In a statement issued after Blackson’s comments circulated on social media on August 4, 2026, the hospital confirmed the entertainer’s 83-year-old mother passed away at the facility on July 16 after being admitted for about eight weeks.

According to the Centre, it conducted a thorough review of the concerns raised by Blackson through its established clinical and administrative processes.

However, the hospital maintained that the version of events presented by the comedian “does not accurately reflect” the medical care provided to his mother, who had been referred from another health facility and remained under UGMC’s care from May 27 to July 16, 2026.

Despite disputing the allegations, UGMC said it would not publicly disclose details of the patient’s diagnosis, treatment, medical records or care, citing its ethical obligation to protect patient confidentiality even after death.

The Centre stressed that all medical decisions are made by qualified healthcare professionals based on established standards of care and the patient’s best interests, adding that designated family representatives are consulted where necessary.

It also rejected suggestions that financial considerations influence clinical decisions, stating that its billing procedures are transparent, governed by institutional policies and operate independently of patient care.

Addressing reports that Blackson’s sister allegedly assaulted a member of staff during the period of admission, UGMC confirmed that the matter had been referred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities and said it would not comment further while the matter is under investigation.

The hospital added that it remains open to engaging the family privately through the appropriate channels and assured the public that any specific allegation of staff misconduct would be fully investigated and, where necessary, referred to the relevant authorities.

UGMC also encouraged patients and members of the public with concerns about their experiences at the facility to report them through its official client relations channels for review and resolution.

The project, undertaken in partnership with Sustainable Health Education and Interventions Limited (SHEILD), the Upper West Parliamentary Caucus, the Ministry of Health, and the Ghana Health Service, is aimed at improving access to life-saving kidney care for patients in northern Ghana.

The facility, inaugurated on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, adds six new dialysis machines, ancillary equipment, and staff training support to the hospital’s renal care capacity.

The expansion is expected to benefit residents of the Upper West Region and neighbouring parts of the Upper East, Savannah, North East, and Bono regions, as well as communities along Ghana’s northern corridor.

The initiative forms part of Speaker Bagbin’s efforts to improve access to healthcare in the Upper West Region and reduce the geographical barriers faced by patients requiring specialised renal treatment.

Growing kidney disease burden

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is increasingly becoming a major public health concern in Ghana amid rising cases of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and late presentation for treatment.

According to the statement, kidney disease claims more than 4,000 lives annually in Ghana, while fewer than 500 dialysis machines are available across the country.

Dialysis treatment also places a significant financial burden on patients, with individuals requiring three sessions a week potentially spending between GH¢1,200 and GH¢3,000.

Many patients in northern Ghana have historically travelled long distances to access dialysis services, resulting in high transportation costs, prolonged waiting times, and additional financial and emotional pressure on families.

Speaking at the commissioning, Speaker Bagbin described the project as an important investment in healthcare equity and social justice.

“For the mother praying beside the hospital bed of her child; for the father whose greatest wish is simply to remain healthy enough to provide for his family; for the young person with dreams still waiting to be fulfilled; and for every patient battling kidney disease in this region—this investment is for you.

“The people of the Upper West deserve to live with dignity. We deserve access to quality healthcare. We deserve opportunities to thrive without being disadvantaged by geography. Today’s commissioning is one important step towards that vision, but it must also inspire us to do even more,” he said.

He commended SHEILD and other partners for their contribution towards the project and called for continued collaboration to strengthen specialist healthcare services nationwide.

Board Director of SHEILD, Dr Sylvie Anie, said the expanded unit goes beyond the provision of equipment and infrastructure.

“This expanded Dialysis Unit represents far more than additional equipment or infrastructure. It represents hope for patients and families who have struggled for years to access specialised kidney care. Our vision is to ensure that quality healthcare becomes more accessible, more equitable, and more sustainable for every Ghanaian,” she said.

Another Board Director of SHEILD and specialist surgeon, Dr John Nkrumah Mills, said the project demonstrates the impact strategic partnerships can have on healthcare delivery.

“Sustainable healthcare requires investment in people, systems, partnerships and continuous capacity building. This facility demonstrates what is possible when partners unite around a shared vision of improving patient outcomes and strengthening our national health system,” he said.

The Medical Director of the Upper West Regional Hospital, Dr Philip K. K. Baabiineh, said the expanded unit would significantly improve the hospital’s ability to provide renal care.

“For many years, patients requiring dialysis had limited options and often travelled long distances under very difficult circumstances. This expansion strengthens our capacity to provide timely, high-quality renal care while reducing the burden on patients and their families. It is a major step forward in specialist healthcare delivery for northern Ghana,” he said.

He added that the hospital would continue to invest in staff training, equipment maintenance, and quality improvement to ensure sustainable service delivery.

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh described the initiative as consistent with government’s efforts to expand specialist healthcare services and reduce regional disparities in access to treatment.

“Government remains committed to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to specialised services across all regions of Ghana. Partnerships such as this complement national efforts to improve healthcare delivery and demonstrate the important role that collaboration plays in building a resilient health system,” he said.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by government officials, traditional leaders, Members of Parliament, development partners, healthcare professionals, private sector representatives, civil society organisations, and community representatives.

He said the Ministry has strengthened measures to protect the integrity of the admission process and is collaborating with law enforcement agencies to dismantle criminal syndicates that exploit prospective applicants.

Speaking in an exclusive interview in response to public concerns over alleged admission fraud, Mr. Goodman said the Ministry had introduced reforms to make the admission process more transparent and accessible.

According to him, one of the key interventions has been the introduction of an online application portal, allowing applicants to complete the admission process from the comfort of their homes without relying on intermediaries.

“The Honourable Minister for Health is interested in ensuring a proper and stress-free system. That is why we introduced the online portal where applicants can apply for nursing admissions using their mobile phones. He also ensured that trainee allowances are paid on time,” he said.

Mr. Goodman stressed that the Ministry has also tightened admission procedures to ensure that only qualified applicants gain entry into nursing training institutions.

“One of the things the Minister talked about was the credibility of our admissions. We wanted to eliminate situations where people claim they gained admission because they paid money. Every stage of the admission process is monitored by the Ministry, and no one can be admitted unless they meet the required qualifications. We cannot compromise on the quality of healthcare professionals who will eventually care for Ghanaians,” he said.

He disclosed that investigations conducted by the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) and the Ghana Police Service have led to the arrest of several suspected admission fraudsters, some of whom have already been arraigned before the courts.

According to him, the investigations will continue throughout the academic year as part of efforts to eliminate admission-related fraud.

Mr. Goodman cautioned prospective applicants and their families against paying bribes or dealing with middlemen, stressing that legitimate admissions do not require any form of financial inducement.

“We will continue to monitor the process. Anyone who goes beyond the rules we have set will face the consequences. The punishment must serve as a deterrent to others. We cannot have a banana republic. Everybody must obey the rules and regulations,” he stated.

He also urged heads of nursing training institutions to strictly comply with approved admission quotas, warning that institutions that admit students beyond their authorised intake risk sanctions.

According to him, enforcing approved admission numbers is necessary to maintain training standards and ensure that the number of graduates aligns with the country’s budgetary capacity.

“Sustaining these reforms will require enforcement. As we continue to punish offenders, others will be discouraged from engaging in similar practices. We will also continue to provide periodic training to ensure the gains we have made are maintained,” he added.

His comments come after the Ministry of Health received investigative reports into two principals of nursing training institutions who were interdicted over allegations of over-admissions and operating unauthorised academic programmes.

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In a lengthy post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, Michael Blackson described UGMC as “the worst hospital in Ghana,” claiming that medical staff repeatedly failed to properly diagnose his mother’s condition and prioritised money over patient welfare.

“To the University of Ghana Medical Centre where my mom suffered the last month of her life, I’ll like to tell you in my opinion that you are the worst hospital in Ghana. Your staff, meaning nurses and doctors, have no clue what they are doing and the only thing your hospital cares about is collecting money,” he wrote.

According to him, the hospital missed his mother’s diagnosis on several occasions while recommending what he described as expensive treatments.

