The Volta Regional Health Directorate has received a total number of 1,414,62 long lasting insecticide nets (LLINs) for distribution to 2,240,202 registered people in the 25 districts in the Volta region due this week.
The 7-day campaign which starts from 27-29 March and 3-6 April, 2018 unlike the earlier campaign that saw volunteers hanging the nets in rooms for beneficiaries, will have designated points where beneficiaries will converge for the nets, two persons per net.
The campaign to replace the old nets distributed in 2014 which have outgone their three-year efficacy period is being championed by the Ministry of Health (MoH) in partnership with USAID, PMI, Vector Words and GlobalFund to eradicate malaria in the country.
Dr. Yaw Ofori Yeboah, Deputy Volta Regional Director of Public Health of Ghana Health Service (GHS), making this known at 2018 LLIN Point Mass Distribution Stakeholders Meeting ahead of the National Campaign launch said, the distribution of the net is free and no one should pay for them.
According to him, security measures have been put in place including logo of GHS, bold inscription of “Not for Sale” and contact numbers to call for information to prevent people from taking advantage of the campaign.
Wrong Use of Mosquito Nets
He advised beneficiaries to sleep under the bed nets and not use them for other purposes such as food preservation, fishing, etc. He also called on the public to sparingly wash the nets in order to maintain their efficacy.
Togbe Kweku Ayim IV, Paramount Chief of Ziavi Traditional Area, addressing the participants suggested that much education on the use of the LLIN should be channeled through religious and traditional leaders in the various communities in order to achieve the aim of the campaign.
The workshop which came off at Hotel Stevens, Ho was attended by representatives of Red Cross, Department of Children and Women, NADMO, NCCE, Media, Religious and Traditional leaders.
A former Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa, a few weeks ago, wondered why any politician or senior public officer be allowed to travel out to go and seek healthcare?
“…Whether you like it or not, health is expensive and when they go out, they pay through their nose so why can’t we develop here? If the President is not well and is admitted to UGMC or to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, what will happen? There are no competent doctors to look after them? There are…”
These sentiments are not new and perhaps their reemergence is to drive home the call for Ghana to invest heavily in the health sector to make the country the premier medical tourism hub for the West African sub-region.
Interestingly, successive governments have been talking about the concept of making Ghana a medical tourism destination, what is left is actualizing the dream of benefitting from the projected 55.83-billion-dollar medical tourism market according to Statista 2025.
Canada, Singapore, Japan, Spain, UK, Dubai, and India are ranked among top medical tourism destinations.
In Africa, South Africa is the leader as a medical tourist destination. Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt are up in North Africa attracting European patients. Kenya is also striving in East Africa, with not much happening in West Africa.
The Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital is attracting some foreign clients for heart surgeries, but in the larger scheme of things, a lot needs to be done to stop Ghanaians and other Africans from travelling outside the continent for such services and to also attract more clients from outside Africa.
Ghana’s Potential
Ghana has significant potential to become a thriving medical tourism destination due to its strategic location. The country’s geographical position – close to the Prime Meridian and the Equator – near the centre of the Earth-makes it a convenient destination for medical tourists from Europe, the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East, with relatively short flight times compared to other medical tourism hubs.
Also, the Kotoka International Airport (KIA), arguably a regional aviation hub, offers direct and connecting flights from major global cities, with the country’s warm temperature all year-round aiding post-treatment recovery for patients from colder regions who seek a stress-free healing environment.
With the growing demand for wellness and alternative medicine, Ghana’s natural resources, including its serene environment, herbal medicine expertise, and wellness retreats, provide opportunities for medical tourists seeking holistic treatments.
Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and vibrant tourism industry can complement medical tourism by offering a holistic experience for international patients and their families.
The country’s Oxygen City, Ho, provides fresh air, natural landscapes, and a relaxing atmosphere that enhances recovery and promotes wellness tourism.
Medical tourists can explore other sites across the country while receiving care.
