News
‘Introduce children to hobbies, not phones’
A child with a phone
A registered member of the Ghana Psychology Association (GPA), Dr May Wulff-Caesar, has advised parents to be interested in technology to enable them have more control over the devices of their children.
She said learning about technology could also help parents to monitor activities of their children on the phone.
She said this last week during a virtual seminar organised by the Mental Health Authority (MHA) on the topic, ‘conquering phone addiction: sharing real life experience.’
“As parents, we need to introduce hobbies to our children which will enable them get off the screens in addition to extra curriculum activities that will keep them busy and away from the devices,” she said.
Dr Wulff-Caesar said studies have proven that excessive use of cell phones could lead to anxiety and depression where persons addicted to their smartphones were more likely to experience mental health issues such as chronic stress and low emotional stability.
She said it would be beneficial for parents to set rules and regulations as well as some activities that would take the attention of children off the phone.
“Studies have proven that excessive use of cell phones could lead to anxiety and depression where persons addicted to their smartphones were more likely to experience mental health issues such as chronic stress and low emotional stability,” she added.
Some negative effects of phone addiction, Dr Wulff-Caesar said were exposure to radiation, changes in cognitive ability, problems with social or emotional skills, problems sleeping and mental laziness.
The Deputy Director, Health Promotion, MHA, Dr Amankwa Arthur, said using phones for research purposes and assignments had increased children’s addiction, adding that “it is toxic and worrying.”
According to Dr Arthur, poor family relationship and boredom were some of the contributory factors to the menace, adding that children find solace with the phone rather than having a quality time with the family.
A Clinical Psychologist and Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr Seth Mawusi Asafo, said although the contributory factors were enormous, it was necessary to build a broad range of activities for children and other persons affected to manage boredom to prevent the attitude of being on the screens very often.
In order to get the children off the addiction, Dr Asafo urged parents to be moderate and patient with children when dealing with the challenge.
By Spectator Reporter
Ahyiresu and Abofrem, two quiet communities in the Atwima Mponua District, have been shaken to the core by a chilling midnight drama that reads like a nightmare.
A pastor and a young mother stand accused of attempting to bury a five‑month‑old baby girl alive, a crime that has ignited outrage and disbelief across the township.
According to police, Apostle Richmond Akwasi Frimpong, 36, Head Pastor of the Anointed Grace Prayer Ministry at Kuffour Camp, conspired with his uncle Emmanuel Appiah, 53, and the child’s mother, 23‑year‑old Beatrice Agyapomaa, to dispose of the infant, Anaya Achiaa, under the cover of darkness.
A fourth suspect, Emmanuel Donkor, remains on the run.
The suspects were caught near a refuse dump around 10 pm on April 9, 2026, after a vigilant resident, Akwasi Twezor, noticed their suspicious movements.
When confronted, they claimed the child was already dead and had palace approval for burial. But Twezor’s instincts proved right—the baby was still alive, gasping faintly for breath.
Chief Linguist, Nana Yaw Badu, later confirmed that Frimpong had misled him earlier in the evening, securing permission for burial by falsely declaring the child dead.
The infant was rushed to the Abofrem Clinic, where she is now responding well to treatment. Police described her as “very beautiful.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Evelyn Yitamkey, Commander of DOVVSU in Bibiani, confirmed that the suspects have been provisionally charged.
Frimpong faces attempted murder and conspiracy charges, while Agyapomaa and Appiah are charged with conspiracy and abetment.
They were remanded by the Bibiani Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Frank Asiedu Nimako, to assist investigations.
The docket has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for advice, ASP Yitamkey indicated.
The attempted crime has provoked fury among residents, many suspecting ritual motives aimed at bolstering the pastor’s influence.
Crowds attempted to attack the suspects outside court, but police intervention prevented mob justice.
The Assembly Member for Ahyiresu, Yusuf Suleiman, has assured residents that justice will be pursued swiftly.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
The forecourt of the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) in Accra came alive on Friday with colour, creativity and innovation, as Level 300 students transformed the space into a lively exhibition of ideas.
Under the theme “Building meaningful brands beyond the logo,” the students invited patrons into a world where ordinary products were reimagined through storytelling, design and purpose.
From scented candles to innovative food concepts, each stand told a unique story, one that went beyond aesthetics to capture identity, value and human connection.
For many of the students, the event was more than just an academic exercise; it was a moment to dream out loud.
Guided by their lecturer, Peter Wonders, they explored what it truly means to build a brand in today’s competitive world where trust, consistency and experience matter just as much as logos and slogans.
Chairman of the occasion, Nana Kum Gyata VI, in his remarks said a brand is what people say about you when you are not present.
At the end of the presentations, awards were presented to deserving groups with Vida Nyaneba emerging as the overall best branding student.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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