Two Injured in Gas Tanker Accident at Nkawkaw Apesika
A road traffic accident involving a gas tanker at Nkawkaw Apesika in the Eastern Region left two people injured on the morning of Thursday, June 11. The incident triggered an immediate emergency response from the Mpraeso Fire Station after a distress call was received around 9:08 am. According to the Ghana National Fire Service, a five-member crew led by Assistant Divisional Officer I (ADO I) Effah was swiftly dispatched to the scene to provide emergency assistance and ensure public safety. Upon arrival, the firefighters encountered a gas tanker that had been involved in the accident, posing significant risks due to the hazardous nature of the cargo. Understanding the potential dangers, the crew promptly launched rescue and safety operations to secure the area and protect both road users and nearby residents. The firefighters managed to rescue two male victims who were either trapped or directly affected by the incident. Both casualties were handed over to emergency medical personnel and transported by ambulance to the Nkawkaw Roman Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment. Fire officials reported that the rescue operation was conducted efficiently, with the situation being brought under control to prevent further danger. No fatalities were recorded, and the condition of the injured victims is yet to be confirmed. Authorities have yet to disclose the cause of the accident, and investigations are expected to be carried out to determine the circumstances leading to the crash. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Citizens Petition President Over Ashanti Regional Minister’s Alleged Misogynistic Remarks
A new controversy has erupted in Ghanaian politics as two citizens, Barbara Twum and Jennifer Owusu, have formally petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to take disciplinary action against the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, over allegations of making sexually offensive and misogynistic remarks towards a former government official. In a petition dated June 9, 2026, and submitted to the Executive Secretary at Jubilee House, the petitioners allege that Dr. Amoakohene posted a sexually explicit and gender-demeaning comment on Facebook directed at Akosua Manu, popularly known as Kozie, the former Deputy Chief Executive of the National Youth Authority. The petition quotes the offending post as: “Akosua Kumaa, wokon do anaa? You want to have a taste of it?” Twum and Owusu describe the comment as “sexually explicit, vulgar, and gender-demeaning,” arguing that it constitutes sexual harassment and a grave breach of ministerial standards. They further contend that such language is incompatible with the dignity required of public officials and creates an environment of fear and degradation for women. The petitioners invoke Section 6 of the Presidential Code of Conduct and Ethics (2025), calling on the President to investigate the incident and consider sanctions, including a formal written reprimand or outright dismissal of Dr. Amoakohene. They argue that the minister’s conduct violates not only ethical codes, such as requirements for civility, dignity, and professionalism, but also constitutional guarantees of gender equality and the state’s obligation to promote women’s participation in national development. “The sexual degradation and public humiliation of a woman by a Minister of State… is fundamentally incompatible with this constitutional guarantee,” the petition asserts. As the petition lands on the President’s desk, calls are growing for accountability and a renewed commitment to upholding standards of respect and equality in public office. The outcome of this petition could have significant implications for government ethics and the fight against sexual harassment in Ghana’s public sector. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Nabdam MP Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane Commissions New Block at Gundug/Wore-Daah Health Centre
The sun rose brightly over Gundug/Wore-Daah as the community gathered with anticipation. This was no ordinary day; it was the day their health centre would take a significant leap forward. The Nabdam Member of Parliament, Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, stood before the crowd, his words brimming with pride and gratitude as he commissioned a new block at the health centre, an achievement made possible through determination, collaboration, and vision. Dr. Nawaane began by recounting the journey to this milestone. “There was a time they wanted to simply add to an existing facility,” he recalled, “but I insisted: our people deserve their own health centre.” The task was not simple. Land had to be secured, and not just any piece of land would do. “When it comes to health facilities,” Dr. Nawaane explained, “you can’t just build anywhere. It must be accessible, visible, and decent.” He paid special tribute to the Constituency Vice Chairman, whose tireless efforts ensured that the right location was found and acquired: “With his help, we were able to start, and now, all of this is history.” The health centre began as a modest project, just a small block. But the dream grew. “Today, we’ve added a maternity ward,” Dr. Nawaane announced, his voice full of hope for the future. He thanked everyone present, acknowledging their role in making this vision a reality. Yet, he made it clear that the journey was far from over, drawing attention to the need for improvements to the main road connecting Asonge, Zanlerigu, Damolgo, Tindongo, Pelungu, and Sakoti, to ensure even better access for all. The event was also an opportunity for the Nabdam District Health Director, Sadia Salifu, to express heartfelt appreciation. “We are very grateful for your continual support to the health service,” she