‘Clothes Show Live! Ghana ’09 it will operate as a fashion road show brand (Clothes Show Live) which has been running in the UK for more than 20 years where local fashion designers sell their apparel on the spot to buyers from the large chain of retail shops.
Speaking at the press launch in Accra, the event organiser, Eric Manu of the London Designers Fashion Show Limited, explained that the event is not a fashion show but rather a trade fair which will run for two days.
Although, there will be a catwalk show, Mr Manu maintained that it is a trade fair where participants will set stalls and show their new collections to fashion consumers.
“During the day, there will be a 10-minute catwalk show every hour by various designers, but there will be many stalls with exciting exhibits for everyone,” he said.
So far about 30 international designers of African descent are preparing to come and join other local designers for the exhibition.
Some of the designers are Kofi Ansah, Ghana, Imane Ayissi, Cameroon, House of Ole, Kluk CGDT, Thula Sindi, David Tlale all from South Africa, Bantu Wax, Ethiopia (based in US), Sika Designs, Ghana (based in UK), Deola Sagoe, House of Jole, both from Nigeria and Mustafa, Tanzania.
He said the event is open all — seamstresses, tailors, fashion designers, fashion accessories producers, shoe designers and makers, textile manufacturers and any industry that has a link to fashion from Africa.
According to Mr Manu who has been in the fashion business in the UK for close to 10 years, his vision came about as a result of a deep passion to help stimulate the fashion industry in Africa.
“Being from Ghana, I chose to make Ghana the home for this event, so that we may hold the exhibition periodically and bring in many participants from all over the world, thereby building on our tourism receipts too.”
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Hanna Tetteh, said the fashion industry in Ghana has a great future if the private sector collaborates with government to create a platform to showcase Ghana’s potential to the global market.
Additionally, she said the industry has the potential of creating job opportunities for the many unemployed youth and urged the organisers of the event to link up with our tertiary institutions to discover the numerous talents in the industry that are produced yearly and create a platform for them to showcase their talent.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Eight young designers for Fashion Weekend
Saturday, May 23, 2009 (The Mirror Pg 47)
By Rebecca Kwei
Eight amateur fashion designers have been selected to feature in this year’s Ghana Fashion Weekend 2009.
They are Klekleli Dzidienyo, Elimens, Quami Wear, Rowena Adjivon, Salimi, Miriam Yentumi, Bern Mensah and Doreen Lartey.
The event, which is scheduled for July 1-4, 2009 at the Accra International Conference Centre, is a blend of modelling shows and fashion exhibition and it is aimed at promoting African fashion. “Harnessing Creative Talents within Africa” is the theme for the event.
According to Sima Ibrahim, the CEO of Exopa Model Agency, organisers of the event, the best up-coming fashion designer who will be selected through a contest will be sponsored by the French Embassy to France to develop his or her talent.
Additionally, the French Embassy will engage the services of a Cameroonian designer who will take the young designers through a workshop before the final event.
After the event, each of the young designers will also have the opportunity to understudy a local professional designer for about a year.
Twenty designers comprising 10 of Ghana’s most respected designers, 10 from the international scene, in addition to the eight young designers, would showcase their talent at the event.
About 100 Exopa models made of 40 foreign models and 60 from Ghana will feature on the runway and they are expected to treat the audience to unique catwalk experience.
Some of the designers are Joyce Ababio, Allan David, Royal Dennis, Menice Apparel and Nallem, all from Ghana, Alphadi, Niger, Modella, Nigeria, and Adebayor Jones, UK.
The exciting side attraction is that Boris Kodjoe, the German-Ghanaian actor and designer, who owns the Ziami Clothing lines, will be in Ghana to grace the occasion. He will be accompanied by his wife, Nicole Ari Parker, who is also an actress.
Boris, well known for his role as Damon Carter in show time drama ‘Soul Food’, will showcase his designs.
Mr Ibrahim said some of the Black Stars players such as Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, Stephen Appiah, Arsenal player Emmanuel Adebayor and Gerald Asamoah, who plays for the German national team and Schalke 04, will model clothes from Boris Kodjoe.
Mr Ibrahim said he had been to the USA to meet with Boris, who is excited about coming to Ghana.
He said Black Entertainment Television (BET), an American cable network, is doing a documentary on Boris Kodjoe and will thus accompany him to Ghana to film his (Boris) background, as well as the event.
He noted that this would give the fashion industry in Ghana a boost, since the documentary would be shown to a wider audience.
Mr Ibrahim said there would also be a fashion exhibition that would run concurrently with the modelling shows and appealed to people engaged in fashion-related products and services to contact Exopa for space allocation.
He said the modelling events would not only feature slim ladies but l-sized ladies will also hit the runway.
“Most Ghanaian ladies are not slim and it is important that we do not always focus on the slim ones only but encourage designers to create outfits for l-sized ladies as well.”
By Rebecca Kwei
Eight amateur fashion designers have been selected to feature in this year’s Ghana Fashion Weekend 2009.
They are Klekleli Dzidienyo, Elimens, Quami Wear, Rowena Adjivon, Salimi, Miriam Yentumi, Bern Mensah and Doreen Lartey.
The event, which is scheduled for July 1-4, 2009 at the Accra International Conference Centre, is a blend of modelling shows and fashion exhibition and it is aimed at promoting African fashion. “Harnessing Creative Talents within Africa” is the theme for the event.
According to Sima Ibrahim, the CEO of Exopa Model Agency, organisers of the event, the best up-coming fashion designer who will be selected through a contest will be sponsored by the French Embassy to France to develop his or her talent.
Additionally, the French Embassy will engage the services of a Cameroonian designer who will take the young designers through a workshop before the final event.
After the event, each of the young designers will also have the opportunity to understudy a local professional designer for about a year.
Twenty designers comprising 10 of Ghana’s most respected designers, 10 from the international scene, in addition to the eight young designers, would showcase their talent at the event.
About 100 Exopa models made of 40 foreign models and 60 from Ghana will feature on the runway and they are expected to treat the audience to unique catwalk experience.
Some of the designers are Joyce Ababio, Allan David, Royal Dennis, Menice Apparel and Nallem, all from Ghana, Alphadi, Niger, Modella, Nigeria, and Adebayor Jones, UK.
The exciting side attraction is that Boris Kodjoe, the German-Ghanaian actor and designer, who owns the Ziami Clothing lines, will be in Ghana to grace the occasion. He will be accompanied by his wife, Nicole Ari Parker, who is also an actress.
Boris, well known for his role as Damon Carter in show time drama ‘Soul Food’, will showcase his designs.
Mr Ibrahim said some of the Black Stars players such as Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, Stephen Appiah, Arsenal player Emmanuel Adebayor and Gerald Asamoah, who plays for the German national team and Schalke 04, will model clothes from Boris Kodjoe.
Mr Ibrahim said he had been to the USA to meet with Boris, who is excited about coming to Ghana.
He said Black Entertainment Television (BET), an American cable network, is doing a documentary on Boris Kodjoe and will thus accompany him to Ghana to film his (Boris) background, as well as the event.
He noted that this would give the fashion industry in Ghana a boost, since the documentary would be shown to a wider audience.
Mr Ibrahim said there would also be a fashion exhibition that would run concurrently with the modelling shows and appealed to people engaged in fashion-related products and services to contact Exopa for space allocation.
He said the modelling events would not only feature slim ladies but l-sized ladies will also hit the runway.
“Most Ghanaian ladies are not slim and it is important that we do not always focus on the slim ones only but encourage designers to create outfits for l-sized ladies as well.”
