Monthly Archives: February 2024

Lifestyle, News

Tema General Hospital records 11 ‘Kwashiokor’ deaths in 2023

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The Tema General Hospital documented a total of 11 deaths among children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), popularly known as Kwashiokor, in 2023.

The hospital is the only referral health facility in Tema and its environs with an in-patient care facility for the management of SAM among children under the age of five.

Head of the Nutrition Unit at the Hospital, Joyce Asare Kissi, disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency in an interview on Thursday, February 8, 2024.

“The deaths were not only in-patient care for Severe Acute malnourished children but also those who had been discharged but died within a few days”, she explained

The 11 were referrals from other facilities that needed advance care, comprising three each from Tema Newtown and Kpone-Katamanso, one each from Ashaiman Township, Ashaiman-Jericho, Dawhenya, and Tema Communities 25 and 22.
Ms. Kissi noted with concern that Kwashiokor is still a health problem among children aged zero to five, which some unfortunately attributed to spiritual and cultural beliefs.

“That delayed seeking medical care for the children until the situation worsened and other medical conditions set it”, she said.

The nutritionist, therefore, advised parents to have time for their children and feed them the needed nutritional foods to ensure good health and prevent kwashiorkor.

Falling victim to the disease puts them at a higher risk of getting some childhood illnesses, which may result in death.

She advised parents whose children were being managed for Kwashiorkor at home with therapeutic milk, or the Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food, to stick to the instructions of their nutritionists to prevent a relapse, complications, and death.

 

 

 

 

Source: GNA

Politics, Topstory

I won’t make promises I can’t keep – John Mahama

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The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has promised to provide accommodation for pre-tertiary teachers to improve the state of Senior High Schools in Ghana.

According to him, unlike the current government, he does not make promises he cannot keep.

His remark follows nationwide concerns among pre-tertiary teachers about how teaching and learning are being impacted due to the lack of essential amenities.

While addressing pre-tertiary teachers in a Town Hall meeting in Tamale as part of his ‘Building the Ghana We Want Together Tour’, Mr. Mahama explained that the economy is currently in a big mess; hence, he would not make promises he cannot fulfil.

He emphasized several promises made by the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia-led administration, including constructing factories and dams in every district but failing to fulfil them.

He indicated that as a result of the current state, his administration is going to provide accommodation support to pre-tertiary teachers as motivation for them to stay on campus if elected.

This, he believes, will help cut unnecessary expenses for these teachers and also inspire them to do their best in the field.

He said, “I’ve said that the economy is in a big mess, so I cannot promise everybody I’m going to increase salary and all that. I won’t be like those dishonest people who came to promise heaven that they will build factories in every district, they’ll build a dam in every village, I’m not that kind of person. So I cannot promise you that I’m going to increase your salary.”

“And so we have taken note of the difficulties pre-tertiary teachers are going through, and I’ve suggested some of the solutions, and one is that we’ll help with accommodation in schools so that more teachers can stay in school.”

 

Source: Citinewsroom.com

Crime

Cossy Hill Hotel CEO murder: 2 additional suspects busted

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The Ghana Police Service, last night, 11th February 2024, arrested two additional suspects in the ongoing investigation into the murder of Mr. Eric Johnson, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cossy Hill Hotel at Jirapa in the Upper West Region.

The two suspects, Charles Tuoze and Favour Nuobe, both workers at the Cossy Hill Hotel, are in Police custody.

Seven suspects so far have been arrested and assisting the Police as the investigation continues to bring the perpetrator(s) to face justice.

The deceased was found on 11th February, 2024 lying in a pool of blood in one of the rooms at the hotel.

The Regional Crime Scene Management Team has visited the scene of the incident.

The Inspector-General of Police has also deployed a team of investigators and experts led by the Director-General/CID to work with the Upper West Regional Police Command to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident.

 

Source : classfmonline

 

Africa, Busines

CEO of Nigerian biggest bank and family among dead in a helicopter crash in Southern California’s Mojave Desert.

