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Autism not contagious …Support awareness campaign
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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 Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has taken note of public allegations of extortion and related conduct made against the Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
The allegations were made by the Chief Executive of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi.
In a brief statement, the OSP said it has also received a joint petition submitted by two persons, as well as two separate petitions from other persons, in relation to the same allegations.
“Given the nature of the allegations, the OSP will assess the case and determine whether it falls within its statutory mandate and whether further investigative action is warranted,” the statement said.
The development comes amid a heated public feud between the Minority in Parliament and the leadership of GoldBod over the operations of the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme.
The Minority, led by Afenyo-Markin, has accused GoldBod and the Bank of Ghana of causing a loss of over $1.7 billion, citing the International Monetary Fund’s August 2026 report. The Minority has vowed to pursue the matter as Parliament has reconvened for an emergency sitting.
GoldBod, on the other hand, has rejected claims by some NPP MPs, including Tano South MP Dr Gideon Boako, that it owes the Bank of Ghana GH¢1 billion in overdrafts, describing the claim as “false and malicious.”
In the latest twist, GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi has accused the Minority Leader of extortion and related conduct, an allegation that has triggered petitions to the OSP.
The OSP is mandated under Act 959 to investigate and prosecute specific cases of alleged or suspected corruption and corruption-related offences involving public officers and politically exposed persons.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, has filed his nomination to contest the position of General Secretary again as the party begins its rebuilding efforts ahead of the 2028 general elections.
He was accompanied by party stalwarts and supporters who were in high spirits, expressing confidence that he is the right person to hold the position.
Speaking after filing his nomination, Mr Kodua Frimpong assured the rank and file of the party that he would not disappoint them.
“I can assure you that the faith the rank and file of the party have had in me, I will never disappoint them,” he said.
He also pledged to run a clean campaign devoid of personal attacks.
“I can assure you that our internal campaign will be devoid of personal attacks,” he told his fellow contestants and the rank and file of the party as he seeks to retain his position.
His tenure has seen the party through the 2024 general elections, where the NPP lost power to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) after eight years in government.
The party is currently in a rebuilding phase, with internal elections scheduled to elect new national executives to lead its reorganization towards the 2028 polls.
The General Secretary position is considered one of the most influential in the party’s administrative structure, responsible for the day-to-day running of the party secretariat and implementation of party decisions.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
