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BH-Fertagro donates fertiliser, items worth over GH₵70,000 to Nsawam Prison
Ghana’s leading import and supplier of fertilizers, affiliated to some global leading producers of Agric-input -based in North Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia, and the Americas, BH-FERTAGRO has made donations to the Nsawam Prison.
The company today donated items worth over GH₵ 70, 000 which included over 150 bags of NPK fertilizers for their current 47-acre land project, toiletries for staff, over 600 bags of sachet water, 25 boxes of soap,Receiving the items on behalf of the commander and the Nsawam prisons, the Assistant Director of Prisons, Andrews Osei thanked the company for the kind gesture stating that the facility really needs support especially in the area of agriculture to support the government in feeding.
He also mentioned that the donation has come in time especially with the current farming project they are about to embark on. Adding that the gesture will also encourage others to come to their aid.
The Managing Director of fertiliser company, BH-Fertagro Limited, Robert Ayittey who presented the donation expressed the joy of the company in doing such gesture in appreciation of the good work the prison service is doing for the country.
The gesture is part of the Corporate Social Responsibility of BH-Fertago to support agriculture sector of the Ghana prisons.
The General Manager of the company, Alex Kwame Donyinah, in his speech, emphasized on the company’s commitment in giving back to society. He stated that the company is quite impressed with the work the Ghana Prisons is doing towards human development and also appreciate the challenge the facility is facing in feeding the inmates.
“We are hopeful that the fertilizer will help them increase their yield and expand their cultivation to be able to have enough food to feed the inmates and alleviate the challenges that they have in managing them,” he added.
Last year during the Akosombo spillage, the fertilizer company presented over GH₵100,000 worth of relief items to the people of Mepe, Bator, Sogakope and its environs.
BH-FERTAGRO imports and supplies fertilizers – with great respect for quality standards, safety, speed and innovation.
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Oguaa indigenes urged to unite to develop area
Photo Credit: myjoyonline.com
Rich Akan traditions of Fantes and Asantes were the highlights of the celebrations of this year’s Fetu Afahye of the chiefs and people of Oguaa Traditional Area (Cape Coast) which was climaxed last Saturday with a durbar.
Beyond the glitz and splendour was the showcasing of different forms of traditional regalia amidst rich cultural displays of unique Fante and Asante ensembles, both demonstrating distinct Ghanaian identities in unanimity.
Tekua, a Fante traditional hairstyle won by a generation of Fante women caught the attention of a number of the celebrants.
The attendance of Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, took the joy and excitement a notch higher with frenzied atmosphere to welcome him.
The Asantehene who attended the programme by a special invitation from the Omanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area was accompanied by a large retinue of chiefs from Asanteman.
The Fetu Afahye is a cultural celebration by the people of Oguaa, drawing both locals and visitors from across the country and beyond.
It was held to mark a bumper harvest season and to thank the 77 deities of the Oguaa Traditional Area.
This year’s edition marks the 60th to be held after its suspension.
It also marked the 25th anniversary commemoration of the enthronement of Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II as the Omanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area.
There was display of rich traditional dances by the various Asafo companies from the Mfantsipim School junction to the Jubilee Park for the durbar.
This year’s event attracted political figures such as Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who doubles as the Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and his running mate, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh and other leading figures of the party.
The Vice Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and other leading members of the NDC also attended the event.
From David O. Yarboi-Tetteh, Cape Coast
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Suicide cases high among JHS/SHS students: MHA calls for immediate action to curb menace
The Mental Health Authority (MHA) is calling for immediate solutions to address the alarming prevalence of suicide cases among Junior and Senior High School students.
According to the Authority, it was crucial to pay attention to such children as studies in Ghana are showing a high prevalence of suicidal behaviours among students.
This came to light at a symposium in Accra on Tuesday to mark the World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD).
It was held on the theme “Changing the narrative on suicide with a call to action; start the conversation.”
Speaking at the symposium, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Authority, Professor Pinaman Appau said alarmingly, the prevalence has been reported to be higher among Junior High School students compared to those in the Senior High School.
She said various studies including a 2023 edition conducted by Azazu and Joe found that there was prevalence of 20.4 per cent of suicidal thoughts, 23.4 per cent for suicidal planning, and 28.4 per cent for actual suicide attempts among these groups of school children.
She mentioned bullying, abuse especially physical and sexual, neglect, substance use, family poverty, adolescent conflict with parents, corporal punishment and poor academic performance as causes leading to suicidal thoughts.
Again, factors including previous attempts, mental illness, gambling, financial and job crisis, chronic illness and pain, criminal or legal and impulsive behaviour can also lead to suicide.
Prof Appau said the challenges faced with addressing suicide issues were multifaceted and complex, adding that people grapple with stigma surrounding mental health issues, limited access to mental health services and a lack of general awareness of suicide prevention strategies.
She said the challenges were further compounded by deepening socio-economic challenges in societies such as the harsh reality of economic hardship, unemployment and social instability.
Dr Appau mentioned that the rippling effect of suicide leaves behind a trail of grief, guilt, and unanswered questions, saying, the economic cost of suicide attempts in terms of health care expenses and loss of productivity places additional burden on the country’s strained resources.
She said a total of 81 persons have committed suicide in 2024 with 543 attempts across the country, adding that the figure indicates an alarming increase compared to the 594 attempts and 48 completed cases recorded in 2023.
Regionally, Greater Accra, Eastern and Central regions recorded the highest numbers of suicide attempts for the first half of the year 2024, with most completed suicides occurring in the Greater Accra region.
Prof Appau has therefore called for a concerted effort to resolve and change the narrative by engaging stakeholders including security and media personnel, to create nationwide awareness and education through various media platforms.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
