Ministry of Health Urges Doctors to Embrace Nationwide Postings for Equitable Healthcare
In a renewed push to ensure quality healthcare across Ghana, the Ministry of Health, under the leadership of Mintah Akandoh, has called on newly recruited doctors to accept their postings to hospitals and health facilities in all regions and districts of the country. This initiative, according to a statement from the Ministry, forms part of ongoing efforts to “equitably and fairly distribute doctors across the country,” so that every community, urban or rural, can access quality medical care. “This exercise is part of the Ministry’s broader commitment to improve evenly distribution of health professionals to ensure quality healthcare delivery nationwide,” the statement emphasized. The Ministry outlined that the placement process is being carried out strictly through its official online portal. Officials cautioned that no individual or group has been authorized to collect money or influence postings in any form. “Placement is being done strictly through the official online portal, and no individual or group has been authorized to collect money or influence postings,” the statement reiterated. Eligible doctors were strongly warned against engaging with middlemen or paying money to anyone promising to speed up or alter their postings. “Do not give money to any persons who promise to alter or fast-track your postings,” the Ministry cautioned, urging all applicants to remain vigilant against fraud. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to achieving universal health coverage by maintaining a strict policy of equitable distribution of doctors to all districts. “In our quest to achieve universal health coverage, the Ministry of Health is firmly maintaining its policy of equitable distribution of doctors to all districts,” the statement explained. All qualified doctors currently undergoing recruitment were encouraged to visit the official Ministry of Health website and complete their registration before the approved deadline on the portal. The Ministry expressed confidence that with the support and cooperation of new doctors, every region in Ghana would benefit from skilled healthcare professionals, helping to build a healthier and more equitable nation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Tragedy at Nangani Checkpoint: Immigration Officers Attacked by Gunmen in Upper East Region
A wave of shock and sorrow has swept through the Upper East Region following a violent attack on Ghana Immigration Service officers at the Nangani checkpoint in the Tempane District. The harrowing incident, which occurred between 10:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., has left two officers shot and another critically injured, according to information circulating on social media and confirmed by Apexnewsgh sources. The circulated social media post indicates that the attack was carried out by unidentified gunmen, suspected to be bandits operating in the volatile Bawku area. Emergency responders rushed the wounded officers to the nearest hospital, but despite medical efforts, one of the victims sadly succumbed to his injuries. The remaining officer is reported to be in critical condition, fighting for his life as colleagues and family members anxiously await updates. The incident has heightened concerns about the security situation in the region, especially for frontline officers tasked with maintaining order and protecting Ghana’s borders. Authorities have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators, and security has been tightened at key checkpoints across the district. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Unemployed Teachers Urge Government to Fulfill Recruitment Promise Amid Growing Uncertainty
With the year drawing to a close, anxiety and frustration are mounting among thousands of newly trained teachers in Ghana. The Coalition of Unemployed Trained Teachers (CUTT), representing 2023 graduates from public Colleges of Education, has issued an urgent appeal to the government to honor its pledge to recruit 60,000 personnel, 50,000 teachers and 10,000 non-teaching staff, into the education sector before the end of 2025. The promise, made by Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu on June 25, 2025, during a parliamentary session, brought hope to thousands of unemployed graduates. However, with less than two months left in the year, CUTT says there has been little progress. The critical step of financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance, required to kickstart the recruitment process, remains outstanding. For the members of CUTT, the delay is not just a bureaucratic setback, it is a source of economic hardship and emotional distress. Many are struggling to make ends meet, grappling with uncertainty about their future despite their eagerness to serve in classrooms across the nation. “We are appealing to the government to expedite our recruitment into the teaching service before the start of the second term of the 2025/2026 academic year,” CUTT stated in a recent release. The coalition’s leadership, including President Agyei Godwin Dakede, 1st Vice President Atakorah Nelson, 2nd Vice President Eshun De-Graft Brown, Secretary Toboase Frank Kwasi, and Organiser Paul Offeh Karikari, have been at the forefront of advocacy efforts. They say the government’s silence is weighing heavily on thousands of qualified teachers who feel sidelined after years of rigorous training and national service. CUTT’s