The Indian team, made up of medical doctors, is expected to support not only the supply of the system but also the training of Korle Bu staff to operate and use the technology.

The discussions follow an announcement by the Chief Executive of Korle Bu, Dr Yakubu Seidu Adam, that management intends to introduce robotic surgery at the hospital.

Speaking at the launch of this year’s Prostate Cancer Awareness Month on September 2, Dr Adam said robotic surgery represents an important part of the future of surgical care and that Korle Bu must keep pace with advances in modern medicine.

He noted that some Ghanaians currently travel outside the country to access robotic surgery because the service is not available locally.

The proposed acquisition is therefore expected to expand the range of advanced surgical services available at Korle Bu and reduce the need for some patients to seek such treatment abroad.

As part of the engagement with the Indian team, discussions also covered ways to support and strengthen Korle Bu’s renal and liver transplantation programmes.

The two sides further explored the possible supply of breastmilk fortifiers and enhanced nutritional milk supplements for premature babies.

Dr Adam has urged staff of the hospital to embrace the proposed introduction of robotic surgery and support efforts to position Korle Bu at the forefront of advanced surgical care in Ghana.

The discussions mark an initial step towards introducing robotic-assisted surgery at Ghana’s premier teaching hospital, subject to the completion of the necessary arrangements.

“When you eat whole fruit like an apple or a pear, you’re getting fiber, water and antioxidants working together. 

That’s very different from eating something with the same amount of sugar but none of the nutritional structure or benefits,” shares Jamie Lee McIntyre, M.S., RDN. 

That structural complexity is exactly what makes whole fruit worth understanding on its own terms, and why the apples-versus-pears debate is more interesting than it first appears.

So where do apples and pears fit in? Both are crisp, portable and easy to love. They both can absolutely be part of an eating pattern that supports stable blood sugar. 

And while the differences between them are smaller than the internet might suggest, a few details are worth knowing if you want to make the most of each bite. Let’s break it down.

How apples impact blood sugar

Apples can be a smart choice for blood sugar, and a lot of that comes down to fiber. 

They’re rich in pectin, a soluble fiber that slows digestion and moderates how quickly glucose gets absorbed into your bloodstream. 

That slower release helps explain why apples tend to sit low on the glycemic index, meaning they raise blood sugar more gradually than many quick-digesting snacks.

Fiber isn’t the whole story, though. Apples also contain polyphenols, plant compounds that may play a supporting role in how your body handles glucose. 

In fact, much of the blood-sugar benefit tied to apples is attributed to their combination of fiber and these phenolic compounds. 

And there’s a helpful detail about apple sugar itself: Fructose is the main sugar in apples, and it’s absorbed more slowly than glucose, which adds to that gentler, more gradual response.

When you eat apples matters too. Research suggests that eating an apple before a carb-heavy meal may help blunt the spike in blood sugar that follows. 

One study found that an apple “preload” lowered the post-meal glucose peak compared with drinking water before the same rice meal, which is a simple, practical way to soften the rise from starchier foods.

What pears do to blood sugar

Pears follow a similar script, with a few of their own strengths. A medium pear delivers around 27 grams of carbohydrate and about 6 grams of fiber, which is a bit more than an apples offers.

Much of that fiber is concentrated in and just beneath the skin, so peeling a pear means leaving some of its benefits behind.

Like apples, pears carry a fair amount of soluble fiber and plenty of water, both of which help temper how sugars are absorbed. 

Their glycemic index also sits in the low range, making them a steady-energy choice for most people. 

“Pears are one of the more fiber-dense fruits you can grab, and that fiber is doing quiet work behind the scenes to support your glucose response,” shares Whitney Stuart, M.S., RDN, CDE. 

What’s happening “behind the scenes” is partly about fermentation. Some of the fiber in pears feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut, which produce short-chain fatty acids.

Research suggests these compounds may play a role in how your body regulates blood sugar over time, though scientists are still mapping out the details, and more robust data based on humans is needed to confirm this.

Nonetheless, it is a reminder that a fruit can have an effect as your body digests, not just the moment you eat it.

Why it’s essentially a tie

So which one wins? For blood sugar, apples and pears are close enough that neither deserves to knock the other out. 

Both are low on the glycemic index, are sources of soluble fiber and come with water and antioxidants that help support healthy blood sugar levels. 

The gaps between them are small and unlikely to make a meaningful difference for most people, but there are a few worth noting. 

How to Eat Fruit for Better Blood Sugar

How you eat fruit often matters more than which fruit you choose. A few simple habits can help you get steadier energy from any piece of produce:

1. Focus on fiber-rich fruits. Fiber slows digestion and softens the rise in blood sugar after you eat. 

Choosing whole, unpeeled fruits like apples and pears, and leaving the skin on when it’s edible, helps you hold on to that benefit instead of losing it to peeling or juicing.

2. Add a protein. Pairing fruit with a protein source can blunt the glucose response and keep you feeling satisfied longer. 

Think a pear with a spoonful of cottage cheese, or apple slices alongside a hard-boiled egg. The protein slows how fast the meal leaves your stomach.

3. Include a fat. A little healthy fat works similarly, slowing digestion and smoothing out your energy. 

Try apple slices with a tablespoon of nut butter, or a few walnuts next to your pear. It also makes the snack more filling and enjoyable.

Key Points

Apples contain natural sugar, but their fiber and polyphenols have blood sugar benefits.

Pears have a touch more fiber than apples, as long as you eat the skin.

Include both for two healthy, fiber-rich fruit options that can support blood sugar

Speaking on the AM Show, physician specialist Dr. Rex Kwame Bonsu and nurse Ozwella Yeboah of Vitality Health 360 explained that obesity involves the excessive accumulation of dysfunctional fat tissue, which can affect the body’s biological, physical and metabolic functions.

Dr. Bonsu said obesity is linked to several non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and obstructive sleep apnoea, as well as certain cancers such as breast, endometrial and colorectal cancers.

He explained that obesity cannot be accurately determined simply by looking at a person, noting that health professionals assess factors such as weight and height and may calculate the Body Mass Index (BMI).

However, he cautioned that BMI is only a screening tool because it does not account for factors such as age, sex, muscle mass, fat mass and bone density. Ms Yeboah explained that weight loss requires a calorie deficit, where the body uses more energy than it receives from food, while regular physical activity can also support the process.

Dr. Bonsu noted that weight loss can be difficult for some people because of hormonal and metabolic factors. He cited thyroid problems and hormonal changes that affect appetite as some factors that may make weight loss more difficult.

He also cautioned against the unsupervised use of weight-loss injections, stressing that such treatments should only be administered under the guidance of qualified health professionals.

“Now, you must have heard about weight loss injections and so on and so forth. That should be done under the guidance of a specialist,” Dr. Bonsu said.

At Vitality Health 360, the experts said clients seeking to lose or gain weight first undergo medical assessments to determine their individual needs.

Ms Yeboah explained that the facility has physician specialists and dieticians who assess clients and provide personalised meal plans, with adjustments made depending on their progress and medical needs.

Dr.Bonsu added that assessments may include full blood count, liver and kidney function tests, cholesterol levels and body-composition analysis. Where necessary, clients may also be referred for a DEXA scan to assess bone density, muscle mass and fat mass.

The experts said some patients may also require medication to help regulate appetite, cravings and certain metabolic conditions, but stressed that such treatment should be determined and supervised by a specialist.

Dr. Bonsu and Ms Yeboah encouraged people struggling with obesity or those seeking professional support to lose or gain weight to visit the facility. Vitality Health 360 is located on Oxford Street at Osu, around Photo Club in Accra.

The experts stressed that weight management is not a one-size-fits-all process and encouraged people to seek professional assessment and guidance rather than relying on unverified diets, treatments or injections.

From fancy beds and eye masks to blue-light blockers and sleep routines, there are plenty of tricks and technologies that may help us get longer, more restful nights of sleep.

However, maybe some of the most effective sleep aids might be sitting in your refrigerator or pantry right now! That’s because there are several nutrients that can promote better sleep. 

These include magnesium, vitamin B12, antioxidants, amino acids, and iron, plus hormones like melatonin. 

There’s no shortage of foods that contain these sleep-boosters—and many of them make for delicious late-night snacks or even dinner additions.

We spoke with two registered dietitians to learn about some of the best foods to eat for a better night’s sleep.

These are eight of the best foods for sleep

Whether you enjoy them as part of your evening meal, dessert, or late-night snack, all of these foods can support more restful shuteye and just so happen to be super tasty.

1. Tomatoes

As an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and antioxidants, tomatoes support several elements of overall health especially immune, heart, and eye health. Plus, the nutrition found in these summertime favorites can also support sleep!

“Tomatoes are a plant source of melatonin and cooked and canned tomatoes are rich sources of lycopene and other carotenoids, which are all linked to getting the optimal seven to eight hours of sleep1,” says Kelly Burgess, MBA, RD, LDN, registered dietitian and founder of To Better Health. Fresh, canned, or cooked tomatoes can be enjoyed as part of dinner, whether in a salad, pasta, soup, sandwich, pizza, or otherwise.

However, loaded toast with tomato and everything bagel seasoning, or even chips and salsa, can make for tasty after-dinner snacks that may promote sleep, too!

2. Tart Cherries

If you’ve heard of the viral “sleepy girl mocktail,” then you know that tart cherry juice is a key ingredient—and for good reason! “Tart cherries are a natural source of melatonin, tryptophan, magnesium, and antioxidants2. A small glass of unsweetened tart cherry juice before bed may help support a good night’s sleep. Or, try adding a little tart cherry concentrate to warm water for a relaxing bedtime drink,” explains Gabrielle Kishner, MS, RD, CDN, registered dietitian and founder of Nutrition By Gabrielle. Eating tart cherries whole (if you can find them) or even adding defrosted frozen tart cherries to yogurt are also yummy late-night snacks.

3. Nuts and Seeds

As a classic evening snack, nuts and seeds are already in the hands of many late-night snackers—and could very well be supporting better sleep. “Nuts and seeds pack several sleep-supporting nutrients into a small package. They are plant sources of tryptophan and provide the B vitamins B6 and folate, along with magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc. Chia, flax and hemp seeds, and walnuts also contain sleep-supportive antioxidants3,” Burgess says. If not eaten by the handful, these are delicious in homemade trail mix, spread onto toast as nut or seed butter, or even added to cereal if that’s what you reach for before bed!

4. Sliced Turkey

When it comes to foods containing tryptophan, Thanksgiving media has made many Americans well aware that turkey is one of the best sources. And as it turns out, that’s very true.

“If you’re feeling hungry before bed, try a few slices of turkey with some whole grain crackers and/or some cheese. It’s a protein-rich snack that provides tryptophan, the amino acid your body uses to make sleep-supporting hormones4,” Kishner says. Turkey you’ve cooked yourself also works here and is delicious as the main star of a hearty dinner or an addition to a salad or sandwich.

5. Kiwi

Kiwi is not only one of the tastiest fruits you can get your hands on (in my humble opinion), but it’s also packed with gut-healthy fiber and nutrients that can support restful sleep.

“Kiwifruit can be a great bedtime snack. Kiwis contain nutrients like serotonin and antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, which may help support healthy sleep. Try having one to two small kiwis before bed on their own, or make a simple Greek yogurt parfait with chopped kiwi and a few nuts,” Kishner suggests. Burgess agrees, adding, “Kiwi may help with both falling asleep and staying asleep. These fruits also make for delicious fruit salad and smoothie additions.

6. Dark Leafy Greens

Whether it’s kale, spinach, collard greens, Swiss chard, or another option, dark leafy greens of any kind can aid in a better night’s rest.

“Leafy greens may be an unexpected sleep-supporting food. They are sources of tryptophan as well as B vitamins needed for serotonin production. They also provide magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc, minerals that help protect against disrupted and short sleep7,” Burgess says. Leafy greens go well in pastas, soups, stir-fries, toasts, sandwiches, or even roasted on their own.

7. Boiled Eggs

Personally, I love hard-boiled eggs at any time of day or night they’re satisfying, delicious, and versatile enough to be added to all kinds of recipes. If you’re in the same boat and have trouble falling asleep, these could be a smart addition to dinner or a pre-bedtime snack, as they’re a great source of tryptophan, according to Kishner.

Plus, eggs are full of a range of B vitamins, which “are needed for the body to produce GABA and serotonin, which help support sleep8,” Burgess says. If not eaten on their own, hardboiled eggs (or eggs prepared however you like, really) are also great additions to salads, sandwiches, or grain bowls.

8. Edamame

As a quick and easy plant-based snack, steamed edamame (or soybeans) isn’t only tasty, but it may also support a restful night’s sleep.

“Many people associate tryptophan only with animal protein, but plant proteins such as soybeans are also sources. Soybeans offer additional sleep-supporting nutrients, including B vitamins and minerals, and they provide antioxidant isoflavones,” Burgess says. Edamame is also delicious in stir-fries, soups, or enjoyed as a crunchy chip alternative straight from the bag you can find several brands at many grocery stores these days.

The proponents of the programme recently engaged the Abuakwa South Municipal Health Directorate as part of preparations for the official launch of the initiative.

The meeting brought together the Municipal Health Director, Richard Essien; Constituency Women’s Organizer, Comfort Serwaa Oti; Constituency Organizer, Samuel Appiah; and other constituency executives.

Discussions during the engagement focused on the objectives of the programme and how it could support healthcare delivery for pregnant women across the municipality.

Following the deliberations, Apedwa was selected as the venue for the launch of the Kingsley Health Cares Programme.

The initiative is expected to provide additional support aimed at improving healthcare access and outcomes for pregnant women in the Abuakwa South Municipality.

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Miriam’s journey began in 2020 when she discovered a sharp, painful lump in her left breast. On the advice of family and loved ones, she initially sought herbal remedies. However, as her condition showed no improvement, she turned to conventional medicine and was subsequently diagnosed with breast cancer.

Her diagnosis marked the start of an exhausting ordeal involving chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation treatment at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

Miriam, who began sewing at age 17 before launching her career as a fashion designer, admitted that the experience tested her physically, emotionally, and financially.

Adding to her pain, Miriam’s partner abandoned her shortly after learning about her diagnosis and the start of her treatment.

Financial constraints quickly mounted, leaving her struggling to afford chemotherapy until supportive friends stepped in to cover the costs. At her lowest point, overwhelmed by emotional distress, Miriam contemplated taking her own life.

She said prayer, faith and the support of people around her eventually helped her regain hope and continue with her treatment.

Beyond her physical and financial struggles, Miriam’s journey highlighted the profound stigma surrounding fertility and motherhood for cancer patients.

For many women diagnosed with breast cancer, concerns about whether they will be able to have children after treatment can become an additional source of anxiety and social pressure.

Miriam believes women should not be defined by their ability to have children, especially when they are fighting for their lives.

Her experience has strengthened her call for greater understanding and support for women who may experience fertility challenges as a result of cancer treatment.

