News
Lest we forget! (2)
The COVID-19 cases in Ghana is growing by the day and this is quite worrying, especially with the lockdown eased. We really need to fight hard after our current figures of 11,000-plus confirmed cases, more than 4,000 recoveries, and over 50 deaths.
I have been pointing out why we all need to take the necessary precautions to avoid infections and spread of the virus.
Indeed, we need to be doing more to help reduce infections and the spread. The infections should not be increasing. We should do our best to reduce the rates.
I think there are certain things we should never ignore or take for granted, which we sadly seem to be ignoring.
IGNORING SAFETY PROTOCOLS?
I have read some reports that many people seem to be ignoring or have relaxed on the safety protocols.
People are no more practising social distancing and have not been wearing the face/nose masks. Do they care a hoot about their own health and that of others?
The fact that the lockdown has been eased makes it even more necessary to adhere strictly to the safety protocols.
Here in Finland, the lockdown has been eased and we are in the summer period, yet one can easily observe that many people are staying home. They do not go out if it is not urgent.
NOT SELF-ISOLATING?
I have read that some MPs, parliamentary staff and journalists who tested positive for the virus were not staying isolated.
They continue to attend parliament. What? So what is being done about this situation? Can they be prevented from the place? It is so sad that this is happening in the first place.
For, if gold rusts what will iron do? If the leaders are not adhering to directives would one be surprised if the ordinary person do the same?
LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE
The behaviour of those who are refusing to self-isolate is so disappointing. Yes!
There is another issue that we need to pay more attention to.
Please, can government officials, health experts, all our politicians who appear in public always put on the face/nose masks and practise social distancing as they engage others? I don’t say they don’t do it oo; I am only drawing more attention to that situation.
While the practice is to protect them from infection, it will undoubtedly also go a long way to encourage the public to follow their example.
In that sense, it would give a strong message of leadership by example.
PASTORS TESTING
I have also heard that some religious leaders are looking to buy the forehead thermometer for detecting body temperature of their members as they enter the church or religious premises, but they have been unsuccessful.
I understand the instruments may either not be available or are too expensive.
Can I suggest that if possible, the authorities should secure the instrument for the religious leaders on a hire purchase basis?
The religious leaders are one of the key stakeholders in the fight against the coronavirus, especially with the ease on religious activities.
DOING MORE
Finally, I urge all of us to help stop the spread by adhering to the directives on safety protocols.
I have read that ambulances are not showing up when people call the emergency number. This is worrying if it is true. Or, is it that the ambulances are being overwhelmed by the cases? God forbid!
I recently had a chat with a friend who felt that Ghanaians can be difficult people. I think that generally speaking, Ghanaians are not difficult people.
Our authorities can give all the directives and guidelines but if we don’t follow them our efforts will not go far.
It is feared that there would be a second wave of the pandemic probably towards the end of the year. It is important we all take precautions seriously.
We have been provided with the guidelines. The onus lies on us to abide by them and help prevent the spread. Let’s do more. Thank you.
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
