Day: October 7, 2023

Embrace advanced technology, UniAbuja VC advises Nigerian academia

The Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja (UniAuja), Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, has reiterated the need for educational community to embrace advanced technology, especially in automobile.

Na’Allah made this submission during the university’s 27th Pre-Convocation Lecture on Friday in Abuja.

He said that Nigeria had all required in terms of resources and technical know-how to have a robust technology, adding that it was time for Nigerians to think on the way forward.

The vice chancellor said that the Nigerian train system 20 to 50 years ago was far better than what was obtainable at present; hence the need to focus attention on automobile technology.

On his part, the Guest Lecturer, Mr Jelani Aliyu, Director-General, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), said Nigerians had important role in creating the new and advanced Nigeria of peace, progress and prosperity.

Aliyu said to achieve the new Nigerian future, citizens must first of all imagine it, adding that the country had all it took to be at par with other developed countries of the world.

He said that the problems of Nigeria were artificial phenomenon that should not be allowed to define it as a nation.

“We must only be defined by our inherent capabilities, or be defined by what we can build; but by what we can achieve for a better tomorrow.

“We are all born with special talents; everyone has incredible gifts that when nurtured and developed, will enable the realisation of amazing achievements.

“When we look at countries like Germany, U.S., U.A.E, Japan or China and see the incredible progress they have made, such developments can also happen in Nigeria,” he said.

He said that advanced technology could help to expedite the ushering in of a new Nigeria.

Aliyu called on all graduating and other students as potential builders of a nation that could be at par with any advanced one in the world to take advantage of advanced technology.

“We must seek and adopt relevant advanced technology that would enable us uplift the lives of every man, woman and child.

“Technology, which is intelligent and understands our specific challenges; we must search, adopt and develop advanced technology in energy, agriculture, transportation and housing.

“Automobiles and transportation are my passion; I have always believed that we must not be afraid of adopting the most advanced technologies in that sector.

“Hence my commitment to help in bringing and develop vehicle electrification in Nigeria,” Aliyu said.

According to the guest lecturer, NADDC has developed 100 per cent solar powered EV Charging Stations in three universities in the country.

He said that the fourth Hybrid was at its headquarters in Abuja.

Aliyu said discussion was underway with UniAbuja to build another solar powered EV Charging Station in the campus.

The guest speaker said NADDC had set up the facilities to bring advanced technology to the doorsteps of students; so they could understand it and come up with more applicable solutions for Nigeria and Africa.

He advised the graduands as they went into the world not to be afraid of leveraging and developing advanced technology.

More so, the Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, advised the graduands to use the wealth of knowledge and skills they had acquired to make positive change in the country.

Wike, who was represented by the Secretary of Education, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Dr Danlami Hayyo, said that the university had consistently showed its commitment in finding solutions to the challenges facing the territory.

“You are leaving this institution with your wealth of knowledge and skills, the future of the nation lies in your hands; I want you to use it to make positive change in our society.

“Don’t stop learning; this is just the beginning; stay focused and be an ambassador of change not only in FCT but for our country Nigeria,” the minister said.

The University Orator, Prof. Nkem Azuike, while reading the citation of the guest lecturer, said that he had brought significant development to the Nigeria automotive sector.

Azuike said that Aliyu had driven private investments by automotive companies, reaching over 1 billion dollars.

He said that the companies, with a combined production capacity of over 400,000 units per annum, were effectively producing different models and configurations of vehicles in the country.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Bulgaria Receives Three People Injured in Nagorno-Karabakh Fuel Depot Blast

Bulgaria is aiding three people injured in a fuel depot explosion in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Health Ministry reported on Saturday.

The blast occurred on September 25. On the following day, the European Commission’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre asked the EU member states to provide aid.

The three injured persons were transported on a Spartan aircraft of the Bulgarian Air Force at the Health Ministry’s request. The crew comprised servicepersons from the Vrazhdebna Air Base near Sofia. The plane departed for Yerevan on October 6. A six-member medical team from the Military Medical Academy, led by Col. Maria Georgieva, were on board.