According to the Ghana Tourism Authority, more than 1.1 million tourists visit the country annually, with significant economic, healthcare, and socio-cultural benefits to the country.
Should the country offer high-quality healthcare services at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries and established medical tourism destinations it would become an attractive alternative for medical tourists.
Another strength is the country’s experienced consultants and specialists across the world who could be encouraged to come back to help develop and grow niche areas for medical tourism.
Benefits
Medical tourism boosts foreign exchange earnings because medical tourists bring in foreign currency, which helps in strengthening the economy and supporting national development.
Increased demand for medical services will lead to more investments in hospitals, clinics, and advanced medical equipment and expansion of the healthcare system.
Growth in medical tourism will also create thousands of jobs in healthcare, hospitality, transport, and tourism-related sectors, helping address the country’s unemployment challenge.
Government’s Intervention
The refreshing news is that the Government promises to diversify tourism to include health/medical tourism and pledges to expand infrastructure and systems and promote strategic branding.
Interestingly, in its first budget, the Government says it will give significant attention to medical tourism, finalising, publishing, and implementing the Medical Tourism Policy and Strategy.
“In this regard, the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital will be refurbished into an ultramodern quaternary specialist hospital to reduce reliance on medical care and training abroad.
“Additionally, Ho Teaching Hospital will be upgraded to provide comprehensive specialist services, improving regional access to advanced medical care.”
Ho Teaching Hospital
The Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH), strategically located to serve the people of the Volta Region and beyond, with a vision to become a medical tourist center through innovative healthcare, is already patronised by clients from neighboring Republic of Togo, Benin, and Nigeria.
An aerial shot of the Ho Teaching Hospital (C) Mavfilms
Recently, the Hospital commissioned five new facilities, including a family health centre, a pharmacy complex, and an HTH Annex to enhance healthcare delivery.
The Ho Teaching Hospital Annex is nestled in a lush, green, and serene environment, offering a peaceful and healing atmosphere for patients, visitors, and medical professionals alike. Surrounded by well-manicured gardens, towering trees, and vibrant tropical plants, the Annex blends modern healthcare excellence with nature’s tranquility.
The Hospital’s expansive green spaces provide a calming retreat, promoting both physical and mental well-being. Patients recovering from treatment can enjoy fresh air, soothing natural scenery, and a quiet ambiance that enhances the healing process. The chirping of birds, gentle rustling of leaves, and a well-maintained landscape create an oasis of comfort and relaxation, setting it apart as an ideal destination for wellness and medical tourism.
With its eco-friendly design, and spacious walkways, the Ho Teaching Hospital Annex is not just a healthcare facility—it’s a sanctuary where nature and medicine come together to foster holistic healing.
While this is encouraging, it is important that the Government helps these hospitals to undergo international accreditation processes to boost trust and build brand visibility.
The government must also introduce favourable medical travel policies to encourage clients to choose Ghana for medical tourism.
A Coordinating Unit should also be created within the Ministry of Health to facilitate the health tourism agenda.
An Agency with appropriate legislation (Act of Parliament and its corresponding Legislative Instrument) can also be created to manage the fast-growing sector.
Conclusion
With the right investments in healthcare infrastructure, international accreditation, and marketing/branding, Ghana can be the medical tourism destination in Africa.
By leveraging its affordability, quality care, and tourism appeal, the country can attract a growing number of medical travelers seeking world-class treatment in a welcoming and culturally rich environment.
END
The Writer is the Medical Tourism Coordinator, Ho Teaching Hospital.
Eric Eli Adzie, a sports journalist with GBC-Volta Star Radio in Ho, emerged as the overall best student of the 2024 graduating class at the Evangelical Presbyterian University College’s (EPUC) 16th graduation ceremonyheld on Friday, March 28.
Mr. Adzie, the immediate past SRC President, graduated with First Class Honours in Governance Studies, earning him the Overall Best Graduating Student, Best Male Graduating Student, and Best Graduating Student in Governance Studies awards.
