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Medical students urged to be innovative in their careers
Ghanaian medical students have been urged to be innovative and not solely concentrate on what they can derive from the system.
Dr Kwesi Nyan Amissah-Arthur, a Senior Clinical lecturer and Consultant Vitreoretinal Surgeon at the University of Ghana Medical School, who was addressing the Ninth Matriculation ceremony of the Accra College of Medicine (ACM), asked the matriculants to remain focused throughout their training.
He encouraged them to work hard on the added value they would bring on board, remain unique throughout their profession so that people they encounter would identify the extra value they have ,and how they would enhance the set of skills at their disposal.
He said though knowledge and skills were the essential values, patients and colleagues would require of them, the ability to listen, comfort, explain conditions, and to console others were as important as making the right diagnosis or operating on a patient safely and effectively.
“Treating patients while shouting at them and not looking them in the face is very different from explaining conditions and problems to them, and providing them with enough contact time,” he explained.
He said the extra value they would add as professionals could be simple or complex, be life-changing or just a way to keep a smile on the face of an old sick person.
“Be assured that you will find more and greater rewards in all you do because the extra value you bring to the table will be noticed and rewarded by all those you encounter,” he said.
The President of ACM, Prof Afua A Jectey Hesse, described it as a great joy to hear about the splendid performance of doctors trained by ACM. She said testimonies abound in the hospitals where their trained doctors worked.
She said by the quality of training received in the country, Ghanaian doctors were in high demand throughout the world.
She, therefore, called on students to work hard and remain focused in their studies, adding that ACM was poised to train more doctors for the country, the sub-region and beyond.
Twenty-seven students who were enrolled this year, were from Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon and Canada.
A matriculant, Ms Nana Abena Ohemeng, in her speech, asked her colleagues to remember that they were enrolled to study to enable them to make positive impact in the world.
“Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also love for humanity,” she said.
By Raymond Kyekye
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
