The GMA was of the view that such a move would be difficult to achieve in the short term and proposed that the deaf should have interpreters accompanying them whenever they go to the hospitals.
The National Association of the Deaf was alarmed at the increasing death rate of its members due to wrong prescriptions and diagnosis, resulting from doctors’ lack of knowledge of sign language.
The association had therefore demanded recruitment of sign language interpreters to health facilities to correct the mishap.
The President of the GMA, Dr Kwabena Adusei-Poku told Frontline that the even though it is unfair treatment against persons with hearing impaired, doctors and nurses would fine it difficult to learn.
He proposed that the Association should have interpreters accompany them when they go to the hospitals.
The President of the Ghana Association of the Deaf, Emmanuel Sackey, called on government to provide interpreters at hospitals and other health facilities across the country.
Mr. Sackey said taking course in sign language as part of several suggestions, would help solve the problem of communication between people with hearing impaired and medical practitioners.
He suggested that sign language studies should be introduced in basic schools, while doctors and nurses should be taught some basic sign language.
He stressed that the problem of communication was worse especially among people with hearing impaired who do not have basic or any education at all.
Mr. Sackey said that the Association with support from a non-governmental organisation was embarking on public education on sign language and pleaded with government and other non-governmental organisations to support the effort of the Association.
Thursday, 21 March 2013
Doctors & nurses can’t learn sign language
Tuesday, 19 March 2013
CCT warns teachers not to go to classrooms
He said as far as teachers were concerned, majority of them have not gone to the classroom and should continue till they had a consensus with the government.
He mentioned that the government has to deal with the fair wages and salary before they can negotiate with the fair wages and salary because they are the mouthpiece of the people but added that refusal to do that will worsen the case.
Mr. Awudu-Ali told Frontline that their executives were out to some regions to verify if the strike action had gone far, adding, regions like the Ashanti, Brong Ahafo Region and Volta Regions are indeed on strike and that shows that majority of teachers are with them and their decisions should be respected.
He however noted that they refused to adhere to the call by the Chief Justice because they believe that they were not the right people to talk things over with them but rather it was the responsibility of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission.
Mr. Awudu- Ali therefore asked all teachers to keep on supporting their leaders to use the right means to get them sorted to prevent any future occurrence.
Story: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy [Rainbow Radio]
Friday, 15 March 2013
18 year boy old arrested over an allege rape
The boy, Kofi Awakye, was reported to have sneaked into the room of the old woman and hid under her bed one evening when the woman went out to urinate.
According to our regional correspondent Kofi Otabil, later when the woman returned to sleep, Kofi Awakye came out from the hidden place, pounced on the woman and allegedly raped her.
Kofi Awakye was also reported to have been following the woman for several days.
The Assin Central Municipal police is currently investigating the matter.
Story: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy [Rainbow Radio]
Kroos: Only Barcelona would have been tougher draw than Juventus
Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos feels that the Bavarians were unfortunate to be paired with Juventus in Friday's draw for the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
Kroos believes that only Barcelona would have been a more difficult opponent, and has stressed that Bayern need two great performances if it is to reach the final four.
"Juventus knocked last year's Champions League winners out of the competition at the group stage. It's the least good draw after Barcelona," Kroos told the official Bayern website. "We'll need two top performances to go through. It would be optimal if we won the first leg while keeping a clean sheet."
Meanwhile, Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is full of respect for the Serie A champion as well.
"Juventus are a big name and a great team. Italian teams are always well organised, but I still think we definitely have a chance of going through," Neuer said. "We're looking forward to both games and we're delighted to be starting at home."
The first leg will take place at the Allianz Arena on April 2 with the return leg slated for the following week in Turin.
Ghana:Rainbow Sports Mail
Judge warns journalists to report accurately or...
Justice John Adjet Nasam at the Financial Division of the Fast Track High Court issued the warning following complaints from both the prosecution witness and lawyers of the accused for what they say is the continues misreporting of events that happened in the courtroom.
Senior State Prosecutor Cynthia Lamptey says her observation over the period points to a systematic pattern of misreporting, citing both the Daily Guide and the Enquirer as the most guilty.
Lawyer for Alfred Woyome, Alhaji Musa Ahmed also raised issues with a Ghanaian Times publication he says the content was at variance with what happened in court.
Justice Ajet-Nasam who took notice of the complaints said he is equally on unhappy with the continues embellishment of reports from his court.
He said any journalists covering the proceedings can contact the court for clarifications over issues that were not clear to them but warned he will be forced to take drastic action against offenders.
“You can access the court proceedings after hearing in order to report accurately,” he said, adding that “any media house which publishes misleading report will not be allowed in my court.”
