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2 Million Volta Residents Get Insecticide Nets to Fight Malaria

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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.

By Albert Kuzor/VoltaOnlinegh

Ho Teaching Hospital Board Engages GJA; Courts Stakeholders’ Support for Expansion

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The Governing Board of Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH) has engaged the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Volta Executives and selected media houses in a landmark stakeholder meeting, aimed at rallying support for the expansion of the facility and strengthening public confidence in its services.

Board Chairman, Dr. Delanyo Dovlo, underscored the crucial role of the media in shaping public trust in healthcare delivery. He noted that the media’s reportage influences healthy behaviours and bridges health institutions with the communities they serve. “We see the media not as critics to be feared, but as indispensable partners in national development and in our shared mission of improving healthcare outcomes,” he affirmed.

Dr. Dovlo highlighted strides made by the hospital, including strengthened specialist services, improved infection control, and the introduction of digital health systems. He proudly announced the establishment of a Music Therapy Studio, the first of its kind in West Africa, positioning HTH as a destination for wellness and medical tourism.

Ho Teaching Hospital began as a 180-bed regional facility before its upgrade to teaching hospital status, with capacity rising to about 300. This transition enabled the hospital to deliver tertiary healthcare and serve as a training ground for medical professionals in partnership with the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS). Despite these gains, it remains the least resourced among Ghana’s teaching hospitals in terms of infrastructure, though it continues to leverage its dedicated human resource base to meet its mandate.

Dr. Dovlo HTH Board Chairman with Dr. Belley, GJA-Volta Chairman

Dr. Dovlo therefore stressed the need for urgent expansion of the facility, and called on all stakeholders to join the advocacy for the long-awaited 500-bed expansion project by the government to materialise. He also appealed to President Mahama for expedited action on the Korea Exim Bank Loan Facility to ensure construction begins without delay.

Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Hintermann Mbroh, acknowledged challenges with service delivery but assured that measures are being taken to improve patient experience. He welcomed plans to establish a cardiology centre and pledged the hospital’s support for the government’s Free Primary Healthcare programme. He also commended MTN Ghana for expanding the Accident and Emergency department, increasing its bed capacity from 22 to over 50.

Other members of the Board, including the Vice-Chancellor of UHAS, Prof. Lydia Aziato, urged the media to exercise responsibility in their reportage, stressing constructive collaboration between the hospital and the media to build public confidence.

Chairman of GJA-Volta, Dr. Harrison Belley, commended the Board for initiating the engagement, describing it as the first of its kind. He said the platform would foster dialogue and help the media better understand the operations of the hospital, thereby strengthening collaboration. He expressed the hope that regular stakeholder interactions would minimise misinformation and enhance public confidence in the facility.

The GJA Secretary, Mr. Lambert Atsivor, also commended the hospital management for revamping its communication outfit, which he said would improve stakeholder interactions and build public trust.

Other GJA Executives present included King-Freeman Nutsukpoe, Treasurer, and Elorm Aryee, Administrator.

31-Year-Old Woman Jailed for Baby Abduction at Kpando

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The Kpando Circuit Court has sentenced Stella Amedzorme, a 31-year-old trader, to three years’ imprisonment after she pleaded guilty to abducting an eight-month-old baby at the Kpando Market in the Volta Region.

According to a police statement, the baby’s mother, Gloria Xagbe, narrated that on 17th July 2026, she left her child in the care of Amedzorme, a fellow trader, while she went to buy packaging bags. Upon her return, she discovered that Amedzorme had absconded with the baby. Alarmed, she lodged a complaint with the police.

Swift investigations by the Kpando Police Command led to the arrest of Amedzorme in a suburb of Kwamekrom in the Oti Region on 18th July 2026, and the baby was rescued unharmed. The case was subsequently presented before the Kpando Circuit Court on 20th July. On 3rd August 2026, the suspect was convicted on her own plea and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.

In a statement signed by Inspector Felix Kwao, Public Relations Officer of the Volta North Regional Police Command, the Police confirmed that investigations are ongoing to apprehend the convict’s fiancé, who is believed to have been complicit in the crime.

It also assured the public of their commitment to protecting lives and property, while urging parents and guardians to remain vigilant in crowded public spaces to prevent similar incidents.

Asogli State Announces Ban on Funerals Ahead of 2026 Yam Festival

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The Asogli State Council in the Ho Municipality has announced a customary ban on funerals across the entire Asogli State as preparations intensify for the 2026 Asogli Te Zã (Yam Festival).

In a statement signed by Council Secretary Stephen Tetteh, the directive will take effect from Monday, August 17, 2026, and remain in force until Sunday, October 4, 2026.

The Council explained that the ban, sanctioned by the Agbogbomefia, Togbe Afede XIV, together with the Chiefs and Elders of Asogli, is a traditional observance designed to preserve the sanctity of the festival. It appealed to the public for full cooperation, stressing that strict adherence is essential for a peaceful and successful celebration.

