Day: May 11, 2024

Use your knowledge and skills to impact lives-FHUC graduates told


The Provost of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana, Rev. Prof. P. F. Ayeh-Kumi has entreated 2024 Graduating students of Family Health University College Medical school to let the tuition they received reflect in their actions.

He also urged them to be unique, be different and do things well, build a career, be creative and above all, be imaginative and mentally sharp.

‘Listen, if you want to be successful in life, then you must seek for wisdom, experience, expertise. Think about quality, think about branding, think globally, think generation, think about other people, think about the future. Successful people are oriented. It is my hope that you will apply these indicators in your life’.

Rev. Prof. P. F. Ayeh-Kumi was addressing students to mark the 2024 Matriculation and Graduation ceremony at Family Health University College (Ghana’s Premier Private Medical School).

He commended the Founder of Family Health University College and President of Family Health Medical School, Prof. Ya
o Kwawukume and his team for the good work they were doing saying, FHUC was changing everyday as the environment gets better each time which he said, was a wonderful achievement.

To the Graduands, he cautioned them that, the field of medicine was ever evolving, demanding professionals who were not only skilled but adoptable, compassionate and forward thinking. ‘Throughout your time at Family Health University College, you have been equipped with knowledge, skills and values that embody this vision of a future health care professional’.

Rev. Prof. P. F. Ayeh-Kumi tasked them to approach patients with empathy and listen to their stories, fears and hopes, recognizing that everybody was unique and deserving a personalised care.

The health care landscape he mentioned, was constantly changing as new discoveries and advancements, reshaping the way diseases were treated and understood. ‘As future health professionals, your commitment to continuously, will be crucial in providing the best possible care to your pati
ents’.

The future health care professionals according to Rev. Prof. P. F. Ayeh-Kumi, must be a collaborator working together with others, working with the interdisciplinary to address complex needs of patients.

To the matriculants, he advised them to remember that, learning was a field that kept changing and it was a field with challenges and opportunities saying, they should be believing in themselves, trust in their abilities and know that they had the power to make a difference in the world.

The Founder of Family Health University College and President of Family Health Medical School, Prof. Yao Kwawukume in a welcoming address revealed that, the school was witnessing extensive development in infrastructure on campus, improved support services for students including counselling services and recreational facilities, enhanced use of ICT in teaching and learning, improved security, increased research activities by faculty and students, increased number of faculty and administrative staff, among other develo
pments.

‘While we jubilate over the things that we have achieved so far, we are also conscious of the things that we are yet to achieve and are re-strategising to ensure they are materialized.

Issues of accommodation and support for needy but brilliant students remain a challenge in the university college. We will therefore use this opportunity to invite stakeholders and other partners to assist FHUC plan towards its accommodation issues. Currently, the FHUC endowment fund has also been launched and we welcome donations from all and sundry’.

Prof. Kwawukume challenged the Graduands to remain steadfast in their commitment to excellence and embrace the opportunities that comes in their way, and never to lose sight of the impact they can have on the lives of others. ‘Always remember that if you can find the courage to try, you will succeed’.

Pro. Kwawukume encouraged the Graduands to uphold their core values of leadership, integrity, lifelong learning, innovation, compassion, inclusiveness and team work as t
hey are relevant, not only to the profession they have chosen, but also to their overall success as an individual; abide by the University College’s rules and regulations so that together we can maintain the good name of the institution.

This year he indicated, marked the final year of the five-year strategic plan set out by the University College to address some of its challenges and enhance its relevance and vibrancy. ‘We are bold to Say that majority of the goals set out in the plan have been achieved’.

He congratulated both the Graduands and the matriculants for working hard to be at Family Health University College.

Mbanya Kamkeng, Naomi received the Prize for Overall Best MBChB Graduating Student, Best Graduating Student in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Best Graduating Student in Medicine and Therapeutics, and Best Graduating Student in Clinical Studies.

Tang Jeron Peter also received the Overall Best Student for Level 100 in BSc Medical Sciences, Best Student in Anatomy, Best Student in Biochemis
try, Best Student in Physiology, Overall Best Student for Level 200 in BSC Medical Sciences, and the Overall Best Student in BSC Medical Sciences.

Also at the ceremony were, Dr. Susu Bridget Kwawukume, Founder/Chief Medical Director of Family Health Hospital, the Registrar, Mrs. Rita Kaine, Dr. C.E. Fleischer-Djoleto, Dean of FHMS, Brig. Gen. Daniel Kwadjo Frimpong (RTD), Chairman of Council, Dr. Koma Jehu-Appiah, Prof. Julius Fobil (Provost, CHS, UG), Dr. Emmanuel K. Labram, Dr. Patience Aniteye, Rev. Father Andrew Campbell, Teshie Mantse, President of the Teshie Traditional Council, Gbetsoolo Nii Ashitey Akomfra III and Mr Benjamin Narteh Ayiku, MP for Ledzokuku Constituency.

