Researchers from the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology (Nutrition unit) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology have found that Ghanaian households are facing significant food insecurity, threatening optimal infant development.

The study aimed to investigate how the accessibility and availability of food, dietary patterns, and complementary feeding practices influence growth, vision, and brain health in infants aged 6-23 months old in rural Ghana.

This research, funded by the Association of Commonwealth Universities Sustainable Development Goals Higher Education Grants, was carried out in 9 communities in the Bosomtwe District of the Ashanti region of Ghana.

The study revealed that about 21% and 37.4% of the infants were stunted and severely acutely malnourished, respectively, while 80% of them suffered from varying forms of anemia.

Again, nearly half of the children were found to be exclusively breastfed, and infants who were not exclusively breastfed had a greater tendency to be stunted.

Further, infants from food-insecure households had a high probability of being stunted. Infants from food-insecure households had a high likelihood of microcephaly, a condition where infants have smaller heads than expected for their ages, and this often leads to abnormal brain development. Food insecurity was also linked to severe acute malnutrition.

The researchers also found that children who consumed diets predominantly composed of tubers, meat, and vegetables had a reduced likelihood of stunting.

“About 29-36% of the infants who participated in the study showed various degrees of poor cognitive development. Early initiation of breastfeeding, continued breastfeeding, and meal frequency showed a positive association with brain development. Cereal, milk, and powdered formulae were associated with good brain health.

“About 80% of the infants reported poor vision, while children who were exclusively breastfed had a reduced likelihood of visual acuity. Consumption of tubers, meat, and vegetables influenced eye health,” added the Principal Investigator, Dr. Mary Amoako.

She emphasized, “Food insecurity in rural communities is high, coupled with high levels of anemia and undernutrition, and the results clearly show that these are having negative impacts on the nutritional and health outcomes of these children. There is a need for relevant stakeholders to reassess specific nutrition intervention programs, such as education on feeding practices, to improve nutritional outcomes in infants and children.”

This study was conducted in collaboration with Dr. Kwadwo Owusu Akuffo from the Optometry and Visual Science Department at KNUST.

The results of this study were presented at the just-ended Africa Nutrition and Epidemiology Conference (ANEC) in Cape Coast, Ghana. Mr. Fiifi Amoako Atta Panyin Essiam, the MPhil student on the project, who made this presentation, also reiterated the importance of healthy diets and feeding practices to improve child health and nutrition outcomes.

The researchers are planning a community dissemination exercise for nutrition education in the Bosomtwe district.

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A plus [L] has vowed to file new charges against the NPP youth

The Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central-elect, Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A Plus, has announced that fresh legal action will be taken against some New Patriotic Party (NPP) youth who stormed the studios of UTV on Saturday, October 7, 2023.

This action, he noted, will occur after the National Democratic Congress (NDC) assumes power on January 7, 2025.

The controversial musician-turned-politician, in a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stated: “Abi, you see your smoothness level? We shall bring fresh charges against all of you after 7th January.”

The youth disrupted the United Showbiz program approximately seven minutes into the live broadcast, demanding the whereabouts of A Plus.

They created chaos in the studio, causing the abrupt termination of the primetime show.

“We are waiting for A Plus today… A Plus has to explain to us why he tore our paper from the NPP party. We are here; we are waiting for A Plus. We are protecting our party property,” one of the men was heard shouting in the studio.

Their attack was in response to A Plus, on live TV, shredding a letter addressed to UTV management by the NPP, which demanded reforms to the United Showbiz program.

A Plus referred to the letter as “useless” and argued that such correspondence tarnished the reputation of the NPP and potentially undermined clear constitutional provisions regarding media independence.

The Achimota Magistrate Court subsequently convicted and fined the 16 NPP youth, with each person required to pay an amount of GH¢2,400.

The convicts were charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and rioting. They pleaded guilty to the charges.

KA

The Founder and Leader of the Glorious Word Power Ministries International, Rev. Isaac Owusu-Bempah, has directed members and sympathizers of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the party set to form the next government after January, to fast from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on January 6, 2025.

