Story: Hannah Annor
Accra, Ghana-Nov 17- The Imprisoned Writer-2008 Anniversary was marked at the weekend in Accra, with a call on writers to use the pen as an instrument to promote peace during the upcoming Ghana's December, general election.
This year’s event marked the 24th Anniversary of the annual celebration to salute writers world-wide who have been attacked, imprisoned, harassed or lost their lives in the course of practising their profession.
By June this year, 40 writers and journalists world-wide had been killed, 189 disappeared, 65 attacked and 30 detained, whilst 150 others also faced death threats.
The Ghanaian Centre of International Pen (GCIP), comprising poets, editors and novelists dedicated the event to salute writers, including the Senegalese writer, Pierre Lambo Sandjo, said to have alleged that his country’ President was involved in money laundering.
Professor Kwame Karikari, Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa indicated that the pen stood for the values of freedom of expression, which remained key to human rights and democracy.
He recalled historical experiences that hindered freedom of expression in the country and expressed worry that infringement on this right still pertained in other countries.
He therefore asked the younger generation to strive to preserve the enjoyment of the right of freedom of expression by guarding against any attempt to create barriers.
Prof. Karikari also reminded writers that responsibility should not be left out when enjoying freedom of expression, adding, freedom should go along with discipline, sensibility and feeling towards others.
Alhaji Abdul-Rahman Haruna-Attah, President for GCIP, said the Anniversary was worth celebrating in Ghana, especially with the clean record the country had maintained in recent years in ensuring that writers were not harassed for their works.
He however called on writers, especially the media to avoid using the pen
against national interest.
He reminded the public that violence did not originate from vacuum but was rather instigated, nurtured, directed by persons, hence the need for all to work at sustaining peace in the country.
Mr. Frank Mackay Anim-Appiah, Executive Director, GCIP also cautioned writers, saying, “we don’t want Ghanaian writers to have bad
name and record, that they were those who marred the edifice of Ghana’s peace.”
Monday, November 17, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
NGOs call for commitment in providing essential social services
STORY: Hannah Annor
Accra, Ghana-Nov. 11, 2008 - International finance institutions and current world rade systems are undermining citizen's access to essential social services, a coalition of non-governmental organisations said on Tuesday.
The coalition dubbed: "Essential Services Platform" said, if the trend should continue, many poor countries, especially in Africa risked missing the Millennium Development Goals on health, education, water and sanitation.
Mr Alhassan Adams, a member of the National Coalition Against Privatisation of Water and also member of the Platform said at the launch of the Platform in Accra.
The Platform comprises NGOs working on health, education, water and sanitation that have come together to advocate for a change in unbridled trade liberalisation regimes affecting citizens from enjoying their economic and social rights.
Mr Adams mentioned the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) as some of the regimes adding to the woes of the poor in accessing services.
On health, Mr Adams said, despite improvement in government expenditure to the sector, access to quality health care continued to elude majority of Ghanaians, whilst life expectancy had also stagnated between 57, 42 years in 2000 to 56 years from 2005.
He indicated that infant mortality rates have also not seen any significant change in recent years.
Mr Adams further expressed disappointment on access to basic education despite government's interventions such as the School Feeding Programme and the Capitation Grant.
He therefore urged all Ghanaians and other civil society groups to join the Platform in order to hold policy makers accountable to respect the economic and social rights of all persons.
The Platform further pledged to periodically review its performance and remain focus in the advocacy campaign to effect the desired change.
STORY: Hannah Annor
Accra, Ghana-Nov. 11, 2008 - International finance institutions and current world rade systems are undermining citizen's access to essential social services, a coalition of non-governmental organisations said on Tuesday.
The coalition dubbed: "Essential Services Platform" said, if the trend should continue, many poor countries, especially in Africa risked missing the Millennium Development Goals on health, education, water and sanitation.
Mr Alhassan Adams, a member of the National Coalition Against Privatisation of Water and also member of the Platform said at the launch of the Platform in Accra.
The Platform comprises NGOs working on health, education, water and sanitation that have come together to advocate for a change in unbridled trade liberalisation regimes affecting citizens from enjoying their economic and social rights.
Mr Adams mentioned the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) as some of the regimes adding to the woes of the poor in accessing services.
On health, Mr Adams said, despite improvement in government expenditure to the sector, access to quality health care continued to elude majority of Ghanaians, whilst life expectancy had also stagnated between 57, 42 years in 2000 to 56 years from 2005.
