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‘Support persons, families with autism’
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This year’s World Autism Day celebrations has been launched in Accra with a call for more support for persons and families of those with autism.
According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mulan Neurodiversity School (MNS), Mrs Brigitte Mills Simmonds, differences are not weaknesses, but are just part of what makes every one special as such must be supported, understood and celebrated.
The launch which was on the theme; “Embracing Differences, Empowering Every Ability,” sought to create more awareness on the condition towards seeking support for the affected persons and their families.
Autism awareness, she explained was not only about knowing that the condition exists but creating a society that accepts, supports and empowers neurodiverse individuals and the families.
“It’s about opening doors, changing mind sets and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive”, she added.
Mrs Simmonds suggested meaningful activities like the autism awareness walk, free neuro clinics and assessment and financial support for Neuro Parents in order to make their impact felt in the society.
The mission at MNS, the CEO said, goes beyond education, but here to provide support, hope and practical solutions for children navigating neurodiversity, adding, “We want every parent to know that they are seen, heard and not alone, let us embrace differences, empower every ability and build a more inclusive future together.
Mr Alex Amankwah of the Ghana Education Service said an inclusive action was needed to get all stakeholders on board to ensure that children with autism were not segregated.
He indicated that children with special needs have their unique talents which must be exploited for the benefit of society, hence the onus lies with the care givers to unearth those talents.
Mr Amankwah stated that about 50,000 teachers have been trained with specific skills to handle children with special needs for an inclusive action and urged parents to get involved in supporting their wards holistically instead of segregation them.
The Director of the School, Ms Diana Obeng, called for recognition of unique strengths and talents of individuals with autism.
By Lawrence Vomafa-Akpalu
Construction of a major underground stormwater drain along the Dr. Busia Highway within the Kaneshie enclave will commence on September 7, 2026.
The Project Coordinator for the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project, Dr. Kwadwo Ohene Sarfo, announced this at a special media briefing on Wednesday.
According to him, the works will involve the construction of a double-cell underground rectangular drain measuring approximately 10 metres wide and 1.95 kilometres long, stretching from Pamprom Junction to First Light Junction.
The new drain will replace the existing two 1.2-metre diameter pipes, which are inadequate to carry the volume of stormwater in the area.
Dr. Sarfo said the drain will connect at one end to the recently completed section within the Accra Academy campus and at the other end to the existing drain at Pamprom Junction.
He said the construction is expected to run from September 2026 to October 2027.
The project forms part of government’s broader flood prevention and mitigation programme aimed at addressing perennial flooding in Accra.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has withdrawn from the party’s National Chairmanship race.
In a statement issued yesterday, Chairman Wontumi who is currently serving a 20-year jail term said his decision was driven by his love for the party and his unwillingness to let his personal circumstances distract the NPP from its rebuilding efforts.
“There are moments in the life of a man when the heart wants to continue, but duty demands sacrifice. Moments when one must quietly set aside personal ambition, not because the dream has died, but because the family he loves must not be made to carry his burden. Today, I find myself at such a painful moment,” he wrote.
He disclosed that after many nights of prayer, sober reflection and consultations with his family, legal team, party elders, campaign team and trusted supporters, he concluded that his present situation must not become an additional burden on the NPP.
“This is not the decision my heart desired, but sometimes, true love requires us to release what we deeply want in order to protect what we love even more,” he added.
Recounting his years of service, Chairman Wontumi said he had served the party with everything within him, walking through heat and rain, travelling to remote communities and standing with the grassroots in both victory and defeat.
“For many years, I have served the NPP with everything within me… The NPP is not merely a political party to me. It is my family. It is my home. It is a cause to which I have dedicated a significant part of my life,” he stated.
He explained that the party, already carrying the pain of electoral defeat and the huge responsibility of preparing for the future, should not be made to carry his personal weight.
“That is why I cannot allow my present situation or personal ambition to distract the party from the difficult work of rebuilding. I cannot ask the party to carry my weight when it is already carrying the pain of defeat and the enormous responsibility of preparing for the battle ahead. I would rather carry this pain quietly than allow the party I love to suffer because of me,” he said.
He further sympathized with his supporters across the 16 regions, acknowledging that the decision would be painful for many who had sacrificed for his campaign.
“To my teeming supporters across all sixteen regions, I know this message will hurt. I know many of you will read it with tears in your eyes because I understand the sacrifices you have made for this journey,” he said.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
