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‘Prioritise children’s diet to prevent malnutrition’
Dr Ankrah
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Arise Foods Limited, Dr. Nana AchiaaAnkrah,has identified the poor dieting among children as a contributory factor that affect the development of children and leads to nutritional deficiencies.
According to the pharmacist, it is essential to provide children with appropriate nutrition at the right times and in proper proportions to foster their complete growth and well-being.
In her opinion, the food a child consumes could serve as either the safest and essential medicine or could even be poison.
Speaking to The Spectator, Dr. Ankrah emphasised the importance of closely monitoring the nutritional benefits in a child’s diet, as it holds the potential to curb malnutrition.
She mentioned iron, calcium, zinc, and protein as key nutritional values to consider when preparing a child’s meal.
Highlighting iron as an essential nutritional benefit, the pharmacist said iron aids in the production of haemoglobin (blood), which supports brain function.
She said iron helps maintain a healthy immune system, increases energy production, and reduces fatigue.
Dr. Ankrah explained that calcium plays a crucial role in building strong bones and teeth, contributing to proper muscle function.
Calcium, she said, aids in blood clotting, hormone secretion, and various enzyme activities within the human system.
The pharmacist mentioned that, zinc plays a role in promoting general immune health and facilitating wound healing, while also contributing to the maintenance of healthy skin.
“Most importantly, zinc aids in metabolism and contributes to normal growth and development of children,” Dr. Ankrah expressed.
Describing protein as a nutritional benefit, Dr. Ankrah said it helps in the growth and repair of body tissues, healthy muscles, skin, hair, and nails.
She said protein supports the production of enzymes, hormones, and antibodies that help maintain a healthy immune system.
By Alfred Ankrah
Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has made a generous donation to the country’s national female Under-17 and Under-20 teams – Black Maidens and Black Princesses- as they continue preparations for major international assignments.
The donation, made on Friday, May 22, was presented on behalf of the First Lady by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, at the GFA Technical Centre in Prampram.
The gesture forms part of efforts to motivate and support Ghana’s young female footballers as they prepare to represent the country on the international stage.
The donation included essential food items and toiletries aimed at supporting the welfare and well-being of the players and technical teams.
The donation included cartons of Milo, T-rolls, soft drinks, toiletries, and a range of essential supplies aimed at supporting the welfare of the players, enhancing camp conditions, and easing preparations ahead of their respective assignments.
The Black Maidens are currently engaged in preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers and are set to take on Liberia women’s national under-17 football team in the second-leg encounter in Liberia this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Black Princesses have already secured qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Uganda in the qualifiers, extending Ghana’s remarkable record to eight consecutive appearances at the tournament.
The donation by the First Lady was expected to boost morale within both camps while reinforcing national support for the young female footballers who continue to make the country proud.
The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.
The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.
The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.
State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.
The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.
The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:
With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
