Month: December 2023

The World Health Organisation declared that COVID-19 was no longer a global health emergency of international concern almost halfway into the year.

Ghana free from sleeping sickness

In January, Ghana eliminated gambiense Human African trypanosomiasis, a life-threatening sleeping sickness transmitted by tsetse flies that causes significant harm to rural populations living in poverty in sub-Saharan Africa.

Funding for Malaria, HIV and TB

The Global Fund allocated $234 million to Ghana to enhance the fight against HIV/ AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria by 2025.

The grant was also to help the country build a resilient and sustainable system for health.

Childhood Immunisation Vaccine Shortage

There was a widespread shortage of some vaccines used for routine immunisation of babies from birth to at least 18 months.

Malaria Vaccine Authorization

In April Ghana became the first country in the world to approve a new malaria vaccine from Oxford University, a potential step forward in fighting a disease that kills
hundreds of thousands of children each year.

Lassa Fever Outbreak

On 2 May 2023, the Ghana Health Service declared the end of the Lassa fever outbreak in the Greater Accra Region.

The declaration was made after 42 days had elapsed since the last case was discharged, which is twice the maximum incubation period for Lassa fever.

Exodus of Health Workers

July saw the exodus of more experienced nurses in search of greener pastures as about 10,209 nurses, sought clearance with the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) Secretariat to leave the country.

Vaccine Manufacturing

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo cut the sod for the construction of the DEK Vaccine Manufacturing Factory at Medie-Kotoku, in the Greater Accra Region.

The factory is expected to manufacture 600 million doses of vaccines annually from 2024.

HIV Self Testing

Ghana launched an HIV Self-Testing (HIVST) programme to empower Ghanaians to check their HIV status in the comfort and privacy of their homes.

GHS Network
of Practice

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) introduced the Network of Practice, an initiative that will bring together a group of existing public, private and faith-based health facilities at the sub-district level, and within a catchment area, to be interconnected through a district health centre, where each of the facilities would provide holistic and quality primary healthcare services.

High Cost of Dialysis

In October, the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) increased the cost of renal dialysis from GHSS380 to GHSS765.42. This was met with public outcry.

Mental Health

The World Health Organisation (WHO) expressed grave concern over the state of mental health in Ghana, revealing that nearly 2.4 million Ghanaians may be grappling with various forms of mental illness.

The WHO emphasised the urgent need for collaborative efforts to bolster the country’s faltering mental healthcare system, focusing on both infrastructure and technical support.

To address the increasing rate of mental health issues in the c
ountry, President Akufo-Addo announced the inclusion of mental health care in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) starting in 2024.

‘Next year, mental health care will be added to the benefit package on the National Health Insurance Scheme,’ he assured.

Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta announced the resumption of work on the La General Hospital Project, which had stalled.
Source: Ghana News Agency

It was a long wait for Davido’s anticipated performance at the 2023 AfroFuture festival, but that wait was indeed worth it as one of Africa’s biggest Afrobeats superstar delivered a musical thriller.

The newly rebranded AfroFuture festival took centre stage in Accra, Ghana, with over 20,000 patrons from all over the world converging at the El-wak Sports Stadium for the two-day event.

Day one of the festival was magnificent, but day two witnessed a historic and memorable performance from the award-winning Grammy artiste who thrilled patrons with back-to-back hits for over an hour.

The lights inside the El-wak Sports Stadium were turned up prior to Davido’s opener, and they stayed on throughout his performances with the firecrackers lighting up the skies.

Ghanaian artiste King Promise, who is a known close friend of Davido, pulled off a surprise appearance on stage, performing his global hit song ‘Terminator’.

But it was Stonebwoy’s cameo on stage that triggered the energy level in the crowd as he perform
ed the ‘Activate’ hit track together with Davido on stage.

It was never a dull moment with Stonebwoy, with the multiple award-winning Ghanaian artiste showcasing his ruthless stagecraft.

Another Afrobeats superstar, Adekunle Gold, also amped-up the energy levels crowd with his thrilling performance, as did South Africa’s Musa Keys.

Ghanaian musical duo R2Bees were certainly one of the top performers on the night, as they delivered a remarkable performance, igniting a roar from the crowd.

Certainly, Afrobeats has a bright future, and the 2023 AfroFuture festival delivered some memorable performances in celebration of Africa’s diverse musical culture.
Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced that the implementation of the 10 per cent withholding tax on the gross winnings of lotteries will start on Monday, January 1, 2024.

The 10 per cent tax, which is also applicable to betting, gaming and other games of chance, comes following a six- month expiration granted to enable the National Lottery Authority (NLA), and Private Lotto Operators (PLOs) to prepare for the implementation.

‘The extension expires in December 2023, and, therefore the NLA and the PLOs are required to commence the implementation of the withholding tax on Lotto Gross winnings effective January 2024,’ a statement from the GRA said.

The statement urged patrons, players, punters, operators, and tax consultants to take note of this directive.