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Nigerian leaders Sunday mourned the death of the CEO of one of the country’s largest banks after he and five others were killed Friday in a helicopter crash in Southern California’s Mojave Desert.

Herbert Wigwe, chief executive of Access Bank, and his wife and son were among the six people on board when the aircraft went down shortly after 10 p.m. near Interstate 15. All six people were killed, including two pilots and Bamofin Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former chair of NGX Group, the Nigerian stock exchange.

Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, grieved the deaths in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Their passing is an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension,” he wrote. “I pray for the peaceful repose of the departed and ask God Almighty to comfort the multitude of Nigerians who are grieving and the families of the deceased at this deeply agonizing moment.”

The death of Wigwe, 57; his wife, Chizoba; and son, Chizi, shocked many in Nigeria and in the banking sector. He was widely seen as an industry leader, having been involved in two of the country’s biggest banks, including Guaranty Trust Bank, where he was previously executive director.

Under Wigwe’s leadership, Access Bank’s assets and presence grew beyond borders in several African countries.

“Dr. Wigwe was a key driving force and a larger-than-life personality who brought his remarkable passion, energy and experience to the transformation of the Access franchise,” Sunday Ekwochi, group company secretary of parent company Access Holdings, said Sunday in a statement.

The bank, in a post on X, wrote that Wigwe’s “passion and unwavering commitment to excellence transformed Access into a global powerhouse.”

“His legacy of excellence and compassion will continue to inspire us all,” the statement said.

Wigwe’s death is “a terrible blow” for Nigeria and Africa’s banking industry, Nigerian presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga wrote on X. “Wigwe had a big vision to make Access Holdings Africa’s biggest, with all the unquenchable thirst for acquisitions,” Onanuga added.

Wigwe’s interests also spanned the education sector. His private university, founded in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region where he was from, is scheduled to open in September. Last year he said the university was “an opportunity for me to give back to society.”

The crash happened south of I-15 near Halloran Springs Road, about 75 miles (120 km) northeast of Barstow, according to Michael Graham of the National Transportation Safety Board, which is investigating the crash.

Graham said Saturday that he did not have information about the two crew members, a pilot and a safety pilot. The aircraft did not have a cockpit voice recorder or a flight data recorder and was not required to have them, he added.

The Airbus EC-130 left Palm Springs Airport at around 8:45 p.m. on Friday and was traveling to Boulder City, Nevada, Graham said. Boulder City is about 26 miles (40 kilometers) southeast of Las Vegas, where the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers are set to play in Super Bowl 58 on Sunday.

Flight-tracking data shows the helicopter was traveling along the interstate about 1,000 to 1,500 feet (304.80 to 457.20 meters) above ground level, Graham said during a Sunday news conference. The aircraft made a slight right turn, turning south of the roadway, and the data then shows a gradual descent and increasing ground speed.

The wreckage site shows that helicopter hit the ground with its nose low at a right-bank angle, Graham said, adding that meteorologists have confirmed the weather included precipitation. The debris field was about 100 yards (91.44 meters) long.

The flight was a charter operated by Orbic Air LLC. Several people traveling on I-15 witnessed the crash and called 911, Graham said.

Witnesses reported that it was raining with a “wintry mix” at the time of the crash, according to Graham. People also reported a fire on the helicopter plus some downed power lines.

“This is the beginning of a long process. We will not jump to any conclusions,” Graham said Saturday.

Investigators on Sunday began mapping the area with drones and documenting the wreckage. They are also gathering pilot and maintenance records. A preliminary report is expected to be released within 30 days, though a full investigation will take up to two years to complete.

The crash site is not far from the California-Nevada border. Halloran Springs Road crosses the highway in an area known to travellers for an abandoned gas station with a sign declaring “Lo Gas” and “Eat.” It’s a remote area of the desert, with an elevation of nearly 3,000 feet (914.40 meters), and about a 60- to 80-mile (100- to 130-km) drive from Las Vegas.

