From George Ernest Asare, Kumasi
Authorities of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in collaboration with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and
(KNUST) and the Ministry of Health, will start a degree programme for practising Nurse Anaesthetists next year.
This will offer the nurses the requisite know-how in supporting medical officers to offer basic life and advance cardiac life support to help reduce mortality and morbidity associated with trauma cases.
The Head of Directorate of Anaesthesia and Intensive care at KATH, Dr Gabriel Boakye, who announced this during a three–day workshop for Nurse Anaesthetists in Kumasi, explained that when the programme begins in 2011, practising Nurse Anaesthetists will start from Level 200 to enable them complete the course in three years.
About 160 participants across the country attended the workshop which was organised by the Directorate of Anaesthesia of the KATH , in collaboration with their counterparts from the University of Utah in the United States of America.
It was the 10th of a series of annual refresher workshops organised by the KATH and the Utah University to build the capacity of anaesthesia practitioners to enable them to provide safe anaesthesia to patients.
Commending the Head of the team from Utah, Professor Jeff Peters, for his continuous support in building the capacity of practitioners of anaesthesia in Ghana, Dr Boakye said through his efforts, “ the University of Utah and other US agencies have donated medical equipment, drugs, books and teaching materials worth over one million dollars over the past seven years to the KATH”.
The Chief Executive of KATH, Professor Ohene Adjei, assured that his administration would “facilitate the provision of land to the Ministry of Health for the construction of a permanent block for the Anaesthesia Training School”.
He pointed out that notwithstanding, the fact that intensive care skills and facilities are very critical in saving lives and reducing preventable deaths, running intensive care units are very expensive in the health delivery sector.
Explaining, Professor Adjei said while it cost the KATH GH¢ 800 a day to keep a patient at the Intensive Care Unit, (ICU) the hospital charges only a token of Gh¢100 but about 80 per cent of patients are unable to foot their bills.
“ The end result is that the ICU , arguably the best in the West African sub region, is gradually being deprived of the resources needed to run and maintain it”.
He pointed out that the location of Kumasi, coupled with the numerous accident cases brought to the hospital on a daily basis, put intense pressure on their facilities.
He, therefore, appealed to corporate bodies, institutions and individuals to support them cater for the critically ill and accident victims brought to the hospital.
Friday, May 28, 2010
TWO JAILED 10 YEARS FOR STEALING (MIRROR, PAGE 27, MAY 29, 2010)
From George Ernest Asare, Kumasi
After almost one year of stealing two mobile phones from a victim at gunpoint at Bechem in the Brong Ahafo Region, the cups of two armed robbers finally became full when they were preparing to carry out another robbery expedition at Bantama in Kumasi.
While they were preparing to strike, with a pump action gun, a knife, a pair of scissors and a screw driver in their bags, a tip-off led to their arrest.
Fuseini Issah, alias Ibrahim, 25, a Burkinabe, and Dennis Otuo Serebuor, 28, a native of Bekwai in the Ashanti Region, were found guilty on charges of preparing to commit a crime, possessing firearms without authority and stealing when they appeared before a Kumasi High Court, presided over by Mr R.C. Azumah.
They were sentenced to a term of five years each with hard labour.
They had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges
Presenting the facts of the case to the court, a State Attorney, Mr Emmanuel Lawrence Otoo-Boison, said the complainants of the case were members of a watchdog committee at the Race Course area at Bantama.
He said the complainants had a hint that the convicts were preparing to undertake a robbery expedition and, therefore, confronted them.
He said when their bags were searched, a Nokia phone, a phone card, a knife, a screw driver, a pair of scissors, as well as a locally manufactured pistol, were found in it.
Mr Otoo-Boison said the members of the committee escorted the suspects to the Regional Police Criminal Investigations Department to assist in investigations, in the course of which it came out that the phone had been stolen almost a year ago at Bechem in the Brong Ahafo Region.
He said the convicts further told the police that they used the pistol in their possession to collect a debt at Bantama but could not explain why a pistol should be used to collect a debt and how they came by it.
After almost one year of stealing two mobile phones from a victim at gunpoint at Bechem in the Brong Ahafo Region, the cups of two armed robbers finally became full when they were preparing to carry out another robbery expedition at Bantama in Kumasi.
While they were preparing to strike, with a pump action gun, a knife, a pair of scissors and a screw driver in their bags, a tip-off led to their arrest.
Fuseini Issah, alias Ibrahim, 25, a Burkinabe, and Dennis Otuo Serebuor, 28, a native of Bekwai in the Ashanti Region, were found guilty on charges of preparing to commit a crime, possessing firearms without authority and stealing when they appeared before a Kumasi High Court, presided over by Mr R.C. Azumah.
They were sentenced to a term of five years each with hard labour.
They had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges
Presenting the facts of the case to the court, a State Attorney, Mr Emmanuel Lawrence Otoo-Boison, said the complainants of the case were members of a watchdog committee at the Race Course area at Bantama.
He said the complainants had a hint that the convicts were preparing to undertake a robbery expedition and, therefore, confronted them.
He said when their bags were searched, a Nokia phone, a phone card, a knife, a screw driver, a pair of scissors, as well as a locally manufactured pistol, were found in it.
Mr Otoo-Boison said the members of the committee escorted the suspects to the Regional Police Criminal Investigations Department to assist in investigations, in the course of which it came out that the phone had been stolen almost a year ago at Bechem in the Brong Ahafo Region.
He said the convicts further told the police that they used the pistol in their possession to collect a debt at Bantama but could not explain why a pistol should be used to collect a debt and how they came by it.
TWO ROBBERS JAILED 30 YEARS (MIRROR, PAGE 27, MAY 29, 2010)
From George Ernest Asare, Kumasi.
Less than a week after going on a robbery spree at Meduma, a Kumasi suburb, two out of the eight alleged robbers were arrested, identified and sentenced to serve 15-year jail terms each with hard labour.
The convicts, Musah Mohammed, 24, and Rashid Mohammed, 32, were arrested by the police in the course of their investigations and, during an identification parade, all the six victims who were attacked and robbed at gunpoint identified the convicts as part of the eight who had attacked them on April 6, 2009.
They were alleged to have shot at and wounded one victim in the leg, causing him to be bedridden for some time.
They were charged with conspiracy to rob and robbing at gunpoint when they appeared before a Kumasi High Court, presided over by Justice R.C. Azuma, but they pleaded not guilty to the charges.
However, the court found them guilty and convicted them after almost a year’s trial.
Mr Emmanuel Lawrence Otto-Boison, who prosecuted, had earlier told the court that around 3 a.m. on April 6, 2009, the convicts and their accomplices, with the aid of the firearms they wielded, succeeded in attacking tenants of three houses and subjected them to inhuman treatment before robbing them of personal items and cash.
He said in the course of the robbery, the convicts also shot and wounded one of their victims, who was a witness in the case, and robbed him of his lap top, mobile phones and GH¢500.
He said not satisfied with their booty, they again attacked other tenants in the house and robbed them of cash and other personal items before bolting.
Mr Otoo-Boison said less than a week after the robbery, the police arrested Musah and Rashid at their hideout and, during an identification parade, six of their victims identified them.
He said the police were hunting for the accomplices of the robbers and pleaded with the court to convict the duo to deter others from committing similar crimes.
Less than a week after going on a robbery spree at Meduma, a Kumasi suburb, two out of the eight alleged robbers were arrested, identified and sentenced to serve 15-year jail terms each with hard labour.
The convicts, Musah Mohammed, 24, and Rashid Mohammed, 32, were arrested by the police in the course of their investigations and, during an identification parade, all the six victims who were attacked and robbed at gunpoint identified the convicts as part of the eight who had attacked them on April 6, 2009.
They were alleged to have shot at and wounded one victim in the leg, causing him to be bedridden for some time.
They were charged with conspiracy to rob and robbing at gunpoint when they appeared before a Kumasi High Court, presided over by Justice R.C. Azuma, but they pleaded not guilty to the charges.
However, the court found them guilty and convicted them after almost a year’s trial.