Gemann — From disgrace to grace
Saturday, May 23, 2009 (The Mirror Pg 3)
By Rebecca Kwei
From Fame to Shame, From Disgrace to Grace is the title of his book which will be out soon and perhaps the title clearly speaks about his life.
Nana Kwasi Agyemang popularly known as Gemann who shot to fame in the early 1980s but had to spend 14 years in prison for murder, says he has come a long way but very grateful to God for His love.
“I am doing very well by God’s grace. In fact I’m doing extremely well,” was what he said when The Mirror caught up with him at his office at Adabraka, a suburb of Accra, to find out how he was coping with life after prison.
New life
Now a pastor, Gemann celebrated his 46th birthday on Tuesday, May 19. He now sports a new-look an afro (Gemann used to have long wet curls) and is involved in a number of Christian activities.
He has started a church, New Life Christian Love Fellowship which operates at the O’reilly Secondary School at Adabraka. The church has about 35 members.
He said being a pastor was a vision the Lord gave him while he was in prison.
“I had wanted to become a preacher even before I went to prison. As a kid I always played the role of a pastor which earned me the name Osofo,” he recalled.
He explained that his intention then was to be rich and succeed in the entertainment industry before taking up pastoral duties so people would not think he went into it because of the money .
“But God had His own plans and it happened that I had to go through the training inside prison,” he said.
The New Life Christian Love Fellowship started while he was in prison. He says aside the church having a branch in Accra, there are three branches: one each in the Condemned Cell and the main yard at Nsawam Prison and one at Ankaful Prison Annex.
Gemann now also has permit to visit all police cells in the country to preach and educate on life and crime.
He said he had visited some police cells in Accra and Tema and was happy that anytime he visited a police cell, not less than five people gave their lives to Christ after hearing him.
“I believe God has preserved my life so that I may be light unto those who are still in darkness,” he noted.
Suspects in police cells, he indicated, related better to him because they knew he had gone through a similar situation.
Gemann has not shirked his love for the entertainment industry and has also started a Christian multi-media entertainment company called Godsbiz (God’s Business) that deals in gospel music, video production and artiste management.
According to him he has also developed a radio programme, Talent from the Biblical Perspective which airs on Channel R, where he tries to help the youth identify and develop their talent by bringing in guests who have made it in life to share their experiences.
He said he was developing a television version of the programme which will hit the screens soon.
On Wednesdays and Fridays, he is a panelist on the entertainment review programme, 205, on the same station where he brings his Christian perspective to bear on entertainment matters.
Despite having so much going for him already, Gemann, revealed that he is recording a new gospel album which he calls 14. The title represents the number of years he spent in prison. He said the album will probably have 14 tracks on it as well.
Gemann said he was also a motivational speaker since he got a lot of invitations from other churches to come and share his testimony.
January 9, 1995
January 9, 1995 was the day Gemann’s life changed. Although he was not too willing to be retrospect since the story had been told over and over again, he did summarise what happened that day.
According to Gemann, a lady friend called Nada had boarded a taxi to come and visit him at his then residence at Dome CFC.
He said apparently, Nada who did not have money on her to pay, had also not come to an agreement over the fare with the driver.
Thus when Nada got to his place and he decided to pay, there was a disagreement over the fare and the taxi driver left without taking any money.
He said the taxi driver came back an hour later, parked his car about 500 metres away from his (Gemann’s) house and then came to the house to collect sand into a plastic bag.
He said when he enquired what he (taxi driver) was going to do with the sand, he replied that he would kill each and every one in the house.
“This led to a heated argument and as a result, I fired a warning shot to calm the situation but this rather infuriated him (taxi driver),” he narrated.
According to Gemann, in the course of bringing the taxi driver back to the house from where he (taxi driver) had parked his car to reverse whatever curse he might have done, there was a struggle and the pistol went off killing the taxi driver.
“What happened was purely an accident. I was a novice at handling such weapons and because I had fired a warning shot earlier, the pistol went off easily, he said with sadness in his voice.
I felt terrible, devastated and broken. I immediately went to the police station to report myself.
Gemann was later sentenced to death by hanging on January 9, 1995. He was granted presidential pardon and coincidentally released from prison on January 9, 2009. He believes the dates are not a coincidence but a miracle.
Turning point
According to Gemann he was a Christian but did not have a personal relationship and commitment with Christ.
“But when the incident happened, I knew at that moment that the only person who could save me was Jesus and I made a personal commitment to Him that very day,” he recalled.
Asked why he had bought a pistol, Gemann said when he moved to his then residence, he was told that the area was armed robbery-prone so he bought the pistol for protection against armed robbers.
“But in the end I slept with armed robbers in the same prison. Now I know it is God who protects and not pistols,” he stated.
Good things
One good thing, Gemann notes, is that he is at peace with the family of the taxi driver, Kwasi Agyei, whom he accidentally killed.
“The good thing is that the family of the late Kwasi Agyei wrote a petition to former President J. A. Kufuor for my release”.
Quoting Proverbs 16:7 — When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him (King James Version) to support, he said: “I prayed to God always to heal the wounds I had created and God touched their hearts.”
He said when he was released from prison, the family of the late Kwasi Agyei received him warmly and he is now part of that family.
He said the late Agyei had a daughter who is 14 years now and is almost like a daughter to him. He promises to take full responsibility of her at the appropriate time.
Unfortunately, Nada died two years ago.
Family ties
Gemann said he was grateful to his family and many others for their support without whom he would not have survived in prison.
Gemann has three siblings; his older brother is also a pastor, while his other brother is in the United Kingdom and his little sister is in the United States.
His father, Amoo Agyemang passed on six years ago and he now lives with his 76-year-old mother, Augusta Asiedu Agyemang at Teshie Nungua, a suburb of Accra.
Gemann has a daughter, Tremina Gemann, who is 18 and lives in Holland.
“Tremina was only three years old when I went to prison and obviously a difficult time for her growing up. But the good thing is that now I can talk to her anytime I want,” he said.
Early life
Born at Kokomlemle in Accra, Gemann had his basic education in different parts of the country because both parents were teachers and they travelled extensively.
He went to West Africa Secondary School and indicated that the late Ola Williams was his classmate.
He continued his secondary education at the Tema Secondary School and left for the UK while in Form 3 to pursue his entertainment career in 1982.
“As a kid I was already in show business. I was dancing and performing at parties,” he recalled.
Prior to leaving for the UK, Gemann who was well- noted for his dancing skills, had won the national dance championship from 1980 to 1982.
While in the UK, he did the Michael Jackson look-like show by dancing and performing to Michael Jackson’s songs which took him to many places around the world such as Finland, Denmark and Sweden.
He released Highlife in G Major in 1987; Hiphop the Jungle in 1989, Danzing Mann in 1992 and a gospel album God is Love in 2003 while in prison.
When he returned from the UK to Ghana in 1992, Gemann set up a recording and production company, Gemann Productions, and a studio known as Studio G and at the time, he had about 35 young men and women he was training in music and dance.
In 1994, he was the side attraction for the Miss Ghana pageant and he travelled with the team to all the 10 regions.
According to Gemann, he was three days away from completing a musical movie when the shooting incident happened.
Great lessons
“If I knew the Lord then, what happened on January 9, 1995, would not have happened. God’s word has made me more patient.”
Asked if he misses the old days he said “No. Now the joy of the Lord is my strength. The ministration gives me so much joy.
Some people have accepted me but some still doubt that I have changed. What is happening to me is real. I have chosen to do God’s work because I know what He has done for me.”
