News
Optic neuropathic cases high in three Northern regions
Examine the eyes regularly
Dr Judith Simon, former Head of the Eye Unit of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) and Medical Director of Northern Community Eye Hospital, a specialist eye hospital in Tamale has complained of a worrying increase in cases of optic neuropathy, a condition that can lead to vision loss or blindness if left untreated.
In an interview with The Spectator in her office in Tamale, she said, over 200 cases have been recorded in the past few months, attributing the rise to severe vitamin deficiencies, particularly vitamins B12, B1, and folate, which are critical for maintaining a healthy optic nerve.
She said places affected most include the Northern, Upper East, and Upper West regions, where access to diverse diets and healthcare services was limited.
“We are seeing an unprecedented number of patients with optic neuropathy, particularly from areas where food insecurity is rampant. These patients are often severely malnourished, and many arrive too late to reverse the damage,” she said.
Dr Simon said optic neuropathy, which involves damage to the optic nerve, can result from various causes, including nutritional deficiencies, chronic diseases like diabetes, and the side effects of certain medications. In this recent surge, malnutrition appears to be the primary driver.
She urged residents in affected areas to seek medical attention at the first sign of vision problems, which can include blurred vision, loss of colour perception, or dark spots in the field of view.
“Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes, though many cases go undetected until the damage is irreversible,” she added.
A health worker (name withheld) at the Eye Department in the Upper East Regional Hospital confirmed such cases and called for immediate action to combat it.
The worker called for increased distribution of vitamin supplements and better access to nutritious food.
The staff also said, the recent spike in optic neuropathy cases serves as a reminder of the broader challenges facing rural communities, where healthcare infrastructure and basic nutritional needs remain unmet.
Dr Abdulai Abukari, the Northern Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, in a brief interview confirmed reports of the cases which he said the service was currently investigating.
He said, there was a public awareness campaign ongoing in various health facilities to educate people on the importance of a balanced diet and regular eye check-ups, especially in vulnerable communities.
From Geoffrey Buta, Tamale
News
High Court issues bench warrant for disputed Akwatia MP following contempt conviction
A Koforidua High Court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Ernest Yaw Kumi, the presumed winner of the Akwatia parliamentary seat in the Eastern region, after convicting him of contempt of court.
The court issued the bench warrant for Kumi’s arrest after he failed to attend court.
The conviction comes after he disobeyed an interim injunction against him on January 7, prohibiting him from being sworn in and admitted as the Member of Parliament-elect for the Akwatia constituency due to an ongoing legal contest over his election.
Mr Kumi presented himself in Parliament to be sworn in on January 7, 2025.
The Judge, Justice Senyo Amedahe held that the convict, throughout the hearing of the contempt case, failed to appear in court in person.
He also rejected a letter from the minority side of Parliament claiming the MP was busy with parliamentary duties, hence his continuous absence from court.
The judge rejected the letter, insisting he would be going against his own ruling should he accept the letter from the minority caucus.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
News
Asset declaration is good, but lifestyle audit is key among public officials – Domelevo to Mahama
Former Auditor General Daniel Yaw Domelevo has commended President John Mahama for declaring his assets but stressed the need for a lifestyle audit to effectively curb corruption among public officials.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, February 18, he acknowledged the President’s move as a “good gesture” but raised concerns about the process.
“It is good to see that the President has declared his assets,” he said.
According to him, “I was not too happy seeing the envelope being given to the Auditor General because that goes more or less to support what people have all along been saying—that you put your declaration in an envelope, seal it, and give it to the Auditor General, which is not the case anyway.”
“This should have gone through the entire process so that they capture it because you are supposed to verify the signature and be sure that the form has been properly completed. That at least should have been done, but it was not done,”he said.
While appreciating President Mahama’s directive for his appointees and public office holders to declare their assets by March 31, Domelevo expressed reservations about the timeline.
“To be honest with you, I think March 31 is too far away because the Constitution provides that it should be declared before you take office,” he argued.
He added that “Some will argue that Act 550 allows six months, but Act 550 contradicts the Constitution. I have a letter in my possession, written by former Attorney General Gloria Akuffo, confirming that the provisions of subsection 4(1) of Act 550 contradict the Constitution. However, we have all been upholding and following that.”
Daniel Domelevo was particularly pleased with Mahama’s commitment to hold non-compliant officials accountable.
“I’m also happy the President says those who don’t declare are going to be punished or asked to leave office. I think that will cut across everybody, and that will be good,” he stated.
However, the former Auditor General stated that asset declaration alone is insufficient in tackling corruption.
“This declaration is good. We must add to it what we call a lifestyle audit and the reversal of the burden of proof,” Mr Domelevo insisted.
“If we don’t do these two things so that we can audit and find out ‘how did you get this money?’, people are going to hide their resources or their assets with their families and friends. Everybody who is suspected of being an ally of a political or public office holder must be subjected to a lifestyle audit,” he concluded.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