said. “This facility is a testament to your commitment to improving the health of our mothers and babies.” She assured the MP and the community that the centre would be well cared for and put to full use in providing quality care. However, Madam Salifu, like Oliver Twist, humbly asked for more. She highlighted the need for medical equipment: more beds, delivery sets, and diagnostic tools. “Right now, when a scan is needed, we have to refer women all the way to Bolga. Portable scan machines would make a big difference.” She also appealed to the community to support the centre’s upkeep, noting the challenge of keeping the facility clean without a government-paid cleaner. Motivation for staff was another key point. Many staff members had relocated from far-off places to serve the community, and Salifu encouraged everyone to recognize their dedication, not just with money, but with words of thanks or simple acts of appreciation, especially during festivals. She revealed plans to add another midwife to serve the growing population, which now exceeded a thousand people across Gundug and other nearby communities. Madam Salifu also urged residents to patronize the health centre. “If you don’t come here,” she explained, “our records show fewer deliveries. Policymakers use this data, and it affects future support. Let’s show that we need and use this facility.” No story of progress is without its challenges. Salifu noted a few ongoing issues: water supply sometimes ran dry between March and April, some doors and locks needed fixing, and there was a shortage of light bulbs. She called on the contractor to ensure proper cleaning before handing over the building, as staff and community members had to step in to prepare the facility for use. Meanwhile, the contractor for the project, Jacob Azumah of Winmailes Company Limited, expressed his gratitude for the support and cooperation received from the community, which enabled the timely completion of the project. He encouraged everyone to handle the facility with care. As the ceremony drew to a close, the sense of accomplishment mingled with hope for continued support. The story of Gundug/Wore-Daah Health Centre is one of perseverance and partnership, a reminder that the journey towards quality healthcare is ongoing, and every new block laid is a foundation for a healthier future. The commissioning was attended by the community chief, the DCE, assembly officials, party leadership, and other community opinion leaders. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ministry of Health Recruits Over 6,200 Nurses and Midwives to Boost Primary Healthcare
A major step forward in Ghana’s quest to strengthen primary healthcare was announced this week, as the Ministry of Health revealed that 6,245 nurses and midwives have been successfully recruited out of 6,500 available slots in its latest nationwide employment drive. The recruitment forms part of the government’s broader free primary healthcare initiative, which seeks to deploy trained healthcare professionals to underserved communities and close critical staffing gaps. The exercise, which received financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance, is part of a wider plan to recruit about 8,000 health professionals across the country. This comes as the nation grapples with a backlog of approximately 105,000 unemployed but qualified health workers, many of whom have been waiting for opportunities since as far back as 2018 and 2019. In addition to the new nurses and midwives, the Ministry also succeeded in recruiting 771 out of 900 available positions for allied health professionals, 235 out of 250 pharmacy professionals, and 300 physician assistants. These efforts are expected to significantly improve access to essential health services, especially in areas where primary care has long been lacking. At a press conference in Accra, Frederick Mensah-Acheampong, Director of Human Resources at the Ministry of Health, noted that while around 87 nursing positions remain unfilled in the Northern districts, competition for the available slots was fierce due to the large number of qualified applicants. He emphasized that the ongoing recruitment is guided by the government’s Primary Healthcare policy, which prioritizes preventive care, community-based services, and the equitable distribution of health workers. “We have received financial clearance to recruit about 8,000 health professionals from the Ministry of Finance. The Ministry acknowledges the anxiety and interest these recruitment exercises have generated, particularly given the backlog of about 105,000 unemployed health professionals, some of whom have been awaiting recruitment since 2018 and 2019,” Mensah-Acheampong explained. To ensure no qualified candidate is left behind, Mr. Mensah-Acheampong added that a mop-up exercise is planned in the coming weeks to absorb eligible applicants who were unable to complete the process during the main recruitment phase. The Ministry’s efforts mark a renewed push to deliver quality healthcare to all corners of the country, with a special focus on the most underserved communities. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Dr Bampoe’s Tenure Marks New Era for Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme
Over the years, Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has seen a series of Chief Executives, each leaving their own imprint on the institution. Yet, it is the tenure of Victor Asare Bampoe that is increasingly being hailed as transformative, reshaping expectations of leadership and redefining the scheme’s trajectory. When Dr. Bampoe assumed the role of Chief Executive, the NHIS was already an established national institution. However, under his stewardship, the scheme has moved decisively beyond routine administration. Observers note that the NHIS now operates with a new sense of structure and urgency, guided by principles of efficiency, accountability, and citizen-focused service delivery. Dr. Bampoe is widely credited with strengthening the scheme’s operational systems. He spearheaded improvements in claims processing and fostered stronger partnerships with healthcare providers nationwide. These reforms, insiders say, have gone a long way in restoring and boosting public confidence in the NHIS’s ability to fulfill its mandate. His leadership style has emphasized coverage integrity and system discipline, ensuring that processes are streamlined and more responsive to the needs of beneficiaries. Analysts within the health sector point to his tenure as one that has set a new bar for future leaders: technical competence and public accountability are now seen as inseparable standards. Supporters of Dr. Bampoe’s reforms argue that future NHIS chiefs will inherit not just an office but a legacy of heightened expectations, where performance, transparency, and service delivery are paramount. While Ghana’s health insurance sector still faces challenges, Dr. Bampoe’s time at the helm is being recognized as a defining period, reinforcing the importance of efficiency and trust in public health administration. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Medical Trust Fund Administrator Commends President Mahama and Officials for MahamaCares Salary Contributions
In a heartfelt address during the Government Accountability Series at the Presidency on Monday, May 11, the Administrator of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, Adwoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, lauded President John Dramani Mahama and government appointees for their remarkable show of solidarity with the MahamaCares Initiative. The gesture, involving voluntary salary contributions, was described as a testament to the government’s dedication to improving access to specialised healthcare in Ghana. Mrs. Darko-Opoku revealed that President Mahama had set the tone for national giving by donating six months of his salary to the Fund, inspiring others to follow suit. “At this juncture, I wish to express our profound gratitude to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, who led by example by donating six months of his salary to the Fund,” she remarked. She also thanked the government appointees who joined the cause by contributing portions of their salaries, which strengthened the initiative. The Administrator also acknowledged the vital support from Corporate Ghana, philanthropic organizations, and individuals whose financial contributions have bolstered the Trust Fund’s resources. She explained that a combination of sources sustains the Ghana Medical Trust Fund: 20 percent of the National Health Insurance Levy, government allocations, grants, voluntary contributions, investments, and donations. Established to provide financial relief and specialised care for Ghanaians living with chronic non-communicable diseases, the Fund stands as a beacon of hope, powered by the generosity and commitment of leaders and citizens alike. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah Appointed to Key African Union Health Committee, Elevating Ghana’s Influence in Global Health Reform
In a move that underscores Ghana’s rising leadership in continental health policy, the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has been appointed as a Secretariat Member of the African High-Level Ministerial Committee (AHLMC). Her new role will see her helping to steer the reform of the global health architecture, ensuring that Africa’s interests and its citizens are placed at the heart of future health systems. The AHLMC, a flagship initiative of the African Union, was established to cement Africa’s influence in global health decision-making and champion a more equitable, coherent, and effective international health system. Dr Ayensu-Danquah, who also serves as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan, received her appointment in an official letter dated April 13, 2026, signed by the Director-General of the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Dr Jean Kaseya. The appointment follows a decision by the AU Assembly at its 39th Ordinary Session held in February 2026. Under the direction of the Africa CDC and with support from member states such as Ghana and South Africa, the Secretariat delivers strategic, technical, and operational assistance to the committee. Its responsibilities include engaging high-level stakeholders, providing policy and analytical support, coordinating partners, and implementing agreed reforms. As a member of this Secretariat, Dr Ayensu-Danquah will contribute her expertise to critical priorities such as health governance reform, sustainable financing, equity in healthcare access, resilient health systems, and improved data and accountability. Each of these thematic areas benefits from a dedicated Secretariat, ensuring coordinated action and high-quality outcomes for the continent. Dr Ayensu-Danquah’s credentials are both impressive and wide-ranging. A board-certified general surgeon with advanced fellowship training in trauma, burns, and reconstructive surgery, she is recognised as a leading public health policy expert. Her career includes pivotal roles in Ghana’s health sector, where she has supported efforts to strengthen health systems, expand access to care, and align Ghana’s policies with regional and continental frameworks. The appointment has been seen as a reflection of growing confidence in President John Dramani Mahama’s health policies. It also aligns with the government’s renewed emphasis on health sovereignty, health system strengthening, preventive care, and regional cooperation. President Mahama has made significant investments in public health financing, revitalised the National