Hot!
AMA ‘de-rats’ major markets in Accra
A staff of AMA spraying the market
As part of measures to control rodent infestation in some major markets in the capital city, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has conducted a ‘de-ratting exercise’ to ensure a safer and healthier environment.
The exercise was conducted at the 31st December Market, Agbogbloshie and Makola No 2. markets.
Speaking to the Spectator in Accra, the Head of Public Affairs of the AMA, Gilbert Nii Ankrah said some of the health risk associated with rodent infested markets were food contamination, leptospirosis (a bacterial disease spread through the urine of infected animals), hantavirus (a family of viruses spread mainly by rodents and can cause varied disease syndromes in people) and allergies.
He said rodents also gnaw on structures, wiring, and packaging materials, potentially causing damage to buildings and creating fire hazards if they chew on electrical wiring,” he added.
According to Mr Ankrah, rodent were highly adaptable creatures that often carry bait to their nests located far from where they originally encounter it and making it challenging to control their population effectively, hence the use of the systemic and gradual killing,” Mr Ankrah said.
He said before the operation, Public Health Officers conducted a comprehensive assessment of each market to identify rat-infested areas, entry points, and potential breeding grounds, adding that despite awareness campaigns, achieving universal compliance with hygiene practices among vendors proved challenging.
He pointed out that the assembly, as part of measures to address factors that may cause the increase in rodent population in the market, had established a routine de-ratting schedule to prevent infestation and was redeveloping the markets to eliminate entry points for rats.
He added that the assembly was educating traders on proper waste disposal and hygiene practices, emphasising that the success of the initiative does not only hinge on the efficacy of the gradual poisoning method, but on the collaborative efforts of the community.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Hot!
Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation –Pres.Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the misuse of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for personal financial gain by individuals in leadership positions.
Speaking during a meeting with Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) on Thursday, March 13, the President directly attributed the dire state of SOEs to their leadership, accusing chief executives, management teams, and governing boards of prioritising personal enrichment over organisational efficiency.
He pointed to bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures as factors draining public funds while SOEs continue to rely on government bailouts.
“Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation by appointees. The chief executives, management, and boards of these enterprises are responsible for this situation. Some SOEs have become perennial loss-makers, draining public funds with bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures while relying on government bailouts as if entitled to them. Many of these entities are at their lowest point in the entire history of the Fourth Republic,” he said.
President Mahama further noted that many SOEs have been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to consistent financial losses. He cited the 2023 State Ownership Report by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), which highlighted systemic inefficiencies and wasteful expenditures within these entities.
He therefore reaffirmed his commitment to reforming under-performing SOEs and ensuring they serve national interests.
He warned that loss-making SOEs will no longer be tolerated and will either be merged, privatised, or closed.
“I will assess you based on your performance. If you do not align with the pace of the reset agenda, you may be asked to step aside. If that adds to the horror movie, so be it,” he added.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
Hot!
Prophet Courage Heavens set to launch ‘Predestination’ book on March 23
Prophet Courage A. Heavens is set to launch the much-awaited book titled ‘Predestination’ on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 5:00PM.
The launch, which is expected to impact lives, will take place at Crossgates Ministries, Flattop, off N1 Highway, opposite Angel Hauz.
The book is aimed at addressing the way people struggle to understand how free will and destiny align.
It is also aimed at providing clarity on God’s sovereignty and one’s place in His divine plan.
The various chapters of the book address various issues through scriptures and personal stories.
Committed to impacting society, part of the proceeds from the book will go into Courage Heavens Education Legacy (CHEL), an educational foundation transforming lives.
CHEL is dedicated to providing financial support and mentorship to brilliant but needy students, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities for a better future.
Prophet Courage Heavens is a prolific writer and previously authored Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani, a powerful book that encourages unwavering faith in times of trials.
In addition, he has written seven more prophetic and life-changing books that are yet to be published.
He is dedicated to raising the next generation for impactful ministry. As the leader of Crossgates Ministries, he nurtures believers in faith and purpose.
