30.Mrz.2020 Handshake alternatives

GHANA RECORD ZERO COVID-19 CASES ON 30TH MARCH, 2020 By Benjamin

Barnabas Asalimba Ghana has recorded zero covid-19 cases as at the early hours of 30th March, 2020 on Monday. The update was uploaded on the Ghana Health Services online page. According to the report, at 08:30, no new cases of covid-19 have been reordered since the last update at 11:00hrs on 29th March 2020.
The Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research tested 17 samples from the Upper East (3), North East (3) and Ashanti (11) regions all of which were Negative.
No new test results have been received from Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research since the last update. Total confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ghana stands at 152 with five deaths as of 30th March 2020 at 08:30HRS.

Ghana's Situation Routine Surveillance Confirmed 63 Recovered 2 Well/Responding to Treatment 56 Critical Condition 0 Deaths 5 Ghana's Situation Mandatory Quarantine (Accra) Confirmed 79 Recovered 0 Well/Responding to Treatment 79 Critical Condition 0 Deaths 0 Ghana's Situation Mandatory Quarantine (Tamale) Confirmed 10 Recovered 0 Well/Responding to Treatment 10 Critical Condition 0 Deaths 0 Ghana's Total Confirmed Cases 152 30th March, 2020 | 08:30 GMT DAMAKsanitation Watch and Health;  Your Health; We Care

29.Mrz.2020 Update to the Nation 4

GHANA'S CONFIRMED CASES FOR COVID-19 HAS INCREASED TO 152, DAMAK UPDATE
Following the detection of the newly 11 cases by the Ghana Health Service today, Sunday, March 29, 2020, sum up the total confirmed covid-19 cases to 152. Ten (10) of the new cases were among persons who were under mandatory quarantined in Tamale under the direction of the Regional Security Committee of the Northern Region. The 10 cases were identified as Guinean residents who travelled through Burkina Faso and Togo to Ghana and were picked following intelligence report. The eleventh case was recorded in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region over the week.
The partial Accra, Kumasi and others lockdown announced by President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo, on Friday, March 27, 2020, is taking effect from 1:00 AM, on Monday morning, 30th March, 2020. The two-week, (14-day) partial lockdown of the capital city of Ghana (Accra) and other parts of the country have been summarized below.

1.President Akufo-Addo has announced that effective Monday, 30th March, 2020 at 1 am under the Imposition of Restrictions Act, 2020 (Act 1012), there will be restrictions on movement of persons in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA, which include Awutu Senya East ), and the Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Area and contiguous districts, for a period of two (2) weeks or 14 days subject to review.
2.In Greater Accra, the following areas will be affected: - Accra Metropolis -Tema Metropolis -Tema West -Kpone Katamanso -Krowor -Ledzokuku -Adentan - Ashiaman La-Nkwantanang-Madina -La-Dade-Kotopon -Okaikwei North -Ablekuma North -Ablekuma West -Ablekuma Central -Ayawaso East -Ayawaso North -Ayawaso West -Ayawaso Central -Ga North -Ga West -Ga South -Ga Central Ga East -Korle-Klottey -Weija/Gbawe -Awutu Senya East
3.In the Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Area the following areas are affected: *Kumasi Metropolis; *Asokwa * Suame *Old Tafo *Oforikrom *Asokore Mampong *Kwadaso *Atwima Nwabiagya *Kwabre East *Ejisu *Afigya-Kwabre South *Bosomtwe *Atwima Kwanwoma *Atwima Nwabiagya North
4.This means that everyone resident in these areas must stay at home for the next two weeks or 14 days, However, if you must go out, it must only be to get essential items such as food, water, medicine, undertake banking transactions, or to use public toilet facilities. But, as much as possible, stay at, h.ome.
5.There shal l be, during this period, no inter-city movement of vehicles and aircraft for private or commercial purposes for the areas of the restrictive measures, except for vehicles and aircrafts providing essential services and those carrying cargo.
6.-Riders of motorbikes are not allowed to carry any additional person, and all intra-city passenger vehicles, such as trotros and taxis, must reduce the number of passengers in order to observe appropriate social distancing and hygiene protocols.
7. All commercial vehicle stations shall observe appropriate hygiene protocols and social distancing.
8.Individuals and institutions providing the following services shall be exempted from the restrictions: -Members of the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary; -Production, distribution and marketing of food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, medicine, paper and plastic packages. -Environmental and sanitation activities; -VALCO staff -Road and Railway construction workers; -Mining workers; -Fisherfolk; -Members of the security agencies assigned lawful duties; -The staff of electricity, water, telecommunications, e-commerce and digital service providers; and -Fuel stations staff.   By Akgri M. Daniel

