They warned that inconsistencies in regulatory processes and challenges with procurement systems are limiting the potential of the herbal medicine industry.

The concerns were raised during the climax of the 25th anniversary celebration of the Department of Herbal Medicine at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

The General Secretary of the Ghana Federation of Traditional Medicine Practitioners Associations, Okogye Abibiduro Nana Kwadwo Kobiri, called for the Ghana Standards Authority to develop a single standard procedure for herbal medicines that would guide the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), the Traditional Medicine Practice Council and industry players.

He said a common regulatory framework would help address confusion caused by changing policies and create a more predictable environment for manufacturers.

“It is time the Ghana Standards Authority comes out with a standard procedure for herbal medicines so that the FDA, the Traditional Medicine Practice Council and industry all work with the same standard. The changing policies are creating confusion for industry,” he said.

Nana Kobiri also raised concerns about the implementation of Ghana’s Essential Herbal Medicines List, arguing that some public health facilities rely heavily on products from the Centre for Plant Medicine Research despite the availability of a wider list approved by the Ministry of Health.

He said the practice limits opportunities for other herbal medicine producers and practitioners to contribute to the healthcare system.

“Mampong has only a few products on the list. If hospitals purchase only those products, it does not represent the entire traditional medicine sector. The Centre is supposed to conduct research for the industry, not compete with it,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Professor Regina Appiah-Opong of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research called for increased investment in herbal medicine research and development.

She said adequate funding is needed to support scientific studies, including safety assessments, dosage determination, shelf-life testing and quality assurance, to improve confidence in Ghanaian herbal products.

According to her, Ghana’s herbal medicine industry remains underdeveloped compared to countries such as South Africa and Egypt due to limited funding for research and commercialisation.

“The first one, as we all know, is money. We need funds to do research. We have to ensure that every herbal medicine produced is carefully screened for dosage, shelf life and everything that makes that product standard for people to be confident in it, not only in Ghana but also abroad,” she said.

Prof. Appiah-Opong noted that although many herbal medicines have therapeutic value, the lack of scientific evidence and clinical trials continues to raise concerns about their safety and effectiveness.

“Many are struggling to accept herbal medicines because they ask, ‘Where’s the evidence that it works? Where’s the evidence that it’s safe?’ We know many of these medicines are useful, but we have to do the science,” she added.

The event, held under the theme “25 Years of Advancing Herbal Medicine Education: Strengthening Evidence-Based Practice for Global Health and Sustainable Development,” brought together traditional leaders, academics, researchers, policymakers, alumni and students to discuss ways of strengthening evidence-based herbal medicine practice and expanding the sector’s contribution to national development.

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Addressing Heads of State and Government on the second day of the African Union Extraordinary Summit, President Mahama said Africa’s pharmaceutical manufacturing agenda has moved beyond ambition and is now entering a phase of implementation.

He noted that the continent’s heavy reliance on imported essential medicines and health commodities continues to expose African countries to significant vulnerabilities, making it imperative to invest in local pharmaceutical production.

According to the President, strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity will improve access to essential medicines, enhance health security and support Africa’s broader industrialisation agenda.

He said developing the pharmaceutical industry would also contribute to economic transformation by creating employment opportunities for the continent’s growing youth population.

President Mahama further expressed concern about the decline in international development assistance for health, noting that many African countries continue to depend heavily on external funding to sustain their healthcare systems.

He described the situation as a defining moment for the continent, calling for bold, homegrown solutions that will make African health systems more resilient and self-sufficient.

The President emphasised that investment in healthcare should be regarded not only as a social responsibility but also as an economic strategy capable of driving sustainable growth, industrial development and job creation.

He urged African leaders, health ministers, policymakers and development partners to move beyond policy declarations and translate their commitments into concrete actions.

President Mahama stressed that the future of healthcare on the continent will depend on decisive leadership, sustained investment and a collective commitment to building a competitive pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in Africa.

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The rain kept pouring as the wedding car inched through knee-deep floodwaters to the church.

It was 22 July 2025 and Typhoon Wipha was battering the Philippines with 130km/h (80mph) winds. Jamaica Aguilar already knew it was flooded at the historic Barasoain Church in Malolos, an hour north of Manila, where her wedding was to take place.

“I remember praying and asking, please stop raining just for today so we can enjoy this,” Aguilar recalls, nearly a year later. “And luckily, it stopped when I [stepped] outside the car.”

The make-up staff had warned her there would news crews, but she had brushed them off, incredulous and nervous. Now she could see them. Stepping out of the car, she spread the train of her dress outside the church, as the media lined up.

“I was just nervous, and thinking to myself, this is it, this is the one,” said Aguilar. “Although this is not how I planned it, there it is.”

It’s love in the middle of a disaster – Aaron Favila

Aaron Favila, a photojournalist with the Associated Press, captured the moment, and his photos immediately exploded online. In April 2026, he won a prestigious prize at the World Press Photo 2026 for the images.

Fossil fuel emissions are driving up climate extremes. In practice, what this means is that the scene captured by Favila is likely to become more common: a bride having to walk down the aisle barefoot and through floodwaters, while almost 10 million people in her country reel from the impact of a tropical storm. The Philippines has a long history of dealing with and managing floods, but climate change is now rigging the game.

The night before

Aguilar and her fiancé Jade Rick Verdillo had attended a mass at Barasoian Church on the eve of their wedding.

Halfway through, it started raining heavily. Floodwaters moved through the wooden benches, covering the church floor. “We were watching the news non-stop, and it was saying [the rain] might get heavier,” Verdillo says.

The couple stayed up until 03:00 reading forecasts and texting the wedding planners, the church and their guests. Would the storm wane? Should they cancel the wedding? Would guests be able to make it?

The planners and the church offered to reschedule, but not their party venue. “I jokingly said to them that as long as there’s food for the guests, it’s OK not to have the tables,” says Verdillo.

In the end, they decided to push through: whatever the next day would bring, they were determined that the wedding would go ahead.  

The wedding day

Favila almost missed capturing the wedding. He was 50km (31 miles) away in Manila, having lunch after putting together a breaking news package about flood-hit communities.

He heard about the flooded wedding just one hour before its scheduled start.

When he got the tip, he didn’t hesitate. As the only photographer in the Manila bureau, he has covered many extreme weather events, “but never a wedding in floods”.

Favila jumped into his company’s car, but waist-deep floodwaters soon blocked it, so he left the driver and hitched a lift in a large rescue truck. When he saw the white gown in front of the church, he leaped off, but the bride’s pre-ceremony photo session had ended.

“They were actually finished,” he recalls. “The wedding organisers were waiting at the door.”

Still, he managed to catch Aguilar’s attention and directed her for a final few shots before she walked down the aisle.

“It’s love in the middle of a disaster,” he said. “You see the floods, and it’s not a happy picture. So, it’s a mixture of happy and sad and resilience. I think people connected with the photo because of that.”

Down the aisle

Before the wedding, the couple had scrolled through dozens of “bride reveal” videos on TikTok. The moment when the groom and the bride see each other was special for them.

On their wedding day, it didn’t work. “I was laughing inside my head because I couldn’t see him because of the reporters in the middle of the church,” Aguilar says.

Unable to see her fiancé, she focused on her steps. She was barefoot to improve her grip.

“I wasn’t thinking about anything except, ‘Please don’t fall, please don’t trip’, because the tiles were getting slippery as I went deeper and deeper into the church,” she says.

Still, there was a benefit of having so many TV cameras and photographers in the church, says Verdillo. Nearly half of the 100 guests couldn’t make it through the flooded roads.

“If the [media] weren’t there, I think our venue would have felt quite empty,” he says.

Throughout the wedding, the waters kept rising. From the altar, the couple could see that many benches were misaligned, nudged by the currents. 

As the ceremony wrapped up, they lined up for photos. It was impossible for them, however, to know which camera belonged to the official wedding photographer and which were media. “So we were just smiling at everyone’s cameras,” says Verdillo.

Shortly after the ceremony, the couple took doxycycline pills to prevent flood-borne diseases such as leptospirosis, and asked their guests to do the same.

The aftermath

That evening, Favila filed the photos and went to bed as the newlyweds partied with their guests (after Aguilar had changed out of her soaked, heavy dress). The next morning, the couple and the photographer found themselves at the heart of a viral story. Other weddings in the Philippines had been disrupted by floods, but did not receive the same international attention.

“His photos were what went viral,” says Aguilar. “Especially the one of me outside the church. That’s the one that got everybody’s attention.”

Favila kept getting tagged on social media. Strangers sent the couple photos of them on the front page of US newspapers. Someone compared their wedding to a scene in the movie Crazy Rich Asians, in which one of Singapore’s richest brides marches through a pool of water.

Verdillo believes people found their story fascinating because it is relatable. “Problems are there. You cannot escape them. But what you can do is face them and move on with your life,” he says.

Saffron O’Neill, a researcher at the University of Exeter in the UK who studies climate visuals, says she wasn’t surprised the photos caught the world’s attention.

“These photos are so unexpected in how they pair the usual visual signals we expect to see in wedding photography (the couple, the white dress, the church, gathered friends and family) in a totally unexpected situation – standing knee-deep in floodwaters,” says O’Neill.

Favila believes his job as a photojournalist is to show people that climate change is happening now. “It’s not like before when people said, ‘Oh, in 10 years we will have great climate change effects’,” he says. “I think the effects of climate change are happening now.”

But the couple’s story is not only about resilience. Flooding became a heavily political issue in the Philippines during the 2025 storm season, following massive protests about a mismanaged $9.2bn (£6.9bn) fund for flood defences. Government inquiries identified hundreds of “ghost projects”, leading protestors to complain about backroom deals between politicians and companies. Senators, ministers and congresspeople have resigned or been fired in the aftermath.

Investment in flood defences is critical as the Philippines is among the world’s most vulnerable countries to typhoons and climate change is making these stronger. Warmer ocean temperatures due to global warming cause typhoons to become stronger and more damaging. Every decade since 2000 has seen a 17% to 19% increase in typhoon-related rainfall in the country.

Aguilar and Verdillo live in Navotas, a coastal area in northwest Manila, an area which is highly vulnerable to extreme weather and flooding. “They are slowly developing projects against flooding, but the rise of the sea level in Navotas is much faster than the effort the government is putting in,” says Verdillo.

After the couple furnished their house in 2025, their first typhoon season together took a darker turn. After water entered their house, their new refrigerator and washing machine broke down and their sofa and bed were completely soaked.

This year, they have added additional precautions, like raising the refrigerator up higher. Looking back at his childhood, Verdillo realises he had normalised flooding, but he says this is not tenable. “Now that I’m older,” he says. “I don’t want my children to experience the same thing.”

When they look back on their wedding day, Aguilar and Verdillo see it as a special moment.

“If you had told me beforehand that my wedding was going to be flooded, I would have said ‘no way’,” says Verdillo. “But now, honestly, I wouldn’t change anything about that day.”

The beneficiaries, selected through the academic competition initiated by the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Dr Kingsley Agyemang, are expected to return home to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system.

The achievement marks a major milestone for the competition, which has grown beyond an academic contest into a platform that creates life-changing educational and career opportunities for young people.

The students earned scholarships to study medicine in Cuba after distinguishing themselves in the Kingsley Quiz Competition. Following years of rigorous training, they have successfully completed their studies and qualified as medical doctors.

The initiative forms part of Dr Agyemang’s vision to identify brilliant but needy students in the constituency and support them to pursue higher education and professional careers.

The return of the newly qualified doctors is expected to boost healthcare delivery while addressing the country’s growing demand for medical professionals.

Their success also highlights the transformative impact of academic competitions in discovering talent, nurturing potential and opening doors to opportunities that change lives.

Over the years, the Kingsley Quiz Competition has inspired hundreds of students across Abuakwa South to strive for academic excellence, with outstanding performers receiving opportunities to further their education and build careers in critical sectors.

The graduation of the 20 Cuba-trained doctors stands as one of the competition’s biggest success stories and underscores the long-term value of investing in education, talent development and human capital.

Speaking at this year’s event, Dr. Kingsley Agyemang reaffirmed his commitment to investing in the future of the youth in the constituency.

“Even if it is my last breath, I will dedicate it to education in this municipality because I believe in the pupils and students,” he said.

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Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson disclosed this while presenting the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review in Parliament on Thursday, July 23.

He said government remains committed to ensuring that every Ghanaian has access to quality primary healthcare regardless of their income or location.

According to Dr Forson, the Free Primary Healthcare Policy, which was launched in April 2026, is aimed at expanding healthcare access, particularly for communities with limited medical facilities.

He told Parliament that government has so far distributed more than 24,000 pieces of medical equipment to strengthen diagnostic services, emergency care, and maternal and neonatal healthcare delivery.

The Finance Minister added that motorbikes, tricycles and mobile outreach equipment have also been deployed to improve healthcare services in hard-to-reach communities.

Dr Forson said government has expanded community screening programmes for hypertension, diabetes, cancers and other non-communicable diseases as part of measures to promote early detection and prevention.

He further noted that work is ongoing on the establishment of health kiosks, container-based health posts and the upgrading of existing primary healthcare facilities.

The initiative, he said, forms part of government’s broader commitment to strengthening the primary healthcare system and ensuring equitable access to essential health services nationwide.