“This University of Ghana Medical Centre misdiagnosed my mom so many times but also recommended the most expensive treatments to make sure they sucked enough money out of me,” he alleged.

Michael Blackson also criticised the attitude of some staff, claiming they showed little sympathy towards patients and their families.

“The University of Ghana Medical Centre is kinda new and looks beautiful from the outside, but inside are not the best medical personnel. In my opinion, the staff have no sympathy and don’t give a damn about the patients,” he stated.

He further alleged that his sister had a physical altercation with a male nurse at the facility and that the nurse later involved the police while the family was at the hospital identifying his mother’s body.

“My sister even had a physical altercation with one of the male nurses and this [person] called the police a week later while we were there identifying my mom’s body,” he said.

The comedian claimed that several people he spoke to after his mother’s death also told him they had lost loved ones at the facility.

“When I told a few people where she died, they all told me they lost their loved ones there. University of Ghana Medical Centre and all our African hospitals need to find a place in their hearts to put people’s lives ahead of money,” he wrote.

Michael Blackson said the hospital contacted him repeatedly when payments were due but claimed doctors did not similarly communicate with him about his mother’s condition.

“University of Ghana Medical Centre called me every time payment was due, but the doctors never once called me to tell me how my mom was doing,” he stated.

He alleged that the family spent about GH¢250,000 on his mother’s treatment within a month before they were informed that she had contracted an infection and died.

“In one month they collected about 250k cedis and then told me she caught an infection and died. When she died they called me to tell me I had a balance I had to settle before they could tell me the cause of death,” he alleged.

He also claimed that the family considered transferring his mother from the facility but was later told that she could not be moved because she was having difficulty breathing and required tubes.

“I realised after two weeks at that hospital we wanted to take my mom out and as soon as we told them that and they knew they were about to miss out on some money, they told us she couldn’t breathe and she needed tubes installed in her so she can’t be moved,” he wrote.

Michael Blackson said he would have liked to take legal action over what he described as the hospital’s “missed diagnoses” but expressed doubts about the effectiveness and speed of pursuing such a case in Ghana.

“I could go on and on about the University of Ghana Medical Centre and would love to sue them for the few missed diagnoses, but it’s in Ghana so I’ll be wasting my time because by the time I see a judge I’m sure I’ll be in my early 90s.”

He further advised Ghanaians living abroad who plan to return home after retirement to consider travelling to Europe or the United States for regular medical check-ups.

“Our country is beautiful and all parents love to move back home after they retire abroad, but my best suggestion is for them to fly out to Europe or America at least once a year for their yearly medical check-up.”

Concluding his post, Michael Blackson accused UGMC of prioritising revenue generation over patient care.

“I think every hospital specialises in different things, but University of Ghana Medical Centre does not specialise in saving lives, they specialise in collecting money,” he said.

The investment will serve as seed funding for the HEPA Plus Awards Scheme, which focuses on research and innovation in herbal medicine.

The initiative was launched in partnership with the Department of Herbal Medicine, KNUST, and Ebenage Herbal Production and Consult. It aims to promote evidence-based herbal medicine by providing funding, mentorship and career development opportunities for students, researchers and practitioners.

The scheme was launched as part of activities marking the 25th anniversary of KNUST’s Department of Herbal Medicine.

Speaking at the event, Founder of HEPA Plus, Dr Ebenezer Agyemang, said Africa’s rich endowment of medicinal plants and indigenous healing knowledge must be backed by scientific research and innovation to realise its full potential.

According to him, aside from producing quality herbal medicines, his outfit is committed to investing in research and nurturing the next generation of herbal medicine innovators.

“Our universities produce brilliant research every year, yet many promising ideas never move beyond the classroom because young researchers often lack mentorship, funding and industry support. Today, we are taking a step to change that,” he stated.

Dr Agyemang said the awards scheme seeks to promote safe, effective and high-quality herbal medicine through scientific research, while supporting young researchers with the potential to contribute meaningfully to healthcare.

“These ideas and research can grow to create jobs for the youth,” he added.

The US$3,000 seed capital was provided by HEPA Plus and its flagship brands, Pavi and Plasmox, to support promising research projects under the scheme.

Sharing his personal story, Dr Agyemang recounted how, about 14 years ago while in his second year at KNUST’s Department of Herbal Medicine, he received GH¢30 from his lecturer, Dr George Henry Sam, to begin research that eventually led to the HEPA Plus brand.

“There is absolutely nothing too small when it comes to support because its outcome can be massive in the future. I am here today because the Department of Herbal Medicine gave me the needed support,” he said.

As part of the package, outstanding participants will receive recognition, mentorship and support for career development.

Applications for the HEPA Plus Awards Scheme are now open to researchers, students and practitioners interested in advancing herbal medicine through scientific research and innovation.

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The committee, which is expected to establish the facts surrounding the incident and make recommendations for appropriate action, is chaired by Prof. Vida Nyagre Yekong, Deputy Registrar of Health Facilities at the Health Facilities Regulatory Authority (HeFRA) and former Dean of the School of Nursing at the University for Development Studies (UDS).

Other members of the committee include Mr. Ahmed Bennett Mumuni, Human Resource Manager of the Bono East Regional Coordinating Council; Nana Asa Akon Panin, Techiman-Krobohene; Mrs. Hepthzebah Gyimah, Deputy Director of Operations and representative of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC); Mrs. Isha Sena Iddrisu, Secretary; Nashiru-Deen Akparibo, President of the Ghana Nurse-Midwife Trainees’ Association (GNMTA); and Dr. Inua Yussuf Issahaku Esq., Legal Director of the Ministry of Health.

According to the Ministry, the committee’s mandate includes investigating the issues that led to the unrest, reviewing whether existing institutional policies, codes of conduct and administrative procedures were followed, and proposing measures to address the concerns raised.

The committee is expected to submit a comprehensive report to the Minister of Health on or before August 11, 2026.

The move forms part of efforts by the Ministry to ensure transparency, accountability and a fair assessment of events surrounding the disturbances at the nursing training institution.

In a statement, the Assembly described the reports as false, explaining that the spillage was resolved on July 7, 2026, and did not affect the safety of the city’s water supply.

According to the TMA, officials from both the Assembly and Ghana Water Limited visited the affected area on the same day to assess the situation and established that no contamination had occurred.

The Assembly further indicated that Ghana Water Limited confirmed that the supply line located within the road buffer near the affected area is redundant and no longer in use for water distribution.

The TMA has therefore urged residents and businesses to disregard the information circulating online, describing it as misleading.

The Assembly assured the public that it remains committed to protecting public health and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents within the metropolis.

The donation is expected to strengthen the Fund’s ability to finance specialised healthcare for patients who are unable to afford treatment, while expanding access to critical medical interventions and reducing the financial burden on families.

Presenting the cheque, Managing Director of BOSTenergies, Afetsi Awoonor, said the company was proud to partner with an initiative that is making a meaningful difference in the lives of Ghanaians.

He said healthcare remains one of the most important investments any country can make, adding that BOSTenergies believes every Ghanaian deserves access to quality medical care regardless of their financial circumstances.

“The Ghana Medical Trust Fund is providing hope to people who had almost given up, and we are proud to support this noble national initiative,” he said.

Mr Awoonor noted that the contribution reflects BOSTenergies’ commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and urged other organisations to support efforts to improve specialised healthcare delivery in Ghana.

He stressed that the donation goes beyond financial support, describing it as an investment in lives, families and the future of the country.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, Administrator Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku expressed appreciation to BOSTenergies for supporting the Fund’s mission.

She said the contribution would help provide treatment for more patients suffering from chronic diseases and offer hope to families facing financial difficulties.

“This generous donation will translate directly into lives saved. It will help us support more patients requiring specialised treatment for chronic diseases, provide hope to families who have exhausted every option, and strengthen our efforts to ensure that quality healthcare is accessible to all Ghanaians,” she said.

Ms Darko-Opoku described the donation as a strong endorsement of the Fund’s work and emphasised the importance of private sector partnerships in achieving wider access to specialised healthcare.

