TIG Post

Tag: Hospital

  • “I hit a fan so hard with my mic after he pressed my breast, he ended up in the hospital” – Sista Afia

    “I hit a fan so hard with my mic after he pressed my breast, he ended up in the hospital” – Sista Afia

    Ghanaian singer Sista Afia has revealed that one of the toughest moments she encountered in her music career was an incident where she threw her microphone at a fan while making her way to the stage.

    According to the “Weather” hitmaker, her action was triggered by the fan who touched a part of her body inappropriately.

    She said, the impact of her action was so intense that the fan ended up in the hospital.

    “I hate it when people like to touch me when I’m going on stage, especially the fans. It’s something I don’t like at all, it’s very uncomfortable for me. One time, somebody pressed me so hard, and I hit him with a mic. The person had to go to the hospital. Yes it was that serious. He pressed by front bits,” she told Andy Dosty on Hitz FM.

    In 2020 the highlife singer told Zionfelix in an interview about why she wanted to pummel former Black Avenue Muzik signee, Fred Rhymz.

    The duo squared it off after being invited to TV3 by TV host MzGee for an interview session bordering on the same theme when hell broke loose at the premises of the TV station.

    The two ladies got embroiled in a heated confrontation and looked set to exchange blows before they got separated by the security men.

    Sister Afia said Freda the physical confrontation started when Freda mentioned her name directly when their paths crossed and started aiming shots at her, reason why she retaliated.

    She revealed this while talking to Ghanaian blogger Zionfelix on the Uncut Show.

    She also promised to beat the hell out of the rapper wherever she meets her.

    Ghanaian singer Jackline Acheampong, known in showbiz as Gyakie, has recounted the challenges she faced while juggling academics and music during her time at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), revealing that her first stage performance left her in tears and regret.

    The “Forever” hitmaker, who pursued a degree in Business Administration, described her early days on stage as a nightmare. She recounted a particularly tough experience during Republic Hall’s SRC Week celebration, where a technical glitch made things worse.

    “I was very scared during my first stage performance. I remember during the Republic Hall SRC Week, I went to perform and during that, the speakers went off. I didn’t know what to do, and some of the fans were hooting at me, while others tried their best to keep the atmosphere active,” she said.

    According to her, the moment was so overwhelming that she broke down in tears backstage.“Nobody asked me to leave the stage. When I got backstage, I cried because I regretted going there,” she added.

    Beyond the stage, Gyakie opened up about the pressure she endured in class, especially from lecturers who often singled her out.

    “Sometimes, going to class becomes a bit uncomfortable because some lecturers know I am a singer, and they randomly ask me questions I am not ready to answer. Sometimes they throw questions at me that I don’t even know the answers to,” she shared.

    She also touched on how the university’s dress code for business students made her feel uneasy.“In terms of how I dress as a student, I sometimes became paranoid because I don’t feel comfortable in the prescribed dress given to the business student,” she explained.

    Adding to the pressure were unexpected photo requests from fellow students during times she wasn’t feeling her best.“There are times I go to lectures and people would request for pictures—times I don’t feel good about myself,” she said.

    Despite the tough beginnings, Gyakie has gone on to build a thriving music career, earning both local and international recognition.

    Stonebwoy pulled a gun on stage while receiving the Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year Award in 2019.

    The confusion started when Shatta Wale and his militants rushed onto the stage when Stonebwoy was about to receive his award. Afraid of what could happen, Stonebwoy quickly pulled out a gun.

    The show was temporarily put on hold amidst the pandemonium in the Dome and some of the patrons started leaving the auditorium when the chaos started.

    Contrary to what has long been speculated, that the on-stage Stonebwoy-Shatta Wale brawl was planned, the Afropop and Raggae-Dancehall singer revealed that the action was unintended.

    A section of the Ghanaian populace and music lovers believed that the rivalry between the two top Ghanaian artistes was just to sell their brands; and the clash at the 2019 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA19), is no exception.

    But speaking on United Showbiz, a popular weekend night entertainment show on UTV, Stonebwoy cleared the air that he had no such plans with Shatta Wale before their big night, as has been concluded by many.

    “People say my colleague and I had planned what happened that night but it’s not true, it wasn’t a planned thing. It shows you how serious the music industry is”, he told host, Nana Ama McBrown.

    Talking about the fight, the ‘Sobolo’ hitmaker stated he does not want to dwell on the awfulness of the night but rather the good thing it has brought between himself and Shatta Wale.

    “I’ve talked about this issue countless times on different platforms across the world but I don’t dwell on the negative side of it. The beautiful thing is that today we sleep peacefully, we wake and call each other on the phone and we are all focusing on our works now and moving forward”, he stated.

    Background

    Pandemonium broke out on the night of VGMA19 after Stonebwoy went to collect a prize.

    He had just been awarded Raggae-Dancehall Artiste of the Year when his musical rival, Shatta Wale, and his entourage mounted the stage.

    Video footage of the brawl appears to show Stonebwoy holding a gun.

    The action marred the event but after a short delay the VGMA19 in the capital, Accra, resumed.

    During the acceptance speech for an award, Stonebwoy apologized to Ghanaians, saying, “I only had to react out of instinct”.

  • Ridge Hospital assault report to be presented to Health Ministry today

    Ridge Hospital assault report to be presented to Health Ministry today

    The Ministry of Health will today, Monday, August 25, receive the report on the alleged assault on health workers at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge).

    The Head of Communications at the Ministry, Tony Goodman, revealed this while speaking on The Big Issue on Saturday, August 23.

    “We have spoken to those around, including the nurse who was in charge, and we have come to some conclusions. I am sure by Monday, that will be given to the Minister,” Mr. Goodman said.

    On August 20, a group of men, including a member of the pressure group Democracy Hub, Mr. Ralph Afful Williams, allegedly stormed the Ridge facility, demanding immediate treatment for an injured finger while medical staff were attending to critically ill patients, including one with an open fracture.

    Hospital management was forced to call in the Ghana Police Service after the situation escalated into the assault of a nurse. Following the incident, several groups and individuals have demanded the arrest of Ralph Williams, describing his actions as unlawful.

    Meanwhile, the nurse at Greater Accra Regional Hospital who was attacked, Rejoice Tsotsoo Bortei, has dragged her alleged abuser, activist Ralph Saint Williams, to court for physical assault and defamation.

    The plaintiff is seeking GH¢5 million in damages for battery and GH¢2 million for defamation, arguing that the defendant’s words have “cast the Plaintiff as a liar, a non-trustworthy person, and a crook”.

    When staff requested he obtain a hospital card, the defendant reportedly became aggressive and began recording patients and staff without consent. The plaintiff indicates that despite providing him with initial first aid, the defendant later returned with a group of men and physically assaulted her.

    “The Defendant, without provocation, struck the Plaintiff’s left hand with a clenched fist and a metallic cellphone,” the writ states.

    Following the incident, the defandant during a live video accused Rejoice of being a liar.

    “Liar, Wo se wo nsam abu. Duab0 bebam. You say you have suffered an injured hand and a dislocated shoulder. This is cooked up to cover the nonsense going on at the hospital,” he said.

    Additional reliefs sought include a court order for a full public apology and retraction, a perpetual injunction against further defamatory publications, a restraining order preventing the defendant from coming within 50 meters of the plaintiff, and legal costs.

    The defendant has eight days to enter an appearance upon being served with the writ, or risk a default judgment.

    Just days earlier, the Health Minister confirmed that the Ridge Hospital incident that saw the assault of health practitioners had led to several arrests by the Ghana Police Service.

    “The law has so far dealt with all those who did something wrong, and we are also investigating as a ministry. Anyone who comes to tell you that no arrest has been made in this matter is probably someone who is not ready to contribute to the resolution of this matter,” the Minister told Asempa FM on August 19, without disclosing the names of the suspects.

    The arrests stemmed from an incident involving a member of the pressure group Democracy Hub, Mr. Ralph Afful Williams, popularly known as “Fellow Ghanaians.” He reportedly stormed the hospital with about eight men, protesting what he described as delays in treating a critically injured patient on August 17.

    Hospital management was forced to call in the Ghana Police Service after the situation escalated into the assault of a nurse. Following the incident, several groups and individuals demanded the arrest of Ralph Williams, describing his actions as unlawful.

    In response, the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the government to arrest Ralph and his accomplices. The association warned that it would be compelled to “advise itself” if immediate action was not taken.

    According to the GRNMA’s General Secretary, Dr. David Tenkorang Twum, the nurse who was attacked sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment at the hospital. He described the assault as unacceptable and stressed that health workers cannot operate in an unsafe environment.

    “If anybody can just walk into a facility, like Ridge Hospital, and throw his weight about and beat like a midwife, and you have other party apparatchiks telling them to egg him on, that is unfortunate. We are not happy at all. Our people are traumatized,” he stated.

    He continued, “We are very civilized people. We are professionals. And we are asking the government to arrest the guy immediately and the eight accomplices; we were told there were about 50 guys that day. But those who laid their hands on the lady—there were about eight, including Ralph himself. And therefore, if he’s not arrested within 48 hours, we shall advise ourselves.”

