In a groundbreaking initiative, Health Harvest Alliance, supported by KGL Foundation, has launched “Her Empowerment Project” to transform the lives of marginalized and vulnerable women in the Zawse Electoral area of the Binduri District. Apexnewsgh reports Mr. Julius Ayebilla, Programmes Manager at Health Harvest Alliance, explained that the project is a multifaceted effort to uplift young widows and adolescent girls through skill development, health promotion, and economic support. “We aim to empower these women to break the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future for themselves and their families,” he said. The project’s primary components include: (a) Cloth weaving training for young widows, providing them with sustainable income-generating skills. (b) Establishment of health clubs for adolescent girls, promoting health awareness, education, and well-being. (c) Implementation of a revolving fund to catalyze business endeavors of young widows, fostering financial independence. Through “Her Empowerment Project,” Health Harvest Alliance and KGL Foundation are committed to promoting gender equality, social justice, and community development in Ghana. By providing a comprehensive support system, they are helping marginalized women unlock their potential and create a better future for themselves and their communities. “Her Empowerment Project” is not only transforming lives but also preserving cultural heritage. By providing training in cloth weaving and business management, the project is empowering women economically and socially, giving them the skills and knowledge to earn a livelihood independently. The cloth weaving aspect of the project carries deep cultural significance, ensuring the community’s traditions are maintained and enhanced. Women trained in this craft are preserving traditional skills and knowledge, contributing to the preservation of cultural identity and heritage. The training center has become a hub of community activity, with locals gathering to witness the vibrant cloth creations. Each piece has a unique name, holding implications for community growth and identity. The project’s impact extends beyond individual empowerment, fostering a sense of community pride and ownership. By equipping women with business management skills, the project enhances economic opportunities for them and their families. They can now effectively market and sell their products, increasing their income and financial stability. As the women’s confidence grows, so does their contribution to the local economy, creating a ripple effect of prosperity and growth. Her Empowerment Project” continues to weave a tapestry of social cohesion, economic growth, and women’s empowerment. The project’s first component has brought women together, fostering a supportive environment for growth and development. Through networking and cooperation, women in the weaving business have strengthened social bonds, leading to a more united and thriving community. The second component has revolutionized menstrual health for adolescent girls. By providing sanitary pads and personal hygiene education, the project has prevented infections and health complications, promoting better reproductive health outcomes. Girls now manage their periods safely, confident and empowered to take control of their menstrual health. This initiative has helped normalize menstruation, breaking down taboos and misconceptions. With 305 girls currently in the program, absenteeism and dropouts have decreased, replaced by consistent attendance and a newfound sense of self-assurance. The third component has transformed the lives of 10 small-scale women entrepreneurs, providing them with the financial boost and business management training they needed to thrive. With access to capital and skills like bookkeeping and marketing, these women have significantly enhanced their operations, contributing to household income generation and breaking the cycle of poverty. Empowered to think creatively and strategically, they’ve identified new market opportunities, managed risks, and innovated within their businesses, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth. In the words of the project team, “We envision a future where every woman in the Binduri District has the opportunity to thrive, free from the shackles of poverty and vulnerability.Our journey has just begun, and we invite you to join us in empowering these incredible women to create a better tomorrow.” Mr. Julius Ayebilla stressed. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen/Binduri
President Akufo-Addo Spearheads Groundbreaking Initiative for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Ghana
The President of Ghana, H. E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has officially signed a historic Presidential Compact on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). Apexnewsgh reports This initiative is a significant step towards improving public health, enhancing climate resilience, and ensuring that even the most remote communities have access to essential WASH services. Under this groundbreaking agreement, the Ghanaian government will allocate an estimated US$1.7 billion annually towards WASH initiatives until the year 2030. These funds will be directed towards providing WASH services in schools, healthcare facilities, and underserved communities, ensuring that every citizen has access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities. During the signing ceremony, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the critical importance of WASH services in achieving sustainable development, stating that without these basic necessities, progress will remain out of reach. He described the Presidential Compact as a continuation and amplification of Ghana’s efforts to ensure universal access to WASH services. Hon. Lydia Seyram Alhassan, Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, praised Ghana’s swift action in bringing the Compact to fruition just one year after it was announced as a commitment at the UN 2023 Water Conference. She highlighted the establishment of a National Sanitation Authority, which will work towards eliminating open defecation by 2030. Additionally, Ghana’s national climate strategy will now include building climate-resilient water and sanitation infrastructure and services to address the challenges posed by climate change-induced droughts and floods. This initiative was the result of extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including government agencies, development partners, academic institutions, and civil society organizations. Supported by partners such as the Government of the Netherlands, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, UNICEF, and IRC WASH, Ghana is setting a powerful example for other countries to follow in the global effort to achieve universal access to WASH services. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.