The crash came just three days after a U.S. Marine Corps helicopter went down in the mountains outside San Diego during historic downpours, killing five Marines.

 

Source : Africanews

Africa

More than 20 miners trapped in Ethiopia cave for three days.

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Rescue operations are ongoing in a remote village in northern Ethiopia after a cave collapse trapped over 20 artisanal miners.

According to reports, the incident occurred three days ago in the Delanta district while the miners were searching for opal gemstones.

It is however not clear the exact number of individuals trapped, and the challenging terrain has made rescue efforts difficult, according to local officials in a report by the BBC.

Rescue attempts have so far been unsuccessful, but the authorities remain hopeful of finding survivors.

The officials said that in a previous incident, a miner was found alive after he was buried inside the cave for seven days.

 

Source : Africanews

Foreign

Hungary’s president resigns over child sexual abuse pardon

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Hungary’s President resigned Saturday (Feb. 10) over a child abuse case pardon. Katalin Novak is a member of the ruling conservative party Fidesz.

Novak’s decision came after more than a week of public outrage after it was revealed that she issued a presidential pardon in April 2023 to a man convicted of hiding a string of child sexual abuses in a state-run children’s home.

“I issued a pardon that caused bewilderment and unrest for many people,” Novák said on Saturday. “I made a mistake.”

Her resignation is a rare episode of turmoil for the right-wing party, which under the leadership of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has been accused of dismantling democratic institutions and rigging the media in its favour.

Novak, a key ally of Orbán, has been an outspoken advocate of traditional family values and the protection of children.

She held the mostly ceremonial role of president since 2022.

The scandal has also forced the justice minister to step down.

 

Source : Africanews

Sports

Kansas City Chiefs defend NFL title after beating San Francisco 49ers in overtime

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The Kansas City Chiefs fought back to beat the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in overtime and win their third Super Bowl in five years.

The 49ers came into the first Super Bowl held in Las Vegas as the slight favourites and were twice on the brink of victory at Allegiant Stadium.

A last-gasp field goal by the Chiefs made it 19-19 to send the game into overtime, and although the 49ers edged back in front, Patrick Mahomes’ touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman meant defending champions Kansas City cemented their status as the first NFL dynasty since the New England Patriots.

The Chiefs have reached four of the past five Super Bowls and became the first team to win back-to-back titles since the Patriots in the 2003 and 2004 seasons.

At just 28, Mahomes has become the sixth quarterback in NFL history to win three or more Super Bowls, while Andy Reid has become the fifth coach to win three or more.

While Kansas City’s win over the Philadelphia Eagles last season was a high-scoring epic, this will be seen as a classic by anyone who likes to see defences get on top, with San Francisco leading 10-3 at half-time.

But Mahomes still proved the difference, steering the Chiefs within range to make their game-tying field goal before keeping alive the nail-biting drive which resulted in Hardman’s touchdown.

That condemned the 49ers and their coach Kyle Shanahan to another painful defeat. The Chiefs began their Super Bowl streak with a fourth-quarter fightback against San Francisco in 2020 and their latest win came in the second Super Bowl to go to overtime – the first saw the Patriots produce a record comeback in 2016 before beating the Atlanta Falcons, whose offensive coordinator was Shanahan.

The 49ers remain five-time Super Bowl winners but have now lost in the big game three times since their last NFL title in 1995.

This year’s Super Bowl attracted arguably more interest than ever before, with the US television audience expected to eclipse the record 115 million for Kansas City’s win over the Eagles last year.

This was the first Super Bowl to be held in the entertainment capital of the world, Prince Harry made a surprise appearance at the end-of-season awards ceremony in Vegas on Thursday and then there’s Taylor Swift.

The music superstar’s relationship with Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce has brought a wealth of new fans to the Chiefs and the NFL in general, and there have even been conspiracy theories about the team’s play-off run being rigged to maintain that new interest and help get US President Joe Biden re-elected.