He indicated that infant mortality rates have also not seen any significant change in recent years.
Mr Adams further expressed disappointment on access to basic education despite government's interventions such as the School Feeding Programme and the Capitation Grant.
He therefore urged all Ghanaians and other civil society groups to join the Platform in order to hold policy makers accountable to respect the economic and social rights of all persons.
The Platform further pledged to periodically review its performance and remain focus in the advocacy campaign to effect the desired change.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Ghanaian media should not be pawns for politicians
Accra, Ghana-October 22, - Mr Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh, General Manager, Graphic Communication Group Limited on Wednesday asked the media to be cautious in stories put out by politicians in order not to be seen as pawns in the hands
of any political party.
" Journalism can not be subordinated. The moment they do, they loose their essence and effectiveness", he added.
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh made the call in Accra at this year's Sam Arthur Memorial Lecture organised by the Ghana Institute of Journalism under the theme: "The Media in the Hands of Politicians, Implication for 2008 General Elections".
He therefore urged the media to be objective and committed by ensuring that their reports were factual, accurate, valid and verifiable.
"It is only when these principles are upheld that the media become useful for national unity and integration", he noted.
He added: "We must be in control and work towards peace and conciliation rather than become war-mongers and focus on national integration",
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh also observed that there was no need for the media to introduce adjectives such as " mammoth, well-attended or intolerant party' in their reportage, since these have some negative implications.
He tasked the media to impress on the public to refrain from violence or any unlawful acts, educate them on why they should not allow themselves to be abused or misused and empower them to exercise their franchise whilst respecting the rights of opposing factions as well.
"No Ghanaian should die because of elections, those for whom they are ready to fight know so well that fighting is not necessary, what is important is to allow the people to freely, peacefully and voluntarily chose their leaders", the General Manager added.
He reminded journalists that although they worked for an employer, they owned an equal responsibility to society and should therefore abide by the National Media Commission's guidelines for political reporting that demanded the publication of truthful, unbiased information.
On the part of politicians, Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh entreated them not unjustifiably destroy the integrity and character of opponent, but to act in ways that would promote and enhance democratic stability and constitutionalism.
"Political parties and their leadership must equally meet all obligations and responsibilities to be faithful to Article 41 of the 1992 Constitution which provides that the exercise and enjoyment of rights and freedoms is inseparable from performance of duties and obligation.
Mr Kofi Amponsah-Bediako, Government Spokesperson for Social Services who chaired the lecture also reminded the fourth estate of the realm to reinforce their support for effective political actions and focus on educating the public on controversial policies and issues to enable them make informed decisions.
Sam Arthur was a Director of GIJ from 1962 to 1963; he is described as an epitome of free and independent journalism.
of any political party.
" Journalism can not be subordinated. The moment they do, they loose their essence and effectiveness", he added.
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh made the call in Accra at this year's Sam Arthur Memorial Lecture organised by the Ghana Institute of Journalism under the theme: "The Media in the Hands of Politicians, Implication for 2008 General Elections".
He therefore urged the media to be objective and committed by ensuring that their reports were factual, accurate, valid and verifiable.
"It is only when these principles are upheld that the media become useful for national unity and integration", he noted.
He added: "We must be in control and work towards peace and conciliation rather than become war-mongers and focus on national integration",
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh also observed that there was no need for the media to introduce adjectives such as " mammoth, well-attended or intolerant party' in their reportage, since these have some negative implications.
He tasked the media to impress on the public to refrain from violence or any unlawful acts, educate them on why they should not allow themselves to be abused or misused and empower them to exercise their franchise whilst respecting the rights of opposing factions as well.
"No Ghanaian should die because of elections, those for whom they are ready to fight know so well that fighting is not necessary, what is important is to allow the people to freely, peacefully and voluntarily chose their leaders", the General Manager added.
He reminded journalists that although they worked for an employer, they owned an equal responsibility to society and should therefore abide by the National Media Commission's guidelines for political reporting that demanded the publication of truthful, unbiased information.
On the part of politicians, Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh entreated them not unjustifiably destroy the integrity and character of opponent, but to act in ways that would promote and enhance democratic stability and constitutionalism.
"Political parties and their leadership must equally meet all obligations and responsibilities to be faithful to Article 41 of the 1992 Constitution which provides that the exercise and enjoyment of rights and freedoms is inseparable from performance of duties and obligation.
Mr Kofi Amponsah-Bediako, Government Spokesperson for Social Services who chaired the lecture also reminded the fourth estate of the realm to reinforce their support for effective political actions and focus on educating the public on controversial policies and issues to enable them make informed decisions.
