UHAS ushers 139 students into clinical training


The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has inducted 139 students from its schools of Medicine and Pharmacy into their clinical year.

The students were inducted at the Third Joint White Coat ceremony of the University after successfully completing their preclinical training.

They were robed in the traditional doctor’s White Coat, decorated with stethoscope and took an oath of their respective schools to mark the clinical phase of their training on hospital wards.

Professor Frank Edwin, the Dean of the School of Medicine, in a welcome address, charged the students to exhibit high professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

He urged them to be committed to their work, be pioneers of innovation and champions of quality healthcare to others, adding that the future of healthcare was in their hands.

The challenge of unavailability of jobs had informed the choice of the theme for the programme to position the mind of the students towards entrepreneurship.

The ceremony was on the theme: ‘The P
ath to Entrepreneurial Excellence in Healthcare,’ which marked the seventh for the Medical students, third for Pharmacy, and the first for the Physician Assistant students.

Professor Afua Adwo Jectey Hesse, the President of Accra College of Medicine, who was the guest speaker, said clinical year required a lot more commitment as it involved more practicals.

She, therefore, urged the students to remain focused, view their experiences as learning opportunities, and to see every obstacle as a problem that had a solution waiting to be discovered.

The President implored them to be time cautious and avoid procrastination, which was the real thief of time, and they must avoid it like a plague.

Professor Lydia Aziato, the Vice Chancellor of UHAS, who chaired the event, said the University was the first to include Physician Assistant students in the White Coat ceremony, which showed the students how proud the University was of them.

The inductees pledged to treat their patients with dignity and respect, safeguard
their confidence, and serve as their advocates.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Learning of Ghana’s history will foster sense of identity, pride-UEW VC


Prof Stephen Jobson Mitchual, Vice Chancellor (VC), of the University of Education, Winneba has said the learning of Ghana’s history was vital for fostering a sense of identity, pride, and civic responsibility.

It will as well help preserve the country’s cultural heritage and promote unity and progress.

Prof Mitchual, in an address delivered on his behalf by Prof Obed Acquah, Dean of Creative Art Department at a forum organised by the Department of History Education of UEW to commemorate the 2024 edition of the Ghana National History Day (GNHD) and Symposium, at Winneba.

The celebration is under the theme: ‘Debating nationalism and Patriotism in Ghana’s History,’ with the concept note that Nationalism is an ambiguous concept use to express people’s identity and may encompass a set of beliefs that portray love or affinity shared by group of people.

Prof Mitchual stated that nationalism in pre-colonial Ghana might be connected to the rise of states and the formation of unions such as, Fante Confederation an
d the Asante kingdom among others including the 1948 Revolution which showcased nationalism which contributed to attaining independence.

Prof Mitchual who was the special guest of the event, commended the Department of History, with its head and dedicated staff for their commendable initiative to organise this year’s celebration.

‘Independence Day serves as a reminder of our sovereignty and self-governance, an occasion we celebrate the unique identity, culture and history of the country, giving us the opportunity for reflection on the struggles, sacrifices and achievements of those who fought for our freedom and the independence,’ he stated.

He expressed need for the country to delve deeper into the complex tapestry of the nation’s past and explore the multifaceted issues surrounding nationalism and patriotism, while commemorating the day.

According to him, at the core of Ghana’s history lied the struggle for freedom and self-determination, a journey marked by both triumphs and challenges, adding that fro
m the ashes of colonial rule emerged a new found sense of national identity.

‘One of the defining moments in our nation’s history was the struggle for independence, led by visionary leaders such as Dr Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah and the stalwart efforts of the ordinary Ghanaian who took to the streets in defiance of colonial operation and their unwavering commitment to the ideals of nationalism and patriotism leading to the foundation for the birth of our sovereign nation,’ he explained.

The VC stated that, in recent years, Ghana has witnessed a resurgence of national pride, fuelled by a renewed sense of optimism and determination to overcome the challenges that lied ahead, however, its people must also confront the darker chapters of its history, including the legacies of tribalism, ethnic tensions and political divisions which at times threatened to tear the nation apart.

He indicated that, true patriotism required all and sundry to acknowledge and address the issues head-on, to build a more inclusive and equ
itable society for all.

‘As we celebrate Ghana National History Day, let us reflect on sacrifices of our ancestors and honour their legacy by continuing the work of nation-building and to strive to contribute our quota to create a Ghana where every citizen will have the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstance.

‘Let us as people stand united in our commitment to building a stronger, more prosperous Ghana for future generation,’ he added.

The event was attended by Heads of Departments, Deans of Facilities, lecturers, and Students of UEW and Senior High Schools (SHS) students from Agona Swedru, Bawjiase, Mfantsipim, Assin Fosu, Winneba Zion, Potsin, Sky Community School and some basic school pupils in Effutu.

