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‘Africa’s COVID-19 cases nearly 290,000 as death toll reaches 7,693’
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases across the African continent reached 286,141 as of Saturday afternoon, the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said.
The Africa CDC in its latest situation update said that the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases across Africa rose from 275,323 on Friday afternoon to 286,141 as of Saturday afternoon.
The continental disease control and prevention agency also disclosed that the death toll from the pandemic also rose from 7,395 on Friday to 7,693 as of Saturday afternoon.
The Africa CDC, which noted that the virus had spread into 54 African countries, said that some 132,412 people who were infected with COVID-19 had recovered across the continent as of the stated period.
Amid the rapid spread of COVID-19 across the African continent, the highly affected African countries include South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana, as well as Algeria, it was noted.
When population is taken into consideration, Djibouti, Sao Tome and Principe, Gabon, Cape Verde and Equatorial Guinea, are reporting the most cumulative COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population within the continent, according to the Africa CDC.
The Africa CDC also said that the Southern Africa region is now the most affected area across the continent in terms of positive COVID-19 cases, overtaking the Northern Africa region. Western Africa region is the third-most affected area in terms of the number of COVID-19 cases.
According to figures from the Africa CDC, during the past week, some 55,612 new COVID-19 cases have been reported across the continent, which the Africa CDC said has registered a 27 per cent increase in new COVID-19 cases compared to what was reported in the previous week.
Five countries account for 63 per cent of the new COVID-19 cases reported over the past week that are South Africa with 34 per cent, Egypt with 16 per cent, Nigeria with six per cent, Ghana with four per cent, and Cameroon with three per cent, it said.
Earlier this week, the Africa CDC revealed that some 43 African countries are under full border closure due to the rapid spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), according to the Africa CDC. -Xinhua
In addition to the 43 countries under full border closure, night-time curfew has been activated across 35 countries in an effort to halt the spread of the infectious virus. -Xinhua
The Bunbong community in the Northern Region was filled with excitement over the weekend as residents gathered at the forecourt of the Bunbong Chief’s Palace to celebrate the annual Linujil festival.
The festival, hosted by the Chief of Bunbong, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni, brought together different tribes including Konkomba, Dagombas, Gonjas, Fulbes, and the Anufus from neighbouring communities to celebrate culture, unity, and tradition through dance, drumming, and colourful performances.
In his address, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni expressed gratitude to the people of Bunbong and surrounding communities for their continuous support. He said the Linujil festival was not only a moment of celebration but also a time to reflect on the community’s values of peace, unity, and respect.
“The Linujil festival reminds us of who we are and where we come from. It strengthens our bond as one people and encourages the younger generation to preserve our cultural heritage,” he said.
The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf, commended the Chief and people of Bunbong for keeping their cultural heritage alive and praised the hardworking farmers for their dedication to yam production.
Mr. Adolf further emphasised that health and education remain key pillars for building stronger communities, assuring the people that government would continue to support them in achieving their developmental goals. He also applauded Rocky Dawuni for his outstanding performance and for promoting the image of Northern Ghana on the international stage.
Mr. Angelo Yossi Dogbe, representative of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, commended the people of Bunbong for using the Linujil festival to promote cultural tourism and community pride.
Mrs. Cary Sullivan, co-producer of the event and founder of Afro Funke, described the Linujil festival as an inspiring cultural experience that reflects the heart of Ghana’s creative energy.
A major highlight of the event was an electric live performance by Ghanaian music star and son of the land, Rocky Dawuni, whose vibrant show captivated the audience. He was joined on stage by Alidu Mohammed of Playing for Change fame, adding even more excitement to the night.
By Geoffrey Buta, Bunbong
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A new policy from the Ministry of Education (MoE) about the compulsory use of Ghanaian languages as the medium of instruction in basic schools has stirred controversy among the populace, especially parents.
The announcement, made last month by the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, aims to improve foundational learning and preserve Ghana’s rich linguistic heritage.
The move has been welcomed by some parents, applauding the efforts to keep the local language alive and help children learn and speak them. However, several concerns have been raised in opposition, forcing the ministry to clarify certain parts that seemed not to have been understood.
While some welcomed the move, citing better comprehension and cultural connection for young learners, others raised concerns about its practicality in diverse classrooms.
In a swift reaction, the MoE, through its Deputy Minister, Dr. Clement Apaak, clarified that the new directive issued by the sector minister was strictly limited to the earliest stages of basic education and does not extend across all levels.
In separate interviews conducted by The Spectator, parents remained divided on the policy and proffered diverse solutions to ensure its effectiveness.
“My daughter speaks Twi at home, so learning in Twi will help her grasp concepts faster,” said Mrs. Efia Asante, a mother of two. In her view, since her daughter already has a good grasp of the Twi language, it would be easier for her to understand the teachers.
Mrs. Rebecca Asare told The Spectator she shares the ministry’s explanation, saying that it is important to adopt measures that encourage young children to speak the native languages.
In sharp contrast, Mr. Albert Agyekum from Ablekuma commended the idea but questioned: “Can one teacher speak all the languages in a diverse classroom?”
Mr. Amoako Mark, whose child attends a school without a Ga teacher, wondered how his ward, who speaks only the Ga language, would cope under such circumstances.
Nii Amui also questioned how teachers in a class with children speaking different languages would manage if they cannot speak more than one local language.
Other parents also raised issues about regional language adaptation. Miss Eliza Vikporho argued that children naturally learn the dominant language of their environment. “If you live in the Volta Region, you learn Ewe. That’s how it has always been. Why make it compulsory?” she asked.
Still, others believe the policy could foster unity and elevate lesser-known Ghanaian languages.
By Beatrice Wonovi Kpeglah
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