Ghana makes medical history:-Deep Brain Surgery

Medical history was made and a major breakthrough in brain surgery in Ghana recorded last week, when a team of brain surgeons at the Tema International Neuro-Center (TIN), which is housed in the Narh-Bita Hospital at Tema, successfully performed a seven-hour operation to treat a patient suffering from Parkinson's disease.

"For the first time in Ghana and indeed sub-Saharan Africa, a patient with Parkinson's disease had a brain pacemaker placed within the sensitive structure of the brain, in order to stop the disabling, abnormal movements in the patient", the leader of the team of surgeons, Dr Nii Bonney Andrews, explained.

Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the nervous system characterised by violent trembling of the hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face as well as stiffness of the limbs and trunk. Victims of Parkinson's disease have great difficulty walking and only manage to shuffle along.

Other symptoms of the disease include difficulty in swallowing, chewing, speaking, urinary problems, constipation, skin problems, and sleep disruptions.

Dr Andrews said Parkinson's disease patients also had great difficulty getting up, after sitting for a while. "They literally get stuck in chairs after sitting for some time", he said.

The brain surgeon said the 63-year old patient who underwent DBS surgery last week made significant progress within hours of the operation. The patient was able to walk better, his tremors decreased considerably and 48 hours after the surgery, he was able to sit for more than an hour, playing an exciting game of chess which is his favourite pastime, Dr Andrews said.

There are currently no blood or laboratory tests that have been proven to help in diagnosing the Parkinson's disease, which tends to afflict people in their 50s and older, Dr Andrews said a diagnosis of the disease is therefore mainly based on the medical history and a neurological examination of persons suspected to be suffering from early stages of the disease.

Dr Andrews said Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), which is employed to correct these abnormalities, was performed for the first time ever in 1994, in Greno, France. Since then, numerous clinical reports from all over the world have confirmed major improvements for all Parkinson's disease symptoms in patients who have undergone DBS surgery", the Ghanaian brain surgeon said.

He told the Daily Graphic that the patient had been suffering from Parkinson's disease for 20 years and had not been able to walk steadily. He fell frequently and had multiple shoulder dislocations as a result. He also shook uncontrollably and had great difficulty rising from a chair.

The surgeon described DBS as "a very complex and delicate operation requiring highly specialised skills and technology" and said its successful performance in Ghana "is a fine example of Ghanaian expertise linking up with international know-how, to improve medical outcomes in patients and expand medical knowledge."

According to Dr Andrews, "there was an air of great excitement among the surgeons, as the first electrode was passed deep into the brain of the patient." He said this was because for the first time in surgical intervention in Ghana, "the electrical charge from living and functioning cells deep within the human brain could be heard by surgeons as specific rhythmic sounds."

Dr Andrews gave an account of the dramatic events which unfolded on that memorable day last week, culminating in the historic medical feat. He said the operation started in the Scan Suite of the Medlab Building at Roman Ridge in Accra at 8 a.m.

A specialised metal frame called a Leksell frame was first placed round the patient's head. A special scan of the patient's head was next performed in order to obtain a detailed map of the brain, to identify the location of the brain where an electrode/wire was to be placed.

All calculations were "triple checked using special computer software." With the metal frame still attached to the patient's head, the patient was transported by ambulance to the Narh-Bita Hospital in Tema, at 9 a.m., the surgeon recounted.

In the operating suite at Narh-Bita, the electrode was very delicately guided into the patient's brain directly. After its placement had been checked using x-ray control films, a second electrode/wire was placed in the second side of the patient's brain and also checked. Both wires were then attached to a battery-powered simulator. At 4pm the procedure was complet�ed, the surgeon explained.

The work of Tema Interna�tional NeuroCenter at the Narh�-Bita Hospital is funded by the medical NGO NeuroGHANA. Dr Andrews revealed that since its inception in 1996, the medical NGO has promoted and pio�neered the use of modern techniques in brain surgery, key-hole video surgery, as well as Gamma Knife (GK) or "incisionless" surgery in Ghana.

