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Prof. Acakpovi confirmed as ATU Vice Chancellor
An investiture and induction ceremony was on Thursday held for Engr. Professor Amevi Acakpovi, Vice Chancellor of the Accra Technical University (ATU), in Accra.
The colourful ceremony certified his position as the Vice Chancellor of the ATU, a position he has occupied in an Acting capacity since 2023.
Among dignitaries present at the ceremony were chiefs, members of the governing council, clergy, academia and relatives.
Addressing the gathering, the Director General of Technical and Vocational Education (TVET), who spoke on behalf of the Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Clement Apaak, commended Mr Acakpovi on his confirmation and pledged government’s full support for him.
“Your appointment did not happen by chance. It reflects years of steady work, commitment, and service to this institution. You have walked through the different levels of leadership in this University, the latest being the acting Vice Chancellor. You understand its strengths. You also understand its challenges” he explained
The minister said government remains committed to supporting TVET education in Ghana because the country’s development depends on
people who can build, design, manage systems, and apply knowledge practically.
He urged Prof. Acakpovi to build a university that remains close to industry, systems that support staff and students, and also build confidence in the quality of teaching and training.
The Technical Advisor to the Minister of Education, Prof. George K.T Oduro also urged the newly inducted Vice Chancellor to continue to prioritise the vision of the institution.
According to him, this could be done by bridging theory and practice by producing graduates who are not only employable but capable of creating employment.
The newly inducted Vice Chancellor in his remarks promised to ensure that during his tenure of office, ATU would be an institution of excellence that produces entrepreneurs and innovators, who can impact positively not in Ghana but the entire global community.
Prof. Acakpovi further hinted that the sector was putting a number of measures in place to ensure that the institution become a great one both locally and international.
Goodwill messages were also read by the newly inducted Vice Chancellor’s family, friends, alumini and among others.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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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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