News
‘Treat nose masks like underwear … wash them regularly’
Some people, especially head potters and truck pushers in the Koforidua municipality wear their nose masks for days without washing them.
The Spectator encountered some with dirty nose masks, whilst others have turned their nose masks inside out, thereby turning the dirty part which has already been contaminated to their nostrils.
With regard to nose masks made from fabrics, health experts have cautioned the public to put them in soapy water or bleach-lathered water immediately they are removed.
The directive further advises that the nose masks must be left in the soapy water for five minutes before they are washed, rinsed, dried and ironed for use again.
These directives, however, have fallen on deaf ears for these people who have refused to obey the safety protocols in the name of not having the means to get more.
In an interview with Musa, a truck pusher, he explained to The Spectator that he hardly had time to wash his nose masks and did not have the means to get more.
“Sometimes to make ends meet, I have to work all day and by the time I get home, I am tired to wash them. Meanwhile I do not have enough so I just turn it inside out and wear for the next day then wash later when I come home,” he said.
Akosua Sarfo, a head porter also said that she could not wash it regularly for lack of time.
But a Medical Officer, Dr Zara Addo-Yobo of the St Joseph Hospital at Koforidua in an interview with The Spectator expressed worry over the situation and stressed the need for more education on the use of nose masks.
Dr Addo-Yobo indicated that the nose masks were meant to prevent potential carriers of the coronavirus from discharging droplets of saliva, mucus and other fluids that could suspend in the air or end up on surfaces for two or three days.
“Wearing the unwashed or dirty nose masks which may have the coronavirus sitting on it for hours, inside out, and turning the dirty part to your nostrils may cause the person to inhale the coronavirus and thereby get infected,” she said.
She advised the public to “treat nose masks like their underwear and wash them regularly” to prevent them from acquiring the coronavirus.
“I therefore urge the public to adhere to all safety protocols, including social distancing, regular and proper hand washing, and respiratory hygiene among others to help stop the spread of the virus.”
From AmaTekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman, Koforidua
News
University of Ghana opens maiden ‘Artify’ visual arts exhibition
The University of Ghana, in partnership with Nubuke Foundation and KGL Foundation, has launched a week-long visual arts exhibition titled ‘Artify’ on the University’s campus.
Running from November 26 to December 2, the event showcases drawings and paintings by eight visual artists selected by the University.
The artists participated in a two-week skills and business orientation training before the exhibition, where they were coached on art practice fundamentals, copyright and intellectual property, entrepreneurship, and business management.
The training was to help the artists upscale their craft and expand their client reach, equipping them to become more business-oriented art professionals.
The Artify project, under the theme Amplifying Art as a Business, was conceived by the University of Ghana’s Office of Research, Innovation, and Development (ORID).
Professor Felix Ankomah Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Development, University of Ghana, said they aimed to equip them with the necessary tools and skills to thrive as artists and entrepreneurs.
“This initiative nurtures talent and fosters entrepreneurial spirit among young aspiring artists. Together, we cultivate creativity and transform passion into sustainable careers,” he said.
Prof. Asante said that the skills required to run an art business were often overlooked, as art was commonly perceived as a hobby that doesn’t necessitate specialised management skills.
He argued that by integrating business and project management skills into the art ecosystem in Ghana, more organisations and investors could be encouraged to support creatives.
Madam Odile Tevie, Director of Nubuke Foundation, called on authorities to create more platforms, similar to the Artify exhibition, where artists could showcase their work.
She advocated the establishment of visual arts spaces in communities, where local talents could receive training and be nurtured in their craft.
Mr Sedem Atsu Avornyo, one of the participating artists, praised the University and its partners for the initiative.
He noted that his knowledge and skills had been greatly enriched, better preparing him for the job market. –GNA
News
Don’t harass, visitors on period of election …Comptroller-General cautions Immigration staff
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mr Kwame Asuah Takyi, (Esq.), has asked personnel of the service, especially those at the various borders of the country, not to harass people who travel in and outside of the country during the election period.
The advice is to stem reports that usually characterise immigration operations in border communities in such crucial moments.
He gave the advice at the 2024 Comptroller-General’s end-of-year games held at the McDan La Town Park on Friday.
It was under the theme “Kick for unity, sports for peaceful elections.”
According to Mr Assuah Takyi, It was important for personnel of the staff to behave professionally and live by the high standards required to ensure peace and tranquility at the border towns where elections would be ongoing.
“I want to remind you of the roles and responsibilities expected from you. Don’t take advantage of the upcoming general elections to harass visitors and passengers going in and out of the country.
“Perform your duties professionally as immigration officers and, where necessary, assist other security agencies to maintain peace, law, and order before, during, and after the elections.”
“Be apolitical because your services are to Ghana first and only, and not to any individual or political party. As officers in uniform, don’t put up behaviours that would question your professionalism.”
“This is not a call on immigration staff alone. All the security agencies are poised to display high standards of professionalism to ensure that Ghanaians vote in a peaceful atmosphere,” Mr Takyi said.
Flanked by three-time African best player and former captain of the Black Stars Abedi Ayew Pele, who was the special guest of honour, the Comptroller-General stated that as officers and men in uniform, their duty to the country was to maintain peace, law, and order and not to be involved in dubious or political activities.
“If any of you want to do politics, resign and hand over your uniform to the service and go. This information should go out there to our officers across the country.”
Mr Assuah Takyi urged members of the general public to behave responsibly to make the work of the security officers simple and peaceful while cautioning potential troublemakers to have a change of mind because that would not be tolerated.
“The National Elections Security Taskforce (NESTF) met the political parties on Thursday to reaffirm our commitment to professionalism, impartiality, and adherence to the rule of law.”
“Our actions will be impartial and guided by the law, and anyone who decides to violate the laid-down laws will be made to face the law.”
Mr Asuah Takyi urged all to operate within the confines of the law to ensure a successful and trouble-free election.
By Raymond Ackumey
