Calm has been restored at the Tamale Teaching Hospi­tal (TTH) following days of disruption caused by an industrial action by the Doctors’ Associa­tion of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH).

The doctors withdrew their ser­vices on April 23, 2025, in protest against perceived disrespect, poor working conditions, and logistical challenges, following a confronta­tion between a senior doctor and the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, during his visit to the hospital’s Emergency Unit on April 22, 2025.

Eyewitnesses reported that an attempt by Dr Valentine Akwulp­wa, the doctor in charge at the emergency ward, to highlight crit­ical challenges facing the hospital turned confrontational, leaving many staff members feeling insult­ed and demoralised.

This prompted the strike action that paralysed services at the Northern Region’s premier referral facility.

The situation sparked wide­spread concern, as patients were left stranded without access to critical healthcare services.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Overlord of Dagbon, His Majesty Ndan Yaa-Naa Abukari II, intervened by dispatching a high-powered delegation led by Zangbalin Lana Yakubu to engage hospital management, health workers, and regional stakeholders.

Additionally, the Parliamenta­ry Select Committee on Health visited Tamale to interact with members of DATTH and assess the situation.

Following these interventions, and in consultation with the National Executive Council of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), emergency services at TTH were restored at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025, as a sign of goodwill towards patients.

Subsequently, the Minister of Health expressed regret over the unfortunate incident and reaf­firmed his respect for healthcare professionals.

He assured the doctors of his commitment to working with leadership to create a safe working environment and to address the hospital’s pressing logistical needs.

The Minister also personal­ly apologised to Dr Valentine Akwulpwa, the doctor involved in the initial confrontation.

In a demonstration of good faith, the Minister earlier donated critical medical supplies, includ­ing emergency drugs, diagnostic equipment, and protective gear, to strengthen the hospital’s capacity.

Following an emergency meet­ing held on April 26, 2025, the Doctors’ Association called off the suspension of services and resumed work immediately.

The Association, however, outlined key resolutions, including a commitment to the full resump­tion of services at the hospi­tal, collaboration with hospital management and the Ministry of Health to ensure the availability of logistics and a safe working environment, and continued engagement with His Majesty the Yaa-Naa to address systemic challenges.

They also called on media houses to exercise fairness and circumspection in reporting on health-related issues.

The Association further cautioned that failure to meet logistical demands in the short to medium term could compel it to reconsider its stance.

They pledged to strengthen collaboration with other hospital staff to ensure continuous im­provement in healthcare delivery.

Dr Salifu Alhassan Tia, Acting Chief Executive Officer of TTH, expressed profound gratitude to all stakeholders whose interven­tions contributed to the resolution of the impasse.

“This has been a difficult mo­ment, but the collaboration shown by our traditional leaders, the Min­istry of Health, and our dedicated staff demonstrates what we can achieve when we come together. We are committed to restoring and even improving healthcare delivery at TTH,” he said.

Normalcy has since returned to the hospital, with full operations resumed across all departments. However, residents and stakehold­ers continue to call for systemic reforms to prevent similar disrup­tions in the future.

FROM GEOFFREY BUTA, TAMALE

A devastating fire tore through a textile shop at Lapaz Market in Accra on Sunday, 27 April, resulting in one person being hospitalised.

The blaze, which erupted on the upper floor of a building, destroyed bedding materials and merchandise valued at millions of cedis.

A young woman, believed to be the shop owner, reportedly collapsed in distress upon witnessing the destruction and was swiftly transported to the Lapaz Community Hospital for medical attention.

Firefighters from the Abelenkpe branch of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded promptly, successfully containing the inferno and preventing it from spreading to adjacent shops.

According to the victim’s mother, who co-owns the business, she was situated on the ground floor when her grandchild alerted her to the fire.

Speaking to Channel One TV, ADO I Emmanuel Akwetey, Operations Officer at the Abelenkpe GNFS, stated that the cause of the blaze remains unclear.

“We tried our best to ensure the fire doesn’t extend to adjoining shops. Our men are still in there conducting investigations, so at the appropriate time, the owner will be invited to our station for the report,” he explained.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Johnson Asiama has highlighted the strong technical and policy support received from Ghana’s international partners, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Dr Asiama disclosed that the Bank is currently working on a new legal framework aligned with modern economic realities and supported by the Bretton Woods institutions.

He further indicated that the Bank of Ghana does not expect to declare a loss this year, signalling improved financial management and institutional stability.

Read Also: Bank of Ghana records GH¢10.5 billion loss in 2023

Dr Asiama said this when the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson led Ghana’s delegation to the IMF/Spring Meetings to meet with the Ghana Heritage Club at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, DC.

