WHO Sounds Alarm on Gender-Based Violence as Global Crisis Persists
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has sounded a grave warning over the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence (GBV), calling it a public health emergency that continues to devastate the lives of one in three women around the world. In a statement released to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, WHO underscored the profound and lasting physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health consequences faced by survivors. The organisation also highlighted the often-unseen toll on children who witness violence at home, leaving them at greater risk for emotional and behavioural issues. WHO noted that health workers are frequently the first—and sometimes the only—professionals whom survivors turn to for support. This reality, the organisation stressed, underscores the urgent need for robust, survivor-centred health systems capable of responding to the complex needs of those affected by GBV. In the Eastern Mediterranean Region, WHO EMRO reiterated its ongoing support for Member States by training healthcare providers, strengthening system-wide responses, and improving cross-sector coordination to ensure that no survivor is left unseen or unsupported. The statement drew attention to the heightened risks faced by women and girls in emergency settings, such as refugees and those displaced by conflict, who are vulnerable to violence both online and offline. Women and girls with disabilities, WHO added, confront even greater obstacles in seeking help. Reaffirming its commitment, WHO called for inclusive, accessible, and safe health services where every woman and girl can seek care and support with dignity and without fear. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
CDS Visits Injured Soldiers at 37 Military Hospital, Pledges Support and Safety Review
Lieutenant General William Agyapong, Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), has paid a compassionate visit to military personnel recuperating at the 37 Military Hospitals after a recent vehicular accident between Salaga and Tamale. The accident, which occurred late last week, involved a military vehicle carrying duty-bound personnel. Several officers sustained injuries of varying severity and were promptly airlifted to Accra for specialised treatment. On Monday, 24 November 2025, Lt. Gen. Agyapong met with the wounded soldiers, extending the Ghana Armed Forces’ unwavering support and personally commending the hospital’s medical team for their rapid and professional response. He assured the injured officers that every effort would be made to provide them with the best possible care. The CDS also announced that a full investigation would be launched to determine the cause of the accident and to review safety protocols for troop movement and operations. The families of those injured voiced their gratitude for the visit and the ongoing commitment shown by the Armed Forces’ leadership to the welfare of its personnel. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Police Arrests Murder Suspect at Kibi
According to a press release by the Public Relations Unit of the Ghana Police Service Eastern South, DSP David Fianko-Okyere reported that on Sunday, November 16, 2025, the Eastern South Regional Police Command arrested Kwame Arhin, also known as Abompe, a 37-year-old carpenter, at a bush near Kibi Presbyterian College of Education. The arrest followed a distress call received on Saturday, November 15, 2025, alleging the murder of a man at Kibi Newtown. The police deployed teams of detectives, including the Crime Scene Management team, to the crime scene near the Kibi Court Complex to commence investigations. At the scene, the police found the body of a male adult identified as Jonas Baah Sarpong. The scene was processed, and the body was removed and deposited at the Kibi Government Hospital morgue before being transferred to the Police Hospital in Accra for preservation and autopsy. Preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased was a security guard at the Kibi Presbyterian College of Education, where a misunderstanding between him and suspect Kwame Arhin led to the latter slashing the victim’s throat with a cutlass and absconding. The suspect is in custody and is being processed for court, while investigations are ongoing. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government Delegation Consoles Families of El-Wak Stadium Stampede Victims
The Deputy Minister for Defence, Mr. Ernest Brogya Genfi, on Thursday led a high-level government delegation to visit and console the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic El-Wak Stadium stampede. Mr. Brogya Genfi was joined on the visit by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mr. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo; the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey; and several other senior government officials. The visit formed part of the government’s ongoing efforts to commiserate with the bereaved families and provide much-needed emotional and logistical support during this difficult time. Speaking on behalf of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, Mr. Brogya Genfi described the stampede as a “deeply unfortunate tragedy” that has left the entire nation in mourning. He reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to stand by the affected families and assured them that they would not be left to bear their painful loss alone. “The government stands with you in these trying moments,” Mr. Brogya Genfi stated, adding that further arrangements and support measures would be communicated to the families in due course. The government has indicated that additional announcements will be made as investigations continue and support interventions are finalised. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Tragedy at El-Wak: Military Recruitment Stampede Claims 6 Lives in Accra
