News
Spain welcomes tourists back as emergency ends
Spain has lifted its state of emergency, reopening its borders to visitors from most of Europe and allowing British tourists in without having to quarantine.
For three months Spain has been under one of Europe’s toughest lockdowns to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez warned that hygiene controls must be observed strictly, despite the easing.
Spain’s COVID-19 death toll stands at 28,322 – the third-highest in the European Union (EU).
The state of emergency was decreed on March14, and for several weeks people could not go out to exercise and children were not allowed to leave their homes for any reason.
Spain normally attracts 80 million tourists a year, with tourism providing more than 12 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Opening up the holiday market again before the summer season is over is seen as crucial to the Spanish economy.
Arrivals will have their temperature taken at the airport, state if they have had the virus and provide contact details. Spain is opening up again to the rest of the EU and Schengen zone countries outside the EU.
And now Spaniards can once again enjoy unrestricted travel in their own country.
But social distancing rules remain in place: people have to stay 1.5m (5ft) apart in public, wear masks in shops and on public transport, where that rule cannot always be kept, and clean their hands frequently.
“We must remain on our guard and strictly follow hygiene and protection measures,” said Mr Sánchez.
He warned of the risk of a second coronavirus wave, “which must be avoided at all costs”.
Spain’s land border with Portugal remains shut until July, at Portugal’s request.
Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya told the BBC that there would no longer be a two-week quarantine for British tourists. Spain is still in discussions over whether the UK will reciprocate.
But she said Spain’s move was “out of respect for the 400,000 British citizens who have second residences in Spain” and who are “dying to benefit” from them.
In recent weeks Spain has been gradually easing restrictions, like its EU neighbours, reopening businesses and public spaces such as parks.
Guillermo Umbria, a Madrid resident, said ending the state of emergency was “very positive for society in general”. -BBC
News
Invest in the welfare of children – UNICEF
The Country Representative for United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Ghana, Mr. Osama Makkawi Khogali, has urged the government and other stakeholders to invest more in the welfare of children.
He explained that Africa was home to a growing number of children, and by the year 2050, four out of every 10 children in the world will live in Africa.
This, he said, was a major reason why more investments are needed in children’s education, health, nutrition, safety, digital access, and job training.
Mr Khogali said this in a statement copied to The Spectator in Accra on Monday June 16 to commemorate the Day of the African Child.
Every year on June 16, the Day of the African Child is celebrated to remember the brave children of the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa. These children stood up against unfair education and fought for their rights. Today, the day reminds everyone to stand up for the rights and welfare of African children.
Mr. Khogali said, “we must act now so that children would not only survive but grow and succeed. Africa’s future is global, and it begins with the children of today.”
The Country Representative for UNICEF said, in Ghana, children make up about 45 per cent of the country’s population, indicating that the future of Ghana depends heavily on how well children were supported and protected today.
He therefore called on governments, communities, families, and individuals to work together and make sure every child has access to good education, health care, safety, and opportunities.
“Helping children now is the smartest way to build a strong and successful country,” he added.
UNICEF is the world’s leading children’s organisation. It works in over 190 countries to protect children’s rights and ensure that every child has the chance to live, grow, and reach their full potential.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
News
First Lady, Lordina Mahama address 7th Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit in Dubai
The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana on Wednesday, June 18, addressed the prestigious 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit in Dubai.
The programme held at Hilton Hotel was attended by First Ladies from about 15 African and Asian countries.
The First Lady shared insights on strengthening healthcare systems, empowering women, and celebrating the impactful partnership between Ghana and the Merck Foundation over the past 13 years.
Mrs Mahama also underscored the critical role of First Ladies as Ambassadors for the “More Than a Mother” campaign, working to break the stigma around infertility and promote gender equality.
At the Committee Meeting held on Thursday, June 19, Mrs.Lordina Mahama through her presentation showed video documentary of her varied projects aimed at impacting lives.
The documentary showcased her extensive works in Education, health and other sectors of the country.
This received applauds and commendation from her colleague First Ladies and leadership of Merck Foundation.
Expressing gratitude to the Merck Foundation, she reiterated her and the Lordina Foundation’s commitment to strengthening collaboration for enhanced initiatives in health, education, and combating social stigma across Ghana.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme, Dubai