This was a purposeful and forward-looking engagement with Ghanaian professionals embedded within the IMF and World Bank systems, a statement issued by the Finance Minister after the meeting on Friday, April 26, said.

The President of the Heritage Club, Kofi Tsikata, welcomed the delegation and shared that approximately 350 Ghanaian staff are currently working within the IMF and World Bank in Washington. Globally, that number exceeds 700—underscoring the growing influence and presence of Ghanaian professionals in global economic institutions.

Dr. Forson emphasized Ghana’s strong and cooperative relationship with both the IMF and the World Bank.

He noted the recent increase in the World Bank’s Development Policy Operation (DPO) facility to over $400 million as a mark of confidence in Ghana’s reform efforts.

More importantly, he stressed that the focus should not be solely on the amount of borrowing, but on how the borrowed funds are used. There is now a clear shift toward borrowing for impactful investments rather than non-productive expenditures such as capacity building or consultancy contracts with limited national benefit.

His message was one of financial discipline, strategic planning, and accountability—prioritizing projects that yield tangible benefits for the Ghanaian people.

Also present at the meeting were Senior Economic Advisor to the President, Seth Emmanuel Terkper, and Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson.

The meeting with the Ghana Heritage Club underscored the important role of the Ghanaian diaspora in global development institutions and reinforced the call for deeper collaboration between homegrown policy leadership and international expertise. It was not only a moment of reflection but also a strategic conversation about the future of Ghana’s development.

The country has been able to reduce deaths caused by malaria by over 97% between 2014 and 2024.

In addition to this, outpatient department cases have also seen a three per cent decline, while hospital admissions due to malaria have fallen by 17%.

At an event to commemorate the 2025 World Malaria Day, the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, said the country’s National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan (2023 to 2028) aimed to reduce deaths caused by malaria by 51%.

In a speech read on his behalf by the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, at the event, the minister stated that under the plan, there was also a target of 36% drop in under-five malaria case fatality rate in 2024, using 2022 as a baseline, emphasising that there was also a plan to ensure a steady roll-out of malaria vaccine with over 70% coverage for the first dose.

“We will continue to expand effective interventions such as indoor residual spraying, insecticide-treated nets distribution, seasonal malaria chemo prevention, intermittent preventive treatment for pregnancy, case management, malaria vaccines, and other new interventions,” he said.

He, therefore, called on all to sustain the momentum by inspiring action in every home, school, and district to help eradicate malaria.

“Let us ensure that every Ghanaian, young or old, understands that malaria elimination begins with us.

“Together, with commitment, knowledge, and collective action, we can, and we will make history,” he added.
Commemoration

The day is commemorated on April 25 each year to raise awareness of the global effort to control and ultimately eradicate malaria.

The day highlights the need for sustained investment and political commitment in malaria prevention and control efforts.

The 2025 commemoration is on the theme: “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite”.

It is a grass-roots campaign aimed at reinvigorating efforts at all levels — from global policy to community action — to accelerate progress toward elimination.

The Holy Child R/C Basic School, Tema West, won this year’s malaria quiz, grabbing tablets, and projectors, among other prizes.
Efforts

The Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service, Dr Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, said the improvements were the result of dedicated efforts by “our health workers, policy makers, partners and the communities who continue to engage and respond”.

“Our investment in data-driven planning, targeted interventions and community mobilisation is clearly yielding results,” he said.

Giving updates on the progress made so far, Dr Asiedu-Bekoe said the Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) campaign was successfully implemented across 28 districts.

“Through collaborative effort and strong field coordination, the GHS had achieved an impressive coverage rate of 53%,” he stated.
Model communities

In addition to that, the GHS Director of Public Health said there had been the successful distribution of over 19 million insecticide-treated nets during the recent mass campaign.

In the 21 districts earmarked for elimination, he said they had recorded a notable reduction in malaria positivity rates from 20.9% to 16%.

These districts, he said, were becoming models of what was possible when leadership, community ownership, and smart interventions align.

“The Government of Ghana demonstrated its continued commitment to malaria elimination by directly supporting the implementation in two of these districts.”

“This is a testament to the power of partnership and national ownership in driving progress towards a malaria-free Ghana,” he said.

Source: Graphic.com.gh

Ghana is on track to issue its first Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) License by June 30, 2025 to affirm that its forest products are from legal sources.

This milestone will make Ghana the first country in Africa and the second in the world to achieve this feat, the Min­ister of Lands and Forestry, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has disclosed.

The Minister made this announcement during a courtesy call on him on Thurs­day by the European Union Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Irchad Razaaly.

The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the enduring bilateral coop­eration between Ghana and the EU and explore further collaboration areas.

Regarding the implementation of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA), a legally binding trade agreement between the EU and timber producing countries, ratified by Parliament in 2009, the Minister noted that Ghana had made substantial progress in strengthening forest governance systems.

