He emphasised that traditional or herbal medicines remain an important alternative for Ghanaians, but the sector continues to face challenges related to efficacy, dosage, and hygienic practices.

“One of the reasons traditional medicines have become an issue has been the lack of standards. You buy a herbal product and you don’t know the quantity to take. Sometimes the medicine is said to cure many ailments and diseases,” the Minister said.

Mr. Akandoh made the remarks during a stakeholder meeting with the TMPC leadership, representatives of practitioner associations, and other members, aimed at improving and creating value for the sector.

He urged the Council to collaborate and invest in the sector by learning from international best practices, citing examples from China and India.

“Ghana’s traditional medicines sector cannot reinvent the wheel but can collaborate locally and internationally to access the best technology, expertise, and machinery for advanced health care delivery,” he said.

He further noted the economic potential of the sector, highlighting its role in the 24-hour economic agenda and its capacity to contribute to health care, job creation, rural development, and export earnings.

Chairman of the TMPC Governing Council, Samuel Ato Duncan, said Ghana’s traditional and alternative medicine sector had grown dynamically and could position the country as a centre of excellence for integrated health and wellness tourism in West Africa.

He called on practitioners to ensure quality assurance, professional practices, safety, protection of biodiversity, and evidence-based therapies. He added that the Council’s registration, licensing protocols, and Codes of Ethics ensured that qualified practitioners delivered care at elevated standards.

Mr. Duncan also highlighted ongoing curriculum reviews for traditional medicine training institutions to align with best practices and integrate modern science.

He added, “We must strengthen research partnerships, improve supply chains, and enhance our visibility on both domestic and international markets. Partnerships with the Food and Drugs Authority on herbal medicine quality control and with the Ghana Standards Authority on production standards are necessary.”

Mr. Duncan, who also serves as President of the Ghana Federation of Traditional Medicine Practitioners Associations (GHAFTRAM), said the TMPC would conduct a nationwide registration audit to update the practitioner database and remove unqualified operators.

He announced plans to launch an annual Traditional Medicine Research Symposium, co-organised with leading universities, to translate indigenous knowledge into validated therapies.

Practitioner associations present at the meeting included GHAFTRAM, Herbalists, Traditional Birth Attendants, Complementary and Alternative Medicine practitioners, Naturopaths, and other allied groups, alongside officials from the Ministry of Health.

Source: GNA

The launch comes as the country battles a major outbreak of the virus, which remains a continental public health emergency.

Health experts say the ongoing vaccination campaign in DRC offers a rare chance to gather real-world evidence about the vaccine’s performance. The study will look at how effective the vaccine is at preventing Mpox, including among children.

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) is funding the project with up to 10.4 million US dollars, a statement issued on September 11, 2025, said. The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) will serve as the study sponsor, while the Institut National pour la Recherche Biomédicale (INRB) in the DRC will co-sponsor and also lead the research and the Japan Institute for Health Security (JIHS) will act as a co-investigator.

The study is supported by the DRC Ministry of Health and the Institut National de Santé Publique (INSP) and is expected to begin this Autumn once regulatory and ethics approvals are completed.

Researchers will monitor vaccinated people in hotspot health zones in Équateur Province. They will track how many still get infected and also collect safety data from a subset of participants.

The findings are expected to guide vaccination strategies in the DRC and other Mpox-endemic regions. They could also help decide which age groups should be prioritized for vaccination.

Japan has donated three million doses of LC16m8 to DRC to protect at-risk populations. The vaccine, developed by KM Biologics, has been licensed in Japan for decades as a smallpox vaccine. It is safe and effective, including in people with well-controlled HIV.

The DRC Health Minister, Samuel Roger Kamba, said the country will be the first in Africa to collect real-world field data on the vaccine.

“The epidemiological data on Mpox have enabled us to support the response with vaccination of the populations. With this collaborative research, the DRC will be the first African country to collect essential field data on the use of the LC16m8 vaccine against Mpox.”

Dr. Manabu Sumi of Japan’s Health Ministry said LC16m8 is the only Mpox vaccine currently approved for children and could protect people of all ages.

“Building on the findings of this trial and Japan’s accumulated experience, the Ministry looks forward to working with international partners to further enhance LC16m8’s contribution to global preparedness and response efforts against Mpox.”

Africa CDC Director-General, Dr. Jean Kaseya, described the study as “a vital step in protecting Africa’s most vulnerable, especially children.”

“By turning science into action, we are building the evidence needed to guide vaccination and strengthen health security across the continent.”

Other partners, including INRB and JIHS, stressed that the project will also strengthen Africa’s ability to respond to future health emergencies.

Director-General of INRB and Principal Investigator, Prof. Jean-Jacques Muyembe, said scientific collaboration is key.

“The results generated by this study will serve as an effective guide for future Mpox outbreaks,” he said.

Dr. Norio Ohmagari of JIHS said the trial will provide rigorous real-world evidence, while Dr. Mugen Ujiie of the same institute highlighted Japan’s commitment to protecting communities from Mpox.

“The findings will help inform equitable and effective vaccination strategies across affected regions,” Dr Ujiie said.

The International Vaccine Institute’s Deputy Director General, Dr. Florian Marks, added that the study will also help build local research capacity.

“In close partnership with INRB, JIHS, CEPI, and local health teams, we are also working to strengthen local research capacity so that communities are better equipped to respond to future health emergencies,” he said.

General Director of INSP, Dr. Dieudonné Mwamba, said vaccination remains a key pillar in responding to epidemics.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, causes fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and skin rashes with blisters. The disease can be deadly in severe cases.

WHO and Africa CDC declared the ongoing outbreak a global and continental emergency in August 2024. As of September 2025, Mpox remains a continental health emergency in Africa.

Source: Mahmud Mohammed-Nurudeen  

If her relationship is good, everything about her feels good. A woman will, therefore, consciously work on her relationship to keep it, but sadly, sometimes she unconsciously pushes away what she loves to keep.

Some 10 years ago, a wealthy man had a fight with his wife in their bedroom.

How do you send your man away unconsciously

Not respecting him: Respect is the most important need of a man because it encourages him to grow, mature and be himself. It makes him a stronger partner, protector and provider.

If you do not respect your man, you make him a living dead person and drive him away without knowing.

Not submitting to him: Submitting is the yielding obedience to your man and ultimately to your Maker, who instituted marriage and made your man the ordained leader.

Submission involves your attitude and your actions. If you do not submit to your man, you question his leadership and competence to lead your relationship. You compete with him, and he questions his self-worth. He avoids you to protect his ego.

Not trusting him: Deep inside, your man desires to be trusted. Trust encourages your man to share all areas of his life, including his fears and failures, with you.

You attack your man’s masculinity and boast of your achievements. You take pride in intimidation, aggression and power.

You belittle your man in front of others. If you go behind him and do things just to show you can do better, you are telling him he does not measure up to you.

He responds by pulling away from you.

You hold him responsible for your happiness: You repeatedly remind him of his responsibilities, even when he believes he is doing his best.

You assume your man owes you happiness, yet in reality, no one can make another person happy. You exert undue pressure on him and may not know what to do.

You fail to appreciate his efforts and constantly complain about what you lack and what other women possess.

He may feel like a failure and stop attempting to meet your needs. As a result, he might avoid you by working longer hours or leaving the relationship.

Not meeting his emotional needs: A man’s most important emotional needs include sex, an attractive wife, and good domestic care.

If you do not show interest in sex, neglect your appearance, have unkempt hair, make no effort to manage your weight, do not cook well, and do not keep your home tidy, you may cause your man to feel depressed and he might leave you.

Are you sending your man away unconsciously? Your man may appear big and strong, but deep inside he could be very fragile, held together by a thin thread.

His ego, self-confidence, and sense of worth are connected to you, and any seemingly insignificant word or action might be all it takes to drive him away without you realising.

Understand your man. Be entirely devoted to him. Trust him and be his cheerleader.

If you love your man deeply from your heart and stay true to your words, he will always grow closer to you and never abandon or forsake you.

Source: Graphiconline

But, as you probably know, a man cannot be careful enough!

On Sunday, September 7, I fell victim to these fraudsters, scammers, losing GH¢5,848.00 (Five thousand eight hundred and forty-eight Ghana cedis) in the process.

It all started when I felt the urge to have pizza around 4.50 pm that day. Not having the number of a pizza house at hand to call, I decided to search online for one, the nearest pizza joint to order from.

In fact, that wasn’t the first time that l had resorted to the Internet to pick a contact number and order pizza to be delivered to me at home or to pick it up from the nearest pizza shop.

On this occasion, searching online, 0270983903 popped up as the contact for Papa’s Pizza so I went ahead to call.

It was duly answered as Papa’s Pizza, Tema, and the supposed “client relation officer” at the end of the call took me through the menu, and what I was looking for was mentioned so I felt comfortable. Comfortable in the belief that I was dealing with Papa’s Pizza. How wrong!

Where I got it wrong and duly fell for the scam was when I was asked whether I would like to pay before delivery and to give a unique pick-up number.

It was at this time that I got compromised in the whole scam as I kept clicking on links to confirm order, and within minutes, I saw withdrawals from my mobile money wallet.

They exhausted the wallet, and the truly accomplished scammers now started trying bank accounts to see whether

I had a linked account. And they got one, withdrawing further GHS5000 from the bank account into my mobile money wallet and transferring these amounts to a Telecel Cash number- 0209002827.

All this while, like fighting an inferno, I was on the phone, frantically explaining to MTN the situation going on and the need for them to block my mobile money wallet to avoid further withdrawals.

The speed with which MTN acted prevented further withdrawals so the last push the scammers made from my bank account to the mobile money wallet stayed because they could not transfer it out to their Telecel Cash account.

As you can see, there were three mobile money operators involved here but I wouldn’t like to talk about the other two, suffice it to add that despite my efforts to get the account into which the money was transferred blocked so that the scammers would not be able to take the money out, that did not happen and the scammers cashed it out nicely and neatly!

But I got some hard truths from this experience as soon as words like “Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do about it” came into the picture. What are the big lessons? First, let me pose this question:

How safe are we when we link our mobile money wallets to our bank account? Well, for me, I had even forgotten that that account was even linked to my mobile money wallet in the first place until the scammers reminded me.

It wasn’t a mistake that it was linked. No. I now remember that when I set up the accounts, some financial services options were offered and I was happy to go along with them.

And that included linking the account to your mobile money wallet, so I did fully consent to this, but until the reminder from the scam, I had never used it for any serious transaction, that is pushing large sums from my account to my mobile money wallet to make payment.

I would rather pay directly from my bank account to a mobile money wallet of a third party if I had to make a payment. So was it really necessary for me to accept the option of linking my mobile money wallet to my bank account?

With hindsight and the experience I have now, it wasn’t really necessary as it rather increased my risk and exposed me in a big way to the scammers.

What I would add is that just as risk pervades finance much the same way that gravity pervades physics, make sure that you always have in place all the risk-mitigating measures when it comes to your finances.

I have lost money, that is for sure, but the lesson gained is valuable. I have therefore delinked my mobile wallet from my bank account as I have experienced how the potential pitfall could be dire. Besides, I don’t have any direct control over that risk should I become a victim again.

The next lesson is a big one, and that is the question of how prepared the mobile money operators (the big telcos) are in dealing with fraud.

I didn’t have enough comfort on this issue during my interaction with them in trying to address my predicament.

The fraudsters seem ahead and something needs to be done about it. At some point, it was like I was trying to teach a customer representative what to do! That is not good enough.

As I mentioned earlier, MTN did a great job with the speed with which they handled the situation by preventing further looting, and that I am grateful for. But overall, a lot of education needs to be done.

There are great adverts running to help us, consumers, on radio and television, including some online sources but a lot more needs to be done because of the dynamic and ever-changing landscape the fraudsters create.

If someone like me, highly sophisticated in my dealings online, has fallen victim to a scam, then there are a lot more people out there wailing under the evil sword of scammers.

