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UGMS 1997 year group hands over refurbished hostel to alma mater
• PGrroafn dAudaonmdask oof cWutetisntg E tnhde Instol dS cohf oreonl ovated hostel
The 1997 year group of the University of Ghana Medical School (UGMS) has renovated and handed over a hostel facility at Danfa in the Greater Accra Region to the school.
The project which cost GH¢182,000 was completed within two months.
It was fitted with 45 durable metal beds with mattresses, 15 sets of tables and chairs, curtains, plumbing and retiling of the washrooms and two sets of ironing boards and irons.
It was in response to the school’s call on alumni to support in the provision of infrastructure to enhance effective teaching, learning and research.
Additionally, the group donated GH¢5,000 worth of medical supplies to the Danfa Clinic.
A member of the year group, Dr Angela El-Adas, said it was important to renovate the hostel to make it more comfortable for students to have the peace of mind to learn.
She mentioned that “along the line, we received some challenges the school was facing and decided as a year group to renovate it to give the students sound mind and a conducive ambience to aid their studies.
She said some of her colleagues have specialised in public and community health owing it to their stay and study at the Danfa Community and Health Centre.
After a tour of some facilities such as hostels and the Basic Sciences building at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Dr El-Adas said there was a need for continuous support for the school, adding that “these facilities at Korle-Bu needed some investment.”
The Acting Dean of UGMS, Prof. Yvonne Dei Adomako, said the year group has demonstrated love to the school that nurtured them by giving the hostel at Danfa a facelift.
She said the facility was used by the school for its district rotation by the level 500 students as part of their community health rotation.
She said the hostel for several years had not seen any facelift, stating that it had deteriorated with the beds and mattresses needing replacement while the washrooms required refurbishment.
Due to the poor state of the hostel, some students, she said finds accommodation elsewhere when they are asked to come for rotation.
“We called on the alumni to help with various projects and this was one of the projects and the 1997 year group decided to take it on,” she said.
She called on other alumni to come together and support the school in order to attract students in and out of the country.
The outgoing president of the year group, Dr Kojo Cobba Essel urged other year groups to emulate the example by responding to the school’s distress call.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
News
Oguaa indigenes urged to unite to develop area
Photo Credit: myjoyonline.com
Rich Akan traditions of Fantes and Asantes were the highlights of the celebrations of this year’s Fetu Afahye of the chiefs and people of Oguaa Traditional Area (Cape Coast) which was climaxed last Saturday with a durbar.
Beyond the glitz and splendour was the showcasing of different forms of traditional regalia amidst rich cultural displays of unique Fante and Asante ensembles, both demonstrating distinct Ghanaian identities in unanimity.
Tekua, a Fante traditional hairstyle won by a generation of Fante women caught the attention of a number of the celebrants.
The attendance of Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, took the joy and excitement a notch higher with frenzied atmosphere to welcome him.
The Asantehene who attended the programme by a special invitation from the Omanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area was accompanied by a large retinue of chiefs from Asanteman.
The Fetu Afahye is a cultural celebration by the people of Oguaa, drawing both locals and visitors from across the country and beyond.
It was held to mark a bumper harvest season and to thank the 77 deities of the Oguaa Traditional Area.
This year’s edition marks the 60th to be held after its suspension.
It also marked the 25th anniversary commemoration of the enthronement of Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II as the Omanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area.
There was display of rich traditional dances by the various Asafo companies from the Mfantsipim School junction to the Jubilee Park for the durbar.
This year’s event attracted political figures such as Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who doubles as the Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and his running mate, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh and other leading figures of the party.
The Vice Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and other leading members of the NDC also attended the event.
From David O. Yarboi-Tetteh, Cape Coast
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News
Suicide cases high among JHS/SHS students: MHA calls for immediate action to curb menace
The Mental Health Authority (MHA) is calling for immediate solutions to address the alarming prevalence of suicide cases among Junior and Senior High School students.
According to the Authority, it was crucial to pay attention to such children as studies in Ghana are showing a high prevalence of suicidal behaviours among students.
This came to light at a symposium in Accra on Tuesday to mark the World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD).
It was held on the theme “Changing the narrative on suicide with a call to action; start the conversation.”
Speaking at the symposium, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Authority, Professor Pinaman Appau said alarmingly, the prevalence has been reported to be higher among Junior High School students compared to those in the Senior High School.
She said various studies including a 2023 edition conducted by Azazu and Joe found that there was prevalence of 20.4 per cent of suicidal thoughts, 23.4 per cent for suicidal planning, and 28.4 per cent for actual suicide attempts among these groups of school children.
She mentioned bullying, abuse especially physical and sexual, neglect, substance use, family poverty, adolescent conflict with parents, corporal punishment and poor academic performance as causes leading to suicidal thoughts.
Again, factors including previous attempts, mental illness, gambling, financial and job crisis, chronic illness and pain, criminal or legal and impulsive behaviour can also lead to suicide.
Prof Appau said the challenges faced with addressing suicide issues were multifaceted and complex, adding that people grapple with stigma surrounding mental health issues, limited access to mental health services and a lack of general awareness of suicide prevention strategies.
She said the challenges were further compounded by deepening socio-economic challenges in societies such as the harsh reality of economic hardship, unemployment and social instability.
Dr Appau mentioned that the rippling effect of suicide leaves behind a trail of grief, guilt, and unanswered questions, saying, the economic cost of suicide attempts in terms of health care expenses and loss of productivity places additional burden on the country’s strained resources.
She said a total of 81 persons have committed suicide in 2024 with 543 attempts across the country, adding that the figure indicates an alarming increase compared to the 594 attempts and 48 completed cases recorded in 2023.
Regionally, Greater Accra, Eastern and Central regions recorded the highest numbers of suicide attempts for the first half of the year 2024, with most completed suicides occurring in the Greater Accra region.
Prof Appau has therefore called for a concerted effort to resolve and change the narrative by engaging stakeholders including security and media personnel, to create nationwide awareness and education through various media platforms.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