28.Mrz.2020 IDP DONATE SANITIZERS TO KUMASI CHILDRNS’ HOSPITAL

IDP INTERNATIONAL DIRECTHELP PROJECTS DONATE SANITIZERS TO KUMASI CHILDRNS’ HOSPITAL By Benjamin

Barnabas Asalimba In the NGO quest to support the fight against coronavirus in Ghana, especially to help nursing mothers, the Director of International Directhelp Projects, Pierre Petitjean, a Switzerland non-governmental organisation has donated hand sanitizers to the Kumasi Children’s’ Hospital to contribute their quota in the prevention of covid-19 spread which has hit the world.
Presenting the donation by the CEO of Damak Sanitation Watch and Health, Mr. Daniel Mbabugri Akgri, acknowledged his Switzerland organisation for supporting nursing mothers in the country…though it’s the begging but it’s enough to say thank you. He reiterated that,
Damak sanitation Watch has already donated same sanitizers to Kumasi orphanage home as part of measures to give back to the needy in society. ‘’We are still looking forward to support more needed ones in the society as we prepare to support government combat the covid-19’’.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the hospital, Dr. Daniel Sosu thanked the organisation for the kind gesture and appeal to other NGOs and civil societies to help them with more medical suppliers and sanitizers to enable them sensitize the public on the need to regular hand wash and use of sanitizers.
He stressed further that as the "Oliver Twist will always ask for more, call on individual organisations to come to their aid with similar medical supplier.’’ But, Dr. Sosu was quick to advise the general public not to take chances in the fight of the novel coronavirus because the disease is real and deadly. Hence, their ethical responsibilities should be more enforced so as to battle the covid-19.
Link: AYA NEWZ Report

GOV’T URGED TO ENSURE ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF WATER TO FIGHT COVID-19…

DAMAK CEO The CEO of DAMAK sanitation Watch and Health, Mr. Akgri M. Daniel has urged the government of Ghana to as a matter of urgency and national interest adhere to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) directives strictly in their pursuit to supply adequate water to the Ghanaian populace to enhance regular hand wash in their quest to combat the novel coronavirus. The ECO went further appealed that, government should consider using the nation’s security apparatus especially the Ghana Fire Services and the Military and that of the Police Services as a link of water supply channel to ensure the people have enough water supply since water is key remedy in the fight of Covid-19.
He added that the president should also facilitate viable measures to empower continues flow of water. As well as we all strive in our individual endeavours to copy up with the covid-19, DAMAKSanitation Watch and Health believes, cleanness is next to Divinity…hence, it’s our mandatory duty to adhere to the basic principles and measures that have been outlined by the WHO as the key preventive tool to battle the pandemic.
Thus, regular hand washing with running water and soap, use of alcoholic-based rub or sanitizers, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with tissue properly to help prevent further spread of the deadly disease.   
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DAMAKsanitation Watch and Health Donates Sanitizers to Children Home Kumasi children home in the Ashanti Region on Tuesday, 24th March, 2020' received alcoholic - based sanitizers donated by DAMAKsanitation Watch and Health to enhance fight against covid 19 pandemic.
DAMAKsanitation Watch and Health which main objective is to achieve the highest standard in publications regarding sanitation, and aimed at creating public awareness as well as promoting general health and safety, sees the fighting of the menace of the sanitation related diseases ( Corona virus ) important and present to the home with sanitizers to that effect.
According to Akgri M. Daniel, the CEO of DAMAK-sanitation Watch and Health urged the general public to adhere to the government outlined policies to prevent the spread of the virus.
He said the basic preventive measures such as regular hand washing with running water, use of alcoholic - based sanitizers, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with tissue etc must be taking serious. Madam Mabel Boamah, the supervisor of the Kumasi children home said the children are safe from the virus also assured the general public that the management is doing all their best in keeping the home healthy as they have been self-quarantined. She further appealed on the general public to come their aid in this very time where the glob is suffering from covid 19 pandemic.
DAMAKsanitation Watch and Health: Your Health, We Care. By; Ernestina Nkrumah ( Mrs )

Ghana records first death of covid-19 in the Ashanti Region One of the 19 recorded covid-19 victims in Ghana has been confirmed dead in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.
The president of the republic of Ghana announced. Appealing to each and everyone to adhere to the outline measures to enhance prevent the spread of covid-19 pandemic in the country. This he announced today Saturday, 21st of March, 2020, on the Ghana's National Television at 9:30 pm. 