    Dr. Tenkorang also referenced Section 119 of Ghana’s Labour Act, which empowers workers to withdraw their services if their health and safety are at risk.

    “And we are all guided by law. In that, if you read section 119, subsection 1, it is stated that if you are a worker and you think that your safety is not guaranteed, your life and your health are not guaranteed, and you have every right under the law to remove yourself from that danger. And our people have told us this morning, after interacting with them, that they are not safe. They feel that their safety has been breached,” he said.

    The association insists that both Ralph Williams and the eight identified accomplices must be arrested immediately to restore confidence and ensure justice for the victim. Their demand follows the circulation of a viral video showing a violent altercation between some patient relatives and medical staff at the hospital’s emergency department.

    The Minority in Parliament has also intensified calls for Ralph’s arrest. In a statement dated Tuesday, August 19, and signed by the Ranking Member on the Health Committee, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriye, the group condemned the actions of Ralph and his team.

    They described the conduct as “unlawful, reckless, and deeply inconsiderate,” stressing that hospitals are places of care and confidentiality, not “arenas for political theatrics.” The Minority urged the Ghana Police Service to fully investigate the matter and called on the Health Minister to set up a joint parliamentary inquiry to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

    “The sanctity of our health facilities must be preserved at all times,” the statement concluded, urging political actors to refrain from compromising patient care for partisan ends.

    In response, the Ministry of Health has announced measures to beef up security at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital. The Ministry said this will ensure the safety of staff, patients, and the general public, while also addressing any gaps that may have contributed to the reported delay in treatment.

    Reiterating its commitment to protecting healthcare workers, the Ministry confirmed that Health Minister Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has already visited the facility to receive firsthand information. He assured hospital management and staff of the Ministry’s full support and protection.

    “We call on the public to exercise patience, cooperation, and mutual respect at all times to enable healthcare workers to provide effective and timely care,” the Ministry of Health added in a statement.

    Meanwhile, a 24-hour call centre for handling patient complaints across hospitals in the country has been introduced by the Health Minister, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.

    The minister made this known at a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, August 21, explaining that the initiative will provide the public with a direct channel to report their displeasure regarding healthcare services. “The best you can do is lodge a complaint. And that brings me to the client service. So this is what we are doing. We have some numbers available where if people feel dissatisfied, you can then call,” he said.

    He assured that complaints to the hotline will be managed fairly, but emphasized that this does not automatically mean all complaints will be considered right. “The fact that you have called to lodge a complaint doesn’t mean that you are right. We will look into the matter and then appropriately deal with it,” he stated.

    He added that hospitals have been instructed to display the hotline numbers boldly at facilities to make them easily accessible to patients nationwide. “We have communicated directly to all the health facilities in the country, to the Director-General and the teaching hospitals, that they must make these suggestion boxes and numbers conspicuously posted at all health facilities. So it is something I am pursuing aggressively,” he said.

    Mr. Akandoh noted that the measure seeks to promote accountability and raise the standard of service delivery in the health sector.

  • Hospital in Gaza’s south bombed, dozens of patients killed

    Hospital in Gaza’s south bombed, dozens of patients killed

    At least 25 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza, according to hospital reports on Monday.

    The attacks come nearly a week after Israel abruptly ended a ceasefire with Hamas, unleashing heavy bombardments that have left hundreds dead.

    Amid the escalating violence, Egypt has put forward a new proposal to restore the ceasefire.

    According to an Egyptian official, the plan would see Hamas release five captives in exchange for Israel allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza and agreeing to a temporary pause in fighting.

    The proposal also includes the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

    A Hamas official confirmed the group had “responded positively” to the offer but did not provide further details.

    Both officials spoke anonymously, as they were not authorized to discuss the negotiations publicly.

  • Kumasi: Trotro loses control in Ashtown, injures four

    Kumasi: Trotro loses control in Ashtown, injures four

    A commercial trotro suffered brake failure at the Dr. Mensah Bus Terminal in Ashtown, Kumasi, on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, leading to a crash that left four people injured.

    The vehicle veered off course, striking the victims, who were traders operating along the roadside.

    They were quickly transported to Manhyia Government Hospital for treatment.

    Eyewitnesses described the incident as chaotic, with bystanders rushing to assist.

    Meanwhile, the driver has been taken into police custody as investigations into the accident are underway.

  • KBTH maternity block renovation to be completed in May – Acting CEO

    KBTH maternity block renovation to be completed in May – Acting CEO

    The renovation of the maternity block at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) is progressing swiftly and is expected to be completed by May this year.

    Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Frank Owusu Sekyere, disclosed this on Monday while inspecting the project. 

    He noted that the refurbishment, which began in January, has impressively reached 80% completion within just two months.


    “The renovation ongoing now started in January, and they had six months to complete. Within two months, they have done 80 percent compared to the last certification assessment.


    “If we have been able to do 80 percent in two months, chances are that within the next two months, we may be able to complete it. So, we have no reason to believe that it is going to drop,” he assured.

    The GH₵3.5 million facelift prioritizes patient safety, addressing significant structural deterioration on the building’s exterior.

    The project involves reinforcing weakened sections, repairing crumbling castings and exposed metal reinforcements, followed by recasting, replastering, and repainting to enhance both functionality and aesthetics while ensuring the structure’s stability.

    Meanwhile, the Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr. Isaac Koranteng, explained that economic constraints, particularly those tied to the domestic debt exchange programme, influenced the decision to renovate the existing structure rather than demolish and rebuild it.

    Dr. Koranteng acknowledged concerns about elevator functionality across different hospital blocks and announced the acquisition of three new lifts for the Maternity, Surgical, and Medical Blocks.

    He assured that installation preparations are progressing steadily, paving the way for improved accessibility within the facility soon.


    “Originally, there were plans to construct an 11-story maternity and gynecology complex that would have replaced the current block.

    “Because of the discussion that we’ve had about the possibility of a new block, it wasn’t in our interest to put money in here when a new one was coming. But now we have realized that we need to concentrate on fortifying this,” he added.

    Dr. Koranteng assured that medical services would continue uninterrupted despite the renovations, as the hospital’s interior remains fully functional.

    “We are still going to take care of the patients. We are still going to carry out all activities because it’s external and the internal is in good condition,” he said. 

  • Police to undertake mass burial of 200 unclaimed bodies at its hospital

    Police to undertake mass burial of 200 unclaimed bodies at its hospital

    The Ghana Police Service has announced its plans to undertake a mass burial of some 200 unclaimed and unidentified bodies at the Police Hospital.

    In a video, the Service explained that exercise scheduled for the first quarter of 2025 is part of efforts to decongest the hospital and ensure proper maintenance of its storage unit.

    Corporal Felix Kwaku-Dua further revealed that the deadline for the identification and collection of bodies is 28th February, 2025.

    As such, “members of the public are being urged to check with the Police Hospital Pathology Department to identify and claim any missing or deceased relatives,” he said.

    After the aforementioned date, all unclaimed bodies will be included in the mass burial.

    The Hospital management appeals to the general public to take note of this development and assist in spreading the information.

  • Gunmen kill three, burn bus at Wulugu

    Gunmen kill three, burn bus at Wulugu

    Gunmen launched a deadly attack on travelers at Wulugu in the North East Region, killing three passengers and setting their bus ablaze.

    The victims were part of a group traveling from Kumasi to Garu when their bus broke down near Wulugu.

    While the driver went to Walewale to get spare parts, armed assailants stormed the location, torched the vehicle, and executed three passengers.

    Upon receiving an emergency call, police officers arrived to find the lifeless bodies of three young men, estimated to be in their 20s.

    Two were discovered lying in a pool of blood by the roadside, while the third was found roughly 200 meters away.

    The bodies have been transported to the Bolgatanga Hospital morgue for autopsy and preservation as authorities work to identify their next of kin.

    Two of the victims have been confirmed as Frafras, while the third, an Ashanti man, was traveling to Bolgatanga.

    According to eyewitnesses, the sound of gunfire sent passengers fleeing towards Wulugu, but the attackers chased some of them down, leading to the casualties.

    At the crime scene, police recovered four spent shells, believed to be from AK-47 rifles. Security personnel have since secured the area and ensured the safety of those who sought refuge in nearby homes.

    Although the motive for the attack is still unclear, reports suggest it may be linked to the ongoing Bawku conflict, which has resulted in 49 deaths since October 2024.

  • 4 District Hospitals commissioned by Akufo-Addo in Ashanti Region

    4 District Hospitals commissioned by Akufo-Addo in Ashanti Region

    On Monday, November 25, 2024, President Akufo-Addo inaugurated four of the five newly completed 40-bed district hospitals in the Ashanti region.

    These hospitals, located in Drobonso (Sekyere Afram Plains), Sabronum (Ahafo Ano South East), Twedie (Atwima Kwanwoma), and Suame (Suame Municipal), are part of the government’s extensive healthcare development program. A fifth hospital, situated in Manso Nkwanta (Amansie West District), has also been completed but awaits commissioning.