Mpox Outbreak Declared Public Health Emergency in Africa as Cases Surge
A rapidly spreading strain of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has prompted the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to declare a public health emergency in Africa. Apexnewsgh reports The continent has seen over 13,700 cases and 450 deaths since the beginning of the year, primarily in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The virus, which causes lesions across the body, has spread to other African countries, including Burundi, the Central African Republic, Kenya, and Rwanda. The declaration will facilitate coordinated responses and potentially increase medical supplies and aid to affected areas. Mpox spreads through close contact with infected individuals, including sexual contact, skin-to-skin contact, and respiratory droplets. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and lesions, which can be deadly if left untreated. There are two main strains, with the more deadly one endemic in central Africa and driving the current outbreak. Vaccines exist, but are typically reserved for those at risk or in close contact with infected individuals. Health experts outside Africa are monitoring the situation to assess the risk of further spread. The Africa CDC’s declaration aims to bolster responses to the outbreak, as the situation continues to evolve. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.
Mahama Slams Akufo-Addo Government for Maintaining COVID-19 Taxes Despite Pandemic’s End
Former President John Dramani Mahama has strongly criticized the Akufo-Addo-led government for continuing to impose COVID-19-related taxes, despite the pandemic having long since ended. Apexnewsgh reports Addressing attendees at the Mahama Youth Town Hall on August 12, 2024, Mahama expressed his concern over the persistence of taxes introduced to manage the economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 crisis. Mahama noted that Ghana is the only country still being taxed for a pandemic that has passed, highlighting the COVID tax, a value-added tax (VAT) implemented by the government during the pandemic. Despite political parties’ commitments to eliminate this tax, it remains in force, frustrating many Ghanaians. The former president explained that the government’s hands are tied due to its revenue commitments to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which include the COVID tax. Mahama also criticized the Electronic Levy (E-Levy), a tax on digital financial transactions, labeling it as ineffective. In response, Mahama pledged that, if elected, his government would work to rationalize taxes, expand the tax base, and eliminate “obnoxious taxes” to alleviate the financial burden on Ghanaians while meeting the country’s fiscal obligations. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.