He says he is not in anyway trying to trample on the rights of journalists but the right thing should be done.
Source: Ghana [myjoyonline.com]
NSS gives 10,000 bags of maize to Ashanti and B/A schools
The ceremony to hand over the bags of maize took place in Ejura where the Minister of Education; Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Education; Mr. Enoch Cobbinah, the out-going Ashanti Regional Minister; Mr. Samuel Sarpong and the Executive Director of the National Service Scheme; Mr. Vincent Senam Kuagbenu addressed a colorful ceremony and handed over the maize to the Heads of Senior High Schools from the two Regions.
In a welcome address Mr. Vincent Senam Kuagbenu said the scheme is poised to extend the Agric projects of the Scheme to cover all the ten regions from the current seven regions it is operating in.
Mr. Kuagbenu described it as heart-warming that service personnel across the country have embraced the Scheme’s Agric project and with time they have become the bulwark behind its success story. He said the Scheme has provided employment opportunities for community volunteers in the catchment areas of the projects and this has brought a lot of relief to hitherto unemployed youth.
The Minister of Education, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman commended the National Service Scheme for bringing such a relief to Senior High Schools. She expressed the readiness of her outfit to collaborate with management of the Scheme in several areas, where they can aid the development process.
She said the Scheme has amply demonstrated that when given the necessary resources it will make significant achievements and assured her willingness to assist the Scheme with needed resources.
The Ashanti Regional President of CHASS, Rev. Collins Oppong- Anokye who spoke on-behalf of his colleague heads of Senior High Schools expressed gratitude to the Scheme for the gesture gesture.
Rev. Oppong-Anokye noted, the gesture taken a huge burden off the shoulders of the management of the Schools since they will no longer have to buy the produce from the open markets often at an exorbitant prices.
Source: Ghana [NSS Secretariat]
Ghana’s economic prospects are high - Veep
He said the investment environment continues to be enhanced for the benefit of investors while assuring that there are good incentives for businesses.
Vice President Amissah-Arthur made the call on Friday, when the new Italian Ambassador to Ghana, Laura Carpini called on him at the Flagstaff House, Accra.
He said the Italian firms currently operating in the country could attest to the congenial business atmosphere, saying that should be a good attractive for other Italian companies.
He acknowledged Italy’s high expertise in various sectors such as mining, manufacturing, energy and agriculture technology, and hoped that Ghana would continue to benefit from the knowledge transfer through its cooperation with that country.
Vice President Amissah-Arthur also thanked the Italian government for the continued support towards implementation of Ghana’s development agenda, saying “we are appreciative of your development assistance.”
He assured the new Ambassador of government’s support and cooperation.
Ms. Carpini, for her part, lauded the strong bond of friendship between Ghana and Italy, and promised to work to further strengthen it for the benefit of both countries.
The Ambassador, commended Ghana for the economic and democratic progress, and promised that her country was prepared to support Ghana in her pursuit for economic growth.
Source: Ghana [Office of Vice President]
Wednesday, 13 March 2013
Atebubu NADMO seeks for support
Over 400 inhabitants at Akokoa, a farming Community at Atebubu-Amantin of the Brong Ahafo Region have been rendered homeless yet NADMO authorities in the Region say they have no relief items to give to the victims.
The Regional NADMO Coordinator, J.B Nyarko who made the appeal on Frontline today explained that the NADMO office in Atebubu is totally empty.
Mr. Nyako said 1,377 buildings have been destroyed as result of the heavy downpour which includes classrooms.
He stated that heavy downpour had come as a blow to most students in the community.
He explained that documents and papers that were destroyed in the buildings have been taken to Accra for accountability sake.
Mr. Nyarko therefore assured the victims that NADMO would do its best to assist them.
Story: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy [Rainbow Radio]
Heavy trucks banned from using Koforidua-Mamfe road
According to the MTTU, the road was not designed for heavy duty trucks and so continuos use by these trucks will deteriorate the road before its life span.
The Public Affairs Director of the National MTTU, Inspector Simon Tenku told Frontline that the research conducted by the MTTU into the recent use of the road by heavy trucks due to the construction work on the Nsawam-Suhum road, has revealed that accidents on the road involving heavy duty trucks have increased.
He explained that the MTTU have plans to monitor and make sure that heavy trucks do not use the road anymore.
Inspector Tenku added that that though there was no legislation to back their actions, the MTTU had been given powers to take such discretionary decisions when it is necessary.
He warned that anyone found breaking the rule would be dealt with drastically.
Story: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy [Rainbow Radio]
Friday, 8 March 2013
The empowerment of women in politics is a collective responsibility
Mrs. Rawlings who is also the founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement and that of the National Democratic Party (NDP) said in order for all women to give their quota to the development of the country, all gender activists in the country should stand on their feet to do more for women because, to her, both sexes have to work together to build the nation.