The surgeon told the Daily Graphic that NeuroGHANA which is an indigenous NGO, dependent on its resources, is willing to link up with medical professionals and institutions dedicated to helping people fight serious diseases such as brain tumors, strokes, neck pain, back pain and paralysis.

Following last week's successful DBS surgical operation, he told the Daily Graphic, a special center was being set up to manage Parkinson's disease in Ghana , Six Parkinson's disease patients from the United States, Europe and Asia have been lined up for DBS surgery at the Neuro-Center.

The brain surgeon told the Daily Graphic that many patients suffering from Parkinson's disease confuse their condition with stroke. "When we administer drugs to Parkinson's disease patients at the Neuro-Centre and their condition improves, they spread the news that there is a doctor at the Narh-Bita Hospital who cures stroke." Dr Andrews said.

Dr Andrews's team included Doctors Van den Mencken and Rick Shuurman of the Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam and Dr Philip Batiade of Germany. The three foreign brain surgeons have been pursuing an advanced post-doctoral course in stereo tactic surgery at the International Neuro-Centre at the Narh-Bita Hospital.

They were assisted by neuro-surgical theatre technologist, Grace Fiagbe, radiology technologists,Theodore Ntiri and Thomas Kweku Aperko, Dr L. John, a specialist in deep brain surgery anaesthesia and Steve Bati, a nurse anesthetist of the Narh-Bita Hospital.

The brain surgeon attributed the success of the Neuro-Centre to the support it receives from the Narh-Bita Hospital administration. Dr Andrews said the Narh-Bita Hospital which is already famous for its "community friendly spirit", had made another significant contribution to medical progress in Ghana.

The brain surgeon said that Dr Edward Narh, the Medical Director of the hospital has been outlining productive medical service concepts and inviting suitable partners to develop them for an expansion in the range of specialised medical services at the facility.

"Dr Narh does not interfere in the work of specialists, but allows them to employ their creativity and skills to achieve results. That accounts for the numerous medical service innovations and successes chalked by the hospital", the brain surgeon said.

Dr Narh, who has won several local and international awards for his contribution to medical service and nursing education in Ghana, attributed the achievements of the hospital to "God's divine grace and guidance. He said the various Narh-Bita medical institutions in Tema had been founded on "Christian Principles."

Source: Daily Graphic

President Kufuor in Car Accident

President John Kufuor escaped unhurt when his convoy was involved in an accident on Wednesday while he was on his way to the Castle.

The accident occurred on the main road between the Kotoka International Airport and the 37 Military Hospital.

The president's vehicle was crossed - some eyewitnesses claim his vehicle was rammed into - by a red Mercedes coming from the opposite direction, at a major intersection on the Airport road.

No official version of how the accident happened has yet been released, however the Presidential Press Secretary Andrew Awuni said: "The picture is not very clear about the accident, It's a bit strange for the car to run into his car directly."

The vehicle, Kufuor was in, rolled over several times.

According to an eyewitness: "The car finally rested on the sidewalk and the people around helped his security men to pull him out. The president came out holding his head"

He was rushed to the hospital.

Later in the day, the Presidential Press Secretary said the president appeared to be unhurt and is back at Castle but was undergoing medical tests.

Some members of the president's entourage, who were seriously injured, have been moved to the 37 military hospital for medical attention.

"As I speak to you now the president is safe at the Castle at Osu," a reliable security chief told the Ghana News Agency in Accra later in the afternoon

He said preliminary investigations had begun to ascertain the circumstances of the accident to take precautionary measures. The security source said that "a suspect" had been detained pending further investigations.