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Just two years after the MTN Ghana Foundation commissioned a modern 60-bed Maternity and Child Health Block at the Keta Municipal Hospital, the facility has not only transformed healthcare delivery but has also restored confidence among expectant mothers, leading to a sharp rise in hospital deliveries.

A JoyNews visit to the hospital revealed a remarkable shift in maternal healthcare, with hospital authorities crediting the facility for increased antenatal attendance, improved patient outcomes and the highest number of deliveries recorded in the Volta Region in 2025.

The GH¢15.2 million project, completed in March 2024 under the MTN Foundation’s corporate social responsibility programme, was designed to bridge the hospital’s infrastructure gap and improve maternal and neonatal care.

The complex houses a 40-bed maternity ward with emergency rooms, delivery suites, recovery and lying-in wards, two operating theatres, consulting rooms, a neonatal intensive care unit, laboratory, pharmacy, outpatient department, mothers’ hostel and other support services, allowing patients to receive comprehensive care in one location.

For Hospital Administrator Faruk Iddrissu, the facility represents a complete turnaround from the difficult conditions that once confronted both patients and healthcare workers.

“We used to operate from a very small maternity ward, making it difficult to provide quality care. Sometimes women had to be managed on the floor because there simply wasn’t enough space,” he recalled.

According to him, the impact of the new maternity block has been immediate and measurable.

Over the past two years, the hospital has recorded approximately 25,000 antenatal care visits and admitted more than 6,000 pregnant women for delivery and maternal care.

He said the increased patronage reflects renewed public confidence in the hospital’s services, while improvements in maternal health indicators point to better quality care.

“The facility has improved access to quality healthcare for mothers and newborns. Today, more women are choosing to deliver here because they know they will receive safe and dignified care,” he said.

Inside the maternity block, the transformation is evident not only in the infrastructure but also in the morale of healthcare workers.

Maternity Ward In-Charge Grace Gunu, who has served at the hospital for seven years, said the facility has fundamentally changed the way maternal healthcare is delivered.

“This is more than a building. It has transformed the way we work and the care we provide. Staff now have a conducive environment, and mothers have access to comprehensive services under one roof,” she explained.

She said the integrated design of the complex, which includes the labour ward, postnatal ward, theatres, neonatal intensive care unit, pharmacy, laboratory and other support units, has reduced delays in treatment and improved patient experience.

According to her, the confidence inspired by the facility is reflected in the growing number of expectant mothers choosing the hospital.

“Since this maternity block was opened, attendance and deliveries have increased significantly. In 2025, Keta Municipal Hospital recorded the highest number of births in the Volta Region. That achievement speaks volumes about the impact this investment has made.”

For many mothers, the difference is deeply personal.

Women who delivered at the hospital told JoyNews that the modern facility offered them comfort, privacy and peace of mind throughout labour and delivery.

They praised the clean environment, spacious wards and dedication of the medical staff, describing the experience as a significant improvement over what many had previously encountered.

Several expressed gratitude to the MTN Foundation, saying the project has given mothers in Keta and neighbouring communities access to safer, more dignified maternity care.

Beyond the impressive infrastructure and rising statistics, the story unfolding at the Keta Municipal Hospital is ultimately about trust — trust that mothers can deliver in safe conditions, trust that newborns can receive prompt specialised care, and trust that when strategic investments are made in healthcare, communities reap lasting benefits.

Two years after its commissioning, the maternity block is not simply easing pressure on a hospital; it is helping rewrite the story of childbirth in Keta, one safe delivery at a time.

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The equipment, donated by Rikair Company Limited, is expected to significantly improve oxygen support for premature babies and critically ill newborns admitted to the hospital’s NICU.

According to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, the five oxygen concentrators will enhance the unit’s existing capacity to care for infants requiring oxygen therapy, while the mobile oxygen concentrator will play a crucial role during emergencies and in the safe transfer of patients within the hospital.

The Fund noted that the donation comes at a time when demand for neonatal critical care services continues to increase, making access to reliable oxygen support essential for improving survival rates among vulnerable newborns.

“Contributions like these strengthen the hospital’s ability to respond when every minute matters, ensuring that more patients receive timely, lifesaving oxygen therapy,” the Fund said.

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund expressed appreciation to Rikair Company Limited for supporting efforts to improve healthcare delivery, particularly for newborns in northern Ghana.

“We are sincerely grateful to Rikair for this generous donation. Thank you for partnering with us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Ghana’s youngest and most vulnerable patients up North,” the Fund stated.

The donation forms part of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund’s ongoing efforts to mobilise resources and partner with the private sector to improve healthcare infrastructure and expand access to quality medical care across the country.

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Speaking ahead of the faculty’s 65th anniversary celebration, Prof. Ayensu urged the public to seek professional medical advice before taking medications, stressing that the misuse of drugs could have long-term consequences on the country’s health outcomes.

“Every drug that you take is a potential poison. Drugs must be rationalised and should target specific conditions that people are suffering from. A lot of people take medication because they believe they understand their conditions, but it is important that we visit the pharmacy and seek medical advice when we are unwell,” he cautioned.

He explained that while pharmacists play an important role in guiding patients on the appropriate use of medicines, individuals must avoid self-diagnosis and ensure they receive proper prescriptions and medical guidance before taking any medication.

Prof. Ayensu warned that continued misuse of drugs could negatively affect the future wellbeing of the country if urgent steps are not taken to address the situation.

He also highlighted challenges confronting the faculty, particularly inadequate laboratory infrastructure, which he said is affecting the practical training of pharmacy students.

According to him, the increasing number of students admitted annually has outgrown the available facilities required for hands-on training.

“At the moment, what really is the issue is that the growing number of students admitted each year would need a certain calibre of training which goes beyond the ordinary classroom. That means they have to be accommodated within laboratories that are able to take a large number of students at a time,” he stated.

He noted that the current laboratory facilities cannot accommodate the growing student population, forcing the faculty to ration practical sessions.

“If we can have a laboratory which is big enough to accommodate more than 50 or 100 students at a time, it will be a wonderful exposure where they are able to gain a lot of experience that they need,” he added.

The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, the pioneer pharmacy school in Ghana, is commemorating its 65th anniversary through activities organised by the Ghana Pharmaceutical Students’ Association (GPSA)-KNUST.

The grand durbar served as the official opening ceremony of the celebration week, which is being held under the theme: “65 Years of Leadership: Consolidating Gains, Inspiring Generations.”

President of GPSA-KNUST, Albert Kobina Yalley, said the increasing student population continues to put pressure on the association’s resources and operations.

“The growing membership of GPSA-KNUST continues to increase the needs of student pharmacists, thereby stretching our available resources and expertise in implementing impactful programmes for students,” he stated.

Despite the challenges, Mr Yalley expressed optimism about the future, saying: “Our vision is that within the next five years, GPSA-KNUST students will be recognised as leaders, pioneers and pillars of Ghana’s pharmaceutical industry.”

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The closures followed a nationwide enforcement exercise conducted by the Authority to ensure that food businesses adhere to approved safety standards.

During inspections in the Ga East and Ga West Municipalities on Wednesday, July 22, the FDA identified several unlicensed facilities operating under unhygienic conditions. Some operators were also found to be manufacturing food products without the required regulatory approval.

Speaking to the media after the exercise, FDA Head of Communications, Mrs Rhoda Ewurabena Appiah, said the Authority would continue to enforce food safety regulations to protect public health and ensure that only licensed businesses operate in the country.

“Several facilities have been closed down,” she said, adding that the FDA remains committed to safeguarding consumers by taking firm action against businesses that violate food safety laws.

As part of the enforcement exercise, the FDA also closed down Virgen Natural Mineral Water, a sachet water production facility at Ashongman in the Ga East Municipality, after it was found to be operating without the required licence.

The Authority has urged all food manufacturers to comply with regulatory requirements or risk sanctions, including the closure of their facilities.

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Hospital officials say some critically ill patients must be transported by wheelchair before receiving treatment, but the limited supply has often delayed the timely movement of patients to consulting rooms and treatment areas.

The disclosure was made by Mercy Telly, Chief Nursing Officer and Nurse Manager of the Family Medicine Directorate, during a donation from Premier Health Insurance to help ease some of the challenges facing the facility.

“The number of patients we receive here every day is overwhelming. In some cases, we have to prioritize who gets a wheelchair because we simply do not have enough,” she said. “This sometimes affects how quickly patients can be moved for assessment and treatment.”

Ms. Telly who is the Acting Deputy Director of Nursing Services noted that while the staff are committed to delivering quality care, logistical challenges such as the wheelchair shortage add to the strain on health workers in the unit.

To mark its 15th anniversary, the health insurance provider donated 20 wheelchairs to the hospital’s Accident and Emergency unit to improve patient care and reduce pressure on the emergency unit.

She expressed appreciation to Premier Health Insurance for their intervention, describing it as timely and a much-needed boost to patient care at the hospital.

Ms. Telly further urged other health insurance providers to emulate Premier Health Insurance and come to the aid of the hospital, stressing that collective support is needed to bridge the resource gaps in the facility.

Chief Executive Officer of Premier Health Insurance, Percy Asare Ansah, revealed that the company responded to the hospital’s appeal after learning about the growing demand for wheelchairs, driven by the high volume of emergency cases handled daily.

He noted that the donation forms part of the company’s corporate social responsibility to support health facilities that serve large numbers of Ghanaians.

“As a health insurance provider, we understand the pressure on public health facilities. When we heard about the challenges with mobility equipment, we felt it was necessary to step in and provide support,” Mr. Ansah said.

He added that Premier Health Insurance remains committed to partnering with hospitals and clinics across the country to improve patient care and reduce the burden on healthcare workers.

“This is just the beginning. We will continue to identify areas where we can make a meaningful impact in the health sector. As part of our 15th anniversary celebrations, we are donating about 150 wheelchairs to public health facilities across the region,” he stated.

Percy Asare Ansah also made a passionate appeal to corporate institutions, philanthropists, and other stakeholders to come to the aid of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, noting that support from all sectors is critical to improving healthcare delivery at the facility.

“The hospital serves thousands of patients, and it will take a collective effort to address some of the challenges we are facing,” he said.

KATH remains the main referral hospital for the Ashanti Region and beyond, and its A&E Unit is often the first point of call for accident victims and emergency cases from across the middle and northern parts of the country.

Health experts have called for more support from government, corporate institutions, and individuals to help address resource gaps in major referral hospitals.

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She said Africa’s long-term health security will depend on its ability to finance its own priorities and build resilient health institutions capable of responding to emerging challenges.

Speaking on behalf of Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang at a High-Level Interactive Policy Dialogue in Accra on July 20, Prof. Ayensu-Danquah urged African governments to strengthen domestic health financing as global development assistance becomes increasingly uncertain.

The dialogue, organised by the African Renaissance Trust and the Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Foundation on the sidelines of the African Union Extraordinary Summit, focused on advancing domestic health financing, accountability and strategic innovation across the continent.

Reflecting on the Abuja Declaration, under which African countries pledged 25 years ago to allocate at least 15 per cent of their national budgets to health, the Deputy Minister said the continent must critically assess its progress in light of changing global financing realities.

“Official development assistance is less certain. Long-standing funding models are changing. Programmes that many health systems have relied on can no longer be taken for granted,” she said.

“That reality means Africa must strengthen its ability to finance its own priorities, build enduring institutions and invest in health not as a recurring expense, but as a foundation for economic growth and human development.”

Prof. Ayensu-Danquah said Ghana is pursuing universal health coverage through policies aimed at expanding access to quality healthcare, improving health outcomes and reducing out-of-pocket healthcare costs.

She highlighted the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares, and the Free Primary Healthcare Initiative as two flagship programmes introduced to address financing gaps and improve healthcare delivery.

According to her, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund provides financial support for the diagnosis, treatment and long-term management of chronic non-communicable diseases that are either inadequately covered or not covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

She said the fund also supports specialist healthcare by investing in medical infrastructure, equipment, research and specialist training.

On the Free Primary Healthcare Initiative, Prof. Ayensu-Danquah explained that the programme complements the NHIS by expanding access to essential primary healthcare services, with a strong focus on disease prevention and early detection.

She said every Ghanaian will be entitled to routine health screening for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and certain cancers, as well as maternal and child healthcare, immunisation, treatment of common illnesses, community outreach, home visits and public health education.

The initiative, she noted, is being rolled out in phases, beginning with 150 underserved districts before nationwide implementation over the next few years.

The Deputy Minister also announced that the government has committed an initial investment of US$50 million to establish the National Vaccine Institute to boost local vaccine production and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

She said the investment builds on Ghana’s growing regulatory capacity, including the Food and Drugs Authority’s attainment of the World Health Organization’s Maturity Level 3 status and ongoing efforts to commercialise locally manufactured anti-snake venom.

Prof. Ayensu-Danquah welcomed the launch of the African Renaissance Health Financing Insights Dashboard, describing it as an important accountability tool that will help governments monitor health financing commitments and measure progress across the continent.

She stressed that building resilient health systems requires more than financing, calling for greater investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing, research, innovation, workforce development and stronger continental health institutions.

Concluding her remarks, the Deputy Minister urged African governments to move beyond policy commitments and deliver tangible improvements in healthcare.

“Our declarations must be translated into measurable progress in the lives of our people,” she said.

She reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to working with the African Union, regional institutions and development partners to build stronger, more resilient and self-reliant health systems across Africa.