Mr. Adzie with his Awards
In his valedictory speech, Mr. Adzie expressed gratitude to the university’s management, lecturers, and family for their support throughout his academic journey.
The ceremony, attended by the Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, as the Guest of Honour, and the leadership of the E.P. Church, saw a total of 265 students graduate. This includes 16 Certificate-level graduates, 12 Diploma graduates, 222 Bachelor’s Degree graduates, and 15 Master’s Degree graduates.
Prof. Tsatsu Adogla-Bessa, Acting President of EPUC, presented a comprehensive report highlighting the institution’s growth, challenges, and achievements. He emphasized the values of hard work, discipline, and integrity as the foundation of the graduates’ success.
He also announced a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) agreement for a 3,000-bed hostel facility and lecture halls at EPUC’s permanent site at Wumenu.
Hon. James Gunu commended EPUC for advancing education and regional development. He encouraged graduates to approach future endeavours with dedication, hard work, and innovation, reaffirming government support for tertiary education in the Volta Region.
“Congratulations to the graduates on their achievements; may their contributions benefit society,” Hon. Gunu added.
President John Dramani Mahama has nominated 17 individuals to serve as Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) for various districts within the Volta Region.
The names were contained in a release by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, announcing nominees for eight out of the 16 regions.
The nominees, who are subject to approval by their respective Assemblies, include three women: Sandra Seyram Kpedor for Anlo, Victoria Amefadzi Yawa Doe for North Tongu, and Victoria Dzeklu for South Tongu.
For Ho Municipal, Mr. Stephen Adom, a staff member of the National Health Insurance Authority and a former parliamentary aspirant of the NDC, has been nominated as the Municipal Chief Executive. Also, the nominee for Kpando Municipal Assembly is yet to be named.
Below is the full list of nominees:
Ho Municipal – Stephen Adom
Hohoe Municipal – Prosper Kumi
Ketu South Municipal – Nicholas Kwabla Worlachie
Ketu North Municipal – Rev. Martin Amenaki
Keta Municipal – Wisdom Bondiru Seade
Adaklu District – Jerry Yaw Ameko
Afadzato South District – Manfred Tawiah
Agotime-Ziope District – Alfred Klu Odikro
Akatsi North District – Bless Kodjo Katamani
Akatsi South Municipal – Daniel Dogba
Anlo District– Sandra Seyram Kpedor
Central Tongu District – Dodzi Mornyie Addison
Ho West District – Prosper Francis Dussey
North Tongu District – Victoria Amefadzi Yawa Doe
South Dayi District – Courage Kwame Kokroko
South Tongu District – Victoria Dzeklu
North Dayi District – Ernest Adevor
Kpando Municipal – Pending
The President’s nominations are in line with the ongoing efforts to strengthen local governance and ensure effective leadership at the district level.
A group of concerned parents from the Regional Model Basic School in Ho has urged the authorities to remove Dr. Esther Adzo Adzimah-Yeboah, the Ho Municipal Education Director, citing disruptions to the school’s governance, academic performance, and administration.
At a press conference held in Ho on Tuesday, Mr. Rockson Fiagbor, the organizer of the aggrieved parents, expressed their frustration over the declining educational standards at the school. They attributed the problem to the arbitrary transfer of qualified teachers, including headmistresses, allegedly due to their involvement in sharing information about the PTA’s leadership and administration.
The parents argued that this has caused disruptions in the learning environment, impacting students’ academic performance. They also raised concerns about the interference in the PTA’s election process by the Municipal Education Director, alleging that a well-organized PTA election was suspended indefinitely after candidates supported by the Education Director and the old PTA executives were defeated.
Furthermore, the parents expressed concern over the inadequate ICT infrastructure at the school, with over 1,200 students having to share just four desktop computers. They also accused Dr. Adzimah-Yeboah of threatening parents who raised concerns about the school’s management with the dismissal of their wards from the school.
The parents pointed out that the lack of change in PTA leadership, with key positions being held by the same individual for over twelve years, raises ethical and financial concerns.
The concerned parents, clad in red attire, later petitioned the office of the Volta Regional Minister to intervene in the issue, as efforts to get the Regional Education Directorate to call the director to order went unheeded.
Additionally, the parents have demanded an investigation into the mismanagement of PTA funds and the upholding of results from last year’s PTA election. They are also calling for an engineering audit of the school’s infrastructure, particularly the unfinished JHS block, which they contend has become a safety hazard for students.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference has called for immediate reforms in the country’s educational system, urging the government to finalize a long-awaited partnership agreement with mission schools and improve technical and vocational education.
The call was made at the end of the Second National Catholic Education Forum, held at the St. Bakhita Catholic Church in Koforidua, under the theme “Catholic Education for Integral Development: Shaping a Resilient and Inclusive Ghana.”
The forum discussed challenges facing the education sector, including inadequate religious and moral formation, neglect of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and rising cases of indiscipline and examination malpractice.
In a communiqué signed by Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Catholic Bishop of Sunyani and President of Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC), the bishops emphasized the need for stronger partnerships between the government and faith-based institutions.
The Catholic Church, a leading education provider, operates over 5,453 basic schools, 82 Senior High Schools, 41 TVET institutions, and several tertiary colleges across Ghana.
The Bishops urged the government to reverse resource allocation imbalances in the education sector and commit to establishing at least one TVET center of excellence per region. They also recommended a phased-out transition within two years to address challenges with Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, which has faced criticism over the double-track system and resource constraints. They also demanded a minimum of 20 per cent quota in all Catholic schools for Catholic students.
Furthermore, the Bishops called for the restoration of roles for General, Regional, and Local Managers in overseeing Catholic schools, as well as the inclusion of Catholic representatives in key educational bodies such as the Ministerial Advisory Board of Education and the Ghana Education Service Council.
The government has taken steps to fulfill its promise to reconstruct the Ho-Aflao Road and the Weta – Afiadenyigba – Havedzi Road, bringing relief to commuters and residents in the Volta Region.
The minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Kwame Agbodza, accompanied by his deputy, Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini, over the weekend led a team of engineers from the Ministry and the Ghana Highway Authority to assess the conditions of the roads and plan for urgent intervention.
According to Hon. Agbodza, the Ho-Aflao Road reconstruction will be undertaken under President John Mahama’s Big Push Agenda, while the Weta – Afiadenyigba – Havedzi Road will be funded through the Roads Ministry’s 2025 budgetary allocation.
The Minister also revealed that feasibility studies, drawings, and designs for the Ho bypass are nearing completion, with procurement and construction set to commence soon.
The reconstruction of these roads is expected to improve transportation and boost economic activities in the Volta Region.
The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) on Friday, March 14 inducted 258 students from the School of Medicine and the School of Pharmacy into the clinical phase of their training at its 4th White Coat ceremony.
The induction ceremony, which was held at the university’s campus at Sokode-Lokoe near Ho, marked a significant milestone for the students, comprising 96 Physician Assistants, 110 Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery Students, and 52 Doctor of Pharmacy students.
A key highlight of the ceremony was the oath-taking, which bound the students to the ethical principles and values of their respective professions. With that, they acknowledged their responsibility to adhere to these principles and demonstrated their commitment to becoming compassionate, competent, and ethical healthcare professionals.
Professor Yaw Asante Awuku, Dean of the School of Medicine, charged the students to exhibit professionalism, dedication, and a noble duty of service to humanity. He urged them to uphold high ethical standards and show compassion to patients.
Vice Chancellor of UHAS, Professor Lydia Aziato, who chaired the event, urged the inductees to work collaboratively as a team and exhibit the tenets of the university to the world.
Guest Speaker, Professor Mahama Duwiejua, from the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the School of Pharmacy, University of Ghana, emphasized the need for collaboration between professionals to transform healthcare delivery.
He stressed the importance of building mutual respect and understanding within healthcare teams, calling for the removal of barriers, promotion of inclusivity, and recognition of each professional’s unique contributions.
The White Coat ceremony is a symbolic rite of passage that marks the transition of students from the pre-clinical to the clinical phase of their training. It is a significant step for these future healthcare professionals, who will go on to provide quality healthcare services to Ghanaians.
Mama Bobi III, a Circuit Court Judge in Accra and a Queen Mother of Ho Bankoe, has opened up about the challenges women judges face in Ghana, describing it as an “extremely tough” job.
In a video interaction with veteran journalist Ben Dotsei Malor at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Mama Bobi, known in private life as Angela Attachie, revealed that female judges, especially those on the lower bench, face significant obstacles.
Mr. Malor with Mama Bobi at the UN Headquarters
These include intimidation and disrespect from some litigants and lawyers, especially males, who perpetuate biases and stereotypes that women are weak and incapable of holding positions of authority.
However, she noted that being on top of the law and firm in her decisions has been crucial in overcoming these challenges. “For me, anyone who is appearing in my court knows the kind of judge they’re coming to, and they know I won’t tolerate their nonsense,” she stated confidently.
Despite the challenges, Mama Bobi remains optimistic about the future, citing the implementation of affirmative action on the bench as a game-changer.
Ghana’s Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, passed in July 2024, aims to increase women’s participation in governance and decision-making to at least 30% by 2030.
Mama with the Gender Affairs Minister
Mama Bobi is currently participating in the sixty-ninth session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the UN, where she is engaging with the global community to address widespread inequalities, violence, and discrimination against women.
She has also been interacting with Ghanaians working at the UN headquarters, as part of her visit.
The Kpando Dzewoe Youth Foundation has commended the government for allocating GH¢292.4 million for the distribution of free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools.
The Finance Minister, Mr. Cassiel Ato Forson, announced the allocation during the presentation of the 2025 budget in Parliament, stating that the government aims to promote menstrual hygiene management and empower young girls.
According to Zikpuitor Frank Gletse, Chairman of the foundation, the allocation is a welcome relief, as many young girls especially from deprived homes struggle to afford sanitary pads every month.
The foundation, which launched the Pad Bank Project in 2022, providing 750 pieces of sanitary pads to young girls in need, had faced difficulties in replenishing the pads.
Zikpuitor Gletse expressed gratitude to the government for the allocation, which he said would go a long way to promote menstrual hygiene management and empower young girls.
The foundation has further called for the reduction of import duties on sanitary pads, which would significantly decrease the cost, making them more affordable and accessible to all young girls in Ghana.
Thousands of Ghanaians affected by the devastating Akosombo dam spillage and the recent tidal wave disaster in the Volta Region can now breathe a sigh of relief.
The government has allocated a total of GH¢442.5 million to support victims of these disasters, announced the Minister of Finance, Mr Cassiel Ato Forson, during the presentation of the 2025 Budget and Economic Policy in Parliament on Tuesday.
Finance Minister, Casiel Ato Forson presenting the Budget statement
Out of this amount, GH¢242.5 million will go towards supporting victims of the Akosombo dam spillage, which occurred in October 2023, displacing thousands of residents in the North, Central, and South Tongu districts of the Volta Region.
The remaining GH¢200 million will be used to assist victims of the recent tidal wave disaster in the Ketu South constituency, which has destroyed homes and livelihoods, leaving many without shelter or means of survival.
The allocation is a welcome relief for the affected communities, who have been struggling to come to terms with the devastation caused by these disasters.
In addition to these allocations, the minister has indicated that, provisions have also been made to address the perennial sea erosion in the affected areas, with adequate allocation made to the Ministry of Water Resources, Works, and Housing to tackle this issue.
This move follows President John Mahama’s recent visit to the tidal wave-ravaged communities of Amutsinu, Salakope, and Agavedzi, where he assured the affected residents of government’s swift intervention to ease their plights and address the perennial challenge permanently.
