News
Repent before LGBTQI+ Bill becomes law-Prophet advises practitioners
Prophet Ansah and the chiefs after the launch
The Vice Chairman of the Papaase Area Local Council of Churches, Prophet Owusu Ansah, has urged persons engaged in LGBTQI+ activities to have a change of heart and repent before the passage of the LGBTQI+Bill into law.
The Bill which is currently at the consideration stage before Parliament, when passed would criminalise such activities as well as prevent its promotion and advocacy.
He said, by this understanding, there is no place for them anymore in the Ghanaian society to engage in such acts hence the call on them to repent and conform to the norms, cultural and religious values of the Ghanaian society.
Prophet Ansah who is also the General Overseer of the Christ on Top International Church (COTIC) made the call at the launch of his 25th anniversary of pastoral work at Papaase in the Gomoa East District of the Central Region on Sunday.
The year-long anniversary would kick-start with activities including general cleaning, free medical screening, community engagements, sports activities and Bible competitions among churches in the area.
He indicated those engaged in the LGBTQI+ activities must be helped to see the light of God and turn a new leaf for the betterment of their own future.
Religiously, he said since it was also against the moral teachings of both the Bible and the Quran, the perpetuators must be aware that the wrath of God would descend heavily on them not only in the court room but also on the judgment day.
Prophet Ansah said the youth must not be left in the hands of their peers, but rather people with integrity to serve as mentors or role models.
The country, he explained has gone far on its democratisation process, adding that, this was not the time to waste the country’s scarce resources on people who have refused to accept wisdom, adding “We do not need such acts in the country; the church is fully behind the law makers for quick passage of the law.”
The General Overseer commended the chiefs and people of the area for the support and pledged to further cement that bond for the socio-economic development of the area.
Very Reverend Gideon Boakye in his sermon charged the congregation not to create problems for their pastors but rather submit, support and also offer specific prayers.
By Lawrence Vomafa-Akpalu
News
‘Nipahiamoa’ residents cry for basic social amenities
Residents of a farming community in the Nkoranza North District of the Bono East Region are living under conditions that directly reflect or connote the name of the township, Nipahiamoa.
The name of the town, Nipahiamoa, when translated directly means ‘humans need help.’
Despite the contribution in ensuring there is sufficient food in not only the region but the country at large, Nipahiamoa lacks basic social amenities to make life enjoyable after their farming activities.
water for the people of Nipahiamoa
According to some of the members of the community that The Spectator spoke to during a visit to the area, they lacked basic needs such as potable water, health post, among others.
This, they claimed, was impacting negatively on their general wellbeing and appealed to authorities to come to their aid.
The Unit Committee chairman of Nipahiamoa, Mr James Najohnbo, told this paper on Thursday that successive governments have neglected the town over the years.
“It is the reason we are where we are today in this era of development. Some people poke fun that our condition is a reflection of the name of the town but I don’t believe that. We have been neglected by governments over the years. There are no government initiatives here,” he explained.
The community, inhabited by over one thousand people, mostly settlers, is located on the Techiman-Kintampo stretch of the Trans-ECOWAS highway which connect from Tema to Mali.
Mr Najohnbo, who conducted this reporter around, revealed that a borehole constructed for the community by the former Member of Parliament for Nkoranza North, Major Derrick Oduro, had since broke down, compelling the people to turn to the Bono manso waterfalls which they trek several kilometres for their source of water.
Mr Najohnbo stated that their children are not left out in this challenges as they had to trek to either Manso or Dweneho, about two kilometres to access healthcare and education.
He added that a wooden structure constructed in 1994 currently serves as the only primary school for the community.
“Our kids had to trek several kilometres to Manso to attend school which come at cost to most parents.”
A 30-year old hairdresser, Rebecca Dibenpong, also appealed to authorities to come up with income generating activities to boost economic lives of the people.
She alleged that politicians often claimed they don’t have enough numbers to attract development, hence such initiatives were directed to bigger communities.
Like the name suggest, Nipahiamoa, the community needs urgent attention to make life meaningful for the people who contribute to the national economy by way of their farming activities.
From Daniel Dzirasah, Nipahiamoa
News
Maternal mortality rate increases in Ashanti Region
The Ghana Health Service has revealed a staggering statistic of 1,000 women losing their lives during childbirth in the Ashanti Region between 2020 and 2024.
This alarming number, according to the Regional Health Director, Dr Frank Adomanko Boateng, highlights the persistent challenge of maternal mortality in Ghana, despite efforts to improve maternal healthcare.
Dr Adomanko Boateng, therefore emphasized on an urgent need for stronger interventions to curb the high rate of maternal deaths.
Speaking at the 2024 Regional Health Forum, he indicated that “Ghana is struggling to meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of reducing maternal mortality to 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.”
Dr Boateng stressed that time was of the essence, saying, “The clock is ticking, and we must double our efforts.”
He called for intensified measures over the next six years to bridge the gap and prevent further loss of lives.
Ghana’s maternal mortality ratio, he noted, has been declining from 760 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 310 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2017.
However, “the country still faces significant challenges in reducing maternal mortality, particularly in regions like Ashanti.”
To address the issue, he said, Ghana has been working to improve maternal healthcare through various initiatives, including the Network for Improving Quality of Care for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health.
The country aims to reduce maternal mortality by strengthening healthcare systems, improving access to quality care, and enhancing community engagement
From Kingsley E. Hope,
Kumasi
