Speaking on The Big Agenda, a current affairs show on Adom TV, Dr. Samapaney revealed that more than 1,000 people are currently on dialysis in the Greater Accra Region. He noted that this figure includes patients receiving treatment in both private and government hospitals.

In addition to those on dialysis, about 400 people are diagnosed with kidney-related issues at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital annually.

Dr. Samapaney described the situation as “scary” and urged the public to take greater care of their kidneys. He emphasized that many people do not prioritize kidney health, often skipping regular checkups that could aid in education, prevention, and early detection of kidney problems.

Meanwhile, Nurse Manager of the Dialysis Unit at the Urology and Nephrology Center of Excellence, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Jame Mckeown Amoah, highlighted that Ghana’s kidney disease prevalence exceeds global averages.

He explained that while the global prevalence of kidney disease stands at 10%, Ghana’s rate is estimated at 13%, indicating a pressing public health challenge.

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Her voice shook, but her message was clear: she wants answers.

Mary revealed that before the birth of her twins, she and her husband already had three children together. However, she alleges that the man gradually stopped taking responsibility for them.

“He has not been taking care of the three children we had before the twins,” she told the panel.

According to her, financial support became irregular and eventually stopped. She said she was left to shoulder the burden alone — food, school needs, and daily care.

The panel immediately raised a critical question: if a man has concerns about paternity, does that justify neglecting children he previously acknowledged and raised?

Mary’s second and more controversial complaint centers on the twins.

She claims her husband accused her of infidelity during her pregnancy and insisted the twins were not his. Yet, according to her, he has never provided any clear reason for his suspicion.

“He says the twins are not his, but he has not told me why,” she said tearfully.

Mary further alleged that her husband rented a new apartment and moved in with another woman while she was pregnant. She says he refused to support her throughout the pregnancy and has not taken responsibility for the twins since their birth nearly two years ago.

“He left me alone when I was carrying the pregnancy,” she claimed.

Panelist Lady Gold expressed concern: “Pregnancy is a vulnerable period. If you doubt paternity, there are lawful ways to address it. Abandonment is not one of them.”

The Shock: Children Taken Without Consent

Just when Mary thought the situation could not get worse, she says it did.

According to her, in her absence, her husband and his new partner allegedly went to her room and took three of the children away without informing her.

“I came back and my children were gone,” she cried. “He did not tell me. He did not ask me.”

This development has deepened the controversy.

Host Ohemaa Benewa did not hold back: “If you say the twins are not yours, what is your evidence? And if you stopped caring for the older children, on what moral grounds do you now take them away?”

Evangelist de Graph Addai added: “Parenthood is not based on suspicion. If there is doubt, science can settle it. But abandoning responsibility creates deeper wounds.”

Meanwhile, Big Mama (Gifty Donkor) focused on the children’s welfare: “This is not about ego. It is about innocent children caught in adult conflict.”

Mary insists she is not refusing accountability. She says if her husband truly doubts the twins’ paternity, he should state his reasons openly and pursue proper verification instead of accusations and abandonment.

“I just want him to explain why he says the twins are not his,” she pleaded.

She is now seeking intervention, not only for clarity on the paternity issue but also for the safe and lawful handling of the children.

Ohemaa Benewa emphasized the seriousness of the allegations: “When trust breaks in a marriage, children must not become weapons. If there is doubt, there are lawful and scientific solutions. But silence, abandonment, and sudden actions only deepen suspicion.”

As the story continues to unfold, one thing is certain: five children now stand at the center of a bitter marital dispute, and the public is demanding answers just as much as their mother.

The case remains one-sided pending response from the husband.

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Addressing Parliament, Mr Akandoh explained that the payment was intended to clear arrears accumulated over previous years and restore confidence among healthcare providers who rely on timely reimbursements from the scheme.

He also disclosed that the government has fully disbursed GH¢1.5 billion to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as Mahama Care, as part of broader efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery in the country.

The minister made the disclosure while responding to questions from the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, during parliamentary proceedings.

According to Mr Akandoh, these payments form part of ongoing efforts to stabilise the NHIS and ensure that hospitals and other healthcare facilities receive prompt reimbursements for services provided to insured patients.

He also criticised the persistent build-up of NHIS arrears under the previous administration, noting that although GH¢5.68 billion was paid in claims between 2020 and 2023, debts continued to accumulate.

Established to provide affordable healthcare to Ghanaians, the NHIS has in recent years faced concerns over delayed reimbursements to service providers. Government officials say the latest disbursement is part of ongoing reforms aimed at improving the scheme’s financial sustainability and strengthening healthcare delivery nationwide.

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Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Monday, March 9, the Minister provided an update on her condition and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting her recovery.

“I wish to assure this Honourable House that the Ministry of Health has remained actively engaged with Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital to ensure that Ms Sandra Baafi Boateng receives the requisite specialist care and that every necessary step is being taken to expedite her treatment and recovery,” he said.

Ms Baafi Boateng sustained serious injuries during the recruitment exercise held on November 12, 2025, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. She initially received inpatient care under specialist supervision, with all medical expenses fully covered by the government to ease the financial burden on her and her family.

The Minister further disclosed that since February 26, 2026, she has been transferred to the 37 Military Hospital in Accra for further treatment.

He explained that she is currently receiving comprehensive care from a specialist-led multidisciplinary team, including rehabilitation and social support aimed at enhancing her recovery.

Mr Akandoh emphasised that the government is exploring all appropriate medical options, both locally and internationally, to ensure she receives the best possible care.

Reports indicate that Ms Baafi Boateng has remained bedridden since the incident during the 2025/2026 enlistment exercise.

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The outbreak, which began in May 2025, has affected 124 districts across the country, with the Greater Accra Region and Western Region emerging as the most affected areas.

Addressing Parliament of Ghana on Monday, March 9, the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, outlined the government’s response measures aimed at containing the disease and protecting public health.

He explained that the Ministry, working through the Ghana Health Service and with support from partners, has activated a coordinated multi-sectoral response to curb the spread of the virus.

“Since the outbreak began in May 2025, 880 cases had been confirmed by November 25, 2025. As of March 3, 2026, Ghana has recorded 1,038 confirmed cases and eight deaths, largely among persons with underlying health conditions,” the Minister said.

According to the Ministry, the outbreak has now spread to 124 districts, representing 47.5% of districts nationwide. However, the situation remains relatively controlled, with only one patient currently on admission and no critical cases reported.

As part of efforts to manage the outbreak, Ghana has received 33,600 Mpox vaccine doses from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.

So far, 31,231 individuals have been vaccinated across 12 districts in the Ashanti Region, Greater Accra Region and Western Region, representing more than 95% coverage of the targeted population.

Mr Akandoh further assured the public that the government is fully covering the medical expenses of Mpox patients to ease the financial burden on affected persons.

He added that the interventions introduced by the government are intended to protect public health while ensuring that response measures remain efficient and accessible to all.

In February, in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President, 200 boxes of Softcare sanitary pads were delivered to Cabfix Ladies FC, a club competing in the Greater Accra Regional Football Association (GARFA) Women’s Division One League. The donation expanded an earlier consignment of 100 boxes, which had been presented on behalf of the Vice President by Dr. Miriam Rahinatu Iddrisu, Social Policy Advisor, representing Dr. Ofosu Ampofo, Senior Political Advisor to the Vice President.

The initiative, supported by Softcare as a partner for women’s health and empowerment, reflects a growing national effort to ensure that menstrual health does not hinder the participation of young girls in education, sports, and community life. Following the initial presentation, Cabfix Ladies FC demonstrated commendable leadership by extending the support with Softcare sanitary pad products to female footballers across several regions.

Beneficiary clubs included teams participating in the FIFA U-15 Girls Regional Colts League in the Greater Accra and Eastern Regions, as well as clubs in the Northern and Upper West Regions. Teams competing in the GARFA Women’s Division One League also received Softcare sanitary products through the distribution exercise.

In late February, a new consignment of Softcare sanitary pad products was distributed under the initiative, further expanding its reach and supporting young female athletes at both grassroots and competitive levels throughout the country. The programme forms part of the Government of Ghana’s Free Sanitary Pad for Girls in Schools Initiative, officially launched by President John Dramani Mahama on April 24, 2025, in Mamprobi, Accra. Through this initiative, Softcare joins national efforts to ensure that menstruation never becomes a barrier to education, participation in sports, or personal development.

Softcare FM Manufacturing Limited Company’s involvement in these initiatives reflects the company’s broader commitment to national development and responsible manufacturing.

The company operates under internationally recognized management systems, certified to ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety) standards, ensuring consistent product quality, environmentally responsible operations, and safe working environments.

In addition, Softcare maintains strict compliance with Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) regulatory requirements and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, reflecting its dedication to producing safe, high-quality hygiene products for Ghanaian consumers.

Softcare’s industry leadership is further reflected in its participation in national standards development. A representative of the company serves on the Ghana Standards Authority’s (GSA) Sub-Committee on Menstrual and Incontinence Products, contributing technical expertise to the formulation and improvement of national standards governing sanitary and hygiene products.

Through a combination of high-class manufacturing standards, regulatory compliance, and meaningful corporate social responsibility initiatives, Softcare continues to play an important role in promoting menstrual health awareness, supporting young women in sports, and contributing to Ghana’s broader goals of public health, gender equality, and inclusive development.

Cabfix Ladies FC expressed gratitude to the Office of the Vice President and partners involved in the programme, reaffirming their commitment to using football as a platform to empower girls, promote health awareness, and advance the development of women’s football across Ghana.

As Ghana advances national efforts to improve menstrual health and dignity for girls and women, Softcare remains proud to support initiatives that empower communities and create lasting social impact.

Dr. Nyann noted that recent cases indicate even children who are well cared for at home are contracting the infection. Speaking on Adom FM’s health programme Nyinsen Ne Awuo with Afia Amankwaah Tamakloe, she highlighted sanitation challenges in some schools and certain daily habits as contributing factors.