Sam Arthur was a Director of GIJ from 1962 to 1963; he is described as an epitome of free and independent journalism.
Ghanaian media should not be pawns for politicians
Accra, Ghana-October 22, - Mr Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh, General Manager, Graphic Communication Group Limited on Wednesday asked the media to be cautious in stories put out by politicians in order not to be seen as pawns in the hands
of any political party.
" Journalism can not be subordinated. The moment they do, they loose their essence and effectiveness", he added.
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh made the call in Accra at this year's Sam Arthur Memorial Lecture organised by the Ghana Institute of Journalism under the theme: "The Media in the Hands of Politicians, Implication for 2008 General Elections".
He therefore urged the media to be objective and committed by ensuring that their reports were factual, accurate, valid and verifiable.
"It is only when these principles are upheld that the media become useful for national unity and integration", he noted.
He added: "We must be in control and work towards peace and conciliation rather than become war-mongers and focus on national integration",
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh also observed that there was no need for the media to introduce adjectives such as " mammoth, well-attended or intolerant party' in their reportage, since these have some negative implications.
He tasked the media to impress on the public to refrain from violence or any unlawful acts, educate them on why they should not allow themselves to be abused or misused and empower them to exercise their franchise whilst respecting the rights of opposing factions as well.
"No Ghanaian should die because of elections, those for whom they are ready to fight know so well that fighting is not necessary, what is important is to allow the people to freely, peacefully and voluntarily chose their leaders", the General Manager added.
He reminded journalists that although they worked for an employer, they owned an equal responsibility to society and should therefore abide by the National Media Commission's guidelines for political reporting that demanded the publication of truthful, unbiased information.
On the part of politicians, Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh entreated them not unjustifiably destroy the integrity and character of opponent, but to act in ways that would promote and enhance democratic stability and constitutionalism.
"Political parties and their leadership must equally meet all obligations and responsibilities to be faithful to Article 41 of the 1992 Constitution which provides that the exercise and enjoyment of rights and freedoms is inseparable from performance of duties and obligation.
Mr Kofi Amponsah-Bediako, Government Spokesperson for Social Services who chaired the lecture also reminded the fourth estate of the realm to reinforce their support for effective political actions and focus on educating the public on controversial policies and issues to enable them make informed decisions.
Sam Arthur was a Director of GIJ from 1962 to 1963; he is described as an epitome of free and independent journalism.
of any political party.
" Journalism can not be subordinated. The moment they do, they loose their essence and effectiveness", he added.
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh made the call in Accra at this year's Sam Arthur Memorial Lecture organised by the Ghana Institute of Journalism under the theme: "The Media in the Hands of Politicians, Implication for 2008 General Elections".
He therefore urged the media to be objective and committed by ensuring that their reports were factual, accurate, valid and verifiable.
"It is only when these principles are upheld that the media become useful for national unity and integration", he noted.
He added: "We must be in control and work towards peace and conciliation rather than become war-mongers and focus on national integration",
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh also observed that there was no need for the media to introduce adjectives such as " mammoth, well-attended or intolerant party' in their reportage, since these have some negative implications.
He tasked the media to impress on the public to refrain from violence or any unlawful acts, educate them on why they should not allow themselves to be abused or misused and empower them to exercise their franchise whilst respecting the rights of opposing factions as well.
"No Ghanaian should die because of elections, those for whom they are ready to fight know so well that fighting is not necessary, what is important is to allow the people to freely, peacefully and voluntarily chose their leaders", the General Manager added.
He reminded journalists that although they worked for an employer, they owned an equal responsibility to society and should therefore abide by the National Media Commission's guidelines for political reporting that demanded the publication of truthful, unbiased information.
On the part of politicians, Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh entreated them not unjustifiably destroy the integrity and character of opponent, but to act in ways that would promote and enhance democratic stability and constitutionalism.
"Political parties and their leadership must equally meet all obligations and responsibilities to be faithful to Article 41 of the 1992 Constitution which provides that the exercise and enjoyment of rights and freedoms is inseparable from performance of duties and obligation.
Mr Kofi Amponsah-Bediako, Government Spokesperson for Social Services who chaired the lecture also reminded the fourth estate of the realm to reinforce their support for effective political actions and focus on educating the public on controversial policies and issues to enable them make informed decisions.
Sam Arthur was a Director of GIJ from 1962 to 1963; he is described as an epitome of free and independent journalism.
