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Change negative perception: Blood donation saves lives – Methodist Bishop
Rt Rev Samuel Ofori-Akyea Tema Bishop for the Tema Diocese
Usually when the subject of voluntary blood donation comes up, some people are not enthused about it because of some misconceptions they may have.
This, over the years, has made it challenging for individuals or groups who are passionate about blood donation to help save lives.
At the 26th annual synod of the Methodist Church of Ghana of the Tema Diocese held at the Immanuel Methodist Society, Tema, the Diocesan Bishop, Rt Rev Samuel Ofori-Akyea called on the public to be receptive to the drive for blood donation and officials engaged in it.
“Don’t frown at them” he told the congregation because in his opinion it is a worthy cause.
The Diocesan Bishop said donating blood helped to save live which could be that of the donor’s children, parents or even the donor himself subsequently when he or she is also in need.
He said health personnel and volunteers of teams who help to donate blood must be appreciated and accepted because their service was important to humanity so they should be commended and not given cold reception.
Rt Rev Ofori-Akyea encouraged the church members and the public at large who qualify to give blood to always avail themselves when the opportunity presents itself because the blood helps to stock various blood banks for the use of church members and the public at large.
Speaking on the theme: “discipleship; living the transformed life in Jesus” with focus on revival, transformation and growth of the church on the sidelines with the media, he called on the public to be selfless in their service to humanity and live good Christian lives worthy of emulation.
A member of the Tema Diocese Blood Donation Team Anthony Sam Anoom said the Diocese had been engaged in the drive for volunteers to donate blood for the past 10 years.
He said the exercise had helped many church members and their families during emergencies and times of distress.
He said plans were in place to get as many churches as possible under the Diocese to contribute in getting as much blood as possible for the Tema General Hospital which was usually the first port of call for their members as well as the Greater Accra Regional Hospital and the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
From Dzifa Tetteh Tay, Tema
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ASWIM lauds Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
The Association of Women in the Media, (ASWIM) has congratulated Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on her historic achievement as Ghana’s first female Vice President.
The association said her trailblazing journey with sterling accomplishments from academia to politics, is undoubtedly, a vivid inspiration to countless women and girls across Ghana and Africa.
This was contained in a statement signed by its president, Mrs Mavis Kitcher, and copied to The Spectator on Tuesday in Accra.
“ASWIM celebrates your remarkable career, marked by numerous firsts, including the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, (UCC), and the first female to hold a professional chair in Ghana, (UCC),” the statement said.
It said the accomplishments of Prof Opoku- Agyemang were clear testament to the brilliance, resilience and resourceful nature of the complete beautiful African woman.
“As she takes on this new role, ASWIM proudly lauds her commitment to education, women’s empowerment, distinguished public service and patriotism and is very confident that her pursuit of excellence, love for humanity, humility, decency, modesty and commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable will characterise Ghana’s political leadership and public service,” the statement added.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Entertainment
Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.