    The initiative began in 2020 when Health Minister Kwaku Agyemang-Manu launched the construction of twelve 40-bed hospitals across the Ashanti, Eastern, and Greater Accra regions, along with a polyclinic in Mim, Brong Ahafo. VAMED Engineering GmbH of Austria handled the construction of these facilities, with other hospitals built in Jumapo, Kwabeng, Nkwatia, Achiase, Adukrom, Mim, and Kpone Katamanso.

    To fund the project, a €71.5 million loan was secured from Erste Group Bank AG and Česká Spořitelna a.s., which also included the development of housing for healthcare staff—12 two-bedroom semi-detached units at each hospital.

    Each facility is well-equipped with essential medical departments such as Outpatient Departments, Public Health facilities, and patient care areas including surgical suites, maternity wards, paediatric wards, and recovery rooms.

    In his remarks, President Akufo-Addo encouraged local communities and hospital staff to ensure these new healthcare facilities are well-managed and maintained. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to improving healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to quality health services throughout the country.

  • Be quick in completing stalled hospital projects – Asantehene tells Health Minister

    Be quick in completing stalled hospital projects – Asantehene tells Health Minister

    The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has voiced concerns over the slow progress of several hospital projects in Ghana, particularly those in the Ashanti Region.

    He has urged for expedited efforts to complete these projects to ensure the health and well-being of the people.

    During a meeting with a delegation from the Ministry of Health, led by the sector Minister, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, the Asantehene stressed the importance of prioritizing health infrastructure.

    He emphasized that although funds may be limited, the government must strive to do its best to ensure that health facilities are completed and operational to serve the needs of the population.

    The Asantehene acknowledged recent improvements in the financial sector and recommended that the Ministry of Health collaborate with the Ministry of Finance to secure funding for completing hospital projects across the country, specifically those under the Agenda 111 initiative.

    He pointed out that securing the necessary funds and completing these projects on schedule is crucial for enhancing healthcare delivery and ensuring the health and well-being of the people.

    Particular concern was expressed over the stalled Sewua Hospital project. The Asantehene noted that despite significant investments in hospital equipment, the facility remains non-operational due to issues such as inadequate power supply and poor road infrastructure.

    He warned that if these issues are not addressed promptly, the equipment will become obsolete and wasted.

    Highlighting the potential benefits of operationalizing the Sewua Hospital, the Asantehene mentioned that it could alleviate the patient load on the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), aiding the smooth implementation of the ‘Heal the KATH’ project.

    He also called for the expedited completion of the KNUST Teaching Hospital and emphasized the importance of ongoing projects at Trede.

    In response, Dr. Okoe-Boye praised the Asantehene for his ‘Heal KATH’ initiative, which aims to enhance healthcare delivery. He assured that the government is committed to completing all ongoing health projects in the region.

    The Minister also visited KATH to inspect the ongoing construction of the Maternity and Children’s block. To further decongest KATH, Dr. Okoe-Boye suggested that the Ghana Health Service could sign a memorandum of understanding with the Teaching Hospital.

    This agreement could include modalities for directing certain care services to facilities like Sewua Hospital, thereby easing the pressure on KATH.

  • She asked to be sent to where we picked her from after being declared well – Hospital on aged found in bush

    The Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba has revealed new details regarding the case of an elderly woman who was found in a bush and later passed away due to administrative issues.

    Contrary to earlier reports, it has been disclosed that the woman, who was involved in a hit-and-run accident, requested to be returned to the location where she was initially found.

    The hospital’s Medical Director, Dr. Prah George Kwame, submitted a comprehensive report on the incident, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the woman’s treatment and subsequent discharge.

    According to the report, the victim was brought to the hospital by the National Ambulance Service, accompanied by the Social Welfare Officer of Gomoa Ojobi.

    She received immediate treatment, including the application of Plaster of Paris (POP) casts to both lower limbs due to fractures in the tibia bones. Throughout her stay, the hospital provided her with full care, including feeding, medication, and housekeeping.

    After six days of treatment, the patient was discharged on June 3, 2024, as she was declared well. Medical records were submitted as evidence, confirming her condition and treatment history.

    During her treatment, the patient exhibited disorientation and some violent behavior. However, she later calmed down and expressed a desire to return to where she was found. Following discussions between the social welfare officers involved, it was agreed to transport her back to Gomoa Ojobi, her preferred destination.

    The hospital ambulance, accompanied by the social welfare officer and a staff member, facilitated her return, ensuring she was appropriately clothed and provided with a wheelchair. Before her departure, coordination was made with the social welfare officer in Ojobi to ensure a smooth handover upon her arrival.

    Dr. Prah George Kwame emphasized that the hospital had fulfilled its responsibilities by providing necessary care and support to the patient. He also highlighted that the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba operates with well-trained health professionals dedicated to upholding the highest standards of care.

    In response to this incident, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, has temporarily relieved the facility’s Director of duties and initiated a five-member committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the patient’s abandonment in Gomoa Ojobi.

  • Winneba: Elderly patient found in the bush was admitted for 6 days, discharged on June 3 – Hospital

    Winneba: Elderly patient found in the bush was admitted for 6 days, discharged on June 3 – Hospital

    The Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba has filed a detailed incident report concerning the tragic death of an elderly woman who was allegedly abandoned by the hospital, leading to her demise due to administrative issues.

    The hospital clarified that the woman was admitted for six days before being discharged on June 3, 2024.

    The hospital’s Medical Director, Dr. Prah George Kwame, revealed that the woman was a victim of a hit-and-run accident, contrary to initial reports. The elderly woman, involved in the accident, was reportedly left in a bush because her family could not be located, resulting in her passing away after three days.

    Dr. Prah George Kwame (PhD), Medical Director of the facility, submitted and signed a comprehensive report providing detailed insights into the incident:

    The victim was brought to the hospital by the National Ambulance Service, accompanied by the Social Welfare Officer of Gomoa Ojobi. Treatment began immediately, with Plaster of Paris (POP) casts applied to both lower limbs due to fractures in the tibia bones. The hospital took full responsibility for the patient’s feeding, medication, and housekeeping.

    After six days of treatment, the patient was discharged on June 3, 2024, having been declared well. Medical records were tendered as evidence. It was established that the patient was from the Gomoa Ojobi community, where she was initially picked up by the National Ambulance Service.

    During treatment, the patient exhibited disorientation and some violent behavior. However, she calmed down after regaining strength and expressed a desire to return to where she was found. A consensus was reached by two social welfare officers to transport the patient back to Gomoa Ojobi. The hospital ambulance, accompanied by the social welfare officer and a staff member, transported her to her preferred destination after clothing her and providing a wheelchair.

    Before departure, the Social Welfare Officer coordinated with their counterpart in Ojobi, who assured that the patient would be taken over upon arrival. The hospital emphasized that it had fulfilled its responsibilities by providing necessary care and support to the patient. Dr. Prah George Kwame stressed that the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba operates with well-trained health professionals committed to maintaining the highest standards of care.

    “Management would like to appreciate the sentiments expressed by the public regarding this unfortunate incident. This is a learning curve and a bitter lesson to learn, and we promise not to repeat it again in the life history of the hospital,” the report added.

    Meanwhile, responding to the incident, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, has temporarily relieved the facility’s Director of duties and established a five-member committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abandonment of the patient in Gomoa Ojobi.

  • Poor young man battles for his life after father and son beat and broke his legs

    Poor young man battles for his life after father and son beat and broke his legs

    Michael Abeku Afenyi, aged 28, is currently fighting for his life after being beaten by a father and son in Low Cost, Winneba, located in the Central Region.

    Eyewitnesses reported that Michael was quickly transported to the hospital by some good Samaritans who intervened in the attack.

    The altercation began when Michael was accused of threatening the wife of the older man, who then, along with his son, attacked and severely injured him.

    A witness told TIGpost, “They beat him like an animal. Michael is a good boy known to everyone in this area, and I don’t know what would warrant such a wicked attack on him.”

    The incident has been reported to the Low Cost Police in Winneba. However, TIGpost’s inquiries with the police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) revealed that while they claim to be investigating the case, no arrests have been made.

    Some locals allege that the police have been bribed, leading to their apparent inaction.

    TIGpost will continue to monitor this situation and provide further updates.

  • Amerado hospitalised after falling off state during performance at Baidoo Bonsoe SHS

    Amerado hospitalised after falling off state during performance at Baidoo Bonsoe SHS

    Ghanaian musician Amerado, born Derrick Sarfo Kantanka, has been involved in an accident while performing on stage.

    The rapper, who recently returned from the United States of America, was scheduled to perform at Baidoo Bonsoe Senior High Technical School.

    A viral video on social media showed the stage on which Amerado was performing collapsing, leading to the tragic incident. Many students were seen leaving the venue after the collapse, and Amerado was rushed to the hospital.

    Reports indicate that Amerado sustained severe injuries and was taken to the Effia Nkwanta government hospital for treatment.

    The talented rapper and singer recently released a new song titled “TinTonTin” and received several nominations at the 2024 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA).