He advised the youth “to seek first the kingdom of God and its righteoness and all other things shall be added to them.”
He said parents should be concerned about their children and help them to know Christ properly and not only taking them (children) to church on Sundays.
He noted that most of the youth are leading hypocritical lives as such it was necessary for them to have a firm foundation in Christ to prevent the ‘sakawa’ generation which is rearing its head of late.
Future plans
Gemann believes the future is very bright and he has plans of opening up more branches of his ministry. “Bigger things start with humble beginnings’, he said.
He said at the moment he is “single and unattached” but hopes to marry sometime.
Psalm 116 is very dear to Gemann’s heart and he says “this scripture sums up my life.”
By Rebecca Kwei
From Fame to Shame, From Disgrace to Grace is the title of his book which will be out soon and perhaps the title clearly speaks about his life.
Nana Kwasi Agyemang popularly known as Gemann who shot to fame in the early 1980s but had to spend 14 years in prison for murder, says he has come a long way but very grateful to God for His love.
“I am doing very well by God’s grace. In fact I’m doing extremely well,” was what he said when The Mirror caught up with him at his office at Adabraka, a suburb of Accra, to find out how he was coping with life after prison.
New life
Now a pastor, Gemann celebrated his 46th birthday on Tuesday, May 19. He now sports a new-look an afro (Gemann used to have long wet curls) and is involved in a number of Christian activities.
He has started a church, New Life Christian Love Fellowship which operates at the O’reilly Secondary School at Adabraka. The church has about 35 members.
He said being a pastor was a vision the Lord gave him while he was in prison.
“I had wanted to become a preacher even before I went to prison. As a kid I always played the role of a pastor which earned me the name Osofo,” he recalled.
He explained that his intention then was to be rich and succeed in the entertainment industry before taking up pastoral duties so people would not think he went into it because of the money .
“But God had His own plans and it happened that I had to go through the training inside prison,” he said.
The New Life Christian Love Fellowship started while he was in prison. He says aside the church having a branch in Accra, there are three branches: one each in the Condemned Cell and the main yard at Nsawam Prison and one at Ankaful Prison Annex.
Gemann now also has permit to visit all police cells in the country to preach and educate on life and crime.
He said he had visited some police cells in Accra and Tema and was happy that anytime he visited a police cell, not less than five people gave their lives to Christ after hearing him.
“I believe God has preserved my life so that I may be light unto those who are still in darkness,” he noted.
Suspects in police cells, he indicated, related better to him because they knew he had gone through a similar situation.
Gemann has not shirked his love for the entertainment industry and has also started a Christian multi-media entertainment company called Godsbiz (God’s Business) that deals in gospel music, video production and artiste management.
According to him he has also developed a radio programme, Talent from the Biblical Perspective which airs on Channel R, where he tries to help the youth identify and develop their talent by bringing in guests who have made it in life to share their experiences.
He said he was developing a television version of the programme which will hit the screens soon.
On Wednesdays and Fridays, he is a panelist on the entertainment review programme, 205, on the same station where he brings his Christian perspective to bear on entertainment matters.
Despite having so much going for him already, Gemann, revealed that he is recording a new gospel album which he calls 14. The title represents the number of years he spent in prison. He said the album will probably have 14 tracks on it as well.
Gemann said he was also a motivational speaker since he got a lot of invitations from other churches to come and share his testimony.
January 9, 1995
January 9, 1995 was the day Gemann’s life changed. Although he was not too willing to be retrospect since the story had been told over and over again, he did summarise what happened that day.
According to Gemann, a lady friend called Nada had boarded a taxi to come and visit him at his then residence at Dome CFC.
He said apparently, Nada who did not have money on her to pay, had also not come to an agreement over the fare with the driver.
Thus when Nada got to his place and he decided to pay, there was a disagreement over the fare and the taxi driver left without taking any money.
He said the taxi driver came back an hour later, parked his car about 500 metres away from his (Gemann’s) house and then came to the house to collect sand into a plastic bag.
He said when he enquired what he (taxi driver) was going to do with the sand, he replied that he would kill each and every one in the house.
“This led to a heated argument and as a result, I fired a warning shot to calm the situation but this rather infuriated him (taxi driver),” he narrated.
According to Gemann, in the course of bringing the taxi driver back to the house from where he (taxi driver) had parked his car to reverse whatever curse he might have done, there was a struggle and the pistol went off killing the taxi driver.
“What happened was purely an accident. I was a novice at handling such weapons and because I had fired a warning shot earlier, the pistol went off easily, he said with sadness in his voice.
I felt terrible, devastated and broken. I immediately went to the police station to report myself.
Gemann was later sentenced to death by hanging on January 9, 1995. He was granted presidential pardon and coincidentally released from prison on January 9, 2009. He believes the dates are not a coincidence but a miracle.
Turning point
According to Gemann he was a Christian but did not have a personal relationship and commitment with Christ.
“But when the incident happened, I knew at that moment that the only person who could save me was Jesus and I made a personal commitment to Him that very day,” he recalled.
Asked why he had bought a pistol, Gemann said when he moved to his then residence, he was told that the area was armed robbery-prone so he bought the pistol for protection against armed robbers.
“But in the end I slept with armed robbers in the same prison. Now I know it is God who protects and not pistols,” he stated.
Good things
One good thing, Gemann notes, is that he is at peace with the family of the taxi driver, Kwasi Agyei, whom he accidentally killed.
“The good thing is that the family of the late Kwasi Agyei wrote a petition to former President J. A. Kufuor for my release”.
Quoting Proverbs 16:7 — When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him (King James Version) to support, he said: “I prayed to God always to heal the wounds I had created and God touched their hearts.”
He said when he was released from prison, the family of the late Kwasi Agyei received him warmly and he is now part of that family.
He said the late Agyei had a daughter who is 14 years now and is almost like a daughter to him. He promises to take full responsibility of her at the appropriate time.
Unfortunately, Nada died two years ago.
Family ties
Gemann said he was grateful to his family and many others for their support without whom he would not have survived in prison.
Gemann has three siblings; his older brother is also a pastor, while his other brother is in the United Kingdom and his little sister is in the United States.
His father, Amoo Agyemang passed on six years ago and he now lives with his 76-year-old mother, Augusta Asiedu Agyemang at Teshie Nungua, a suburb of Accra.
Gemann has a daughter, Tremina Gemann, who is 18 and lives in Holland.
“Tremina was only three years old when I went to prison and obviously a difficult time for her growing up. But the good thing is that now I can talk to her anytime I want,” he said.
Early life
Born at Kokomlemle in Accra, Gemann had his basic education in different parts of the country because both parents were teachers and they travelled extensively.
He went to West Africa Secondary School and indicated that the late Ola Williams was his classmate.
He continued his secondary education at the Tema Secondary School and left for the UK while in Form 3 to pursue his entertainment career in 1982.
“As a kid I was already in show business. I was dancing and performing at parties,” he recalled.
Prior to leaving for the UK, Gemann who was well- noted for his dancing skills, had won the national dance championship from 1980 to 1982.
While in the UK, he did the Michael Jackson look-like show by dancing and performing to Michael Jackson’s songs which took him to many places around the world such as Finland, Denmark and Sweden.
He released Highlife in G Major in 1987; Hiphop the Jungle in 1989, Danzing Mann in 1992 and a gospel album God is Love in 2003 while in prison.