She added that every contribution could help patients awaiting critical interventions such as chemotherapy, dialysis, heart surgery and brain surgery.

The Administrator further encouraged businesses, institutions and individuals to support the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, noting that contributions are 100 per cent tax-deductible, allowing organisations to support healthcare while benefiting from tax incentives.

The donation comes as Ghana continues efforts to develop sustainable healthcare financing systems for chronic diseases and highlights the growing role of public-private partnerships in improving access to specialised medical care.

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The declaration was announced at the opening of SOGOG’s 2026 Annual General and Scientific Meeting held in Kumasi, where experts called for stronger collaboration among government, healthcare professionals, traditional leaders, religious organisations, development partners and communities to improve maternal healthcare.

Maternal mortality remains a major public health concern in Ghana, with the country recording an estimated 300 deaths per 100,000 live births, significantly above the World Health Organization’s target of 70 deaths per 100,000 live births.

Recent data from the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate also showed a worrying rise in maternal deaths, with 232 fatalities recorded in the first half of 2025.

Delivering the welcome address, President of SOGOG, Prof. Thomas Okpoti Konney, said although Ghana had made progress through expanded antenatal care, increased skilled birth attendance and investments in maternal health programmes, many women continued to die from preventable complications.

He identified postpartum haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, infections, unsafe abortions and complications during labour and delivery as some of the leading causes of maternal deaths in the country.

“The statistics before us are not just numbers. Behind every maternal death is a grieving family, a devastated community and a lost future,” Prof. Konney stated.

He stressed that every maternal death represented a failure of the healthcare system and called for urgent action to reverse the trend.

Prof. Konney, who is also a consultant Gynaecological Oncologist at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and lecturer at KNUST School of Medical Sciences, said Ghana must intensify efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of reducing maternal deaths to fewer than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.

“Our collective responsibility is clear. Every mother deserves dignity, quality care, and the chance to survive pregnancy and childbirth. I therefore announce the Kumasi Declaration, our roadmap to achieve zero maternal mortality by 2030,” he said.

As part of the declaration, SOGOG outlined five strategic commitments, including promoting excellence in clinical care through continuous professional development, strengthening the maternal health workforce, supporting research and innovation, advocating policies that improve maternal healthcare services and expanding partnerships with stakeholders.

Prof. Konney also urged communities to discourage harmful cultural practices that expose pregnant women to avoidable health risks.

He commended the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service and other stakeholders for their contributions to improving maternal healthcare delivery, while praising frontline health workers for their dedication and sacrifices.

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, also reaffirmed government’s commitment to reducing maternal mortality and improving healthcare access.

He disclosed that about 35 of the Agenda 111 hospitals were ready for commissioning, including facilities in Oforikrom and Atwima Trede.

Dr. Amoakohene also highlighted initiatives such as the Free Primary Healthcare Programme and Mahama Cares as interventions aimed at expanding access and promoting preventive healthcare.

The four-day conference, held at the Miklin Hotel from July 30 to August 2, was themed: “Every Mother Counts: Ending Preventable Maternal Deaths in Ghana in Line with SDG 3 Targets.”

The meeting brought together obstetricians, gynaecologists, medical specialists, researchers, policymakers, development partners, academics and healthcare professionals to discuss practical strategies for strengthening maternal and reproductive healthcare.

Participants examined issues including emergency obstetric care, maternal nutrition, reproductive health policies, family planning, newborn care, pregnancy complications and the role of emerging technologies in healthcare delivery.

As part of its social responsibility activities, SOGOG provided free gynaecological surgeries for about 71 beneficiaries in Obuasi, treating conditions including fibroids, ovarian cysts, genital prolapse and genital masses.

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Dubbed Unique by Design, the project is a collaboration between the Ability Talks with Elizabeth Patterson Podcast, Flyest Incorporated, fashion brand Kwasi Paul led by Creative Director Samuel Boakye, and the Girls Education Initiative of Ghana (GEIG).

The initiative brings together fashion designers, models with disabilities, educators, entrepreneurs, policymakers and disability advocates to advance accessibility and inclusion within Ghana’s fashion space.

Organisers say the project will introduce a series of activities, including adaptive fashion showcases, industry masterclasses, entrepreneurship training, public awareness campaigns and stakeholder engagement sessions aimed at creating more opportunities for persons with disabilities as designers, models, entrepreneurs and creative professionals.

A major component of the programme will be the Unique by Design Fashion Showcase, which will feature models with disabilities alongside mainstream models on the runway to promote diversity and challenge traditional perceptions of beauty and fashion.

Founder of the Ability Talks with Elizabeth Patterson Podcast, Elizabeth Patterson, said the initiative seeks to make inclusion a fundamental part of the fashion industry rather than an afterthought.

“Fashion has the power to tell stories, influence culture and change perceptions. Unique by Design reminds us that inclusion is not charity—it is good design, good business and a reflection of the diverse world we all share. Every person deserves to be represented, celebrated and given the opportunity to thrive,” she said.

Beyond the runway, the project seeks to build partnerships with government agencies, corporate organisations, educational institutions, development partners, disability groups and fashion stakeholders to promote accessible design, inclusive employment and equal participation throughout the fashion value chain.

Organisers said the initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by contributing to efforts to reduce inequalities, promote decent work, improve access to quality education, advance gender equality and strengthen partnerships for sustainable development.

They are calling on fashion designers, brands, sponsors, media organisations, development partners, disability advocates, educational institutions and the public to support the initiative as it works towards building a more inclusive fashion industry in Ghana.

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The donation, described as one of the largest healthcare support packages ever received by the Ghana Prisons Service, forms part of the Trust Fund’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for all Ghanaians, regardless of their circumstances.

The intervention aligns with the Fund’s mandate to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system through investments in medical equipment, specialised care, training and research.

Presenting the items, Ms Darko-Opoku stressed that access to quality healthcare should never be determined by a person’s status or location.

She said the Ghana Medical Trust Fund believes every life has equal value, adding that its responsibility extends beyond hospitals to every institution where healthcare is needed, including correctional facilities.

According to her, strengthening healthcare in prisons is also critical to protecting public health, as prison officers, healthcare workers and visitors interact daily with the wider community, while many inmates eventually reintegrate into society.

She therefore described prison healthcare as an integral part of Ghana’s overall public health system.

Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, expressed gratitude to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund for what she described as a historic intervention.

She said the donation demonstrated that the Ghana Prisons Service had finally been recognised and no longer treated as an afterthought, adding that it sent a strong message that the lives and wellbeing of inmates and prison officers are equally important.

Mrs Baffoe-Bonnie assured the Trust Fund that the medical equipment and consumables would be deployed effectively across correctional facilities nationwide to improve healthcare delivery and save lives.

She also commended Ms Darko-Opoku for her leadership and commitment to ensuring that the Trust Fund’s interventions reach every part of Ghana’s healthcare system, including the country’s prisons.

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In a statement issued on July 30, the hospital said it had become aware of false information circulating on various platforms claiming that nurses were being recruited and that applicants were required to pay money to secure employment.

Management described the claims as fraudulent and urged the public to disregard them.

According to the hospital, any individual or group claiming to be recruiting on its behalf is acting without its knowledge or authorisation.

It further clarified that the Office of the Chief Executive Officer does not charge, request or receive money from anyone in connection with recruitment or employment.

The hospital also stressed that no staff member, agent, intermediary or any other person has been authorised to collect money on its behalf for recruitment purposes.

Management warned job seekers to remain vigilant and avoid making payments to individuals promising employment at the hospital, noting that such acts constitute fraud and will be reported to law enforcement agencies for investigation and possible prosecution.

The hospital encouraged anyone who is approached to pay money or becomes aware of suspected extortion, impersonation or other fraudulent activities being carried out in its name to report the matter immediately.

Ho Teaching Hospital assured the public that all future recruitment opportunities would be announced only through its official communication channels and other recognised media platforms.

The beneficiary institutions are the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital), 37 Military Hospital, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and the Sunyani Government Hospital, with each hospital receiving 20 wheelchairs.

The latest presentation was made to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.