What began as a day of hope ended in heartbreak at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. The stadium, usually abuzz with the excitement of sporting events, became the scene of tragedy during an ongoing military recruitment exercise, as a stampede claimed the lives of 6 young Ghanaians and left several others critically injured. Trouble began early in the day, as thousands of hopeful applicants surged toward the stadium’s gates, desperate for a chance to enlist in the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), the crowd, far larger than anticipated, quickly overwhelmed security personnel. Jostling and shoving at narrow entry points soon erupted into chaos. Within minutes, the festive atmosphere gave way to panic, screams, and a frantic struggle for safety. By evening, the military confirmed that six people had died, but the death toll later rose to 6 as six more succumbed to their injuries. The bodies of the deceased were transported to the 37 Military Hospital morgue, while dozens of others, some in critical condition, were rushed to the emergency ward and Intensive Care Unit. Security forces moved swiftly to cordon off the stadium and block all major access roads, allowing rescue teams to work unimpeded. The tragic stampede occurred amidst an extended recruitment period for the Ghana Armed Forces. Originally set to close on October 31, 2025, the deadline had been extended by a week to accommodate applicants who had faced technical issues with the online portal. The extension, announced in a statement signed by Colonel Evelyn Ntiamoah Asamoah, Acting Director General of Public Relations, was intended to ensure fairness, but instead contributed to the overwhelming turnout that fateful morning. As news of the tragedy spread, questions mounted about crowd control and safety measures at large-scale recruitment events. Authorities have yet to issue a full statement on the incident, but preliminary reports suggest that inadequate crowd management and the sheer number of applicants played a significant role in the disaster. Investigations are expected to be launched to uncover the precise circumstances that led to the stampede and to prevent similar tragedies in future recruitment exercises. For now, the nation mourns the loss of twelve of its youth, victims of a system overwhelmed by demand, and of hopes that, for some, ended in heartbreak rather than a new beginning. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
UER: 7,549 People Living With HIV Amid Rising New Infections
At the inauguration of the Upper East Regional Committee of the Ghana AIDS Commission (ReCCOM), Mr. Donatus Akamugri Atanga, the Upper East Regional Minister, shared sobering news with the gathering. The region, he revealed, is home to 7,549 people living with HIV. Of these, 345 are new infections, which translates to a regional prevalence rate of 0.85%. But the numbers held a deeper concern. Shockingly, only 49.4% of those affected are currently receiving lifesaving antiretroviral therapy. “These numbers reveal a significant gap that we must urgently address if we are to reach our targets and end AIDS as a public health concern by 2030,” the Minister urged, his voice carrying the weight of the challenge ahead. He noted that while the overall prevalence rate remains relatively low for now, the fight is far from over. Urban centers in the region are seeing a worrying increase in new HIV cases. The Minister cautioned against complacency, pointing to the dangers posed by misinformation spread by self-styled vigilantes and traditional healers, forces that undermine efforts to keep patients on their treatment regimens. Perhaps the most daunting challenge, however, lies in the stigma and discrimination that people living with HIV continue to face. The Minister highlighted this as an area that demands strong leadership. He called for a renewed focus on intensive behavior change communication, robust partnerships with the media, and community engagement. Only through compassion, inclusion, and accurate information, he stressed, can the region hope to close the treatment gap and make real progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
CHRAJ’s Steadfast Role in Ghana’s HIV/AIDS Response: Achievements, Challenges, and the Journey Ahead
