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GIS, others urged to uphold dignity, sanctity of country
Mr Seth Kwame Acheampong
The Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Seth Kwame Acheampong has called on the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and other sister security services to show a sense of nationalism for peace to prevail as the country approaches this year’s General Election.
He indicated that security officers, including personnel of the GIS would be at the forefront performing duties to ensure peace, law and order before, during and after the elections.
“In that line of duty, it is important for them to think Ghana first and perform their duties fairly when given the opportunity to serve the state in such stewardship.”
Mr Seth Kwame Acheampong made the comment during the maiden edition of the Eastern Regional Command West African Security Services Association (WASSA) to celebrate officers who have been working throughout the year to ensure the mandate of the service, maintaining security in the region and foster good working relationship among officers.
Mr Acheampong stated that there was the need for the security personnel to uphold the dignity of the country and be committed to serving and protect the sanctity of the country.
“Ghana is a blessed country and there is the need for all of us to protect its peace to enable us to benefit from it,” he said and urged the security officers not to follow politicians into wrong doing.
By that, he expressed the belief that Ghanaians can build a peaceful state, and urged all to do their best to for the development of the region.
For his part, the Eastern Regional Commander of the Ghana Immigration Service, Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DCOI) FaiselDisu disclosed that the Command has generated a revenue of GH¢742,722.50 this year from 1, 075 passport applications.
The amount represents an increase of 80.4 percent in revenue as compared to the GH¢411,687.50 generated in 2023.
He attributed that to the increase in applications being processed by the Command within the period, adding that the region has been known to be one of the fastest in delivering quality services.
He said the region was one of the inland Command with a total staff strength of 961 personnel, indicating that the regional office in Koforidua has a staff strength of 282 personnel.
However, he indicated that these 282 personnel were unfortunately operating from only five room office accommodation at the regional office, two rooms office space at the Regional Coordinating Council as an Enforcement Unit, and three rooms office space at Effiduase.
He revealed that the Comptroller General in pursuant of Regulation 1(4) of the Immigration Service Regulation 2016 L.I.2245 in consultation with the Ghana Immigration Governing Council has elevated some sections and units of the GIS to the status of Departments which needed to be headed by Commissioners of the Service.
That, he said was intended to lead to expansion and operational effectiveness.
“Hence, more personnel would be posted to the region to operationalise the departments but we do not have adequate office accommodation to host them,” DCOI Disu revealed.
He said the inadequate infrastructure and furniture was real challenge as the Command has seen a tremendous increase in the number of personnel, causing overcrowding in the already limited office spaces.
He thanked the Comptroller General of GIS, Mr Kwame AsuahTakyi (Esq), Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Seth Kwame Acheampong, and Regional Commander of the Ghana Fire Service, ACFOI Jenifer NaaYarleyQuaye for their support.
He was also grateful to Akromah Gold Limited, E&H Quarry Limited, Denker Industries, Quality Quarry Limited, Malaika Fisheries, China Fujian Fisheries, King Aquatic Fisheries and West African Fisheries for sponsoring the event.
From AmaTekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman, Koforidua
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GEXIM to host “SME GO” programme stakeholder sensitisation and fair on September 18
The Ghana Export – Import Bank (GEXIM) in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ghana Enterprises Agency and Development Bank of Ghana will be hosting the final phase of the stakeholder sensitisation exercise on the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Growth and Opportunity (SME GO) Programme at the Bank’s headquarters located at the Africa Trade House, in Accra.
The stakeholder sensitisation event is scheduled to take place on Wednesday SSeptember18, 2024 at 10 am and will give attendees a deeper insight into the SME GO Programme with a focus on the dynamics of the programme, eligibility criteria application process and how the initiative seeks to assist Ghanaian SMEs to scale up and compete favorably in the international marketplace.
The confirmed speakers and dignitaries for the event will highlight how Ghanaian SMEs can leverage on the SME GO Programme to build the capacities and make them sustainable.
They include Hon. Abena Osei-Asare, Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, Hon. K. T. Hammond, Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Nii Kwartei Titus Glover, Greater Accra Regional Minister as well as the Chief Executive Officers of the Ghana Enterprises Agency and Development Bank of Ghana.
Alongside the stakeholder sensitisation event, GEXIM will be hosting a special edition of its popular SME Fair dubbed “SME GO Mart” at the forecourt of the Africa Trade House, from 8am to 8pm.
The theme for the “SME GO Mart” is “Celebrating Ghanaian SMEs” and it will provide a platform for Ghanaian entrepreneurs to showcase various top-quality Made-In-Ghana products.
Over hundred Ghanaian entrepreneurs with unique products have been confirmed to participate in the fair.
They will be exhibiting several unique and authentic products at unbeatable prices including food and ingredients, beverages, skin and beauty care products, textiles, apparel, garments, leather footwear, slippers, and many others.
In July 2024, the Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Finance launched the SME GO Programme, a ground breaking initiative which sought to provide Ghanaian SMEs with the needed funds, requisite technology and knowledge as well as other relevant resources and tools to aid their growth to become international giants.
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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.