Speaking at the donation ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of Premier Insurance Company, Percy Asare Ansah, said the initiative forms part of the company’s corporate social responsibility to support healthcare facilities with essential equipment.

He explained that the company chose some of Ghana’s busiest referral hospitals to ensure the wheelchairs directly improve emergency response, patient movement and overall healthcare delivery.

Receiving the donation, Director of Medical Affairs at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. Frank Owusu Sekyere, described the gesture as timely, noting that the hospital attends to more than 2,000 patients daily and continues to face shortages of essential logistics, including functional wheelchairs.

He said the additional wheelchairs will significantly improve patient care and reduce pressure on the hospital’s existing equipment.

Mr. Asare Ansah also encouraged Ghanaians to subscribe to reliable health insurance schemes, stressing that healthcare costs continue to rise and families should be financially prepared for unexpected medical emergencies.

“Health is expensive. Everyone should prepare for emergencies by investing in reliable health insurance,” he advised.

The donations also forms part of activities to mark the company’s 15th anniversary celebration in health insurance delivery in the country.

My advocacy is primarily driven by my commitment to addressing health challenges, preventing disease, promoting public health, and tackling societal maladies that affect individuals, families, and communities.

DNA testing at birth should not be viewed solely through the lens of establishing biological parentage. Rather, it should be considered as a potential public health intervention that could contribute to a better understanding of genetic risks, hereditary diseases, and the health needs of every child from the earliest stage of life.

Every child is born with a unique genetic profile. Early identification of inherited genetic conditions and genetic predispositions could potentially enable healthcare professionals to provide appropriate counselling, monitoring, preventive interventions, and timely treatment. In certain circumstances, early knowledge of genetic risks could help families and healthcare providers make informed decisions that may improve health outcomes and quality of life.

A well-designed national DNA-at-birth programme could also contribute to the development of a more comprehensive understanding of genetic and hereditary health conditions within the Ghanaian population. With appropriate safeguards and the use of anonymised and aggregated information, such data could potentially support public health research, epidemiological studies, and the development of targeted strategies for preventing and managing genetic and hereditary diseases.

Beyond individual health, accurate biological information may also help address certain societal challenges associated with uncertainty about biological identity and family medical history. Knowledge of biological relationships can, in appropriate circumstances, provide valuable information about inherited health risks and facilitate a more accurate understanding of family medical histories.

However, the introduction of mandatory DNA testing must be approached with great care. Genetic information is among the most sensitive forms of personal information. Any national programme must therefore be governed by robust legislation and strict safeguards relating to privacy, confidentiality, data security, informed consent, ethical oversight, and the dignity and best interests of every child.

There must also be clear rules governing who can access genetic information, how long it may be stored, for what purposes it may be used, and how it must be protected from misuse, unauthorised disclosure, discrimination, or commercial exploitation.

I therefore call for a national dialogue involving the Government of Ghana, Parliament, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Justice and Attorney-General’s Department, the Ghana Health Service, healthcare professionals, geneticists, public health experts, ethicists, legal practitioners, civil society organizations, and other relevant stakeholders to critically examine the feasibility, benefits, risks, and ethical implications of mandatory DNA testing at birth.

The objective should not be to promote conflict within families or to invade personal privacy. Rather, the focus should be on preventing disease, identifying health risks early, strengthening healthcare systems, improving health outcomes, and addressing societal problems through responsible, ethical, and evidence-based interventions.

As a public health professional, I believe that Ghana must continuously explore innovative approaches to disease prevention and health promotion. We must move beyond a healthcare system that primarily responds to illness after it occurs and increasingly embrace preventive, predictive, and evidence-based healthcare.

If appropriately designed, ethically regulated, and supported by robust data-protection mechanisms, a national DNA-at-birth programme could become a component of a broader strategy to protect the health and wellbeing of future generations.

My position is simple: we must be proactive rather than reactive. We should identify health risks early, prevent disease where possible, and use science responsibly to build a healthier Ghanaian society.

*********

Dr. Sheikh Ibrahim Ibn Saana, Ph.D., FGCPharm, MPH
Public Health Consultant | Specialist Public Health Pharmacist
Deputy Director of Pharmacy (Clinical Affairs), Korle Bu Teaching Hospital

Addressing Parliament, the Minister said the ongoing recruitment exercise is currently focused on the 2021 batch of trained nurses and midwives, with successful applicants already being posted to their respective duty stations.

According to him, the exercise forms part of the government’s efforts to address staffing gaps and improve access to quality healthcare services, particularly in underserved communities.

Mr Akandoh announced that the recruitment of the 2022 batch of nurses and midwives will be completed before the end of 2026, while the 2023 batch will be recruited subsequently, subject to financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance.

He further disclosed that the government plans to recruit a total of 16,000 health professionals this year to strengthen the country’s health workforce.

Responding to questions from Members of Parliament, the Health Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to the phased recruitment of qualified health professionals in line with available financial resources and the staffing needs of health facilities nationwide.

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In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, the Ministry said the closure takes immediate effect and will remain in force until further notice.

According to the Ministry, the decision was taken after persistent disturbances and violations of the institution’s rules and regulations despite several interventions aimed at restoring calm.

The Ministry disclosed that numerous meetings, counselling sessions and appeals involving key stakeholders, including the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), had been held to encourage dialogue and restore order.

However, some students reportedly continued to engage in conduct that disrupted academic activities and threatened the peace, safety and orderly administration of the college.

It explained that the temporary closure is intended to restore calm, safeguard lives and property, and allow the appropriate authorities to assess the situation and determine the necessary steps towards reopening the institution under conducive conditions.

The Ministry directed all students to vacate the campus peacefully and return to their respective homes by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Parents and guardians have also been advised to make the necessary arrangements to receive their wards.

The Ministry assured students, staff and the general public that every effort would be made to resolve the situation promptly and restore normal academic activities.

It added that information regarding the reopening of the college would be communicated through official channels in due course.

The Ministry further expressed appreciation to students, parents, staff and other stakeholders for their understanding, cooperation and support as efforts continue to restore a safe, peaceful and disciplined learning environment at the institution.

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There has been a slight increase in cases in 2025 compared to 2024.

During the commemoration of World Hepatitis Day in Bibiani, within the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality, the Regional Health Director, Dr. Paulina Clara Appiah, reported that the region has recorded 693 cases of hepatitis, which reflects a minor rise from the previous year.

She called on Ghanaians to prioritize their health by utilizing medical services for routine check-ups.

Dr. Appiah also highlighted the causes of hepatitis, explaining that injuries from sharp objects and unhygienic practices in salons can contribute to the spread of the disease.

She urged the public to exercise caution in order to prevent infection.

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While opportunities for education and economic empowerment have expanded over the years, many young women still grapple with societal pressure to prioritise marriage over personal development.

In 2026, conversations around women’s empowerment continue to gain momentum, yet some cultural beliefs remain deeply rooted.

For many young women, discussions about higher education or career advancement are still met with a familiar response: “You need to find a husband first.”

The persistent expectation has sparked debates about whether a woman’s worth should still be measured primarily by marriage, or whether she should be free to pursue education, financial independence and personal fulfilment alongside family life.

Culture, religion and changing perceptions

Assistant Headteacher of Al-Mustapha Ibaadu-Rahman Educational Complex, Imam Aziz Sama-M, believes many of the expectations placed on women stem from historical cultural practices rather than religious teachings.

“Everyone has a culture or tradition. Religion came after culture, and sometimes the two clash. In some cases, culture and religion promote the same values, while in others, culture has been mistaken for religion,” he explained.

According to him, in earlier societies, success was measured by the size of one’s family rather than educational achievement because communities depended largely on farming.

“In those days, the more children a family had, the larger the farm they could manage. Women were given different roles because they were not expected to work on the farms. That is where the perception that a woman’s place is in the kitchen originated,” he said.

He stressed that while men and women have biological differences, they are equal in the eyes of God and deserve equitable opportunities.

“You cannot abandon your culture, but you must examine it through the lens of values. Education begins at home. Parents who value education are more likely to raise children who appreciate it.”