At the grand inauguration of the Upper East Regional Committee of the Ghana AIDS Commission (ReCCOM), the air was filled with a sense of hope and purpose. Among the distinguished guests and partners, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) stood out, represented by Mr. Edmond Alagpulinsa. As he took to the podium, Mr. Alagpulinsa’s words painted a vivid story of commitment, collaboration, and resilience in the region’s ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS. Mr. Alagpulinsa began by expressing CHRAJ’s sincere gratitude to the Regional Co-ordinating Council and its partners. The recognition of CHRAJ as a strategic partner in the HIV/AIDS response, he noted, was not just an honor but a reflection of the Commission’s enduring commitment to upholding human rights in Ghana. This partnership, he explained, is deeply rooted in the CHRAJ Act, 1993 (Act 456), which mandates the Commission to investigate violations of fundamental rights and freedoms, injustice, corruption, abuse of power, and unfair treatment by public officials. This legal framework, Mr. Alagpulinsa underscored, extends protection to all citizens, including those living with HIV/AIDS. He highlighted that the Ghana AIDS Commission Act, 2016 (Act 938), spells out specific rights for persons living with HIV/AIDS, and CHRAJ is duty-bound to actively promote and protect these rights. “Our role in defending the rights of persons living with HIV/AIDS,” he said, “is not just important, it is absolutely critical.” The journey, as Mr. Alagpulinsa described, has been one of seeking out strong partnerships to fulfill CHRAJ’s mandate. Organizations such as WAPCAS, the Ghana AIDS Commission, and Hope for Future Generations have been steadfast allies. Through these collaborations, CHRAJ has empowered its staff and focal persons on HIV/AIDS with specialized training. They have been educated on the Legal Aid Commission Act, with a particular focus on the rights of persons living with HIV/AIDS, strategies to combat stigma and discrimination, and the principles of Alternative Dispute Resolution. This training, Mr. Alagpulinsa emphasized, has equipped the Commission’s team with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle the sensitive cases reported by those living with HIV/AIDS in the region. In addition to training, CHRAJ has actively engaged with individuals at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. Periodic outreach sessions, conducted in collaboration with Hope for Future Generations, have made a tangible impact. Participants in these sessions not only learn about their fundamental rights but also find a safe space to resolve personal and domestic issues. “These engagements are more than educational, they are transformative,” Mr. Alagpulinsa remarked. CHRAJ’s approach, he explained, is both human-centered and friendly, making the Commission accessible to those who need it most. Persons living with HIV/AIDS now feel more comfortable and confident in approaching CHRAJ with their complaints, knowing they will be treated with dignity and respect. The Commission’s support goes beyond legal redress; counseling services are provided, and ongoing education about rights and freedoms is a cornerstone of their work. Yet, Mr. Alagpulinsa did not shy away from discussing the formidable challenges CHRAJ faces. Among the most pressing issues is the lack of adequate logistics. Limited resources have made it difficult for the Commission to conduct regular public education and outreach activities. The cost of securing airtime on radio stations, an essential platform for public sensitization, has become prohibitive. Similarly, organizing direct engagement sessions with the public is often hampered by financial constraints, restricting the Commission’s ability to meet the growing demand for its services. Stigma and discrimination, Mr. Alagpulinsa explained, remain persistent obstacles. He shared the story of an elderly woman in the municipality, ostracized and assaulted simply because of perceptions surrounding her HIV status. On several occasions, CHRAJ had to step in, providing protection and standing as a shield against the community’s prejudice. Such cases, he noted, illustrate the deep-seated challenges that go beyond legal mandates and require a collective effort to address. Another significant challenge lies in inter-institutional collaboration. Sometimes, cases reported to CHRAJ intersect with issues outside its jurisdiction, necessitating cooperation with other state institutions. However, this collaboration is not always as effective as it should be, leading to gaps in service and, at times, frustration for those seeking help. Mr. Alagpulinsa stressed the importance of strengthening these partnerships to ensure a seamless support system for persons living with HIV/AIDS. Despite these hurdles, CHRAJ remains undeterred. The Commission’s achievements, empowering staff, educating communities, providing counseling, and serving as a beacon of hope for vulnerable individuals, are a testament to its unwavering dedication. “All our services,” Mr. Alagpulinsa concluded, “are provided free of charge. Our doors are always open at the Regional Co-ordinating Council block.” As the event drew to a close, the story of CHRAJ’s contributions, achievements, and challenges resonated with all present. It was a call to action, a reminder that the fight for the rights and dignity of persons living with HIV/AIDS is a shared responsibility, and that with continued collaboration, compassion, and commitment, a brighter future is within reach for the Upper East Region and beyond. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
UER: ReCCOM Inaugurated to Tackle Issues Against HIV/AIDS