concerns are echoed in communities nationwide, where the shortage of teachers is already affecting classroom learning. Schools in both urban and rural areas report overcrowded classrooms and a lack of instructional support, impacting the quality of education for Ghanaian children. “Our strong desire is to contribute to Ghana’s educational development, but we remain jobless and uncertain about our future,” the coalition emphasized. To draw attention to their plight, CUTT has called on the media to highlight their situation through interviews, coverage, and feature segments. The group believes that greater public awareness could help sway policymakers and accelerate the recruitment process. “We urge the media to help amplify our plight. Increased public awareness could help influence policymakers to act swiftly,” the coalition stated. The sense of urgency is palpable. With the academic calendar advancing, many worry that further delays could see another cohort of qualified teachers left on the sidelines. The coalition argues that filling these vacancies would not only offer relief to unemployed graduates but would also strengthen Ghana’s education system, improve student outcomes, and reduce the burden on overworked staff in schools. CUTT maintains that with timely government intervention and robust media support, the issue of teacher unemployment can be tackled head-on. For the thousands waiting for a chance to step into classrooms and make a difference, the hope is that the government will keep its word and act, before the opportunity is lost yet again. As the clock ticks toward the end of 2025, the voices of Ghana’s unemployed teachers grow louder, unified in their plea for action, dignity, and the chance to serve the nation’s children. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Germany’s President Pledges €65 Million Support and Deeper Ties During Landmark Ghana Visit
President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, reaffirmed his country’s enduring partnership with Ghana during a three-day state visit marked by historic milestones and new pledges of support. Addressing dignitaries at the seat of government, President Steinmeier hailed Ghana as “a living democracy, a key regional actor, and an important partner for Germany in West Africa.” His visit, the fourth since becoming president, was especially significant as it marked 50 years of German–Ghanaian development cooperation. Central to the visit was the announcement of a €65 million (about GH₵823 million) support package, newly approved by the German Bundestag, for a range of development projects in Ghana. President Steinmeier explained that this funding would bolster joint initiatives in health, digital innovation, and vocational training. “Together, we are creating the foundations for sustainable economic development that will benefit both Ghana and Germany,” he said. The German leader emphasized his country’s commitment to Ghana’s youth, pointing to ongoing programs designed to equip young Ghanaians with skills in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and the digital economy. He also highlighted efforts to expand renewable energy and improve energy efficiency—areas where Germany’s expertise continues to play a key role. President Steinmeier announced a new agreement for regular high-level consultations between the two countries, covering bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual concern. On the economic front, he noted that Ghana had become one of Germany’s most important partners in sub-Saharan Africa. Bilateral trade grew by more than 25 percent last year, reaching €626 million (GH₵8.3 billion)—a testament to deepening commercial ties. Citing Ghana’s stability, educated workforce, English-language advantage, and geographical proximity to Europe, the president described the country as an attractive destination for German investors. He was accompanied by a delegation of business leaders from sectors including infrastructure, technology, and medical innovation, all seeking to explore opportunities in Ghana. Scientific collaboration was another highlight, with President Steinmeier praising partnerships like the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, where Ghanaian and German researchers work together on vaccine research and epidemic prevention. Germany is also supporting the expansion of a vocational training centre and a new nursing school near Kumasi, which will train 200 specialised nurses annually for Ghana’s health sector starting next year. Education remains a pillar of the partnership, with over 1,500 Ghanaian students and researchers benefiting from German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) scholarships in 2024. President Steinmeier reiterated Germany’s support for academic exchange and capacity building. Turning to regional security, the German president commended Ghana’s leadership in promoting peace and stability in West Africa, pledging continued support for joint efforts against terrorism and transnational crime in the Sahel. He also reaffirmed Germany’s backing for Africa’s permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council. President Steinmeier’s itinerary included meetings with young tech entrepreneurs in Accra and a tour of Kumasi to inspect joint projects and interact with researchers and trainees—a testament to the expanding scope and promise of Ghana–Germany relations. “We have many common tasks ahead of us, and I am convinced that there is still a great deal of potential in our partnership that we will continue to build together,” he concluded. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Arrest of GRA Legal Head Deepens Controversy Over SML Revenue Assurance Contract
