Teser Group Limited Company, a Ghanaian-owned company operating globally in automobile and equipment sales and services  has presented  to Mount Olives Baptist Church, a state-of-the-art 30 seater bus during the church’s 30th Anniversary celebration.  (more…)

Many individuals get tempted to take on pest control tasks on their own in the present time where DIY approaches are greatly promoted by numerous online instructions and guidelines. Even though DIY pest management may appear like an easy and low-cost solution, it frequently results in more serious issues and possible risks. Long-term expenses and hygiene concerns can be avoided by being aware of the risks associated with do-it-yourself pest treatment and the reasons why contacting a professional is necessary.

The Hidden Dangers of DIY Pest Control

Ineffective Solutions

Various DIY pest management techniques rely more on personal experience than on scientific studies. While prescribed or homemade remedies may offer short-term respite, they frequently fall short of addressing the main cause of the invasion. It is difficult to completely get rid of pests without the right information and equipment, which might result in recurrent issues.

Health Risks

Disregarding having sufficient training when handling pesticides might have serious health consequences. Toxic substances found in many insects and pesticides can be dangerous if swallowed, breathed, or come into touch with the skin. When these drugs are used improperly, they can cause breathing issues, poisoning, and other health problems. Specialists, on the other hand, have the necessary training to use such substances effectively in order to reduce the risk to people and pets.

Environmental Impact

Pesticide misuse can have an adverse effect on the environment. Pest control solution overuse or improper disposal can pollute water sources, the ground, and wildlife that are not targets, such as birds, beneficial insects, and aquatic life. Experts follow environmental protection rules and are armed with environmentally friendly pest management techniques.

Potential for Property Damage

Self-made pest control frequently results in accidental property harm. For instance, utilizing the incorrect kind of bait or trap may cause harm to flooring, walls, or electrical wires. Sometimes, attempting to shut entry sites without the necessary understanding might make the situation worse by keeping pests inside and doing more harm.

Misidentification of Pests

For successful management, you must determine the sort of insect you are dealing with. Improper treatments may be used as a result of misidentification, wasting resources and making the infestation worse. Experts possess the knowledge and experience necessary to correctly detect pests and carry out focused management strategies.

The Advantages of Choosing a Licensed Pest Control Company

Expertise in Data and Understanding 

Experienced pest control specialists have expertise in handling a variety of pests and have a lot of experience in this field. They receive training to comprehend the biological processes, behavior, and best practices for controlling pests. Their experience enables them to create all-inclusive pest control strategies customized to your particular situation.

Advanced Tools and Techniques

Experts possess complex instruments and methods that are beyond the reach of the typical householder. These consist of industrial-grade pesticides, which are more secure and more efficient than generic options, and specialized equipment for identifying and tracking pests. Making use of these resources guarantees a more comprehensive and long-lasting solution for your pest issues.

Safety Measures

Experienced pest control companies place a high premium on protecting your household, pets, and property. Specialists are taught how to apply and handle chemicals properly, use safety gear, and comply to risk-reduction measures. They can also offer guidance on keeping an area free of pests and preventing further infestations.

Cost-Effectiveness

In the long term, employing an expert may prove to be more economical, even though it might appear like a costlier choice initially. DIY efforts frequently result in ongoing issues and repeated procedures, raising the entire expense. Experts ensure value for your money and provide you with peace of mind by offering assurances and warranties on their services.

Time Efficiency

Taking care of an infestation of pests can be a demanding and time-consuming task. Expert pest control companies can take care of the problem fast and effectively, freeing you up to concentrate on other essential responsibilities. Their methodical approach guarantees that the issue is resolved quickly and successfully.

Conclusion

Although it makes sense that DIY pest treatment would be appealing, the dangers and possible negative effects greatly exceed the advantages. There are several benefits to hiring an experienced pest control assistance, including as cost-effectiveness, modern equipment, safety precautions, and expert expertise. You can guarantee a long-lasting solution to your pest issues while safeguarding the environment, your health, and your property by hiring experts.