She explained that girls are generally more vulnerable to UTIs than boys. Certain behaviours, such as delaying urination while watching videos, playing games, or engaging in other activities, can increase the risk of infection.

Dr. Nyann further cautioned that babies are particularly susceptible due to their developing immune systems.

“Germs from the skin can easily enter the urinary tract, especially when babies remain in diapers containing urine or faeces for long periods,” she said. She warned that leaving a child in a soiled diaper for extended hours can lead to severe infections that may affect the kidneys. Some boys may also develop UTIs during early body formation.

For older children, the paediatrician pointed to sanitation issues in schools as a major risk factor. Germs from poorly maintained washrooms can expose pupils to infection.

She urged parents and caregivers to prioritise proper hygiene practices, including frequent diaper changes for babies and promoting good sanitation habits among older children, to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.

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Korle Bu Teaching Hospital recorded more than 5,000 cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in just the first half of 2025, including complicated diabetes referrals and over 2,000 kidney cases.

The rising numbers underscore concerns about the health impact of environmental pollution linked to illegal mining, which continues to spread across parts of the country despite its known risks.

Dr. Owusu, a lecturer at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Central University, says exposure to heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic through contaminated food, water, or air can seriously damage vital organs.

He explained that these toxic substances can harm the pancreas, the organ responsible for regulating blood sugar, potentially triggering diabetes, including Type 1 diabetes, even in children.

Affected children may exhibit symptoms such as constant hunger, excessive thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss despite normal eating, as their bodies struggle to convert food into energy.

Untreated diabetes, Dr. Owusu warns, can lead to severe complications including blindness, kidney failure, and high blood pressure, as the disease gradually damages blood vessels and other vital organs.

He also cautioned that inhaling smoke from open burning allows toxic particles to enter the bloodstream through the lungs, further affecting organs responsible for blood sugar regulation.

Dr. Owusu is advising parents to carefully monitor the food their children consume, encourage regular physical activity, and rely on products approved by the Food and Drugs Authority to reduce exposure to contaminated items.

The warning highlights the urgent need for public awareness and stronger enforcement against illegal mining and environmental pollution to protect the health of children and future generations.

Health officials revealed that skilled deliveries in the district increased from 80.9 percent in 2024 to 94 percent in 2025.

The development was announced at Hwidiem during the Asutifi South District Health Directorate’s 2025 annual performance review meeting.

Speaking to Adom News, the District Health Director, Thomas Suuri, attributed the improvement to intensive public education campaigns and strengthened referral systems within the district’s health facilities.

He also noted that Out-Patient Department (OPD) attendance rose by 2.2 percent, indicating that more residents are seeking healthcare services at the facilities.

Meanwhile, the Health Committee Chairperson for the district, Nana Ama Asieduaa, commended health workers for their dedication to improving healthcare delivery.

She highlighted that interventions introduced by the directorate have contributed to a significant reduction in cases of malaria, diabetes, hypertension, and maternal mortality compared to previous years.

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The new facility, constructed and equipped at a cost of more than GHS 15 million, is expected to significantly improve the hospital’s ability to respond to trauma, accidents and life-threatening medical emergencies across the region.

At a brief ceremony in Ho, health officials, government representatives and traditional leaders described the project as a lifeline for patients whose survival often depends on the speed of medical intervention.

The Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Dr. Hintermann K. K. Mbroh, said emergency care remains the most crucial entry point into the healthcare system.

According to him, the expansion of the emergency centre will enable doctors and nurses to respond more effectively during the most critical moments when patients arrive in distress.

“Emergency care is the front door of every hospital. In moments of trauma, sudden illness and crisis, the difference between life and death often depends on how quickly and effectively care can be provided,” he said.

Dr. Mbroh noted that the facility will help reduce pressure on existing services while improving patient flow and treatment outcomes.

He expressed gratitude to the MTN Foundation for what he described as a strategic investment in public health, stressing that infrastructure alone is not enough without committed health professionals who will ensure the facility delivers quality care.

Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, said the project reflects the company’s long-standing belief that healthcare is a shared responsibility.

She explained that the facility forms part of the foundation’s broader mission to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system through targeted investments.

“Health is life. It is not a privilege; it is a right. It is not a gift; it is a shared responsibility,” she said.

Madam Wiafe indicated that the new emergency block was designed to ease congestion, improve emergency response and enhance referral services within the region.

She said the centre’s real value lies not in its cost but in the lives it will save.

Modern Equipment to Support Doctors

The emergency centre has been fitted with advanced medical equipment to support rapid diagnosis and treatment.

Among the equipment installed are cardiac and patient monitors, portable ultrasound machines, defibrillators with pacer functions, electrocardiogram (ECG) machines, mechanical ventilators and non-invasive ventilators.

The facility also includes arterial blood gas analyzers, haematology and biochemistry analyzers, infusion pumps, perfusors, suction units, blood warmers and crash carts.

Additional equipment such as patient beds, stretchers, metallic trolleys, examination lamps and a special elevator system have been provided to improve accessibility and patient movement within the building.

Health officials say the equipment will enhance the hospital’s ability to stabilize critically ill patients before further treatment.

Volta Regional Minister James Gunu commended the MTN Ghana Foundation for supporting healthcare development in the region.

He noted that strengthening facilities at the hospital will improve access to emergency services and support the broader national agenda of improving healthcare delivery.

Chairman of the hospital’s governing board, Dr. Delanyo Tsidi Dovlo, said the new centre represents an important step in the hospital’s growth as a teaching institution.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Lydia Aziato, said the hospital plays a critical role in training future health professionals and called for continued investment in specialist facilities to support both education and patient care.

The MTN Ghana Foundation has undertaken several projects in the Volta Region over the years, including the construction of a 60-bed maternity and neonatal intensive care unit at Keta Hospital, refurbishment of health facilities and the development of educational infrastructure.

The foundation says these projects form part of its focus on healthcare, education and economic empowerment across communities in Ghana.

With the new Accident and Emergency block now operational, hospital authorities believe the facility will help reduce referrals to other regions and improve survival rates for critically ill patients.

For many families across the Volta Region, the new centre represents renewed hope that emergency care will be faster, closer and more effective when every second counts.

The outreach focused on key issues including teenage pregnancy, abortion, contraceptives, and family planning. The engagement aimed to encourage informed decision-making and improve public understanding of reproductive health rights.

The exercise was informed by findings from the Afrobarometer survey, which examined Ghanaians’ views and experiences regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights.

According to the survey results, a majority of citizens believe women should have the freedom to make decisions about marriage and reproduction.

Many respondents also support the view that girls who become pregnant should still be allowed to continue their education, while sex education in schools also enjoys broad public support.

However, the study revealed mixed opinions regarding access to contraceptives for sexually active individuals regardless of age.

Views were also divided on abortion, although many respondents said the procedure may be justified if the life or health of the mother is at risk.

During the discussion, a representative of Marie Stopes International, Samuel Yemetey, explained the different family planning options available to individuals and couples.

He stressed that medical consultation remains essential before selecting any method.

“It is important for people to seek counselling and medical assessment so that health professionals can determine which family planning option is suitable for them,” he said.

Mr Yemetey also addressed some misconceptions surrounding contraceptives.

“There are several myths about family planning causing health conditions such as high blood pressure or fibroids. Many of these claims are not medically proven, which is why proper medical guidance is important,” he explained.

A Senior Research Analyst at Centre for Democratic Development-Ghana, Mavis Zupork Dome, noted that the Afrobarometer findings reveal growing public support for sex education and women’s autonomy in family and reproductive decisions.

“Our survey shows that most citizens support sex education and also believe that young women who become pregnant should be allowed to continue their education,” she said.

She added that policymakers must pay attention to public opinion and ensure that health systems respond effectively to citizens’ needs.

“We encourage citizens to learn more about their reproductive health rights, while policymakers must also implement people-centred policies that improve access to reproductive health services,” she stated.

The Kaneshie Market Queen, Lydia Naa Koowa Quaye, also urged Ghanaians to take the sensitisation seriously and discuss reproductive health issues openly within families.

“Couples must be honest and transparent with each other about family planning and the number of children they want,” she advised.

She further encouraged men to support their partners in matters relating to reproductive health.

“Men should support their wives in making decisions about reproductive health because the consequences often affect the woman more,” she said.

However, she cautioned against abortion except in medical situations.

“Women should be careful about abortion unless it is for medical reasons. Children are blessings from God, and sometimes the woman is the one who carries the pain and consequences alone,” she added.

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Her voice trembled as she spoke about two years of silence in the bedroom.

Martha told the panel that her husband has not been intimate with her for nearly two years.

“For almost two years, my husband has not touched me,” she revealed. “I felt rejected and unwanted.”

According to her, the emotional neglect became unbearable. She described nights of loneliness and days filled with silent tension.

But the revelation that stunned the studio came next.

Martha admitted that in her frustration, she became involved with her boss and two other men.

“I was not thinking straight. I was hurt,” she said. “I needed affection.”

However, she also alleged that her husband is a womanizer, a claim that immediately shifted the conversation.

Host Ohemaa Benewa raised a critical question: “In our society, when a man womanizes, people say it is normal. But when a woman does the same, she is judged harshly. Why is that?”

Panelist Evangelist de Graph Adai responded firmly: “Two wrongs do not make a right. If the husband was unfaithful, it should have been addressed, not retaliated with more sin.”

Lady Gold added: “But we must also talk about emotional neglect. A woman who feels abandoned in her own marriage can break.”

The discussion quickly turned to how many African communities often normalize male infidelity while condemning women who do the same. Some members of the audience agreed, while others disapproved.

One audience member commented: “If he was womanizing, why didn’t she leave instead of cheating?”

Another countered: “Why do we expect women to endure everything in silence?”

Stroke After The Storm

Martha then revealed that not long after her secret affairs began, she suffered a stroke.