He added that education today extends beyond the classroom and is essential for every child.

“In the 21st century, if a child is denied education, they become a burden on the family, the community and society. Unfortunately, some parents fear education will make their children abandon their traditions, so they deny them opportunities.”

Economic hardship fuels early marriage

Teacher Meimunatu Iddrisu Azaah says economic deprivation and limited educational opportunities continue to reinforce early marriage in parts of northern Ghana.

“One of the biggest challenges in northern Ghana is poverty, coupled with a lack of education. Because of these circumstances, some communities still believe girls as young as 14 should be married,” she said.

She noted that many young women migrate to southern Ghana in search of work to escape financial hardship or forced marriages.

“Some girls are forced into marriages they do not want. Even when they try to leave, some parents send them back.”

While acknowledging that culture is important, she believes harmful stereotypes continue to hinder development.

“Not all culture is bad. Culture is valuable, but when people believe women do not need education, it holds society back.”

According to her, some parents also see early marriage as a solution to teenage pregnancy or compare their daughters to peers who are already married.

“Marriage should never be rushed. You can marry early and not enjoy it, or marry later and have a successful marriage. Girls should be allowed to pursue their dreams and marry when they are mature enough to make informed decisions.”

She believes women should be empowered to make those choices independently.

“If we educate society about the disadvantages of child and early marriage, parents will understand that allowing girls to complete their education benefits everyone.”

Choosing both education and marriage

For hairstylist and influencer Nasiba Anass, who married in her early twenties, marriage and education should not be seen as mutually exclusive.

“There is pressure on young people to get married, but there isn’t the same level of pressure to pursue education,” she said.

Nasiba said she learnt hairdressing while in senior high school and received many questions after marrying soon after graduation.

“People kept asking why I got married instead of continuing my education. But I believe marriage should not stop a woman from furthering her education.”

She explained that she has postponed further studies while pursuing other personal goals.

“I still have many things I want to achieve, so I have put education on hold for now.”

She also recalled how relatives frequently compared her with friends who had not yet married.

“Everyone has different perspectives. Some people believe a woman’s greatest achievement is marriage, so they pressure young women into it.”

Her advice to young women is to prioritise self-development while making decisions based on their own aspirations.

“As a woman, build yourself first. Then decide what is best for you. You can have both education and marriage if that is what you want.”

A changing narrative

Although attitudes are gradually evolving, advocates say changing long-held beliefs requires continued education, economic empowerment and community engagement.

Many argue that empowering girls through education does not diminish cultural values but rather strengthens families and communities.

As more northern women pursue careers, businesses and leadership roles while also building families on their own terms, they are challenging stereotypes that have persisted for generations.

For these women, the question is no longer whether they should choose between marriage and education. Instead, they are asking why they should have to choose at all.

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According to him, although many Ghanaians have confidence in herbal medicine and are willing to seek treatment at herbal facilities, the cost of services often discourages them from doing so.

He believes that enrolling herbal hospitals onto the NHIS would make traditional healthcare services more affordable and accessible to the public.

Speaking to Adom News during the commissioning of a new herbal hospital at Suame Makro in the Ashanti Region, Apostle Dr. Amagashie said the government must place greater emphasis on supporting the herbal medicine sector, which continues to play a significant role in Ghana’s healthcare delivery system.

“It is time for the government to prioritize the growth and well-being of herbal hospitals to help save more lives. We are Africans, and our traditional medicines are herbs.

“We must therefore promote and invest in our traditional medicine as part of strengthening healthcare delivery in the country,” he stated.

He also appealed to the government to establish dedicated herbal nursing training institutions to produce skilled health professionals for the herbal medicine sector.

According to him, introducing herbal nursing training programmes would not only improve the quality of healthcare provided at herbal facilities but also help address the growing unemployment challenge among trained nurses in Ghana.

“We need herbal nursing training schools to produce qualified health workers for the herbal medicine industry. This will create employment opportunities for nurses while improving the quality of care in herbal hospitals across the country,” he added.

Apostle Dr. Amagashie expressed confidence that with the necessary government support, the herbal medicine industry could expand significantly, create more jobs, and complement conventional healthcare services in providing quality and affordable healthcare for Ghanaians.

She lives independently in her own house in Dover, Delaware, exercises every day, reads romance novels, and enjoys dancing and socializing.

The centenarian has been driving for more than 80 years and just renewed her driver’s license until 2033, when she would be 115.

“In order for me to go to the store, I have to drive,” Browne tells TODAY.com. “Anywhere I want to go, I have to drive. I’m an experienced driver. I try to be very careful.”

Her son, Jim Young, calls her “amazing” and strong.

Her daughter, Lynnette Young Overby, says she’s “quite something, and now she’s quite famous.”

Browne had a huge 108th birthday party earlier this year with guests that included the governor of Delaware

It seemed a world away from the farm where she was born on April 24, 1918, in Lincoln, Delaware. She, her parents and nine siblings lived in a house that had no electricity or running water.

Browne went to a segregated elementary school, where she admired her teacher and became determined to become one herself.

“One of the most important things that I had in mind was to get an education and be a teacher,” she said in an interview about her life.

There were no free high schools for Black students in the area at the time, so the family had to pay to send her to Delaware State College High School, Overby says.

Browne went on to attend Delaware State University, graduating in 1945 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She’s DSU’s oldest living alumna.

The centenarian worked as a teacher for 30 years, starting in a one-room schoolhouse. She also helped her first husband run a bus business. Browne retired in 1977. She’s lived in her house for more than 70 years.

“I don’t know why I’m living so long. I’m just trying to take care of myself,” Browne says.

Here is what to know about the centenarian and her tips for living a long life:

1. Keep Moving

Browne credits regular exercise as a big factor in her longevity. She starts every morning by getting on the floor and doing a 10-minute stretching, strengthening and balancing routine.

“Then I get up and stand against the wall and exercise my legs. I make sure my legs are exercised,” she says.

“She does things I can’t do,” her son notes.

“I can move better than he,” the centenarian confirms teasingly.

The exercises work — she walks without the need for a cane or a walker.

Browne also does chair dancing at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover, a gathering place for older adults where she drives herself three days a week.

2. Eat Healthy Food

The centenarian lists chicken and fruit as some of her favorite foods. 

She eats an apple most every day — a famously nutritious fruit that delivers fiber, and comes with benefits for heart health, diabetes, cancer, gut health, weight loss and inflammation.

She also enjoys peaches and blueberries — a dietitian’s pick for the healthiest berries.

Her morning menu includes a cup of black coffee, which has a positive impact on heart health and brain health, plus a frozen waffle and cranberry juice, her daughter notes.

Browne avoids fried foods — “of course, I like them, but I know I shouldn’t eat them, so therefore I don’t eat them,” she says.

She also doesn’t drink alcohol and skips sugar.

“I like sweets, but I just probably avoid them for my health,” she says. One exception is her 7UP cake, which she likes to make for family gatherings.

The formula works. At 108, Browne only takes one medication, a pill to control her blood pressure, Overby says. Longevity runs in her family — one of her sisters lived to be 103.

3. Be Independent

Browne was married twice and had no desire to remarry after her second husband passed away.

“That’s right. I am not taking care of another man,” she says.

“I decided when I was left alone that I didn’t need anybody to take care of me, I take care of myself. So, in order to live a healthy life, you have to make up your own mind.”

Driving her car and living in her own home are important aspects of her self-reliance. “She very, very much wants to maintain her independence as long as she can,” Overby notes.

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4. Keep Your Mind Busy

The centenarian likes to read, including romance novels. She also enjoys doing puzzles and word games, her son notes.

Browne continues to be active in the community — she goes to church, socializes at the Modern Maturity Center, and meets with members of her sorority, her daughter adds. 

She’s a life member of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa Alpha Pi Chapter.

The busy centenarian likes to stay on top of all the family get-togethers and other events she takes part in.

“She’s very organized,” her son says. “She always makes sure that wherever she goes, she has a little calendar.”

5. Expand Your Horizons

Alaska and Hawaii became U.S. states while Browne was a teacher, so she visited both, even going to Alaska twice.

