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Dr. Bawumia Pays Tribute To ‘Phenomenal’ Nurses On International Day For Nurses And Midwives
The Vice President and Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has paid glowing tribute to nurses and midwives in the country for their phenomenal and dedicated service to the nation and humanity.
Speaking at the observation of the 2024 International Day of Nurses and Midwives in Accra, Dr. Bawumia said nurses are at the forefront of healthcare delivery, and they ought to be appreciated.
“Nurses and midwives are not just healthcare providers; they are highly skilled professionals who offer evidence-based care to patients and families. Their expertise, empathy, and dedication help enhance health outcomes, lower healthcare expenses, and improve the overall well-being of individuals and communities. If you return home safely to join your family after hospitalisation, thank the Nurse and the Midwife,” Dr. Bawumia said.
He continued: “In Ghana, nurses and midwives are the foundation of our healthcare system, delivering vital services to those in need in hospitals, clinics, and communities. They serve as the first line of assistance for patients, offering care, guidance, and treatment.”
“Again, outside Ghana, during the Ebola outbreak in the sub-region, you proved your mettle and dedication towards humanity by fighting the deadly disease in some sister West African Countries,” he said.
On the significance of the International Day for Nurses and Midwives, Dr. Bawumia said observing it is a “sign of our appreciation to you and respect for you for the many sacrifices you have made and continue to make to save lives.”
Dr. Bawumia seized the opportunity to reiterate government’s commitment to improving the healthcare sector, as well as the welfare of nurses and other healthcare professionals.
He noted that “As a government, our commitment to promoting healthcare and welfare of nurses is unquestionable,” he added, and cited a number of interventions in the health sector, such as, medical drone delivery service, ambulances for all constituencies, digitalisation of NHIA renewal digital networking of hospitals, Agenda 111 hospitals, among others.”
Dr. Bawumia also reiterated his commitment to supporting the work of nurses and improving their welfare.
“As Vice President, I am dedicated to supporting the work of our nurses and midwives, especially with the coming onstream of the Agenda 111 state-of-the-art facilities. It is essential to invest in their education, training, and professional growth to ensure they have the necessary skills and resources to provide exceptional care. Recognising and rewarding their hard work, commitment, and impact on healthcare and society is equally important,” Dr. Bawumia concluded.
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.
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Youth urged to take proactive stance on ozone depletion
•Mr Joseph Amankwah, first counting from, some officials from EPA and UNDP in group picture with the student
Mr Joseph Amankwah, the Director of Ozone Layer and Climate Change at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has urged the youth to take a proactive stance on issues related to ozone depletion, emphasising that their future would be most affected by its consequences.
Speaking during a student engagement event at the Ghana Secondary School (GHANASS) in Koforidua, he highlighted the critical role young people played in tackling climate-related challenges.
Mr Amankwah explained that human activities, such as the use of certain chemicals, were significantly contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer and driving climate change.
He said it was important to educate the youth on these issues, encouraging them to share this knowledge with their families to foster a broader understanding and active participation in climate action.
He urged the education sector to integrate lessons on the ozone layer, the causes of its depletion, and its links to climate change into the curriculum.
The event, organised by the EPA in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was designed to foster environmental awareness and promote a sense of responsibility among young people.
Mr Amankwah noted that ozone layer depletion was affecting everyone, including children, as it alters weather patterns and threatens the natural environment.
He highlighted the need for young people to develop ‘green skills’ to adapt to the challenges of climate change and to understand ways to combat it.
He added that World Ozone Day, observed every September, would focus on youth engagement in environmental issues, to help them understand the long-term consequences of ozone depletion and climate change.
Mr Amankwah also discussed the harmful impact of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a major chemical contributor to ozone depletion.
He explained that household appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners were common sources of CFC emissions in Ghana.
Many uncertified technicians work on these appliances, often releasing harmful chemicals into the atmosphere due to improper handling, he noted.
To address this, he urged appliance repairers to obtain proper certification and training, emphasising that unqualified repairs not only harm the environment but also endangered public health.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman,
Koforidua