It reminded operators that failure to do so would be considered an offence under Section 78 of the Revenue Administration Act, 2016 (Act 915).

The Act stipulates that offender is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than 1,000 pena
lty units (GHS12,000) and not more than 2,500 penalty units (GHS30,000) or to a term of imprisonment of not less than two years and not more five years or to both.
Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Dennis Gowugade, a teacher trainee National Service Person and farmer at Odomi in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region, has been shot dead by unknown gunmen on his farm.

Sources said Gowugade went to his farm on Friday to gather foodstuffs when he was shot.

They attributed the incident to the ethnic disturbance between Akyodes on one hand and the Adeles and Challas on the other.

This brings to a total of about 16 persons killed since the conflict broke some two months ago, following a tribal conflict between the three ethic tribes.

Meanwhile, the Nkwanta township is under 1700 – 0600 hours curfew, excluding the surrounding communities.

Some residents, who spoke to with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), requested the curfew to be extended to the fringe communities to curtail escalation of hostilities and criminal activities.

Mr Joshua Makubu, the Oti Regional Minister and Chair of the Security Council (REGSEC), confirming the incident, appealed to the people to give peace a chance and seek red
ress at appropriate quarters.

Nana Mprah Besemuna III, President of the Oti Regional House of Chiefs, in a recent press conference, appealed to the various factions to use dialogue to resolve their differences instead of resorting to use of arms and to embrace peace for the development of Nkwanta and the region as a whole.

He said the security agencies would investigate the incident and ensure the perpetrators were made to face the law.

Video footage showed some police and military officers retrieving the deceased’s body from the farm, which they had deposited at the Municipal Hospital morgue for preservation.
Source: Ghana News Agency

The Chiefs and people of Aflao in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region have honored Mr Divine Kporha, a nurse, for emerging the 2023 National Best Nurse and Midwife.

They presented to him an undisclosed amount of money, a Nissan Ameri Saloon car, and a Citation.

Torgbui Adzongaga Amenya Fiti V, the Paramount Chief of Aflao Traditional Area, at a ceremony in Aflao, acknowledged Mr Kporha for his hard work.

‘I urge you to keep, build, and concentrate on your career first before thinking about politics because putting politics ahead would sink your efforts,’ he advised.

Togbui Fiti said the recognition signified the contributions of Mr Kporha’s journey, courage, and dedication to the nursing profession.

He urged others to emulate his hard work to build a stronger network to bring merit and make a positive impact on the lives of the people.

Dr Kwasi Asare-Badiako, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kings Hand Hospital at Aflao, who played a vital role in Mr Kporha’s nursing career development,
described him as a diligent and a dedicated person who ‘delivers tasks with perfection.’

Mr Kporha, on his part, expressed gratitude for the honour and commended the traditional authorities and the people of Ketu South for the gesture.

‘As a young nurse, l am only dedicated to giving back to the communities voluntarily.’

‘My greatest gratitude goes to the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) for recognising my contributions to humanity and the honor bestowed on me.’

Mr Kporha has contributed to several humanitarian projects, which included the construction of a neonatal intensive care unit, provision of potable water for communities, and championing good sanitation practices in many areas.

He also won the District Best Nurse and Midwife, and Volta Regional Best Nurse and Midwife wards for the year 2023.
Source: Ghana News Agency

MTN Ghana has organised a health walk and aerobic session for media practitioners in the Ashanti Region as part of efforts to strengthen partnership between the company and the media.

The maiden exercise saw a massive participation by practitioners from virtually all media organisations in the region.

Warrant Officer (WO) Austin Power from the Armed Forces, who led the aerobic session, took participants through various workouts aimed at burning fats to keep them healthy and fit for their strenuous jobs.

He underscored the need for journalists to always eat well balanced diet and stay active physically.

Journalists worked long hours due to the demanding nature of their profession, hence the important to spare some time for exercise to keep deseases at bay, he said.

Mr Simon Amoh, the Acting Commercial Manager, MTN Northern Business District, reiterated the need for journalists to exercise regularly.

He said MTN would consider making the walk part of its calendar to improve the health of journalists and
build a strong working relationship with the media.

Mr Kingsley Hope, the Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), urged MTN Ghana to continuously deepen the mutual working relations with journalists through such events.

The walk commenced at the Nhyiaeso premises of MTN through the Central Business District and back to the MTN office, where the aerobic session was held.

Participants also took part in penalty shootouts between the print, television, radio and online practitioners to spice up the exercise.
Source: Ghana News Agency

A Christian literature, titled: ‘Discover The Power of Your Inner Man’ has been launched in Accra to guide the hearts of Christians in the course of applying faith.

The 197-page book is authored by Pastor Charles Adu Mensah of the Winners Chapel, Oyibi branch.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency on the sidelines of the launch at the church, Pastor Mensah said he had nurtured the desire to write on how the Christian faith worked.

‘It is a marvellous thing I have discovered and my faith is working all the time. If a believer wants to live by faith, he can live by faith,’ he said.

