News
Tarkwa Municipal Hospital improves neonatal health
Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, (left) presenting the award to Ms Arthur at the ceremony. Mr Duker (second left) applauding
A Senior Nursing Officer (SNO) at the Tarkwa Municipal Government Hospital in the Western Region, Ms Selina Arthur, says complications have reduced and survival rate of new born babies improved at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Hospital.
The success, she attributed to the adoption of what she called a ‘family meeting’ with other critical units like the maternity and doctors, to discuss the reduction of complications to improve the survival rate of neo-natal babies.
Ms Arthur gave the encouraging news in an interview with The Spectator after she received the MPs Special Award at the third Duker Teachers and Health Workers awards held at Tarkwa, last Friday.
She received a plaque, a chest freezer, GH¢10,000 and a motorcyle.
The event is an initiative of the Member of Parliament for Tarkwa- Nsuaem, Mr George Mireku Duker, and held on the theme: ‘Championing learning and wellness in our communities.’
36 other persons including health workers, also received various awards.
Sharing her thoughts with The Spectator, Ms Arthur, a paediatric nurse at NICU of the Tarkwa Municipal Hospital said, working at the unit comes with passion and self- motivation, saying, “the neonatal babies required special attention.”
“Every NICU nurse needs to ensure that new babies (day old babies) were spared of any complications, and survived, to transfer to the nursery.”
Ms Arthur, with about 30 years’ experience, told The Spectator that other units like the Maternity and Labour wards also need to ensure that neo-natal babies were safe and survived operations along the delivery chain.
Moreover, she underlined that working within the NICU environment came with challenges, but, the unit was encouraged to ensure survival of patients, hoping that, “if we have the equipment, most of them will survive.”
Ms Arthur further encouraged health professionals, especially nurses, to be self- motivated, dedicated and show passion to save lives of new born babies.
These professional attributes, she said, would help improve health delivery in the communities they practiced.
Mr Alex Otoo, a tutor at the NMTC, also an awardee, also told The Spectator that nurses needed to be imbued with passion and care for patients even if it’s time for closing.
Mr Duker elaborated that last year, he promised to honour health professionals who worked hard and tirelessly to provide effective healthcare services to save lives.
From Clement Adzei Boye, Tarkwa
News
Oguaa goes gay with Fetu Afahye
The ancient city of Cape Coast, one of Ghana’s historical cities, witnessed a showcase of the rich cultural heritage of the Oguaa people with an exciting, colourful, and traditional event to mark the celebration of the 61st annual Fetu Afahye.
Themed “Innovate to elevate: Harnessing the creative economy for sustainable growth”, the festival featured a vibrant lineup of events, interspersed with several cultural performances showcasing the traditions which depict the traditional, historical and ancestral heritage of the land.
It witnessed a colourful procession of chiefs and various Asafo companies from the Mfantsipim School junction through the principal streets of the town to the Jubilee Park, accompanied by drumming and traditional dances.
The chiefs and members of the asafo companies were adorned in regal attire symbolising the pride and unity of the community.
Fetu Afahye demonstrates Oguaa’s resilience, unity, and cultural pride as the town welcomed indigenes both within and outside, as well as people from far and near, desirous of participating in the festival.
Various public spaces, including eateries and pubs, attracted patrons, and streets within the town witnessed bustling events with music blaring from the loudspeakers that had been placed by the roadside.
Bakatue
Prior to the durbar was the Bakatue regatta, a canoe race on the Fosu Lagoon, organised by ATL, a campus-based radio station located within the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in collaboration with the Oguaa Traditional Council.
The event saw a thrilling spectacle as the three Asafo companies, Nkum No. 4, Bentsir No. 1, and Anaafo No. 2, battled aggressively on the Fosu Lagoon. Nkum No. 4 earned nine points to clinch the trophy, medals, and a cash prize. They were followed by Anaafo No. 2 with five points, while Bentsir No. 1 finished third with four points.
Orange Friday
Friday witnessed what has come to be known as the biggest street carnival in Ghana, known as ‘Orange Friday.’
It drew hundreds of people across the country. Clad in orange attires, the patrons gathered and moved through the streets of the town, creating a gridlock.
The Paramount Chief of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Osaberimba Kwesi Atta II, at the durbar of chiefs to climax the festival acknowledged the unifying factor in relation to culture among Africans and stated the need for Africans to take their destinies into their own hands.
He explained that festivals such as Fetu Afahye offer an opportunity for Africans to remind themselves of the future by working hard and embrace the future in order not to be taken by events.
The Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, in a speech read on her behalf, noted that the festival was far more than a ritual or an annual duty, saying, “It is an affirmation of an identity, a homecoming and a powerful testimony to the wisdom and fortitude of our forebears”.
In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, the Olu of Warri State in Nigeria, Ogiame Atuwatse III, indicated that, the only thing holding Africans back was Africans themselves, which he said, was in the area of an African identity, and acting on that identity.
From David O. Yarboi-Tetteh, Cape Coast
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
News
Chief Imam issues disclaimer on unauthorised petitions
The Office of the National Chief Imam has warned Muslim organizations and individuals against issuing statements and petitions to the Government in his name without permission.
In a statement, the Chief Imam said he had observed that some groups had been circulating petitions, including a recent one on Hajj, using his name without authorization.
He stressed that such actions were unlawful and cautioned those involved to stop or face the law.
The Chief Imam reminded the public that on October 4, 2022, he, together with the National Imams of all Muslim sects, signed a deed and presented it to the Government at the Jubilee House.
The agreement recognised the National Muslim Conference of Ghana as the official body representing Muslims in their dealings with state institutions.
He urged that any petitions meant to be sent to the Government in his name should go through the National Muslim Conference of Ghana with the approval of the Advisory Board of his office.
By: Jacob Aggrey
