News
Pay attention to health of prisoners’
Some members of the public being screened
The government has been urged to pay more attention to the health of prisoners as the absence of that could pose public health risk in the society.
Founder of Jabi Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, Ms Mary Yaa Wujiti, cautioned; “If we neglect the prisoners, remember the officers manning there will pick up infections and bring it to their dependents and the general community; the churches, mosques, market, school which is why we must prioritise their health.”
She shared the advice in an interview with The Spectator when her organisation in collaboration with LAMACONSULT, a conflict resolution focused NGO, organised a free health screening for inmates and officers of the Ankaful Maximum Prison in the Central region.
In all, about 400 individuals were screened for conditions including blood pressure, sugar, malaria, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) as well as eye complications with essential medications, eye glasses and assorted food items also donated to the facility.
Ms Wujiti said that one of the key values of Jabi Foundation was empathy which was its major drive to reach out to inmates and bring healthcare to their doorsteps.
“Since prisons is one neglected area in our society, we thought of bringing healthcare to their doorstep to put a smile on their face.”
Ms Wujiti, also an Ophthalmic Nurse, observed that due to overcrowding in the cells, most of the inmates had skin infections, some of which were communicable with others, particularly elderly inmates suffering blurred vision.
“Others complained of body aches, had nutritional deficits, among others so we appeal to the government, NGOs and the general public to support the healthcare systems in the prisons by providing them with medications, consumables and other necessary equipment to promote their wellbeing.”
She further encouraged members of the public to undertake an eye test at least once a year because, “blinding eye conditions are very silent, they don’t come with pain but before you realise you are blind.”
By Abigail Annoh
News
New BoG governor can’t engage in official duties – Afenyo-Markin to Mahama
The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo Markin has raised concerns over the assumption of official duties by Dr. Johnson Asiamah as Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG).
The former Deputy Governor was recently nominated by President John Dramani, on January 31, 2025, to serve as Governor, pending approval by the Council of State.
This follows a formal request by the current Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, to proceed on leave ahead of his retirement on March 31, 2025.
However, in a letter to President Mahama dated February 4, Minority Leader raised serious concerns with Dr. Asiamah’s assumption of office in the absence of the Council of State.
“Your Excellency, it is my considered view that Dr. Johnson Asiamah should refrain from engaging in official duties at the Bank of Ghana until his nomination has been duly approved by the Council of State. While awaiting confirmation, he can seek any necessary briefings outside the formal assumption of office,” the letter noted.
He added, “I trust that due attention will be given to this matter to uphold the integrity of our institutional processes.”
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Read full statement below
News
Bagbin lifts suspension of four MPs
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has lifted the suspension of four Members of Parliament (MPs) who were suspended after a clash during the vetting session on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
The altercation occurred between Minority and Majority MPs, escalating tensions in Parliament. The disagreement reached a peak after the suspension of the four MPs, triggering a debate over whether the vetting should proceed on January 31, 2025.
Following the suspension, the Minority MPs walked out, leaving only the Majority to continue with the vetting of nominees, including that of MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who had already undergone several hours of questioning by the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
The lifting of the suspension comes after a review of the incident. The four MPs – Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Jerry Ahmed Shaib and Alhassan Tampuli – are now expected to resume their parliamentary duties as normal. The move seeks to restore order in Parliament following the disruptions.
This was after both the majority leader and minority leader appealed to the Speaker of Parliament to lift the ban on the four MPs.
Alban Bagbin said, “So I have lifted the suspension order. I do so instantly and takes effect immediately. The affected Hon. Members are permitted now to enter the precincts of the house. I must say they actually complied with the orders.”
He assured that the investigations will continue, and the House will have the opportunity to make a decision.
He commended the security agencies for their support.
Source : Citinewsroom.com
