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BURNING REALITIES: THE HUMAN FACE OF CLIMATE CHANGE

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    In Ghana, climate change has become a pressing issue affecting biodiversity and agriculture especially for residents in the Northern Region. From February to May 2024, residents of Tamale experienced extreme heat, reaching 42 degrees Celsius, impacting daily life.          A beautiful yet severe sunshine on crops just at the crack of dawn at Chanzegu a small village of Tamale The rising heat is not just a weather forecast, it is a daily battle for survival, where farmers watch their crops wither and traders struggle to keep fresh goods. The extreme heat fluctuations in Ghana are a part of a global climate crisis.  According to research i n communities such as Chanzegu, Kunbugu, and Yipelina-yili, the changing heat conditions are having a significant and intense impact on the daily lives and routines of residents. Communities in Tamale suffer the effects of the rising heat temperatures For farmers in these areas, the heat is not just uncomforta...

THE FUTURE IS FEMALE: ELEVATING WOMEN’S FOOTBALL IN GHANA

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In a country where football reigns supreme, the rising interest in female footballers is not just a trend but a revolutionary shift that seeks to elevate women’s roles and recognition in the sport.  An intense training section of the Black Princesses for an upcoming tournament.  Source: GFA   Women's football championships receive significant attention in many countries, but in Ghana, it remains a hidden gem waiting to shine.  Ghana women's football national teams comprise black damsels - the U15, black Maidens -U17, black Princess U20, and the senior national team, the Black Queens.        The Black Queens in a pose during a friendly match against Japan.   Source: GFA The Black Princesses first appeared in the African World Cup qualification in 2006 and have qualified for every World Cup since 2010. According to the Black Princess management committee, the level of sponsorship and investment in these teams is significantly low compared ...

CERVICAL CANCER THROUGH ORAL SEX: RARE BUT TRUE FACTS OF THE CANCER

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Cervical cancer, primarily caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), is a major health issue worldwide. Traditionally associated with vaginal and anal intercourse, recent evidence suggests that HPV can also be transmitted through oral sex, though this route is less common.  The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that over 3,000 women die from cervical cancer annually due to late diagnosis. This highlights the critical need for regular health screenings to enable early detection and prevention.                                         A presentation of cervical cancer. Image source: online Research according to Clinical Management of Oral Healthcare in Diverse Patients Population,  indicates that HPV can infect the oral cavity, potentially leading to oral cancers that might subsequently affect the cervix. A study noted t...

FROM D-I-Y TO PRO: THE EVOLUTION OF MAKEUP ARTISTRY

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Images depicting ancient Egyptians with kohl-lined eyes and red lipstick  Source: CNN Makeup artistry has a rich and varied history, evolving from ancient rituals to modern fashion trends .  Tracing its origins back to 6 000 BCE, makeup has always played a significant role in human culture, symbolizing status, beauty, and even spiritual beliefs.   In ancient Egypt, both men and women used kohl to outline their eyes. This practice was meant to guard against evil spirits and the harsh sun .   Ancient Egyptian Makeup: A blend of kohl and natural pigments   Source: Grunge.com Similarly, in ancient China, people used rice powder to whiten their faces and plant-based colors to color their lips and cheeks, which represented youth and vigor. Nail polish was also utilized by Chinese royalty to denote their social rank.   The twentieth century introduced Hollywood glamour, which popularised strong, expressive looks. Hollywood celebrities and fashion icons in t...

MONETISATION IN POLITICS.

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Monetization in politics, in its barest form, occurs when politicians dole out cash or other material items to prospective voters to influence their votes during elections.  This practice becomes particularly prevalent during election years. As part of their campaign strategies, aspirants for this year's general election have organized events to engage with voters, a common tactic used by political parties in Ghana to sell their policies.   Both Parliamentary and Presidential aspirants are traveling across the country, presenting their platforms and trying to convince voters that they are the best choice for implementing national policies. Unfortunately, this period is also when politicians most frequently use money to sway voters.   One voter explained why he accepts money before casting his vote, saying,  "Some of us we are need of money that's why..."     Anonymous voter expressing himself on why he takes money for vote Campaign events are common during ...

LOW AWARENESS OF THE MYNHIS APP

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MyNHIS App, the digital NHIS membership renewal platform introduced by the NHIA (Photo credit: citinewsroom.com) Citizen's unawareness of the MyNHIS app's existence is hindering its potential benefits for beneficiaries leading to inadequate healthcare access.  This lack of awareness is attributed to limited promotion, education, and awareness campaigns. NHIA official educating market women in Tamale (Photo credit: diamondfmonline.com) In 2003, Ghana reformed its healthcare access by introducing the National Health Insurance Scheme to replace the then cash and carry payment method. In 2014, the NHIA adopted a biometric registration to address the long queues at their centres, streamlining the process of registration and renewal of the policy, and improving efficiency.  Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia launched the MyNHIS App in Tamale (Photo credit: daily guide network) On 5th December 2022, the National Health Insurance Authority introduced the MyNHIS app, a digital platfor...

Women In Virtual Gambling: The Growing Numbers of Female Corporate Workers in Online Gambling.

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 The world of online gambling, once a male-dominated arena has seen a significant shift as women increasingly join the ranks of active participants. Online casinos, sports betting, and digital games like Aviator have become the new playground for female corporate workers. A 2021 report by Global Wireless Solutions and Ghana Statistical Service revealed a substantial percentage of female punters. Libby Kaka, an accountant, and Emmie Ginji, a clerk, shared their personal experiences with factors that lured them to this trend. An accountant who describes herself as a moderate punter is happily predicting the outcome of a few matches. “My gambling journey started with an advertisement I saw on television about this whole betting thing," says Libby "Moreover my friends used to talk about it, and this exposure made me sign up for one” Emmie adds "I was entice to online gambling by social media posts that showcased winning slips, often accompanied by the promise of large return...