North East Region: 60 year old Konjit Duut beaten to death after witchcraft accusation
Another life is lost in the North East Region over accusation of witchcraft. Passed a bill seeking to proscribe witchcraft accusations. The bill is currently awaiting presidential assent. However, despite this legislative effort, tragic incidents such as the recent death of Konjit Duut continue to highlight the urgent need for action to address the issue. According to the family of the deceased, Konjit Duut was brutally beaten to death by community members in Bunbuna, North East Region, after being accused of witchcraft. The allegation was based on a dream experienced by one of the community members, who claimed to have seen Duut attempting to harm him. The family stated that Duut was summoned for questioning by the community members regarding the accusation. While she was on her way to report the situation to her family in the next village, she was intercepted and attacked by some of the community members, resulting in her death. Local authorities have arrested one person in connection with the incident, but the family is demanding the arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved in the act. They have refused to bury Duut’s remains until their demand is met. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the pervasive belief in witchcraft and the devastating consequences it can have on innocent lives. The passing of the bill seeking to proscribe witchcraft accusations is an important step towards addressing this issue, but there is a need for further action to effectively prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email: apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Three members of Upper East Regional Hospital staff arrested after Media Without Borders investigation uncovered stolen government drugs
A cartel involved in drug thefts caused Ghana’s Upper East Regional Hospital to run out of medicines for years until they finally ran out of luck on Friday, 4 August 2023. During the period in which they outsmarted the system, several patients suffered preventable deaths. And the conditions of other sick persons seeking healthcare services at the facility deteriorated as they were turned away because the government hospital was short of drugs at its pharmacy. Patients in queue for drugs, some of which are not available at the hospital owing to thefts. When Media Without Borders launched an investigation into public complaints about drug shortages at the hospital, it trailed the illegal movements of drugs from the hospital’s stores for months, finally uncovering a near-abandoned structure where the stolen medications were being hidden, pending resale miles outside the region. The hospital’s stores where the staff steal the drugs from. Before the undercover monitoring began in 2022, the drug thefts were already going on. Tons of government drugs, packaged in boxes labelled with a bold notice that the medications were NOT FOR SALE, had been stolen and sold by the cartel. The Upper East Regional Hospital. No fewer than 34 boxes were found when Media Without Borders’ Edward Adeti gained access into the hiding place on Thursday, 3 August 2023. The boxes contained drips, doses of injection powder, metronidazole injections, antimalarial tablets and anaesthesia among others. The 34 boxes, procured and dispatched by the Ministry of Health to the hospital, were the second batch of medicines stolen from the stores in July alone. A cross-section of the stolen drugs captured by Media Without Borders at the hiding place. Mode of operation The hiding place is located just behind the Holy Ghost Temple branch of the Assemblies of God in the region’s capital, Bolgatanga. It is facing the southward fence wall of the official residence of the Upper East Regional Supervising High Court Judge. Stolen drips kept in the hiding place. And it is a few steps away from a road lined on either side by the mostly two-storey houses of other judges, the region’s topmost state security chiefs and the Catholic Bishop of the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocese. To avoid the public eye, the hospital staff involved in the illicit drug relocation and resale often move the drugs from the hospital at night to the hiding place. And for the same reason, they always move them from the place under the dark cloak of the pre-dawn hours to the Northern Region for sale. The stolen batch of medicines is due to expire in 2025. But before a driver, who normally comes with a pickup from the Northern Region to take the medicines away, leaves Bolgatanga, he secures an invoice from private pharmacies in the region to deceive police at checkpoints that the drugs were lawfully bought from these private pharmacies. The police are easily outfoxed on the road by the driver because they scarcely care to check to see if there is a notice on the boxes that the materials are not for sale. Media Without Borders alerts police to effect arrests There are some of the hospital’s staff members from whom the internal members of the cartel have kept this secret. Later, it came to the management’s notice, with pictures of some of the stolen drugs from an inside source. But how to locate the hiding place remained a challenge for the hospital’s management. Media Without Borders could not approach any of the hospital’s management members at the time with its findings on the grounds of trust. The structure where the stolen drugs were being kept. At this time, the cartel had got a hint, too, that a spotlight was closing in on where they were keeping the drugs patients needed urgently at the hospital. Clients in queue to pay for drugs at the hospital. They planned to move the drugs from there as immediately as possible to another location, pending their passage to the resale destination. Because of