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Spare us the fake news agony on COVID-19 in schools
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Junior High Schools final year students resume school today, to prepare for their Basic Education Certificate Examinations expected to be written in September.
This forms part of the road map of gradual easing of restrictions and returning the country back to normal, as announced by the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in a broadcast, after broad consultation with stakeholders.
The students have been at home since March, as a result of the closure of schools as part of measures to check the spread of the novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2) that is responsible for the deadly COVID-19 disease.
Originally, these young ones would have finished writing their exams and awaiting results to get admissions into their dream Senior High Schools. Their academic calendar has been distorted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
That notwithstanding, they are back to school effective today and the Ghanaian Times welcomes them back to school and wishes them the best in their preparations towards their exit exam and pray that they come out with flying colours and progress to the next stage in their academic journey.
Of worthy to note is that while at home, the government rolled out distance learning, through the television broadcasting to keep the children learning at home, while some schools also created online platforms to engage the students.
In addition, the government has undertaken the disinfection of schools and supply of personal protection equipment for the schools to ensure the safety of the children and teachers as they return to school.
We implore the school authorities to strictly enforce the health protocols, including wearing of nose masks, the regular hand washing and use of alcohol-based sanitisers.
As children, and having been away from school for long, there is the tendency for them to be carried away by excitement and engage in gatherings for chit chats and other games.
The Ghanaian Times reminds the school authorities to be very strict in enforcing the social distancing protocol of 25 students per classroom and to ban all outdoor games in school.
While commending all the stakeholders and government for the elaborate plan for re-opening, we are disappointed that some unscrupulous people have taken delight in spreading fake news about the spread of the COVID-19 in some senior high schools.
It is very unfortunate and regrettable for such faceless persons to continue to play pranks with such a serious national and global health problem.
This is the time that we have to demonstrate the spirit of nationalism and patriotism in the fight to contain the spread of the disease and keep our country safe.
Indeed, this is not the time to spread fear and panic in schools; but a time to support the efforts of government and stakeholders to ensure the safety of students to motivate them in their final examinations.
We urge school children to remain resolutely focused on their studies and not to be deterred by these fake news, while reminding them that the COVID-19 is real and still spreading.
School authorities owe it a duty not to lower their guard as the children are back to school, during this critical period.
Once again, we wish them the best of studies and good luck in their final examinations and advise that they abide strictly to the health protocols to keep safe.
Source: Ghanaian Times
The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested former professional boxer Michael Ayitey Okai, popularly known as “Ayitey Powers,” over an alleged threat of death against the Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo.
According to the Police, the 46-year-old former boxer was arrested on Monday, August 24, 2026, in connection with the alleged threat.
The Police said the arrest followed a video circulating on social media in which Ayitey Powers is alleged to have issued the threat against Mr Ampofo.
He is currently in Police custody and is assisting with investigations.
The Accra Regional Police Command said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged threat and determine the appropriate action to be taken in accordance with the law.
The Command has urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information about the matter while the investigation continues.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Minority Leader in Parliament Alexander Afenyo Markin has sued the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, and Multimedia Group Limited over alleged defamatory comments made against him on the Newsfile programme.
In a writ filed at the High Court in Accra, Mr Afenyo Markin is seeking GH¢15 million in damages, an apology and retraction of the statements, among other reliefs.
The suit follows comments allegedly made by Mr Gyamfi during the Saturday, August 22, 2026 edition of Newsfile, hosted by Samson Lardy Anyenini.
According to the statement of claim, Mr Gyamfi described Mr Afenyo Markin as an “extortionist” while responding to a question about GoldBod’s reported profits and its position on losses arising from its operations.
The plaintiff claims that Mr Gyamfi repeated the allegation when the host sought clarification on whether he stood by the description.
Mr Afenyo Markin further claims that Mr Gyamfi challenged him to sue him and insisted that the allegation was true.
The plaintiff argues that the statements created the impression that he engages in extortion, uses his political influence to put improper pressure on public institutions and officials, and conducts himself in a manner inconsistent with the standards expected of a lawyer and public office holder.
He denies the allegations and maintains that he is not an extortionist and has never engaged in the conduct alleged by Mr Gyamfi.
The Minority Leader also argues that the comments were made maliciously and were presented as facts without evidence being disclosed.
He claims the statements have damaged his reputation, professional standing and public image, particularly because of his position as a senior political figure and legal practitioner.
The suit also names Multimedia Group Limited as a defendant because, according to the plaintiff, the alleged defamatory comments were broadcast through JoyNews and subsequently circulated on social media platforms, including X, Facebook and YouTube.
Mr Afenyo Markin claims Multimedia failed to stop the comments or deactivate Mr Gyamfi’s microphone after the allegations were made.
He is therefore asking the court to award him general, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as GH¢15 million in compensation and legal costs.
He is also seeking an order compelling the defendants to issue a full, unconditional and unequivocal retraction and public apology.
The plaintiff wants the apology and retraction to be given similar prominence and reach as the original publication, including through JoyNews and the social media platforms where the comments were disseminated.
He is further seeking a permanent injunction preventing the defendants from repeating the alleged defamatory statements or words with a similar meaning.
The writ requires the defendants to enter an appearance within eight days after being served.
It warns that failure to do so could result in judgment being entered in their absence.
The case was filed by lawyer Paa Kwesi Abaidoo of Dehyena Chambers on behalf of Mr Afenyo Markin.
By: Jacob Aggrey