While medical professionals link strokes to stress, high blood pressure, and other health conditions, Martha believes the intense emotional turmoil in her marriage contributed to her illness.

“The stress was too much,” she said. “I was living in fear, guilt, and pain.”

The question lingered in the air: Did emotional distress play a role in her health crisis, or is she connecting the illness to the guilt and tension surrounding her actions?

Seeking healing, Martha said she turned to a pastor for prayers. However, she was advised to first apologize to her husband before receiving spiritual deliverance.

That statement triggered another wave of reactions.

“Healing must start with repentance,” Evangelist de Graph Adai said.

But Big Mama (Gifty Donkor) offered a different perspective: “Yes, she must apologize, but she also needs medical care and emotional support. This is not only spiritual.”

A Home In Crisis

Martha disclosed that since her husband discovered her affairs, he has become distant and cold. Communication has broken down completely.

Now battling the physical effects of a stroke and the emotional collapse of her marriage, she is pleading for intervention.

“I just want my home back,” she cried.

Ohemaa Benewaa delivered a sobering reflection: “Marriage is not only about endurance; it is about communication. When intimacy dies and silence takes over, destruction can follow. But betrayal is not the solution.”

She urged couples to seek counseling early, communicate openly, and avoid allowing pride, neglect, or revenge to destroy their homes.

As the show ended, one question remained heavy in the studio: Was Martha a victim of neglect or the architect of her own downfall?

The story, like many heard on Obra, leaves the public divided but deeply reflective.

At a brief ceremony held at the Fund’s secretariat in Accra, Board Member and legal practitioner Nelly Bernice Wallace administered the oath, officially inaugurating the committee—a move aimed at strengthening the Fund’s governance and procurement systems.

Delivering her charge, GMTF Administrator and Chairperson of the ETC, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, urged members to remain objective, diligent, and strictly guided by rules and procedures that safeguard public funds.

“Uphold integrity, fairness, and professionalism in every decision that this committee will make,” she admonished, emphasizing that the Fund’s credibility and performance will largely depend on the committee’s work.

The 10-member committee draws its membership from diverse professional backgrounds, including representatives from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, GMTF, Ghana Medical Association, and Ghana Institute of Procurement and Supply, providing a broad base of expertise to guide procurement decisions.

Ms. Darko-Opoku reminded members that the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663), as amended by Act 914, places significant responsibility on Entity Tender Committees to oversee procurement, approve plans, review submissions, and ensure full compliance with the law.

“This committee stands at the heart of good governance within our institution,” she stated, adding that its swearing-in demonstrates the Fund’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and value for money in all procurement activities.

She further highlighted that procurement is central to executing critical projects, acquiring essential goods and services, and ensuring smooth operations.

“The effectiveness of this committee will directly impact our performance and our ability to fulfil our mandate to the public,” she noted.

Expressing confidence in the expertise and experience of the members, Ms. Darko-Opoku said she was optimistic that the committee would significantly strengthen the Fund’s procurement oversight.

She congratulated the members on their appointment and encouraged them to approach their responsibilities with dedication, commitment, and integrity.y and performance of the Fund would, in many ways, depend on the committee’s work.

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The MCE explained that the municipality has recently struggled to attract and retain healthcare professionals, primarily due to unrest and disturbances affecting parts of the region.

This situation has made some doctors and nurses hesitant to accept postings, while many government workers, particularly healthcare personnel, have requested transfers away from the municipality. Consequently, public health facilities, especially CHPS compounds, are under increased pressure.

Joseph Awal made the announcement during the annual peer review organized by the Nkwanta South Municipal Health Directorate. The review aims to monitor and assess healthcare systems and services across hospitals and CHPS compounds within the municipality, focusing on identifying gaps and improving service delivery.

In an interview with Adom News, the MCE commended healthcare professionals for their dedication to serving residents despite the challenges. He emphasized that the assembly’s support package—comprising monthly incentives and accommodation—is a practical step to encourage postings, stabilize staffing levels, and enhance healthcare delivery throughout the municipality.

He also disclosed that the Nkwanta South Municipal Assembly, in collaboration with the Member of Parliament, Geoffrey Kini, has initiated plans to renovate selected health facilities and construct nurses’ quarters at the Brewaniase Health Centre. Additionally, facilities at the Kechiebi CHPS compound, Bonakye, and Brewaniase are set to undergo renovations and upgrades, with some slated to be elevated to polyclinics to improve healthcare access and service quality.

The MCE further urged residents to remain united and work together to create an environment conducive to development, encouraging essential workers to return to the municipality.

Meanwhile, the Nkwanta South Municipal Health Director, Dr. Evans Ativor, expressed concern over the impact of conflict on healthcare delivery. He noted that outreach programs and home visitation activities have been significantly hampered, limiting the health service’s ability to reach vulnerable groups and communities that rely heavily on preventive care and routine public health interventions.

Dr. Ativor believes that with improved security, targeted incentives, and ongoing facility upgrades, the municipality can rebuild trust among healthcare workers and restore consistent healthcare services for residents.

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Pope Leo XIV announced the theme, “The compassion of the Samaritan: loving by bearing the pain of the other,” for the 34th World Day of the Sick celebration across the globe.

Centered on the Gospel image of the Good Samaritan, the chosen theme emphasizes a form of love that is expressed through action. By tending to the wounded man left by robbers, the Samaritan becomes a model of genuine care for one’s neighbour.

This message underlines that true love requires tangible acts of presence and solidarity, inviting us to share in the suffering of others—particularly the sick, and especially those who also endure poverty, isolation, and loneliness.

Presiding over the celebration, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cape Coast, Very Rev. Bonaventure Annan, reminded the faithful that Christ walks with us in our trials. He added that though illness is painful, it is also a pathway to deeper hope and trust in God.

Speaking to Adom News, the Nurses Manager of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Hospital, Mrs. Anastasia Ampah Korsah, urged all health workers to consider their job as a calling from God to save humanity.

He also read Pope Leo’s message, which in part says: “Dear brothers and sisters, the true remedy for humanity’s wounds is a style of life based on fraternal love, which has its root in love of God. I genuinely hope that our Christian lifestyle will always reflect this fraternal, ‘Samaritan’ spirit – one that is welcoming, courageous, committed, and supportive, rooted in our union with God and our faith in Jesus Christ. Enkindled by this divine love, we will surely be able to give of ourselves for the good of all who suffer, especially our brothers and sisters who are sick, elderly, or afflicted.

Let us raise our prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Health of the Sick, asking her to assist all who suffer and are in need of compassion, consolation, and a listening ear.

Let us seek her intercession with this ancient prayer, that has been invoked in families for those living with illness and pain,” encouraging all to become “pilgrims of hope.” The Holy Father reminded the faithful that suffering can unite us in compassion, creating bonds of trust and love that reflect Christ’s healing presence.

Phase 1 of the programme, carried out yesterday across Bomaa, Yamfo, and Adrobaa, screened residents for eye conditions.

Dr. Boako revealed that around 35 individuals were found to require surgical intervention.

These persons are currently being processed for fully sponsored surgeries at the Sunyani Teaching Hospital and the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. The initiative ensures that financial constraints do not prevent constituents from accessing critical eye care.

One of the most urgent cases involved a young girl from Atudrobesa who has lost sight in both eyes following an accident with a football. Dr. Boako is making special arrangements to ensure she receives treatment from specialists at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

He expressed gratitude to the Sunyani Teaching Hospital, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, and the Himalayan Cataract Project for their invaluable support.

Dr. Boako reiterated that additional phases of the programme would follow to extend its benefits to more communities in Tano North.

According to a post on his social media pages today, the initiative targeted the Bomaa, Yamfo, and Adrobaa zones and represents Phase 1 of a broader community health programme.

During the exercise, approximately 35 individuals were identified as requiring eye surgery.

Dr. Boako confirmed that arrangements are underway to have these surgeries fully sponsored at both the Sunyani Teaching Hospital and the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. The initiative forms part of his ongoing efforts to provide critical healthcare support to residents across Tano North.

Among the cases identified was a young girl from Atudrobesa who had been struck in the eye by a football months ago, resulting in a stone being lodged in her eye.

Tragically, she has since lost sight in both eyes. Dr. Boako indicated that he is making urgent arrangements for her to receive specialist treatment at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

Dr. Boako described this as only the first phase of the initiative, promising that further phases would be rolled out soon to extend the programme’s benefits to more communities within the constituency. His efforts highlight a growing commitment to preventive and corrective eye care in the region.

The MP expressed his gratitude to the partners who made the exercise possible, including Sunyani Teaching Hospital, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, and the Himalayan Cataract Project. He commended their support in ensuring the success of the free screening and surgery programme, which is poised to transform the lives of many constituents.

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The initiative saw a massive turnout over the weekend, with residents benefiting from free eye screenings and medical support.

The exercise, held at the Methodist Astroturf in Djankrom and within the Adoagyiri community, screened approximately 3,000 residents from across the constituency.

Young and old alike took advantage of the opportunity to undergo eye examinations, receive free medication, and access essential health checks.

According to Mr. Annoh-Dompreh, beneficiaries who require prescription glasses will be provided with them at no cost, while those diagnosed with conditions needing surgical intervention will undergo free operations at Valley View University in June.

He noted that the project is designed to ensure that no resident is denied quality eye care due to financial constraints.

The MP expressed profound appreciation to partners, including the Columbia Union Conference in the United States, medical teams, traditional authorities, party members, and volunteers whose collective efforts made the outreach possible.

He emphasised that collaboration remains key to extending quality healthcare services to every part of the constituency.

Mr. Annoh-Dompreh stressed that the initiative goes beyond medical screening, describing it as an investment in the well-being of the people of Nsawam-Adoagyiri.

He reaffirmed his commitment to championing projects that restore hope, enhance livelihoods, and contribute to building a healthier and stronger community.

He made the revelation during the 2025 Annual Performance Review Meeting of the Tano South Municipal Health Directorate held in Bechem.

