Ghana Named First Beneficiary of France’s National Health Platform as Mahama Meets Macron in Paris
Ghana has been selected as the first country to benefit from France’s National Health Platform, a landmark health compact designed to strengthen healthcare systems, in a major announcement made by French President Emmanuel Macron during high-level talks with President John Dramani Mahama at the Élysée Palace in Paris. The announcement came as part of President Mahama’s one-day official visit to France, where the two leaders sat down for wide-ranging bilateral discussions covering agriculture, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, regional security, and Ghana’s ongoing economic recovery. The meeting opened on a warm note, with President Macron expressing gratitude to his Ghanaian counterpart for co-chairing the One Health Summit in Lyon. He also singled out the Accra Reset Initiative for recognition, describing it as significant and acknowledging the prominence it had gained during the summit. President Mahama, in turn, welcomed the new health partnership and said he was honoured to have been invited to co-chair the summit, underscoring its importance to the World Health Organisation. He added that the Accra Reset Initiative had already produced tangible outcomes that could serve as a foundation for further progress. Beyond health, the two presidents explored ways to deepen cooperation in agriculture to boost food security and enable year-round farming. Talks also touched on support for maternal health, artificial intelligence development, and the long-anticipated construction of the Accra-Kumasi expressway, a project with significant implications for Ghana’s infrastructure landscape. The leaders additionally reviewed ongoing development support being channelled through the Agence Française de Développement, France’s development finance institution. President Mahama used the occasion to express Ghana’s gratitude to both France and China for their roles in supporting the country’s debt restructuring process, pointing to encouraging signs of economic recovery on the horizon. As the talks drew to a close, both presidents reaffirmed the enduring ties between Ghana and France, a relationship anchored in shared values of democracy, peace, and a rules-based international order, while also exchanging views on pressing regional and global security concerns. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Mahama Heads to France for One Health Summit and Bilateral Talks with Macron
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama is set to embark on an official visit to France beginning Monday, April 6, 2026, following a formal invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron. The two-day engagement will take President Mahama across two of France’s most iconic cities, Lyon and Paris, for a packed schedule of global health diplomacy and high-level bilateral discussions. The visit begins in Lyon, where President Mahama will attend the 2026 One Health Summit, a landmark gathering bringing together world leaders, health ministers, and global health experts to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity, from the reform of global health systems and sustainable food production to coordinated strategies for combating health crises. As founder of the Accra Reset Initiative, President Mahama will take center stage at the summit on Tuesday, co-chairing its high-level segment alongside President Macron. He is scheduled to deliver two keynote addresses during the summit. The first will be at a session on Global Health Architecture, co-chaired by President Macron and Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization. That session will focus on reforming global health initiatives and endorsing a Political Declaration designed to strengthen international health cooperation. His second keynote will open the high-level segment for heads of state and government, where President Mahama is expected to articulate Ghana’s commitments and perspectives on global health security, signaling the West African nation’s growing role on the world stage. From Lyon, the President will make his way to the French capital. On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, he will be welcomed to the Élysée Palace for a bilateral meeting with President Macron. The talks are expected to center on deepening Ghana–France relations, with discussions spanning health, education, trade, investment, and regional security. Prior to the Élysée meeting, President Mahama will also be received by Gérard Larcher at the Senate House, a gesture that underscores the diplomatic significance of the visit. Following his meeting at the Élysée Palace, President Mahama is expected to return to Accra, closing out what promises to be a consequential chapter in Ghana’s international engagements. The statement was issued by Felix Kwakye Ofosu (MP), Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Adwoa Safo Urges Government to Resource Public Hospitals, Calls for Full Implementation of Mental Health Act
