Suicide Act: New amendment to treat suicidal people with better care

Suicide Act: New amendment to treat suicidal people with better care

On Tuesday, Parliament amended sections of the Criminal Offenses Act of 1960 that criminalized attempted suicide in Ghana. With this amendment, any person who attempts to take their own life will now be considered a mental health issue that requires assistance by law rather than imprisonment. Health experts in Ghana have been pushing for the law to be changed, as they believe that attempted suicide is a medical condition that requires health support rather than punishment. However, some legislators were against the move to decriminalize attempted suicide, with former Minority…

“Once you are caught, you will be arraigned before court” – Narcotics Control Commission

“Once you are caught, you will be arraigned before court” – Narcotics Control Commission

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) in Ghana has issued a stern warning to all citizens that they will be arrested and prosecuted if they contravene the narcotics laws, regardless of their position or influence in society. Speaking on Peace FM’s ‘Kokrokoo’ programme, the acting Director of Public Relations at NACOC, Francis Opoku Amoah, made it clear that powerful individuals will not be protected. The warning comes after concerns were raised about the Commission’s ability to exercise its powers to arrest drug smugglers, with some speculating that influential individuals may be…

Ugandan parliament passes bill to jail gay people

Ugandan parliament passes bill to jail gay people

Uganda’s parliament has passed a bill which would criminalise people who identify as gay, or a sexual minority. Individuals could face lengthy prison terms if the bill is signed into law by President Yoweri Museveni. Under the proposed legislation, friends, family and members of the community would have a duty to report individuals in same-sex relationships to the authorities. Homosexual acts are already illegal in the east African country. But the bill seeks to go further and criminalise people on the basis of their sexual identity. The bill, which was first…

Nkuto reduces stretch marks, fights sunburn. See how.

Nkuto reduces stretch marks, fights sunburn. See how.

Nkuto (shea butter) is from the shea tree, Butyrospermum parkii, also called Vitellaria paradoxa. Shea butter is made from the nuts found on the tree by removing the outer shell. The nuts are crushed by hand so that they can be slowly roasted, releasing the shea butter.  It is smooth in texture and does not liquefy at room temperature; however, it will soften in your hands, making it easy to apply. Composition It has been established that shea butter’s composition is based on where it is cultivated. The constituents of…

First consignment of vaccines arrives for Ghanaian babies

First consignment of vaccines arrives for Ghanaian babies

The Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service have taken delivery of the first consignment of vaccines for Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG), Measles-Rubella (MR), and Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV). This comes days after the sector minister, Kwaku Agyemang-Manu, assured the nation on the floor of Parliament about shipment of the vaccines. “Mr Speaker, it is a very serious public interest issue, the assurance I will give and I can give for the first time in the chamber here is that this will not happen again,” the Dormaa Central Member said…

“I will choose body exercise over surgery” – Stephanie Benson opens up

“I will choose body exercise over surgery” – Stephanie Benson opens up

Ghanaian-UK-based musician, actress, and entrepreneur, Stephanie Benson have opened up on why she chose exercise over body enhancement surgery. The musician, 55 speaking on Onua FM stated vocally the diverse complications that accompany the surgery, however, she does not have qualms with women who went in for surgery but she would rather stick to exercising as it’s healthier in the long run. “If you’ve given birth and you want to go lift your breast because you have many children…Madam go and do it,” Stephanie Benson “My daughter who called me earlier…

Cassava fufu boosts immune system, lowers blood pressure

Cassava fufu boosts immune system, lowers blood pressure

The fact is that traditionally made Ghanaian fufu can have cassava levels as high as 90 per cent. I provide a summary of the following nutrients present in 3.5 ounces (100 grammes) of cooked cassava according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (2020): • Three hundred and thirty calories, 78.4 grammes of carbohydrates, 2.8 grammes of protein, 0.6 gramme fat, 3.7 grammes fibre, 42.4 milligrammes vitamin C (71 per cent Daily Value), 0.8 milligramme manganese (40 per cent DV), 558 milligrammes potassium (16 per cent DV), 55.6 microgrammes folate (14…

Bolgatanga is HIV hotspot in Upper East Region – HIV Coordinator

Bolgatanga is HIV hotspot in Upper East Region – HIV Coordinator

The Bolgatanga Municipality in the Upper East Region remains a hotshot for HIV infection, health experts have said. Sulemana Majeed, Regional HIV Coordinator, who disclosed this at a media briefing, said, “Bolgatanga has always been above the national figure, which calls for an increase sensitisation and education.” The media engagement was part of a series of activities by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the Ghana AIDS Commission to solicit the support of journalists to increase public awareness on HIV and help prevent, control and manage the spread of the…