Telecel Ghana Foundation has trained 60 young girls from multiple schools in Koforidua on foundational skills in coding, robotics, and programming as part of its Grow Girls in STEM initiative. The beneficiary pupils were from local schools including Riis Presbyterian School, Seventh Day Adventist School, Nana Kwaku Boateng M/A Basic, and Victory Land Academy, all within the Koforidua municipality.

The training, organised in partnership with Asutem Robotics Academy at the Koforidua Regional Library, forms a key pillar of the Foundation’s Connected Learning programme, which provides robust Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and training for young girls across the country. By giving young girls STEM exposure through practical experience in artificial intelligence, data science, and robotics, the Foundation aims to inspire and equip them with the tools and skills they need to thrive in today’s digital world and bridge the existing gender gap in the field.

Through practical training and engaging experiences, the programme seeks to explain STEM careers, making them accessible and attractive to young girls. Guided by Asustem Robotics experts, the girls were introduced to core concepts of coding, robotics, and programming.  They had the opportunity to apply their newfound knowledge in breakout teams.  This approach bolstered their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. 

 “Despite the vast opportunities the digital era presents, there is still a significant gap in digital skills, especially for young girls in underserved communities.” said Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, Head of Foundation, Sustainability, and External Communications at Telecel Ghana. “The Grow Girls in STEM initiative directly addresses this disparity by contributing to a supportive learning environment where girls can explore, innovate, and excel in STEM fields.”

Josephine is in her second year at Victoryland Academy. After receiving training in building auto robotics and using Scratch – a programming language used to create games and virtual experiences, Josephine believes it can help her simulate surgical operations as a surgeon in future. “We used Scratch to undertake ocean clean-up exercises virtually for environmental preservation. I can use Scratch to practise surgeries virtually till I become a professional surgeon. I would also like to teach my friends and classmates what I have learnt today.”

STEM Coordinator for New Juaben South Municipality, Louisa Amanor said the Grow Girls in STEM initiative will help the girls acquire new digital skills and reshape their perceptions of what they can achieve in future. “We need the girls to interact with more female STEM trainers and mentors to breakdown their misconceptions that this field is the preserve of men. The more they see and visualise careers in the field, it would be easier to focus and build careers in STEM.”

The Grow Girls in STEM training in Koforidua is a testament to the Telecel Ghana Foundation’s dedication to empowering young girls. The Foundation aims to empower and train young girls to explore and excel in STEM fields to compete in a world increasingly driven by technology and innovation. 

Football star Mohammed Kudus with Dr. Prince Kofi Pambo, the team doctor of the Black Stars recently visited the St. Nicholas Charity Preparatory School in Tema Newtown, delivering inspirational messages to the students about the importance of education and perseverance. 

Kudus, who was recently crowned Footballer of the Year at the Ghana Football Awards for the second consecutive time, chose the school for his first post-award engagement, highlighting his commitment to uplifting underprivileged communities.

St. Nicholas Charity Preparatory School, founded in 2012 by the St. Nicholas Charity Foundation, serves the Bankuman area, a community where many parents are fisherfolk and lack the means to support their children’s education. The school provides free education, uniforms, school supplies, and two meals a day to its 208 students, from Crèche to junior high school.

Mohammed Kudus, who also comes from a deprived community, shared his personal journey with the students, encouraging them to take their education seriously and dream big. “I understand the challenges you face because I faced them too. Education is your key to a better future. Stay focused and work hard, and you can achieve anything,” The “Starboy” told the students.

Mo Kudus at St. Nicholas Charity School

The visit, arranged by Dr. Prince Kofi Pambo, the team doctor of the Black Stars, included various activities such as basketball and football exhibitions. Kudus interacted with the children and delivered a short speech that resonated deeply with both students and staff. “Coming from a similar background, I know how important it is for these children to see that their dreams are achievable. Mohammed’s visit is a beacon of hope for them,” Dr. Pambo added. 