Nana Konadu Agyemang made this known on Nyankonton Mu Nsem in an interview on the World Women’s Day which falls today.
She ascertained that women were doing well in Ghana, especially in the political terrain, since most women were in high positions.
According to her, despite their high positions, they were normally placed second to men.
Nana Konadu explained that lack of finance on the part of the women was also contributing to the problems women were facing in the country since they do not have the assets to back their ideas in to practice, hence the men always making use of them.
Mrs Rawlings therefore mentioned that insults, molesting and assaulting of women must be put to a halt and portray positive behaviour to make the nation great.
Story: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy [Rainbow Radio]
Bimoba/Konkomba clash: police retrieve weapons
The Police say investigations are still on-going to retrieve more of such weapons and capture all culprits involved in the clash.
The Regional Public Affairs Director, ASP Ebenezer Tetteh, confirmed the death of two people and the seven injured to Frontline today.
He said the seven who sustained gunshot wounds as a result of the violence were receiving treatment.
ASP Tetteh therefore pleaded with the general public to feed the police with information to help them quickly intercept the weapons.
He said some residents had planned violence, but the police were assuring that the identity of informants would be protected.
He added that the police had several measures for those in possession of weapons including cash reward for people who would willingly release weapons in their possessions to the police.
Story: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy [Rainbow Radio]
Gov’t must pay its debt to VRA & ECG
Mr. Ennin, who is also the Member of Parliament for Obuasi East Constituency in the Ashanti Region explained that government uses most of the power that is generated by the VRA, yet it has failed to pay, making it difficult for the VRA and the ECG to get funds to operate.
Mr. Ennin was commenting on the meeting between the VRA and the Committee on how to resolve the energy situation in the country.
He explained that government uses more electricity than any other institution in the country, yet it had failed to pay its debt to the VRA and the ECG.
Mr. Ennin called for a national approach in solving the energy situation.
The Public Relations Officer for the VRA, Mr Samuel Fletcher Mensah added that the VRA was in financial crisis and as a result, was weighing down the company.
He debunked allegations stating that they want tariffs increased and therefore added that they are not responsible for that tariff.
Mr. Samuel Fletcher added that the law allows them to give a major tariff review every two year and that is what the VRA did when they met with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy and Mines.
Story: Kwaku Antwi-Otoo & Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy [Rainbow Radio]
GJA condemns attacks on journalists
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has condemned the attacks by some Military personnel who pounded on two journalists at work during Ghana’s 56th Anniversary at the Independence Square.
Two accredited photojournalists with the state-owned newspapers Graphic and Ghanaian Times were brutally assaulted by military personnel when they attempted to take shots of the presidents during the parade at the Independence Square.
One of the journalists was said to have been slapped by one of the Military personnel with the other journalist being shocked with a taser at his private parts.
The incident has provoked lots of anger among journalists with some threatening to boycott events the military is involved in.
The President of the GJA, Mr. Ransford Tetteh, told Frontline on Rainbow Radio that no one had the right to prevent journalists from doing their legitimate duties.
He stressed Military and other security personnel should not treat journalist as armed robbers by taken the law into their hands.
He added that Ghana’s democracy had gone far and thus should be respected as such.
Mr. Tetteh indicated that the GJA would investigate thoroughly to bring the perpetrators to book.
Story: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy [Rainbow Radio]
UN Women Executive Director calls for action on ending violence against women in message for International Women’s Day
In her message for International Women’s Day, UN Women Executive Director Michelle Bachelet called on the international community to deliver on their commitments and to protect women’s right to live free of violence. This year’s International Women’s Day coincides with the focus on ending violence against women at the UN Commission on the Status of Women— the annual gathering where countries agree on frameworks to address critical issues related to gender equality and women’s rights.
One of the greatest challenges of our times, violence against women and girlsaffects up to seven in ten women worldwide. Occurring in multiple forms in all countries and settings, it impacts women and their communities, hampering development, and also costing countries billions of dollars annually in healthcare costs and lost productivity.
Reiterating that change is possible and happening in many parts of the world already, Ms. Bachelet called on all Governments to accelerate progress and concrete policy actions to end violence against women. “This year on International Women’s Day, we say enough is enough.
Discrimination and violence against women and girls has no place in the 21st century. It is time for Governments to keep their promises and protect human rights in line with the international conventions and agreements that they signed onto. A promise is a promise,” she said.
Michelle Bachelet, UN Women Executive Director: Message for International Women’s Day 2013
Change is possible and change is happening
Today on International Women’s Day I join every individual who believes that change is possible. We are guided by a founding principle of the United Nations: the equal rights of men and women.
