News
‘Amputations due to diabetes not end of life’
More education and sensitisation on the management of diabetes must be carried out to put the minds of patients at rest, especially for those who may need or suffer amputation along the line, an advocate has said.
Mr Camillus Maalneriba Tia Sakzeesi, a diabetic patient, who made the call, indicated that some patients get so worried and refuse amputation for fear of the unknown and how to cope with the situation.
Mr Sakzeesi, who lost his right leg to diabetes, encouraged other patients who suffer the same fate not to see their situation as the end of the world, but rather psych themselves and make the best out of life.
Sharing his experience with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr Sakzeesi said being amputated was not the issue, but how to manage the aftermath was what affects most victims.
He said initially when he was told about the amputation, he was alarmed and became worried, saying, “Initially, I felt alarmed because I had no trace, and all of a sudden, I was diagnosed, and amputation was the only solution.”
He added that he started psyching himself that anything could happen, and resorted to reading a lot of materials on the condition, making him well-informed and prepared for what was ahead after the amputation.
Mr Sakzeesi stated that “my amputation did not change much in my life. Sometimes, for fear of friends and relations abandoning the patient after amputation, most patients go into psychological distress when they’re informed about amputation.”
He encouraged families and friends to provide the needed support to such patients, while calling on health practitioners to give diabetic patients scheduled for amputation, proper counselling before and after to be able to cope with their new life.
He commended his family and friends for their support, indicating that without them he would not have been able to live a normal life after the amputation.
Mr Sakzeesi, a member of the Ghana China Friendship Association, commended a Chinese lawyer who made it possible for him to get care and an amputation, adding that he, together with the association, also ensured that he had a prosthetic leg to aid in his movement. —GNA
News
President Mahama confers with Niger Head of State
President John Mahama continued his visit to West African states in pursuit of Ghana’s long-standing foreign policy of good neighbourliness.
On Sunday, he travelled to Niamey, Niger to hold talks with General Abdourahamane Tchiani, President of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland.
The two leaders held closed-door meetings and later an expanded bilateral meeting with their delegations in the presidential palace.
A communique issued after the engagements confirmed that discussions focused on enhanced security cooperation in the Sahel and West African region to combat terrorism, improved and unimpeded trade between the two countries, and strengthening bilateral ties.
President Tchiani raised the need for collaboration and recognition of the Alliance of Sahel States by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with President Mahama emphasising the need for greater collaboration to fight terrorism, which threatens not only the Sahel region but also countries further down towards the coast.
Mr Mahama used the occasion to thank his Nigerien counterpart for sending a delegation to his inauguration on January 7, 2025, noting that Ghana and Niger have for many decades cooperated in the areas of trade as Ghana imports many agricultural products from Niger.
News
Stonebwoy’s electrifying London concert : A Story of Resilience and Triumph
London came alive as one of Ghana’s finest musical exports, Stonebwoy rocked thousands at the Up and Running Tour concert held at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire.
The show opened with Stonebwoy emerging in silhouette form, standing atop a riser.
The shadowed figure created an air of mystery, leaving the crowd eager to see the man behind the shape.
As the opening notes of his song “Hero” filled the venue, the lights dramatically revealed him now fully visible — wearing a striking ensemble that told a deeper story.
Stonebwoy’s attire was no accident he wore a tattered jacket, Rick Owens pants and Balenciaga footwear adorned with chains.This look wasn’t just fashion; it symbolized resilience.
The torn clothes represented the negativity, criticism, and adversity he’s faced as a visual metaphor for the attempts to tear him down.
The chains further amplified this, reflecting the weight of judgment and challenges placed upon him.
Despite it all, there he stood proud, powerful, and still standing tall as a hero for his people.
The transition into up and running set:
In a powerful shift, Stonebwoy’s second set began from the upper level of the crowd, this time dressed in pristine white.
This transition was a statement no matter how much negativity is thrown his way, no matter how hard people try to break him, he remains true to his purpose: uplifting and inspiring his fans.
His presence among the crowd symbolized his unwavering connection to the people, a reminder that his journey, his struggles, and his triumphs are all for them.
