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Dormaahene from attending Berekumhene’s funeral to prevent clashes

The Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, could not carry out his decision to attend the burial rites of the late Berekumhene, Daasebre Dr Amankona Diawuo II, at Berekum in the Bono Region.

This was after the Sunyani High Court, restrained him from attending the funeral on Thursday, November 23, 2023, since it could lead to a breach of the peace in the area.

The court order followed an application brought before the court by a member of the Berekum Traditional Council, Osabarima Kyere Yeboah Darteh II.

The Dormaahene decided to attend the burial rites on Thursday, the same day the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, was also attending the event.

Nananom in Berekum saw the position of the Dormaahene as something that could lead to the breach of the peace of the area and therefore sought legal action to prevent him from attending.

From the funeral arrangements released by the Berekum Traditional council, the Dormaahene and Members of the Bono Regional and National Houses of Chiefs, of which he is the President were to attend the burial rites on Wednesday, November 22 while the Asantehene, who is the overlord of Berekum, was to attend the burial on Thursday, November 23.

Traditionally, Otumfuo is the last person to attend the burial of a Berekumhene since the Berekumhene owes allegiance to the Golden Stool – Asanteman.

But, to the surprise of the Berekum Traditional Council, the Dormaahene rather decided to attend the funeral at the same time the Otumfuo would be attending, compelling the Berekum Traditional Council to seek legal means to stop him, and also prevent potential clashes, in view of recent developments between the Dormaahene and Asantehene.

The court requested the Ghana Police Service to assist the Berekum Traditional Council in carrying out the injunction order to maintain peace within Berekum.

The legal action was aimed at forestalling any potential disorder arising from the presence of the Asantehene and the Dormaahene, considering the recent posture and public utterances of the Dormaahene against the Asantehene on why Dormaa cannot be part of Asanteman.

The court has ordered the Ghana Police Service to enforce the injunction, underscoring the importance of maintaining peace in Berekum and its environs.

Meanwhile, more than 20 VIP buses filled to capacity left the Manhyia Palace for the final funeral rites on Thursday.

Graphic Online understands that the Berekum area is filled to capacity with people paying their last respects to the late Omanhene.

Source: Graphic.com.gh

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Zipline, GHS reduce maternal mortality in Ashanti Region by 56.4% – Study

A recent impact assessment study on aerial logistics to improve maternal health and emergencies has revealed a remarkable reduction in maternal mortality by 56.4% in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Zipline and the Ghana Health Service (GHS).

This was revealed at the National Ghana Health Service Research Conference organized by the Ghana Health Service in partnership with Zipline. The study, which focused on the impact of aerial logistics in healthcare, also noted a 19.9% increase in antenatal visits and a 25% rise in in-facility births, signaling a significant boost in maternal health outcomes.

The success according to the study is attributed to the on-demand availability of blood and essential medical supplies provided by Zipline’s innovative drone delivery system. This consistent access to critical resources has increased patient confidence in the healthcare system, encouraging more mothers to seek necessary care throughout their pregnancies.

Speaking on the highlight of the study, the Research Officer at Ashanti Regional Health Directorate stated, “the significant decrease in maternal mortality we’ve seen is a clear indication of the vital role that reliable access to medical supplies plays in healthcare. The ability to deliver blood and essential medicines exactly when they’re needed has transformed how mothers in the Ashanti Region perceive and engage with the healthcare system.”

“It’s an achievement that speaks to the importance of introducing technology in healthcare delivery. Mothers now feel more confident in seeking care, knowing that they will receive the support they need throughout their pregnancies,”he stated.

The study examined data from 191 health facilities, including hospitals, health centers, and Community-based Health and Planning Services (CHPS) Compounds. Among these, 99 facilities were served by Zipline’s aerial logistics, while 91 were not. The research employed adjusted rates for various key indicators, such as antenatal consultations, emergency visits, referrals, live births, hysterectomies, maternal deaths, and neonatal deaths, as the main dependent variables.

The qualitative aspect of the study aimed to describe and analyze the changes in satisfaction levels among healthcare providers and patients, perceived quality of care in maternal health and emergencies, and experiences related to the use of aerial logistics. In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 patients and 23 healthcare providers at the participating facilities.

Globally, maternal mortality remains a critical public health challenge, with stark disparities between high-income and low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the majority of maternal deaths occur in LMICs, often due to preventable causes. In Ghana, particularly in the Ashanti Region, the problem is critical, reflecting the broader challenges faced across the African continent. Beyond this, socio-economic, geographic, and infrastructural factors intensify the risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions to improve maternal health outcomes.

As maternal mortality continues to pose a challenge in low-to-middle-income countries, the success seen in Ghana’s Ashanti Region offers a promising model for other regions and nations striving to improve maternal health outcomes through innovative solutions.

Zipline is poised to continue leading the way in revolutionizing healthcare delivery, ensuring that every mother has access to the life-saving resources, no matter where she lives.

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Traders, ‘Okada’ riders take over Circle pavement

• Korle-Bu CEO with staff of Nivaansh MediQas

Activities of traders and drug addicts are contributing to make the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange (Circle) area very uncomfortable and unsafe for commuters.

Day in and out, pedestrians are ‘ejected’ from the pavement created for their safety as traders preferred to sell their wares on that space.

Staff of the National Ambulance Service (NAS) showcasing their work

That hinders the free movement of the pedestrians.

The small space left for the pedestrians are also shared with ‘Okada’ riders.

As if these woes are not enough for a commuter on a single day, they also have to navigate carefully to avoid clashes with drug addicts and the mentally challenged.