The case is not ended yet, though. I am still engaging the telcos to see if there is a way the scammers could be arrested. My mission is not about the recovery of the loot but to prevent them from scamming other people.

It is a crusade also to ensure that the telcos really get ahead of the curve and not behind because these scammers seem to be graduating with honours from the school of scamming where they are taught so well.

With fraud on the rise, let us all be careful about our footprints online, and stay extra vigilant when ordering services online, especially where you are required to pay before delivery.

Criminals are utilising growth in technological innovations in recent years to turn the Internet into a very dangerous place to play, or using popular brands to deceive unsuspecting clients.

So let’s be vigilant! But can a man be careful enough? Well, still be careful.

Source: GraphicOnline

In a statement, the Ministry announced Tuesday, September 16, 2025, as the new deadline, giving prospective bidders additional time to prepare and submit their documents.

The call for proposals was initially published in the Ghanaian Times on Thursday, September 4, 2025, inviting qualified suppliers, vendors, and organisations with proven capacity and relevant experience to submit comprehensive proposals.

Proposals are expected to include detailed technical specifications of the dialysis machines, previous experience with similar installations, after-sales service and maintenance plans, delivery timelines, and a full cost breakdown, including consumables.

The Ministry has encouraged eligible companies to take advantage of the extended timeline and submit their proposals by the new deadline.

Source: Adomonline

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In its latest update, the Service said one patient is currently on admission, while the national death toll remains at one.

Health officials are urging the public to remain vigilant, practice proper hygiene, and seek prompt medical care if they experience symptoms such as fever, headache, rash, swollen lymph nodes, or muscle pain.

Mpox is primarily spread through close contact with an infected person.

Source: Adomonline

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Speaking on Tuesday night’s episode, she disclosed that she discovered her status only during antenatal care after becoming pregnant. According to her, her husband concealed his condition and later spread rumours that she had been promiscuous and had passed the virus to him. These claims led to her being ostracised by both her own family and her in-laws.

“I was shocked when I was told I had the virus. My husband never said anything. He told people I had been sleeping around and that I infected him. Now, no one comes close to me or my children,” she said through tears.

She explained that her three children, who are not HIV positive, have also suffered rejection. Once-supportive relatives have abandoned them, leaving the family to cope alone since her husband’s death.

“I’m a teacher, but the pain is too much. I became depressed, lost weight, lost my hair, and I couldn’t talk to anyone because of the lies he told. I cried all the time,” she recounted.

The woman added that she struggles to manage the disease due to financial constraints. She said her medication must be taken after a proper meal, but sometimes she goes without food and is forced to skip doses.

“Sometimes I don’t take the drugs because I haven’t eaten. The nurse told me I must take them to stay healthy, but it’s hard. I never imagined I’d be taking medicine for the rest of my life,” she said.

Public health expert Dr Vanessa Apea, who joined the discussion, stressed that HIV should not be viewed as a moral issue. “HIV is not about morality—it’s about health. Society has caged HIV in shame and judgment. But it is a chronic disease, not a communicable one in the way people think, and with proper medication, people can live long and healthy lives,” she said.

She condemned the stigma attached to HIV, noting that it continues to damage the lives of people already carrying the burden of the condition. She called for more education to challenge myths and reduce discrimination.

The woman ended her account with a plea for help, appealing for emotional, mental, and financial support for herself and her children, who are still in school. She urged the public to show compassion and to support efforts to fight the stigma surrounding HIV.

Individuals or organisations willing to assist can contact the producer of Let’s Talk via JoyPrime.

Let’s Talk airs every Tuesday at 9 pm on JoyPrime, providing a safe space for open discussions on emotional, physical, and mental health issues.

Source: Lois Ampea-Badu  

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“I was shocked. I didn’t even know such a thing existed,” she recalls. “All I knew was that my periods were irregular, sometimes 10 months out of 12, sometimes less. I didn’t think it was serious until the doctor told me.”

Evelyn’s story is far from unique. Health workers say many women in Ghana are living with PCOS without even knowing it.

What exactly is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is one of the most common hormonal disorders among women of reproductive age. Doctors describe it as a condition linked to abnormal hormonal levels and sometimes genetics, with mothers often passing it on to daughters.

PCOS usually develops in the teenage years or early twenties, but symptoms differ from person to person. Some women develop ovarian cysts, partially formed eggs that never mature due to hormonal imbalance, while others don’t. Contrary to myths, most of these cysts do not burst or require surgery; they are eventually reabsorbed into the body.

The silent symptoms

PCOS is often called a “silent” syndrome because many of its signs are dismissed as everyday issues. Doctors say the most common symptoms include:

• Irregular periods or long gaps between cycles
• Excess male hormones (androgens) leading to facial/body hair and thinning hair on the scalp
• Cysts in the ovaries seen through ultrasound
  In teenagers, it may show up as severe menstrual pain, prolonged bleeding, or persistent irregular cycles.

“Most young girls don’t even know what is normal and what isn’t,” explains Miss Juliana, Maternity In-Charge at Winneba Municipal Hospital. “By the time they realize something is wrong, the condition may have already affected their health and fertility.”

The Bigger Picture

PCOS doesn’t just affect periods. Doctors warn it can affect nearly every system in the body:

• Metabolic health: Increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease
• Reproductive health: Infertility, pregnancy complications, and higher risk of endometrial cancer
• Skin and hair: Dark skin patches, acne, and excess hair growth
• Mental health: Anxiety, depression, and disordered eating, often triggered by the emotional toll of reproductive challenges

The cost of care

Even when women suspect something is wrong, cost can be a barrier. At Trauma and Specialist Hospital, an ultrasound scan costs ₵60, while lab tests vary. Evelyn recalls doing a Fasting Blood Sugar (₵15) and HbA1c test (₵130) only after saving up.

“The doctor wanted me to do both a scan and lab test, but I couldn’t afford everything at once,” she says.

Raising awareness

Experts say that the biggest challenge with PCOS is not just treatment, it’s awareness. Many women only discover the syndrome when they struggle to conceive.

“We need to talk more about this condition,” Miss Juliana stresses. “Women should not wait until they want children before they start paying attention to their menstrual cycles and hormonal health.”

Advice for women

Health experts recommend that women:
•Visit a gynecologist regularly
•Track their menstrual cycles
•Watch for unusual symptoms such as prolonged bleeding or skin changes
•Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle
•Avoid self-medicating with contraceptive pills without medical advice

A silent struggle

For Evelyn, living with PCOS has been a lesson in self-awareness. “If I had known earlier, maybe I wouldn’t have ignored the signs,” she says. “Now I pay attention to my body, and I want other women to do the same.”

PCOS may not always be life-threatening, but its long-term effects can be devastating if ignored. With greater education and open conversations, more women can seek help early and manage the syndrome before it steals their peace of mind and their dreams of motherhood.

Source: Emmanuella Tettehki Samadji

In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, the Ministry noted that the leadership of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) had paid a courtesy call on Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh to strengthen collaboration with government.

During the meeting, the delegation rendered an unqualified apology to the Minister over a recent media attack.

The Ministry highlighted key interventions, including the establishment of the Ghana Medical Training Fund (GMTF), retooling of health facilities nationwide, and the full settlement of arrears on nursing training allowances and National Health Insurance claims. It also announced that government has absorbed 50 percent of admission fees for students in nursing training institutions.

According to the statement, these initiatives form part of government’s commitment to ensuring the smooth implementation of the collective bargaining agreement with the GRNMA, aimed at improving service conditions for nurses and advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The Ministry assured stakeholders and the public of its continued dedication to addressing challenges within the health sector.

The GRNMA delegation was made up of immediate past President Alice Darkoa Asare-Allotey, current President Dr. Krobea Asante, Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, and General Secretary Dr. David Tenkorang-Twum.

Read the full statement below

The donation included 11,000 examination gloves, 500 surgical gloves, 10 gallons of spirit, 10 bottles of Savlon, 20 packs of tissue, and 10 gallons of disinfectant.

Speaking after the presentation, Dr. Tandoh told Adom News that the hospital, being a referral centre, attends to a large number of patients daily, which often results in a rapid shortage of consumables.

To ease this challenge, he pledged to continue supporting the hospital with supplies every three months.

Receiving the items on behalf of management, the hospital’s Clinical Coordinator, Dr. Prince Kofi Dwomoh Kesse, expressed appreciation for the gesture.

He described the donation as timely, noting that it would help fill gaps in the facility’s supplies and support staff in delivering quality care.

He further encouraged individuals and institutions to extend similar assistance to strengthen healthcare delivery in the municipality.

Source: Sammy Asare

further encouraged individuals and institutions to extend similar assistance to strengthen healthcare delivery in the municipality.

Source: Sammy Asare

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The new platform offers a seamless and engaging shopping experience, featuring apparel that blends clean design, premium quality, and a distinctive modern aesthetic.

This launch underscores ASTR Clothing’s mission to redefine fashion for a new generation, transforming clothing into a true extension of personality and attitude.

“We created ASTR Clothing to inspire confidence and individuality,” said Anthony Shaw, Founder & Creative Director. “Our website is more than a storefront; it’s a creative space where style meets innovation, and we can connect directly with our community.”

The online store debuts with a versatile collection of exclusive designs and limited-edition pieces, tailored for both everyday wear and standout occasions.

Visitors can expect an intuitive interface, secure transactions, and a streamlined shopping experience.

ASTR Clothing invites fashion enthusiasts and trendsetters to explore its first collection and join a brand that champions originality and bold self-expression.

Shop Now: www.astrclothing.com

Follow Us:
Instagram: @Astr.Clothing
TikTok: @Astr.Clothing
Facebook: @Astr.Clothing

The slide outlined the “7 Signs of a Great CEO,” highlighting traits such as prioritizing people, fostering strong cultures, and leading by example. Regrettably, the individual at the center of this article failed all seven traits.

In an ideal world, leadership inspires, nurtures, and empowers. Effective leaders prioritize their people, build strong cultures, and foster environments where individuals and collective goals thrive.

They understand that a supportive workplace boosts morale and drives results. Yet, the reality in many organizations, including this health system over the past nine to ten years, has been starkly different. When leaders resort to cruelty—through demeaning language, unreasonable demands, intimidation, threats, or obstructing promotions—the consequences are devastating, both personally and organizationally.

I have witnessed the profound impact of destructive leadership firsthand. For nearly a decade, a leader of medical services systematically dismantled the spirit of dedicated health professionals, turning a team of talented individuals into a demoralized and embittered workforce.

Upon assuming the role, this leader was met with goodwill from staff across all facilities, eager to support his vision. What followed, however, was a tenure marked by frustration and obstruction.

Qualified individuals were denied promotions or opportunities for advancement for unclear reasons. Staff were coerced into giving up one opportunity only to be denied both. Disrespect and intimidation became commonplace, eroding morale and undermining a once vibrant team.

The consequences extended beyond individuals. Innovation and enthusiasm waned, morale plummeted, and the organizational atmosphere became one of frustration and resentment. This decline affected productivity and the overall performance of all facilities under the health system.

Ultimately, the leader’s approach proved unsustainable. Many staff, particularly from satellite facilities, resigned or sought unpaid leave to pursue opportunities abroad. This leader has since left the position, a reminder that leadership based on suppression is both destructive and short-lived.

The lesson is clear: true success is built on respect, integrity, and the nurturing of talent—not on intimidation or cruelty. Poor leadership carries a heavy human cost, with repercussions that can linger long after the leader departs.

Source: Dr. Frederick Mawuli Agbemafoh (MBChB, MGCS, MWACS)

He made the call at a public lecture on Friday, August 29, to mark the 50th anniversary of the institute, which was founded with what he described as a “simple, profound mission to provide hope” to individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease.

Speaking on the theme, “Translating Research into Care: 50 Years of Sickle Cell Excellence,” Dr. Kuma highlighted the institute’s transformation into a center for clinical care, research, training, and advocacy. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that scientific findings extend beyond academic publications to deliver tangible benefits for patients.

