News
๐๐๐๐๐ a๐ซ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฌ n๐จ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ d๐ซ๐ฎ๐ โ๐๐ฎ๐๐๐งโ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฎ๐ฆ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฆ r๐๐ข๐
The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), as part of its anti-narcotics exercise campaign on Friday 16 January 2026, carried out an operation in Budumburam and its surrounding communities in the Gomoa East Municipal of the Central Region.
The exercise falls in line with NACOCโs nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse.
The successful exercise led to the seizure of several illicit drugs and the arrest of individuals found to be involved in the act.
The exercise led to the arrest of a 32-year-old woman identified as Rebecca Afia Naa Dei Kotei, popularly known as โMotherโ, described by opinion leaders as a key figure in the local drug trade who had previously evaded arrest.โ
The suspect has been on the radar of NACOC’s intelligence and surveillance team due to her activities in dealing with all manner of illicit drug trafficking act.
The Commission has received several complaints of nefarious activities being perpetuated by most of the suspects who are currently in custody.
NACOC officials seized quantities of suspected cannabis, tramadol, and other controlled substances, along with items believed to be linked to drug peddling activities.
NACOC wishes to assure the general public of its commitment to ensure that Ghana becomes a drug-free nation.
The public is also assured that suspects involved in this raid will be processed for court in accordance with the law.
The Keta Municipal Health Directorate in the Volta Region has reported a surge in mumps cases, sparking concerns among residents in the area.
The disease, caused by a viral infection, has spread rapidly in the Municipality, with about 50 persons reportedly affected in the Keta township.
Madam Tsoeke Dzorgbenyui Seanefu, a nurse at the Keta Municipal Health Directorate, disclosed that mumps is a highly contagious disease that affects the salivary glands and presents symptoms such as facial swelling, fever, and headache. She linked the outbreak to poor hygiene and overcrowding.
โThe causes of mumps include the mumps virus, which spreads through respiratory droplets, contact with infected saliva, and contaminated surfaces,โ she said.
She explained that symptoms include swelling of the parotid glands, fever, headache, muscle aches, and loss of appetite. In some cases, complications such as meningitis or orchitis may occur.
Madam Seanefu emphasised that mumps spreads through direct contact with an infected personโs saliva or respiratory droplets, sharing food, drinks, or utensils, and touching contaminated surfaces.
โThose at highest risk of contracting mumps include unvaccinated children and adults, people living in crowded areas, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The effects of mumps can be severe, including meningitis (inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord), orchitis (inflammation of the testicles), and oophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries),โ she added.
To prevent or curb mumps, she advised residents to visit hospitals or the nearest health centre for vaccination (MMR vaccine), practice good hygiene by washing hands regularly under running water, avoid sharing food, drinks, or utensils, and stay away from infected individuals.
She urged residents to prioritise hygiene and seek medical attention early if symptoms persist.
She noted that mumps cases are treatable with rest, hydration, and pain management, but medical attention is crucial to prevent complications.
The Keta Municipal Health Directorate is closely monitoring the situation and working to contain the outbreak through public education on mumps, its treatment, and vaccination services for affected individuals. – GNA
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
Msย Lindaย Adjapong, the Tema Metro Pest and Disease Control Officer, has cautioned the public against the belief that bathing with sea water can cure Mpox, describing the claim as false and dangerous.โฏย
Ms Adjapong stressed that the practice had no scientific basis and might expose people to additional health risks.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), she explained that Mpox was a viral disease that spreads mainly through close physical contact with an infected person, contaminated materials, or infected animals, noting that there was no evidence that sea water could kill the virus or prevent infection.
She said a community assessment revealed that some members of the public have recently been seen bathing in the sea with the hope of curing suspected symptoms, adding that the trend was driven by misinformation and fear rather than medical advice.โฏ
Ms Adjapong warned that relying on such methods could delay proper diagnosis and treatment, leading to further spread of the disease, explaining that Mpox required appropriate medical attention and public health measures.โฏ
Some public health measures included early reporting of symptoms, isolation of suspected cases, and adherence to guidance from health professionals, emphasising that treatment focused on managing symptoms and preventing complications and not on unproven traditional practices.
She also cautioned that bathing with sea water could expose individuals to other infections, urging Ghanaians to rely on information from the Ghana Health Service and other credible health authorities, to prevent exacerbating situations and putting communities at risk.
The Pest and Disease Control Officer appealed to Ghanaians to adopt hygiene practices such as frequent hand washing with soap and water, avoiding close contact with people with strange rashes or flu-like symptoms, and not sharing personal items such as towels or bedding.
She encouraged people who suspected they might have been exposed to Mpox to report to the nearest health facility promptly for care. –GNA
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