The ongoing controversy surrounding the multi-million-dollar revenue assurance contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) took a dramatic turn this week, as the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) arrested Freeman Sarbah, the Acting Head of Legal at the GRA. The arrest, which was publicly confirmed by the OSP, marks a significant escalation in the high-profile investigation into alleged corruption and obstruction of justice linked to the deal. According to a statement released by the OSP, Mr. Sarbah is under investigation for suspected corruption and corruption-related offences, as well as obstruction of justice, in connection with the GRA–SML contract. The contract, designed to enhance revenue monitoring in Ghana’s petroleum downstream sector, has attracted intense public scrutiny in recent months due to concerns about its cost, scope, and procurement process. While the OSP has not disclosed specific details of Mr. Sarbah’s alleged conduct, officials noted that his arrest forms part of a wider probe into irregularities and possible acts of corruption surrounding the agreement. The Special Prosecutor’s office emphasized that investigations are ongoing and appropriate action will be taken based on their findings. The SML contract has been a lightning rod for criticism from civil society organizations, anti-corruption campaigners, and members of the public, many of whom have questioned its overall value to the state and called for greater transparency. The OSP’s investigation has already seen several officials and corporate representatives invited for questioning, but Mr. Sarbah’s arrest stands out as the most significant development to date. In a parallel development, the GRA last week issued an official statement confirming that SML Ghana Limited had fully executed its contractual obligations under its agreements with the Authority, directly countering claims that the company was paid for “no work done.” The clarification was provided in a letter dated October 14, 2025, signed by Mr. Sarbah himself prior to his arrest. The letter detailed the findings of an internal GRA review covering the period from January 2019 to December 2024. According to the review, SML Ghana performed Transaction Audit, External Price Verification, and Revenue Assurance activities in the petroleum downstream sector in accordance with the contracts. “The Authority’s records and accompanying technical documentation confirm that SML Ghana Limited undertook work related to the assigned services,” the letter stated, adding that all relevant reports and evidence are available for inspection. The GRA’s statement, which comes after months of political debate and public scrutiny, asserted that all payments made to SML were based on verified deliverables. The Authority further explained that all disbursements to the company during the period under review were properly documented, reconciled, and approved in accordance with standard financial procedures. While the Transaction Audit and External Price Verification agreement was terminated in November 2024, SML’s Downstream Petroleum Revenue Assurance contract remained active until June 2025, when it was suspended following the launch of the OSP investigation. The GRA’s clarification significantly shifts the public narrative, indicating that SML Ghana did, in fact, deliver on its contractual obligations, despite ongoing controversy. However, the arrest of Mr. Sarbah has deepened uncertainty, raising new questions about the management of public contracts and the commitment of authorities to accountability and transparency. As the OSP continues its investigation, the case remains a focal point for public debate on corruption, governance, and the prudent use of state resources. Both the Special Prosecutor and the GRA have pledged to uphold due process and transparency as the inquiry unfolds, leaving Ghanaians and observers awaiting further developments in this unfolding saga. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Upper East Minister Calls for Action on Electricity Access at PURC Public Engagement
At a well-attended public engagement organized by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), the Upper East Regional Minister delivered a candid and urgent message about the region’s persistent infrastructure challenges. Addressing an audience of local residents, officials, and stakeholders, the Minister emphasized that access to reliable electricity and public water is not a luxury, but a crucial foundation for the region’s economic and social advancement. “Electricity isn’t just about lighting our homes—it powers our schools, hospitals, and businesses. Without it, our communities cannot thrive or compete,” the Minister asserted. He revealed that as of the end of February, the Upper East Region’s electricity coverage stood at just 66.5%. This figure, he noted, is far below the national average of 89%, leaving over 800 communities and sections across the region still disconnected from the national grid. The Minister described this gap as a significant barrier to progress, holding back local businesses, limiting educational opportunities, and weakening healthcare delivery. “These numbers are more than statistics. They represent families, students, and entrepreneurs who are cut off from the opportunities