When he returned from the UK to Ghana in 1992, Gemann set up a recording and production company, Gemann Productions, and a studio known as Studio G and at the time, he had about 35 young men and women he was training in music and dance.
In 1994, he was the side attraction for the Miss Ghana pageant and he travelled with the team to all the 10 regions.
According to Gemann, he was three days away from completing a musical movie when the shooting incident happened.
Great lessons
“If I knew the Lord then, what happened on January 9, 1995, would not have happened. God’s word has made me more patient.”
Asked if he misses the old days he said “No. Now the joy of the Lord is my strength. The ministration gives me so much joy.
Some people have accepted me but some still doubt that I have changed. What is happening to me is real. I have chosen to do God’s work because I know what He has done for me.”
He advised the youth “to seek first the kingdom of God and its righteoness and all other things shall be added to them.”
He said parents should be concerned about their children and help them to know Christ properly and not only taking them (children) to church on Sundays.
He noted that most of the youth are leading hypocritical lives as such it was necessary for them to have a firm foundation in Christ to prevent the ‘sakawa’ generation which is rearing its head of late.
Future plans
Gemann believes the future is very bright and he has plans of opening up more branches of his ministry. “Bigger things start with humble beginnings’, he said.
He said at the moment he is “single and unattached” but hopes to marry sometime.
Psalm 116 is very dear to Gemann’s heart and he says “this scripture sums up my life.”
Monday, May 18, 2009
Esther Cobbah — CEO of Stratcomm Africa tells her story
Saturday, May 16, 2009 (The Mirror Pg 3)
By Rebecca Kwei
Very early in life, she knew she wanted to be in the communication industry because she believed communication was a tool that could be used effectively for national development.
For more than the two decades that she has been in communications with various organisations, Ms Esther Amba Numaba Cobbah, CEO of Stratcomm Africa, a communications and public relations outfit, proudly says she has no regrets choosing that field, a profession she handles effortlessly and with passion. In fact communicating effectively comes to her naturally.
Strategic Communications Africa Limited or Stratcomm Africa, which Ms Cobbah founded, celebrates its 15th anniversary this year.
Speaking with The Mirror in a relaxed atmosphere at her office at Asylum Down, a suburb of Accra, Ms Cobbah said her basic education saw her through various schools such as Queen Elizabeth School at Komenda, Ekuasi Methodist Primary at Sekondi and then the Komenda L A Primary School because her father, William Edward Cobbah, a postmaster, was posted to various towns.
Mmofraturo School in Kumasi was her next destination from 1967 to 1969 before she went to Wesley Girls High School in Cape Coast in 1969.
“I enjoyed my time at Mmofraturo and Wesley Girls and what I learnt there has impacted positively in my life,” she said.
She reminisces that while in Form One in Wesley Girls, she started the Evangels, a singing group comprising students from Wesley Girls and Adisadel College, and then another, Noise of Joy, comprising Wesley Girls and Mfanstipim students, and these groups later combined to become Joyful Way Singers now Joyful Way Incorporated.
Again in Sixth Form in Wesley Girls she was selected to be the Senior Prefect and she says “being selected by your peers is something to be proud of and as SP I tried to deepen relationship with students to understand them better but I was quite strict”.
Throughout the interview, Ms Cobbah spoke fondly of her late mum, Victoria Cobbah, who she described as very enterprising, remarkable and very generous.
“I was very close to my mum and I learnt a lot from her and grew up loving her deeply,” she said.
After Wesley Girls, Ms Cobbah entered the University of Ghana, Legon where she studied English, Religions and History and did a combined major in English and Religions. She did her national service at the Presec School where she taught Religious Studies.
Her burning desire to do communications saw her going back to the School of Communications for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism and Communication.
“I believe communication can be used to promote mutual understanding. Without understanding, we cannot live in harmony and influence the things people do,” she stated.
Fortunately, after graduating from the School of Communications, she was recommended by the late Prof. P. A. V. Ansah to the United States Information Service (USIS) to do her internship.
“Being at the USIS contributed immensely to my professional development. It was a holistic experience for me. I developed my photojournalism skills; I take pictures, go to the dark room to develop them, did media monitoring and wrote articles among others,” she narrated.
Due to the good work she did with the USIS, she was asked to stay for six months instead of the six weeks’ attachment.
Ms Cobbah got employment as the Public Relations Officer of the then Ghana Industrial Holding Corporation (GIHOC) after her internship with the USIS where she continued to hone her communication skills from 1982 to 1984.
At GIHOC, Ms Cobbah’s experience together with the general environment in Ghana at the time apart from strengthening her convictions about using communication to achieve national development goals also fuelled the awareness of her need to further her education and expertise.
While at USIS, she had researched for universities and she later applied to the Cornell University in the USA and gained admission but without financial aid.
She, therefore, applied for a Rotary Foundation Scholarship and then went for an interview but did not hear from them again.
Weeks turned into months and there was no sign of her getting funds for her education until out of the blue an American benefactor she met while working with the USIS decided to fund her trip to the US, as well as her first year at Cornell University. Luck came her way again as she was later awarded the Rotary Foundation Scholarship she had applied for.
At Cornell she specialised in Public Relations, Communications for Developing Countries and Intercultural Communication, Extension Education as well as Organisational Communication.
She described her time at Cornell as a wonderful learning experience because “it was evident I was acquiring real world knowledge and skills”.
Ms Cobbah returned to Ghana in 1988 and was invited to work with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), which had no public relations department and she set up that unit from scratch.
This afforded her a brilliant opportunity to implement and practise all she had studied about organisational and intercultural communication. She rose through the ranks to later head the public relations department.
Some of the high points while at GNPC were the opportunities to set up a workable internal communication system that worked for both engineering and non-engineering staff of the company in a developing environment.
When in 1991, the government decided to promote Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) beyond urban areas, Ms Cobbah developed LPG variants of the local mud stove, the ‘Chorkor’ smoker, and the pito stove after a survey among the target audience.
“The then management of GNPC was happy with the work I did with the LPG and the stoves and this culminated in the setting up of a subsidiary known as Energy Products. Today, the stoves are all over town,” she said with appreciation in her voice.
Additionally, she was responsible for co-ordinating the then GNPC annual international Oil and Gas Africa Conferences in Ghana, a responsibility that gave her invaluable experience.
As she expertly handled this conferences and other duties, her good works were noticed and in 1999 to 2001 she was seconded as the first External Public Affairs Manager for the West African Gas Pipeline Project (WAGPP). The WAGPP was promoted by a consortium of Shell, Chevron, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, GNPC and the national gas companies of Togo and Benin.
Here again, she set up the public affairs office from scratch, working in a cross-cultural and multilingual environment.
Ms Cobbah became the Chief Executive Officer of Stratcomm Africa in 2001. She is also a director of the Centre for Development and Intercultural Communication (CEDIC), a non-governmental organisation, and has led the establishment of a network of youth drama troupes involved in community participatory theatre, an initiative she began with young people from impoverished communities.
As the Chief Executive of Stratcomm Africa, Ms Cobbah has led the team to develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies for various organisations. She has also evolved several approaches for using communication to achieve organisational harmony and effectiveness.
Stratcomm has “Work to the glory of God” as one of its cardinal principles and it is no wonder it won the Christian Company of the Year for 2008.
As Stratcomm Africa celebrates 15 years on the theme: “Raising the bar in the Communication Industry”, she says “there is the need to raise the standards of communication in the country by combining the science and art of communication to get to the higher levels where other countries have reached and beyond”.
“We in the industry also need to challenge ourselves by raising our professionalism and working with integrity and in an honest manner and not cut corners.”
