News
Autism not contagious …Support awareness campaign
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.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Dome Kwabenya Constituency, Elikplim Akurugu, has donated assorted hampers and cash support to mothers at Taifa Polyclinic and Ga East Municipal Hospital as part of activities marking this year’s Mother’s Day celebration.
The donation, which targeted nursing and lactating mothers at the two health facilities, included assorted hampers and an amount of GH¢500 presented to the women in appreciation of their sacrifices, commitment to motherhood and contribution to nurturing children in society.
Interacting with the mothers during the visit, MP Akurugu commended them for their resilience and dedication to their families despite the challenges associated with motherhood.
She encouraged the women to continue showing love, care and discipline in raising their children to become responsible members of society.
The MP also urged expectant and nursing mothers to prioritise regular health checkups and adhere to medical advice to ensure the wellbeing of both mothers and their babies.
According to her, mothers play a vital role in national development and therefore deserve recognition and support for their efforts.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the Member of Parliament for the gesture, describing it as timely and thoughtful as the world celebrates mothers.
Health officials including some of the nurses at the facilities commended the MP for the initiative and called for continuous support towards maternal and child healthcare in the constituency.
During the visit to the Ga East Municipal Hospital, Madam Akurugu appealed to the Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, and the contractor working on the Ga East Hospital road to expedite work on the stretch due to its deteriorating condition.
According to the MP, the poor state of the road has become a major concern for residents and motorists, contributing to frequent accidents and in some cases loss of lives before patients are even able to access medical treatment at the hospital.
In an emotional appeal, Madam Akurugu knelt and pleaded with the roads minister to treat the road project as an emergency to help protect lives and ease transportation challenges for residents and patients who use the facility.
She called for immediate intervention to ensure the road is completed and made safe for public use.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Dome Kwabenya Constituency, Elikplim Akurugu, has come to the aid of a constituent identified as Bintu at Dome Pentecost after a severe leg condition nearly claimed her life.
According to the MP, news of Bintu’s deteriorating condition was brought to her attention after reports emerged that one of her legs had badly rotten, leaving her in critical condition and in urgent need of medical care.
Madam Akurugu immediately intervened and facilitated her admission to the Ga East Municipal Hospital where doctors began treatment to save her life.
Following medical examination and treatment, doctors reportedly advised that the affected leg had to be amputated to prevent further complications and save her life, a decision the MP supported after consultations with the medical team.
The surgery was subsequently carried out successfully, leading to an improvement in Bintu’s condition.
Speaking during a visit to Bintu’s residence, Madam Akurugu revealed that beyond paying her hospital bills and ensuring she received proper medical attention, she had also taken steps to improve her living conditions.
According to the MP, Bintu had been living in a deteriorated and partially collapsed structure at Dome, making life extremely difficult and unsafe for her recovery.
As part of the intervention, the MP fully renovated the house and upgraded it to a modern living standard.
The renovation included furnishing the home and providing essential facilities such as a bathroom, toilet and other household necessities to ensure Bintu could live comfortably and with dignity.
Madam Akurugu also donated foodstuff and an undisclosed amount of cash to support Bintu’s upkeep and recovery process.
The MP further pledged to continue supporting Bintu throughout her lifetime, stressing that vulnerable persons within the constituency deserved care, compassion and dignity.
As part of activities marking this year’s Mother’s Day celebration, Madam Akurugu surprised Bintu with the newly renovated home after she was discharged from the hospital, describing the gesture as a way of giving her a fresh start in life following her recovery.
She noted that the intervention formed part of her commitment to improving the welfare of constituents facing hardship and medical challenges.
Residents and some community members who witnessed the gesture commended the MP for the support and described the intervention as life changing for the beneficiary.
By: Jacob Aggrey Dome Kwabenya MP pays hospital bills of constituent on the verge of death; renovates her home to modern standard
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Dome Kwabenya Constituency, Elikplim Akurugu, has come to the aid of a constituent identified as Bintu at Dome Pentecost after a severe leg condition nearly claimed her life.
According to the MP, news of Bintu’s deteriorating condition was brought to her attention after reports emerged that one of her legs had badly rotten, leaving her in critical condition and in urgent need of medical care.
Madam Akurugu immediately intervened and facilitated her admission to the Ga East Municipal Hospital where doctors began treatment to save her life.
Following medical examination and treatment, doctors reportedly advised that the affected leg had to be amputated to prevent further complications and save her life, a decision the MP supported after consultations with the medical team.
The surgery was subsequently carried out successfully, leading to an improvement in Bintu’s condition.
Speaking during a visit to Bintu’s residence, Madam Akurugu revealed that beyond paying her hospital bills and ensuring she received proper medical attention, she had also taken steps to improve her living conditions.
According to the MP, Bintu had been living in a deteriorated and partially collapsed structure at Dome, making life extremely difficult and unsafe for her recovery.
As part of the intervention, the MP fully renovated the house and upgraded it to a modern living standard.
The renovation included furnishing the home and providing essential facilities such as a bathroom, toilet and other household necessities to ensure Bintu could live comfortably and with dignity.
Madam Akurugu also donated foodstuff and an undisclosed amount of cash to support Bintu’s upkeep and recovery process.
The MP further pledged to continue supporting Bintu throughout her lifetime, stressing that vulnerable persons within the constituency deserved care, compassion and dignity.
As part of activities marking this year’s Mother’s Day celebration, Madam Akurugu surprised Bintu with the newly renovated home after she was discharged from the hospital, describing the gesture as a way of giving her a fresh start in life following her recovery.
She noted that the intervention formed part of her commitment to improving the welfare of constituents facing hardship and medical challenges.
Residents and some community members who witnessed the gesture commended the MP for the support and described the intervention as life changing for the beneficiary.
By: Jacob Aggrey