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According to the President, more than 90 million Africans living with hepatitis B or C remain undiagnosed, while malaria continues to place a significant burden on health systems across the continent.

Speaking at the African Union Extraordinary Health Summit in Accra, where Heads of State and Government met to adopt a fully costed continental roadmap aimed at ending AIDS and tuberculosis by 2030, President Mahama urged African leaders to work together to transform healthcare delivery.

He also highlighted the growing threat of non-communicable diseases, noting that they account for more than two million deaths each year among Africans under the age of 70.

In his opening address, President Mahama said Africa must move beyond traditional approaches to healthcare and embrace innovative, long-term solutions capable of addressing the continent’s complex health needs.

“Neglected tropical diseases still blind, disfigure and stigmatise our people, and if you are observant you will notice that most accounts of the global infectious diseases burden present a uniquely depressing African perspective,” he said.

The President stressed that Africa must reduce its dependence on external assistance and build resilient health systems capable of responding to the continent’s own priorities.

“Africa now stands at a crossroads defined by its appetite for total health transformation. It can no longer allow itself to be pushed to the periphery and cast as the destitute beneficiary of the largesse of some distant global health systems,” he stated.

President Mahama further emphasised that the commitments made at the summit must translate into concrete action rather than remain as declarations.

He called for sustained political will, increased investment in healthcare and stronger health systems to improve access to quality healthcare and effectively combat both infectious and non-communicable diseases across the continent.

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The joint medical mission, estimated to have cost GH₵2 million, brought together healthcare specialists from the United States and Ghana, combining international expertise with local medical professionals to deliver life-saving treatment to patients from across the country.

The five-day mission focused on advanced cardiac electrophysiology procedures, providing critical interventions for patients who would otherwise have struggled to afford the treatment.

During a debriefing session at the end of the mission, Director of the NCTC, Dr. Kow Entsua-Mensah, said the success of the exercise was made possible through seamless multidisciplinary collaboration.

He explained that the mission brought together cardiac surgeons, cardiologist-electrophysiologists, anesthesiologists, cathlab, operating room, ward and ICU nurses, radiographers, pharmacists, medical laboratory scientists and support staff.

According to him, the coordinated effort enabled the team to overcome technical challenges while ensuring all patients recovered well and were ready for discharge by the end of the mission.

Dr. Entsua-Mensah added that both the Ghanaian and US medical teams see the success of the mission as the beginning of a long-term partnership aimed at strengthening advanced cardiac electrophysiology care in Ghana through direct patient care, knowledge transfer and local capacity building.

He further noted that patients who were unable to attend the procedures during the mission would still receive treatment at the National Cardiothoracic Centre when they were ready.

Among the beneficiaries was Juliet Asabea Awuku, who had been living with heart failure secondary to peripartum cardiomyopathy. She was given a second chance at life after undergoing a successful Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) device procedure.

“The immense financial relief of this procedure means everything to us,” she shared. “My family and I are profoundly grateful to the dedicated local medical team here in Ghana, as well as the diaspora specialists who traveled to support us. May God richly bless you all for your gift of health and hope.”

Dr. Kamel Addo, a Cardiologist-Electrophysiologist and team lead from the Mount Carmel Health System in Columbus, Ohio, said the partnership with the National Cardiothoracic Centre made it possible to perform complex electrophysiology procedures, including Cardiac Resynchronization Therapies (CRTs), Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs), and left bundle branch area pacing for under-resourced patients with severe heart rhythm disorders.

He also praised the professionalism and teamwork demonstrated by the staff at the Cardio Centre.

“The partnership with the Cardio Centre aided in tackling intricate electrophysiology procedures; specifically Cardiac Resynchronization Therapies (CRTs), Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators and left bundle branch area pacing, focusing on under-resourced patients suffering from severe heart rhythm abnormalities.”

He further commended the team’s discipline, skill and professionalism, saying it enabled the successful treatment of all 22 patients within the five-day period.

“Beyond the clinical expertise, the mission was sponsored by the Mount Carmel Foundation which helped lessen the financial burden of the devices and procedures, ensuring that high-level cardiac care was fully accessible to patients who otherwise could not afford these life-saving interventions.”

Deputy Director of Programmes at the Ghana AIDS Commission, Derick Oppong-Agyare, disclosed this on Adom TV’s current affairs programme, The Big Agenda, where he said the Commission’s interventions over the years have helped prevent the figure from rising further.

He said the data reflects the reality of HIV in the country and urged stakeholders to intensify efforts in testing, treatment and prevention to help achieve the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

According to Mr Oppong-Agyare, three areas in Greater Accra currently record the highest HIV burden — Korle-Klottey, Tema and Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA).

Explaining the 2025 HIV prevalence rate, he said 14 out of every 1,000 people are living with HIV, which translates to 140 out of every 10,000 people or 1,400 out of every 100,000 people.

He noted that abstinence, which formed part of the Commission’s ABC (Abstinence, Be faithful, Condom use) campaign, has become less effective as a standalone prevention approach.

“You can be living with HIV for 14 years and not show any symptom,” Mr Oppong-Agyare said.

He further disclosed that a significant proportion of people living with HIV are between the ages of 15 and 24, stressing the need for increased awareness, testing and access to treatment among young people.

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The initiative seeks to ensure that 40 million people living with HIV are on antiretroviral treatment (ART) with suppressed viral loads, while 20 million people at risk of HIV infection have access to ARV-based prevention options, including oral PrEP and long-acting injectables.

Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr Kharmacelle Akanbong, said Ghana’s commitment was expressed during the United Nations General Assembly and will be reaffirmed at an upcoming African Union summit in Accra.

The “40+20” target complements the existing 95-95-95 goals but expands the focus beyond people living with HIV to include prevention services for those at risk.

With Ghana currently recording 337,435 people living with HIV, Dr Akanbong said achieving the milestone is critical to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

He explained that the roadmap focuses on increasing access to HIV testing, ensuring rapid linkage to treatment, expanding PrEP services for key populations, improving viral load suppression through adherence support, reducing stigma and discrimination, strengthening domestic financing and sustaining community-led interventions.

“The UNAIDS 40+20 milestone is the world’s new roadmap to ending AIDS by 2030,” Dr Akanbong stated.

The UNAIDS Global AIDS Strategy 2026–2031 identifies the “40+20” milestone as a central component of efforts to accelerate progress towards ending AIDS. Unlike the 95-95-95 targets, which primarily focus on people already living with HIV, the new framework combines treatment and prevention goals while emphasising rights-based and stigma-free access to services.

African leaders are expected to gather in Accra for an African Union summit aimed at declaring a continental commitment to ending HIV/AIDS and other non-communicable diseases as public health threats by 2030.

A further declaration on inclusion by African countries is also expected at a United Nations meeting in September.

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The three-month pilot, supported by D-Prize, a global organisation that funds early-stage ventures addressing poverty-related challenges, seeks to improve immunization completion among more than 300 children at Juaben Government Hospital, Achiase Health Centre and Bomfa Health Centre.

The platform digitises immunization follow-up by allowing nurses to electronically register children at the point of care. It then sends automated appointment reminders and health education messages to caregivers in their preferred local language while providing community health workers with real-time updates on missed appointments.

The initiative is aimed at addressing a persistent challenge in Ghana’s immunization programme, where dropout between early and later childhood vaccine doses can reach 50 per cent due to missed appointments, inadequate reminders and dependence on paper-based record systems.

Co-founder and Lead at Synchora Health, Shadrach Tetteh Boyetey, said the platform was developed to strengthen follow-up systems without adding to the workload of health workers.

“Missed appointments and poor follow-up don’t just affect one visit; they compound. A missed childhood vaccine dose today becomes a preventable illness or deformity tomorrow. We built Synchora Health because closing that gap shouldn’t require more staff or more paperwork, just better coordination,” he said.

Health officials involved in the pilot believe the system could improve immunization coverage while reducing administrative burdens on frontline workers.

Emmanuel Amankwa, Municipal Disease Control and Public Health Officer at the Juaben Municipal Health Directorate, said the platform would help identify children who miss scheduled vaccinations.

“We know it’s going to help us to reduce missed children and other missed opportunities, and also help to increase our immunization coverage. We want it to cascade to the other facilities for everyone to enjoy, and then scale to other districts,” he said.

Principal Community Health Nurse at Juaben Government Hospital, Bempah Philip Bonsu, said digitising records would reduce paperwork for health workers.

“At first we used to do handwriting. In this case there wouldn’t be much writing because we are going to take this data on a machine or on our phones. It’s going to limit our workload,” he said.

The Juaben deployment is Synchora Health’s first field implementation since receiving support through D-Prize’s Child Immunization Challenge.

The pilot will assess whether low-cost digital communication tools can improve vaccine completion rates within Ghana’s public health system.

Synchora Health is a Ghanaian social enterprise developing digital solutions to improve outpatient care coordination, including immunization follow-up, chronic disease management, and maternal and child health services in resource-constrained settings.

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She said sustainable healthcare on the continent can only be achieved if governments take greater responsibility for funding the sector instead of relying heavily on foreign assistance, which she described as increasingly unpredictable.

Speaking at the African Union Extraordinary Health Summit in Accra on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, Ambassador Twum-Amoah acknowledged the value of international partnerships but stressed that external support should complement, not replace, national investment in healthcare.

“We must transform health financing. Africa cannot build sustainable health systems on unpredictable and declining external assistance,” she said.

She called on African governments to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation and ensure healthcare remains a key priority in national budgets.

The AU Health Commissioner also urged countries to safeguard health sector allocations, improve the management of public funds and address inefficiencies that reduce the impact of available resources.

Ambassador Twum-Amoah further renewed calls for African nations to honour the Abuja Declaration by allocating at least 15 per cent of their national budgets to the health sector.

She, however, noted that increasing funding alone would not be enough, stressing that governments must also ensure resources are used efficiently to improve health outcomes.

“This is not simply about spending more. It is about spending better, prioritising prevention, primary healthcare, health workers, essential medicines, and services for those furthest behind,” she added.

According to her, investing in preventive healthcare, strengthening the frontline health workforce and improving access to essential medicines will be crucial to tackling the continent’s persistent health challenges and building stronger, more resilient health systems.

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The interdenominational musical group made the donation as part of its commitment to giving back to society and fulfilling a pledge made during its recent concert dubbed “Total Praise Concert” held in Kumasi.

A total of GH¢32,000 was raised during the concert to support cancer care, particularly among children.

“We are also deeply grateful to our patron, Nana Afia Achiaa Deiwaa, Queenmother of Asanteman in Sweden, whose generous contribution of an additional GH¢11,000 helped facilitate the discharge of patients who were unable to settle their medical bills,” the group stated.

The choir expressed appreciation to stakeholders who contributed to making the donation possible.

“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our patrons, partners, sponsors, supporters, and cherished fans. Your prayers, generosity, encouragement and presence made this initiative possible.

Every ticket purchased, every donation made and every act of support contributed to bringing hope and relief to children and families in need,” the choral group added.

Health Ministry dismisses SABC’s false report on Ebola outbreak in Ghana

In a press release, the Ministry said the publication, attributed to South African broadcaster SABC, does not reflect the country’s public health situation and should be disregarded.

“The Ministry wishes to state unequivocally that Ghana has not recorded any case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). The figures being circulated are false, misleading, and should be disregarded,” the statement said.

The Ministry urged the public to remain calm and rely only on verified information from official sources, warning that the spread of unverified reports could create unnecessary fear and panic.

It also disclosed that the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, recently visited Ghana’s points of entry, laboratories and treatment facilities as part of routine preparedness efforts to strengthen the country’s readiness to prevent and respond to any potential public health emergency.

According to the Ministry, these precautionary measures should not be interpreted as evidence of an Ebola outbreak in Ghana but form part of ongoing efforts to maintain the country’s emergency response capacity.

The Ministry further appealed to the public to avoid sharing unverified information and instead seek updates from the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service on matters relating to public health.

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Hospital officials say some critically ill patients require wheelchairs to be moved before receiving treatment, but the limited supply often delays the timely transfer of patients to consulting rooms and treatment areas.

The concern was raised by Mercy Telly, Chief Nursing Officer and Nurse Manager of the Family Medicine Directorate, during a donation from Premier Health Insurance aimed at easing some of the challenges facing the facility.

“The number of patients we receive here every day is overwhelming. In some cases, we have to prioritise who gets a wheelchair because we simply do not have enough. This sometimes affects how quickly patients can be moved for assessment and treatment,” she said.

Ms Telly, who is also the Acting Deputy Director of Nursing Services, noted that while staff remain committed to delivering quality care, logistical challenges such as the wheelchair shortage add to the pressure on health workers in the unit.

To mark its 15th anniversary, Premier Health Insurance donated 20 wheelchairs to the hospital to improve patient care and reduce pressure on the emergency unit.

She expressed appreciation to Premier Health Insurance for the intervention, describing it as timely and a much-needed boost to patient care at the hospital.

Ms Telly further urged other health insurance providers to emulate Premier Health Insurance and support the hospital, stressing that collective efforts are needed to bridge resource gaps in the facility.

Chief Executive Officer of Premier Health Insurance, Percy Asare Ansah, said the company responded to the hospital’s appeal after learning about the growing demand for wheelchairs due to the high volume of emergency cases handled daily.