“Its true value lies in improving the lives of patients, in making diagnosis early, treatment more effective, and support more holistic,” he said.

Sickle cell disease remains a major public health challenge in Ghana, with the Ghana Health Service estimating that 2% of newborns—around 15,000 babies annually—are born with the condition. About 20% of the population carries the sickle cell trait, placing Ghana among the countries with the highest prevalence globally.

Despite progress made in research and clinical care, the disease continues to account for a significant number of deaths, particularly among children under five. Limited public awareness also contributes to late diagnosis and inadequate support for affected families.

The institute’s 50th anniversary, Dr. Kuma noted, is not only a celebration of achievements but also a call to action. “Together, we can build a future where every child born with sickle cell disease receives the best possible care, and where no life is limited by their condition,” he added.

Source:Myjoyonline

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Mrs. Tamakloe donated food items, clothing, and baby essentials to more than 50 nursing mothers and pregnant women at the facility.

The packages included rice, cooking oil, tin tomatoes, baby food, and other supplies aimed at easing the burden on new and expectant mothers.

The initiative formed part of SMACH Foundation’s commitment to improving maternal and child welfare. It also doubled as a personal celebration of Mrs. Tamakloe’s recent academic milestone—completing a master’s degree in public health at the University of Ghana in August 2025.

In her remarks, she called on government to prioritize investment in healthcare infrastructure and medical equipment to enhance the quality of care in health facilities nationwide.

She further urged beneficiaries to strictly adhere to medical advice from doctors and nurses to safeguard their health and that of their babies.

Source: Adomonline

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Speaking at a JoyNews dialogue on Thursday, August 28, themed “Breaking the Chains: Ghana’s Opioid Crisis,” Mr. Opare Addo said, “Codeine and cough syrups stand at 28%. And then you will be amazed to know that 12% of our university and tertiary students are abusing cocaine and 11% heroin.”

He added that weed edibles are the most widely used, with 59% of respondents admitting consumption. Shisha and hookah, often mixed with other substances, account for 49%, while 41% of students abuse prescription drugs.

The minister expressed concern about students increasingly experimenting with expensive hard drugs. “I know cocaine is expensive, I know heroin is expensive, and we even drilled down to the various institutions,” he said.

Highlighting differences among institutions, Mr. Opare Addo noted, “The nursing health institutions don’t do a lot of abuse. Reasons are that they still operate some form of military regime in the schools, like you need permission to go out. But the worst abusers are the universities.”

He described universities as “epicentres” of the drug crisis, stressing that these substances are often sold openly during hall week celebrations and festive occasions on campus.

Source: Clara Seshie

Speaking at a JoyNews dialogue themed “Breaking the Chains: Ghana’s Opioid Crisis” on Thursday, August 28, Dr. Dordoye highlighted the unique dangers opioid addiction poses to the developing brains of young people.

The dialogue follows JoyNews’ latest investigative documentary, Deadly Doses, which uncovered a surge in drug use among young people in the Ashanti Region.

According to Dr. Dordoye, a consultant psychiatrist and addiction expert, the addictive nature of opioids is particularly aggressive, as the brain quickly develops a tolerance to the drug, requiring ever-increasing doses to achieve the same effect.

“Unfortunately, very unfortunately, the mind is such that if you take drugs of abuse today, tomorrow it will demand more, because what you took today will not give you the same high tomorrow,” he explained.

The Head of Department at the University of Health and Allied Sciences also cautioned about the life-threatening risks associated with both overdose and withdrawal.

“If you take too much of it at a time, you can suffer overdose death because the drug depresses your respiratory centre, meaning that you start breathing very slowly. You don’t get enough oxygen into your body, so you more or less suffocate,” he warned.

He added that abruptly stopping long-term use can also be fatal, as severe withdrawal syndrome requires professional medical supervision.

Dr. Dordoye underscored that the youth remain the most at risk.

He cited research showing that about one in four people who begin drug abuse before age 19 will become dependent, compared to just one in nine who start after age 24.

“If we are able to protect our young people for some time before they start using, we stand a higher chance of them not getting into it,” he stated.

However, he lamented the lack of adequate protective measures. “Unfortunately, we are not protecting our young ones, and I think as a nation, we are failing them,” he said.

Opioid abuse in Ghana has been driven primarily by the misuse of Tramadol, a synthetic opioid widely used by young men in the informal sector to cope with physical strain and economic hardship.

The crisis has, however, evolved with a surge in the illicit importation of even more potent opioids such as Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, often smuggled under unregistered brands like Tafrodol and Timaking.

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and other security agencies have intercepted several shipments of these unapproved drugs at entry points, underscoring the severity of the illegal trade.

Recent efforts by the government and regulatory bodies include:

• Reclassification of Tramadol: Now a controlled drug, available only by prescription.

• Destruction of illicit drugs: The Ministry of Health and FDA have destroyed large consignments to deter traffickers and raise public awareness.

• Inter-agency collaboration: A joint task force involving the FDA, Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), and Customs has intensified border checks and raids.

• Public awareness campaigns: Initiatives like “Daabi – Say No to Drug Abuse” target the youth through innovative means, including music videos featuring popular artists.

Despite these efforts, challenges remain, including porous borders and limited inter-agency intelligence sharing.

As Dr. Dordoye’s warning makes clear, a more concerted and sustained national effort is urgently needed to protect Ghana’s youth from the devastating and often fatal consequences of opioid abuse.

Source: David Apinga

“What happened?” they ask each other and me. “How do we start having great sex again?”

For some, the search for “great” sex is a reason to cheat, open up a marriage or even divorce. But before taking any drastic steps in the pursuit of great sex, I always implore couples to reframe their “sexpectations” and go for “good-enough sex” instead.

This term, which sex therapists Michael Metz and Barry McCarthy originally coined, encourages couples to pursue positive, realistic meaning in their intimate lives. In other words, just because you can’t go back to the early days of hot and heavy doesn’t mean you can’t have a Sex Life 2.0 that’s just as good as, if not better than, Version 1.0.

“Good-enough sex is often mischaracterized as ’settling’ or as having sex that’s merely adequate or mediocre,” said my colleague Dr. Justin Lehmiller, senior research fellow at the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University. “But good-enough sex is sex that is pleasurable and satisfying without the expectation or demand that it’s going to be perfect every time — because sex is rarely perfect. It’s a way of approaching sex with realistic expectations.”

Life as a couple is filled with enough stressors, so sex shouldn’t be an additional source of pressure. New York-based sex therapist Rebecca Sokoll adds that some often “have the wrong idea about what makes sex great.” “They end up striving for this idea of great sex rather than getting pleasure out of the sex that’s right in front of them,” Sokoll said. “We often need to unlearn what we have taken in from the movies and porn and instead embrace and enjoy what real sex looks like.”

Here’s what else you should know about good-enough sex:

Good-enough sex should be on the schedule

Predictable sex can be the best sex. Why? You’re more comfortable, relaxed and able to enjoy yourself. One way to keep things predictable? Add sex to your calendar.

“We know that the many benefits of a healthy sex life — greater personal satisfaction, greater relationship satisfaction, and a stronger sense of life holding more meaning — begin when couples have sex once a week,” said Eva Dillon, a New York-based sex therapist who encourages the couples she works with to schedule sex at least weekly, ideally twice.

Scheduling sex doesn’t make it less sexy, though — it makes it more likely to happen.

“Just like we plan time for what matters most, prioritizing intimacy in your calendar helps prevent it from falling to the bottom of your to-do list. Anticipation can also build excitement,” pointed out Dr. Rachel Needle, codirector of Modern Sex Therapy Institutes in Florida.

Small acts of affection, such as holding hands, checking in with each other emotionally or sharing a laugh nurture the overall connection that fuels sexual desire, Needle told me. She suggested encouraging intimacy and relaxation during your scheduled rendezvous by decluttering your bedroom, lighting a candle, playing soft music, and checking in with yourself about how you’re feeling.

Good-enough sex requires great communication

Communication is key, and not just during your fun time. Great communication is important with your partner before, during and after sex.

“Communicate in advance about your wants and needs, communicate during about what feels good and what doesn’t,” Lehmiller said, “and communicate after about what you enjoyed and want more of next time.”

You can also try putting a fun spin on sex talk by creating “sexy time menus” and putting anything on them that would bring you and your partner fulfillment and pleasure, advised Los Angeles-based psychologist Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh. You can then pick and choose from the menu, knowing that no matter what you do, you will walk away from the experience fulfilled.

Good-enough sex involves the brain, not just the body

It’s true: The brain really is our biggest sex organ — and foreplay starts in the mind. Share a fantasy with your partner, read erotica to each other, watch some ethical porn together — you get the idea.

“Couples who have good-enough sex use their imaginations to fantasize and otherwise maintain an erotic perspective during sex,” Sokoll said. “They learn to eroticize the moment, their partner, and themselves, so they can shift into an erotic state.”

Good-enough sex gets better with age

“The single biggest complaint older adults have about their sex lives is that ‘the old ways don’t work anymore,’” Lehmiller said. “What’s pleasurable and possible shifts over time — but that doesn’t mean sex has to become any less good.”

It doesn’t mean you have to settle. Rather than continuing to approach sex the same way you did when you were younger, start adapting sex to where you are in life. If you’re creative, willing and open to exploring, sex can get better and better well into your senior years, especially if you’re already comfortable with your partner. Learn what feels pleasurable and ask for what you want.

Good-enough sex is whatever you want it to be

When you remove expectations around what sex should be, you can transform it into whatever you’d like it to be. “Sex” doesn’t have to be synonymous with “intercourse.” Whatever the form, good-enough sex is based on pleasure, not performance.

“When pleasure is the goal of a sexual encounter, performance anxiety tends to decrease — and the possibility of playfulness increases,” Dillon said. “Try approaching intimacy with the mindset of ‘Am I enjoying this right now?’ rather than ‘How am I doing?’ As long as both of you are enjoying the experience, you’re having good-enough sex.”

So the next time you worry that your sex life has gotten stale or just doesn’t live up to the early days of your relationship, stop focusing on what sex isn’t and start thinking about what it can be: good enough. That will make it great.

Ian Kerner is a licensed marriage and family therapist, writer and CNN contributor on sex and relationships. His most recent book is a guide for couples, “So Tell Me About the Last Time You Had Sex.”

Source: Ian Kerner/CNN.com

In a statement issued on Thursday, August 28, 2025, the Service said it is working with the Oti Regional Coordinating Council and the Ministry of Health to contain the situation.

A National Case Management Rapid Response Team has been deployed to support regional health officials in assessing and managing the outbreak.

Typhoid fever, caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacteria, spreads through contaminated food and water. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, sore throat, and abdominal pain, sometimes accompanied by diarrhoea.

The GHS has urged the public to take preventive measures such as boiling drinking water, practicing hand hygiene, avoiding open defecation, and ensuring proper food preparation.

It also encouraged community clean-up campaigns to reduce the risk of further spread.

The Service said further details will be provided after its initial assessment.

Source: AdomOnline

In an interview on Adom FM Dwaso Nsem, the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Tony Goodmann defended that the process was thorough and impartial.

He stressed that the recommendations were focused on addressing systemic lapses rather than apportioning blame.

“That is not correct. We engaged everyone, including the doctor who assessed the nurse. He is a specialist, and the committee’s work cannot be undermined.

“This was a comprehensive exercise. Our priority is not pointing fingers but finding ways to strengthen the system,” he stated.

The committee’s final report, presented to Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh on Wednesday, noted that while video footage and eyewitnesses confirmed a heated verbal exchange between Mr. Ralph St. Williams and hospital staff, no evidence was found to support claims of physical assault.

The report also pointed to wider institutional issues at the facility, such as inadequate staffing, weak security measures, and malfunctioning diagnostic equipment.