Mr Emmanuel Lawrence Otto-Boison, who prosecuted, had earlier told the court that around 3 a.m. on April 6, 2009, the convicts and their accomplices, with the aid of the firearms they wielded, succeeded in attacking tenants of three houses and subjected them to inhuman treatment before robbing them of personal items and cash.
He said in the course of the robbery, the convicts also shot and wounded one of their victims, who was a witness in the case, and robbed him of his lap top, mobile phones and GH¢500.
He said not satisfied with their booty, they again attacked other tenants in the house and robbed them of cash and other personal items before bolting.
Mr Otoo-Boison said less than a week after the robbery, the police arrested Musah and Rashid at their hideout and, during an identification parade, six of their victims identified them.
He said the police were hunting for the accomplices of the robbers and pleaded with the court to convict the duo to deter others from committing similar crimes.
KNUST PHARMACY DEPARTMENT CALLS FOR SUPPORT (MIRROR, PAGE 35, MAY 29, 2010)
From George Ernest Asare, Kumasi.
Senior Research Fellows at the Pharmacy Department of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have expressed concern about the failure of the local herbal medicine industry to collaborate with them to translate their research works into quality herbal products in commercial quantities to address the health needs of Ghanaians.
They pointed out that while the industry spends millions of cedis on advertisement to entice the public to patronise their products, they blatantly ignore safety measures which are the hall marks of research.
Professor M.L.K Mensah, who made the remarks at a symposium on natural product research at the KNUST noted, “they are reluctant to spend a pesewa on research work intended to improve the quality, potency and viability of herbal medicines, but spend huge sums of money to advertise herbal products in the print and electronic media on a daily basis to entice the public to patronise them”.
Professor Mensah pointed out that “it is only adequate financial support that would translate our laboratory works into effective and efficient herbal products in commercial quantities”.
Stressing, he said “ The Pharmacy Department of the KNUST is on track to improve the quality and safety of herbal medicine, but inadequate financial support was undermining our effort” .
The symposium created a platform for research fellows to defend some of their works on local herbal medicines in terms of potency, quality and safety.
Making an overview of natural products research in Ghana during the symposium, Professor Mensah expressed concern about the reluctance of stakeholders to finance research works on herbal medicines.
This, he said, would enable the industry extend its frontiers beyond Ghana to earn foreign exchange to support sustainable national development.
“ With a little push, herbal medicines could be improved in terms of quality, and quantity because we have the human and natural resources to produce them in commercial quantities to meet international demand,” he noted.
“ Laboratory work that translates a specific herbal medicine into viable products to meet international standards costs not less than $200 million. That is why we need the support of local industry and other stakeholders to enable us translate our research works into products to address the health needs of Ghanaians,” he noted.
He pointed out that in advertising local herbal medicines in the electronic and print media, little or no attention is given to the safety of those who would use the products.
“ People are ready to sponsor sports, beauty pageants, and other forms of entertainment, but are reluctant to support innovative measures that would improve our health to make us more productive,” he noted.
Senior Research Fellows at the Pharmacy Department of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have expressed concern about the failure of the local herbal medicine industry to collaborate with them to translate their research works into quality herbal products in commercial quantities to address the health needs of Ghanaians.
They pointed out that while the industry spends millions of cedis on advertisement to entice the public to patronise their products, they blatantly ignore safety measures which are the hall marks of research.
Professor M.L.K Mensah, who made the remarks at a symposium on natural product research at the KNUST noted, “they are reluctant to spend a pesewa on research work intended to improve the quality, potency and viability of herbal medicines, but spend huge sums of money to advertise herbal products in the print and electronic media on a daily basis to entice the public to patronise them”.
Professor Mensah pointed out that “it is only adequate financial support that would translate our laboratory works into effective and efficient herbal products in commercial quantities”.
Stressing, he said “ The Pharmacy Department of the KNUST is on track to improve the quality and safety of herbal medicine, but inadequate financial support was undermining our effort” .
The symposium created a platform for research fellows to defend some of their works on local herbal medicines in terms of potency, quality and safety.
Making an overview of natural products research in Ghana during the symposium, Professor Mensah expressed concern about the reluctance of stakeholders to finance research works on herbal medicines.
This, he said, would enable the industry extend its frontiers beyond Ghana to earn foreign exchange to support sustainable national development.
“ With a little push, herbal medicines could be improved in terms of quality, and quantity because we have the human and natural resources to produce them in commercial quantities to meet international demand,” he noted.
“ Laboratory work that translates a specific herbal medicine into viable products to meet international standards costs not less than $200 million. That is why we need the support of local industry and other stakeholders to enable us translate our research works into products to address the health needs of Ghanaians,” he noted.
He pointed out that in advertising local herbal medicines in the electronic and print media, little or no attention is given to the safety of those who would use the products.
“ People are ready to sponsor sports, beauty pageants, and other forms of entertainment, but are reluctant to support innovative measures that would improve our health to make us more productive,” he noted.
OLDEST TWIN LEAVES SISTER LONELY (MIRROR, PAGE 3, May 29, 2010)
From George Ernest Asare, Kumasi
Less than two months after news of Kumasi-based twins who are over 100 years hit the headlines, one of them has kicked the bucket, leaving her sister the challenge to face the stress of life alone.
The younger of the twin sisters — Obaapanin Adwoa Ataa — who resided at Nzema, a Kumasi suburb, died on May 18, 2010 after a short illness.
“She has left me alone. I am not only saddened by her sudden departure, but also praying that God will give me the needed strength, courage and spiritual guidance to meet any challenge that may confront me in the near future,” the surviving twin, Obaapanin Adwoa Ataa senior, bemoaned when The Mirror reached her at her residence at Nzema last Wednesday.
When The Mirror asked about their last intimate discussion before her demise, Obaapanin Ataa senior noted, “She was taken to Gee ( Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital) moments after the illness became intense, but because of my age, I couldn’t visit her until news of her death hit me like a bullet”.
“I, however visited her as regularly as possible when she was at home, and any time we met, we discussed a lot of issues, including how old age and diseases had succeeded in tearing us apart.
“We also shared interesting things about our youthful exuberance, especially after we started giving birth, but now she is gone, leaving me alone.”
With her demise, I am left with only one surviving sibling — Yaa Nyankomago - who is about 70 years old. My prayer is that God will not only keep us together for a long time to enable us to support each other and our family, but would also guide us to enable us to take good care of our children,” she prayed.
News about the twins was first published in The Mirror on March 26, 2010 after it became known that they were the oldest surviving twins residing at Nzema and its environs.
They were the second born of their parents, Obaapanin Yaa Frema and Opanin Kwame Mensah.
After the twins were born, their mother gave birth to another set of twins but they died at a tender age.
They, however, had other surviving siblings, but as fate would have it, they died one after the other, leaving the old ladies and Nyankomago who looked very disturbed during the interview.
“Now that Ataa junior is gone, I feel very lonely and with the frequent ill health I am praying that God will give me the strength to go through the hazards of life to enable me to leave a legacy before I join my ancestors,” she lamented.
Stressing, she noted, “I was very disturbed when news of her death hit me, but as a mortal, what can I do? I am ready to face any challenge that may confront me, but with God as my guardian, I know I will overcome any challenge and make the best out of anything that would face me in life.”
When The Mirror met the twins in March, the deceased, survived by six children including a 73 year old farmer, said she was happy to have been blessed with six children and many grand children, including a set of twins, who were also born on Monday.
“My great grandchild, Akosua Nyarko, is said to have given birth to a set of female twins, just as we were, and I am praying that God blesses them with good health and wealth, so that they can enjoy life to the full,” she told The Mirror at her residence.
During that interview, the surviving twin said, “When I gave birth, my sister visited me regularly at Wawase, where my husband, Opanin Kwabena Akwaboa, and I resided. This was before she also married and later gave birth to her children.”
On how they were able to outlive many neighbours, they noted, “We were active farmers and worked very hard to earn our living. Our husbands had cocoa farms, so regular farming activities, coupled with eating fresh vegetables and fruits made us healthy.”
On when the funeral rites would be held, Obaapanin Ataa senior said already they had observed the one-week celebration, and the final funeral rites would be held at Nzema on August 14, 2010.
Less than two months after news of Kumasi-based twins who are over 100 years hit the headlines, one of them has kicked the bucket, leaving her sister the challenge to face the stress of life alone.
The younger of the twin sisters — Obaapanin Adwoa Ataa — who resided at Nzema, a Kumasi suburb, died on May 18, 2010 after a short illness.
“She has left me alone. I am not only saddened by her sudden departure, but also praying that God will give me the needed strength, courage and spiritual guidance to meet any challenge that may confront me in the near future,” the surviving twin, Obaapanin Adwoa Ataa senior, bemoaned when The Mirror reached her at her residence at Nzema last Wednesday.
When The Mirror asked about their last intimate discussion before her demise, Obaapanin Ataa senior noted, “She was taken to Gee ( Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital) moments after the illness became intense, but because of my age, I couldn’t visit her until news of her death hit me like a bullet”.
“I, however visited her as regularly as possible when she was at home, and any time we met, we discussed a lot of issues, including how old age and diseases had succeeded in tearing us apart.
“We also shared interesting things about our youthful exuberance, especially after we started giving birth, but now she is gone, leaving me alone.”
With her demise, I am left with only one surviving sibling — Yaa Nyankomago - who is about 70 years old. My prayer is that God will not only keep us together for a long time to enable us to support each other and our family, but would also guide us to enable us to take good care of our children,” she prayed.
News about the twins was first published in The Mirror on March 26, 2010 after it became known that they were the oldest surviving twins residing at Nzema and its environs.
They were the second born of their parents, Obaapanin Yaa Frema and Opanin Kwame Mensah.
After the twins were born, their mother gave birth to another set of twins but they died at a tender age.
They, however, had other surviving siblings, but as fate would have it, they died one after the other, leaving the old ladies and Nyankomago who looked very disturbed during the interview.
“Now that Ataa junior is gone, I feel very lonely and with the frequent ill health I am praying that God will give me the strength to go through the hazards of life to enable me to leave a legacy before I join my ancestors,” she lamented.
Stressing, she noted, “I was very disturbed when news of her death hit me, but as a mortal, what can I do? I am ready to face any challenge that may confront me, but with God as my guardian, I know I will overcome any challenge and make the best out of anything that would face me in life.”
When The Mirror met the twins in March, the deceased, survived by six children including a 73 year old farmer, said she was happy to have been blessed with six children and many grand children, including a set of twins, who were also born on Monday.
“My great grandchild, Akosua Nyarko, is said to have given birth to a set of female twins, just as we were, and I am praying that God blesses them with good health and wealth, so that they can enjoy life to the full,” she told The Mirror at her residence.
During that interview, the surviving twin said, “When I gave birth, my sister visited me regularly at Wawase, where my husband, Opanin Kwabena Akwaboa, and I resided. This was before she also married and later gave birth to her children.”
On how they were able to outlive many neighbours, they noted, “We were active farmers and worked very hard to earn our living. Our husbands had cocoa farms, so regular farming activities, coupled with eating fresh vegetables and fruits made us healthy.”
On when the funeral rites would be held, Obaapanin Ataa senior said already they had observed the one-week celebration, and the final funeral rites would be held at Nzema on August 14, 2010.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
SUSPENSION OF PREGNANT MIDWIFERY STUDENT CREATES TENSION (PAGE 11, MAY 22, 2010)
THE suspension of a final year pregnant student of the St Patrick Midwifery Training College at Offinso in the Ashanti Region has raised concerns among the female students about their rights in relation to school regulations.
Tension is mounting on the campus, as students organise regular meetings on the suspension of their colleague, who is also the senior prefect. The whole student body has thrown its weight behind the suspended student who is said to have initiated a legal battle against the school for what she described as “violating her fundamental human rights”.
The five-month-old pregnant student, aged 30, (name witheld) who was legally married before she was admitted to the school three years ago, was on May 5, 2010, asked to leave the school for what the authorities described as “setting a bad precedence that has given room for moral laxity and indiscipline among students”.
The suspended student had three months left to write her final examination and was in the process of putting finishing touches to her project work when she was slapped with the suspension letter.
Apart from suspending her, the school authorities have also nullified her prefectship. She was the President of the Student Representative Council (SRC)
In a letter of suspension dated May 5, 2010 and headed ‘suspension of programme’ and signed by the Principal, Mrs Alice Donkor, the school authorities, in collaboration with the Board of Governors said “ having noticed and confirmed that you are very obviously pregnant, you were counselled to voluntarily defer your course until after delivery in accordance with the school’s rule and practices.
“In spite of this sound counsel, you rudely refused to defer. This has compelled me to suspend your training, in consultation with school’s management and board until after six months delivery,” the letter said.
It continued: “This suspension has been necessitated in order not to set a bad precedence that gives room to moral laxity and indiscipline among students”.
Explaining her action, Mrs Donkor said “ the suspension is also to enable you carry your pregnancy with less stress and to give the baby exclusive breast feeding. “You will be welcomed back to school six months after delivery if you wish, and after you have notified the school in writing,” it stressed.
The letter which wished her safe delivery also ordered the student who is the President of the Student Representative Council (SRC) to leave the school by May 8, 2010, and advised her to hand over school properties, books and all materials in her custody to her assistant .
Describing the action of the school as “ indirect dismissal,” during an interview with Daily Graphic, the victim noted she was not privy to any school regulation that prevented married students from getting pregnant.
She said being in her early 30’s and a final year student, she deemed it fit to start a family to avoid any complications of childbirth in future.
Expressing concern about the action of the school authorities, she said the decision to defer her programme solely rested on her and not the school authorities as stated in their letter.
She said it was based on the action to force her out of school that she sought refuge in her counsel who has already written to the school to rescind their decision or face a legal tussle unprecedented in the history of the school.
She said apart from the letter of suspension, the school with another letter, headlined ‘nullification of prefect’ written on May 5, 2010, stated;” this is to inform you that you have been demoted as school prefect because your obvious pregnancy is not a good example to the student body”.
She said the letter also stated that since she would stay home for a year, she was to hand over to her assistant with immediate effect.
She said it was based on such a decision, which is an infringement on her fundamental human rights that she sought advice from her counsel.
When contacted Mrs Donkor said the school was not a private institution and had a management board which was aware of the legal tussle emanating from the suspension of the final year student who is five months pregnant.
She said with the student initiating a court action, the school had also sought legal counsel and so would not like to comment on the issue.
“The school would be holding a meeting on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 to take a firm decision and, therefore, I would like to reserve any comments until the school management takes a decision on the issue,” she noted.
Tension is mounting on the campus, as students organise regular meetings on the suspension of their colleague, who is also the senior prefect. The whole student body has thrown its weight behind the suspended student who is said to have initiated a legal battle against the school for what she described as “violating her fundamental human rights”.
The five-month-old pregnant student, aged 30, (name witheld) who was legally married before she was admitted to the school three years ago, was on May 5, 2010, asked to leave the school for what the authorities described as “setting a bad precedence that has given room for moral laxity and indiscipline among students”.
The suspended student had three months left to write her final examination and was in the process of putting finishing touches to her project work when she was slapped with the suspension letter.
Apart from suspending her, the school authorities have also nullified her prefectship. She was the President of the Student Representative Council (SRC)
In a letter of suspension dated May 5, 2010 and headed ‘suspension of programme’ and signed by the Principal, Mrs Alice Donkor, the school authorities, in collaboration with the Board of Governors said “ having noticed and confirmed that you are very obviously pregnant, you were counselled to voluntarily defer your course until after delivery in accordance with the school’s rule and practices.
“In spite of this sound counsel, you rudely refused to defer. This has compelled me to suspend your training, in consultation with school’s management and board until after six months delivery,” the letter said.
It continued: “This suspension has been necessitated in order not to set a bad precedence that gives room to moral laxity and indiscipline among students”.
Explaining her action, Mrs Donkor said “ the suspension is also to enable you carry your pregnancy with less stress and to give the baby exclusive breast feeding. “You will be welcomed back to school six months after delivery if you wish, and after you have notified the school in writing,” it stressed.
The letter which wished her safe delivery also ordered the student who is the President of the Student Representative Council (SRC) to leave the school by May 8, 2010, and advised her to hand over school properties, books and all materials in her custody to her assistant .