Health Insurance Scheme, and expanded access to primary healthcare, especially in underserved communities. Notably, he recently introduced the Free Primary Healthcare policy, aimed at helping Ghana reach Universal Health Coverage by 2030. To further these ambitions, President Mahama launched the Ghana Medical Health Trust—an initiative designed to mobilise sustainable funding for critical healthcare delivery, infrastructure, and specialist care. This trust is intended to complement public health financing by channelling resources into priority medical interventions, tertiary care, and high-quality treatment for complex health conditions. The government’s commitment to deepening Ghana’s role in continental and global health governance is equally strong, with active support for initiatives promoting equitable access to medicines, local manufacturing, disease surveillance, and data accountability. Dr Kaseya, Director-General of the Africa CDC, praised Dr Ayensu-Danquah’s experience and leadership, stating that her involvement would “greatly enrich the work of the AHLMC Secretariat” and help drive meaningful reform in global health systems. Dr Ayensu-Danquah’s academic background includes medical degrees from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the University of Southern California, along with a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University, all in the United States. She maintains active medical licences in California, Michigan, and Maryland, operates a private surgical facility in Accra, and serves as an Adjunct Professor of Surgery at the University of Utah’s Center for Global Surgery. Her service record extends to the Technical Advisory Committee on the Safety of Vaccines and Biological Products of Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority and Days for Girls International Ghana. Through the Healing Hands Organisation, a non-governmental organisation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Banks, Filling Stations, and Telecoms Should Be Mandated to Provide Toilets: Journalist Calls for Bold Action Against Open Defecation
In a passionate call to action, the Editor-in-Chief of Apexnewsgh, Mr. Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen, has urged the government, through Municipal and District Assemblies, to enact laws compelling banks, filling stations, telecommunication offices, and other commercial establishments to provide modern toilet facilities for their clients. According to the journalist, such a measure would significantly reduce, and potentially help eradicate, open defecation (OD), a persistent public health crisis affecting both urban and rural communities across Ghana. “Open defecation is a serious threat to our health. It is something that needs to be worked on urgently,” Mr. Ngamegbulam stated. “The government must take it seriously because it affects lives, and when lives are affected, properties are also affected.” Despite national efforts, the journalist cited recent data indicating that as of late 2025, approximately 5.4 million Ghanaians – about 18 percent of the population – still practice open defecation, posing a significant public health risk. The prevalence rate has hovered between 15.2 and 18 percent, with rural areas and villages bearing the brunt. The situation is particularly dire in the Upper East Region. According to the 2021 Population and Housing Census, the region has a population of 1,301,226. Recent studies published in 2025 and 2026 show that open defecation rates there remain critically high, with estimates ranging from 49 percent to a staggering 81.9 percent of households engaging in the practice. “The Upper East Region is consistently identified every year as having one of the highest open defecation rates in Ghana. This is a cause for great worry,” Mr. Ngamegbulam emphasized. Mr. Ngamegbulam argued that tackling open defecation requires innovative thinking beyond conventional approaches. “When issues like this come up, we should be able to think outside the box. What should we do as a people to minimize this, even if we cannot eradicate it completely?” he asked. He pointed to the rapid proliferation of banks, filling stations, and other businesses across communities, yet these establishments rarely provide toilet access for their clients. “It is unfair that you go to a bank to transact business, and unfortunately, you feel the urge to ease yourself, but there is no toilet provision made for clients,” he said. “You are forced to look for a nearby bush, enter there to avoid disgracing yourself, and in doing so, create more health hazards for society.” Mr. Ngamegbulam believes that if these establishments were required to provide appropriate toilet facilities, it would go a long way in reducing open defecation. The journalist proposed a practical solution: Municipal and District Assemblies should enact by-laws making it mandatory for any bank, filling station, or similar facility within their jurisdiction to have a public toilet attached. “If assemblies can consider enacting this in their laws, it will go a long way in the fight against open defecation,” he said. “Everyone needs to come on board to contribute to eradicating this practice from our society.” He also stressed the need for toilet facilities in schools and noted that many homes still lack attached toilets, a worrying gap that demands urgent attention. “Any serious government that cares about the health of its people must take this seriously,” Mr. Ngamegbulam concluded. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana’s Free Primary Healthcare Programme: What You Need to Know