This week NFL commissioner Roger Goodell called those claims “nonsense”, while many media outlets speculated whether she would be able to attend the Super Bowl as she was performing in Tokyo on Saturday.

She made it, joining dozens of stars in the crowd at Allegiant Stadium, although it seemed she and Kelce would be disappointed at half-time. He took just one catch for one yard in the first half and showed his frustration by bumping into coach Reid and shouting in the 65-year-old’s face.

But Kelce, 34, ended the game with 93 receiving yards, with Mahomes passing for 333 yards and two touchdowns.

Mahomes also rushed for 66 yards, including a scramble on fourth down in overtime when failure to make a first down would have handed victory to the 49ers.

That ensured Mahomes was named the Super Bowl’s Most Valuable Player for a third time and he is the first to win the award back-to-back since Terry Bradshaw (1979 and 1980).

While many hoped the two teams’ offensive stars would put on a show in the bright light city, defences dominated, which contributed to an error-strewn contest featuring four turnovers.

The first came on just the game’s fifth play after San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey coughed up just his third fumble of the season, although the 49ers still opened the scoring with a field goal at the start of the second quarter.

With Mahomes and 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy struggling to get their offence going, San Francisco dialled up a trick play and wide receiver Jauan Jennings, who last threw a competitive pass in high school, found McCaffrey for a touchdown.

The Chiefs got on the board with a field goal right before half-time and they edged in front through a field goal and a Marquez Valdes-Scantling touchdown late in the third quarter.

The 49ers hit straight back and it looked as though Shanahan would banish the demons of his two previous Super Bowls after deciding to go for it on fourth down, with Purdy converting.

Two plays later he found Jennings, making him just the second player to both throw a touchdown pass and catch one in the same Super Bowl – after Nick Foles in the Eagles’ win over the Patriots in 2017.

But Jake Moody’s kick for the extra point was blocked, which proved crucial as it left the score at 16-13. The Chiefs could then tie it up with a field goal, as they did on the next drive and again with Harrison Butker’s fourth field goal that sent the game to overtime after Moody’s third had made it 19-16 with two minutes of regulation time remaining.

 

 

Source : BBC

Foreign

US Defence secretary transfers duties to deputy while in hospital.

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US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has transferred duties to his deputy while in hospital for an “emergent bladder issue”, the Pentagon has said.

Mr Austin, 70, is in the critical care unit at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Virginia.

Officials said it is so far unclear how long he will remain in hospital.

The defence secretary was under scrutiny for failing to disclose his prostate cancer diagnosis and hospital stays in December and January.

On Sunday afternoon, the Pentagon released a statement saying Mr Austin had been taken to Walter Reed for treatment, adding that the White House and senior defence officials had been notified.

Hours after, at about 16:55 local time (21:55 GMT), the Pentagon released a second statement saying Mr Austin has “transferred the functions and duties of the office” to Deputy Defence Secretary Kathleen Hicks.

Later on Sunday, the hospital provided an update, saying that, after testing, the secretary had been admitted into the critical care unit “for supportive care and close monitoring”.

The bladder issue is not expected to change Mr Austin’s “anticipated full recovery”, his doctors said, following a prostate cancer diagnosis in December. “His cancer prognosis remains excellent.”

Mr Austin was scheduled to travel to Brussels this week for a Wednesday meeting on the ongoing war in Ukraine. It is not yet clear if his hospital stay will impede those plans.

Late last year, Mr Austin had surgery as part of his cancer treatment.

He was readmitted to hospital on New Year’s Day with severe pain in his leg, hip and abdomen because of complications related to the procedure. An evaluation found a urinary tract infection and he remained in hospital for more than two weeks.

Senior defence officials and the Biden administration did not know that Mr Austin was seriously ill until three days after his re-admission in January.

During a press conference last week, Mr Austin said he had never directed anyone in his staff to hide his time in hospital from the White House or the public, but did not answer questions about whether staffers had acted outside of his orders.

Still, the defence secretary said he was “deeply sorry” for failing to provide appropriate notice and said he had apologised personally to President Joe Biden.

