Day: December 21, 2023

The Consumer Advocacy Centre (CAC) at Laweh University College has asked the government to make legislations that protect consumers against the activities of market actors who benefit from high and unfair food prices on the market.

The advocacy is based on preliminary findings of a study that showed that weak competition in the food supply market and the dominance of some market actors such as Market queens and food aggregators have contributed significantly to unfair food prices in the Ghanaian market.

Sharing insights on the study at a stakeholder engagement, the President of CAC, Professor Goski Alabi indicated that between January 2022 and July 2023, consumers had had to bear the excessive burden of increasing cost of production over the period.

This has manifested in the hugely disproportionate rise in retail prices of food items compared to the wholesale prices of the same items over a period.

‘The retail price of onions increased by 42.4 per cent while the wholesale price rose by just 18.1 per cent
in the same period’.

‘The retail price of gari grew by 77 per cent compared to a 63 per cent rise in wholesale price and an increase of just 46.4 per cent in the whole sale price of cassava, the basic ingredient for gari,’ she said.

She explained that the CAC in partnership with Consumers International, an international consumer advocacy body, deployed a tool called a ‘Fair Price Monitor’ to explore several potential reasons for the phenomenon.

She said that though reasons such as rising fuel costs, and weakening exchange rate were genuine factors for determining food prices, they did not appear sufficient for the excessive rise in retail prices.

She noted that the lack of standardisation of weight and measurement systems in the country also played a huge role in the unfair pricing of food.

Mr Wisdom Aborchie, an emunerator for the study in the Volta region, disclosed that while aggregators and wholesalers bought a kilo of mango at farmgate price at GH?5, they rather used the colour, size of the fruit to
set the price at the retail level.

Dr Charles Nyaba, Executive Director of Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana, observed that small scale farmers and consumers were at the mercy of aggregators and market queens, who respectively determined the prices and the availability of commodities on the markets.

He said that farmers who mostly received unfair prices from aggregators and wholesalers for their wares despite the increasing cost of production were prevented by market queens from selling directly in the local markets.

Mr Edward Kareweh, the General Secretary of the General Agriculture Workers Union (GAWU), noted that even though there was no need for a price control regime, the pricing of food commodities could not be left to operation of market forces especially when the system to protect consumers and ensure market fairness was almost non-existent
Source: Ghana News Agency

The changes in societal expectations of patient well-being and the quality of psychological services, have stirred up public concerns for the need to maintain high ethical standards.

Practitioners, are confronted with ethical dilemmas, making it important that they understand and practise within the ethical guidelines of their profession.

The Ghana Psychology Council (GPC), the regulatory body established by the Ministry of Health (MOH) under part five of the Health Professionals Regulatory Bodies Act of 2013 (Act 857), has developed a document on ethical principles and a code of conduct to assist practitioners in making appropriate decisions on clients, ensuring that their trust in them is well-placed and that their confidentiality and dignity are upheld.

Practitioners are encouraged to work towards maintaining the highest ethical standards and leadership through continuous education, because within a rapidly evolving world, where demands on their practices are ever-changing, the pursuit of excellence bec
omes the constant companion of practitioners.

Professor Angela Lamensdorf Ofori-Atta, the Chairperson of the Ghana Psychology Council (GPC), in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at its 7th induction ceremony of 460 licensed Psychologists, Paraprofessionals and Lay Practitioners into full practice in Accra, said ‘Ethical concerns are huge within our practice’.

Why ethics?

Despite the efforts to achieve excellence, there are still reports of unethical conducts of abuses against vulnerable people, in addition to incidences of some media institutions engaging charlatans to speak to sensitive issues, making unsubstantiated and claims creating fear.

She warned that practitioners risked being avoided by management of corporations, the vulnerable needing their attention, with key researches devoid of their expertise and would not be hired, should they lose public trust.

This is because people who seek their services are quite vulnerable and need assurance that they will not be taken advantage of.

Prof. Of
ori-Atta said focusing on the theme ‘Ethics, Leadership and Excellence in Psychology Practice in Ghana,’ for the year therefore, emphasises such virtues as cornerstones of the

profession, shaping the way practitioners serve their clients, advance in knowledge, and set standards for others to follow to help achieve the Ghana’s Universal Health Coverage target.

The GPC’s mandate has been geared towards securing in the public interest, the highest standards in the training and practice of Applied Psychology through accredited institutions across the country, to ensure access to quality psychological health for all people living in Ghana.

She stated that overtime, the scope of psychological practice in Ghana has increased exponentially as trained and motivated practitioners make efforts to be licensed with the Council, giving hope that quality psychological services will be provided by practitioners who are guided by high ethical principles and standards.

Licensing?

In fulfillment of its mandate, the GPC Boa
rd, has approved the designation of Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) for all practitioners with a minimum of a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology or Guidance and Counselling from accredited training institutions, plus a one-year internship, she said.

