News
Stroke: Major cause of death in Eastern Region
A total of 410 stroke mortality were recorded in the Eastern Region in 2019.
Hypertension was also ranked second with 209 deaths out of 2,000 deaths, which were recorded in the region within the year under review.
For three consecutive years, Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) has topped the death list with stroke as the main underlying cause in the region between 2017 and 2019.
This was revealed by the New Juaben North Municipal Health Director, Mrs Nana Yaa Konadu Gyesaw on a sideline interview during a press encounter to commemorate this year’s World Heart Day.
The media briefing was organised by the Stroke Association Support Network (SASNET) on the theme; “Prioritising CVD and stroke prevention and control as part of measures towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and to protect the health of Ghanaians now and beyond COVID-19 era”.
Mr Konadu Gyesaw said the Out Patient Departments (OPDs) of various hospitals within the region recorded 7,975 cases of cardiovascular diseases in 2017 while in 2018, 8,628 cases were recorded and 9,706 cases also recorded in 2019.
She said the rate at which CVD related deaths, particularly stroke had continued to be on the ascendency in the region must be the cause of concern to all stakeholders.
“We can help save our own lives by avoiding fatty foods, eating in the night, smoking, excessive intake of alcohol and cultivate the habit of frequent exercise and drinking enough water to keep our bodies healthy.
“Our health must be a major concern to all of us because in the past, it was only adults who got stroke but now, children between the ages of eight and 10 are also contracting stroke”, she said.
Mrs Juliet Anaglo, speaking on behalf of the president of SASNET, Chief Dr Ben Jabuni called on the government to treat cardiovascular diseases and stroke as an emergency public health and develop policies to put CVD and stroke high on the political agenda.
The Eastern Regional Chairman of the Ghana Coalition of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Health, Mr Emmanuel Kwafo Mintah also called on the Ministry of Health (MoH) to intensify education and sensitisation on healthy lifestyles and encourage the adoption of regenerative health practices to boost their systems.
He urged the government to enforce the tobacco control legislation, and institute free cervical cancer screening across the country.
From: David Kodjo, Koforidua.
News
Government, GoldFields,reach agreement on Damang Mine
The Government of Ghana and Goldfields Ghana Limited have reached an amicable agreement on a transitional plan for the Damang Mine.
The operational modalities of the transition involve issuing a new 12-month mining lease to Goldfields’ subsidiary, Abosso Goldfields Limited, pending parliamentary ratification in
May 2025.
Under the new arrangement, Goldfields will resume open-pit mining during the transition period, safeguarding jobs and conducting feasibility studies to establish Damang’s reserves and mine life.
At the same time, the processing of existing stockpiles will continue under the supervision of a joint management team composed of representatives from the Government of Ghana
and Goldfields. The two parties will work in good faith to secure a successful transition and eventual transfer of a viable mine to Ghanaian ownership.
Both parties have agreed to advance discussions in good faith on the renewal of the lease for the Tarkwa mine, due in 2027, and pledged to work together to enhance Ghana’s
potential in the mining sector as a favourable investment destination,
News
Ophelia Crossland appointed as new Creative Director of Nineteen57
In an exciting turn for Ghana’s fashion industry, celebrated designer Ophelia Crossland has officially assumed leadership of Nineteen57, the iconic menswear brand founded by her husband, Kofi Okyere-Darko (KOD).
This transition follows KOD’s recent appointment as Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President—a prestigious national role that reflects his continued service to Ghana on a global scale.
With this new chapter in public service, the reins of Nineteen57 have now passed to Ophelia Crossland, who will take on both the day-to-day operations and creative direction of the brand.
Ophelia Crossland, the CEO and founder of her eponymous womenswear label, brings over a decade of experience in luxury fashion.
Known for her keen eye for detail and mastery in haute couture, her leadership is expected to usher in a new era for Nineteen57—one that blends timeless African sophistication with modern sensibilities for the stylish gentleman.
“Nineteen57 has always stood for bold sophistication and African excellence,” said Ophelia Crossland. I’m excited to build on that legacy and explore new creative horizons with the team,” she said.
The transition marks a defining moment for the fashion power couple—Ophelia taking the creative lead in fashion innovation while KOD serves the nation in his new diplomatic role.
Together, they continue to elevate Ghana’s presence across fashion and governance.