Former Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has issued a passionate call to action, urging the government to make the basic needs of public hospitals a matter of urgency and to ensure these facilities are adequately resourced to function as they should. Her appeal came during a donation exercise by her philanthropic arm, the Adwoa Safo Foundation, at the Pantang Hospital, where she also turned her attention to a piece of legislation she helped champion over a decade ago. Adwoa Safo called on President John Dramani Mahama to fully implement the provisions of the Mental Health Act, 2012 (Act 846), a law passed by Parliament on March 2, 2012, with a clear and ambitious goal: to make mental healthcare free and accessible, particularly for Ghana’s most vulnerable citizens. As a former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament who was part of the caucus that drove the legislation forward, she spoke with both personal conviction and institutional knowledge. Her tone, however, carried a note of deep frustration. Despite the promise the law once held, she lamented that it has “outlived its usefulness”, a consequence, she argued, of successive governments failing to adequately fund its implementation. For her, the cost of that failure is measured not in figures, but in the lives of Ghanaians who continue to go without the mental health support they deserve. “A country that is mentally healthy is also healthy in every aspect of national life,” she stressed, framing mental healthcare not as a peripheral concern, but as a cornerstone of national wellbeing. The visit to Pantang Hospital was more than a platform for advocacy; it was a demonstration of the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to walking its talk. Established in 2014, the Adwoa Safo Foundation has built a reputation for sustained support to vulnerable and disadvantaged groups across Ghana, and the day’s donation was a continuation of that legacy. The Foundation presented an array of essential items to the hospital, including eight bags of rice, 29 bags of sachet water, packs of plantain chips, two packs each of Milo and milk, 15 packs of toilet rolls, four packs of drinks, three bottles of Dettol, 10 bottles of cleaning detergent, 10 packs of mosquito nets, and a 43-inch television set. Going a step further, Adwoa Safo pledged to renovate one of the hospital’s dilapidated wards, a commitment that speaks directly to the kind of structural support the facility so desperately needs. The gesture was received with heartfelt gratitude by the Medical Director of Pantang Hospital, Dr Maalug Yennusum, who described the intervention as both timely and deeply appreciated. He took the opportunity to brief Adwoa Safo on ongoing development efforts at the facility, including farming projects designed to support patient feeding and generate income to cover administrative and operational costs. He also spoke of initiatives to beautify the hospital environment, with the aim of creating a more therapeutic and welcoming space for patients. Yet beneath the progress, the challenges remain stark. Dr Yennusum painted a candid picture of a hospital stretched thin, where many patients simply cannot afford the cost of their own care. “Most of our inmates do not even have money to pay for their treatment, so we rely heavily on support,” he said, a sobering reminder of why visits like Adwoa Safo’s matter far beyond the items donated. He appealed to other well-meaning individuals and organisations to follow her example, calling on Ghanaians of goodwill to step in where the system has fallen short. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Former Deputy Upper East Regional Minister Daniel Awenyue Syme Dies After Defying the Odds for Years
The doctors had written their verdict years ago. They said he would not make it this long. But Daniel Awenyue Syme, a man who had spent a lifetime in quiet, steadfast service to others, was not one to bow easily, not to illness, and not to fate. On Sunday, March 16, 2026, he finally let go. The family of former Deputy Upper East Regional Minister Daniel Awenyue Syme announced his passing on Sunday, confirming that he died after years of battling health challenges. His son, Jonathan A. Syme, shared the news in a statement that was equal parts grief and gratitude. “Doctors told him years ago that he would not make it this long, but he defied all odds,” Jonathan said. He added that the family found solace in the fact that his father did not suffer in his final moments — a small mercy at the end of a long and meaningful journey. Syme’s story is one of steady, purposeful ascent through the corridors of public service. He began his administrative career as District Secretary of the Builsa District, a role that would eventually grow into that of District Chief Executive — a position he held from 1990 to 2001. During those years, he became known as a man who showed up, rolled up his sleeves, and got things done, earning credit for his contributions to local governance and development in the area. But his ambitions and abilities were not confined to the district level. He climbed the ranks of the audit service with the same quiet determination, eventually reaching the position of Assistant Auditor General, a testament to a career built on integrity and discipline. His public service journey culminated in his appointment as Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, a role he served in from 2012 to 2016. To those who knew him best, he was more than the titles he carried. Family members remembered him as a “model politician and auditor”, a rare combination of words that speaks to a man who managed to hold onto his principles in two fields where principles are often tested. “He gave everything he had to the betterment of others and always put himself last,” Jonathan Syme said of his father, words that, in a few short sentences, paint the portrait of a man whose greatest investment was always in the people around him. Since the announcement, tributes have begun to flow in from community members and colleagues who knew Syme as a leader of dedication, integrity, and quiet strength. The outpouring of remembrance reflects a life that touched far more people than perhaps even he knew. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days. For now, a family mourns — and a region pauses to remember a man who, by all accounts, gave his best to the end. Rest well, Daniel Awenyue Syme. You made it further than they said you would. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Nursing College Principal Suspended Over Unapproved Admissions and Unauthorised Programmes
