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Drivers unions endorse Mahama’s 24-hour economy policy

The Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana has endorsed John Dramani Mahama’s 24-hour economy policy, believing it will significantly benefit commercial drivers.

The association’s leadership believes that the 24-hour economy will create a constant flow of passengers for commercial drivers, as essential services operate around the clock. This continuous operation, similar to those in Europe and the Americas, guarantees drivers consistent business opportunities throughout the day and night.

Currently, commercial drivers often face limited nighttime business due to the lack of activity in many commercial centres. This forces them to work day jobs and leaves night driving, considered less lucrative and potentially dangerous, largely untapped.

The 24-hour economy policy aims to change this narrative by encouraging round-the-clock activity, making night driving more profitable and safer.

The driver unions believe the 24-hour economy policy has the potential to generate significant employment opportunities, particularly for the youth. This, coupled with the increased economic activity, is seen as a significant boost to Ghana’s overall economic growth.

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the True Drivers Union have also expressed their backing for Mahama’s policy, highlighting its potential benefits for their members and the country’s economy.

The driver unions have urged all political parties and individuals to avoid discrediting the 24-hour economy policy. They emphasize that it presents a unique opportunity for Ghana’s economic development and should be supported by all stakeholders.

According to Deputy Secretary of the Concerned Drivers Association, Asonaba Nana Wiredu, the introduction of the 24-hour economy will allow commercial drivers to work day and night since essential services will be running on a 24-hour basis just like in Europe, the Americas and elsewhere.

“We have followed with keenly a statement made by NDC flagbearer John Dramani Mahama on the 24-hour economic policy and we give it one hundred percent support. We are sure that when this policy is implemented commercial centres such as markets, harbours and other commercial centres will run day and night shifts.

“As drivers, we will be provided with passengers since essential services will be available 24 hours. As drivers, we don’t make any sales and burn our fuel working at night and this policy will be the game changer since it will push our business higher,” Asonaba Nana Wiredu, Deputy Secretary of the group said.

Source: Citinewsroom.com

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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.