He noted that the donation forms part of the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts to support health facilities that serve large numbers of Ghanaians.

“As a health insurance provider, we understand the pressure on public health facilities. When we heard about the challenges with mobility equipment, we felt it was necessary to step in and provide support,” Mr Ansah said.

He added that Premier Health Insurance remains committed to partnering with hospitals and clinics across the country to improve patient care and reduce the burden on healthcare workers.

“This is just the beginning. We will continue to identify areas where we can make a meaningful impact in the health sector. As part of our 15th anniversary celebrations, we are donating about 150 wheelchairs to public health facilities across the region,” he stated.

Mr Ansah also appealed to corporate institutions, philanthropists and other stakeholders to support the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, noting that collective action is critical to improving healthcare delivery.

“The hospital serves thousands of patients, and it will take a collective effort to address some of the challenges we are facing,” he said.

KATH remains the main referral hospital for the Ashanti Region and beyond, with its Accident and Emergency Unit serving as a key point of care for accident victims and emergency cases from across the middle and northern parts of the country.

Health experts have called for increased support from government, corporate institutions and individuals to help address resource gaps in major referral hospitals.

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The 2025 National HIV Estimates and Projections report by the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) indicates that new HIV infections reduced from 16,189 in 2024 to 13,951 in 2025.

AIDS-related deaths also declined from 13,429 to 12,051 within the same period, representing nearly a 14% reduction.

Presenting the report in Accra on Monday, July 20, the Director for Research, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ghana AIDS Commission, Isaiah Doe Kwao, attributed the improvement to sustained investments in HIV testing, treatment and care services.

“Ghana’s HIV response is making progress, but we still have more work to do to reach epidemic control and ensure that no one is left behind,” he said.

The estimates show that about 337,435 people of all ages are currently living with HIV in Ghana.

Out of this number, 315,513 are adults aged 15 years and above, while 21,922 are children below 15 years.

The report further indicates that 19,528 adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 are living with HIV, with young people aged 15 to 24 years accounting for 33,317 cases.

Speaking at the launch, the Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr Kharmacelle Akanbong, said preventing new infections remains central to Ghana’s strategy to end AIDS as a public health threat.

He explained that every new infection increases the number of people who require lifelong treatment and care.

“Epidemic control means new infections and AIDS deaths must continue to come down. There should ideally be no new infections, although that is difficult to achieve. The objective is to reduce them to the lowest possible level,” Dr Akanbong said.

According to him, Ghana could further reduce new HIV infections from 13,951 in 2025 to about 6,430 by 2030 if prevention programmes, testing services and treatment coverage continue to improve.

AIDS-related deaths are also projected to decline from 12,051 in 2025 to approximately 4,893 by 2030.

The report noted that adult HIV prevalence among persons aged 15 to 49 years has declined from 1.79% in 2015 to 1.40% in 2025, with projections indicating a further reduction to 1.18% by 2030.

Dr Akanbong attributed the decline in prevalence to increased access to antiretroviral medicines, early initiation of treatment and improved retention of patients in HIV care.

However, he cautioned that challenges remain, particularly in identifying people who are unaware of their HIV status, expanding testing services and ensuring a consistent supply of medicines.

He called for stronger collaboration between government agencies, development partners, healthcare workers and communities to sustain the gains made in the HIV response.

The Ghana AIDS Commission said continued investment in prevention, testing and treatment services will be critical as the country works towards achieving the global target of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

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The summit will be held under the theme: “Advancing Justice, Equity and Universal Health Coverage: Ending AIDS, TB, Improving Maternal Health, Addressing Endemic Non-Communicable and Neglected Tropical Diseases and Conditions in Africa.”

A statement from the Presidency, signed by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said the meeting will bring together African Heads of State and Government, Ministers of Health, Finance and Foreign Affairs, the African Union Commission, Regional Economic Communities, development partners, civil society organisations, youth representatives and private sector actors.

The summit is expected to focus on strengthening Africa’s health systems and accelerating the achievement of Universal Health Coverage across the continent.

According to the statement, the meeting will be held in two phases.

On July 21, experts from member states will meet to lay the technical foundation for discussions by ministers and Heads of State.

The following day, the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government will meet to deliberate on and adopt key decisions on Africa’s health priorities, including a declaration aimed at accelerating the implementation of the African Union Roadmap to 2030.

The Presidency said Ghana’s hosting of the summit reflects President Mahama’s commitment to improving access to healthcare and advancing health reforms across Africa.

It highlighted government initiatives including the rollout of the Free Primary Health Care Programme, the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to expand access to essential services, and the establishment of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares) to support Universal Health Coverage.

The statement added that government is investing in health infrastructure, workforce development, emergency preparedness and local pharmaceutical manufacturing to strengthen Ghana’s health system while contributing to continental efforts to end AIDS and tuberculosis and reduce maternal mortality.

A major side event of the summit will be a Call to Action on Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Survival, led by the African Union Champion for Maternal and Child Health, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, in partnership with the Accra Reset initiative.

The government said it looks forward to welcoming Heads of State, delegates and stakeholders to Accra and reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to working with the African Union and member states to advance Universal Health Coverage across Africa.

The warning comes amid growing concerns over deteriorating air quality across the country, with pollution levels in several communities exceeding national and international safety limits.

Researchers and public health experts are urging stricter enforcement of vehicle emission regulations, improved urban planning, and greater public awareness to curb pollution and prevent thousands of avoidable deaths linked to respiratory, cardiovascular, and cancer-related illnesses.

Air pollution has increasingly become a major public health challenge in Ghana due to rapid urbanisation, rising vehicle numbers, open waste burning, industrial activities, and widespread use of biomass fuels.

According to the latest study conducted by PSS Urbania Consult with support from the Clean Air Fund, pollution-related illnesses now account for more deaths annually than malaria, HIV/AIDS, and road traffic accidents combined, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated action by government, local authorities, and the public.

Speaking on the issue, Dr. Kwadwo Ansong, Deputy Director at CSIR-SARI, warned that car exhaust contains polycyclic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, which are classified as carcinogenic by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

“The smoke from cars contains polycyclic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, that can cause cancer. In Germany, there is a company called TÜV that checks cars with smoky exhaust. I urge the DVLA to put stringent measures in place to reduce the smoke in the air.”

He also advised the public to take responsibility for maintaining their vehicle engines to prevent excessive smoke.

The study identified major sources of pollution to include vehicular emissions, open waste burning, use of firewood, pesticides from farming activities, and dust from road construction.

The data confirmed the dire state of air quality in the capital region.

Senior Urban Planner and Managing Partner of PSS Urbania Consult Ltd. Joseph Ayitio in an interview with Adom News, advised Municipal Assemblies to implement measures designed to reduce air pollution.

Public Health Director for the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, AMA, Mrs. Florence Kuukyi said the Assembly has put measures in place to address the situation.

“We have gotten support to mount low-cost sensors in Accra to monitor the level of air pollution and intervene where necessary. We are also putting down measures to decongest traders selling close to the roadside. This causes traffic and increases emissions. We are working to reduce that.”

Experts say without urgent intervention, the health and economic burden of air pollution will continue to rise.

This report was produced in collaboration with New Narratives with funding from the Clean Air Fund.

Some surveys suggest very high levels of anxiety and distrust of fillings and drillings, leading to people skipping routine cleaning and care trips to the dentist. Upwards of 70% of adults fear going to the dentist.

Yet, nearly every day, biochemist Hannele Ruohola-Baker gets an email from someone begging to undergo bizarre dentistry experiments that go beyond the routine pains resulting from most dentist visits – they want her to help them regrow their teeth.

That’s because Ruohola-Baker is part of a growing number of scientists worldwide harnessing the power of regenerative medicine to replace traditional dental procedures for the millions of people who are missing teeth and managing tooth pain.

If their vision becomes reality, a visit to the dentist could one day involve regrowing damaged teeth tissue or even an entire tooth, rather than repairing it with synthetic materials or yanking it out – an appealing prospect not only because of its novelty, but also because teeth play a greater role in health and well-being than many may realise.

“When we first began, one thing became very clear to me,” says Ruohola-Baker, who is the associate director of the University of Washington Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine in the US. “People are ready for something new in dentistry.”

Open wide

Teeth are “your window to the world,” says Pamela Yelick, a professor at the Tufts School of Dental Medicine in the US. “If you’re afraid to open your mouth or can’t eat properly, it’s a very downward spiral.”

Historically, it was underappreciated that “oral health is key to good systemic health,” says Yelick. Now, it’s increasingly understood that dental issues, like bacteria from gum disease, can increase the risk of heart disease and respiratory infections. They have even been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Tooth loss, meanwhile, is associated with more illness and earlier death. It affects the ability to eat, chew, and smile, and can harm social and emotional well-being – an insidious cycle that can begin in childhood.

Dentists have many tools to help counteract this. They can repair cavities by removing what’s damaged and filling the space with a man-made material, such as a resin composite. And they can use fillings to fix minor chips and cracks.

But these are imperfect solutions. For instance, there’s a lot of variability in the durability of fillings, which can last anywhere from about five to 20 years. It’s also not uncommon for people to have to go through “repeated interventions” with procedures like these, says Anne George, a professor of oral biology at the University of Illinois, Chicago, in the US.

That’s because these fixes primarily focus on “repairing damage, rather than restoring biological function,” says George. Instead, “regenerative dentistry can be a paradigm shift,” says George. “It emphasises healing.”

Self-filling cavities

Cavities, for one, are “the most common thing that destroys the tooth,” says George. 

Teeth have four main layers: enamel, dentine, cementum, and tooth pulp. Cavities develop when dental plaque bacteria feed on sugars and produce acids that gradually dissolve that first layer of tooth enamel. Dentine is beneath enamel and is softer and less resistant to decay, and when enamel is lost and dentine becomes exposed, cavity risk further increases.

George researches the proteins that help dentine grow, mineralise, and repair itself. She was also part of a team that cloned one of the genes that helps build dentine, understanding more about the inner workings of how teeth create and maintain this tissue in the first place. This knowledge could lead to new treatments that stimulate damaged teeth to repair cavity damage with new dentine on their own, says George, ending the need for traditional fillings to plug the holes instead.

Ruhola-Baker and her team are also working on “living fillings” – but ones rooted more in enamel, rather than in dentine. After researching donated wisdom teeth, the scientist found that the special cells that make enamel, called ameloblasts, die after a human tooth erupts so they cannot be stimulated once the tooth breaks through.

Instead, the team used chemical signals to coax some stem cells into ameloblasts, and induced other stem cells to become odontoblasts, which are cells that make dentine. Combined in a dish, these ingredients produced a tooth organoid that secretes enamel proteins on its own.

Ruohla-Baker can see a future in which these enamel proteins are used to make fillings or painted onto cracked teeth. But her long-term goal is a whole lab-grown tooth: eventually, she wants to embed the engineered cells necessary to build a tooth in a patient’s mouth and let “nature take care of the rest,” she says.

How to farm a tooth

If a tooth has many cavities and decay, the best and easiest treatment may be to pull it out and place an implant – a combination of a screw-like post, an artificial crown, and a connector of the two. 

But implants don’t contain nerves that help you feel while you chew, so it’s possible to unintentionally bite down too hard and crack the implant. Bacteria can attach to the implant, leading to a condition that can affect the remaining healthy teeth. Artificial crowns need replacement after about 15 years and can cost thousands of dollars, depending on your insurance.

Entirely lab-grown teeth, instead, could be a more durable solution than implants, says Ana Angelova Volponi, director of regenerative dentistry at King’s College London, in the UK.

“Rather than just trying to patch what has been damaged, we could use a biological replacement,” says Volponi, who is also creating an organoid capable of developing into a replacement tooth. 

Even if a pig is harvested for food, there are tooth buds that are in the jaw getting ready to form another tooth – Pamela Yelick

Volponi’s team found that cells taken from adult human gum tissue, combined with tooth-forming cells from mice, could produce a hybrid human-mouse “tooth structure” with viable, developing roots. She’s now working on ways to recreate the instructions that guide such tooth formation, along with engineered biomaterials that might help those cells assemble into a structured, functional tooth.

Unfortunately, this does not happen naturally.

Unlike some other animals, humans can’t continuously grow new teeth once something happens to their adult set. Sharks, instead, have an endless supply of teeth, regenerating them in a continuous conveyor-belt-like manner. Kangaroos get multiple sets of molars, as do elephants.

Pigs also have a biological quirk: their jaws contain multiple sets of unerupted adult tooth buds. It’s because of this eccentricity that Yelick was able to grow human-like teeth in adult Yucatan minipigs using a combination of human and pig tooth cells.

The team collected cells capable of forming dentine from human teeth and cells that form enamel from unerupted teeth in discarded pig jaws from a butcher. “Even if a pig is harvested for food, there are tooth buds that are in the jaw getting ready to form another tooth,” says Yelick.

After growing the cells in a laboratory, the researchers combined them on a bioengineered scaffold designed to mimic the environment of a developing tooth. After three months, tooth-like structures developed at a rate close to that of natural pig teeth.

“It was a proof of principle that this could really work… many, many people reached out who were desperate to fix their own tooth problems,” says Yelick, who is now looking to do the experiment over a longer period of time, and directly inside a pig jaw. Eventually, Yelick and her team want to prompt cells to grow teeth in a person’s mouth without any pig cells involved.

