Media is Key to Ending HIV, AIDS

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December 1, 2018

By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh.com|

A Consultant on HIV and AIDS issues at USAIDS, Golda Asante has described the media as key partners in eradicating HIV and AIDS.

She called on journalists and other media personnel to use their media to campaign for behavioural change that will achieve the ultimate target of ending AIDS by 2030.

She further urged the media to lead the campaign against stigmatization which invariably poses a huge challenge to people getting tested to know their status and accepting to be on treatment in order to suppress the viral load by 2020 and consequently, ending new HIV infections, the essence of UNAIDS 90-90-90 Fast Track Strategy.

She said the media is a key stakeholder in achieving the target and journalists all over the world must make conscious efforts to take on the sensitisation of people by dedicating some few minutes to talk on the subject on their shows, and write stories about it as well.

Ms Asante made the call at a training workshop organised on Wednesday for Health Journalists on HIV and AIDS reporting and interventions in Ho.

The two-day workshop organised by African Centre for Development Reporting (ACEDEV) with sponsorship from US President Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), brought journalists together for engagement on issues relevant to ending the AIDS epidemic on the first day while the second day saw facilitators of the workshop meeting reporters and editors at their workplaces for discussions on how to facilitate reporting on AIDS and HIV issues.

A Resource Person, Kingsly Obeng Kyere, who spoke on how to tell compelling stories on HIV and AIDS, charged participants to do away with subjectivity and be guided with “value-free judgement.”

Facilitator, Kumah Drah also took participants through pitching of stories and refining story ideas in a bid to help in achieving the agenda 90-90-90.

The journalists resolute to practise what they have been tasked to do, (sensitising people on the need to get tested) willingly offered themselves to be tested at the close of the training.

Regarding the National Durbar of World AIDS Day (WAD) to be held on Saturday at Jubilee Park, Ho, teams from PEPFAR, Ghana AIDS Commission and the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, had outlined programmes including taking the campaign to Ho Central Market on Thursday to test people for the virus, WAD Islamic Service at Ho Central Mosque, Ho Zongo and WAD Public Lecture at University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) Main Auditorium, Trafalga on Friday. There will also be WAD Christian Service on Sunday at EP Church, Elorm Parish, Ho Bankoe.

The Word AIDS Day is marked on December 1 every year and it is dedicated to raising awareness of AIDS caused by HIV infection and remembering those who had lost their lives through the AIDS pandemic.

The global theme for 2018 WAD is “Know your Status” with the national theme being “Test, Treat to Suppress and Stop New Infections”

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Politicians Should Lead Campaign Against High HIV Prevalence – Consultant

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Volta Online

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November 30, 2018

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By: Fred Duhoe | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Ms Golda Asante, HIV and AIDS Consultant has charged politicians especially government to lead the way in waging endless campaign against the high HIV infection prevalence in the country.

She was of the firm belief that Ghana AIDS Commission is situated at the seat of the presidency for a reason; to give priority to the AIDS epidemic.

“Imagine the impact it will make when a member of parliament in your area talks to people in his constituency about HIV prevention or stigmatisation. The prevalence would have reduced more than we’re seeing today,” she observed.

Ms Asante made the call during a workshop for journalists on HIV and AIDS reporting on Wednesday in Ho, organised by African Centre for Development Reporting (ACEDEV) with sponsorship from US President Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

The workshop offered the participants opportunity to imbibe new terminologies and how to pitch stories with emphasis on the ambitious agenda 90-90-90 which aims to get 90 per cent of people tested for the virus with 90 per cent of those diagnosed placed on treatment and to achieve 90 per cent viral load suppression by 2020.

Ms Asante expressed hope of making progress with the agenda, saying, “with the emergency services of the 90-90-90 strategy, it’s our firm hope and belief that by the year 2020, 90 per cent of projected annual figure of people living with HIV will know their status. The second 90 is a target to ensure 90 per cent of those infected are put on treatment as soon as possible and must be sustained while the last 90 is aimed at suppression of the viral load to the barest minimum so the risk of transfer from person to person is low.”

“As part of this 90-90-90 fast track strategy, we take advantage of every gathering and ensure testing is offered to participants in every programme so we ensure we achieve the target by 2020,” she added.

PEPFAR is celebrating its 15 years of dedicated service to championing the course of educating and sensitising people to get tested and receive treatment in order to save lives, under the theme: “15 Years of Saving Lives through American Generosity and Partnerships” as the world marks World AIDS Day this Saturday in the Volta Regional Capital of Ho.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Sonrise Dares South Tongu Talents in Week 4 of VRHA League

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Volta Online

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November 30, 2018

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By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Sonrise Christian High School has thrown a huge challenge to South Tongu Talents (STT) ahead of their week 4 clash in the Volta Regional Handball League on Saturday at the Ho Sports Stadium.

