News
‘Outcome of primaries indicates NPP’s non-performance’
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has observed that the outcome of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP’s) parliamentary primaries over the weekend was as a result of the non performance of the government.
At the polls in 101 constituencies, 40 sitting Members of Parliament including 11 parliamentary committee chairmen, four vice chairmen, two regional ministers, a minister of state and three deputy ministers of state all lost their seats to their contenders.
Addressing the media in Accra yesterday, Sammy Gyamfi, the Communications Officer of the NDC said the decision of the NPP delegates was an invitation to the larger Ghanaian voter to show the government the exit in the December polls.
“The results that emerged from the NPP primaries reflect the dissatisfaction of NPP supporters and Ghanaians at large with the abysmal performance of the Akufo-Addo government.
“The defeat of so many incumbent Members of Parliament especially those in parliamentary leadership and government shows that the NPP delegates voted for change and passed an overwhelming vote of no confidence in their own government,” Mr Gyamfi said.
According to him, the opposition party’s checks have revealed that many first-time MPs lost their seats because no developmental projects have been undertaken in their constituencies in the last three and half years.
“The one million dollar per constituency which were promised has become a pipe dream. So these first-time MPs could not undertake any significant developmental projects in their constituencies for the benefit of their constituents,” he added.
He said the MPs Common Fund which fills in for government shortfalls in the local area has been in arrears for more than two quarters.
“So the non-performance of the Akufo-Addo government is what affected most of these first-time incumbent MPs per our checks and that is a testament to the monumental failure of President Akufo-Addo and his government.”
On the defiance of Covid-19 preventive protocols during the primaries, Sammy Gyamfi said it was sad, cruel and reprehensible for President Akufo-Addo who promulgated the law that has led to arrest, prosecution and imprisonment of pastors and other Ghanaians to turn around and supervise the violation of same by his party folks and officials with impunity.
“This is unacceptable and abominable particularly at a time church and mosque gatherings have been restricted to not more than 100 attendees and duration of one hour and at a time Ghanaians who have been found of not wearing face masks are being subjected to all manner of degrading and inhumane treatments.
“The recklessness and the lawlessness displayed by the NPP during their primaries coupled with the selective application of the law on Covid-19 preventive protocols by our law enforcement agents make the imprisonment of Ghanaians who were convicted for breeching public gathering restrictions under EI 64 is totally unjustifiable and unfair.
“People have gone to jail for this and we believe that we must all hold President Akufo-Addo to these same standards; either than that, then we have no business imprisoning people in this country.
“We must as well release the pastors and citizens who have been imprisoned as a result of the enforcement of this very law because nobody is above the law in this country.”
Source: Ghanaian Times
News
‘Thousands of Ghanaian women suffering from Obstetric Fistula’
Thousands of Ghanaian women continue to suffer in silence from Obstetric Fistula (OF) due to inadequate access to surgical treatment, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has revealed.
Dr Wilfred Ochan, UNFPA’s Country Representative, disclosed that over the past decade, Ghana has accumulated a backlog of more than 12,000 untreated cases, despite recording an estimated 1,300 new cases each year.
He made the remarks during a visit to the New Times Corporation (NTC) in Accra to mark the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula (IDEOF).
“Only 1,000 repairs have been done in 10 years. That leaves thousands of women isolated, in pain, and excluded from society due to a condition that is both preventable and treatable,” Dr Ochan said.
He stressed the need for greater investment in surgical capacity, public awareness, and partnership, especially with the private sector— to accelerate Ghana’s efforts to eliminate the condition by 2030.
Obstetric Fistula results from prolonged or obstructed labour without timely medical care, causing a hole between the birth canal and bladder or rectum, leading to continuous leakage of urine or faeces. The consequences include stigma, chronic incontinence, and often, the death of the baby.
To help close the treatment gap, the UNFPA is working with health institutions including the Komfo Anokye and Cape Coast Teaching hospitals to scale up surgeries and outreach.
“We must not allow women to suffer lifelong trauma for simply trying to give life,” Dr Ochan urged.
The Managing Director, Mr Martin Adu-Owusu, pledged NTC’s support in raising public awareness and promoting maternal health initiatives.
“We are ready to collaborate with you to ensure that maternal deaths and issues affecting women come down to the barest minimum so that together we can achieve the UN goal to eliminating Obstetric Fistula by 2030,” he said
By Esinam Jemima Esinam
News
Inflated prices of Abaya, Jalabiya on Eid-al-Adha celebration
Muslims in Ghana and all over the world yesterday observed the Eid-al-Adha celebration.
It falls on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar and is celebrated by Muslims to mark the end of the month-long dawn-to-dusk fasting of Ramadan.
The build up to yesterday’s edition was characterised by a high demand for traditional Islamic attire here in Tamale, leading to a sharp rise in prices.
Checks by The Spectator from the various markets in the Tamale area revealed that prices for popular outfits like the Abaya, Jalabiya, and Kaftan have skyrocketed within the period.
Although there is no prescribed outfit for the celebration, many Muslims in Tamale traditionally choose modest and loose-fitting garments that reflect Islamic values.
Abayas and Jalabiyas often imported from Turkey, Dubai, Egypt, and Northern Nigeria have become particularly the most sought-after attires, resulting in the price hikes.
Currently, prices for men’s attire range from GH₵250 to GH₵800 while women’s outfits are selling from GH₵350 to GH₵1000.
Children’s garments are also not left out of the pricing craze. Bargaining for the youngsters starts from GH₵150.
Hajia Naila Abdul Karim, owner of ‘Cover with Style,’ confirmed a significant surge in sales in the holy month.
“Each day, more than 20 people, mostly women walk into the shop. We also send over 40 parcels daily to customers across the country,” she stated.
She attributed the price increases to the cedi’s depreciation and a recent shortage of Turkish imports, noting that most of her stock now comes from Dubai.
Hamdia Kamil, a loyal customer, shared her experience: “Two years ago, I bought an Abaya for GH₵350. This year, it’s GH₵650. I had no choice because it’s a special occasion and I want to feel good. Still, I hope the dresses are made affordable so others can also celebrate in style.”
At Baby Last Closet in Sakasaka, another fashion outlet, prices for women’s outfits range from GH₵350 to GH₵1,300, while men’s attire goes from GH₵250 to GH₵1,000.
“Some customers complain about the cost, but because it’s Ramadan, many still go ahead and buy,” said the shop owner.
Similarly, Mandy’s Haven at Zogbeli sells exclusively for Eid celebrations, dealing in high-end Abayas, Jalabiyas, and Kaftan materials. Prices there reflect quality and origin, with female attire ranging from GH₵450 to GH₵5,000, and kaftan fabric sold at GH₵200 per yard.
For many, including resident Iddrisu Suale, the holy month remains a sacred period despite the economic pressures. “Things are expensive this year, but I still want to make the day special for my children. I plan to get them Abayas and Jalabiyas from Egypt,” he indicated.
Despite the bustling nature of preparation and the high cost of goods, resident expressed optimism of having a good time in observing the deep spiritual significance of the occasion.
Story & photos by Paul Dery