Speaking to Adom News, Dr. Afi explained that while maternal deaths had occurred in the municipality over the past three to four years, concerted efforts in 2025 led to the remarkable achievement of no reported cases.

He emphasized that this milestone was the result of collective dedication from both health workers and the community. To achieve it, health staff intensified public education campaigns through radio stations, churches, mosques, and local markets, stressing the importance of pregnant women seeking timely care at health facilities.

Nana Awuah Boadi, the Nifahene of Bechem and chair of the meeting, commended the health directorate for the improvements in healthcare delivery.

He noted that health workers now show greater dedication than in previous years, a change he attributed in part to initiatives such as health worker awards introduced by Member of Parliament Charles Asiedu.

He urged the staff to sustain their efforts, reminding everyone that health is indeed wealth.

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Held in collaboration with the hospital’s Blood Bank and Maternal Ward, this year’s edition placed special emphasis on safeguarding expectant mothers who may require urgent transfusions during childbirth. Beyond donating blood, participants answered a deeper call: to stand in the gap for women whose lives may depend on timely access to safe blood.

The initiative continues to respond to a pressing national need. According to Ghana’s National Blood Service, voluntary donations in 2022 stood at 45,463 units, just 25 per cent of the country’s required supply. For organisers, the statistics are not just numbers but a reminder that every single unit donated represents a life potentially saved.

The event drew donors from diverse backgrounds, united by compassion and purpose. Among them was Rihanatu Yakubu, a first-time donor who travelled from Zabzugu in Tamale simply “to share love.” Her journey symbolised the spirit of the day, selflessness without boundaries.

Bridget Bonnie, founder of the initiative, reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to maternal health, noting that “no woman should lose her life while giving life.” She emphasised that the Maternal Blood Bank Initiative is not just an event, but a sustained promise to stand with mothers when they need it most.

Participants received personalised tokens of appreciation and guidance on maintaining optimal health after donation, reinforcing the importance of sustained voluntary giving.

In a touching moment of solidarity, the Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency, Malik Basintale, joined Bridget Bonnie & Friends to visit mothers in the maternity ward. The team presented flowers and care packages, offering encouragement to women who had just brought new life into the world.

Now firmly established as a people-centred health campaign, the Bridget Bonnie & Friends Blood Donation Initiative continues to demonstrate the power of community action. What began as a simple act of giving has grown into a movement, one that reminds us that sometimes, the greatest gift we can offer is a part of ourselves.

Because for a mother in need, one donation is not just blood — it is life.

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He said HIV infections were recording alarming figures in the municipality and urged couples to remain faithful and avoid extra-marital affairs to protect themselves against new infections.

Mr Agyemang advised at the 2026 review meeting of the directorate held in Wenchi on the theme: “Stakeholder Engagement and Efforts in Achieving Universal Health Coverage.”

He disclosed that 2,153 persons are currently living with HIV and AIDS in the municipality, with the prevalence rate standing at 2.5 per cent, the third highest in the Bono Region.

Mr Agyemang stressed that HIV does not discriminate, warning that people who engage in promiscuous lifestyles expose themselves to the virus.

He advised those who are unable to abstain to consistently use condoms to reduce the risk of infection.

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The handing over of the facility, financed by the Foundation with support from donors and partners, fulfils Mrs Mahama’s positive response to a request from the Chief of Akroso-Asukawkaw a year ago.

This brings to four the number of Maternity and Children’s Wards built and handed over to communities and the Ghana Health Service by the Lordina Foundation.

This is in fulfilment of Mrs Mahama’s personal commitment and the objective of her Foundation to reduce maternal, infant, and child mortality cases in Ghana’s hospitals.

The first three were commissioned for the Bole District Hospital, the Nkoranza Health Centre, and the Abodom community.

The Foundation has also renovated and expanded the Hohoe Adabraka Health Centre and continues to donate medical equipment to health centres across the country.

According to Mrs Mahama, while planning the next phase of her support programmes, her office received an email from Nana Odamu Gyamfi III, Paramount Chief of the Akroso-Asukawkaw Traditional Area, describing the risks pregnant women in his community go through to reach distant clinics, often too late to save them and their newborns.

“This is no coincidence; it was a call to action,” Mrs Mahama told a crowd of happy community members, health officials, workers, community elders, and chiefs.

Designed for dignity and excellence, the facility includes a reception area, doctors’ and nurses’ offices, maternity and children’s wards, a fully equipped operating theatre, a delivery room, a sterilisation room, a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), storage, and data rooms.

Key equipment installed in the facility includes electric beds, operating tables, infant incubators, ultrasound machines, C-section and delivery kits, ECG machines, phototherapy units, patient monitors, oxygen systems, television sets, and more.

Also installed is a hybrid power system that combines the national grid with solar to ensure reliable emergency lighting and efficiency.

“No woman should die while giving life, and no child should start without proper care just because of where they were born,” Mrs Mahama said.

She noted that nearly one in ten Ghanaian women faces pregnancy-related death risks.

She urged health authorities, facility managers, and the Akroso-Asukawkaw community under the Akroso Traditional Council to maintain the facility to benefit more generations.

“Let this be more than a building, but a reminder that with government, leaders, and partners, we can protect every vulnerable Ghanaian.”

Minister for Health, Kwabena Akandoh, praised the project as “a practical step towards safe, timely, and dignified care for mothers, newborns, and children.”

He thanked Mrs Mahama for her “unparalleled contributions” to women, girls, and children’s health.

The facility, the First Lady stated, reflects the Foundation’s commitment to life at its most vulnerable stages and shows what credible partnerships can achieve.

The Board Chair of the Lordina Foundation, Pastor Kwame Boateng Sarpong, hailed the project as emblematic of the Foundation’s mission to support rural women and children, pledging continued aid to deprived communities.

The Paramount Chief, Nana Odamu Gyamfi III, expressed profound gratitude, calling the project a “life-saving initiative” that will ease prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care for Asukawkaw and surrounding areas.

The Chief and his elders enstooled Mrs Mahama as the Development Queen Mother of the Akroso-Asukawkaw Traditional Area, with the title Nana Oseadeayo Odamwaa II.

Her participation echoed the famous words, “A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture, and transform,” a sentiment organisers said was evident in her swift response when her name was mentioned during the initiative.

According to the team behind the drive, Mrs Peprah did not hesitate to step forward, declaring that “there’s no time to waste.”

In a symbolic gesture underscoring continuity and shared responsibility, she arrived with the very individual she intended to nominate — Benjamin Zigorsh-Nyakpenu, First Deputy Registrar of Companies.

The moment, described as a real-time passing of the torch, reinforced the campaign’s focus on sustaining a chain of generosity in support of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund.

Mr Zigorsh-Nyakpenu has since extended the momentum by nominating Richard Nunekpeku, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), and Alhassan Yakubu Abanga, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The nominations form part of a broader effort to rally leaders and citizens alike to demonstrate practical compassion by contributing to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund.

Organisers are urging the public to join the Kyerɛ Wo Dɔ Drive and support the fund.

Donations can be made by dialling *255# on all networks or through direct bank transfers to National Investment Bank, Airport Branch (Account No: 1135105341202) and First Atlantic Bank, Head Office Branch (Account No: 2613171101016).

“Truly, we care,” the organisers emphasised.

The company’s Group Executive Chairman, Krobo Edusei Jnr., hailed the 100% tax deduction for corporate donations as a “powerful and strategic enabler” capable of driving sustained private sector engagement in the Fund’s mission.

Mr. Edusei Jnr. led a delegation to the GMTF Secretariat to present a GH¢100,000 donation in support of the Fund’s ongoing “Kyɛrɛ Wo Dɔ” (“Show Your Love”) initiative.

He emphasised that the tax incentive transforms giving from a one-off gesture into a practical, repeatable commitment.

“If it is tax-deductible, then we can continue monthly to support the Trust Fund. This is very welcoming and motivates sustained corporate involvement,” he stated.

The donation is intended to strengthen the Fund’s efforts in assisting Ghanaians battling chronic non-communicable diseases, such as dialysis and cancer care, which often impose severe financial strain on families.

The Administrator of the Fund, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, expressed deep appreciation for the contribution, noting that the operations of the Fund are highly capital-intensive and rely on corporate participation to remain sustainable.

She highlighted that government policy, such as the tax deduction, is crucial for encouraging broad private sector engagement.

“All activities of the Trust Fund require significant resources. Support from corporate Ghana, beyond funds earmarked by the state, is what will make this initiative truly successful,” she explained.

By setting the example with a substantial initial donation and a commitment to monthly contributions, Safebond Africa has challenged other corporate entities to follow suit. The message is clear: when structured incentives align with corporate social responsibility, private sector action can save lives at scale.

In line with Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution, the SONA provides the President an opportunity to account for his stewardship and outline government’s policy direction for the year ahead.

During the 2026 SONA, President Mahama declared that Ghana’s economy is stabilising and returning to growth, telling Parliament that “Ghana is back” and “Ghana is working again.”

He also pledged to address the long-standing “no bed syndrome” in the country’s hospitals, assuring that patients in emergency situations will be attended to, even if makeshift arrangements are required.

His remarks come in the wake of the tragic death of 29-year-old engineer Charles Amissah, who reportedly died after being turned away from multiple hospitals due to a lack of beds — a development that has reignited national debate over the state of Ghana’s healthcare system.

The address was attended by Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Chief Justice Justice Baffour-Bonnie, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, First Lady Lordina Mahama, members of the Council of State, heads of security agencies, the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries.

Adomonline’s photojournalist Joseph Odotei was present to capture these moments.

Delivering the 2026 State of the Nation Address in Parliament, President Mahama acknowledged improvements in Ghana’s health sector but stressed that more work remains to be done.

“I appeal to our gallant health workers to accept postings to underserved areas. It is a national call to duty, while we work to ensure they have an enabling environment to carry out their responsibilities,” he stated.

