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Unmasked Mentoring supports Autism Awareness Care & Training
UNMASKED Mentoring, a youth-focused leadership and character development initiative, has donated to the Autism Awareness Care & Training (AACT) as part of its commitment to empathy, service, and inclusive social development.
The presentation, which brought together parents, mentors, mentees, and representatives of AACT, highlighted the growing role of young people in championing social causes, particularly support for children living with autism.
Items donated included six gallons of oil, three bags of rice, bags of washing powder, packs of toilet rolls, paper napkins, and bottled water. The organisation also presented a cheque for GH₵10,000 to the centre.
The founder of Unmasked Mentoring, Mr. Richard Akita, in his address said the initiative was guided by the mantra, “One life, make it count.” He said the organisation’s principle serves as both a philosophy and a responsibility, encouraging young people to live purposefully and positively impact others.
He mentioned that the donation exercise, initially designed as a learning experience for mentees, evolved into a deeper lesson in leadership and compassion.
“The mentees, mostly children and adolescents, are encouraged to understand that leadership transcends age and position, and is rooted in empathy, responsibility and service to others,” Mr. Akita added.
According to Mr. Akita, Unmasked Mentoring acknowledges the immense potential of children living with autism, noting that despite their creativity and unique abilities, many face barriers due to limited awareness and resources. He commended AACT for its tireless efforts in providing care, therapy, education, and dignity to children with autism, often under challenging conditions.
He explained that the donation symbolised the collective efforts of parents who supported the initiative, mentors who guided the process, and mentees who actively chose to serve others as a way of making their lives count.
Receiving the donation, Mr. Abeiku Grant of AACT thanked Unmasked Mentoring, describing the gesture as a meaningful show of solidarity and encouragement that would strengthen their work. He called on other benevolent organisations to come in and support the centre.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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Traders have returned to the streets of Accra, occupying pavements and stretches of some roads after the last major decongestion exercise.
The exercise, which was aimed at restoring order in areas like Kingsway, CMB, Rawlings Park, Tudu etc, have now been defeated.
From Kingsway to Rawlings Park, traders display several wares including, footwear, herbal medicines, plastic products, fresh fish, second-hand clothing, and vegetables, among others.
Local Evangelists are also not left out as they scramble for spaces on the streets.
Pedestrians, therefore, find it difficult to move around when shopping, due to the human and vehicular congestion created by the traders.
In an interview with The Spectator, Auntie Abigail, a trader, said her return to the streets was to sell more, and she saw nothing wrong with it.
Hajia, who deals in wholesale items, indicated that they were unable to make sales as their colleagues move to the pavement and since customers don’t want to come inside, they prefer to buy from them.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has given traders a grace period to go back to their shops.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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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.
“The causes of mumps include the mumps virus, which spreads through respiratory droplets, contact with infected saliva, and contaminated surfaces,” 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 person’s saliva or respiratory droplets, sharing food, drinks, or utensils, and touching contaminated surfaces.
“Those 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),” 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
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