this, Media Without Borders kept a closer eye on the hiding place and finally revealed the findings to trusted officials of the Ghana Police Service on the morning of Friday, 4 August 2023. It is boldly written on the boxes by the Ministry of Health that the medications are not for sale. At about 8:30 pm on Friday, a red-shirted driver at the hospital by the name of Raymond Asoke, who has been part of the syndicate, drove a red car with registration number GE 1532-21 to the yard where the medicines were kept. When he started packing the boxes into the car, Media Without Borders alerted a team of armed police officers already standing by. The law enforcers arrived in no time on a police pickup and halted on the edge of the fenceless, weedy yard. The car captured by Media Without Borders as the driver was loading the boxes of stolen medicines to relocate them pending transportation to the Northern Region for resale. On seeing them, the driver quickly dropped a box he was carrying towards the car and began to move away from the yard on his feet at a hurried pace. The officers, numbering about seven, stormed into the yard in scattered directions, and scurried after him as they shouted for him not to move further. He was outpaced, captured, handcuffed and interrogations began. Hospital’s administrator says drug thieving happening for the past two years During preliminary interrogations at the scene, the driver disclosed that the boxes contained medicines and that Fasilat Raheem, the hospital’s storekeeper whom he repeatedly referred to as Hajia, sent him to convey the drugs from the location. He said the red car belonged to the same storekeeper. And just moments after saying so, he got a phone call from the storekeeper. Placed on a loudspeaker, the storekeeper was heard questioning the reasons for his delay at the location. The thefts have hurt thousands of patients as well as the state over the years. The driver had loaded twelve boxes inside the car
WN/R: Okoe-Boye opens 2 new NHIS offices
The National Health Insurance Authority Chief Executive, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, on 2 August 2023, inauguated two newly built projects: Western-North Regional and Sefwi Wiawso National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) office complexes, both in the Western-North Region. Speaking at the inauguration of the regional office, Dr. Okoe Boye thanked the staff of the NHIS for achieving 80 per cent of their set active membership target. He encouraged them to go the extra mile to attain 100 per cent of the target in line with the national agenda of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). He said the expansion of NHIS infrastructure demonstrated the government’s resolve to make the Scheme accessible to all. The former Ledzokuku MP commended the Regional Coordinating Council and traditional leaders for their continued support in the government’s quest to transform the lives of the people. According to Dr. Okoe Boye, the government’s performance in all sectors of the economy, particularly the health sector, is unprecedented. He encouraged everyone to sign up for the NHIS and gain from the expanded benefit package, which includes the four commonest childhood cancers and the free elderly healthcare care for people, 70 and above. Regional Minister Joojo Rocky Obeng hailed the ‘New NHIS’ and underscored the need to sustain it. Meanwhile, a former Minister of Health under whose watch the NHIS was initiated, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, bemoaned the politicisation of health matters in Ghana, particularly the health insurance scheme. He lamented the negative impact the capping of the National Health Insurance Fund is having on the Scheme, pointing out that it was depriving the NHIA of the required funds. According Dr. Afriyie, the state of healthcare in the country required adequate financing, and insisted that starving the NHIS of adequate funds is inimical to its sustenance. At a staff get-together, Dr. Okoe-Boye interacted with drivers and district managers of the NHIS and promised to address key issues hindering their operations to enhance service delivery. He thanked the staff for their dedication to duty and tasked them to remain committed and work hard toward increasing the NHIS’ active membership. It was an opportunity for the frontline staff to meet face-to-face with their Chief Executive, who is concerned about staff welfare. Dr. Okoe-Boye met the Municipal Chief Executive for the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipal Assembly, Mr Paul Andoh, and also addressed NHIS staff in the district. The NHIA Chief Executive’s visit to the Western-North Region climaxed his working visits to all the 16 regions. NHIA/Abdul Karim Naatogmah Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Man lost his life after a thorough dog chase
A man in Kwara State of Nigeria identified as Mohammed Faworaja has visited his maker in Ilorin, while running for his away from a dog. According to some information available to this platform, the incident happened on Thursday near Asa Dam, the Warah-Osin area in the Ilorin West Local Government Area of the state. “The dog, a German shepherd, got loose and chased the deceased who hit his chest on an electric pole. He died of internal bleeding and the canned fish (Sardine) which he went to buy dropped and was seen beside the pole at the scene of the incident. A man did not want to disclose himself explained “He was a very friendly man and cannot be more than 33 years of age. He was the breadwinner of the family. The police are involved in the matter. “You need to hear the dad speak during one of the prayers organized for his repose. The father, having retired from service, handed everything over to him. The family is devastated.” Contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed the incident. The police spokesperson said, “The owner of the dog has been arrested and the matter is being investigated”. Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
