News
It’s getting murkier, we must sit up!
It has been nearly three months since the country recorded its first coronavirus case on March 13, 2020. Since then, the numbers kept trickling in with over 17,741 infections recorded as of Monday June, 30 2020.
The recoveries which stand around 13,000 sound encouraging but the increasing number of new cases, almost on a daily basis, is still causing some anxiety in the country.
A major concern which keeps popping up, however, is that of frontline health workers who lament over the shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and inadequate testing kits.
According to the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), results of patients sometimes arrive between seven to 10 days after samples are taken — a situation which the association admits, does not augur well for case management.
Our country’s death rate compared with those reported in other jurisdictions is relatively low. But the fact remains that a significant number of committed health workers across the country continue to lose their lives in the line of duty.
As we battle the active cases, sections of the public believe that there could be more positive cases in the population apart from the figures so far confirmed.
Despite the dangers posed by COVID-19 pandemic, citizens are still going about their normal duties along with political acclamations and other activities geared towards election 2020. Some individuals are complacent and, therefore, decide where and when to wear their face masks.
Presently, with about 117 recorded deaths, the pandemic has proven that it is no respecter of persons. Our hearts go out to families who have lost their loved ones in these trying times.
In view of the fact that majority of the populace seem to have thrown caution to the wind, The Spectator wishes to call for the imposition of more stringent measures to ensure the mandatory wearing of nose and face masks.
We believe this would instill discipline in certain areas, especially in the Greater Accra Region where the cases keep rising.
It is also pertinent to protect the lives of our frontline health workers and all individuals actively involved in the fight against COVID-19. Those in charge should, as a matter of urgency, release PPE to the health facilities for a “stitch in time saves nine”.
Factories that are producing the equipment need to set up their game. If we must open additional testing centres across the country to fast-track the release of test results, the better it would be for us.
While at it, authorities must go the extra mile to enforce social distancing at the voter registration centres as the crowd-control measures witnessed recently leave much to be desired.
We pray that an antidote to the pandemic is found soon as the nation gears up for the polls in December 7, amidst COVID-19.
Everything points to the fact that our version of the coronavirus pandemic is getting murkier, but if we keep playing the ostrich, the reality of the disease will expose us all.
News
GBBF Assistant treasurer, Aurora Commodore-Toppar eyes GOC Treasure slot at Elective Congress on Saturday
The Assistant treasurer of the Ghana Basketball Federation (GBBF), Madam Aurora Commodore-Toppar, has set her sights on becoming the next assistant treasurer of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) at the upcoming Elective Congress on Saturday.
The daughter of the former Chief Executive Officer of Accra Hearts of Oak, Mr. Emmanuel Martey Commodore-Mensah, will be vying for the position against Bernard Quartey of the Ghana Boxing Federation and Edward Patrick Nii Lante Banerman of the Handball Association of Ghana.
Having had her nomination approved by the GOC’s Electoral Commission, the well-seasoned banker, with over 15 years of rich working experience, believes she is well-suited and positioned to help structure the finances of this esteemed organisation.
In a chat with Spectator Sports, the captain of the bronze-winning 2024 University of Ghana basketball team at the 11th African University Games in Zaire, Nigeria, revealed her commitment to effective and accurate financial management, growth, and development of all associated sports federations.
She said, “I am committed to the growth of the GOC, and I want to offer my financial knowledge to aid in ensuring that the GOC operates with the highest standards of financial governance and set-up.”
According to her, the mission is to help promote the GOC’s agenda widely, and having served for over two decades in sports—especially basketball—in various capacities and roles, she believes this experience will help protect the GOC’s finances.
“If elected as assistant treasurer, I will do my utmost, together with the treasurer, to manage the GOC’s finances, including accounting and financial reporting among others,” she added.
According to her, “Accurate financial record-keeping has been a problem across the board; I will help eradicate this issue.”
Aurora Commodore-Toppar stands for transparency, hard work, and an inclusive work culture, she further added.
The former Aburi Girls’ Secondary School basketball team captain has played pivotal roles in improving sports in the country—especially basketball—including being a member of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 2023 Africa Games, an LOC member for the recently concluded Hoop Rave SHS competition, a project lead for FIBA’s “Her World, Her Rules” initiative, chair for the 2024 Fetu Afahye Basketball Tournament, and founder of the Stomp De Yard Basketball Tournament, among others.
BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY
News
113 Cardinals hold 3rd General Congregation in Rome
The 113 Cardinals present in Rome held the third General Congregation on Thursday morning, and announced who will deliver the two pre-conclave meditations.
The Cardinals decided that Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández will celebrate the Mass on the sixth day of the Novemdiales, instead of Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
They agreed that Fr. Donato Ogliari, O.S.B., Abbot of St. Paul Outside the Walls, will deliver the first meditation on Monday, and that Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, Preacher Emeritus of the Papal Household, will deliver the second meditation at the beginning of the conclave, whose starting date has not yet been decided.
The Cardinals began a conversation about the Church and the world, deciding to hold the next General Congregation on Friday morning at 9:00 AM.
The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, told journalists that 61,000 people have paid their respects to the late Pope Francis as of 1:00 PM on Thursday, adding that St. Peter’s Basilica should close at midnight on Thursday, unless large crowds are still queuing to enter.
Following the Pope’s funeral on Saturday, April 26, a Rosary will be held in front of the Basilica of St. Mary Major on Saturday at 9:00 PM.
Mr. Bruni said the burial service for Pope Francis will take place in private.
Starting the morning of Sunday, April 27, the faithful may begin to visit the tomb of Pope Francis at the Marian Basilica.
