News
Optic neuropathic cases high in three Northern regions
Examine the eyes regularly
Dr Judith Simon, former Head of the Eye Unit of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) and Medical Director of Northern Community Eye Hospital, a specialist eye hospital in Tamale has complained of a worrying increase in cases of optic neuropathy, a condition that can lead to vision loss or blindness if left untreated.
In an interview with The Spectator in her office in Tamale, she said, over 200 cases have been recorded in the past few months, attributing the rise to severe vitamin deficiencies, particularly vitamins B12, B1, and folate, which are critical for maintaining a healthy optic nerve.
She said places affected most include the Northern, Upper East, and Upper West regions, where access to diverse diets and healthcare services was limited.
“We are seeing an unprecedented number of patients with optic neuropathy, particularly from areas where food insecurity is rampant. These patients are often severely malnourished, and many arrive too late to reverse the damage,” she said.
Dr Simon said optic neuropathy, which involves damage to the optic nerve, can result from various causes, including nutritional deficiencies, chronic diseases like diabetes, and the side effects of certain medications. In this recent surge, malnutrition appears to be the primary driver.
She urged residents in affected areas to seek medical attention at the first sign of vision problems, which can include blurred vision, loss of colour perception, or dark spots in the field of view.
“Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes, though many cases go undetected until the damage is irreversible,” she added.
A health worker (name withheld) at the Eye Department in the Upper East Regional Hospital confirmed such cases and called for immediate action to combat it.
The worker called for increased distribution of vitamin supplements and better access to nutritious food.
The staff also said, the recent spike in optic neuropathy cases serves as a reminder of the broader challenges facing rural communities, where healthcare infrastructure and basic nutritional needs remain unmet.
Dr Abdulai Abukari, the Northern Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, in a brief interview confirmed reports of the cases which he said the service was currently investigating.
He said, there was a public awareness campaign ongoing in various health facilities to educate people on the importance of a balanced diet and regular eye check-ups, especially in vulnerable communities.
From Geoffrey Buta, Tamale
A leading member of the newly rebranded United Party, also known as UP, Hopeson Adorye, has called on Ghanaians who feel dejected or oppressed in politics to join the new party, describing it as a better political home for all.
He made these remarks at the launch and rebranding of the Movement for Change into the United Party (UP) at the Coconut Grove Hotel in Accra on Thursday, October 16.
Mr. Adorye explained that the party was fully ready to serve as an alternative political force to address Ghana’s challenges.
He noted that the UP leadership was focused and determined to change the country’s political structure and bring meaningful transformation.
He stated that the party’s vision was to build a united Ghana, stressing that without unity, the nation could not make real progress.
According to him, the mission of the UP was to create a prosperous country where every citizen could provide for themselves and their families.
Mr. Adorye emphasised that the new party was not formed to destroy any existing political organization but to contest and win elections to bring about the needed change.
He expressed confidence that many Ghanaians from different political backgrounds, including those dissatisfied with their current parties, would join UP+ because of its values and inclusive ideology.
He added that the party was building its structures from the grassroots and hoped to complete them by the end of the year as part of efforts to strengthen its national presence.
The Founder of the United Party (UP), Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, also addressed the gathering and reflected on the transformation of the Movement for Change into the UP+.
He explained that the rebranding marked a new phase of political renewal, symbolized by the monarch butterfly in the party’s logo, which represents transformation, resilience, and endurance.
Mr. Kyerematen noted that the colors of the party yellow, black, and white stood for Ghana’s gold resources, the black star of Africa, and purity, respectively.
He stated that the UP stands for ethical leadership, integrity, and unity, adding that many of its members entered politics to serve the nation, not for personal gain.
He revealed that the party’s Great Transformational Plan (GTP), which has received global recognition, would guide the UP+ government when elected.
“The plan is designed to stabilize the economy, reduce the national debt, and promote industrial growth through ten strategic anchor industries” he added.
He explained that the health policy would emphasize preventive care, community-based services, and the inclusion of traditional and herbal medicine, which many Ghanaians rely on.
Mr. Kyerematen further stated that the UP would promote a strong Pan African agenda, explaining that Ghana’s prosperity must be tied to the wellbeing of the entire continent.
He noted that the party believes in Ghana first, and its policies were anchored on uniting the country and restoring hope in national development.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has appealed to the rank and file of the party to rally behind him as he prepares to lead the party in the 2028 elections.
Addressing delegates in Sene East during his campaign tour, he highlighted key contributions to the party.
He revealed that at the behest of former president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, he left his job at the Bank of Ghana to work for the NPP.
According to him, many asked him to rescind the decision. However, because of his loyalty to the party, he resigned from the bank to be their running mate.
He added that at the African Development Bank, he resigned in 2012 just to serve the party at the highest level.
“I defended the party in 2012. We lost, but I stayed in Ghana to put pressure on John Dramani Mahama and the NDC,” he added.
He is therefore urging the party to choose continuity and to back his leadership.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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