News
Ghana Health Service warns of rising seasonal flu cases
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has raised concern over an increase in seasonal influenza cases being recorded in parts of the country.
According to the Service, the flu cases confirmed as Influenza A strains H3N2 and H1N1 have been detected mainly in the Greater Accra, Central, Bono, and Eastern Regions.
These infections coincide with Ghana’s annual flu season, which usually peaks during the cooler months.
The GHS explained that symptoms of the illness include sudden fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, and fatigue.
The virus spreads easily through droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking, as well as by touching contaminated surfaces.
Crowded places such as schools, dormitories, markets, and transport stations are considered high-risk areas for transmission.
The most vulnerable groups include children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.
The Service advised the public to seek medical care early when experiencing flu-like symptoms, stay home when unwell, and maintain good hygiene by washing hands regularly, covering coughs and sneezes, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
It also encouraged the wearing of face masks in crowded places and avoiding close contact with sick persons.
To address the situation, the health system has enhanced surveillance, introduced rapid testing in health facilities, updated treatment protocols, and intensified public education campaigns.
With schools reopened across the country, the GHS is working closely with the Ghana Education Service to ensure that preventive measures are strictly followed to protect students and staff.
Acting Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, assured the public that measures are in place to control the spread of the flu and urged everyone to cooperate to protect themselves and their communities.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
