News
Early dental care crucial for children -Dentist
Dr Kakra Bonsu Appiah, Head of the Dental and Oral Surgery Department at the Tema General Hospital, has advised parents to introduce their children to dental care as soon as their first teeth appear.
Dr Appiah emphasised that early oral hygiene practices could prevent long-term dental problems and ensure strong and healthy teeth for life.
He told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that the best time to start taking care of a child’s teeth was as soon as the first tooth emerged, stating that dental care was essential for ensuring proper oral health and preventing potential issues that may arise as the child grows.
He added that introducing children to dental care also gave parents guidance on proper oral hygiene practices, including the correct way to clean their child’s teeth and gums, the importance of fluoride, and dietary habits that support strong and healthy teeth.
He said establishing good oral hygiene habits from the beginning prevents cavities, gum diseases, and other dental issues while setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy living, and encouraging limiting sugary diets, as they were a leading cause of cavities.
Moreover, Mr Appiah recommended brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day, ensuring children eat a balanced diet and urged caregivers to be role models by practicing good oral hygiene themselves.
The dentist also cautioned against prolonged thumb-sucking, a common habit among young children, saying that although it might seem harmless, it could cause the development of an open bite, where the upper and lower front teeth do not meet properly when the child closes their mouth.
He said this misalignment could affect their ability to bite and chew food effectively and might also lead to speech difficulties, such as problems with pronunciation and articulation.
The dentist pleaded with parents to ensure that their child’s dental development remained on track to reduce the risk of future oral health issues. –GNA
News
Roads minister gives contractor two months to improve performance on Bediako Junction to Camp 15 to Sefwi Adabokrom road project
The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has issued a two-month ultimatum to Delovely Construction Ltd. to improve work on the Bediako Junction to Camp 15 to Sewi Adabokrom road project or risk losing the contract.
He gave the directive during an inspection of the 55-kilometre project today, expressing disappointment in the slow pace of work.
According to him, the contractor has completed less than two per cent of the project, even though work should have reached about 20 per cent by now.
He noted that the contractor was given possession of the site about five months ago and should have made significant progress.
He explained that aside from clearing works along the stretch, there is little visible progress on the ground.
The minister described the performance as far below expectations and warned that the government will not tolerate further delays.
He stated that the contractor has been given two months to improve progress to at least 20 per cent, failing which the contract will be terminated and reassigned to another company.
He added that the government remains committed to completing the project on schedule and will not allow setbacks to delay its delivery.
He stressed that the road is important to the area, as it supports agriculture and the livelihoods of residents.
He said the project forms part of the government’s broader plan to improve road infrastructure and boost economic activity in the region.
He assured residents that regardless of the current contractor’s performance, the government will ensure the road is completed by November 30, 2027.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Government of Ghana has expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the Sahel region, following recent terrorist attacks in Mali that have claimed several lives, including that of the country’s Defence Minister.
In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 27, 2026, the government described the attacks, which occurred on Saturday, April 25, as coordinated strikes on multiple military positions, including the capital, Bamako.
The statement noted that the attacks led to the death of Mali’s Defence Minister, General Sadio Camara, along with other military personnel and civilians.
The government extended condolences to the people and government of Mali, describing the development as tragic, and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
It stressed that violent extremism has no place in the world and called for stronger collective efforts to combat such acts.
The ministry issued an advisory to Ghanaians living in Mali, urging them to be cautious and limit non-essential movements. It encouraged them to stay in regular contact with the Ghana Embassy in Bamako.
Ghanaian traders and drivers who use the Mali route for business have also been advised to suspend their activities until further notice, as authorities work to restore calm.
The statement indicated that the government is working closely with Malian authorities and will provide updates to support the safe resumption of trading activities.
It assured Ghanaian nationals in Mali that their safety and well-being remain a top priority.
By: Jacob Aggrey