When President John Dramani Mahama launched Ghana’s Free Primary Healthcare Programme, it did not take long for questions to follow. Stakeholders across the country began asking: What exactly is this programme? How will it work? And is it simply the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) under a new name? To clear the air, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, stepped forward with answers, and what he had to say painted a picture of a healthcare system on the cusp of meaningful change. Dr. Bampoe was unequivocal on one point: the Free Primary Healthcare Programme is not a rebranding of the NHIS. Rather, it represents a deliberate shift in how Ghana finances and delivers healthcare. For years, the NHIS has operated largely as a curative-care system, one that responds to illness after it strikes. Preventive and promotive services, by contrast, have remained chronically underfunded and heavily reliant on external support. The new programme, Dr. Bampoe explained, is designed to correct that imbalance. “The initiative explicitly defines and funds preventive services such as screenings, early detection, and community outreach,” he noted, services that have long existed on the margins of the country’s health financing architecture. At the heart of the policy is a fundamental change in how healthcare is paid for. Ghana is moving away from a traditional illness-driven financing model toward a population-based payment system — one that is proactive rather than reactive, and focused on managing public health risks before they spiral into crises. This shift, Dr. Bampoe stressed, is not cosmetic. It reflects a broader ambition to reposition primary healthcare at the centre of Ghana’s health system and to accelerate the country’s progress toward universal health coverage. One of the most significant changes under the programme concerns access. Under the new framework, individuals will be able to receive initial healthcare services regardless of whether they are enrolled in the NHIS. The goal is simple: ensure that no one is turned away at the first point of contact due to administrative or financial barriers. “This approach ensures that access to care is no longer delayed by administrative or financial constraints, while also encouraging enrolment into the NHIS through the system itself,” Dr. Bampoe explained. In practice, this means that early diagnosis becomes more achievable, and with it, better health outcomes for more Ghanaians. Dr. Bampoe was candid about the need to manage expectations. Implementation will not happen overnight. The programme will roll out in phases, with the first phase prioritising preventive services delivered through Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, health centres, and polyclinics. Curative services, meanwhile, will continue under existing NHIS arrangements. To ensure the programme delivers on its promise, the policy includes clearly defined service packages, dedicated funding streams, and integration with NHIS monitoring systems, all designed to guarantee accountability across financing, staffing, medicines, and service delivery. In closing, Dr. Bampoe framed the initiative not as a short-term intervention, but as a long-term structural reform, one aimed at strengthening preventive care, improving access, and building a healthcare system that is both more resilient and more efficient. The name “Free Primary Healthcare” may still spark debate, but the vision behind it is clear: a Ghana where health is protected before illness takes hold, and where no citizen is left behind at the door of a clinic. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Named First Beneficiary of France’s National Health Platform as Mahama Meets Macron in Paris
Ghana has been selected as the first country to benefit from France’s National Health Platform, a landmark health compact designed to strengthen healthcare systems, in a major announcement made by French President Emmanuel Macron during high-level talks with President John Dramani Mahama at the Élysée Palace in Paris. The announcement came as part of President Mahama’s one-day official visit to France, where the two leaders sat down for wide-ranging bilateral discussions covering agriculture, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, regional security, and Ghana’s ongoing economic recovery. The meeting opened on a warm note, with President Macron expressing gratitude to his Ghanaian counterpart for co-chairing the One Health Summit in Lyon. He also singled out the Accra Reset Initiative for recognition, describing it as significant and acknowledging the prominence it had gained during the summit. President Mahama, in turn, welcomed the new health partnership and said he was honoured to have been invited to co-chair the summit, underscoring its importance to the World Health Organisation. He added that the Accra Reset Initiative had already produced tangible outcomes that could serve as a foundation for further progress. Beyond health, the two presidents explored ways to deepen cooperation in agriculture to boost food security and enable year-round farming. Talks also touched on support for maternal health, artificial intelligence development, and the long-anticipated construction of the Accra-Kumasi expressway, a project with significant implications for Ghana’s infrastructure landscape. The leaders additionally reviewed ongoing development support being channelled through the Agence Française de Développement, France’s development finance institution. President Mahama used the occasion to express Ghana’s gratitude to both France and China for their roles in supporting the country’s debt restructuring process, pointing to encouraging signs of economic recovery on the horizon. As the talks drew to a close, both presidents reaffirmed the enduring ties between Ghana and France, a relationship anchored in shared values of democracy, peace, and a rules-based international order, while also exchanging views on pressing regional and global security concerns. Source: Apexnewsgh.com