His comments come as the World Health Organisation (WHO) raises alarm over the rapid spread of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighbouring Uganda. The WHO has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to fears of cross-border transmission.

The latest outbreak is linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment. The WHO says the outbreak has spread across parts of eastern DRC, particularly Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, with cases also recorded in Uganda.

As of May 21, the WHO reported 746 suspected cases and 176 suspected deaths in the DRC, while confirmed cases across the DRC and Uganda had risen to 85, including 10 deaths. More recent updates indicate suspected cases may have crossed 900, with over 220 suspected deaths recorded.

The outbreak has been worsened by insecurity, attacks on health facilities, overcrowded displacement camps and weak healthcare systems in affected communities, with the WHO warning that the disease is spreading faster than containment efforts.

In Ghana, the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, has assured the public that surveillance, screening and emergency response systems have been strengthened to prevent any possible outbreak in the country.

However, speaking on Accra-based Channel One TV, Dr Agyemang disagreed with suggestions that Ghana is fully prepared.

According to him, preparedness assessments by the Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health appear to be heavily focused on selected facilities in Accra, creating what he described as a false impression of nationwide readiness.

He argued that Ghana’s health security should be assessed from the district level upwards, particularly in remote and underserved communities where emergency response infrastructure remains limited.

Dr Agyemang questioned how district and regional hospitals would respond if an Ebola case were detected in areas such as Sege, Ada, or other communities outside the capital.

He said preparedness cannot be judged by demonstrations in a few urban hospitals while several facilities across the country continue to struggle with logistics, surveillance capacity and emergency coordination systems.

He described Ghana’s overall response capacity for highly infectious diseases as “woefully inadequate,” particularly in the areas of disease surveillance, rapid response and medical logistics.

“I strongly think our overall emergency response to highly infectious diseases is woefully inadequate, especially regarding logistics and disease surveillance. We can do better,” he stated.

Dr Agyemang further called for increased investment in district and regional health infrastructure, improved training for frontline health workers and stronger emergency response systems nationwide.

He stressed that Ghana’s preparedness against Ebola and other infectious diseases must extend beyond Accra to ensure all regions are adequately equipped to respond effectively to any potential outbreak.

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As part of activities marking Menstrual Hygiene Day, the trustees, in collaboration with the Nkɔsuoɔhene of the Juaben Traditional Area, Nana Awuah-Darko Ampem II, organized a hygiene seminar for junior high school students in the Juaben Municipality and donated sanitary pads and soaps to over 2,000 girls.

Despite government rolling out the free sanitary pad initiative, the trustees believe more affordable sanitary products could help reduce menstrual poverty and stigma.

The event brought together eight schools in the Juaben Municipality, including Anglican JHS, Benevolent Islamic JHS, Presbyterian JHS, RC JHS, STEM JHS, Methodist JHS, MA JHS, and SDA JHS.

During the seminar, menstrual health and hygiene experts and Girl Child Education officers educated girls who have reached puberty on proper hygiene practices during and after menstruation.

The outreach also extended to boys, who were sensitised on general health issues, teenage pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

Head of Investment at United Pension Trustees, Samira Nasiru, said the initiative forms part of the company’s social responsibility to support adolescent health, education, and menstrual equity in underserved communities.

“Inclusion, empowerment, and community development are core to our values, and this project reflects that. We’re always ready to contribute in any way we can to support people,” she said.

Ms. Nasiru noted that many girls still drop out of school due to stigma surrounding menstruation.

She explained that fear of embarrassment, lack of access to sanitary products, and inadequate sanitation facilities in schools often force some girls to stay home during their periods.

She stressed that breaking the silence around menstruation is critical to keeping girls in school and protecting their right to education.

“No girl should miss school or be placed at a disadvantage because of a natural biological process. Menstruation affects every woman, yet women’s health does not receive the attention it deserves. We hope to spark these conversations so more people can support menstrual hygiene education and public awareness in order to end the stigma,” she said.

She applauded the government’s free sanitary pad initiative for Senior High Schools but urged further interventions, noting that high taxes on sanitary products still make them unaffordable for many women.

Juaben Municipal Girl Child Education Officer, Yvonne Telfer, expressed gratitude to United Pension Trustees for its continued support for menstrual hygiene and girl child education.

She said the initiative had brought relief to many students who previously struggled to access sanitary products and called for continued collaboration to ensure that no girl’s education is disrupted by menstruation.

She also emphasised the importance of engaging boys in the conversation to reduce stigma, prevent teenage pregnancy, and promote shared responsibility for reproductive health in schools and communities.

Mrs. Telfer further appealed for logistical support to expand advocacy campaigns in schools, including educational materials, transportation, and training for peer educators.

Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed annually on May 28 to raise awareness about the importance of good menstrual hygiene management globally. This year’s campaign is held under the theme: “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld.”

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The DNA results, which were read in the presence of both Isaac Bediako and his wife, confirmed that all four children who underwent testing are indeed Isaac’s biological children.

The revelation brought a sudden twist to a case that had captured public attention after Isaac accused his wife of infidelity and demanded DNA tests for their five children following 20 years of marriage.

On the earlier edition of the show, Isaac claimed years of suspicion, emotional trauma, and mistrust had pushed him to seek the tests. He alleged his wife once attempted to terminate a pregnancy without his consent and even suggested she may have tried to poison him — accusations that sparked heated debate among the show’s panelists and listeners.

However, with the DNA results now confirming his paternity, the atmosphere in the studio shifted completely.

Isaac’s wife, who had remained calm and reserved throughout the controversy, reacted strongly after the results were announced. Speaking firmly before the panel, she said the humiliation and public embarrassment she had endured over the years had reached a breaking point.

“This one, I will not let it go,” she declared emotionally.

She then presented her husband with two options for compensation: either he pays her GH¢150,000 for the damage caused to her reputation and emotional distress, or he leaves their matrimonial home and hands the property over to her.

According to her, the public accusations and doubts cast on her fidelity had caused deep pain and embarrassment, especially after the DNA results vindicated her.

The dramatic turn of events left the studio in stunned silence, with panelists urging both parties to remain calm and seek a peaceful resolution for the sake of their family.

Host Ohemaa Benewaa emphasized the need for healing and reconciliation despite the emotional intensity surrounding the case.

“What matters now is how this family moves forward after the truth has been established,” she noted.

While the final outcome of the couple’s marriage remains uncertain, the DNA results have undeniably reshaped the narrative — turning a story of suspicion into one of vindication, accountability, and emotional reckoning.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, he said residents are not interested in ongoing disagreements between government, the World Bank, and the contractor over the facility.

“All we need is for government to open the hospital for us,” he said.

He stressed that once the facility is opened and operational, any disputes could be resolved later.

“Government and the World Bank can have their back and forth, but that is not our concern. They should come and open the hospital for us first, and continue their discussions afterwards,” he added.

Mr. Haruna expressed concern that the facility, despite being completed, is not in use, describing it as a waste of public investment.

“There are lights in the hospital since it was constructed, but it is still not in use. That is a waste of money,” he said.

He argued that opening the facility would help generate revenue for government while improving healthcare delivery.

“If it is opened and operational, at least it will generate revenue for the government,” he noted.

He further urged authorities to treat the situation as an emergency.

“We need the hospital as an emergency case. It should be treated as such,” he said.

Mr. Haruna insisted that residents want immediate action rather than continued discussions.

“All we know is that the hospital should be opened. The World Bank and contractor issues are not needed now. They should open it for us,” he stressed.

The Weija-Gbawe Children’s Hospital project has been the subject of public concern in recent weeks due to delays in its commissioning despite the completion of major construction works.

Meanwhile, the World Bank has reportedly urged government to expedite the operationalisation of the facility, noting that the multi-million-dollar project was intended to strengthen healthcare delivery, particularly for children.

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Awerco Construction threatens legal action against Ministry of Health over Weija Specialist Children’s hospital

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, lawyer Yaw Acquah criticised recent public comments made by the Ministry of Health spokesperson, Tony Goodman, who has been presenting what he describes as the ministry’s version of events on various media platforms.

According to him, the contractor maintains that several claims being made by the ministry are inaccurate and do not reflect the situation on the ground.

“From the beginning, we made it clear that what the ministry is saying is not accurate as things stand. A lot of the things they are saying are still not accurate. We made it clear that we will explore the law, and as things stand now, we will do that,” he said.

Mr. Acquah stressed that legal action will be pursued where necessary, adding that the contractor is prepared to fully defend its position within the law.

“Certain points, we’ll explore the full extent of the law,” he added.

He further stated that communications from the World Bank support the contractor’s position that all contractual obligations were met in line with agreed terms.

“Everyone has seen the communication from the World Bank, and it shows that right from the beginning, my client fulfilled all the terms of the contract,” he said.

According to him, Awerco is not new to World Bank-funded projects and has a track record of executing similar assignments successfully.

“When you visit the World Bank website, my client is registered with the World Bank to undertake projects, and this isn’t the first project they are executing. This would be about the second, third, and even the fourth, if I’m not mistaken,” he explained.

Mr. Acquah also expressed concern about earlier public statements from the ministry’s spokesperson, saying they created tension between the parties.

“The first communication from Mr. Goodman, we were really peeved because it seemed there was a rift between us,” he noted.

He added that the contractor still hopes the ministry will reconsider its position and work toward resolving issues to allow the stalled hospital project to progress.

“Going forward, we hope they will admit where they’ve gone wrong and be the bigger man. They will have to step forward and let Ghanaians know that what they did was not right, so they should be forgiven,” he said.

He stressed that the priority should be ensuring the hospital is completed and opened as soon as possible.

“So we are hoping now that the ministry has lost whatever credibility with the Ghanaian people, they will step forward and do the needful because the hospital has to be opened at all cost,” he added.

Meanwhile, the World Bank has stated that the 120-bed specialised paediatric hospital at Weija was constructed and equipped under its COVID-19 Emergency Preparedness and Response Project at a total cost of US$10.15 million.

In a response on the status of the facility, the Bank said it remains “strongly desirous” of seeing the hospital opened to the public as soon as possible for Ghanaians to benefit from the investment.

It further explained that although the project officially closed on December 16, 2025, after a six-month extension, some critical outstanding activities were still pending at the time of closure.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Haruna urged government to engage the contractor and resolve any outstanding issues preventing the facility from opening.

“They should open the hospital and sit down with the contractor to discuss whatever issues remain,” he said.

According to him, delays in payments to contractors are not uncommon in government projects and should not prevent a critical health facility from serving the public.

“There are many projects contractors have worked on where government has not paid immediately, but they know eventually government will pay,” he stated.

He stressed the importance of opening the specialist hospital, describing it as a crucial healthcare facility for residents in the area.

“This is a special hospital, so they should open it for us. Whatever issues there are can be resolved along the way,” he appealed.

Mr. Haruna further called directly on President Mahama to personally assess the situation if he has not been adequately briefed.

“We are pleading with President Mahama to intervene. If they are not telling him the truth, he should come to the hospital and see things for himself. Maybe they are deceiving Ghanaians, so he needs to come and see the situation firsthand,” he said.

He noted that residents have not submitted a formal petition because they feel their concerns may not receive a response.

“We have not written any petition because they may not even reply us. All we want is for the government to open the hospital for us. That is all we are asking for,” he added.

His comments come amid growing concern over the continued closure of the fully completed Children’s Specialist Hospital in Weija, with residents calling for its immediate commissioning and operationalisation.

Residents say opening the facility would help reduce pressure on existing health centres and improve access to specialised healthcare services for children in the area.

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Health Ministry explains delay in operationalising Weija Paediatric Hospital

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, he expressed frustration over what he described as inconsistent communication from the ministry regarding the operationalisation of the specialist hospital.

According to him, the project had reached a stage where children should already have been benefiting from the facility by the end of the month.

“By the end of this month, by now children should be using the hospital if we had gone according to plan,” he stated.

Mr Acquah explained that financial arrangements between contractors and government are common and should not prevent the hospital from beginning operations.