“I did not handle this right,” he said. “I should have told the president about my cancer diagnosis.”

The defence secretary is just below the president in the chain of command for the US military, and is regarded as one of the most important members of the cabinet.

The incident incited concerns over both transparency and security and prompted three separate investigations into Mr Austin’s handling of his illness and hospital stays. Some prominent Republicans called for Mr Austin to be removed from his post.

President Biden stood by Mr Austin, saying he remained confident in his secretary’s leadership, but added that it was “sub-optimal” that he had not disclosed the seriousness of his illness.

He is scheduled to testify before Congress at the end of this month about his failure to notify government leaders.

Mr Austin, a retired four-star general, became the first African-American defence secretary in 2020.

 

 

Source :BBC

Sports

Marathon world record holder dies in road accident.

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The men’s marathon world record holder, Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum, 24, has died in a road accident in his home country.

He was killed alongside his coach, Rwanda’s Gervais Hakizimana, in a car on a road in western Kenya on Sunday.

Kiptum made a breakthrough in 2023 as a rival to compatriot Eliud Kipchoge – one of the greatest marathon runners.

And it was in Chicago last October that Kiptum bettered Kipchoge’s achievement, clocking the 26.1 miles (42km) in two hours and 35 seconds.

The two athletes had been named in Kenya’s provisional marathon team for the Paris Olympics later this year.

Paying tribute to Kiptum, Kenyan Sports Minister Ababu Namwamba wrote on X: “Devastatingly sickening!! Kenya has lost a special gem. Lost for words.”

Kenya’s opposition leader and former prime minister, Raila Odinga, said the country had lost “a true hero” and was mourning “a remarkable individual… and Kenyan athletics icon”.

Sebastian Coe, the president of World Athletics, said Kiptum was “an incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, we will miss him dearly”.

The road accident happened at about 23:00 local time (20:00 GMT) on Sunday, police were quoted as saying by the AFP news agency.

Giving further details of the crash, police said Kiptum was the driver, and the vehicle “lost control and rolled, killing the two on the spot”.

A spokesman quoted by AFP added that the third passenger – who was female – had been injured and “rushed to hospital”.

Just last week, his team announced that he would attempt to run the distance in under two hours at the Rotterdam marathon – a feat that has never been achieved in open competition.

The rise to fame for the father-of-two had been rapid – he only ran his first full marathon in 2022.

He competed in his first major competition four years earlier running in borrowed shoes as he could not afford a pair of his own.

He was among a new crop of Kenyan athletes who began their careers on the road, breaking away from the past tradition of athletes starting on the track before switching to longer distances.

Kiptum told the BBC last year that his unusual choice was simply determined by a lack of resources.

“I had no money to travel to track sessions,” he explained.

His coach, Hakizimana, 36, was a retired Rwandese runner. Last year, he spent months helping Kiptum target the world record.

Their relationship as coach and athlete began in 2018, but the pair first met when the world record holder was much younger.

“I knew him when he was a little boy, herding livestock barefooted,” Hakizimana recalled last year. “It was in 2009, I was training near his father’s farm, he’d come kicking at my heels and I would chase him away.

“Now, I am grateful to him for his achievement.”

 

 

Source : BBC

Sports

Cote d’Ivoire defeat Nigeria to win TotalEnergies CAF AFCON

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A packed-to-the-rafters Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan was the perfect setting for the Elephants to add a third African title in front of their loyal supporters who rallied them to the comeback victory.

A first half goal by William Ekong looked to set up the Super Eagles for a fourth title before a leveler by Franck Kessie and late strike by dangerman, Sebastian Haller secured Africa’s most coveted title for Cote d’Ivoire.

Haller proved the hero, scoring the decisive goal as the Elephants completed a sensational comeback.

The hosts looked doomed after William Troost-Ekong’s first half opener for Nigeria in Abidjan.

But Frank Kessie levelled right after the break before Haller, who recovered from cancer last year, sparked ecstatic scenes by firing the late winner.

