News
Work begins on newborn unit for Tamale West Hospital
Work has commenced on the construction of a Newborn Care Unit for the Tamale West Hospital in the Northern Region.
The project, being constructed by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) with support from the Italian National Committee was expected to be completed in six months.
When completed, the facility will hold a kangaroo room, neonatologist, pharmacy unit, therapy, consulting, general and mother’s room.
Performing the sod-cutting ceremony here on Friday, the Chief of Field at the Tamale office of UNICEF, Madam Margaret Gwada, said the project was to improve the quality of care for mothers and babies in critical conditions in the area, especially during this pandemic.
“As we cut the sod for commencement of this construction, we join the world to celebrate World Environment Day on the theme; ‘Time for Nature’, with a focus on its role in providing the essential infrastructure that supports life on earth and human development,” she said.
She said UNICEF was privileged to support the Ghana Health Service in the provision of the facility, with funding from the Italian National Committee to save the lives of children, she added.
Dr John Bertson Eleeza, the Northern Regional Health Director commended UNICEF for taking up the challenge to help save lives of mothers and babies with the provision of Newborn Care Unit.
Dr Patrick Bampoe, the Medical Superintendent at the Tamale West Hospital, told Ghanaian Times that the construction of the facility was timely for the department, adding that it would ease the pressure on midwives in providing quality services for expectant mothers and babies to survive.
Source: Ghanaian Times
News
New BoG governor can’t engage in official duties – Afenyo-Markin to Mahama
The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo Markin has raised concerns over the assumption of official duties by Dr. Johnson Asiamah as Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG).
The former Deputy Governor was recently nominated by President John Dramani, on January 31, 2025, to serve as Governor, pending approval by the Council of State.
This follows a formal request by the current Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, to proceed on leave ahead of his retirement on March 31, 2025.
However, in a letter to President Mahama dated February 4, Minority Leader raised serious concerns with Dr. Asiamah’s assumption of office in the absence of the Council of State.
“Your Excellency, it is my considered view that Dr. Johnson Asiamah should refrain from engaging in official duties at the Bank of Ghana until his nomination has been duly approved by the Council of State. While awaiting confirmation, he can seek any necessary briefings outside the formal assumption of office,” the letter noted.
He added, “I trust that due attention will be given to this matter to uphold the integrity of our institutional processes.”
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Read full statement below
News
Bagbin lifts suspension of four MPs
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has lifted the suspension of four Members of Parliament (MPs) who were suspended after a clash during the vetting session on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
The altercation occurred between Minority and Majority MPs, escalating tensions in Parliament. The disagreement reached a peak after the suspension of the four MPs, triggering a debate over whether the vetting should proceed on January 31, 2025.
Following the suspension, the Minority MPs walked out, leaving only the Majority to continue with the vetting of nominees, including that of MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who had already undergone several hours of questioning by the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
The lifting of the suspension comes after a review of the incident. The four MPs – Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Jerry Ahmed Shaib and Alhassan Tampuli – are now expected to resume their parliamentary duties as normal. The move seeks to restore order in Parliament following the disruptions.
This was after both the majority leader and minority leader appealed to the Speaker of Parliament to lift the ban on the four MPs.
Alban Bagbin said, “So I have lifted the suspension order. I do so instantly and takes effect immediately. The affected Hon. Members are permitted now to enter the precincts of the house. I must say they actually complied with the orders.”
He assured that the investigations will continue, and the House will have the opportunity to make a decision.
He commended the security agencies for their support.
Source : Citinewsroom.com
