MTN Ghana Spreads Christmas Joy to New Mothers in Upper East Region
On Boxing Day, the Office of the Upper East branch of MTN Ghana, the country’s leading telecommunications provider, brought smiles to the faces of nursing mothers and their newborns at War Memorial Hospital in Navrongo Municipality and Bolgatanga Regional Hospital. In a heartwarming gesture, the company distributed assorted items, including towels, diapers, blankets, toiletries, clothing, soap, and other essential baby necessities to the mothers of 28 babies born on Christmas Day. This annual act of kindness is a cherished tradition for MTN Ghana. Every December 26th, staff don their bright MTN-branded T-shirts and visit hospitals across the country, sharing essential items with new mothers to help them care for their little ones. The initiative is part of the company’s commitment to supporting communities and making a positive impact where it matters most. Madam Anisa Abdulai, the Senior Midwifery Officer in charge at the Regional Hospital’s maternity ward, expressed her deep appreciation for the gesture. “It is always a delight to see organizations like MTN Ghana showing love and care to our mothers and babies,” she remarked, noting that among the 16 mothers at the ward, one had delivered twin boys. Madam Abdulai also took the opportunity to appeal for continued and increased support from corporate organizations. The atmosphere at the hospitals was filled with excitement as MTN staff handed out the gifts, sharing laughter and warm wishes with the mothers. For many, the gesture was not just about the items received, but a reminder that they and their children are cherished and remembered during this special season. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Ghana Health Service Warns of Increased Road Accident Risks During Christmas Festivities
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has sounded the alarm over an expected spike in road traffic accidents during the Christmas season, issuing a press release to caution the public and promote safer behaviours on the nation’s roads. Expressing concern about the rising trend of road crashes, which have led to preventable injuries and tragic losses of life, the GHS highlighted a combination of factors that typically contribute to accidents at this time of year. These include poor visibility due to the Harmattan, heavier traffic as more people travel, driver fatigue, and dangerous road user behaviours such as speeding, drunk driving, high-risk overtaking, non-use of seat belts, and the influence of drugs, alcohol, and stimulants. Non-adherence to basic traffic regulations was also cited as a major contributor. To help curb the risk, the Ghana Health Service is offering practical advice to all road users, from drivers and tricycle riders to motorcyclists, passengers, and pedestrians. Key recommendations include: Avoiding over-speeding and overtaking in unsafe or unauthorised areas Not using drugs, alcohol, or energy drinks before driving Always wearing seat belts Passengers are urged to play their part by watching out for dangerous driving, speaking up if they notice risky behaviour, consistently wearing seat belts, using designated walkways, avoiding illegal crossings, and remaining alert near roads. The GHS emphasized that road safety is a shared responsibility and called on the public to help reduce traffic accidents not just during the festive season, but throughout the year. The press release, signed by Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Acting Director of the GHS, was issued on December 15, 2025, as a timely reminder for all Ghanaians to prioritise safety during the holidays. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NYA’s ‘Red Means Stop’ Campaign Targets Youth in Balungu-Ganlagrum Over Substance Abuse Fueling Violence and Conflict
The National Youth Authority (NYA) in the Upper East Region has intensified its efforts to combat substance abuse and violent behavior among young people, recently holding a sensitization program at Balungu-Ganlagrum in the Bongo District. The initiative forms part of the nationwide Ghana Against Drugs (GAD) – “Red Means Stop” campaign, which aims to tackle the escalating issue of opioid and substance abuse, particularly among the youth. The event brought together young people, community leaders, and opinion-shapers to openly discuss the dangers of drug misuse and its strong correlation with rising violence, school dropout rates, unemployment, and community conflict. Participants were educated about the health, social, and economic consequences of substance abuse, as well as its long-term effects on families and community cohesion. Substance abuse among youth has become a growing concern in the Upper East Region, with increasing reports of opioid and illicit drug misuse, especially among unemployed and out-of-school youth. These patterns have been linked to risky behaviors, violence, declining productivity, and crime, prompting the NYA and its partners to prioritize youth sensitisation. The “Red Means Stop” campaign employs a holistic strategy, combining education, media advocacy, and grassroots community engagement to drive home the message that drug abuse leads nowhere. By engaging youth directly in their communities, the campaign empowers them with accurate information, helps them resist peer pressure, and promotes positive lifestyle choices. Speaking at the