Day: June 19, 2023

June 19, GNA - A Circuit Court at Dormaa-Ahenkro, Dormaa Central Municipality of Bono Region has sentenced Hubert Osei Poku, 18, a tricycle rider to a fine of 220 penalty units, for conspiracy to commit crime and stealing two she-goats. Poku, who pleaded guilty to the charges would pay GhC2,640.00, an equivalent of the 220 penalty units, as a penalty unit is GhC12.00. But, in default convict would serve 12 months' imprisonment and another accomplice only identified as Isaac, second accused is at large. Police Inspector (P/Inspt.) Emmanuel Asare, the prosecutor told the Court presided by Mr Osei Kofi Amoako that the complainant resided at Awase, a suburb of Dormaa-Ahenkro, saying about 0200 hours on Sunday, May 07, 2023, he (complainant) was driving home and at a section of the road at Awase, near the Islamic Junior High School, an unregistered blue tricycle (priagya) bypassed him in high speed towards town. P/Inspt. Asare said the complainant became suspicious because of the level of speed of the tricycle in relation to numerous thefts recorded in the locality. He added the complainant chased and caught up with the tricycle around the Awase gas filling station and alighted his car with the view to question the occupants. But P/Inspt. Asare stated no sooner had the complainant gone closer to the tricycle than its occupants abandoned it and fled, leaving two she-goats tied in the trunk of the tricycle with their mouths sealed with black solution tape behind. He said the complainant therefore alerted the Dormaa-Ahenkro Police night patrol team who came to pull the tricycle to the Police Station together with the goats. P/Inspt. Asare explained intelligence gathering led to the arrest of the initial rider of the tricycle, a witness in the case who disclosed that about 0700 hours on Saturday, May 06, 2023, convict came for the tricycle as a spare rider for taxi business. The prosecutor said convict was later arrested from his hideout and during interrogations, he admitted the offences in his cautioned statement and mentioned the second accused as his accomplice.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Dr Amma Benin, a Paediatrician at the International Maritime Hospital (IMaH) Tema, has discouraged mothers from braiding their babies' hair tightly at the early ages of growth. She explained that it did not only cause tension on the scalp, but damaged hair follicles and caused hair losses because of the soft and fragile nature of their scalp. Dr Benin said this in a discussion on the topic 'Cultural practices that affect child health,' hosted by the Ghana News Agency-Tema, under its weekly health advocacy platform. She said a baby's hair could be plaited anytime if it did not inconvenience her health, but sometimes the tight braids caused pain and discomfort to infants leading to high body temperature, headache, scalp sores and sleep difficulty. To avoid scalp sores and discomfort for children, it is advisable to cut a child's hair to a reasonable low level but cautioned against completely shaving a baby's hair as it could expose them to too much cold. Dr Benin encouraged increased public awareness and education on the negative impact of some cultural practices on the health of mothers and their children. She said some cultural practices like dribbling the genitals with warm water, using breast milk to treat eye infections, bathing a baby immediately after delivery, and sniffing phlegm from the nostrils of babies by the mouth, could negatively affect the health of babies, she said. Mr Francis Ameyibor, the GNA Regional Manager, called for the documentation of both harmful and useful traditional practices to serve as a guide for public awareness creation and education for society.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The examining authority of the 'Traditional Chung Do Kwan'(TCDK) has promoted Master Raphael Sylvanus Akoto from 4th Dan to 5th Dan Black Belt in taekwondo. The TCDK is a body dedicated to preserving the original concept of the Korean Kwan system through 'Chung Do Kwan', a form of martial arts, with an ever-increasing number of taekwondo and martial arts practitioners turning to the Kwans for recognition and authenticity. A certificate of honour dated Saturday, May 27, 2023 and signed by Grand Master Andrew Davies, 9th Dan World Chung Do Kwan, Headquarters, Korea, President TCDK, Grand Master Mark Iles, 9th Dan World Chung Do Kwan, HQ Korea, Vice President TCDK and Grand Master David McGoldrick, 9th Dan World Chung Do Kwan, HQ Korea, Chairman TCDK, commended him for being an inspirational taekwondo instructor and leader in his community. The Grand Masters also recognised and appreciated Master Akoto's wonderful work in spreading the values of Chung Do Kwan and the message of love and peace, describing his efforts as 'well deserving'. A copy of the certificate made available to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Oda, Birim Central Municipality of Eastern Region stated, 'Akoto Raphael Sylvanus (Ghana) is hereby granted the degree of 5th Dan Black Belt by the examining authority of Traditional Chung Do Kwan''. Master Akoto is currently the Eastern Regional Taekwondo Coach of the National Sports Authority (NSA) and the Birim Central Municipal National Sports Authority (NSA) Sports Director. Speaking to the GNA in an interview, Master Akoto commended the examining authority of TCDK for recognizing his efforts in the development of the sport, while also pledging his commitment to promoting the sport in the country and the African continent. He said his dedication to the art, sport, safety and tradition of Taekwondo had enabled him to promote the sport among over two hundred students in some basic schools, saying he was hoping to reach out and teach more pupils the skill and art of taekwondo as a self-defense tool.