  • 40 toddlers hospitalized after mistaking rat poison for sweets

    40 toddlers hospitalized after mistaking rat poison for sweets


    More than 40 toddlers in South Africa were hospitalized on Monday after mistakenly ingesting rat poison, which they thought was candy.

    Regional health authorities in Gauteng reported that upon medical examination, 17 toddlers were admitted for overnight observation, while the remaining 24 were discharged in satisfactory condition.

    Additionally, a group of 10 individuals, including eight children, were referred to a different hospital in the same province on the same day.

    Health officials have noted an alarming increase in food poisoning cases, with a total of 863 incidents reported since last October.

    They are advising parents and guardians to be more vigilant in protecting children and recommend that anyone experiencing symptoms of food poisoning, such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach aches, seek immediate medical attention at the

  • Man beaten for allegedly shrinking another’s male genitalia admitted to Trauma and Specialist Hospital

    Man beaten for allegedly shrinking another’s male genitalia admitted to Trauma and Specialist Hospital

    Ike Faith, the victim of a mob attack after being accused of using spiritual means to cause another man’s manhood to shrink, has been referred to the Trauma and Specialist Hospital at Winneba for further treatment.

    Initially taken to the Senya Polyclinic, his injuries were deemed severe, warranting transfer to the specialist facility.

    Seven individuals involved in the assault on Ike have been remanded by a District court at Awutu Breku in the Central Region. The accused persons, Prosper Bonney, a 22-year-old Pragia Rider, Blessings Bonney, Emmanuel Baffoe, Kwame Arhinsan, Richard Quanssah, Gideon Amissah, and Emmanuel Otoo, had their pleas not taken during their court appearance.

    Prosper Bonney faces charges of publishing false news and deceiving public officers, while all seven face charges of causing unlawful harm, assault, and conspiracy to commit a crime.

    The prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Thomas Sarfo and Chief Inspector Bernice Wie Kpuusuu, opposed bail, citing an ongoing investigation.

    Victor Yankson, representing Prosper and Blessing, requested bail, but the court, presided over by Naomi A. A. Kuntuor, adjourned the case to April 26 for pleas to be taken.

    The prosecution’s case states that the complainant, a National Service Personnel serving at Senya Beraku “C’ Basic School, reported that on April 9, 2024, at about 10:00 pm, a group of about 20 angry youths knocked on their door.

    Upon opening, they started beating Ike Faith, accusing him of using spiritual means to shrink Prosper Bonney’s penis.

    The prosecution explained that earlier that day, Ike Faith had boarded a Pragia operated by Prosper, and after a conversation about business, he gave Prosper his contact card. Later, Prosper claimed his penis started shrinking after dropping off Ike, leading him to seek Blessing Bonney’s prayers, allegedly restoring his penis through anointing oil.

    Ike Faith was rushed to Senya Polyclinic and later transferred to the Trauma and Specialists Hospital, Winneba, for further treatment. Following police investigations, the remaining accused persons were arrested.

  • Video: Berla Mundi joins the Tshwala Bam dance challenge

    Video: Berla Mundi joins the Tshwala Bam dance challenge

    Media personality Berlinda Addardey, commonly known as Berla Mundi, has been spotted in a viral video fully immersed in the Tshwala Bam dance challenge that has been sweeping across social media platforms.

    In the captivating footage, Berla Mundi is seen alongside a friend in a hospital setting, energetically showcasing her dance moves and enjoying herself to the fullest.

    Wearing a stylish pink top paired with denim jeans, the well-known media personality gracefully moves to the beats of the Tshwala Bam (feat. S.N.E, EeQue) song by TitoM, Yuppe & EeQue TheDreama, demonstrating her smooth synchronisation with the music.

    The infectious rhythm and lively melody of the song have sparked a wave of dance challenges worldwide, prompting numerous individuals to share their own interpretations of the dance on social media platforms.

    Watch video below:

  • KATH introduces ‘revolutionary’ stroke treatment ; indicates treatment cost of GH₵15,000

    KATH introduces ‘revolutionary’ stroke treatment ; indicates treatment cost of GH₵15,000

    The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has witnessed a staggering increase in stroke cases, with admissions surging from 200 to over a thousand annually over the past four decades.

    The prevalent cardiovascular disease has prompted the introduction of a groundbreaking time-bound treatment, active stroke thrombolysis, aimed at dissolving clots obstructing blood flow to the brain.

    The newly implemented thrombolysis services administer drugs and medication to dissolve blood clots during an acute ischemic stroke, offering a revolutionary approach to stroke treatment.

    Dr. Fred Stephen Sarfo, Consultant Neurologist at KATH, emphasised that this innovative treatment seeks to dissolve clots, restoring blood flow to the brain and potentially curing the stroke.

    “This is revolutionary and will change the stroke treatment landscape,” Dr. Sarfo declared.

    He highlighted the potential for this treatment to significantly reduce paralysis and disability, contrasting it with past limitations in stroke care.

    “This one almost cures the stroke so the person doesn’t have to deal with paralysis and disability.

    “The approximate cost is about GH₵15,000 for treatment to be given and highly standardized and subsided at the Komfo Anokye,” he said.

    Prof. Dr. Otchere Addai-Mensah, CEO of KATH, underscored the hospital‘s commitment to optimizing tertiary healthcare through innovation and research, urging stakeholders and the general public to act swiftly in admitting stroke patients for this specialized service.

    “In line with the hospital’s new strategy to optimise the delivery of tertiary healthcare through innovation and research, the management has supported the KATH Multidisciplinary Stroke Thrombolysis Team to commence the delivery of this special service to save stroke patients brought in time to this hospital from suffering the worst possible impact of the disease.

    “I will, therefore, enjoin all stakeholders, especially the peripheral hospitals and, indeed, members of the general public, to act with speed in getting stroke patients quickly admitted at KATH for this service,” he said

    The Deputy Regional Director of Clinic Care, Ghana Health Service, Rita Larsen-Reindolf, expressed support for the initiative, emphasising the need for awareness and public education to address the increasing prevalence of strokes.

    She pledged the readiness of the health service to champion this challenge and collaborate with KATH in advancing stroke care.

    “For the immediate terms, awareness and public education are what we can capitalize on,” she added.

  • COVID-19 was a demonstration, not a global health emergency – Dr Bhakti Hansoti

    COVID-19 was a demonstration, not a global health emergency – Dr Bhakti Hansoti

    Director of the Centre for Global Emergency Care at Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Bhakti Hansoti, has underscored the crucial role of preparedness and health system investment in enhancing both local and global health security.

    She emphasized that the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the interconnectedness of global health and the necessity for resilient health systems.

    During her lecture titled “The Global Health Security: Implications for LMICs” at the Kumasi Center for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Dr. Hansoti stressed the importance of building resilient health systems informed by determinants of health to strengthen defenses against future threats.

    Global health security, as defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, involves countries possessing robust public health systems capable of preventing, detecting, and responding to infectious disease threats globally.

    “Was not just a global health emergency, but a demonstration that there is no health security without a resilient health system”.

    “If we build resilient health systems and a health system that is informed by these determinants of health, we can be strengthened against future threats,” she added.

    Dr. Hansoti points out contemporary global health security risks such as the emergence of infectious diseases, the globalization of travel and trade, drug-resistant pathogens, and potential threats from the accidental release or misuse of dangerous pathogens.

    The lecture emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts, ethical responses, and robust global health security measures to address current and future challenges.

    Dr. Hansoti advocated for intersectoral collaboration, communication, and investment, urging countries to actively participate in shaping future response activities and treaties like the pandemic treaty.

    Reflecting on past experiences, such as Ebola, COVID-19, and HIV, Dr. Hansoti encourages learning from successes, challenges, and community engagement.

    Head of the Global Health Department, Dr. John Amuasi, applauded the importance of the lecture in broadening students’ perspectives on global health security.

    Students express gratitude for the insights gained, recognizing the critical link between health security and resilient health systems.

    Dr. Joseph Bonney, president of the African Federation for Emergency Medicine, highlights the significance of building capacity in hospitals and training programs to contribute to a robust ecosystem for global health security.

  • Kenyan hospital performs first kidney transplant using minimum invasive techniques

    Kenyan hospital performs first kidney transplant using minimum invasive techniques

    Kenya’s largest hospital, Kenyatta National Hospital, did a kidney transplant using a new type of surgery. It’s the first time a public hospital in Kenya did this kind of transplant.

    Dickson Njoroge, who is 36 years old, got a new kidney from his cousin.

    The surgery uses small cuts to take out and move the kidney, with help from special tools like computer-guided cameras that make things look bigger.

    This is a new way of doing kidney transplants that does not need big cuts on the people giving or getting the kidney.

    The hospital says that Kenyans don’t have to go to other countries anymore for the procedure.

    Dr Charles Waihenya and Dr. Paul Njogu, the main doctors, said that the laparoscopic kidney transplant has many good things like less pain, less bleeding, faster healing, lower costs and better looks.

    Kidney transplants using laparoscopic surgery are done a lot in many places, but they are not used very much in African countries because of problems with the hospitals and doctors.