In line with section 9(1a) and 9(2) of the Ghana AIDS Commission Act, 2016 (ACT 938), the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council has inaugurated the Upper East Regional Committee of the Ghana AIDS Commission (ReCCOM). At the center of this gathering stood Donatus Akamugri Atanga, the Upper East Regional Minister, his presence radiating a blend of solemn responsibility and steadfast optimism. As the appointed Chairman of the Committee, he addresses a crowd representing every facet of the region’s social fabric. His words, as he took the podium, would chart a new course in the region’s response to HIV and AIDS, one rooted in unity, compassion, and shared resolve. “Distinguished guests, members of the committee, and esteemed colleagues,” Mr. Akamugre began, “it is with a deep sense of purpose, responsibility, and optimism that I warmly welcome you to this significant gathering.” He paused, surveying the attentive faces before him. Today’s event, he reminded them, was not merely the formation of another bureaucratic body. Rather, it was the renewal of a collective pledge, a declaration that the fight against HIV and AIDS would be met with reinvigorated energy, ideas, and collaboration. “For years, Ghana has made commendable progress in the fight against AIDS,” he continued, “yet the Upper East Region, like many others, still faces stubborn challenges.” These included not only medical and logistical hurdles but deeply entrenched social and economic issues that touched every home, every sector, and every individual in the region. The task ahead, he emphasized, required more than just government directives; it called for a harmonized effort from every corner of society. Mr. Akamugre traced the foundation of this renewed fight to the Ghana AIDS Commission Act of 2016 (Act 938), which fortified the institutional framework for the national response and provided the legal backing for a coordinated, multi-level approach. This legislative backbone, he noted, gave the region both the mandate and the tools to strengthen partnerships, harmonize interventions, and ensure that no community was left behind. He looked around the room, his gaze resting on the newly appointed committee members. “The assessment and inauguration of this committee are crucial steps in deepening decentralization and ensuring that our regional response is strategic, inclusive, and sustainable,” he asserted. The committee’s work, he underscored, was central to the broader regional development agenda. The Minister’s tone grew more urgent as he addressed the true nature of HIV: “The AIDS pandemic is not merely a health issue, but a social and economic canker. HIV has no respect for profession, tribe, religion, or status. So, our fight must have no boundaries.” He called for the dismantling of silos and the forging of new alliances, between state actors, the private sector, traditional authorities, and religious leaders. Addressing these gatekeepers of culture and conscience directly, he urged them to use their influence to dispel myths, reshape harmful narratives, and encourage testing and treatment without fear or discrimination. To civil society, he extended a special acknowledgment: “You represent the voice of the vulnerable, serving as a bridge between policy and people. You are the engine of community action in this campaign.” Turning to the committee members, Mr. Akamugre reminded them of the weighty responsibility they had accepted. “Ours is a call to service. We are expected to coordinate efforts, drive public education, protect the vulnerable, challenge stigma, and ensure accountability to the very people we serve.” He challenged each member to approach their work with professionalism, integrity, and a sense of urgency. He expressed confidence that the diversity of backgrounds and experiences within the committee would enrich its work and bring innovative solutions to the region’s most pressing HIV-related challenges. As Chairman, he pledged his unwavering support, promising that the Regional Coordinating Council would provide the leadership, institutional support, and strategic coordination necessary for success. Collaboration, he insisted, would be at the heart of their efforts. The Council would work closely with the Technical Support Unit of the AIDS Commission, civil society organizations, and all relevant stakeholders to achieve the ambitious 95-95-95 global target: 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are on sustained antiretroviral therapy, 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression. The Regional Minister shared the sobering statistics from the 2024 National and Sub-National HIV Estimates. The Upper East Region, he reported, had 7,549 people living with HIV, including 345 new infections, representing a regional prevalence of 0.85%. However, only 49.4% of those affected were receiving antiretroviral therapy. “These numbers reveal a significant gap that we must urgently address if we are to reach our targets and end AIDS as a public health concern by 2030,” he said. While the prevalence rate was relatively low, he warned against complacency. Urban centers were experiencing a rise in new cases, and misinformation from self-styled vigilantes and traditional healers continued to undermine adherence to treatment. More daunting still was the persistent stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV. “This is one critical area where we must show strong leadership,” the Minister emphasized. He called for intensive behavior change communication programs, robust partnerships with the media, and community-level engagement to promote compassion, inclusion, and the dissemination of accurate information. He highlighted another critical pillar of the committee’s work: resource mobilization. The effectiveness of regional and sub-national interventions, he noted, depended on securing the funding and logistical support necessary to implement evidence-based programs. As his speech drew to a close, Mr. Akamugre further congratulated the committee members on their nomination and thanked the governing board of the Ghana AIDS Commission for their trust. “We accept this responsibility with profound humility and determination, fully aware that the fight against HIV is not for one institution alone, but a shared responsibility.” He then made the official declaration: “It is my singular honor and privilege to declare the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council Committee of HIV-AIDS duly inaugurated, here on the 10th day of November 2025.” The ceremony reached its emotional pinnacle as Circuit Court Judge Sumaila M. Ahmadu, representing the High