The debutants who beat Mawuli in their first league game in both categories seek to deepen the woes of the community team, who will also be playing their second game this season.

Though the first meeting for both sides in the league is expected to be competitive, Head Coach of Sonrise, Constant Dzigbordi Akoto assured victory for his side in Saturday’s game.

“We are happy to play South Tongu Talents and we know the game will be tight and tough. I believe that no opponent is weak and so we have the objective to win this game. We are highly motivated from our first win to keep on winning. It is going to be interesting and I hope the referees give us a good game. I pray for injury-free game and reasonable level of self-control from all players.”

Experienced as STT may be, It is not going to be a walk over for either side as anything can happen in the game at the end of 60 minutes/ 50 minutes.

The first game starts at 11:30am and it will be between Sonrise and STT men after which their ladies will battle for supremacy at 1pm.

The last game for the week will see STT host Ho Technical University (HTU) at 3pm. This is going to be another cracker as both sides have not recorded victories. HTU in their first match for the season lost to Unique Stars and are bent on taking the 2 points back to their campus.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Students Sensitized on Ozone Depletion and its Effects

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Volta Online

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November 29, 2018

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By: Praise Nutakor | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The National Ozone Office of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has sensitized 1400 students from 21 senior high schools from Koforidua, Kumasi and Takoradi on Ozone depletion, its causes, effects and the need to protect the Ozone Layer.

The EPA in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), organised the sensitisation programme in Takoradi as part of activities to climax the 2018 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer under the theme: “Keep Cool and Carry on”

Taking the students through the Science of Ozone Layer Depletion Phenomenon and Its Effects on Humankind, Mr Emmanuel Osae-Quansah, National Coordinator of the Montreal Protocol Implementation Programme (National Ozone Office) at the EPA emphasised that the event was in line with efforts being made under the Montreal Protocol, which is an international treaty to protect the Ozone Layer.

The protocol, which Ghana has ratified, aims to phase out the production and consumption of Ozone-depleting substance (ODS) including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCS) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) used as refrigerants in refrigerators and air-conditioners, as well as halons used in fire extinguishers.

Mr. Osae-Quansah called on the students to sensitise their parents and others on the need to always check and ensure that technicians use ozone-friendly refrigerants such as hydrocarbon refrigerants, for instance R600, R600a, and R290 which are natural refrigerants and internationally accepted, cautioning the students to avoid excessive sun exposure to protect themselves.

“Ozone Depleting Substances like HCFCs and CFCs used in appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners cause damage to the Ozone Layer & expose us to ultraviolet radiations from the sun. This is harmful for the environment and for our health since it can cause diseases like skin cancer and blindness, hence the need to phase them out to help the Ozone Layer recover.”

Emmanuel Osae-Quansah addressing cross section of the students

Similarly, in a presentation on the linkages between climate change and ozone depletion, Mr. Joseph Baffoe, Senior Programme Officer at EPA underscored the need for behavioural changes to reduce emissions of excessive greenhouse gases.

These behavioural changes, he said must involve the replacement of incandescent light bulbs with florescent ones, old refrigerators with new efficient ones with energy star label, switching off lights and appliances not being used, and keeping air-conditioner filters clean regularly.

The presentations also took the students through proper handling and use of refrigerators.

The sensitization fell under two projects namely hydrochlorofluorocarbons Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) for Ghana and Institutional Strengthening on ODS being implemented by EPA and UNDP to phase out the use of ozone depleting chemicals in Ghana.

The HPMP project has so far established 3 Centres of Excellence in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning at the Accra Technical Training Centre, Takoradi Technical Institute and the Kumasi Technical Institute where refrigeration technicians are being trained on best practices in refrigeration using acceptable hydrocarbon refrigerants.

The projects have also built the capacity of customs officials at the ports and borders to identify and isolate unacceptable imported refrigerants.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

You Are Critical to Achieving Agenda 90-90-90, Heart-Heart Ambassadors Tell Health Workers

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Volta Online

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November 29, 2018

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Rev Azumah, (R) in branded lacoste sharing his experience while his collegue Ambassadors look on

By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Heart-Heart Ambassadors have called on health practitioners at the various health centres across the country to be mindful of their critical roles in ensuring the attainment of the 90-90-90 target, the ultimate goal of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

The Ambassadors observed that 90-90-90, the ambitious treatment target aimed at diagnosing 90 per cent of persons living with HIV, putting 90 per cent of those diagnosed on antiretroviral treatment, and to achieve a viral suppression for 90 per cent of those on treatment by 2020, would amount to naught without inputs from health workers.

