News
‘Engage autistic children in physical activity to develop their brains’
- /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Phil-and-Mum3.jpg&description=‘Engage autistic children in physical activity to develop their brains’', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Phil-and-Mum3.jpg&description=‘Engage autistic children in physical activity to develop their brains’', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
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
The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested former professional boxer Michael Ayitey Okai, popularly known as “Ayitey Powers,” over an alleged threat of death against the Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo.
According to the Police, the 46-year-old former boxer was arrested on Monday, August 24, 2026, in connection with the alleged threat.
The Police said the arrest followed a video circulating on social media in which Ayitey Powers is alleged to have issued the threat against Mr Ampofo.
He is currently in Police custody and is assisting with investigations.
The Accra Regional Police Command said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged threat and determine the appropriate action to be taken in accordance with the law.
The Command has urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information about the matter while the investigation continues.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Minority Leader in Parliament Alexander Afenyo Markin has sued the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, and Multimedia Group Limited over alleged defamatory comments made against him on the Newsfile programme.
In a writ filed at the High Court in Accra, Mr Afenyo Markin is seeking GH¢15 million in damages, an apology and retraction of the statements, among other reliefs.
The suit follows comments allegedly made by Mr Gyamfi during the Saturday, August 22, 2026 edition of Newsfile, hosted by Samson Lardy Anyenini.
According to the statement of claim, Mr Gyamfi described Mr Afenyo Markin as an “extortionist” while responding to a question about GoldBod’s reported profits and its position on losses arising from its operations.
The plaintiff claims that Mr Gyamfi repeated the allegation when the host sought clarification on whether he stood by the description.
Mr Afenyo Markin further claims that Mr Gyamfi challenged him to sue him and insisted that the allegation was true.
The plaintiff argues that the statements created the impression that he engages in extortion, uses his political influence to put improper pressure on public institutions and officials, and conducts himself in a manner inconsistent with the standards expected of a lawyer and public office holder.
He denies the allegations and maintains that he is not an extortionist and has never engaged in the conduct alleged by Mr Gyamfi.
The Minority Leader also argues that the comments were made maliciously and were presented as facts without evidence being disclosed.
He claims the statements have damaged his reputation, professional standing and public image, particularly because of his position as a senior political figure and legal practitioner.
The suit also names Multimedia Group Limited as a defendant because, according to the plaintiff, the alleged defamatory comments were broadcast through JoyNews and subsequently circulated on social media platforms, including X, Facebook and YouTube.
Mr Afenyo Markin claims Multimedia failed to stop the comments or deactivate Mr Gyamfi’s microphone after the allegations were made.
He is therefore asking the court to award him general, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as GH¢15 million in compensation and legal costs.
He is also seeking an order compelling the defendants to issue a full, unconditional and unequivocal retraction and public apology.
The plaintiff wants the apology and retraction to be given similar prominence and reach as the original publication, including through JoyNews and the social media platforms where the comments were disseminated.
He is further seeking a permanent injunction preventing the defendants from repeating the alleged defamatory statements or words with a similar meaning.
The writ requires the defendants to enter an appearance within eight days after being served.
It warns that failure to do so could result in judgment being entered in their absence.
The case was filed by lawyer Paa Kwesi Abaidoo of Dehyena Chambers on behalf of Mr Afenyo Markin.
By: Jacob Aggrey