She’s also traveled to Spain, Portugal, Brazil and other countries around the world.

“I enjoyed my trips,” she says. Her favorite place? “Hawaii. It’s beautiful there,” she notes.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, July 28, the FDA said it swiftly deployed a rapid response team to the location on Monday, July 27, in collaboration with the Tema Metropolitan Assembly and the Ghana Police Service.

According to the Authority, the inspection led to the immediate confiscation of fish exposed to unhygienic conditions, while the fish processors involved were educated on the public health risks associated with poor handling practices.

The FDA noted that similar incidents have occurred intermittently in the past and said it has consistently worked with relevant agencies to protect public health through education and enforcement.

It further announced plans to intensify engagement with fish processors and fishmongers in the affected coastal districts to promote good hygiene practices and improve food safety standards.

The Authority advised the public to purchase smoked and dried fish only from reputable and hygienic sources, carefully inspect fish before buying, and avoid products with offensive odours, unusual colouring, visible contamination or signs of spoilage.

Consumers were also encouraged to wash smoked or dried fish thoroughly before cooking and ensure it is properly cooked before consumption.

The FDA urged the public to report any suspected unhygienic food processing, storage or sale to the nearest FDA office or local assembly.

It assured the public that, together with its partner agencies, it will continue removing unsafe fish and fish products from the market while strengthening public education and enforcement efforts to safeguard public health.

Speaking at a press conference on the Mid-Year Budget Review, the Abuakwa South MP said the government allocated about GH¢34.1 billion to the health sector in the 2026 Budget.

The allocation included GH¢22.8 billion in direct budgetary allocations and GH¢11.2 billion for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund.

However, Dr. Agyemang said the Finance Minister’s mid-year review did not demonstrate that the allocated funds had translated into meaningful expenditure.

According to him, the Public Financial Management Act requires the government to present a comparison between budgeted allocations and actual expenditure across key areas, including compensation, goods and services, and capital expenditure.

He argued that the review failed to provide that level of detail, making it difficult for Parliament and the public to properly assess the government’s performance in the health sector.

The lawmaker cited the NHIS as an example, noting that although the government highlighted the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Levy as a major achievement, only about GH¢3.4 billion of the GH¢11.2 billion allocated to the NHIS and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund had been spent in the first half of the year.

According to him, this represents about 30 per cent of the total annual allocation.

Dr. Agyemang argued that removing the cap on the health levy would have little impact if the funds were not released to enable the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to effectively carry out its mandate.

He maintained that the low level of expenditure raises concerns about the government’s commitment to adequately financing healthcare despite the promises made in the national budget.

The Ranking Member stressed that healthcare remains one of the country’s most essential sectors because every household depends on access to quality medical services.

He said budgetary commitments must be backed by timely and adequate spending to improve healthcare delivery and ensure Ghanaians receive the services they need.

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Speaking during a courtesy call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, the Minister said nearly 100,000 qualified nurses remain unemployed and are awaiting posting.

He explained that the government has already recruited 8,000 nurses and plans to recruit a total of 16,000 this year to help address staffing shortages and strengthen healthcare delivery across the country.

Mr. Akandoh further revealed that the government is making advanced arrangements to facilitate employment opportunities for some unemployed Ghanaian nurses abroad.

“We are collaborating with a number of countries to deploy some of our nurses to work there. Currently, we have more than 46 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) under consideration,” he said.

According to the Minister, the initiative will not only create employment opportunities for Ghanaian nurses but also generate foreign exchange for the country while enhancing international cooperation in the health sector.

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, commended the government for the measures being taken to strengthen the healthcare system and improve hospital management.

He urged the Ministry of Health to continue working closely with stakeholders to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare services nationwide.

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He gave the assurance during a courtesy call on the Otumfuo at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

Briefing Otumfuo on developments in the health sector, Mr Akandoh said significant progress had been made on critical infrastructure around the facility, particularly the road network, energy, and water supply.

He indicated that the outstanding works were being fast-tracked to ensure the hospital is ready for use without further delays.

“When we come again with President Mahama, we will be commissioning it,” the Minister told the Asantehene.

The Sewua Hospital, located in the Bosomtwe District of the Ashanti Region, is expected to expand access to quality healthcare for residents in Kumasi and surrounding districts.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II emphasized that, politics is all about good governance, which he commend the minister for the detailed briefing.

The Health Minister was accompanied by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Samuel Akoriyea Kaba, Administrator of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku and other officials.

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The renewed call was made during the commemoration of World Hepatitis Day and the inauguration of the National Viral Hepatitis Technical Working Group in Accra. The newly inaugurated body is expected to coordinate national efforts to strengthen prevention, improve access to diagnosis and treatment, and accelerate Ghana’s progress towards eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Ministry’s Chief Director, Desmond Boateng, described viral hepatitis as one of Ghana’s most pressing public health challenges.

He disclosed that an estimated three million Ghanaians are living with hepatitis B, while another 500,000 are believed to have hepatitis C, with many unaware of their condition because the disease often develops without noticeable symptoms.

According to him, the silent nature of the infection means many patients only seek medical attention after developing serious complications such as liver cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Mr. Boateng noted that liver cancer has become the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in Ghana and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with chronic hepatitis B and C infections accounting for a significant proportion of cases.

He said the inauguration of the National Viral Hepatitis Technical Working Group marks an important step in translating the government’s commitment into coordinated and measurable action.

“Viral hepatitis remains a major public health challenge in Ghana. About three million Ghanaians are estimated to be living with hepatitis B, while roughly half a million may be living with hepatitis C. Many do not know their status because the infection can remain silent for years, even as it progressively damages the liver,” he said.

The Chief Director stressed that hepatitis B is preventable through vaccination and can be effectively managed with treatment, while hepatitis C can now be cured with highly effective medicines.

He therefore encouraged Ghanaians to take advantage of available screening and vaccination services, stressing that early detection and prompt treatment are essential to preventing severe liver disease and reducing hepatitis-related deaths.

The Ministry said the Technical Working Group will play a key role in driving policy implementation, strengthening surveillance, expanding public education and improving access to quality hepatitis care across the country.

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The patient, Mr Zoug Morimmaha, was admitted to the hospital’s Male Medical Ward on May 20, 2026, in an unconscious and critical condition.

Upon arrival, he was promptly attended to by a dedicated team of doctors and nurses, who immediately commenced life-saving treatment, while reassuring his anxious family of the quality care he would receive.

End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), also known as End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD), is the most advanced stage of chronic kidney disease, in which the kidneys permanently lose most of their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood.

The condition often develops after years of chronic kidney disease, commonly resulting from diabetes, hypertension, and other underlying medical conditions.

After more than two months of intensive medical and nursing care, the patient made a remarkable recovery and was discharged on July 24, 2026.

To mark the milestone, staff of the Male Medical Ward, with the full consent of the patient and his family, organised a modest celebration to express their joy and gratitude to God for what they described as a miraculous recovery.

Sharing the family’s experience, Mr Morimmaha’s daughter, Ms Vida Zook, recalled the condition in which her father was admitted.

“He was brought in a critical condition and later became unconscious. We were very worried. But by the grace of God and through the dedication of the doctors and nurses, he has recovered and has been discharged. He is much better than when we first came,” she said.

Madam Tengmah Zook, the patient’s wife, also expressed appreciation to the medical team, particularly the nurses, for their compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment throughout her husband’s admission.

She recounted how the nursing staff diligently cared for him, including feeding him through a nasogastric tube and providing continuous nursing interventions that significantly contributed to his recovery.

She wished the entire team God’s blessings and success in all their endeavours.

Mrs Angela Fiatsonu, the Male Medical Ward Manager, described the patient’s recovery as one of the ward’s most inspiring success stories, noting that although the unit had recorded several positive outcomes over the years, that particular case, stood out because of the patient’s critical condition upon admission.

She commended the commitment and resilience of the ward staff and expressed appreciation to the hospital’s leadership, led by Dr Joseph Kojo Tambil, for their continuous support in delivering quality patient care.

