Health Minister Announces NHIS Tariff Increase, Warns Against Illegal Charges
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced that tariffs under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) will be increased effective August 2026. The adjustment is part of the government’s efforts to sustain the scheme and ensure healthcare providers receive adequate reimbursements for services rendered to NHIS subscribers. Addressing Parliament’s Assurance Committee, Mr. Akandoh highlighted that the Mahama administration is also facilitating the timely transfer of funds from the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) to support prompt payment of claims. “I’m happy to announce that very soon, we are going to increase the tariffs of the National Health Insurance. I think in August it’s going to start,” he confirmed. The Minister also expressed concern over illegal charges, known as “co-payment,” imposed on NHIS subscribers by some healthcare providers. He described these practices as fraudulent and warned that offenders would be prosecuted. “We have detected this kind of co-payment, which is an illegal payment. We are even prosecuting some of them. We have arrested some, they are under prosecution,” he said. Akandoh urged service providers to comply with NHIS regulations and stressed that authorities will continue monitoring health facilities to eliminate illegal charges. “I will plead with all service providers that let us do the right thing because we are on the ground, and we will come after you,” he cautioned. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Okatakyie Kwame Afrifa Mensah Hospitalised Under Police Guard After Election Disturbances
Police in the Ashanti North Region have confirmed that media personality Okatakyie Kwame Afrifa Mensah and another suspect, Osman Awuni, are under police guard at the Mampong Government Hospital following disturbances during the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Ejura Sekyedumase East Constituency executive elections at Wiamoase. According to a statement from the Ashanti North Regional Police Command on Monday, July 13, both Afrifa Mensah, 43, and Awuni, 44, complained of ill health after their arrest on Sunday, July 12, and were admitted for treatment. “The two suspects remain under police guard while receiving treatment. Investigations are ongoing, and the public will be updated on any further developments,” the statement said. Afrifa Mensah was arrested with six others after a violent disruption at the SDA Church polling station, where the constituency elections were taking place. Police allege that at about 7:45 a.m., Afrifa Mensah led about 30 men to the polling station. When questioned by security personnel, the group allegedly became aggressive, attacked police officers, and disrupted the process by throwing electoral materials on the ground. The remaining members of the group reportedly fled, and police say efforts are ongoing to apprehend them. Preliminary police investigations revealed that Afrifa Mensah claimed some of his supporters had been sidelined in the electoral process and that he had secured an interlocutory injunction to halt the elections. However, police and the Electoral Commission reported that no such court order or injunction had been received. Calm was eventually restored after police intervention, allowing voting to continue under tight security. The election ended peacefully at about 4:00 p.m., with the Electoral Commission duly declaring the results. The Ashanti North Regional Police Command has assured the public that investigations are ongoing and further updates will be provided as the case progresses. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Medical Trust Fund Unveils Rebuilt Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Korle Bu
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF) has inaugurated a newly rebuilt and expanded Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at the National Cardiothoracic Centre of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, marking a major restoration of a vital resource for advanced cardiac care in Ghana. This state-of-the-art facility resumes operations nearly a year after a devastating fire destroyed the original laboratory, causing a significant disruption in advanced heart procedures and limiting access to specialised treatment for cardiac patients nationwide. The upgraded laboratory is now set to improve access to cardiovascular interventions and further strengthen specialist cardiac services across the country. At the inauguration ceremony, GMTF Administrator Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku emphasized the project’s significance in restoring Ghana’s critical healthcare infrastructure. “Today, Ghana answers that test. We gather to restore a lifeline, reclaim a critical pillar of our national health security, and affirm that we do not abandon what saves lives,” she declared. Commissioned in January 2017, the original Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory enabled complex heart procedures to be performed locally, reducing the need for patients to travel overseas for treatment. The fire incident on March 7, 2025, however, temporarily halted these interventions at Ghana’s main referral hospital. After a thorough assessment in January 2026, the GMTF resolved to not only rebuild the laboratory but also expand and upgrade it to meet the growing demand for specialist cardiovascular services. Construction commenced on February 17, 2026, and was completed in less than five months. Mrs. Darko-Opoku highlighted that the new laboratory features enhanced technology, increased capacity, and improved systems, ensuring more efficient and safer cardiac care. The facility is