This was made known at a forum organised on Wednesday by United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and Ghana AIDS Commission at Ho Municipal Hospital.

The forum which formed part of activities to celebrate PEPFAR’s 15 years of saving lives with HIV treatment globally and 10 years in Ghana and also to herald the this year’s World AIDS Day to be observed in Ho, sensitized staff of the hospital on dangers of stigmatization and how it could defeat the purpose of the 90-90-90 agenda.

Rev John Azumah, an Ambassador charged health workers to be professional and not disclose the status of a client to another person without the clients consent.

According to him, he faced stigmatisation from 3 groups of people, first from the health worker who disclosed his status then his senior pastor who made the disclosure before the congregation and then the society joined in.

He spoke of various ways people living with HIV (PLHIV) were discriminated against at health facilities which were supposed to treat them, mentioning, situations where a spot had been reserved at delivery rooms for PLHIV, markings on their folders, health workers passing out information to their colleagues warning them to be cautious of PLHIV at the wards, among others.

Rev Azumah said these acts drove a lot of people to their early graves with some avoiding the treatment and others discouraged from getting tested to know their status.

He therefore appealed to government to incorporate HIV and AIDS education at nursing training and other health-related training institutions so they (health workers) come out well-informed and with a positive attitude towards patients.

Another Ambassador, Ms Gifty Torkonoo encouraged people to be bold and get tested because that was the only way to know one’s status in order to take preventive measures to remain negative or if positive, be on treatment to suppress the virus and live normal lives.

Using herself as an example, she said she would have being a dead person had she not gone for the test and accepted to be on treatment

Administrator of the hospital, Charles Torkonoo assured the team of the hospital’s commitment to work to “end or reduce to the barest minimum” issues of stigmatisation among health providers necessary to attaining the agenda 90-90-90.

Hospital Administrator, Mr Torkonoo and Ms Dzid Enyonam Kwame, PEPFAR Media Specialist

He appealed for financial support to construct a proper Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Centre that would run general and ART services to deal with seclusion which is one form of discrimination, disclosing, the current ART Centre is located at an obscure location capable of discouraging PLHIV to visit the Centre for treatment.

US Press Attache, Naomi Mattos who gave a short speech at the meeting, urged all stakeholders to get involved, saying, “we all have to recognise that we’re part of the solution and not become a barrier” to the agenda of ending the AIDS epidemic.

The Word AIDS Day is marked on December 1, every year since 1988. It is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by HIV infection and remembering those who had lost their lives through that.

The global theme for this year’s observance day is “Know your Status” with the national theme being “Test, Treat to Suppress and Stop New Infections”

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Students Urged to Be Conscious of The Dangers of Ozone Layer depletion

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Volta Online

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November 29, 2018

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By: Shallom Lumor| Voltaonlinegh.com|

As part of efforts to create awareness on the need to protect the ozone layer, the National Ozone Office of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has undertaken a sensitization programme at some selected Senior High Schools across Ghana on Ozone depletion, its causes, effects and the need to protect the Ozone Layer.

The school sensitization programme, which was climaxed in Takoradi, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), marked the end of Ghana’s celebration of the 2018 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer under the theme “Keep Cool and Carry On”.

Taking the students through the Science of Ozone Layer Depletion Phenomenon and its effects on humankind, Mr. Emmanuel Osae-Quansah, National Coordinator of the Montreal Protocol Implementation Programme (National Ozone Office) at the EPA emphasized that the event was in line with efforts being made under the Montreal Protocol, which is an international treaty to protect the Ozone Layer.

The protocol, which Ghana has ratified, aims to phase out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) used as refrigerants in refrigerators and air-conditioners, as well as halons used in fire extinguishers.

Mr. Osae-Quansah called on the students to sensitize their parents and others on the need to always check and ensure that Technicians use ozone friendly refrigerants such as hydrocarbon refrigerants (for instance R600, R600a, and R290), which are natural refrigerants and internationally accepted. The students were also urged to avoid excessive sun exposure to protect themselves.

“Ozone Depleting Substances like HCFCs and CFCs used in appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners cause damage to the Ozone Layer & expose us to ultraviolet radiations from the sun. This is harmful for the environment and for our health since it can cause diseases like skin cancer and blindness, hence the need to phase them out to help the Ozone Layer recover”, noted Mr. Osae-Quansah.

