News
Appiatse dead to be buried
All is set for the burial of those who died tragically at Appiatse on Thursday, January 20, 2022, at about 1:35 pm, when a vehicle carting explosives to a mining site had an accident killing a number of persons in the process.
About 13 people were said to have died on that fateful day along the Tarkwa-Bogoso Highway.
Nine out of the 13 dead bodies would be buried on Saturday, March 11, 2022, which three bodies were being prepared for burial this Friday, March 4, 2022, as announced by the Appiatse Disaster Relief Committee.
In an interview with The Spectator, the PRO of the Committee, Mr Thywill Quarshie said, each family would be given GHc6,000 to cover the cost of the funeral including coffins which would be borne by the Prestea -Huni Valley Assembly with support from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
“Families of the four persons have explained that funerals are held in every three months in their hometowns and the next will be in June, so if they don’t bury their bodies now, it means June and that would mean an extra cost. But, we don’t want that. So, the committee has agreed and approved that they will take their bodies away for burial.” he added.
Mr Quarshie mentioned that burial services for nine other persons would be held at the park( the explosion site) at Appiatse on March 11.
He told The Spectator “We have finally agreed that the funerals would have to be done this month across board, so that there will be no excuses.”
Meanwhile, autopsy on 13 dead bodies affected by the explosion at Appiatse, near Bogoso, has been completed, the Municipal Chief Executive of Prestea -Huni Valley, Dr Isaac Dasmani, has said.
Dr Dasmani gave the names of the deceased as Ekow Jackson, 40, Akua Nyame,80, Michael Afriyie, 19, Justice Kwesi Takwa, 21, Emmanuel Quainoo, 29, Enock Obeng, 40, Ella Baidoo, 15 months and Isaac Benny, 45.
The rest were Emmanuel Awinguda, 24, Daniel Armah, 35, Martin Quaicoe, 40, Eric Gyimah, 24, and Isaac Anane, 35.
Dr. Dasmani, who is the Chairman of the Appiatse Disaster Relief Committee, indicated that a Consultant Pathologist at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi,Dr. Paul Ossei Sampene, completed autopsy on Saturday, February 12, at the VIP Mortuary at Ayensukrom No.1, near Bogoso in the Western Region.
“Already, the deceased were identified by their families on February 4.” he added.
The Spectator recalls that, at about 1.35pm, on Thursday, January 20, Detective Corporal Isaac Kamanim of Firearms Unit/Tarkwa, was escorting explosives from MAXAM Company, Tarkwa, in a DAF van with registration number WR 2252-18, driven by Alfred Pappoe to Chirano Gold Mines in the Western North Region.
On reaching a section of the road between Bogoso and Bawdie, a motor cycle rider from the opposite direction ran under the van carrying the explosives.
“The motor cycle caught fire, ignited the van which burst into flames and exploded. Driver sustained deep cut on the head and was rushed to Government Hospital, Tarkwa. The Police escort escaped unhurt. A number of people including the motor bike rider are feared dead.” a police report added.
It said, the extensive damage affected a nearby ECG transformer, with a number of nearby buildings razed down while a portion of the road was also damaged.
“Some vehicles plying that road were also damaged with the passengers and inhabitants sustaining various degrees of injury.” it said.
From Clement Adzei Boye, Takoradi
News
Invest in the welfare of children – UNICEF
The Country Representative for United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Ghana, Mr. Osama Makkawi Khogali, has urged the government and other stakeholders to invest more in the welfare of children.
He explained that Africa was home to a growing number of children, and by the year 2050, four out of every 10 children in the world will live in Africa.
This, he said, was a major reason why more investments are needed in children’s education, health, nutrition, safety, digital access, and job training.
Mr Khogali said this in a statement copied to The Spectator in Accra on Monday June 16 to commemorate the Day of the African Child.
Every year on June 16, the Day of the African Child is celebrated to remember the brave children of the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa. These children stood up against unfair education and fought for their rights. Today, the day reminds everyone to stand up for the rights and welfare of African children.
Mr. Khogali said, “we must act now so that children would not only survive but grow and succeed. Africa’s future is global, and it begins with the children of today.”
The Country Representative for UNICEF said, in Ghana, children make up about 45 per cent of the country’s population, indicating that the future of Ghana depends heavily on how well children were supported and protected today.
He therefore called on governments, communities, families, and individuals to work together and make sure every child has access to good education, health care, safety, and opportunities.
“Helping children now is the smartest way to build a strong and successful country,” he added.
UNICEF is the world’s leading children’s organisation. It works in over 190 countries to protect children’s rights and ensure that every child has the chance to live, grow, and reach their full potential.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
News
First Lady, Lordina Mahama address 7th Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit in Dubai
The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana on Wednesday, June 18, addressed the prestigious 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit in Dubai.
The programme held at Hilton Hotel was attended by First Ladies from about 15 African and Asian countries.
The First Lady shared insights on strengthening healthcare systems, empowering women, and celebrating the impactful partnership between Ghana and the Merck Foundation over the past 13 years.
Mrs Mahama also underscored the critical role of First Ladies as Ambassadors for the “More Than a Mother” campaign, working to break the stigma around infertility and promote gender equality.
At the Committee Meeting held on Thursday, June 19, Mrs.Lordina Mahama through her presentation showed video documentary of her varied projects aimed at impacting lives.
The documentary showcased her extensive works in Education, health and other sectors of the country.
This received applauds and commendation from her colleague First Ladies and leadership of Merck Foundation.
Expressing gratitude to the Merck Foundation, she reiterated her and the Lordina Foundation’s commitment to strengthening collaboration for enhanced initiatives in health, education, and combating social stigma across Ghana.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme, Dubai
