News
The COVID-19 testing controversy in Parliament needless
In the last few days, all 275 Members of Parliament (MPs) and staff of Parliament have been undergoing a mandatory COVID-19 test ordered by the Speaker Mike Oquaye.
As part of efforts to prevent the spread of the dreaded global pandemic in the House, the Speaker last week directed the Medical Directorate of Parliament to conduct the test on all those who work at the legislative wing of the government.
What was envisaged to be a routine test, with the results communicated privately to only the individuals concerned has turned out into a controversy that appears to divide the House on a matter that should have the support of all members of Parliament.
This is a matter that needed a collective approach because the disease is no respecter of status in society. It is attacking and killing everyone so it is surprising that a mere test in the House is generating such controversy.
It is a matter of concern that the House cannot agree on the mode of disclosing the results of the test such that the public is being fed with conflicting results from the test conducted on the staff and MPs
While media reports has it that some MPs as well as staff have tested positive which was collaborated by the Minority Chief Whip, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, the Majority Leader, Kyei Mensah Bonsu and the Public Affairs Director of Parliament, Kate Addo, dispute the claim.
According to a statement authored by the Public Affairs Department, “Parliament would like to state categorically that the results of the tests were not yet known and so the report is not true.
“The confidentiality protocol of testing for COVID-19 is that, those who test positive will be called directly by the testing team and taken through the necessary steps for quarantine and treatment. Officially Parliament is unaware of any such call and has no official figures from the National COVID-19 response team.
So what is really the beef? While the Speaker of the House is of the view that public disclosure of the test results has the potential of fuelling stigmatisation other members’ some think otherwise.
That is what had led to the public spar and led to a needless public discussion that is unnecessary. While we do not support those who advocate public disclosure of the health status of individual concerned, i do not think that it is also helpful to prevent individuals to freely divulge their health status to the public.
The Ghanaian Times recalls that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the First Lady, Rebecca and Former President Jerry John Rawlings as well as many prominent citizens at different times willingly disclosed their COVID-19 status. The public is fully aware of their status and we think it will send a good signal to the citizenry to follow.
It is, therefore, baffling that our MPs cannot find a common ground to deal with the results of their COVID-19 test in the House. We are not the ones to tell them what to do but we would have appreciated it if they had followed the examples of prominent people around the globe who had no problem with disclosing their COVID-19 status.
The MPs are role models and public figures many look up to and it is important that they exhibit exemplary leadership and show the way for many who look up to them to follow.
Allowing the public know about their COVID-19 status would encourage people to go for voluntary tests and not be afraid to disclose the results because no one would stigmatise them.
We are encouraged by the MPs and we commend them for going through such an important exercise at this crucial time as we battle the global pandemic which we believe would send a strong signal to the general public to continue to observe the health protocols that are vital for the fight against COVID-19.
News
‘Thousands of Ghanaian women suffering from Obstetric Fistula’
Thousands of Ghanaian women continue to suffer in silence from Obstetric Fistula (OF) due to inadequate access to surgical treatment, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has revealed.
Dr Wilfred Ochan, UNFPA’s Country Representative, disclosed that over the past decade, Ghana has accumulated a backlog of more than 12,000 untreated cases, despite recording an estimated 1,300 new cases each year.
He made the remarks during a visit to the New Times Corporation (NTC) in Accra to mark the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula (IDEOF).
“Only 1,000 repairs have been done in 10 years. That leaves thousands of women isolated, in pain, and excluded from society due to a condition that is both preventable and treatable,” Dr Ochan said.
He stressed the need for greater investment in surgical capacity, public awareness, and partnership, especially with the private sector— to accelerate Ghana’s efforts to eliminate the condition by 2030.
Obstetric Fistula results from prolonged or obstructed labour without timely medical care, causing a hole between the birth canal and bladder or rectum, leading to continuous leakage of urine or faeces. The consequences include stigma, chronic incontinence, and often, the death of the baby.
To help close the treatment gap, the UNFPA is working with health institutions including the Komfo Anokye and Cape Coast Teaching hospitals to scale up surgeries and outreach.
“We must not allow women to suffer lifelong trauma for simply trying to give life,” Dr Ochan urged.
The Managing Director, Mr Martin Adu-Owusu, pledged NTC’s support in raising public awareness and promoting maternal health initiatives.
“We are ready to collaborate with you to ensure that maternal deaths and issues affecting women come down to the barest minimum so that together we can achieve the UN goal to eliminating Obstetric Fistula by 2030,” he said
By Esinam Jemima Esinam
News
Inflated prices of Abaya, Jalabiya on Eid-al-Adha celebration
Muslims in Ghana and all over the world yesterday observed the Eid-al-Adha celebration.
It falls on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar and is celebrated by Muslims to mark the end of the month-long dawn-to-dusk fasting of Ramadan.
The build up to yesterday’s edition was characterised by a high demand for traditional Islamic attire here in Tamale, leading to a sharp rise in prices.
Checks by The Spectator from the various markets in the Tamale area revealed that prices for popular outfits like the Abaya, Jalabiya, and Kaftan have skyrocketed within the period.
Although there is no prescribed outfit for the celebration, many Muslims in Tamale traditionally choose modest and loose-fitting garments that reflect Islamic values.
Abayas and Jalabiyas often imported from Turkey, Dubai, Egypt, and Northern Nigeria have become particularly the most sought-after attires, resulting in the price hikes.
Currently, prices for men’s attire range from GH₵250 to GH₵800 while women’s outfits are selling from GH₵350 to GH₵1000.
Children’s garments are also not left out of the pricing craze. Bargaining for the youngsters starts from GH₵150.
Hajia Naila Abdul Karim, owner of ‘Cover with Style,’ confirmed a significant surge in sales in the holy month.
“Each day, more than 20 people, mostly women walk into the shop. We also send over 40 parcels daily to customers across the country,” she stated.
She attributed the price increases to the cedi’s depreciation and a recent shortage of Turkish imports, noting that most of her stock now comes from Dubai.
Hamdia Kamil, a loyal customer, shared her experience: “Two years ago, I bought an Abaya for GH₵350. This year, it’s GH₵650. I had no choice because it’s a special occasion and I want to feel good. Still, I hope the dresses are made affordable so others can also celebrate in style.”
At Baby Last Closet in Sakasaka, another fashion outlet, prices for women’s outfits range from GH₵350 to GH₵1,300, while men’s attire goes from GH₵250 to GH₵1,000.
“Some customers complain about the cost, but because it’s Ramadan, many still go ahead and buy,” said the shop owner.
Similarly, Mandy’s Haven at Zogbeli sells exclusively for Eid celebrations, dealing in high-end Abayas, Jalabiyas, and Kaftan materials. Prices there reflect quality and origin, with female attire ranging from GH₵450 to GH₵5,000, and kaftan fabric sold at GH₵200 per yard.
For many, including resident Iddrisu Suale, the holy month remains a sacred period despite the economic pressures. “Things are expensive this year, but I still want to make the day special for my children. I plan to get them Abayas and Jalabiyas from Egypt,” he indicated.
Despite the bustling nature of preparation and the high cost of goods, resident expressed optimism of having a good time in observing the deep spiritual significance of the occasion.
Story & photos by Paul Dery