Alleged Ambulance Servicing Scandal: Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and Health Minister Kweku Agyemang-Menu Implicated
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has made startling revelations about a US$34.9 million (GHS538 million) deal for the servicing of 307 ambulances. Apexnewsgh reports According to Ablakwa, former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and former Health Minister Kweku Agyemang-Menu collaborated to effect payment to Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the servicing. Ablakwa alleged that on February 9, 2024, Ofori-Atta instructed the Controller and Accountant-General to release US$10 million (GHS120,711,000.00) for the servicing. Further parliamentary oversight revealed that Service Ghana Auto Group Limited had already received a substantial GHS115,342,573 for subpar servicing between 2020 and 2023. The North Tongu MP claimed that this brings the total amount paid to Service Ghana Auto Group Limited to a staggering GHS653 million, exceeding the initial cost of the ambulances in 2019 (US$54 million). Ablakwa’s revelations raise concerns about potential corruption and mismanagement in the handling of public funds. The allegations have sparked calls for a thorough investigation into the dealings of Ofori-Atta and Agyemang-Menu, as well as the operations of Service Ghana Auto Group Limited. Transparency and accountability are crucial in ensuring that public funds are utilized efficiently and effectively. As the story unfolds, Ghanaians await a response from the parties implicated and a commitment to a comprehensive probe. Below is statement by Kudzeto Ablakwa THE US$34.9 MILLION (GHS538 MILLION) AMBULANCE SCANDAL AND HOW SERVICE GHANA AUTO GROUP LIMITED HAS MADE A COOL GHS653MILLION THROUGH INFLATED INVOICES Unimpeachable intercepted documents from Ghana’s Ministry of Finance reveal yet another scandal of ginormous proportions. Five days before leaving the Ministry of Finance after President Akufo-Addo’s lame-duck Valentine Day reshuffle, Ken Ofori-Atta decided to teach us one more unforgettable bitter lesson. Perhaps, it was his special way of exiting with a vengeance after incessant and relentless calls from suffering Ghanaians to have him sacked. In a grand ‘lootocratic’ conspiracy with the outgoing Health Minister, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu who was also affected by the reshuffle, the two abysmal performing ministers decided to cause more financial loss — it seems from the Sputnik V scandal, mismanagement of billions of covid funds, benefiting directly from loans accumulated, all the way to Ghana’s current bankruptcy — the two outgoing disastrous ministers didn’t think they have already wreaked enough havoc to have mercy on us. In his last shockingly sleazy conduct, Ken Ofori-Atta by a letter dated 9th February, 2024 approved a staggering US$34,904,505.00 to be paid to the discredited Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the procurement of spare parts for the 307 ambulances purchased by government in 2019. On the same 9th February, 2024, the busy Finance Minister instructed the Controller and Accountant-General to release US$10million, equivalent to GHS120,711,000.00. My impeccable tracking of this transaction confirms that the Controller and Accountant-General processed and released the GHS120,711,000.00 on February 23, 2024 which was promptly received in the accounts of Service Ghana Auto Group Limited. An analysis of this dubiously outrageous transaction valued at US$34,904,505.00 for spare parts for 307 ambulances, actually translates into US$113,695.456.00 per ambulance. Instructively, checks from many Mercedes Benz ambulance dealers across the world show that US$113,695,456.00 is far more than the value of a considerable number of modern fully equipped new ambulances. Why sign a rip-off and an unconscionable sweetheart deal of US$113,695.456.00 just for spare parts when you can buy a new fully equipped modern Mercedes Benz ambulance for the same value, and even less? What happened to value for money and love for country? Further parliamentary oversight reveals that Service Ghana Auto Group Limited was incorporated on April 24, 2020. Service Ghana Auto Group Limited was therefore incorporated more than a year after the 307 new ambulances were commissioned by President Akufo-Addo on January 28, 2019. Typical of how this incurably corrupt government operates, the company was handpicked without a competitive procurement process. Additionally, Government appears not to have done much due diligence on the directors of the company — I shall return to this in much detail later. Deeper parliamentary oversight through GIFMIS assessments also confirms that even before this US$34.9million scandalous Ken Ofori-Atta/Agyeman-Manu send-off package, Service Ghana Auto Group Limited has received a colossal GHS115,342,573 in payments for shoddy servicing of the ambulances between 2020 and 2023. This means, so far, Service Ghana Auto Group Limited alone will be making a mind-boggling GHS653million from these ambulances. This figure is more than double of how much the ambulances cost us in 2019. (Prevailing exchange rate of US$54million which was the cost of the 307 ambulances in 2019.) One wonders if the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government procured the ambulances to save lives or they were procured to serve as an unbridled cash cow for corrupt politicians and their business collaborators. What is even more depressing, the Auditor-General’s special audit titled: Performance Audit Report of the Auditor-General on Fleet Management of the National Ambulance Service in. Attached below are additional documents from the lawmaker Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062