Ivan Quashigah, a renowned Ghanaian filmmaker and the founder and CEO of Farmhouse Productions, serves as a trustee of St. Nicholas Charity Preparatory School. He expressed his gratitude for Kudus’ visit. “Having someone of Kudus’ stature take the time to visit and inspire our students is incredibly special. It shows them that they are not forgotten and that their dreams are valid,” Quashigah said.

Since its inception, St. Nicholas has maintained a 100 percent pass rate in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), with graduates continuing their education at Keta Secondary School through the free Senior High School (SHS) programme. 

The school’s success is a testament to the power of education in breaking the cycle of poverty. The operational costs of the school are covered through donations from individuals and organizations. The initial funding came from a 100,000 US Dollars grant from the Maria Tsakos Foundation, based in Greece.

The foundation, associated with Tsakos Shipping, identified the educational needs in the community during their business operations in Ghana. The Greek Orthodox Church construction project in Tema was the catalyst for the school’s establishment. Observing numerous school-aged children idle and not attending school, the foundation took the initiative to gather these children and provide them with education, starting under a simple shed with one teacher. 

Over the years, the school has grown, offering education up to the junior high school level. Mr. Quashigah emphasised the importance of community support in the school’s success. “Our mission is to provide these children with the education they deserve, regardless of their financial background. We rely on the benevolence of individuals and organizations to keep the school running, and we are grateful for every bit of support,” he said. 

The school not only focuses on academic excellence but also on the holistic development of the children, incorporating sports and extracurricular activities into their curriculum. This approach ensures that students receive a well-rounded education, equipping them with essential life skills.

The school’s success stories are numerous, with students excelling in various fields. The first and second batches of graduates have all benefited from the free SHS programme and are making strides in their academic pursuits. Some are studying science, others are pursuing general arts, and all of them are on a path to a brighter future.

“As the children of St. Nicholas Charity Preparatory School continue their educational journey, they do so with the knowledge that they have the support and encouragement of role models like Mohammed Kudus and the trustees who are dedicated to their success. The visit by Kudus not only inspired the students but also brought attention to the incredible work being done at St. Nicholas, highlighting the importance of supporting such initiatives,” Mr. Quashigah added.

In a community where financial constraints often hinder educational opportunities, St. Nicholas Charity Preparatory School stands as a beacon of hope, proving that with the right support and determination, every child can achieve their dreams.

Noteworthy is the contributions of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs championed by Honourable Minister Nikos Dendias. The Ministry has donated funds for classrooms and the construction of a basketball pitch which is named after Greek basketball player Giannis Antetokounmpo and many other interventions. Tsakos Hellas, beyond its initial donations, has continued to support the school in many ways.

The Mytilineous Metka Group has continued to be one of the biggest supporters of the school. The company built a modern canteen which includes a kitchen and restrooms. The company has also helped to complete a number of classrooms and recently provided a brand new bus for the transportation of students to and from the school. 

Imagine a world where you can no longer watch addictive local series like Inspector Bediako, Madam, Eno, homegrown movies such as Queen of Akra, or your favourite sports event like the FIFA World cup or Euros. This could be a reality if copyright is not protected.

While streaming a series from a dodgy site may seem harmless, content piracy cripples Africa’s creative industries.

Piracy occurs when an individual, who is not the copyright holder, copies content and resells it for a significantly lower price than the copyright holder charges. Many perpetrators of piracy do not realise the impact it can have…

It starts when producers have less money to invest in new projects, technology, and talent. Investors lose faith in Africa’s creative industry as their rights aren’t protected, and then the quality and variety of content dwindles.

Soon, local productions are replaced with mainstream, one-size-fits-all material, which means there’s less and less work for local content creators – along with less investment in local economies and livelihoods.  If you’re unsure that the content you’re consuming comes from a legit source, follow this decision tree:

Piracy might seem like a victimless act, but it impacts Africa’s entire entertainment industry, from studios to individual creators. By choosing legal options, you’re supporting the local movies, shows, and music you love – and ultimately helping to protect Africa’s creative industry!