International day for Self-Care celebrated
The celebration of the International Day of Self-Care began in 2011. It is celebrated on every 24th of July each year. The brain behind the holiday was to lay a foundation that helps people understand how important it is to take care of their health. The main key to a person’s success is his health. The organizers of the holiday talk about the principle of self-help. This includes the expansion of knowledge about health, the transition to the principles of a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, healthy physical activity and other components. It is important that a person takes care not only of the physical, but also of the psychological and emotional state. In 2019, the World Health Organization announced Self-Care Month. It was held from June 24 to July 26. However, on this holiday, fitness master classes, competitions, performances by medical specialists, medical examinations and more are organized. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
See simple things you can do to please your new born
These are simple ways to make your new born feel comfortable. Sleep is important for both you and your baby. But to a newborn, sleep is the brain’s main activity. Babies spend about half the time they’re asleep in the dream stage, called REM sleep. That stage is linked to brain activities, such as memory, nervous system function and self-control. And for a newborn, there’s no such thing as night and day. So they sleep and wake on their own schedule. But even with a newborn, you can start to shape your baby’s sleep habits for healthier lifelong rest. Developing a rhythm Newborns sleep 12 or more hours a day but just an hour or two at a time. Babies born before their due date, called premature, may sleep more than babies born at term. There may be no pattern at first. Babies wake up to eat and then fall back asleep. But after a couple weeks, babies will be able to stay awake longer, and then sleep for a longer time. A more regular sleep schedule comes with brain and nervous system growth and being able to go longer between feedings. After a few months many babies are on a regular three-times-a-day nap schedule and sleeping for longer periods at night. For caregivers, the age-old advice is “sleep when your baby sleeps. ” While it’s almost a cliche and sometimes impossible, getting enough sleep is as important for you as it is for your baby. In these first few months, caregivers often report that they are exhausted. Tired caregivers can find it hard to focus, remember details or see solutions to issues. Until you get into a new rhythm with your baby, it might help to set aside anything that doesn’t have to be done. That way you have a better chance of getting the sleep you need. Every baby is different. But by age 3 to 4 months, many babies sleep at least five hours at a time. Babies this age should be sleeping around 12 to 16 hours a day including naps. And at some point during a baby’s first year, babies will start sleeping for about 10 hours each night. Have your baby sleep in your room Experts say it’s best to have your baby sleep in the room with you. But babies should still sleep in a crib, bassinet or other structure designed for infants. Adult beds are risky for infants. A baby can become trapped and suffocate in the normal spaces of a bed, including in bedding. Babies can become trapped between headboard slats, or the mattress and bed frame or wall. A baby also can suffocate if a sleeping parent accidentally rolls over and covers the baby’s nose and mouth. https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cq7-ZajPLQB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email: apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Do you know sunglasses was invented on this day?
The Day of the Invention of Sunglasses is celebrated every July 1. The holiday is quite modern and does not yet have an official establishment. The first sunglasses appeared in the 17th century. Paint or varnish was applied to the glasses to create a darkening effect. For the most fashionable and rich, glasses were made of expensive materials and were considered luxury items. And among the northern peoples, sunglasses were made from the bones of killed animals or from wood and had a narrow or elongated shape. For the first time, industrial production of this product was opened in France. And after that, glasses began to be made in other countries of the world. On this day, everyone needs to choose the most convenient, high-quality, and comfortable sunglasses. After all, they can not only be a fashion accessory but also maintain eye health on sunny days. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email: apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Green Ghana: 600,000 trees to be planted across Upper East Region