that reliable infrastructure brings,” he said. During his speech, the Minister took the opportunity to make a direct appeal to the Minister of Energy and the Green Transition. He called on them to review and address all outstanding issues related to the World Electricity Committee—a body in which many Upper East communities actively participated, but from which numerous areas have yet to see tangible benefits. “I urge the Ministry to ensure that no community is left behind. Many of our people were promised inclusion, but the reality on the ground tells a different story,” the Minister continued. He also highlighted the broader consequences of infrastructure exclusion, pointing out that inadequate access to electricity and water widens regional inequality and stifles the aspirations of residents. The Minister cited examples of businesses struggling to operate, students unable to study after dark, and health centers grappling with unreliable power. The Minister praised the PURC for providing a platform where citizens’ voices could be heard and for encouraging open dialogue between government, service providers, and the public. He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to advocating for equitable infrastructure development and called for collective action to bridge the gap. “Let’s work together to ensure that every corner of the Upper East enjoys the benefits of reliable electricity and water. This is how we build a stronger, more inclusive region,” he said. The engagement ended with a sense of urgency and hope, as residents and leaders alike agreed that closing the infrastructure gap is vital for the Upper East’s sustainable development. The Minister’s address was a rallying cry, echoing the collective desire for progress and inclusion. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
GFD Members in Talensi receive items for improved livelihood
In the Talensi District, members of the Ghana Federation of the Disability Organisations (GFD) have received some items to meet their daily needs. The Disability Fund Management Committee, under the leadership of Chairman Clement Sampana, had organized a comprehensive support program aimed at empowering persons with disabilities (PWDs) to become self-reliant and active contributors to their communities. The first phase of the day’s activities unfolded in an open field alive with anticipation. Clement stood at the front, addressing journalists and beneficiaries alike, his words clear and purposeful. “Just last week, we distributed some items, and today we are here again, handing over about 60 animals, goats and sheep, to 26 beneficiaries. Each recipient receives a token to help with transportation, ensuring their new livestock reaches home safely.” For the recipients, the livestock meant far more than an asset; it represented a path toward independence. Many had long struggled with the challenges of disability and poverty, often forced to rely on charity or the kindness of neighbors. Now, clutching ropes tied to bleating goats or sheep, they looked ahead with hope. The animals would provide income through breeding, milk, or resale, and, more importantly, a sense of dignity through work. But the morning’s generosity was only part of the story. The group soon moved to the assembly conference hall for the next phase of the initiative. Here, another ten PWDs waited eagerly, knowing that the support they were about to receive had been tailored to their unique needs and dreams. The committee distributed pumping machines, sewing machines, refrigerators, and other essential business equipment, items carefully matched to the ambitions and requests of each beneficiary. Clement made it clear that this was not a blanket handout, but a targeted investment in people’s futures. “We don’t just hand out items. If you haven’t requested a tool, we don’t buy it, because it must serve your needs,” he explained. “Today, as you receive these items, we want you to use them to start or grow your business. The goal is for you to earn your own income, support your family, and stand tall in your community.” Clement’s message throughout was one of empowerment, but also accountability. “We don’t want to see any of you begging on the streets or vulnerable to exploitation for small amounts of money. These items are your stepping stones to independence. Use them wisely, grow your businesses, and one day, you’ll be able to support not just yourselves, but others as well.” He also stressed the importance of responsibility. “If, after some time, we find that you’ve sold the items or left them idle, we’ll have to reclaim them. If you sell what we’ve given, we’ll ask you to return the proceeds, or face further action. But if you put them to good use and we see progress, we’ll be back with even more support. Our help doesn’t end today; it grows with your effort and success.” The initiative is funded through the disability common fund, a resource designed to support the economic inclusion of PWDs. Clement handed over each item with a handshake and a word of encouragement, reminding recipients, “These are your items. Use them well, and when we return, we hope to see the difference they’ve made in your lives.” For many in Talensi living with disability, daily life is a challenge not just of health, but of opportunity. A lack of resources had often meant being left behind, with few chances to build a business or support a family. This distribution, however, marked a turning point: a shift from dependency and pity to genuine empowerment and