FHUC graduated 48 students; 33 with BSc. Medical Science, and 15 GEMP students with Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) degree.

60 freshmen and women matriculated, out of which 42 partook in the White Coat ceremony.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Limited Voters Registration: 176 applicants receive ID cards at Agona West


A total of 176 applicants for the limited voters registration received their identity cards after two days of the exercise at Agona West in the Central Region.

Mr Anobil Forson, the Agona West Municipal Director of the Electoral Commission (EC), told the Ghana News Agency at Swedru on Thursday that the 176 registrants comprised 97 males and 79 females.

He said 101 guarantors guaranteed for the applicants during the two days, with members of the two major political parties; the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC) conducting themselves well.

Mr Anobil Forson said no challenge was encountered during the exercise in the first two days and expressed optimism that it would end smoothly.

He cautioned under-aged persons to avoid registering since that was against the law and urged the political parties to collaborate with the EC to ensure the success of the process.

He appealled to the guarantors to abide by the rules and regulations governing guarantorship to avoid being prosecuted.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Speaker summons Parliament to sit on Friday, May 17


The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has summoned Parliament to sit on Friday, May 17, at 10 O’clock in the forenoon, following calls by the Majority for the reconvening of the House.

The call is in accordance with Article 112 (3) of Ghana’s Constitution and Orders 53 (1) and (2) of the Standing Orders of Parliament.

A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency on Saturday, said: ‘Pursuant to Article 112 (3) of the Constitution of the Republic and Order 53 (1) and (2) of the Standing Orders of Parliament, I, RT. Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, do hereby

summon Parliament to sit on Friday, May 17, 2024, at Ten O’clock in the forenoon, at Parliament House, Accra.’

‘Dated in the Office of the Speaker of Parliament, Accra, Ghana, this 10th Day of May 2024.’

Parliament adjourned sine die on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, for the Easter break.

The Majority Leader, Mr Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, cited Article 112 (3) of the Constitution and Order 53 of the Stan
ding Orders of Parliament in his letter, which allowed 15 per cent of Members of the House to request a recall.

The New Patriotic Party Majority Caucus stated in a press conference on Friday, May 3, that the recall would address key government business items such as the House’s adoption of the Appointments Committee’s 34th Report and a motion for additional funding.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Limited Registration: More than 400 registered at Anloga within four days


Some 454 new voters have been registered by the Electoral Commission (EC) in the Anloga District of the Volta Region within four days of the ongoing Limited Voter Registration Exercise.

The number, mostly applicants who had turned 18 years, also had four of them challenged over their ages, based on the assumption of being minors.

Mr Felix Hommey, the Registration Officer, disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency after the close of exercise on Friday.

‘On the first day, 41 people were registered, 82 on the second day, 175 on the third, and 156 on day four,’ he said, and expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise and cooperation by the political party agents.

‘Despite the challenges with the network, the process has been very smooth, so far, at the district centre and the hard-to-reach areas,’ Mr Hommey said.

‘The party agents are also cooperating with us, and everything has been smooth since.’

He expressed optimism that the remaining days would be smooth, and that the mobile team would move t
o Agortoe on May 11 – 13, Azanu on May 15-16, and Bleamezado on May 17-18.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Vote NPP for its youth-friendly policies – Akan parliamentary candidate


Mr Tassah Tapha Tassah, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for the Akan Constituency in the Oti Region, has appealed to first time voters to vote for the NPP for its youth-friendly policies.

He urged them to vote Dr Bawumia for President and Lawyer Tassah as MP on December 7.

Mr Tassah said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency during a visit to the Akum Polling Station and the Kadjebi office of the Electoral Commission to observe how the Limited Voter Registration exercise was going.

‘The youth must look at what this NPP Government has done for them and vote accordingly,’ he added.

Mr Tassah mentioned the Business Employment Assistance programme under the YEA, Free SHS, Free TVET, and restoration of Nurses and Teachers Training Allowance, among others, as some of the youth-related policies the new registrants should consider when voting in the December 7 polls.

On the Limited Voter Registration exercise, he expressed satisfaction with the process and said everything was goin
g well.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Integrated Recycling and Compost Plant commissioned in Ho


A state-of-the-art solid waste treatment plant for the Volta Region has been commissioned in Ho for use by residents.

The Integrated Recycling and Compost Plant (IRECOP) is designed to serve the various municipalities and districts in the region and facilitate the decommissioning of landfill sites. Similar projects are being constructed in the other 15 regions.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in October 2020, cut the sod for the construction of the Ho IRECOP at the Municipal Landfill site in Akrofu, which was completed within four years.

Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong, the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies, at the commissioning on Friday, expressed gratitude to all who helped for the project to become a reality and create jobs.

The 600 tonne automated line is a multi-processor with end products such as industrial plastic granules, compost, and various industrial chemicals.