Speaking during the 31st December Watchnight Service at his church, the man of God urged the party not to take his directive lightly, warning of severe consequences if they fail to comply.

“I want to send a message to the NDC party, and they should take what I am about to say seriously. They should not despise it. On the 6th of January 2025, NDC members and sympathizers should fast from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Everyone who loves Ghana and supports the President-elect, John Mahama, must join the fast. I am speaking as a prophet of God. I will not provide details, but if you do not understand, do not disparage me. If you do, you have spoken against God, as He instructed me to say this. Therefore, Asiedu Nketia, Julius Debrah, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, and Sammy Gyamfi must ensure the fasting takes place.”

He added, “I will not explain why, but take my words seriously. I am a man of God, and I say this to the glory of God. I can perceive and hear things in the spiritual realm. With all humility, and not to sound boastful, God has granted me authority to influence events in the spiritual realm. Before the election, I said the NPP would face a heavy defeat if they challenged me, and they would not even secure 40% of the votes. This prophecy came to pass.”

Rev. Owusu-Bempah also asked members of his congregation to participate in the fast for the incoming President, emphasizing that his church was the first to announce John Mahama’s victory.

“All intercessors should join this fast from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Through this spiritual exercise, whatever plans the enemy has fashioned will not prevail.”

President-elect John Mahama is scheduled to be sworn in on January 7, 2025, following his victory in the December 7, 2024, Presidential election.

He secured 56.55% of the votes cast, defeating his closest contender, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer and incumbent Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

KA

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Rocky55 Blog of Wednesday, 1 January 2025

Source: Isaac Appiah

A spokesperson for the John Dramani Mahama transition team, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, has cautioned his colleagues in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as they take over the country’s administration.

To him, they will have to take lessons from the treatment Ghanaians gave to the New Patriotic Party at the polls and note that they will suffer a catastrophic loss if they toe the line the NPP did while in office.

He noted that the Ghanaian electorate has become sophisticated and will wipe you off if you take the opportunity given for granted.

His post shared via social media read “For doing catastrophic damage to the country, the NPP has suffered a catastrophic loss.

That is a cautionary tale to us in the NDC.

If the Ghanaian electorate has plucked feathers from the back of a tortoise, you can imagine what they will do to a chicken”.

John Dramani Mahama will be sworn into office on January 7 and will take over the country’s administration for the next four years. He is expected to use his first 120 to fulfil his social contract to the people of Ghana.

The president-elect has admitted that the task ahead of him is not child’s play and will need people committed to the country to work with to ensure they achieve the needed success.

Archbishop Charles Agyinasare

Founder of Perez Chapel, Archbishop Charles Agyinasare has encouraged Ghanaians to avoid acts that will divide the nation.

The man of God says the year 2025 should unite us as a people irrespective of our different backgrounds.

He made the call while delivering a sermon on the theme “My Year of God’s Word Manifested”.

The sermon was hinged on three core principles that will make the year 2025 more fruitful.

One of the principles he highlighted was the need for a society that remains united for National growth.

Arcbishop Aginasare said we need the word of God to promote unity in our society.

The Church he said is called to be peacemakers in our society and peace builders.

Quoting Ephesians 4:3 he said Christians are instructed to make every efforts to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.

“In 2025, we must seek to understand one another. We must be willing to listen to others with compassion. We must be willing to work together for the common good. In 2025, let’s break the walls of division and hatred that separates us.

Beloved, we are one people. We are one Ghana. Let’s break down the wall that divides us and let’s unite as one people and when we do, there is nothing that we cannot accomplish as a people. Maybe God help us to accomplish his plans purposes for this nation,” he declared.

He further stated that if the word of God will manifest in our lives, we must lift up the marginalised, including the poor, widows and underprivileged persons.

If only every mother were like Mama Esther, the world would undoubtedly transform into a more peaceful and loving place—a place where every child feels cherished, every heart finds solace, and every hand extended in need is met with compassion.

In a world often overshadowed by chaos and uncertainty, there exists a beacon of light that brings warmth, love, and hope to those around her. This beacon is none other than Mama Esther, a remarkable woman whose qualities epitomize the true essence of motherhood.