Ms Cobbah said she was grateful to God, colleagues, employees, friends and family and all who had contributed to the success of Stratcomm.
“Everyone can make it. You just have to look at the opportunities around you and grab it. Look at what is in your hands and work with it. Don’t dwell on situations that come your way which are not pleasant but tell yourself ‘this too shall pass’,” she admonished.
She loves singing, gardening, playing with children and working with the youth. She is married to Tsatsu Tsikata, a man she describes as a “wonderful and supportive husband” and they have two children, Kwame and Kofi.
By Rebecca Kwei
Very early in life, she knew she wanted to be in the communication industry because she believed communication was a tool that could be used effectively for national development.
For more than the two decades that she has been in communications with various organisations, Ms Esther Amba Numaba Cobbah, CEO of Stratcomm Africa, a communications and public relations outfit, proudly says she has no regrets choosing that field, a profession she handles effortlessly and with passion. In fact communicating effectively comes to her naturally.
Strategic Communications Africa Limited or Stratcomm Africa, which Ms Cobbah founded, celebrates its 15th anniversary this year.
Speaking with The Mirror in a relaxed atmosphere at her office at Asylum Down, a suburb of Accra, Ms Cobbah said her basic education saw her through various schools such as Queen Elizabeth School at Komenda, Ekuasi Methodist Primary at Sekondi and then the Komenda L A Primary School because her father, William Edward Cobbah, a postmaster, was posted to various towns.
Mmofraturo School in Kumasi was her next destination from 1967 to 1969 before she went to Wesley Girls High School in Cape Coast in 1969.
“I enjoyed my time at Mmofraturo and Wesley Girls and what I learnt there has impacted positively in my life,” she said.
She reminisces that while in Form One in Wesley Girls, she started the Evangels, a singing group comprising students from Wesley Girls and Adisadel College, and then another, Noise of Joy, comprising Wesley Girls and Mfanstipim students, and these groups later combined to become Joyful Way Singers now Joyful Way Incorporated.
Again in Sixth Form in Wesley Girls she was selected to be the Senior Prefect and she says “being selected by your peers is something to be proud of and as SP I tried to deepen relationship with students to understand them better but I was quite strict”.
Throughout the interview, Ms Cobbah spoke fondly of her late mum, Victoria Cobbah, who she described as very enterprising, remarkable and very generous.
“I was very close to my mum and I learnt a lot from her and grew up loving her deeply,” she said.
After Wesley Girls, Ms Cobbah entered the University of Ghana, Legon where she studied English, Religions and History and did a combined major in English and Religions. She did her national service at the Presec School where she taught Religious Studies.
Her burning desire to do communications saw her going back to the School of Communications for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism and Communication.
“I believe communication can be used to promote mutual understanding. Without understanding, we cannot live in harmony and influence the things people do,” she stated.
Fortunately, after graduating from the School of Communications, she was recommended by the late Prof. P. A. V. Ansah to the United States Information Service (USIS) to do her internship.
“Being at the USIS contributed immensely to my professional development. It was a holistic experience for me. I developed my photojournalism skills; I take pictures, go to the dark room to develop them, did media monitoring and wrote articles among others,” she narrated.
Due to the good work she did with the USIS, she was asked to stay for six months instead of the six weeks’ attachment.
Ms Cobbah got employment as the Public Relations Officer of the then Ghana Industrial Holding Corporation (GIHOC) after her internship with the USIS where she continued to hone her communication skills from 1982 to 1984.
At GIHOC, Ms Cobbah’s experience together with the general environment in Ghana at the time apart from strengthening her convictions about using communication to achieve national development goals also fuelled the awareness of her need to further her education and expertise.
While at USIS, she had researched for universities and she later applied to the Cornell University in the USA and gained admission but without financial aid.
She, therefore, applied for a Rotary Foundation Scholarship and then went for an interview but did not hear from them again.
Weeks turned into months and there was no sign of her getting funds for her education until out of the blue an American benefactor she met while working with the USIS decided to fund her trip to the US, as well as her first year at Cornell University. Luck came her way again as she was later awarded the Rotary Foundation Scholarship she had applied for.
At Cornell she specialised in Public Relations, Communications for Developing Countries and Intercultural Communication, Extension Education as well as Organisational Communication.
She described her time at Cornell as a wonderful learning experience because “it was evident I was acquiring real world knowledge and skills”.
Ms Cobbah returned to Ghana in 1988 and was invited to work with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), which had no public relations department and she set up that unit from scratch.
This afforded her a brilliant opportunity to implement and practise all she had studied about organisational and intercultural communication. She rose through the ranks to later head the public relations department.
Some of the high points while at GNPC were the opportunities to set up a workable internal communication system that worked for both engineering and non-engineering staff of the company in a developing environment.
When in 1991, the government decided to promote Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) beyond urban areas, Ms Cobbah developed LPG variants of the local mud stove, the ‘Chorkor’ smoker, and the pito stove after a survey among the target audience.
“The then management of GNPC was happy with the work I did with the LPG and the stoves and this culminated in the setting up of a subsidiary known as Energy Products. Today, the stoves are all over town,” she said with appreciation in her voice.
Additionally, she was responsible for co-ordinating the then GNPC annual international Oil and Gas Africa Conferences in Ghana, a responsibility that gave her invaluable experience.
As she expertly handled this conferences and other duties, her good works were noticed and in 1999 to 2001 she was seconded as the first External Public Affairs Manager for the West African Gas Pipeline Project (WAGPP). The WAGPP was promoted by a consortium of Shell, Chevron, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, GNPC and the national gas companies of Togo and Benin.
Here again, she set up the public affairs office from scratch, working in a cross-cultural and multilingual environment.
Ms Cobbah became the Chief Executive Officer of Stratcomm Africa in 2001. She is also a director of the Centre for Development and Intercultural Communication (CEDIC), a non-governmental organisation, and has led the establishment of a network of youth drama troupes involved in community participatory theatre, an initiative she began with young people from impoverished communities.
As the Chief Executive of Stratcomm Africa, Ms Cobbah has led the team to develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies for various organisations. She has also evolved several approaches for using communication to achieve organisational harmony and effectiveness.
Stratcomm has “Work to the glory of God” as one of its cardinal principles and it is no wonder it won the Christian Company of the Year for 2008.
As Stratcomm Africa celebrates 15 years on the theme: “Raising the bar in the Communication Industry”, she says “there is the need to raise the standards of communication in the country by combining the science and art of communication to get to the higher levels where other countries have reached and beyond”.
“We in the industry also need to challenge ourselves by raising our professionalism and working with integrity and in an honest manner and not cut corners.”
Ms Cobbah said she was grateful to God, colleagues, employees, friends and family and all who had contributed to the success of Stratcomm.
“Everyone can make it. You just have to look at the opportunities around you and grab it. Look at what is in your hands and work with it. Don’t dwell on situations that come your way which are not pleasant but tell yourself ‘this too shall pass’,” she admonished.
She loves singing, gardening, playing with children and working with the youth. She is married to Tsatsu Tsikata, a man she describes as a “wonderful and supportive husband” and they have two children, Kwame and Kofi.
Cosmocorp to revive beauty industry
Saturday, May 16, 2009 (The Mirror Pg 46)
By Rebecca Kwei
Cosmocorp Beauty Africa Event 2009, a series of activities to help the growth of the beauty industry in Africa and bring it up to date, will take place in Ghana in October this year.