Leprosy: Upper East Region recorded 188 official cases between 2019 to September 2025
Between January 2019 and October 2025, the Upper East Region of Ghana quietly recorded 188 cases of leprosy, a disease as old as civilization, yet as misunderstood and feared as ever. Apexnewsgh reports These numbers, dry on paper, conceal stories of courage and struggle, of families fractured and communities forever changed. At the center of this unfolding story is Eric Dakura, the Disease Control Officer at the Upper East Health Directorate, whose daily work illuminates the dark corners where leprosy still hides. Eric’s insight and passion were brought to light in the documentary “Pains of the Forgotten: Leprosy, Stigma, and Resilience,” produced by Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen of ApexNewsGH. With a clinical calm that betrays deep empathy, Eric decoded the disease for viewers: “Leprosy is a disease of the skin and the nerves. If you don’t get the treatment early, it will affect your nerves and finally lead to the wasting of your feet or your fingers, and that can lead to disability.” Unlike most diseases, leprosy’s touch is silent. Its symptoms can take years—sometimes three, five, even twenty- to appear after infection. “It’s not like any other disease that when you get infected within a week or two weeks, you get the signs and symptoms,” Eric explains. “It can be in you for over three years, up to twenty or even more years until it begins to manifest.” The first warning is often a pale, painless patch on the skin. Because these patches neither itch nor hurt, they are easily dismissed—until the disease has already begun its devastating work. “Leprosy doesn’t cause pain,” Eric says. “That is why you can see somebody with their fingers being chopped off, but there is no pain… if you even put them into fire, they will never feel anything because the nerves are all destroyed.” The destruction of nerve endings is what makes leprosy so dangerous and so easy to miss. Eric recalls a haunting case from his rounds: “A girl found a three-inch nail in her foot last year. She didn’t even know it was there because all the nerves were affected.” By the time many are diagnosed, the disease has already stolen their ability to feel, to move, or even to recognize when they are hurt. Early detection remains the greatest challenge. “We always get to know leprosy at a later stage, when the hands and the feet are gone. We don’t want to be recording cases at that stage because it means that our surveillance system is not the best.” The region now grades leprosy cases by disability: some show no deformities, some suffer numbness, while others arrive with missing fingers, feet, or affected eyes. Leprosy is endemic in all districts, but certain areas—like Bongo—have become persistent hotspots. There is progress, though: the annual number of new cases has dropped, from 32 in 2020 to just 16 currently on treatment. Yet Eric cautions that declining numbers are not always comforting. “If we record a lot of cases, it’s also good—meaning we are fishing out the hidden cases and treating them. But if we feel the numbers are declining, that could also be dangerous. We must always be on the watch.” Leprosy respects no boundaries. It is not hereditary, nor confined to the poor or the old. “Seventy percent of cases are male, but the youngest can be just two years old,” Eric shares. “There is no age that is exempted. Everybody, males, females, we are all at risk of getting it.” Yet there is hope, because leprosy is curable. “Leprosy is curable. That has always been the slogan. Just come, we’ll treat you and you’ll be fine,” Eric says, his tone unwavering. The medication, though costly for the government, is provided free of charge. “Wherever you are, the medicine can come to you, even your home.” But for all the medical progress, the greatest struggle is not clinical, but social. The shadow of stigma still looms large. “If you are affected, and unfortunately you lose your legs, there’s no way the person will be able to make life meaningful for himself. Even my own children, they dissented me. People that I used to eat with, they can’t eat with me,” Eric recounts, echoing his patients’ pain. He urges empathy and shared responsibility: “The fact that it hasn’t manifested in you doesn’t mean you don’t have it. So we just have to believe each other as people. When somebody has a problem, that is also your problem.” Often labeled a “disease of the poor,” leprosy’s grip is strengthened by poverty and neglect. “Almost all the people who are largely affected are people who come from poor living conditions. Eighty to ninety percent of the cases are in