News
25th GJA Awards: Ghanaian Times, The Spectator wins 5 awards, 3 honours
Four reporters of the New Times Corporation (NTC), publishers of Ghanaian Times and The Spectator won various awards at the 25thGhana Journalists Association (GJA) awards night held on Saturday, October 24, at the Kempinski hotel in Accra.
The ceremony held under the theme, ‘COVID-19 and credible presidential and parliamentary elections: The media factor’, also saw the Editor of the Ghanaian Times, David Agbenu, recognised in the non-competitive category of the awards scheme, as an Outstanding Editor.
On the night, Raissa Sambou was adjudged the 2019 Most Promising Journalist of the Year, in addition to winning the Child Protection and Participation in the print category.
Best Sports Journalist of the Year, print category, went to John Vigah, with Clement Akapule winning Development Journalism for furthering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Also, Alberto Mario Norreti won the Best Crime and Court Reporter at the event.
Additionally, Daniel Nii Doodoo Amoo and Seth Adu Agyei, received special recognition as photojournalists.
About 67 awards were given to journalists and media houses in the country, with Newsfile host on Joy News, Samson Lardi Ayenini winning the coveted Journalist of the Year Award.
Graphic Communications Group, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Ghana News Agency, Media General, Multimedia Group, Despite Group, Atinka Media Village, Ominibus Media and other media houses across the country were among winners on the night.
The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA),Mr Affail Monney, said the association believed the media had a crucial role to play in ensuring credible elections at all times and that the COVID-19 pandemic must not deter the media.
“We, however, need the support of other election actors such as the Electoral Commission (EC), political parties, security agencies and civil society organisations to help us achieve credible elections in December.”
The Chairman of the National Media Commission (NMC),Mr Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh, said the media has an onerous task to inform voters about the various policies and campaign promises of the political parties ahead of the elections.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
Maternal mortality rate increases in Ashanti Region
The Ghana Health Service has revealed a staggering statistic of 1,000 women losing their lives during childbirth in the Ashanti Region between 2020 and 2024.
This alarming number, according to the Regional Health Director, Dr Frank Adomanko Boateng, highlights the persistent challenge of maternal mortality in Ghana, despite efforts to improve maternal healthcare.
Dr Adomanko Boateng, therefore emphasized on an urgent need for stronger interventions to curb the high rate of maternal deaths.
Speaking at the 2024 Regional Health Forum, he indicated that “Ghana is struggling to meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of reducing maternal mortality to 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.”
Dr Boateng stressed that time was of the essence, saying, “The clock is ticking, and we must double our efforts.”
He called for intensified measures over the next six years to bridge the gap and prevent further loss of lives.
Ghana’s maternal mortality ratio, he noted, has been declining from 760 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 310 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2017.
However, “the country still faces significant challenges in reducing maternal mortality, particularly in regions like Ashanti.”
To address the issue, he said, Ghana has been working to improve maternal healthcare through various initiatives, including the Network for Improving Quality of Care for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health.
The country aims to reduce maternal mortality by strengthening healthcare systems, improving access to quality care, and enhancing community engagement
From Kingsley E. Hope,
Kumasi
News
NTC staff demonstrate prowess in fire fighting
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) on Tuesday held a sensitisation workshop on fire safety for staff of the New Times Corporation (NTC), publishers of The Ghanaian Times and The Spectator.
It created awareness on fire prevention and safety measures to prevent fire in the home or office.
During the practical session, a section of the staff were taken through fire outbreaks drills steps to take in fire .
tries his hands on
one of the traditional
way to combat fire
Nortey led the demonstration exercise
to staff before the demonstration exercise
of staff Herty Nortey to put off a fire
Can-Tamakloe trying to
extinguish the fire
Led by Assistant Divisional Officer (ADO 1) Isaac Tengfaa, the staff were taught how to use the different types of fire extinguishers to combat fire.
He said it was important for home owners and office workers to put off every electrical gadget at work before leaving for their respective home because more fires in offices occur at closing hours.
He said fire incidence often resulted from carelessness, ignorance or natural occurrence.
Supported by ADO I Richard Mensah, ADO I Eunice Ceasar and Fire woman Anita Amponsah, some of the staff tried their hands on the fire extinguishers and other modes of combatting fire.
By Linda Abrefie Wadie