event, which also featured the donation of dual desks to Balungu-Ganlagrum D/A Primary School in the Upper East Region, Mr. Francis Takyi-Koranteng, Upper East Regional Director of the NYA, highlighted the urgency of confronting substance abuse in the region. He noted that the Upper East faces mounting challenges, including youth unemployment, migration, poverty, and exposure to illicit substances, making its young people particularly vulnerable. Mr. Takyi-Koranteng stressed that drug abuse is not only a health issue but a broader development challenge that threatens the region’s future. He warned that substance misuse is eroding the human capital needed for local development, weakening families, and undermining community safety. “The reality on the ground is clear,” he said. “When young people fall into drug abuse, it affects their education, their ability to work, and their relationships. It fuels violence, destroys dreams, and places an extra burden on families and communities that are already struggling.” He emphasized that the fight against substance abuse requires more than law enforcement. It demands continuous education, strong collaboration among institutions, traditional authorities, and parents, and targeted investment in youth development programmes. He urged young people to take responsibility for their choices, reminding them that today’s decisions will shape their future and that of the region. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Prosper Adankai/Contributor
Unpaid Nurses and Midwives Threaten Strike Over Salary Arrears
The Coalition of Unpaid Nurses and Midwives has issued a stern warning to authorities over the prolonged delay in paying their salary arrears, cautioning that they may be forced to withdraw their services if the issue is not addressed promptly. Representing more than 6,000 nurses and midwives nationwide, the group revealed that only a handful of members have received payment for a single month. At the same time, approximately 300 personnel have not been paid at all since they assumed duty in December 2024. The coalition described the non-payment, now extending to 11 months, as a source of severe financial hardship for its members. During a press briefing held in Ejisu, Ashanti Region, on Monday, December 15, 2025, coalition leaders accused authorities of insincerity in handling the matter. They noted that the Ministry of Health had earlier promised a structured payment roadmap following the clearance of November salaries, a promise that, according to the group, remains unfulfilled. The coalition called on the government to act swiftly and settle all outstanding entitlements without further delay. They warned that continued inaction could trigger industrial action, a step that would significantly disrupt healthcare delivery across the country if urgent measures are not taken. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GTA CEO Visits Victims of Amedzofe Canopy Walk Accident, Pledges Support and Enhanced Safety
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Maame Efua Houadjeto, has paid a compassionate visit to victims of the recent canopy walk accident at Amedzofe in the Volta Region. During her visit, Maame Efua Houadjeto spent time with the injured individuals receiving treatment, offering heartfelt sympathies on behalf of the Authority and the wider tourism sector. She wished the victims a swift recovery and assured them that the GTA is committed to supporting them through their healing process. The GTA CEO also praised the medical team for their prompt and effective response to the incident and pledged that the Authority would enhance safety measures at tourist sites nationwide to prevent similar accidents in the future. The accident, which occurred earlier in the week, involved a group of visitors who sustained various injuries on the popular canopy walkway. Authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the accident and to implement measures that will safeguard visitors going forward. The Ghana Tourism Authority reiterated its dedication to prioritising visitor safety while continuing to promote the growth of domestic tourism. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Graduate Unemployed Nurses and Midwives Association Set to Protest Over Delayed Postings
The Graduate Unemployed Nurses and Midwives Association has announced plans to stage a protest in response to what it calls the government’s prolonged delay in posting its members, some of whom have been waiting at home for up to five years. A demonstration scheduled for this week was postponed after the association was unable to finalise security arrangements with the Greater Accra Regional Police Command. Despite this setback, frustration among unemployed graduates continues to grow. Speaking to the media, December 9, 2025, Gamal Osman, a member who completed his nursing training in 2021, described the hardship faced by many. “I have been in the house for four years. I completed school in 2021. We are all stranded. Remember, completing school and depending on someone is not easy. How to even buy water is not easy,” he lamented. The association maintains that it will persist with all lawful means to press for the immediate posting of its members until the government addresses their concerns. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GMA President Urges Immediate Action to Address Barriers to Rural Doctor Postings