Mrs Fiatsonu encouraged her team to remain dedicated despite the challenges associated with healthcare delivery, emphasising that such success stories served as an “emotional salary” that motivated healthcare professionals to continue giving their best.

She also thanked the patient and his family for their cooperation throughout the treatment process and wished them good health and happiness in the years ahead.

The remarkable recovery reflects the dedication, teamwork, and patient-centered care that continues to define service delivery at the Upper East Regional Hospital, reaffirming the facility’s commitment to providing quality healthcare to the people of the region and beyond.

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The announcement was made during a stakeholder engagement between officials of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund and the management of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

Under the intervention, the hospital will receive a 128-slice CT scanner, a 1.5 Tesla MRI machine, a digital 3D mammography system, and a recovery ward for its catheterisation laboratory to enhance specialist healthcare delivery.

Officials of the Trust Fund disclosed that the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) has approved the procurement process, with contractors expected to begin site inspections ahead of the installation of the equipment.

In addition, the Trust Fund revealed that three other critical medical systems—a Spectra Optia Apheresis System, a Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) Multi-Filtrate System, and a Mobile Digital X-ray Unit—have been submitted to the Ministry of Finance for commitment authorisation.

Chief Executive of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr Yakubu Seidu Adam, welcomed the intervention, describing the Ghana Medical Trust Fund as a key partner whose support has consistently contributed to improving patient care and expanding access to specialist services.

He noted that several of the hospital’s diagnostic machines have exceeded their expected lifespan after more than a decade of use, creating an urgent need for replacement and upgrades.

According to Dr Adam, although the hospital’s current MRI scanner remains operational, it requires upgrading, while additional capacity is also needed for PET scanning, CT imaging and radiotherapy to meet increasing patient demand.

He further revealed that the hospital recently lost its mammography machine to a fire, a development that has disrupted breast cancer screening services and affected the training of specialist doctors.

“As a tertiary teaching hospital, we cannot continue referring patients and resident doctors elsewhere for mammography services. Replacing this equipment is an urgent priority,” he stated.

The hospital is also pursuing plans to establish a One-Stop Diagnostic Centre, which will house MRI, CT scanning, mammography, PET scanning and other imaging services under one roof to improve efficiency and enhance patient care.

Officials of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund welcomed the proposal, noting that the facility would improve convenience for patients while reinforcing Korle Bu Teaching Hospital’s position as Ghana’s leading referral centre for specialised healthcare.

The Association’s General Secretary, Dr Richard Selormey, says food safety concerns extend from farms to dining tables and require urgent national attention.

Dr Selormey was speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Monday, July 27, 2027.

He cited studies indicating that nearly 80% of sachet water sampled in Ghana contained bacteria, while food products sold in major markets have also been found to contain dangerous levels of pesticides and other contaminants.

According to Dr Selormey, illegal mining, excessive pesticide use, adulterated palm oil, poor food handling practices and unsafe storage methods are exposing consumers to serious health risks.

He said some vegetables sold in Accra markets contained toxic pesticide residues, while chemicals such as Sudan dyes continue to be detected in palm oil.

The GMA also expressed concern about reports of formalin, a chemical used to preserve dead bodies, being used illegally to preserve fish.

“And so, indeed… from the farms, the use of pesticides, all the way to the table, the issue is widespread,” he said.

Dr Selormey called for stronger enforcement of food safety regulations, greater public education and incentives to encourage businesses to adopt environmentally friendly packaging.

In such moments, stopping to read through the crowded, fine-print labels tucked away on the back or sides of the food package is often the last thing on anyone’s mind, no matter how health-conscious they may be.

As a result, many consumers unknowingly consume products without understanding their true nutritional content.

This reality captures the vulnerability and plight of the average Ghanaian consumer in an increasingly complex food environment.

Danger inappropriate labeling

Searching for nutrition information on food packages can be intimidating.

Labels are often crowded with unfamiliar figures, symbols, and tiny fonts that are difficult for the average consumer to read.

This exposes major flaws in our current food labelling system.

A label’s value lies not only in its presence but also in its clarity, readability, and placement.

Evidence increasingly shows that Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL) is the most effective approach.

Chronic diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, and cancers are rapidly rising and are closely linked to unhealthy diets.

In Ghana, traditional diets are being replaced with ultra-processed, packaged foods high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.

This nutrition transition heightens disease risk and demands urgent public health action.

One proven intervention is the adoption of Front-of-Pack Labels (FOPLs).

Solution

Front-of-Pack Labels provide simple, easy-to-understand nutrition information at a glance.

They help consumers quickly identify foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.

Unlike complex back-of-pack nutrition panels, FOPLs use clear symbols or warnings placed prominently on packaging, enabling faster and healthier decision-making.

For Ghana, warning labels may be particularly suitable.

Typically displayed as black octagons with messages like High-in-Sugar or High-in-Salt, they deliver clear, direct alerts.

Their simplicity makes them effective in settings with varying literacy and numeracy levels, eliminating the need for complex interpretation.

Warning labels

Evidence from countries such as Chile, Mexico, and Peru shows that warning labels effectively influence consumer behaviour and industry practices.

In Chile, purchases of sugar-sweetened beverages dropped by 24 per cent within 18 months of introducing warning labels.

The policy also pushed manufacturers to reformulate products, reducing harmful nutrient levels.

Adopting warning labels in Ghana would support all consumers, regardless of literacy level and outperform systems requiring numerical interpretation or colour recognition.

Importantly, warning labels also promote accountability within the food industry, encouraging the production of healthier food options and helping to protect public health.

Conclusion

Implementing a mandatory Front-of-Pack Warning Label system in Ghana would empower millions of consumers to make informed food choices while sending a clear and credible signal to the food industry.

The Ministry of Health and the Food and Drugs Authority must act swiftly to ensure that every Ghanaian can easily identify and instantly understand whether a product poses a health risk or represents a healthier option. Our health cannot wait.

The writer is a student and lecturer.
Department of Dietetics,
School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences,
University of Ghana.

The machines will be placed at strategic public locations, including lorry stations, mosques, stadia and shopping malls, allowing people to access condoms discreetly without having to purchase them directly from vendors.

The Commission also plans to extend the initiative to public institutions by installing the machines in washrooms within ministries, departments, agencies and financial institutions as part of its national HIV and wellness policy.

The announcement was made during a dissemination meeting in Accra on the 2026 HIV Estimates and Projections, where stakeholders reviewed Ghana’s HIV situation, assessed gaps in the national response and discussed strategies to strengthen prevention and treatment efforts.

According to the Commission, the vending machines form part of a broader condom and lubricant distribution strategy aimed at improving access to HIV prevention tools while ensuring distribution methods meet the needs of different communities.

Speaking at the event, Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, said the machines would be designed based on the specific needs and characteristics of the communities where they would be installed.

“The machines will not all be the same. Depending on the peculiar characteristics of a local population, the machine deployed could be electronically operated or manually administered,” he said.

Dr Akanbong explained that Ghana had previously introduced condom vending machines, which dispensed packs of three condoms for 50 pesewas, but the initiative was discontinued after several machines were vandalised.

“People were forcefully emptying the machines to take the coins,” he said.

He added that lessons from the previous rollout had informed improvements to the new machines, which are expected to be more secure and resistant to vandalism.

The Director-General also assured the public that concerns over condom shortages reported last year had been addressed, with government procuring additional supplies that are currently available across the country.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office Technical Lead for HIV, Tuberculosis and Hepatitis, Dr Kafui Senya, called for sustained efforts to reduce new HIV infections, eliminate stigma and discrimination, and ensure equitable access to HIV prevention and treatment services.

Programme Manager of the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme, Dr Emmanuel Akwoulo Agyigewe Teviu, urged stakeholders to address gaps in HIV prevention and strengthen integrated, people-centred care.

The Governing Board Chair of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Kakra Essamuah, also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s national response to HIV/AIDS.

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Hunt said he wanted to help after seeing news reports of the deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

​​The vaccine, designed using the same technology as one of the UK’s Covid vaccines, was given in Oxford, where scientists developed it in just eight weeks.

Hunt is the first of 50 healthy volunteers aged 18-55 being recruited for the trial.

