The Upper East Region is engulfed in mourning and shock following the brutal murder of Mahamadu Seidu Akugri, the Bongo District Manager of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). Apexnewsgh reports His charred remains were discovered in a burned vehicle at Nangodi in the Nabdam District, sending shockwaves through the community. The horrific incident took place on the evening of Monday, May 19, between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. Mr. Akugri was reportedly ambushed by unknown assailants while returning home from Bolgatanga, the regional capital. Witnesses say he was shot before his attackers set his car ablaze, incinerating his body beyond recognition. The savage nature of this act has instilled fear and outrage among residents. In a powerful response to the tragedy, Member of Parliament for Bawku Central and Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga condemned the attack as “dastardly.” He extended his heartfelt condolences to the grieving family of the deceased. “I hereby condemn, in no uncertain terms, the shooting, killing, and burning of the body of Mahamadu Seidu Akugri… My heartfelt condolences to the family of my late comrade,” Ayariga stated. The MP further urged law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough and prompt investigation into the heinous crime and bring those responsible to justice. “I urge all to remain calm and focus on the ongoing efforts led by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to bring a lasting solution to the Bawku situation,” he added, referencing the broader security concerns impacting the region. As of now, police have not issued an official statement regarding the motives or suspects behind the killing. However, security has been intensified in the area, and investigations are reportedly underway. Mahamadu Seidu Akugri was a respected public servant known for his commitment to improving health insurance delivery in the Bongo District. His untimely death marks a devastating loss not just for his family and colleagues but for the NHIA and the wider community in the Upper East Region. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Ghana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). Apexnewsgh reports This collaboration aims to improve data sharing and coordination in pandemic preparedness and response across the continent. At a press briefing held in Accra, Minister of Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh announced the development, highlighting that this agreement marks a new chapter in Ghana’s commitment to establishing resilient health systems. These systems are designed to respond swiftly and effectively to disease outbreaks, reinforcing the nation’s readiness in the face of potential health crises. “This partnership is a strategic investment in our collective health security,” Minister Akandoh stated. He emphasized Ghana’s dedication to implementing robust systems that not only safeguard citizens but also contribute significantly to the health and safety of the broader West African sub-region. The Minister also called for stronger collaboration among African nations, underlining that unity is vital for achieving long-term health security across the continent. Speaking on behalf of the visiting delegation, Dr. Jean Kaseya, the Director-General of the Africa CDC, expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for the significant advancements his administration is making in strengthening Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure. Dr. Kaseya praised Ghana’s proactive approach to health challenges and assured that the Africa CDC would continue to support the collaboration to ensure its success. With this new agreement, Ghana is taking a meaningful step toward a healthier future, fostering partnerships that aim to fortify public health throughout Africa.

The Ghana National Association of Teachers Ladies Society (GNAT-LAS) in the Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese (AAK) District of the Central Region has urged the government to extend the current 12-week paid maternity leave for public sector nursing mothers to a minimum of six months. This call aims to address the pressing needs of nursing mothers, particularly teachers, who require ample time to bond with their newborns and adequately prepare to return to their teaching responsibilities. The appeal was made by Catherine Asaam, the outgoing GNAT-LAS District Coordinator and Headteacher of Brafoyaw AME Zion ‘B’ Basic School, during the 7th Quadrennial GNAT-LAS District Roundtable held in Abura Dunkwa on Tuesday, May 12, 2025. Asaam highlighted that extending the maternity leave is in line with health experts’ recommendations advocating for six months of exclusive breastfeeding, emphasizing the benefits for both mothers and their children. “Our request is rooted in both maternal and child health concerns, and the practical challenges female teachers face after childbirth,” Asaam stated. She underscored that a longer leave would not only benefit mothers physically and emotionally but would also enable them to transition back to work more effectively when they return to the classroom. The event, themed “The Ghana Education Service @50: Achievements, Challenges and the Way Forward in Motivating the Female Teacher for Quality Education Delivery,” attracted numerous dignitaries, including the District Chief Executive, Ms. Henrietta Baah; the Regional GNAT-LAS Coordinator; and Regional GNAT Chairman, Engineer Dr. Wilberforce Eshun. District Chief Executive for AAK, Mr. Daniel Mensah Wardy, acknowledged the appeal and noted that the governing NDC has already proposed a four-month maternity leave extension in its 2024 manifesto. He promised to bring the GNAT-LAS request to the attention of party leadership for further consideration. The gathering also featured remarks from guest speaker Mrs. Henrietta Ghartey Paintsil, Central Regional Manageress of the AME Zion Educational Unit, who stressed the integral role of female teachers in national development. “Empowering the female teacher is key to empowering students and building the nation,” she declared, noting the significant contributions of women educators in ensuring basic education is accessible to all Ghanaian children. The event showcased an exhibition by all six GNAT-LAS locals in the district, a Miss GNAT-LAS beauty contest, and elections for new district executives, creating a vibrant atmosphere that celebrated the achievements and contributions of female teachers in the community. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