“In Ghana, we have a lot of arrangements about contracting with the government because it is not always the government can pay upfront when it comes to certain arrangements with payment,” he said.

He stressed that the urgent need now is to operationalise the facility to prevent expensive medical equipment from deteriorating and to begin training staff for the specialist services the hospital is expected to provide.

“It is important we open the hospital immediately because there are machines there which are going to waste. You need training for staff for the facility because it is a specialist hospital and not just a general hospital,” he explained.

“So money for our clients should not be the biggest obstacle now.”

The lawyer further accused the Ministry of Health of backtracking after initially indicating that the hospital would soon be operational.

“The biggest obstacle was that the Health Minister said he was going to operationalise the hospital but in a few days’ time, he changed his mind, and there was a different communication,” he alleged.

“It has made the whole waters muddy.”

Mr Acquah also urged authorities to remain consistent in their engagements with the contractor and its representatives in order to avoid further delays.

“When they come up with a plan, when they ask to meet us, when they ask to meet our representatives, they stick to the plan,” he said.

The Weija-Gbawe Children’s Hospital project has been at the centre of public discussion in recent weeks amid concerns over delays in opening the facility despite the completion of major construction works.

Meanwhile, the World Bank has urged the government to expedite the operationalisation and opening of the facility, stressing that the multi-million-dollar project was constructed to strengthen healthcare delivery system, particularly for children.

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The Commission’s data shows that 2.82% of individuals in the area are living with the virus, placing Juaben ahead of other districts in the region.

Health officials say the figure reflects both the scale of transmission and the municipality’s role as a testing and treatment hub.

The Municipal AIDS Committee has attributed the high prevalence partly to the Juaben Government Hospital, which has become a major centre for HIV testing, counselling, and antiretroviral therapy (ART).

In an interview, the HIV and AIDS Focal Person for the Juaben Municipality, Abdel Wahab Mohammed, said the hospital functions as both a referral centre and a trusted facility for residents from surrounding districts and other regions who suspect exposure to the virus.

He said the concentration of services is one of the main factors contributing to the high number of recorded cases.

“Juaben is where people come when they have doubts about their HIV and AIDS status because our hospital provides confidential testing, and for those who test positive, we offer counselling and immediate access to antiretroviral therapy,” Mohammed explained.

“This suggests that the high case numbers are not driven by local infections alone. Instead, people from outside the municipality come for testing, which makes the statistics appear higher compared to districts with less centralised testing,” he added.

Mohammed said the data should serve as a call to action rather than a cause for alarm.

“We expected these results because we know the gaps on the ground. What matters now is using this information to strengthen outreach and ensure no one is left behind,” he said.

He added that given the existing challenges, he does not expect a decline in cases in the next report. However, the Municipal AIDS Committee is working to ensure the numbers do not exceed those recorded last year.

He identified stigma, limited youth-focused outreach, and gaps in early testing as persistent challenges contributing to the spread of the disease within the municipality.

To address the situation, the Committee is expanding community testing drives, intensifying education in schools and market centres, and working with civil society organisations to reduce stigma.

Meanwhile, residents reacted with dismay to the release of the report, saying the findings had caught them off guard.

Many described a sense of embarrassment within the Juaben community, noting that the publicity surrounding the report had made some residents reluctant to identify themselves as being from the area when travelling outside the municipality.

“I was surprised by the report because we’re ashamed. Even when a T-shirt with the inscription ‘Me firi Juaben’ came out during that period, I couldn’t buy one. I was afraid to wear it in other communities because people would point fingers at me,” a storekeeper said.

Others also said the report serves as a wake-up call to avoid activities that could expose them to HIV infection.

“As the health experts have revealed in the report, it’s up to us to advise ourselves. For me, I’ve shared this advice with all my family members. If you’re married, focus on your wife. But if you engage in casual sex, you have to protect yourself because contracting HIV comes with a lot of stigma and other consequences,” Shaibu Salifu, an electrician, stated.

Another resident added: “I wasn’t surprised by the report because people from other places come here for testing, counselling, and antiretroviral therapy (ART). The only thing left is to educate the public.”

The Ghana AIDS Commission has urged district assemblies, traditional authorities, and private sector partners to scale up support for prevention and treatment programmes.

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The survey, described by the institute as one of the largest vaccine perception studies ever conducted in Ghana, involved 13,905 respondents across all 16 regions and 55 districts.

According to the findings, 89.7 per cent of respondents expressed confidence in vaccines, while 94.2 per cent said they believe ensuring access to vaccines is a shared national responsibility.

Despite the high level of trust in vaccines, the study revealed low public awareness about Ghana’s plans to begin local vaccine production ahead of the expected 2027 rollout. Only 14.3 per cent of respondents said they were aware of the local vaccine manufacturing agenda.

The findings were contained in a statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the NVI, Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey.

“Ghana has a strong foundation of vaccine confidence, but success depends on bridging the awareness and trust gap for locally manufactured vaccines,” he stated.

“What is needed now is targeted policy and communication strategies to address misinformation, cost barriers, and regional disparities to encourage uptake,” he added.

Dr Sodzi-Tettey also expressed appreciation to the Ghana Health Service, the Food and Drugs Authority and the World Health Organization for supporting the institute’s work.

The survey further found that healthcare professionals continue to enjoy strong public trust, with about 87.8 per cent of respondents saying they trust doctors and nurses who administer vaccines.

Many respondents also expressed confidence in institutions such as the Ghana Health Service and the Food and Drugs Authority.

However, the report noted that awareness of Ghana’s vaccine manufacturing ambitions remains limited even as preparations continue toward local production in 2027.

According to the NVI, the findings underscore the need for sustained public education campaigns to counter misinformation and build confidence in Ghana-made vaccines.

The study also highlighted regional differences in vaccine acceptance. Urban regions such as Greater Accra, Ashanti and Central recorded relatively lower acceptance levels despite wider access to information, while rural communities in northern Ghana and the Oti Region showed stronger trust and acceptance.

Respondents indicated that seeing Ghanaian scientists and local production facilities actively involved in vaccine manufacturing would significantly increase confidence in locally produced vaccines.

The survey also identified major barriers to vaccine uptake, including the cost of vaccines, long travel distances to vaccination centres and concerns over storage and transportation systems, especially cold-chain infrastructure in rural communities.

The NVI stressed the importance of strengthening vaccine storage and distribution systems to maintain public trust and ensure effective nationwide delivery.

Ahead of the planned 2027 rollout, the institute says it will launch a nationwide awareness and acceptance campaign focused on tackling misinformation, improving public understanding of local vaccine production and encouraging national support for the initiative.

The campaign is expected to involve government institutions, development partners, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations, community leaders, the private sector and the media.

According to the NVI, the survey provides important baseline data that will guide future communication and behaviour-change strategies aimed at improving vaccine acceptance across the country.

Ghana’s vaccine manufacturing agenda also forms part of the African Union’s Partnership for African Vaccine Manufacturing initiative, which seeks to ensure that at least 60 per cent of vaccines used across Africa are produced locally by 2040.

Dr Sodzi-Tettey said the findings show that Ghanaians are prepared to support the country’s efforts toward vaccine self-sufficiency.

“The planned production of locally manufactured vaccines in 2027 is not only about health security. It is about national pride, scientific advancement, economic resilience, and Africa’s determination to take control of its health future,” he said.

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Read the full survey below:

The study shows that many Ghanaians consider vaccines life-saving and also view vaccine availability as a shared national responsibility. This outlook strengthens Ghana’s drive toward vaccine sovereignty and long-term self-sufficiency.

The survey, which covered all 16 regions and 55 districts, analysed 13,905 valid responses, making it one of the most comprehensive national assessments of attitudes toward vaccines and locally manufactured health products.

Beyond measuring general perceptions, the research examined what drives vaccine confidence, what could hinder acceptance of Ghana-made vaccines, and how misinformation may influence vaccine decisions.

The findings offer a timely evidence base for targeted public education and behaviour-change interventions ahead of Ghana’s planned start of local vaccine production in 2027.

HIGH VACCINE CONFIDENCE, STRONG TRUST IN HEALTH INSTITUTIONS

Results indicate strong vaccine confidence nationwide.

Approximately 89.7% of respondents expressed confidence in vaccines, while 94.2% believed in the collective responsibility to ensure vaccine availability.

Significantly, 71.3% said they would be willing to accept and use vaccines manufactured in Ghana—suggesting that more than seven out of every ten respondents are ready to embrace Made-in-Ghana vaccines once they become available.

The survey also found exceptionally high trust in healthcare professionals and national institutions responsible for vaccine delivery and regulation.

About 87.8% of respondents said they trust doctors and nurses who administer vaccines. Many also expressed confidence in the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).

This institutional trust is a critical advantage for Ghana’s vaccine manufacturing agenda, positioning healthcare workers and regulators as central voices in building and sustaining public confidence.

LOW AWARENESS OF THE LOCAL MANUFACTURING AGENDA

Despite positive sentiment toward vaccines, public awareness of Ghana’s vaccine manufacturing plans remains low. Only 14.3% of respondents were aware that Ghana is actively building capacity for local vaccine production ahead of the expected 2027 launch.

This gap points to an urgent need for intensive nationwide communication campaigns to inform the public, counter misinformation, and promote a sense of shared ownership of the initiative.

The survey also revealed notable regional differences.

More urbanised regions—such as Greater Accra, Central, and Ashanti—recorded comparatively lower acceptance of vaccines despite greater access to information. Meanwhile, rural communities in northern Ghana and regions such as Oti showed stronger trust and acceptance.

These differences reinforce the need for targeted, context-specific messaging rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

NATIONAL PRIDE AND PRACTICAL BARRIERS

A key theme from the findings is growing national pride and willingness to support local production.

Many respondents indicated that their confidence in Ghana-made vaccines would increase if they saw Ghanaian scientists and local factories playing visible roles in production.

This suggests that public communication strategies can benefit from highlighting local expertise, quality assurance processes, and the national benefits of vaccine self-reliance.

However, the study also identified practical barriers that could affect uptake once local production begins.

These include the cost of vaccines, distance to vaccination centres, and concerns about storage and transportation—especially the reliability of cold chain systems in rural and hard-to-reach areas.

Such operational weaknesses, if not addressed, could undermine public confidence at the point of delivery. Stakeholders will therefore need to strengthen cold chain infrastructure, improve storage and transport systems, and ensure transparent handling protocols that reinforce trust throughout the supply chain.

NATIONWIDE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN PLANNED

In response to the findings, the NVI plans to roll out a nationwide awareness and acceptance campaign to educate the public on locally manufactured vaccines, address misinformation, and build national buy-in.

The campaign is expected to involve government institutions, development partners, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations, community leaders, the private sector, and the media.

Dr Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, Chief Executive Officer of the NVI, emphasised that while vaccine confidence is strong, local manufacturing success depends on closing the awareness and trust gap around Ghana-made vaccines.

He noted the importance of targeted policy and communication strategies to address misinformation, cost barriers, and regional disparities, and acknowledged the continued support of the GHS, FDA, and the World Health Organization (WHO).

WHY THE FINDINGS MATTER

Public perception remains one of the most important determinants of vaccine uptake.

The survey therefore provides critical baseline data to guide policy and public engagement—helping government and partners set measurable targets, identify specific obstacles, tailor behaviour-change interventions, design effective messaging, anticipate misinformation narratives, and protect public confidence.

The timing is also significant. Ghana’s pharmaceutical sector is moving toward vaccine self-sufficiency, with locally manufactured vaccines expected in 2027.

This shift represents more than a health intervention; it signals progress in national innovation, industrial development, and health security.

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According to the Bank, the 120-bed specialised paediatric hospital at Weija was built and equipped under the World Bank-funded COVID-19 Emergency Preparedness and Response Project at a total cost of US$10.15 million.

In a response on the status of the facility, the Bank said it remained “strongly desirous” of seeing the hospital opened to the public as soon as possible to enable Ghanaians to benefit from the investment made in the project.