Describing the action of the school as “ indirect dismissal,” during an interview with Daily Graphic, the victim noted she was not privy to any school regulation that prevented married students from getting pregnant.
She said being in her early 30’s and a final year student, she deemed it fit to start a family to avoid any complications of childbirth in future.
Expressing concern about the action of the school authorities, she said the decision to defer her programme solely rested on her and not the school authorities as stated in their letter.
She said it was based on the action to force her out of school that she sought refuge in her counsel who has already written to the school to rescind their decision or face a legal tussle unprecedented in the history of the school.
She said apart from the letter of suspension, the school with another letter, headlined ‘nullification of prefect’ written on May 5, 2010, stated;” this is to inform you that you have been demoted as school prefect because your obvious pregnancy is not a good example to the student body”.
She said the letter also stated that since she would stay home for a year, she was to hand over to her assistant with immediate effect.
She said it was based on such a decision, which is an infringement on her fundamental human rights that she sought advice from her counsel.
When contacted Mrs Donkor said the school was not a private institution and had a management board which was aware of the legal tussle emanating from the suspension of the final year student who is five months pregnant.
She said with the student initiating a court action, the school had also sought legal counsel and so would not like to comment on the issue.
“The school would be holding a meeting on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 to take a firm decision and, therefore, I would like to reserve any comments until the school management takes a decision on the issue,” she noted.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
RELIEF FOR WOMEN WITH BREAST PROBLEMS (MIRROR, PAGE 34, MAY 15, 2010)
From George Ernest Asare, Kumasi.
Ladies with severe breast abnormalities, causing them to be stigmatised by society have been offered an opportunity to receive free surgical operation to correct their deformities.
The Department of Plastic Surgery of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in conjunction with a United States-based non-governmental organisation which is organising the free plastic surgery, is determined to undertake a number of surgical operations to give a lifeline to those with breast abnormalities to enable them enjoy life to the full.
A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the KATH, Mr Kwame Frimpong, explained that “ persons with severe abnormalities of the breast such as excessive breast tissue in young females, absence of the breast and extra-large breast tissues are encouraged to report to the Breast Clinic of KATH for screening and possible selection for breast reduction and reconstructive surgery”.
Dubbed Restoring Emotional Stability Through Outstanding Reconstructive Efforts (RESTORE) the surgery also seeks to offer free facial or body plastic surgery for victims suffering from such deformities.
RESTORE has over the years been collaborating with health facilities across the globe to provide free, reconstructive surgery and related medical services to children suffering from facial and body deformities, as well as individuals who are saddled with accidental and congenital deformities.
It was founded by a US-based Ghanaian, Dr Michael K. Obeng, who is the Chief of Plastic Surgery at St Elizabeth Boardman Health Centre. He is also an Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburg in the USA.
The statement explained that last year, the KATH plastic surgeons , together with Dr Obeng’s team, performed the first breast reconstruction on a patient who had undergone a mastectomy (removal of breast due to cancer)
It explained that the team constructed a new breast for the patient by using her abdominal tissue.
“ The two teams are once again ready to give relief to women requiring special breast reconstruction and reduction surgeries, and all those interested are encouraged to report to the KATH Breast Clinic from Monday, 10 to Friday, May 14, 2010 for screening”, the statement indicated.
Ladies with severe breast abnormalities, causing them to be stigmatised by society have been offered an opportunity to receive free surgical operation to correct their deformities.
The Department of Plastic Surgery of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in conjunction with a United States-based non-governmental organisation which is organising the free plastic surgery, is determined to undertake a number of surgical operations to give a lifeline to those with breast abnormalities to enable them enjoy life to the full.
A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the KATH, Mr Kwame Frimpong, explained that “ persons with severe abnormalities of the breast such as excessive breast tissue in young females, absence of the breast and extra-large breast tissues are encouraged to report to the Breast Clinic of KATH for screening and possible selection for breast reduction and reconstructive surgery”.
Dubbed Restoring Emotional Stability Through Outstanding Reconstructive Efforts (RESTORE) the surgery also seeks to offer free facial or body plastic surgery for victims suffering from such deformities.
RESTORE has over the years been collaborating with health facilities across the globe to provide free, reconstructive surgery and related medical services to children suffering from facial and body deformities, as well as individuals who are saddled with accidental and congenital deformities.
It was founded by a US-based Ghanaian, Dr Michael K. Obeng, who is the Chief of Plastic Surgery at St Elizabeth Boardman Health Centre. He is also an Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburg in the USA.
The statement explained that last year, the KATH plastic surgeons , together with Dr Obeng’s team, performed the first breast reconstruction on a patient who had undergone a mastectomy (removal of breast due to cancer)
It explained that the team constructed a new breast for the patient by using her abdominal tissue.
“ The two teams are once again ready to give relief to women requiring special breast reconstruction and reduction surgeries, and all those interested are encouraged to report to the KATH Breast Clinic from Monday, 10 to Friday, May 14, 2010 for screening”, the statement indicated.
BAPTIST VARS TO TRAIN NURSES (MIRROR, PAGE 34, MAY 15, 2010)
From George Ernest Asare, Kumasi.
The Ghana Baptist University College (GBUC) has started the construction of a block meant to train nurses at the university as its contribution to building the capacity of personnel to enhance health care delivery in the country.
The Chairman of the University Council, Rev. Professor Edwin K. Wiredu, who cut the sod for work to begin, said the first phase of the project, estimated at GH¢500,000, was expected to be completed in a year’s time .
The first phase of the project would include a demonstration block, offices and lecture rooms.
Professor Wiredu said admission for the first batch of student nurses would begin in 2011.
Commending the chiefs and people of Abuakwa and Asenemaso for releasing land for the project, Professor Wiredu said priority would be given to the youth who resided in those communities when they started admitting students.
He said it was, therefore, important for the chiefs to impress upon the youth in the catchment area for them to concentrate on their academic programmes to enable them to gain admission to the university.
In his welcoming address, the Acting President of the GBUC, Rev. Kwadwo Osei Owusu, said the sod-cutting marked a milestone in the life of GBUC, explaining that the Nursing programme would help train the youth who had the appetite for developing the skills in the health sector.
In his address, the Chief of Asenemaso, Nana Poku Agyemang Appianim III, commended the University Council and Management of the university for the initiative.
The Ghana Baptist University College (GBUC) has started the construction of a block meant to train nurses at the university as its contribution to building the capacity of personnel to enhance health care delivery in the country.
The Chairman of the University Council, Rev. Professor Edwin K. Wiredu, who cut the sod for work to begin, said the first phase of the project, estimated at GH¢500,000, was expected to be completed in a year’s time .
The first phase of the project would include a demonstration block, offices and lecture rooms.
Professor Wiredu said admission for the first batch of student nurses would begin in 2011.
Commending the chiefs and people of Abuakwa and Asenemaso for releasing land for the project, Professor Wiredu said priority would be given to the youth who resided in those communities when they started admitting students.
He said it was, therefore, important for the chiefs to impress upon the youth in the catchment area for them to concentrate on their academic programmes to enable them to gain admission to the university.
In his welcoming address, the Acting President of the GBUC, Rev. Kwadwo Osei Owusu, said the sod-cutting marked a milestone in the life of GBUC, explaining that the Nursing programme would help train the youth who had the appetite for developing the skills in the health sector.
In his address, the Chief of Asenemaso, Nana Poku Agyemang Appianim III, commended the University Council and Management of the university for the initiative.
DVLA TO COLLABORATE WITH STAKEHOLDERS (MIRROR, PAGE 31, MAY 15, 2010)
From George Ernest Asare, Fumesua.
THE Acting Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Mr J.M.Y. Amegashie, has given assurance that the DVLA will collaborate with all stakeholders to raise the benchmarks for issuing driving licence to prospective drivers.
This, according to Mr Amegashie, is to improve safety on the highways and also ensure professionalism , discipline and sanity, thereby reducing the road carnage and its effect on society.
The DVLA is also to install CCTV cameras at its headquarters in Accra to enhance monitoring of its operations, improve client service and weed out recalcitrant staff members.
Plans are also far advanced for management to improve the skills of staff in the use of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) to enhance efficiency in service delivery.
