News
COVID-19 cases drain cases of Effia Nkwanta Hospital
The Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital in the Western Region is using its internally generated funds (IGF) to monitor COVID-19 patients who are quarantined or self-isolated in their respective homes.
This move has resulted in a big drain in the hospital’s coffers.
The Medical Director, Dr. Joseph Yambil disclosed this to our reporter who visisted the hospital to find out some of the challenges confronting the staff who are the frontline workers in the fight against the deadly Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19), and the number of cases so far recorded.
He said the fuelling of vehicles at the health facility to enable the nurse to travel and check on the patients was becoming too much because the Regional Hospital depended on its internally generated funds (IGF) to monitor these patients.
The Medical Director has ,therefore, appealed to benevolent institutions, Non- Governmental Organisations into health and the COVID-19 Fund to assist ENRH to continue to fight the pandemic.
He said that the hospital last year had to refer very severe cases to Accra but managed the less severe cases at home.
He lauded GIZ, a German organisation which came to assist the hospital at the Communicable Disease Unit (CDU) referred to as Intensive Care Unit (ICU) which made it possible for the hospital to admit COVID-19 cases in the later part of 2020.
Dr. Tambil disclosed that the OPD from January to March this year recorded 314 COVID-19 cases out of a total of 372 cases reported at the hospital.
He gave the breakdown as follows : January 136 cases, February 102 and March 76 cases at the OPD.
He said the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) where COVID-19 patients were admitted also recorded 22 cases in January, February 20 and March 16 cases thus bringing the total COVID-19 cases recorded between January and March to 372.
He said the OPD cases were people on self-isolation or those who had quarantined themselves at their various homes but were religiously monitored by the health officials
He said the second wave saw the numbers going up in early January 2021 where the CDU admitted 22 patients, lost three and discharged 19 while 20 patients were recorded at the ICU and five lost their lives.
He said as of March 22, 2021, 16 patients were admitted and two died adding “no case has been referred to Accra this time round except a corporate client whose company requested for a transfer to South Africa where the mother company is”.
Dr Tambil said the hospital’s biggest challenge was how to get enough resources to manage the ICU as patients had to be fed well round the clock and that since they started admitting COVID-19 patients no pesewa had been given to support the fight against the disease.
The Medical Director said the internally generated funds and other finances were far stretched as such corporate institutions should support the health facility in terms of PPEs, consumables and other medications.
Photo 0071 shows Dr Joseph Tambil, Medical Director of Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital.
From Peter Gbambila, Effia Nkwanta
For the first time in its seven-year history, the celebrated Guinea Fowl Bazaar has been brought to Accra, marking a significant expansion of an event that has, for the past six years, been a staple in Tamale.
The two-day cultural and culinary festival, held from May 1–2, drew over 500 patrons and featured nearly 20 vendors, to promote Northern Ghana’s rich food culture particularly guinea fowl delicacies.
Hosted by By Faith Catering Services, the bazaar brought together traditional leaders, cultural groups, food entrepreneurs, and government representatives in a display of heritage and enterprise.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Angelo Dogbe, the Northern Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority underscored the importance of promoting indigenous cuisine as a tool for economic development and cultural preservation. Chiefs from the Northern Region also graced the occasion, lending traditional authority and reinforcing the cultural significance of the festival.
A major highlight of the bazaar was a series of captivating cultural performances representing the diverse tribes of the Northern Region. Attendees were treated to traditional music, dance, and attire, transforming the venue into a lively tapestry of Northern identity and pride.
Vendors expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to showcase their products to a new audience in the capital. Many noted increased visibility, networking opportunities, and strong sales throughout the two-day event.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of By Faith Catering Services, Mrs. Matilda Zenabu Pipio described the Accra edition as a strategic move to broaden the reach of the festival and create new economic pathways for vendors and producers from the north.
She announced plans to make the Accra bazaar an annual event, emphasizing its potential to boost employment, promote guinea fowl production, and introduce more Ghanaians to the unique flavours of Northern cuisine.
She said, the event is a platform for cultural exchange, economic empowerment, and national unity through food.
She commended partners and called on more organisers to support and invest in initiatives like this.
Meanwhile, the organizers of Guinea fowl Bazaar paid a courtesy call to the Editor of Spectator, Mrs. Georgina Naa-Maku Quaittoo and Mr. David Adadevoh, Acting Editor of The Ghanaian Times.
Both editors lauded the initiatives and encouraged the organizers to sustain it.
Organizers for the initiative and called on stakeholders and cooperate bodies to support this good course.
By Geoffrey Buta.
MTN Ghana has hosted more than 200 students from various educational institutions in Accra for an engaging, hands-on technology immersion at MTN House, bringing classroom theory to life and fueling interest in STEM and digital innovation.
Students from Ashesi University, Ghana International School, Cradle Star Academy, and Kinderland School explored MTN Ghana’s rich history, core values, customer-focused innovations, and digital transformation agenda.
They were introduced to the company’s sustainability and social impact initiatives, spanning education, youth empowerment and community development. A key highlight of the visits was a tour of MTN Ghana’s Network Operations Centre (NOC) and data centres.
The students gained first-hand exposure to the advanced technology, systems, and expertise powering seamless connectivity for millions daily – offering a rare look into how MTN ensures network performance, security, and resilience.
Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, noted, “Hosting students at MTN House reflects our commitment to shaping Ghana’s digital future. As we deliver our Ambition 2030 strategy, we are deepening investments in youth development through programmes like the Bright Scholarship, the MTN Digital Skills Academy, and collaborations on the One Million Coders Programme and the Girls in ICT initiative led by the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation.”
Paschal Paaga, Manager for IT Projects Implementation, emphasised the importance of experiential learning.
‘’By opening our doors, we are helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry. We want young people to see the real-world impact of technology and be inspired to pursue careers in STEM.”
For many participants, the experience was transformative. Maame Sapomaa, a Level 300 Information Systems student from Ashesi University, shared, “The visit was incredibly inspiring. Everything we have learned in the classroom came to life, and we were exposed to new concepts beyond our studies. It has motivated me even more to pursue a career in technology.”
As MTN Ghana advances its Ambition 2030 vision, the company remains committed to driving digital inclusion, platform-led innovation, and building strategic partnerships that support Ghana’s long-term socio-economic development.
