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Persons with albinism call for specialised healthcare
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Mr Gomez Agbodo, the Secretary to the Persons with Albinism in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region, has appealed for an urgent establishment of a dedicated healthcare support systems for this vulnerable group across the country.
He said persons with albinism in Ketu South and other parts of the country continued to face serious challenges in accessing specialised and quality healthcare, particularly skin and eye care, exposing them to life-threatening conditions such as skin cancer and visual impairment.
Mr Agbodo made the appeal during a New Year interaction, organised by Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ketu South, which brought together Persons with Disabilities and other vulnerable groups in the Municipality.
He noted that due to the unique genetic condition of persons with albinism, they required consistent medical attention, early diagnosis and specialised treatment, which were often unavailable or poorly handled in many public healthcare facilities.
“The struggle to access proper healthcare as a person with albinism is overwhelming. Many health facilities lack trained personnel who understand our condition, and this affects the quality of care we receive,” he explained.
Mr Agbodo recounted a personal experience where he sought medical care at a local health facility in the municipality but was discouraged by the level of professionalism and understanding exhibited by health workers.
“I once visited a hospital here, but the care was not encouraging. Eventually, I had to travel to a specialised clinic in Togo to receive proper treatment,” he narrated.
He explained that persons with albinism were highly vulnerable to the effects of direct sunlight, insect bites and untreated skin conditions, which could easily develop into skin cancer if not managed early.
“Our skin lacks melanin, so when we are exposed to harsh sunlight or suffer minor skin injuries like mosquito bites without early treatment, it can lead to severe complications, including skin cancer,” he explained.
Furthermore, Mr Agbodo noted that although early medical intervention could prevent most of these conditions, the lack of specialised services, dermatologists, sunscreen support and sensitised healthcare workers, remained a major barrier.
He appealed to Madam Gomashie to raise the concerns of persons with albinism at the national level and advocate for policies that would prioritise their health needs, including the establishment of specialised clinics and training of health professionals.
He expressed hope that with strong advocacy and government commitment, persons with albinism would receive the dignity, protection and healthcare they deserved.
The New Year gathering provided a platform for various vulnerable groups to interact with the MP and share concerns affecting their welfare, inclusion and development. –GNA
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Businessman Mr. Ibrahim Mahama has denied reports linking him to a takeover bid for the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO).
His reaction follows a demonstration by members of the VALCO Labour Union today, during which some protesters alleged that Mr. Mahama was interested in acquiring the state-owned aluminium company.
In a statement issued by his Special Aide, Rafik Mahama, the businessman said he has “no such interest” and has not made any offer to acquire VALCO.
“The allegation is the latest in several vile attempts to impute the integrity of Mr. Ibrahim Mahama and subject him to needless public engagements,” the statement said.
The statement added that Mr. Mahama’s business track record speaks for itself, describing his companies as “some of the best-run operations across the African continent.”
It further noted that all of Mr. Mahama’s business interests were “legally commenced or acquired” and operate within the law a fact it said explains why his businesses have endured across seven election cycles.
“Mr. Mahama remains committed to contributing his quota to the development of Ghana by investing in business opportunities in Ghana and beyond,” the statement added.
The statement also disclosed that Mr. Mahama has instructed his lawyers to take the necessary legal action over the publication and allegations.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The leadership of Kristo Asafo has dismissed reports circulating on social media and in some media outlets that the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka will be buried on July 30, 2026, describing the claim as false.
The current head of the Kantanka family and leader of Kristo Asafo, Kwadwo Safo Akofena Kantanka, addressed the issue during a press conference in Accra today.
He said no burial date has been set and urged members of the church and the general public to disregard any unofficial announcements.
“I urge the members of Kristo Asafo and the nation to disregard any burial date out there,” Akofena said.
He further stressed that neither the leadership of the church nor the Kantanka family has made any such announcement regarding the funeral.
According to him, all official funeral arrangements will be communicated only through a formal statement from the Kantanka family when the time is due.
Akofena Safo Kantanka said the family remains united in ensuring that the final funeral rites are conducted in a manner that befits the legacy of the late Apostle.
He called on Ghanaians to remain calm and wait for the official communication from the family, warning against the spread of misinformation.
Background
Apostle Dr. Ing. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, founder and spiritual leader of Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana, passed away recently, plunging the church and the nation into mourning.
The late Apostle was widely known not only as a religious leader but also as an industrialist, inventor, and founder of the Kantanka Group of Companies, which manufactures vehicles and other machinery in Ghana.
Since his passing, there has been heightened public interest in his funeral arrangements.
It would be recalled that a faction of the siblings and family led by former MP Adwoa Safo had earlier announced a proposed burial date and arrangements.
That announcement, however, has been rejected by the current leadership of both the church and the family.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