Dr Siaw Adjapong said it should redefine waste management as well as environmental and agricultural sustainability
, and the overall economy of the region.

He mentioned the opportunities for research in diverse fields with the completion of the plant, and said the regional capital’s fast expanding tertiary education landscape would benefit.

He also touched on the environmental gains, especially under the Paris Agreement’s carbon trading programmes, adding that the Company won a methane diversion worth 20 million dollars to be realised with the aid of the IRECOPs.

‘One of our flagship projects, the Ho IRECOP facility, stands as a testament to our commitment. Annually diverting 105,600 tons of municipal solid waste from landfills, it generates a minimum carbon

revenue of 715,000 USD, showcasing the financial viability of sustainable practices,’ Dr Siaw Adjapong said.

He reassured of the Company’s commitment to transforming the nation’s sanitation sector, and commended the Government for providing the needed support.

Mrs Lydia Alhassan, Member of Parliament of Ayawaso West Wuogon and Sanitation Minister-desinate, who r
epresented the President, said the plant was a major investment towards the clean Ghana agenda, which would enhance the total wellbeing of the people.

‘We do not expect assemblies in the region to have problems with waste management,’ she said, and urged the facility managers to engage the communities and stakeholders through educational and social activities.

Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, the Volta Regional Minister, said the facility would enhance tourism in the region and facilitate environmental conservation to make the region more attractive.

‘We congratulate the Executive Chairman of Jospong Group of Companies and his management team for this great initiative and drive, and pledge our support to ensure its success,’ he said.

The Regional Minister highlighted how the Akrofu community was commended for donating land for the project and urged all to commit to making the facility sustainable.

The commissioning was witnessed by hundreds of stakeholders, including members of the Parliamentary Select Committee
on Sanitation, Works and Housing, and executives of the Jospong Group.

The President’s representative unveiled a plaque as part of the commissioning and pressed the button to officially set the facility in operation.

The Akrofu waste site is a multicomplex with separate facilities for medical waste recycling and liquid waste treatment, some of which had been completed and in use.

Source: Ghana News Agency

World Donkey Day: ActionAid Ghana advocates proper care


ActionAid Ghana (AAG) has observed this year’s World Donkey Day with a call on donkey owners to give them the proper care to derive the maximum benefit from these animals.

The day was celebrated on May 8, on the theme: ‘Providing Better Care for Donkeys to Serve you Better,’ and funded by the Donkey Sanctuary in the United Kingdom (UK).

Madam Abiba Nibaradun, the Upper West Regional Programme Manager, ActionAid, said the right treatment and care for the animals would prolong their lifespan to about 50 years.

About 300 people, including women, school children, veterinary officers and community leaders attended the event at the Taffiasi Community in the Sissala East Municipality of the Upper West Region.

She urged donkey owners to eschew negative practices such as inflicting physical harm on them and ensure their proper feeding and treatment to ensure good health for better work output.

‘It is important for you to maintain good health for your donkeys because that is the only way you can get these animals
to perform their best,’ she noted.

The event, titled: ‘The Donkey is one of Us’, was aimed at improving the nutrition of the animals and best practices of owners and their children for the best work outputs.

It preceded a one and half year-project implemented by ActionAid Ghana (AAG) and its partners on improving the welfare of donkeys to support women livelihoods in Northern Ghana, funded by the Donkey Sanctuary.

As part of the project, AAG formed the ‘Friends of Animals Platform (FAP)’ in 24 communities in the Sissala East Municipality, including the Taffiasi Basic School, to educate the children on proper care for donkeys.

This is because the children support their mothers in caring for and working with the donkeys.

The World Donkey Day was characterised by quiz competitions among the FAP members, focusing on care and treatment to test the pupils’ knowledge and understanding of the best practices and well-being of the animals.

Veterinary officers examined 123 donkeys at the event and treated the sick
ones at a minimal fee to the owners.

Healthy donkeys were also identified and their owners were commended, while some women owners conducted physical examination on their animals, which saw the best five owners rewarded with donkeys’ drinking troughs.

‘The purpose of this exercise is to inculcate in the women the need to regularly examine their donkeys for early detection and reporting of signs of ill health to veterinary officers for technical examination and treatment’, Madam Nibaradum said.

Madam Sahadatu Inusah, a donkey owner at Taffiasi, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that through the project she had learnt how to provide proper care for her donkey, especially feeding and treatment.

She said her donkey provided her with services like carrying loads such as firewood and water as well as carrying her to and from the farm, which increased her productivity.

‘We get more income from the donkey. We use it to carry water for many uses such as spraying our farms. We use the donkey to carry fire
wood to sell and get money for our children’s school fees and for food.’

Mr Eric Tergu, the Acting Sissala East Municipal Veterinary Officer, said many of the donkeys examined were healthy, which was laudable.

He, however, discouraged the owners from resorting to self-medication of their animals when they saw signs of illness and visit the veterinary for the proper treatment.

Source: Ghana News Agency