Hot!
2023 Chale Wote Festival: Street Art Exhibition breaths fresh life into Africa’s intricate history
The street art exhibition of the ongoing 13th edition of Ghana’s largest street art festival, Chale Wote, showcased awe-inspiring crafts that captivated all who attended.
The festival played host to a rich diversity of artistic expressions, ranging from sculptures and paintings to drawings, mosaics, and murals, each work bursting forth with vibrancy and meaning, resonating with its own intricate narrative and profound message.
Central to the exhibition were artworks that eloquently conveyed the enduring resilience of ancestors during the era of the Slave Trade Among these striking pieces was a portrayal of the Sabali Women from West Africa, an artwork that serves as a tribute to their unyielding fight for freedom. This piece, composed of three women’s heads, stands as a powerful symbol of their collective strength and determination.
Under the bright sun, the spirit of creativity continued to flourish as the exhibition section of the Chale Wote Street Art Festival dawned on Accra.
An artist shared insights into the inspiration behind his painting which connected to the festival’s theme “Magneto Motherland“. The artwork, rooted in the exploration of Ghanaian history through the lenses of religion, education and politics, captured the essence of revisiting our past to understand our identity.
As the festival basked in the brilliance of the sun’s rays, attendees were treated to an immersive experience at the esteemed Osu Castle Garden. This enchanting backdrop played host to the interaction between art enthusiasts and the creators themselves.
The visitors delved deep into the artistic process, engaging with the creators to uncover the stories and intricacies that breathed life into their creations. The dynamic exchange transformed the event into a joyful celebration, not only of the finished artworks but also of the creative journeys that led to their fruition.
As the festival journeyed into its third day, the bustling city of Accra reached new heights as the captivating showcase of artist pieces took centre stage.
The historically significant Christiansborg Castle Gardens in Osu underwent a rebirth, evolving into a dynamic living canvas that seamlessly embodied the very spirit of the nation’s artistic expression.
In this transformative setting, the artworks resonated with enhanced vitality, marking a culmination of artistry and culture that left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of experiencing it.
source: myjoyonline.com
Hot!
Zipline, GHS reduce maternal mortality in Ashanti Region by 56.4% – Study
A recent impact assessment study on aerial logistics to improve maternal health and emergencies has revealed a remarkable reduction in maternal mortality by 56.4% in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Zipline and the Ghana Health Service (GHS).
This was revealed at the National Ghana Health Service Research Conference organized by the Ghana Health Service in partnership with Zipline. The study, which focused on the impact of aerial logistics in healthcare, also noted a 19.9% increase in antenatal visits and a 25% rise in in-facility births, signaling a significant boost in maternal health outcomes.
The success according to the study is attributed to the on-demand availability of blood and essential medical supplies provided by Zipline’s innovative drone delivery system. This consistent access to critical resources has increased patient confidence in the healthcare system, encouraging more mothers to seek necessary care throughout their pregnancies.
Speaking on the highlight of the study, the Research Officer at Ashanti Regional Health Directorate stated, “the significant decrease in maternal mortality we’ve seen is a clear indication of the vital role that reliable access to medical supplies plays in healthcare. The ability to deliver blood and essential medicines exactly when they’re needed has transformed how mothers in the Ashanti Region perceive and engage with the healthcare system.”
“It’s an achievement that speaks to the importance of introducing technology in healthcare delivery. Mothers now feel more confident in seeking care, knowing that they will receive the support they need throughout their pregnancies,”he stated.
The study examined data from 191 health facilities, including hospitals, health centers, and Community-based Health and Planning Services (CHPS) Compounds. Among these, 99 facilities were served by Zipline’s aerial logistics, while 91 were not. The research employed adjusted rates for various key indicators, such as antenatal consultations, emergency visits, referrals, live births, hysterectomies, maternal deaths, and neonatal deaths, as the main dependent variables.
The qualitative aspect of the study aimed to describe and analyze the changes in satisfaction levels among healthcare providers and patients, perceived quality of care in maternal health and emergencies, and experiences related to the use of aerial logistics. In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 patients and 23 healthcare providers at the participating facilities.
Globally, maternal mortality remains a critical public health challenge, with stark disparities between high-income and low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the majority of maternal deaths occur in LMICs, often due to preventable causes. In Ghana, particularly in the Ashanti Region, the problem is critical, reflecting the broader challenges faced across the African continent. Beyond this, socio-economic, geographic, and infrastructural factors intensify the risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions to improve maternal health outcomes.
As maternal mortality continues to pose a challenge in low-to-middle-income countries, the success seen in Ghana’s Ashanti Region offers a promising model for other regions and nations striving to improve maternal health outcomes through innovative solutions.
Zipline is poised to continue leading the way in revolutionizing healthcare delivery, ensuring that every mother has access to the life-saving resources, no matter where she lives.
Hot!
Traders, ‘Okada’ riders take over Circle pavement
• Korle-Bu CEO with staff of Nivaansh MediQas
Activities of traders and drug addicts are contributing to make the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange (Circle) area very uncomfortable and unsafe for commuters.
Day in and out, pedestrians are ‘ejected’ from the pavement created for their safety as traders preferred to sell their wares on that space.
That hinders the free movement of the pedestrians.
The small space left for the pedestrians are also shared with ‘Okada’ riders.
As if these woes are not enough for a commuter on a single day, they also have to navigate carefully to avoid clashes with drug addicts and the mentally challenged.
These people have turned the pavements into their places of abode, covering every inch of space with their wares.
Our photographer, Lizzy Okai, captures some of the unfriendly scenes the authorities must try and deal with to restore sanity to the area.
By Lizzy Okai