On Monday, May 25, the Bank explained that although the project officially closed on December 16, 2025, after a six-month extension, a number of critical activities linked to the hospital were still outstanding at the time of closure.

“The Government constructed and equipped the 120-bed hospital under the World Bank COVID-19 Emergency Preparedness and Response Project (P173788) at a cost of US$10.15 million,” the statement noted.

It further explained that the extension period had been granted “to allow for the completion of key activities for which Government had not released IDA spending.”

Despite the extension, the Bank indicated that several components of the project remained unfinished, including the installation of some medical equipment and the implementation of selected environmental and social safety measures required under the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework for health facilities.

The Bank clarified that the government could still utilise undisbursed International Development Association (IDA) funds under the project to settle outstanding eligible obligations until June 16, 2025.

However, it stressed that the responsibility for completing all remaining environmental and social safeguard requirements now rests solely with the Government of Ghana.

“Government is responsible for providing its own resources to complete the outstanding environmental and social safeguard obligations under the project and to settle any obligations it has incurred for expenditures ineligible for IDA financing,” the statement said.

The World Bank further explained that beyond infrastructure completion, the facility could only become fully operational after the government deploys the required medical and administrative personnel to the hospital.

“To fully operationalise the hospital, the Government will need to complete these necessary actions and assign staff to the facility,” it stated.

The Bank reaffirmed its continued engagement with Ghanaian authorities to ensure that the facility is opened to serve the public without further delays.

The Weija Paediatric Hospital was conceived as part of Ghana’s broader efforts to strengthen emergency healthcare infrastructure during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in specialised child healthcare services.

Health sector observers say the opening of the hospital could significantly ease pressure on existing paediatric facilities, especially in the Greater Accra Region, where congestion at major referral hospitals remains a persistent challenge.

The statement also touched on procurement compliance under World Bank-financed projects, explaining that all borrowing countries are required to comply with the Bank’s procurement regulations to ensure transparency, accountability and value for money.

It noted that where procurement reviews reveal breaches of established procedures, the Bank reserves the right to declare affected contracts ineligible for IDA financing.

“Under IDA loan agreements Borrower must follow the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations aimed at ensuring transparency and value for money. Where a post procurement review finds that the Regulations have not been followed, the World Bank exercises remedies,” the statement added.

The Bank, however, indicated that such procurement reviews are not publicly disclosed, although interested parties may seek information through the appropriate national channels within the borrowing country.

The development comes amid increasing public interest in the status of the Weija hospital project, with many stakeholders calling for its immediate completion and commissioning to improve healthcare access for children and reduce pressure on existing public health institutions.

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Speaking at the opening of the Association’s 14th Annual General and Scientific Meeting in Accra, GAR President Dr Francis Ofei said the indiscriminate use of mercury and cyanide in artisanal gold mining had catastrophically contaminated major water bodies, including the Pra, Birim, Ankobra, and Offin rivers, exposing millions of Ghanaians to substances capable of destroying the kidneys and other organs.

“This situation is not merely an environmental issue. It is a public health catastrophe,” he said. “With repeated exposure, the kidneys give up eventually.”

He explained that mercury and cyanide enter the body through contaminated water and food, placing excessive strain on the kidneys, which filter waste from the bloodstream. The burden, he said, falls hardest on communities living near illegal mining sites.

The scale of the problem is significant. A recent Ghana News Agency report cited estimates that about 13 percent of Ghana’s adult population — roughly four million people — are living with chronic kidney disease, with many patients falling between the ages of 20 and 50, the country’s most economically productive group.

Dr Ofei noted that chronic kidney disease often develops silently, making early diagnosis critical, but said many patients only seek help after the disease has advanced. He attributed this to low public awareness and limited access to diagnostic services in parts of the country, and urged the public to make routine medical check-ups a habit.

“You do check-ups not because you have issues per se. It becomes routine,” he said.

He also called for greater investment in diagnostic imaging equipment, including ultrasound machines, CT scanners, and MRI machines, to improve early detection, noting that ultrasound remains the most accessible tool for diagnosing kidney and urinary tract conditions.

The GAR President further stressed the need for a multidisciplinary approach to healthcare, arguing that radiologists, clinicians, nephrologists, and urologists must work together rather than in silos.

“Gone are the days when the radiologist wrote a report and figuratively handed it over a wall. Today, radiologists sit at the table,” he said.

The conference was held on the theme: “From Kidneys to Urethra: Imaging the Genitourinary System in the Era of Multidisciplinary Care.”

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Her appointment marks a significant milestone not only for the medical laboratory profession but also for women in leadership across the health sector. She takes over from Mr. Festus Kofi Sroda, who has joined the Clinical Laboratory Unit (CLU) of the Institutional Care Department of the Ghana Health Service at the Headquarters in Accra.

Professional and Academic Qualifications
Dr. Elizabeth Sorvor brings an impressive academic and professional background to the role. She is a Foundation Fellow of the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science (WAPCMLS) and a Member of the Ghana Chapter of the College.

She holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from KNUST, an MPhil in Chemical Pathology (KNUST), and a PhD in Public Health (UG). This blend of qualifications positions her uniquely to provide both technical expertise and strategic leadership in advancing laboratory services and public health outcomes in the region.

Her Professional Journey
Her professional journey reflects years of dedication and progressive service. Between 2002 and 2011, she served as the laboratory manager for St. Patrick’s Hospital in Offinso, where she built a strong foundation in laboratory practice and healthcare delivery. She transformed the laboratory services from basic routine testing into a more expanded and advanced health laboratory system before she moved to her next work area.

In 2012, she joined the Suntreso Government Hospital, where she became head of the laboratory from 2014 until 2022. Her impact and significant contributions at Suntreso Government Hospital led to the creation of the diagnostic unit of the facility, an entity she headed until she was transferred to head the regional hospital laboratory.

She has been consistent in ensuring service improvement and staff development in every facility she has worked. At the regional hospital (Kumasi South Hospital), she continued to distinguish herself and inspire her team to notable successes. Among her notable achievements is becoming the first laboratory manager to elevate the regional hospital laboratory from a zero-star rating to three stars while preparing for accreditation.

These accomplishments demonstrate her commitment to quality assurance, standards and institutional transformation.

The Critical Roles of the Regional Medical Laboratory Scientist
The key roles of the Regional Medical Laboratory Scientist include, but are not limited to;

1. Ensuring qualified and licensed medical laboratory professionals are employed or have access to the laboratories within the region as workers to ensure quality, reliable, and reproducible laboratory reports are obtained from the laboratories
2. Supervising and coordinating medical laboratory services in the region.
3. Ensuring laboratories follow professional and quality standards.
4. Monitoring disease surveillance and laboratory reporting.
5. Training and mentoring laboratory staff.
6. Assisting with public health programmes such as tuberculosis, HIV, malaria, or outbreak investigations.
7. Advising regional health authorities on laboratory matters.
8. Conducting inspections and quality assurance activities.
9. Ensure students, interns and housemen are properly indexed and or licensed to practice or rotate through the laboratories
10. Create mentorship programs and opportunities for younger medical laboratory professionals.

As expectations rise, Dr. Mrs. Elizabeth Sorvor stands as a symbol of excellence, resilience, and progress. With her proven ability to coordinate teams, inspire performance, and deliver measurable results, many stakeholders expect her leadership to usher in a new era for medical laboratory services in the Ashanti Region.

Her appointment is likely to bring renewed energy, higher standards, and meaningful reforms that will strengthen healthcare delivery across the region. It is the fervent prayer of the writer that the good Lord grants her good health, strength and grace to succeed during her tenure.

Congratulations, madam and welcome to your new office as the Regional Medical Laboratory Scientist.

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The disclosure was made during an awareness campaign for World Obstetric Fistula Day held in Kumasi under the theme: “Her Health Is a Right: Invest to End Fistula and Childbirth Injuries.”

Medical professionals explained that obstetric fistula is mainly caused by prolonged and obstructed labour, particularly when women are unable to access timely emergency obstetric care.

An obstetrician specialist with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr Adzi Kofi Gudugbe, explained that the condition occurs when prolonged pressure during labour damages the tissue between the bladder and rectum, leading to uncontrollable leakage of urine or stool.

“When this happens, the baby’s head is pressed firmly against either the bladder or the rectum, and because of the prolonged pressure, the tissue in that area can die,” he said.

He noted that the condition often leaves affected women isolated, rejected by their communities, and suffering severe emotional and psychological trauma.

“The stench is so strong that the woman withdraws from society. Even their partners sometimes leave them, and some communities wrongly believe they are witches,” he added.

Dr Gudugbe stated that Ghana records nearly 800 new fistula cases annually, with recent studies estimating that about 7,130 women were living with the condition in 2025.

He stressed that improving access to skilled delivery services and emergency obstetric care is critical to eliminating the condition.

“To achieve the target of eliminating obstetric fistula in Ghana, we need to repair close to 2,500 cases every year for the next four years,” he said.

As part of efforts to address the challenge, health authorities and partner organisations are conducting free fistula repair surgeries at several centres nationwide from now until mid-June 2026.

He also appealed to the private sector, corporate institutions, and philanthropists to support the national campaign through funding and partnerships.

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At least three such incidents have occurred in the northeastern province of Ituri, where the first Ebola cases were reported, including two at the weekend, targeting the same hospital that permitted more than two dozen patients to run away.

The attacks recall the widespread violence targeting health facilities during a 2018-2020 outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo that killed more than 25 health workers.

Some ​were perpetrated by civilians who were angry about not being able to bury their loved ones or were convinced that the outbreak was a hoax. ​The influx of money and manpower into an area that had felt neglected during decades of conflict and humanitarian crisis has spurred local suspicions about the real motives behind the sudden spike in interest.

A similar dynamic seems to be playing out now, said Dr Richard Lokodu, medical director of ​the Mongbwalu General Referral Hospital, which came under attack first on Saturday and again on Sunday.

“There is denial of the disease within the population, with some members wanting ​to claim the bodies of suspected and/or confirmed cases,” he said.

The World Health Organisation has declared the outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, the third-largest such outbreak on record, a public health emergency of international concern.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Sunday there had been more than 900 suspected cases in the outbreak so far, including 101 confirmed cases.

On Monday, Tedros said there ​had been 220 suspected deaths in the current Ebola outbreak and that a delay in detecting cases meant responders were now “playing catch-up”.

PATIENT DIED WHILE TRYING TO FLEE

At the ​Mongbwalu General Referral Hospital, located in Mongbwalu town, where many cases have been reported, 18 Ebola patients fled on Saturday after “unidentified individuals” burned tents, erected by medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières, ‌where patients ⁠were being isolated, Lokodu said.

Four lab results from those patients have come back – three negative results and one positive result, he said.

“So we have one confirmed case of Ebola that continues to circulate in the community and evade the response,” Lokodu said.

On Sunday, the hospital came under four waves of attacks by young people mobilised by relatives of a Christian religious leader who died of Ebola, he said.

Seven other patients escaped, and Congolese police and soldiers had to mobilise to restore order, he said.

A suspected ​Ebola patient who was in critical condition ​with haemorrhaging died in the second ⁠attack while trying to flee from his bed, Lokodu added.

The perpetrators of the attacks wanted the dead Ebola victims’ bodies released for burial, Lokodu said.

The bodies of Ebola victims are highly infectious after death, and unsafe burials – in which family members handle the ​body without proper protective equipment – are a leading driver of transmission.

LONG HISTORY OF ATTACKS ON EBOLA TREATMENT CENTRES

Health workers faced ​a handful of attacks ⁠by angry mobs during the 2013-2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, the largest on record, some of whom accused them of spreading the virus.

But the phenomenon exploded during the 2018-2020 outbreak in eastern Congo, a region marked by rampant insecurity and mistrust of formal authorities.

In addition to more spontaneous outpourings of anger by local communities, many attacks were carried out ⁠by militia ​groups looking to exploit the outbreak for political and financial gain, researchers found.

The current outbreak is believed ​to have originated in Ituri before spreading to North and South Kivu provinces – including areas under the control of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels – and across the border into neighbouring Uganda.

On Monday, Uganda reported two more confirmed ​cases of Ebola, bringing the total number of cases in the country to seven.

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Built by community members in 1994, the structure has not received any major renovation since its establishment.

A visit by Adom News, revealed visible cracks in the walls and weakened sections of the building, with wooden components showing signs of termite damage.

Residents say the condition of the facility has worsened over time, describing it as a “death trap” that could collapse if urgent action is not taken.

Beyond the physical deterioration, the clinic is said to lack essential infrastructure and basic amenities required for effective healthcare delivery.

Community members cited the absence of wards, beds, reliable drug supply, laboratory services, staff accommodation, and other critical equipment—limitations they say prevent the facility from handling even basic health needs.

As a result, patients are often forced to travel long distances to access appropriate medical care elsewhere.

Residents also expressed frustration that repeated appeals to authorities have not yielded results, warning that the current situation exposes health workers and the wider community to unnecessary risks.

They are calling on the Nkwanta South Municipal Assembly and other relevant institutions to intervene promptly by renovating and expanding the facility.

Meanwhile, a new health facility project initiated during the previous NPP administration remains abandoned after reaching lintel level, leaving the unfinished structure exposed to harsh weather and environmental hazards.

The situation has also compelled health workers to continue operating in the aging facility despite the risks and discomfort.

The Municipal Chief Executive for Nkwanta South, Joseph Awal Antwi, has acknowledged the urgent need for an improved health facility in the area.

He indicated that steps are being taken to complete the abandoned structure, with plans to upgrade it into a polyclinic to strengthen healthcare delivery, adding that the contractor is expected to return to resume work.

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However, your belly shape can reveal important information about your diet and overall health.

There are two main types of fat in the abdominal area.

One lies just under the skin, while the other (known as visceral fat) surrounds internal organs. 

The presence of visceral fat in appropriate amounts is not harmful and is physiologically necessary, as it provides cushioning and support for vital internal organs.

However, excess visceral fat is strongly linked to conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes.

Belly fat comprises both subcutaneous fat and visceral fat.

This means that a protruding belly is not just about appearance, but also about long-term health risks.

Different belly shapes

An obese belly or centrally enlarged belly develops when energy intake exceeds energy expenditure over time.

Diets high in sugary drinks, refined carbohydrates, and ultra-processed foods provide excess energy but little nutritional value, leading to fat build-up around the abdomen.

An alcohol belly occurs with excessive alcohol intake.

Alcohol is high in calories and affects how the body burns fat, making it easier for fat to be stored around the stomach.

A bloated belly may appear swollen, especially after eating, and is often linked to digestive issues and foods that cause gas or irritation in the gut.

This type of belly is usually temporary.

A stress and hormonal belly is linked to long-term stress, poor sleep and hormonal changes.

These factors can increase hormones that promote fat storage around the abdomen.
Why People Store Fat Differently

Fat distribution is not the same for everyone.

Genetics, hormones, age, and sex all influence where fat is stored in the body.

This is why some people tend to gain weight around the stomach, while others may store fat in the hips or thighs, etc.

Hormonal changes, especially in women, can also increase the likelihood of abdominal fat gain.

This means that even with similar diets, individuals may have different body shapes.

Being physically active is important.

However, exercise alone is not enough to reduce belly fat and does not specifically target fat in one area of the body.

Diet plays a major role. 

Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and lean proteins can help reduce belly fat over time.

Reducing sugary drinks, refined carbohydrates, alcohol and highly processed foods is also important. Good sleep and stress management further support better results.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Reducing belly fat takes time and consistency. It does not happen overnight.

Research shows that noticeable changes may begin after about eight to 12 weeks of consistent healthy eating and lifestyle changes.

More significant results often take several months or longer.

Quick fixes and extreme diets are not effective and may even be harmful.

Sustainable change requires patience and commitment.

When It is not just about diet

Not all protruding bellies are caused by excess fat or poor diet. Some medical conditions can also cause the abdomen to enlarge.

For example, fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths in the uterus, can increase abdominal size in women.

Ascites, which is a buildup of fluid in the abdomen, often linked to liver damage, can also cause swelling.

In such cases, diet and lifestyle changes alone will not solve the problem.

Medical care is necessary to address the underlying cause.

A balanced approach to better health

Your belly shape can provide useful clues about your lifestyle and health.

Healthy eating, regular physical activity, good sleep and stress management can improve outcomes over time.

At the same time, it is important to recognise when a protruding belly may be due to a medical condition and seek appropriate care.

Sustainable change requires patience, consistency and a balanced approach.

The writer are with Department of Dietetics
University of Ghana

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, he alleged that when riders are involved in accidents and are taken to hospital, nurses often do not attend to them promptly.

According to him, in some cases where riders suffer broken legs that could be treated, medical staff instead suggests amputation.

“When riders get injured and go to the hospital, nurses in some facilities do not take good care of them. Sometimes when a leg is broken and can be treated, they will rather suggest amputation,” he said.

He further claimed that injured riders are sometimes left unattended for long periods while hospital staff attend to other patients.

“When you are admitted, you will not be attended to for a long time until they are done with what they are doing before they start attending to motor riders,” he added.

Mr. Ampambila expressed concern that such treatment, if not addressed by leadership, could worsen relations between riders and health workers.

“We are all human beings, and every job we do is given by God. So if we get injured and are refused proper care while others are attended to, it is not fair,” he said.

He also alleged that nurses sometimes describe motor riders as “troublesome,” a characterisation he disagrees with.

“They always say we are troublesome, but I don’t understand why. We are only doing our job,” he noted.

He insisted that most riders are not reckless, adding that they have trained members to follow safety rules and ride responsibly.

“We are not reckless. We train our riders to be responsible, so most of these accidents are unfortunate incidents,” he explained.

The PRO also revealed that the association is engaging leadership of health professionals in an effort to resolve the concerns.

“We are trying to engage their leaders so we can resolve the issue together,” he said.

He further noted that most riders have valid licences and therefore are less likely to flee hospitals after accidents, contrary to public perception.

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Speaking to Citi News on Sunday, May 24, 2026, Dr Nyarko said activating the facility would significantly reduce referrals from Weija, Kasoa, Winneba and surrounding areas to Princess Marie Louise, which has been overstretched for years as patient numbers continue to rise.

She noted that the hospital, originally designed many years ago, was never built to cope with the current demand, and that health workers are struggling to manage increasing caseloads with limited resources.

“The operationalisation of the Weija Children’s Hospital would help improve healthcare delivery for children and contribute to reducing maternal and child mortality in the capital,” she said.

Dr Nyarko acknowledged the dedication of staff at the hospital but stressed that goodwill alone was not enough — additional infrastructure and support were urgently needed to meet the growing demand for specialised paediatric care.

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The largest increases were in anxiety and depression, which were also the most common disorders in 2023. In third place was a residual category of personality disorders not accompanied by other mental or substance use disorders.

The study, published Thursday in the journal The Lancet, also revealed how trends concerning 12 mental disorders differed by age, sex, location and sociodemographic factors among 204 countries and territories — suggesting “that we are entering an even more concerning phase of worsening mental disorder burden globally,” the authors wrote in the study.

Dr. Damian Santomauro, first and lead study author, “was honestly shocked at the magnitude,” he said via email.

“There are many factors at play here, and it is difficult to tease them all apart,” added Santomauro, associate professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Queensland in Australia. “Addressing these risk factors requires global collective leadership.

The other mental disorders measured were bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anorexia, bulimia, dysthymia, conduct disorder and developmental intellectual disability from unknown causes. Dysthymia is a long-term but mild form of depression also known as persistent depressive disorder. Conduct disorder affects children and teens and involves a consistent pattern of disobedient and aggressive behaviors.

The researchers found increases in all 12 disorders, including an 158% rise in anxiety and an 131% uptick in depression compared with 1990. The least common disorders were anorexia, bulimia and schizophrenia — though those conditions aren’t rare, with roughly 4 million, 14 million and 26 million cases, respectively, in 2023.

Most mental disorders were more common in females, but autism, conduct disorders, ADHD, personality disorders and inexplicable intellectual disability were actually more common in males.

The study also helps further illuminate how the Covid-19 pandemic may have influenced the rates of certain mental health conditions. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, rates of anxiety, depression and some other disorders were already increasing.

But during and since the crisis, depression increased and hasn’t returned to pre-pandemic rates. Anxiety peaked and remained high through 2023, the research team found.

In the research, “issues like underreporting — a common problem with mental illness — are dealt with, but we really don’t know how accurate this is,” said Paul Bolton, senior scientist in the department of mental health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, via email.

However, the estimates “are the best we have” and “as close to the real figures in the world as we are likely to get,” added Bolton, who wasn’t involved in the study.

The research is an analysis of data from the 2023 Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study, or GBD. Led by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, the GBD study is the largest and most comprehensive effort to measure health across places and time.

Launched in the early 1990s, the study involves thousands of researchers around the world and has been primarily funded by the Gates Foundation since 2007.

The peak has shifted to younger people

Mental disorders increasingly are a leading cause of disability, with females and people ages 15 to 39 most affected. While greater burden among females is typical, the peak in the 15- to 19-year-old age group is a first in GBD study history, Santomauro said. “We have historically always seen this peak in middle-age,” he added.

The younger age range is a vulnerable and important period for the development of the brain and social and intellectual skills, said Dr. Robert Trestman, chair of psychiatry and behavioral medicine at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. Interrupted development can have long-term repercussions, added Trestman, who wasn’t involved in the study.

Many positive and negative factors contribute to the higher rates, experts said. “The stigma of mental illness has been substantially reduced — people are much more comfortable coming forward, as opposed to suffering in silence,” Trestman said. Trestman is also chair of the American Psychiatric Association’s council on healthcare systems and financing.

Detection and diagnosis of mental health conditions have improved over time, said Dr. Arthur Evans, CEO of the American Psychological Association, via email. He was not involved in the research. Population growth and longer lifespans also contribute, Santomauro said.

At the same time, “if you take a step back and look at the conditions in which people are living, it’s sadly not surprising,” Trestman said of the increases.

Many factors are triggering or compounding mental health conditions, experts said, including genetics, economic instability, trauma, inadequate or unaffordable healthcare, political conflict and instability, warfare, food insecurity, intimate partner violence, body image issues, discrimination, declining social connection, environmental threats and more.

While young people experience these stressors and the pandemic uniquely affected this group, “unfortunately we don’t have much data on the causes of this increase among youth,” Santomauro said.

Experiences with mental health and access to care vary significantly, and much of the burden for improvement lies with policymakers and other health authorities, experts said.

“Concerningly, this increase in burden has not been accompanied by proportional expansion of mental health services,” the authors wrote. “Responding to the mental health needs of our global population, especially those most vulnerable, is an obligation, not a choice.”

But Santomauro and the other experts do have some advice that may help anyone struggling, including talking to a professional about different therapies, medications and other support.

Improving lifestyle factors such as diet, social connection, exercise, sleep, hobbies and work-life balance, when possible, are also critical, experts said.

If you live in the United States and are facing insurance or financial barriers, Mental Health America has guidance for finding more accessible care.

The National Alliance for Eating Disorders has a free helpline at 866-662-1235 through which you can reach licensed therapists who specialize in eating disorders and are available from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. The organization also has a list of free or low-cost resources.

The United Kingdom-based charity Mind has various mental health helplines. Eating disorder helplines for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are open 3 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The International Association for Suicide Prevention and Befrienders Worldwide provide contact information for crisis centers around the world. Australia’s Butterfly Foundation runs a call center (at 1800-33-4673) and online chat from 8 a.m. to midnight Australian Eastern Time every day.

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Speaking to journalists at the Tarkwa main lorry station during a free medical outreach on Saturday, Dr Damoah said the physical demands of work in the area, combined with the prevalence of illegal mining operations, had contributed to the abuse of Tramadol and other strong analgesics among young people.

The outreach was organised jointly by AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine and SOFPOG as part of activities marking World Family Doctor Day, and coincided with the society’s Annual General and Scientific Meeting in Tarkwa. Despite heavy rainfall, residents turned out in large numbers, with the medical team expected to attend to about 1,000 people by the end of the exercise.

Services offered included blood sugar and blood pressure checks, malaria testing, hepatitis B and C screening, HIV testing, and dental, eye, and ear, nose and throat (ENT) consultations. Dr Damoah said the screening identified both acute and chronic conditions among some patients, while others were found to be in good health — providing an opportunity for extensive education on preventive healthcare.

She described the initiative as a way of giving back to the community and expressed gratitude to AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine for its support. She noted that SOFPOG has been operating in Ghana for nearly 20 years, bringing together medical doctors who return for specialist training after serving in various capacities, to provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages.

The call was made by the immediate past Medical Superintendent, Dr. Kwadwo Asamoah Nyarko-Jectey, during his retirement send-off ceremony in Obuasi in the Ashanti Region.

Speaking to Adom News, Dr. Kwadwo Asamoah Nyarko-Jectey said the hospital cannot be considered up to standard until the abandoned project is completed.

He noted that equipment intended to furnish the new halls and units has already been procured and is ready for use, stressing that completing the project will allow the facility to begin full operations in those areas.

He also identified staffing as a major concern, citing numerical disadvantage, limited specialist services, and low remuneration as key challenges affecting the sector.

He therefore urged government to prioritise both the completion of the project and the strengthening of the hospital’s workforce to meet the healthcare needs of residents.

As part of activities to mark World Hypertension Month, observed throughout May, health experts are calling on the public to adopt healthier habits to reduce the risk of high blood pressure.

Speaking in an interview, Doctor Mohammed Saeed Furqan, a Medical Officer at the Bibiani Government Hospital in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region, stated that hypertension can affect anyone regardless of their background, particularly Africans.

He explained that unhealthy practices such as eating late at night, lack of regular exercise, and certain underlying health conditions greatly increase the risk of hypertension.

He advised the public to avoid those practices to stay healthy.

Doctor Furqan also highlighted some preventive measures that can help reduce the risk of hypertension and promote healthier and longer lives.

He advised Ghanaians to avoid eating late at night, exercise regularly, and visit health facilities frequently for routine medical check-ups to ensure early detection and proper management of the condition.

On Thursday, the Rwampara health centre was stormed by a group of angry residents demanding the bodies of relatives who had died from Ebola, according to local sources. The incident was also confirmed by partners of the Congolese government involved in the response in the area.

A day later, a tent provided by Doctors Without Borders, also known by its acronym MSF, at a hospital in Mongbwalu in Ituri province was set on fire.

“Following the death of a patient showing symptoms of Ebola virus disease in one of the tents, healthcare staff isolated the body in line with strict health protocols,” the NGO Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA) said in a statement sent to Al Jazeera.

It said that while the body was being prepared for burial, tensions flared, resulting in the burning of two tents.

“Despite this incident, the teams were also able to secure the body of the deceased patient in preparation for a dignified and safe burial, in accordance with Ebola response standards,” ALIMA added.

Health workers in Ebola-hit areas of the eastern DRC have repeatedly faced resistance from communities over strict burial protocols, which require specialised handling of bodies to prevent further transmission of the virus. Aid agencies said the tensions are often driven by fear, rumours and mistrust of medical teams.

“Some people here believe that Ebola is a business,” said Gloire Idriss, a resident of Rwampara who witnessed the scene. “When healthcare providers refuse to hand over the bodies of those who have died from Ebola, people think they might be trafficking their organs.”

The Congolese health minister has said the bodies of Ebola victims remain highly contagious and must be handled only by trained teams in protective gear.

“Let us bury the deceased safely,” Roger Kamba told Radio France Internationale. “The dead must not take others with them into the grave.”

In the eastern DRC, it is customary for relatives and neighbours to gather at the home of the deceased to pay their last respects, and some mourners touch the body as a final act of farewell.

“When my daughter died of Ebola last month, the medical team came to bury her. We didn’t get to say our final goodbyes. It still upsets me that I had to watch her funeral helplessly without our cultural rites,” said Lokana Jean, a 40-year-old resident of Mongbwalu. Name changed for privacy reasons.

“Under normal circumstances, I would have held her close and felt her final warmth,” he told Al Jazeera.

Rising cases

As of Saturday, nearly 180 people had died from the disease and close to 800 cases had been recorded, according to the Congolese Ministry of Public Health.

Authorities in Ituri have introduced measures to try to slow transmission, including limits on public gatherings, suspension of wake services and a ban on moving bodies between locations.

Rodriguez Kisando, a doctor specialising in health and the environment, said violence targeting Ebola treatment facilities is being driven by rumours and misinformation.

“When an epidemic breaks out, rumours spread quickly. If accurate information is not shared fast, people will believe anything, and that is when violence takes hold,” he told Al Jazeera.

Response under strain

He warned that attacks on treatment centres along with patients fleeing before completing care could speed up the spread of the disease.

“As long as there are scenes of violence and sick people escape from Ebola treatment centres before they are cured, the disease will continue spreading. This is extremely serious,” he said.

Amid a sharp decline in international aid, Congolese authorities said the national treasury is covering a large share of the response, and shortages are becoming more visible.

ALIMA said resources for detecting, treating and preventing Ebola remain severely inadequate and called for more international support.

A senior Congolese official involved in the response in Rwampara, speaking on condition of anonymity, said treatment centres were overwhelmed.

“We are receiving new confirmed cases almost every day. The resources we have are not enough for the scale of the outbreak,” he said.

Authorities in Ituri and North Kivu are urging residents to wash their hands regularly, keep their distance from the sick, cook food thoroughly, avoid self-medication and trust response teams.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has placed 10 African countries on high alert: South Sudan, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, the Republic of Congo, Burundi, Angola, the Central African Republic and Zambia.

The DRC, Uganda and South Sudan have agreed to strengthen cross-border coordination, including surveillance, early warning systems, border monitoring and improved laboratory and response capacity.

The emergency funding will support an intensified response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other vulnerable countries within the central and eastern African region, amid growing fears among global health experts that the virus could spread beyond borders if urgent action is not taken.

According to international health coordinators, the funds will go directly into frontline medical operations rather than administrative expenses, as efforts are scaled up to control the outbreak.

A major portion of the money has been allocated to strengthening contact tracing systems, which health experts consider critical in stopping the spread of Ebola. Since the virus is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids, health workers are racing to identify and monitor everyone who may have been exposed to confirmed cases.

Specialised field teams are being equipped with digital tracking tools and personal protective equipment to trace infections in crowded urban areas as well as remote forest communities.

The funding is also being used to rapidly establish specialised treatment centres and mobile isolation units to care for infected patients and prevent further transmission.

Medical supplies, including experimental drugs, rehydration fluids, and bio-secure protective gear, are already being transported into affected areas using the newly released emergency funds.

The UN also says community engagement will play a central role in the response, noting that mistrust and misinformation have complicated previous Ebola outbreaks in the region.

Ebola: UN allocates $60 million from emergency response fund to fight deadly outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo & the wider region.

Resources being directed toward contact tracing, establishment of treatment centres, community engagement & more. pic.twitter.com/nP9NNPwXZS

— United Nations (@UN) May 22, 2026

As part of the strategy, portions of the funding will support local leaders, youth groups, and traditional authorities to carry out public education campaigns aimed at helping residents recognise symptoms early, report suspected infections, and cooperate with health officials.

The UN has indicated that it will continue monitoring the situation closely, warning that although the emergency funding provides critical support, containing the outbreak will require sustained cooperation among governments and strong cross-border surveillance efforts across the region.

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The disturbing case, which was discussed on Nhyira FM’s popular Obra Show hosted by Ohemaa Benewaa, has sparked emotional reactions from listeners and panel members, especially after revelations emerged about the role of the girl’s mother in her children’s struggles.

Grace Opong, the teenager at the centre of the controversy, narrated on the programme that she initially lived with her boyfriend and his parents until the family allegedly ordered her out because they wanted their son to focus on learning a trade.

According to Grace, the boy’s parents even provided money for him to begin apprenticeship training, but he reportedly refused and instead rented a single room where they both started living together.

“We stayed together for one year before I became pregnant. Since the pregnancy started, I have been falling sick often, and anytime I asked him for money to take care of me, he became angry,” Grace revealed emotionally.

She further alleged that during one heated argument, the boyfriend seized her mobile phone and later locked her out of the room, forcing her to sleep outside overnight.

“I had nowhere to go. Since that day, I have not returned there. I am now staying with someone who decided to help me,” she added.

The latest update on the case took another dramatic turn when the caretaker currently sheltering Grace appeared in the studio and confirmed her willingness to continue supporting the pregnant teenager. However, she expressed fear over the lack of cooperation from Grace’s biological mother.

“I accepted to help this girl because of the condition I found her in, but I am scared. If anything happens to her or the pregnancy, people may blame me,” the caretaker stated.

She disclosed that several attempts by the show’s producers to organise a one-on-one agreement with Grace’s mother had failed because the woman repeatedly refused to honour invitations to the studio.

The mother, who was reportedly in the vicinity during the live programme, also declined to appear before the panel to help resolve the matter — a move that angered many listeners.

During a phone conversation on the show, the mother allegedly spoke harshly and disrespectfully to host Ohemaa Benewaa, further intensifying public criticism against her parenting style.

Listeners flooded the show with reactions, accusing the woman of neglect and poor parenting after Grace disclosed that her other siblings were also struggling.

According to Grace, whenever her sisters entered relationships, their boyfriends often brought money and gifts to their mother, who allegedly sided with the men whenever misunderstandings occurred.

Panel member Lady Gold White strongly condemned the situation, blaming some parents for turning their children into survival tools after losing their partners.

“When a parent loses direction after the death of a spouse and begins to depend on children’s relationships for survival, the children eventually lose moral direction too. Parenting is not about enjoying gifts from boyfriends; it is about protecting the future of your children,” she stated.

Another panelist, Madam Gifty Donkor, popularly known as Big Mama, also criticised the mother’s conduct and described the situation as heartbreaking.

“A mother must be the first shield of protection for her daughter, not the reason she remains trapped in suffering. This young girl is five months pregnant and has never visited a hospital. That alone tells us there was complete neglect somewhere,” Big Mama remarked.

Throughout the programme, host Ohemaa Benewaa pressed for answers, leading to several revelations, including claims that the teenage boyfriend himself is unemployed and financially unstable.

Another revelation from the discussions was that despite the young man’s inability to care for himself, the couple reportedly lived independently for months without adult supervision or proper support from either family.

The show also uncovered that Grace’s worsening health condition had not received any medical attention since the pregnancy began, raising concerns among audience members about the safety of both mother and child.

In her concluding remarks, Ohemaa Benewaa urged parents to take responsibility for their children before society pays the price for neglect.

“We cannot continue raising children without guidance and later blame society when things fall apart. If two teenagers with no jobs, no education and no support system decide to start a family, who carries the burden when everything collapses?” she questioned.

She further challenged listeners to reflect deeply on the growing breakdown of parental responsibility in homes.

“How does a five-month pregnant girl survive without antenatal care? How does a teenage boy with no source of income become responsible for another life? And where were the adults when all these decisions were being made?” she asked.

The emotional case continues to generate widespread debate among listeners, with many calling for intervention from social welfare authorities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Grace and her unborn child.

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“They started throwing projectiles at the hospital. They even set fire to tents that were being used as isolation wards,” local politician Luc Malembe Malembe told the BBC about the scene he witnessed at Rwampara General Hospital.

In the chaos, police fired warning shots to disperse the crowd.

The body of a dead Ebola victim is highly infectious, and the authorities need to ensure safe burial to stop the spread of the virus.

Medical workers at the Rwampara hospital, located near the city of Bunia in Ituri province, where almost all of the cases have been reported, were placed under military protection as the police moved in to restore order.

A healthcare worker was injured by stone-throwing protesters before law enforcement agents intervened, a hospital worker told the AFP news agency.

The man who died was a popular figure in the local community, and those upset by his death did not “grasp the reality of the disease,” Jean Claude Mukendi, who is coordinating the security response to Ebola in Ituri, told the Associated Press.

Witnesses told Reuters the young man was a footballer who had played with several local teams. His mother told the news agency she believed her son had died of typhoid fever, not Ebola.

Malembe said the crowd did not believe the virus, which has so far killed more than 130 in eastern DR Congo, was real.

“People are not properly informed or sensitised about what is happening. For a certain segment of the population, especially in remote areas, Ebola is an invention by outsiders – it does not exist,” the politician said.

“They believe it is the NGOs and hospitals creating this to make money, and this is tragic.”

He said two tents had been burned down, along with a body that had been due to be buried.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends “safe and dignified burials” for Ebola victims, with trained teams using protective equipment to handle bodies.

Six patients had been receiving treatment in the tents on the grounds of the hospital – and it was reported they may have fled in the mayhem.

But according to the medical charity Alima, which reportedly ran the tents, they are all accounted for and “are currently being cared for at the hospital”.

The unrest came as it was announced that DR Congo’s national football team had cancelled its pre-World Cup training camp in the capital, Kinshasa, because of the outbreak.

The WHO has called it a “public health emergency of international concern”, but said it was not at pandemic level.

On Wednesday, the WHO said 139 people in DR Congo were thought to have died from Ebola, out of 600 suspected cases.

However, on the same day, Congolese Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba told state broadcaster RTNC TV that authorities had registered 159 deaths.

Two cases of the virus have been detected in DR Congo’s neighbour, Uganda.

The authorities there have temporarily suspended flights, buses and all other public transport crossing the border as a result of the outbreak. Passenger ferries are also not permitted on the Semliki River, which forms part of the border between DR Congo and Uganda.

The outbreak has been caused by a rare species of Ebola known as Bundibugyo. There is currently no vaccine for this species and the WHO has said it could take up to nine months for a jab to be ready.

On Thursday, the M23 – a rebel group that controls parts of eastern DR Congo – said it had confirmed the first case of Ebola in the South Kivu province, which is hundreds of kilometres away from the epicentre in Ituri.

The 28-year-old, who had travelled from Kisangani, died before the diagnosis was confirmed, according to a rebel statement.

Kisangani is a large city in north-central Tshopo province where no Ebola infections have currently been recorded.

There are growing concerns about access to areas under M23 control.

The group has never managed a crisis like Ebola, but has said it will work with international partners to contain the virus.

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The emotional moment unfolded live on radio and television when the children presented a bouquet and a citation to the Multimedia Group in recognition of their kindness and commitment to supporting vulnerable children living with disabilities. The presentation was received on behalf of the company by Ohemaa Benewaa, host of the Obra Show.

The children, many of whom have endured difficult and heartbreaking life experiences, were filled with joy as they returned to say “thank you” to the media organisation for sharing in their pain and bringing hope into their lives.

Speaking during the presentation, the founder and leader of the home, Pastor Richard Nii Amarte Y. Adesah, recounted the humble beginnings of the foundation. According to him, he single-handedly started the home out of compassion for disabled and abandoned children, taking them into his care and providing shelter in a rented apartment.

Pastor Adesah revealed that through the support and generosity of kind-hearted individuals and organisations, the foundation has now acquired a piece of land to build a permanent home that will better accommodate and care for the children.

He used the opportunity to commend the Obra Show and the Multimedia Group for their continuous support and dedication to humanitarian causes. He also expressed profound appreciation to everyone who has contributed in diverse ways toward the growth and survival of the foundation.

“These children have touching stories, but today they are smiling because people chose to stand with them in love and kindness,” he said emotionally.

The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the impact compassion and collective support can have on the lives of vulnerable children, giving them not only shelter and care but also renewed hope for the future.

Addressing the nation on Thursday, May 21, the Minister said the Health Ministry had already issued two public notices on Ebola within the past week to keep the public informed and prepared.

“Last week, WHO declared Ebola as a public health emergency of international concern,” Mr Akandoh stated.

He explained that Ebola is a viral disease spread through direct contact with infected blood, body fluids, secretions, or contaminated surfaces and materials.

According to him, symptoms include sudden fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and unexplained bleeding.

“People experiencing symptoms such as sudden fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, or unexplained bleeding should immediately report to the nearest health facility,” he advised.

Mr Akandoh, however, reassured the public that Ghana remains free of the disease.

“It is important to note that no cases have been recorded in West Africa, including our dear country, Ghana,” he said.

He urged the public to remain calm but vigilant and to strictly observe preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection.

“Prevention is always better than cure,” the Minister stressed.

As part of the preventive measures, he encouraged regular handwashing with soap under running water and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers.

“What this means is that we should wash our hands frequently with soap and running water or use hand sanitisers,” he explained.

The Health Minister also called on organisers of public events and mass gatherings to provide handwashing stations and hand sanitisers for participants.

“During mass gatherings, please also practice good hand hygiene, and event organisers should provide hand washing stations and hand sanitisers,” he added.

Mr Akandoh further assured citizens that the government is taking all necessary steps to protect the country against any possible outbreak.

“It is important to stress that presently the risk is low in Ghana,” he noted.

“I would like to use this opportunity to assure everybody that the government is taking all the necessary measures to protect us all,” he said.

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Two possible “candidate vaccines” against the Bundibugyo species are being developed, but neither has gone through clinical trials yet, WHO advisor Dr Vasee Moorthy said on Wednesday.

WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said there have been 600 suspected cases of Ebola and 139 suspected deaths, but numbers are expected to rise given the time taken to detect the virus.

Speaking to journalists in Geneva, he said 51 cases have been confirmed in the Democratic Republic of Congo – where the first case was reported – and two in neighbouring Uganda.

On Sunday, the WHO declared a public health emergency of international concern, but said it was not at pandemic level.

Tedros said that after meeting on Tuesday, the health organisation’s emergency committee agreed the situation was “not a pandemic emergency”.

“WHO assesses the risk of the epidemic as high at the national and regional levels and low at the global level,” he explained.

The 51 cases confirmed in DR Congo are in its eastern Ituri province – the epicentre of the outbreak – as well as North Kivu province. Of the two confirmed in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, both had travelled from DR Congo, one of whom has died.

“We know the scale of the epidemic in DRC is much larger,” the WHO chief said, adding that healthcare workers were among those who had died, which was a particular concern.

Local health workers say some facilities are being overwhelmed. Although personal protective equipment has started to arrive, they say they are still working without adequate protection.

Trish Newport, a Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) emergency programme manager, said health facilities are telling them: “‘We are full of suspect cases. We don’t have any space.’

“This gives you a vision of how crazy it is right now,” she told AFP news agency.

A WHO official said investigations were underway to find out how long the virus had been spreading for, but that their priority was to curb transmission.

The first known case was a nurse who developed symptoms and died on 24 April, in Ituri’s provincial capital Bunia.

The body was repatriated to Mongwalu, one of two gold-mining towns where the majority of cases have been reported.

Araali Bagamba, a lecturer who lives in Bunia, said people understand how dangerous the situation is.

“For the last three days I haven’t shaken anyone’s hand, and I observe that within the general population,” she told the BBC World Service Newsday programme. “It’s our habit to shake hands all the time… [but] the habit has changed.”

Ebola is spread through direct contact with bodily fluids and through broken skin, causing severe bleeding and organ failure.

Bagamba said people “believe it will get worse before it gets better”, because people did not initially realise it was Ebola.

Ebola was first discovered in 1976 in what is now DR Congo, and is thought to have spread from bats.

There are four species of Ebola known to cause disease in humans, including Zaire, which DR Congo has dealt with on numerous occasions and is most familiar with.

The country is facing its 17th outbreak of Ebola, but the Bundibugyo species – which has not been seen for more than a decade – brings its own difficulties.

Bundibugyo has only caused two previous outbreaks – in Uganda in 2007 and DR Congo in 2012 – when it killed about a third of those infected.

Although less deadly than other Ebola species, the rarity of Bundibugyo means there are fewer tools to stop it.

There is no approved vaccine for Bundibugyo, but experimental ones are in development. It is possible that a vaccine for Zaire may offer some protection.

Speaking alongside Tedros on Wednesday, WHO advisor Moorthy said one possible vaccine currently under development “would be the equivalent of” the only vaccine currently available to prevent the spread of Ebola. This is only effective against Zaire.

“This needs to be prioritised as the most promising Bundibugyo candidate vaccine,” he explained.

According to what they know, he said it was “likely to take six to nine months” before it was ready.

On the second possible vaccine, based on the same platform as the AstraZeneca vaccine used for Covid-19, Moorthy said it was currently being manufactured, but there was no animal data to support its effectiveness.

“It is possible that doses of that could be available for clinical trial in two to three months, but there is a lot of uncertainty”, he added, explaining that it will depend on animal trials as to whether it can be considered “a promising candidate research vaccine” for Bundibugyo.

There are also no drugs that target Bundibugyo, which makes it harder to treat.

Following criticism from the US on Tuesday that the WHO was “a little late” in identifying the outbreak, Ghebreyesus said these comments might have been caused by a lack of understanding.

“We should appreciate what was done so fast in a highly complex setting,” the WHO said.

Initial symptoms of Ebola mirror illnesses such as malaria and typhoid, which are common in DR Congo.

Eastern DR Congo is also badly hit by years of conflict, bringing additional difficulties in dealing with the virus.

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In a statement, the Ministry described the appointment as a major achievement for both the Minister and Ghana’s health sector, noting that it reflects growing international confidence in Ghana’s role in global health governance.

According to the Ministry, Committee B is one of the two main committees of the World Health Assembly and is responsible for handling critical issues relating to the administration and operations of the WHO.

The committee oversees matters including financing, accountability, staffing, institutional reforms, and collaboration with the United Nations and other international organisations.

The Ministry explained that the committee plays a crucial role in shaping decisions on how global health systems are managed, strengthened, and sustained across the world.

“We are proud that the election of the Honourable Minister into this role reflects growing confidence in Ghana’s participation in global health discussions and in the country’s contribution to shaping how the world responds to health challenges,” the statement said.

The Ministry further commended Mr. Akandoh for what it described as his dedication and leadership in the health sector and expressed confidence in his ability to effectively steer the affairs of the committee.

It also reiterated Ghana’s commitment to contributing meaningfully to international health policy discussions and global healthcare reforms.

“Congratulations to our Honourable Minister once again,” the Ministry added.

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So far, 51 cases have been confirmed in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu, including the cities of Bunia and Goma.

Uganda has also confirmed two cases in Kampala, one of whom has died.

“An American national who was working in the DRC has also tested positive and has been transferred to Germany for treatment” the WHO chief revealed.

Dr. Ghebreyesus, said the situation is likely worse than current figures suggest.

“There are almost 600 suspected cases and 139 suspected deaths,” he said, adding that numbers are expected to rise as surveillance improves.

He identified several factors driving concern, including infections in densely populated urban areas, deaths among health workers, and increasing movement of people across borders.

He also pointed to worsening insecurity in eastern DR Congo, where conflict in Ituri province has intensified, displacing more than 100,000 people in recent months.

“The province of Ituri is highly insecure. Conflict has intensified since late 2025, and fighting has escalated significantly over the past two months,” he warned.

Health authorities are also contending with a strain of Ebola for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments, further complicating response efforts.

WHO has deployed teams and released emergency funding to support affected countries as they work to contain the outbreak.

Story by: Seyram Abla De-Souza

The programme, organised under the HEAL Programme by the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation in partnership with the Society of Family Physicians of Ghana and the National Health Insurance Authority, offered free health screening, treatment, medication, counselling, as well as NHIS registration and renewal to about 1,000 people.