To learn more or find a safe, reliable source of local content, visit: https://www.multichoice.com/partners-against-piracy

The 6th Health, Environment, Safety, and Security (HESS) Awards, was held on Friday, June 28, 2024, continuing the tradition of celebrating businesses leading the way in environment, health, and safety initiatives. Under the theme ‘Thriving in a Changing World, Embracing Resilience and Agility in HESS’, the event recognised excellence and innovation, with Anglogold Ashanti and Trust Hospital emerging as standout winners.

Anglogold Ashanti took home eight awards, underscoring its commitment to environmental sustainability and workplace safety. The mining giant was honored with the ‘Best Company in Environmental Management Practices’ award for its sustainable mining efforts. 

Other accolades included Best Company in HESS Compliance, Reporting & Monitoring; Best Company in On-site Safety Awareness and Communication (Mining); HESS Company of the Year; Best Company in HESS Integration and Digitalization; HESS Team of the Year; Most Outstanding Contribution for Sustainable Development; and HESS Innovation Excellence Award.

Trust Hospital was recognised for its excellence in healthcare delivery and patient safety, winning the Best Company in Employee Health and Wellbeing Initiatives and the Patient Safety & Security Excellence awards. The hospital was also lauded for its Best Public Health Awareness Education Initiative, and its CEO, Dr. Juliana Ameh, received the HESS CEO of the Year award.

This year’s winners also included Fidelity Bank Ghana Ltd, GB Foods Ghana Ltd, Interplast Ltd, Sonotech Medical and Diagnostic Centre, and Wilmar Africa Ltd, among others.

Zhara Abdulai, speaking on behalf of Awarding Board Chairperson Professor Douglass Boateng, highlighted the relevance of this year’s theme. “The HESS Awards are a testament to the tireless efforts of those who have dedicated themselves to creating a safer, healthier, and more sustainable world. Our awardees have demonstrated unwavering commitment, innovative thinking, and a passion for excellence in HESS management,” she said.

“Their remarkable work inspires us to strive for excellence, push boundaries, and challenge the status quo. With determination, collaboration, and a shared vision, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges. Recognizing our awardees underscores the importance of HESS in the workplace, in our communities, and in our personal lives. HESS is not just a moral imperative but also a business imperative essential for long-term success and sustainability,” she added.

Cephas Adjei Mensah, Director Research Statistics and Information Management at the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), speaking on behalf of the Minister, emphasised the importance of the awards. 

“The HESS Awards serve as a platform to recognize and promote best practices across various industries. The ministry recognises the critical role of strong health, environment, safety, and security practices within businesses and other organizations in ensuring sustainable development for Ghana. We are committed to supporting Ghanaian organisations in their endeavors to achieve excellence in these fields.”

Martin Afram, Director for Planning and Programmes at the National Roads and Safety Authority, speaking on behalf of Acting Director General David Osafo Adonteng, stressed the need for resilience in a rapidly evolving world. “Today, we celebrate not only our ability to withstand the unpredictable but our capacity to evolve and thrive in adversity for growth and innovation. Resilience is about creating a culture of continuous learning and improvement,” he said.

Isaac Adu-Gyamfi, the Events Director, praised the participants for their dedication and hard work. “The HESS Awards continue to honor those at the forefront of creating safer, healthier, and more sustainable environments. We are proud to recognize and celebrate these outstanding achievements, which set a high standard for others to follow.”

Robert Emmanuel Kaye, the lead assessor, provided insight into the criteria and selection process for the awardees. He explained that the evaluation process is comprehensive and rigorous, involving multiple stages of assessment. “Our criteria focus on innovation, impact, and sustainability. We look at how organizations implement and integrate HESS practices into their operations, the measurable outcomes of these practices, and their commitment to continuous improvement. The selection process includes site visits, interviews, and thorough reviews of submitted documentation to ensure that the awardees truly represent the best in their respective fields,” Kaye noted.

The event fostered networking, knowledge sharing, and inspiration for further advancements in health, environment, safety, and security. The HESS Awards continue to highlight the remarkable efforts of those committed to enhancing standards in these crucial areas.