She encouraged all Practitioners to seek knowledge, competence, and the highest standards in practice, to stay abreast with the ever-changing global trends.

Prior to the establishment of the GPC 10 years ago, by the Ministry of Health (MOH), anyone with no professional training or knowledge in the field, could just pose as a counsellor or psychologist to offer services to people.

Unfortunately, the unprofessional conduct of some charlatans can and have caused further harm to the psychological well-being and mental health of vulnerable people.

The GPC Chairperson said being able to organise the profession and regulate professionals under its law (Act 857) 2013, ensuring that people obtained licenses and maintained their competences to work in safe
spaces, are key achievements over the years.

She said there were ongoing processes to improve its 10-year old law, drafting of a Legislative Instrument (LI) to facilitate its smooth implementation, and looking into the future, a proposed establishment of a College of Applied Psychology just like other professional bodies, to make the profession attractive to the youth.

Hopefully by the first quarter of 2024, the Council would have a drafted LI for consideration by the MOH and Parliament, and the Instrument would help correct anomalies in the job entry placement and remuneration of Psychologists, in accordance with the different levels they attain as opposed to now, where those with even Masters Degrees, entry into the Ghana Health Service and are paid as those with first degrees, which is quite upsetting, she said.

Ms Anna Plange, the Acting Registrar, GPC, said ‘as Psychologists, we are entrusted with the most sensitive and personal information. It is our ethical duty to safeguard our clients’ confidentia
lity at all times,’ building trust that forms the foundation of the therapeutic relations for individuals to be open and honest without fear of judgement or exposure.

When it comes to mental health issues, because physical harm or injury is not immediately seen, people take it lightly with their unprofessional advices, which can lead to fatalities in some cases with people due to depression, shame or stigmatisation, she stated.

Illegalities

Ms Plange advised media practitioners to investigate the professional backgrounds of their guests for licenses as Psychologists and Counsellors, before allowing them onto their radio and television programmes, to avoid any embarrassment.

She said with the GPC’s mission to ensure that Psychological and Counselling services are now provided by only well trained, certified and motivated practitioners at accredited facilities, it will not countenance any illegalities and will apply strict sanctions against all offenders.

Prof. C. Charles Mate-Kole, a Member of the GPC and
the Founding Director of the Centre for Aging Studies University of Ghana, said it is gratifying that after years in Ghana, Psychologists have to be licensed before they can practise with a professional expectation for a mandatory yearly renewal of their licenses.

Practitioners are encouraged to maintain their competences through Continuous Professional Developments (CPDs) programmes via seminars or webinars, to stay abreast with global best practices and acquire additional credit point accreditation, for their yearly license renewals.
Source: Ghana News Agency

Shalimar Abbuisi, the Belgian Spokesperson of ‘The New Force’ political group has been repatriated.

Sources at the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) told the GNA that Abbuisi left Ghana last night (10:00pm) on board Brussels Airline.

It said her mobile phone and other documents had been handed over to her.

Abbuisi was discharged by the Kaneshie District on Tuesday after the GIS informed the court that it was withdrawing the charge preferred against her.

Earlier, the GIS held her on the charges of obtaining a student permit by false declaration.

She pleaded not guilty and was admitted to bail in the sum of GHC20,000 with two sureties.

Abbuisi was ordered by the court to reappear on December 19, 2023.

On her arrival in court yesterday, GIS led by Assistant Commissioner of Immigration withdrew the charge.

This was after the GIS revoked her permit.

Counsel for Abbuisi, Mr Francis Xavier Sosu, prayed for the court to order the GIS to hand over his client’s mobile to her because the National Intelligence Bur
eau indicated that they found nothing incriminatory on it.

Soon after she was discharged by the court presided over by Nana Abena Owusu Amenyo, GIS officials escorted the Spokesperson into a waiting van at the court premises.

Armed GIS officials in a pickup led the van out of the court premises to be repatriated.

That led to a confrontation between them and defence counsel, Mr Francis Xavier Sosu, who registered his displeasure over the action taken by the GIS officials.

According to Counsel, his client had been ‘bundled’ into a waiting car as if she was a ‘common criminal’.

He told journalists that before his client was discharged by the district court, he had filed some processes at the High Court.

Abbuisi was picked up security officials following her activities with the New Force political group and her engagements on social media.

She was charged by the GIS for allegedly obtaining a student permit by false declaration
Source: Ghana News Agency

Women with Disability have been urged to be confident to enable them to break through stereotyping and self-pity in society.

Madam Abigail Kumi, the Interim Head of Business Advisory Commission (BAC), said persons with disability (PWDs) had a lot of untapped potentials, which could help them break through poverty.

At a short presentation organized by Women In Need (WIN) to support them with assistive devices in the Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam District (AEED), Madam Kumi encouraged them to strive progress in life and never allow anyone to pin them down.

She urged them to take up opportunities, avail themselves for opened avenues and make meaningful progress towards their objectives and goals.