The principal of the College of Nursing in Nkanchina is out of the office, at least for now. The Ministry of Health has suspended Fredrick Anaba with immediate effect, following serious allegations that he admitted students without authorisation and introduced academic programmes that never received official approval. The suspension, announced in a ministry statement dated March 12, 2026, does not come out of the blue. The trouble began on February 19, 2026, when the ministry formally queried Mr. Anaba over the college’s admissions for the 2025/2026 academic year. After receiving and reviewing his response, the ministry concluded that his explanation raised more questions than it answered, and that a full administrative investigation was the only way to get to the bottom of the matter. With the principal now sidelined, the ministry has directed him to hand over the administration and management of the college to the Acting Vice Principal, ensuring that the institution continues to function without disruption while investigators do their work. The suspension will remain in place until the probe is completed. The ministry made clear that this is not simply a matter of administrative housekeeping. At stake are the integrity of approved admission quotas and the legitimacy of programmes being offered to students training to work in Ghana’s health sector, concerns the ministry says it takes seriously across all health training institutions in the country. Head of Public Relations at the ministry, Isaac Ofei Baah, who signed the statement, assured the public that further updates would be provided once investigations are concluded. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Health Minister Pledges Full Support for Victim of Armed Forces Recruitment Stampede
The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the best possible care for Sandra Baafi Boateng, the young woman who suffered life-threatening injuries during the Ghana Armed Forces recruitment stampede at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on November 12, 2025. Addressing Parliament, Mr. Akandoh updated Members on Ms. Baafi Boateng’s current condition and stressed that the Ministry stands ready to arrange advanced treatment abroad if her medical team deems it necessary. “Every viable medical intervention, both within Ghana and overseas, is being considered to guarantee the highest standard of care,” he assured. Since the incident, Ms. Baafi Boateng has been under intensive specialist care, with the state covering all medical costs to relieve her family of financial burden. After initial treatment, she was transferred on February 26, 2026, to the 37 Military Hospital, where a multidisciplinary team of specialists continues to manage her recovery. Alongside ongoing medical attention, she is also receiving rehabilitation and psychosocial support to aid her recuperation. Mr. Akandoh highlighted that Ms. Baafi Boateng has remained bedridden since the stampede but emphasized that the Ministry remains closely engaged with both the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and the 37 Military Hospital to ensure her care is expedited. He concluded his remarks with a pledge to Parliament: “The Ministry of Health has remained actively engaged to ensure that Ms. Sandra Baafi Boateng receives the requisite specialist care and that every necessary step is being taken to expedite her treatment and recovery.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
No Patient Should Be Turned Away Without Proper Assessment, Says Health Ministry Spokesperson
According to Tony Goodman, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, “No patient should ever be told there is ‘no bed’ without proper assessment,” Mr. Goodman declared, his voice steady with conviction. He explained that only an authorized medical professional, not security guards or other unauthorized staff, should make decisions about a hospital’s capacity to admit new patients. He painted a vivid picture for his audience: A worried family arrives at the hospital’s entrance, only to be turned away by someone not qualified to judge the urgency of their loved one’s condition. “This is not acceptable,” Mr. Goodman insisted. “In an emergency, the priority must always be to stabilise the patient first. Only after this, should a decision be made about bed availability or a potential referral.” He reminded everyone that when patients are sent away without proper care, it often leaves them with nowhere else to turn. “There may be no immediate alternatives—no other hospital, no available doctor. It is our duty to provide immediate care and to ensure the patient’s condition is managed before considering transfer arrangements.” Looking to the future, Mr. Goodman shared promising news about long-term solutions. The Ministry of Health, he revealed, is preparing to bridge the gaps in specialised healthcare delivery. In the coming months, new training programmes will be launched for nurses, focusing on areas like oncology, critical care, emergency care, and nephrology. “For years, our focus has been on training general nurses. But now, we need more specialists who can respond effectively to critical situations,” he said. The Ministry will soon begin recruiting nurses for these specialised programmes, aiming to strengthen the healthcare system’s ability to handle complex and urgent cases. Through his story, Mr. Goodman painted a vision of a more compassionate and prepared health service, one where every patient receives the assessment and care they deserve, and where no one is left behind for lack of a bed. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Journalists Gather to Strengthen Climate Resilience in Ghana’s WASH Sector