Improvements in Household Latrines in Bolgatanga Municipality
The Bolgatanga Municipal Environmental Officer, Mr. Evans M, has revealed that the introduction of Sama Sama and the new Bio digester system has significantly improved household latrines in the municipality. Apexnewsgh reports The Bio digester system, in particular, has made it easier for households to install toilet facilities without the need for a large proportion of land to construct septic tanks. Mr. Evans cited the success story of Kotokoli Zongo, where a prosecution exercise led to a change of mindset among residents. Prior to the exercise, only 15 out of 59 households had toilet facilities. However, after the prosecution, the number increased to 42 households with toilet facilities. Similarly, in Tanzui, new buildings are being constructed with toilet facilities, and some households have even installed VIP latrines, which are still in use. While these success stories are encouraging, the latest Ghana Statistical Service report reveals that 17,059 households in the Bolgatanga Municipality still lack access to toilet facilities. Despite this challenge, the improvements in household latrines demonstrate the positive impact of initiatives like Sama Sama and the Bio digester system. He said effort will continue to address the remaining gaps and ensure that all households have access to safe and dignified sanitation facilities. The progress made in Bolgatanga Municipality serves as a model for other areas to adopt innovative solutions to improve sanitation and hygiene. As the municipality continues to work towards achieving universal access to toilet facilities, the successes in Kotokoli Zongo and Tanzui offer hope and motivation for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062
Open Defecation: We ever caught a Pharmacist smoking and defecating openly—Bolgatanga Municipal Environmental Officer reveals
Mr. M. Evans, the Bolgatanga Municipal Environmental Officer, has revealed that prominent personalities in the Municipality are engaged in Open Defecation (OD). Apexnewsgh reports During an interview with Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen of Apexnewsgh, Mr. Evans shared a shocking incident where he and his team caught a pharmacist openly defecating and smoking at the Bolgatanga sports stadium. He emphasized that attitude, not education, is the root cause of this issue. “Is not about we not being educated, is about our attitude. If an Alhaji who is an Auditor can go out and defecate out, what shows that he doesn’t know the consequence, is clearly his attitude”. Despite efforts to combat OD, certain areas within the Municipality remain challenging. Atulbabisi and Doportindongo are identified as the worst affected areas, with other areas like Dameo, Sawaba, Seo, and Bukere also struggling. Mr. Evans stressed that OD is everyone’s responsibility and should not be left to a few individuals. He highlighted the risk of cholera outbreaks and the spread of typhoid, which is prevalent in Bolga. To succeed in fighting OD, it is essential to confront those engaging in the practice and promote sanitation awareness. The Sanitation Officer also noted that some households defecate in their bathrooms during bathing and sweep the faeces into the drain, perpetuating the problem. He emphasized the need for individuals to become ambassadors of sanitation and take collective responsibility to address this persistent challenge. According to the Ghana Statistical Service, 17,059 households in the Bolgatanga Municipality are without toilet facilities. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062
NHIA Releases Additional GHC135.6 Million to Healthcare Providers
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced the release of an additional GHC135.6 million to healthcare providers. Apexnewsgh reports According to a statement, the funds are intended to settle outstanding claims for February 2024 for higher-tier healthcare providers and March 2024 for lower-tier facilities. The payment is also aimed at bridging the gap between payments made to higher-tier and lower-tier facilities under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). This move is expected to leave the Authority with only three months’ worth of outstanding payments to facilities, in line with their agreed reimbursement period. This latest release follows an earlier disbursement of GHC300 million to mixed-tier health facilities across the country. Acting Chief Executive Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye emphasized the NHIA’s commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with healthcare providers, while ensuring that illegal charges are not tolerated. The NHIA recognizes the crucial role that healthcare providers play in the success of the NHIS and is dedicated to supporting their efforts in delivering quality healthcare services to Ghanaians. This additional funding is a testament to the Authority’s commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the NHIS. Attached below is the full statement Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062
Ignorance and Lack of Funding Hindering Efforts to Combat Open Defecation in Upper East Region