The nurse involved, Rejoice Tsotso Bortei, later reported pain in her left hand. Medical checks, however, showed no fracture or dislocation, and she was treated with pain medication and offered psychological support.

Meanwhile, Jefferson Asare, Greater Accra Chairman of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), challenged the committee’s findings, arguing that the attending physician had diagnosed multiple bruises and swelling—yet was not called before the committee.

Source: Gertrude Otchere

ALSO READ:

• GRNMA challenges committee’s report on Ridge Hospital assault

• Ridge Hospital assault: Nurse suffered no fracture or shoulder dislocation – Committee

Speaking on Channel One TV on Thursday, August 28, Mr. Vanderpuye said the nurse’s credibility and professional reputation are now at stake.

“In this incident, your whole profession as a health professional is at stake. I wonder how people will see her within the space and which institutions will want to work with her because her head of department is saying something contrary to what she said,” he said.

He added that the nurse mishandled the matter by pursuing it personally instead of allowing Ridge Hospital to take responsibility.

“The first person you will report to is your head of department. If she had reported to the head of department and management, Ridge Hospital as an institution would take up this fight,” he explained.

Mr. Vanderpuye also criticised her for approaching the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) instead of her workplace.

“The association she belongs to should not be the maiden institution that fights this. You can’t run to your association and leave your main department,” he said.

Source: Albert Kuzor

]]> https://www.adomonline.com/ridge-hospital-assault-nurse-suffered-no-fracture-or-shoulder-dislocation-committee/ Wed, 27 Aug 2025 16:46:38 +0000 https://www.adomonline.com/?p=2571786 The committee tasked to probe the recent assault at Ridge Hospital has concluded that there is no medical evidence to support claims that Rejoice Tsotso Bortei, a rotation nurse at the facility, sustained a shoulder dislocation during the incident.

The committee presented the findings to the Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, on Wednesday, August 27.

The nurse had complained about fractures in her wrist and a dislocation in her shoulder joint.

Rejoice Tsotso Bortei subsequently filed a civil lawsuit against social media personality Ralph Saint Williams, seeking GHs7 million in damages for alleged physical assault and defamation linked to the incident.

Explaining the findings, the Committee Chairman, Dr. Lawrence Ofori-Boadu, revealed that the nurse reported her injuries on August 18, a day after the alleged assault.

But medical assessment, however, revealed, “There was no evidence of fracture on her left wrist or dislocation of her right shoulder joint as documented by the medical records.”

The report confirmed that the nurse was treated, provided with pain relief medication, and advised to rest.

She was also placed under psychological support care to aid her recovery.

In her lawsuit, the nurse stated that in the course of treating other patients, she was struck by Mr. Williams with a clenched fist and a metallic cellphone before being attacked by the activist and his alleged followers.

She suffered injuries to her arm, shoulder, waist, and other parts of her body and has since been experiencing chest pains, severe headaches, and trauma, including panic attacks.

Ms. Bortei further accused Mr. Williams of later publishing a live video in which he called her a liar and claimed she had fabricated her injuries to “cover the nonsense going on at the hospital.”

She argues that the comments damaged her reputation as a professional nurse, casting her as untrustworthy and unfit to practice.

Beyond damages, the plaintiff is also seeking a court order compelling Mr. Williams to issue a public retraction and apology, an injunction restraining him from publishing further defamatory statements, and another injunction preventing him from coming within 50 meters of her.

Source: Myjoyonline

ALSO READ:

• Ridge Hospital Assault: Perpetrators must face justice – Dr. Yankson

• Assaulted Ridge Hospital nurse sues Ralph Williams 

He attributed the absence of fatalities to timely education on the disease and prompt reporting by patients to health facilities.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Dr. Amo-Kodieh said:

“So far, we have no record of anyone dying from this outbreak. Our health education campaigns have helped people seek care on time, which is crucial in managing typhoid.”

Asked about reports suggesting that lives have been lost, he clarified.

“As a medical professional, when someone dies, I rely on the official medical cause of death. I have not received any information confirming that anyone has died from this outbreak.”

His comments come after the Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, indicated that the surge in typhoid cases has claimed the lives of some prominent figures, including a traditional leader and a former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Dambai.

Mr. Gyapong described the situation in the regional capital as “bad” and “scary,” warning that the disease is spreading rapidly.

Responding to these concerns, Dr. Amo-Kodieh urged caution in attributing deaths to typhoid without proper medical confirmation.

He stated, “People may assume a death is caused by typhoid, but the only way to know the exact cause is through a medical certificate of cause of death. Until that is confirmed, we cannot say for certain.”

Source: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy

ALSO READ:

• Typhoid outbreak kills chief and ex-MCE in Dambai
• Oti Region records 10,233 typhoid cases in first half of 2025
• Typhoid cases surge in Nanumba North amid water crisis

Mrs. Ohene-Oti, recognised internationally for her outstanding work in cancer care, presented her award to the Ministry of Health in Accra.

In his remarks, Mr. Akandoh praised her for bringing honour to Ghana, describing her achievement as a testament to the dedication, compassion, and professionalism of Ghanaian nurses.

“This global recognition is not just your personal success, but also a celebration of the broader nursing profession in Ghana,” he said. He emphasised that nurses are the backbone of healthcare delivery, especially in underserved areas where doctors are often scarce.

The Minister assured that the government remains committed to addressing challenges faced by nurses.

He highlighted recent measures such as a nearly 50 percent reduction in nursing training school fees compared to last year, the restoration of trainee allowances, and ongoing plans to upgrade certain nursing colleges into degree-awarding institutions.

Turning to Mrs. Ohene-Oti, Mr. Akandoh said her recognition should inspire other health professionals. “Your victory is Ghana’s victory. This token of support is from the Ministry and the people of Ghana who celebrate you,” he stated.

He further urged stakeholders, including unions, training schools, and regulators, to collaborate with the government in building a stronger and more resilient health system, noting that collective effort will make Ghana’s healthcare system among the best in Africa.

Mr. Akandoh concluded by pledging continued recognition and support for health professionals whose work advances medical care and elevates Ghana’s global profile.

Source: Adomonline.com

ALSO READ:

• African health ministers to convene in Lusaka for WHO Regional meeting

• Health Minister launches 24-hour call centre for patient complaints

Speaking on Joy FM’s Midday News on Tuesday, August 26, Mr Gyapong described the situation in the regional capital as “bad” and “scary,” warning that the disease is spreading rapidly and taking lives.

“Just to even mention what happened to us yesterday (Monday, August 25), one of our chiefs, Asafoatse of Dambai Traditional Council, we lost him because of typhoid. So many people have lost their lives. As for politicians, most of them even died. The former Chief Executive of Dambai died out of typhoid,” he disclosed.

His revelation comes on the back of a Public Health Department report indicating that 10,233 typhoid cases have been recorded in the Oti Region since January 2025.

Mr Gyapong blamed the crisis on the absence of a hospital in the regional capital and poor sanitation practices, particularly along the Oti Lake.

Health officials say two out of every twenty residents in the region have been affected by the disease, prompting calls for urgent intervention to improve sanitation and healthcare access.

Source: Albert Kuzor

ALSO READ:

• Typhoid cases surge in Nanumba North amid water crisis
• Oti Region records 10,233 typhoid cases in first half of 2025

• 5 foods to avoid if you’ve had typhoid fever

You don’t need to spend hours out there either. It’s more about quick clean-ups, small fixes, and helping your plants finish strong. 

Whether you’re looking after a big garden or just a few pots on the patio, these tips will help you wrap up the season the right way.

Tidy up garden beds

By the end of summer, lots of plants are past their prime and the beds can start looking untidy. Clearing out dead annuals, trimming spent flowers, and pulling anything that’s diseased keeps things looking fresh and cuts down on pests.

You don’t have to strip every patch bare, but making space now leaves room for late bloomers or fall planting. It’s also a great time to save seeds from plants you want to grow again next year.

If you’ve never tried it before, start simple with marigolds, peas, or sunflowers. Keep the seeds in a paper envelope somewhere cool and dry, and you’ll be glad you did when spring comes back around.

Over time, this becomes one of those little traditions that makes your garden feel more personal.

Trim back trees and shrubs

Warm weather often means branches grow quicker than expected, and by late summer some of them are hanging too low or crowding other plants.

This is a good moment to trim them before the cold makes it harder. Don’t go overboard though, as shrubs still need their leaves to keep feeding until they slow down for winter.

For higher branches, a pole saw is handy and saves you stretching or climbing. Doing this now prevents branches from getting heavy and breaking in storms or under snow later, which saves you bigger problems when the weather turns rough.

Refresh the soil

The soil takes a beating after a long season of growth. Giving it a boost now means it’ll be in better shape when you need it again.

Adding compost, mulch, or manure helps restore nutrients, and a fresh layer of mulch keeps moisture locked in. Even if you’re not planning on planting much this fall, the soil will be ready for you when spring rolls around.

If you don’t want to buy mulch, shredded leaves are perfect. Just run them through a mower and spread them over the beds. It’s like tucking your soil in under a blanket for the winter.

Harvest what’s left

Don’t wait too long to pick what’s still growing. Vegetables don’t just keep improving the longer they sit there.

Courgettes turn into giant marrows, beans get tough, and tomatoes can split if the weather changes. Picking regularly encourages plants to keep producing and also reduces the chance of pests settling in.

If you’ve got more than you can eat, freeze, pickle, or share the extras. Even freezing herbs in a bit of water or oil makes a difference when you want fresh flavor later.

Harvesting on time also helps keep your plants healthier, since rotting fruit on the stem attracts problems fast.

Plant for fall

Just because summer crops are slowing doesn’t mean gardening season is over. Late summer and early fall are perfect for sowing things like kale, spinach, carrots, and lettuce.

These crops thrive in cooler weather and often taste even better after a light frost. If veggies aren’t your thing, think ahead by planting spring bulbs now. When daffodils and tulips show up next year, you’ll be glad you took the time.

For instant color, pop in some pansies or mums and they’ll brighten up your garden while other plants fade.

Too many people stop early, but with the right choices you can stretch your garden into October without much effort.

Keep watering

Cooler weather can trick you into thinking plants don’t need much water anymore, but they do. Consistent watering keeps them healthy and helps them handle the season change.

Containers and hanging baskets dry out the quickest, so don’t forget about those. Watering in the morning is best since it reduces evaporation and gives plants a good start to the day.

If you want to make life easier, a drip hose or simple soaker system can keep things even without much work.

Try to keep the soil damp rather than letting it swing from bone-dry to soaked, since that kind of stress weakens the roots.

Watch for pests

End of summer doesn’t mean the bugs are done. In fact, this is when some of them really take advantage of tired plants.

Aphids, caterpillars, and slugs can all cause damage fast if you’re not paying attention. You don’t always need sprays to deal with them. Sometimes a quick blast of water, picking them off by hand, or letting the birds help is enough.

The trick is spotting issues before they spread. Look for sticky leaves, holes, or sudden patches of damage.

If you take action now, you’ll save yourself from bigger problems later and keep numbers down for next spring too.

Clean and store tools

This is one of those jobs that’s easy to put off but makes life so much easier later. Cleaning dirt off your tools and storing them somewhere dry stops rust and means they’re ready to go when you need them next.

Sharpening blades and oiling moving parts is worth the small effort because it extends their life and makes every job smoother. Think of it as giving yourself a head start for next year rather than a chore to drag your feet over.

You’ll thank yourself when you don’t have to scrape off caked mud or fight with dull shears in the spring.

A quick wipe down with a rag after each use is all it really takes, and once you make it a habit, it doesn’t feel like extra work at all.

Her remarks came as she recounted her painful journey with treatment and urged women not to let fear of surgery or chemotherapy deter them from seeking life-saving care.

Mrs Gozo explained that many women refuse treatment due to fear, particularly of losing a breast or enduring the intense pain associated with chemotherapy.

