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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.
President John Dramani Mahama has called on former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to return to Ghana and face the legal processes surrounding the investigations involving him.
Speaking on the process of extraditing fugitives during his Resetting Ghana Tour in the Volta Region today, Mr. Mahama explained that bringing a person back from another country is a legal matter that must follow international procedures and respect the rights of the individual.
He noted that extradition can only take place if Ghana has an extradition treaty with the country where the individual is staying.
According to him, the requesting country must file an application, after which the person has the right to challenge the request before a judge.
“The person has the right to take a lawyer, go before a judge, and if he doesn’t want to come, he can argue against coming,” the President stated.
Mr. Mahama disclosed that the Attorney General’s Department has already filed an extradition application and is submitting additional documents requested by the relevant authorities.
He added that the matter will eventually be determined by an American judge, who will decide whether Mr. Ofori-Atta should be returned to Ghana.
The President appealed directly to the former Finance Minister to return voluntarily.
Recalling events during Mr. Ofori-Atta’s tenure in office, Mr. Mahama referred to a period when more than 80 Members of Parliament from the then governing New Patriotic Party called for his removal.
He noted that the former minister had responded by saying he was like a father who could not abandon his children.
Drawing on that statement, the President urged him to come back to Ghana.
“We are begging you, Father, come back. Your children are calling you to come back,” Mr. Mahama remarked.
He questioned why someone who believes he has done nothing wrong would leave the country, adding that the legal process should be allowed to take its course.
Mr. Mahama, however, stressed that the matter remains before the courts and will proceed according to the law.
By: Jacob Aggrey
President John Dramani Mahama has stated that the mandate given to him by Ghanaians is for one term, adding that his administration is focused on delivering on the promises made to the people.
Speaking during his ‘Resetting Ghana Tour’ in the Volta Region on Friday, July 17, President Mahama addressed the issue of the ongoing debate over a possible third term, the President maintained that his priority is to fulfil his campaign commitments rather than speculate about another term in office.
“The people of Ghana gave me a mandate for one term, and I am working hard to meet the promises I made them,” he stated. He added that he constantly reminds his ministers to “number our days” so they remain focused on delivering results before the end of their time in office.
Mr. Mahama acknowledged that some individuals have gone to the Supreme Court to seek an interpretation of the constitutional provisions governing the tenure of the President.
He indicated that seeking the court’s interpretation is within their rights but expressed the view that the constitutional provision is already clear.
“If you ask my personal opinion, I believe it is clear. I’ve read it several times, and it says exactly what it means,” the President remarked.
He reiterated that, in his view, Ghanaians have given him one additional term and stressed that he intends to use that period to honour the trust placed in him by the electorate.
By: Jacob Aggrey
