The Media Coalition Against Open Defecation (M-CODe) has appealed to journalists and media organizations to commit to improving and increasing coverage of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) issues in the mainstream media, with particular focus on issues of open defecation. M-CODe calls come ahead of the Third Ghana WASH Week, which is being championed by the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in the Water and Sanitation Sector (CONIWAS). The event, scheduled to take place from July 8th to 12th, aims to raise public awareness, advocate for prioritization and investment, empower communities, and foster collaboration to address the lingering WASH challenges in Ghana, particularly the pressing issue of open defecation. The third Ghana WASH Week is a crucial step towards achieving this goal. The event will focus on the theme “WASH Prioritisation and its Impacts on Social and Economic Development,” highlighting the need for prioritization and investment in WASH infrastructure, particularly sanitation and hygiene facilities, to end open defecation. Mr. Francis Ameyibor, M-CODE National Convenor, stressed that journalists and media organizations must use the platform created by CONIWAS to discuss a wide range of WASH issues affecting “our respective geographical zones.” Mr. Ameyibor urged journalists to be equipped with a newfound knowledge of WASH issues as well as the health implications of open defecation and their magnitude and to commit to contributing to improving media coverage. The M-CODe Convenor appealed to media practitioners to contact CONIWAS members and Regional and District Environmental Health Officers nationwide for interviews while doing stories in their respective regions and districts. He said M-CODe will regularly follow up with their members to see how they report on WASH and Open Defecation issues so that the high levels of interest do not fade beyond the week. He also urged WASH partners to continuously engage with journalists, sharing story ideas or tips or inviting them to join for field visits. “Let us consider the third Ghana WASH Week a call to action for all stakeholders to join forces to end open defecation and ensure that all Ghanaians have access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene. “Together, we can make a difference and achieve a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous Ghana by 2030,” the M-CODe National Convenor stated. He stressed that it’s important to raise awareness about the urgent need to end open defecation and improve access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities. “Remember, every small action counts and collective efforts can lead to significant positive change. Let’s continue to raise awareness and support initiatives that promote access to safe WASH facilities and hygiene practices, especially in communities that need it most,” Mr. Ameyibor stated. Mr. Ameyibor reiterated the need for M-CODE Regional Branches to collaborate with other NGOs in the WASH sector to visit areas notorious for open defecation and shine a spotlight on these communities. He encouraged them to utilize the WASH week as an opportunity to expose areas where open defecation remains a significant issue in their respective regions, while also acknowledging and commending communities that have successfully achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. According to CONIWAS, Ghana still struggles with high rates of open defecation, with over two million people practicing it, leading to severe health issues, environmental pollution, and economic losses. Key activities lined up for the week include workshops and seminars, school competitions, community outreaches, media campaigns, and public forums. According to CONIWAS, these events will bring together stakeholders from government, civil society, the private sector, and communities to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices for addressing WASH challenges, especially open defecation. CONIWAS stressed that access to WASH is a fundamental human right essential for health, dignity, and well-being. Despite progress, millions of Ghanaians still lack these basic necessities, leading to severe health issues, hindering economic development, and perpetuating poverty and inequality.

The High Court, Labour Division, has granted an ex parte injunction in favour of the Professional Association of Psychiatric Nurses – Ghana (PAPNG), effectively halting the implementation of the collective agreement negotiated by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA). Apexnewsgh reports  The agreement was set to commence on July 1, 2024. The injunction was obtained against the GRNMA, Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, Controller and Accountant General, Minister for Finance, and Attorney General. The court’s decision highlights the exclusion of PAPNG and other unions, such as the Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UPNMG), from the negotiation process, violating statutory requirements. PAPNG argued that GRNMA’s actions breached the Labour Regulations, 2007 (LI 1833) and the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), which ensure inclusive and fair representation in collective agreements. The association expressed satisfaction with the ruling, stating that it upholds the principles of fairness and inclusivity in collective bargaining processes, ensuring that the voices of all relevant unions are heard and respected. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on;  Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.

A alarming 5,554 cases of drug abuse were reported in 2023, signaling a growing concern for Ghana’s public health, safety, and socio-economic development. According to the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS), drug-related mental disorders are among the top 10 causes of mental health outpatient attendance, with a steady increase in cases over the past five years. The affected age range is predominantly 20-34 years, but disturbingly, children as young as 10-14 years are also being impacted. The Mental Health Authority is urging a collective effort to address this critical issue, emphasizing the need for stakeholders to work together to combat drug abuse and ensure a safer, healthier future for all Ghanaians. The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, a United Nations initiative, highlights the importance of addressing drug abuse and the illegal drug trade. Ghana must take action to address this growing challenge and protect the well-being of its citizens, particularly its youth. By working together, Ghana can turn the tide on drug abuse and create a brighter future for generations to come. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on;  Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has stressed the urgent need for Africa to boost its vaccine production capabilities, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in the process. Apexnewsgh reports He made this call at the Global Forum for Vaccine Sovereignty and Innovation, a platform convened by France, the African Union, and Gavi to promote vaccine sovereignty and innovation. The President highlighted the recent approval of the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA) initiative, which was given the green light during the Gavi Board meeting in Accra. This initiative, led by Gavi and the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, aims to support the African Union’s goal of manufacturing at least 60% of the continent’s vaccine doses by 2040. President Akufo-Addo also showcased Ghana’s impressive track record on vaccination, achieved through a combination of organized campaigns and routine services. The country’s high immunization coverage rates demonstrate its commitment to protecting public health. By emphasizing the need for accelerated and sustainable vaccine production in Africa, President Akufo-Addo’s statement underscores the importance of self-sufficiency in vaccine manufacturing for the continent’s health security. The Global Forum for Vaccine Sovereignty and Innovation serves as a vital platform for advancing this agenda and fostering innovation in the vaccine sector. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on;  Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.