partnership. By day’s end, the signs of change were everywhere. Some recipients led their new goats and sheep home, while others tested out the heft of a new sewing machine or reviewed plans for their small businesses. Those who received cash grants began planning the next steps for their ventures. Throughout, the mood was one of gratitude, optimism, and possibility. As the gathering concluded, Clement offered a closing message: “This is only the beginning. If you make good use of what you’ve received, we’ll be back to support you again. Let’s work together to build a future where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive.” Beneficiaries could not hide their excitement after they were handed their individually requested items. They further expressed gratitude to the assembly and the Disability Fund Management Committee for their intervention. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Leprosy: Upper East Region recorded 188 official cases between 2019 to September 2025
Between January 2019 and October 2025, the Upper East Region of Ghana quietly recorded 188 cases of leprosy, a disease as old as civilization, yet as misunderstood and feared as ever. Apexnewsgh reports These numbers, dry on paper, conceal stories of courage and struggle, of families fractured and communities forever changed. At the center of this unfolding story is Eric Dakura, the Disease Control Officer at the Upper East Health Directorate, whose daily work illuminates the dark corners where leprosy still hides. Eric’s insight and passion were brought to light in the documentary “Pains of the Forgotten: Leprosy, Stigma, and Resilience,” produced by Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen of ApexNewsGH. With a clinical calm that betrays deep empathy, Eric decoded the disease for viewers: “Leprosy is a disease of the skin and the nerves. If you don’t get the treatment early, it will affect your nerves and finally lead to the wasting of your feet or your fingers, and that can lead to disability.” Unlike most diseases, leprosy’s touch is silent. Its symptoms can take years—sometimes three, five, even twenty- to appear after infection. “It’s not like any other disease that when you get infected within a week or two weeks, you get the signs and symptoms,” Eric explains. “It can be in you for over three years, up to twenty or even more years until it begins to manifest.” The first warning is often a pale, painless patch on the skin. Because these patches neither itch nor hurt, they are easily dismissed—until the disease has already begun its devastating work. “Leprosy doesn’t cause pain,” Eric says. “That is why you can see somebody with their fingers being chopped off, but there is no pain… if you even put them into fire, they will never feel anything because the nerves are all destroyed.” The destruction of nerve endings is what makes leprosy so dangerous and so easy to miss. Eric recalls a haunting case from his rounds: “A girl found a three-inch nail in her foot last year. She didn’t even know it was there because all the nerves were affected.” By the time many are diagnosed, the disease has already stolen their ability to feel, to move, or even to recognize when they are hurt. Early detection remains the greatest challenge. “We always get to know leprosy at a later stage, when the hands and the feet are gone. We don’t want to be recording cases at that stage because it means that our surveillance system is not the best.” The region now grades leprosy cases by disability: some show no deformities, some suffer numbness, while others arrive with missing fingers, feet, or affected eyes. Leprosy is endemic in all districts, but certain areas—like Bongo—have become persistent hotspots. There is progress, though: the annual number of new cases has dropped, from 32 in 2020 to just 16 currently on treatment. Yet Eric cautions that declining numbers are not always comforting. “If we record a lot of cases, it’s also good—meaning we are fishing out the hidden cases and treating them. But if we feel the numbers are declining, that could also be dangerous. We must always be on the watch.” Leprosy respects no boundaries. It is not hereditary, nor confined to the poor or the old. “Seventy percent of cases are male, but the youngest can be just two years old,” Eric shares. “There is no age that is exempted. Everybody, males, females, we are all at risk of getting it.” Yet there is hope, because leprosy is curable. “Leprosy is curable. That has always been the slogan. Just come, we’ll treat you and you’ll be fine,” Eric says, his tone unwavering. The medication, though costly for the government, is provided free of charge. “Wherever you are, the medicine can come to you, even your home.” But for all the medical progress, the greatest struggle is not clinical, but social. The shadow of stigma still looms large. “If you are affected, and unfortunately you lose your legs, there’s no way the person will be able to make life meaningful for himself. Even my own children, they dissented me. People that I used to eat with, they can’t eat with me,” Eric recounts, echoing his patients’ pain. He urges empathy and shared responsibility: “The fact that it hasn’t manifested in you doesn’t mean you don’t have it. So we just have to believe each other as people. When somebody has a problem, that is also your problem.” Often labeled a “disease of the poor,” leprosy’s grip is strengthened by poverty and neglect. “Almost all the people who are largely affected are people who come from poor