President of the Breast Society of Ghana, Professor Josephine Nsaful, explained that a breast cancer diagnosis does not automatically mean a woman cannot have children.

She however mentioned that fertility may be affected in some women depending on factors like their age and the impact of chemotherapy on the ovaries.

She noted that women around the age of 45 and above may face greater fertility challenges because ovarian function may already be declining, and chemotherapy can further affect it.

The issue, she stressed, should therefore be approached with proper medical advice rather than stigma or assumptions about a woman’s ability to become a mother.

Although Miriam completed chemotherapy, surgery and radiation, her cancer journey did not end there.

She later experienced a recurrence, bringing back the fear and uncertainty associated with her initial diagnosis.

The death of her brother further intensified her fear of losing her own life.

Despite these challenges, Miriam continued to draw strength from her faith, family, friends and creative work.

She now uses her experience to advocate for breast cancer awareness and encourage women to take unusual changes in their bodies seriously.

She is particularly urging women not to rely solely on unproven remedies when they notice symptoms.

Miriam is encouraging women to become familiar with their breasts and seek professional medical attention when they notice unusual or persistent changes.

These may include a breast lump, changes in breast size or shape, nipple abnormalities or other unexplained changes.

She also emphasises that completing treatment should not mean abandoning medical care.

According to her, survivors must continue with regular follow-ups and promptly report any unusual changes to healthcare professionals.

“Do not wait until the disease becomes serious before seeking help. Know your body, get checked and keep following up even after treatment,” is the message at the heart of her advocacy.

Through expressive arts and fashion, Miriam has also found an outlet for processing some of the emotions associated with her diagnosis and treatment.

Her journey from discovering a painful breast lump to undergoing chemotherapy, surgery and radiation, surviving a recurrence and becoming an advocate for cancer awareness has become a story of resilience.

For Miriam, surviving breast cancer is not simply about completing treatment. It is also about reclaiming dignity, confronting stigma and reminding other women that a cancer diagnosis does not have to end their dreams, purpose or hope.

Her story is ultimately a call for early detection, timely medical care, continued follow-up and compassion for women navigating the physical and emotional consequences of breast cancer.

According to him, the proper functioning of a hospital largely depends on the quality of leadership and management at the facility, rather than waiting for the sector Minister or central government to address basic operational issues.

Speaking on Adom TV’s Badwam, Dr Osei likened a hospital to a hotel, arguing that patients deserve a clean, serene and comfortable environment while receiving treatment.

“The hospital is like a hotel that you go to sleep in with your own money. So you ask yourself, what kind are you looking for? You want a serene and neat environment and a good bedsheet to sleep on but we always think the sick are vulnerable so they don’t have a choice,” he noted.

He said hospital administrators are entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that patients receive not only effective treatment but also quality and seamless care in a conducive environment.

“In a properly functional hospital will depend on the leadership. You don’t expect the Minister to come and tell you how to manage your facility. You have been given a work, so you are responsible.

“Apart from treating the person for them to be healed, what are the other functions? That will make the hospital great? Because if the ward is not a place well kept for patients to be, if you admit someone there, it won’t be good,” he said.

Dr Osei stressed the need for hospital managers to prioritise cleanliness, organisation and the overall patient experience as part of efforts to ensure seamless care.

“So you have to ensure that you provide seamless care. It all depends on priority for you to,” he added.

He further argued that quality healthcare management does not always depend on having abundant resources, but rather on how effectively available resources are utilised.

“It doesn’t matter to have all the resources in this world, and that is what quality assurance is, making the best out of the minimum resources.

“Neatness doesn’t need money. It’s the approach, organisation, and how you carry people to see this is required from every living thing on this earth.”

Dr Osei questioned why basic maintenance issues, such as overgrown grass or damaged nets at health facilities, should automatically become the responsibility of central government.

“So I don’t think if somewhere is grown of grasses, a net is torn, it should be the responsibility of central government,” he said.

According to the Administrator, the secondment of NHIA staff to the GMTF during its formative stages provided the Fund with critical expertise and institutional knowledge needed to establish its systems and processes.

In a message marking the first anniversary of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, Ms Darko-Opoku said building the Fund from the ground up required putting systems in place, bringing people together and developing processes, making the support from the NHIA particularly valuable.

She said the seconded staff did more than provide additional manpower, noting that they brought “rich experience, institutional knowledge and a deep understanding of the work” to the Fund.

“They rolled up their sleeves, became part of the team, took on the pressure with us and gave an incredible account of themselves,” she said.

The Administrator said the contribution of the NHIA personnel remained an important part of the story of the Fund’s progress one year after its establishment.

She also praised Dr Bampoe for his continued availability and guidance whenever the Fund encountered challenges or needed to review its approach to difficult issues.

According to her, the NHIA Director-General consistently provided experience, perspective and practical suggestions that helped the Fund navigate some of its challenges.

“There have been plenty of conversations, plenty of ideas, plenty of ‘let’s look at this again’ moments and, of course, the occasional ‘Onua, I have a problem!’ call,” she said.

Ms Darko-Opoku stressed that Dr Bampoe’s contribution went beyond offering advice from the sidelines, describing him as someone who actively participated in the work of building the Fund.

She therefore placed Dr Bampoe among the individuals whose support had been instrumental in making the first year of the GMTF possible.

“Thank you, Onua, for lending us your people, your experience, your wisdom and your support when we needed it most,” the Administrator said.

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund, established as part of efforts to mobilise resources to support the treatment of critical illnesses and improve access to specialised healthcare, has marked its first year of operations with a number of interventions and partnerships in the health sector.

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The agency says it is awaiting a formal report from the hospital’s management to determine the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death and whether there were any breaches of duty of care.

The deceased, Theresa Boakye Dapaah, died after giving birth to her first child at the facility.

Her husband, Daniel Ofori-Sarpong, has publicly raised allegations of negligence against the hospital and its medical staff.

Speaking on Accra-based Starr FM, the Chief Executive Officer of HEFRA, Dr Winfred Korletey Baah, said the agency had already engaged the hospital’s management and was expecting its report shortly.

“So, in this case, and I’ve talked to the CEO for Ridge Hospital, we have started investigations, and they will send a report to us very soon,” Dr Baah said.

He explained that the outcome of the investigation would determine whether disciplinary action should be taken against any health professional or the facility itself.

“All those who are found to have breached their duty of care… to have breached their duty of care, we are going to sanction them. And the facility, if there are systemic lapses, we will sanction the facility,” he stated.

Dr Baah said where the investigation establishes that a doctor breached professional standards, the matter would be referred to the Medical and Dental Council for further disciplinary action.

He added that nurses found culpable would similarly be referred to the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Beyond individual responsibility, Dr Baah said the investigation would also examine whether broader institutional or systemic failures may have contributed to the incident.

“Where systemic issues are identified, HEFRA would direct the facility to implement corrective measures, such as ensuring senior doctors handle complex cases or improving the quality of medical supplies, and require evidence of compliance,” he added.

The HEFRA CEO stressed that the agency would rely on the findings of the investigation before determining the appropriate action.

He said the case also presented an opportunity to identify weaknesses within the health system and introduce measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The investigation remains ongoing, with HEFRA expected to review Ridge Hospital’s report before deciding on the next steps.

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Reflecting on the Fund’s first year, Ms Darko-Opoku said it was impossible to discuss the journey without acknowledging the important role played by the Health Minister.

According to her, while the public often sees the outcomes of the Fund’s work, several conversations, long meetings, difficult decisions and behind-the-scenes engagements contribute to those achievements.

She said Mr Akandoh had consistently demonstrated a willingness to engage, listen, challenge ideas and provide direction, particularly during moments when there were no easy answers.

“We have had those moments where there was no easy answer and no perfect choice, but you have always been willing to engage, listen, challenge the thinking, provide direction and stay with the process until we found the best way forward,” she stated.

Ms Darko-Opoku expressed appreciation to Mr Akandoh for his guidance, candour and patience, particularly his willingness to work through difficult decisions rather than simply asking whether a particular decision was the best option.

“Thank you for the guidance, the candour, the patience and the many moments when, instead of simply asking, ‘Is this the best decision?’, you sit with me and work through it until we are both confident that it is the best decision, not just for today, but a decision we can both look back on and know that we got right,” she said.

As the Ghana Medical Trust Fund marks one year of full operations, Ms Darko-Opoku said the milestone should not be seen as a reason to relax, but rather the beginning of more work and greater responsibilities.

“One year down… and knowing us, we are definitely not about to start relaxing now. In fact, we are just about starting,” she said.

She noted that the Fund still had significant work ahead, including difficult decisions and further engagements to advance its mandate.

Ms Darko-Opoku also prayed for God’s continued blessings, strength, wisdom and grace for the Health Minister as he leads the health sector.

“May God continue to bless your kind heart, strengthen you and give you the wisdom and grace to keep leading with the commitment you bring to the health sector. You are truly appreciated,” she added.

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The items donated include a computer, printer, refrigerator, office chairs, tables and student mattresses.

The MP said the gesture forms part of his efforts to support institutions providing critical services to residents of the constituency.

Speaking to Adom News Correspondent Odehyeba Owusu Job after presenting the items, Mr Kpotosu highlighted the crucial role of the Ambulance Service in saving lives, particularly during medical emergencies, accidents and other situations requiring urgent attention.

He therefore called on other stakeholders, corporate institutions and philanthropists to complement the government’s efforts by providing the service with the resources and infrastructure needed to operate effectively.

Receiving the items on behalf of the Ambulance Service, Principal Advanced Emergency Medical Technologist (PAEMT), Henry Horlali Mawugbe, expressed appreciation to the MP for the gesture.

He said the equipment would improve the working conditions of personnel and contribute to the efficient delivery of emergency medical services in Ho Central and surrounding communities.

Mr Mawugbe, however, appealed for further support, particularly in the area of infrastructure.

According to him, the facility has not undergone any major infrastructural development since the ambulance post was established in 2005, a situation he said continues to affect the working environment of personnel.

He also appealed for additional ambulances and other operational logistics to enable the service to respond promptly to emergencies.

Meanwhile, Mr Kpotosu has pledged to work with the Municipal Chief Executive for Ho Central, Stephen Adom, to secure a befitting office facility for the Ghana National Ambulance Service in the municipality.

The musician, born Grace Kaki Awo Ocansey, is now professionally known as Dr. Grace Aidoo, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC. She recently introduced Kaylora Holistic Wellness & Recovery, a US-based mental health practice providing psychiatric and therapeutic services.

In announcing the practice, Kaakie said her approach is centered on compassionate and individualised care, with attention to the broader circumstances of each client rather than focusing solely on a diagnosis.

Kaylora’s services include psychiatric evaluations, medication management, ADHD care, treatment for anxiety and depression, bipolar disorder care, trauma and PTSD support, psychotherapy, couples’ therapy, and child and adolescent psychiatric care, as well as court-ordered psychiatric and DUI evaluations. The practice also offers telehealth services.

From nursing to dancehall

Kaakie’s latest achievement brings her career full circle, having started out in healthcare before becoming one of Ghana’s prominent female dancehall artistes.

She studied nursing and midwifery at the University of Ghana and gained public attention after participating in the television music competition Stars of the Future, where she finished fifth.

Her appearance on the competition eventually led to a professional music career. She later connected with producer JMJ and signed with Xtra Large Music, establishing herself as a major force in Ghana’s dancehall scene.

Kaakie recorded several popular songs during her music career, including “Ewoo,” “Too Much,” “Toffee Pon Tongue,” and “Zuuchia.” She also won Best New Artiste of the Year and Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year at the 2013 Ghana Music Awards.

Even at the height of her music career, she continued to work in healthcare. In a 2014 interview with Graphic Showbiz, she spoke about the challenge of balancing her work as a registered general nurse with her music career.

Returning to healthcare

Kaakie eventually stepped away from music to focus more extensively on healthcare and further education.

She earned a master’s degree from Anglia Ruskin University in the United Kingdom in 2019. In 2020, she explained in an interview with Joy FM that her desire to contribute to healthcare, particularly in the area of maternal health, had become stronger than her desire to continue making music.

Her professional journey later shifted toward mental health.

In 2025, she announced that she had earned a Master of Science in Nursing with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialisation from Walden University.

Her latest qualification takes that journey another step forward, with her Doctor of Nursing Practice placing her at the doctoral level of nursing education.

Professional listings identify Dr. Grace Aidoo as a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner and associate her with Kaylora Holistic Wellness & Recovery.

A new professional identity

The launch of Kaylora represents a significant transformation for an artiste who became widely known for her energetic performances and contribution to Ghana’s dancehall movement in the early 2010s.

While Kaakie’s music career established her public profile, her latest work places healthcare and mental well-being at the centre of her professional identity.

Her journey from nursing student to dancehall star, and now to a doctoral-level mental health practitioner and healthcare entrepreneur, has connected two areas that have defined different stages of her life.

For fans who remember her as Ghana’s “Dancehall Queen,” the emergence of Dr. Grace Aidoo signals a new chapter in the career of one of the country’s most distinctive female entertainers.

The study, published in European Urology Oncology, was led by the University of Birmingham and a diagnostics company Nonacus, and involved nearly 1,000 patients at seven hospitals in England and Scotland.

Researchers hope it could reduce the number of patients needing urgent, more invasive procedures, called cystoscopies, which involve inserting a small camera up the urethra and into the bladder.

If a larger trial is successful, it could mean tens of thousands of patients a year are spared these tests.

More convenient for patients

More than 300,000 cystoscopies are performed in the UK each year and there are significant waiting lists in some areas.

While the urine test is not a replacement for cystoscopies, it could help doctors identify patients at greater risk who should be prioritised for urgent ones rather than wait.

This NHS trial found that the Galeas urine test identified 92% of bladder cancer cases.

A negative result meant there was more than a 99% chance that the patient did not have bladder cancer.

It checks for any genetic material shed into the urine by bladder cancer and was originally developed by the University of Birmingham with funding from Cancer Research UK (CRUK).

It looks for more than 450 DNA mutations associated with bladder cancer across 23 genes.

Prof Richard Bryan, co-author of the study and from Birmingham University, said after spending years developing and evaluating the science, it was exciting to see “very promising early performance” in a large real-world patient population.

Under a licensing agreement, the test has been commercialised by Nonacus, which pays back part of the revenue to the University and CRUK.

Michelle Mitchell from CRUK said: “Too many people are waiting longer than they should for a bladder cancer diagnosis, and it’s essential that we find ways to tackle this problem.

“It’s early days for this test and further research is needed, but it’s vital that we continue to find faster and less invasive ways to help diagnose or rule out cancer.”

Bladder cancer is more common in men over the age of 60 and the main symptom is blood in your urine.

How serious bladder cancer is depends on how big the cancer is and whether it has spread elsewhere in the body.

Early detection and treatment of cancer saves lives.