Source: Ghana News Agency

‘Decay in education sector will take us many years to reverse’ – Alhassan Suhiyini


Mr Alhassan Sayibu Suhiyini, Member of Parliament for Tamale North, says the dwindling fortunes in the education sector ‘will take many years to reverse,’ in spite of the investments made in the sector by New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.

He said President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s ‘attempt’ to celebrate achievements in the education sector, as captured in the recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), ‘will not stand the test of time’.

The President in his address on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, hailed the impact of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, describing it as a ‘transformative programme that has broken myths and liberated minds.’

President Akufo-Addo, on the floor of Parliament, touched on investments such as the construction of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) schools and other programmes in the education sector that had increased enrollment at the basic level.

However, Mr Suhini, speaking on Accra-based Citi FM on Saturday, said such contributions were expec
ted as the government had generated ‘so much money from tax revenue’.

‘We may be faced with many challenges, but the three, which I call the ‘triple jeopardy’, are education, environment and the economy…’

‘In terms of quantum of money spent [in the education sector], I don’t challenge that, but the decay that our educational sector is faced with will take us many years to reverse,’ he stated.

The lawmaker made reference to research findings which suggested that some basic schools were owed capitation grant while others lacked basic infrastructure, as result of the ‘over concentration on Free SHS’.

Describing the education system as ‘Kwashiorkor’ (malnourished), Mr Suhini emphasised the concerns of some parents, who said they were facing difficulties in spite of the implementation of Free SHS.

‘When you compare the Free SHS to investments at the tertiary level, you can clearly see a ‘Kwashiorkor’ education system, where the legs are so lean because of deprivation…’

‘No preparation is done at the tertiary
level to absorb the numbers that are supposed to be increasing at the Free SHS level; so much money goes there; bloating the tummy that is not healthy.

‘…If we want to go into the area of education and think that is how to whitewash a very bad performance of the President, even that too will not stand the test of time,’ Mr Suhini stated.

Source: Ghana News Agency

I’m excited my sing-a-thon journey inspired young ones despite shortfall – Afua Asantewaa


Ghanaian entrepreneur Afua Asantewaa says she is delighted that her sing-a-thon journey inspired young people despite not being able to break the record for the longest singing time by an individual.

The Guinness World Record (GWR) earlier announced Afua Asantewaa’s attempt to break Sunil Waghmare’s 105-hour record was unsuccesful.

Afua Asantewaa has released a statement expressing gratitude to the people of Ghana and various stakeholders for their support.

‘Even though the final outcome of the attempt did not meet my expectations. I am content with the massive impact I made during the period of the sing-a-thon and beyond.

‘The interest and support I have received have been overwhelming, and I am deeply grateful,’ she said.

Afua Asantewaa was also content with the opportunities it opened for people who trooped to the venue during the Christmas festivities.

‘..I am excited to have inspired a lot of young people to step out of their comfort zone to dream big. I am looking forward to the showcasing of more
talents through GWR and other?similar ventures that will help project the rich talent and resources Ghana is endowed with,’ the social media sensation said.

Afua Asantewaa also encouraged other compatriots to set their initiatives of breaking the Guinness World Records across various endeavours.

She also disclosed that she had engaged GWR to provide details for her disqualification to enable her learn lessons.

Source: Ghana News Agency

LALI drops new song titled ‘Prayer,’ features Romeo Swag


Fast rising hip-hop rapper Donald Delali Darke also known as LALI in the music industry has dropped a new hit titled ‘Prayer’, featuring Ghanaian rapper Romeo Swag.

The song, which was released Tuesday, February 28, 2024, was produced by VernomDJ and Sosawavegod.

The song talks about the need to keep grinding towards brighter days.

In an interview with GNA Entertainment, LALI said he was motivated by his ambitions to be a successful person in the future and change the lives of the poor and needy.

He said he wants to hear the African sound above any other genre across the world.

LALI advised his fellow upcoming artistes to keep pushing and never to underate their talents.

The young artiste started his musical career in 2015 and had gained recognition across the globe.

He has acquired recognition across the music industry for his great lyrical songs such as ‘Wavy,’ ‘Sumorlor’ and ‘Over.’

The official video for ‘Prayer’ is out and available on YouTube.

Source: Ghana News Agency

A renowned Togolese musician to perform at Adaklu Kodzobi


Mr. Agboti Yao, a renowned Togolese musician, will on Friday, perform at Adaklu Kodzobi in the Adaklu district of the Volta region.

It forms part of the month-long 40th anniversary celebration of the installation of Togbe Dzegblade IV, Chief of the community.

Apostle Daniel Amanu, Chairman of the anniversary planning committee, disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency at Adaklu Kodzobi on Monday.