The events are the Cosmocorp Beauty Fair, the Cosmocorp Beauty Workshop and Conference and the Cosmo-Prof Beauty Show.
According to the Local Organising Chair of Cosmocorp Beauty Africa, the event organisers, Mrs Nana-Achiaa Otu, upon careful analysis, it was discovered that the slow growth of the beauty industry in Africa was, among others, due to the lack of exposure, training expertise, merchandising and insufficient communication.
The event, she said, was thus to bring knowledge, passion and innovation to the service of beauty, new trends in the industry and celebrate skills and talents.
The Cosmocorp Beauty Fair scheduled for October 8 to 11, will take the form of an exhibition of cosmetic and hair products, equipment, perfumery and spa.
She said that was to afford those in the beauty industry, including distributors and manufacturers, the opportunity to showcase their products and the new trends in the Western world.
The Cosmocorp Beauty Workshop and Conference will seek to equip professionals in the beauty industry with the requisite skills and knowledge to excel in their business.
Mrs Otu said important topics such ‘Sterilisation’, ‘Business Management’, ‘How and when to use products and equipment’, ‘Hepatitis B’, among others, would be discussed.
“About 80 per cent of Ghana’s population find themselves in a salon or a barbering shop. So if the salon or barbering shop does not sterilise its equipment and there is any infection, you can imagine the number of people it will affect,” she stated.
The most exciting of the events is the Cosmo-Prof Beauty Show where competitions will be held for hair and beauty salons to demonstrate their skills and talents on stage.
The categories to be competed in are Best Hair Stylist, Best Make-up Artist, Best Nail Technician, Salon of the Year, Barbering Shop of the Year and Best Salon Worker.
Mrs Otu explained that competitions would be held in the regions and the winners in the various categories, except the Best Salon Worker, from each region would go to the finals.
For the Best Salon Worker, the public will register the contestants by means of sms votes which will be entered into a draw and 24 contestants selected.
The 24 contestants will then be housed to undertake various tasks and taken through eviction processes.
Mrs Otu, who is a cosmetologist, said registration for the various events would start in June and appealed to people in the beauty industry to look out for details in the dailies.
The Cosmocorp Beauty Africa Event 2009 is on the theme, “Where beauty meets trends to equal business”.
By Rebecca Kwei
Cosmocorp Beauty Africa Event 2009, a series of activities to help the growth of the beauty industry in Africa and bring it up to date, will take place in Ghana in October this year.
The events are the Cosmocorp Beauty Fair, the Cosmocorp Beauty Workshop and Conference and the Cosmo-Prof Beauty Show.
According to the Local Organising Chair of Cosmocorp Beauty Africa, the event organisers, Mrs Nana-Achiaa Otu, upon careful analysis, it was discovered that the slow growth of the beauty industry in Africa was, among others, due to the lack of exposure, training expertise, merchandising and insufficient communication.
The event, she said, was thus to bring knowledge, passion and innovation to the service of beauty, new trends in the industry and celebrate skills and talents.
The Cosmocorp Beauty Fair scheduled for October 8 to 11, will take the form of an exhibition of cosmetic and hair products, equipment, perfumery and spa.
She said that was to afford those in the beauty industry, including distributors and manufacturers, the opportunity to showcase their products and the new trends in the Western world.
The Cosmocorp Beauty Workshop and Conference will seek to equip professionals in the beauty industry with the requisite skills and knowledge to excel in their business.
Mrs Otu said important topics such ‘Sterilisation’, ‘Business Management’, ‘How and when to use products and equipment’, ‘Hepatitis B’, among others, would be discussed.
“About 80 per cent of Ghana’s population find themselves in a salon or a barbering shop. So if the salon or barbering shop does not sterilise its equipment and there is any infection, you can imagine the number of people it will affect,” she stated.
The most exciting of the events is the Cosmo-Prof Beauty Show where competitions will be held for hair and beauty salons to demonstrate their skills and talents on stage.
The categories to be competed in are Best Hair Stylist, Best Make-up Artist, Best Nail Technician, Salon of the Year, Barbering Shop of the Year and Best Salon Worker.
Mrs Otu explained that competitions would be held in the regions and the winners in the various categories, except the Best Salon Worker, from each region would go to the finals.
For the Best Salon Worker, the public will register the contestants by means of sms votes which will be entered into a draw and 24 contestants selected.
The 24 contestants will then be housed to undertake various tasks and taken through eviction processes.
Mrs Otu, who is a cosmetologist, said registration for the various events would start in June and appealed to people in the beauty industry to look out for details in the dailies.
The Cosmocorp Beauty Africa Event 2009 is on the theme, “Where beauty meets trends to equal business”.
Vitamin A does not reduce maternal mortality — Study
Saturday, May 9, 2009 (The Mirror Pg 31)
By Rebecca Kwei
A study conducted by the Kintampo Health Research Centre (KHRC) has shown that taking Vitamin A does not reduce the risk of death in pregnancy or childbirth.
The study has answered a very important question for the survival of women and their babies in Ghana and in many other developing countries.
Known as the ObaapaVitA study, it tested the potency of administering Vitamin A capsules weekly to pregnant women in preventing maternal mortality.
Although it is well-known that Vitamin A supplements are important for the health and survival of children, before the study there was no certainty if that was also true for women.
For eight years the KHRC and its partners — the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine — worked with local communities and over 200,000 women, supported by the UK Department for International Development.
The study was done by comparing women taking weekly capsules containing Vitamin A with those taking capsules without Vitamin A.
The Director of the KHRC, Dr Seth Owusu-Agyei, who announced this main finding, thanked the women, communities, local and national leaders, the KHRC field workers and the international funding agencies who were collectively responsible for the success of the study.
The Chairman of the Trial Steering Committee, Dr Moses Adibo, praised the team for its outstanding work and emphasised the significance of the finding for Ghana.
“Research does not just tell us what new things to do; it also tells us what not to do. Had Ghana implemented this policy all over the country to all women without knowing its benefits, we might have spent an estimated $20 million each year to no avail,” he said.
The international relevance of the ObaapaVitA study was acknowledged by all the experts present at the Kintampo meeting.
Professor Betty Kirkwood, the Principal Investigator of the study from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said, “This is one of the biggest community trials ever conducted. The dedication and quality of the staff has been superb and we have a very definite answer that will be important for governments and policy makers all over the world.”
By Rebecca Kwei
A study conducted by the Kintampo Health Research Centre (KHRC) has shown that taking Vitamin A does not reduce the risk of death in pregnancy or childbirth.
The study has answered a very important question for the survival of women and their babies in Ghana and in many other developing countries.
Known as the ObaapaVitA study, it tested the potency of administering Vitamin A capsules weekly to pregnant women in preventing maternal mortality.
Although it is well-known that Vitamin A supplements are important for the health and survival of children, before the study there was no certainty if that was also true for women.
For eight years the KHRC and its partners — the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine — worked with local communities and over 200,000 women, supported by the UK Department for International Development.
The study was done by comparing women taking weekly capsules containing Vitamin A with those taking capsules without Vitamin A.
The Director of the KHRC, Dr Seth Owusu-Agyei, who announced this main finding, thanked the women, communities, local and national leaders, the KHRC field workers and the international funding agencies who were collectively responsible for the success of the study.
The Chairman of the Trial Steering Committee, Dr Moses Adibo, praised the team for its outstanding work and emphasised the significance of the finding for Ghana.
“Research does not just tell us what new things to do; it also tells us what not to do. Had Ghana implemented this policy all over the country to all women without knowing its benefits, we might have spent an estimated $20 million each year to no avail,” he said.