All around the world, our voices are rising, and silence and indifference are declining. Change is possible. And change is happening.
Change is happening when every country, for the first time in history, has women on their Olympic teams, as they did this past summer in London.
Change is happening when people worldwide declare solidarity with a Pakistani girl who was shot for championing education for all, a girl named Malala.
Change is happening when protests erupt across the globe with women and men, young and old, rising up and saying no to violence against women.
Today on International Women’s Day I have a message that has two sides, one of hope and one of outrage.
I have hope because awareness and action are rising for women’s rights. A belief is growing that enough is enough.
But I am outraged because women and girls continue to suffer high levels of discrimination, violence, and exclusion. They are routinely blamed and made to feel shame for the violence committed against them, and they too often search in vain for justice.
My message today is simple and straightforward. This year on International Women’s Day, we say enough is enough. Discrimination and violence against women and girls has no place in the 21st century. It is time for Governments to keep their promises and protect human rights in line with the international conventions and agreements that they signed onto. A promise is a promise.
When we set up UN Women more than two years ago, we made ending violence against women one of our top priorities. We are fully aware that this requires changing attitudes and making headway towards equal rights, equal opportunities and equal participation, especially in decision-making.
Last November, on behalf of UN Women I sent a letter to all heads of State and Government of the United Nations. I asked them to COMMIT and announce new actions to prevent and end violence against women and girls. So far, some 45 Governments have committed. I urge all Governments to commit to actions to end violence against women.
As we observe this Day, Government representatives and activists are gathered at the United Nations for the largest international gathering on ending violence against women. At the 57th Commission on the Status of Women, Governments are negotiating a global roadmap of actions to prevent and end these widespread human rights violations.
Ten years ago, when nations came together in this forum on this same issue, they were unable to reach agreement. Today, we cannot allow disagreement and indecision to block progress for the world’s women.
Yes, change is possible and change is happening. But given the atrocities committed each day, we must ask ourselves: Is change happening fast enough? How many more women and girls need to be violated? How many more families need to suffer?
The right of a woman to live free of violence depends on a strong chain of justice. Countries that enact and enforce laws on violence against women have less gender-based violence. Today 160 countries have laws to address violence against women. However, a law is only as strong as its enforcement and in too many cases enforcement is lacking.
So let us work together for strong laws and policies and for effective implementation. Let us work together for prevention and education and for programmes that provide essential services for the victims and survivors of violence.
Today and every day we say NO to discrimination and violence against women and girls.
NO to domestic violence and abuse.
NO to rape and sexual violence.
NO to human trafficking and sexual slavery.
NO to female genital mutilation.
NO to child brides and child marriage.
NO to murders committed in the name of honour or passion.
NO to femicide.
NO to impunity.
And we say YES to peace, human rights, justice and equality.
Today on International Women’s Day and every day, let us go forward with courage, conviction and commitment, with the message that women’s issues are global issues that deserve urgent priority. There can be no peace, no progress as long as women live under the fear of violence.
Source: unwomen.org
Monday, 4 March 2013
US HIV baby 'cured' by early drug treatment
The Mississippi child is now two-and-a-half years old and has been off medication for about a year with no signs of infection.
More testing needs to be done to see if the treatment would have the same effect on other children.
But the results could possibly lead to a cure for children with HIV.
If the girl stays healthy it would be only the world's second reported cure.
Dr Deborah Persaud, a virologist at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, presented the findings at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in Atlanta.
"This is a proof of concept that HIV can be potentially curable in infants," she said.
Cocktail of drugs
In 2007, Timothy Ray Brown became the first person in the world believed to have recovered from HIV.
His infection was eradicated through an elaborate treatment for leukaemia that involved the destruction of his immune system and a stem cell transplant from a donor with a rare genetic mutation that resists HIV infection.
In contrast, the case of the Mississippi baby involved a cocktail of widely available drugs already used to treat HIV infection in infants.
It suggests the treatment wiped out HIV before it could form hideouts in the body.
These so-called reservoirs of dormant cells usually rapidly re-infect anyone who stops medication, said Dr Persaud.
The baby was born in a rural hospital where the mother had only just tested positive for HIV infection.
Because the mother had not been given any prenatal HIV treatment, doctors knew the baby was at high risk of being infected.
Researchers said the baby was then transferred to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.
Once there, paediatric HIV specialist Dr Hannah Gay put the infant on a cocktail of three standard HIV-fighting drugs at just 30 hours old, even before laboratory tests came back confirming the infection.
"I just felt like this baby was at higher-than-normal risk and deserved our best shot," Dr Gay said.
Source: BBC