The Accra-based clinic, which specialises in prostate health management, announced the initiative under the theme, “Something Exciting Is Coming This September.”

As part of the month-long campaign, the centre will organise prostate health education sessions, provide practical health tips, share expert information on prostate conditions and offer selected freebies and promotional packages to patients and members of the public.

The clinic will also conduct free prostate screening activities as part of efforts to encourage early detection and proactive management of prostate-related conditions.

Under the campaign message, “Your Health. Your Future. Our Priority,” the centre is encouraging men to pay greater attention to their prostate health and take proactive steps towards maintaining their wellbeing.

“September is all about YOU and your prostate health,” the centre stated, urging men of all ages to make their health a priority.

According to the clinic, the initiative forms part of its broader commitment to promoting early detection, improving treatment outcomes and supporting healthier lives through education and accessible screening services.

The free screening and public education activities will be at the heart of the campaign, with the centre encouraging members of the public to follow its platforms for updates on schedules, activities and special offers.

About Medi-Moses Clinic & Herbal Centre

Medi-Moses Clinic & Herbal Centre provides prostate health management services, combining medical care with community-focused education and screening programmes aimed at promoting awareness and early detection of prostate-related conditions.

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In a statement, the Fund acknowledged President John Dramani Mahama, described as the vision bearer of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, as well as the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, for their leadership and commitment towards making the initiative a reality.

The Fund also extended appreciation to its partners, stakeholders, healthcare workers, donors, its team and Ghanaians who have contributed to the cause.
It said the support received over the past year had given the vision an opportunity to become a reality.

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly associated with the MahamaCares initiative, said its work was only beginning, with more lives to reach and a greater impact to make.

Hon. Ayariga made the call on Tuesday, September 1, during a tour of key waste management facilities in the Greater Accra Region, including the Accra Compost and Recycling Plant (ACARP), Achimota Waste Transfer Station and Jamestown Waste Transfer Station, all subsidiaries of the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC), as well as the Kpone landfill site.

The tour, which included officials of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), formed part of the Minister’s early engagements to assess gaps within the waste management value chain and explore investment opportunities to strengthen Ghana’s sanitation infrastructure.

He was accompanied by the Mayor of Accra, Michael Allotey, officials of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, representatives of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and other dignitaries.

Hon. Ayariga intimated that what he had seen during the tour showed the need for a comprehensive review of the entire waste management chain.

“I decided to wake up early this morning with some of our prospective partners and my team from the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to go around the city and see how our waste is being managed,” he said.

“There are clearly a lot of gaps in terms of the systems that we have for collecting and managing waste,” he averred.

Waste separation

According to the Minister, the problems begin from households, where waste is often mixed instead of being segregated at the source.

He said the government would have to work towards introducing systems that would encourage households to separate waste and provide appropriate bins and receptacles.

“From the homes where the waste is generated, we don’t separate them. We must put in place a system for separating it right from the homes,” Mr Ayariga said.

“We must have receptacles and waste bins so that it is easier to convey the waste from there,” he added.

He also called for improvements in the transportation of waste, saying transfer stations should be located closer to communities to reduce the distance trucks have to travel.

“We must overhaul the system of transporting the waste to the transfer stations. We must bring the transfer stations closer to our communities. And then we must bring the treatment centres and the composting centres also closer to our cities,” he said.

Mr. Ayariga said the technology and infrastructure needed to improve waste management were already available, adding that the major challenge was organising the system properly.

“The infrastructure, the technology to do all this is available. A lot of it is organisational,” he said.

Seeking investment

He also noted that the tour would provide important information for the government as it plans to mobilise investment for the waste management sector.

He disclosed that he was touring the facilities with the Vice President for Operations and Secretary General of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), Dr. Fatima Elsheikh, as part of efforts to explore possible financing for waste management infrastructure.

“This will serve as the basis for planning and seeking investment,” Mr Ayariga said.

He said the government was interested in mobilising resources to invest in the entire waste management chain, from collection and transportation to treatment and recycling.

According to him, the problems observed in Accra were likely to exist in other major cities across the country.

“What we’ve seen here, I believe, is just a microcosm of the infrastructure across the country. It’s not any different if you go to Kumasi or you go to Takoradi or any other major city. It’s the same thing that you will see,” he said.

Polluter-pays principle

Against the backdrop of the above, Hon. Ayariga appealed to residents to take responsibility for the cost of managing the waste they generate.

He said the government would apply the polluter-pays principle, under which individuals and properties that generate waste should contribute fairly towards its management.

“I believe in the principle of the polluter pays. If you pollute, you pay for the management of the pollution,” he said.

“Every property must pay its fair share of the cost of managing the waste,” he stressed.

However, Hon. Ayariga assured residents that the government would work to make the system more efficient and reduce the cost of waste collection for households.

He said inefficiencies in the current system, including the long distances waste trucks travel and the high operating costs faced by private waste collectors, contribute to the high fees paid by households.

“If we organise it well, we could reduce the cost per household of waste management by even 50 percent,” he said.

“The reason why it is so high…is because the system is not being efficiently managed,” he noted.

He added that the government would ensure accountability and transparency in the use of funds mobilised for waste management.

“We promise to be accountable. We promise to be efficient. We promise to be transparent, so that you see exactly how your resources are being used,” he said.

BADEA support

The Vice President for Operations and Secretary General of BADEA, Dr. Fatima Elsheikh, said she was impressed by the government’s determination to improve waste management in Ghana.

She said waste management should not be viewed only as an environmental challenge but also as an opportunity to create jobs, improve livelihoods and support economic development.

“I think what I saw today is inspiring. Waste is not about actual waste. It’s actually about employment opportunities that it gives to people, livelihood,” she said.

Dr. Elsheikh said a cleaner Accra would also improve the city’s attractiveness as an important African business and economic hub.

“Accra is not the capital of Ghana only. It’s one of the hubs of Africa,” she said.

She pledged her bank’s willingness to support Ghana’s efforts to improve the waste management sector.

“We’ll be happy to contribute as a development bank,” she said, adding that BADEA would be ready to work with the government on the journey towards a more sustainable waste management system.

Deep Roots of Insecurity and Displacement

Eastern Congo provides fertile ground for the epidemic to spread rapidly. Armed conflict, mass displacement, and population movements hinder containment efforts. A concurrent strike by local health workers compounds the crisis. Displacement sites present the most acute danger due to severely precarious living conditions. The virus recently breached two additional health zones in the region.

Global Health Alarm

The World Health Organisation warns the outbreak remains entirely out of control. Current transmission trajectories threaten to surpass the devastating 2014-2016 West Africa epidemic. That disaster claimed over 11,000 lives across Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Officials trace the current contagion back to February, despite formal declarations arriving in May. The virus has now crossed from three initial zones into nearly 60 areas. Most infections and fatalities occur inside local communities rather than monitored contact networks.

Frontline Violence and Burial Tensions

Response teams face immense hostility while attempting to contain the spread. Armed assailants recently stormed an Ebola burial site outside Mambasa in Ituri province. Attackers wielding machetes injured one response worker and forced the entire team to scatter. Floribert Magene addressed the constant threat of violence faced by medical personnel. “We demand greater security so we can operate in the field and do our work without endangering our lives,” said Floribert Magene, a member of the response team. Traditional funeral practices complicate containment because deceased victims remain highly contagious. Authorities mandate state-managed burials for suspected cases to prevent transmission. These protocols frequently spark friction and protests from grieving families and communities.

Treatment Gaps and Experimental Defences

The current epidemic stems from the Bundibugyo strain, a rare viral type lacking approved treatments or vaccines. Officials launched a vaccination campaign last week targeting health workers and front-line staff. This campaign utilises the Ervebo vaccine, proven effective against the distinct Zaire strain. Clinical trials continue in an urgent race to secure a licensed vaccine for the Bundibugyo variant.

Broader Regional Fallout

Emergency containment measures paralyse daily life across six affected provinces. Restrictions target public gatherings, enforce social distancing, and mandate airport closures. Ituri province bears a double burden from both the epidemic and persistent rebel violence. Advocacy groups urge authorities to deepen community engagement and build local trust. Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation warns that cross-border transmission risks persist despite neighbouring Uganda declaring itself Ebola-free last month.

Humanitarian Crossroads

Balancing immediate epidemiological containment with enduring community trust remains the central challenge for international health bodies and local administrations alike.

Chairman of the Committee, Professor Mark Appiah, announced the initiative on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the 2026 Half-Year Performance Review Meeting of the Oti Regional Health Directorate, held at the Afariwaa Hotel Conference Hall in Worawora.

The meeting, held under the theme, “Implementing Free Primary Health Care in Oti Region: Where Resources and Activities Meet,” brought together officials of the Ghana Health Service, District Directors of Health Services, heads of departments and agencies, development partners, traditional leaders and members of the Regional Health Committee.

Prof. Appiah said the review meeting provided an opportunity to assess progress, identify gaps and agree on practical measures to improve healthcare delivery in the region.

He stressed that primary healthcare remained the foundation of a strong health system, but its effectiveness depended on how well resources were deployed to communities.

“We must therefore ask ourselves: Are our resources reaching the communities that need them most? Are our activities producing measurable results? And are we making healthcare more accessible and equitable for the people of Oti Region?”

He noted that distance, transportation difficulties, poverty and inadequate infrastructure continued to pose significant barriers to healthcare access, particularly for people in remote communities.

According to him, Free Primary Health Care must translate from policy into a tangible experience for ordinary citizens.

“A mother should be able to access essential maternal and child health services. A child should receive appropriate care without financial barriers. An elderly person should not have to travel unnecessarily long distances for basic healthcare. And when people arrive at our health facilities, the necessary personnel, medicines and equipment should be available,” he said.

Medical store a priority

Prof. Appiah said the Committee had identified the persistent shortage and delayed distribution of medicines and essential supplies as a major challenge and was therefore prioritising the establishment of a regional medical store in Worawora.

He said a reliable storage and distribution system would ensure that health facilities across the region received essential medicines and supplies in a timely manner.

“In healthcare, having the prescription is not enough — the medicine must also be available,” he stressed.

The proposed facility, he said, would strengthen the region’s capacity to store and distribute medicines and other essential health commodities, reducing delays and dependence on supplies from other regions.

GHS lands to be secured

Beyond the medical store, Prof. Appiah disclosed that the Committee had begun an initiative to properly document, demarcate and secure legal title to lands belonging to the Ghana Health Service in the Oti Region.

He said the exercise would begin from Worawora and involve collaboration with the Lands Commission, traditional authorities and district assemblies.

The process would include regularising ownership, processing indentures and securing title certificates to protect health-sector lands from encroachment and future disputes.

“We cannot be building hospitals and other health facilities today and tomorrow be asking, ‘Who actually owns the land?’ We must secure what belongs to the health sector today so that future generations can benefit from it,” he said.

3,592 health workers needed

The Oti Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Kofi Amo-Kodieh, welcomed the Committee’s initiative, describing the proposed medical store as potentially transformative for the region, which has operated without its own central medical storage facility.

Dr Amo-Kodieh said the Directorate remained committed to implementing Free Primary Health Care but faced significant resource constraints, particularly in human resources.

He disclosed that the region had a shortfall of 3,592 health workers required for the optimal operation of health facilities across its nine districts and municipalities.

He said the shortage was affecting service delivery, especially at hard-to-reach CHPS compounds and health centres, while placing considerable pressure on the available workforce.

According to him, the absence of a regional medical store also affected the timely distribution of medicines and consumables, with the region depending on supplies from other regions. This, he said, sometimes resulted in delays and stock-outs.

Dr Amo-Kodieh therefore expressed his strong support for the Committee’s initiative to establish a regional medical store and appealed to stakeholders to support its realisation.

He called on well-meaning natives of the Oti Region, both home and abroad, corporate organisations, development partners and philanthropic institutions to support the initiative when the Committee formally reaches out to them.

He said support could come in various forms, including funding, building materials, logistics and technical assistance.

“Government alone cannot shoulder the task. A collective effort will accelerate the realisation of the medical store and help entrench Free Primary Health Care as a lasting legacy for the people of Oti Region,” he said.

Progress despite challenges

Dr Amo-Kodieh said that despite the challenges, the region had recorded progress in maternal and child health, immunisation coverage and disease surveillance.

He called for stronger collaboration among the Ghana Health Service, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, development partners, traditional leaders and communities to sustain the gains and address remaining gaps.

Prof. Appiah, in his closing remarks, assured the Directorate of the Committee’s continued support and urged participants to ensure that the outcomes of the review translated into measurable improvements in healthcare delivery.

“Our success should not be measured simply by the number of activities undertaken or reports produced. It should be measured by the lives we improve, illnesses we prevent and barriers to healthcare we remove,” he said.

The event, held on Sunday, August 30, 2026, combined entertainment, youth engagement and advocacy to deliver a strong message against drug abuse.

It featured music, dance, comedy, skating and biking shows, a food bazaar, youth exhibitions and other activities designed to attract young people while promoting the campaign’s core message: “Red Means Stop.”

Several major celebrities also joined the campaign, using their platforms and influence to encourage young people to reject drugs and other harmful substances.

The campaign’s central message was simple: “Red Means Stop” — urging young people to pause, reconsider risky choices and stay away from activities that could expose them to drug and substance abuse.

The NYA used the entertainment-driven event to demonstrate how music, celebrity influence, creativity and youth participation can be combined with public education to address substance abuse.

Participants were encouraged to channel their energy and talents into productive areas, including education, sports, entrepreneurship, skills development, music and the creative arts.

The event also provided a platform for youth advocates and stakeholders to stress the importance of collective action in tackling substance abuse.

The NYA said parents, schools, religious institutions, community leaders, celebrities and other stakeholders all have a role to play in educating young people about the dangers of drug abuse and supporting them to make responsible choices.

The Authority said it would continue the “Red Means Stop” campaign through public education and youth-focused activities aimed at reducing substance abuse and protecting the future of Ghana’s youth.

The Independence Square event therefore served not only as a celebration of youth talent and creativity but also as a call for collective action, with celebrities and young people taking a stand against drug abuse.

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After just 19 months of marriage, he was preparing to say goodbye to Theresa Boakye Dua, the woman he described as his best friend, soulmate and the love of his life.

She was only 31.

She had gone to the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, popularly known as Ridge Hospital, expecting to have a scheduled Caesarean section and return home with her newborn.

Instead, she died.

Her husband says the circumstances surrounding her death have left him devastated and angry. He believes failures in the healthcare system and what he described as negligence and unprofessional conduct contributed to her death.

As he prepared to lay her to rest on Friday, August 28, 2026, he promised that her story would not end at the cemetery.

“The full truth will be told,” he wrote.

For him, this is no longer only about the loss of his wife. It is about ensuring that another husband does not receive the same devastating news.

It is about a mother who should have gone home with her daughter but instead had to mourn her.

It is about a newborn boy who will grow up knowing his mother only through photographs, memories and the stories his family will tell him.

