News
Don’t use mosquito nets on trap doors
Madam Eunice Teah Dzagli, Health Promotion Officer at the Greater Accra Regional Health Directorate (GARHD), says the use of mosquito nets on trap doors and as window nets does not keep mosquitoes away.
She said, “If mosquito nets are exposed to the sun, it loses its efficacy within three days of installation.”
“In Ghana, some residents creatively use mosquito nets as screening material for doors and windows, hoping to prevent mosquito entry and reduce the risk of malaria.”
Speaking at a planning meeting on the mass distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets (LLIN) in Accra on Tuesday, she said mosquito nets could last for three years when used in room without any wash but were no longer effective after 20 washes.
Madam Dzagli emphasied that the proper use of LLINs in rooms was a critical component in the fight against malaria and urged the public to use their mosquito nets properly.
Madam Evelyn Tabi, Deputy Director, Nursing Services at the GARHD, also added that the Greater Accra Region would from April 9 to 13, begin a mass registration exercise to precede the distribution of LLIN to households in all 29 districts across the region from May 2 to 6.
She said the Greater Accra had been selected among other regions for Ghana’s malaria elimination programme and the GARHD was mandated to ensure that at least for three consecutive years, no malaria transmission would be recorded.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says sleeping under a LLIN is one of the best ways to prevent malaria, as they form a physical and chemical barrier against mosquitoes.
According to the global body, when mosquitoes try to bite someone sleeping under a LLIN, they are not only blocked by the netting but also killed by the insecticide coating.
“Studies show that the use of LLINs reduced malaria incidence by 50 per cent in sub-Saharan Africa, a region which accounts for more than 90 per cent of global cases.”
According to WHO, LLINs are much more effective than untreated mosquito nets because they are produced with netting that contains a WHO-recommended insecticide.
The insecticide effect lasts longer, and the nets can be used for up to three years or 20 washes, the global body declares.
Dr Linda Baafi, Regional Malaria Focal Person, GARHD, stated that the mass net distribution campaign would distribute at least 90 per cent of the LLIN to households in Accra.
She said the registration would be done by Registered Assistants (RA) in person and online through a NetApp with a valid National Identification Card. –GNA
![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Accra Technical University (ATU) on Tuesday officially launched its Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 in Accra, aimed at driving innovation and strengthening institutional capacity across key operational areas.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Humphrey Awuletey Williams, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oswal Investments Limited, explained that the strategic plan seeks to respond to emerging challenges while positioning the institution as a forward-thinking leader in development.
He urged the university’s leadership to leverage their expertise to train students to be innovative and produce competitive products for both African and international markets.
According to him, employers increasingly demand competence-based human capital beyond academic certificates to drive development.
Mr Williams commended the Governing Council, Academic Board, Management, and other stakeholders for developing what he described as a ‘formative tool,’ and encouraged them to ensure its full implementation.
The Vice Chancellor of ATU, Mr Amevi Acapkvovi, emphasised that the strategic plan focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening stakeholder engagement.
“The strategic plan is not just a document, but a commitment to excellence, accountability and progress,” he said, adding that inclusivity is also central to the institution’s operations.
He outlined seven key focus areas of the plan: industry-based education; digital transformation and modernised infrastructure; quality assurance and institutional excellence; industry-driven research, innovation and entrepreneurship; staff development, motivation and welfare; strategic partnerships and increased visibility; and sustainable and green technologies.
Prof. Ernest Abotsi, stressed that the plan must not ‘gather dust’ but should be actively implemented to achieve success.
“Currently, ATU is adopting measures to assess the cost of running the institution, and this plan will serve as a guide to promote the university at every level,” he said.
Stakeholders present lauded the initiative, noting that its clear framework and measurable targets would help track progress and ensure transparency in the institution’s operations.
The university expressed confidence that, with support from partners and staff, the plan would significantly contribute to national development and set a benchmark for excellence in the sector.
The ceremony brought together stakeholders from government, traditional leadership, academia, industry, and civil society.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
It was an exciting moment as hundreds of revellers from various parts of Accra trooped to the Independence Square beach in Osu to celebrate Easter.
Dressed in all kinds of beach costumes, parents were seen with their children having fun and enjoying the moment.
Others made the best of their outing by engaging in other fun activities.
The revellers engaged in games such as football, ampe, athletics while others just sat, relaxed to release stress amidst music provided by some revellers.
By Lizzy Okai