The Asogli Te Zã, celebrated annually, is one of the most revered cultural festivals in the Volta Region. It marks the harvest of new yams and is observed with thanksgiving, renewal, and communal unity. The period is characterized by rituals, durbars, and cultural displays that highlight the rich heritage of the Asogli people.

The Council reaffirmed its commitment to tradition and harmony, urging citizens to respect the directive in the spirit of unity and cultural pride.

Prisons Service Receives Historic Medical Supplies under ‘Mahama Cares’

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The Ghana Prisons Service has received a landmark intervention under the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares), with the presentation of a full container load of life-saving medical equipment, consumables, and essential healthcare supplies to transform healthcare delivery within correctional facilities nationwide.

The donation, described as one of the largest healthcare support packages ever received by the Service, underscores the Trust Fund’s commitment to ensuring that quality healthcare reaches every Ghanaian, regardless of circumstance or location.

Administrator of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares), Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, emphasised that access to healthcare should never be determined by status. She explained that the Fund’s responsibility extends beyond hospitals to every institution where healthcare is needed, including prisons.

She noted that strengthening prison healthcare ultimately protects the wider public, since prison officers, healthcare workers, and visitors interact daily with the community, while many inmates eventually reintegrate into society. Prison health, she stressed, is therefore an essential component of Ghana’s overall public health system.

Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Patience Baffoe-Bonnie (Esq.), expressed profound appreciation for what she described as a historic intervention. She said the donation demonstrated that the Prisons Service had finally been remembered and not treated as an afterthought, sending a powerful message that the lives of inmates and officers matter just as much as those of every other Ghanaian.

Mrs. Baffoe-Bonnie assured that the equipment and consumables would be put to effective use across the prison system, significantly improving healthcare delivery and saving lives.

She commended the Administrator of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares) for her visionary leadership in ensuring that the Fund’s life-saving interventions extend to every corner of Ghana’s healthcare system, including correctional facilities.

Peace Council Commends Peaceful Dagbon Funeral Rites, Urges Unity During Regency

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The National Peace Council (NPC) has lauded the people of Dagbon for the peaceful and dignified conduct of the funeral rites of the late Ndan Yaa Naa Abukari II and the successful enskinment of the Regent of Dagbon.

The Council, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu,SVD extended condolences to the Dagbon Traditional Council and the Kingdom, describing the late Yaa Naa’s reign as one marked by wisdom, humility, and reconciliation.

A few weeks ago, the Overlord of Dagbon, His Royal Majesty Ndan Yaa Naa Abukari II, passed away after a distinguished reign that emphasized unity and peace. He was laid to rest in Yendi following solemn traditional rites, including the First and Second Bogliləgbu, which drew wide participation from chiefs, elders, and citizens across the Kingdom.

The outdooring of the Regent on Friday, July 31, was attended by high-profile personalities including former President John Dramani Mahama, government functionaries, Members of Parliament, and other well-wishers, underscoring national solidarity with Dagbon during this transitional period.

The NPC praised the orderly observance of the rites and the smooth enskinment of the Regent, noting that the ceremonies reflected the strength of Dagbon’s traditional institutions and the collective resolve of its people to safeguard peace. It also commended government agencies, security services, clergy, civil society, and citizens for their cooperation and professionalism during the events.

As Dagbon enters the regency period, the Council urged chiefs, elders, opinion leaders, and youth to rally behind the Regent, preserve the late Yaa Naa’s legacy, and adhere to the Dagbon Constitution and customary roadmap for the peaceful selection of the next Yaa Naa.

Reaffirming its commitment to Dagbon’s peacebuilding efforts, the Council prayed for the repose of the late King’s soul and divine guidance for the Regent as he leads the Kingdom through this important transitional period.

Ho Teaching Hospital Cautions Public Against Recruitment Fraud

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Ho Teaching Hospital has cautioned the public to be wary of fraudulent recruitment schemes falsely linked to the institution.

In a press release issued by management, on Thursday, July 30, 2026, the hospital stated emphatically that it is not recruiting nurses or any other staff at present. The statement comes after reports that certain individuals and groups are circulating false information and demanding money from unsuspecting job seekers in exchange for employment opportunities.

Management stressed that the Office of the Chief Executive Officer does not charge or receive money for recruitment, and no staff member or intermediary has been authorized to collect money on behalf of the hospital. It described such actions as fraudulent and urged the public to remain vigilant.

The release further advised that anyone approached with such demands should report the matter immediately to law enforcement agencies or the hospital’s administration. It reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and merit-based recruitment, encouraging the public to verify all employment-related information through official channels.

The statement concluded with a reminder of the hospital’s vision and core values, underscoring its dedication to integrity in service delivery.

NHIA Disburses GHS219.8 Million to Healthcare Providers

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The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced the disbursement of GHS219,838,955.41 to healthcare providers nationwide under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

According to a media release by the Corporate Affairs Directorate, the payment, made on July 30, 2026, covers both backlog and vetted claims up to May 2026, bringing total claims settled this year to nearly GHS1.2 billion.

The release indicated that private healthcare facilities received GHS98.24 million (44.69%), public facilities were allocated GHS80.86 million (36.78%), while mission and faith-based providers received GHS40.70 million (18.53%). The NHIA explained that the disbursement is intended to strengthen the financial sustainability of providers and ensure uninterrupted delivery of quality healthcare services.

NHIA Chief Executive, Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to timely reimbursement and improved healthcare delivery, noting ongoing efforts to enhance claims processing efficiency and support Ghana’s universal health coverage agenda.

The Authority emphasized that it remains dedicated to sustainable financing, building provider confidence, and expanding access to quality healthcare for all Ghanaians.

GRIDCo’s System Disturbance Plunges Large Parts of Ghana into Darkness

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Large parts of the country, including the entire Volta and Oti regions, were plunged into total blackout on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, following a major disturbance on the National Interconnected Transmission System.

GRIDCo confirmed that the incident occurred at approximately 3:11 a.m., when several generating plants tripped simultaneously, cutting off electricity supply nationwide.

A statement issued by the state power transmitter said, ‘Engineers and operators immediately activated restoration procedures and are working with power sector stakeholders to bring supply back safely. A technical investigation has also been launched to determine the root cause.’

Earlier, the Public Relations Officer of ECG-Volta, Eunice Tweneboah-Koduah, issued a social media circular acknowledging the outage: “Dear All, please we have lost supply from GRIDCo. We are on standby to restore supply. We are sorry for the inconvenience caused out of this outage. Thank you.”

The blackout disrupted households, businesses, and institutions across the affected regions. Many residents have since taken to social media to express frustration about the situation, citing the impact on daily routines and productivity.

This latest incident comes just months after a major fire outbreak at GRIDCo’s switchyard at Akosombo caused a similar outage, leaving some areas without power for more than 24 hours. The recurrence has heightened public concern over the resilience of Ghana’s power infrastructure.

GRIDCo has apologized for the inconvenience and assured the public of its commitment to restoring power quickly and safely, while promising updates as the restoration progresses.

Ambulance Service to Get Permanent Office in Ho as Project Nears Completion

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The National Ambulance Service (NAS) is set to secure a permanent home for its Volta Regional operations, with the new Administration and Dispatch Centre in Ho now 98 per cent complete.

For years, the Regional Ambulance Service has operated from the premises of the Volta Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service. The new office complex, located off the ring road near the new Ho District office of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), will provide a modern and dedicated space for administrative and emergency coordination functions.

The Chief Executive Officer of NAS, Dr. George Kojo Owusu, inspected the facility and expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work. Supported by The Hunger Project Ghana, the project is designed to strengthen the operational and administrative capacity of the Service in the Volta Region.

Dr. Owusu toured the office spaces, dispatch centre, conference room, crew room, cafeteria, and other support areas, interacting with the regional management team on preparations for operationalization. He emphasized that the new administration block will enhance coordination, communication, and emergency response management across the region.

He commended the team for their dedication and conveyed NAS’s appreciation to The Hunger Project Ghana for its support, noting that the facility will significantly improve the working environment for staff and contribute to better delivery of prehospital emergency care services.

Upon completion, the Volta Regional Administration and Dispatch Centre will serve as a modern hub for administrative operations and emergency dispatch coordination, further strengthening NAS’s capacity to respond swiftly to emergencies and save lives in the Volta Region.

Mama Bobi Supports ICT Education in Ho Schools with New Computers

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The Afetornyornufia of Ho-Bankoe in the Asogli State, Mama Bobi III, has donated computers to schools and a youth-focused NGO in Ho to boost ICT education and bridge the digital divide among learners.

The initiative follows her participation in a United Nations conference in March last year, where she engaged with distinguished Ghanaians and secured 200 computers — 150 Lenovo ThinkPads and 50 desktops. She described the gesture as “a covenant of hope for our children.”

Mama Bobi III personally supervised the distribution of part of the consignment to Sonrise Senior High, Kabore Primary, Bankoe R.C. Primary (Mixed and Girls’ sections), Bankoe E.P. Primary, and LifeMac Africa, a youth-oriented NGO renowned for its STEM programmes. In total, over 70 Lenovo ThinkPads were handed over to the beneficiaries.

In a post on her Facebook page, she expressed heartfelt joy at the impact of the donation:

“My heart swelled with humility and deep fulfillment as I watched the faces of our little ones light up—not just with the joy of receiving, but with the promise of a future they can now dare to dream of. Each screen we placed before them is a window to possibility, a bridge across the digital divide that has held our communities back for too long.”

She reaffirmed her commitment to the welfare of children and youth in Ho-Bankoe and beyond, stressing that their education remains the true legacy of the community. “Their education is our legacy. Their success is our crown,” she declared.

The donation is expected to significantly enhance ICT teaching and learning in the beneficiary schools while strengthening LifeMac Africa’s youth-focused initiatives.