At 00:35 hrs on October 7, resuscitation ambulances took the patients from Sofia Airport and carried them to the Pirogov Emergency Hospital. The three foreign citizens are receiving special medical care at Pirogov’s Burns and Plastic Surgery Clinic.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Anlo chiefs send goodwill message to GMB Volta representative; Selorm

The chiefs and queens of the Anlo State have sent warm wishes to Miss Selorm Magdalene Gadah, one of the five finalists in the 2023 Ghana’s Most Beautiful (GMB) pageant, wishing her success in the finale on Sunday, October 8.

Miss Gadah, a teacher, who hails from Keta and Abor, is the Volta Regional representative in this year’s reality show.

A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency on Friday, by Agbotadua Kumassah on behalf of Togbi Sri III, the Awoamefia of Anlo, said traditional leaders of Anlo and the entire region were supporting Selorm to bring the crown home.

‘I, Agbotadua Kumassah, the Spokesperson of the Awoamefia, Togbi Sri lll, on behalf of the Awoamefia, the chiefs and queens of Anlo and other traditional areas in the Volta Region, wish to assure you of our unflinching spiritual and physical support and prayers during your final appearance on the show,’ it said.

The region and its people were proud of Selorm’s performances, which had so far showcased the rich culture of the region, the statement said.

‘The whole of Volta and Anlo are proud of your performances so far and have their hope, faith, and confidence in you to bring the crown to the region and Anlo.’

‘Our ardent prayer is that the indomitable spirit of our gallant Mama Yakagbe, the bravery and courage of Jerry John Rawlings, the intelligence and oratory of Prof Kofi Nyidewu Awoonor, the beauty, elegance and winning spirit of Monica Amekuafia, Miss Ghana 1957, all descend heavily and fill you for the final showdown.’

‘We love you and appreciate your representation of the Volta Region. May God the Almighty bless and grant you the winning grace.’

Selorm, through hard work and determination, had won the ‘Star Performer’ of the contest twice.

She is contesting for the crown with four other finalists from the Greater Accra, Bono, Northern and Upper East regions in the grand finale on Sunday at the National Theatre, Accra.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Increment in prices of books: Parents appeal for gov’t’s intervention

Some parents and guardians in the Sunyani Municipality have expressed concern over the sharp increment in prices of books and stationery and appealed to the Government to intervene to bring down the prices.

Describing the increments as overwhelming amid the economic challenges citizens faced, they said it would be very difficult to buy all the textbooks prescribed for their children/wards.

During a visit to some of the bookshops in Sunyani, the Ghana News Agency (GNA) realised that an exercise book, previously sold between Ghc2.50 and Ghc3.00, is now selling at Ghc5.00 and Ghc6.00.

Textbooks, which were selling between 25 to 35 cedis in the last academic year, are now pegged at 60 to 100 cedis.

Madam Esi Awuah, a petty trader and a parent, sighted at one of the bookshops, said: ‘Buying books is now a headache.’

‘The economic standard of living is very high and how can we buy all these textbooks plus the exercise books and other stationeries?’

Mr John Kumi Owusu, a parent, said the increment in tuition and feeding fees among other academic expenses by some private schools in the municipality, coupled with the high transport fares, were burdensome.

Source: Ghana News Agency

One-third of Liberians trust National Elections Commission – Afrobarometer Survey

Only one-third of Liberians (34 per cent) say they trust the National Elections Commission (NEC) as the country approaches the general election, scheduled for October 10, 2023, the latest Afrobarometer Survey report has indicated.

While public trust in the NEC had declined by 10 percentage points since 2018, most Liberians think their last national election was free and fair, and most express confidence in the secrecy of their ballots and the power to affect the country’s future.

It said one of the NEC’s tasks is to manage the country’s transition from manual voter registration to a biometric system.

Key findings of the report indicate that only one-third (34 per cent) of Liberians say they trust the NEC; ‘somewhat’ or ‘a lot,’ a decline of 10 percentage points since 2018.’

It said six in 10 citizens say elections do not work well to ensure that members of the House of Representatives (61 per cent) and senators (60 per cent) reflect the views of voters.

However, a majority (55 per cent) think elections in general (not regarding any particular election) do enable voters to remove elected officials who don’t do what the people want.

The report said more than three-fourths (78 per cent) of Liberians say political parties that lost an election should cooperate with the government, while only 22 per cent said the opposition should instead focus on holding the government accountable.

It said almost three-fourths (73 per cent) of citizens thought it was unlikely that powerful people could find out how they voted.

An overwhelming majority (85 per cent) said the 2017 elections were ‘completely free and fair’ (59 per cent), ‘free and fair with minor problems’ (26 per cent).

The Afrobarometer is a pan-African, nonpartisan survey research network that provides reliable data on African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance, and quality of life.

It said nine rounds of surveys had been completed in up to 42 countries since 1999, with Round 9 surveys (2021/2023) covering 39 countries.

The Afrobarometer conducts face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent’s choice.

Its team in Liberia, led by the Centre for Democratic Governance, interviewed a nationally representative, random, stratified probability sample of 1,200 adult Liberians between August 15 and September 7, 2022.

A sample of this size yields country-level results with a margin of error of +/-3 percentage points at a 95 per cent confidence level.

Previous surveys were conducted in Liberia in 2008, 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2020.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Vice President Bawumia celebrates 60th birthday

Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia is 60 years today.

He was born on October 7, 1963 in Tamale to Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia, former Chairman of the Council of State (1992-2000) and Hajia Mariama Bawumia, both of blessed memory.

He was born into a large family and the 12th of his father’s 18 children and the second of his mother’s five children.

His father was a teacher, lawyer and politician and a Mamprugu Royal and Paramount Chief of Kperiga in the then Northern Region.

Dr Bawumia is married to Samira Ramadan Bawumia, the only daughter of Alhaji Ahmed Ramadan, the former PNC National Chairman with four children.

He mostly celebrates his birthday with the less privileged persons and the vulnerable in society such as the cured lepers, street children and makes donations to children’s wards in some health facilities.

Interestingly, if Dr Bawumia is a civil servant, he should be retiring from active public service per the country’s constitution.

The Civil Service Act 1993 (PNDCL 327) and the Labour Act of 2003 (Act 651) mandate government workers to compulsorily retire at the age of sixty (60).

The irony of the situation is that, Dr Bawumia is now seeking the highest office of the land, the President of the Republic, if he eventually wins the NPP Presidential slot on November 4 and the 2024 general election.

Educational Background

He began his basic education at the Sakasaka Primary School in Tamale, and gained admission to the Tamale Secondary School in 1975.

He was President of the Ghana United Nations Students’ Association (GUNSA) in 1981.

After his second cycle education, he went to the United Kingdom where he studied banking and obtained the Chartered Institute of Bankers Diploma (ACIB).

He obtained a First Class Honours Degree in Economics from Buckingham University in 1987.

He then obtained a master’s degree in Economics at Lincoln College, Oxford, and obtained a Ph.D. in Economics at the Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada in 1995.

His areas of specialisation include Macroeconomics, International Economics, Development Economics and Monetary Policy.

Role as head of EMT

Dr Bawumia heads Government’s Economic Management Team (EMT), which oversees the macro economic management of country.

Over the past six years, Dr Bawumia has championed the government’s digitisation agenda leading to the digitisation of the various public institutions.

For instance, the rolling out of the National Property and Digital Addressing System, with over five million houses tagged with property addresses so far.

Mobile Money Interoperability System

He was instrumental in implementing the Triangular Mobile Money Interoperability Payment System at a reduced cost of $4.5 million, instead of $1.2 billion the previous government announced as the cost for implementation.

Recovery from COVID-19 pandemic

Dr Bawumia was part of the Akufo-Addo’s Administration that steered the country from the COVID-19 pandemic which struck the entire globe in late 2019, wrecking havoc on all economies of the world.