The international relevance of the ObaapaVitA study was acknowledged by all the experts present at the Kintampo meeting.
Professor Betty Kirkwood, the Principal Investigator of the study from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said, “This is one of the biggest community trials ever conducted. The dedication and quality of the staff has been superb and we have a very definite answer that will be important for governments and policy makers all over the world.”
Counting malaria out — What our panellists say
Saturday, May 9, 2009 (The Mirror Pg 31)
Interviews by: Rebecca Kwei
EMMANUEL FIAGBEY, COUNTRY DIRECTOR, JOHN HOPKINS CENTRE FOR COMMUNICATION PROGRAMMES — VOICES PROJECT
The malaria situation in the country is receiving a good level of attention and there is improvement in the prevention and management of the disease.
In my role as a promoter of advocacy for malaria, I will say that we need greater commitment of all people in leadership from the national to district levels, as well as the community and households, in order to achieve the level of prevention and treatment required.
In advocacy, we are concerned with mobilising government officials, politicians, heads of corporate organisations and the public and private sector leadership to ensure that the right resources in terms of funding and human resource are generated for promotion of programmes and activities directed at prevention and treatment of malaria.
The Global Fund, the President’s Malaria Initiative of the US government, DFID, UNICEF and others have been the source of malaria funding in Ghana but should that be the case all the time?
As a country we also have to contribute our own quota to what the foreign organisations are offering.
A groundswell of these resources will enable us to achieve the Roll Back Malaria target and therefore by 2010 help us count malaria out.
I think that the corporate sector could learn from work done by Anglogold Ashanti where they have their own integrated malaria control programme, which has enabled them to achieve a high level of prevention and treatment in their catchment areas.
Corporate organisations as part of their social responsibility could emulate this example and lend support to malaria control activities not only in their workplaces but in the communities in which they are sited.
The district assemblies are the primary level of policy implementation and decision-making in the country and it is necessary that they ensure the percentage of the common fund designated for malaria programmes be duly given out for that purpose. In that way, they will also be contributing to the fight against malaria.
I would also appeal to the government to revert to the one per cent of the common fund for malaria prevention activities instead of the present 0.5 per cent.
The media are very important instruments for prevention and treatment of malaria. Therefore, it is necessary that malaria specialists and programme operatives open their doors to journalists so that they can put out the right information and ensure that malaria remains in the media all the time.
SAMUEL ASIEDU AGYEI, RESEARCH, MONITORING & EVALUATION, NETS FOR LIFE
Counting out malaria will be more effective when we place emphasis on malaria prevention and adhere to prompt and effective treatment.
I advocate more on preventive measures but if prevention fails and one gets malaria, it is important to quickly seek treatment so that it does not develop into the severe stage that may lead to death.
Now people are very much aware about malaria. The malaria situation in Ghana has been bad but now due to the enormous efforts put in by the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) and its partners, the malaria cases are beginning to drop.
However, we expect the malaria cases to drop further as more efforts get into it.
The aim of the NMCP is to achieve the Abuja Declaration and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The target is to have 80 per cent of the community to have access to Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) and those who have access to LLINs ensure that 80 per cent are using it — sleeping consistently under the treated nets.
The organisation I work for — Nets for Life — at the moment is supplying free LLINs to hard to reach communities in the country.
So far we have supplied nets to districts in the Upper East, Upper West and Northern regions and we are currently expanding to districts in the Ashanti, Western and Eastern regions of Ghana.
As more people sleep under LLINs, we expect the incidence of malaria to reduce by 70 per cent and it should have an influence in the economic development of families in hard-to-reach communities in Ghana.
In as much as we encourage people to sleep under the nets, we would also encourage people to seek early treatment and adhere to full treatment. I would encourage every Ghanaian to consistently use the LLINs because 'Nets Saves Life'.
DR JOSEPH SOMUAH AKUAMOAH, PRIVATE MEDICAL PRACTITIONER, ST JOE’S CLINIC, KASOA
Everybody ought to get involved in the fight against malaria. Fighting the disease is multi-sectoral — key partners, politicians, government, the media, health professionals among others — all have different roles to play in order to count out malaria.
Politicians have to be committed and walk the talk as well as provide funding and resources.
Health professionals must make themselves available, talk about the preventive and treatment aspects of the disease.
The media will also have to ensure that they put out the right information on malaria.
In Ghana, one problem has to do with diagnosis of the disease. There is need for good diagnosis, since other diseases also present symptoms associated with malaria.
Proper diagnosis means good training of healthcare workers, refresher courses, equipment and the right tools should be available.
Fortunately, apart from using a microscope in the laboratory to check for the malaria parasite, there is a new tool known as Rapid Diagnostic Tool (RDT), which will add on to make proper diagnosis of malaria possible.
Health professionals in private practice must also be actively involved in the fight against malaria, since they also deal with malaria patients and their centres have been rolled in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
It is also important for patients to adhere to combination therapy they are given when they get malaria and avoid mono-therapy to reduce resistance. Effective treatment is also preventive because there would be no parasite for the malaria mosquito to pick up and transmit to someone else.
MS ABA BAFFOE-WILMOT, MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGIST, NATIONAL MALARIA CONTROL PROGRAMME
The malaria situation in Ghana is getting better because looking back, the number of children under five who died from malaria has reduced.
Malaria cases are seen to be moving up probably because every fever is diagnosed as malaria.
I am very much concerned about the fact that in Ghana, despite the number of education given on the disease, people still relate filth to malaria.
This is not so. Filth is not malaria because the malaria mosquito which the public presumes to breed on rubbish dumps and gutters are not malaria mosquitoes. There are other mosquitoes that will breed in such areas but not the malaria mosquito.
The malaria mosquito will not be attracted to filthy areas but in relatively clean water, potholes, ponds, poodles, excavations, rice fields, stagnant waters along rivers and streams.
One of the malaria mosquitoes, the anopheles gambiae, likes breeding in temporary fresh stagnant waters and that is why we see malaria cases going up after the rains.
It is important that people do not create ‘maternity homes’ for the malaria mosquito but ensure they avoid the conditions necessary for their breeding.
To count out malaria, there is the need for everyone who owns an insecticide treated net to start sleeping under it especially pregnant women and children under five. Quite a number of people who have the treated nets do not sleep under it creating a situation of high ownership and low usage.
Pregnant women should also attend antenatal clinic where they will be given the Sulfadoxine Pyrimethamine (SP) medicine which will help protect the pregnant woman and the unborn baby against malaria.
For people who get malaria, it is important that they take the full course of their medicines and not stop after they take it for a day or two and feel that they are well.
Malaria is a killer disease and we should see it as such and make sure we do everything possible to count it out of Ghana.
DR FELICIA OWUSU-ANTWI, NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL OFFICER FOR MALARIA, WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION, GHANA
The theme for this year’s World Malaria Day celebration “Counting Malaria Out” is indeed timely and very appropriate.
The world has now come to a point in time when it has become so obvious that not only does malaria cause many deaths but in so doing also impacts much on the countries with the highest burden. Many of these countries are found in sub-Saharan Africa including Ghana.
The global Roll Back Malaria’s goal of reducing the burden of malaria by half by 2010 is just around the corner and many countries are still putting up all efforts to reach this goal or get close to it by next year; hence the theme.
To actually count malaria out and get to the stage of elimination, the country should reach a stage of universal coverage of all interventions. These interventions are for both prevention and treatment.
People should seek treatment promptly. They should be mindful of environment management including the creation of breeding sites for the mosquitoes.