From the lab to the dentist’s chair

Despite the demand, we’re still years away from the first person to get self-filling cavities or a lab-grown tooth replacement. Before “we can begin to talk about” studying humans, experiments with non-human primates have to happen first, says Ruohola-Baker. That will take more research, time, and money. Plus, to get lab-grown teeth into human mouths, researchers need to create improved environments for tooth development.

In the meantime, the lessons learned in regenerative dentistry could help broader efforts to reproduce various parts of the body, such as organs and bones. Because teeth are “highly sophisticated living organs,” says Yelick, efforts to replicate them in labs are teaching scientists how hard and soft tissues work together on a very basic level.

While it may not happen soon, Volponi is confident that safe, sustainable regenerative dental solutions will eventually be available to the public. “That’s where I see the future,” she says. “It’s not very clear, but it’s hopeful.”

Addressing Parliament’s Majority Caucus Retreat in Ho in the Volta Region, the Administrator of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund said the Trust Fund has laid a solid institutional foundation and is already delivering on its mandate to provide financial relief for patients living with chronic non-communicable diseases while strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system.

The Administrator commended Parliament for passing the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Act, describing it as a historic decision that has given hope to thousands of Ghanaians who previously struggled to afford life-saving treatment.

Rather than rushing implementation, the Trust Fund focused on building transparent governance systems, recruiting technical personnel and developing operational structures capable of sustaining the programme for generations. A nationwide needs assessment followed, taking officials to teaching hospitals, regional hospitals and specialist facilities across Ghana to identify critical equipment and infrastructure gaps.

The Administrator revealed that the Fund completed a pilot programme under which 50 patients suffering from chronic non-communicable diseases received life-saving financial support. The exercise enabled the Trust Fund to test patient enrolment, claims processing, provider payments and digital systems before the nationwide rollout.

Beyond supporting patients, the Trust Fund has also intensified efforts to modernise healthcare infrastructure through partnerships with corporate institutions and development partners. These collaborations have resulted in the donation of essential medical equipment and consumables to hospitals based on identified needs rather than political considerations.

Highlighting one of the Trust Fund’s flagship achievements, the Administrator pointed to the commissioning of the reconstructed and expanded Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory at the National Cardiothoracic Centre of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Within just two days of its inauguration, specialist teams had begun performing complex cardiac procedures, with 30 patients expected to benefit by the end of the week.

The Administrator also announced that two additional Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratories at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and Tamale Teaching Hospital are expected to be commissioned before the end of the year, while future facilities are planned for Ho Teaching Hospital and the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital, as has been announced by the President to decentralise access to specialist cardiac care.

On human resource development, the Trust Fund has invested heavily in specialist training through partnerships with the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives, and the Ghana College of Pharmacists.

It has also supported the commencement of training for 500 post-basic nurse specialists, with the long-term vision of ensuring every region has at least ten specialists capable of managing chronic diseases.

The Administrator said the fourth pillar of the Fund focuses on research to ensure healthcare policies and investments are driven by evidence and tailored to Ghana’s disease burden.

Concluding the address, the Administrator declared that the Ghana Medical Trust Fund is no longer merely an Act of Parliament but “a functioning institution already saving lives,” calling on Members of Parliament to continue supporting the initiative to ensure no Ghanaian is denied specialised healthcare because of cost, geography or circumstance.

Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, revealed hospital bed occupancy currently stands at about 60 percent, meaning a significant number of beds remain available across the country’s health facilities.

Appearing before Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee, she argued that the real problem is not a shortage of beds but the absence of an efficient bed management system capable of coordinating available capacity across facilities.

According to Dr Ayensu-Danquah, having real-time information on bed availability across hospitals would allow emergency teams to direct patients to facilities with the appropriate capacity, rather than patients being turned away despite beds being open elsewhere.

“If we have more beds, why are we having no-bed syndrome? I believe the occupancy rate is 60%. So with 100 beds in a hospital, 60 of them are occupied; 40 are open. So now why does somebody come and have a no-bed syndrome?” she questioned.

She explained that a coordinated system tracking available beds — including specialised units such as intensive care, maternity and orthopaedic wards — would help eliminate the delays currently experienced in admitting patients.

“We believe that if we have a proper management system that tells you that, for instance, in real time, Ridge Hospital has one ICU bed, two maternal beds and one orthopaedic bed, when the ambulance is coming, we can know where to take the patient,” she said.

The Deputy Minister maintained that the evidence available to the Ministry shows beds do exist in health facilities, but that weaknesses in coordination and information-sharing are what lead to situations where patients are turned away.

She stressed that improving hospital bed management would be central to ensuring patients receive timely care and to reducing complaints over unavailable beds.

The Association says the delay in implementing the migration amounts to a breach of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016, which requires that accountants in certain public institutions have their salaries determined by the Controller and Accountant General’s Department.

National President of HASAG, Samsudeen Mohammed, said members of the Association are being treated unfairly compared to accountants in other sectors already covered under the Act.

“By the PFM Act, 2016, we are supposed to be managed by the Controller and Accountant General’s Department, but that has not been done. We want the Controller to perform the role as stated by the PFM Act. Even though the Controller is aware of this, we are reminding them of the plight of our members,” he said.

He made the remarks at the Annual Retreat of the Ashanti Regional Chapter of the Health Accounting Staff Association of Ghana, held under the theme: “Strengthening Financial Management, Improving Audit Performance to Improve Healthcare Delivery in Ghana.”

Mr Mohammed argued that the disparity in remuneration among accountants in the public sector violates the principle of equal pay for equal work.

“Under the International Labour Convention, equal work deserves equal pay. If an accountant at the Ghana Health Service is not paid like colleagues in other public sector institutions, then we are being treated unfairly,” he added.

The Association has already petitioned the Controller and Accountant General’s Department on the matter but is yet to receive a response.

The Ashanti Regional retreat focused on strengthening financial management practices within Ghana Health Service facilities, with participants receiving training on modern accounting and auditing approaches to improve financial management in health institutions.

Meanwhile, the Ashanti Regional Health Director, Dr Fred Adomako, highlighted the critical role of accounting staff in the management of the country’s health system.

He said effective healthcare delivery requires efficiency from all stakeholders, including proper management of resources and the prevention of wastage.

“It is easy for us to list the staff and machinery we need and attach costs to them, but accountants can help us correlate all these costs with the expected outcomes,” Dr Adomako stated.

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The initiative targeted market women, traders, associations, food vendors, schools, communities, traditional and religious leaders with hygiene demonstrations, safe-water handling advice and prompt reporting mechanisms to nip potential outbreaks in the bud.

The exercise aimed to reduce cholera transmission by educating those who influence community behaviour and environmental conditions.

The stakeholders were to align resources, improves rapid response capacity and builds trust so communities adopt and sustain preventive behaviours, ultimately lowering cases and saving lives.

Dr Joseph Kizzie-Hayford, Deputy Director at the University of Cape Coast Hospital, who facilitated the engagement said it was prompted by the recurring cholera outbreaks, more urgently due to the recent floods in the region, which had devastating effects on residents, including loss of life.

He explained that cholera was a disease that caused diarrhoea, often described as cloudy “rice water.”

He said a person could contract cholera by swallowing cholera germs picked up from surfaces or objects contaminated with faeces or vomit from an infected person.

He added that key risk factors included contaminated water, poor sanitation and unsafe food practices.

Dr Kizzie-Hayford stressed that sustained public education remained essential to raising awareness of the risks and promoting simple preventive actions, such as drinking treated or boiled water, practicing good hand hygiene, using safe sanitation facilities and ensuring food was handled and cooked safely.

He warned that diarrhoea caused rapid loss of fluid and salts from the body causing severe dehydration that could lead to death within hours if not treated promptly.

On cholera prevention, he advised drinking and using only safe water from bottled water with an unbroken seal, water that has been boiled, or water treated with chlorine tablets like AquaTabs.

He advocated thorough hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and clean running water particularly after using the toilet, before preparing or eating food and after handling soiled items.

Foods like seafood and others must be thoroughly cooked, food must be eaten hot, and cooked food kept well covered and, where appropriate, fruits and vegetables before eating.

Dr Kizzie-Hayford, stressed the need to maintain a clean environment keep kitchens, bathing areas, and laundry areas clean, dispose of garbage promptly and protect water sources from contamination.

“Use latrines located at least 30 metres from water sources and ensure they are properly maintained,” he advised.

Also, he encouraged prompt reporting of diarrhoea illness for immediate treatment as early rehydration, medical care and vaccination could reduce transmission and save lives.

Contributing to the forum, some stakeholders including Mr Isaac Arkoh of the Ghana News Agency urged the GHS to intensify media reporting on cholera, promote inter-agency collaboration particularly between the Ghana Water Company and district assemblies to drive timely prevention and response.

Nana Yaw Kwarko Gyimah II, Ankobeahene of Assin Bereku, urged traditional and religious leaders to collaborate with the District Assemblies to mobilise community members to enforce sanitation bylaws and work with health teams and ensure clean water, proper waste disposal and rapid action when cases were reported.

Mr Abubakar Adams, speaking for Muslims in Agona West, called on religious and community leaders to model and teach handwashing, safe food handling, and keep the environment n good sanitary conditions.

Others largely encouraged hygiene at home, distribution of educational videos and reading materials and warned that cholera could be contracted within households so families must keep water and kitchens safe.

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In a statement issued on Thursday, July 16, EOCO said the agreement followed a series of engagements with the parties, who have agreed to hand over the hospital to the Ministry of Health to facilitate the commencement of healthcare services for the benefit of the public.

According to EOCO, the agreement was reached despite outstanding issues surrounding the project, including claims by the contractor over unpaid sums and concerns raised by the project’s financier regarding procurement processes and other related matters.

The Office explained that, in the interest of the public and to ensure the completed facility begins serving its intended purpose, all parties agreed that the hospital should be handed over and operationalised without further delay.

EOCO expressed optimism that the agreement would pave the way for the commissioning and opening of the hospital, allowing children and families to access much-needed specialised healthcare services.

The anti-graft agency, however, stressed that investigations into allegations of procurement breaches, financial impropriety and other related matters concerning the project remain ongoing.

It emphasised that the decision to hand over and operationalise the hospital would not affect or prejudice the investigations currently being conducted into the project.

EOCO commended the Ministry of Health and Awerco Construction Limited for placing the national interest first and cooperating to reach the agreement.

The Office reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public resources, promoting accountability and ensuring that public infrastructure projects deliver their intended benefits to the people of Ghana.

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The meeting was led by the Administrator of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, and her team, while the WHO delegation was headed by the Country Representative, Dr Fiona Braka.

The discussions focused on strengthening the Trust Fund’s four-pillar mandate, as well as enhancing its long-term financial sustainability, governance and accountability.

The WHO acknowledged the progress made by the Trust Fund and expressed its readiness to provide technical support, share expertise and work closely with the Fund to advance its objectives.

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund said the partnership with the WHO forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system and expand access to quality specialised healthcare services for all Ghanaians.

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Director of Human Resources at the Ministry, Frederick Mensah-Acheampong, says adherence to established guidelines, particularly regarding admission quotas and timelines, is non-negotiable.

He revealed that the quota system was arrived at after taking into consideration infrastructure assessment, faculty capacity, and national health workforce plans.

The Ministry of Health in March this year opened investigations into the operations of two principals of nursing training colleges.

The suspension of principals of Nkanchina College of Nursing and Nalerigu Nurses and Midwifery Training College were announced by Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh following preliminary investigations.

The duo have since been on suspension for alleged over-admission of students in the 2025/2026 academic year admissions and, in some cases, the introduction of unapproved programmes of study.

Addressing heads of health training institutions at their 2026 annual health conference in Kumasi, Director of Human Resources at the Ministry of Health, Frederick Mensah-Acheampong, warned the heads of consequences if they ignore admission quotas and timelines.

“As we commence this year’s admission process, I wish to emphasize the importance of strict compliance with the admission guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health, especially the issue of quotas.

Quotas are determined after careful workforce planning, infrastructure assessment, faculty capacity, national health workforce requirements, and I therefore urge all principals and directors to adhere strictly to their approved quotas.

Equally important is adherence to the approved admission timelines to ensure uniformity, efficiency, and fairness across all health training institutions. We must ensure that every admission decision reflects our shared vision of excellence, integrity, fairness, and accountability.”

Mr. Mensah-Acheampong announced the commencement of new post-basic specialist nursing programmes in some selected training institutions for the upcoming academic year.

“One of the major policy directives which continue—which will continue in the coming academic year that we are looking forward for is the commencement of the new post-basic specialist nursing programs in selected training institutions,” he said.

“These programs are intended to augment the country’s pool of specialist nurses and address the emerging healthcare needs while positioning Ghana as a competitive contributor to the global health workforce,”Mr. Frderick Mensah-Acheampong added.

The introduction of the programmes, he said, forms part of a broader government agenda to strengthen health service delivery as at least 500 students, the first cohort of the programme, are admitted to school.

The training module is designed to shift medical training from complex theory to practically led clinical programmes with the Nursing and Midwifery Training College in Korle-Bu, the Perioperative and Critical Care School in Korle-Bu, the NMTC in Kumasi, the ENT School in Kumasi, and the NMTC in Tamale as the initial centres.

“The specialist programs roll out this year in five schools include critical care nursing, emergency nursing, cardiology nursing, endocrinology nursing, nephrology nursing, and oncology nursing.

