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‘Engage autistic children in physical activity to develop their brains’
Mrs Angel Bertino, the Director of Liztino Centre for children with special needs, has admonished parents to engage their autistic children in physical activity to develop their brains.
She said parents should never lock-up such children in their rooms, because they could be useful when supported and cared for properly.
Autism, a serious developmental disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact, is a huge health concern especially among children across the globe.
The effect of the disorder impacts largely on the development of children and often prevents them from having a normal playful child life as compared with normal children.
Particularly in Ghana especially in the rural areas, such children are labelled outcasts and many of their age mates do not want to associate with them.
That has largely impacted negatively on the development of autistic children and hampered their ability to fit into society as they are usually considered to be liabilities rather than assets.
However, 14-year-old Phil Bertino has changed the narrative as he has defied all odds to live a normal life and gradually become an “Ambassador of Autism” in the country.
Born autistic and unable to speak and relate properly like other growing babies, young Phil following an exceptional support from his mother, Mrs Angel Bertino, could now relate and live an independent life.
The young lad who is near 100 per cent recovery, has become a cycling sensation, plays the piano, tennis, basketball, attends a regular school and living his life to the fullest.
Globally, April is celebrated as the World Autism Month under the auspices of the United Nations.
In view of this, young Phil, with the support of his mother, held series of campaigns across the country to raise the awareness on autism.
Mrs Bertino told “The Spectator” that, his ward had survived autism and was doing amazing things as a child and urged parents to bring out their children as they could live a normal life as any other normal children.
“It started with realising his interest in the sport and got him into cycling along with research on managing autistic children and can boldly say he is almost 100 per cent recovery,” she stated, stressing that he could now read and do almost everything as his peers.
She urged parents with autistic children to bring them out and get them to engage in physical activities as it would develop their brains and help them to recover.
“We need to understand the children , accept them as they are and help them overcome what they are going through now. Government and other stakeholders must go beyond just policies on paper and do more to support children with autism,” she stressed.
By Michael D. Abayateye
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Speaker of Parliament inaugurates open Parliament Steering Committee, launches action plan
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has launched the Open Parliament Steering Committee and the Open Parliament Action Plan.
The ceremony was under the theme “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action.”
The Speaker highlighted the critical role Parliament plays in translating the will of the people into inclusive legislation, responsive policies, and accountable governance.
“The International Day of Parliamentarianism is worth celebrating, as it offers an opportunity not only to recognise and promote achievements in strengthening democratic governance, but also to pause and reflect on the remaining gaps in institutionalising parliamentary democracy,” he said.
He noted that the event was scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Parliamentarianism to reinforce the importance of open and inclusive governance.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is intended to recognise the vital role Parliaments play globally as pillars of democratic governance.
He noted that this marks the first time Ghana is formally observing the day.
“The gravity of our observance is further accentuated as we convene to witness the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan by the Open Government Partnership Caucus,” he said.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, described the Open Parliament Action Plan as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the public.
She said the plan represents a bold commitment to making Parliament more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, described the launch as a key milestone in the effort to build a citizen-focused and accountable Parliament.
He added that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is a call to action to recommit to the highest standards of public service and democratic accountability.
The inauguration was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Majority and Minority Members of Parliament, members of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus, Parliamentary Network Africa, representatives from civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, student bodies, the Parliamentary Press Corps, and other media partners.
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NACOC declares drug menace a national emergency
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior has paid a working visit to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to engage with its leadership and assess operational challenges hampering the fight against illicit drugs.
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Basha Ligbi, Head of the Commission’s Research Bureau, highlighted critical setbacks including broken body scanners at airport terminals, inadequate office infrastructure, overcrowded detention facilities, and deteriorating vehicles.
He also called for the Commission’s headquarters to be reclassified as a security zone, citing growing security risks due to private encroachment and nearby high-rise developments.
Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obiba Mantey, described the escalating drug trade as a national emergency, warning that drug barons now rival armed robbers in threat level and are gaining influence at the highest levels.
He appealed for stronger institutional support and morale-boosting interventions to preserve the integrity of NACOC officers.
Chairman of the Committee and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga, assured the Commission of the Committee’s commitment to escalate the concerns to Parliament and engage key justice sector stakeholders to fast-track reforms in support of NACOC’s mandate.
