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Weight of fans expectation

Andre-Ayew

Wearing a national team jersey is a footballer or by extension, any sports athlete’s biggest moment of pride.

The message is clear when footballers appear on the field of play dressed immaculately in the attire of the national team – they are the best among the lot.

There can’t be any greater gratification than that; and it is the height every footballer of athlete aim to attain.

At international podiums where players or athletes line-up for national anthems of their countries to be played, one sees the emotions of such players which sometimes transcends to the over 40,000 ‘mouth mouth’ coaches gathered to not just enjoy a beautiful game of football but also analyse and judge what players and coaches are not getting well.

The pinnacle of this passion can be observed in the players’ facial expression and their own rendition of the anthems.

It even makes the fan momentarily think he is also a footballer and often seen jog or run around after the anthem.

After these pre-match formalities, fans occupy their seats and begin to enjoy their popcorns, ‘Suya’ and ‘khebabs’ with other accompaniments.

However, that marks the beginning of 90 minutes of intense action for the players with a huge weight of expectation to deliver.

Many a time, this weight of expectation on the players is usually downplayed by the fans who feels winning games at all cost is a right.

And, especially in the case of Ghana which is considered a powerhouse, wins must even come in a certain way.

Having become acquainted with dominant performances ending with cricket scores, especially against continental minnows, a narrow win like 1-0 or 2-1 is considered unacceptable.

But a recent interview granted by Black Stars skipper, Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew in France has brought to the fore the effects of those high expectation on the players who wear the national team jerseys.

In the reported interview with Canal+, he highlighted the gravity of being part of the Black Stars team and tagged the Ghanaian jersey as a ‘heavy one.’

Ayew may be right on this assertion and could even be something previous captains have stayed with over the years but never mustered the courage to spew them out.

But in building a strong formidable team capable of meeting the expectation of the fans, it is important to have a group of players who can overcome the ‘weight’ that comes with wearing the national team jersey.

Pressure with national teams are not only associated with the Black Stars. It is a global concern among players which interestingly or fortunately doesn’t affect their interest in donning the ‘heavy’ jersey.

Demanding positive results from national teams is not a bad practice and fans would not change their stance on that.

However, like Ayew indicated in the interview, “The players must get used to it by understanding what it means to wear this jersey, which means a lot to millions of people. The jersey is ‘very heavy’ to wear and you need to have broad shoulders. I know we will bounce back. We are going through a bad time but we will get through this, I am sure.”

Perhaps, as the Black Stars get ready to commence qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the back of their poor showing at the 2023 AFCON, this expectation of fans and the ability to overcome it will keep ringing in their ears to remind the huge responsibility on their shoulders.

By Andrew Nortey

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Zipline, GHS reduce maternal mortality in Ashanti Region by 56.4% – Study

A recent impact assessment study on aerial logistics to improve maternal health and emergencies has revealed a remarkable reduction in maternal mortality by 56.4% in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Zipline and the Ghana Health Service (GHS).

This was revealed at the National Ghana Health Service Research Conference organized by the Ghana Health Service in partnership with Zipline. The study, which focused on the impact of aerial logistics in healthcare, also noted a 19.9% increase in antenatal visits and a 25% rise in in-facility births, signaling a significant boost in maternal health outcomes.

The success according to the study is attributed to the on-demand availability of blood and essential medical supplies provided by Zipline’s innovative drone delivery system. This consistent access to critical resources has increased patient confidence in the healthcare system, encouraging more mothers to seek necessary care throughout their pregnancies.

Speaking on the highlight of the study, the Research Officer at Ashanti Regional Health Directorate stated, “the significant decrease in maternal mortality we’ve seen is a clear indication of the vital role that reliable access to medical supplies plays in healthcare. The ability to deliver blood and essential medicines exactly when they’re needed has transformed how mothers in the Ashanti Region perceive and engage with the healthcare system.”

“It’s an achievement that speaks to the importance of introducing technology in healthcare delivery. Mothers now feel more confident in seeking care, knowing that they will receive the support they need throughout their pregnancies,”he stated.

The study examined data from 191 health facilities, including hospitals, health centers, and Community-based Health and Planning Services (CHPS) Compounds. Among these, 99 facilities were served by Zipline’s aerial logistics, while 91 were not. The research employed adjusted rates for various key indicators, such as antenatal consultations, emergency visits, referrals, live births, hysterectomies, maternal deaths, and neonatal deaths, as the main dependent variables.

The qualitative aspect of the study aimed to describe and analyze the changes in satisfaction levels among healthcare providers and patients, perceived quality of care in maternal health and emergencies, and experiences related to the use of aerial logistics. In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 patients and 23 healthcare providers at the participating facilities.

Globally, maternal mortality remains a critical public health challenge, with stark disparities between high-income and low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the majority of maternal deaths occur in LMICs, often due to preventable causes. In Ghana, particularly in the Ashanti Region, the problem is critical, reflecting the broader challenges faced across the African continent. Beyond this, socio-economic, geographic, and infrastructural factors intensify the risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions to improve maternal health outcomes.

As maternal mortality continues to pose a challenge in low-to-middle-income countries, the success seen in Ghana’s Ashanti Region offers a promising model for other regions and nations striving to improve maternal health outcomes through innovative solutions.

Zipline is poised to continue leading the way in revolutionizing healthcare delivery, ensuring that every mother has access to the life-saving resources, no matter where she lives.

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Traders, ‘Okada’ riders take over Circle pavement

• Korle-Bu CEO with staff of Nivaansh MediQas

Activities of traders and drug addicts are contributing to make the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange (Circle) area very uncomfortable and unsafe for commuters.

Day in and out, pedestrians are ‘ejected’ from the pavement created for their safety as traders preferred to sell their wares on that space.

Staff of the National Ambulance Service (NAS) showcasing their work

That hinders the free movement of the pedestrians.

The small space left for the pedestrians are also shared with ‘Okada’ riders.

As if these woes are not enough for a commuter on a single day, they also have to navigate carefully to avoid clashes with drug addicts and the mentally challenged.