Ghanaian media should not be pawns for politicians
Accra, Ghana-October 22, - Mr Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh, General Manager, Graphic Communication Group Limited on Wednesday asked the media to be cautious in stories put out by politicians in order not to be seen as pawns in the hands
of any political party.
" Journalism can not be subordinated. The moment they do, they loose their essence and effectiveness", he added.
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh made the call in Accra at this year's Sam Arthur Memorial Lecture organised by the Ghana Institute of Journalism under the theme: "The Media in the Hands of Politicians, Implication for 2008 General Elections".
He therefore urged the media to be objective and committed by ensuring that their reports were factual, accurate, valid and verifiable.
"It is only when these principles are upheld that the media become useful for national unity and integration", he noted.
He added: "We must be in control and work towards peace and conciliation rather than become war-mongers and focus on national integration",
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh also observed that there was no need for the media to introduce adjectives such as " mammoth, well-attended or intolerant party' in their reportage, since these have some negative implications.
He tasked the media to impress on the public to refrain from violence or any unlawful acts, educate them on why they should not allow themselves to be abused or misused and empower them to exercise their franchise whilst respecting the rights of opposing factions as well.
"No Ghanaian should die because of elections, those for whom they are ready to fight know so well that fighting is not necessary, what is important is to allow the people to freely, peacefully and voluntarily chose their leaders", the General Manager added.
He reminded journalists that although they worked for an employer, they owned an equal responsibility to society and should therefore abide by the National Media Commission's guidelines for political reporting that demanded the publication of truthful, unbiased information.
On the part of politicians, Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh entreated them not unjustifiably destroy the integrity and character of opponent, but to act in ways that would promote and enhance democratic stability and constitutionalism.
"Political parties and their leadership must equally meet all obligations and responsibilities to be faithful to Article 41 of the 1992 Constitution which provides that the exercise and enjoyment of rights and freedoms is inseparable from performance of duties and obligation.
Mr Kofi Amponsah-Bediako, Government Spokesperson for Social Services who chaired the lecture also reminded the fourth estate of the realm to reinforce their support for effective political actions and focus on educating the public on controversial policies and issues to enable them make informed decisions.
Sam Arthur was a Director of GIJ from 1962 to 1963; he is described as an epitome of free and independent journalism.
of any political party.
" Journalism can not be subordinated. The moment they do, they loose their essence and effectiveness", he added.
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh made the call in Accra at this year's Sam Arthur Memorial Lecture organised by the Ghana Institute of Journalism under the theme: "The Media in the Hands of Politicians, Implication for 2008 General Elections".
He therefore urged the media to be objective and committed by ensuring that their reports were factual, accurate, valid and verifiable.
"It is only when these principles are upheld that the media become useful for national unity and integration", he noted.
He added: "We must be in control and work towards peace and conciliation rather than become war-mongers and focus on national integration",
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh also observed that there was no need for the media to introduce adjectives such as " mammoth, well-attended or intolerant party' in their reportage, since these have some negative implications.
He tasked the media to impress on the public to refrain from violence or any unlawful acts, educate them on why they should not allow themselves to be abused or misused and empower them to exercise their franchise whilst respecting the rights of opposing factions as well.
"No Ghanaian should die because of elections, those for whom they are ready to fight know so well that fighting is not necessary, what is important is to allow the people to freely, peacefully and voluntarily chose their leaders", the General Manager added.
He reminded journalists that although they worked for an employer, they owned an equal responsibility to society and should therefore abide by the National Media Commission's guidelines for political reporting that demanded the publication of truthful, unbiased information.
On the part of politicians, Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh entreated them not unjustifiably destroy the integrity and character of opponent, but to act in ways that would promote and enhance democratic stability and constitutionalism.
"Political parties and their leadership must equally meet all obligations and responsibilities to be faithful to Article 41 of the 1992 Constitution which provides that the exercise and enjoyment of rights and freedoms is inseparable from performance of duties and obligation.
Mr Kofi Amponsah-Bediako, Government Spokesperson for Social Services who chaired the lecture also reminded the fourth estate of the realm to reinforce their support for effective political actions and focus on educating the public on controversial policies and issues to enable them make informed decisions.
Sam Arthur was a Director of GIJ from 1962 to 1963; he is described as an epitome of free and independent journalism.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Tertiary institutions asked to set up quality assurance units
Story: Hannah Annor
Accra, Ghana-October 18 - Mr Kwame Dattey, Executive Secretary of the Ghana's National Accreditation Board, on Saturday asked tertiary institutions to establish internal quality assurance units in order to periodically assess their performance.