  • Ashanti region gears up for 24-hour economy walk with Mahama on Jan 24

    Ashanti region gears up for 24-hour economy walk with Mahama on Jan 24

    The 24-hour Economy Walk, originally slated for December 2023 but postponed due to the District Level Elections, is now set to be led by former President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday, January 24, 2024.

    Organized by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region, the walk aims to raise awareness about the party’s policy among the region’s residents.

    The NDC leadership, including National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia and Regional Chairman Augustus Andrews Nana Akwasi, confirmed that the procession will traverse the principal streets of Kumasi, concluding at the Kumasi Jubilee Park.

    “The planned route for the walk is as follows: Aboabo Post Office, through Pelele to On-the-ran to Manhyia Hospital, proceeding to Alabar Street, Kejetia Roundabout, Hello FM, A-life, Asafo Overpass, Labour Roundabout, and concluding at Jubilee Park,” the statement added

    Speakers, including John Mahama, will address the gathering. Concurrently, the NDC flagbearer will continue the “Building the Ghana We Want Tour,” engaging with traders, organized labor, artisans, students, and various community sectors.

    The NDC anticipates these events will foster a stronger connection between the party and the people of the Ashanti Region.

  • The economy has not yet recovered, don’t be deceived – Joe Jackson

    Business Consultant and Director of Operations at Dalex Finance, Joe Jackson, has characterized the state of the Ghanaian economy as critically ill, akin to being in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

    This perspective contradicts claims that the economy has achieved stability.

    Last week, Ghana achieved a staff-level agreement with the IMF, paving the way for the release of an additional $600 million as part of the $3 billion IMF bailout package.

    Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta had portrayed this development as a sign of economic recovery and resurgence. However, during an interview with Francis Abban on GHOne TV’s State of Affairs, Joe Jackson expressed his dissenting view on the matter.

    “The best analogy I can give was that somebody had a road crash, entered into a coma, was rushed to the hospital and was given some blood transfusion and now his condition is described as stable. But the person is still very sick, let’s be clear”, he said.

    “Last year, we suffered bad crash and in December last year we raised up our hands and said we cannot pay [our debts] and everything was going south with us going downhill at a horrendous rate. In March we signed bailout agreement with the IMF which gave us some blood transfusions and gave us some life, but we are still in intensive care let nobody be deceived”, he added.

    In response to claims that there have been improvements in macroeconomic indicators since the initiation of the IMF program, Joe Jackson contends that the extent of these improvements falls short of being deemed a significant turnaround.

    “It’s like I had a BP of 180/140 and today I have come down to 160/120. The numbers are looking better than they did, but my BP is still high. That is the situation now. It is an economy with high taxation, high interest rate and high inflation with some semblance of foreign exchange stability”, he argued.

    Joe Jackson adds that any level of complacency could result in a deterioration of the nation’s poor economic circumstances.

    “This economy needs careful management, this economy is still in intensive care, and you cannot take your eye of the monitors for a minute. If we do, things could go south very very quickly”, he concluded.

    A board approval for the distribution is contingent on the government’s ability to negotiate an MOU on the restructuring of its external obligations with creditors, according to Stephane Roudet, the head of the IMF team in Ghana.

  • Nigeria: Missing intestines from patient not caused by LASUTH

    Nigeria: Missing intestines from patient not caused by LASUTH

    Management of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, has denied culpability in the alleged disappearance of the intestines of Adebola Akin-Bright, a 12-year-old patient who was treated by the hospital.

    The mother of the patient, Abiodun Deborah, had earlier cried out to the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to probe the mysterious disappearance of her son’s intestines after undergoing corrective surgery for intestinal obstruction in July this year.

    According to Abiodun, her son was referred to LASUTH from Obitoks Medical Centre, Alimosho, where he had previously undergone surgery for a ruptured appendix, and another surgery for intestinal obstruction, but to her shock, after the corrective surgery at LASUTH, she was informed by the Consultant that her son’s small intestine was missing.

    But in a response on its handle on X (formerly Twitter) @LASUTHikeja the LASUTH management said. At the same time, corrective surgery was indeed carried out on the patient in question, it insisted that LASUTH did not willfully remove any organ or structure from the patient who was referred to the tertiary health institution after having two surgeries done in a private hospital.

    In the statement, the hospital management explained that it has a thorough report detailing the conclusions of a high-powered panel that it set up to investigate the potential outcomes of the case, even as it gave assurance that it is cooperating with the state agency which is already investigating the rather unfortunate case.

    The statement reads: “Once again the hospital management needs to clarify issues on the insinuations being made by a mother in a viral video that the alleged loss of her son’s intestines after surgery is a matter between a private hospital and LASUTH.

    “Our hospital is an excellent tertiary institution with highly knowledgeable and skilled medical consultants. We are also equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.

    “The patient in question was referred to our hospital after having two surgeries carried out in a private hospital. He required extensive optimisation in our facility before a corrective surgery could be carried out.

    “At the surgery, which was carried out by an experienced pediatric surgeon and her team, certain strange findings were discovered. There is a video clip of these intraoperative findings. The mother was informed about these findings but she appeared to be in denial.

    “The hospital is in possession of a comprehensive report of the findings by a high-powered panel that it quickly set up to look into all ramifications of this case. Clearly, our hospital carried out a corrective surgery and did not willfully remove
    any organ or structure.

    “We empathize with the family of the patient. We believe that financial assistance from any quarters will be in order but we do not think that a blackmail of the state government via the social media is the best approach.

    ‘The hospital management is cooperating with the state agency which is already investigating this rather unfortunate case,’ the statement noted.

  • Healthcare Workers advocate for Insurance Coverage and Incentives

    Healthcare Workers advocate for Insurance Coverage and Incentives

    Healthcare professionals in the Greater Accra Region have urged the government to establish an insurance program specifically designed for health workers.

    Additionally, they are appealing for incentive packages to be provided to those working in remote areas.

    They argue that, these measures will enhance healthcare staff commitment and ensure their well-being.

    Reverend Dr. Ebenezer Asiamah, Chairman of the Greater Accra Regional Directors of Health, highlighted these crucial points during an awards ceremony honoring over 5,000 frontline and allied health workers in the region.

    Dr. Asiamah emphasized, “I would ask that the President should still consider health workers and the good things we are doing… We don’t even have an insurance policy for health workers. There’s no insurance policy, we sacrifice daily, and our motto says ‘your health our concern’ so for our health, who is concerned? It is a question, and I believe the president will hear us. If I’m now going to a deprived place and I know I won’t pay water and light bills, there’s accommodation, free transportation, I will sacrifice a young nurse or doctor or any profession to serve a number of years.”

    The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, expressed his commitment to collaborate with the health sector minister in addressing these concerns.

    He acknowledged that the President has discussed similar incentives to motivate healthcare professionals and other disciplines.

    He assured that these issues are not new to the President and that efforts are being made to improve the overall economic situation.

  • 3 hospital staff remanded for 2 weeks in Bolga hospital drug theft case

    3 hospital staff remanded for 2 weeks in Bolga hospital drug theft case

    Three individuals employed at the Upper East Regional Hospital, who were apprehended last week for stealing 34 boxes of various government medications from the hospital, have been placed in custody by a Bolgatanga Circuit Court.

    Journalist Edward Adeti’s investigation revealed the group responsible for the thefts, resulting in their individual arrests on Friday, August 4, 2023, and Saturday, August 5, 2023.

    The trio of suspects—Raymond Asoke, a hospital driver, Fasilat Raheem, the drug storekeeper, and Bridget Noeyelle, an assistant at the hospital’s pharmacy—are facing charges of theft, aiding theft, and conspiracy.

    They pleaded not guilty when they were arraigned on Monday, August 5, 2023. Their lawyers applied for their bail but the police prosecution team opposed the application.

    Giving their reasons for opposing the bail application, the police said the suspects had declined to mention those who had been buying the stolen government drugs from them and argued that further investigations were needed to track their buyers.

    The court presided over by His Honour Sumaila Amadu, considered the points made by the police prosecution team and accordingly remanded the three suspects into police custody for two weeks. The case was adjourned to Tuesday, August 22, 2023.

    Edward Adeti launched the investigations in 2022, following public complaints about drug shortages at the regional hospital. The drug shortages are said to have resulted in untimely deaths of patients.

    His months-long investigations uncovered a building in Bolgatanga, the regional capital, where the stolen drugs were always hidden in many boxes before they were transported to the Northern Region for resale. The building is situated outside the hospital’s premises.

    Raymond Asoke (the hospital’s driver) was sent at night by Fasilat Raheem (the hospital’s drug storekeeper) on Friday, August 4, 2023, to relocate the stolen drugs from the building. But Adeti, knowing their move, led a team of police officers from the Divisional Police Command in Bolgatanga to the scene to effect the arrests of the perpetrators.

    The building, where the drugs were being kept, belongs to Bridget Noeyelle, who is also a wife to an administrator of a Ghana Health Service (GHS) regional health directorate.

