News
Eight medical doctors graduate from Accra College of Medicine
• The overall best female student Nana Afua Boma Owusu-Sekyere (right) receiving
her award from Prof Afua Adwo Jectey Hesse. Photo. Vincent Dzatse
A Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Clifford Nii Boi Tagoe, has called on medical students or young doctors to take interest in affairs of this country.
Referencing CP Snow’s “Two Cultures”, Prof Nii Boi Tagoe cited that scientists had left public affairs too much in the hands of those in the Arts or Humanities.
“I urge that we balance this equation with more of us with a scientific turn of mind. I would, therefore, ask all of you young doctors to take a healthy interest in the public affairs of this country. In my considered view, that is the only way we can rescue our country from lopsided development, or more appropriately, decline,” he cautioned.
The former VC was addressing some medical students of the Accra College of Medicine (ACM), during its 3rd Congregation ceremony held in Accra last Saturday.
He, therefore, informed the students that their spirit of selflessness would be taxed, considering the present economic situation; expensive rate of drugs, laboratory investigations and medical treatments.
He again noted that the development in public affairs of the country, did have serious implications for medical practice and it was his hope, that when the students’ spirit of Heart-Power was called for, they wouldn’t be found wanting.
“You are entering the profession and, indeed, the world of work at a very difficult time not only in the country, but the world as a whole. Therefore, bear in mind, that the world judges a society as civilised, depending on how that society treats its poor and vulnerable class,” he said.
Prof Nii Boi Tagoe tasked them to be open and honest in their course of practice since things could go wrong unexpectedly.
“There is so much litigation going on. You get sued whether you took a particular decision or not. Get your procedures right, remember your standard operating procedures, document everything honestly and openly and make sure you apply your knowledge for good always, “ he advised.
Giving a valedictorian speech on behalf of the students, Nana Afua Boma Owusu – Sekyere forewarned her colleagues to keep their shortcomings in mind since medicine is a noble profession.
Graduating students who performed exceptionally well in their academics were honoured as well as some lecturers.
Nana Owusu – Sekyere and Joshua Osei – Bonsu, both received five awards including Accra Medical Centre’s Overall Best Female and Male Students respectively. The other students were also awarded as well.
Present at the ceremony was the Dean of the University of Ghana Medical School, Prof Alfred Edwin Yawson, representing the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana as well as other distinguished guests.
The ceremony was on the theme, “Building Resilience in Medical Education Post COVID-19.”
Local mattress manufacturers have raised serious concerns over the influx of substandard mattresses, warning that these products pose significant health risks to consumers and threaten the sustainability of Ghana’s mattress industry.
At a press briefing held in Kumasi on Tuesday, manufacturers accused unregistered foreign entities, particularly Chinese firms, of flooding the market with cheap mattresses made from polystyrene.
Mr Yaw Ampem Darko, a spokesperson for the local manufacturers, warned that prolonged use of substandard mattresses, especially those made with polystyrene, could result in chronic back pain, musculoskeletal disorders, poor posture, and diminished sleep quality.
These health implications, they stressed, were not always immediately evident but accumulate over time, especially among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
This material, typically used for packaging, is considered unsuitable and unsafe for bedding.
According to industry leaders, these sub-standard products have been circulating for at least five years, gaining traction among unsuspecting consumers due to their unusually low prices.
“These mattresses are being sold at suspiciously low prices, luring unsuspecting consumers who are unaware of the health dangers.”
“We are not just protecting our businesses; we are protecting Ghanaian lives. The government must act swiftly to stem this tide before more citizens fall victim to these dangerous products,” Mr Yaw Ampem Darko stated.
The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has acknowledged the issue and, in response, announced a nationwide enforcement campaign aimed at clamping down on the production, distribution, and sale of substandard mattresses.
The campaign, which was scheduled to take effect from September 30, 2025, was empowered by the GSA Act, 2022 (Act 1078), which authorises the Authority to seize and seal non-compliant products and impose sanctions on offenders.
In a statement signed by the Director General of the GSA, Professor George Agyei, the authority cited Sections 29 and 43 of the Act, reiterating that all mattresses sold in Ghana must meet established national standards or face confiscation.
The statement further emphasised that mattresses failing to meet these standards not only compromise sleep quality but also contribute to long-term health complications, including spinal and neck pain.
Despite the GSA’s commitment, manufacturers have expressed frustration over delays in implementation and called for stronger enforcement mechanisms.
They urged the GSA to work in close collaboration with the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority and national law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute violators of Ghana’s quality standards.
Manufacturers are also appealing to consumers to remain vigilant and prioritise their health by verifying that any mattress they purchase bears the GSA certification mark.
Moreover, they caution the public against purchasing suspiciously cheap mattresses that lack proper labelling or identifiable branding, as these were often indicators of substandard or counterfeit products.
As the official enforcement deadline had expired with no show, the local producers insisted that much more than business interests were at stake.
They argued that without swift and sustained action, the health and safety of Ghanaian consumers would continue to be compromised.
“Public awareness, strict enforcement, and collaboration among regulatory bodies are essential if we are to protect the integrity of the local industry and the wellbeing of the Ghanaian people,” Mr Darko indicated.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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The Founder of the Raissa Child Protection Initiative, Ms Raissa Sambou, has urged authorities to impose severe punishment on individuals, including teachers and guardians, who sexually abuse young girls.
Speaking in an interview to mark this year’s International Day of the Girl Child (October 11), Ms Sambou condemned the increasing cases of sexual exploitation involving minors, describing such acts as “heartless, criminal, and a total betrayal of trust.”
She noted that those entrusted with the care and education of children must not be the same people who violate them, stressing that “anyone found guilty of abusing a girl child must face the full rigours of the law without leniency.”
The International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually to promote the rights of girls, empower them to reach their full potential, and draw attention to the challenges they face worldwide.
Ms Sambou lamented that poverty continues to push many young girls into vulnerable situations, exposing them to exploitation.
She expressed concern that some headmasters, teachers, and community members who should protect girls rather take advantage of them.
“This must stop immediately. The safety of every girl must never be compromised,” she said, urging the public to report all forms of abuse to the appropriate authorities and called for swift action by law enforcement agencies against perpetrators.
Addressing girls directly, Ms Sambou encouraged them to take their education seriously and to believe in their potential.
“It is possible to be young and responsible. Your future is bright, protect it, believe in it, and never let anyone dim your light,” she advised.
She further urged girls to choose their friends wisely, stay disciplined, and speak up if anyone makes sexual advances toward them.
Ms Sambou concluded with a rallying call for collective action, saying “speak up, protect them, and empower them. Together, we can end the sexual exploitation of girls.”
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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