Addressing management and staff of the DVLA during their Annual General Meeting in Kumasi, Mr Amegashie expressed concern about negative attitude of some of the staff members by way of colluding with the public to provide licences to prospective drivers without testing their competence or otherwise.
“Some of you collaborate with the staff in the capture room so that those who do not go through test or practical tests end up obtaining the driver’s licence,” he bemoaned.
He pointed out that it was important for them to strictly adhere to standards and procedures in issuing driver’s licence, saying, “ the 70-per cent pass mark in respect of passing driving test needs to be reviewed upwards. A change in this direction would give value and integrity to the driving licence”.
He challenged the workers to initiate policies and programmes that would re-brand the DVLA as a way of winning public confidence and respect.
“ We, as an organisation, need to change in several aspects of our lives. We need to improve safety on the road and restore the status of the driver’s licence; we also have to ensure that vehicles with defects are kept off the road,” he advised.
Mr Amegashie said during the first quarter of 2010, the DVLA collected GH¢5,424,753.00 as against GH¢2,606,494.00 for last year due to the increase in rates and charges of services.
THE Acting Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Mr J.M.Y. Amegashie, has given assurance that the DVLA will collaborate with all stakeholders to raise the benchmarks for issuing driving licence to prospective drivers.
This, according to Mr Amegashie, is to improve safety on the highways and also ensure professionalism , discipline and sanity, thereby reducing the road carnage and its effect on society.
The DVLA is also to install CCTV cameras at its headquarters in Accra to enhance monitoring of its operations, improve client service and weed out recalcitrant staff members.
Plans are also far advanced for management to improve the skills of staff in the use of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) to enhance efficiency in service delivery.
Addressing management and staff of the DVLA during their Annual General Meeting in Kumasi, Mr Amegashie expressed concern about negative attitude of some of the staff members by way of colluding with the public to provide licences to prospective drivers without testing their competence or otherwise.
“Some of you collaborate with the staff in the capture room so that those who do not go through test or practical tests end up obtaining the driver’s licence,” he bemoaned.
He pointed out that it was important for them to strictly adhere to standards and procedures in issuing driver’s licence, saying, “ the 70-per cent pass mark in respect of passing driving test needs to be reviewed upwards. A change in this direction would give value and integrity to the driving licence”.
He challenged the workers to initiate policies and programmes that would re-brand the DVLA as a way of winning public confidence and respect.
“ We, as an organisation, need to change in several aspects of our lives. We need to improve safety on the road and restore the status of the driver’s licence; we also have to ensure that vehicles with defects are kept off the road,” he advised.
Mr Amegashie said during the first quarter of 2010, the DVLA collected GH¢5,424,753.00 as against GH¢2,606,494.00 for last year due to the increase in rates and charges of services.
ASSOCIATION TO INSURE MEMBERS (MIRROR, PAGE 35, MAY 15, 2010)
From George Ernest Asare, Nyinahin
Members of the Atwima Mponua District of the Ghana Federation of the disabled who are saddled with problems of sourcing quality health care due to lack of financial resources are to be registered to join the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The gesture is to make quality health care readily accessible to the members to enable them to undertake productive ventures, thereby reducing the poverty rate among them.
The District Chairman of the association, Mr Moses Hubert Atia, who announced this during their maiden annual general meeting at Nyinahin, expressed concern about the poverty rate among some members.
He said the problem was undermining their quest to join the NHIS and therefore promised the Executive’s preparedness to register some of their members who are financially handicapped .
He explained that each year, the association would register 20 of the members to join the NHIS to reduce their plight.
Mr Atia advised the members to learn vocational skills as a way of building their capacity, adding that the association would provide the needed support to members eager to learn vocational skills.
This, he said, would offer them the opportunity to initiate their own businesses and generate the requisite resources that would make life more meaningful and enjoyable.
He also announced that the association had acquired an office at Nyinahin to ensure effective interaction between the executives and the members and stressed that it was important for members to channel all their grievances through the office for immediate solution.
Mr Atia said to ease the problem of travelling long distances to the district office, the executive had zoned the district into seven, where monthly meetings will be held.
He mentioned Mpasatia, Bayerebon, Tano-Dumase, Atuntuma, Kotokuom and Nyinahin as the communities for the meetings.
The District Chief Executive , Ms Theresa Adomako Tawiah, pledged government’s support for the members.
Members of the Atwima Mponua District of the Ghana Federation of the disabled who are saddled with problems of sourcing quality health care due to lack of financial resources are to be registered to join the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The gesture is to make quality health care readily accessible to the members to enable them to undertake productive ventures, thereby reducing the poverty rate among them.
The District Chairman of the association, Mr Moses Hubert Atia, who announced this during their maiden annual general meeting at Nyinahin, expressed concern about the poverty rate among some members.
He said the problem was undermining their quest to join the NHIS and therefore promised the Executive’s preparedness to register some of their members who are financially handicapped .
He explained that each year, the association would register 20 of the members to join the NHIS to reduce their plight.
Mr Atia advised the members to learn vocational skills as a way of building their capacity, adding that the association would provide the needed support to members eager to learn vocational skills.
This, he said, would offer them the opportunity to initiate their own businesses and generate the requisite resources that would make life more meaningful and enjoyable.
He also announced that the association had acquired an office at Nyinahin to ensure effective interaction between the executives and the members and stressed that it was important for members to channel all their grievances through the office for immediate solution.
Mr Atia said to ease the problem of travelling long distances to the district office, the executive had zoned the district into seven, where monthly meetings will be held.
He mentioned Mpasatia, Bayerebon, Tano-Dumase, Atuntuma, Kotokuom and Nyinahin as the communities for the meetings.
The District Chief Executive , Ms Theresa Adomako Tawiah, pledged government’s support for the members.
POLICE ARREST DRIVERS FOR ROAD OFFENCES (MIRROR, PAGE 35 MAY 15, 2010)
Story: George Ernest Asare, Kumasi.
THE Ashanti Regional Police Command has embarked on a special exercise to arrest and prosecute drivers who flout road traffic regulations as part of measures to help reduce the carnage on the highways and make travelling more comfortable and enjoyable.
So far 70 drivers have been arrested for committing various road traffic offences and 46 of them prosecuted and convicted to pay a total fine of Gh¢8,380.
According to the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Patrick Timbillah , 13 of the offending drivers were cautioned and discharged when they appeared before court while 11 cases were still under investigations.
Briefing The Mirror on the exercise, Mr Timbillah said “it was in line with the recent directives by the Police Administration to check indiscipline on our roads with the view to stemming the recent spate of carnage on our roads”.
He said the special exercise, which was led by the Ashanti Regional Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) Police Commander, ASP Abraham Bansah, was also in line with the ongoing operation to bring discipline on the road network of the Ashanti Region.
He commended officials of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) in the region for collaborating with the MTTU to make the special exercise successful.
Mr Timbilla gave assurance that with the continuous collaboration of the DVLA and the NRSC, the MTTU would intensify its operations on the highways to ensure that all recalcitrant drivers were brought to book to bring sanity on the highways.
“ The exercise will continue until drivers in the region become disciplined and cannot be arrested under any of the provisions of the Road Traffic Regulations,“ he warned.
He appealed to passengers “to bear with the police in the operations as the exercise is to bring sanity on our roads, which will ultimately benefit passengers and other road users”.
THE Ashanti Regional Police Command has embarked on a special exercise to arrest and prosecute drivers who flout road traffic regulations as part of measures to help reduce the carnage on the highways and make travelling more comfortable and enjoyable.
So far 70 drivers have been arrested for committing various road traffic offences and 46 of them prosecuted and convicted to pay a total fine of Gh¢8,380.
According to the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Patrick Timbillah , 13 of the offending drivers were cautioned and discharged when they appeared before court while 11 cases were still under investigations.
Briefing The Mirror on the exercise, Mr Timbillah said “it was in line with the recent directives by the Police Administration to check indiscipline on our roads with the view to stemming the recent spate of carnage on our roads”.
He said the special exercise, which was led by the Ashanti Regional Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) Police Commander, ASP Abraham Bansah, was also in line with the ongoing operation to bring discipline on the road network of the Ashanti Region.
He commended officials of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) in the region for collaborating with the MTTU to make the special exercise successful.