He said other artistes expected to perform on the bill included, Mr. Nanevi Mawueta, Tony Dee, David Mawutor, Vinyo, Gowa and Dan Larry, a Pan-Africanist

Apostle Amanu stated that local drumming groups will also entertain the people.

‘Music is one of the passions of Togbe Dzegblade so the Planning Committee deemed it appropriate to arrange these local and international artistes to entertain him and his guests,’ he stated.

The Chairman said programme, which would be hosted at the community’s school park, is free of charge.

He continued that the climax of the celebration would be a grand durbar and launching of T
ogbe Dzegblade Educational Fund on Saturday, 2nd March, 2024.

He appealed to all citizens of the area, both home and abroad and well wishers, to join hands to make the durbar a memorable one.

Source: Ghana News Agency

‘Tun Tum’ movie successfully premieres with audience ecstatic 


Renowned Ghanaian filmmaker Socrates Safo, together with animator Michael Tettey Narh, have successfully premiered ‘Tun Tum’ to a select audience at the Silverbird Cinemas in Accra.

The movie, which premiered in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), has received massive commendation for its uniqueness, with a few others also criticising the concept of the movie.

The movie ‘Tun Tum’ is a 34-minute animated movie that illustrates the story of the creation of man from an African perspective.?

Some notable faces in the Ghanaian creative industry have praised the latest work of Ghanaian filmmaker Socrate Safo and his partner Michael Tettey Narh.?

Among them was popular actor Fiifi Coleman, who was at the premiere on Friday to witness the movie.

‘I have zero reservations about this film. It’s an artistic work. Somebody dreamt about this and put it together to tell a story. And they told their story how they wanted to tell it,’ he said.?

Another film industry stalwart, George Bossompem, also ga
ve positive comments and showered praise for the ‘Tun Tum’ movie, as did Ghanaian Pan-African Poet Nana Asaase.

Nana Asaase said,’I think it does us (Ghanaians) justice. Doesn’t it point to places like Tema, ‘Centre of the World’, Visit Ghana And, that’s a good thing to sell Ghana.?

‘I think it is a beautiful representation of Africa, our diasporas, what we are, the call for renaissance, the call for us to come back home, and really our story. It is a beautiful story that has been created by one of us. And this story should be told to young children who will come after us and be shown wherever.

‘We want to tell our version of the story. This is one step in the right direction of telling our story. That’s ‘Tun Tum’ for me.’

Some personalities who graced the premiere, including fashion designer Gifty Mawuena Sossavi and Ghanaian – American fashion designer Kwab Asamoah, all praised the concept of the movie.

The movie is yet to be released commercially.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Afua Asantewaa’s sing-a-thon world record attempt falls through


The Guinness World Record (GWR) has nullified Afua Asantewaa’s attempt to break the longest singing time by an individual.

Last December, Afua Asantewaa sang for a total of 126 hours and 53 minutes during a six-day span in her quest to break India’s Sunil Waghmare record of 105 hours set in 2012.

?

But unfortunately for the Ghanaian entrepreneur and journalist, GWR, the official body mandated to verify the attempt has revealed that the attempt was not successful.

‘Unfortunately, Afua’s Guinness World Records attempt for the longest singing marathon was not successful, but we hope that she will make another attempt soon.

‘We’ve seen how inspirational it has been for her fans. The evidence check had already begun before Afua requested priority service, so we refunded her payment earlier this month.

‘We wish Afua the best of luck with any future record attempt,’ Guinness World Records posted on social media.

Despite the setback, Afua Asantewaa has had many successes since her attempt and was recently app
ointed a Tourism Ambassador.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Hajia4Real faces serious consequences after guilty romance scam plea


Mr. Damian Williams, a United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, says Ghanaian influencer Mona Faiz Montrage, aka Hajia4Real, is set to face serious consequences after a guilty romance scam plea.

Hajia4Real pleaded guilty for her role in laundering the proceeds of a series of romance scams before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah. L. Cave.

The Ghanaian female songstress was alleged in May last year to be a member of a criminal conspiracy that specifically targeted old and vulnerable Americans through romance scams from 2013.

But after a recent hearing in court, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement: ‘Mona Faiz Montrage knowingly received money stolen from older Americans through romance scams, was arrested abroad, and now faces serious consequences for her actions.

‘Romance scams such as Montrage’s harmed her vulnerable, elderly victims not only in the cruel betrayal of trust in the realisation that their online romantic connection was fiction, but by also callously stealing the
ir money.

‘This Office and our law enforcement partners are relentless in bringing fraudsters who target Americans to justice, no matter where they are.’

The statement also added that Hajia4Real pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to receive stolen cash and will face up to a maximum of a five year jail term.

According to the statement, Hajia4Real has also agreed to pay forfeiture in the amount of $2,164,758.41 and make restitution in the same amount. She is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty.

Source: Ghana News Agency