This, he said, would enhance quality standards of tertiary products and enable institutions to meet targets in helping to meet development goals.
In Ghana, not all the tertiary institutions have these units. Critics have however complained of falling graduate performance standards both in academic and the job market.
Quality assurance units would therfore beef up performance.
Mr Dattey made the call in Accra at the Institute of Professional Studies (IPS) matriculation ceremony for the 2008/2009 students batch.
He also stressed the need for tertiary institutions to conduct more academic and professional research to contribute to general knowledge and assist society in addressing basic problems.
As a professional institute, he challenged IPS to establish close links with the business and industrial communities to enable faculty members conduct research that would help solve some challenges confronting the sectors.
“In the same vein, strategies should be evolved to attract experienced business practitioners to interact and share their experiences with faculty and students to get a feel of the real world”, Mr Dattey said.
He called on institutions to take global technological and economic trends into account when designing their curricula in order to churn out products relevant for the job market.
He commended IPS for designing additional programmes to help provide more opportunities for eligible candidates, but warned that opening more avenues should not be at the expense of quality education.
Professor Joshua Alibi, Acting Rector of IPS, said IPS intended to establish a Quality Assurance Directorate to assess its performance.
He said IPS had come out with a journal for business research to help publish research papers and findings.
As the only public institution mandated by law to offer both degree and professional programmes, Prof. Alibi said, IPS would remain focused on its vision to become the leading business professional education provider and institute of excellence in Africa and beyond.
Prof Alabi said IPS would begin Master of Administration programmes next academic year, as part of efforts to meet emerging needs of the commerce and industry.
He appealed to the students to make good use of opportunities on campus and to study hard to achieve higher academic laurels.
“As bona fide students of this institute, I implore you to avoid examination malpractice of any kind. You are also to be cautious of secret societies and cultism’, Prof Alabi said.
Mr Idris Egala, Chairman of IPS Council, suggested the introduction of online education and week-end classes in IPS to expand access to tertiary education.
In all 2,091 students were admitted to pursue undergraduate courses in business administration.
They include the first batch of students for a Bachelor of Science in Banking and Finance and tertiary diploma in Accounting, Marketing, and Public Relations Management.
Accra, Ghana-October 18 - Mr Kwame Dattey, Executive Secretary of the Ghana's National Accreditation Board, on Saturday asked tertiary institutions to establish internal quality assurance units in order to periodically assess their performance.
This, he said, would enhance quality standards of tertiary products and enable institutions to meet targets in helping to meet development goals.
In Ghana, not all the tertiary institutions have these units. Critics have however complained of falling graduate performance standards both in academic and the job market.
Quality assurance units would therfore beef up performance.
Mr Dattey made the call in Accra at the Institute of Professional Studies (IPS) matriculation ceremony for the 2008/2009 students batch.
He also stressed the need for tertiary institutions to conduct more academic and professional research to contribute to general knowledge and assist society in addressing basic problems.
As a professional institute, he challenged IPS to establish close links with the business and industrial communities to enable faculty members conduct research that would help solve some challenges confronting the sectors.
“In the same vein, strategies should be evolved to attract experienced business practitioners to interact and share their experiences with faculty and students to get a feel of the real world”, Mr Dattey said.
He called on institutions to take global technological and economic trends into account when designing their curricula in order to churn out products relevant for the job market.
He commended IPS for designing additional programmes to help provide more opportunities for eligible candidates, but warned that opening more avenues should not be at the expense of quality education.
Professor Joshua Alibi, Acting Rector of IPS, said IPS intended to establish a Quality Assurance Directorate to assess its performance.
He said IPS had come out with a journal for business research to help publish research papers and findings.
As the only public institution mandated by law to offer both degree and professional programmes, Prof. Alibi said, IPS would remain focused on its vision to become the leading business professional education provider and institute of excellence in Africa and beyond.
Prof Alabi said IPS would begin Master of Administration programmes next academic year, as part of efforts to meet emerging needs of the commerce and industry.
He appealed to the students to make good use of opportunities on campus and to study hard to achieve higher academic laurels.
“As bona fide students of this institute, I implore you to avoid examination malpractice of any kind. You are also to be cautious of secret societies and cultism’, Prof Alabi said.
Mr Idris Egala, Chairman of IPS Council, suggested the introduction of online education and week-end classes in IPS to expand access to tertiary education.