The President revealed that Ghana’s health workforce density has increased significantly from 16.6 per 10,000 people in 2025 to nearly 42 per 10,000 currently. He added that public sector health employment has doubled to about 200,000 workers.

“When we assumed office at the beginning of 2025, approximately 103,000 trained health workers were awaiting placement, employment, or enrolment onto the government payroll,” he disclosed.

According to him, over the past year, 13,500 nurses and midwives, along with hundreds of doctors and pharmacists, have been absorbed into the public payroll.

“We have restored and regularized nursing trainee allowances, reduced application fees, and extended the No-Fee Stress initiative to ease access to training. Service conditions are also being implemented to improve morale and retention,” he said.

President Mahama assured Parliament that recruitment will continue.

“Government will expand recruitment and take steps to add more health workers onto the payroll. We will introduce targeted incentives to correct the uneven distribution of health personnel, particularly in underserved areas,” he noted.

On specialist training, he announced plans to scale up advanced nursing and medical training.

“New specialist areas including cardiology, nephrology, endocrinology, and oncology will be introduced, while emergency and critical care nursing will be further strengthened,” he said.

Touching on vaccine production and research, the President stated:

“In line with our national research agenda, we have allocated $50 million in seed funding to the National Vaccine Institute to boost local pharmaceutical and vaccine production. In 2025, a local manufacturer secured market authorization to produce snake venom antiserum in Ghana, and production of the tetanus-diphtheria vaccine is expected to begin this year through a partnership with an Indonesian pharmaceutical firm,” he disclosed.

On immunization financing, he added:

“The 2025 vaccine budget for children and pregnant women was increased by 46 percent to over GH¢171 million, enabling Ghana to fully finance its vaccine needs and reduce the risk of preventable outbreaks. We have also introduced the HPV vaccine to protect young women and girls against cervical cancer,” he said.

President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the health and education sectors as pillars of national development.

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Latest statistics from studies conducted by the Society show that eight out of 10 cardiac hospitalisation cases recorded at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi are attributable to heart failure.

The worrying trend is primarily driven by uncontrolled hypertension, compounded by limited diagnostic tools, a doctor-to-patient ratio estimated at one million patients to one doctor in some areas, and the late presentation of cases at hospitals.

Heart failure remains one of the most pressing cardiovascular challenges in Africa, with Ghana recording daily cases. It is a leading cause of death among adults in the country, with the average age of patients estimated between 40 and 50 years.

A single-centre study at KATH further revealed that 88 percent of cases admitted at the cardiothoracic department were heart failure-related.

“Uncontrolled hypertension remains the leading underlying cause of heart failure in Ghana, alongside poorly managed diabetes and high cholesterol levels. Heart attacks, caused by blocked blood flow to the heart, are also contributing significantly to the burden,” General Secretary of the Society, Dr. Lambert Tetteh Appiah, noted.

Ashanti Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Fred Adomako Boateng, outlined key challenges confronting cardiology healthcare delivery in the country.

He cited the lack of diagnostic tools, particularly in the Ashanti Region, late presentation of cases, high cost of medications, shortage of specialists, and systemic gaps in long-term follow-up care as major contributors to the growing statistics.

“Some of the key barriers include late presentation, with more than 60 percent of patients arriving at advanced stages of the disease, limited diagnostic tools in many districts, high cost of medications, shortage of specialists, and systemic gaps in long-term follow-up care,” he said.

Ghana currently has fewer than 50 cardiologists serving a population of about 34 million, highlighting the immense burden on specialists. However, the Society disclosed that over 15 new cardiologists have been trained over the past five years.

The 2026 Annual General Meeting of the Society brought together adult and paediatric cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, pharmacists, and other health professionals for a two-day scientific session. Discussions focused on hypertensive heart failure, the role of device therapy, and surgical interventions in managing the condition.

Chief Executive Officer of the University of Ghana Medical Centre, Dr. Abdul-Samed Tanko, underscored the need for proactive and preventive strategies to curb the growing numbers.

“To confront the crisis, we propose a multi-pronged strategy: strengthening prevention through improved hypertension detection and control at the primary care level; standardising the initiation of heart failure therapy, particularly at hospital discharge; developing practical implementation tools tailored to district and community-level facilities; and prioritising equity to ensure underserved populations benefit from interventions,” he said.

Meanwhile, government has cut sod for the construction of two catheterisation laboratories in Kumasi and Tamale to expand access to life-saving cardiac interventions across Ghana.

Efforts are also underway to restore and upgrade the cardiac centre at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.

The findings were presented at a high-level stakeholder engagement in Accra, on Thursday, 26th February 2026, where policymakers, Members of Parliament, local government officials, development partners and private sector actors gathered to examine the economic case for increased sanitation investment.

The research, led by Prof. Peter Quartey and Dr. Kwame Adjei-Mantey, is titled “An Economic Analysis of the Benefits of Adequate Investment in Waste Management and Sanitation in Ghana.”

It assessed both the economic and social consequences of current sanitation practices and modelled the potential gains from improved financing.

According to the study, five diseases closely associated with poor sanitation malaria, cholera, pneumonia, typhoid fever and diarrhoea account for nearly 31.9 million lost workdays each year and an estimated 177,222 deaths.

The researchers calculated direct medical costs at about GHS 5.8 billion annually, with an additional GHS 650 million lost through reduced productivity, bringing the total burden to over GHS 6.2 billion.

Despite these losses, Ghana currently spends an average of about GHS 38 per tonne of waste generated. The researchers described this as modest compared to the scale of the health and economic damage linked to poor sanitation systems.

Using cost-benefit modelling, the team found that under the current business-as-usual approach, every GHS 1 invested in waste management generates about GHS 180 in economic returns.

However, under a best-case scenario — where investment rises to approximately GHS 1,028 per tonne in line with lower-middle-income benchmarks returns could increase to GHS 556 per GHS 1 invested.

In total terms, projected national benefits under the enhanced investment scenario could reach about GHS 58 billion in 2025 and rise further to GHS 67.2 billion by 2032. The projected gains are driven largely by sharp reductions in disease incidence, mortality and productivity losses.

Presenting the findings, Prof. Quartey urged government to stop treating sanitation as a residual expenditure.

He stressed that waste management must be viewed as a high-return development investment capable of protecting public health and strengthening economic growth.

The presentation was followed by an extensive question-and-answer session. Participants raised concerns about how much of the disease burden could be directly attributed to waste.

The research team explained that their modelling relied on global health data and assumed that about 45 percent of the selected disease cases were attributable to waste exposure. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to test different attribution levels.

Stakeholders also questioned whether the best-case scenario reflected on-the-ground realities, especially in slum and rural communities where waste collection remains inconsistent.

Prof. Quartey acknowledged that waste management in such areas is more complex and costly due to access challenges.

He noted that flexible and smaller-scale collection systems may be required rather than a uniform national model.

Other concerns focused on uncollected waste and dumping in drains and water bodies.

The researchers explained that their modelling incorporated standardized ranges for lower-middle-income countries, taking into account infrastructure gaps and collection inefficiencies.

Members of Parliament present at the forum emphasized the need for stronger coordination across agencies.

While some suggested the creation of a National Sanitation Authority, others cautioned against expanding bureaucracy and proposed strengthening existing institutional structures instead.

Education and job creation also featured prominently in the discussion. Prof. Quartey highlighted earlier regional research on green jobs and recycling, stressing that investment in skills development and public awareness could help unlock employment opportunities in the waste sector.

The research team concluded that Ghana’s annual sanitation-related losses far exceed current spending levels.

They called for increased and sustained investment, targeted interventions in high-risk communities, and stronger data and budgeting systems within Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to ensure sanitation is prioritized as a central pillar of national development.

Speaking on Let’s Talk following a discussion about a woman who believes she is in love with her sister’s fiancé, Rev. Annan said infidelity goes beyond a personal failing and carries spiritual consequences.

“If you cheat, God will judge you,” Reverend Annan said, stressing the seriousness of the matter.

He warned that, unlike human or satanic judgment, there is no escape from God’s judgment, and those who cheat risk experiencing “horrible” life outcomes, including being “bedridden” and suffering “losses”.

He added that such consequences may not be limited to the individual alone but could extend to their children and extended family.

Quoting scripture, he said, “Fathers have eaten sour grapes, and children’s teeth are set on edge,” explaining that innocent children can suffer because of their parents’ actions.

Rev. Annan also urged men in particular to flee temptation. He advised, “Flee fornication,” noting that true strength lies not in resisting temptation but in running from it.

He cautioned, “Your zip, your erection, should not give you direction, or else you are going to miss it,” underscoring the need for self-control in the face of lust.

On building lasting unions, he encouraged individuals to “interrogate very well who to marry”, with emphasis on a partner’s trustworthiness and sexual integrity.

He declared, “Relationships are not built on falsehood; relationships are built on trust,” reinforcing the value of transparency and honesty.

Rev. Annan further highlighted the role of prayer within marriage. He encouraged wives to “pray over the man’s head”, expressing confidence that God answers prayers and can bring change in their husbands.

According to him, a husband can be “sanctified” through his wife’s prayers.

His remarks serve as a reminder of the need for self-control, trust and spiritual responsibility in relationships, particularly in the face of temptation.

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Speaking on JoyNews AM Show on February 25, he described it as a practical and urgent solution to the persistent challenges facing emergency healthcare delivery in the country.

According to Prof. Beyuo, Ghana needs a fully integrated command centre that can be accessed by anyone, patients, doctors, bystanders, or first responders during a medical emergency.

“A real solution is to have an emergency command centre,” he stated. “Once you call an ambulance, it should be directly linked to that centre.”

He explained that under such a system, all hospital beds nationwide would be digitally mapped and barcoded, allowing officials to instantly determine availability. Data from hospitals would be updated hourly, giving the command centre real-time visibility of capacity across the country.

“This command centre would see the entire nation at a glance, all referral points in one snapshot,” he said. “That way, patients can be efficiently distributed to facilities that are ready and equipped to handle them.”

