News
Pharmacists warn of drug resistance due to galamsey activities
The Pharmacy Technician Association of Ghana (PTAG) has joined the national uproar over the escalating spate of illegal mining with its debilitating effects on the well-being of the people.
The Association has hinted of an emerging patient’s resistance to some drugs used in treating patients with illegal mining (galamsey) side effects.
Pollutants, particularly heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic are often released during gold separation process, where chemicals like cyanide, sulphuric acid and nitric acid were often used.
Mr Addai was speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the sidelines of the Association’s 15th Annual General Conference, held at the University of Cape Coast.
The conference was themed: “Addressing the global antimicrobial resistance: A call for patient education and collaboration.”
According to Mr Richard Ofosu Addai, President of the Association, the continuous use of poisonous chemicals had resulted in the surge of serious uncommon diseases in recent times.
“A serious national health danger is imminent and alarming. We are at a point where many patients are developing resistance to the known medications administered to patients with galamsey side effects.”
Besides the rising cost of treatment for such diseases and affordability, he questioned how one could manage the failure of a doctor’s prescription to treat an ailment because of someone’s negligence in mining.
Mr Addai pointed out the stark reality the nation was facing at this critical juncture of the escalating illegal mining menace, must be tackled head-on.
He queried why, the government had not been able to declare a crackdown on illegal mining after more than seven years in office.
“The country is still grappling with these illegal miners who were continually wreaking havoc on both land and water resources.
“It was imperative that the government promptly prohibited all forms of artisanal mining to cleanse the sector and safeguard the environment,” he stressed.
He also endorsed the united efforts of groups and associations in combating the illicit mining activity, which was a looming threat to both humanity and the ecosystem.
Mr Addai urged Pharmacy Technicians to cultivate a harmonious rapport with patients, educating them on the proper utilization of medications to address issues of misuse and abuse.
Professor Nana Ekua Suapim Nyaniba I, Dehia Hembaa, who presided over the event, implored the government to equip institutions and law enforcement agencies to combat the illicit trafficking of drugs in the country. -GNA
News
President John Dramani Mahama to kick off 2025/26 Premier League season in Accra
The 2025/26 Premier League will officially kick off on Friday, September 12, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium, with the President of the Republic, John Dramani Mahama, performing the ceremonial kick-off ahead of the season opener between Accra Hearts of Oak and league debutants Hohoe United.
President Mahama will be joined by Football Association President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, members of the Executive Council and football fans from across the capital as the curtain rises on what promises to be one of the most exciting campaigns in recent years.
Giants Hearts of Oak will open their quest for a league title when they take on newly promoted Hohoe United under the floodlights of the Accra Sports Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 pm local time (19:00 GMT).
The Phobians, bolstered by new signings and a strong pre-season campaign, are eager to end a four-year run without an opening-day victory, while United will be aiming to make a statement in their first-ever top-flight match.
Before the main fixture, there will be a curtain-raiser between the Black Starlets (Ghana U-17) and Auroras FC, the youth side of Hearts of Oak, at 4:00 pm local time.
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, top Afro-dancehall and reggae musician Stonebwoy (Livingstone Etse Satekla) will deliver a live performance at the venue, ensuring fans enjoy not only football but also top-class entertainment on opening night.
This season is expected to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with traditional heavyweights, ambitious newcomers and revitalized clubs all targeting glory. From title races to survival battles, fans are set for months of excitement, drama and unforgettable moments.
News
GES opens promotion applications for teaching staff
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has invited applications from qualified teachers and officers for promotion to higher ranks within the service.
In a notice signed by the Acting Deputy Director-General for Management Services, Prof. Smile Dzisi, the GES said the ranks available are Deputy Director, Assistant Director I, Assistant Director II and Principal Superintendent.
According to the statement, applicants must meet the minimum years of service required for each position.
Teachers seeking promotion to Deputy Director must have been promoted to Assistant Director I in or before 2021.
Similarly, those applying for Assistant Director I should have held the rank of Assistant Director II since 2021 or earlier.
Applicants for Assistant Director II must have been Principal Superintendents from 2021 or earlier, while those applying for Principal Superintendent must have been Senior Superintendent I since 2021 or before.
The GES stated that teachers with approved Master’s or PhD degrees may use their certificates to apply for promotion out of turn if the qualifications meet set conditions.
These include completing an approved course of study and obtaining the certificate after their previous promotion but not later than 2023.
Applicants are to complete the online application form and upload all required documents in PDF format, except for the passport-size photograph.
The application window runs from Thursday, September 11, to Thursday, October 2, 2025. The GES urged all applicants who had applied earlier to re-apply.
By: Jacob Aggrey