Similarly, in a presentation on the linkages between climate change and ozone depletion, Mr. Joseph Baffoe, Senior Programme Officer at EPA underscored the need for behavioural changes to reduce emissions of excessive greenhouse gases.

These behavioural changes, he said must involve the replacement of incandescent light bulbs with florescent ones, old refrigerators with new efficient ones with energy star label, switching off lights and appliances not being used, and keeping air-conditioners filters clean regularly.

The presentations also took the students through proper handling and use of refrigerators.

The 2018 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer was used to sensitize 1400 second cycle students from 21 senior high schools in Koforidua, Kumasi and Takoradi.

The sensitization falls under two projects entitled ‘Hydrochlorofluorocarbon Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) for Ghana’ and ‘Institutional Strengthening on ODS’. These are being implemented by EPA and UNDP to phase out the use of ozone depleting chemicals in Ghana.

The HPMP project has so far established 3 Centres of Excellence in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning at the Accra Technical Training Centre, Takoradi Technical Institute and the Kumasi Technical Institute where refrigeration technicians are being trained on best practices in refrigeration using acceptable hydrocarbon refrigerants.

The projects have also built the capacity of customs officials at the ports and borders to identify and isolate unacceptable imported refrigerants.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Nkwanta North DCE Appeals to Residents to Honour Tax Obligations

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Volta Online

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November 29, 2018

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By: Obrempongba Kwame Owusu | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Nkwanta North in the Volta Region, Jackson Kwame Jackayi has appealed to residents to pay their tax in order to generate revenue to undertake development projects in the area.

He disclosed that his predecessors left a debt of Gh₵2,452,000 which needed to be paid, thus, putting a financial burden on the assembly and the only way to raise money for the needed development projects in the area was to have residents honour their tax obligations.

The DCE made the appeal while addressing his people at a town hall meeting held at Kpassa, the district capital, to explain the government’s policies and programs to the people.

The maiden meeting attracted chiefs, heads of departments, farmers and opinion leaders in the district and had participants asking questions on all sectors of the economy which bordered on their livelihoods.

A section of participants at the town hall meeting

Mr Jakayi who insisted that the interaction aimed at facilitating the free-flow of information and feedback which were the pillars that strengthened a democratic governance system, touched on a number of issues.

On development, he said though government was working towards bringing development to the area, the assembly was also putting innovative measures in place to woo investors into the area since it cannot rely on central government to address the numerous challenges confronting the people in the area.

He assured that the government of President Nana Akufo-Addo was focused on delivering good governance required to improve the well-being of all, mentioning, Nation Builders Corps as one of the policies of government meant to alleviate the sufferings of the citizenry.

The DCE expressed concern about the falling standards in education in the district and outlined measures including punishing schoolchildren below 18-years who loiter at night and, committing resources to addressing challenges in the schools.

He also reiterated the assembly’s commitment to judiciously utilise its available resources to address critical problems of health care delivery and road network in the area and called on assembly members to play their roles effectively in the various electoral areas to accelerate development.

Some participants at the meeting underscored the need for stakeholders in the area to join hands to move the district forward.

They however, pleaded with government to as matter of urgency fix the deplorable Nkwanta-Damanko stretch of the Eastern Corridor road to enhance development.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Maiden Volta Sports Awards Launched in Keta

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Volta Online

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November 28, 2018

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By: Voltaonlinegh.com |

Volta Region will hold its first ever Sports Awards ceremony in recent times to reward dedicated sports performers and stakeholders in the region.

The maiden Volta Sports Awards which will be held on December 29, 2018, at the Aborigines Beach Resort in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region, was launched last Friday.

The collaborative initiative between the Aborigines Sports Promotion and the National Sports Authority (NSA), Volta Region will present winners with attractive cash and other prizes as rewards.

The full list of nominees for categories which include Sports Personality of the Year, Sports Discipline of the Year, Footballer of the Year, Sports Coach of the Year, Boxer of the Year, Handball Player of the Year, Beach Soccer Player of the Year, Tennis Player of the Year, Sports Journalist of the Year (Print, Radio and Online) and Sports Administrator of the Year, will soon be out.

Aside the outlined categories, major sports development partners, Aborigines Sports Promotions and the Volta Regional Sports Authority will also be awarded at the ceremony.

The public is expected to have 60 per cent stake in the determination of winners through text messages, with the Awards Planning Committee getting 40 per cent.

The Chief Executive Officer of Aborigines Sports Promotions, Mitch Woolams, in a speech read on his behalf, emphasised the relevance of honouring sports men and women of the region, hence the awards initiative with the Regional Sports Authority.