According to Juventus Asayuure, a senior official at the Upper East Regional Environmental Health Unit, ignorance and lack of funding are the main drivers of the high percentage of open defecation in the region.Apexnewsgh reports The recent data released by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) shows a staggering 68.4% of the population in the region practices open defecation, with Bawku West District having the highest number of cases. Mr. Asayuure when speaking to Apexnewsgh attributed the issue to a deep-seated cultural norm, where people are accustomed to defecating in the open, and a lack of enforcement of laws and funding to support behavior change initiatives. He noted that efforts to promote toilet usage and improve sanitation and hygiene practices are underway, but funding is a significant challenge, with government unable to fund all districts, relying on donors to fill the gap. The GSS data highlights the need for urgent interventions to address the widespread open defecation, which poses significant health risks to residents. The regional environmental health unit is working to promote a healthier and more sustainable environment, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of this issue. The data breakdown by district is as follows: Bawku West: 18,901 Builsa South: 5,619 Builsa North Municipal: 9,464 Kasena Nankana Municipal: 16,568 Kasena Nankana West: 13,746 Bolgatanga Municipal: 17,059 Talensi: 13,765 Bolgatanga East: 5,949 Bongo: 17,499 Nabdam: 7,897 Binduri: 11,373 Bawku Municipal: 13,578 Garu: 6,645 Tempane: 10,923 Pusiga: 10,639 The regional environmental health unit is calling for increased support and funding to address this critical issue and promote a healthier and more sustainable environment for residents. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062
Empowering Persons with NTDs in Zorkor: KURADEC Provides Soap Making Training
In an effort to improve the lives of individuals affected by Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Zorkor-Kadare, Bongo District, Upper East Region, Kunkua Renaissance Development Centre (KURADEC) has provided training in soap making. Apexnewsgh reports This economic and livelihood empowerment training aims to enhance the hygiene and development of persons with NTDs, enabling them to generate income and improve their overall well-being. Coordinator of KURADEC, Mr. Donatus Awine Adua, explained that the training is part of a larger initiative funded by ANESV Foundation through Development Research and Advocacy Center (DRAC). The goal is to equip affected individuals with skills to produce soap, which can be sold to generate income. Last year, KURADEC conducted LED intervention training for community volunteers and affected persons, identifying 65 beneficiaries, including men and women. NTDs, such as elephantiasis and hydrocele, expose affected individuals to vulnerabilities, including stigma, reduced mobility, and inability to access healthcare services. KURADEC’s training aims to address these challenges by promoting personal hygiene and economic empowerment. Mr. Adua appealed to other organizations and government agencies to prioritize support for persons with NTDs, particularly in rural areas. He emphasized the need for skills development and economic empowerment to improve their lives. KURADEC plans to provide additional support, including livestock, to enable beneficiaries to generate sustainable income. The organization encourages other NGOs and government agencies to join forces in empowering persons with NTDs, promoting a better quality of life for these vulnerable individuals. Freda Alowri, Midwife in charge of Zorko Health Centre, narrated how she witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) on individuals and communities. Despite the challenges, she remains committed to educating and empowering those affected to seek medical attention and improve their hygiene practices. The stigma surrounding NTDs, particularly leprosy, has led to many sufferers being ostracized and hidden away by their families. However, through home visits and community outreach, Freda and her team have managed to convince many to come forward and seek help. The introduction of soap making training has been a game-changer, providing economic empowerment and improving hygiene practices. Beneficiaries can now generate income by selling soap, and the community has come together to support those affected. Despite progress, challenges persist. Deep-seated mentalities and human behavior changes are difficult to overcome, and some individuals still hide their conditions due to shame or fear of association. Freda acknowledges the humanitarian efforts of organizations like Kunkua Renaissance Development Centre (KURADEC) and appeals for continued support to address the lingering challenges. She believes that together, they can make a significant impact and improve the lives of those affected by NTDs. The Zorko Health Centre’s dedication to combating NTDs has led to notable improvements in the community’s health and well-being. As Freda emphasizes, “We are not just treating conditions, we are restoring dignity and hope to those who need it most.” However, Janet Nsobila and Paul Awobgo beneficiaries of soap making activity could not hide their excitements. They extended their gratitude to Kunkua Renaissance Development Centre (KURADEC), Development Research and Advocacy Center (DRAC) and ANESV Foundation for such kind empowerment. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062