Africa. Because Africa is highly impoverished,” Eric explains. Still, hope guides his work. Through outreach, education, and persistent surveillance, the region edges closer to a day when leprosy is history. “If we get to a point where in a population of about 10,000, only one person is likely to have it, that is the aim,” Eric says. “So, in years to come, a generation will come that will not suffer from this kind of disease.” Until then, the story of leprosy in Ghana’s Upper East is one of vigilance, hope, and the unyielding human spirit, a story that, thanks to people like Eric Dakura, is no longer shrouded in shadows but moving steadily toward the light. WATCH THE VIDEO DOCUMENTARY: Source: Apexnewsgh.com/ Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Unmasking Leprosy: The Vigil of Eric Dakura in Ghana’s Upper East
In the Upper East Region Health Directorate, Eric Dakura carries a burden few understand. As the disease control officer for leprosy and neglected tropical diseases, Eric’s days are filled with the stories and scars of those too often overlooked. His mission is clear: to confront the truth about leprosy, dispel the myths that shroud it, and rally his community to vigilance. Eric’s perspective comes not from textbooks, but from years on the ground—a reality he shared in the eye-opening documentary, “Pains of the Forgotten: Leprosy, Stigma, and Resilience,” produced by Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen of ApexNewsGH. “Leprosy is a disease of the skin and nerves,” Eric explains to viewers. “If you don’t get treatment early, it will affect your nerves and finally lead to the wasting of your feet or fingers. That can lead to a disability.” Unlike other diseases, leprosy creeps. “It takes a longer time for someone affected with leprosy for you to see the signs and symptoms,” Eric says. “It can be in you for over three years, sometimes up to five, ten, or even twenty years before manifesting.” The stealth of the disease is part of its cruelty. By the time patches appear on the skin, often painless and easily ignored, the damage may have already begun. Eric describes the devastation with a clarity that stirs the heart. “It comes in the form of patches all over your body. The unfortunate thing is those patches don’t pain. You can see somebody with fingers being chopped off, but there’s no pain. If you even put them into fire, they will never feel anything because the nerves are all destroyed.” He recalls shocking moments discovered through his medical rounds: “Three-inch nails have penetrated people’s feet without them knowing. The nerve that is supposed to signal pain is destroyed, so we often detect leprosy at the later stage, when the hands and feet are gone. We don’t want to be recording cases at that stage because it means our surveillance system is not the best.” The tragedy, Eric insists, is that it doesn’t have to be this way. Early detection is possible, if only people know what to look for and seek help without fear. “You might see a patch on your body that doesn’t hurt, don’t ignore it. If you have a relative who has ever had leprosy, the probability of contracting it in the family is higher. It’s a slow-acting disease.” Yet, the path to diagnosis is often littered with hurdles. “Most clinicians are not able to detect leprosy early, mistaking it for other skin conditions. It’s a disease that cannot be managed by any other medicine apart from the special drugs designed to cure it,” Eric explains. The lack of awareness among both the public and some professionals allows leprosy to hide in plain sight, surfacing only when it’s too late. Perhaps the greatest enemy, Eric says, is not the bacteria, but stigma. “One of the biggest challenges with leprosy is stigma. If you have it, people around you may not want to come close because they feel they could also be infected. But leprosy is curable. Just come, we’ll treat you and you’ll be fine.” Eric works hard to spread this message of hope. He reminds everyone that leprosy treatment is free and accessible to all, with no hidden costs. “There is no cost component attached to leprosy treatment. It has always been free, irrespective of how long you take it. If you have skin conditions that are not responding to treatment, consult your health facility.” The Upper East Region, Eric reports, has seen progress. “We currently have ten cases under treatment, a significant improvement from previous years. If we record a lot of cases, it means we are fishing out the hidden cases and treating them. But we must never let our guard down.” Eric is quick to confront the misconceptions that have allowed leprosy to fester in secrecy. “Leprosy is not hereditary, nor is it a ‘poor man’s disease’ alone. It can affect anyone, at any age. But poverty increases vulnerability because of poor living conditions.” Eric’s determination remains undimmed. He ends with a call to action, one he repeats to every community he visits: “Stigma and late detection are our biggest enemies. ‘Leprosy is curable’ is our slogan. Let’s all do our part to detect, treat, and eliminate this disease from our communities.” In the story of leprosy in Ghana’s Upper East, Eric Dakura is more than a health officer, he is a sentinel. His vigilance, empathy, and unflagging hope offer a path forward, one where the pain of the forgotten gives way at last to healing and acceptance. WATCH THE VIDEO DOCUMENTARY BELOW: Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen