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
The Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, says Parliament and government officials are working closely with authorities in the Netherlands following the detention of the Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North, Kwame Ohene Frimpong.
Speaking on the matter on Channel One news yesterday, Mr. Dafeamekpor disclosed that the MP was detained at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam on Sunday while travelling on a private trip.
According to him, Mr. Frimpong personally informed him about the incident around 5 a.m. on the day of the arrest.
He said the issue was immediately escalated to parliamentary leadership and other state officials for intervention.
Mr. Dafeamekpor explained that the Majority Leader, who was in transit at Heathrow Airport in London at the time, travelled to Schiphol to engage the detained MP and better understand the situation.
He added that the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ghana’s Ambassador to The Hague, the Attorney General, the Speaker of Parliament and the Clerk to Parliament had all been involved in efforts to address the matter.
According to him, a Ghanaian lawyer based in The Hague and qualified to practise there has also been engaged to represent the MP.
“The lawyer is dealing with the issues, but let me confirm that he is fine,” Mr. Dafeamekpor stated.
He noted that Parliament and the legal team were still waiting for official documents, including an authenticated copy of the arrest warrant and other details from Dutch prosecutors handling the matter.
The South Dayi MP therefore urged the media and the public to avoid speculation until all facts surrounding the case are confirmed.
“We want to urge all the media houses not to be throwing in things that have not been confirmed,” he said.
Mr. Dafeamekpor further explained that Parliament’s involvement was partly because the MP was travelling with a diplomatic passport.
He noted that extradition and detention cases involving political figures are not uncommon internationally, citing examples such as former Chilean leader Augusto Pinochet and Julian Assange.
According to him, authorities are hopeful the matter can be resolved for the MP to return to Ghana safely.
He appealed to the MP’s family, colleagues in Parliament and the public to remain calm while diplomatic and legal processes continue.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ghana Water Ltd has announced temporary water supply interruptions in several parts of western Accra following technical challenges at the Weija Water Treatment Plant.
In a press release issued on May 13, the company explained that the challenges had affected water production and distribution in some communities.
According to the management of the company, residents in areas including Dansoman, Mamprobi, Mataheko, Laterbiokorshie, Korle Bu, La Paz, MacCarthy Hill, Gbawe, Mallam, Tesano, Darkuman, North Kaneshie, Dome, Achimota, Anyaa and Ablekuma may experience low water pressure and erratic water supply.
Management noted that engineers and technical teams were working to fix the problem and restore normal water supply as soon as possible.
The company advised consumers to store water whenever there is flow in their communities in order to manage the temporary disruption.
It urged essential service providers to contact their Assembly Members or the Ghana Water Ltd Call Centre for assistance.
The company apologized to customers affected by the situation and appealed for calm and cooperation while efforts continue to resolve the challenge.
By: Jacob Aggrey