‘Women with Disabilities should not be counted among the poor, they must be confident and break away from the cycle of the self-pity tag on them,’ she said.

‘BAC is willing and open to assist the women in terms of business ideas and opportunities and called on them to always come to their office whenever they need technical
assistance to grow their businesses.’

As part of the programme, the team from WIN paid a courtesy call on the District Chief Executive (DCE), Rev Ransford Kwesi Nyarkoh, to discuss issues confronting PWDs in the area.

He expressed appreciation to the team for their efforts and promised to ensure the timely release of the PWDs share of the common fund.

He pledged the Assembly’s commitment to providing the needed support and assistance to them in the area.

It was part of WIN’s project of Promoting Equal Rights for Women and Girls with Disability (PERD) project.

WIN donated the assistive devices to the women after they appealed to the organisation for help.
Source: Ghana News Agency

The Most Reverend Dr. Cyril Kobina Ben-Smith, the Primate and Metropolitan Archbishop of the Church of the Province of West Africa (CPWA), Anglican Communion, has called on Christians to embrace the spirit of compassion and generosity this Christmas.

‘During this season, may the light of Christ illuminate our hearts and guide us on the path of righteousness. Let us embrace the spirit of compassion and generosity, reaching out to those in need and sharing the blessings bestowed upon us,’ the Archbishop said in his 2023 Christmas message.

He urged the Christian Communion to let their unity and faith strengthen the bonds that connects them, transcending borders and differences.

Archbishop Ben-Smith said amidst the festivities and the exchange of gifts, Christians must not lose sight of the true essence of Christmas – a celebration of love, hope, and redemption.

He stated that the nativity story reminded Christians that God’s greatest gift to humanity was to be born in a humble manger, emphasizing the simplic
ity and purity of divine love.

Archbishop Ben-smith, also the Archbishop of the Internal Province of Ghana (IpG), said in a world often filled with challenges and uncertainties, Christmas served as a beacon of hope.

‘Let the message of peace echoed by the angels at Christ’s birth resonate in our lives, inspiring us to be peacemakers in our communities and beyond,’ he added.

‘As we join in worship and celebration, may the love of Christ permeate every aspect of our existence. May the joy of Christmas be a source of comfort for those facing trials and a reason for gratitude among the fortunate,’ he prayed.
Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ministry of Finance has launched its Women’s Mentoring Programme with a call on the mentees to embrace the opportunities that the programme presents to develop and grow their careers.

Mrs Abena Osei-Asare, a Deputy Minister of Finance said, ‘Your potential is boundless, and with collective support, we will create an environment that will enable you to grow and glow.’

She expressed confidence that the mentoring platform would provide women with an opportunity for learning as well as enable the Ministry to transfer leadership and management skills to the intended staff.

‘It will be a powerful catalyst for the professional growth of our female staff and this initiative will be more than just a guiding hand; it will be a partnership built on trust, mutual respect, and the shared pursuit of excellence,’ she added.

The Deputy Minister said as they navigate the exciting journey together, ‘Let us try to embody the key themes that encapsulate the spirit of the Mentorship Series, Empowerment, Collaboration, and
Resilience.’

She said that importantly, the Ministry would reap some critical benefits and according to European Union’s Women Empowerment Principles, 95 per cent of staff with mentors self-report that their productivity increases; employees without mentoring support were 35 per cent, more likely to leave their jobs than employees who had participated in mentoring programmes.

’77 per cent of companies indicate that mentoring programmes decreased brain drain,’ she added.

She said in addition to these, ‘we must also recall that, compared to other employees, mentors are also more likely to report greater job satisfaction and organizational commitment and have greater career success and report an increase in work-related fulfilment.’

She commended the leadership that has put such a bold vision into action: a vision to create a conveyor belt of strong and competent women in the Ministry and the nation over generations to come.

She recommended the ‘G-R-O-W model’ which was a four-step structure, which is – Goa
l, Reality, Options and Wrap-up.

She said it used key elements to create an effective conversation and its core characteristics were Goal, Reality, Option and Wrap-up.

She said the initiative stands as a testament to the Ministry’s forward-looking approach, providing a structured platform for the talented women of our organization to receive the support and guidance necessary for their continued success.

Dr Mrs Stella Agyenim-Boateng, the Vice Chairperson, of the Public Services Commission commended the leadership of the Ministry for the initiative to support young women into leadership roles.

She called on the mentees to be committed to the initiative and ensure it did not fail and urged all parties in the partnership to take their responsibilities seriously.

Ms Eva Mends, Chief Director of the Ministry of Finance, said the Ministry had created a conducive environment for women to contribute to the growth and development of the country.

She said the programme was an intentional approach and interventio
n to support young women in taking advantage of opportunities delivered on the mandate.

The Chief Director urged the mentees to always be prepared, present and reliable for opportunities.
Source: Ghana News Agency