In all 2,091 students were admitted to pursue undergraduate courses in business administration.
They include the first batch of students for a Bachelor of Science in Banking and Finance and tertiary diploma in Accounting, Marketing, and Public Relations Management.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Medic:Base Malaria Treatment On Thorough Examination
Medic: Base malaria treatment on thorough examination
Story-Hannah Annor
Accra, Ghana October 14, - Dr Constance Bart-Plange, National Malaria Control Programme Manager, on Tuesday expressed worry over the disregard for thorough medical examination in malaria treatment in the country.
She reminded medical professionals that symptoms alone were not enough to detect a disease and called for critical examination before any treatment.
"This practice of mistaking some other symptoms for malaria has resulted in some deaths, because people have been given a different treatment for another illness," she observed.
Dr Bart- Plange was speaking to newsmen after the opening of the Third Annual International Conference of the VOICES for Malaria-free Future Project in Accra.
The four-day conference under the theme: "Consolidating Advocacy Investment to Date-Malaria Advocacy" is aimed at building consensus on successes and harmonising effective malaria advocacy approaches across continents.
Opening the conference, Dr Gladys Ashitey, Deputy Minister of Health, said government had positioned itself to chalk gains from the Global Malaria Action Plan (GMAP) to move Ghana's malaria campaign from a control phase to elimination.
World political leaders and philanthropists at the United Nations High-level Meeting in New York made a pledge on September 25, to commit three billion dollars to among other interventions reduce malaria deaths to near zero by 2015 in the globe.
Dr Ashitey stressed that malaria was a complex problem that needed all hands on deck to eradicate, saying that as a result Ghana had intensified its advocacy campaign to motivate all stakeholders on board.
She also said the country hoped to achieve 80 per cent coverage of the usage of insecticide treated nets, Intermittent Preventive Treatment for expectant mothers and Artemisinin-based combination medicines by 2015.
The Deputy Minister called for greater political commitment and accountability to attract more resources, shape policy and remove barriers hindering effective application of tested, preventive and treatment tools.
Dr Matthew Lynch, Global Director of Johns Hopkins University Centre for Communications Programmes, sponsors of the VOICES Project, observed that funding was no longer a major constraint to the fight against malaria as a result of new GMAP.
Mr Daniel Kertesz, World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative, in a statement read on his behalf, called for a sound strategy through traditional and modern channels to get the public more concerned with malaria control.
14 Oct. 08
Story-Hannah Annor
Accra, Ghana October 14, - Dr Constance Bart-Plange, National Malaria Control Programme Manager, on Tuesday expressed worry over the disregard for thorough medical examination in malaria treatment in the country.
She reminded medical professionals that symptoms alone were not enough to detect a disease and called for critical examination before any treatment.
"This practice of mistaking some other symptoms for malaria has resulted in some deaths, because people have been given a different treatment for another illness," she observed.
Dr Bart- Plange was speaking to newsmen after the opening of the Third Annual International Conference of the VOICES for Malaria-free Future Project in Accra.
The four-day conference under the theme: "Consolidating Advocacy Investment to Date-Malaria Advocacy" is aimed at building consensus on successes and harmonising effective malaria advocacy approaches across continents.
Opening the conference, Dr Gladys Ashitey, Deputy Minister of Health, said government had positioned itself to chalk gains from the Global Malaria Action Plan (GMAP) to move Ghana's malaria campaign from a control phase to elimination.
World political leaders and philanthropists at the United Nations High-level Meeting in New York made a pledge on September 25, to commit three billion dollars to among other interventions reduce malaria deaths to near zero by 2015 in the globe.
Dr Ashitey stressed that malaria was a complex problem that needed all hands on deck to eradicate, saying that as a result Ghana had intensified its advocacy campaign to motivate all stakeholders on board.
She also said the country hoped to achieve 80 per cent coverage of the usage of insecticide treated nets, Intermittent Preventive Treatment for expectant mothers and Artemisinin-based combination medicines by 2015.
The Deputy Minister called for greater political commitment and accountability to attract more resources, shape policy and remove barriers hindering effective application of tested, preventive and treatment tools.
Dr Matthew Lynch, Global Director of Johns Hopkins University Centre for Communications Programmes, sponsors of the VOICES Project, observed that funding was no longer a major constraint to the fight against malaria as a result of new GMAP.
Mr Daniel Kertesz, World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative, in a statement read on his behalf, called for a sound strategy through traditional and modern channels to get the public more concerned with malaria control.
14 Oct. 08
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
