News
Autism not contagious …Support awareness campaign
- /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Mrs-Bertino-left-supporting-his-ward-Young-Phil-to-play-the-piano.jpg&description=Autism not contagious …Support awareness campaign', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Mrs-Bertino-left-supporting-his-ward-Young-Phil-to-play-the-piano.jpg&description=Autism not contagious …Support awareness campaign', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
An autism advocate and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Liztino Centre for Children with Special Needs, Mrs Angel Bertino, has urged members of the public to actively support autism awareness campaigns, emphasising that autism is not contagious.
She noted that many people mistakenly believe they or their children could be affected simply by associating with individuals on the autism spectrum. However, she clarified that this belief was incorrect, as autism cannot be transmitted through contact or interaction.
She said this at the sixth edition of the Autism Awareness Month celebration held at the St. Peter’s Senior High School in Accra to mark World Autism Day observed on Thursday, April 2.
The event, championed by autistic advocate Young Phil Bertino as part of his 19th birthday celebration, was used to raise awareness on autism while calling on the government to prioritise the implementation of inclusive education in Ghana.
Describing the misconception as both harmful and unfortunate, she stressed the need for increased public education.
“This is a myth and very unfortunate. This is the reason we have to come together to educate and raise awareness, so that people can support children with special needs instead of avoiding them out of fear,” she said.
Mrs Angel Bertino also urged the government to enforce inclusive education policies across the country. This, she said, would ensure that children with special needs are accepted, supported and given access to quality education.
“There are many qualified teachers in the country, but they are often assigned to roles where their skills are underutilised. Teachers must be posted to areas where they can make meaningful impact,” she stated.
She also encouraged students to support their peers with special needs, helping them feel comfortable enough to learn and contribute to national development.
Mrs Bertino further educated students on autism and tasked them to serve as ambassadors by promoting understanding, love and care for individuals with the condition.
“We are all one people and as we celebrate World Autism Day globally, it is a call for everyone to get involved and support persons with special needs,” she noted.
She added that teachers must lead by example, as showing care and inclusion would encourage students to do the same.
In his remarks, Young Phil Bertino thanked the school for accepting him and called on parents to show greater love and support for their autistic children.
He noted that through his example, many children like him could become independent, pursue education, secure employment and contribute meaningfully to society.
A member of the school’s management, Mrs Gifty Otoo, commended the organisers for the impactful programme, describing it as both educational and eye-opening.
She added that the school has made significant efforts in supporting students with special needs, many of whom have been successfully integrated and are performing well.
Caption: Mrs Bertino (left) supporting his ward, Young Phil to play the piano.
A Prophet and General Overseer of Jesus Prayer Ministry at Ejisu Asuasi, Kumasi, and Pig Farm, Accra, Rt. Rev. Dr Mrs Grace Frimpong-Boateng, has urged Ghanaians to pray fervently to avert any disaster that would endanger many.
“God hears prayers, and intercessory prayers will provide your family safety and protection so you can live long and enjoy life in this world,” she added.
Rt. Rev. Dr Mrs Frimpong-Boateng was speaking with The Spectator in an interview last week.
According to her, she had a revelation that there would be a tragedy that will harm many people, however, effective prayers can avert it.
She said that the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) predicted another heavy downpour from Thursday to Sunday following the recent torrential rain that devastated Accra and other areas. However, strong intercessory prayers prevented the prediction, which would have been catastrophic.
She claims that whenever she shares something that God has revealed to her, she does not receive widespread support from people to join her in effective intercession.
As a result, she has urged everyone including members of parliament, cabinet ministers, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and other citizens to exercise caution and pray fervently in order to avoid premature death.
According to Rt. Rev. Dr Mrs Frimpong-Boateng the recent downpour in Accra which claimed lives and destroyed property was unusual.
“The sea was irritated because of certain rituals performed and caused it to spew forth, exposing the dirt.” There are still some rites in the sea, and they will definitely surface,” she disclosed.
“Let’s pray that God would burn and destroy the things that have contaminated the sea,” she indicated.
By Spectator
The Adentan Circuit Court has convicted a mason for stealing a four-year-old boy from Kpedze in the Volta Region and bringing him to Accra.
David Kpandoyo, 25, a Togolese national, pleaded guilty to a charge of child stealing.
The court, presided over by Mrs Angela Attachie, convicted him on his own plea and adjourned sentencing to July 14, 2026.
Kpandoyo told the court that he had gone to a drinking spot to consume alcohol when the child approached him.
He said he gave the boy some money, took him home, and could not remember what happened afterwards because he was intoxicated.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Patience Mario, assisted by Chief Inspector Jacob Nyarko, led the prosecution.
The prosecution said the complainant, Mr Bismark Gbago, is a 52-year-old painter residing at New Legon in Accra.
The victim’s mother, Ms Patience Ablordefey Afefa, is a 25-year-old hairdresser living at Kpedze in the Volta Region with the victim, a Kindergarten One pupil.
The prosecution said Kpandoyo also resided at New Legon, where he worked as a mason.
It said the victim went missing at Kpedze on July 1, 2026, at about 18:00 hours.
On July 3, at about 6:30pm, the complainant reported to the New Legon Police that he had found the four-year-old boy wandering around the area and that the child was unable to identify his home.
The prosecution said that on July 4, at about 4 p.m., the complainant informed the Police that after announcements were made within the community, Kpandoyo came forward claiming that the boy was his son.
The complainant and Kpandoyo subsequently went to the police Station to identify the child.
However, Kpandoyo was unable to produce the child’s birth certificate or lead the Police to the child’s mother.
Later that day, the police received a flyer bearing the name and telephone numbers of the victim’s mother, together with the child’s photograph, indicating that he had gone missing from Kpedze.
The police contacted the victim’s mother and asked her to report to the New Legon Police Station with the child’s birth certificate and weighing card because another person was claiming to be the child’s parent.
On July 6, the victim’s mother and her relatives reported to the Police Station and stated that they did not know Kpandoyo.
During investigations, Kpandoyo admitted in his cautioned statement that the victim was not his child.
He further confessed that while working at Kpedze, he stole the boy and brought him to Accra. –GNA