“All is set for the issuance of Ghana’s first FLEGT License. The only outstanding task is the ratification of a second batch of Timber Utilisation Contracts (TUCs), which we expect Parliament to address after the Easter break,” he stated.

Looking ahead, the Minister empha­sized key areas for strengthened cooper­ation, including investments in logistics, capacity building, and technology to aid the deployment of the Wood Tracking System (WTS) and the Ghana Legality Assurance System (GhLAS).

He also urged the EU for assistance in developing large-scale commercial plan­tations and the Tree for Life Reforesta­tion Initiative.

Additionally, the Minister emphasized other areas that require assistance, such as logistical support in the ongoing fight against illegal mining, land reclamation, restoration of polluted water bodies, and technical aid to modernise the timber industry.

He also highlighted the need for climate financing to promote sustainable forest management.

The Minister reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening its long­standing partnership with the European Union (EU), particularly in sustainable forest governance.

Mr Buah acknowledged the Union’s critical role in Ghana’s external trade, describing the EU as one of Ghana’s most significant trading partners, which accounted for approximately 14 per cent of trade volumes in 2022.

The minister expressed gratitude to the EU for its continued support to Ghana’s natural resources and environ­mental sector and looked forward to a stronger and more fruitful partnership in the years ahead.

The EU published the FLEGT in 2003 with wide-range measures for member states to tackle illegal logging in the world’s forest, and to ensure that no illegal timber or timber products can be sold in the EU.

Illegal logging involves harvesting, processing, transporting, buying or selling timber in breach of national and international laws.

With the buzz of the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs) officially on, headline partner Telecel Ghana is connecting fans more deeply to their favourite artistes with a rewarding lineup of promotions and interactive experiences.

This year, music lovers have a new, unique opportunity to turn the love for their favourite nominees into voting power with the exclusive TGMA Data Bundles – special and customised bundles named after each nominee in three coveted categories: Artiste of the Year, Most Popular Song of the Year and Afrobeats Song of the Year.

By simply purchasing the data bundle named after their favourite nominees in the selected category via the short code 1767 or 700, fans will be casting a direct vote for that artiste in the race for TGMA glory, with the climax awards night set for Saturday, 10^th May 2025.

“This year’s TGMA experience is all about giving the fans a stronger voice. We’ve made it possible for fans to turn their everyday data purchases into powerful votes for their favourite.

“Plus, they can let their preferred winners know how much they support their craft directly while also winning great rewards in our interactive games,” said Aneth Muga, Acting Director of Consumer Business at Telecel Ghana.

With the launch of TGMA Special Shout Outs, fans can now upload 5 –10 second video shout-outs via the Telecel Play App, which will be shared directly to the artistes themselves.

For only GH¢5, fans get the chance to send a personal message and receive 100 free Telecel-to-Telecel call minutes valid for three days.

Additionally, Telecel gives every customer a chance to win with the new Shake, Spin and Win feature on the Telecel Play App.

From now until the final awards night, users can shake and spin their way to amazing rewards including smartphones, household appliances, food and cinema vouchers, among other prizes.

With 33 competitive categories up for grabs, the spotlight is firmly fixed on the voices, sounds and creative talents that have defined Ghanaian music from January to December 2024.

Moreover, in a bid to promote music-driven social impact, Telecel Ghana will continue to sponsor the Music for Good Award category, a special recognition to reward and amplify the positive social change made by musicians beyond their craft.

The winner will receive a plaque and a cash prize of 20,000 Ghana cedis, designated to support their impact project.

From now till the TGMAs Awards Night, whether you are voting for your top artiste, sending them a heartfelt shout-out or participating in the Shake, Spin and Win games, Telecel is making it more rewarding to participate this TGMA season.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Johnson Asiama has highlighted the strong technical and policy support received from Ghana’s international partners, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Dr Asiama disclosed that the Bank is currently working on a new legal framework aligned with modern economic realities and supported by the Bretton Woods institutions.

He further indicated that the Bank of Ghana does not expect to declare a loss this year, signalling improved financial management and institutional stability.

Read Also: Bank of Ghana records GH¢10.5 billion loss in 2023

Dr Asiama said this when the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson led Ghana’s delegation to the IMF/Spring Meetings to meet with the Ghana Heritage Club at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, DC.

This was a purposeful and forward-looking engagement with Ghanaian professionals embedded within the IMF and World Bank systems, a statement issued by the Finance Minister after the meeting on Friday, April 26, said.

The President of the Heritage Club, Kofi Tsikata, welcomed the delegation and shared that approximately 350 Ghanaian staff are currently working within the IMF and World Bank in Washington. Globally, that number exceeds 700—underscoring the growing influence and presence of Ghanaian professionals in global economic institutions.