“Chemotherapy is very hard on the body, and once a person reads about it, it creates fear of going through the pain,” she told Joy Prime. “Without the chemotherapy, I don’t think you will survive this. There is no way you can survive treatment without chemotherapy, and it’s better to be alive with one breast than to die with both.”

She also addressed the fear of surgery, emphasising that it is a small price to pay for survival.

“Some get scared because they don’t want to go through the surgery and the thought of taking a lump out of their breast,” she noted. “But it is better to be alive with one breast than to die and be buried with two breasts,” she stressed.

Mrs. Gozo underscored the criticality of adhering strictly to medical advice and embracing treatment as the most viable path to survival. She concluded her remarks with a powerful call for women to prioritise their well-being, which is often neglected while caring for others.

“Women need to be very intentional about themselves. Make time for rest, make time for wellness, do what makes you happy, make time for fun activities, and make sure you are your priority,” she urged.

Source: Ellen White Boamah

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• Hair relaxers linked to increased breast cancer risk in Ghanaian women

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• I found solace in God – Breast cancer survivor recounts healing journey

She stated the bill has just been passed in Parliament, and steps were being taken to ensure it functions efficiently once rolled out.

Speaking at the 2025 Breast Society of Ghana Stakeholders Forum, the deputy minister explained that although the fund is still in its setup phase, strong systems are being put in place to ensure transparency, fraud prevention, and equitable access.

“It’s a fund and we will have to disburse it. The bill has been passed; the President has assented to it, and we are in the process of setting up the system. Once we set up a good system like any health fund, I believe that funds will be disbursed to the right people,” she stated.

The fund, which targets conditions like cancer, hypertension, and diabetes, will be used to fill in the gaps left by health insurance, especially when it no longer covers treatments such as chemotherapy.

She emphasised that the goal is to prevent situations where breast cancer patients are forced to beg for support publicly.

“Once people reach a certain stage, they simply can’t afford treatment. Some even sell their homes. President Mahama said we must not allow that to continue in Ghana. No woman should have to sell her home to survive breast cancer. This fund is here to make sure they don’t.”

The government also plans to decentralise healthcare, making breast cancer diagnosis and treatment more accessible across the country, not just in major cities.

The deputy minister called on health professionals, civil society, and the public to support the initiative to ensure its success and sustainability.

Source: Myjoyonline

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• Breast cancer cases increasing among women under 50 – Dr. Wiafe-Addai

• How to successfully benefit from MahamaCares initiative [Listen]

In the first half of 2025, the region recorded 232 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to 158 recorded in the same period last year.

This means the region saw its maternal figures appreciating with 74 deaths.

This was against a national target of 125 deaths per 100,000 live births.

Ashanti Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, who revealed this at the ongoing half-year review meeting, also announced a marginal increase in deliveries attended by health workers from 52.3 percent in 2024 to 53.7 percent in the same period in 2025.

Dr. Adomako-Boateng blames the situation on uncoordinated referrals and a lack of capacity at the peripheral level.

According to him, a new model is being developed as specialists and consultants are deployed to support healthcare provision at the primary care and district levels.

“If you look at the statistics, the 2023 half-year, we had 144 mothers dying from 100,000 live births. If you look at 2024, we had 150 maternal deaths from 100,000 live births and the year under review is 232 per 100,000 live births. For us, I am happy we have our friends from Komfo Anokye. We have sat down and we have analyze the data thoroughly. And we have even come with the causes of these.” He said.

“If you look at the data right now, you see that if you take Komfo Anokye out of it, you see public facilities, private facilities, and CHAG facilities would be recording 64 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.

When you look at the deaths at Komfo Anokye, you realised that most of them were referred. The question is if we can really build capacity in the peripheral areas, where we can manage them so that they don’t refer to Komfo Anokye. It means that all these deaths are going to be curtailed.” Dr. Adomako-Boateng added.

This year’s review meeting is under the theme “Strengthening primary healthcare through networks of practice towards universal health coverage: the role of stakeholders.”

Source: Ohemeng Tawiah

ALSO READ:

• 1,000 maternal deaths recorded in Ashanti Region – GHS

• Greater Accra records 170 maternal deaths in 2023, 20% due to eclampsia

The gathering will take place at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Kenneth Kaunda Wing, in Lusaka.

The Regional Committee is the WHO’s highest decision-making body in Africa, responsible for setting priorities, shaping policies, and guiding investments to improve health across the continent.

More than 500 delegates are expected at the meeting, including WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr. Mohamed Janabi, ministers of health, senior government officials, representatives of UN agencies, civil society organisations, and development partners.

Ahead of the meeting, WHO and the Government of Zambia will host a five-kilometre “Walk the Talk” event to promote physical activity and healthy living.

The opening session on 25 August will feature remarks from President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General and Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

Discussions over the three days are expected to focus on strengthening health systems, preparing for public health emergencies, and advancing universal health coverage in the African region.

Ministers will deliberate on a proposed Regional Framework for Accelerating Implementation of the Global Oral Health Action Plan. This new roadmap, aligned with the 2023–2030 global plan, seeks to integrate oral health into primary care, strengthen workforce innovation, improve research and surveillance, and ensure that essential oral health services are accessible to all by 2030.

The framework sets clear targets: by 2030, at least 50% of each country’s population should have access to essential oral health services, and the prevalence of major oral diseases should be reduced by 10%.

By 2028, 60% of countries are expected to have national oral health policies in place, supported by dedicated budgets and staff.

Another major focus will be on blood transfusion, which is critical for life-saving healthcare, especially for vulnerable populations.

Countries in the WHO African Region continue to face significant challenges in guaranteeing adequate and equitable access to safe, quality-assured blood and blood products. Currently, more than 50% of blood needs remain unmet in the Region, with severe health consequences.

To address this, the meeting will endorse the Framework to Advance Universal Access to Safe, Effective and Quality-Assured Blood Products in the WHO African Region (2026–2030).

The strategy is designed to strengthen every part of the blood supply chain from modernizing laboratories and storage facilities to training health workers and mobilizing more voluntary blood donors.

Between 2000 and 2023, Africa recorded progress in reducing maternal and child deaths. Yet the numbers remain alarming: the continent still accounts for 70% of global maternal deaths and more than half of all under-five deaths. Weak health systems, high costs, workforce shortages, and the growing impacts of conflict, emergencies, and climate change continue to limit access to lifesaving care.

The health ministers will focus on a new plan to transform health systems for women, children, and adolescents. The roadmap, titled Accelerating Progress in the Health and Well-being of Women, Children and Adolescents by Transforming Health Systems in the African Region, calls for greater investment in health workers, stronger primary care, and targeted action to close the deep inequalities that keep services out of reach.

Malaria remains another pressing challenge. The region bears the world’s heaviest burden, with 95% of global malaria deaths and 94% of cases recorded in 2023.

Progress in malaria control has slowed: between 2015 and 2023, incidence dropped by just 5% and deaths by 16%, well short of targets.

Ministers are expected to explore strategies to strengthen health systems, expand community-based treatment, fight drug and insecticide resistance, and secure more domestic and global funding.

Workforce shortages also threaten health goals. In Africa, there are only 1.55 health workers per 1,000 people, far below the global benchmark of 4.45. The shortage stretches primary health care, weakens emergency preparedness, and leaves rural and underserved communities most at risk.

Ministers will consider a strategy to train and retain more health professionals, improve their distribution, and harness digital tools to deliver remote care. Initiatives such as AVoHC-SURGE, which deploys rapid emergency teams from WHO AFRO and the Africa CDC, are seen as critical to improving crisis response.

Health security will also dominate the agenda. In 2024 alone, African countries responded to 251 public health events, ranging from deadly disease outbreaks to climate-driven disasters, affecting more than 40 million people. Each crisis further tested fragile systems already struggling with limited resources.

Ministers will review new proposals to enhance Africa’s health security, strengthening event detection, building resilient systems, and forging stronger partnerships. Quick detection and rapid response, experts warn, will determine whether future outbreaks remain local incidents or escalate into crises that put millions at risk.

Speaking on JoyFM’s Super Morning Show, Dr. Yankson urged patients and the public to exercise restraint when accessing healthcare, stressing that the health sector does not operate like a marketplace where the first to arrive is automatically served first.

“We should also begin to understand how the health system works. With all due respect, the healthcare system is not like the supermarket, where, for example, it is on first-come, first-served basis,” Dr. Yankson explained.

“We have a system where you may be the first person to enter the health facility, but we may have to end up treating somebody who came in two, three hours after you. The reason is that we have a situation where we have what we can describe as old cases and emergencies. And even within the emergency sector, we have a triaging system,” he added.

He further appealed for patience among clients and their relatives, noting that misunderstandings often lead to unnecessary hostility toward medical staff.

“Sometimes, unfortunately, the patients themselves are not patient, the relatives themselves are not patient, and when they see that attention is being given to someone, they believe that there is something odd and they begin to insult,” he said.

Background

The assault came to light after a viral video showed relatives of an accident victim physically attacking staff in Ridge Hospital’s emergency department.

In response, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh visited the hospital to reassure healthcare workers, ordered tightened security, and launched an investigation.

A one-week committee has been tasked with probing the incident, administratively by the Ministry and criminally by the police, with public assurances that the law will take its course.

Arrests have already been confirmed, though details of suspects, including whether Ralph St. Williams, the instigator, is among them, remain undisclosed.

Source: Albert Kuzor

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• Employment Minister to meet Labour Commission over Ridge Hospital assault

• Health Minister orders one-week probe into Ridge Hospital assault

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced the creation of a 24-hour call centre to receive and address patient complaints across hospitals nationwide.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, August 21, 2025, the minister said the initiative is designed to give the public a direct avenue to report dissatisfaction with health services.

“The best option available to anyone who feels dissatisfied is to lodge a complaint. That is why we have made dedicated numbers available so that patients can call in,” Mr. Akandoh explained.

He clarified, however, that a call to the hotline does not automatically prove a complaint valid. Each report, he noted, will be thoroughly investigated before any action is taken.

“The fact that you call does not mean you are right. We will review the matter carefully and deal with it appropriately,” he said.

Mr. Akandoh also revealed that all health facilities, including teaching hospitals, have been instructed to display the hotline numbers clearly for patients. Suggestion boxes are also being placed at vantage points to make feedback channels more accessible.

He stressed that the establishment of the call centre forms part of broader reforms to strengthen accountability and enhance service delivery in the health sector.

Source: Adomonline

The audit, sanctioned by NHIA Chief Executive Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, was conducted in response to a whistleblower report alleging fraudulent practices at the facility between February and May 2025.

Dr. Bampoe called for the audit in accordance with Sections 31(1) and 35(2) of the National Health Insurance Act (Act 852).

The multidisciplinary audit team, comprising personnel from NHIA’s Quality Assurance and Internal Audit directorates, Claims Processing Center (CPC) Accra, and an external clinician, conducted the investigation from July 14 to 18, 2025.

Their mandate was to validate claims submitted by the hospital and assess the actual services rendered to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) members.

Discovery and Recommendations

The NHIA audit uncovered multiple irregularities in claims submitted for reimbursement.

These included discrepancies between medicines dispensed and those billed, overbilling of certain drugs, and inappropriate prescribing practices involving antibiotics, opioids, and anticoagulants.

The hospital also applied incorrect catering-inclusive tariffs and demanded out-of-pocket payments from NHIS members for services that should have been covered. As a result, the NHIA has recommended a refund of GH₵312,413.51 to the Authority and called for stricter validation of future claims.

According to the report, “The Authority will not tolerate breaches that undermine public confidence in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).”

“The facility is hereby directed to refund GH¢312, 413.51 to the NHIA for various breaches and irregularities identified in claims submitted,” the sanctioned report stated.

The audit also found that catering-inclusive tariffs were applied throughout the review period, despite the hospital being credentialed as a Public Primary Hospital with a catering-exclusive designation.