The system should be well strengthened and many more partners including the media should be involved in all control efforts.
After achieving very good control, it should be sustained for some years backed by a very good information management system and research. This will help the country to achieve the aim of counting malaria out.
Interviews by: Rebecca Kwei
EMMANUEL FIAGBEY, COUNTRY DIRECTOR, JOHN HOPKINS CENTRE FOR COMMUNICATION PROGRAMMES — VOICES PROJECT
The malaria situation in the country is receiving a good level of attention and there is improvement in the prevention and management of the disease.
In my role as a promoter of advocacy for malaria, I will say that we need greater commitment of all people in leadership from the national to district levels, as well as the community and households, in order to achieve the level of prevention and treatment required.
In advocacy, we are concerned with mobilising government officials, politicians, heads of corporate organisations and the public and private sector leadership to ensure that the right resources in terms of funding and human resource are generated for promotion of programmes and activities directed at prevention and treatment of malaria.
The Global Fund, the President’s Malaria Initiative of the US government, DFID, UNICEF and others have been the source of malaria funding in Ghana but should that be the case all the time?
As a country we also have to contribute our own quota to what the foreign organisations are offering.
A groundswell of these resources will enable us to achieve the Roll Back Malaria target and therefore by 2010 help us count malaria out.
I think that the corporate sector could learn from work done by Anglogold Ashanti where they have their own integrated malaria control programme, which has enabled them to achieve a high level of prevention and treatment in their catchment areas.
Corporate organisations as part of their social responsibility could emulate this example and lend support to malaria control activities not only in their workplaces but in the communities in which they are sited.
The district assemblies are the primary level of policy implementation and decision-making in the country and it is necessary that they ensure the percentage of the common fund designated for malaria programmes be duly given out for that purpose. In that way, they will also be contributing to the fight against malaria.
I would also appeal to the government to revert to the one per cent of the common fund for malaria prevention activities instead of the present 0.5 per cent.
The media are very important instruments for prevention and treatment of malaria. Therefore, it is necessary that malaria specialists and programme operatives open their doors to journalists so that they can put out the right information and ensure that malaria remains in the media all the time.
SAMUEL ASIEDU AGYEI, RESEARCH, MONITORING & EVALUATION, NETS FOR LIFE
Counting out malaria will be more effective when we place emphasis on malaria prevention and adhere to prompt and effective treatment.
I advocate more on preventive measures but if prevention fails and one gets malaria, it is important to quickly seek treatment so that it does not develop into the severe stage that may lead to death.
Now people are very much aware about malaria. The malaria situation in Ghana has been bad but now due to the enormous efforts put in by the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) and its partners, the malaria cases are beginning to drop.
However, we expect the malaria cases to drop further as more efforts get into it.
The aim of the NMCP is to achieve the Abuja Declaration and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The target is to have 80 per cent of the community to have access to Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) and those who have access to LLINs ensure that 80 per cent are using it — sleeping consistently under the treated nets.
The organisation I work for — Nets for Life — at the moment is supplying free LLINs to hard to reach communities in the country.
So far we have supplied nets to districts in the Upper East, Upper West and Northern regions and we are currently expanding to districts in the Ashanti, Western and Eastern regions of Ghana.
As more people sleep under LLINs, we expect the incidence of malaria to reduce by 70 per cent and it should have an influence in the economic development of families in hard-to-reach communities in Ghana.
In as much as we encourage people to sleep under the nets, we would also encourage people to seek early treatment and adhere to full treatment. I would encourage every Ghanaian to consistently use the LLINs because 'Nets Saves Life'.
DR JOSEPH SOMUAH AKUAMOAH, PRIVATE MEDICAL PRACTITIONER, ST JOE’S CLINIC, KASOA
Everybody ought to get involved in the fight against malaria. Fighting the disease is multi-sectoral — key partners, politicians, government, the media, health professionals among others — all have different roles to play in order to count out malaria.
Politicians have to be committed and walk the talk as well as provide funding and resources.
Health professionals must make themselves available, talk about the preventive and treatment aspects of the disease.
The media will also have to ensure that they put out the right information on malaria.
In Ghana, one problem has to do with diagnosis of the disease. There is need for good diagnosis, since other diseases also present symptoms associated with malaria.
Proper diagnosis means good training of healthcare workers, refresher courses, equipment and the right tools should be available.
Fortunately, apart from using a microscope in the laboratory to check for the malaria parasite, there is a new tool known as Rapid Diagnostic Tool (RDT), which will add on to make proper diagnosis of malaria possible.
Health professionals in private practice must also be actively involved in the fight against malaria, since they also deal with malaria patients and their centres have been rolled in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
It is also important for patients to adhere to combination therapy they are given when they get malaria and avoid mono-therapy to reduce resistance. Effective treatment is also preventive because there would be no parasite for the malaria mosquito to pick up and transmit to someone else.
MS ABA BAFFOE-WILMOT, MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGIST, NATIONAL MALARIA CONTROL PROGRAMME
The malaria situation in Ghana is getting better because looking back, the number of children under five who died from malaria has reduced.
Malaria cases are seen to be moving up probably because every fever is diagnosed as malaria.
I am very much concerned about the fact that in Ghana, despite the number of education given on the disease, people still relate filth to malaria.
This is not so. Filth is not malaria because the malaria mosquito which the public presumes to breed on rubbish dumps and gutters are not malaria mosquitoes. There are other mosquitoes that will breed in such areas but not the malaria mosquito.
The malaria mosquito will not be attracted to filthy areas but in relatively clean water, potholes, ponds, poodles, excavations, rice fields, stagnant waters along rivers and streams.
One of the malaria mosquitoes, the anopheles gambiae, likes breeding in temporary fresh stagnant waters and that is why we see malaria cases going up after the rains.
It is important that people do not create ‘maternity homes’ for the malaria mosquito but ensure they avoid the conditions necessary for their breeding.
To count out malaria, there is the need for everyone who owns an insecticide treated net to start sleeping under it especially pregnant women and children under five. Quite a number of people who have the treated nets do not sleep under it creating a situation of high ownership and low usage.
Pregnant women should also attend antenatal clinic where they will be given the Sulfadoxine Pyrimethamine (SP) medicine which will help protect the pregnant woman and the unborn baby against malaria.
For people who get malaria, it is important that they take the full course of their medicines and not stop after they take it for a day or two and feel that they are well.
Malaria is a killer disease and we should see it as such and make sure we do everything possible to count it out of Ghana.
DR FELICIA OWUSU-ANTWI, NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL OFFICER FOR MALARIA, WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION, GHANA
The theme for this year’s World Malaria Day celebration “Counting Malaria Out” is indeed timely and very appropriate.
The world has now come to a point in time when it has become so obvious that not only does malaria cause many deaths but in so doing also impacts much on the countries with the highest burden. Many of these countries are found in sub-Saharan Africa including Ghana.
The global Roll Back Malaria’s goal of reducing the burden of malaria by half by 2010 is just around the corner and many countries are still putting up all efforts to reach this goal or get close to it by next year; hence the theme.
To actually count malaria out and get to the stage of elimination, the country should reach a stage of universal coverage of all interventions. These interventions are for both prevention and treatment.
People should seek treatment promptly. They should be mindful of environment management including the creation of breeding sites for the mosquitoes.
The system should be well strengthened and many more partners including the media should be involved in all control efforts.
After achieving very good control, it should be sustained for some years backed by a very good information management system and research. This will help the country to achieve the aim of counting malaria out.
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