HESS 2024 winners list

Community Involvement Hospital/Clinic 2024, Sonotech Medical and Diagnostic Centre; Customer Safety and Security Management Practices 2024, Fidelity Bank Ghana; Eco-Friendly Product Manufacturing/Supply 2024, Sonapack Ghana; Employee Road Safety Education and Practice, Interplast; Environmental Management Practices 2024,Anglogold Ashanti Obuasi Mine; Fire Safety and Security Management Practices 2024, Fidelity Bank Ghana; Health & Safety Campaign 2024, Puma Energy Ghana; and Health and Safety Management Practices 2024, GB Foods Ghana.

HESS Compliance, Reporting & Monitoring 2024, Anglogold Ashanti Obuasi Mine; Warehouse Safety and Security Management Practices 2024, Sunon Asogli Power Ghana; On-site Safety Awareness and Communication (Hospital) 2024, The Bank Hospital; On-site Safety Awareness and Communication (Mining) 2024, Anglogold Ashanti Obuasi Mine; On-site Safety Awareness and Communication (Manufacturing) 2024, GB Foods Ghana; Process Safety & Quality Management Practices (Manufacturing) 2024, Wilmar Africa; Process Safety & Quality Management Practices (Hospitals) 2024, The Bank Hospital; Product Safety & Quality Management Practices 2024, Interplast; Data Security Management Practices 2024, Access Bank Ghana PLC; and Employee Health and Wellbeing Initiatives 2024, The Trust Hospital Company.

Construction Safety Company of the Year 2024, Mayfair Estates; Waste Management and Recycling Practices 2024, Interplast; CSR Excellence Award 2024, B5 Plus Group; Employee Empowerment Excellence Award 2024, Access Bank Ghana PLC; Facility Excellence Award (Petroleum Depot) 2024, Blue Oceans Investments; Food Safety (Manufacturing) 2024, Wilmar Africa; Healthcare Facility Excellence Award 2024, The Bank Hospital; HESS Company of the Year 2024, Anglogold Ashanti Obuasi Mine; HESS Integration and Digitalisation 2024, Anglogold Ashanti Obuasi Mine; HESS Team of the Year 2024, Anglogold Ashanti Obuasi Mine; Risk Management and Reporting 2024, First Bank Ghana; HSE Consulting Firm of the Year 2024, JIK Management Advisory Africa; and Manufacturing Facility Excellence Award 2024, GB Foods Ghana.

Most Outstanding Contribution for Sustainable Development 2024,  Anglogold Ashanti Obuasi Mine; Cybersecurity Management Practices 2024, First Bank Ghana; Patient Safety & Security Excellence Award 2024, The Trust Hospital Company; Sustainability and Operational Excellence Award 2024, Fidelity Bank Ghana; Educational Facility Excellence Award 2024, Young Executive School; Most Improved Total Recordable Incident Rate 2024, Drill Masters Africa; Service Station Facility Excellence Award 2024, Puma Energy Ghana; Best Public Health Awareness Education Initiative Award 2024, The Trust Hospital Company; HESS CEO of the Year 2024, Dr. Juliana Ameh (CEO, The Trust Hospital); HESS Manager of the Year 2024, Emmanuel Atiemo (GB Foods Ghana Ltd); Safety Professional Excellence Award 2024, Ishmael Kodzokpo (JIK Management Advisory Africa); Young Safety Professional Excellence Award 2024, Paul Ackah (Drill Masters Africa); and HESS Innovation Excellence Award, Anglogold Ashanti Obuasi Mine.

Special Judges Award

Customer Service Excellence Award 2024, St. Johns Hospital and Fertility Centre; Environmental Trailblazer Award 2024, George Owusu-Ansah (Snr Manager Environment, AGA Obuasi Mine); Renewable Energy Integration Practices Award 2024, Sunon Asogli Power; and Healthcare Regulatory Excellence Award 2024, HeFRA.

David Osafo Adonteng, Acting Director General, National Road Safety Authority

Cephas Adjei Mensah, Director, Research Statistics & Information Management at MESTI

Anglogold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, the overall winner and biggest winners on the night

All winners and dignitaries