Mr Timbilla gave assurance that with the continuous collaboration of the DVLA and the NRSC, the MTTU would intensify its operations on the highways to ensure that all recalcitrant drivers were brought to book to bring sanity on the highways.
“ The exercise will continue until drivers in the region become disciplined and cannot be arrested under any of the provisions of the Road Traffic Regulations,“ he warned.
He appealed to passengers “to bear with the police in the operations as the exercise is to bring sanity on our roads, which will ultimately benefit passengers and other road users”.
KUMASI ZONGO COMMNITIES TO ADOPT WARD (PAGE 29, MAY 17, 2010)
The Moslem community in Kumasi is to adopt one of the wards of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, rehabilitate and maintain it regularly to enhance quality health-care delivery.
The Chief of the Zongo Community, Alhaji Umar Farouk, who announced this during a courtesy call on the Chief Executive of KATH, Professor Ohene Adjei, also said he would organise the Moslem community to support the hospital in diverse ways as a way of encouraging the medical officers to be proficient in service delivery.
The courtesy call also afforded Alhaji Farouk the opportunity to introduce himself as the new Chief of the Zongo Community and gave him the opportunity to inform the hospital administrators about the need to fast-track the release of deceased Moslems to ensure their quick burial and stressed that no matter the status of Moslems, it was their tradition to bury them as soon as they die, but delays by hospitals in releasing dead bodies sometimes delayed their burial.
Commending the KATH authorities for quality health-care delivery over the years, Alhaji Farouk said the time had come for residents in the Kumasi Metropolis and its environs to collaborate with the hospital administrators to provide uninterrupted health-care delivery to patients.
He said plans were far advanced for the Moslem community to adopt one of the wards in KATH and maintain it regularly as a way of encouraging others to emulate them and added that it was only when stakeholders collaborated with the hospital authorities in maintaining the facilities that quality health delivery could be ensured.
Responding, the KATH Administrator, Mr Offe Gyimah, promised to give the Moslem community the best services when they report at the hospital.
He, however, noted that releasing bodies for burial sometimes depended on the coroner’s report and, therefore, pleaded with the leaders of Moslems to exercise patience when they were delayed.
He commended Alhaji Farouk for his assurance that they would adopt a ward in the hospital and called on the public to provide similar support to sustain quality health-care delivery.
For his part, Professor Ohene Adjei commended them for supporting development projects at the hospital and urged them to sustain it and also gave the assurance that as their corporate responsibility, the hospital would continue to offer quality heathcare to patients to speed up their recovery.
That, he said, would enable them to support sustainable socio-economic development in the country.
The Chief of the Zongo Community, Alhaji Umar Farouk, who announced this during a courtesy call on the Chief Executive of KATH, Professor Ohene Adjei, also said he would organise the Moslem community to support the hospital in diverse ways as a way of encouraging the medical officers to be proficient in service delivery.
The courtesy call also afforded Alhaji Farouk the opportunity to introduce himself as the new Chief of the Zongo Community and gave him the opportunity to inform the hospital administrators about the need to fast-track the release of deceased Moslems to ensure their quick burial and stressed that no matter the status of Moslems, it was their tradition to bury them as soon as they die, but delays by hospitals in releasing dead bodies sometimes delayed their burial.
Commending the KATH authorities for quality health-care delivery over the years, Alhaji Farouk said the time had come for residents in the Kumasi Metropolis and its environs to collaborate with the hospital administrators to provide uninterrupted health-care delivery to patients.
He said plans were far advanced for the Moslem community to adopt one of the wards in KATH and maintain it regularly as a way of encouraging others to emulate them and added that it was only when stakeholders collaborated with the hospital authorities in maintaining the facilities that quality health delivery could be ensured.
Responding, the KATH Administrator, Mr Offe Gyimah, promised to give the Moslem community the best services when they report at the hospital.
He, however, noted that releasing bodies for burial sometimes depended on the coroner’s report and, therefore, pleaded with the leaders of Moslems to exercise patience when they were delayed.
He commended Alhaji Farouk for his assurance that they would adopt a ward in the hospital and called on the public to provide similar support to sustain quality health-care delivery.
For his part, Professor Ohene Adjei commended them for supporting development projects at the hospital and urged them to sustain it and also gave the assurance that as their corporate responsibility, the hospital would continue to offer quality heathcare to patients to speed up their recovery.
That, he said, would enable them to support sustainable socio-economic development in the country.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
US EYE SPECIALISTS TO BUILD EYE CENTRE AT KATH (PAGE 59, MAY 8, 2010)
A Team of Eye Specialists from the University of Utah in the United States of America are to establish a special eye centre at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi to treat glaucoma patients and other eye diseases in Ghana and the West African sub-region.
The eye centre, estimated at about $1.5 million, will also be used to build the capacity of medical officers at the KATH for them to specialise in the treatment of eye diseases.
This, according to the eye specialists, is to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the treatment of various eye diseases prevailing in the sub-region.
The leader of the team, Professor Allan Crandall, who announced this when he donated a quantity of medical supplies and equipment to the KATH on behalf of the medical team said they had already sourced for the $1.5 million for the project to start.
He gave the assurance that the project would start by the end of this month.
The medical supplies and equipment, estimated at $100,000.00, were Phaco lenses for the diagnoses of glaucoma, gloves, blades, syringes, among others.
Speaking to newsmen after the donation, Professor Crandall said for the past 14 years, his team had been visiting the country to treat patients suffering from eye defects.
He pointed out that on the average, the team provided services to about 200 eye patients on each visit, and that about 65 patients had benefited from the gesture since last Monday.
Professor Crandall said they were expected to treat about 135 more patients before they returned to their base in the USA.
He pointed out that their collaboration with the KATH and the building of the capacity of medical officers were in line with putting the KATH on course for them to realise their dream of becoming a centre of excellence of international repute .
He gave the assurance that they would continue to collaborate with the authorities of KATH to ensure efficiency in the treatment of eye defects as a way of putting smiles on the faces of patients suffering from such diseases.
The Chief Executive of the KATH, Professor Ohene Adjei, who received the medical equipment on behalf of the KATH, expressed his profound gratitude to Professor Crandall and his team of eye specialists for their benevolence.
He said their gesture of building the capacity of medical officers for the treatment of eye diseases was also in line with their objective of making the KATH a centre of excellence.
He gave the assurance that the KATH authorities would offer all the needed support and assistance to the team to enhance the capacity of the medical officers at the hospital.
The eye centre, estimated at about $1.5 million, will also be used to build the capacity of medical officers at the KATH for them to specialise in the treatment of eye diseases.
This, according to the eye specialists, is to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the treatment of various eye diseases prevailing in the sub-region.
The leader of the team, Professor Allan Crandall, who announced this when he donated a quantity of medical supplies and equipment to the KATH on behalf of the medical team said they had already sourced for the $1.5 million for the project to start.
He gave the assurance that the project would start by the end of this month.
The medical supplies and equipment, estimated at $100,000.00, were Phaco lenses for the diagnoses of glaucoma, gloves, blades, syringes, among others.
Speaking to newsmen after the donation, Professor Crandall said for the past 14 years, his team had been visiting the country to treat patients suffering from eye defects.
He pointed out that on the average, the team provided services to about 200 eye patients on each visit, and that about 65 patients had benefited from the gesture since last Monday.
Professor Crandall said they were expected to treat about 135 more patients before they returned to their base in the USA.
He pointed out that their collaboration with the KATH and the building of the capacity of medical officers were in line with putting the KATH on course for them to realise their dream of becoming a centre of excellence of international repute .
He gave the assurance that they would continue to collaborate with the authorities of KATH to ensure efficiency in the treatment of eye defects as a way of putting smiles on the faces of patients suffering from such diseases.
The Chief Executive of the KATH, Professor Ohene Adjei, who received the medical equipment on behalf of the KATH, expressed his profound gratitude to Professor Crandall and his team of eye specialists for their benevolence.
He said their gesture of building the capacity of medical officers for the treatment of eye diseases was also in line with their objective of making the KATH a centre of excellence.
He gave the assurance that the KATH authorities would offer all the needed support and assistance to the team to enhance the capacity of the medical officers at the hospital.