President of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Professor Ernest Yorke, has called on the government to swiftly resolve persistent challenges that deter newly deployed doctors from accepting postings in underserved areas. His appeal comes in the wake of Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh’s decision to grant newly assigned doctors an extra week to assume duty, after data revealed that 70 percent had not reported to their posts. The Minister described the initial turnout as “deeply troubling,” with the Upper East and Upper West regions recording no arrivals as of Friday, November 28. In an interview on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, Prof. Yorke explained that reluctance among doctors to move to remote locations stems primarily from poor incentives, inadequate facilities, and limited opportunities for career advancement. He argued that pairing government expectations with meaningful incentives would increase the willingness of doctors to serve in deprived areas. “It’s a chicken-and-egg situation. Incentives could motivate sacrifice, or sacrifice could attract incentives. Ideally, we should pursue both,” Prof. Yorke remarked. While the GMA continues to encourage its members to accept rural postings, Prof. Yorke emphasised that the government must recognise their sacrifices by offering suitable compensation and support. He noted that other countries reward doctors who accept assignments in hard-to-reach areas and suggested Ghana could adopt a similar approach. He also revealed that the Ministry of Health already possesses a GMA-designed “Deprived Area Incentive” framework, which is yet to be implemented. Another barrier, Prof. Yorke highlighted, is the limited access to postgraduate training in deprived regions, which often forces doctors to pay substantial fees to specialise. This, he said, is a further deterrent for those considering rural postings. Beyond staffing, Prof. Yorke stressed the importance of completing healthcare infrastructure projects, particularly the abandoned Agenda 111 facilities. “We need more than personnel; we need functional facilities. Why not partner with the private sector to finish these hospital projects?” he suggested. He noted that while reporting rates in Greater Accra, Central, and Ashanti regions remain relatively stable, many other regions continue to struggle with severe shortages. Prof. Yorke concluded by urging the government to engage in broader consultations with stakeholders and the public to develop sustainable solutions that will guarantee equitable healthcare delivery across the nation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minister of Health Denies Claims of Punitive Rural Postings for Medical Officers
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has firmly rejected allegations that newly deployed medical officers are being punished by their postings to rural and underserved districts. Instead, he insists the exercise is a crucial step to ensure equitable access to healthcare nationwide. Addressing journalists in Parliament, Mr. Akandoh clarified that the deployment strategy is focused on prioritising communities with the greatest need, particularly in the Upper East and Upper West regions, where some health facilities have gone months without a single doctor present. “This is not punishment; it is national service,” the Minister stated. “Doctors must be posted where they are needed most. This is how we save lives and strengthen healthcare access for all Ghanaians.” He disclosed that newly posted medical officers assigned to the two northern regions have been given a one-week deadline to report to their duty stations or formally communicate any inability to do so. No exceptions, he added, will be granted outside the established process. Mr. Akandoh appealed to chiefs, Members of Parliament, district assemblies, and other local stakeholders to actively welcome and support the doctors in their new communities. “When they feel welcomed and supported, they stay longer and serve better,” he noted. The Minister further assured that the government remains committed to providing incentive packages to boost morale, especially for those serving in deprived or hard-to-reach areas. These incentives are part of wider efforts to make rural postings more attractive and sustainable. “Incentives are not handouts; they are tools to strengthen service. Doctors serving in hard-to-reach areas deserve support, and the government is listening,” he said. Expressing confidence in the commitment of the newly deployed officers, Mr. Akandoh described the assignments as a vital component of national duty. “Ghana is counting on you. Serve where you are needed most,” he urged. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
U.S. Commits $150 Million to Zipline for Expanding Medical Drone Deliveries Across Africa