Text Message to GHP Newsroom from "eyewitness"

• convoy crossed by car b/t Legon & 37 - Opeibea hse. K4's car overturned many times. Kufuor came out himself. hurt in the arm .. maybe
• Kufuor was hurt. they are hiding smthg..
• Thank God. He survive. i belive it was attempt on life
• Ghanaweb, hv u heard? Kufuor was shot when drivg on airport road

Joy FM:

• There are however conflicting reports on the accident. While the Information Minister Oboshie Sai-Cofie told Joy News that the President was unhurt and safe, eye witnesses Joy News spoke to said, the President�s car which was knocked from the left side was came out of his car holding his head and was lifted by onlookers to an unknown destination.

Source: GHP

Accra traders on strike

Traders in the capital Accra have shut their shops in protest of what they say is unfair competition from foreign investors in the sector.

Shop owners at Abbossey Okai where vehicle spare parts are sold, have closed their shops.

A number of foreign investors are reportedly operating in the retail sector which is reserved for Ghanaians, except for investors who are able to make investments above the amount of $300,000.

The action is being lead by the Ghana Union Traders Association (GUTA).

Speaking to Joy News, the National Organizer of GUTA, Mr. Joseph Obeng says they are determined to fight their cause and ensure their members remain in business.

The traders are meeting their leaders on Tuesday November 14, 2007 at the Opera Square in Accra to deliberate on the next line of action.

Rawlings descends heavily on NPP

Former President Jerry Rawlings has accused the NPP government of masterminding the enstoolment of Francis Nyonyo Agboada as Awoamefia of Anlo, a situation he says is illegal. The former president also accused the Kufuor-led administration of consistently corrupting the chieftaincy institution.

Speaking at fundraising rally of the National Democratic Congress in Akatsi in the Volta Region, Mr Rawlings said the government, in a desperate attempt to hold on to power, had dabbled in the Anlo chieftaincy crisis by supporting Torgbui Sri. He cited the Dagbon chieftaincy conflict as well as the Ga chieftaincy clashes as examples of the government’s complicity in protracted chieftaincy conflicts in the country. (Play the attached audio to listen to former President Rawlings).

The occasion was also used to launch an ID card for NDC party members. The former President said the government was preparing to rig the polls using the ROPAL and urged supporters to be resolute and stand against it.The New Patriotic Party had planned a similar rally in the same district on Sunday. More later.

Ohene Djan Stadium opens...As Ransford Osei Makes History

President J.A. Kufuor on Sunday commissioned the refurbished multifunctional Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra, venue for the opening and final games of the Ghana CAN 2008.Without mincing words, the President demanded high professionalism of managers and engineers of the facility and urged them to adopt the best management practices to keep the stadium in good shape at all times.He said the immediate use of the stadium will be the hosting of the Ghana 2008 tournament and reminded all of the immense cultural, economic, social and political opportunities that come with hosting the tournament.

“With the anticipated hundreds of thousands of guests who will visit Ghana for the tournament, the tourism sector will also receive the needed boost leading to further growth of our economy. Government is committed to providing such state of the art stadia in all the regions of Ghana to afford every citizen equal opportunity in taking part in sporting activities.”The President also took the opportunity to wish Premier League side, Accra Hearts of Oak a happy anniversary on the occasion of the 96th year celebrations.

Ghana’s goal scoring prodigy, Ransford Osei of the national Under 17 side, the Black Starlets, registered his name as the first player to score at the new Stadium in a memorial match against the Togolese Under 17 side.He converted a 12 minute penalty to give Ghana the lead and added two more in the second half before Togo pulled one back. Another Starlet, Richard Ampong sealed victory with Ghana's fourth.

Eschew influence in the selection process of chiefs-Kufuor

President John Agyekum Kufuor on Friday counseled kingmakers to resist all forms of influence in the selection of chiefs to vacant stools and skins to help end the spate of succession disputes. Otherwise, he said, the dignity, relevance and the place of the Chieftaincy Institution in the country could be endangered beyond repairs.