The pandemic affected global supply chains and the response put a burden on public finances.

In Ghana, for instance, inflation, exchange rate depreciation and debt levels globally hit a 40- year high as countries scrambled to cope with the impact on lives and livelihoods.

Ghana’s inflation increased from 12.9% in December 2021 to 54% by December 2022 with an attendant depreciation of the Ghana cedi by 30% in 2022.

There was also the Russia-Ukraine war that started at a time when the world was yet to recover fully from some major challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘With what we have done and continue doing in the wake of the global challenges, the outcome, thus far, points to an auspicious future’ Vice President Bawumia once said at an economic forum in Accra.

Source: Ghana News Agency

ECG embarks on roadshow to deepen awareness on cashless system

The Volta Regional Directorate of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has embarked on a roadshow to create awareness on the ‘ECG Cashless System’ as part of its customer service month celebration.

October, globally, has been declared a customer service month to enable companies to to appreciate and interact with their customers.

The Regional Directorate, therefore, organised the roadshow to sensitised the public on the company’s groundbreaking technology, which allows customers to transact business without physical presence at the offices.

It took place on Friday across all the eleven districts in the region, namely Ho, Sogakope, Akatsi, Keta, Dambai, Kpeve, Kpando, Hohoe, Jasikan, Nkwanta and Dambai, as the staff distributed educational materials and provided critical information to customers on the ECG PowerApp.

Addressing the media, Ms Christina Jatoe-Kaleo, the Volta Regional Manager, ECG, commended all customers for their support during the recent revenue mobilisation exercise.

‘We would like to thank all customers in the Volta and Oti regions for supporting the Company during the recent exercise through the prompt payment of bills via the ECG PowerApp and the shortcode *226#.’

‘We urge our customers to prioritise the prompt payment of bills since it is a patriotic act to pay for power consumed.’

Ms Jatoe- Kaleo outlined some benefits of using the app, saying: ‘The ECG PowerApp provides convenience for customers as customers can pay or view their bills and purchase prepaid credit anywhere and anytime.’

‘There is no Momo charge or E-Levy when you use the app to transact business,’ she said, and urged customers to visit the AppStore or Google playstore to download the PowerApp for easy access.

The ECG, apart from the roadshow, had held town hall meetings, radio education, stakeholder engagement with the assemblies, traditional authorities, markets, students, churches and mosques among others to equip them with the relevant information to easily access the app.

‘Since we went cashless, there has been an improvement in our operations and the feedback from our customers has been very positive. We will continue to provide convenience for our customers to ensure they are satisfied with our services,’ she said.

Ms Jatoe-Kele said the region, known to be the hub of excellent customer service in the October service month, would continue to delight its customers with improved and stable power supply and prompt resolution of complaints.

‘We have a series of activities lined up to enable us appreciate and get closer to our customers.’

She appealed to them to avoid going through third parties or middlemen to procure meters or for service delivery and deal directly with the company.

Mr Israel Bossman, the Assembly member for Denu Electoral Area, noted that though he stayed at Ho, the app had enabled him to pay and view his bills at Denu and purchase prepaid remotely.

‘We hope that the company will continue to introduce time-tested technology in its engagement with the public,’ he said.

On May 11, 2023, ECG announced its intention to go cashless following the enhancement of the PowerApp to provide convenience to customers and enhance operational efficiency.

Source: Ghana News Agency

NGO to form WASH groups in schools to tackle neglected skin diseases

Water in Africa Through Everyday Responsiveness (WATER), a non-governmental organisation, is forming Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene groups in schools within skin-neglected tropical diseases endemic areas in the Akuapem North and South municipalities to empower the students to help tackle these diseases.

The NGO is doing this in collaboration with the assemblies as part of a project to eliminate these skin-neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) with support from ANESVAD, a Spanish non -governmental organisation.

It also plans to give 140 hand washing stations and ceramic water filters to schools and health institutions in areas with salty boreholes or where they got their drinking water from streams.