Prof. Beyuo illustrated the concept with a practical scenario: if a bystander reports a middle-aged woman lying unconscious and bleeding at a specific location, the command centre would immediately log critical details and automatically generate a list of appropriate facilities capable of providing urgent care.

He noted that currently, ambulance teams often face delays because they must first determine which hospital can receive a patient.

“As it stands, when you call an ambulance, they still need to find out where the patient can be taken,” he said. “If the minister’s vision materialises, that will become a thing of the past.”

Prof. Beyuo emphasised that a centralised emergency command system would not only reduce delays but also save lives by ensuring faster coordination, better resource allocation, and seamless communication across Ghana’s healthcare network.

His comments come over the death of 29-year-old Charles Amissah, an engineer with Promasidor Ghana Limited, who sustained severe shoulder injuries in a hit-and-run accident at the Circle Overpass in Accra in February.

Reports indicate that Amissah was unable to secure admission at the Police Hospital, Ridge Hospital, and Korle Bu due to a lack of available beds. While at Korle Bu, he reportedly went into cardiac arrest.

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, February 24, Dr. Ayensu-Danquah said the government is taking decisive steps to strengthen patient care across all levels of the health system — from Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds and health centres to major referral facilities.

She emphasised that the reforms will involve retraining emergency personnel, upgrading critical medical equipment, and enhancing the operations of the national ambulance service.

“We are retraining our emergency services staff. We are training the doctors and the staff. We are training the security personnel in the emergency rooms. We are even extending this into the ambulance service itself,” Dr. Ayensu-Danquah said.

She further assured Parliament that ambulances nationwide will be adequately resourced to support life-saving interventions.

“This patient could have probably been saved if we had the proper supplies in the ambulance. We are working diligently to prevent needless deaths of any Ghanaian,” she added, offering condolences to the family of the late Charles Amissah.

The remarks follow the tragic death of 29-year-old Charles Amissah, an engineer with Promasidor Ghana Limited, who passed away on February 6 after a hit-and-run accident at the Circle Overpass in Accra.

Reports indicate that he was allegedly turned away by three major health facilities — the Police Hospital, the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge), and the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital — reportedly due to a lack of available beds. Emergency responders provided first aid at the scene and during transit, but delays and repeated refusals reportedly worsened his condition. He later suffered cardiac arrest at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and was pronounced dead.

In response, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital management has interdicted two doctors and two nurses pending a full-scale investigation into the emergency care provided. A committee has been set up to probe the circumstances surrounding the case, with hospital authorities calling for full cooperation to ensure a transparent and thorough inquiry.

Mr. Amissah reportedly died on February 6 after being turned away by three major health facilities in Accra.

The Minority lawmaker’s comments followed remarks by the Deputy Minister on the floor of Parliament, where she alleged that the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration failed to complete any of the Agenda 111 hospital projects despite significant financial investments.

Addressing the House, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah apologised to the bereaved family on behalf of MPs who might be associated with the Deputy Minister’s comments.

“Let me, on behalf of MPs who may feel like associating with this call I am about to make, apologise to the family of Charles Amissah for the comments that have just been made by the Deputy Minister for Health, which, in our view, attempts to politicise the matter. This is the matter of a tragic death, a matter that has now been announced as a subject of an investigation,” he said.

He further cautioned against linking the incident to the completion status of Agenda 111 projects or the certification of emergency medical teams.

“There should be no basis for which at this time the attempt to suggest that it is because the immediate past administration did not finish Agenda 111 buildings or EMTs have not been certified. Because if we descend into that arena, Mr. Speaker, we may be tempted to ask what the administration before the last one also did about that,” he added.

Mr. Oppong Nkrumah stressed that the priority should be ensuring a thorough and credible investigation into the circumstances surrounding the young man’s death rather than engaging in partisan exchanges.

“I am not sure what Ghanaians want to hear us talking about is an attempt to be doing partisan exchanges on this. What is important is that this investigation is done, and is done in a credible manner. What is important is that if some wrongdoing is found, the persons who would have engaged in it are held culpable, and, more importantly, Mr. Speaker, there is an assurance that going forward the emergency health processes that should take place in our health facilities across the country are very strongly observed,” he said.

He urged bipartisan cooperation to strengthen emergency healthcare delivery.

“…Across the aisle, we have to commit ourselves to ensure that no cedi should be spared in ensuring that facilities and personnel are made available to attend to the health needs of our people… This should not be a matter that is politicised in any way,” he emphasised.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Health Minister has reiterated that the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration is committed to addressing the country’s persistent “no bed syndrome” in hospitals.

Speaking on the Joy Super Morning Show, Dr Selormey stressed that simply adding beds to the country’s tertiary hospitals will not solve the problem if smaller hospitals are not equipped to handle emergencies closer to where they occur.

“There’s also the challenge of dumping. No matter how many beds we provide in Korle Bu, if all the peripheries are dumping into Korle Bu and are not strengthened, Korle Bu always have no beds. Ridge will always have no bed. Komfo Anokye will always have no bed,” he said.

The issue has been thrust into the spotlight following the reported death of 29‑year‑old engineer Charles Amissah, who allegedly died after being moved between three major hospitals in Accra without being admitted because of claimed bed unavailability.

He added that equipping peripheral facilities with adequate human resources and necessary logistics is crucial to managing cases such as road traffic accidents and other emergencies at the community level.

“It is important that we begin to equip the peripheral facilities both with human resource the necessary logistics to be able to handle a lot more of the cases as close as possible to the communities where the issues happen,” Dr Selormey explained.

The incident, which reportedly occurred on February 6, 2026, is said to have resulted in the victim’s death.

Addressing Parliament, the Effutu Member of Parliament insisted that the matter must not be swept under the carpet, stressing that any individual found culpable should face sanctions to serve as a deterrent.

According to him, the Health Committee must conduct a comprehensive probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident to establish whether there was any breach of duty or professional negligence.

“Mr Speaker, with your directive, summon the Chief Executive Officers and the heads of the emergency units of the three hospitals involved. They must produce duty rosters and bed occupancy records for that night,” he urged.

He further called for a determination on whether the 2018 Ghana Health Service directive on emergency care was violated.

“They should conclusively establish whether the directive was breached and determine whether professional misconduct or negligence occurred. If misconduct is established, sanctions must follow; if negligence is proven, prosecution must follow,” he stated.

Mr Afenyo-Markin also appealed to the Ghana Police Service to intensify efforts to track down the driver responsible for the hit-and-run incident.

“I call upon the Ghana Police Service to deploy every available resource, investigative technique and intelligence capability to identify and apprehend the suspect,” he added.

This project, valued at ninety-five thousand US dollars ($95,000), aims to strengthen primary healthcare capacity. As a global grant project, it will make life-saving care more accessible to over 40,000 residents of the Agbogbloshie slum community.

The items donated included hospital beds, defibrillators, BP apparatus, ECG machines, oxygen cylinders, manual wheelchairs, ward screens, nebulizers, microscopes, lab incubators, chemistry analyzers, haematology analyzers, and many more.

In addition to medical equipment and supplies, the project funded the purchase of a 20kV standby generator to ensure the clinic operates 24/7 with uninterrupted power, allowing it to manage nighttime emergencies confidently.

The handover took place at Hopewell Community Clinic in Agbogbloshie and was attended by dignitaries including the District Governor of Rotary District 9104, Nanayaa Pokua Sriboe, Past District Governor Dennis Zubler, Mr Philip Okai Darko, the Director of Arm of Hope, as well as Rotarians from the Rotary Clubs of Accra-East and Elizabethtown, USA. Also present were healthcare professionals, local government representatives, community leaders, and members of the public.

Speaking at the event, the president of the Rotary Club of Accra-East, Miss Mary Elorm Addo, highlighted the significance of the collaboration and the journey that led to the donation, acknowledging the contributions of project partners.

“Today, in a collaborative effort with The Rotary Foundation and the Rotary Club of Elizabethtown, USA, we donate these medical equipment to enable Hopewell Community Clinic to deliver timely diagnosis, safer procedures, and an improved patient experience for the community,” she stated. She expressed her joy at being part of a project capable of saving thousands of lives and urged the staff and management to utilise the knowledge and skills gained from the project training sessions to maintain the equipment and make a positive impact.

The president of the Rotary Club of Elizabethtown, Rotarian Denise Grove, expressed her happiness about returning to Ghana after her first visit in 2015. She acknowledged the host club, the Rotary Club of Accra-East, for their partnership and hard work in transforming project ideas into reality.

“This project will provide opportunities to save the lives of children and mothers and ensure access to quality healthcare, as we Rotarians understand the importance of strong local healthcare systems,” she emphasized. President Denise added that this marks the beginning of a long-lasting partnership and collaboration between the two Rotary clubs.

Rotary International District 9104 Governor, Nanayaa Sriboe, mentioned that the donation aligns directly with Rotary’s mission statement: together we unite as clubs to take action to create lasting change worldwide. She added that the project also supports Rotary’s focus on disease prevention and treatment, and that investing in such initiatives will save millions of lives.

Mr Philip Okai Darko, Director of Arm of Hope Ghana, highlighted that many families in the community struggle to access affordable and quality healthcare. Illness often disrupts learning, weakens families, and deepens poverty. The clinic’s initiative was born out of this pressing need. On behalf of Arm of Hope, Mr Darko expressed heartfelt thanks to the Rotary clubs of Elizabethtown, USA, and Accra-East, Ghana, for their partnership, generosity, and belief in the vision that made the clinic a reality.

“The equipment and supplies you are handing over will directly impact lives, strengthen families, and support the well-being of our beneficiaries and the wider community,” he added.

Receiving the items on behalf of the clinic, Mr Aboagye Akuffo, Board Chair of Hopewell Community Clinic, expressed gratitude to the donors for their generous gesture. He added that the clinic will play a key role in primary healthcare delivery, as residents across the community will rely on its services. He also reiterated the call for more organisations to support community health initiatives.