Accoding to the earliest information gathered, the deceased, a 61-year-old Lebanese, was a Kumasi-based trader. He died at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in the Ashanti regional capital. He was confirmed as a carrier of the virus on March 19, 2020. “He felt unwell and reported to a health facility with fever (temp 39.4 ℃), and cough.

The sample tested positive for COVID-19,” an early update from the Ghana Health Service Directorate. Meanwhile, the other 18 covid-19 pandemic victims are under monitoring by special trained health officials at their verrious centers.    ... By Daniel M. Akgri

AVOID EATING OUT, GATHERINGS OF MORE THAN 10, TRAVEL WITH CAUTION - DAMAKSANITATION WATCH URGES GHANAIANS (Traders at Kumasi Racecourse Market in the Ashanti Region) DAMAKsanitation Watch has recommended Ghanaians to avoid eating out and gatherings of more than 10 people, and stick to discretionary travel as well as homeschool their children, in order to prevent spreading of the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ).
It has been estimated that the virus may “wash through” soon by July or August, based on the international expert opinions gathered. The primary guidelines are; regular washing of hands, avoidance of overcrowding, use sanitizer often, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing etc.

Dr. Deborah Birx, one of the American coronavirus response coordinator, said the most effective measures to stop the spread of the virus is “social distancing” as well as self-quarantining the whole household when one member is diagnosed with the virus.
Older people and those with underlying medical conditions (such as ailments that impair immunity, lung, or heart function) are encouraged to stay home and avoid contact with other people, as part of the guidelines. (people in cue buying food)
The imposed nationwide lockdown by president Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo was good and will help create self awareness about the virus.    ... By Akgri M. Daniel

GHANA SHUTS DOWN SCHOOLS OVER CORONAVIRUS President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has directed the management of schools in the country to shut down effective Monday, March 16, 2020. The President gave the order when he addressed the nation on Sunday. He said, "All universities, Senior High Schools and basic schools both public and private schools, will be closed Monday, March 16, 2020, till further notice.
The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication, has been tasked to roll out distance learning programmes." The President added that "BECE and WASSCE candidates will be allowed to attend school to prepare for their examinations but with prescribed social distancing protocols.
"Government bans church activities, funerals, other public gatherings President Akufo-Addo as part of his address put a ban on all public gatherings including conference, workshops, funerals, festivals, political rallies and church activities and related events as part of measures to stop the spread of coronavirus in the country. He said the ban will be in force for the next four weeks. “I have decided in the interest of public safety and the protection of our population to review the public gathering advisories earlier announced as follows.
Firstly, all public gatherings including conferences, workshops, funerals, festivals, political rallies, sporting events and religious activities, such as services in churches and mosques, have been suspended for the next four (4) weeks. Private burials are permitted, but with limited numbers, not exceeding twenty-five (25) in attendance,” the President said.
Coronavirus cases in Ghana has so far recorded four more cases of the Coronavirus. This makes a total of six cases. The development was announced by Director of Public Health at Ghana Health Service, Dr. Badu Sarkodie during a press briefing on the current status of the country at the Information Ministry, Sunday, March 15, 2020.
 According to him, two more cases, after Thursday's, were confirmed on Friday, March 13, 2020 - one from the Ashanti Region and the other from the Greater Accra Region. "The first is a 56-year-old Ghanaian who returned from a trip to the United Kingdom on the 4th of March. He stayed in the UK for 10 days. He developed symptoms on the 12th of March and reported to a health facility in Obuasi," said Dr. Sarkodie.
Dr. Sarkodie reiterate that regular washing of hands is encourage to enhance control the rapid spread of the coronavirus ( covid-19 ).  By Akgri M. Daniel

PUT MEASURES IN PLACE TO PREVENT FLOODING IN THE CITIES, DAMAKSANITATION WATCH TO GOV'T (Picture Copied ) Following the resent rain fall in Accra, Ghana's Capital City, DAMAKsanitation Watch is calling on government to speed up in putting measures in place to control flooding in the cities.
The resent rain fall in Accra on Wednesday, 4th March, 2020, is a wake up call to the government to put measures in place to prevent the country from flooding. Gutters around Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, Nima, Mamobi, Agbogbloshie and other parts of Accra, Ghana's Capital were all flooded which if immediate action is not taken can lead to national disaster. Below is unedited video. By Akgri M. Daniel

GHANA'S SANITATION IS AT STAKE - DAMAKSANITATION WATCH The state of Sanitation in the country is at stake, and strategic actions must be considered to ensure fulfilment of President Akufo-Addo's promise to make Accra the cleanest city in 2017, during his first State of the Nation Address speech in parliament. This is the short assessment of DAMAKsanitation watch in three - year after president Nana Akufo-Addo made the declaration.
According to the CEO of DAMAKsanitation Watch, Mr. Akgri Daniel, although a lot efforts have been made, yet, the government can do more to ensure that the target is met, as it has currently striving to achieve significant results in improving sanitation in the country by construction of more household toilet facilities to deal with open defecation.
There is also the need government work hard to ensure the enforcement of sanitation by-laws in dealing with persons who flout it. Hence, the focus should not be in building household toilets only but must rather look for proper measures to control the rapid spread of plastic waste as well as draining chucked gutters to avoid future flooding in the major cities. He said, in the 2019, 2020 delivery of State of the Nation Address, president Nana Addo failed to mentioned even a single pragmatic sanitation measure that has been put in place in the major cities such as Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and Sunyani etc. as promised.
Hence, DAMAKsanitation Watch is drawing government attention through the ministry of sanitation and water resources to come out with clearer plans taken to ensuring that the cities become cleanest especially Accra, Ghana's capital. Notably, President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo told Parliament in the delivery of his 2019 State of the Nation Address, said; “Last year, I reiterated before you, my pledge of improving sanitation in the country and making Accra the cleanest city in Africa by the end of my term.
Mr. Speaker, there has been a significant improvement in sanitation even though I acknowledge that more can be done.” He said the country had increased the capacity of solid waste it manages from 16% to 53%, noting that the government in 2018 alone constructed more than 35,000 household toilets to deal with open defecation. “This is currently the state of play, we are witnessing increase of the average of solid waste management to 16% to 53% and over the course of last year, 35,862 household toilets were built as oppose to 1,698 in 2016,” he said. That not withstanding, President Akufo-Addo told parliament in the delivery of his 2020 State of the Nation Address, said; " We are seeing an improvement in the quality of our nation's sanitation, even though we still have a lot more to do.
According to the Northern Regional Environmental Health Unit, in the three Northern Regions, (Savannah, North East and Northern), the number of Open Defaecation Free Communities (ODF) has increased from five percent (5%) as at June 2016 to some fifty-eight (58%) as at July 2019. The latest data from the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources shows that ODF communities in Ghana as a whole have increased from four hundred and ten (410) in 2016 to over five thousand (5,000) communities. Now, that is progress, and it did not just happen, it took hard work, commitment and the provision of infrastructure. In fulfilment of our manifesto commitment of “toilets for all”, we have built thirteen thousand, eight hundred (13,800) toilets, which is largely responsible for this development. Mr Speaker, we have not stopped building toilets, we will build more".
President Akufo-Addo expressed displeasure at the incident of open defecation in the country which he said should not be the case in 2019. He said such conduct was undeserving of Ghanaians and must be eschewed. He said the government was working to enforce sanitation by-laws and deal with persons who failed to complie. In 2018, President Akufo-Addo decried filth which he said had engulfed the country’s capital cities. He further disclosed that a GH¢ 200 million had been earmarked to address the issue of filth, especially in Accra urgently. “We are putting GH₵ 200m into addressing the sanitation challenges that we have.
I am confident that by the time I come back next year, appreciable gains would have been made in improving our sanitation,” he said. The question we end by asking the government through the ministry of sanitation and water resources is that, where, when and how much is each toilet cost the nation. By Akgri Daniel