The Upper East Regional Forestry Manager Mr. Emmanuel Yeboah has said, out of 10 million tree seedlings announced to be planted across the country, a minimum of 600,000 tree seedlings will be planted in the Upper East Region. Mr. Yeboah made this known when addressing the congregation at the third edition of Green Ghana Day, an event organized at the Gambibgo Senior High School in the Bolgatanga East District of the Upper East Region. Meanwhile, despite announcing the total number of trees the region is estimated to plant at this year’s Green Ghana Day 2023 project, the Forestry Regional Manager also went ahead to explain the region arrived on 600,000 “Today, a minimum of 10 million tree seedlings are to be planted nationwide and in the Upper East Region, a minimum of 600,000 tree seedlings will be planted”. (1) Bolgatanga Forest District = 285,000 seedlings ( ie F/R 250,000 and OFR, 35,000) (2) Navrongo Forest District = 235,000 seedlings (ie F/R 200,000 and OFR, 35,000) (3) Bawku Forest District = 80,000 Seedlings ( ie F/R 50,000 and OFR, 30,000) (4) Bolgatanga Forest District =285,000 seedlings ( ie F/R 250,000 and OFR, 35,000) (5) Navrongo Forest District = 235,000 seedlings (ie F/R 200,000 and OFR, 35,000) (6) Bawku Forest District = 80,000 Seedlings ( ie F/R 50,000 and OFR, 30,000) Total = 600,000 seedlings The following site-specific tree seedlings are available for collection: BOLGATANGA FOREST DISTRICT (1) Neem (2) Mahogany (3) Eucalyptus (4) Kapok (Ceiba) (5) Cassia (6) Terminalia montalis (Umbrella tree) (7) Dawadawa (8) Teak (9) Mango (10) Cashew NAVRONGO FOREST DISTRICT (1) Mahogany (2) Kapok (Ceiba) (3) Baobab (4) Papao (5) Albizia labbeck (6) Neem (7) Cassia (8) Mango (9) Cashew BAWKU FOREST DISTRICT (1) Teak (2) Cassia (3) Mango (4) Cashew The Mango and Cashew Seedlings were donated by IUCN. Mr. Yeboah also used the opportunity to inform the general public that they have more seedlings for distribution and could be found at all the District Forestry Offices and Forest Range Quarters in the Region. The theme for the Green Ghana 2023 edition is dubbed “Our Forests, Our Health” Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Breaking News: Another case of Anthrax recorded in Talensi District
News reaching Apexnewsgh.com has it that another case of anthrax has been recorded in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region. According to the District Chief Executive (DCE) Thomas Dunab, it has been confirmed that in the Duusi community, there has been confirmed evidence of dead cattle as a result of Anthrax, a disease caused by bacteria in livestock and is transferable from animals to humans. The situation is becoming problematic in the region. Asking the DCE, what plans they are putting in place to avoid escalation of the disease, he said, they will be having a meeting this morning with technocrats to conclude on a lasting solution. In a press release on Tuesday with regards to the Binduri incident, the Ministry indicated that the confirmation follows a sample analysis at the laboratory of the Veterinary Services Directorate. Fortunately, in the case of Talensi, apart from the two cattle, no human life is lost Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
UER: Ghana Police replaces the life of an innocent soul with Ghc 150,000.00 as compensation
A report carried out by the Ghana Police Service in the Upper East Region shows that Laayaame Simon Yindoog was just shot and killed by officers of the Ghana Police Service for no crime caused and later labeled an armed robber. Police after admitting their wrongdoing, compensate the family of the late Simon with a sum amount of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Ghana Cedis (Ghc 150,000.00). The 34-year-old was regrettably eliminated in December 2021 in the Kpatia community by some unprofessional police officers for his alleged involvement in the killing of two police officers in Zuarungu, Bolga-East District. Somewhere in December 2021, two police officers with the Zuarungu District Police Command were attacked and murdered in the line of duty by some unknown armed robbers during a robbery incident. at the Zuarungu Market. Their unfortunate death, later made the police initiate a search within the area and its surrounding communities where Simon Yindoog was alleged to be a member of the said robbers and was shot instantly by the police operation team. However, after two years of a thorough investigation conducted by the police, the department later identified that the late (Simon Yindoog) was neither a robber hence he was mistakenly shot and killed by the operation team on that bad day. Meanwhile, the police department despite compensating the family with GHc150,000.00 also pledged to bear the cost of performing the funeral. Registering dissatisfaction about the said Ghc 150,000.00 compensation, the family and some community members have described the compensation as woefully inadequate and hence demand justice for their late son (Simon Yindoog). The family led by Moses Nawaak wants the particular officer who shot their brother with no mercy to be punished for his unprofessional conduct as well as a lifetime compensation package for the deceased children and wives. “My brother has 3 wives and 8 children who will now cater for them. So, we want a lifetime compensation package for them. Also, we want the said officer to be sacked from work, if not he may repeat such an act somewhere.” He also added that the police after agreeing to bear funeral bills, however, have failed to pay any of such nor formally apologize to the family for their unprofessional conduct. Augustine Guure, who happens to be a community member, also expressed displeasure with the attitude exhibited by the police themselves especially for not showing up even at the deceased burial ceremony. “Since yesterday and today, have you seen any policeman here, no, so what shows that they admit their mistake?” He asked “We heard how they compensated for a similar incident in Tamale, the amount that was paid to such victims can divide this amount four times though they (victims) were not killed like our own here, but look at what they gave peanut. What is GHc150,000.00? Just look at the children, 8 of them, wives, 3 of them, and then, brothers and sisters. Who will now be catering to them? So, we expect justice for Simon.” However, the family and community members are also demanding police to pull down the pictures and videos of Simon Yindoog on their platforms as part of the robbers responsible for the death of their two officers. Simon is left with 3 wives and children Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062