As part of the activities marking Purple Month, Ghana’s Mental Health Awareness Month, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle Constituency, recently held an interactive session with staff from the Gaming Commission in the Greater Accra Region. Apexnewsgh reports The event aimed to underscore the critical importance of mental well-being in the workplace and beyond. During the session, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings highlighted the profound implications that mental health has on productivity, decision-making, and overall quality of life. She emphasized that mental health should not be viewed as a luxury but rather as a necessity, especially in high-pressure environments. “It was a timely reminder that prioritizing mental health is essential for both personal well-being and professional performance,” the MP stated, reinforcing the message that mental health awareness is crucial in today’s fast-paced society. Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings called for concerted efforts to “break the silence, reduce stigma, and create supportive environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.” Her remarks were part of a broader initiative aimed at promoting awareness, decreasing stigma around mental illness, and advocating for supportive policies and practices across various institutions. As a consistent advocate for social and health issues, she encouraged the Gaming Commission and other workplaces to invest in mental health initiatives that cultivate a more inclusive and empathetic work culture. Purple Month is observed annually in Ghana to shine a light on the often-overlooked topic of mental health, while also promoting education and advocacy nationwide. Through initiatives like this, leaders like Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings aim to drive meaningful conversations and actions that can lead to healthier workplaces and communities. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

President John Dramani Mahama has nominated Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo as the new CEO of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, following the dismissal of Prof. Otchere Addai-Mensah. The nomination was confirmed in an official statement signed by Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama. The move has sparked mixed reactions, with some Asante youth calling for Prof. Addai-Mensah’s reinstatement. Dr. Baidoo’s nomination awaits regularization under the Ghana Health Service and Teaching Hospitals Act.   Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Ghana has achieved a remarkable reduction in malaria-related deaths, with a decline of over 97% between 2014 and 2024. Apexnewsgh reports Additionally, outpatient department cases have decreased by 3%, while hospital admissions due to malaria have fallen by 17%. These statistics were highlighted at the 2025 World Malaria Day commemoration, held on April 25. The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, stated that the country’s National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan (2023-2028) aims to reduce malaria deaths by 51% and achieve a 36% drop in under-five malaria case fatality rate by 2024. The plan also includes a target of over 70% coverage for the first dose of malaria vaccine. The Minister emphasized the importance of expanding effective interventions, such as indoor residual spraying, insecticide-treated nets distribution, seasonal malaria chemoprevention, intermittent preventive treatment for pregnancy, case management, and malaria vaccines. He called on all Ghanaians to sustain the momentum and inspire action in every home, school, and district to help eradicate malaria. The 2025 World Malaria Day commemoration theme is “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite.” The day highlights the need for sustained investment and political commitment in malaria prevention and control efforts. The Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, attributed the improvements to dedicated efforts by health workers, policymakers, partners, and communities. He noted that the Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) campaign was successfully implemented across 28 districts, achieving a coverage rate of 53%. Additionally, over 19 million insecticide-treated nets were distributed during the recent mass campaign. Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe highlighted that 21 districts earmarked for elimination had recorded a notable reduction in malaria positivity rates from 20.9% to 16%. These districts are becoming models of what is possible when leadership, community ownership, and smart interventions align. The Government of Ghana has demonstrated its commitment to malaria elimination by directly supporting implementation in two of these districts. Ghana’s progress in malaria control is a testament to the power of partnership and national ownership. With continued commitment, knowledge, and collective action, the country can make history and achieve a malaria-free future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com