From the very first moment one crosses paths with Mama Esther, it becomes evident that she possesses an extraordinary gift—the ability to sense when those she loves are in need. Whether it’s a child feeling unwell or a friend facing life’s challenges, Mama Esther instinctively knows when to extend her arms for support. Her nurturing spirit doesn’t stop at her own children; she reaches out to anyone who requires assistance, embodying an unwavering commitment to compassion and kindness without discrimination.

Mama Esther’s home has always been a sanctuary. The door is never locked, and her heart is ever open. It’s a place where laughter fills the air, where stories are shared over steaming bowls of soup, and where worries fade amid the comfort of her embrace. She finds joy in every moment spent with her children and treats everyone like family, showcasing a love that transcends mere words. In Mama Esther’s eyes, each person holds equal value, and her genuine care for others creates a ripple of positivity that spreads far and wide.

There was a time in my life when darkness loomed large—a critical moment when I found myself fighting for my life on life support. In the midst of that battle, Mama Esther became my lifeline. Her unwavering faith and prayers were a source of strength that pulled me through the darkest days. She sat by my side, offering hope and encouragement when despair threatened to take hold. It was then that I truly understood the depth of her love and the power it has to heal.

As we step into the new year, I find myself reflecting on the immeasurable impact Mama Esther has had on my life and the lives of countless others. I cherish her deeply and pray that the coming year unfolds new hopes, vibrant life, renewed strength, and glory in abundance. May she continue to inspire those around her with her selfless nature and unwavering dedication to love.

Let us take a moment to celebrate not just Mama Esther, but all mothers around the world who embody her spirit. Their sacrifices, resilience, and unconditional love create an environment where peace and harmony can thrive. I urge every parent, especially women, to look towards the qualities exhibited by Mama Esther and draw inspiration from her example.

As we welcome the new year, let us strive to uphold the values of kindness, empathy, and love that Mama Esther represents. Let her legacy of love continue to flourish, reminding us all of the profound impact a mother can have on the world.

In honoring Mama Esther, we celebrate the universal spirit of motherhood—an emblem of hope that has the power to transform lives, heal wounds, and sow the seeds of love that will bloom for generations to come.

Puerto Rico has been plunged into darkness on New Year’s Eve by a nearly island-wide blackout.

More than 1.2 million out of almost 1.5 million customers have no electricity, said Luma Energy, the island’s main power distributor.

Fully restoring service could take between 24-48 hours, the company said.

The blackout prompted renewed calls to address the unincorporated US territory’s power issues, which have persisted since Hurricane Maria in 2017.

Power was restored by Tuesday afternoon to some areas, as well as San Juan’s municipal hospital, Luma said.

Nearly 200,000 clients had power by late afternoon, Luma spokesman Hugo Sorrentini SAID.

A failure in an electric line at one of the main power plants, Costa Sur, caused cascading issues across the island, Mr Sorrentini said.

US President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm has spoken with Puerto Rico’s governor to offer assistance, the White House said.

“We can’t keep relying on an energy system that fails our people,” Jenniffer González-Colon, Puerto Rico’s current US congressional representative and the incoming governor of Puerto Rico, wrote on X.

“Today’s blackout and the uncertainty around restoration continue to impact our economy and quality of life,” she said.

On Facebook, the current governor, Pedro Pierluisi, demanded answers and solutions from the two main power companies, Luma and Genera.

Hundreds of thousands of residents at a time have been affected by power outages this year.

A June outage left about 350,000 customers without power as temperatures climbed, and more than 700,000 customers lost electricity after Hurricane Ernesto in August.

As they awoke to another day without power, Puerto Ricans expressed frustration.

“They’re part of my everyday life,” Enid Núñez, 49, said of the outages to the Associated Press.

Puerto Rico’s power grid was strained even before Hurricane Maria devastated the island.

US government funding helped shore up the grid, facilitate recovery projects from other natural disasters, and make other important infrastructure improvements.