President Kufuor, who was addressing a colourful durbar of chiefs at the Centre of National Culture in Kumasi to round off the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC 2007), said it was the hope of the Government that findings of the current research into “succession to stools and skins” would provide insights that would help all stakeholders to make informed decisions on succession issues in the future.

“Meanwhile, I urge Nananom to take advantage of the structures created by the 1992 Constitution and the Chieftaincy Act of 1971, in the resolution of chieftaincy disputes that afflict this country and sometimes threaten to derail its development.” Additionally, he said, as custodians of culture, they must promote the eradication of cultural practices that were injurious to the dignity and rights of individuals, particularly, women and children. President Kufuor noted that good governance and the rule of law, in the traditional setting, were known in principle, to refer to fairness, justice and protection of the vulnerable including women, children, the aged and the physically challenged.

“Nowhere was the concern for sanitation and environment more keenly in evidence than the traditional setting. This is why all our Constitutions have recognized the Chieftaincy Institution.” He said it was however, sad, that in practice, with regard to human rights, especially rights of women, widows and the girl child, not all aspects of the nation’s culture reflected the spirit and letter of the Constitution. Touching of the exhibition of items from various cottage industries at the NAFAC, he said, it was a confirmation of the potential of the cultural sector, which must engage the chiefs and District Assemblies as they sought ways of generating employment and growing the national economy.

He also used the occasion to whip up support for the Ghana 2008 Football Tournament and said all should work to make it memorable. This should be one of the nation’s finest moments, he added. “This is a tournament that will attract thousands of football fans and tourists to the country.

It will also have over a billion TV viewers around the world.” President Kufuor called on all Ghanaians, irrespective of gender, ethnic, religious or political affiliation to pray for the success of the tournament and in particular for the national team, the Black Stars The 10-day event showcased the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the country and had, as its theme: “50 Years of Cultural Integration and National Development.” The celebration of the next edition of NAFAC in the year 2009 would be held in Tamale.GNA

Act firmly to stop drug and alcohol abuse – President Kufuor

President John Agyekum Kufuor on Saturday expressed concern about the increasing reports of drugs and alcohol abuse among students and called on school authorities to be more vigilant and act firmly to stop the menace. Narcotic drugs use, he said, was not only criminal but could be potentially injurious to health.

President Kufuor, was addressing the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the Kumasi Academy, a Senior High School, established by the Baptist Mission. He encouraged the country’s students to be wary of the onslaught of alien influences that contravened cherished values of the society.

To survive the complex world outside the walls of the school, he said they needed to individually reflect and prepare on how to lead responsible lives that would enable them to play significant roles in nation building. President Kufuor mentioned human resource development as one of the three-pronged priorities of the Government and said it was on the basis of this that it was doing everything to fully implement the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE).

He also outlined measures it had put in place to promote quality education, focusing on the teaching of science and technology and the mastery of Information, Communication Technology (ICT). He said, he was impressed with the high number of professionals the School has turned out over the years, who were playing critical roles in the nation with some of them serving in the Government. He also congratulated the founders for their vision and all those whose contributions had brought the Institution to its present high level. President Kufuor announced a support package for the school, including the building of a girls dormitory block, bungalows for tutors, a bus and the provision of a security wall to ward off criminals.

Besides, the Aboabo-Parkoso road, running in front of the school, has also been awarded on contract and he directed the Regional Minister to ensure that the project was delivered on schedule. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, in an address read for him said quality education was not just about academic excellence but also high levels of morality. The Education Fund he has set up would therefore, have achieved its objective, if education succeeded to mould the quality of life of the people. Nana Boakye Debra-Ansah, Asokore-Mamponghene, appealed to the Ghana Education Service (GES) to reserve a quota of high school admission to localities where the schools were sited.

The Headmaster, Mr. Alex K. Conduah, said there was an urgent need for the expansion of the facilities at the school to cope with the growing student population. He praised the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) for the immense support it was giving to the school and said the association had already provided it with an administration block, a 38-seater bus, a computer laboratory and a staff bungalow.GNA