The pioneer institutions selected for the phase one of this program include: the Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Korle-Bu, Perioperative and Critical Care School in Korle-Bu; Nursing and Midwifery Training College in Kumasi, ENT School in Kumasi, and Nursing and Midwifery Training College in Tamale.”

“Quality health education can only be achieved when academic excellence is supported by strong regulatory oversight.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Acheampong-Mensah announced promotion interviews will be held systematically twice every year with 2026 Promotion Guidelines dispatched to all health training institutions.

The new reforms, he noted, were to prevent staff from being disadvantaged.

This year’s annual conference was under the theme, “Bridging Pathways and Harmonizing Entry Standards for Quality Advanced Healthcare Training.”

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The alert, issued by the Principal Optometrist at the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Hospital, Dr Noel Arizi, urged residents to remain vigilant as the highly contagious viral eye infection spreads easily through direct contact with infected eye secretions or contaminated personal items.

According to the hospital, the infection can be transmitted through contaminated hands, towels, tissues, handkerchiefs, cosmetics, eye drops and other personal items shared with infected persons.

Health officials said common symptoms of Apollo include red or bloodshot eyes, excessive tearing or watery discharge, eye pain, irritation or a gritty sensation, swollen eyelids, sensitivity to light, and eye discharge that may cause the eyelids to stick together.

Residents have been advised to practise good personal hygiene by washing their hands frequently with soap and clean water, avoiding touching or rubbing their eyes, and refraining from sharing towels, pillows, handkerchiefs, cosmetics or eye drops.

The Municipal Hospital also urged anyone who develops symptoms to stay away from school, work or crowded places to reduce transmission and seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility.

Health authorities further cautioned the public against self-medication or the use of unprescribed eye drops, herbal remedies or home treatments without professional medical advice.

“The cooperation of everyone is essential in preventing the spread of Apollo. Practicing good personal hygiene and seeking early medical care will help protect your family and community,” the statement said.

The Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Hospital encouraged residents to remain informed, observe all recommended preventive measures and report to the nearest health facility if they experience symptoms, as efforts continue to contain the outbreak.

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The operation formed part of the Assembly’s ongoing “Samansaman” exercise, which saw environmental health officers and a taskforce storm the Adum Railways enclave—a busy commercial area where many traders and commuters purchase meals.

During the exercise, officials found food being prepared and sold close to choked gutters and stagnant drains, with uncovered meals exposed to flies and other potential sources of contamination.

Several vendors were arrested for allegedly operating in unsanitary conditions. In cases where stall owners were absent, individuals found preparing food were apprehended.

Some vendors fled upon seeing the taskforce, leaving behind their food and cooking utensils, while others challenged the officers, arguing that maintaining sanitation was the Assembly’s responsibility since they pay market levies.

Speaking to the media, the leader of the KMA Environmental Health and Taskforce, Adam Salifu Abass, said the exercise forms part of a sustained campaign to improve sanitation and safeguard public health in Kumasi.

He stressed that the Assembly would continue to enforce sanitation regulations and urged traders to comply with food safety standards.

Mr Abass also called on residents and vendors to view cleanliness as a shared responsibility rather than one solely for the Assembly, noting that good sanitation is essential to protecting lives and maintaining a healthy environment.

The KMA has reiterated its commitment to sustaining the “Samansaman” exercise as part of broader efforts to restore cleanliness and improve public health across the metropolis.

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The milestone was achieved after a medical team successfully implanted pacemakers in all four patients at the new facility.

The procedures were carried out in collaboration with specialists from Mount Carmel Hospital in Ohio, USA, marking a significant step forward in Ghana’s cardiac healthcare capacity.

The new Cath Lab is expected to improve access to advanced heart procedures locally and reduce the need for patients to seek specialised cardiac care outside the country.

Management of the facility expressed appreciation to the President of the Republic of Ghana, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, and other stakeholders whose support contributed to the installation and commissioning of the state-of-the-art laboratory.

The commissioning of the facility forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Ghana’s capacity in providing advanced cardiovascular care and expanding access to life-saving medical interventions.

Speaking before Parliament’s Assurance Committee, Mr. Akandoh said the tariff adjustment is aimed at ensuring healthcare providers receive adequate reimbursement for services rendered to NHIS subscribers while enhancing the long-term sustainability of the scheme.

“I’m happy to announce that very soon, we are going to increase the tariffs of the National Health Insurance. I think in August it’s going to start,” he said.

The Minister added that the Mahama administration has ensured the timely transfer of funds from the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) to facilitate the prompt settlement of claims owed to healthcare providers.

Mr. Akandoh also disclosed that the government has uncovered instances of illegal co-payments being charged by some healthcare facilities despite services being covered under the NHIS.

He described the practice as fraudulent and warned that authorities would not hesitate to prosecute offenders.

“We have also detected some kind of fraud in the system. We have detected this kind of co-payment, as they call it, which is an illegal payment. We are even prosecuting some of them. We have arrested some, they are under prosecution,” he stated.

The Health Minister urged all accredited healthcare providers to comply with NHIS regulations and refrain from imposing unauthorised charges on patients.

“I will plead with all service providers that let us do the right thing because we are on the ground, and we will come after you,” he cautioned.

Mr. Akandoh said the government will continue monitoring healthcare facilities to eliminate illegal practices and ensure subscribers receive the full benefits of the National Health Insurance Scheme.

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“Some NPP bigwigs could have easily secured Miracles Aboagye’s bail but…” – Martin Kpebu

In pursuing these responsibilities, however, we sometimes overlook the invaluable role our wives play in our lives.

In Ghana, it is common to hear some husbands proudly declare, “I take care of you and provide all your needs. What else do you need?” Yet, providing financially is only one aspect of marriage.

Appreciation matters

More than anything else, many women long to feel appreciated. They want to know that their efforts are seen, acknowledged, and valued.

They want to hear, directly or indirectly, that they stood beside their husbands through every success and that life would have been very different without their support.

When we appreciate our wives, we make them feel valued, cherished, and loved. They become more committed to the relationship and are often inspired to give even more love, care, and attention in return.

Are wives important?

Many Ghanaian husbands take for granted the critical roles their wives play in the family’s physical, emotional, mental, social, and even sexual well-being.

A wife is often the family’s dietitian, carefully selecting nutritious food within a limited budget. She cooks, washes dishes, cleans the home, does the laundry, and ensures that the household runs smoothly.

She may also serve as a teacher, gardener, seamstress, and repairer. Above all, she constantly watches over the welfare of her family.

Can we truly put a price tag on these responsibilities?

The burden is often even greater for women in rural communities.

Many wake before dawn to sweep the compound, prepare their children for school, and head to the farm, where they labour tirelessly.

They gather firewood and harvest food crops, carrying heavy loads on their heads, sometimes with a child strapped to their backs, while their husbands walk behind carrying only a machete.

After returning home, they prepare meals, sometimes pounding fufu alone while their husbands relax and wait to be served. At night, when the baby cries, it is often the mother who is expected to wake up, even if the father is closer to the child.

Many wives work tirelessly every day, yet their contributions are rarely recognised or rewarded. Without legal protections, many would have faced the painful possibility of being driven away from homes and property they helped build.

A lesson in appreciation

There is the story of a man who constantly criticised his wife for her housekeeping and what he considered excessive household expenses.

One day, his wife travelled abroad for two months.

He later confessed that it was one of the most difficult periods of his life. He struggled to care for the children, prepare meals, and keep the house in order. Household expenses increased, and the home quickly became disorganised.

Only then did he realise how much his wife had been doing while also holding down a full-time job as a public servant. He learned, through experience, the importance of appreciating her.

How to appreciate your wife

Have faith in your wife. God has blessed women with qualities that complement those of men. Their intuition, empathy, and emotional intelligence are strengths meant to enrich the family. Trust removes many misconceptions about women.

•Listen to your wife. She is your equal partner in marriage.

Research consistently shows that couples who make decisions together enjoy healthier relationships and often achieve greater success.

Never make important decisions without seeking mutual agreement. Many women consider having a voice in the relationship one of the greatest expressions of love and respect.

•Spend quality time together. Your wife treasures your presence more than your possessions. Encourage her to share her hopes, fears, and aspirations. Listen with empathy and respond with kindness, reassurance, encouragement, and gratitude. Never underestimate the power of the simple words “Thank you,” “I’m sorry,” and “I love you.”

•Give thoughtful gifts. Gifts need not be expensive. Meet her emotional, spiritual, and physical needs. Help with household chores from time to time. Cooking together or sharing domestic responsibilities communicates love and appreciation more powerfully than words alone.

•Support her socially. Attend social events with her and make her feel valued in the presence of family and friends.

•Celebrate your marriage. Couples who intentionally celebrate milestones and special moments often build stronger, healthier, and more enduring marriages.

•Pray for your wife every day. Women experience many physical and emotional changes influenced by hormones and life’s demands. Pray for her strength, health, wisdom, and peace. Supporting her spiritually benefits the entire family.

The bottom line

Marriage makes two people one. Whatever success a husband enjoys, his wife has almost certainly contributed to it in ways that may never be fully seen or measured.

Whether she works outside the home or is a full-time homemaker, every meal she prepares, every child she nurtures, every sacrifice she makes, and every prayer she offers contributes to the family’s success.

The English poet John Milton, who became blind later in life, wrote, “They also serve who only stand and wait.” Wives serve in countless visible and invisible ways every single day.

They deserve our gratitude. They deserve our respect. They deserve our appreciation.

When wives feel loved and appreciated, they flourish. And indeed, a happy wife makes a happy home.

According to a public notice issued by the hospital, the patient was brought to the facility by a Good Samaritan and has since received the necessary medical care.

However, despite efforts by the hospital’s Social Welfare Department to trace his family, no relatives have been identified.

The hospital is therefore urging anyone who recognises the patient or has information that could lead to the identification of his relatives to come forward.

Members of the public with relevant information are encouraged to contact Lt. Col. Sandow, Officer-in-Charge of the Social Welfare Department, on 054 619 5658, or the hospital’s Radio Room on 0302 767 691.

Now, scientists say the impact of the pollution could be extending beyond the scrapyard, with studies indicating that toxic substances released during informal e-waste recycling may be contaminating the food chain.

Research suggests that harmful chemicals from electronic waste processing have been detected in human breast milk and livestock milk consumed by communities around affected areas.

Evidence from researchers at the University of Ghana, together with findings cited by UNICEF and other environmental health experts, points to growing concerns that heavy metals and other hazardous pollutants released through informal e-waste burning are accumulating in the environment and may be entering food consumed by mothers, infants and nearby residents.

Health experts warn that children are particularly vulnerable, as exposure to toxic metals such as lead and mercury can affect brain development, learning abilities and long-term health outcomes.

Agbogbloshie has long been recognised as one of West Africa’s major informal electronic waste recycling hubs, where discarded televisions, computers, refrigerators and electrical cables are dismantled to recover valuable metals.

Much of the recovery process involves open burning, a practice that releases hazardous pollutants, including lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic and persistent organic pollutants, into the air, soil and water.

Researchers say these contaminants can move through the environment and potentially enter the human food chain.

Scientists from the University of Ghana and other environmental health institutions say growing evidence suggests that pollutants generated through informal electronic waste recycling at Agbogbloshie may be contaminating food consumed by nearby communities.

Dr. John Arko-Mensah, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences at the University of Ghana School of Public Health, said chemicals released during the open burning of electronic waste pose significant health risks.

“When materials are burned at Agbogbloshie, the chemicals in the emissions have many health implications.”

According to Dr. Arko-Mensah, prolonged exposure to some of these chemicals has been associated with serious health conditions, including neurological disorders, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and other chronic illnesses.

He referenced earlier studies that detected elevated levels of heavy metals, including lead, mercury, arsenic, and nickel, in breast milk samples collected from women living around Agbogbloshie.

Researchers said the findings suggest pollutants released during e-waste recycling may be entering the food chain.

Health Specialist with UNICEF, Dr. Rev. Emmanuel Kyeremanteng, said children living or working around electronic waste sites face heightened risks because their developing bodies absorb toxic metals more readily than adults.

He said exposure to lead and other hazardous substances can contribute to neurological damage, developmental disorders, respiratory illnesses, and long-term organ damage.

Dr. Kyeremanteng encouraged parents to improve children’s nutrition by providing foods rich in vitamins and minerals, including leafy vegetables such as kontomire and garden eggs and citrus fruits, which can help reduce the body’s absorption of lead.

UNICEF estimates that more than 1.7 million children in Ghana have blood lead levels above 5 micrograms per decilitre, the threshold regarded internationally as a public health concern.

The estimate is based on modelling and research rather than routine Ghana Health Service surveillance data.

Recent environmental studies have also raised concerns about contamination of livestock grazing near Agbogbloshie.

According to Dr. Arko-Mensah, milk samples collected from cattle grazing around the area showed elevated concentrations of heavy metals, while additional assessments reported the presence of persistent organic pollutants, including dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), chemicals linked to cancer, reproductive disorders and immune system damage.

Dr. Arko-Mensah said preliminary research involving cattle and egrets around the site detected traces of heavy metals, underscoring the need for more comprehensive investigations.

He called for stronger environmental regulations and continued scientific monitoring to reduce public exposure to hazardous pollutants.