The group also took advantage of their visit to conduct a tour of the clinic’s facilities.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Desk on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, Dr Yankson referenced the recent incident at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where a road accident victim died after reportedly being turned away from three hospitals while in an ambulance. Following the incident, the hospital’s management interdicted two doctors and two nurses in connection with the case.

“This tragedy shows exactly what is wrong with our emergency system,” Dr Yankson said. “We have a lot of structural and systemic gaps. A patient in an emergency can be denied care simply because the facility does not have the right equipment, personnel or expertise.”

He stressed that the problem is not limited to Korle Bu but reflects broader systemic weaknesses nationwide.

“Even if you have a polyclinic nearby, it might not be able to handle certain emergencies. The entire system, from pick-up to hospital care, needs a coordinated, well-funded plan,” he added.

Dr Yankson urged the government and the Ministry of Health to invest in a functional emergency response system, including a central command centre to monitor bed availability and ensure patients are directed to facilities capable of managing their conditions.

Reflecting on past efforts, he noted that emergency care guidelines introduced in 2011 have largely gone unimplemented.

“As a country, we have ignored this for decades. Every government has had the chance to fix it, yet the system remains inadequate,” he said.

Dr. Yankson called for emergency care to be elevated as a national priority, emphasising that proper investment and coordinated planning could help prevent tragedies similar to the Korle Bu incident.

Public outrage over the case has reignited debate about the state of Ghana’s emergency healthcare system, underscoring the urgent need for reforms to safeguard patients’ lives.

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In a press release issued on Monday, February 23, 2026, the hospital announced that the staff members have been suspended pending investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident and the subsequent death of the victim.

According to the statement, a committee has been constituted in line with established administrative procedures to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter.

The Board and Management of the hospital have called on all persons connected to the case to cooperate fully with the committee to ensure a fair and transparent investigation.

Management further reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the delivery of quality healthcare services, adding that further information will be communicated upon completion of the investigation.

She highlighted that shisha is a significant contributor to the increasing breast cancer cases among women between the ages of 28 and 40.

She revealed that Ghana records around 5,000 breast cancer diagnoses annually, with approximately 2,360 women losing their lives to the disease each year.

Dr. Beatrice Wiafe shared the information during a breast cancer awareness session and clinical screening event for members of the Methodist Church Ghana at Ejura in the Ashanti Region.

The event was part of Breast Care International’s ongoing outreach initiative, focused on raising awareness about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, the importance of early detection, and providing free clinical breast examinations to community members.

She expressed concern about young women getting into shisha smoking, noting that in the past, it was mostly men who smoked, but now women are also picking up the habit.

She pointed out that women who smoke shisha are not only at risk of breast cancer but are also more prone to contracting other non-communicable diseases.

As Chairperson of the Ghana Non-communicable Disease Alliance (GhNCDA), she stressed that the government should prioritize this issue to curb the growing health threat.

“If the youth are our future and young women are getting into shisha, which research shows one puff of shisha is equivalent to smoking 10 sticks of cigarettes, and authorities aren’t taking action, it means we’re basically setting them up to fail,” said Dr. Wiafe Addai.

“As the chairperson of the Non-communicable Diseases Alliance, we’re pleading with the government to ban shisha, just like Uganda has done.”

Dr. Beatrice Wiafe emphasized that certain lifestyle choices, such as skin bleaching, regularly eating fast food, and consuming alcoholic beverages—especially bitters—can increase a person’s risk of developing breast cancer.

She also noted that breast cancer is not exclusive to women, as men can also be affected, and urged men who smoke cigarettes to be cautious.

She emphasized the need for the government to equip all regional hospitals with mammography machines to boost breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

According to her, Ghana has limited access, with these machines only available in the Ashanti and Greater Accra regions.

This gap means many Ghanaians, especially those outside Ashanti and Greater Accra, are missing out on crucial breast cancer screenings and care.

As a result, diagnoses are often delayed, and treatment options are limited, contributing to the country’s high breast cancer mortality rate.

Beneficiaries of breast cancer screening programs are excited about Breast Care International’s outreach efforts.

They credit these initiatives with saving lives through early detection, reducing treatment severity, and boosting survival rates.

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According to him, the ward is witnessing a significant influx of patients, with the majority being young people, particularly commercial tricycle operators, popularly known as ‘Pragia’ riders.

He disclosed this in an interview with Adom News during a donation exercise by the Assembly Member for Manso Takorase, Dominic Bonsu, who presented medical equipment to the unit to enhance quality healthcare delivery.

Dr. Lit urged drivers and ‘Pragia’ riders to strictly adhere to road traffic regulations to help reduce the alarming trend.

“If you visit the Orthopaedic Ward at Komfo Anokye, you will realise that the wards are becoming overcrowded because many young people engage in reckless driving, which often results in road crashes,” he lamented.

He further noted that one of the major challenges confronting the unit is inadequate space to accommodate patients, especially those suffering from fractures.

“Our biggest challenge has to do with space. We need more room to properly manage patients with fractures, but currently, we are forced to manage with the limited space available,” he added.

Speaking on his motivation for the donation, the Manso Takorase Assembly Member, Dominic Bonsu, emphasised that government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of national development and therefore called on individuals and philanthropists to support health facilities.

“I donated items, including a standing BP apparatus, dressing trolley, wheelchairs, bed frames, and a vital signs monitor, to improve healthcare delivery at the facility. In addition, I paid GH¢12,000 to secure the discharge of a patient who had remained on admission due to financial constraints,” he stated.

Mr Bonsu further revealed plans to make a major donation to the hospital in the near future to further support quality healthcare delivery.

“We do not know when or how any of us may become patients here one day, so it is important that we all contribute our quota to support the hospital,” he said.

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Speaking on Nyinsen Ne Awuo, hosted by Afia Amankwah on Adom 106.3 FM, she explained that in normal pregnancies, sexual activity does not cause miscarriage.

“Pregnancy is not sickness, so it shouldn’t be a hindrance to sex for couples,” she stated.

According to Midwife Awuvafoge, many men avoid their pregnant partners out of fear of harming the baby, while some women lose interest due to stress, discomfort, or hormonal changes.

She added that semen contains prostaglandins, which may help soften the cervix as labour approaches, and highlighted the importance of emotional bonding during pregnancy for both partners.

The discussion sparked emotional reactions from listeners. One woman revealed that her husband sometimes sleeps outside the bedroom and refuses intimacy due to fear of her pregnancy.

A male caller said he had heard that sex during pregnancy could affect the baby’s development—a claim the midwife dismissed, explaining that the baby is well protected in the womb.

Another woman recounted how her husband avoided intimacy for six months after birth because he no longer found her attractive.

Midwife Awuvafoge encouraged women to maintain cleanliness and confidence, stressing that attraction and intimacy require effort from both partners.

However, she cautioned that sex should be avoided in cases of complications such as bleeding, placenta previa, risk of preterm labour, or when advised against by a doctor.

Nyinsen Ne Awuo airs every Sunday from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Adom 106.3 FM.

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Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, February 21, 2026, Dr. Okoe Boye explained that emergency departments are inherently high-risk financial centres. These units provide immediate, life-saving care often without guaranteed payment, creating significant bad debt exposure for both private and quasi-public hospitals.

“Beyond the concerns of infrastructure and the lack of equipment, a major issue in the sector is health financing,” he said, highlighting that the current model forces emergency referrals and can push hospitals into unsustainable debt.

Dr. Okoe Boye illustrated the problem using the example of an accident victim admitted to Focus Hospital, a private facility equipped with advanced capabilities. Despite its expertise, patients are often required to make substantial deposits—sometimes up to GH¢50,000—before treatment can begin.

“If nobody can raise that amount of money, Focus Hospital would like to move you to Ridge Hospital because that is a government facility,” he explained, noting that public hospitals can absorb part of the financial burden when bills go unpaid.

He stressed that emergency care cannot be delayed for financial clearance, yet private facilities operating under strict financial models struggle to sustain prolonged unpaid care.

Dr. Okoe Boye also cited Bank Hospital, describing it as one of Ghana’s best-equipped hospitals comparable to facilities in the United States.

Despite government support during construction, the hospital operates on a self-financing model and requires deposits to maintain operations. Similarly, some patients initially admitted to private facilities are later transferred to Police Hospital, not due to lack of expertise or equipment, but because families cannot meet financial demands.

“In this case, the referral is not because they do not have the expertise and equipment, but because of finance,” he emphasised.

As a solution, Dr. Okoe Boye proposed the creation of a dedicated emergency healthcare fund financed partly through motor insurance contributions.

“Going forward, when we pay motor insurance, a percentage should be put into a fund—like the Mahama Care Fund—where any emergency case can be handled at any private hospital, at least for a number of days,” he suggested.

He argued that such a fund would allow accident victims to receive immediate life-saving care at private facilities without being prematurely transferred due to financial constraints.

“If your life could have been saved, the agreed time could at least save you,” he concluded.

The directive comes in the wake of the February 17 baby theft incident at Mamprobi Polyclinic, which the Minister called “unacceptable and preventable.” He assured the public that concrete measures are being implemented to prevent similar occurrences.

Mr Akandoh emphasised strict adherence to Ghana Health Service protocols, including the immediate reinforcement of baby-and-parent tagging systems in health facilities. He also called for stronger collaboration with security agencies to improve safety within hospitals and clinics.

During a working tour, the Minister visited Mamprobi Polyclinic, the College of Health Sciences, the Nursing and Midwifery Training College, and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital to assess infrastructure, service delivery, and workforce preparedness.

At Korle Bu, he met with the mother of the recovered baby to express solidarity and reaffirm the Ministry’s commitment to justice and strengthened safety measures.

Mr Akandoh also welcomed calls by the area’s Member of Parliament, Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, for the expansion of labour, postnatal, and recovery wards. He stressed that infrastructure upgrades and reinforced security protocols are central to ongoing health sector reforms.