But the implementation has been incomplete due to a variety of factors, such as issues starting construction and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s requirements to authorise the use of some of the funds, according to a February 2024 report from the US Government Accountability Office.

“Inexcusably the power grid has still not recovered from damage in Hurricane Maria,” Mark Levine, New York City’s Manhattan borough president, wrote on X.

New York City is home to the largest Puerto Rican community in the mainland US.

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Chairman of Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has applauded the Ghana Airport Company Limited for going after all their debtors.

The Ghana Airport Company this week began a debt collection drive to ensure that monies owed them are paid.

The move led to the closure of the McDan Aviation Private Jet Terminal due to their indebtedness to the Airport Company limited.

In a post shared via social media, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said “It’s refreshing to see some smart outgoing public officials suddenly smell the coffee and begin the implementation of President Mahama’s Operation-Recover-All-Loot even before January 7, 2025.

The power of change!

Apart from MacDan, the management of GACL should recover all others from Frontiers, CIP, Heaven Builders & the putrefying Car Park deals.

Together, we shall RESET Ghana”.

Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, Mussa Dankwah

Officials of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) have invited Mussa Dankwah, the Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, a private research consultancy company in Accra, MyNewsGh.com has learnt.

The firm, an independent research company founded in 2019, uses sophisticated methods and modern technology to provide research, analysis, and strategic counsel tailored to the needs of its clients. It has been invited to answer a series of questions from the state tax authority.

In recent times, the company has gained national recognition for its accurate predictions of the 2024 elections.

Its Executive Director, Mussa Dankwah, has stated that he conducts election polls as part of his company’s Corporate Social Responsibility, refuting allegations of external funding. He also mentioned that his company has clients who pay for their services.

Contrary to earlier reports that GRA officers stormed the company’s premises, new information suggests that the officers instead invited the Mussa Dankwah-led company to examine their account books and tax payment records as part of routine tax audits.

After hours of questioning and reviewing documents, the GRA officers did not find any tax infringements on the part of Mussa Dankwah or Global InfoAnalytics, according to Mussa Dankwah himself.

In the October 2024 poll conducted by Global InfoAnalytics, the company reported that former President John Dramani Mahama of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) was leading with 53.1%, compared to 39% for Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The survey, conducted from October 7 to October 12, sampled 1,969 respondents from all 16 regions of Ghana. The poll was carried out through random telephone interviews, with a margin of error of 2.74% and a confidence level of 95%.

After the conclusion of the 2024 elections, John Mahama secured over 56% of the votes, while Bawumia garnered 41%, with results from nine constituencies still outstanding.

Watch some videos from the recent Parliamentary sittings below:

Some of the elders of the church during the press conference

The Christian Divine Church (CDC) is facing escalating internal conflicts, with leadership disputes and court battles threatening the unity of the organization.

In a press conference held on December 30, 2024, church elders and members, led by Elder Ekow Dadzie the regional secretary of the Western Region (A) expressed concerns over recent developments, including an alleged attempt to disrupt church activities at its Tarkwa headquarters.

The group outlined a series of failed reconciliation attempts with senior pastors, including Regional Pastors Japhet Ehwi, James Fordjour, and Rev. Francis Fosu Manu. These efforts were reportedly derailed by internal divisions and external influences.

Elections held on December 14, 2024, under disputed circumstances, were declared illegitimate by the group, who affirmed that the officially recognized leadership was elected on December 21, 2024.

The new leaders include Regional Pastor Francis Fosu Manu as Chairman-elect, Regional Pastor Samuel Awuah as Deputy Chairman-elect, and District Pastor Emmanuel Arthur as General Secretary-elect.

The group also condemned the alleged desecration of the church’s headquarters and vowed to protect its sanctity.

They called on the Inspector General of Police to investigate the Tarkwa Police’s conduct and ensure impartiality over alleged misconduct.

“Enough is enough, we remain steadfast in preserving the legacy of our founder, Prophet John Taylor, and will not allow these divisions to destroy our beloved church.”

The leadership crisis continues to cast a shadow over the church’s future, as members await resolutions to bring peace and unity back to the fold.

EK