The United States Government has announced a commitment of up to $150 million to Zipline International Inc., aiming to expand access to life-saving medical supplies, including blood, vaccines, and essential medicines, to as many as 15,000 health facilities across Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Rwanda. The announcement was made during a U.S. Embassy digital press briefing on Tuesday, December 2. This initiative is part of the U.S. Department of State’s America First Global Health Strategy, which seeks to maximize value for U.S. taxpayers by reducing waste, eliminating dependency, and ensuring development assistance aligns with U.S. foreign policy objectives. According to Jeff Graham of the U.S. Department of State, the strategy places a strong focus on delivering critical medical products to populations in remote and underserved areas. Partnering with Zipline, an American robotics and drone technology firm, is central to modernizing the U.S. approach to global health aid. Under the agreement, the U.S. will support Zipline’s expansion of advanced, American-made robotics to overcome the slow and unreliable logistics that often hinder timely medical deliveries in rural communities. Graham described the initiative as a significant step towards strengthening health systems, enabling rapid responses to disease outbreaks and emergencies, while also supporting U.S. manufacturing and job creation in partner nations. Although the U.S. contribution is described as modest, beneficiary governments will eventually take over operational responsibilities for their national health delivery networks. Zipline is set to open new distribution centers in the five participating countries, with Rwanda expected to double its daily delivery capacity, ultimately enabling the network to reach up to 130 million people across Africa. Caitlin Burton, CEO of Zipline Africa, explained that Zipline operates autonomous, all-weather drones day and night, delivering a centralized, on-demand medical supply chain that is far more efficient than traditional logistics systems. Supported by organizations like the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Zipline has demonstrated that its delivery model is both cost-effective and highly impactful. The new U.S. partnership is projected to allow Zipline to expand its reach to national scale in all five countries, creating an estimated 1,000 jobs and generating over $1 billion in annual economic gains across the partner nations. Burton emphasized Zipline’s mission to build health systems capable of ending preventable deaths from HIV, maternal mortality, and severe malnutrition by leveraging a single high-performing logistics network. Burton noted that government investments will be tailored to each country’s priorities and health needs, and that Zipline works closely with governments to identify access gaps in remote and underserved communities. “This system is meant to operate nationwide and at the scale required to deliver volumes of medical products that can actually change health outcomes. We now know how to solve challenges like maternal mortality and malnutrition, and the network is built to meet those goals,” she stated. While the U.S. provides initial capital, governments are expected to cover the predictable, long-term operating costs. The model is designed to replace multiple expensive, disease-specific programs with one unified delivery network that addresses a range of health challenges. “With this system, you’re not funding a single program or a one-off intervention. You’re ensuring that essential medical products reach patients wherever they are, including communities where distance or stigma might prevent people from seeking care,” Burton added. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Accra’s Mayor Launches GH¢100-a-Day Sanitation Drive for Festive Season
Accra’s Mayor, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has announced a new initiative that will see the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) pay individuals GH¢100 daily to help spruce up the city in preparation for the festive season. The opportunity, which specifically targets unemployed young people, was revealed by the mayor as he led a citywide exercise to paint kerbs along major roads—a move aimed at beautifying the capital and enhancing nighttime safety ahead of Christmas. Mayor Allotey encouraged interested individuals to visit the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and join the cleaning and beautification teams. Participants will receive GH¢100 a day for a period of 30 days for their work. The sanitation and beautification exercise commenced on Saturday, November 29, 2025, and involves painting kerbs along medians and road shoulders stretching from John Evans Atta Mills High Street to Independence Avenue. The effort is expected to improve visibility, eliminate dark spots, and give Accra a brighter, more welcoming appearance at night. Speaking to journalists during the operation, Mayor Allotey said the kerb painting is being combined with an intensive citywide sweeping campaign. Already, 190 personnel have been deployed across the metropolis, with plans to employ an additional 400 young people to scale up the operation and create more job opportunities. He explained that the freshly painted kerbs will significantly improve road safety by making medians and road edges easier for drivers to spot, reducing the risk of accidents on major routes. The mayor stressed that the initiative is part of the assembly’s broader commitment to ensuring Accra is clean, vibrant, and welcoming during the festive period. Mayor Allotey called on residents and business operators to support the ongoing sanitation drive by keeping their surroundings clean. During the exercise, he also cautioned a man for sweeping waste from a pharmacy frontage onto the pavement, warning that such actions are punishable by the Sanitation Court. Source: Apexnewsgh.com