living conditions. Eighty to ninety percent of the cases are in Africa. Because Africa is highly impoverished,” Eric explains. Still, hope guides his work. Through outreach, education, and persistent surveillance, the region edges closer to a day when leprosy is history. “If we get to a point where in a population of about 10,000, only one person is likely to have it, that is the aim,” Eric says. “So, in years to come, a generation will come that will not suffer from this kind of disease.” Until then, the story of leprosy in Ghana’s Upper East is one of vigilance, hope, and the unyielding human spirit, a story that, thanks to people like Eric Dakura, is no longer shrouded in shadows but moving steadily toward the light. WATCH THE VIDEO DOCUMENTARY: Source: Apexnewsgh.com/ Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Unmasking Leprosy: The Vigil of Eric Dakura in Ghana’s Upper East
In the Upper East Region Health Directorate, Eric Dakura carries a burden few understand. As the disease control officer for leprosy and neglected tropical diseases, Eric’s days are filled with the stories and scars of those too often overlooked. His mission is clear: to confront the truth about leprosy, dispel the myths that shroud it, and rally his community to vigilance. Eric’s perspective comes not from textbooks, but from years on the ground—a reality he shared in the eye-opening documentary, “Pains of the Forgotten: Leprosy, Stigma, and Resilience,” produced by Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen of ApexNewsGH. “Leprosy is a disease of the skin and nerves,” Eric explains to viewers. “If you don’t get treatment early, it will affect your nerves and finally lead to the wasting of your feet or fingers. That can lead to a disability.” Unlike other diseases, leprosy creeps. “It takes a longer time for someone affected with leprosy for you to see the signs and symptoms,” Eric says. “It can be in you for over three years, sometimes up to five, ten, or even twenty years before manifesting.” The stealth of the disease is part of its cruelty. By the time patches appear on the skin, often painless and easily ignored, the damage may have already begun. Eric describes the devastation with a clarity that stirs the heart. “It comes in the form of patches all over your body. The unfortunate thing is those patches don’t pain. You can see somebody with fingers being chopped off, but there’s no pain. If you even put them into fire, they will never feel anything because the nerves are all destroyed.” He recalls shocking moments discovered through his medical rounds: “Three-inch nails have penetrated people’s feet without them knowing. The nerve that is supposed to signal pain is destroyed, so we often detect leprosy at the later stage, when the hands and feet are gone. We don’t want to be recording cases at that stage because it means our surveillance system is not the best.” The tragedy, Eric insists, is that it doesn’t have to be this way. Early detection is possible, if only people know what to look for and seek help without fear. “You might see a patch on your body that doesn’t hurt, don’t ignore it. If you have a relative who has ever had leprosy, the probability of contracting it in the family is higher. It’s a slow-acting disease.” Yet, the path to diagnosis is often littered with hurdles. “Most clinicians are not able to detect leprosy early, mistaking it for other skin conditions. It’s a disease that cannot be managed by any other medicine apart from the special drugs designed to cure it,” Eric explains. The lack of awareness among both the public and some professionals allows leprosy to hide in plain sight, surfacing only when it’s too late. Perhaps the greatest enemy, Eric says, is not the bacteria, but stigma. “One of the biggest challenges with leprosy is stigma. If you have it, people around you may not want to come close because they feel they could also be infected. But leprosy is curable. Just come, we’ll treat you and you’ll be fine.” Eric works hard to spread this message of hope. He reminds everyone that leprosy treatment is free and accessible to all, with no hidden costs. “There is no cost component attached to leprosy treatment. It has always been free, irrespective of how long you take it. If you have skin conditions that are not responding to treatment, consult your health facility.” The Upper East Region, Eric reports, has seen progress. “We currently have ten cases under treatment, a significant improvement from previous years. If we record a lot of cases, it means we are fishing out the hidden cases and treating them. But we must never let our guard down.” Eric is quick to confront the misconceptions that have allowed leprosy to fester in secrecy. “Leprosy is not hereditary, nor is it a ‘poor man’s disease’ alone. It can affect anyone, at any age. But poverty increases vulnerability because of poor living conditions.” Eric’s determination remains undimmed. He ends with a call to action, one he repeats to every community he visits: “Stigma and late detection are our biggest enemies. ‘Leprosy is curable’ is our slogan. Let’s all do our part to detect, treat, and eliminate this disease from our communities.” In the story of leprosy in Ghana’s Upper East, Eric Dakura is more than a health officer, he is a sentinel. His vigilance, empathy, and unflagging hope offer a path forward, one where the pain of the forgotten gives way at last to healing and acceptance. WATCH THE VIDEO DOCUMENTARY BELOW: Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Breaking the Chains of Stigma: Tahiru Suleman’s Fight for Inclusion in Bongo