The Executive Secretary of the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, Abdel Razak Yakubu, said the outreach has become a quarterly exercise due to the worrying health conditions recorded in host communities.

He noted that previous screenings have shown rising cases of hypertension, diabetes, joint-related diseases, and drug abuse, particularly opioid use among the youth.

Yakubu also expressed concern over the increasing number of deaths among young people in their 30s and 40s in the Tarkwa area, describing the trend as alarming. He explained that the programme goes beyond screening, as patients with serious conditions are referred and monitored for follow-up care.

He added that more than 70 percent of Gold Fields’ workforce comes from host communities, making community health a critical business priority.

The President of the Society of Family Physicians Ghana, Dr. Baaba Nnina Damoah, confirmed that chronic conditions dominated the cases recorded during the exercise. She said many residents were unaware of their health status until they were screened.

Dr. Damoah urged residents to adopt healthier lifestyles by reducing stress, exercising regularly, eating balanced diets, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and smoking.

Meanwhile, the Tarkwa Nsuaem Manager of the National Health Insurance Authority, Stephen Ayonbisa, encouraged residents to use the NHIS mobile app to renew their memberships conveniently.

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The Ashanti Regional Health Director, Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, says despite available interventions, stigma and lack of awareness continue to prevent many people from seeking life-saving treatment.

He noted that schizophrenia tops the list of mental health cases in the region, followed by epilepsy and depression.

The Ashanti Region is joining other parts of the country to observe May as “Purple Month,” designated as Mental Health Awareness Month in Ghana, under the theme: “Let’s move from awareness to action; the talk is too much.”

Dr. Adomako-Boateng said the observance marks a shift from awareness creation to practical and measurable actions to support persons living with mental health conditions.

“This year’s observance reminds us of the need to eliminate stigma, encourage early diagnosis and treatment, and strengthen public education on mental health conditions,” he said.

He added that the campaign seeks to move beyond conversation to concrete actions that improve access to mental health services.

“Together, let us wear purple, spread awareness, and stand in solidarity with persons living with mental health conditions,” he added.

His remarks come as the region recorded a slight increase in mental health cases, rising from 8,606 in 2024 to 8,730 in 2025.

Schizophrenia accounted for 4,467 cases, followed by epilepsy with 3,521 cases, and depression with 1,120 cases.

Dr. Adomako-Boateng urged families, communities, schools, and workplaces to support affected persons and eliminate discrimination.

“People living with mental health issues are not cursed, they are not sinful, they are not unrighteous. It can happen to any of us,” he said.

The Regional Health Directorate has pledged to improve access to quality mental health services, strengthen public education, and enhance advocacy efforts aimed at improving overall wellbeing.

The recruitment forms part of the government’s broader free primary healthcare initiative, which seeks to deploy trained professionals to areas with critical staffing gaps to improve access to essential health services across the country.

Overall, the Ministry received financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance to recruit about 8,000 health professionals amid a backlog of approximately 105,000 unemployed but qualified health workers nationwide.

In addition to the nurses and midwives, the exercise also led to the recruitment of 771 out of 900 allied health professionals, 235 out of 250 pharmacy professionals, and 300 physician assistants.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, the Director of Human Resources at the Ministry of Health, Frederick Mensah-Acheampong, explained that although about 87 nursing slots remain unfilled in some northern districts, the process has been highly competitive due to the large number of qualified applicants.

“We have received financial clearance to recruit about 8,000 health professionals from the Ministry of Finance. The Ministry acknowledges the anxiety and interest these recruitment exercises have generated, particularly given the backlog of about 105,000 unemployed health professionals, some of whom have been awaiting recruitment since 2018 and 2019,” he said.

Mr. Mensah-Acheampong noted that the recruitment exercise is guided by the government’s Primary Healthcare policy, which places emphasis on preventive care, community-based services and improving healthcare delivery in deprived areas.

He further disclosed that a mop-up exercise will be conducted in the coming weeks to absorb eligible applicants who were unable to complete the recruitment process.

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Delivering the keynote address at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, President Mahama said Ghana’s progress in healthcare financing and vaccine access demonstrates the country’s commitment to health sovereignty and long-term reforms in the global health system.

“Ghana is also on track to exit Gavi funding for vaccines by the year 2030, and we hope to transition into a donor in the not-too-distant future,” he announced.

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance is a global public-private partnership that works to expand access to vaccines and immunisation in lower-income countries. Since its establishment in 2000, it has helped immunise more than 1.2 billion children and is credited with preventing over 20 million future deaths worldwide.

President Mahama said Ghana’s healthcare achievements form part of the broader “Accra Reset Initiative,” which seeks to reform the global health architecture and strengthen health systems across developing countries.

“These domestic achievements are the foundation of my leadership of the Accra Reset Initiative,” he stated.

The President welcomed discussions at the World Health Assembly on proposals to reform the global health system, noting that Ghana had co-chaired the Working Group for the Lusaka Agenda.

However, he expressed concern over attempts to preserve existing institutional arrangements instead of pursuing meaningful reforms.

“As a committed apostle of reform of the world health architecture, I’m concerned about whispers I have heard that the current draft resolution seeks to protect existing organisational mandates and prohibits the recommendation of measures or consolidations,” he said.

Quoting a proverb from Mali’s Dogon people, he cautioned against reforms that fail to produce real change.

“In Mali, the Dogon people warn that: ‘Do not let the sight of those eating roasted maize force you to cook your maize seeds,’” he said.

“If we launch a process of reform that is prohibited from recommending actual reform, we are merely performing a ritual.”

Mr. Mahama stressed that the global health system must prioritise human survival over institutional interests.

“We cannot prioritise institutional comfort over human survival. The WHO’s legitimacy is not served by protecting silos. It is served by a fearless analysis of what works,” he stated.

The President also recalled hosting the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, and other global leaders in Accra in 2025 to advance discussions on health sovereignty.

According to him, health sovereignty means countries must have the practical ability to finance healthcare systems, regulate quality standards, produce medicines locally, and govern their own health data.

“A continent that manufactures less than one per cent of its vaccines while carrying 25 per cent of the global disease burden is not sovereign,” he stated.

“It is vulnerable. It is, at best, a ward of the international system.”

President Mahama clarified that health sovereignty should not be interpreted as isolationism but rather as building strong and resilient domestic healthcare systems.

He said the Accra Reset Initiative, supported by a Presidential Council of leaders from the Global South, is being implemented through three key pillars, including reform coordination, institutional alignment, and investments in local pharmaceutical manufacturing and bio-innovation.

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The authority says the product’s persistence in Ghana’s food supply chain is largely due to the sophisticated manner in which importers conceal it within larger consignments of frozen goods, making detection at entry points a significant challenge for inspectors.

Turkey tail was banned in Ghana in 1999 over serious concerns about its high fat content and the health risks posed by regular consumption. Health authorities have long warned that the product contains dangerously elevated levels of fat that can contribute to obesity, hypertension, heart disease, and a range of other complications.

Despite the ban remaining in force, the product continues to surface in markets and cold stores across the country, drawing renewed alarm from regulators and health-conscious consumers.

The matter regained public attention following intensified warnings from the FDA about the banned product’s continued presence within the frozen food market.

Speaking to Citi News, Deputy Chief Executive of the Food Division of the FDA, Roderick Kwabena Daddey-Adjei, shared the difficulties authorities encounter when trying to intercept turkey tail shipments at Ghana’s ports and border crossings.

“It might be that people will use some unapproved routes. Some will even be able to use the port. But like I said, it is frozen and then it is mixed up with other items in the consignment.

“When we are doing inspections, it is not like a 100 percent check. You sample, then pick, and then look at it. But lately, even for those who are bringing in frozen meat, there has been a concern for some contraband. Authorities will be doing what we call ‘side verification inspections’ with those who bring in frozen products,” he said.

In a press release, the ministry said health authorities had been informed of recent suspected and confirmed Ebola cases in the two countries, according to updates from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

“The Ministry of Health wishes to inform the public that recent cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) have been reported in some African countries,” the statement said.

The ministry noted that although Ghana has not recorded any suspected or confirmed cases, precautionary measures have been activated nationwide to strengthen preparedness and response systems.

According to the statement, the ministry is working closely with international health partners to enhance surveillance and ensure a rapid response in the event of any suspected outbreak.

Current measures being implemented include increased screening at airports, seaports, and land borders, as well as intensified monitoring of travellers arriving from affected countries.

Health workers are also being trained and equipped to identify, isolate, and manage suspected cases safely.

The ministry further revealed that public health emergency coordination and rapid response systems have been activated across the country.

“Intensified public education, risk communication, and community awareness activities” are also ongoing, the statement added.

The Ministry of Health explained that Ebola is a severe viral illness spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons or contaminated materials and surfaces.

Symptoms include fever, weakness, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, and, in severe cases, bleeding.

The ministry urged the public to remain calm while observing preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection.

“Wash hands regularly with soap under running water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers,” the statement advised.

The public was also cautioned against direct contact with bodily fluids of sick persons and advised to avoid handling dead bodies without appropriate protection.

In addition, the ministry warned against handling or consuming sick or dead wild animals and encouraged the public to ensure that all meat is properly handled and thoroughly cooked before consumption.

The ministry further appealed to Ghanaians to report any suspected symptoms immediately to the nearest health facility.

“Report suspected symptoms immediately to the nearest health facility,” the statement urged.

Read the full statement below:

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Speaking at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, President Mahama said recent cuts in humanitarian assistance and overseas development aid should serve as a wake-up call for governments across the continent.

“These cuts in humanitarian assistance and ODA, senseless as they are, serve as the final clear signal that the old system of donor dependency is past its sell-by date,” he stated.

The President noted that he was addressing the Assembly not only as Ghana’s leader but also as an advocate of the Accra Reset Initiative, which seeks to promote African health sovereignty and reduce dependence on external support.

“We do not come to Geneva to mourn the past. We come to build the future, where a country’s health is not a byproduct of charity, but the result of sovereign capability,” he said.

According to Mr. Mahama, despite the increasing number of global health organisations over the years, healthcare delivery at the national level remains fragmented and unsustainable in many African countries.

He therefore urged African leaders to begin treating healthcare expenditure as a strategic economic investment rather than merely a social obligation.

“A healthy population is indispensable to economic progress,” he stressed.

The President’s remarks come at a time when several African countries are grappling with funding shortfalls in critical public health programmes following reductions in international aid support, particularly from Western nations.

The World Health Assembly, organised by the World Health Organization, brings together world leaders, health ministers, and policymakers to deliberate on global health priorities and strategies.

Mr. Mahama’s comments are expected to reignite discussions around healthcare financing, domestic resource mobilisation, and Africa’s readiness to sustain key health interventions without heavy reliance on foreign assistance.

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The Mayor of Rubavu District in Rwanda’s Western Province, Prosper Mulindwa, told local media that the closure of the borders linking Goma and Rubavu-Gisenyi border will remain in place for an indefinite period as part of measures aimed at preventing the spread of the deadly disease.

“The borders connecting Goma and Gisenyi have been temporarily closed in response to the Ebola outbreak. We will continue engaging with our residents to explain why this decision was made,” Mulindwa said.

He urged residents to remain patient and cooperative, stressing that the decision was taken to safeguard public health and protect communities from possible infections.

Despite the temporary closure, health authorities continue to screen Rwandans crossing from the DRC, as well as Congolese citizens returning home, who are still being allowed to use the border points under strict health monitoring procedures, according to local media.

The death toll from the latest Ebola outbreak in the DRC has risen to 87, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Saturday, warning that the outbreak is driven by the Bundibugyo strain, for which no strain-specific vaccine is currently available, and that it carries a high risk of regional spread.

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This comes amid growing concerns over cross-border transmission and high mortality.

A statement issued by WHO and shared with the Ghana News Agency said, the declaration was made after consultations with affected countries under the International Health Regulations (IHR).

It said the outbreak was first detected in Mongbwalu Health Zone in Ituri Province, eastern DRC, where health authorities reported a cluster of severe illnesses and deaths, including among healthcare workers.

