News
Accra Mayor engages school feeding caterers on improving nutrition
The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has met with school feeding caterers from 20 districts in the Greater Accra Region to discuss ways of improving nutrition for pupils under the Ghana School Feeding Programme.
The engagement, held earlier this week at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), brought together caterers from districts including Ablekuma Central, Ablekuma North, Weija-Gbawe, Ayawaso West, Ga Central, Adentan, La Dade Kotopon, La Nkwantanang-Madina, and Shai Osudoku.
Addressing the participants, Mr. Allotey stressed that their role went beyond serving food, as it directly impacted the welfare, education, and future of Ghanaian children.
He pledged his full support to ensure the programme helps improve nutrition, boost school enrollment, reduce poverty, and promote local food production.
The Mayor commended the National School Feeding Secretariat, led by Mr. Seth Offei, for training caterers and equipping them with the right skills to provide quality meals to pupils.
Mr. Allotey assured that the AMA would continue to work with all stakeholders to make the School Feeding Programme stronger and more impactful.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
NPP is a diverse party, let’s end religious and tribal bigotry campaigns – Dr. Bawumia
Flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party in the 2028 elections (NPP) and former Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has cautioned against the use of religious and tribal sentiments in the party’s internal campaign.
Dr. Bawumia expressed concern that some campaigners and flagbearer hopefuls were introducing divisive arguments, including claims that delegates should not vote for him because his wife is not a “true Ghanaian.”
He described such claims as disturbing and unrepresentative of the values of the NPP.
“We are a very diverse party covering four religions and all tribes. It is important that we remain united,” he said.
He urged his opponents to contest on the strength of their vision, mission, ideas, integrity, and track record, rather than attacking personalities based on religion or ethnicity.
Citing his own record, Dr. Bawumia reminded party members of his contributions to the NPP’s victories in 2016 and 2020, including his role in the 2013 election petition and his wife Samira’s nationwide campaign efforts.
He noted that at those times, nobody questioned his background or his wife’s identity.
He stressed that attempts to divide the party along religious or tribal lines do not reflect the views of the NPP’s rank and file.
“The NPP will always triumph over tribal and religious bigots. What we need is unity to go forward and win 2028,” he stated.
Dr. Bawumia further cautioned the party not to repeat past mistakes, recalling how divisions cost the NPP the 1979 elections.
He expressed confidence that with unity and hard work, the party could secure victory in the 2028 general elections.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
Six foods that can trigger allergies – Dr. Kofi Brifo
The Founder of the Skin Foundation Africa, Dr. Kofi Brifo, has outlined six common foods that can cause and trigger allergic reactions.
They include milk, nuts, eggs, wheat, seafood such as shrimps and lobsters, and soy products like soy milk.
Speaking on the topic “Allergies and the Skin: What to Know” on GBC’s Breakfast Show, Dr. Brifo explained that allergies occur when the body’s immune system overreacts to a harmless substance.
He said this can lead to inflammation, itching, redness, skin rashes, and in severe cases, breathing difficulties.
According to him, allergies are very common in urban African communities, affecting about 30 to 40 percent of people.
He added that reactions can be caused by environmental factors such as detergents, perfumes, skincare products, insect bites, and foods.
Dr. Brifo noted that food remains one of the leading causes of allergic reactions and highlighted six major triggers.
These are cow milk, nuts, eggs, wheat, seafood such as shrimps and lobsters, and soy products.
He stressed that while some people may have individual triggers like pineapples, these six foods are the most common culprits, especially in children.
On treatment, Dr. Brifo cautioned the public against the misuse of steroid creams for rashes, particularly in children, warning that this could lead to harmful side effects such as stretch marks at an early age.
He explained that allergies cannot be completely cured but can be managed through awareness, avoidance of triggers, and gradual desensitisation methods.
Dr. Brifo urged the public to take allergic reactions seriously, especially when symptoms go beyond rashes and include difficulty in breathing, describing such cases as life-threatening emergencies.
By: Jacob Aggrey
