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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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 Report cancer cases to qualified health professionals

• Dr Wiafe-Addai

 The President of the Breast Care International (BCI), Dr Beatrice Wiafe-Addai, has observed that “Some patients come with end-stage conditions of cancer, following pro­longed days at quack health facili­ties.”

Dr Wiafe-Addai, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Peace and Love Hospitals, said the trend where “cancer treatment in Ghana is mired in superstition and bogged down by mounting financial challeng­es,” was worrying.

She indicated that this at Beposo, in the Bosomtwe district of the Ashanti region, on World Cancer Day 2025, which was observed on Tuesday, under the theme: ‘United by Unique.’

World Cancer Day aims to improve awareness and knowledge of cancer so that it can be better detected and treated.

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The day, organised by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), brought scores of residents and stu­dents of Beposo for sensitisation on the disease.

According to her, it was important to wage “a sustained, vigorous edu­cation on cancers countrywide for the people to be enlightened about the disease and change the belief that the disease has spiritual elements.”

Furthermore, Dr Wiafe-Addai stated that the high cost of cancer treatment of has put most of the survivors into poverty, and that there was the need to support them, “because everybody is a potential cancer and other com­municable disease patient.”

She then urged the government, as a matter of urgency, to put cancer patients on the Livelihood Empow­erment Against Poverty (LEAP) as a source of support for them.

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In her suggestion to help increase cancer education in Ghana, she called for the evolution of people-centred programmes and policies to amelio­rate the plight of cancer patients.

“A people’s centred approach leads to improved patients’ well-being, higher quality care, and increased trust in healthcare providers,” she stated, adding that people-centred care included initiatives such as com­munity health programmes tailored to local health issues and cultural competence training for healthcare providers, among others.

Dr Wiafe Addai advised women not to treat cancer-related diseases spiri­tually but rather to seek early med­ical attention “because the disease is not caused by any supernatural activity.”

“The cancer disease is curable, pre­ventable, and treatable. At least visit your hospitals for a thorough medical checkup once a year to prevent esca­lation of the disease,” she added.

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Dr Cary Adams, CEO of UICC noted that the theme (United By Unique) recognised that “every experience with cancer was unique and everyone has unique needs, unique perspectives and a unique story to tell, that people touched by cancer are improved, are united in a shared ambition to see governments implement policies to improve cancer prevention.”

Nana Atakora Bonsrah I, the Care­taker of Ankaase, expressed gratitude to Breast Care International and their partners for the sensitisation and screening of the residents in the area to create the awareness on cancer.

He said the awareness creation was the best way to prevent the disease, and called on stakeholders in the health sector, individuals and corpo­rate organisations to get involved in the fight against cancer.

 From Kingsley E. Hope, Kum

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 No announcement of artistes for ‘Shades of Love Concert’ — Akwaboah

Akwaboah
Akwaboah

 Highlife musician, Glad­storm Kwabena Ak­waboah Jnr., known in showbiz circles as Akwaboah has explained why he will not announce the guest artistes performing at his ‘Shades of Love concert’ on Valentine’s Day.

According to him, past ex­periences have taught him that publicising guest artistes can be risky, as some would fail to show up.

To avoid deceiving the public with the names of artistes who may not perform, Akwaboah has decided to keep the guest acts a secret.

“I’ve had experiences in the past where I made guest artistes public, and they failed to show up. Some even at­tended rehearsals but didn’t appear for the event itself.

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“Since people often buy tickets because their favour­ite artistes are performing, I don’t want to advertise names and risk some not showing up, making it seem like I deceived the public. So, I’ve decided not to make it public,” he explained.

Akwaboah’s ‘Shades Of Love Concert is scheduled for February 14, 2025, at the Palms Convention Centre to celebrate love on Valentine’s Day.

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