Tragedy struck the political scene in Ghana with the news of the passing of former Information Minister John Akologo Tia, who served under the Mills Administration. Apexnewsgh reports The seasoned politician had a long and illustrious career, starting from his involvement in local politics in 1982, to his tenure as a Member of Parliament for Talensi from 1993 to 6th January 2013. Born on September 23, 1954, John Akologo Tia made significant contributions to Ghanaian politics, particularly as a member of the National Democratic Congress. His role as Minister for Information under President Mills in 2009 highlighted his dedication to serving his country and promoting transparency in government. Sources close to the family and the party revealed that the former Minister’s sudden passing occurred on Saturday. Giving little details, source said the whole thing started after returning from the funeral of a former party security coordinator where people around him noticed that his health condition started deteriorating leading to an emergency rush to the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital where he met his untimely death. Prior to his untimely demise, John Akologo Tia was named as part of the NDC Mahama campaign team, showcasing his continued commitment to the party and its ideals. His legacy as a dedicated public servant and respected politician will be remembered by those who had the privilege of working alongside him. However, Mr. John Akologo Tia, is from Talensi Constituency in the Upper East Region. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com

The president of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Dr. Frank Serebour, has made a passionate plea to the government to increase the amount allocated to each patient under the National Health Insurance scheme. This call comes in light of the mounting utility bills that hospitals are facing, which are currently being paid from NHIS claims and Internally Generated Funds. Dr. Serebour, who also serves as the medical superintendent for the Bekwai Government Hospital, emphasized the unsustainability of the current arrangement where directors of government health facilities have to cover water and electricity bills. He highlighted that initially, the government used to pay these utility bills, and now with the burden shifted to hospitals, a realistic tariff should be set to cover the costs adequately. The GMA president pointed out the challenges faced by hospitals, especially those in rural areas, as they cater to a large number of patients with National Health Insurance. For example, at the Bekwai Government Hospital, 90% of patients are covered by NHIS, with a significant portion of the claims going towards electricity expenses. Dr. Serebour expressed concerns about the dire consequences on healthcare delivery if the government does not intervene to address the issue of utilities in public health facilities. He called for a reevaluation of the National Health Insurance collection and allocation processes to ensure sustainability and equitable distribution of funds. He urged transparency from all agencies involved in collecting Health Insurance levies and premiums, emphasizing the need for accountability in the disbursement of funds back to the NHIA for claims payment. Dr. Serebour stressed the importance of finding a solution to the utility bills dilemma to prevent adverse effects on healthcare services in the country. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com

In a tragic turn of events, Christopher Adu Boahen, the son of prominent historian and former presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Prof. Albert Adu Boahen, has been brutally murdered by robbers at his home in East Legon, a suburb of Accra. Reports from some notable media platforms on March 18 revealed that Christopher Adu Boahen was attacked by robbers who forcefully entered his residence, ransacked his house, and ultimately took his life. His 1995 year group at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where he studied electrical engineering, confirmed the heartbreaking news through a Facebook post. The post described the incident as the result of “wicked persons” who had invaded his home and robbed him of his life. The police have since barricaded the crime scene at his residence in East Legon as they continue their investigations into the heinous crime. Christopher Adu Boahen was not only the son of a prominent political figure but also the brother of Charles Adu Boahen, who previously served as both a deputy minister for finance and a minister of state at the Ministry of Finance in the Akufo-Addo government. Charles Adu Boahen resigned from his government position in November 2022. The untimely death of Christopher Adu Boahen has shocked the nation and left his family and friends grieving. As they mourn the loss of their loved one, they are calling for justice to be served for the senseless act of violence that took his life. May his soul rest in peace. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com

Doctors at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in the Ashanti region have announced a strike effective tomorrow, 13 March 2024, due to accommodation challenges. Approximately 20 doctors and other health workers are facing eviction from the bungalows they occupy at Danyame, which are located very close to the hospital. The doctors have been given an eviction notice to vacate the residential apartments within one week by a private developer. As a result, the aggrieved doctors held an emergency meeting today at KATH where they resolved to lay down their tools, effective tomorrow, in order to search for alternative accommodation. Dr Michael Leat, Chairman of the Komfo Anokye Doctors Association (KADA), stated that they will only return to work after they have secured suitable accommodation. During the strike, the doctors will only attend to patients already admitted, with no new cases being seen. The strike comes as a response to the urgent need for accommodation faced by the doctors at KATH. Their hope is that by taking this action, they can draw attention to their housing challenges and find a solution that will allow them to continue providing essential healthcare services to the community. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com

Attorney-General and Minister of Justice has decided to discontinue the case against former Chief Director at the Ministry of Health, Dr Sylvester Anemana, and others involved in the controversial purchase of ambulances. The decision was communicated to the court on March 7, by Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame. Dr Anemana, who was the second accused in the €2.3 million ambulance purchase case, has been dealing with serious health issues and had to seek medical treatment outside the country. He is currently in India seeking further medical assistance. The case, which had been ongoing for some time, saw Dr Anemana’s legal team in an in-chambers meeting with presiding Judge Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe. Following the meeting, it was revealed that the case against the former Chief Director had been dropped. The proceedings will now continue with the third witness giving an oral testimony. The case has been adjourned to Tuesday, March 19, as the first accused, former Deputy Finance Minister and Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has parliamentary duties to attend to this week. The decision to discontinue the case has raised questions and speculation, as many were eager to see the outcome of the trial surrounding the ambulance purchase scandal. However, for now, Dr Anemana can focus on his health as the legal battle against him has come to an unexpected halt.     Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com    

The Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu, recently organized a stakeholders briefing to discuss the need for the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on imported pads, the extension of maternity leave to six months, and the introduction of paternity leave to support newborn babies and breastfeeding mothers. Sosu highlighted the challenges faced by women and girls, especially those in rural and deprived communities, due to the imposition of customs duty and import VAT on menstrual hygiene products. He emphasized the importance of providing affordable and accessible sanitary napkins and tampons to ensure good personal hygiene during menstruation. During the briefing, attended by representatives from various organizations, Sosu proposed a Private Members Bill to amend sections of the Customs and Labour Bills. The proposed amendments aim to reduce customs duty and import VAT on sanitary towels, pads, tampons, baby products, and adult incontinence pads to zero percent, making them more affordable for women and girls in need. Furthermore, stakeholders discussed the extension of maternity leave from the current 12 weeks to six months to align with recommendations from the World Health Organization for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a newborn’s life. Additionally, the introduction of paternity leave was suggested to recognize the changing roles of men in childcare and support family bonding. While challenges such as private sector support for longer maternity leave, continuous leave for men with multiple wives giving birth in the same year, and other issues were raised, stakeholders urged Sosu to work closely with drafters to address these challenges in the proposed Bill. In conclusion, the stakeholders briefing emphasized the importance of supporting women’s health and well-being through policy changes that prioritize menstrual hygiene, extended maternity leave, and paternity leave to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for families in Ghana. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com

According to Dr. Akin Gabriel, a clinical psychologist at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Yaba, Lagos, approximately four out of 10 Nigerian women are experiencing some form of depression. In an interview Gabriel highlighted the prevalence of depression among women in the country. Gabriel also noted that around 25 percent of depressed women eventually reach a breaking point and require treatment for their condition. He emphasized that depression is just one of the many conditions associated with mental illness and stressed the importance of mental health in overall wellbeing. The psychologist explained that mental health plays a crucial role in an individual’s ability to cope with life’s challenges, achieve goals, and maintain healthy relationships. He warned that neglecting mental health can lead to negative impacts, including physical illnesses. Gabriel urged individuals to pay attention to subtle changes in their mental wellbeing, such as increased difficulty in completing tasks, heightened emotions, and changes in sleep patterns or appetite. He outlined common signs of depression, including low moods, feelings of inadequacy, and withdrawal from social interactions. In discussing depression in men, Gabriel pointed out that fewer men seek help for mental health issues, often due to cultural beliefs about masculinity. He stressed the importance of recognizing signs of depression in men, such as substance abuse, increased aggression, and changes in behavior. Overall, Gabriel emphasized the importance of seeking help early for depression, as timely intervention can significantly improve outcomes for individuals struggling with the condition. By raising awareness about mental health and encouraging open discussions about depression, we can work towards breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness in Nigeria. Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062.

Former Northern Region Communications Director for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Issahaku Abdul Latif, has tragically passed away after a brief illness. The news of his untimely death was confirmed this afternoon at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, where he succumbed to complications arising from surgery. The somber announcement was made by the current NPP Communications Director, Yusif Danjummah, who expressed profound sorrow at the loss of their former Director of Communications. Taking to social media to share the news, Danjummah wrote, “It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the death of our former Communications Director, Mr. A. Latif. He passed away this afternoon at the Tamale Teaching Hospital after enduring a prolonged surgery. May Allah grant him Jannataul-Firdaus.” Issahaku Abdul Latif had previously held the position of Boss at the National Health Insurance in the Northern Region, showcasing his dedication to public service. While details regarding his funeral arrangements are yet to be finalized and officially released to the public, it is expected that his burial will be conducted in accordance with Muslim traditions, reflecting his faith and beliefs. The NPP community and beyond mourn the loss of Issahaku Abdul Latif, remembering him for his contributions and commitment to his work. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062

Starting from February 1, 2024, all vehicle owners in Ghana will be required to pay the Emission Levy, as mandated by the Emission Levy Act, 2023 (Act 1112). The purpose of this levy is to impose charges on carbon dioxide equivalent emissions generated by internal combustion engine vehicles. To ensure fair implementation, the levy amounts have been set as follows: GHS75 per annum for motorcycles and tricycles, GHS150 per annum for motor vehicles, buses, and coaches up to 3000 cc, GHS300 per annum for motor vehicles, buses, and coaches above 3000 cc, and GHS300 per annum for cargo trucks and articulated trucks. The government’s objective behind introducing this levy is multifaceted. Firstly, it aims to address the issue of greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. By imposing charges on vehicles that produce higher emissions, the government wants to promote the adoption of eco-friendly technology and encourage the use of green energy. Additionally, the implementation of the Emission Levy aligns with the government’s goals of improving environmental management and controlling air and water pollution. By creating financial incentives for personal and commercial vehicle owners to choose vehicles with lower emissions, it is anticipated that air and water quality will see noticeable improvements over time. Under section 4(4) of Act 1112, any entity responsible for issuing a road use certificate, such as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and other testing centers, must request evidence of payment of the Emission Levy before issuing the certificate. To facilitate the payment process, all vehicle owners are advised to register and pay the levy exclusively through the Ghana.gov platform. The introduction of this levy has caused some concerns among driver unions, leading to threats of a potential increase in public transportation fares. Currently, negotiations between the driver unions and the government are underway to address their concerns and find a mutually agreeable solution. In summary, the implementation of the Emission Levy in Ghana aims to combat carbon emissions, promote the adoption of eco-friendly technology and green energy, and improve overall environmental management while controlling air and water pollution. All vehicle owners are required to register and pay the levy on the Ghana.gov platform, and discussions are ongoing with driver unions to address their concerns about potential fare increases. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062