Mr Minta Aboagye, the Executive Director of WATER, informed the Akuapem South Municipal Assembly at a steering committee meeting that the project proposed to provide one mechanised borehole in a very endemic community.

However, after further assessment, it had resolved to provide two to meet the needs of the people.

It would also repair over 15 broken boreholes and reconstitute and train water and sanitation committees in 20 communities to effectively perform their duties to improve water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) conditions.

Akuapem North and South are among districts in the Eastern Region with communities endemic in skin-NTDS such as Buruli ulcer, leprosy, and yaws.

According to statistics, 35 communities in Akuapem North recorded worrying numbers of leprosy, yaws, and Buruli ulcers between 2018 and 2022.

Earlier, Madam Emily Amponsah, the Akuapem South Director of Health, said low level of awareness, poor sanitation and hygiene, and inadequate access to safe and potable water were the main factors causing the infections.

She expressed optimism that once the initiative gained traction, it would assist the directorate to embark on a strong education and sensitisation, case search, treatment, and disability management campaign to substantially reduce infections.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Erase the myths surrounding breast cancer – Dr Wiafe-Addai urges women

Dr Mrs Beatrice Wiafe-Addai, the Chief Executive Officer of Breast Care International, has asked women to erase the myths surrounding breast cancer from their minds, some of which attribute the cause to evil spirits.

‘The myth that breast cancer is caused by evil spirits, which can only be treated at the prayer camps and shrines are false. This, unfortunately, has contributed to the many unnecessary deaths among patients,’ she said.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in an interview ahead of the 2023 Breast Cancer Awareness Week, Dr Wiafe-Addai said the disease and all associated conditions were treatable if detected early.

‘Your Breast: Your Health’ is the theme for this year’s awareness week, which would help increase sensitisation to enhance regular check-ups and screening for early detection and treatment.

Additionally, it would help reduce the stigma associated with the disease.

Dr Wiafe-Addai said breast cancer caused 685,000 deaths globally in 2020, and in Ghana, over 4000 women are diagnosed annually, accounting for 31. 8 percent all cancer incidents.

‘Once it is advanced, it spreads to the other organs of the body and can cause death. So, women should not allow their lives to be taken by a disease, which could have been treated,’ she said.

‘Every woman’s breast is unique, know your breast, they are your properties.’ .

Dr Wiafe-Addai advised women to live healthy lifestyles by keeping a weight check, being physically active, and limiting alcohol intake.

Also, they must not be afraid to seek medical treatment if they noticed any abnormalities in the breast and encouraged them to regularly check their breasts to detect any unusual growth early.

Madam Vivian Sarfo, the President, Peace and Love Breast Cancer Survivors, advised men not to desert their wives if they developed breast cancer but support them to get treatment.

She said she had survived the disease and called on women with lump in the breasts to seek early treatment.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Midwives, community health nurses in Central Tongu trained in malnutrition

Some 65 community health nurses and midwives in the Central Tongu District of the Volta Region have been trained in malnutrition, with a focus on infant and young child feeding.

It was to improve their skills to identify malnourished children and manage the condition, assess their growth, and counsel caregivers to improve the situation in the area.

Mr Baba Awuni, the District Director of Health Services, Central Tongu, said he would ensure that all health workers were equipped with the requisite knowledge on malnutrition in children and nursing mothers to eradicate the menace.

She said she expected to see an improvement in the district’s nutrition indicator through the training and lauded KOKO Plus Foundation for supporting it.

Madam Alice Akitty, the District Nutrition Officer, said the Directorate recorded over 500 cases of malnutrition in children in 2022 and was committed to reducing the numbers by instituting measures, including exclusive breastfeeding for up to six months.

The participants would in turn educate nursing mothers in every community to be abreast of the issues to achieve the purpose of the training.

Mr Rockson Agbola, the District Health Promotion Officer, said the project had been carried out since 2011 to educate nursing mothers but faced financial challenges along the line.

The Ghana Health Service had since initiated several ways to promote that course to ensure malnutrition in children was prioritised.

Source: Ghana News Agency