Dr. Forson emphasized Ghana’s strong and cooperative relationship with both the IMF and the World Bank.

He noted the recent increase in the World Bank’s Development Policy Operation (DPO) facility to over $400 million as a mark of confidence in Ghana’s reform efforts.

More importantly, he stressed that the focus should not be solely on the amount of borrowing, but on how the borrowed funds are used. There is now a clear shift toward borrowing for impactful investments rather than non-productive expenditures such as capacity building or consultancy contracts with limited national benefit.

His message was one of financial discipline, strategic planning, and accountability—prioritizing projects that yield tangible benefits for the Ghanaian people.

Also present at the meeting were Senior Economic Advisor to the President, Seth Emmanuel Terkper, and Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson.

The meeting with the Ghana Heritage Club underscored the important role of the Ghanaian diaspora in global development institutions and reinforced the call for deeper collaboration between homegrown policy leadership and international expertise. It was not only a moment of reflection but also a strategic conversation about the future of Ghana’s development.

Some of the Ayalolo buses

Ghana’s much-heralded Aayalolo Bus System, officially known as the Quality Bus System (QBS), appears to be drifting from its original purpose under the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE) project.

Once envisioned as a modern, efficient urban transport system, the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) initiative is now facing serious setbacks, with operations along key routes gradually resembling ordinary commercial buses, popularly known as “trotro.”

The system now operates Bus Slow Transit (BST).

Launched in 2016 with an estimated project cost of $95 million and funding from the World Bank, the BRT was designed to offer fast and reliable transit services using dedicated lanes for quick movement between major locations in Accra and surrounding towns.

The initial plan covered routes between Accra and Amasaman, Ofankor, Adentan, Tema, and Kasoa.

However, current observations suggest a steady decline in standards, especially along the Accra–Amasaman route.

Commuters have raised concerns about the conduct of Aayalolo drivers, who now stop indiscriminately to pick up passengers along the roadside, contrary to the original plan, which mandated designated stops only.

Instead of operating with the discipline expected of a BRT system, the buses now frequently compete with regular commercial vehicles, significantly delaying travel time.

Passengers report that drivers often stop even when buses are filled, creating inconvenience and defeating the system’s efficiency goals.

For instance, a bus departing from Amasaman or Pokuase is supposed to make its first stop at Achimota Overhead.

However, drivers now pick up passengers at various points along the Accra–Nsawam highway, blurring the line between BRT and regular transport services.

In an attempt to get clarity on the status of the BRT service, Classfmonline.com contacted the Aayalolo customer care centre at 0531088043.

A representative who answered the call around noon said the Public Relations Officer (PRO) was out for lunch and would return by 1:00 p.m.

However, subsequent attempts to reach the office around 2:00 p.m. went unanswered.

As the situation continues to raise public concern, it remains to be seen whether GAPTE and relevant transport authorities will take steps to restore the Aayalolo system to its intended function as a true Bus Rapid Transit service.

The discussions revealed several challenges plaguing the constituency

The Member of Parliament for Bekwai Constituency, Ralph Poku-Adusei, has assured constituents of imminent improvements in sanitation following a stakeholder meeting addressing the area’s persistent waste management issues.

The meeting, part of a working visit by the Parliamentary Committee on Sanitation and Water Resources, involved the Bekwai Municipal Assembly, Environmental and Sanitation officers, Zoomlion Ghana, and representatives from the Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant.

The discussions revealed several challenges plaguing the constituency, including inadequate Zoomlion waste containers, inefficiencies in the Sanitation Improvement Plan (SIP), fumigation difficulties, and problems with the final dumping site at Sesekro.

To tackle these issues, stakeholders agreed on the urgent need for a mobile transfer station or a compost recycling plant in Bekwai to convert refuse into organic manure, enhance household waste collection, and create job opportunities.

Poku-Adusei, who serves as the Deputy Ranking Member on the Committee on Sanitation and Water Resources, highlighted his ongoing efforts to improve sanitation in the constituency.

He noted that he had previously facilitated the clearing of decades-old refuse dumps at Kokofu, Poano, and Adjamesu. However, he acknowledged that more work is required to address the sanitation crisis fully.

Speaking at the meeting, the MP reiterated his commitment to leveraging his position to advocate for initiatives to enhance sanitary conditions in Bekwai.

He disclosed that he has engaged the Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant management to collaborate with the Municipal Assembly and other stakeholders to establish a compost and recycling plant in the constituency. The proposed facility would serve Bekwai and neighbouring constituencies.

As part of his “Clean Bekwai” campaign, Poku-Adusei emphasised that the project is a priority aimed at fostering a cleaner and healthier environment while generating employment for residents.

GA

Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Odweanoma Paragliding Field below: