News
It’s getting murkier, we must sit up!
It has been nearly three months since the country recorded its first coronavirus case on March 13, 2020. Since then, the numbers kept trickling in with over 17,741 infections recorded as of Monday June, 30 2020.
The recoveries which stand around 13,000 sound encouraging but the increasing number of new cases, almost on a daily basis, is still causing some anxiety in the country.
A major concern which keeps popping up, however, is that of frontline health workers who lament over the shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and inadequate testing kits.
According to the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), results of patients sometimes arrive between seven to 10 days after samples are taken — a situation which the association admits, does not augur well for case management.
Our country’s death rate compared with those reported in other jurisdictions is relatively low. But the fact remains that a significant number of committed health workers across the country continue to lose their lives in the line of duty.
As we battle the active cases, sections of the public believe that there could be more positive cases in the population apart from the figures so far confirmed.
Despite the dangers posed by COVID-19 pandemic, citizens are still going about their normal duties along with political acclamations and other activities geared towards election 2020. Some individuals are complacent and, therefore, decide where and when to wear their face masks.
Presently, with about 117 recorded deaths, the pandemic has proven that it is no respecter of persons. Our hearts go out to families who have lost their loved ones in these trying times.
In view of the fact that majority of the populace seem to have thrown caution to the wind, The Spectator wishes to call for the imposition of more stringent measures to ensure the mandatory wearing of nose and face masks.
We believe this would instill discipline in certain areas, especially in the Greater Accra Region where the cases keep rising.
It is also pertinent to protect the lives of our frontline health workers and all individuals actively involved in the fight against COVID-19. Those in charge should, as a matter of urgency, release PPE to the health facilities for a “stitch in time saves nine”.
Factories that are producing the equipment need to set up their game. If we must open additional testing centres across the country to fast-track the release of test results, the better it would be for us.
While at it, authorities must go the extra mile to enforce social distancing at the voter registration centres as the crowd-control measures witnessed recently leave much to be desired.
We pray that an antidote to the pandemic is found soon as the nation gears up for the polls in December 7, amidst COVID-19.
Everything points to the fact that our version of the coronavirus pandemic is getting murkier, but if we keep playing the ostrich, the reality of the disease will expose us all.
News
University of Ghana opens maiden ‘Artify’ visual arts exhibition
The University of Ghana, in partnership with Nubuke Foundation and KGL Foundation, has launched a week-long visual arts exhibition titled ‘Artify’ on the University’s campus.
Running from November 26 to December 2, the event showcases drawings and paintings by eight visual artists selected by the University.
The artists participated in a two-week skills and business orientation training before the exhibition, where they were coached on art practice fundamentals, copyright and intellectual property, entrepreneurship, and business management.
The training was to help the artists upscale their craft and expand their client reach, equipping them to become more business-oriented art professionals.
The Artify project, under the theme Amplifying Art as a Business, was conceived by the University of Ghana’s Office of Research, Innovation, and Development (ORID).
Professor Felix Ankomah Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Development, University of Ghana, said they aimed to equip them with the necessary tools and skills to thrive as artists and entrepreneurs.
“This initiative nurtures talent and fosters entrepreneurial spirit among young aspiring artists. Together, we cultivate creativity and transform passion into sustainable careers,” he said.
Prof. Asante said that the skills required to run an art business were often overlooked, as art was commonly perceived as a hobby that doesn’t necessitate specialised management skills.
He argued that by integrating business and project management skills into the art ecosystem in Ghana, more organisations and investors could be encouraged to support creatives.
Madam Odile Tevie, Director of Nubuke Foundation, called on authorities to create more platforms, similar to the Artify exhibition, where artists could showcase their work.
She advocated the establishment of visual arts spaces in communities, where local talents could receive training and be nurtured in their craft.
Mr Sedem Atsu Avornyo, one of the participating artists, praised the University and its partners for the initiative.
He noted that his knowledge and skills had been greatly enriched, better preparing him for the job market. –GNA
News
Don’t harass, visitors on period of election …Comptroller-General cautions Immigration staff
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mr Kwame Asuah Takyi, (Esq.), has asked personnel of the service, especially those at the various borders of the country, not to harass people who travel in and outside of the country during the election period.
The advice is to stem reports that usually characterise immigration operations in border communities in such crucial moments.
He gave the advice at the 2024 Comptroller-General’s end-of-year games held at the McDan La Town Park on Friday.
It was under the theme “Kick for unity, sports for peaceful elections.”
According to Mr Assuah Takyi, It was important for personnel of the staff to behave professionally and live by the high standards required to ensure peace and tranquility at the border towns where elections would be ongoing.
“I want to remind you of the roles and responsibilities expected from you. Don’t take advantage of the upcoming general elections to harass visitors and passengers going in and out of the country.
“Perform your duties professionally as immigration officers and, where necessary, assist other security agencies to maintain peace, law, and order before, during, and after the elections.”
“Be apolitical because your services are to Ghana first and only, and not to any individual or political party. As officers in uniform, don’t put up behaviours that would question your professionalism.”
“This is not a call on immigration staff alone. All the security agencies are poised to display high standards of professionalism to ensure that Ghanaians vote in a peaceful atmosphere,” Mr Takyi said.
Flanked by three-time African best player and former captain of the Black Stars Abedi Ayew Pele, who was the special guest of honour, the Comptroller-General stated that as officers and men in uniform, their duty to the country was to maintain peace, law, and order and not to be involved in dubious or political activities.
“If any of you want to do politics, resign and hand over your uniform to the service and go. This information should go out there to our officers across the country.”
Mr Assuah Takyi urged members of the general public to behave responsibly to make the work of the security officers simple and peaceful while cautioning potential troublemakers to have a change of mind because that would not be tolerated.
“The National Elections Security Taskforce (NESTF) met the political parties on Thursday to reaffirm our commitment to professionalism, impartiality, and adherence to the rule of law.”
“Our actions will be impartial and guided by the law, and anyone who decides to violate the laid-down laws will be made to face the law.”
Mr Asuah Takyi urged all to operate within the confines of the law to ensure a successful and trouble-free election.
By Raymond Ackumey