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in preparation for the launch of an industrial innovation fair later this year. The agreement outlined the activities and obligations of both parties for ensuring the successful launch of the Chamber-CSIR Industrial Innovation Fair on the theme: 'Addressing industrial needs through research and innovation.' The fair's objective is to create a platform for utilising the power of innovation and technology towards rapid industrial growth and resilience. Addressing the ceremony, Professor Paul Bosu, Director-General of CSIR, said the fair aimed to provide a high-level forum for engagement on science, technology, and innovation, as well as an opportunity for industry actors to engage with scientists and innovators. By collaborating with GNCCI, he said, 'We are not only seeking to partner with one company or industry, but we are seeking to formally partner with the whole range of industry players that we have in Ghana.' Under the deal, the chamber will mobilise its members, while financial institutions and other parties will provide financial and logistical support to establish an environment conducive to the participation of industrialists, researchers, and scientists. Prof. Bosu was ecstatic about the collaboration and optimistic about its success, stating, 'We will work hard to make sure it succeeds, so that CSIR, industry players, and, most importantly, Ghana will benefit.' He said that as Ghana's top science and technology research institution, CSIR had to work closely with the private sector. To do this, it has set up a number of centres or affiliates, such as CSIR Plus, a privately owned company that helps CSIR engage effectively with the private sector. The move aims at increasing the efficiency of conducting business by getting rid of unnecessary red tape, which is usually associated with the public sector. Thus, he said, 'We have set up two companies: Sircool Mineral Water and another company that specialises in the production of oil palm seed nuts.' This year alone, the Council has signed about four agreements with private sector organisations, demonstrating its enormous potential in terms of personnel, facilities, and scientists. Mr. Clement O. Amoako, President of the GNCCI, described the signing ceremony as memorable and commended the council for its willingness to collaborate with the chamber to organise the fair. He also commended the Accra chapter of GNCCI for its 'groundbreaking' initiative and challenged other regional chapters to follow suit. He noted that in today's swiftly changing world, where technology, globalisation, and digitization are reshaping economies, it was equally important for industries to adapt and embrace innovation. He further indicated that Ghana's industrial sector possesses enormous potential and that 'it is our responsibility to leverage it for sustainable growth, job creation, and overall economic prosperity.' Thus, he praised the deal as a crucial step towards bridging the gap between Ghana's industry demands and the enormous potential of research and innovation. 'By bridging the gap between industry and research, we can unlock unprecedented opportunity for growth and prosperity,' he added. The pact sets the way for organising a highly anticipated industrial innovation fair that will serve as a platform to stimulate cooperation, exhibit cutting-edge research, and accelerate the creation and adoption of innovative solutions that address the distinctive needs of Ghanaian industries. 'We aim to facilitate the transfer of research findings and technological advances into practical applications that directly address the challenges faced by industries,' Mr. Amoako said. 'As the voice of Ghanaian business, we are committed to fostering an environment that fosters innovation, encourages entrepreneurship, and promotes the development and competitiveness of our industry.' Ms. Benedicta Nkrumah-Boateng, CSIR's Head of Corporate Affairs, said that the expo was scheduled for November 2023 and highlighted some activities for the two-day event. The expo is aimed at policymakers, private sector players, research institutions, academic institutions, foreign partners, and the general public. ABSA Bank, Development Bank Ghana, and Exim Bank, among other renowned organizations' representatives, were at the MoU signing event.

Source: Ghana News Agency