And, increasingly, it is about a question many Ghanaians are asking: Why are women still dying while giving birth in a country where so much is known about how to prevent maternal deaths?

A tragedy that should not be normal

Pregnancy is supposed to end with a new beginning.

Families prepare clothes for the baby. Names are discussed. Rooms are arranged. Mothers count the days until they can finally hold their children.

But for some families in Ghana, childbirth has become a moment of unbearable uncertainty.

A woman can walk into a hospital pregnant, hopeful and looking forward to meeting her baby, only for the family to leave without her or both of them.

That reality is difficult to accept.

And it becomes even harder when the death is believed to have been preventable.

The story of Theresa has triggered anger and sadness on social media, with many people sharing their own experiences of childbirth, Caesarean sections, delays in receiving care and losing loved ones.

Some stories are difficult to read.

Some are stories of mothers who never returned home.

Others are stories of babies who survived but were left without their mothers.

Together, they paint a troubling picture of a maternal health crisis that cannot simply be reduced to statistics.

Behind every maternal death is a name.

A wife.

A daughter.

A sister.

A friend.

A mother.

And a family forced to continue living with an absence that can never be filled.

The numbers tell part of the story.

The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, recently described maternal mortality as the worst-performing health indicator among Ghana’s health indices.

She disclosed that Ghana recorded about 945 institutional maternal deaths in 2025.

She has called for a different approach to tackling the problem, stressing that the Ministry of Health cannot solve maternal mortality alone.

One of the concerns she identified is the failure to recognise high-risk pregnancies early enough and refer patients to facilities capable of providing specialised care.

That can mean the difference between life and death.

A pregnant woman who needs urgent attention cannot afford to wait.

A woman losing blood during childbirth cannot afford unnecessary delays.

A mother in distress cannot afford a system where responsibility is passed from one person to another.

Every minute matters.

Is a Caesarean section really safer?

For many expectant mothers, a Caesarean section is viewed as the safer option when complications arise.

Some women even tell friends and relatives that they would rather have a CS than go through normal delivery because they believe it offers greater protection.

But a Caesarean section is still major surgery.

It requires trained professionals, functioning equipment, blood when needed, proper monitoring and quick action when complications occur.

The procedure itself cannot guarantee safety if the healthcare system around it fails.

That is where the conversation must go deeper.

The question should not simply be whether a woman delivered naturally or through a Caesarean section.

The question should be whether she received the right care, at the right time, from the right people.

A woman should not have to die to become a mother

There is something deeply painful about maternal death.

A woman becomes pregnant because she is preparing to bring another human being into the world.

She carries that child for months, endures the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy, and finally arrives at the hospital expecting help.

Her only “crime” is being pregnant.

Yet, for some families, the reward for that journey is a funeral.

That should never become something Ghana accepts as normal.

Young husbands are becoming widowers.

Children are growing up without mothers.

Parents are burying daughters who should have been celebrating their babies.

And families are left asking whether something could have been done differently.

The anger is growing

The reaction to Theresa’s story shows that people are tired.

Many Ghanaians are no longer willing to see maternal deaths as unavoidable tragedies.

They want answers.

They want accountability.

They want hospitals where patients are attended to promptly.

They want health workers who understand that behind every patient is a family anxiously waiting for good news.

They want systems that work even when the hospital is busy.

And above all, they want women to feel safe when they walk into a health facility to give birth.

This is not an attack on every healthcare worker.

Thousands of doctors, nurses, midwives and other health professionals work under difficult conditions every day and save lives.

But good workers cannot compensate for a system that has gaps in supervision, staffing, equipment, emergency response and accountability.

Where failures occur, they must be investigated.

Where negligence is established, there must be consequences.

Where systems are broken, they must be fixed.

Theresa’s son will grow up without his mother

Perhaps the most painful part of Theresa’s story is the child she left behind.

Her husband now has to raise their son without the woman they both expected to have beside them.

The baby’s birthdays will come.

His first day at school will come.

His graduations will come.

There will be moments when he achieves something and instinctively looks for his mother.

But she will not be there.

That is the real cost of maternal mortality.

It does not end when a death certificate is issued.

It follows families for years.

It changes childhoods.

It changes marriages.

It changes futures.

Something has to change

Ghana cannot continue discussing maternal mortality only when another mother dies.

The country needs sustained action: better emergency response, stronger supervision of health facilities, improved referral systems, adequate staffing and equipment, and clear accountability when preventable failures occur.

Expectant mothers must also receive timely information and respectful care throughout pregnancy and childbirth.

Most importantly, maternal deaths must be investigated properly so that lessons are learned and the same mistakes are not repeated.

Theresa’s husband may never get his wife back.

Nothing can erase the pain of losing her at 31.

But perhaps her story can force a difficult conversation.

Perhaps it can push authorities to look more closely at what is happening in our hospitals.

Perhaps it can remind every healthcare worker that the woman lying on the hospital bed is not just another patient.

She is someone’s wife.

Someone’s daughter.

Someone’s sister.

And, very often, she is someone’s entire world.

No woman should have to fear that becoming a mother could cost her life.

Not in Accra.

Not in Kumasi.

Not in Tamale.

Not in any part of Ghana.

Pregnancy should bring hope, not fear.

Childbirth should mark the beginning of a life, not the end of one.

For Theresa, that chance was lost.

For the women who are still waiting to give birth, Ghana must do better.

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Maternal deaths reduce at KATH for first time in 10 years

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Between January and June 2026, the hospital recorded 55 institutional maternal deaths, down from 78 over the same period last year, a reduction of 23 deaths that ends nearly ten years of rising or stagnant figures at the facility.

Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Dr Paa Kwesi Baidoo, announced the figures at the opening of the hospital’s 2026 Mid-year Performance Review Conference in Kumasi.

“We recorded a welcome reduction in institutional maternal deaths from 78 at mid-year 2025 to 55 in the corresponding period in 2026,” he said.

Dr Baidoo credited the improvement partly to the hospital’s new Maternal Intensive Care Unit, set up with support from anaesthesia and intensive care specialists. The unit has capacity for eight beds, though only four are currently in use, and Dr Baidoo said fully activating it could drive the numbers down further.

“No woman should die,” he stressed, describing the reduction as the first in the hospital’s maternal mortality record in about ten years.

In a related development, KATH has completed an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Centre, which is expected to begin operating this month.

Dr Baidoo said it would make KATH the first public health facility in Ghana with a fully-equipped specialist fertility centre, part of a broader push to widen access to specialised care.

Chief Executive Officer of the company, Adann Benjamin Diaz, says the company’s growth is driven by a desire to go beyond supplying medical equipment and contribute directly to improving healthcare delivery in Ghana.

He said ADB Ghana Medicals is focused on building lasting partnerships and providing quality, reliable and affordable solutions that respond to the real needs of healthcare institutions.

“Our ambition is to build a Ghanaian healthcare company that creates lasting value not only through what we supply, but through the infrastructure, expertise and solutions we bring to the sector,” Diaz said.

When Diaz established what began as ADB Scientific Product Enterprise in 2006, his ambition was to build a business capable of responding to a fundamental need within Ghana’s healthcare system — access to quality medical equipment, supplies and technical solutions.

Nearly two decades later, that vision has evolved into ADB Ghana Medicals Limited, a specialist healthcare company providing medical equipment, consumables, engineering and healthcare infrastructure solutions to institutions across Ghana.

That evolution is increasingly reflected in the nature of projects undertaken by the company.

From medical supplies to healthcare infrastructure

While medical equipment supply remains central to ADB Ghana Medicals’ operations, the company has expanded its capabilities to include hospital engineering and construction.

The company says it has developed in-house expertise comprising medical engineers, administrators, warehouse and logistics personnel, enabling it to provide more integrated solutions to healthcare institutions.

Its areas of expertise include medical equipment supply, hospital engineering and hospital construction.

Its client base has also included hospitals, healthcare facilities, government agencies, NGOs, charities and other institutions within the health sector.

The expansion has positioned ADB Ghana Medicals within a growing conversation about the role indigenous Ghanaian companies can play in strengthening the country’s healthcare infrastructure.

Focus on specialist healthcare

One of the company’s current projects is the construction and equipping of a new Cardiothoracic Centre at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).

The project forms part of efforts to expand access to specialised cardiac and thoracic care in Ghana.

A recent technical working visit to the site brought together representatives of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, KATH and the Ministry of Health, with Diaz participating in the assessment of the ongoing works.

The technical discussions focused on issues including power capacity, utilities integration and structural planning — areas critical to the safety and eventual functionality of the facility.

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund has described the foundation stage as one of the most demanding phases of the project, requiring close coordination among engineers, planners and healthcare administrators.

For ADB Ghana Medicals, the project represents an important step in its evolution from a company primarily focused on supplying healthcare products to one participating more directly in the development of the infrastructure in which those products and services are used.

A company built around quality and reliability

At the heart of ADB Ghana Medicals’ corporate philosophy are values including integrity, accountability, performance, quality, respect, teamwork and passion.

Its mission includes providing quality medical equipment and healthcare consumables, developing customised solutions for clients, maintaining strong communication and collaboration, and delivering products and services at competitive and affordable prices.

The company also places emphasis on partnerships, technical expertise and customer satisfaction.

In a healthcare sector where the quality, reliability and timely delivery of equipment can directly affect the effectiveness of medical services, these principles remain critical.

‘Healthcare is ultimately about people’

For Diaz, the company’s growth is not simply about expanding a business.

“Healthcare is ultimately about people. Every piece of equipment we supply, every facility we help develop and every technical solution we provide should ultimately contribute to better care for someone who needs it.”

He said the company’s long-term ambition is to build an institution that can contribute meaningfully to healthcare development in Ghana while demonstrating that indigenous companies can compete through quality, professionalism and technical competence.

“Our vision has always been bigger than supplying products. We want to be part of the solution. That means building the capacity, expertise and partnerships required to deliver healthcare infrastructure and solutions that meet the standards patients deserve.”

Expanding the Ghanaian footprint

ADB Ghana Medicals’ vision extends beyond Ghana, with the company seeking to expand its operations into other West African countries and eventually beyond the region.

That ambition comes at a time when Africa’s healthcare sector continues to require significant investment in infrastructure, technology, equipment and specialist services.

For Diaz, the opportunity is therefore both commercial and developmental.

“We are a Ghanaian company, and we believe Ghanaian businesses must be able to participate meaningfully in solving some of the country’s biggest challenges. Healthcare is one of those areas. Our responsibility is to build a company that is trusted for what it delivers.”

ADB Ghana Medicals says its journey is far from complete.

Its ambition is to continue building a Ghanaian healthcare company capable of delivering solutions not only for today’s needs but also for the future of healthcare in Ghana and across Africa.

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Established in 2006 by Adann Benjamin Diaz, the company has grown from a medical supplies business into an integrated healthcare solutions provider, offering services ranging from medical equipment supply and hospital engineering to construction, maintenance, servicing, consultancy and project management.

The company says its focus is to provide reliable, quality and affordable solutions while helping health facilities improve the delivery of care.

According to Chief Executive Officer of ADB Ghana Medicals Limited, Adann Benjamin Diaz, the company’s growth has been guided by the belief that healthcare businesses must ultimately contribute to better patient outcomes.

“Our ambition is not simply to supply medical equipment. We want to build a company that provides solutions, develops expertise and contributes meaningfully to the infrastructure required for quality healthcare delivery in Ghana and across Africa,” he said.

From medical supplies to healthcare infrastructure

ADB Ghana Medicals has expanded its operations beyond the supply of medical products to provide comprehensive solutions for health facilities.

Its services include hospital planning, engineering, construction, equipment maintenance, technical servicing, consultancy and project management.

The company says this integrated approach allows it to better understand the needs of health facilities, from the equipment required by medical professionals to the infrastructure and technical systems needed to keep hospitals functioning effectively.

One of its current projects is the development of a specialist cardiology facility at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi.

The facility is expected to improve access to advanced cardiac care in the Ashanti Region and surrounding areas.

For decades, KATH operated without a catheterisation laboratory, meaning some patients requiring specialised cardiac interventions had to travel to Accra for treatment.

The new centre is expected to bring such services closer to patients in the Ashanti Region and beyond, potentially reducing the need for referrals to facilities in the capital.

Building a Ghanaian healthcare brand beyond borders

For Diaz, the company’s long-term ambition extends beyond Ghana.

ADB Ghana Medicals seeks to establish itself as a trusted African healthcare solutions provider, with plans to expand its presence into other West African markets and beyond.

The company’s vision is to become a recognised leader and preferred provider of medical equipment, healthcare consumables and related solutions.

“We believe indigenous companies have an important role to play in solving Africa’s healthcare challenges. Our responsibility is to build the expertise, systems and partnerships that allow us to deliver at the highest possible standard,” Diaz said.

As healthcare infrastructure remains an important part of Ghana’s development agenda, ADB Ghana Medicals is positioning itself as one of the local companies seeking to contribute to the sector through technical expertise, infrastructure development and medical technology.

For the company, success is not only about commercial growth but also about the quality, reliability and impact of the healthcare solutions it delivers.

Mahama urges global investors to tap into Ghana’s opportunities

The musician made the call in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, raising concerns about the practice of artistes using the same microphone at events without sanitising it between performances.

According to Sista Afia, performers often move from one event to another and share microphones with several people who sing, speak and breathe into the same equipment.

She believes artistes should take precautions to reduce their exposure to germs by disinfecting microphones before using them.

“I’m going to say something controversial, but my fellow artists need to hear this. PLEASE DISINFECT THE MIC BEFORE YOU PUT YOUR MOUTH ON IT!” she wrote.

She noted that artistes may use shared microphones at several shows and sometimes fall ill after performances, although she acknowledged that illnesses cannot necessarily be attributed to the equipment.

“I’m not saying every sickness after a show comes from a microphone, but with so many people sharing the same equipment, why not take precautions?” she added.

Sista Afia suggested that artistes carry microphone-safe disinfectant sprays or sanitising wipes with them and clean shared microphones before performing.

She also encouraged performers who can afford it to consider taking their own microphones to events.

The singer’s comments have drawn attention to hygiene practices in the live entertainment industry, where microphones are often passed between performers at concerts, festivals, corporate events and other public gatherings.

She also called for greater attention from event organisers, sound engineers and production teams to ensure shared equipment is properly cleaned between users.

Sista Afia said her message was ultimately about encouraging artistes to take their health seriously while navigating the demands of the entertainment industry.

“Your health first,” she concluded.

The move follows data showing that 92 per cent of maternal deaths recorded at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in 2025 involved referrals from peripheral health facilities, with only eight per cent originating from the hospital.

The figures were presented at the Mid-Year Performance Review of KATH, highlighting concerns over the quality of care and referral systems at facilities that transfer complicated maternal cases to the teaching hospital.

Ashanti Regional Health Director, Dr Fred Adomako-Boateng, said the data suggested that efforts to reduce maternal deaths must extend beyond KATH and focus on strengthening care at the point of referral.

According to the data, Ghana recorded 235 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2025, while the Ashanti Region recorded 196 deaths per 100,000 live births.

The region accounts for about one in every four maternal deaths recorded nationally.

Dr Adomako-Boateng, however, said the Ashanti Region had recorded an improvement in maternal mortality figures this year despite the worsening national trend.

“For the half year, if you compare the whole country to what we have presently, the figures have increased, but Ashanti, which was leading, has reduced,” he said.

A further breakdown showed that 15 per cent of maternal deaths recorded in the Ashanti Region involved women referred from outside the region, while 85 per cent were from within the region.

Of the total deaths recorded, 62 per cent occurred at KATH, with the remaining 38 per cent occurring at other facilities across the region.

Dr Adomako-Boateng said the figures showed that the challenge was not primarily at KATH but rather at the point where patients were referred.

“Coming together is the beginning, keeping together is progress, but working together is success,” he said.

Clinical mentorship

As part of the response, the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate, with support from UNICEF, is working with KATH to strengthen the capacity of peripheral health facilities through clinical mentorship.

Dr Adomako-Boateng said specialists at KATH who helped develop relevant clinical guidelines would mentor health professionals at district hospitals, private facilities and Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) facilities.

“The people who developed the guidelines are serving as mentors to support district hospitals, private and CHAG facilities. All those people are in Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital,” he said.

The initiative is expected to improve the quality of maternal care at peripheral facilities and reduce avoidable referrals to KATH.

Virtual labour ward

The region is also introducing telemedicine through a virtual labour ward to enable health professionals at peripheral facilities to receive remote support when managing labour and emergency cases.

The system will allow specialists to supervise cases remotely and help determine which patients require referral to KATH for tertiary care.

The initiative is expected to ensure that only cases requiring specialised intervention are transferred to the teaching hospital while improving the management of cases at district and other peripheral facilities.

KATH has also committed to supporting the interventions being rolled out by the Regional Health Directorate.

Chief Executive Officer of KATH, Dr Paa Kwesi Baidoo, said the collaboration would help improve clinical care and the quality of referrals from health facilities in the Ashanti Region and beyond.

“We are grateful to the Regional Director, he has been so helpful. The ultimate objective of this collaboration is to improve clinical care and the quality of referrals from the peripheral hospitals in the region and beyond, especially when it comes to the area of maternal care,” he said.

The exercise targets public spaces and sanitation facilities considered potential breeding grounds for disease vectors and disease-causing pathogens.

These include public toilets, markets, schools, health facilities, communal waste container sites, dumping grounds and drainage systems, where accumulated waste, stagnant or contaminated water, and poor sanitary conditions could pose risks to public health.

The intervention forms part of a broader nationwide programme being implemented by Zoomlion in collaboration with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

It follows recent flooding in parts of southern Ghana and is intended to strengthen environmental sanitation and disease-prevention measures during the rainy season.

As part of its corporate social responsibility, Zoomlion is undertaking the disinfection and disinfestation exercise at no cost to beneficiary communities.

Speaking during the exercise, the Upper East Regional Manager of Zoomlion, Mr Kojo Njabore Upon, explained that although the Upper East Region was not directly affected by the recent flooding in southern Ghana, prevailing rainy-season conditions made preventive intervention necessary.

According to him, rainfall and runoff can carry contaminants from areas affected by open defecation, indiscriminate waste disposal and other unsanitary practices into drains, watercourses and public spaces.

Such conditions, he explained, could increase the risk of disease transmission, including cholera, particularly in communities where environmental sanitation standards are poor.

He said the intervention was therefore designed to treat high-risk locations where pathogens and disease vectors could thrive, thereby helping to reduce potential public health risks.

Mr Upon clarified that the ongoing intervention was specifically focused on disinfection and disinfestation and did not constitute a general refuse-collection exercise.

He noted, however, that waste evacuation and clearing could be undertaken in selected communities under separate sanitation programmes where necessary.

He further called on residents to participate actively in the National Sanitation Day and assume greater responsibility for keeping their homes, businesses and communities clean.

“Sanitation is not an event; it is continuous,” Mr Upon stressed, explaining that periodic disinfection and disinfestation alone cannot provide lasting solutions where waste, debris and other insanitary conditions are allowed to persist.

He encouraged households, traders and businesses to store waste properly and engage authorised waste management service providers to ensure regular collection and disposal at designated sites.

Residents, he added, should regard proper waste management as an investment in their own health, since preventable diseases can result in substantial medical expenses, loss of productive time and reduced household income.

The Upper East Regional Environmental and Sanitation Officer, Mr Charles Yinbil Awuni, welcomed the exercise and described it as a timely intervention, particularly during the rainy season.

He appealed to residents to complement the exercise by maintaining clean surroundings, avoiding indiscriminate waste disposal and adopting responsible sanitation practices.

The week-long exercise is expected to improve environmental sanitation conditions and help reduce potential disease risks across the Upper East Region.

Beyond the immediate intervention, Zoomlion is encouraging residents to embrace cleanliness and responsible waste management as continuous responsibilities essential to protecting public health and building cleaner, healthier and more resilient communities.

The partnership is aimed at reducing financial barriers that prevent patients from accessing essential medical services and forms part of the Trust Fund’s efforts to support beneficiaries in obtaining quality specialised care.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Administrator of the GMTF, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, said the agreement formalises the commitment of both institutions to collaborate in improving healthcare delivery.

She explained that the Sweden Ghana Medical Centre was selected as a strategic partner because of its specialised cancer services, including radiotherapy and PET scan services, which play an important role in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of cancer patients.

Ms Darko-Opoku noted that although the mandate of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund includes providing financial assistance to eligible Ghanaians with chronic non-communicable diseases, the broader goal is to ensure that beneficiaries can access the specialised treatment they require.

“For me, this MOU is more than just a document that we are signing today. It represents our shared commitment to working together to improve access to quality cancer care,” she said.

She stressed that patients remain at the heart of the partnership and should not be denied specialised cancer treatment because of financial difficulties.

Medical Centre welcomes partnership

The Chief Executive Officer of the Sweden Ghana Medical Centre, Dr Clement Egyin Edusa, welcomed the collaboration and expressed confidence that it would improve access to advanced healthcare services for patients.

He said the Centre was pleased to partner with the GMTF and noted that the agreement would give more beneficiaries access to specialised services and modern medical technology.

According to Dr Edusa, the facility has advanced technologies capable of supporting the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions, particularly cancer.

He expressed optimism that the partnership would enable more eligible patients to benefit from these technologies and improve their health outcomes.

Dr Edusa further emphasised the importance of the collaboration for cancer patients, noting that timely access to quality diagnosis and treatment can significantly influence patient outcomes.

He said the partnership reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to removing financial and other barriers to specialised healthcare.

The MOU establishes a framework for sustained collaboration between the GMTF and the Sweden Ghana Medical Centre, with both institutions expected to strengthen their partnership and explore additional areas of cooperation in the future.

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According to him, about eight out of every 10 people who suffer a stroke experience an ischaemic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked.

Speaking on Accra-based Citi FM, Dr Agbemaple explained that stroke is broadly classified into two major types: haemorrhagic and ischaemic.

He said a haemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, while an ischaemic stroke happens when a blood vessel becomes blocked, restricting blood flow to part of the brain.

“There are two types of stroke. There is a stroke resulting from a blood vessel rupturing called haemorrhagic stroke, and there is stroke resulting from a blood vessel being blocked called ischaemic stroke,” he explained.

“Now, eight out of 10 people who have a stroke will have an ischaemic stroke, that is, blood clotting in the vessels,” he added.

Dr Agbemaple attributed the increasing prevalence of ischaemic stroke partly to the accumulation of cholesterol along the walls of blood vessels, which he said is influenced by dietary choices.

“Ischaemic stroke is cholesterol deposition in the walls of the blood vessels, and this is a lifestyle problem. The cholesterol comes from oils and fats in your diet,” he said.

He expressed concern about the increasing consumption of foods high in fats and oils, particularly fried foods, saying such dietary patterns could contribute to cholesterol build-up in blood vessels.

“Our diets these days have been increasingly westernised with high oil and fat content, so the incidence of cholesterol deposition in the walls of the blood vessels is now increasing at alarming rates,” he said.

“People’s diets are now heavily laden with fats and oils. We eat a lot of fried foods,” he added.

Dr Agbemaple cautioned the public to adopt healthier dietary and lifestyle habits as part of efforts to reduce some of the risk factors associated with stroke.

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Director of Technical Services at the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr Fred Nana Poku, said PrEP is currently available in Ghana in tablet form and is intended for people who may face an increased risk of exposure to HIV.

He explained that PrEP is taken by HIV-negative people to help prevent them from acquiring the virus if they are exposed.

According to Dr Poku, PrEP forms part of Ghana’s broader HIV prevention strategy and is not a treatment for people already living with HIV.

He noted that PrEP can be administered in different forms, including injectable formulations, but the form currently available in Ghana is the tablet.

Dr Poku said the preventive medication is particularly important for people whose circumstances or sexual practices may expose them to a higher risk of HIV infection.

He mentioned sex workers and men who have sex with men among groups that may be considered for PrEP, while stressing that the intervention is not limited to those groups.

He explained that other Ghanaians who believe they may regularly engage in activities that could expose them to HIV can also seek professional advice on whether PrEP is appropriate for them.

Dr Poku urged people who may be at higher risk of HIV infection to seek guidance from qualified health professionals and make informed decisions about available prevention options.

He stressed that PrEP should be viewed as an additional tool in HIV prevention, alongside other measures aimed at reducing the spread of the virus.

The Ghana AIDS Commission’s emphasis on PrEP forms part of ongoing efforts to expand access to HIV prevention services and encourage people at increased risk of infection to take proactive steps to protect their health.

GHAFTRAM General Secretary, Okogyeabibiduro Nana Kwadwo Obiri, said the decision was necessary because plants cultivated in galamsey-affected areas could be contaminated and pose risks to traditional medicine practitioners and their clients.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, he said about 40 percent of the areas where members previously cultivated medicinal plants have now been considered unsafe.

“When you look at the areas where galamsey is taking place, we do not have much control over what is happening there. So, we have advised our members to desist from cultivating medicinal plants in those areas,” he said.

Nana Kwadwo Obiri explained that the Federation had no option but to take the precautionary measure to protect the quality and safety of the plants used in preparing traditional medicines.

“For now, I can tell you that about 40 percent of the areas where we cultivate our plants, we have asked our members not to cultivate there because it will not be safe for us,” he stated.

He, however, noted that some parts of the northern regions, including the North East, Oti and Savannah areas, still have relatively safe environments where practitioners can obtain good-quality medicinal plants.

“Some parts of the north, Oti and Savannah are a bit better. We can still get plants from those areas, and they are very good,” he said.

The GHAFTRAM General Secretary therefore appealed to Ghanaians to support efforts to end illegal mining, warning that the continued destruction of the environment could have serious consequences for traditional medicine and the country as a whole.

“We urge Ghanaians to rally their support for us to ensure that we get rid of galamsey in our country because it is becoming very worrying,” he said.

He also expressed concern about the involvement of foreign nationals in illegal mining, alleging that some Ghanaians are supporting their activities.

“Some of those doing the galamsey are from other countries, but some Ghanaians are behind them and supporting them. The government must do something about it because this is a national security threat,” Nana Kwadwo Obiri added.

He called on the government and relevant authorities to intensify efforts to combat illegal mining and protect areas used for the cultivation of medicinal plants.

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The exercise, which started last Friday (August 21), is expected to end on September 30.

The exercise is being carried out by the Vector Control Unit of the company in collaboration with the assemblies.

It forms part of Zoomlion’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) to prevent outbreaks of cholera, malaria, typhoid and other infections following the recent floods that affected some communities in the region.

The mass spraying exercise is focused on markets, lorry parks, places of convenience, refuse container sites and containers, particularly during the rainy season, to reduce disease-causing organisms in such places.

It is also aimed at eliminating pathogens, controlling disease vectors and restoring safe conditions in all flood-affected places in the region.

Such an intervention has become critical to preventing waterborne diseases.

Briefing the media to kick-start the exercise at Agartha Market in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional Manager of Zoomlion, Cynthia Gbadago, said the exercise was in response to the floods which hit the entire country, especially the Eastern Region, to prevent waterborne diseases.

She however indicated that the company realised the environment had been contaminated, hence the exercise, which she stated was the company’s corporate social responsibility to make the affected communities safe for the people.

Mrs Gbadago stated that the company had already educated people, especially market women and residents, on the exercise to ensure that food and drinking water were properly covered.

She further explained that after fumigation, people should allow between four and six hours to elapse before re-entering such places.

Mrs Gbadago advised the people in the communities to protect their environment, particularly on how to properly dispose of refuse.

She also asked them not to dump refuse indiscriminately within the environment to help prevent disease outbreaks in the region.

For his part, the Eastern Regional Environmental Officer, Prince Osei Kissi, lauded Zoomlion, which had been a partner of the assemblies, for its support for the exercise.

He gave the assurance that his outfit would continue to support the company to carry out the exercise to render the communities free from waterborne diseases.

At the Agartha Market in Koforidua, a trader, Georgina Agbesi, was hopeful that the fumigation exercise would get rid of harmful insects like mosquitoes and cockroaches, as well as rodents such as mice, in the market.

Another trader at the market, Afia Adutwumwaa, appealed to the government to provide places of convenience and also prevent the place from flooding whenever it rained heavily. The two traders expressed their appreciation to Zoomlion and the assemblies for the fumigation exercise.

Executive Secretary of the Council, Rev. Dr. Cyril G. K. Fayose, said the Council considers the work of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund an extension of the Christian responsibility to care for the sick and alleviate human suffering.

Speaking during a meeting with the leadership of the GMTF, led by its Administrator, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, and a member of the Board of Directors, Hon. Alfred Nii Kotey Ashie, Rev. Dr. Fayose pledged the Council’s support for the initiative.

He said the Christian Council had “caught the back” of the Trust Fund and would support it “through and through.”

According to him, the work of the Trust Fund reflects the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, who reached out to the sick, restored hope and brought relief to people in pain.

“For us, this is the work of God. Jesus Christ went about healing the sick and alleviating the pain and suffering of people. When you provide treatment and hope to someone who otherwise could not afford medical care, you are doing a work that is at the very heart of our Christian calling,” he said.

Rev. Dr. Fayose noted that the Council’s support for the initiative was not new, revealing that it was consulted during the conception of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund and therefore understood its importance and potential to transform lives.

He commended the leadership of the Trust Fund, particularly its Administrator, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, for the progress made within the first year of the institution’s existence.

The Executive Secretary said the stories of patients receiving life-saving treatment through the Trust Fund demonstrate why churches, corporate institutions, philanthropists and Ghanaians in general must rally behind the initiative.

He pledged that the Christian Council would become one of the “crusaders” of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund by using its extensive network of churches and congregations to create awareness about the Fund’s impact and encourage donations to enable it to support more patients.

‘No Ghanaian should die because they cannot afford treatment’

Administrator of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, said the Fund was founded on the conviction that no Ghanaian should lose their life simply because they cannot afford or access the medical care they need.

She highlighted the challenges faced by families who exhaust their savings on medical bills, parents forced to choose between treatment and other basic necessities, and patients who delay critical care because of the cost involved.

“Sometimes, the difference between someone receiving treatment and losing their life is simply the availability of financial support at the right time. This is the gap that the Ghana Medical Trust Fund seeks to help address,” she said.

Ms. Darko-Opoku described the Christian Council as a natural and strategic partner because of the Church’s extensive reach, credibility and longstanding contribution to healthcare, education and social development in Ghana.

She said churches could help mobilise congregations, support fundraising efforts and promote a national culture in which saving lives is recognised as a collective responsibility.

She challenged the Christian community to help build a Ghana where churches can confidently say: “If there is someone among us who needs life-saving medical care and cannot afford it, we will not look away.”

The Administrator stressed that the Ghana Medical Trust Fund is not intended to replace existing healthcare financing arrangements but to complement them and address critical gaps that continue to deny vulnerable people access to specialised treatment.

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The new deadline is August 31, 2026, and the Ministry says this constitutes the final extension for all affected professionals.

According to the Ministry, some professionals who went through the required interviews and screening have already reported to their assigned facilities and commenced the process of being captured onto the payroll, with some already receiving their salaries.

The Ministry has also clarified the recruitment, posting, and salary payment processes amid what it describes as misleading information circulating publicly.

Under the established process, the Ministry first receives financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance before opening the recruitment portal for eligible applicants.

Applicants then apply for postings to their preferred districts and undergo interviews in their respective districts. Successful applicants accept their postings, after which their assigned facilities confirm their assumption of duty and submit the required documentation to the Ghana Health Service, Christian Health Association of Ghana and other relevant agencies.

An appointment letter is subsequently generated by the relevant agency to enable the applicant to complete the processes required for salary input.

Following completion of the salary input process, the facility validates the worker’s salary before payment is effected by the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD).

The Ministry stressed that every recruited professional must complete these processes before salary payment can be made, describing the procedure as necessary to ensure that only genuine workers are paid and to prevent payment for work not done or the creation of ghost names.

The Ministry has therefore directed Human Resource Directors and other relevant officers to expedite the necessary processes to ensure that all eligible professionals who have reported for duty are promptly captured and processed for salary payment.

Directors and managers have also been instructed to use the September 2026 data entry window to mechanise all professionals who have assumed duty.

The Ministry further warned that professionals who fail to report to their assigned facilities by August 31, without an approved and justifiable reason, will have their names removed from the recruitment and posting system.

Such vacancies will subsequently be filled through a mop-up exercise scheduled for the first week of September 2026.

The Ministry of Health has therefore urged all affected professionals to take advantage of the final extension and report to their assigned facilities within the stipulated period.

Speaking during Parliament’s emergency sitting, Mr Afenyo-Markin said residents of mining communities were paying a devastating price for the extensive pollution caused by illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

“As we speak, Ghanaians in mining communities across this country continue to suffer kidney failure, lung failure, and other grave conditions at alarming rates because of the extensive pollution that illegal mining has visited upon our water bodies and our air,” he said on Monday, August 24.

“This has become nothing short of a widespread epidemic, one this government appears to have neither the clue nor the courage to confront.”

The Minority Leader said the situation demanded urgent attention, particularly as concerns persisted over the Gold Board’s ability to account for 1.7 billion, which he said was equivalent to about GH¢22 billion.

“So while Gold Board cannot account for 1.7 billion, an equivalent of 22 billion Ghanaian cedis, Ghanaians in our mining communities are paying with their kidneys, their lungs, and in other cases their lives,” he said.

“This House owes them an answer too.”

Mr Afenyo-Markin made the remarks shortly after Speaker Alban Bagbin addressed the House on the business for which Parliament had been recalled.

The Speaker had urged Members to restrict proceedings to the matters outlined in the notice of recall, including the consideration of nominations to the Supreme Court, ministerial nominees and the Banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions Amendment Bill.

According to her, several market women have resorted to using chemicals to ripen fruits and preserve food without fully understanding the potential health risks involved.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Madam Sowah said she had repeatedly contacted the FDA to organise an education programme for women at the market but was instead asked to submit a formal letter before officials would visit.

“When you call the FDA and ask them to come and educate the women in the market, they tell you to go and write a letter before they come,” she said.

She said the requirement was unfair, particularly because the women needed urgent education on the safe handling of food and chemicals.

“I am organising the women and asking you to come and educate them, but you tell me to write a letter. We have called them several times. It is very worrying,” she added.

Madam Sowah expressed concern that some traders use chemicals to treat fruits without knowing their potential effects on human health.

She said some women even taste the substances they mix with water before applying them to fruits because they are unaware of the dangers.

“Some women will just mix the medicine and taste it. Because they don’t know, they are endangering their lives,” she stated.

Her comments come after the FDA cautioned the public and traders against using unapproved chemicals to force-ripen plantains and other fruits.

Madam Sowah said the concerns go beyond fruits, alleging that similar practices are being used in the handling of other food products sold in markets.

“It is not only fruits. Even hard fish that they sell in the market, there are concerns,” she said.

She further alleged that some traders use chemicals to make deteriorated fish appear fresh again, a practice she said poses serious health risks to consumers.

According to her, such allegations make it even more important for the FDA to intensify public education among market women rather than wait for formal requests.

“The FDA people are not doing their job. If I see all these things and tell the FDA to come and educate our market women on the dangers, then you ask me, a woman who didn’t go to school to any level, to write a letter?” she questioned.

Madam Sowah called for closer collaboration between the FDA and market leaders to ensure that traders receive regular education on food safety, the proper use of approved products and the dangers associated with harmful chemicals.

She stressed that educating traders would help protect both the women who handle the products and the consumers who ultimately buy them.

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According to her, the use of chemicals on fruits has become a growing concern, yet authorities appear to be paying attention to the issue only after it has attracted public attention.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Madam Sowah alleged that the FDA must take greater responsibility for protecting consumers from potentially harmful food practices.

“Those who are allowing these things to happen to Ghanaians are the FDA people,” she said.

She questioned why the FDA had recently intensified its attention on the issue, suggesting that the problem had existed for some time.

“These things did not start long ago, so we don’t know why all of a sudden they are acting, just doing it for the cameras,” she stated.

Madam Sowah said she had previously raised concerns with authorities about the use of chemicals on fruits sold to the public.

“We have told them and spoken to them that the fruits from the bush are all chemicals, so I hardly eat fruits,” she claimed.

She, however, explained that not every fruit responds to chemicals in the same way, noting that some fruits are more susceptible to chemical treatment than others.

“For oranges, when you put chemicals there, it won’t work because even if water touches them, they can go bad. But watermelon, you can use chemicals on it,” she alleged.

She also mentioned pawpaw and other fruits as products that could potentially be subjected to chemical treatment.

Madam Sowah said consumers are often unaware of what happens to fruits before they reach the market, making stronger monitoring and education necessary.

“For banana and plantain, especially when they are being ripened, if they say chemicals are used, we will understand because we know they put chemicals on them,” she said.

She also accused some traders of withholding information when disciplinary action is taken against them for violating market rules.

According to her, she personally investigates complaints received about traders before taking action.

“When I see people doing that in the market and there are complaints, I always take time to go and see for myself,” she explained.

Madam Sowah said traders who are found using chemicals and refuse to heed warnings could face expulsion from the market.

“So if I see you doing that, I won’t forgive you at all. When we see you using chemicals and we advise you and you refuse to heed the advice, then we sack you,” she stated.

She said some traders subsequently present their dismissal as unfair treatment without explaining the circumstances that led to the action.

“They won’t tell the truth. They will rather say that we intentionally sacked them when, indeed, they know what they did in the market before we sacked them,” she added.

Madam Sowah stressed that her opposition to the practice was driven by concerns about public health and the wellbeing of consumers.

“I always speak against it in the market because it is not healthy for us to consume fruits with chemicals,” she said.

Her comments come amid growing concerns over food safety and the use of unapproved chemicals in the handling and ripening of fruits, with renewed calls for stronger enforcement and public education to protect consumers.

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The company, led by medical doctor and pharmacognosist Dr De-Gaulle Moses Dogbatsey, says its work aligns with calls by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh for Ghanaian researchers to move their discoveries beyond the laboratory and into commercially viable medicines and vaccines.

Mr Akandoh recently urged researchers and industry players to prioritise the commercialisation of research at the Research Meets Manufacturing award ceremony under the PharmaVax Ghana programme.

He said the success of government support for research should not be measured only by the number of grants awarded but by the number of research projects that eventually become commercially viable products.

According to the Minister, Ghana must strengthen local pharmaceutical production to reduce its dependence on imported medicines and vaccines, retain foreign exchange, create jobs and improve the country’s preparedness for future health emergencies.

Medi-Moses says its experience provides an example of how research into medicinal plants can be translated into products for use by patients.

Dr Dogbatsey, a medical doctor trained at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), later obtained an MPhil in Pharmacognosy (Plant Medicine) from the same university.

He also served as Head of the Clinical Research Department at the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine at Mampong-Akuapem between 2004 and 2008 and received further training in Traditional Chinese Medicine at Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

After leaving the Centre, he established the Medi-Moses Clinic and Prostate Centre, which has since expanded to five branches across Ghana.

The company focuses on the management of conditions including enlarged prostate, medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, and prostatitis.

Its flagship products include Prostacure Herbal Tea and Prostacure-X capsules, which the company says are developed from its research into plant-based treatments.

Medi-Moses says Dr Dogbatsey has formulated 57 herbal products targeting various health conditions, including infertility, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, diabetes, menstrual disorders, peptic ulcers, haemorrhoids, vaginal infections, skin diseases, typhoid, malaria and glaucoma.

The company says the products demonstrate how research into locally available medicinal plants can be developed into products accessible to Ghanaian patients.

The Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners has also endorsed efforts to translate research findings into patient care.

“We are particularly enthused that research into plants grown in Ghana can inure to the benefit of the general Ghanaian populace. Strides made by Medi-Moses products in this area are therefore worthy of encouragement and support,” said Dr Andre Kwesi Kumah, President of the Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners.

The endorsement was made at the society’s Annual General Meeting in Ho in the Volta Region.

The development comes as government seeks to expand Ghana’s domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity.

The Health Minister has announced a government framework contract for medicines estimated at GH¢159 million, with plans for expansion, aimed at creating a more predictable market for quality locally manufactured pharmaceutical products.

Mr Akandoh has also stressed the need for partnerships that transfer technology and expertise while strengthening Ghanaian capacity.

Medi-Moses says its experience over the past three decades demonstrates the potential for Ghanaian research and private-sector innovation to contribute to the country’s pharmaceutical development and broader health-security goals.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Medi-Moses Has Been Doing It for 30 Years: Turning Research into Medicines – Answers Health Minister’s Call for Action

Accra, Ghana – As Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh urges Ghanaian researchers to move discoveries “beyond laboratory shelves” into commercially viable medicines and vaccines, one indigenous company has already been doing exactly that for nearly 30 years.

Dr De-Gaulle Moses Dogbatsey, CEO of the Medi-Moses Group of Companies, has built a proven track record of converting plant-medicine research into practical herbal products that reach patients across Ghana. His work offers a living example of the health-sovereignty agenda the Minister outlined this week at the Research Meets Manufacturing award ceremony under the PharmaVax Ghana programme.

Mr Akandoh told beneficiaries that the true measure of success “will not be the number of grants awarded but the number of research projects that progressed into commercially viable products.” He stressed that Ghana can no longer afford to wait “at the back of the queue” for essential medicines and vaccines, as happened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Local production, he said, is now a national health-security imperative that will also retain foreign exchange, create jobs and reduce vulnerability to external supply shocks.

Dr Dogbatsey’s journey mirrors that call. A medical doctor trained at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), he later obtained an MPhil in Pharmacognosy (Plant Medicine) from the same university and became the first Ghanaian medical doctor to specialise in the field. He headed the Clinical Research Department at the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine at Mampong-Akuapem from 2004 to 2008 and trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine at Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

After leaving the Centre, he established the Medi-Moses Clinic and Prostate Centre, which has grown from humble beginnings into five branches across the country. The company specialises in the management of enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia), prostatitis and related conditions. Its flagship product, Prostacure Herbal Tea, together with Prostacure-X capsules, is credited with shrinking enlarged prostates without surgery and has earned international recognition.
In total, Dr Dogbatsey has formulated 57 herbal products targeting a wide range of conditions including infertility, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, diabetes, menstrual disorders, peptic ulcer, haemorrhoids, vaginal infections, skin diseases, typhoid, malaria and glaucoma. These products are the direct outcome of research translated into medicines available to ordinary Ghanaians.

Speaking in the spirit of the Minister’s message, industry observers note that Medi-Moses demonstrates what is possible when research is designed with manufacturability, scale-up, regulatory approval and patient affordability in mind.

The Health Minister announced a government framework contract for medicines estimated at GH¢159 million, with plans for expansion, to create a predictable market for quality local products. He also emphasised partnerships “with dignity and respect” that transfer technology and expertise while building Ghanaian capacity.

Dr Dogbatsey’s three-decade record shows that such capacity already exists in pockets of the private sector. As Ghana seeks to become a pharmaceutical hub for West Africa, the Medi-Moses story stands as practical proof that research can – and already does – travel the full distance from laboratory to pharmacy shelf, improving lives and strengthening national health security.

Endorsement

The Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners endorses the transition of research material into care for our clients. We are particularly enthused that research into plants grown in Ghana can inure to the benefit of the general Ghanaian populace. Strides made by Medi-Moses products in this area are therefore worthy of encouragement and support.
— Dr Andre Kwesi Kumah, President, Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners (AGM, Ho, Volta Region)

About Medi-Moses Group of Companies

Medi-Moses is a leading Ghanaian herbal medicine company specialising in research-based plant medicines, with a focus on prostate health and a broad portfolio of 57 formulated products.

Media Contact
Medi-Moses Group of Companies
Head Office: Adenta Barrier New Site – Off the Aburi Road
P.O. Box TF 324, LA – Accra
Tel: +233 24 406 8447 / +233 50 349 4885
Website: Medimoses.com.gh
Social: @Medi_moses (TikTok/Instagram) | Medi-Moses Prostate Centre (Facebook)
Branches
Accra Central | Tema | Kumasi

He said the situation has forced management to travel to Koforidua to purchase oxygen cylinders to support the treatment of patients who require oxygen.

Dr Antwi made the disclosure when the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Dr Kingsley Agyemang, presented medical equipment to the hospital to help improve healthcare delivery at the facility.