Laboratory analysis conducted by the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB) in Kinshasa confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) in eight out of 13 blood samples collected from the Rwampara Health Zone in Ituri Province.

The DRC Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare officially declared the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak on May 15.

It said Uganda had also confirmed an outbreak following the detection of an imported case involving a Congolese national who later died in Kampala.

WHO said previous outbreaks of the Bundibugyo virus disease recorded fatality rates ranging between 30 and 50 per cent.

Unlike the more common Ebola virus disease, there were currently no licensed vaccines or specific treatments for Bundibugyo virus disease, although WHO noted that early supportive care significantly improves survival chances.

Health authorities in both countries have intensified response measures, including the deployment of rapid response teams, strengthened disease surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control measures, and community engagement campaigns.

Treatment centres and isolation facilities were also being established in affected areas, it stated.

WHO said it was supporting both countries in coordinating response efforts, case management, and strengthening cross-border preparedness to limit further spread of the disease.

The organisation has also issued public health advice to countries worldwide as part of efforts to enhance preparedness and prevent international transmission.

Ebola is a severe and often fatal disease transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated materials, or infected animals.

Symptoms include fever, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, internal and external bleeding.

Health experts have urged the public in affected areas to observe strict hygiene measures, avoid contact with suspected cases, and report symptoms early to health authorities.

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According to the study, certain genetic traits found among many West Africans may increase susceptibility to chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly when combined with other health and environmental factors.

Prof Boima disclosed the findings during his inaugural lecture at the University of Ghana on Thursday under the theme, “From Genes to Mind: Holistic Pathways to Precision Kidney Care for Africa.”

He explained that a gene known as APOL1 is common among many people of West African descent and has been linked to a heightened risk of kidney-related illnesses.

“People with this gene are more likely to develop kidney disease, especially when other factors such as infections, high blood pressure, or poor living conditions are present,” he said.

The professor noted that kidney disease is increasingly becoming a major public health challenge in Ghana, partly because many patients are diagnosed only after the condition has advanced to critical stages where treatment becomes difficult and costly.

He observed that the disease disproportionately affects younger and economically active populations, warning that the growing burden could have far-reaching economic and social consequences for families and the country.

Prof Boima stressed the need for more African-led medical research to deepen understanding of how genetics influences kidney disease within the region.

“This will help doctors provide more accurate and effective treatment for patients,” he noted.

He further advocated expanded screening and early detection programmes to identify kidney disease before it progresses to severe stages.

“Genetic information should be used carefully and fairly to improve care and not to create fear or discrimination,” he added.

Prof Boima also called on government and health authorities to strengthen healthcare systems, improve access to treatment, and intensify public education on kidney disease prevention and management.

He encouraged the public to adopt healthier lifestyles, including regular medical check-ups, blood pressure control, and balanced diets, as part of efforts to reduce the risk of kidney complications.

The inaugural lecture, held at the Great Hall of the University of Ghana, formed part of ongoing academic and medical discussions aimed at addressing the growing burden of kidney disease in Ghana and across the African continent.

The exercise, dubbed ‘The Maiden Edition of the DP’s Health Walk’, brought together workers from various departments of the Tema Port, players within the maritime industry, security agencies and other stakeholders operating within the port enclave.

Participants walked through selected routes within the harbour area amid scenes of enthusiasm, unity and fitness, as management of the port sought to encourage healthier lifestyles among workers in one of the country’s busiest operational environments.

The initiative comes at a time Ghana continues to grapple with a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including hypertension, diabetes, stroke, heart diseases and cancers, which health experts say are increasingly becoming major causes of death in the country.

Recent data from health authorities and national surveys indicate that NCDs account for between 42 and 45 percent of all deaths in Ghana, with unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, stress, smoking and harmful alcohol consumption identified among the leading risk factors.

Health experts have also warned that lifestyle-related diseases are overtaking infectious diseases as the leading causes of mortality in the country, raising concerns over the need for preventive healthcare and regular physical activity.

Against this backdrop, management of the Tema Port says the health walk forms part of efforts to encourage workers and stakeholders within the port community to adopt healthier routines and prioritise physical wellbeing.

Addressing participants after the exercise, Tema Port Director, Zumah Tebon esq, stressed the importance of good health and physical fitness in improving productivity and efficiency at the workplace.

According to him, the initiative is intended not only to promote healthy living among staff, but also to strengthen collaboration and social interaction between management, employees and stakeholders within the maritime sector.

“The port environment is naturally demanding and stressful due to the nature of operations and activities carried out daily within the harbour,” he stated.

He explained that workers within the port environment require regular exercise and wellness activities to help them remain active, healthy and physically fit in order to sustain productivity.

Mr Tebon further indicated that the health walk also served as a platform to deepen awareness on occupational health and safety within the port enclave.

Participants were encouraged to make regular exercise part of their daily lifestyles in order to maintain healthy and productive lives while contributing effectively to the growth of the Tema Port and Ghana’s trade sector.

Many participants described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it helped foster teamwork, unity and stronger relations among members of the port community.

“This health walk, I would say, came at the right time, and I know it is going to help us keep fit and improve our health indicators,” a freight forwarder noted.

Management of Tema Port expressed optimism that the health walk would become a regular feature on the port’s annual calendar as part of broader staff wellness and stakeholder engagement activities.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosiisen, he recounted his difficult experience living with end-stage renal disease and revealed that he once survived a frightening health emergency during treatment.

According to him, about three years ago, he suffered a severe drop in blood pressure after a dialysis session and collapsed at home.

“I fractured my hip. My BP dropped and that was it. I went off. My house help was the one who saved me,” he recalled.

The incident left him with a hip fracture and forced him to rely on a full-time driver due to the physical strain and weakness associated with dialysis treatment.

He urged patients to seek proper medical attention rather than depending on unproven treatments.

“Once it gets to Stage Four, you are at end-stage. There is no way to reverse it. You should seek proper medical care instead of relying on concoctions,” he advised.

Despite the challenges, Mr Adu Asare said he continues to stay active and maintain a positive outlook on life.

Ghanaians have no right to seek greener pastures abroad – Betty Crosby

Kojo Adu Asare opens up on six-year kidney battle and high cost of dialysis [Watch]

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosiisen on Friday, May 15, 2026, the former legislator revealed that his life depended on dialysis treatment for six years before he eventually underwent a transplant.

According to him, the cost of treatment has become a major challenge for many patients. He explained that a single dialysis session currently costs GH₵650, and with three sessions required each week, he spends about GH₵1,950 weekly on treatment alone.

“Dialysis is crazy. For the past six years, it’s been constant. Every week, it is ₵1,950. At one point it was ₵450, then ₵550, and now it’s ₵650. Every two years, there is a price hike,” he said.

He noted that beyond dialysis costs, patients are also burdened with medication expenses, laboratory tests and other medical bills.

Mr Adu Asare’s comments add to growing concerns over the high cost of renal care in Ghana and calls for a sustainable support system for dialysis patients.

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We cannot be called illegal immigrants due to administrative delays –…

Kids love them. Adults love them. They’re fast, cheap, and “everybody eats it.”

But here’s the part we don’t talk about at the table: what it’s doing to your child’s health.

What’s actually in that sausage?

Chicken franks are highly processed meat. To keep them cheap, shelf-stable, and bright pink, manufacturers load them with:

1. Nitrates and nitrites – Preservatives that keep the meat from spoiling. The World Health Organization classifies processed meat with these additives as a Group 1 carcinogen. That’s the same category as tobacco. Regular intake is linked to higher rates of colorectal cancer and heart disease.
2. Excess salt, sugar, and fat – One sausage can have up to 30% of a child’s daily sodium limit. Too much sodium early on sets kids up for hypertension later.
3. Artificial dyes and flavor enhancers – Colors like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 are added to make them look appealing. Studies have linked these dyes to hyperactivity, allergies, and attention issues in children.
4. Bacteria risk – Even though they’re sold “pre-cooked,” poor packaging and handling can lead to contamination with Salmonella and Listeria. Kids’ immune systems are still developing, so foodborne illness hits them harder.

It’s not just about cancer

According to Consultant Dietitian, Wise Chukwudi Letsa,

“Sausages are calorie-dense but nutrient-poor. That’s a fast track to childhood obesity, and obesity in childhood is one of the strongest predictors of obesity in adulthood.

Once a child is obese, the risk of Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and other non-communicable diseases goes up dramatically. We’re seeing these diseases show up earlier in Ghana than ever before”

So what do you do?

I’m not saying you need to ban everything and never let your child taste a sausage again. But you do control what comes into your home.

1. Stop treating it as an everyday food. If you serve it, make it occasional, not weekly. Think “treat,” not “protein.”
2. Make your own. Blend lean chicken, beef, or fish at home with natural spices and herbs. It takes 20 minutes, and you control what goes in. No dyes, no excess salt, no hidden additives.
3. Swap to whole proteins. Grilled or boiled lean meat, fish, eggs, beans, and groundnuts give kids the protein they need without the chemical load. Fry them less. Steam, grill, or boil more.
4. Train early. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go.” Kids don’t ask for sausages on their own. We introduce them to it. We can also introduce them to better options.

The hard truth

No child is asking you to risk their future for convenience. As parents, the choice is ours. It’s easier to grab a pack of franks on the way home. It’s harder to prep real food. But one choice builds health. The other builds risk.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be intentional.

Start this week: Replace one sausage meal with grilled fish or lean meat. See how your kids respond. You might be surprised.

Your child’s future health is being decided in your kitchen today. Choose like it matters, because it does.

A delegation from the two organisations visited the Fund and met its Administrator, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, where the contribution was formally presented.

The donation forms part of efforts by the two institutions to support improved healthcare outcomes and strengthen service delivery across health facilities in the country.

The GMTF expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as a strong demonstration of collective commitment towards building a healthier Ghana.

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The delegation, led by Hajia Maria Adamu-Zibo, visited the Fund’s office where they met the Administrator, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, and members of the GMTF team to formally present the donation.

The contribution was described as a significant show of commitment by FEDCO towards advancing quality healthcare and supporting initiatives designed to bring relief to patients in need.

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund expressed gratitude for the gesture, noting that the support would contribute to its broader mission of improving access to healthcare and promoting a healthier Ghana.

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The directive follows reports that Abigail Opoku died during labour after the hospital allegedly failed to perform a requested caesarean section due to the unavailability of beds in the recovery ward.

Speaking to journalists during a visit to the hospital on Wednesday, May 14, Mr. Akandoh urged management to improve service delivery and work to change the growing negative perception surrounding the facility.

“So the problems they enumerated are issues I can solve instantly. I have directed that about three medical doctors should be posted here with immediate effect. I have also directed that five midwives be posted to this facility,” he stated.

The Health Minister further announced that five hospital orderlies would immediately be placed on mechanised payroll to strengthen operations at the facility.

He also directed management of the hospital to submit a list of urgently needed medical equipment for supply within 24 to 48 hours.

Mr. Akandoh additionally instructed hospital authorities to ensure that staff properly attend to patients at the entrance of the facility and maintain professionalism in patient care.

According to him, management must also ensure that CCTV systems remain functional at all times while health professionals strictly wear name tags during duty hours.

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The affected facilities are:
▪️ Deldem Pharma Limited, Iron City – Weija
▪️ Paramedica Pharmacy, Guggisberg Avenue – Ablekuma
▪️ Desh Chemist, Amasaman-Odumase High Street

According to the NHIA, a routine claims verification exercise uncovered material irregularities in transactions linked to the facilities, raising “reasonable suspicion of fraud and abuse” under the NHIS Provider Service Agreement.

The suspension takes immediate effect from May 14, 2026, barring the pharmacies from dispensing medicines or offering services under the NHIS.

The Authority has urged NHIS subscribers to seek pharmaceutical services from other accredited providers nationwide.

NHIA Chief Executive, Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, warned that the Authority will not tolerate practices that threaten the sustainability of the Scheme, stressing that offenders could face fines, imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both upon conviction.