This misclassification contributed to inflated claims. In light of these findings, the report has recommended that, in addition to the refund, “The facility must desist from asking active NHIS members to make out-of-pocket payments for services covered by the Scheme.

Subsequent claims, starting from May 2025, should be thoroughly validated before reimbursement,” the report directed.

More facts

The Akim Oda Government Hospital, credentialed as a Public Primary Hospital (Catering Exclusive) with a 162-bed capacity, submitted a total of 120,589 claims over a 16-month period from January 2024 to April 2025.

These claims amounted to GH¢47,645,535.00. However, the audit revealed multiple discrepancies, including medicines billed to the Scheme but not dispensed, overbilling of pharmaceuticals, and inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics, opioids, and anticoagulants.

The report stated, “There were variances in the quantities of medicines dispensed in the facility’s system and those submitted to NHIA for reimbursement.”

It further noted that “members of the scheme make out-of-pocket payments for some services and medicines covered by the scheme,” a direct violation of NHIS policy.

The NHIA has pledged to continue its oversight efforts to improve access to quality healthcare, enhance patient outcomes, and maintain the financial sustainability of the Scheme.

The NHIA indicated that the audit forms part of its broader commitment to protect the financial sustainability of the Scheme, ensure compliance with regulations, and guarantee quality healthcare delivery.

“The audit identified non-compliance with regulations and directives. Appropriate recommendations have been made to improve the NHIS and to ensure the financial sustainability of the Scheme,” the report concluded.

The Executive Management of the Authority has reiterated its commitment to continuing clinical and compliance audits across health facilities nationwide to safeguard the integrity of the NHIS and ensure that members receive the full benefits of the scheme without exploitation.

Since assuming office, Dr. Bampoe has emphasised the importance of financial controls, accountability, and transparency in the administration of the NHIS, to safeguard the integrity of the Scheme and ensure that public funds are used appropriately.

As part of his intended legacy, he, with support from his Executive Management team, has resolved to curb illegal charges and fraudulent claims under the NHIS as part of efforts to rebuild public confidence in the Scheme.

He has been soliciting the opinions and support of all stakeholders, particularly staff and service providers, in his effort to curb the illegality of NHIS members being charged out of pocket for services paid for by the Scheme, often referred to as co-payment.”

Dr. Bampoe has also emphasised that, in line with President Mahama’s vision to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as soon as possible, all financial barriers to healthcare must be removed.

He has noted that the government has remained committed to releasing funds for claims payment on a frequent and timely basis.

This, he noted, is demonstrated by the NHIA’s recent debt-free status on claims, made possible through the government’s frequent release of funds to the Authority, a development facilitated by the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL).

He stressed that the initiative is aimed at rebuilding public confidence in the Scheme, emphasising that the funds must always be used for their intended purpose.

He therefore urged that challenges such as ‘co-payments’ and fraudulent claims must be eliminated at all costs.

Source: NHIA

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Critics have accused the Minister of “fraternising” with Ralph Saint Williams, one of the alleged perpetrators, after a viral video showed them shaking hands.

But in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Goodman argued that the Minister deserved commendation for his swift response rather than condemnation.

“Why should we be using the word ‘fraternising’? Was the Minister supposed to remove his shirt and attack the guy? That is not his role. He gave clear directives to the police for investigations and showed leadership at the hospital,” Mr. Goodman stated.

He stressed that Mr. Akandoh was the first official to arrive at Ridge Hospital after the incident, directing management to prioritise care for affected staff, engaging the Greater Accra Regional Police Command, and calling for improved security at the facility.

Mr. Goodman also criticised the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) for “finding their voice” only after the Minister had acted.

“When someone does something right, we should acknowledge it. The Minister ensured that the matter was taken up immediately, while others were silent. When the incident happened, the Association was nowhere to be found,” he said.

Mr. Goodman insisted that the Minister’s actions—condemning the attack, ensuring staff protection, and initiating police investigations—demonstrated responsibility and a commitment to justice, urging the public not to judge him solely by a brief handshake.

Meanwhile, he confirmed the arrest of a suspect linked to the assault, with a manhunt ongoing for Ralph, believed to be the prime suspect.

Source: Gertrude Otchere

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According to him, the last comprehensive retooling of health facilities took place in 2014, when hospitals and clinics were supplied with essential equipment, staff capacity, and other critical resources.

“As I speak to you now, the last time we did major retooling of our health facilities was in 2014,” he said on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Tuesday.

However, a decade on, most of the equipment has broken down, leaving the sector severely constrained.

“And I can tell you that about 70 to 80 percent of these equipment are obsolete. We can’t even get more than 10 to 20 percent in the system. Even before these ten years, there were others that, when they were bought, they couldn’t serve the facilities for more than two years,” he noted.

The Minister revealed that the government is considering two options to address the challenge: partnering with the private sector or implementing a state-sponsored intervention.

“We are looking at how we can go back to Public-Private Partnerships, how the private sector can also come and partner the health facilities. We are also looking at how government can secure some funds to buy strategic equipment.”

While admitting that the health sector faces numerous challenges, Dr. Akandoh expressed optimism that with the right strategies, the situation can be turned around.

“It has not been easy; the system is a critical one. There are a lot of challenges in the system, but I can assure you that we are fixing them,” he emphasised.

Source: Albert Kuzor

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Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Tuesday, August 19, he explained that the figure covers general nurses and specialised professionals, and represents a backlog inherited before the current government assumed office.

“We have not less than 70,000 health professionals sitting at home. Doctors, Allied Health Scientists and nurses and all that, and so we have a challenge,” he disclosed.

Dr Akandoh noted that to address the challenge, government has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with several countries to facilitate the export of health labour. “About 13 countries have responded and we are now agreeing on our MoUs with them.”

However, he pointed out that while partner countries are demanding more specialised professionals, there is less interest in general nurses.

“The challenge is that, if you look at the requests from the various countries and even our (African) countries, the request is high when it comes to specialists than ordinary nurses.”

The Minister assured that government is exploring various strategies to manage the backlog and create opportunities for unemployed health professionals.

According to him, one such internal approach is to employ them on an annual basis. “We are looking at how the Ghana government will continue to employ them every year.”

Source: Albert Kuzor

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After consulting with multiple specialists, she was diagnosed with labial hypoplasia, a condition in which her outer labia were only partially formed. Following surgery to correct the issue, she found significant relief and remained relatively pain-free, incorporating yoga into her routine to further support her healing.

But the pain returned six years later, this time during the initial stages of penetration.

The 33-year-old California resident has been fighting for three years to receive a formal diagnosis, as the root of her discomfort remains unclear. She requested that only her first name be used out of privacy concerns.

“I get a lot of ‘it’s probably anxiety or related to mental health,’” she said. “It’s disappointing since I made a ton of progress and now feel like I’m being tossed aside.”

Nicole’s experience of painful sex isn’t unique. Nearly 3 in 4 women will experience painful intercourse at some point in their lives, whether it’s a temporary or long-term problem, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

“Sex should never be painful,” said Eva Dillon, a sex therapist based in New York City. “It’s something that women should never have to endure.”

What causes pain during intercourse?

Painful intercourse can be caused by several common issues.

Women who experience pelvic pain or pain with sexual activity, gynaecological exams or tampon use may have tight pelvic floor muscles.

The condition can increase tension and cause pain, according to Dr. Anna Falter, a physical therapist specialising in pelvic floor therapy at the Cleveland Clinic, via email.

Pelvic pain can also be linked to tightness in other areas of the body, including the neck, lower back and hips — issues that might not immediately seem connected to sexual discomfort. Stress, previous surgeries, traumatic experiences or even unconscious muscle tensing can also contribute to this pain.

Additionally, hormonal changes, such as decreased estrogen levels during menopause or postpartum, especially while breastfeeding, can lead to vaginal dryness, which can make intercourse uncomfortable or painful.

Getting treatment

For women experiencing pelvic floor muscle tension, pelvic floor physical therapy is often an effective treatment option to reduce pain and prevent muscles from becoming overly tight in the future, Falter said.

One commonly used technique in pelvic floor physical therapy is trigger point therapy, which involves applying pressure to tight muscles to help them relax. A pelvic floor physical therapist may perform this method vaginally, using a gloved and lubricated finger to target and massage specific tight areas or trigger points, Falter said.

Patients can also learn to perform self-trigger point release at home using their own fingers, a partner, a pelvic wand or vaginal dilators to help relax the internal muscles.

Falter also noted that partners are welcome to attend pelvic floor therapy sessions, where they can learn strategies to support their partner if both parties are comfortable.

Another approach is pelvic floor lengthening exercises, which differ from the more commonly known Kegel exercises, Falter explained. Lengthening involves relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, often paired with diaphragmatic breathing, where the patient inhales deeply, allowing their abdomen, rib cage and pelvic floor to relax.

This movement is more challenging, so Falter recommends seeking help from a pelvic floor physical therapist to ensure you’re using the proper form.

Falter also advises women to check in with their bodies throughout the day, especially during activities such as brushing their teeth or sitting on the couch, to check that they aren’t unconsciously tensing their pelvic muscles.

Certain yoga poses and stretches, such as child’s pose, butterfly stretch and deep squat, can help release pelvic tension.

Still, it’s good to remember that seeking individualised treatment is always the best approach, Falter said.

Supporting a partner experiencing pain

If your partner is experiencing pain during sex, there are steps you can take to provide comfort and support.

Most importantly, if there’s any pain during intercourse, it’s crucial to stop immediately. Continuing despite discomfort can create negative associations between sex and pain, making future encounters even more challenging.

“At the end of any sexual encounter, you want to be able to look forward to the next time with anticipation and delight,” Dillon said. “And, if sex is painful, you can begin to dread the next time, and it sets up a cycle, which you don’t want.”

Communication is also key, and it’s important for both partners to be open and understanding about the pain and treatment journey, especially if shame or feelings of inadequacy arise.

“It can be helpful if the partner takes time to learn about what their partner is experiencing, as well as the treatment strategies they are working on, so they can support and encourage them through the treatment journey,” Falter said.

For couples who are temporarily unable to engage in intercourse, there are still many ways to stay connected physically. Dillon recommends trying outercourse — non-penetrative sexual activities like manual stimulation or oral sex — to maintain intimacy and pleasure.

If intercourse or other forms of sexual activity are off the table, simple gestures such as a meaningful kiss or affectionate hugs can strengthen the emotional bond between partners.

“These (forms of touch) are really important for us,” Dillon said. “They tell our nervous systems we’re safe and not alone.”

Physical intimacy is still important

Despite the lack of a clear diagnosis, Nicole has not given up on her desire for a fulfilling intimate relationship. Alongside her partner, she has taken matters into her own hands, exploring alternative solutions.

“I tend to feel really frustrated with my body and the pain since I don’t want to have these issues,” Nicole said via email. “Physical intimacy can be such a huge part of a relationship, and sometimes I feel like I’m missing out.”

Nicole and her boyfriend have found creative ways to maintain intimacy without intercourse or penetration. They have also incorporated pelvic floor therapies into their routine, which have helped alleviate some of the pain during their intimate moments. But that doesn’t mean she lives without disappointment.

“There was a lot of education that had to be done, which cannot be so fun and sexy when things are new,” she said. “In the end, it has really brought us closer together and created a more emotional, intimate connection pretty early on since we had to have these less fun and pretty technical conversations.”

Source: CNN

This month-long campaign aims to raise awareness and promote effective breastfeeding practices to ensure every child receives the healthiest start in life.

At the launch event, Dr. Fiona Braka, WHO Representative in Ghana, emphasized the critical role of early breastfeeding in improving child survival and maternal health. She noted that breastfeeding not only provides essential nutrients for infants but also triggers hormonal changes that may reduce a mother’s risk of developing breast cancer.

Dr. Braka reaffirmed WHO’s partnership with the Ministry of Health to strengthen Ghana’s Breastfeeding Policy. Key measures include initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, practicing exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and providing flexible workplace arrangements to support breastfeeding mothers.