The Kyebi Government Hospital, also known as the Abuakwa South Municipal Hospital, serves as a major referral facility for neighbouring municipalities and districts in the Eastern Region, attending to hundreds of patients daily.

According to Dr Antwi, the non-functional oxygen plant has become a major challenge for medical personnel, particularly when treating patients who require oxygen support.

He estimated the cost of repairing the plant at GH¢500,000 and appealed to philanthropists, corporate organisations, individuals and other well-meaning members of the public to support the hospital in restoring the facility.

Meanwhile, Dr Kingsley Agyemang disclosed that his office is working to secure a dialysis centre for the hospital.

He also announced that construction of accommodation for health workers is ongoing at Asiakwa, as part of efforts to address the acute accommodation challenges facing health personnel in the constituency.

The medical equipment donated to the hospital included three suction machines, three electronic weighing scales with height measurement, two pulse oximeters, ten blood pressure machines, 10 thermometers, three electronic patient monitors, 20 wheelchairs, several boxes of examination gloves and one Cardiotocography (CTG) machine.

The arrival marks the fifth field service by Mercy Ships in Ghana and was welcomed at a ceremony attended by government officials, diplomats, healthcare professionals and members of the international volunteer crew.

During its stay, volunteer medical teams are expected to perform between 1,950 and 2,600 free surgeries, while an estimated 1,610 to 2,145 people will receive free dental treatment.

The mission will also provide training opportunities for between 100 and 250 Ghanaian healthcare professionals through mentoring, education and clinical placements aboard the vessel.

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh described the initiative as a continuation of Ghana’s longstanding partnership with Mercy Ships, which dates back more than three decades.

He said the programme complements Ghana’s National Surgical, Obstetric and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP), launched in 2024 to improve access to safe and equitable surgical care across the country.

The Minister stressed that the Global Mercy’s visit should be viewed not simply as a humanitarian intervention but as a partnership supporting Ghana’s own healthcare priorities.

He said the lasting impact of the mission would be measured not only by the number of surgeries performed but also by its contribution to patients, healthcare professionals and local health institutions after the ship leaves Ghana.

A key component of the mission will be the HOPE Center, which provides support to patients before and after surgery while creating opportunities for Ghanaian healthcare professionals to work alongside international medical volunteers.

Mercy Ships CEO, Dr Michelle White, said returning to Tema carried special significance because the organisation’s first hospital ship, Anastasis, docked at the port more than 30 years ago.

She disclosed that Mercy Ships has trained nearly 3,000 Ghanaian healthcare professionals and performed more than 2,500 surgical procedures in Ghana since 1991.

The organisation also plans to work with the Ministry of Health, universities and professional institutions, including the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Ghana College of Nursing and Midwifery, to provide postgraduate training opportunities aboard the vessel.

Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe also welcomed the Global Mercy, assuring the crew of the full support of Ghana’s port authorities throughout its stay.

He described Ghana’s ports as an important gateway to the wider West African sub-region and wished the medical team a successful mission.

Since 1990, Mercy Ships says it has completed 47 field services across 14 African countries and delivered more than 128,800 surgical procedures worldwide.

The organisation says its work has increasingly shifted from emergency humanitarian interventions towards long-term healthcare system strengthening through training, partnerships and locally led capacity development.

The donation comprised GH¢50,000 in cash, 10,000 packs of sanitary pads, 5,000 stationery pouches, 5,000 pens and 5,000 exercise books, which are expected to support young people, particularly schoolgirls, in their educational journey.

The initiative forms part of the Administrator’s birthday celebration and reflects her commitment to giving back to the community and investing in the wellbeing and development of the younger generation.

Speaking on the motivation behind the gesture, the Administrator emphasised the importance of supporting young people with basic necessities that can have a meaningful impact on their education, confidence and overall wellbeing.

The provision of sanitary pads is particularly aimed at helping girls manage their menstrual health with dignity and reducing challenges that may interfere with their participation in school.

The educational materials, meanwhile, are intended to equip students with essential resources for learning.

The donation to Saint John the Divine Anglican Parish in Nsawam underscores the belief that birthday celebrations can extend beyond personal milestones to create opportunities to positively impact the lives of others.

The initiative is anchored on three key values: dignity, education and the future, recognising that providing young people with the resources they need today can contribute to a more confident, educated and empowered generation tomorrow.

As she celebrates her 49th birthday, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Administrator has therefore chosen a celebration centred not only on gratitude for another year of life but also on service, compassion and investment in the next generation.

The woman, identified as Linda Ampofo, a member of The Church of Pentecost in the Brofoyedru District of the Kwadaso Area, delivered the triplets on January 13, 2026, to the glory of God.

Family members and church leaders have described the birth as a miracle and an answer to years of prayer.

Mrs Ampofo had experienced several miscarriages, often losing her pregnancies around the fourth month. Her final miscarriage occurred in 2014.

Despite the challenges, she remained confident that God would intervene and bless her with a family.

Mrs Ampofo continued to serve in the church as a devoted Christian and member of The Church of Pentecost. She was known for waking up early to clean the church premises and consistently participating in church activities and prayer gatherings, particularly at the Brofoyedru Central Assembly.

As the firstborn of her parents, she said she remained focused on her faith and did not allow her situation to discourage her. She drew strength from the Word of God and the weekly morning prayers, popularly known as “Emergency”, held at the church district.

“I was born into The Church of Pentecost. I was taught that the God who worked miracles in the olden days is still working today. That kept me strong. Despite my situation, I was not discouraged. I continued to serve God and support His work while waiting for my miracle. I never stopped praying, and my pastors and some church members kept encouraging me that God would answer me one day,” she recounted.

Following years of waiting, church leaders encouraged her not to abandon her faith but to continue trusting God regardless of her age.

Mrs Ampofo said she was eventually told by a doctor that she was pregnant after she visited the hospital when she was unwell.

“We were eight women believing God for children. Seven of them have had their babies, leaving me alone. Anytime I conceived, I lost the pregnancy. That was my biggest worry. I kept asking God in prayer what sin I had committed that He could not forgive, to bless me with even one child. But my pastors told me not to give up,” she said.

She said she was stunned when she was informed that she was carrying three babies.

“Last year, when the doctor told me I was carrying three babies, I started shaking. I was very surprised. Even in my youthful years I could not carry a pregnancy, so at age 55, I doubted it. I asked the doctor, ‘With which womb am I carrying three children?’ But truly, on 13th January, God had mercy on me and blessed me with these children,” Mrs Ampofo added.

She subsequently delivered the triplets on January 13, 2026, while a naming ceremony was held at the Brofoyedru Central Auditorium on Sunday, July 6, 2026.

Together with her husband, Deacon Kwame Ampofo, church leaders, family, friends and members of The Church of Pentecost, the new mother, dressed in white, celebrated and glorified God for what she described as a remarkable blessing.

Mrs Ampofo expressed profound gratitude to God, as well as to the leadership and members of the church for their encouragement and prayers throughout her years of waiting.

She encouraged other married women, particularly Christian women experiencing similar challenges, not to lose hope but to remain steadfast in their faith.

According to her, God remains faithful and will grant them their own testimonies in His appointed time.

Her husband, Deacon Kwame Ampofo, also expressed gratitude to God for what he described as a special grace that enabled them to continue believing.

He disclosed that although he was sometimes discouraged as a married man without children, he remained confident that God would reward them for diligently seeking Him.

He added that the birth of the triplets had strengthened his faith and inspired him to serve God even better under all circumstances.

‘The Lord has done great things for us’

Delivering the sermon at the naming ceremony, the Head Pastor of the Brofoyedru Praise Temple, Joshua Appiah, preached on the theme, “The LORD has done great things for us,” taken from Psalm 126:3 and Psalm 30:5b.

He highlighted how joy at the end of every trial can redefine the faith of believers after seasons of weeping and affliction.

He encouraged the congregation to use Mrs Ampofo’s experience as a case study and continue trusting God for transformation.

He urged believers to hold firmly to their faith through the knowledge of God’s Word, which he said is effective in empowering Christians to overcome trials.

Meanwhile, the Presiding Elder of the Brofoyedru Central Assembly of The Church of Pentecost, Elder Thomas Tuffuor, urged members to remain content and refrain from moving from one prayer camp to another.

He stressed that God remains at work in the Church for the welfare of His children.

A rare pregnancy at 55

Medical professionals note that natural conception at age 55 is extremely rare, as most women at that stage have reached menopause, when the ovaries stop releasing eggs, making pregnancy without medical intervention highly unlikely.

A woman is considered to have reached menopause after going 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. This milestone typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age being around 51.

The stages of menopause include perimenopause, which usually begins in a woman’s 40s as hormone levels change and periods become irregular; menopause, which is reached after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle; and post-menopause, which refers to the years following menopause.

The birth of the triplets has brought joy to the family, the church and the wider Brofoyedru community, with many describing it as a testimony of faith, patience and perseverance.

The story has also become a source of encouragement to many couples, particularly within the church, who continue to hope and pray for children.

The donation was aimed at supporting healthcare professionals and improving the quality of care provided to patients.

The medical equipment included three suction machines, three electronic scales with height measurement, two pulse oximeters, ten blood pressure machines, ten thermometers, three electronic patient monitors, 20 wheelchairs, several boxes of examination gloves, and one Cardiotocography (CTG) machine.

The equipment is expected to strengthen the hospital’s capacity to attend to patients, particularly in areas requiring regular monitoring, emergency care, maternal healthcare, and general clinical services.

Beyond the provision of the medical equipment, Dr. Kingsley Agyemang also took an additional humanitarian step by settling all outstanding inpatient bills at the facility.

The gesture is expected to bring considerable relief to patients and their families who may have faced financial difficulties in settling their hospital bills.

The intervention further underscores the MP’s longstanding interest in the welfare of constituents and the improvement of healthcare delivery within Abuakwa South.

The latest donation is not the first time Dr. Agyemang has supported the Kyebi Government Hospital on several occasions.

Interestingly, his support for the hospital predates his return to government. Even while in opposition, he continues to respond to the needs of the facility and the people who depend on it for healthcare.

Speaking during the presentation, Dr. Agyemang encouraged healthcare practitioners at the hospital to continue giving their best in the discharge of their professional responsibilities.

He urged them to treat patients with compassion, dedication, and professionalism, stressing the importance of their role in protecting lives and improving the well-being of residents within the constituency and beyond.

While expressing his commitment to supporting the hospital where possible, the MP also called on the government to provide the Kyebi Government Hospital with the necessary equipment and resources required for the facility to function effectively.

He noted that while individual interventions and donations could help address immediate needs, the sustainable development of healthcare facilities requires continuous investment by the government.

He therefore appealed for the provision of the requisite medical equipment and other resources to enable the hospital to deliver quality healthcare services to the people of Abuakwa South.

According to the MP, healthcare workers can only perform optimally when they have access to the appropriate tools and equipment needed for their work.

The Chief Superintendent of the Kyebi Government Hospital, Dr. Isaac Antwi expressed appreciation to Dr. Agyemang for the gesture and his continued support for the facility.

He acknowledged the importance of the equipment to the facility and expressed gratitude for the support extended to both healthcare workers and patients.

The settlement of the outstanding inpatient bills was particularly significant, as it provided immediate relief to patients who may otherwise have struggled to meet their financial obligations before leaving the hospital.

In attendance was the Abuakwa South NPP Constituency Chairman, Mr. Otis Asante, together with members of the Executive Committee.

Their presence highlighted the collective interest of the constituency leadership in initiatives that seek to improve the welfare of residents and strengthen essential social services such as healthcare.

Speaking at the launch in Accra, Dr. Kaba Akoriye explained that the document is intended to address recommendations aimed at advancing Ghana’s health security and improving coordination during emergencies.

He said the initiative would provide a structured framework for relevant institutions to work together and mobilise the necessary resources when the country is confronted with public health emergencies.

The Director-General emphasised the importance of collaboration among institutions in ensuring an effective and coordinated response to emergencies, while maintaining the respective mandates and responsibilities of each organisation.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Kwame Amponsah Achiano, said the GHS is committed to working with its stakeholders to translate the document into action.

He said the Service would collaborate with relevant partners to ensure the effective implementation of the strategic document and strengthen the country’s preparedness and response capacity. The launch forms part of efforts to improve Ghana’s health security and ensure that the country is better prepared to prevent, detect

He explained that floodwaters often pass through highly contaminated areas, including public toilets, septic tanks, drains, dumping sites and other waste facilities, before spreading into communities and public spaces to pose health risks.

Mr. Donkor made the statement while speaking to journalists on the sidelines of an extensive disinfection and disinfestation exercise embarked upon by waste management giant, Zoomlion Ghana Limited at Accra New Town. The operation is being carried out in partnership with the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Greater Accra. 

The operation is part of a broader disinfection and disinfestation programme being undertaken across Greater Accra, following the recent flooding, with the aim of reducing the presence and spread of disease-causing organisms, flies, mosquitoes and other public health threats.

He contended that flood runoff should not be considered ordinary wastewater because it could contain a high concentration of pollutants and pathogenic organisms capable of posing serious risks to public health.

At the Five-Five Public Toilet at Accra Newtown, he said the exercise had therefore come at an important time to deal with harmful microorganisms that may have been carried along by floodwaters.

“This is to make sure that we take care of all pathogenic organisms that came along with the flooding that we had a couple of weeks ago,” he said.

Mr. Donkor acknowledged that the operation could have been undertaken earlier, but noted that its implementation at this stage remained important in protecting communities from the potential health consequences of the floods.

“I must admit that even though it is late, better late than never,” he said, while expressing appreciation to the Presidency and Zoomlion Ghana Limited for supporting the intervention.

He also commended media organisations for supporting efforts aimed at promoting sanitation, public health and environmental safety, noting that maintaining acceptable public health standards required collective responsibility.

The Zoomlion teams deployed covered a number of public and institutional facilities within parts of the Greater Accra Region, including the Five Five Public Toilet at Accra Newtown, facilities serving the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Ghana Ambulance Service and Ghana Education Service (GES) at Mamobi, as well as selected dumping sites and other sanitation facilities.

Other areas that benefited included the La Bawleshie dumpsite, the Gbegbeyisie cluster of schools at Dansoman, Glefe unauthorized dumpsite and parts of Sowutuom in the Ga Central Municipality.

Mr. Donkor entreated residents and managers of public facilities to complement such interventions by maintaining proper sanitation practices and ensuring that waste and other materials that could create breeding grounds for disease vectors are properly managed.

A few weeks later, it is darker.

Then the questions begin.

Is this normal? Does it mean I’m having a boy? Is my baby taking all my melanin? Will the line disappear after delivery?

For many expectant mothers, the appearance of this dark line can be surprising, especially for women who have never experienced it before.

But that mysterious pregnancy mark has a name: linea nigra.