‘The faith of Christians does not seem to work sometimes but according to the Bible it should work all the time.’

He said newborn Christians in particular needed the book to be able to grow and do exploits.

Pastor Ebenezer Wonderful, the Resident Pastor, Winners Chapel, and the guest speaker, urged the faithful to get a copy of the book and digest the contents.

Backed by prayers, they would witness marvellous results, he
said.

‘If we don’t use our faith, it becomes dormant, and we fail to realise the power of God in some situations of our lives,’ he said.

Pastor Wonderful admonished Christians to read the book and constantly apply their faith to witness the power of God.

Dr Daniel Gamati, the guest of honour, stated that the Christian literature was a valuable asset to all believers in Christ and urged everyone to get a copy to boost their faith as it taught the practical steps to benefitting from God’s word.

The book was replete with accounts of people who had taken such practical steps of faith and witnessed amazing results, he said.

The first copy was sold for 1,000 cedis.
Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, says he has taken full responsibility for any message attributed to the Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia at the SAMANPID Festival at Bawku in the Upper East Region.

‘I hereby state that the speech was my own speech and did not emanate from the Vice President himself or his office,’ he said in a statement he personally signed and issued.

It said the Minister attended the 36th SAMANPID Festival held on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Bawku and delivered a speech to congratulate the Chiefs and people for the occasion.

The statement said he was detailed to represent the President of the Republic of Ghana and personally wrote the speech and inadvertently read it on behalf of the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana.

It emphasised that the peace being sought after by all Ghanaians was the overriding purpose of the message he conveyed in the speech.
Source: Ghana News Agency

The Government is committed to providing support to persons with disability (PWDs) to improve their livelihoods, Mr Isaac Kwadwo Buabeng, the Nsawam-Adoagyiri Municipal Chief Executive, said on Friday.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, he said the government would assist them to generate income to enhance their livelihoods instead of begging on the streets.

Mr Buabeng said this after he had presented assorted items, including 10 refrigerators and beverages to 11 PWDs in the municipality at a ceremony at Nsawam in the Eastern Region.

He urged the beneficiaries to use the refrigerators to generate income to support themselves and improve their living standards.

Mr Patrick Oppong, the Director, Nsawam-Adoagyiri Municipal Social Welfare, said the Assembly would continue to support the poor and the vulnerable so they could also enjoy a dignified life.

He entreated the beneficiaries not to sell the items ‘for quick money’ but do business with them to serve the purpose for which they were donated.

M
r Kwame Abedi, Chairman of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisation, expressed gratitude to the Government for the support and appealed to philanthropists and non-governmental organizations to extend assistance to them.
Source: Ghana News Agency

Tomorrow Sunday, December 31, is the last day of the year 2023, and various churches across the globe will be filled to capacity to usher in the new year.

The Ghana News Agency went to town to ascertain why the night, which has come to be known as ‘crossover night’ is deemed so special.

Both the Clergy and the laity who spoke to the GNA were unanimous in their views that the day is for thanking God and asking for His guidance in the ensuing year.

The Reverend Philip Atsiago, SSNIT Flats District Pastor, Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana in Ho, said people throng the various churches to express gratitude to God for taking them through the challenges of the past year.

The night had come to stay as it was patronised by both Christians and non-Christians, he noted.

‘During the 31st night worshippers must remember to put their trust in the Lord and pray for peace for the country,’ he said.

Rev. Samuel Amegboe, the Area Head of Assemblies of God Church, Awudome Tsito in the Ho West district, said the tr
adition might have originated from the traditional system where the forefathers made thanksgiving sacrifices to the gods.

Christians also used the crossover to show gratitude to God and also commit themselves to Him in the unforeseen year, he said, adding; ‘The fear of the unknown makes all of us run to the Supreme God that night for protection in the following year.’

He entreated all citizens to hold fast to their new year resolutions and endeavour to achieve them.

Rev. Richard Mawufemor Agbi, in charge of the Kingdom Life Congregation of the Global Evangelical Church, Adaklu Kodzobi, said 31st night was an opportunity to take stock of the year, which was ending, and also plan for the future.

It was an opportunity to thank God for His mercies, grace and compassion.

Apostle Dr. Peter Etsey, Head Pastor of the Salvation Assemblies of God Church, Adaklu Kodzobi, said: ‘The night is very special in the sense that people know what they’ve gone through in the ending year …but the coming year is like darkness,
and we need a light to take us through it.’

‘We should not be interested in the night alone but the God behind it and what lies ahead of us and also recommit ourselves to Him.’

Elder Cephas Agbati of the Church of Pentecost, said during the crossover people rededicated their lives to Jesus and many others received Christ.

Mr Kofi Tsitsianyo, a resident of Ho said though he was not a Christian, he perceived the day as special, when people connected with the Supreme Being.

He noted that though he did not attend Church services he had been a regular attendee of the crossover night for the past five years, and this year’s would be no exception.
Source: Ghana News Agency