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Abusing pain killers can damage kidneys – Dr. Damoah
Dr. Baaba Damoah, President, Society of Family Physicians of Ghana (SOFPOG), has cautioned the youth in Tarkwa and its environs not to abuse pain killers (pain relief drugs) because it could damage their kidneys.
She stated that due to the type of work and the prevalence of illegal mining operations in these areas, young people abused Tramadol and hard analgesics.
Dr. Damoah disclosed this to journalists at the Tarkwa main lorry station when AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine in partnership with the (SOFPOG) organized a free medical outreach for the residents of Tarkwa in the Western Region.
She spoke about the dangers of these drugs, noting that apart from damaging the kidneys, it could negatively impact the body in general.
Some essential health services the residents received included blood sugar and pressure checks, malaria testing, hepatitis B and C, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, dental and eye examination as well as Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) consultations.
The President said despite the rain, residents showed up in their numbers and the medical team expected to attend to 1, 000 people by the end of the programme.
Dr. Damoah pointed out that during the screening, they found patients with both acute and chronic illnesses, but others had no health problems, so they used the opportunity to educate them extensively on preventive health.
According to her, the exercise formed part of events they were holding for this year’s World Family Doctor Day, adding, as family doctors, they came together to do this alongside their Annual General and Scientific Meeting which would take place in Tarkwa.
She said they saw this as an opportunity to give back to the community, thanked AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine for supporting them to make this free service available to the residents of Tarkwa and its environs.
The SOFPOG have been in Ghana for almost 20 years, and they are people who have completed medical school, served in their capacity as doctors, and have gone back to be trained as specialists to take care of people, irrespective of their age and the disease. -GNA
MTN Ghana is marking 30 years of operations with a renewed pledge to serve as a strategic partner in Ghana’s national development, announcing major investments in fibre infrastructure, network modernisation and sustainable digital platforms to carry the country into its next chapter of digital transformation.
The milestone was officially launched on May 14, at MTN House in Accra, under the theme “30 Years of Progress, Powered by You,” at an event attended by the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Mr Samuel Nartey George, and a cross-section of the media.
Speaking at the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Mr Stephen Blewett, described the anniversary as more than a corporate celebration, calling it a uniquely Ghanaian story shaped by connection, inclusion and shared progress over three decades.
Mr Blewett said MTN Ghana was positioning itself for the next phase of Ghana’s digital economy, with targeted investments in fibre expansion, core network modernisation and advanced technologies that will support productivity, innovation and economic growth across sectors.
“The next phase of Ghana’s development will be built on mobile platforms on farms, in markets, in clinics, classrooms and creative studios. Technology will remove geography as a disadvantage and open Ghanaian talent to the world,” he stated.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam George, congratulated MTN Ghana on its 30-year milestone, describing it as part of a broader national success story in which Ghana’s telecommunications sector has evolved into a modern, mobile first, data driven ecosystem serving tens of millions of subscribers.
Within that journey, the Minister said, MTN Ghana has played a distinctive and influential role, citing its early introduction of GSM technology, leadership in Mobile Money, continued network investments, listing on the Ghana Stock Exchange and contribution as one of Ghana’s largest corporate taxpayers.
The government, he said, remains committed to working with industry players, including MTN, to address shared challenges such as rural connectivity, infrastructure protection, cyber security, digital skills development and environmental sustainability.
As part of activities planned nationwide, customers will have the opportunity to participate in anniversary promotions featuring a wide range of exciting prizes to be won, as MTN celebrates the people who have powered its journey over the past three decades.
By Spectator Reporter
Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has made a generous donation to the country’s national female Under-17 and Under-20 teams – Black Maidens and Black Princesses- as they continue preparations for major international assignments.
The donation, made on Friday, May 22, was presented on behalf of the First Lady by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, at the GFA Technical Centre in Prampram.
The gesture forms part of efforts to motivate and support Ghana’s young female footballers as they prepare to represent the country on the international stage.
The donation included essential food items and toiletries aimed at supporting the welfare and well-being of the players and technical teams.
The donation included cartons of Milo, T-rolls, soft drinks, toiletries, and a range of essential supplies aimed at supporting the welfare of the players, enhancing camp conditions, and easing preparations ahead of their respective assignments.
The Black Maidens are currently engaged in preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers and are set to take on Liberia women’s national under-17 football team in the second-leg encounter in Liberia this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Black Princesses have already secured qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Uganda in the qualifiers, extending Ghana’s remarkable record to eight consecutive appearances at the tournament.
The donation by the First Lady was expected to boost morale within both camps while reinforcing national support for the young female footballers who continue to make the country proud.
