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Help restock depleting blood banks – Fist Lady
The First Lady, Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo, yesterday appealed to the public to help restock the depleting blood banks and save lives, as the country joined the rest of the world to mark World Blood Donor Day.
She said the need to donate blood to the country’s blood banks had become more critical than ever since many of the locations that used to host blood drives, had closed their doors in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Every day in Ghana, hundreds of blood donations make the difference between life and death. But with the COVID-19 outbreak…It is now even more difficult to maintain sufficient blood supply for people in critical conditions”, she said.
Mrs Akufo-Addo, who is also the executive director of the Rebecca Foundation, made the appeal in a statement she issued in Accra yesterday in commemoration of World Blood Donor Day.
The World Health Assembly in 2005 designated June 14 each year to thank blood donors and encourage more people to give blood freely.
This year’s theme is ”Safe blood saves lives” with the tagline ”Give blood and make the world a healthier place”.
The theme was to call to action governments, national health authorities and national blood transfusion services to provide adequate resources and put in place systems and infrastructures to increase the collection of blood from voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors.
According to Mrs Akufo-Addo, saving lives through blood donation required concerted efforts thus appealed to all healthy Ghanaians to lend a hand in the worthy course.
“It is in these times of crisis, that we must come together to save lives. So today I am supporting the call for all healthy Ghanaian citizens, to be Champions of Change, Please give blood and save lives”, she said.
Her appeal comes weeks after the National Blood Service (NBS) said it was in dire need of blood to save the lives of patients on emergency care because members of the public were hesitant to donate blood due to fear of contracting COVID-19.
The Chief Executive Officer of the NBS, Dr Justina Kordai Ansah, in a new report, said the blood banks across the country had had their stocks exhausted because of the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound effects on us in terms of maintaining blood supplies. More than 50 per cent of our blood donors are from the educational institutions which have been closed down because of COVID-19.
“Religious organisations and corporate bodies who are also principal donors are currently not available because of the restrictions on movement and this has resulted in acute shortage on containment of blood and blood components in the country,” she said.
BY TIMES REPORTER
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Bawku crisis: Mahama to announce major security appointments this week
President John Dramani Mahama is expected to announce key security appointments by the end of the week as part of efforts to address the ongoing conflict in Bawku and its surrounding areas.
This development follows the recent nomination of ministers-designate for Finance, Energy and Green Transition, and the Office of the Attorney General and Justice.
Speaking at the Bawku Naba Palace during an address to the chiefs and people of the Kusaug Traditional Area, President Mahama emphasized that the security appointments are a crucial first step in his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and stability to the conflict-ridden region.
He said, “And so within this week, we’ll do the appointments of the Minister for Defence, the Minister for Interior, the National Security co-ordinator, the national security advisor, the BNI director; and when these appointments are made I am going to charge them to make Bawku one of their major priorities.”
“This last election has cemented our reputation as the leading democracy in Africa and a good part of the thanks goes to you the security services who have maintained peace,”he added.
He expressed confidence that the new security measures would help de-escalate tensions and promote harmony in Bawku.
“We still have threats to our peace that we must continue to look at internally and externally. Internally to do with chieftaincy disputes and some incidents of armed robbery and things like that. Externally to do with the threats on our northern borders and so we cannot let our vigilance down”, President Mahama added.
Source: Citinewsroom.com
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The girl from Kwahu Obomeng: Nana Akua’s inspiring media journey
Rising from the serene hills of Kwahu Obomeng to the bustling studios of Ghana’s top media houses, Sheila Owusu, affectionately known as Obomengniibaa Nana Akua, is carving an indelible mark in Ghana’s entertainment industry.
A dynamic blend of talent, creativity, and determination, Nana Akua has become a powerhouse, mastering the realms of radio, content creation, event hosting, and media production.
Her journey began humbly at GhanaCelebrities.com, where she emerged as an engaging entertainment presenter and content creator. With a knack for celebrity trends and stories that resonated with youthful audiences, Nana Akua quickly became a standout in the digital space, laying a solid foundation for her media career.
Her talent didn’t go unnoticed. At Despite Media, Nana Akua brought her flair to Entertainment Ghana and the Social Trends segment on Neat FM. As a production assistant for Entertainment Review on Peace FM, she fine-tuned her production skills while navigating the fast-paced world of entertainment news and celebrity gossip.
The turning point in her career came at Asaase Radio, where her creativity soared. As the producer for Asaase Café, hosted by Caroline Sampson, and 995 Rush Hour with Elvis Crystal, she curated dynamic, engaging content that captivated listeners. Nana Akua also added her voice to the mix, hosting The Juice, an entertainment news segment that delivered the latest happenings in Ghana’s entertainment world.
Her influence extended to AsaasePa 107.3 FM, where she produced the Kete Drive show, cementing her reputation as a versatile producer with a keen understanding of diverse audiences.
The face of major events
Nana Akua’s charisma shone brightest as an event host. In 2023, she took centre stage at the Miss Natural Beauty Ghana Pageant, wowing audiences with her professionalism and ability to connect. Her involvement in high-profile events such as AfroFuture (formerly Afrochella), AfroNation, Taste of Ghana, and the Bhim Concert highlighted her role in crafting impactful radio content and live coverage that brought these events closer to listeners.
Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Nana Akua was awarded the Entertainment Personality of the Year in 2022 at the Ghana Media and Entrepreneurship Awards, a testament to her growing influence.
Championing women in media
A staunch advocate for women in entertainment, Nana Akua currently produces and hosts Penpensiwa on AsaasePa, a groundbreaking show featuring all-female panels discussing pivotal issues in Ghana’s entertainment industry. By amplifying the voices of women, she is fostering a platform for empowerment and dialogue.
Nana Akua’s creativity extends beyond the airwaves. Through her personal website, nanaakuaohenewaa.com, she writes on entertainment, lifestyle, and social issues, further enriching her digital footprint. Her vision doesn’t stop there; her passion project, the Obomengniibaa Creative Network, promises to showcase her creative genius and inspire others in the industry.
Despite her success, Nana Akua’s heart remains in her hometown, Kwahu Obomeng. She treasures its lush greenery, iconic architecture, and serene atmosphere, often retreating there to recharge. For her, Kwahu is more than a home; it is an endless source of inspiration.
Outside the spotlight, Nana Akua enjoys music, writing, shopping, traveling, cooking, and exploring true crime documentaries—interests that enrich her multifaceted personality.
As Nana Akua continues to push boundaries, her journey inspires a new generation of creatives and entrepreneurs. With a vision of empowering others and redefining media excellence, she is poised to leave a legacy that resonates far beyond Kwahu Obomeng.