With the backing of the crowd, it came as no surprise for the hosts to take control of the game from the opening whistle, while Nigeria opted for the counter.

Danger-man, Haller was the first to ask questions of Stanley Nwabali after almost snatching an early lead from a well taken cross by Simon Adingra for the ball but his stretched-out leg could not reach.

Veteran attacker, Max Gradel showed great improvisation in the 20th minute with an unexpected acrobatic strike that caught the entire defense off guard but was unlucky to see his strike hit the side netting.

The Elephants’ momentum was cut short just before the break after a lapse in concentration by the Ivorian defense in a corner saw Super Eagles skipper, Ekong rise above his markers to head home the opener to give his side the lead.

Coming back from the recess, the Elephants despite being a goal down, continued with their great attacking momentum against a stubborn Nigerian defence.

Coming back from the recess, the Elephants despite being a goal down, continued with their great attacking momentum against a stubborn Nigerian defense.

On the hour mark, a stinging strike from range by Kouakou Kossounou sent almost found the bottom corner but was parried to safety by Nwabali.

It was from the resulting corner that the Elephants found the back of the net thanks to a delightful delivery from Adingra that connected with Frank Kessie who levelled matters with a header.

The backing of the roaring crowd continued to rally the Elephants forward as they increased the tempo with the troublesome Adingra being a menace to the Super Eagles defense.

The 22-year-old caused more harm to the Nigerians after doing well to dribble past Zaidu Sanusi to send a cross that saw Haller get the all-important lead in the 81st minute.

With victory in-sight, the Elephants held on for the historic victory that sees them rise to the highest seat of continental football as champions of Africa.

It capped an incredible turnaround for Cote d’Ivoire after almost crashing out in the group stages. Their campaign appeared over after a disastrous 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea.

Yet interim boss Emerse Fae inspired a spirited fightback to reach the final. This resilient collective spirit shone through again as they recovered from Troost-Ekong’s opener.

His winner sealed a historic comeback amid emotional scenes in Abidjan. Eight years after their last title, Cote d’Ivoire reign again as kings of Africa.

This triumph represents vindication for Fae after stepping in following a desperate start under Jean-Louis Gasset.

Left seemingly down and out, the Elephants have instead rediscovered their roar to win the AFCON on home soil in the most dramatic fashion.

News, Politics

Okudzeto Ablakwa thanks Mahama, benevolent Ghanaians for supporting flood victims

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I am exceedingly grateful to H.E. John Mahama, our revered chiefs, our compassionate donors, distinguished guests, our hardworking construction workers, all volunteers and my beloved constituents for making yesterday’s commissioning of the North Tongu MP and Partners Safe Alternative Housing Initiative a resounding success.

 

May this beautiful project help my traumatized displaced constituents find smiles again.

 

I hope this model of 70% contribution from benevolent Ghanaians and 30% from the MP’s Office helps us to construct more of such modern, decent disability friendly buildings while creating jobs for hundreds of young people.

God bless you all.

In this together, rising together. 🇬🇭 🙏🏾

News, Showbiz

I do not have a contract agreement with Shatta Wale — Sammy Flex

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Shatta Wale’s manager, Sammy Flex, has revealed an intriguing aspect of his working relationship with the artist. Contrary to conventional contracts, Sammy disclosed that there is no written agreement between him and Shatta Wale; instead, their agreement is verbal.

In an engaging conversation with host Agyemang Prempeh on Power Entertainment on TV XYZ and Power979FM, Sammy explained that they have effectively communicated their roles, expectations, and boundaries to each other. Despite the absence of a written contract, Sammy emphasized that their agreement is legally binding.

“Agreement is agreement,” Sammy asserted confidently. “We have a legal agreement in place. We’re in constant communication, and one thing is certain: legal agreements don’t always have to be signed. Shatta and I haven’t signed any contracts.”

Watch the video; 

 

 

By:Afia Owusu//myxyzonline.com// Ghana