Beyond infrastructure, the Minister highlighted the importance of human resource development. He outlined plans to deploy newly trained health professionals promptly to facilities facing critical staffing gaps and revealed that selected nursing institutions will be upgraded into post-basic speciality schools to address shortages in specialised care.

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving standards, safeguarding patients, and restoring public confidence in Ghana’s healthcare delivery system.

Dr. Obed Benyin-Mensah, the Medical Superintendent, told Adom News that the absence of fencing allows both people and animals to enter the facility at any time, endangering the safety of staff and patients.

He also highlighted that, unlike many hospitals in the country that have adopted electronic medical records, Asutifi North District Hospital still relies on paper folders. This outdated system complicates workflow for both staff and patients.

Additionally, Dr. Obed noted that the hospital lacks a designated clinic for pregnant women, meaning they are mixed with other patients—a situation he said is not conducive to providing quality healthcare.

He is urging the government and relevant stakeholders to support the hospital in addressing these challenges to enhance healthcare delivery.

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The initiative is part of efforts to strengthen public trust in locally manufactured vaccines and ensure long-term health security as the country works toward vaccine sustainability and sovereignty.

The survey, which began on February 16 and ends on March 10, 2026, is being conducted in 55 districts across all 16 regions.

It involves structured interviews with 11,077 respondents selected through random sampling, alongside seven focus group discussions to gather qualitative insights.

According to the NVI, the study will assess public attitudes toward vaccines, identify drivers of confidence, examine barriers to acceptance of Made-in-Ghana vaccines, and track misinformation trends that may undermine uptake.

Chief Executive Officer of the NVI, Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, said the initiative is aimed at listening to communities and building trust.

“This is not a sales pitch. We genuinely want to listen and understand. The information provided is strictly confidential,” he stated.

The Institute noted that findings from the survey will inform communication strategies, guide region-specific interventions, and establish a national baseline for vaccine confidence as Ghana expands its vaccine manufacturing capacity.

Residents in the selected districts have been encouraged to participate, with the NVI assuring that all responses will remain confidential.

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According to the latest update, seven deaths have been recorded since the outbreak began, while one patient remains on admission receiving medical care.

Health authorities say Mpox continues to spread primarily through close physical contact with infected individuals, including skin-to-skin contact, respiratory droplets, or contact with contaminated materials such as clothing and bedding.

The Ghana Health Service is urging the public to remain vigilant and report early symptoms to health facilities to prevent further transmission.

Key symptoms to watch for include fever, skin rash, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and extreme tiredness.

Officials emphasise that early detection and prompt medical attention are critical in controlling the spread and improving recovery outcomes.

Health authorities have assured the public that Ghana’s surveillance and response systems remain active and capable of managing the situation, while urging continued cooperation to contain the outbreak.

The intervention is expected to boost the hospital’s capacity to deliver life-saving procedures and reduce delays in critical heart treatments.

As part of efforts to ensure the project remains on schedule, the Fund’s Administrator, Obuobia Darko-Opoku, paid a working visit to the facility.

She was accompanied by the Chief Executive Officer of ADB Ghana Medicals Limited, Mr Adann Benjamin Diaz, to assess the progress of work at first hand and engage with technical teams on site.

Officials confirmed that decommissioning and preparatory works are currently underway, marking a crucial phase in the restoration process.

These initial steps are necessary to pave the way for the installation and calibration of upgraded equipment to support advanced diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures.

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund indicated that it is collaborating closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure the project is completed by the end of March.

Stakeholders are adhering to strict timelines and technical standards to guarantee quality delivery.

Describing the initiative as a critical intervention for Ghana’s healthcare system, the Fund reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a hands-on approach and ensuring the successful completion of the restoration project.

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The collaboration was formally marked by the arrival of Emily Helen Davidson, an official assessor from Project C.U.R.E., who will work closely with the Ghana Medical Trust Fund team, led by Dr. Norbert Kipo.

During her visit, Ms. Davidson will conduct detailed assessments across selected teaching and referral hospitals, identifying priority gaps in equipment and supplies to improve the country’s capacity to manage non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancer.

Speaking at the start of the engagement, Dr. Kipo described the visit as timely and impactful.

“This is more than a visit; it is a partnership that brings progress. Through this collaboration, we are ensuring that every intervention is evidence-based and aligned with the real needs of our hospitals,” he said.

Ms. Davidson emphasised Project C.U.R.E.’s commitment to providing targeted support.

“Over the coming days, we will engage hospital leadership to assess infrastructure, staffing, patient volumes, and critical equipment gaps. Our goal is to ensure that every donation is relevant and responsive to Ghana’s healthcare priorities,” she said.

The findings from the 10-day assessment will guide tailored plans to deliver essential diagnostic equipment and consumables to the hospitals.

Officials say the initiative reflects a shared vision to improve healthcare outcomes and strengthens the government’s commitment to tackling NCDs under the broader “Mahama Cares” agenda.

“We care, and truly, Mahama Cares,” Dr. Kipo added.

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The delegation was led by the Chief Executive Officer for the Service, Dr George Kojo Owusu, and other top management members.

Speaking at the meeting, Dr. George highlighted that Ridge Hospital and the National Ambulance Service (NAS) share significant commonalities.

As one of the top ten facilities receiving patients from NAS, he emphasised the need for the two institutions to strengthen communication and coordination during patient referrals to help reduce the “no bed” situation.

Dr. Leslie Issa Adam-Zakariah, Medical Director of Ridge Hospital, noted that the hospital operates an efficient bed management system, making it a reliable receiving center for emergency medical teams.

He added, however, that there is still room for improvement to further enhance the referral process.

Records indicate that NAS transported over 1,005 referred cases to Ridge Hospital for advanced care within the year, accounting for roughly 5% of all referrals nationwide.

NAS continues to uphold its commitment to providing prompt, professional, and life-saving emergency medical services to Ghanaians.

The programme, which aired on Wednesday, February 11, featured Abigail’s candid discussion about living with vitiligo, a skin condition that causes loss of skin pigment. Her appearance was aimed at raising awareness about the condition and promoting understanding.

“Everybody looks at me differently, and some say I’m pretty,” Abigail said, recalling how people react to her condition. She revealed that she was told her melanin cells are destroyed and her skin colour will change.

Abigail said she began noticing symptoms at 17, with the first patches appearing on her lips. “It doesn’t have any particular age,” she said, emphasising that vitiligo can affect anyone at any stage of life.

Despite the challenges, she said her doctor helped her build self-awareness by encouraging her to accept herself. “He told me to accept who I am, that’s who I am now,” she said.

Abigail explained that she was initially prescribed pills, which slowed the symptoms. However, they returned twofold when she stopped taking them. “I wasn’t confident like now because it was new to me,” she admitted.

She also faced numerous questions and doubts from people, including her parents, who were cautious because no one in their family had vitiligo. While some people admire her appearance, others ask ignorant questions.

“Some people ask if I got burnt,” Abigail shared, highlighting the misconceptions surrounding vitiligo. She noted that there is a possibility the condition could progress, describing it as a “50-50 affair”.

Abigail’s story stands as a testament to self-acceptance and resilience, as she continues to use her platform to challenge stigma and educate the public about vitiligo.

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Kwaku accused his wife of selling her wedding ring, packing her belongings, and walking out of their home without explanation. He appeared on the show, hosted by Ohemaa Benewa, alongside panel members Lady Gold, Evangelist De Graph Adai, and Gifty Donkor (Big Mama), seeking answers, justice, and perhaps some closure.

According to Kwaku, the saga began when he fell ill. Financially strained and vulnerable, he had little support during that period.

“I was sick and had nothing,” he recounted. “When I finally returned home from the hospital, my wife told me she wanted a new ring. She said she would sell the old one and buy another.”

But, as Kwaku revealed to the Obra panel, the new ring never materialised.

“She sold the ring, but I never saw a new one. That was the beginning of everything,” he said, shaking his head.

The situation took a strange turn when his wife also fell ill and was hospitalised. After her discharge, she returned home, only to pack her belongings and leave silently.

“When she came back, I asked why she had left. Instead of giving me an explanation, she insulted me and refused to discuss anything,” Kwaku told Ohemaa Benewa, his voice trembling.

The shocking revelation left the studio buzzing. Lady Gold immediately questioned the sudden disappearance. “You can’t just walk away from a marriage like it’s a weekend trip! Selling your wedding ring is symbolic — it’s a sign the heart is already gone,” she stated.

Evangelist De Graph Adai took a moral perspective: “Marriage is a covenant. Illness, stress, or disagreements should not make someone abandon their responsibilities. Accountability is key,” he said.

Meanwhile, Big Mama Gifty Donkor focused on the emotional toll. “This man is left confused, heartbroken, and publicly humiliated. And the audience can feel the pain. Where is the compassion in this?” she asked, visibly shaken.

Phone lines lit up immediately. One male caller sympathised with the wife:

“Maybe she had her reasons. Perhaps she was tired of caring for him while he was ill.”

But a female listener fired back: “Selling the wedding ring and vanishing? That is disrespect. How do you teach your children commitment if you run away from marriage?”

Kwaku insisted he has done nothing to deserve such treatment. Yet, he admitted that he still hopes for a civil resolution.

“I have not done anything to deserve this. But if she truly wants a divorce, we should at least sit down and talk about it. Marriage is not something you abandon silently,” he told the panel.

As the discussion drew to a close, Ohemaa Benewa addressed the public and the couple directly. “This story is heartbreaking. Illness, money, rings, and packed bags — it’s not just a marriage issue; it’s a human one. Communication and respect must guide any resolution.”

She added a caution to viewers: “Let this be a lesson: never let silence, pride, or misunderstanding destroy a home. And for those who walk away, leave explanations behind, not just empty rooms and sold rings.”

The case remains unresolved, with the wife’s whereabouts unclear. For now, Kwaku Ofori is left waiting — not just for answers, but for closure, dignity, and perhaps the return of a ring that now symbolises more than just gold.

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