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Name Pokuase Interchange after Nii Ayii Kushi– Nii Tettey Kodzo II
The Chief of Ayawaso, Nii Tettey Kodzo II and his traditional elders have paid a working visit to the ongoing Pokuase Interchange project to acquaint themselves with progress of work.
The Resident Engineer of the project, Mr Kwabena Bempong, who welcomed the chief and his entourage on site, said the 4-tier interchange when completed next year, was expected to reduce traffic congestion on the Ofankor-John Teye –Amasaman stretch of the Accra-Nsawam highway.
He said the project which was started two years ago was about 78 per cent complete, saying hopefully the project be completed by the first quarter of 2021.
The resident engineer explained that work on access roads linking the interchange was almost been completed to ensure smooth movement of motorists and other road users.
Mr Bempong indicated that the challenges they initially encountered such as the acquisition of properties, provision of electricity, removal of overhead cables among others were now a thing of the past.
Nii Tettey Kodzo II, in response, commended the government for the mega project being undertaken to reduce travelling time and long hours sitting in traffic.
He said they have sent a letter of petition to the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, that the interchange when completed, should be named after Nii Ayi Kushi, the first king and founder of the Ga Adangme State on which the project was located.
According to him, Nii Ayi Kushi was not only a traditional ruler for his people, but also as founder of the Ga Adangme State, he played a critical role in the political, economic and social development of the Gold Coast.
“Yet nothing was done in honour of our Great King,” he said, stressing that we pray that President Akufo-Addo honour this great traditional ruler of blessed memory.
Nii Tettey Kodzo II, commended the residential engineer and his construction team for the good work they have done so far and was very much impressed with the huge engineering edifice.
From Benjamin Arcton-Tettey, Pokuase
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Zipline, GHS reduce maternal mortality in Ashanti Region by 56.4% – Study
A recent impact assessment study on aerial logistics to improve maternal health and emergencies has revealed a remarkable reduction in maternal mortality by 56.4% in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Zipline and the Ghana Health Service (GHS).
This was revealed at the National Ghana Health Service Research Conference organized by the Ghana Health Service in partnership with Zipline. The study, which focused on the impact of aerial logistics in healthcare, also noted a 19.9% increase in antenatal visits and a 25% rise in in-facility births, signaling a significant boost in maternal health outcomes.
The success according to the study is attributed to the on-demand availability of blood and essential medical supplies provided by Zipline’s innovative drone delivery system. This consistent access to critical resources has increased patient confidence in the healthcare system, encouraging more mothers to seek necessary care throughout their pregnancies.
Speaking on the highlight of the study, the Research Officer at Ashanti Regional Health Directorate stated, “the significant decrease in maternal mortality we’ve seen is a clear indication of the vital role that reliable access to medical supplies plays in healthcare. The ability to deliver blood and essential medicines exactly when they’re needed has transformed how mothers in the Ashanti Region perceive and engage with the healthcare system.”
“It’s an achievement that speaks to the importance of introducing technology in healthcare delivery. Mothers now feel more confident in seeking care, knowing that they will receive the support they need throughout their pregnancies,”he stated.
The study examined data from 191 health facilities, including hospitals, health centers, and Community-based Health and Planning Services (CHPS) Compounds. Among these, 99 facilities were served by Zipline’s aerial logistics, while 91 were not. The research employed adjusted rates for various key indicators, such as antenatal consultations, emergency visits, referrals, live births, hysterectomies, maternal deaths, and neonatal deaths, as the main dependent variables.
The qualitative aspect of the study aimed to describe and analyze the changes in satisfaction levels among healthcare providers and patients, perceived quality of care in maternal health and emergencies, and experiences related to the use of aerial logistics. In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 patients and 23 healthcare providers at the participating facilities.
Globally, maternal mortality remains a critical public health challenge, with stark disparities between high-income and low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the majority of maternal deaths occur in LMICs, often due to preventable causes. In Ghana, particularly in the Ashanti Region, the problem is critical, reflecting the broader challenges faced across the African continent. Beyond this, socio-economic, geographic, and infrastructural factors intensify the risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions to improve maternal health outcomes.
As maternal mortality continues to pose a challenge in low-to-middle-income countries, the success seen in Ghana’s Ashanti Region offers a promising model for other regions and nations striving to improve maternal health outcomes through innovative solutions.
Zipline is poised to continue leading the way in revolutionizing healthcare delivery, ensuring that every mother has access to the life-saving resources, no matter where she lives.
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Traders, ‘Okada’ riders take over Circle pavement
• Korle-Bu CEO with staff of Nivaansh MediQas
Activities of traders and drug addicts are contributing to make the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange (Circle) area very uncomfortable and unsafe for commuters.
Day in and out, pedestrians are ‘ejected’ from the pavement created for their safety as traders preferred to sell their wares on that space.
That hinders the free movement of the pedestrians.
The small space left for the pedestrians are also shared with ‘Okada’ riders.
As if these woes are not enough for a commuter on a single day, they also have to navigate carefully to avoid clashes with drug addicts and the mentally challenged.
These people have turned the pavements into their places of abode, covering every inch of space with their wares.
Our photographer, Lizzy Okai, captures some of the unfriendly scenes the authorities must try and deal with to restore sanity to the area.
By Lizzy Okai