scheduled to begin a new cardiac intervention programme on July 12, 2026, in collaboration with the National Cardiothoracic Centre, cardiologists from the United States, the Mount Carmel Foundation, Africa World Airlines, and the GMTF. Under this programme, 30 patients from around the country will receive Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device procedures, specialised treatments that would otherwise be out of reach for many. The GMTF, founded to support patients with chronic non-communicable diseases, continues to invest in specialist training, healthcare infrastructure, and medical research. Mrs. Darko-Opoku described the restored laboratory as more than just a facility, saying it is a place “where science meets compassion, where expertise meets equity, and where families can receive lifesaving care with dignity.” She also expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for his support in the reconstruction, underscoring the project as a testament to Ghana’s commitment to a stronger, more resilient healthcare system. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government Scales Back Agenda 111 Hospital Project, Prioritises Completion of 35 Facilities
The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced a major revision to the government’s flagship Agenda 111 hospital initiative, with Cabinet giving the green light for the completion of only 35 projects while putting most of the remaining facilities on hold. Addressing Parliament, Minister Akandoh explained that the decision followed a comprehensive review of the ambitious nationwide programme. The move, he said, is aimed at ensuring that the country’s limited resources are focused on projects that can realistically be completed and brought into service in the near term. Launched under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Agenda 111 project was designed to expand Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure by building hospitals in districts lacking such facilities, as well as regional and specialised health centres nationwide. Minister Akandoh informed lawmakers that the government will now adopt a phased implementation strategy, initially targeting the 35 projects identified as the most urgent and financially viable. This approach, he noted, will help prevent further spending on projects unlikely to be completed any time soon. In addition, the Health Minister announced plans to deepen collaboration with the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), describing the organisation as a crucial partner in delivering healthcare services. He stated that this enhanced partnership will support efforts to improve access to quality medical care and strengthen the country’s health system. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Do We Really Care About Persons with Mental Health Disorders During Flood Disasters?
The Editor-in-Chief of Apexnewsgh, Mr. Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen, who also serves as a member of the Mental Health Alliance in the Upper East Region, has raised critical questions about the government’s efforts to protect persons with mental health disorders during disasters. His concerns come in the wake of the recent devastating flooding in Accra, which displaced more than 30,000 households and claimed at least a dozen lives. Reflecting on the tragedy, Mr. Ngamegbulam shared his thoughts: “I have been thinking about this since the unbearable flooding incident in Accra recently. It appears we are actually not concerned about persons with mental disorders. I’m talking about those roaming the streets, those who sleep anywhere they find or wherever they feel comfortable. Some of these people even have children with them, children who, in many cases, were born from circumstances we may never fully understand, yet we see them every day.” He questioned whether society ever truly considers the survival of such vulnerable individuals, particularly during disasters. “While we’re counting submerged cars, over a thousand, we hear, and tallying up the lives lost or disrupted, do we pause to consider those in our midst with severe mental health conditions? Those who may not even comprehend what’s happening around them, who might be asleep in a corner when the floods come, with no one to call for help, no voice to shout their name?” Mr. Ngamegbulam pointed to the lack of attention given to the mentally ill in disaster response efforts. “These people are among the most vulnerable. Who checks on them after a disaster? Who ensures they are safe, alive, or accounted for among the victims? The number of deaths we record, do we ever know if some of those lost were people with mental health disorders, people whose families may not even be able to identify or claim them? These are questions that demand answers.” Drawing parallels to the Ebola crisis, he highlighted a recurring pattern of neglect: “We made a similar oversight during the Ebola crisis. While everyone was rushing for vaccines and taking measures to protect themselves, who paused to think about the predicament of our brothers and sisters with mental health issues? It seems, too often, we only care about ourselves, the so-called ‘right-thinking’ or ‘normal’ people. Those who find themselves living with mental disorders are overlooked, left out of our planning and response in times of crisis.” Mr. Ngamegbulam emphasized that the challenges of a city like Accra make survival difficult even for the healthy. “Accra is a choked city, and this last flood proved how challenging it is for anyone to survive such disasters, even those of us who are healthy. How much harder, then, is it for those with mental health challenges, who may not understand the danger or know how to seek safety?” He called for a more inclusive approach to disaster response: “In times of challenges like flooding or other disasters, we must find a way to consider and actively save our brothers and sisters who are living with mental health issues. They did not choose their condition, circumstances led them there. We must include them in our emergency plans and activities, not avoid or ignore them because of their situation. This is a shared responsibility, and it is time we act on it.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