Dr. Kennedy Brightson, Head of the Family Health Division at the Ghana Health Service, urged health professionals to actively participate in awareness creation throughout the month. He stressed that empowering women with knowledge about breastfeeding will boost their confidence, ensuring no mother is left behind in receiving the support she needs.

Chairing the event, Professor Alexander Manu reminded mothers that early breastfeeding significantly reduces neonatal mortality and prevents diseases such as diarrhea. “Breastfeeding should not be reduced to slogans; it must be matched with real action and strong support systems,” he said.

Adding a personal and cultural perspective, Nanahemaa Adjoa Awindor, Executive Director of the Obaapa Development Foundation, described breastfeeding as “not just an act, but a legacy” that creates a lasting bond between mother and child. She also called on young women to prioritize the nourishment of their babies over cosmetic concerns, noting that “the health of a nation begins in the hands of mothers.”

The launch event also featured expert presentations on early breastfeeding and strategies to prevent related health complications in children.

Source:

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This year’s theme, “Prioritising Breastfeeding: Create a Sustainable Support System,” aims to raise awareness about the critical benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, particularly in the first six months of a child’s life. It also seeks to address widespread misconceptions that continue to hinder proper breastfeeding practices in many communities.

Held in a vibrant and engaging atmosphere, the event brought together nursing mothers, healthcare professionals, nutritionists, and key stakeholders to advocate for stronger support systems and renewed commitment to breastfeeding education.

Municipal Health Director, Dr. Maame Yaa Nhyira Essel, emphasised the far-reaching benefits of breastfeeding—not just for children’s health and development, but also for maternal well-being and national economic growth.

“Investing in breastfeeding is investing in the future,” she stated. “It reduces childhood illnesses, improves cognitive development, and creates a strong foundation for a healthier society. We need to make breastfeeding a collective responsibility—one that is supported by families, health systems, workplaces, and policymakers.”

Dr. Essel also underscored the importance of creating sustainable support systems that empower mothers to breastfeed exclusively. She called for coordinated efforts from workplaces, community networks, and public education campaigns to make breastfeeding more accessible and supported.

The event featured interactive sessions during which mothers shared personal experiences and gained new insights. Many participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to better understand proper breastfeeding techniques and their long-term advantages.

“I used to think formula was just as good as breast milk,” one mother shared. “But now I understand how important exclusive breastfeeding is, especially in the early months. I feel more confident and empowered to do what’s best for my baby.”

As activities continue throughout the week, the Health Directorate is expected to extend its outreach through community engagements, educational campaigns, and partnerships with local organisations—reiterating that breastfeeding is not just a personal decision, but a vital public health priority.

Source: Kodwo Mensah Aboroampa

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Speaking at the 2025 Africa Health Sovereignty Summit on Tuesday, August 5, Mahama stressed that health plays a vital role in driving productivity and inclusive economic growth.

“We must stop viewing health as a drain on the economy. It is, in fact, a powerful engine for job creation, reducing inequalities, and preserving the dignity of every citizen,” he stated.
“Health is wealth. Let’s reframe the economies of wellbeing.”

He further challenged economists to reconsider the way national accounts are calculated, advocating for the recognition of healthcare as a productivity multiplier rather than merely a cost of consumption.

According to him, this mindset shift is essential to unlocking sustainable financing and driving innovation across Africa’s health systems.

The summit brought together health experts, policymakers, and development partners to discuss strategies for advancing Africa’s health sovereignty and ensuring health investments lead to meaningful socio-economic transformation.

Source: AdomOnline

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I borrowed money for his rent. I gave him my ATM card more times than I can count. When people mocked me for “dating a broke guy”, I told them they didn’t understand his potential.

One was a University of Lagos fresher who got pregnant.

The other was his so-called “best friend.” I saw chats. I saw nudes. I saw voice notes where he was mocking me to her.

I snapped. This was both a heartbreak and a humiliation. I didn’t cry. I wept!

A friend of mine introduced me to a guy who “handles things quietly.” He called him his “loyal agbero.”

I told him I wanted Dayo beaten, not killed. Just beaten enough to leave a message. Something he’d feel in his bones. Something he’d remember anytime he tried to play with another woman’s life.

I paid ₦50k equivalent to GH₵345.22

The plan was simple: catch him on his way back from work and “teach him a lesson.”

That night, I waited for the call. I got it around 10 p.m. The guy just said, “We don do am. But wahala dey.”

Dayo was unconscious.

He hit his head on the pavement when they punched him, and started convulsing. By the time they ran, someone had already called an ambulance. He’s been in a coma for five days now.

I’ve not slept since. I feel so guilty. What if he died? I didn’t want that. All I wanted was revenge. I wanted him to feel the same pain he made me feel.

But I never wanted this. Now I’m the villain. Not him. Nobody cares what he did to me, only what I did to him.

And maybe they’re right. I should’ve just walked away.

Source: Pulse Nigeria

The Public Health Nurse at the Regional Health Directorate, Charity Sikanku, disclosed this during the launch of activities to mark Breastfeeding Month.

Madam Sikanku attributed the low rate in the capital to the demanding work schedules of many mothers, which make it difficult for them to dedicate time to breastfeeding. In contrast, the Savannah Region leads with an impressive 78% exclusive breastfeeding rate.

She called on workplaces to establish breastfeeding corners to support nursing mothers, emphasizing that such initiatives would reduce dependence on baby formula and help prevent diseases associated with early introduction of alternative feeding.

“There is also an economic strain on mothers who do not practice exclusive breastfeeding, as they end up spending more money on baby formulas,” she said.

Sikanku further advocated for an extension of maternity leave, saying this would give mothers the necessary time to exclusively breastfeed their babies for the recommended six months.

She cautioned that the low rate of breastfeeding in Accra could negatively affect children’s academic performance compared to regions like Savannah, where exclusive breastfeeding is more widely practiced.

“Babies in the Savannah Region often look healthier and perform better academically, and this is closely linked to the impact of breast milk on their development,” she stated.

She also urged mothers to ignore myths such as the belief that breastfeeding causes sagging breasts—misconceptions that discourage many from practicing exclusive breastfeeding.

Madam Sikanku concluded by emphasizing the need for continuous education, community support, and strong policy backing to encourage exclusive breastfeeding in line with the World Health Organization’s recommendation that babies be fed only breast milk for the first six months.

Source: Akosua Agyapomaa Antwi

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President John Dramani Mahama will host a high-level Africa Health Sovereignty Summit in Accra on August 5, with the goal of reshaping global health governance and driving Africa-led health reforms.

The summit is under the theme “African Health Sovereignty in a Reimagined Global Health Governance Architecture”.

It is expected to bring together African Heads of State, international health leaders, and development partners to endorse bold strategies for health independence and structural reform.

A statement signed by Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu,  revealed that the gathering will mark the official launch of The Accra Initiative, a framework aimed at aligning global health governance with Africa’s priorities.

Among the anticipated outcomes are:

• The creation of a Presidential High-Level Panel tasked with drafting a new roadmap for reforming global health governance.
• The rollout of the SUSTAIN Initiative, designed to strengthen country-led health systems through domestic investment and strategic partnerships.
• The endorsement of the Accra Compact, which will articulate a unified African vision for health sovereignty and a more equitable global health order.

Ahead of the summit, President Mahama has underscored the urgency for reform, stressing that current global health systems no longer mirror Africa’s demographic or economic realities.

“Africa must take charge of its health destiny, not in isolation, but through determined, coordinated action reshaping the rules that govern global health rules that must reflect the voices and realities of our people,” he stated.

HFG will be among the first to utilize the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua) accredited SafeCare standards, version 5, the latest version.

The agreement, signed in Accra, marks a renewed commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare across the private sector, utilizing internationally recognized benchmarks and digital tools. It represents the final piece in a broader strategy that has already seen SafeCare embedded within Ghana’s faith-based and public sectors.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Accra, Country Director of PharmAccess Ghana, Dr. Maxwell Antwi, said the agreement is a bold initiative to transform private sector healthcare in the country.

“PharmAccess is a development organisation that has, for over two decades, focused on unlocking the power of connectivity and data to strengthen inclusive health markets – so more people can access better healthcare, lead healthier lives, and reach their full potential. SafeCare, a sister foundation, is central to that mission.”

According to Dr. Antwi, SafeCare is currently operational in 27 countries and works with 34 partners, impacting over 9,500 healthcare facilities. It has conducted more than 8,500 digital quality assessments using ISQua-accredited standards and has trained nearly 1,000 internationally certified assessors.

“Over 70% of facilities that use the SafeCare approach show measurable improvements in quality, and these facilities together serve nearly 100 million patients annually,” Dr. Antwi revealed.

He added that earlier this year, Ghana’s Ministry of Health formally adopted SafeCare as a national quality standard – a move he described as a “watershed moment” for quality assurance in the country. The Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA) has also recognised SafeCare as an accreditation benchmark.

Highlighting the urgency of prioritising quality, Dr. Antwi cited World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics showing that between 5.7 and 8.4 million deaths occur annually in low- and middle-income countries due to poor-quality healthcare – more than from lack of access.

“Poor quality care kills twice as many people annually as COVID-19 did at its peak,” he warned. “And 60% of deaths from treatable conditions occur in facilities where patients already sought care. These are facilities failing not because people didn’t arrive – but because their care was ineffective.”

He further added that healthcare providers must recognise quality not just as an ethical obligation but as a strategic imperative. It builds patient trust, increases utilization, reduces errors and costs, and opens access to finance and investment. It also gives facilities a competitive edge in an increasingly transparent, data-driven healthcare environment.

Also speaking at the event, the President of the Healthcare Federation of Ghana, Mr. Charles Fordjour, praised the partnership as a breakthrough for private healthcare providers.

“Today is a very important day in the annals of what we aim to achieve for our country, Ghana,” he declared. “Healthcare is wealth—and it will drive our economy. We are committed to ensuring every Ghanaian has access to quality healthcare,” he said.

Mr. Fordjour noted that over 70% of Ghana’s healthcare facilities fall within the private sector, and more than 60% of Ghanaians use private healthcare services. The partnership, he explained, would empower HFG to train assessors and certify member facilities to meet global standards using SafeCare Version 5.

He added, “This agreement allows us to say, with confidence, that our services meet global benchmarks. Wherever you see the SafeCare logo, it means that the facility delivers healthcare comparable to the best in the world.”

He emphasised that this development could stem the tide of outbound medical tourism and, instead, position Ghana as a destination for high-quality healthcare within West Africa and beyond.

“This is a game-changer and we will ensure that all stakeholders – private insurers, corporate HR directors and the Ghanaian public – recognise SafeCare accreditation as a mark of guaranteed care,” he stressed.

Also gracing the occasion was the President-Elect of the West African Federation of Private Health Sector (FOASPS), Dr. Linda Deka, who described the signing agreement as deeply personal and profoundly important.

“We all know that quality doesn’t come cheap. Often, clients don’t see the value immediately, but eventually, they feel it, and it translates into higher trust, loyalty, and improved outcomes,” she indicated.

Dr. Deka expressed optimism that SafeCare could be expanded beyond Ghana into at least two or three more West African countries within the next two years.

Adding a provider’s perspective, the CEO of FOCOS Orthopaedic Hospital, Dr. Irene Adorkor Wulff, expressed strong support for the SafeCare initiative.

She emphasised that healthcare providers needed to recognise that quality was not merely an ethical obligation but a strategic imperative. According to her, quality helped build patient trust, increased utilisation, reduced errors and costs, and opened access to finance and investment.

She also noted that quality gives facilities a competitive advantage in an increasingly transparent and data-driven healthcare environment.

“From our founding in 2011, quality has been our hallmark. We’re outcomes-oriented and patients who come in for treatment return not because their problems weren’t solved, but because they trust us,” she said.

The FOCOS Orthopaedic Hospital, she revealed, is currently undergoing preparations for Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation – an ambitious goal that places it among the most quality-focused institutions in the country.

“It’s not easy. That’s why many shy away from it. It requires real investment. You have to put the right processes, standards, and SOPs in place. You have to train staff to know and follow these protocols. It’s not like in Ghana, where we often say. There’s a law for everything, but no law at all. That doesn’t work in healthcare. After you establish the policies, the staff must be trained to implement them.”

“Yes, it’s expensive. You might need to upgrade infrastructure, change layouts, or add facilities. But it’s an investment – and a worthwhile one. Once you’ve done it and get to where we are today, patients say, I’m not going anywhere else. They know we might be slightly more expensive, but they stay because nobody treats them the way we do. We give them exactly what they want, how they want it. That is quality healthcare,” she added.

Country Director for SafeCare at PharmAccess Ghana, Ms. Bonafasia Agyei, called the licensing agreement a historic milestone that closes the triangle of quality integration across Ghana’s health system.

“We’ve worked for years with CHAG in the faith-based sector. We’re collaborating closely with the Ghana Health Service in the public sector. What remained was the private sector. Today, with HFG on board, we’ve completed the puzzle,” she said.

Ms. Agyei emphasised that SafeCare is not just about clinical performance, but overall efficiency, business performance, patient handling, and operational risk reduction.

The SafeCare Ghana Director indicated that “In just two years, SafeCare improves facility efficiency and makes them more attractive to investors. This is an opportunity to grow businesses, improve patient experience, and strengthen Ghana’s health system.”

Looking ahead, she outlined plans to train healthcare professionals from the Federation to become certified assessors. These professionals will lead assessments and guide facilities through a digitally enabled cycle of continuous quality improvement.

The ceremony was attended by several high-level dignitaries, including the President of FOASPS, Dr. Joseph Boguifo, President-Elect, FOASPS, Dr. Linda Deka, as well as Country Director, PharmAccess Nigeria, and President of Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, Njide Ndili.

As the Healthcare Federation of Ghana takes this bold step toward institutionalising quality across its healthcare system, the SafeCare license agreement stands as a transformative milestone. With the private sector now aligned alongside public and faith-based institutions under a unified quality framework, the country is poised to set a new benchmark for healthcare delivery in West Africa.

The delegation toured Zoomlion’s advanced waste management infrastructure—ranging from waste sorting and composting facilities to integrated recycling plants and landfill systems.

Jospong Group of Companies, led by its flagship subsidiary, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, has established itself as a benchmark for waste management in Africa.

The visit is part of Zanzibar’s efforts to adopt tested, scalable models to address its growing urban waste challenge, and the Jospong model, developed in Ghana, stood out.

“We are deeply impressed by the systems we’ve seen here—from community-level waste collection to high-end processing facilities. It is clear that Jospong’s impact goes beyond sanitation; it drives job creation, environmental sustainability, and economic transformation,” said Mr. Mgongo.

He added, “What Jospong has achieved in Ghana is remarkable. We see a clear opportunity for partnership, especially as Zanzibar pushes forward with reforms in our municipal waste management strategies.”

As part of the visit, the Zanzibar delegation paid a courtesy call on Ghana’s Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, who welcomed the team on behalf of the President and people of Ghana.

The Minister commended the Jospong Group for its leadership in sanitation and its role in positioning Ghana as a hub for sustainable waste management on the continent. He assured the delegation of Ghana’s readiness to support stronger intra-African collaboration in sanitation and environmental governance.

The Director of International Business at the Jospong Group, Dr. Alexander Kumi-Larbi Jnr., reiterated the Group’s broader vision of replicating its Ghanaian success in countries across the continent—including Zanzibar—as part of its Africa Expansion Strategy. “Our model is proven. Over the past decade, we have developed a complete waste management ecosystem in Ghana that is now being studied and adopted by other African governments,” Dr. Kumi-Larbi Jnr., stated.

“Through strategic partnerships, technology transfer, and local capacity building, we are ready to support countries like Zanzibar to build resilient, modern, and environmentally responsible waste systems.”

This engagement aligns with Jospong’s Pan-African vision to champion sustainable urban development while creating thousands of green jobs.

The Group’s expansion strategy includes technical cooperation, public-private partnerships, and the development of localised infrastructure solutions tailored to each country’s needs.

The Zanzibar visit marks yet another milestone in Jospong’s growing influence on the continent and further cements its reputation as a reliable and visionary partner in Africa’s green transformation journey.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines hair transplant as a surgical procedure where hair is moved from one part of the body (the donor area, often the back or sides of the scalp) to a bald, thinning or recipient area.

The Director of Medical Affairs at the UGMC, Dr. Baffoe Gyan, said the centre was in the final stage of escalating the innovation to the public after successfully piloting it.

In an interview with Graphic Online, he said the venture formed part of the vision to make the facility a world-class centre for all medical solutions.

He said the surgeon leading the hair transplant innovation underwent training in New York and returned home to practice it, “and we are getting results.”

“The trial was done on our own doctor, whose hair is very fine now.

What we are left with is to escalate it to the rest of the population, but before you open the service here, we need to make sure that we have enough doctors to cover the service such that if demand becomes too high, we will be able to handle it,” he said.

According to the WHO, baldness or hair loss could be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, stress and certain medications.

The world body further states that the most common type of baldness, androgenetic alopecia (also known as male or female pattern baldness), is largely hereditary and related to ageing and hormones.

Dr Gyan said a team of medical staff was being built and groomed to get the required expertise for a full rollout of the service.

Dr Hannah Naa Gogwe Ayettey, Consultant Oncologist at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, disclosed this during a cancer research symposium held to explore the unique features of African cancers for improved treatment outcomes.

Speaking at the event, which was organised under the auspices of Precision Medicine for Aggressive Breast Cancers (PMABC), she stressed the importance of collaborative research to enhance patient care and develop effective treatments across the continent.

“The mission of PMABC is to build the capacity of institutions and researchers across Sub-Saharan Africa to help reduce cancer burden through advanced research and delivery of care to diverse populations worldwide,” she stated.

Dr Ayettey, who also serves as the General Secretary of the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), noted that while genetic factors contribute to cancer prevalence in Africa, patients face severe socio-economic challenges and financial hardship due to the high cost of treatment.

She advised patients to seek early hospital care to avoid complications and called for increased awareness to encourage early detection and greater community involvement in care.

The symposium, themed “Catalysing Basic and Translational Cancer in Africa: Advancing Progress and Capacity Building”, was held in partnership with AORTIC.

It brought together experts and researchers to focus on high-burden cancers, including breast, cervical, prostate, colorectal, and oesophageal cancers.

Dr Miriam Mutebe, President of AORTIC, reiterated the importance of early diagnosis, saying, “Many cancer patients are potentially treatable and curable if diagnosed earlier.”

“Breast cancer is the most common diagnosis affecting young ladies in West Africa, but about 90 percent of the patients survive due to early detection,” she added.

Source: GNA

Speaking on behalf of the Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Deputy Director of GHS, Caroline Amissah Reindof, said the move comes at a critical time when partner support is dwindling and new funding streams remain limited.

“I am delighted that the GHS has taken the initiative to reactivate the Ghana Liver-Hepatitis Fund. This will complement government resources to ensure seamless and integrated hepatitis services nationwide,” she said at the 2025 World Hepatitis Day commemoration in Accra.

She stressed the need to prioritise newborns and children, who are most vulnerable to hepatitis, particularly Hepatitis B.

According to her, administering the Hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth is crucial to preventing mother-to-child transmission.

“Chronically infected individuals face a four-to-five-times higher risk of developing cancer than those who smoke daily. Yet, hepatitis is preventable, curable, and treatable, with treatment reducing cancer risk by over 80%,” she noted, urging Ghanaians to seek timely treatment.

Themed “Let’s Break It Down,” this year’s World Hepatitis Day highlighted the need to remove barriers to hepatitis services in line with Ghana’s universal health coverage goals by 2030.

Ms. Reindof further called for sustained public education to combat stigma and misinformation surrounding the disease.

Also present, Dr. Fiona Braka, WHO Country Representative, reaffirmed the WHO’s support for Ghana in expanding affordable diagnosis and treatment. “We urge all stakeholders, including CSOs and the government, to work together to mobilize resources to eliminate this epidemic,” she said.

Adding to this, Atsu Seake-Kwawu, Programmes Manager of the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program, assured Ghanaians that donor funding shortfalls would not derail progress.

He cited initiatives such as the Mahama Cares policy, which continues to support healthcare delivery.

Akosua Agyapomaa Antwi

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Receiving the items, Midwife Rebecca Kodom expressed gratitude to the association, noting that the supplies will greatly enhance their service delivery to expectant mothers.

She added that the donated items are expensive and often difficult to obtain, making the gesture timely and impactful.

Source: Sammy Asare

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The pioneering procedure, known as a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, involves removing a portion of the stomach to promote weight loss. It was carried out by a multidisciplinary team at UGMC, led by Dr. Kennedy Ondede, Bariatric Surgeon and Head of Surgery at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. The initiative was supported by Medtronic and East Cantonment Pharmacy Limited.

Dr. Ondede explained that the minimally invasive “keyhole” procedure removes about 60–80 per cent of the stomach, reducing food intake while preserving essential nutrients.

“This type of weight-loss surgery is not just about aesthetics; it helps reduce or reverse major obesity-related complications such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, infertility, and joint issues,” he said.
“Some of our patients who couldn’t conceive now have children. Others no longer require daily medication for chronic diseases.”

The procedure is typically recommended for individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30, classified as obese by World Health Organization (WHO) standards. According to Dr. Ondede, patients can lose up to 80 per cent of their excess weight within one to two years post-surgery.

While generally safe, he cautioned that the procedure carries some risks, including infection, staple line leakage, and malnutrition, especially if proper follow-up care is not observed. However, with the right equipment and training, success rates exceed 90 per cent.

He encouraged individuals not opting for surgery to adopt healthier lifestyles—reducing sugar intake, managing their diet, and exercising regularly.

Dr. Dominic Darkwa, a Consultant General Surgeon at UGMC and co-lead of the operation, said the hospital had been planning the introduction of bariatric surgery for over a year.

“We have about 17 to 20 per cent of Ghana’s adult population living with obesity. This puts them at risk for numerous conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and respiratory problems,” he said.
“We planned and trained for this moment, and we’re excited to finally bring this service home.”

He also clarified that the sleeve gastrectomy differs from a gastric bypass. While the sleeve reduces the stomach’s size, a bypass diverts food away from parts of the digestive system to limit nutrient absorption.

“The surgery is only a tool. Patients must follow up with dietitians, psychologists, and exercise routines to meet their health goals. This is just the beginning—we hope to scale up and help many more Ghanaians reclaim their health,” Dr. Darkwa added.

Dr. Baffoe Gyan, Director of Medical Affairs at UGMC, described the successful surgery as a testament to the hospital’s mission of delivering world-class healthcare in Ghana.

“The procedure is very effective—it prevents diseases, reduces drug dependency, and can transform lives,” Dr. Gyan said.
“Bariatric surgery is a procedure many Ghanaians travel abroad to undergo. With the expertise now in Ghana, people no longer need to leave the country for this service.”

Dr. Gyan, also a Cardiothoracic Surgeon, noted that many Ghanaians are genetically predisposed to weight gain and obesity. Bariatric surgery, he said, offers a viable solution for individuals who have not succeeded with traditional weight-loss methods.

The surgery was carried out by a team of more than 30 professionals, including surgeons, anesthetists, perioperative nurses, nutritionists, and equipment providers. Each surgery lasted between two and three hours due to its instructional nature.

Patients typically begin a liquid diet within 24 hours of the surgery and are discharged within three days, with ongoing follow-ups from nutritionists and psychologists considered critical to long-term success.

UGMC is calling on individuals who may benefit from the procedure to enroll in its bariatric programme, which includes a comprehensive pre- and post-surgical support system.

GNA

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