Friday, May 7, 2010
MAN, NEPHEW JAILED 80 YEARS (MIRROR, PAGE 27, MAY 8, 2010)
From George Ernest Asare, Kumasi.
For allegedly conspiring with his nephew to physically assault a taxi driver before snatching his taxi at gun point, Charles Amponsem, alias Dada, 27, and his uncle, Osei Yaw, alias Yaw Broni, were jailed for 40 years each by a Kumasi Circuit Court last Wednesday.
The duo, who claimed to be commercial drivers, pleaded not guilty to the charges of conspiracy to rob and robbing at gun point when they appeared before the court, presided over by Mr Amo Yartey.
Prosecuting, a State Attorney, Mr Emmanuel Lawrence Otoo-Boison, said the convicts attacked the taxi driver at gun point, robbing him of an amount of GH¢68 being his day’s sales, and a cell phone, before snatching the taxi from him.
The prosecutor said they took the taxi to Abodwese near Tepa, re-sprayed it and fixed a new number plate and changed the owner’s address into their’s.
Mr Otoo-Boison said the two lured the driver into a secluded place at Ayeduase, a Kumasi suburb before assaulting him with hefty slaps and eventually snatching his taxi, threatening to blow off his head with a locally manufactured pistol if he resisted, or made the least noise to attract attention.
He explained that around 11 p.m on March 17, 2010, the complainant was stopped by Amponsem who directed the driver to take him to Kotei.
Mr Otoo-Boison said on reaching a section at Ayeduase, Amponsem asked the driver to take a rough road, explaining it lead to his house.
According to the state attorney, when the taxi moved to a distance on the rough road, Amponsem asked the driver to stop, and as soon as the car came to a halt, Osei who had laid ambush, emerged from his hideout, wielding a loaded locally manufactured pistol.
He said without any provocation, Osei slapped the driver and pulled him out from the car and ordered him to surrender his mobile phone and money.
He said out of fear, the complainant released his cell phone and the day’s sales to Amponsem and Osei, who sped off, leaving the complainant stranded.
Mr Otoo-Boison said the complainant reported the incident to the police who started investigations, which led to their arrest at Manfo.
He said during a search, another number plate was found in the car but the police could not trace the original number plate.
For allegedly conspiring with his nephew to physically assault a taxi driver before snatching his taxi at gun point, Charles Amponsem, alias Dada, 27, and his uncle, Osei Yaw, alias Yaw Broni, were jailed for 40 years each by a Kumasi Circuit Court last Wednesday.
The duo, who claimed to be commercial drivers, pleaded not guilty to the charges of conspiracy to rob and robbing at gun point when they appeared before the court, presided over by Mr Amo Yartey.
Prosecuting, a State Attorney, Mr Emmanuel Lawrence Otoo-Boison, said the convicts attacked the taxi driver at gun point, robbing him of an amount of GH¢68 being his day’s sales, and a cell phone, before snatching the taxi from him.
The prosecutor said they took the taxi to Abodwese near Tepa, re-sprayed it and fixed a new number plate and changed the owner’s address into their’s.
Mr Otoo-Boison said the two lured the driver into a secluded place at Ayeduase, a Kumasi suburb before assaulting him with hefty slaps and eventually snatching his taxi, threatening to blow off his head with a locally manufactured pistol if he resisted, or made the least noise to attract attention.
He explained that around 11 p.m on March 17, 2010, the complainant was stopped by Amponsem who directed the driver to take him to Kotei.
Mr Otoo-Boison said on reaching a section at Ayeduase, Amponsem asked the driver to take a rough road, explaining it lead to his house.
According to the state attorney, when the taxi moved to a distance on the rough road, Amponsem asked the driver to stop, and as soon as the car came to a halt, Osei who had laid ambush, emerged from his hideout, wielding a loaded locally manufactured pistol.
He said without any provocation, Osei slapped the driver and pulled him out from the car and ordered him to surrender his mobile phone and money.
He said out of fear, the complainant released his cell phone and the day’s sales to Amponsem and Osei, who sped off, leaving the complainant stranded.
Mr Otoo-Boison said the complainant reported the incident to the police who started investigations, which led to their arrest at Manfo.
He said during a search, another number plate was found in the car but the police could not trace the original number plate.
ACCIDENTS CLAIM 53 LIVES (MIRROR, PAGE 21, MAY 8, 2010)
Story: George Ernest Asare, Kumasi
Fifty-three passengers, including 25 females, lost their lives through fatal accidents in the Ashanti Region between January and March this year while 535 others suffered various degrees of injuries.
As many as 74 pedestrians were also knocked down by vehicles in the region between January and March this year, creating a state of insecurity for pedestrians.
This is against figures for the same period of last year, which witnessed the death of 75 passengers and an injury toll of 403.
The Ashanti Regional Police Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU), Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Abraham Bansah, who briefed The Mirror about the spate of accidents in the region, said the reduction in the number of deaths through accident could be attributed to the enforcement of road traffic regulation, making it possible for the MTTU to arrest and prosecute recalcitrant drivers.
He said 498 vehicles, including 160 private cars and 22 motor cycles, were involved in accidents in the Ashanti Region between January and March this year.
Last year, the number of vehicles recorded to have been involved in accidents in the region were 576.
Mr Bansah said apart from strengthening their patrols on the highways, they had also mounted series of checks, especially in the urban centres, as a way of arresting and prosecuting motorists who flout road traffic regulations.
He mentioned drink driving, wrong over-taking, speeding on highways, loading above the stipulated height, over-loading of passengers, insecure loading, using worn-out tyres, driving vehicles with faulty brakes, expired driving licence, expired road worthy certificate and loading above the requisite axle weight as some of the offences the MTTU would be checking on the road.
He said apart from the highway checks, the MTTU, in collaboration with the National Road Safety Commission and the Drivers, Vehicles and Licence Authority (DVLA), had also been using radio talk shows as a form of educating the driving public to enable them to observe road safety regulations.
He pointed out that with that platform, they were also able to reach out to passengers to educate them on the need to check drivers who drove above the stipulated 80-kilometre per hour on the highways.
Fifty-three passengers, including 25 females, lost their lives through fatal accidents in the Ashanti Region between January and March this year while 535 others suffered various degrees of injuries.
As many as 74 pedestrians were also knocked down by vehicles in the region between January and March this year, creating a state of insecurity for pedestrians.
This is against figures for the same period of last year, which witnessed the death of 75 passengers and an injury toll of 403.
The Ashanti Regional Police Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU), Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Abraham Bansah, who briefed The Mirror about the spate of accidents in the region, said the reduction in the number of deaths through accident could be attributed to the enforcement of road traffic regulation, making it possible for the MTTU to arrest and prosecute recalcitrant drivers.
He said 498 vehicles, including 160 private cars and 22 motor cycles, were involved in accidents in the Ashanti Region between January and March this year.
Last year, the number of vehicles recorded to have been involved in accidents in the region were 576.
Mr Bansah said apart from strengthening their patrols on the highways, they had also mounted series of checks, especially in the urban centres, as a way of arresting and prosecuting motorists who flout road traffic regulations.
He mentioned drink driving, wrong over-taking, speeding on highways, loading above the stipulated height, over-loading of passengers, insecure loading, using worn-out tyres, driving vehicles with faulty brakes, expired driving licence, expired road worthy certificate and loading above the requisite axle weight as some of the offences the MTTU would be checking on the road.
He said apart from the highway checks, the MTTU, in collaboration with the National Road Safety Commission and the Drivers, Vehicles and Licence Authority (DVLA), had also been using radio talk shows as a form of educating the driving public to enable them to observe road safety regulations.
He pointed out that with that platform, they were also able to reach out to passengers to educate them on the need to check drivers who drove above the stipulated 80-kilometre per hour on the highways.
Monday, May 3, 2010
DEMO AGAINST FLANI HERDSMEN TURNS VIOLENT (PAGE 19, MAY 3, 2010)
A PEACEFUL demonstration against the activities of Fulani herdsmen in the Asante Akim North District of the Ashanti Region turned violent when the police opened fire on the demonstrators, injuring five of them.
Some of the policemen also sustained wounds from the stone-throwing demonstrators.
The demonstration, according to a source, was also against the Paramount Chief of the Agogo traditional Area, Nana Akuoko Sarpong, and his sub-chiefs, for allegedly allowing the Fulani herdsmen to settle at Agogo and its environs, resulting in their cattle destroying farm products with impunity.
The herdsmen were also accused of rape and the destruction of food and cash crops in the district.
Among the injured was one Opanin Kwadwo Asare, 60, who was hit on the arm and was treated and discharged, as well as four others who sustained serious injuries and now on admission at the Agogo Presbyterian Hospital .
The four were identified as Kwame Atta, who was hit in the thigh; Kwadwo Amoako, who was hit in the chest; Nana Kyei, who was also hit in the chest; and Atta, who had a bullet penetrating the shoulder.
One of the demonstrators told the Daily Graphic that the paramount chief of Agogo and his sub-chiefs had leased out over 1,000 acres to the herdsmen, denying the community and future generation of access to farmlands to cultivate food and cash crops.
He also accused the herdsmen of rape and murder.
The turning point in the demonstration was when the police arrested one Gyidi Sofo, a taxi driver, for allegedly heckling the Agogo Gyaasehene, Nana Agyei Frimpong.
Nana Frimpong was said to be in front of his house when Gyidi Sofo held him and accused him of condoning and conniving with other chiefs and the Registrar, Mr Joseph Nti, alias Akuse, to lease out land to foreigners at the expense of the citizenry who needed them for the cultivation of food and cash crops to make a living.
Following the arrest of Gyidi Sofo, the demonstrators converged on the police station to demand his immediate release, to which the police responded by firing warning shots, as the demonstrators hurled stones at them.
In the commotion, some of the policemen received head and body injuries while some of the demonstrators sustained gunshot wounds.
Some of the policemen also sustained wounds from the stone-throwing demonstrators.
The demonstration, according to a source, was also against the Paramount Chief of the Agogo traditional Area, Nana Akuoko Sarpong, and his sub-chiefs, for allegedly allowing the Fulani herdsmen to settle at Agogo and its environs, resulting in their cattle destroying farm products with impunity.
The herdsmen were also accused of rape and the destruction of food and cash crops in the district.
Among the injured was one Opanin Kwadwo Asare, 60, who was hit on the arm and was treated and discharged, as well as four others who sustained serious injuries and now on admission at the Agogo Presbyterian Hospital .
The four were identified as Kwame Atta, who was hit in the thigh; Kwadwo Amoako, who was hit in the chest; Nana Kyei, who was also hit in the chest; and Atta, who had a bullet penetrating the shoulder.
One of the demonstrators told the Daily Graphic that the paramount chief of Agogo and his sub-chiefs had leased out over 1,000 acres to the herdsmen, denying the community and future generation of access to farmlands to cultivate food and cash crops.
He also accused the herdsmen of rape and murder.
The turning point in the demonstration was when the police arrested one Gyidi Sofo, a taxi driver, for allegedly heckling the Agogo Gyaasehene, Nana Agyei Frimpong.
Nana Frimpong was said to be in front of his house when Gyidi Sofo held him and accused him of condoning and conniving with other chiefs and the Registrar, Mr Joseph Nti, alias Akuse, to lease out land to foreigners at the expense of the citizenry who needed them for the cultivation of food and cash crops to make a living.
Following the arrest of Gyidi Sofo, the demonstrators converged on the police station to demand his immediate release, to which the police responded by firing warning shots, as the demonstrators hurled stones at them.
In the commotion, some of the policemen received head and body injuries while some of the demonstrators sustained gunshot wounds.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
CAR OWNER EXPOSES THIEVING CABBIE (LEAD STORY, MIRROR, MAY 1, 2010)
From George Ernest Asare, Kumasi
A 35-year-old driver’s penchant for ganging up with robbers to steal sheep and goats and sell them to enrich themselves was finally exposed when the car owner caused his arrest and handed him over to the police.
Kwame Amo, after escaping police arrest when his escapades were uncovered, phoned to tell his cab’s owner that robbers had snatched the taxi at gunpoint at Fawoade, near Mamponteng.
Unknown to Amo, the police had found the car owner’s complimentary card in the taxi and had invited him to the police station to assist in investigations. With the assistance of the car owner Amo was immediately arrested and is currently in police custody.
Amo and his two accomplices abandoned the vehicle full of sheep and goats and escaped into a nearby bush when the Police MTTU personnel on duty at the Fawoade-Mampongteng road intercepted the taxi.
The Ashanti Regional MTTU Police Commander, ASP Abraham Bansah, who briefed The Mirror about the arrest of Amo, said the police on their routine checks flagged Amo to stop the taxi but to their surprise Amo reversed and branched to another route.
The police quickly took position on the route and as soon as Amo spotted them, he stopped the car, removed the key and darted into the bush with his accomplices in tow.
ASP Bansah said the MTTU personnel opened the car boot only to find three sheep and seven goats with their mouths sealed with black Sellotape, apparently to prevent the animals from bleating to attract attention.
He said Amo and his men fired warning shots when the police made the attempt to tow the car to the Central MTTU in Kumasi to facilitate their investigations.
ASP Bansah said the police also found a complimentary card bearing the name and mobile phone number of the car owner, and when they contacted him to report for urgent discussion, he quickly responded and rushed to the police station.
It was at the MTTU office that the car owner learnt about the operations of his driver and the reasons for towing the car to the police station .
It was also during the interaction that it was detected that Amo had been regularly using the car for similar operations.
According to the car owner, faeces and wool of sheep and goats were often seen in the car boot, emitting a stench and so he had been warning Amo not to use the car to transport animals, all to no avail.
It was while the car owner was still discussing the issue with the police that Amo called to inform him that the taxi had been snatched at gunpoint by robbers.
The owner then asked Amo to wait for him at home, and just then, he solicited assistance from the police who quickly went to arrest him to assist in their investigations.
ASP Bansah said the police are also hunting for his accomplices to assist in their investigations.
A 35-year-old driver’s penchant for ganging up with robbers to steal sheep and goats and sell them to enrich themselves was finally exposed when the car owner caused his arrest and handed him over to the police.
Kwame Amo, after escaping police arrest when his escapades were uncovered, phoned to tell his cab’s owner that robbers had snatched the taxi at gunpoint at Fawoade, near Mamponteng.
Unknown to Amo, the police had found the car owner’s complimentary card in the taxi and had invited him to the police station to assist in investigations. With the assistance of the car owner Amo was immediately arrested and is currently in police custody.
Amo and his two accomplices abandoned the vehicle full of sheep and goats and escaped into a nearby bush when the Police MTTU personnel on duty at the Fawoade-Mampongteng road intercepted the taxi.
The Ashanti Regional MTTU Police Commander, ASP Abraham Bansah, who briefed The Mirror about the arrest of Amo, said the police on their routine checks flagged Amo to stop the taxi but to their surprise Amo reversed and branched to another route.
The police quickly took position on the route and as soon as Amo spotted them, he stopped the car, removed the key and darted into the bush with his accomplices in tow.
ASP Bansah said the MTTU personnel opened the car boot only to find three sheep and seven goats with their mouths sealed with black Sellotape, apparently to prevent the animals from bleating to attract attention.
He said Amo and his men fired warning shots when the police made the attempt to tow the car to the Central MTTU in Kumasi to facilitate their investigations.
ASP Bansah said the police also found a complimentary card bearing the name and mobile phone number of the car owner, and when they contacted him to report for urgent discussion, he quickly responded and rushed to the police station.
It was at the MTTU office that the car owner learnt about the operations of his driver and the reasons for towing the car to the police station .
It was also during the interaction that it was detected that Amo had been regularly using the car for similar operations.
According to the car owner, faeces and wool of sheep and goats were often seen in the car boot, emitting a stench and so he had been warning Amo not to use the car to transport animals, all to no avail.
It was while the car owner was still discussing the issue with the police that Amo called to inform him that the taxi had been snatched at gunpoint by robbers.
The owner then asked Amo to wait for him at home, and just then, he solicited assistance from the police who quickly went to arrest him to assist in their investigations.
ASP Bansah said the police are also hunting for his accomplices to assist in their investigations.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)