    The stolen drugs were supplied to the regional hospital by the Ministry of Health (MoH). There is a notice on the boxes that says the drugs are not for sale. The stolen drugs were produced in 2023 and are due to expire in 2025.

  • Bimbilla Hospital suffers water crisis

    Bimbilla Hospital suffers water crisis

    The youth of Bimbilla in the Nanumba North municipality, Northern region, have stormed Bimbilla Hospital seeking Medical Superintendent’s removal.

    Accusations include negligence and mismanagement, particularly around a prolonged water crisis plaguing the hospital.

    For six months, critical water shortage hampered healthcare delivery, prompting a Nurses’ strike due to infection risks.

    Hospital water supply cut due to unpaid bills exceeding 240,000 Ghana cedis.

    Patients redirected to Yendi hospitals due to water-related disruptions.

    Youths urge Superintendent and administrators dismissal, fearing community impact.

    NPP youth organizer appeals for government intervention to preserve administration image.

    Medical Superintendent assures bill settlement, requests patience.

    Renovation projects spark concerns over resource allocation amid water crisis.”

  • Mass burial at 37 Military Hospital scheduled for September 1

    Mass burial at 37 Military Hospital scheduled for September 1

    The 37 Military Hospital has announced its plan to conduct a mass burial exercise on September 1 for bodies that have been identified but remain unclaimed, as well as unidentified bodies stored at the hospital’s morgue.

    The primary reason for this decision is to alleviate the congestion in the mortuary, which has been affecting the hospital’s day-to-day operations.

    In a statement issued by the Ghana Armed Forces on August 2, they encourage relatives of the unclaimed bodies to visit the Department of Anatomical Pathology at the 37 Military Hospital between Thursday, August 3, and Thursday, August 31, 2023, to claim the bodies.

    The 37 Military Hospital wants to inform the public about the impending mass burial exercise to address the issue of overcrowding in the morgue.

    “The 37 Military Hospital would like to bring to the attention of the general public a pending mass burial exercise for identified but unclaimed as well as unidentified bodies at the hospital’s morgue. The continued storage of these unclaimed bodies causes congestion in the mortuary and affects efficiency in its day-to-day operation. It must be noted that the last time the hospital conducted a mass burial was on 11 March 2017.

    The cooperation of the general public is sought to help identify the bodies before the scheduled mass burial on September 1, 2023.

  • Newborn baby found in polythene bag at Central Region

    Newborn baby found in polythene bag at Central Region

    The infant was placed inside a black polythene bag and left near a private residence in the area.

    The baby’s cries alerted the homeowner, who promptly intervened and made the startling find.

    The Ofaakor District Police were immediately informed and took swift action.

    They rescued the baby boy and rushed him to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.

    Subsequently, he was transferred to the Village of Hope hospital in Gomoa Fetteh.

    Doctors at the hospital praised the individuals involved in the rescue, stating that if they had waited any longer, the baby might not have survived.

    As authorities delve into the matter, the Police have launched a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the baby’s abandonment.

  • Aphrodisiac misuse risks vaginal closure – Gynecologist warns

    Aphrodisiac misuse risks vaginal closure – Gynecologist warns

    An Obstetric Gynecologist, Dr. Alfred Adu-Boateng, has cautioned against the excessive use of aphrodisiacs by women, as it may cause total closure of the vaginal opening.

    He emphasizes that this practice can lead to brain damage and increase the heart rate, even potentially resulting in death.

    In an interview with the media, Dr. Adu-Boateng highlighted the danger of uninformed and unsupervised use of aphrodisiacs, especially the local ones, which might contain undisclosed ingredients that can interact negatively with existing medications and pose risks to women’s health.

    Some vendors confirm that more women are seeking aphrodisiacs, expressing complaints of low libido and other sexual issues.

    However, Dr. Adu-Boateng advised consulting with medical professionals before using such products due to the potential dangers associated with their use without proper medical guidance.

    Aphrodisiacs are substances that claim to increase libido and address fertility and sexual dysfunction issues.

    They often contain herbs, roots, and fruits, but their effectiveness and safety are not scientifically proven, raising concerns about their purity and potential side effects.

  • Bawumia breaks ground for Ejura Hospital construction

    Bawumia breaks ground for Ejura Hospital construction

    Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia has laid the groundwork for the construction of a 100-bed Ejura Sekyeredumase District Hospital in the Ashanti Region.

    The hospital, which is being built as part of the government’s flagship Agenda 111 Project, will have cutting-edge technology such as X-Rays, Medical Gases, a Haematology Analyzer, a Chemistry Analyzer, a CT Scanner, an MRI, Ultrasound, Fluoroscopy, Mammography, and a Microbiology Analyzer.

    It will also contain employee housing and is planned to be completed in 18 months at a cost of US$16 million.

    At the sod-cutting event in Ejura on Tuesday, Vice President Bawumia reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of all Ghanaians, which led to the decision to build 111 district hospitals with a variety of uses.

    Vice President Bawumia described the Agenda 111 Project as the largest investment in the country’s health infrastructure history since independence.

    “We want to ensure that every district in Ghana has a hospital. We have six new regions, so we are also building six new regional hospitals, as well as upgrading the Efia Nkwanta Hospital in the Western Region,” the Vice- President said.

    In addition to the construction of the 100-bed Ejura Hospital, there are plans to build two new Psychiatric Hospitals in Kumasi and Tamale.

    Furthermore, the Government, as highlighted by Dr. Bawumia, has implemented various initiatives to enhance healthcare accessibility and delivery. These initiatives include the nationwide provision of ambulance services through the One-Constituency, One-Ambulance program, the networking of hospitals to facilitate access to medical case histories, the introduction of the drone medical delivery system, and the implementation of the E-Pharmacy regime.

    “We will continually explore ways to improve our healthcare delivery approaches and systems,” Dr Bawumia pledged adding, “a healthy nation is a wealthy nation”.

    Chief of Ejura, Barima Osei Hwedie II, appreciates the Government’s numerous projects in the area over the past six and a half years. He calls on citizens to rally behind national development endeavors.

  • Kenyan doctor provides free services to save 53 tear-gas infested children

    Kenyan doctor provides free services to save 53 tear-gas infested children

    A Kenyan physician told the BBC that 53 children were treated at his hospital without charge after police on Wednesday used tear gas in their school.

    “As a parent, you positively and fearfully react, which compelled me to act without asking for money,” Dr Aron Shikuku, from the private Eagle Nursing Home hospital in the capital, Nairobi, told the BBC’s Newsday programme.

    According to the most recent data from 2018, only 19% of the population in Kenya has access to any type of medical insurance, making healthcare highly expensive.

    While receiving care at a private hospital is sometimes more expensive and can result in crippling medical debt, the nation’s public hospitals are typically grossly understaffed and underequipped.

    The children were treated for shock and respiratory issues brought on by the tear gas, according to Dr. Shikuku, and then released.

    He said they were being monitored as they settle back into their school, which is in Kangemi, a slum area in the north-west of the city.

    There were demonstrations around the country called by the opposition over the rising cost of living, but they turned deadly.

    Six people were killed, the authorities said.

  • Life Dream Pharmacy closed for improper management

    Life Dream Pharmacy closed for improper management

    Following the tragic death of a five-year-old child in Kenyasi-Adwumam, the Pharmacy Council in the Ashanti Region has taken swift action by closing down Life Dream Pharmacy.

    The child had sought treatment for a dog bite, but improper treatment was administered by the pharmacy staff.

    Reports indicate that the staff at Life Dream Pharmacy administered the ATS Tetanus vaccine, Efpac suspension, Amoxiclav suspension, and Vitamin C syrup as a remedy for the rabid dog bite. Disturbingly, the attendant advised the child’s parents to take the child home instead of seeking further medical assistance.

    Regional Manager of the Pharmacy Council, Benjamin Kwarteng Frempong, expressed concern over the incident and emphasized the importance of proper treatment and professional guidance in such cases.

    “A child who has been bitten by a dog was rushed to Life Dream Pharmacy in Kenyasi. The attendant administered an ATS injection, gave out pain relievers, an immune booster and anti-biotics and told them to go and administer the medication as prescribed and that once they go by what has been prescribed there is no need to seek further medical intervention.

    “So the parents adhered to what was told them but unfortunately just after one month and three days after the incident, the child passed on.”

    When the Pharmacy Council was alerted about the incident, they promptly responded by dispatching a team to assess the situation at Life Dream Pharmacy. The subsequent inspection revealed that the pharmacy failed to comply with the established standards and regulations set by the Council.

    Due to this non-compliance, the Pharmacy Council made the decision to close down Life Dream Pharmacy. This action is taken in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the public, as pharmacies must adhere to strict guidelines to provide quality healthcare services.

    The Council remains committed to upholding high standards in the pharmaceutical industry and will continue to monitor and enforce compliance to safeguard the health of individuals seeking medical care.

    “So when we received the letter on July 5, 2023, we decided to visit the premises and when we got to the premises we realised that things were not up to standard.

    “After using our monitoring tools and checklists, because the facility did not conform to standards and the laid down practice regulations, we had to close it down.”