And while social media is full of theories about what it means, the science behind it is much less dramatic and actually quite fascinating.

From a Faint Line to a Dark Pregnancy Mark

Before pregnancy, most women already have a faint vertical line running down the abdomen. It is called the linea alba, which means “white line.”

It is usually barely noticeable because it has little pigmentation.

During pregnancy, however, hormonal changes can stimulate the skin’s pigment-producing cells, known as melanocytes.

As melanin production increases, the previously faint linea alba can become darker and more visible.

That is when it becomes known as the linea nigra, or “black line.”

The line may run from the belly button down towards the pubic area. In some women, it can extend upwards towards the chest.

And no two women necessarily experience it in the same way.

For some, it is barely visible. For others, it can become quite dark and prominent.

So, Why Does Pregnancy Make the Skin Darker?

Pregnancy brings a major hormonal shift.

Levels of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone rise, and these changes can influence melanin production and distribution in the skin.

That is also why some pregnant women notice darker nipples, darker patches on the face or other areas of increased pigmentation.

So when someone says, “You’ve become darker because you’re pregnant,” there is a little truth behind the observation, but it is not because the baby is somehow “taking” or “needing” the mother’s melanin.

Rather, pregnancy hormones can stimulate melanocytes, resulting in increased pigmentation.

Does the Dark Line Mean the Baby Is a Boy or a Girl?

Now, this is where things get interesting.

For generations, people have had their own theories about the linea nigra.

One popular belief says that if the line stops at the belly button, the baby is a girl.

If it continues above the belly button towards the chest, the baby is supposedly a boy.

Sounds convincing, right?

Not quite.

There is no scientific evidence that the length, darkness or appearance of the linea nigra can predict a baby’s sex.

So if someone confidently looks at your belly and announces, “Definitely a boy!” based on the line, you may want to smile but wait for the medical confirmation.

Is the Line a Sign That Something Is Wrong?

For most pregnant women, no.

The linea nigra is generally a normal and harmless consequence of pregnancy-related pigmentation changes.

It does not usually cause pain or require treatment.

It can become more noticeable as pregnancy progresses, particularly around the second trimester and beyond.

And for many women, it gradually fades after childbirth as hormone levels return towards their pre-pregnancy state.

The timing varies from person to person.

Can You Stop It From Appearing?

Not really.

The linea nigra is a natural pregnancy change, so there is no guaranteed way to prevent it.

However, increased exposure to sunlight can make pigmentation more noticeable, so protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure may help prevent it from becoming darker.

Most importantly, there is no need to scrub, bleach or use harsh products in an attempt to remove it.

Your belly is not dirty.

It is simply responding to the remarkable changes happening inside your body.

‘My Body Is Drawing a Line for the Baby’

Some of the conversations around pregnancy pigmentation are rooted in curiosity, cultural beliefs and personal experiences.

Women often share stories about suddenly noticing changes in their skin, sometimes wondering whether the changes are connected to their baby’s development.

One popular social media explanation even suggests that the body is “preparing for life” by producing more melanin.

While that makes for an interesting way of describing the experience, the scientific explanation is simpler: pregnancy hormones influence melanocytes, leading to increased pigmentation in certain areas of the skin.

The body is certainly preparing for new life, but the dark line itself is not a biological signal telling the body to “create life.”

More Than Just a Line

Pregnancy can transform a woman’s body in ways she may never have anticipated.

The belly grows. The breasts change. The skin may stretch and darken. Veins can become more visible. Hair and nails may change. And suddenly, a line that was almost invisible for years becomes one of the most noticeable features on the stomach.

For some mothers, it may feel strange at first.

For others, it becomes a beautiful reminder of the journey to motherhood.

And yes, sometimes it becomes a conversation starter.

“What’s that line?”

“Is it a boy?”

“Does it mean something?”

The answer is simple: it is called the linea nigra, and in most cases, it is just one of the many normal changes that can accompany pregnancy.

So, dear mama, if you look down and see that dark line stretching across your beautiful bump, don’t panic.

It is not a curse.

It is not a warning sign.

And it certainly cannot tell you whether you are carrying a boy or a girl.

It is simply your skin responding to the extraordinary hormonal journey of pregnancy.

And when the baby finally arrives, that once-dark line will slowly begin to fade, leaving behind more than just a disappearing mark a beautiful reminder of the incredible journey your body took to bring new life into the world.

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He said chemical drift from pesticide spraying was contributing to air pollution and putting farmers’ health at risk.

According to him, prolonged exposure to pesticides could cause respiratory illnesses and other serious health conditions, including cancer, heart disease and cognitive problems.

The warning comes amid growing concerns over the widespread use of pesticides and herbicides in Ghana’s agriculture sector, where studies have found that many farmers spray chemicals without adequate protective gear.

Speaking to Adom News on air pollution and rising deaths in Ghana, Mr Mensah said chemicals released into the atmosphere during pesticide spraying could have serious health consequences for farmers and communities living around farmlands.

“Chemicals from pesticide sprays enter the air and cause air pollution, which can affect farmers’ health through cancer and heart illness. This can kill slowly,” he said.

He cautioned that the health risks extend beyond farmers, noting that pesticide runoff could contaminate nearby water bodies and expose surrounding communities to harmful chemicals.

“The air contamination in the area where the farm is located is dangerous. The river closer to the farm gets contaminated and people will fetch the water and drink, which is not good,” he added.

According to Mr Mensah, a preliminary study conducted by one of his students on the Ankobra River detected pesticide-related chemicals in the water.

He urged farmers to wear appropriate protective equipment whenever they spray crops, particularly cocoa farms, warning that prolonged exposure could have long-term effects on their health.

“Farmers should put on protective equipment before spraying crops or cocoa farmlands. Exposure to pesticides over the years will give them cancer and affect their DNA. The cognitive effects are equally dangerous. Pesticides should be used well,” he cautioned.

A 2020 study of vegetable farmers in the Central Region also linked pesticide exposure to symptoms including headaches, coughing, skin rashes and dizziness, while noting that many farmers lacked adequate protective equipment.

Former Secretary of the Peasant Farmers Association, Charles Nyaaba, has also urged farmers to adopt safer spraying practices.

“Farmers should spray early in the morning or late evening when there is less wind. Avoid spraying against the wind, and always use nose masks, gloves and boots,” he advised.

Mr Nyaaba said he had personally experienced the effects of pesticide exposure.

“I have personally applied pesticides and I felt headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. I have also seen some farmers who have used pesticides for years develop several cancers, especially from inhaling the chemicals. Eye irritation is also common,” he noted.

He stressed that chemical pollution from farms could affect entire communities, not just farmers.

“The air pollution may not affect only the farmer but community members around,” he said.

Some farmers in the Volta Region have similarly reported headaches and skin problems associated with spraying pesticides without nose masks.

At Ashaiman, farmers said the unprotected use of weedicide has also resulted in cases of poisoning, with young people and the elderly reportedly among those affected.

A farmer, Emmanuel Asare, said many farmers avoid protective clothing because of the heat generated while working.

“Most farmers do not want to wear the protective gear because it generates a lot of heat. But that is the best for spraying. We are calling on government to provide us with protective jackets, gloves, face masks and drones for spraying. They should also give us more education on the use of pesticides and Weedicide,” he said.

Chairman of the Ashaiman Left Bank Rural Farmers Association, Stephen Kadre, also appealed for government support.

“We are about 130 farmers working on 200 acres. Many of us do not have protective gear. Government should provide us with drones to do our chemical spraying. It will help us use the chemicals wisely so that consumers will not be affected,” he appealed.

Mr Mensah and Mr Nyaaba are calling for increased training and public education on the safe handling and application of pesticides to protect farmers while sustaining agricultural production.

With air pollution estimated to contribute to thousands of premature deaths in Ghana annually, health experts say reducing exposure to pesticide chemicals and promoting safer spraying practices should be treated as a public health priority.

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

She disclosed this during a presentation at the 3rd Volta Regional Coordinating Council meeting held at the Residence Conference Room on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

According to her, some of the patients are receiving treatment at the Ho Teaching Hospital, while others have been referred to specialised health facilities in Accra and Kumasi due to the unavailability of certain services in the region.

She explained that one child has been referred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), while another is receiving treatment at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

Another child diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma has also been referred to Korle Bu for specialised treatment.

Ms Daitey added that patients diagnosed with breast cancer and cervical cancer are currently being managed at the Ho Teaching Hospital.

She said the referrals are part of efforts by Mahama Care to ensure beneficiaries receive appropriate specialised treatment, regardless of where the required service is available.

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund is a government-supported health intervention designed to provide financial assistance for the treatment of selected serious medical conditions for eligible beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, has commended the Mahama Care programme for supporting residents suffering from non-communicable diseases.

Speaking to Adom News Correspondent Odehyeba Owusu Job, Mr Gunu said the programme was helping families who would otherwise struggle to meet the cost of medical treatment.

He said reports received by the RCC indicated that beneficiaries were receiving the needed support, easing the financial burden associated with their treatment.

Mr Gunu also urged residents to maintain peace and unity, stressing that stability was crucial to attracting investment and accelerating development in the Volta Region.

The gaps are particularly stark when it comes to sanitation. In Guinea-Bissau, only 7% of health care facilities met the basic sanitation standard in 2025. The figure was 11% in Burkina Faso, 12% in Mali, and 16% in Ghana. Nigeria recorded 29%, while Senegal stood at 35%.

The findings are contained in Progress on Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, Environmental Cleaning and Waste Management in Health Care Facilities 2015–2025, produced by the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme.

They reveal a problem that goes beyond whether a hospital or clinic simply has a toilet.

To meet the basic sanitation standard, a health facility needs improved and usable toilets. There must be a toilet for staff, separate facilities for men and women with provision for menstrual hygiene, and a toilet that can be used by people with limited mobility.

The report says menstrual hygiene facilities and access for people with limited mobility were often among the factors preventing health facilities from meeting the standard.

For patients, that can make something as ordinary as using a toilet while receiving medical care a question of privacy, accessibility, and dignity.

Ghana below the regional level

In Ghana, only 16% of its health facilities met the basic sanitation standard in 2025. That means roughly five in every six fell short of the full standard. The figure is also below the 23% recorded for sub-Saharan Africa and well below the 40% global level.

But Ghana is not the lowest among the West African countries for which estimates are available.

Basic sanitation coverage was 7% in Guinea-Bissau, 11% in Burkina Faso and 12% in Mali. Côte d’Ivoire recorded 21%, while Nigeria and Senegal performed better at 29% and 35% respectively.

The differences are substantial, but even some of the better-performing countries remain far from universal coverage.

Some facilities still have no water

Sanitation is only part of the problem. The assessment also found health facilities operating without basic water services in several West African countries.

In Ghana, 65% of health facilities had basic water services in 2025, meaning water from an improved source was available on the premises. Senegal recorded 75%, while Sierra Leone stood at 64%.

But the report identifies several West African countries where at least one in 10 health facilities had no water service. They include Liberia, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau.

The situation was particularly difficult in Guinea, where more than half of health facilities had no water service.

Water in a health facility is needed for handwashing, cleaning, sanitation and other routine infection-prevention measures.

There are also gaps in something health workers and patients are routinely told is one of the simplest ways to prevent infection, washing their hands.

WHO and UNICEF classify a health facility as having a basic hygiene service when functional hand-hygiene facilities are available at points of care, with water and soap available at toilets.

In Ghana, 54% of health facilities met that standard. But the report identifies Nigeria, Niger, and Côte d’Ivoire among countries where at least one in 10 health facilities had no hygiene service, meaning hand-hygiene facilities were missing both at points of care and near toilets.

Across sub-Saharan Africa, only 34% of health facilities met the basic hygiene standard in 2025.

What happens to medical waste?

Another problem begins after treatment has been given. Hospitals and clinics generate used needles, contaminated materials, and other potentially infectious waste that must be separated, treated, and disposed of safely.

Across sub-Saharan Africa, only 24% of health facilities met the basic waste-management standard in 2025.

Several West African countries appear among those with low coverage, including Niger, Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Ghana. In Ghana, the figure was 27%, a little more than one in four facilities.

The report also names Burkina Faso, Ghana, Niger and Nigeria among countries where more recent surveys produced lower estimates of waste-management coverage.

WHO and UNICEF caution that this does not necessarily mean conditions have become worse. Better data collection may now be revealing gaps that previous monitoring systems did not fully capture.

Beyond the numbers

The report does not provide a single figure for West Africa as a region, so the country estimates cannot simply be combined into a regional average. But taken together, they show how uneven the provision of basic services remains across health facilities in the region.

A country may perform relatively well on water but poorly on sanitation. Another may have handwashing facilities in most hospitals, but struggle with the safe disposal of medical waste.

And behind each percentage is an everyday issue for people seeking or providing health care: Is there running water? Is there a usable toilet? Can a patient with limited mobility use it? Can a health worker wash their hands where care is being provided? And can a used needle be disposed of safely?

Globally, 85% of health facilities had basic water services in 2025. But coverage fell to 72% for hygiene, 71% for waste management, and just 40% for sanitation.

For many West African health facilities captured in the WHO/UNICEF assessment, the distance from those global levels remains substantial.

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Tatale Sanguli officials destroy expired food products, warn traders

The exercise formed part of efforts by the district authorities to protect consumers and ensure that food products available on the market meet required health and safety standards.

Officials inspected a number of shops and storage facilities during the operation and removed several expired items from circulation.

The authorities said the exercise would help prevent residents from consuming products that could pose health risks.

Traders and shop owners have consequently been cautioned to regularly check the expiry dates of products in their possession and ensure that expired items are not offered for sale.

Residents have also been encouraged to support the enforcement efforts by reporting traders suspected of selling expired or unsafe food products to the relevant authorities.

Officials believe increased public cooperation will help strengthen food safety and protect public health in the district.

Speaking to Channel One TV during the disposal of the confiscated products, Head of the Environmental and Sanitation Unit, Nasigri Abukari, said protecting public health remained the primary objective of the exercise.

“Public health is our major concern and as practitioners we are to ensure that people consume wholesome food from the market,” he said.

Mr Abukari warned traders that offenders would face the appropriate sanctions, adding: “We are serving a notice to everybody within the district that we are coming and once we find you selling expired products, we will ensure the law comes after you.”

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Taofeek Adeleye, Senior Manager for Prevention Programmes at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, gave the advice during a national training for media personnel on HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

Adeleye warned against using substances such as palm oil, vegetable oil and other household products as alternatives to purpose-made lubricants.

He advised sexually active people who require lubrication to opt for water-based lubricants, which he said are more appropriate.

The medical practitioner also offered guidance on situations where a person does not have access to a lubricant, saying personal saliva could be considered rather than using saliva from another person.

He further encouraged sexually active individuals to use condoms that fit properly, stressing the importance of choosing the appropriate size.

His comments formed part of discussions around HIV prevention and safer sexual practices, as health professionals continue to encourage the public to make informed choices that reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.