A group of passionate members of Ghana Watsan Journalists Network (GWJN) across the country gathered for a unique training session that would shape the future of climate reporting in the country. The meeting, organized by Bawku East Women’s Development Association (BEWDA) and WaterAid as part of the broader CEDAW-CLIMB partnership, with support from the Swedish government and WaterAid UK/Ghana, aimed to empower reporters with knowledge at the intersection of climate change and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene). The presenters painted a vivid picture of Ghana’s changing environment: groundwater sources dwindling, unpredictable weather patterns, coastal erosion, droughts, and floods. These changes, they explained, deeply affect health and livelihoods, but place especially heavy burdens on women and girls. Fetching household water, managing menstrual hygiene, and ensuring maternal care all become more difficult as climate impacts worsen. As the conversation unfolded, the group explored what it truly means to build climate resilience in WASH. Mr. Ibrahim Musah, one of the presenters, described resilience as the ability of social, economic, and environmental systems to cope, adapt, and transform in the face of challenges. He suggested two key measures for water systems: structural robustness and continued service delivery. To bring these ideas to life, he recounted stories from Bawku West and other Upper East communities, where flooded platforms, seasonal drops in borehole yields, and collapsed latrines exposed the fragility of local infrastructure. The room buzzed with debate as participants discussed how construction practices, regular monitoring, and strong evidence collection could help communities withstand climate shocks. The session also demystified the concepts of climate-resilient WASH and the financial mechanisms available to support it, including the Green Climate Fund and guidelines from the Sanitation and Water for All initiative. The presenters emphasized that winning funding requires more than good intentions: proposals must be grounded in scientific evidence, demonstrate a clear climate rationale, and show what additional benefits will be delivered. To equip journalists for this task, the training introduced modeling tools and long-term trend analyses, essential resources for crafting evidence-based climate proposals and advocating for community-centered climate justice. By the end of the day, the journalists left not just with new knowledge but with a shared sense of purpose, to tell the stories that will drive resilience and justice for all Ghanaians. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
FDA Shuts Down 16 Food Establishments in Greater Accra for Lacking Hygiene Permits
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has taken decisive action to safeguard public health, shutting down 16 food service establishments in the Greater Accra Region for operating without valid hygiene permits. The closures, which took effect on Wednesday, February 18, targeted businesses that failed to meet regulatory requirements despite prior warnings. Among the affected facilities are The Cheesecake House, Dolce Frizzante, Onda, and Alora Beach Resort, along with several others. The FDA’s enforcement followed a two-week public notice, which cautioned that from February 1, 2026, any food service business without a valid Food Hygiene Permit would face closure. The announcement was made on the FDA’s official Facebook page, where the Authority reiterated its commitment to public safety and strict adherence to hygiene standards. The directive covers a wide array of food-related businesses, including restaurants, lounges, hotels, chop bars, snack bars, food vans, bakeries, event caterers, online food vendors, and canteens in schools, hospitals, and offices. By enforcing these regulations, the FDA aims to ensure that all establishments serving food to the public maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and safety. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Endswell Pharmacy Executive Director Opens Modern Pharmaceutical Office in Bolgatanga
The Executive Director of Endswell Pharmacy Limited, Mr. Lawrence Atongo, has officially opened a modern pharmaceutical office in Bolgatanga, marking a significant milestone in the growth of healthcare delivery within the municipality. The newly constructed pharmaceutical edifice was formally commissioned and dedicated to God by a Reverend Father, who committed the facility into the hands of the Creator and prayed for its successful operation and positive impact on the community. Following the commissioning ceremony, Mr. Atongo seized the opportunity to organize a free health screening exercise for residents of the Bolgatanga Municipality. The initiative attracted several community members who turned up to check their health status and receive professional advice. Speaking to the media during the event, Mr. Atongo explained that the gesture was his way of appreciating the community members who have supported him since he established himself as a pharmacist. He acknowledged their immense contributions to his growth and success over the years. According to him, the health screening exercise was not organized as a display of wealth, but rather as a humanitarian effort and an expression of gratitude to God for His blessings. He emphasized that giving back to society remains a core value of Endswell Pharmacy Limited. Beneficiaries of the free health screening expressed excitement and gratitude for what they described as a thoughtful and impactful initiative. They commended Endswell Pharmacy Limited for the kind gesture and extended their heartfelt appreciation for bringing quality healthcare services closer to the people of Bolgatanga. Source: Apexnewsgh.com