He assured of the sustenance of the awards and indicated that challenges of the maiden edition will help improve subsequent editions.

Director, Volta Regional Sports Authority, Mr Kwame Amponfi Jnr. in launching the Award said, “rewards and sanctions are two critical stimulants of accelerated performance in any given venture and sports is no exception.”

“Again, the limited Central Government Funds for the activities of the Authority which include rewards like awards explain my appetite for progressive public-private partnerships towards achieving laudable goals such as the one at stake,” he added.

Mr Amponfi Jnr commended Aborigines Sports Promotions for the holy alliance reached with the Authority for the sustenance of the Volta Sports Awards.

Expected to grace the ceremony are high profile personalities, including the acting Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Mr Abdul-Majeed Bawah and the Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Yao Letsa.

Credit: NSA-Volta

Reintroduce Agric to the Basic Level of Education -Teacher to Government

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Volta Online

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November 28, 2018

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By: Christopher Pappoe | Voltaonlinegh.com |

A high school teacher, Mr Godwin Adjei has advised the government to as a matter of urgency reintroduce Agriculture Science as a subject to the basic level of education or see the Planting for Food and Jobs policy fail.

Mr Adjei said this when a group visited the Adidome Senior High School on Tuesday to sensitise students on the prospects of agriculture and why students must study the subject.

The group led by the Central Tongu National Democratic Congress (NDC) Constituency Chairman, Confidence Emmanuel Abotsi, took the students through various stages of agriculture and agribusiness using PowerPoint presentation to encourage them to take the study of agriculture serious since the number of students enrolling for the course was not encouraging.

Mr Adjei said the low enrollment of students to the agricultural department was attributable to children not having any knowledge in agriculture since it is not taught as a subject at the basic level.

He urged the Career Guidance and Counseling Unit of the Ghana Education Service to make the study of agriculture a priority in their career counseling.

“It is so demoralising to sometimes go to the class to teach only 22 students when other departments can boast of over hundred students,” he complained.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Supreme Court ‘Throws out’ Writ Challenging Legality of New Regions Referendum

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Volta Online

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November 28, 2018

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Dan Botwe, Minister, Regional Reorganisation and development — Mr. Dan Botwe

By: Voltaonlinegh.com |

The Supreme Court has dismissed a suit challenging the planned referendum for the creation of six new regions.

According to Graphic Online’s court reporter, Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson, in a unanimous decision, a seven-member panel of the court held that the three individuals who initiated the suit failed to properly invoke the interpretative jurisdiction of the court.

The three plaintiffs, Mayor Agbleze, Destiny Awlimey and Jean Claude Koku Amenyaglo went to the court seeking an interpretation of Article 5 of the 1992 Constitution, which deals with the creation of new regions, and merger of regions.

They had argued that it was unconstitutional for the referendum for the new regions to be limited to only the proposed areas.

According to them, the right thing was to allow all persons in the entire regions that would be altered to vote.

Dismissal

But in its judgement, Wednesday, November 28 morning, Ebo Hawkson reports the court held that Article 5 was clear, precise and unambiguous, and therefore, did not require any interpretation from the apex court.

It said Article 5 mandates the Commission of Inquiry to specify the areas where the referendum should be held, while the Electoral Commission (EC) was mandated to prescribe the manner in which the referendum was to be held.

“Provisions of Article 5 is clear and contain no ambiguity. The plaintiffs have therefore failed to invoke the original jurisdiction of the court. The case is, accordingly, dismissed,” the court ruled.

The judgement was read by Prof. Justice Nii Ashie Kotey, while Justice Sophia Adinyera presided over the panel.

Other members of the panel were Justice Jones Dotse, Justice Anin Yeboah, Justice Samuel K. Marful-Sau, Justice Agnes M. Dodzie and Justice Nene A. Amegatcher.

Background

On August 15, 2017, the Council of State advised President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to appoint a Commission of Enquiry to look into the need to create six regions and make recommendations on all the factors involved in the creation of the new regions.

The commission, known as the Justice Brobbey Commission, which was established pursuant to Article 5 of the 1992 Constitution and Constitutional Instrument (CI) 105, commenced work on November 21, 2017.

On June 27, 2018, the Commission presented its report to President Akufo-Addo and recommended the creation of six new administrative regions, namely, Oti, Ahafo, Brong East, Western North, North East and Savannah.

The Commission of Enquiry recommended to the President that the referendum be limited to the proposed new regions.

Consequently, the EC has set December 27, 2018 for the referendum.

Source: www.graphic.com.gh