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Give children basic swimming lessonsproofread …UNICEF urges
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Children playing in or around water without proper supervision and safety measures can turn a joyful moment into a tragedy within seconds, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned.
According to UNICEF, drowning remains one of the 10 leading causes of death among people aged between one and 24 years globally, with children under the age of five facing the greatest risk.
This was contained in a statement to commemorate the World Drowning Prevention Day, which is marked annually on July 25 to strengthen global and national efforts to reduce drowning.
In Ghana alone, an estimated 1,100 people lose their lives through drowning every year, representing about three deaths each day, with children and young adults accounting for the majority of the victims.
Describing drowning as largely preventable, UNICEF urged parents, caregivers and communities to make child safety around water a priority by taking simple but lifesaving precautions.
The agency encouraged parents and community members to learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and basic water rescue skills to enable them to respond quickly during emergencies without putting themselves at risk.
UNICEF also stressed that no child should be left unattended in, on or around water, warning parents against relying on older siblings or other adults to supervise young children.
It advised caregivers to keep children within arm’s reach at all times and avoid distractions, such as mobile phones or conversations.
The agency further recommended the installation of barriers such as fences around swimming pools, ponds and other water bodies, covering wells and water containers, emptying buckets and portable pools after use, and ensuring bathroom doors and toilet lids remain closed when not in use.
For older children, UNICEF advised parents to enrol them in swimming and water safety lessons, while reminding caregivers never to leave infants and toddlers alone during bath time, even for a few moments.
Meanwhile at launch of the PROTECT Technical Package in Accra last Thursday, World Health Organisation (WHO) decried the drowning menace as one of the world’s most neglected yet preventable public health and development challenges.
PROTECT Technical Package is a global policy framework aimed at accelerating efforts to reduce drowning as a major public health threat.
The Deputy Minister for the Interior, Mr Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, said the government was enhancing water rescue training and emergency response, swift water rescue, boat handling, resuscitation and incident management.
The WHO Representative to Ghana, Dr Fiona Braka, said about 300,000 people died from drowning globally each year with more than 90 per cent of the deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries.
She attributed the cause of drowning to poverty, rapid urbanisation, and inadequate water safety measures, increasing reliance on water for transport and livelihoods and climate change.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
The Ministry of Education has condemned the alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old student with autism at Bolgatanga Girls’ Senior High School (BOGISS) in the Upper East Region.
The ministry, in a statement issued on August 20, 2026, indicated that two watchmen employed by the school are alleged to have sexually abused the student.
It described the incident as unacceptable and stressed that schools must protect and care for students, particularly children who are vulnerable.
The ministry made it clear that the student cannot be blamed for the alleged abuse.
“The Ministry wishes to state unequivocally that a minor cannot be held responsible for sexual abuse perpetrated against her by an adult,” it stated.
The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to investigate the matter and submit a report immediately.
He has directed the GES to ensure that the student receives the necessary medical care and counselling to support her recovery.
The ministry further directed that the student’s boarding status at BOGISS be restored immediately.
It assured the student’s family and the public that it would work to ensure that justice is served.
The ministry described the incident as an act of indiscipline and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the safety, dignity and rights of students in schools across the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Former Deputy Minister for Local Government and NDC aspiring national chairman, Nii Lante Vanderpuye has apologised to GoldBod Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over comments he made during a discussion on Channel one TV.
In a statement dated August 20, 2026, Mr Vanderpuye acknowledged that his comments during the programme did not properly communicate his intended position.
He explained that he had no intention of undermining Mr Gyamfi or supporting criticisms being directed at him and GoldBod by the opposition.
According to him, his intention was to defend the work of GoldBod and the efforts of its CEO, but he expressed himself in a way that created a different impression.
“For that error of judgement and communication, I am sincerely sorry,” Mr Vanderpuye stated.
He particularly apologised to Mr Gyamfi, describing him as a dedicated member of the NDC who has served the party with courage and commitment.
Mr Vanderpuye also apologised to the leadership, members and grassroots of the NDC who may have been disappointed or hurt by his comments.
He acknowledged that party members expect leaders and those seeking greater responsibility within the NDC to show solidarity, good judgement and loyalty, especially when members and institutions led by them face political attacks.
Mr Vanderpuye further stressed that he has spent a significant part of his political life supporting and fighting for the NDC, including during difficult personal and political periods.
He reaffirmed that the NDC remains his political home and that his loyalty and commitment to the party remain unwavering.
The issue started after the Minority in Parliament, led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo Markin, accused GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi of being responsible for an alleged GH¢22 billion loss at the institution.
Mr Gyamfi later responded to the allegations during the government’s accountability series, defending GoldBod and its work.
However, during a discussion on channel one TV, Nii Lante Vanderpuye made some comments that were understood by some people as being critical of Mr Gyamfi and GoldBod.
His comments sparked concerns among some NDC supporters, leading him to apologise to Mr Gyamfi, the party leadership and its members.
By: Jacob Aggrey
