News
21-year-old journalist’s life at risk …help save her
Doctors at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Ridge have cautioned that 21 year old Miss Agnes Owusu, a budding young journalist on internship with The Ghanaian Times, risk worsening her condition unless urgent steps are taken to get her surgery done within the next four weeks.
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Ms Owusu who is also a level 400 student at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) is in dire need of financial support in excess of GH¢160, 000.00 or $12,000.00 to enable her to undergo brain tumour surgery.
Consequently, she has appealed to the general public to come to her aid either in cash or in kind to enable her to undergo a successful surgery, and contributions could be made to the Times Needy Fund, UBA Kaneshie North Industrial Area Account number 00103068701511.
She has been diagnosed with a brain tumour located between her brainstem and the posterior part of her brain and is fighting not just for her life, but for the chance to keep making a difference.
According Dr Emmanuel Yao Voado, the Consultant Neurosurgeon of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge), Agnes’ condition had further been “complicated by hydrocephalus” a diagnosis which has affected her general well-being.
He said prior to her diagnosis, she was experiencing a series of alarming symptoms, including severe headaches, vomiting, and swelling in her cheek.
The Consultant Surgeon warned that without urgent surgery to be conducted at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, these symptoms could return and worsen, possibly leading to seizures, balance issues, paralysis, or even loss of consciousness.
According to Dr Voado, the surgery would require the removal of the tumor which was critical and time-sensitive, however, it would come at a cost.
The surgery is estimated to cost in excess of GH¢160,000 (approximately USD $12,000), unfortunately, the amount was far beyond the means of Agnes and her family.
The Ghanaian Times through this publication is thus soliciting for support towards her surgery to enable her return to duty safely.
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Already she had undergone the ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement, which was successfully performed on March 27, 2025.
The shunt placement which cost about GH¢31, 000.00 was funded by her colleagues in the newsroom with some benevolent friends.
Following the surgery, her headaches, vomiting, and neck heaviness resolved and was successfully discharged on April 3, 2025.
However, her doctors have warned that the symptoms of tiredness and short-sightedness had persisted and was anticipated that, as the brain tumour continued to grow, her previous symptoms were likely to return and worsen, potentially accompanied by additional complications such as seizures, balance difficulties, paralysis, and loss of consciousness.
Despite the overwhelming challenges, Miss Owusu said she remains determined and hopeful.
She said her dream was not only to recover but to return to journalism, continue her work, and be a voice for others in her community.
“The estimated cost of the tumour removal is far beyond my means, I am therefore reaching out to anyone who can offer support be it individuals or organisations.
I understand that it is a lot to ask, but I am not just fighting for my life, I am fighting for the chance to continue pursuing my passion for journalism and making a difference in my community,” Miss Owusu said in a statement appealing for help.
Any contribution, no matter how small, would bring Agnes one step closer to the life-saving treatment she urgently needs.
Beyond contributing financially to her cause, it is the hope of The Ghanaian Times that her story would be shared to help reach others who might be able to help.
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BY CLIFF EKUFUL
MTN Ghana has hosted more than 200 students from various educational institutions in Accra for an engaging, hands-on technology immersion at MTN House, bringing classroom theory to life and fueling interest in STEM and digital innovation.
Students from Ashesi University, Ghana International School, Cradle Star Academy, and Kinderland School explored MTN Ghana’s rich history, core values, customer-focused innovations, and digital transformation agenda.
They were introduced to the company’s sustainability and social impact initiatives, spanning education, youth empowerment and community development. A key highlight of the visits was a tour of MTN Ghana’s Network Operations Centre (NOC) and data centres.
The students gained first-hand exposure to the advanced technology, systems, and expertise powering seamless connectivity for millions daily – offering a rare look into how MTN ensures network performance, security, and resilience.
Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, noted, “Hosting students at MTN House reflects our commitment to shaping Ghana’s digital future. As we deliver our Ambition 2030 strategy, we are deepening investments in youth development through programmes like the Bright Scholarship, the MTN Digital Skills Academy, and collaborations on the One Million Coders Programme and the Girls in ICT initiative led by the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation.”
Paschal Paaga, Manager for IT Projects Implementation, emphasised the importance of experiential learning.
‘’By opening our doors, we are helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry. We want young people to see the real-world impact of technology and be inspired to pursue careers in STEM.”
For many participants, the experience was transformative. Maame Sapomaa, a Level 300 Information Systems student from Ashesi University, shared, “The visit was incredibly inspiring. Everything we have learned in the classroom came to life, and we were exposed to new concepts beyond our studies. It has motivated me even more to pursue a career in technology.”
As MTN Ghana advances its Ambition 2030 vision, the company remains committed to driving digital inclusion, platform-led innovation, and building strategic partnerships that support Ghana’s long-term socio-economic development.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has expressed sorrow over the death of two Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates in a road accident in the Upper West Region.
The deceased are Taufi Ibrahim and Abdul Khalid, both students at Chiana Roman Catholic Junior High School.
“Management of the Ghana Education Service has received with profound sorrow the tragic news of the untimely demise of two Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates, Taufi Ibrahim and Abdul Khalid, students of Chiana Roman Catholic Junior High School in the Upper West Region,” a statement issued by Mr Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations, GES, said.
It said preliminary reports indicated that the students died in a road traffic accident on Sunday, May 3, while travelling to Wa ahead of the commencement of the examination.
“We are deeply saddened that these young lives, full of promise and potential, have been cut short under such distressing circumstances.
“Management and staff of GES, and the entire education community, extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the school, their classmates, and all who have been affected by this tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.”
The statement said Management of the GES would continue to liaise with the appropriate authorities to ascertain full details of the incident and consider measures to prevent similar occurrences. –GNA