New Drug Detection Systems Set for Accra International Airport as Ghana Steps Up Anti-Narcotics Efforts
The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has unveiled plans to roll out advanced drug detection systems, featuring state-of-the-art mobile drug detection scanners, at Accra International Airport beginning August 2026. This initiative, jointly supported by the governments of Ghana and the Netherlands, marks a significant step in the country’s intensified efforts to curb illicit drug trafficking. The announcement comes on the heels of a major operation that saw the arrest of an alleged drug kingpin linked to the seizure of approximately 320 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in a charcoal shipment from Ghana and intercepted in Australia. Speaking at a durbar to commemorate the 2026 World Drug Day in Accra on Friday, June 26, NACOC Director-General Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey expressed concern about Ghana’s growing role as both a transit and distribution hub for illicit drugs. “The Government of Ghana has provided mobile drug detection scanners to NACOC just yesterday [June 25]. In collaboration with the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, we are undertaking a full replacement of the body and baggage intrusive scanners at Accra International Airport, which have been non-operational for over three years,” Brigadier General Mantey announced. He also revealed a major expansion of NACOC’s operational footprint, with district operational commands increasing from fewer than 10 to 77 nationwide, now covering all 16 regions. The commission has received 27 new operational vehicles to support field deployments. In a move to build capacity for future anti-narcotics professionals, Mantey shared that a 100-acre parcel of land has been secured at the Akwamu Traditional Area for the establishment of a dedicated NACOC training school. “This is a landmark investment in the next generation of narcotics professionals, and that is why I am interested in my students,” he noted. With these measures, the NACOC aims to strengthen its ability to detect, deter, and disrupt narcotics trafficking at Ghana’s borders and beyond. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Two Dead, Four Injured in Tragic Head-On Collision on Elubo–Takoradi Highway
Tragedy struck along the Elubo–Takoradi Highway on Friday when a head-on collision between a tipper truck and a Nigerian passenger bus left two people dead and four others injured. The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) reported that the crash involved a Sinotruck (Howo) tipper truck with registration number GS 3789-24 and a Nigerian-registered passenger bus, AAA 449 YN, traveling from Lagos. The devastating accident occurred near Abease, prompting an urgent emergency response. According to the GNFS, personnel from the Elubo Fire Station were alerted to the incident at 11:53 a.m. A five-member rescue team, led by Assistant Divisional Officer II Clement Arthur and supported by Assistant Divisional Officer I Issifu Dauda Kaku, arrived at the scene within six minutes of the distress call. Upon arrival, firefighters found that three victims had already been rescued by bystanders. However, five more individuals—including passengers from the bus and the mate of the tipper truck—remained trapped in the wreckage. The rescue team acted swiftly to extricate the remaining victims, providing emergency care before conveying four injured persons to the Elubo Government Hospital. Tragically, the driver of the passenger bus was pronounced dead at the scene. The tipper truck’s mate, who was among the injured, later died at the hospital. Both bodies have been deposited at the hospital morgue as investigations continue. Preliminary findings by the Ghana National Fire Service indicate the accident was likely caused when the bus driver, in an attempt to avoid a pothole, veered into the path of the oncoming tipper truck, resulting in the fatal collision. Authorities are continuing their investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
The Bongo District Director of Health Assures Public: “Everything is Under Control” After Watermelon Incident
On Friday, the Bongo District Director of Health, Estella Abazesi, reassured the public that the situation was under control after 12 individuals were hospitalized at St. Clement Hospital in Bongo following the consumption of watermelon. Speaking to Apexnewsgh, Director Abazesi recounted how her team responded swiftly to the incident. “So, it’s last night that we also had the information. This morning, our team went to the facility to get some detailed information about what happened. We met about 12 clients at St. Clement Hospital in Bongo, and they are all doing well now,” she said. According to the Director, all the affected individuals shared a common history: they had eaten watermelon on the 24th of the month. Shortly after, they experienced vomiting and diarrhea, resulting in their admission to the hospital. Interestingly, two members of the same household who did not consume the watermelon remained healthy and showed no symptoms. Further inquiries revealed that the patients had eaten different meals that evening before