​​He told the BBC what motivated him to take part: “I had wanted to volunteer for the Covid vaccine trial but was unable to because of work commitments. After seeing news from DR Congo, I thought I’d like to do my bit.”

The vaccine uses the same technology as the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid jab, which was given to hundreds of millions of people during the pandemic.

Prof Teresa Lambe, who led the Ebola vaccine team at the University of Oxford, said they had been able to create it so quickly because of the background of decades of research.

She explained how they would confirm that the vaccine was effective at protecting people. It cannot give anyone Ebola.

​​”We will not be giving anybody Ebola in this trial or any trial.

“The aim of the phase one clinical study is to look for the safety of the vaccine, and also to see if we’re getting a strong immune response that could be protective against the Bundibugyo species of Ebola.”

​​There are four vaccines in development against the Bundibugyo species which has triggered the outbreak, but this is the first to enter human trials.

​​There is a licensed vaccine against the Zaire species of Ebola, but it does not work against Bundibugyo.

​​The Oxford team say a second small Ebola vaccine trial is due to begin soon in Uganda, followed by a bigger study, looking at efficacy, in DR Congo.

​​The Serum Institute in India has already manufactured 600,000 doses of the Oxford Ebola vaccine, ready to be used if the trials are successful.

​​To date there have been more than 2,500 confirmed cases of Ebola in DR Congo, including just over 1,000 deaths.

Speaking to Adom News, the Birim North District Health Director, Daniel Darby, revealed that only three doctors are currently serving a population of more than 87,000 people.

According to him, the district previously had five doctors, but two are currently on study leave, leaving the remaining three to cater for the healthcare needs of the entire district.

Mr Darby said the situation has significantly increased the workload of the available doctors, particularly at the New Abirem District Hospital.

He explained that the facility also serves patients from the neighbouring Akyemansa District, which does not have a district hospital, resulting in a higher patient load.

The Health Director warned that unless additional doctors are posted to the district, the pressure on the existing medical staff could continue to affect the quality and efficiency of healthcare services.

Meanwhile, the Birim North District Chief Executive, Hakeem Abdul Antwi, acknowledged the staffing challenges and assured residents that the Assembly is taking steps to make the district more attractive to health professionals.

According to him, one of the biggest obstacles to attracting doctors is the lack of decent accommodation.

To address the challenge, he said the Assembly has begun plans to construct residential accommodation for medical doctors and other heads of government institutions.

Mr Abdul Antwi expressed confidence that improving accommodation would encourage more health professionals to accept postings to the district and help strengthen healthcare delivery for residents.

The project, which goes beyond the Trust Fund’s initial appeal for support, will see the construction of a state-of-the-art diagnostic centre equipped with some of the most advanced medical imaging technologies available.

The new facility will house an MRI machine, CT scanner, mammography unit, X-ray machine and fluoroscopy equipment under one roof, improving access to specialist diagnostic care for thousands of patients.

The initiative follows the Ghana Medical Trust Fund’s call on Corporate Ghana on February 5, 2026, to support the retooling of Ridge Hospital with modern diagnostic equipment.

Responding to the appeal, KGL Group and the KGL Foundation committed to funding the construction of an entirely new diagnostic centre, representing one of the most significant private sector investments in Ghana’s healthcare system.

The project officially entered its implementation phase after Ghana Medical Trust Fund Administrator Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku and KGL Group Chief Executive Officer Alex Apau Dadey led their respective teams on a site inspection at Ridge Hospital on Thursday.

Once completed, the facility is expected to strengthen the hospital’s ability to diagnose and manage complex medical conditions by providing faster and more accurate diagnostic services.

It will also reduce the burden on patients who often face long waiting times or are referred elsewhere for advanced imaging services.

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund described the partnership as a shining example of how collaboration between government and the private sector can deliver meaningful improvements in healthcare.

The Trust Fund expressed profound appreciation to KGL Group for what it described as an extraordinary commitment to improving healthcare delivery, noting that the company’s support far exceeded the original request for diagnostic equipment.

According to the Fund, the partnership reflects a shared vision of expanding access to quality healthcare and demonstrates the critical role Corporate Ghana can play in supporting the country’s healthcare transformation agenda.

The new diagnostic centre is expected to become a major referral hub for advanced medical imaging services, improving patient outcomes and strengthening Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure.

According to officials, the blood bank uses more than 100 pints of blood every day to meet the needs of patients, particularly accident victims and those requiring emergency medical care. They say maintaining an adequate reserve is critical to saving lives.

Speaking to Adom News during a blood donation exercise at Osei Tutu Senior High School, the Ashanti Zonal Organizer for Blood Donors, Kofi Adu Boateng, said the growing number of road crashes has significantly depleted the blood bank’s stock.

“We are appealing to churches, schools, corporate organizations, institutions and individuals to regularly donate blood to the Komfo Anokye Blood Bank. No one knows when they or a loved one may require an emergency blood transfusion, and a shortage could cost lives,” he said.

Mr. Boateng disclosed that the exercise at Osei Tutu Senior High School yielded about 300 pints of blood. However, he noted the quantity would last the facility for only about two days because of the high daily demand.

“This is the third blood donation exercise we have organized in schools. We appreciate the support we continue to receive from students, but it is still not enough. We are urging the general public to join the campaign by donating blood regularly to help save lives,” he added.

Some students who participated in the exercise expressed their willingness to continue donating blood whenever called upon.

One student recounted how his decision to become a blood donor was inspired by a personal experience. He said his mother was once in critical condition and survived after a stranger voluntarily donated blood to save her life.

“Since that day, I promised myself that I would become a blood donor. Today, I am happy to donate because I know I may also be helping to save someone’s life,” he said.

The student further urged the public to disregard misconceptions surrounding blood donation, stressing that donating blood is safe and remains one of the most meaningful ways to save lives.

As part of the exercise, the Ashanti Zonal Blood Donors Association presented a tabletop refrigerator to the Osei Tutu Senior High School in appreciation of the school’s consistent support and outstanding contribution to blood donation over the years.

The Headmaster of Osei Tutu Senior High School, Very Rev. Bright Yaw Osei, said the school remains committed to supporting the Komfo Anokye Blood Bank because blood donation plays a vital role in saving lives.

“Illnesses and emergencies can happen to anyone at any time. We do not know when we or our relatives may need blood. That is why our doors will always remain open to support this worthy cause and help save lives,” he stated.

Very Rev. Osei also encouraged other heads of senior high schools and educational institutions to partner with the blood bank by organizing regular blood donation exercises.

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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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Ayisha is the founder of Alishaskincargh, a skincare brand known for its focus on quality products and promoting healthy skin. Through determination and a strong online presence, she has grown the brand into a recognised name among skincare enthusiasts.

Beyond entrepreneurship, Ayisha is also committed to personal development. She is a distance education student at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), where she is pursuing a degree in Psychology.

Her academic journey reflects her desire to understand human behaviour, a skill she applies in building relationships with customers and creating a brand that responds to their needs.

Ayisha joined TikTok with a clear goal of expanding awareness of her skincare business while learning from emerging trends and business strategies on the platform.

Through educational skincare content, product demonstrations and regular engagement with her audience, she has built a growing community of followers who trust her brand.

For Ayisha, TikTok has become more than just a marketing tool. It has developed into a platform where customers receive skincare tips, learn about quality products and interact directly with a brand that prioritises customer satisfaction.

The growth of Alishaskincargh has been driven by Ayisha’s commitment to delivering effective and reliable skincare solutions. Her focus on quality and customer trust has helped strengthen the brand’s reputation in the competitive beauty industry.

The brand’s efforts were recognised in 2022 when Alishaskincargh received the Best Skincare Product of the Year award, an achievement that highlighted its innovation, quality and contribution to the skincare space.

Ayisha Salami’s journey demonstrates the power of combining education, entrepreneurship and social media to create meaningful impact. From balancing university studies to building an award-winning skincare brand, she continues to inspire young entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams and use digital platforms to create successful businesses.

MP under fire for telling minor ‘I will marry you’

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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