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COVID-19 is real, don’t lose guard — KIA Port Heath Director
The Director of Port Health at the Kotoka International Airport, Dr. Lawrence Lartey has advised the public not to fall for peer pressure and ignore the Corornavirus safety protocols at events.
He said that even some adults “fall for pressure to do the unthinkable” stressing that it would be more dangerous for such persons to disregard the COVID-19 protocols.
“When the pressure is on you to remove your mask, do not fall for it” he cautioned.
Dr. Lartey’s admonition was based on an observation that it had become worrying to attend social events and see people without wearing nose masks although it was a major prevention measure against the Coronavirus pandemic.
This, according to him, was prevalent at marriage ceremonies and funerals where hundreds of people gathered.
He said some ladies at wedding ceremonies did not see the need to wear nose masks because of their make-ups and so they would rather show their entire faces regardless of the consequences.
The Director of Port Health was worried that at funerals, it was uncommon to see only a handful of people wearing nose masks at such events.
He called for behavioural change among people as these were not normal times and emphasised that hugging and handshakes should be avoided.
Dr. Lartey said it was a challenge to understand why some people still believed COVID-19 was a myth, however, people’s outlook of the virus changed when someone very close to them got the disease.
He said others also thought that even if the virus existed, it was being exaggerated and this trend put many lives at risk.
The Director of Port Health at KIA advised the public to take the protocols of hand washing, wearing of nose masks, use of hand sanitisers and observing the social distancing seriously because the virus was real.
He said health personnel were trying their best to curb the spread of the virus but sadly some had even lost their lives in the process, and called for strict adherence to the safety protocols.
From Difa 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.