For traders who work daily at Agbogbloshie Market, however, the health concerns extend beyond laboratory findings.

A 32-year-old pepper seller, Rama Alhassan, from Bawku, said she spent years breastfeeding her child while working near areas where electronic waste is frequently burned.

“The smoke enters my nose and burns like someone has poured pepper inside.”

She said she has developed a persistent cough, headaches, and recurring colds, while her two-year-old child frequently suffers from respiratory illnesses.

Another trader, 23-year-old Rebecca Tetteh Narh, who inherited her late mother’s pepper business, said she is aware of the smoke but believes wearing a nose mask may help reduce exposure.

Deputy Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, Michael Ayamga, said the Authority has seized electronic waste involved in illegal activities and that some affected individuals have challenged the enforcement actions in court.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Health Service, UNICEF, and Pure Earth have completed one of Ghana’s largest blood lead level surveys, testing 3,227 children aged between one and five years across the country’s ecological zones to establish a national baseline for childhood lead exposure.

Environmental health experts say the findings from ongoing research reinforce the urgent need for stronger enforcement of environmental regulations, safer electronic waste recycling practices, and expanded public health surveillance to protect vulnerable communities.

This story was a collaboration with New Narratives, with funding from the Clean Air Fund. The donor had no say in the content of the story.

Observed annually on July 11, this year’s World Population Day is themed “Realising the hopes and aspirations of young people, today and for the future.” The theme is informed by the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) latest report, Lives, Choices and Futures, which draws on its Demographic Futures Survey of more than 108,000 young adults across 73 countries.

The report found that more than two-thirds of young adults aged between 18 and 39 want to get married, while only about one in 10 said they do not want children.

It also revealed that 88% of respondents consider financial security a prerequisite for becoming parents, while 87% believe stable employment is equally important before starting a family.

“The findings are striking: most young people aspire to partnership and parenthood,” UNFPA Executive Director Diene Keita said at the report’s launch in New York.

She added that when financial barriers are removed, young people are better able to make “the choices that are right for them.”

Although the survey’s authors cautioned that the findings are not nationally representative because they primarily reflect the views of internet-connected young adults, they said the results challenge the perception that younger generations are increasingly rejecting marriage and family life.

The report found that 80% of respondents cited the joy children bring as a key reason for wanting children, while government incentives ranked among the least influential factors.

It also noted that respondents from West and Central Africa, including Ghana, generally preferred larger family sizes than participants from most other regions.

Ghana’s youthful population

The findings are particularly relevant for Ghana, where more than half of the country’s estimated 33 million people are under the age of 25.

UNFPA and population experts have long argued that Ghana’s youthful population presents an opportunity for a demographic dividend—accelerated economic growth driven by a large working-age population—provided young people have access to quality education, healthcare and decent jobs.

However, the organisation warned that without sustained investment in these areas, economic pressures could continue to delay young people’s aspirations to marry and raise families.

Reproductive health challenges remain

Ghana’s reproductive health indicators also point to ongoing challenges.

According to the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, 27.8% of married women use modern contraceptive methods, while 23.4% have an unmet need for family planning.

The survey found that total demand for family planning stands at 59.7%, with just over 60% of that demand currently being met.

Ghana’s total fertility rate remains at 3.9 children per woman, largely unchanged since 2017 after falling significantly from 6.4 children per woman in 1988.

Meanwhile, the country’s maternal mortality ratio is estimated at between 253 and 263 deaths per 100,000 live births as of 2020. Although this marks an improvement from nearly 500 deaths per 100,000 live births recorded in 2000, it remains far above the Sustainable Development Goal target of 70 by 2030.

Continued demand for reproductive health services

Local healthcare providers continue to report strong demand for reproductive health services.

According to programme data from MSI Reproductive Choices Ghana, the organisation recorded 107,184 client visits between January and June 2026 across its clinics in Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi, as well as through partnerships with public health facilities.

Young people aged between 15 and 24 accounted for 37,663 visits, representing 35% of all clients.

Within that age group, adolescents aged 15 to 19 recorded 7,058 visits, while young adults aged 20 to 24 accounted for 29,726 visits.

The figures, which are self-reported and have not been independently audited, also indicate that the programme delivered 97,799 couple-years of protection and provided 81,225 long-acting reversible contraceptive methods, including implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs).

Global trend

UNFPA said the survey reflects a broader global pattern in which financial security, stable employment and emotional readiness remain the most important factors influencing decisions about marriage and parenthood.

While economic uncertainty, conflict and inequality continue to worry many young people, the report found that two-thirds of respondents remain optimistic about their future.

UNFPA said a more detailed analysis of the Demographic Futures Survey, including policy recommendations, will be published in its forthcoming State of World Population 2026 report.

The organisation says the findings reinforce the need for sustained investments in education, employment, housing, reproductive healthcare and social protection to enable young people to achieve their aspirations while contributing to long-term national development.

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The donation, which was made from proceeds raised during this year’s National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, was presented by the Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah.

Mr Afriyie Ankrah led a delegation on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama to present the funds to the facility.

In a post on X, the Presidential Envoy said the gesture demonstrates the practical impact of the national event, which seeks to transform expressions of gratitude into meaningful support for vulnerable members of society.

“On behalf of H.E. President John Dramani Mahama, I led members of the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving Planning Committee in presenting a GH¢100,000 donation to the Renal Unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital to support dialysis services and improve patient care,” he wrote.

He explained that the donation was funded from proceeds generated during the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving observance.

According to him, while Ghanaians continue to give thanks to God for the peace and stability the country enjoys, thanksgiving should also be demonstrated through compassion and service to others.

“As we continue to thank God for the peace and stability Ghana enjoys, we are reminded that true thanksgiving is expressed through acts of compassion, service, and support for those in need,” he added.

The donation is expected to strengthen dialysis services at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital’s Renal Unit and provide relief to patients requiring life-saving treatment.

The engagement, led by the Fund’s Administrator, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, forms part of a nationwide assessment of partner health institutions as GMTF transitions from its successful pilot phase into full-scale implementation.

Hosted by the Chief Executive Officer of CCTH, Dr Eric Ngyedu, the meeting focused on reviewing the impact of the collaboration, particularly following the successful treatment of five patients at the hospital under the Fund’s 50-patient pilot programme.

The cases formed part of GMTF’s initial intervention to test operational systems, financing arrangements and service delivery models ahead of the nationwide rollout.

The review is expected to help both institutions identify lessons from the pilot phase and develop strategies to improve healthcare delivery for future beneficiaries.

A key area of discussion was the implementation of the GMTFcare digital platform, an electronic system designed to streamline patient registration, eligibility verification, treatment approvals, claims processing and reimbursement.

Officials from both institutions assessed the effectiveness of the platform within the hospital, identified possible operational challenges and explored solutions to ensure patients continue to receive timely and seamless access to specialist healthcare services.

Speaking during the engagement, GMTF officials reaffirmed the importance of continuous monitoring and collaboration with partner hospitals to promote transparency, efficiency and quality healthcare delivery.

The discussions also centred on strengthening institutional cooperation, improving workflow processes and enhancing the overall patient experience under the Fund’s programme.

Since beginning active implementation, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund has engaged healthcare providers across the country to ensure systems are working effectively and that challenges are addressed promptly.

The visit to Cape Coast Teaching Hospital highlights GMTF’s commitment to building a responsive and accountable healthcare financing system that supports patients living with chronic and high-cost non-communicable diseases while improving the quality of care delivered through partner institutions.

The Fund said its success will not only be measured by the number of patients enrolled, but also by ensuring that every beneficiary receives timely, efficient and compassionate care within a healthcare system that continues to improve.

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The mining company commissioned the Apitikooko Health Centre and Staff Quarters as well as the Dokyiwa/Binsere Health Centre as part of its 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP), aimed at transforming communities around the mine.

The Apitikooko Health Centre, which includes staff accommodation facilities, was constructed at a cost of GH¢4,077,496.70, while GH¢2,712,264.20 was invested in the construction of the Dokyiwa/Binsere Health Centre.

The facilities are expected to improve access to quality primary healthcare services, particularly maternal and child health care, outpatient services and emergency medical care for residents within the catchment areas.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Managing Director of AGA Obuasi, Ing. Samuel Boakye Pobee, described the facilities as strategic investments aimed at building healthier and more resilient communities.

He said the projects reflect AngloGold Ashanti’s commitment to “mining to empower people and advance societies.”

According to him, the staff quarters at Apitikooko will help attract and retain healthcare professionals, ensuring continuous delivery of quality healthcare services.

Ing. Pobee added that the projects form part of the mine’s broader healthcare infrastructure programme, which includes the rehabilitation of the Anyinam Health Centre, the ongoing construction of the Akaporiso Model Health Centre and the quarterly Mini Clinic outreach programme.

“Together, these initiatives are strengthening healthcare systems and improving health outcomes across the Mine’s host communities,” he said.

He also highlighted the company’s commitment to local content and enterprise development, noting that Kenzad Construction Limited constructed the Apitikooko Health Centre and Staff Quarters, while Crisspan Construction delivered the Dokyiwa/Binsere Health Centre.

He explained that engaging local contractors not only helped deliver critical social infrastructure but also strengthened local technical capacity and created economic opportunities.

The Ashanti Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Fred Adomako Boateng, described the facilities as a major boost to primary healthcare delivery in the region.

He assured that the Ghana Health Service would work to ensure the facilities are adequately staffed and effectively managed to provide quality healthcare services.

Representing the Ashanti Regional Minister, Sylvester Agyapong commended AngloGold Ashanti for complementing government’s efforts in expanding healthcare infrastructure.

“These projects are a testament to the impact of strong public-private partnerships in advancing community development,” he said, urging beneficiary communities to protect and maintain the facilities.

Dompoasehene, Okofo Kwabena Bonsu, who spoke on behalf of the communities, expressed appreciation to AGA for the investment, describing the facilities as a lasting legacy that would improve healthcare access and support socio-economic development in the area.

The commissioning of the two health centres reinforces AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine’s commitment to creating shared value through investments that improve lives, strengthen institutions and promote sustainable development in its host communities.

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The figure of 23.4% comes from a cross-sectional study involving more than 800 participants conducted between 2023 and 2025 as part of a UK-Ghana research collaboration on non-communicable diseases.

The research was led by Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing at the University of Huddersfield, Dr Precious Adadidudu, who is also the Principal Investigator on a project seeking to develop a structured dementia referral and care pathway for Ghana.

According to Dr Adadidudu, while dementia is becoming increasingly common in low and middle-income countries, the condition remains poorly understood in Ghana due to stigma, misinformation and spiritual interpretations that often delay diagnosis and treatment.

“Ghana currently does not have clear data on the number of people living with dementia, but this study provides important insight into the scale of the problem,” he said.

Caregivers under pressure

Beyond the statistics, the research highlights the growing burden placed on families caring for persons living with dementia.

Many caregivers, experts say, are forced to abandon jobs, sacrifice income and deal with emotional and financial stress while trying to support relatives with the condition.

Dr Adadidudu said some caregivers experience severe exhaustion because of the demands associated with long-term care.

“Some are burnt out, some are stressed, and many have had to sacrifice their livelihoods,” he noted.

When dementia is mistaken for witchcraft

Experts say dementia in Ghana is not only a medical concern but also a social challenge, with misconceptions exposing many elderly people to discrimination and abuse.

Symptoms such as memory loss, confusion and behavioural changes are sometimes interpreted as signs of witchcraft or spiritual attacks rather than a health condition requiring medical attention.

In some communities, elderly persons—particularly women—have been accused of causing misfortune following deaths, illnesses or family difficulties.

Some victims face isolation, abuse or forced displacement, while others end up seeking refuge in places such as the Gambaga witches’ camp after being rejected by their communities.

Elderly people facing abandonment

For many older persons living with dementia, neglect has become a harsh reality.

Experts say some families, constrained by poverty, limited knowledge and the demands of caregiving, struggle to provide adequate support, leaving some elderly relatives isolated and vulnerable.

Without stable income, pensions or reliable healthcare access, many face daily challenges securing food, shelter and medical support.

Clinical Psychologist and Founding Director of the Centre for Ageing Studies at the University of Ghana, Prof. Christopher Charles Mate-Kole, described the situation as a reflection of deeper societal gaps.

He said stigma surrounding ageing and dementia continues to fuel neglect and abuse, particularly in communities where awareness remains limited.

Prof. Mate-Kole is calling for increased public education to help communities understand dementia as a medical condition rather than a spiritual problem.

He also stressed the need for stronger social protection systems and policies that protect the dignity and rights of older persons.

Simple interventions can make a difference

Despite the challenges, experts say practical community-based interventions can significantly improve the quality of life of people living with dementia.

Activities such as music, singing, dancing, storytelling and social interaction have been found to improve mood, reduce isolation and support memory stimulation.

Experts also say light physical activity can help reduce stress and support mental and physical wellbeing among older adults.

However, access to such programmes remains limited due to the absence of structured support systems for elderly persons and caregivers.

A warning for Ghana’s ageing population

Speaking at a stakeholder workshop in Accra, Country Project Director for the Ghana-India-Nepal NCD study, Joshua Okyere, described the findings as a wake-up call for Ghana.

He warned that the country’s dementia care system remains fragmented, with no clear referral pathways to support early detection and treatment.

“If about 23 percent of adults over 40 are already showing signs of dementia risk, it means all of us are at risk as we age. We need urgent action,” he cautioned.

Mr Okyere stressed that without clear policies, guidelines and public education, Ghana could face a worsening dementia burden as the population ages.

Calls for national dementia policy

Researchers say one of Ghana’s biggest challenges is the absence of a national dementia policy and a structured referral system within the health sector.

The lack of clear pathways means many patients are diagnosed late, often after symptoms have significantly progressed.

To address the challenge, researchers are working with local and international partners to develop a dementia care pathway tailored to Ghana’s health system.

The initiative brings together psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, academics, policymakers, faith leaders, media practitioners and caregivers.

Stakeholders are calling for:

• A national dementia policy
• A clear referral and care pathway
• Greater support for caregivers
• Expanded public education to reduce stigma
• Community-based programmes for elderly engagement

Dr Adadidudu said caregiver support networks must become a key part of Ghana’s response, given the central role families play in dementia care.

Mr Okyere added that Ghana must work towards demystifying dementia and encouraging early healthcare seeking.

As Ghana’s population continues to age, experts warn that dementia cases could increase significantly in the coming years.

But beyond the numbers is a human reality: thousands of older Ghanaians are navigating a condition shaped not only by medical challenges but also by how society responds.

Experts believe the crisis can be addressed through stronger systems, greater awareness and a shift from stigma to care and support.

The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, is leading a series of community engagements and supporting specialised nursing training programmes in the region under the government’s Maternal Mortality Action and Response Programme (MMARP).

The initiative seeks to reduce preventable maternal deaths through stronger collaboration among health authorities, traditional leaders and local communities.

During the second day of her tour, Dr Ayensu-Danquah visited Adibo and Gbungbaliga in the Yendi Municipality, where she engaged community leaders, inspected healthcare facilities and listened to concerns from residents about challenges affecting maternal healthcare delivery.

As part of the visit, she paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Chief of the Gbungbaliga Traditional Area, Naa Bapri Gbungbal-Naa Abdallah Abudu Sulemana, and toured the Adibo Health Centre, the Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound and the Yendi Municipal Hospital.

The engagements were aimed at identifying local factors contributing to maternal deaths and strengthening community support for government interventions.

Government commitment

Addressing residents and community elders, Dr Ayensu-Danquah assured them that the Ministry of Health remained committed to addressing critical healthcare needs, particularly those affecting pregnant women and newborns.

She announced that under the government’s Free Primary Health Care initiative, community health workers equipped with mobile health backpacks would regularly visit homes and communities to provide essential maternal and child healthcare services.

According to the Deputy Minister, the outreach programme would help bring healthcare closer to vulnerable populations, especially women in remote communities who often face difficulties accessing medical care during pregnancy and childbirth.

She also encouraged households to adopt healthy and nutritious diets using locally available foods, emphasising that proper nutrition plays a vital role in improving maternal and child health outcomes.

Traditional authorities, however, used the opportunity to highlight some of the challenges affecting healthcare delivery in their communities.

Traditional leaders’ appeal

The Paramount Chief commended Dr Ayensu-Danquah for engaging directly with traditional leaders and residents, describing the visit as a demonstration of government’s commitment to bringing healthcare solutions closer to communities.

He appealed for additional health workers, expansion of existing facilities, accommodation for health staff, transportation for outreach programmes, reliable supply of medicines and backup power systems for the Adibo Health Centre and Gbungbaliga CHPS compound.

Strengthening emergency healthcare workforce

Beyond maternal health, Dr Ayensu-Danquah also used her Northern Region visit to promote efforts aimed at improving Ghana’s emergency healthcare workforce.

At the Nurses’ and Midwives’ Training College (NMTC) in Tamale, she welcomed 49 students admitted into the institution’s newly established Bachelor of Science in Emergency Nursing Programme.

The students form the first cohort of the programme, which school authorities describe as a pioneering initiative aimed at improving emergency care delivery in Ghana.

At the matriculation ceremony, the Deputy Minister reminded the students of the critical role they would play in saving lives.

“Your clients are waiting for you at the door of every emergency room in this country,” she told the students, urging them to prepare for the demands of providing life-saving care.

She described the programme as a major milestone under the government’s Reset Agenda and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as Mahama Cares, which seeks to strengthen healthcare delivery through specialised training and improved services.

Dr Ayensu-Danquah urged the students to uphold high ethical standards, discipline and dedication throughout their training, noting that emergency nursing requires quick decision-making, technical competence and compassion.

The Principal of NMTC Tamale, Dr Abdulai Abdul-Malik, welcomed the pioneer students and encouraged them to pursue academic excellence while developing the integrity and practical skills needed to become effective emergency nursing professionals.

The Deputy Minister’s engagements coincided with an orientation programme organised by the Ministry of Health in Tamale for advisory board members of health training institutions.

Held under the theme, “Effective Governance, Role Clarity and Collaboration between Management and Advisory Boards of Health Training Institutions,” the programme seeks to strengthen institutional leadership and improve the quality of health training across the country.

The maternal health outreach, emergency nursing programme and governance reforms form part of broader government efforts to improve healthcare delivery and build a stronger health workforce capable of responding to Ghana’s evolving healthcare needs.

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The Service said although the floods created conditions that could increase the risk of waterborne diseases, ongoing preventive measures are helping to contain potential threats.

Speaking during a disinfection exercise at Tema Station Market and the Adabraka Polyclinic on Saturday, July 11, the Director-General of the GHS, Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, said health authorities had not recorded any cholera cases so far.

“Fortunately, as of now, we don’t have any registered cholera outbreak. But prevention is key. We don’t need to wait for an outbreak before acting. Treatment is extremely costly,” he said.

The disinfection exercise forms part of post-flood interventions by the GHS following the nationwide clean-up campaign organised by the government in flood-affected communities.

Health authorities explained that the exercise is aimed at eliminating disease-causing organisms in public spaces and reducing the risk of cholera, typhoid and other sanitation-related illnesses.

Dr Akoriyea said the initiative, carried out in collaboration with the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly and sanitation partner LCB Worldwide, is the next phase after the removal of waste and clearing of drains.

“After cleaning, the next step is disinfection and fumigation to avoid outbreaks of cholera, typhoid and other illnesses,” he added.

The floods, which affected several communities, left behind stagnant water, blocked drains and heaps of refuse, raising concerns over possible public health emergencies.

The GHS has therefore encouraged the public to continue observing good sanitation practices, including proper waste disposal, safe drinking water practices and personal hygiene, to prevent the spread of diseases.

He said presently the region’s HIV prevalence among homosexuals stood at 26 per cent, implying that out of every 100 homosexuals, 26 of them had HIV. 

In an interview with the media in Sunyani, Mr Bambilla said the region’s HIV prevalence among commercial sex workers was also six per cent and expressed worry about the trend of infections among the gays in the region. 

He noted that gays and commercial sex workers remained at a higher risk of contracting HIV explaining that the GAC was presently distributing Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), targeting the vulnerable population. 

Mr Bambilla explained that PrEP was a highly efficacious medication that protected the vulnerable population from contracting HIV. 

He advised persons living with HIV to endeavour to take their medication correctly and regularly, saying that taking medication consistently for six months would lead to viral suppression. 

Mr Bambilla said that the country had attained 89 per cent of viral suppression, explaining that with viral suppression, it would be difficult for carriers of the virus to infect others. 

“So, the medication is seriously and efficaciously working, and we are using the medication as prevention,” he added.

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This action follows a meeting with the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, regarding the delays in making the facility operational.

According to a Citi News report, the contractor met with the Health Minister on Friday, July 10, to discuss the completion and handover of the 120-bed specialist hospital, which has remained closed despite being structurally completed.

During the meeting, government reportedly urged the contractor to hand over the facility to enable the Ministry of Health to begin operations, citing the urgent need for specialised paediatric healthcare services.

The contractor, however, is said to have declined the request, insisting that he would not hand over the hospital until the outstanding balance on the contract had been paid in full or government provided firm assurances on when the remaining payment would be made.

Sources said the contractor maintained that the unresolved financial obligations had to be addressed before the project could be officially handed over.

Shortly after the meeting, EOCO officials reportedly picked up the contractor and conveyed him to the agency’s headquarters. Neither EOCO nor the Ministry of Health has officially commented on the circumstances surrounding the development.

The Weija Children’s Hospital has remained unoperational for more than two years despite the completion of its main infrastructure.

The prolonged delay in opening the hospital has been attributed to unresolved contractual and administrative issues, including disputes over outstanding payments and the completion of ancillary works, drawing criticism from health stakeholders and residents who have called for the facility to be opened for public use.

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In a public notice, the FDA said the application is free to download and easy to use, and is available on both Android and iOS devices.

The Authority encouraged users to search for “Med Safety App” on Google Play or the App Store, download and install the application, and follow the steps provided to submit reports.

According to the FDA, information received through the app helps the Authority monitor the safety of medicines on the market and take steps to protect public health.

“Your report helps the FDA monitor medicine safety and protect public health. Together, we can make medicines safer for everyone,” the Authority stated.

The FDA said increased public participation in reporting suspected fake medicines and adverse drug reactions will strengthen efforts to ensure the safety and quality of medicines available to consumers.

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According to the Directorate, 27 pregnant women died during childbirth between January and June 2026, compared to 60 maternal deaths recorded during the same period last year.

The Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service in the Upper East Region, Dr Braimah Baba Abubakari, attributed the deaths largely to delays in reporting to health facilities and late referrals from Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds to district and regional hospitals.

Dr Abubakari made the disclosure during a Joint Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health Strategic Planning Meeting held in Bolgatanga.

The meeting brought together health professionals from the Upper East, Northern, and North-East regions under the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) CHPS+ Project Phase II to deliberate on practical strategies to reduce maternal mortality and address other maternal and child health challenges in the three regions.

Dr. Braimah Baba Abubakari disclosed that the Bawku Municipality and Builsa South District each recorded four maternal deaths during the period, making them the hardest-hit areas in the region so far.

“A lot of the deaths occurred in April and May. They have now slowed down”, Dr Braimah said.

“When we did the analysis, we realised that for some of them, some intervention was made (to try and save their lives) but they still died. This is because they arrived at the facility late, either due to long distance and bad roads, or they waited too long until there were complications before they ran to the hospital,” Dr Braimah revealed.

He called for stronger collaboration among health workers, caregivers, and community members to improve early reporting, timely referrals, and the quality of maternal healthcare delivery.

He emphasised that although the region had made progress in antenatal care coverage, more work must be done to ensure pregnant women have access to skilled care at the right time to prevent avoidable deaths.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Project Manager of KOICA, Myeongseon Kim, urged health professionals to be more proactive in dealing with maternal mortality and other health complications affecting women and children.

She said the KOICA CHPS+ Project Phase II aims to improve maternal and neonatal health in the Upper East and North East Regions and has been implementing several projects in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service and the Korean government through KOICA.

“But despite all this, we are struggling with maternal and neonatal deaths in the two regions, which is not the outcome we were expecting”, Kim said.

“We really want to know practical action points. We want to discuss key reasons that led to these maternal deaths so we can know how to solve the problem during and beyond the implementation of the project”, she added.

The meeting was expected to help shape coordinated interventions to improve maternal, neonatal, and child health outcomes across beneficiary regions.

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Appearing before Parliament’s Assurances Committee on Thursday, July 9, the Minister said the government inherited more than GH¢1 billion in unpaid Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs) owed to contractors, while none of the facilities were ready to provide healthcare services.

Mr Akandoh said the government has identified 35 Agenda 111 projects for completion and has directed contractors to return to their respective sites to continue work.

However, he declined to provide timelines for the completion of the projects, explaining that some contracts may have to be terminated and repackaged before work can proceed.

“Mr Chairman, I do not want to give specific dates because maybe there are others who may even have to terminate and repackage. If I give you any date, I’ll be called back before the committee to answer questions,” he said.

The Minister noted that the 2026 Budget made provision for work to commence on 10 of the identified projects, which form part of the 35 selected for completion.

He said some contractors had already returned to site, while efforts were underway to settle outstanding payments owed to others.

“We have also started processing the IPCs so that we will pay the contractors, get them money to go back to the site and continue the project,” he stated.

Mr Akandoh said although GH¢4.8 billion had been spent on the Agenda 111 programme, none of the hospitals could currently provide healthcare services.

“About GH¢4.8 billion was spent on Agenda 111, but unfortunately, we don’t have a single one of them that could save a life today,” he said.

During the hearing, members of the committee sought clarification on the operational status of the hospitals, pointing out that some facilities had previously been commissioned.

Responding to a question on how many Agenda 111 hospitals were functional, the Minister replied, “Zero.”

He maintained that although about three facilities were commissioned under the previous administration, they had not been completed or fully equipped to operate.

“About three were commissioned while they were not completed. They had not installed the full complement of the equipment needed to run the facilities,” he said.

Mr Akandoh further alleged that temporary arrangements were made to facilitate the commissioning ceremonies.

“In some cases, generators were carried to the site for the commissioning, and after the commissioning, they were taken back, and the place was locked,” he claimed.

The Health Minister stressed that a hospital should only be commissioned after construction has been completed, the facility has been handed over to the Ministry, and it is fully equipped and ready to provide healthcare services.

He insisted that the current administration did not inherit any Agenda 111 hospital that was fully completed, staffed and operational.

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