Where the red earth stretches beneath acacia trees and the air hums with the rhythm of rural life, one man’s voice rises above the silence that too often surrounds the lives of leprosy survivors. Apexnewsgh reports Tahiru Suleman, the Assistant Assembly Member for the Awukabisi Electoral Area, is on a mission to transform not just policies, but hearts and minds. Tahiru’s journey began with a simple but painful observation: “In our community and electoral area, we have a lot of people suffering from leprosy. Just within my electoral area, I can pinpoint about four or five people who are infected.” Yet the challenges facing these individuals go far beyond their diagnosis. Their true struggle is against an invisible enemy: stigma. This hard reality was laid bare in the documentary “Pains of the Forgotten: Leprosy, Stigma, and Resilience,” produced by Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen of ApexNewsGH. Tahiru, speaking with a blend of compassion and urgency, described what he saw: “These people go through a lot. When they are seen in public, people run away from them. Some even think that if the saliva of someone with leprosy touches them, they will be infected.” For those living with leprosy, every day is a test of endurance. Beyond the pain of their disease is the pain of rejection. Tahiru detailed the myths that persist, deeply rooted in local lore: “Some people think leprosy is a curse from certain families, but that is not true. Leprosy can attack anybody.” To make his point, he shared the story of a close colleague who, despite years of good health, unexpectedly contracted leprosy. “If someone had told him in the past that he would have this disease, he wouldn’t have believed it.” The stigma is isolating. Many affected individuals lose their livelihoods, shunned not just by neighbors but sometimes even by their own families. “Because of the disease, some of them cannot do any active work. Even within their families, people don’t want to associate with them. For some, even getting food to eat is a big problem,” Tahiru explained, his voice heavy with empathy. Moved by these injustices, Tahiru has become an outspoken advocate for change. He passionately calls upon health authorities, NGOs, and the general public to intensify education about leprosy. “What they need is love, not rejection. We must all help fight the stigma.” But Tahiru’s campaign does not end with leprosy. He recognizes that those living with Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) across Bongo face similar challenges. “I think it is our responsibility as Assembly Members to educate the community members about the ongoing stigmatization and discrimination against people living with NTDs in our communities,” he said. Public education, he believes, is the most effective antidote to fear and ignorance. “There is a need for people to know the dangers of discriminating against these people.” Yet, progress is not easy. Tahiru describes the frustration of working alone: “Our challenge has to do with community members not listening to us individually in this direction.” His answer is to build partnerships with health workers, who bring not only expertise but also credibility to community education efforts. “There is a need for health workers to make themselves available for such exercises in the community.” For Tahiru, real change will come only when local leaders, health professionals, and ordinary citizens unite in purpose and compassion. He envisions a future where those affected by NTDs can walk freely, participate fully, and live with dignity. “Ending stigma requires a united front,” he insists. “Only then can we create an environment where those affected can live with dignity and hope.” The seeds of change are already being planted, thanks to organizations like the Development Research and Advocacy Centre (DRAC). With support from Anesved Fundación, DRAC has drilled ten boreholes in Bongo and nearby communities, bringing clean and safe water to thousands. Water health committees now teach hygiene practices that are essential to fighting NTDs and breaking cycles of disease. But perhaps DRAC’s most transformative work lies in economic empowerment. Basket weaving and soap-making are not merely trades; they are lifelines. DRAC supplies materials, offers training, and connects artisans directly to buyers. “Buyers come to the community to purchase baskets, and we provide materials and training,” explains Executive Director Jonathan Adabre. For many, these initiatives restore not just income, but pride, purpose, and belonging. The story of Bongo’s leprosy patients and NTD survivors is, at its heart, a story of resilience. It is written in the determined footsteps of nurses on their rounds, the laughter of women weaving baskets, and the hope that flows with every borehole drilled. It is a story that calls for more than sympathy—it demands action, understanding, and a commitment to never again let these lives be forgotten. As the sun sets over Bongo, Tahiru Suleman’s voice continues to echo, a reminder that the true measure of a community is found in how it treats its most vulnerable. His fight is not just for awareness, but for acceptance; not just for support, but for solidarity. In breaking the chains of stigma, Bongo can become a place where everyone belongs, and where dignity is a right, not a reward. WATCH THE VIDEO DOCUMENTARY BELOW: Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen