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Mumps outbreak hits Keta
The Keta Municipal Health Directorate in the Volta Region has reported a surge in mumps cases, sparking concerns among residents in the area.
The disease, caused by a viral infection, has spread rapidly in the Municipality, with about 50 persons reportedly affected in the Keta township.
Madam Tsoeke Dzorgbenyui Seanefu, a nurse at the Keta Municipal Health Directorate, disclosed that mumps is a highly contagious disease that affects the salivary glands and presents symptoms such as facial swelling, fever, and headache. She linked the outbreak to poor hygiene and overcrowding.
“The causes of mumps include the mumps virus, which spreads through respiratory droplets, contact with infected saliva, and contaminated surfaces,” she said.
She explained that symptoms include swelling of the parotid glands, fever, headache, muscle aches, and loss of appetite. In some cases, complications such as meningitis or orchitis may occur.
Madam Seanefu emphasised that mumps spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s saliva or respiratory droplets, sharing food, drinks, or utensils, and touching contaminated surfaces.
“Those at highest risk of contracting mumps include unvaccinated children and adults, people living in crowded areas, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The effects of mumps can be severe, including meningitis (inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord), orchitis (inflammation of the testicles), and oophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries),” she added.
To prevent or curb mumps, she advised residents to visit hospitals or the nearest health centre for vaccination (MMR vaccine), practice good hygiene by washing hands regularly under running water, avoid sharing food, drinks, or utensils, and stay away from infected individuals.
She urged residents to prioritise hygiene and seek medical attention early if symptoms persist.
She noted that mumps cases are treatable with rest, hydration, and pain management, but medical attention is crucial to prevent complications.
The Keta Municipal Health Directorate is closely monitoring the situation and working to contain the outbreak through public education on mumps, its treatment, and vaccination services for affected individuals. – GNA
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Member of Parliament for Kpandai constituency, Matthew Nyindam, has argued that he would have defeated the National Democratic Congress candidate if a rerun election had been held, insisting that his loss was a battle against the power of the state rather than a fair contest.
Nyindam explained that his legal challenge to the 2024 parliamentary election was based on irregularities in four polling stations.
He noted that his team expected the court to address those specific concerns, not to order a fresh election across the entire constituency.
According to him, the decision to rerun the election confirmed what he described as a long standing pattern of unfair conduct by the NDC in Kpandai.
He added that he anticipated the chance to appeal the ruling but was surprised when Parliament later declared his seat vacant.
Nyindam stressed that the declaration of the seat left him feeling unfairly treated.
He maintained that he won the election clearly and believed the process that followed was aimed at removing him from Parliament prematurely.
He further stated that the situation turned into a contest between himself and the state.
He explained that running against the full weight of government made the election difficult, as ministers, MPs, chief executives and other officials were actively involved in campaigning, with resources flowing into the constituency.
Despite these challenges, Nyindam expressed confidence in his political strength, stating that under normal circumstances he would have beaten his opponent comfortably.
He added that he ultimately left the outcome in the hands of God, believing that destiny would determine whether he returned to Parliament.
Nyindam concluded that although the experience was painful, he believes it will serve a greater purpose in his political journey.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, has admitted that the party did not achieve its desired results in the Ashanti Region during the 2024 general election but maintained that the region remained the party’s strongest support base.
Addressing the media after a post election review, Wontumi said the party quickly set up a regional committee to investigate the reasons for the loss and to propose solutions.
He explained that a subcommittee was tasked to study what went wrong and recommend ways to improve future performance.
According to him, the committee’s report highlighted both the party’s mistakes and areas that need improvement.
He noted that the party has taken lessons from the findings and is ready to make changes.
Wontumi stressed that he learns quickly and is committed to applying the recommendations.
He emphasized that despite not meeting expectations, votes from the Ashanti Region significantly contributed to the party’s overall national performance.
He explained that the region pushed the party to the final figures it recorded in the 2024 election and still produced more votes than any other region.
Wontumi added that a post mortem of the results would show that the Ashanti Region performed better than others, even though the party fell short of its target.
He described the region’s effort as commendable.
He said the party now understands what voters in the Ashanti Region expect and assured them that the NPP will engage them better and work to meet their needs in future elections.
By: Jacob Aggrey