consuming the watermelon. Unfortunately, Abazesi noted, “There is no leftover of the watermelon whatsoever, so we can’t really take a sample for testing. We just have to keep our ears on the ground to see what happens further.” Director Abazesi assured that, as of now, all patients are stable and recovering. “No one has the symptoms now. They are all pending for discharge, except one who will be referred due to a pre-existing condition.” The origin of the watermelon was also traced. “The watermelon was bought from the northeast, in Walewale,” she explained. “We need to keep our ears on the ground to see whether this is a larger issue. If it’s related to the watermelon, we’ll find out, but for now, all the clients are doing well.” Health officials plan to continue monitoring the situation, even after the patients are discharged. “We still do follow-ups to ensure they remain healthy,” Abazesi said. When asked about efforts to trace the source of the watermelon, Abazesi acknowledged that they were yet to meet the man who purchased it. “We will stay in touch with the assemblyman to gather more information about exactly where the watermelon was bought. Once we reach him, we can further our investigation.” Director Abazesi concluded on a reassuring note, emphasizing that the health team remained vigilant and would keep the public informed as they continued to investigate the incident. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Health Minister Launches Ambitious Drive to Train 1,000 Specialised Nurses Annually
Ghana’s Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has unveiled a bold new initiative to train at least 1,000 specialised nursing students each year, aiming to close persistent gaps in the nation’s healthcare workforce. Addressing attendees at the joint matriculation ceremony for the Specialised Nursing Programme on Thursday, June 25, the Minister emphasised the urgent need to build advanced skills among nurses and broaden professional opportunities in the health sector. He explained that, while Ghana boasts over 100,000 trained health professionals, there are significant shortages in specialised fields, shortcomings that become especially pronounced when negotiating international health agreements. “These deficiencies in specialised skills are often highlighted by our international partners, who require expertise that we currently lack in sufficient numbers,” Akandoh observed. “I inherited a sector with a large workforce, but the specialised competencies were simply missing.” The Specialised Nursing Programme, which will soon expand to training institutions nationwide, is part of the government’s broader strategy to address these critical gaps. Despite initial scepticism and criticism, the initiative has gained momentum and support, paving the way for further growth. “We are determined to train no fewer than 1,000 students every year,” the Minister declared. “This is just the beginning, and the programme will be replicated in other institutions across the country.” Akandoh urged health sector leaders to focus on practical solutions and to prioritise expanding training opportunities to meet both domestic healthcare needs and international standards. The government’s commitment signals a new chapter for Ghana’s nursing profession, with the potential to strengthen the health system and enhance the country’s reputation on the global stage. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Nabdam to Benefit from Free Primary Healthcare Kiosk—MP Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane Announces
It was a day of hope and celebration in the Nabdam Constituency as Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, the Member of Parliament, and unveiled exciting news during the commissioning of a new Maternity Block. Speaking to the gathered community members, Dr. Nawaane revealed that Nabdam would be among the 50- 60 constituencies nationwide selected to receive a Primary Healthcare Special Market Kiosk package. Dr. Nawaane explained the motivation behind this initiative. “Primary Health Care is mainly about preventive medicine, stopping sickness before it even starts,” he shared. He recounted how many women, especially those working in the bustling Pelingu market, often forego routine medical checkups due to busy schedules or lack of access. Tragically, this sometimes means that manageable conditions like hypertension go unnoticed until they escalate into severe complications such as strokes or kidney failure. “With the introduction of the health kiosk right at the market, our mothers and sisters won’t have to wait until they are seriously ill before seeking help,” Dr. Nawaane emphasized. The new kiosk will offer checkups and treatment for minor illnesses, including blood pressure screening, all at no cost. “By catching these issues early, we can prevent major health crises before they happen.” He stressed that the services would be entirely free. “You don’t need to pay anything. Whether or not you have national health insurance, you can walk in, get checked, and receive assistance at no charge,” Dr. Nawaane assured the community. However, he also encouraged everyone to maintain their national health insurance for broader health coverage. Nabdam is proud to be chosen in the first phase of this important project, which will see 50 to 60 such kiosks established across the country. Dr. Nawaane believes the initiative will be especially valuable in Pelingu, where market women stand to benefit the most by gaining easy access to essential primary healthcare. The new health kiosk promises to be a lifeline for many, bringing accessible, preventive care to the heart of Nabdam’s busy markets and helping ensure a healthier future for its people. Source: Apexnewsgh.com