    Furthermore, Benjamin Kwarteng Frempong stated that the incident has been reported to the head office of the Pharmacy Council. In response, a disciplinary committee will be formed to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. This committee will review the actions of Life Dream Pharmacy and determine appropriate measures to address the improper treatment that led to the tragic death of the child.

    The Pharmacy Council takes such incidents seriously and is committed to ensuring accountability and promoting patient safety. By initiating an investigation through the disciplinary committee, they aim to uncover any potential negligence or misconduct and take appropriate disciplinary actions in accordance with the regulations and guidelines governing the pharmaceutical profession.

    The outcome of the investigation will help prevent similar incidents in the future and reinforce the importance of adhering to proper protocols and standards in providing healthcare services. The Pharmacy Council remains dedicated to upholding the integrity and professionalism.

  • Ghanaian man shoots family members in US

    Ghanaian man shoots family members in US

    Worcester police have apprehended a 24-year-old man in Massachusetts for shooting two family members.


    The incident transpired on Friday, July 7, 2023, around 8:30 in the morning, and it took approximately 13 hours for law enforcement to successfully apprehend the suspect.

    “On July 7th 2023 at about 8:38 AM, Worcester Police officers were dispatched to a Colby Ave address for a domestic incident in which a male who had shot two family members, but of whom left the scene before police arrived.

    Officers arrived and spoke with a family member on scene. Officers saw the twenty-four-year-old male suspect outside the residence. He appeared to be carrying a handgun. Officers ordered him to get on the ground. He initially complied before jumping up, firing at officers, and running inside the house,” the police said.

    A comprehensive police response, including the Police Hostage Negotiation Team, SWAT Team, K9 Unit, drone operators, and a Mobile Crisis mental health clinician, swiftly arrived at the scene.

    Their concerted efforts ensured the safe extraction of the victims from the house, leaving the suspect alone.

    “For approximately thirteen hours, officers attempted to persuade the male to leave the residence. Hostage negotiators continually attempted to make contact, the drone provided valuable aerial video, and SWAT officers maintained the perimeter. Worcester Paramedics and Firefighters were standing by. The male fired his handgun at officers on several different occasions during the incident, and officers returned fire. Finally, at about 9:30 PM, the male took a step out of the rear of the residence and was taken into custody with the assistance of the K9. He was treated medically by paramedics, placed under arrest and transported to the hospital,” the statement.

    Both the suspect and the two victims, identified as his mother and sister, sustained injuries during the incident and received medical treatment at a hospital. Fortunately, all parties involved are expected to recover from their injuries.


    According to a local Ghanaian blogger based in Worcester, Governor Studios, the suspect was formerly a student at Wenchi Senior High School and currently resides in Worcester with his family. However, the motive or trigger behind his actions remains undetermined.


    The police have stated that the perpetrator will face multiple serious charges related to the incident. He is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment on Monday, July 10, 2023.

  • Zulu monarch of South Africa denies being poisoned

    Zulu monarch of South Africa denies being poisoned

    South Africa’s Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, has refuted reports that he was poisoned, insisting in a video that he was in good condition.

    It comes amid contradictory worries after the Zulu traditional prime minister announced over the weekend that the king was being hospitalized for possible poisoning in neighboring Eswatini.

    According to Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the King was in hospital after the untimely death of one of his senior aides, who died of suspected poisoning. But the king’s official spokesman, says he is in “perfect health.”

    However, in the video released to South African media, the monarch stated that he was due to go for his regular medical check-ups, which he chose to undertake in Eswatini.

    “[It’s] not because I have been poisoned, I am not poisoned. I am well. I feel 100%.

    “I’m happy, everything is well functioning, there is no poison whatsoever. So please people, mostly to the Zulu people, the Zulu royal family also to remind everyone to please don’t listen to everything that people say,” he said.

    King Misuzulu is also quoted as telling the AFP news agency over the phone from Eswatini that he was “very fit and sound.”

    The 48-year-old monarch succeeded to the throne last year after his father, monarch Goodwill Zwelithini, died in a royal succession dispute.

  • Our safety is being compromised-Workers at Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital ‘cry’ over inadequate medical supplies

    Our safety is being compromised-Workers at Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital ‘cry’ over inadequate medical supplies

    Several workers at the Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital in Mampong Akuapem, Eastern Region, are expressing their discontent with the lack of basic medical supplies, such as gloves and gauges.

    Speaking on condition of anonymity due to fear of victimization, some nurses and other health workers shared their concerns. They highlighted that despite the hospital undergoing significant renovations, they continue to face shortages of essential items needed to care for patients. 

    “Our safety is being compromised. It’s unimaginable to work without gloves, especially during a time when there are many communicable diseases,” revealed one nurse. 

    Another healthcare worker stated, “Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital is a vital facility in this area, yet we lack fundamental resources like syringes and gloves. The facility’s management needs to take immediate action. Just look at the government’s expenditure on renovating the facility, but we still cannot obtain basic necessities for our work.”

    “We are afraid to speak to the media about the situation here. From the outside, everything may appear fine due to the renovated facility, but things are far from well. The Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyemang Manu, needs to be made aware that the facility is on the verge of collapse,” emphasized another worker. 

    Attempts to reach the hospital’s management for comment were unsuccessful.

  • St Monica SHS investigates death of student

    St Monica SHS investigates death of student

    Management of St. Monica Senior High School (SHS) has begun an investigation into the death of one of its students.

    In a report by The Chronicle Newspaper on May 29, 2023, it was revealed that a student, Patience Amaning, who was studying General Art at the school, had been unwell for a period of time.

    Despite her attempts to obtain permission to seek medical attention outside of the school, her request was reportedly denied, leading to her unfortunate demise.

    In response to this tragic incident, the school authorities have established a committee of inquiry to investigate the cause of the student’s death.

  • Rotational Nurses insistent on strike action

    Rotational Nurses insistent on strike action

    The Rotational Nurses and Midwives Association (RNMA) is standing firm on its decision to proceed with a planned demonstration on June 30, despite receiving an invitation from the Ministry of Health (MoH) to discuss the issue of payment for over 11-month allowance arrears owed to its members.

    The group said it would go ahead with the demonstration to protest against the delay in payment of allowances to rotational nurses and midwives.

    The RNMA has in recent months been pressing the government to pay all outstanding allowances owed its members, as recent economic challenges have taken a toll on them.

    Speaking to the media, President of the RNMA, Jasper Dzorkah, said all was set for the demonstration if their concerns were not addressed.

    “As I speak with you, our juniors have just been posted, and they will start their rotation on July 3. They are going to take over the hunger, the frustration, the hardship, and the depression that we have been through. These nurses are also owed 11 months of their trainee allowances, yet they have been posted to take over from us.

    “So we are demonstrating against these things. These students must not go through what we are going through right now.”

  • Pope Francis hospitalized in Rome for tests

    Pope Francis hospitalized in Rome for tests

    After undergoing examinations, the pope has returned from the hospital in Rome.

    Italian news agency Ansa and a number of other regional media sites reported that Pope Francis visited Gemelli Hospital in the nation’s capital.

    According to accounts, he arrived at a hospital section dedicated to treating senior patients at 10.40 a.m. local time (8.40 a.m. GMT).

    The pope returned shortly after, according to witnesses at the Perugino gate of the Vatican, one of the main gates to the city state, and greeted guards as usual.

    The Vatican has not yet commented on the condition of the pope, who is 86 years old.

    Pope Francis marked the 10th anniversary of his pontificate in March and has recently made headlines after denouncing anti-gay laws.

    He described the criminalisation of homosexuality as an ‘injustice’ while travelling back to Rome from Juba, the capital of South Sudan, in February.

    The Catholic leader said people with ‘homosexual tendencies’ are children of God and should be welcomed by the church.

    In late March he spent a few days at the Gemelli Hospital – one of Europe’s largest private hospitals sometimes known as ‘The Pope’s Hospital’ – with an acute case of bronchitis.

    He was given intravenous antibiotics and discharged on April 1, after which he joked ‘I’m still alive’.

    He also skipped some audiences last month due to a fever.

    The pope had part of his colon removed in July 2021 as part of an operation tackling a painful bowel condition called diverticulitis.

    He revealed earlier this year the condition has returned.

    Pope Francis is also missing part of one lung, which was removed when he was a young man living in his native Argentina.

    He has suffered several ailments in his later years, including sciatica nerve pain and strained ligaments in his knee, and is often seen using a cane or wheelchair to get around.

    Despite this the pope has a packed schedule, with trips to Portugal and Mongolia planned for August.

    His next public appointment is expected to be his weekly general audience tomorrow in St Peter’s Square.

  • Hospitals in despair as India reels from train crash

    Hospitals in despair as India reels from train crash

    Manto Kumar was on a train called Coromandel Express with six of his friends. Suddenly, the train shook very hard like an earthquake.

    All of a sudden, something hit us. The restaurant worker, who is 32 years old, spoke with CNN from a hospital in Odisha state, India. They said that some coaches flipped over to the other side.

    I stood up and covered my head that was bleeding with my shirt. Next, I searched for my pals. Everyone was yelling “help us. help us”

    One of Kumar’s friends lost both his legs in the crash and was rushed to hospital. He did not survive his injuries.

    Their story is just one of hundreds unfolding across the country as India deals with one of the worst train crashes it has ever seen.

    At least 275 people were killed and more than 1,000 others injured after the Coromandel Express slammed into a parked freight train, scattering upturned passenger cars that were then struck by a Howrah Express train traveling at high speed in the opposite direction.

    Three days later, families are still trying to locate their loved ones, piles of dead bodies are waiting to be identified and hospitals are laboring to treat an overwhelming number of injured passengers.

    Morgues in the city of Balasore had earlier reached full capacity, prompting officials to place some of the bodies in school corridors and a business park for families to identify.

    For families that have traveled to the city, aching to locate their loved ones, the wait has been traumatic.

    “I’ve been to all the hospitals and I’ve found out nothing,” Laluti Devi, who was looking for her 22-year-old son, told CNN, adding she will now travel nearly four hours south to the state’s capital Bhubaneswar, in a desperate attempt to see if he was transported to a morgue there.

    Many of the dead are unclaimed, and local authorities are struggling to deal with the sheer scale of the disaster.

    On Sunday, the state government released the photographs of more than 160 victims, many in horrific condition with gruesome injuries, in a bid to help families identify the bodies.

    That leaves people facing the agonizing task of scrolling though picture after picture of mangled victims on the off chance they might come across their missing loved one.

    A distraught father arrived at one of the identification sites after receiving a WhatsApp photo of his dead son.

    “I was looking for my son since (Saturday),” he told local outlet Mojo TV, breaking down as he pointed to the photo. His 23-year-old boy, a laborer, was traveling to the city of Chennai for his job, like many others in the coach with him.

    “This is my boy. This is my boy,” the father said through tears after identifying his son’s body.

    Elsewhere, two women traveled to several sites, crying with anguish as they tried to locate their missing husbands.

    India’s Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said it was his “goal” to ensure that family members could find their missing loved ones as soon as possible.

    “Our responsibility is not over yet,” he said.

    At local hospitals, doctors were working around the clock to treat injured patients.

    In Balasore, a 15-year-old boy was among hundreds of survivors that arrived at the Government Medical College for treatment.

    “People who were alive were shouting for help, praying to god,” he said, adding the train was so full, there was barely any room to stand. “Rescue teams were doing their best to save people. A lot of people were crying,” he said.

    Laxminaranyan Dhal, a 52-year-old farmer who was traveling alone, said he clung onto the railing of the train for survival.

    “I escaped through the broken windows,” he said. “When I got out, I saw a lot of people lying around – many were dead, some were moaning in pain.”

    His spinal chord injury has left him in excruciating pain, making it difficult for the laborer to sit or even to stand.

    “I cannot farm anymore, it hurts too much. Only after treatment I can start working,” he said.

    According to senior railway officials, the Coromandel Express, a high-speed train that was traveling from Kolkata to Chennai, was diverted onto a loop line and slammed into a heavy goods train idled at Bahanaga Bazar railway station.

    Its carriages derailed onto the opposite track, where they were hit by an oncoming high-speed train, the Howrah Express, which was traveling from Bangalore.

    Many of the travelers were migrant workers, en route to Chennai, an urban metropolis in the southernmost Indian state of Tamil Nadu, where jobs are more freely available.

    Survivors recalled seeing crowded coaches, packed with travelers, when it began flipping and rolling from the crash.

    Anushuman Purohi, who was in first class and seated toward the end of the train, said he saw many “unimaginable” injuries.

    “When we opened the door, that’s when I actually heard the wail of humanity, crying out in pain, crying out for water and crying out for help,” he said.

    “There were a lot of people lying on the tracks, they were injured, there was blood everywhere, there were broken bones, and it was time for us to stop thinking about ourselves and help the injured… It was chaos, it was something I can really not describe… I saw a head without a body, I saw skulls crushed, I saw bodies completely crushed by the metal, it was horrifying.”

    All Sunday, workers toiled in the scorching heat to clear the wreckage, as rail cars remained rolled in a ditch and passengers’ belongings were seen strewn across the ground. Suitcases, bags, shoes and personal items lined the tracks, alongside wrought metal and charred coaches.

    By late evening, the first train resumed movement at the impacted section.

    Vaishnaw, the railways minister, and others waved as the train rode down the tracks.

    “All the teams did a great job. But there is a lot of pain in our mind and hearts,” Vaishnaw said. “We will find out the root cause (of this incident).”

    Anger is growing in India, now the world’s most populous nation, renewing calls for authorities to confront safety issues in a railway system that transports more than 13 million passengers every day.

    India’s extensive rail network is one of the largest in the world and built more than 160 years ago under British colonial rule. Today, it runs about 11,000 trains every day over 67,000 miles of tracks.

    For Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who swept to power in 2014 on a promise of future greatness, upgrading the country’s transport system has been a key priority in his push to create a $5 trillion economy by 2025.

    In the fiscal year that started in April, Modi’s government raised capital spending on airports, road and highway construction and other infrastructure projects to $122 billion, or 1.7% of India’s GDP. But years of neglect has left many tracks to deteriorate.

    A report last year by India’s auditor general, an independent office, found the amount spent on track maintenance is falling. “Due to financial constraints, the progress in track renewals is constantly coming down over the last six years,” the report said.

    Decaying infrastructure is often cited as a cause for traffic delays and numerous train accidents in India. And though government statistics show that accidents and derailments have declined in recent years, they are still tragically common.

    More than 16,000 people were killed in nearly 18,000 railway accidents across the country in 2021, according to latest figures from the National Crime Records Bureau. Nearly 70% were due to falls from trains and collisions between trains and people on the track.

    In 2005, at least 102 people died when a passenger train derailed in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh as it tried to cross tracks washed away by a flood. In 2011, scores were killed when a train jumped tracks in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

    In another infamous incident in 2016, more than 140 people were killed in another derailment in Uttar Pradesh.

    Railways Minister Vaishnaw said authorities have asked the Central Bureau of Investigation, India’s top investigation agency, to probe Friday’s crash.

    Authorities have announced compensation of about $1,200 to families who have lost loved ones.

    But as teams continue to investigate the cause, no amount of money could make up for the devastating loss of life.

    As Kumar, whose friend died in the crash, recalled the horror of Friday’s accident, he reflected on how lucky he was to survive.

    “I am blessed to have another chance at life,” he said.

  • Brit falls 30ft from hotel balcony on vacation

    Brit falls 30ft from hotel balcony on vacation

    A British tourist who fell from a hotel balcony is in critical condition at the hospital.

    Dan Boyle, 31, and Ashleigh Lomas, 30, were vacationing in Lanzarote when Boyle fell over the balcony wall on the third level of the hotel.

    Dan’s untreated pneumonia was found after he was brought to the hospital on the Spanish island, and doctors believe this is what caused him to fall on April 24, just one day into their vacation.

    Doctors think the chest infection caused his lungs to fill with fluid, which stopped his heart from pumping and caused him to fall over the balcony.

    Dan, an engineer, was immediately given CPR by another holidaymaker. He suffered a fractured skull, fractured breast bone, torn kidney and broken ribs in the fall.

    He was then flown to a hospital in Gran Canaria, where he had brain surgery, an operation on his kidney, and was placed in an induced coma for four weeks.

    Ashleigh says she wants Dan to come home to their two children, eight-year-old Daisy and three-year-old Daniel, as soon as possible.

    She said: ‘It’s just an absolute nightmare.

    Dan Boyle and Ashleigh Lomas. See SWNS story SWLNholiday. A British holidaymaker is fighting for his life after he fell 30ft from a hotel balcony due to undiagnosed pneumonia, his girlfriend said. Dan Boyle, 31, was on holiday in Lanzarote with his girlfriend Ashleigh Lomas, 30, when he tumbled over the wall off the balcony, which was on the third floor. He was immediately given CPR by another holidaymaker and was taken to hospital on the Spanish island, where doctors discovered Dan had undiagnosed pneumonia. They believe his lungs filled with fluid because of the chest infection which made his heart stop beating and then made him tumble over the balcony.
    The couple had been laughing and joking in the pool only an hour before (Picture: SWNS)
    Dan Boyle and Ashleigh Lomas. See SWNS story SWLNholiday. A British holidaymaker is fighting for his life after he fell 30ft from a hotel balcony due to undiagnosed pneumonia, his girlfriend said. Dan Boyle, 31, was on holiday in Lanzarote with his girlfriend Ashleigh Lomas, 30, when he tumbled over the wall off the balcony, which was on the third floor. He was immediately given CPR by another holidaymaker and was taken to hospital on the Spanish island, where doctors discovered Dan had undiagnosed pneumonia. They believe his lungs filled with fluid because of the chest infection which made his heart stop beating and then made him tumble over the balcony.
    Dan is still in hospital in Gran Canaria (Picture: SWNS)

    ‘It’s something that you would never expect to happen to you.

    ‘Our children are just missing him, they just want him home.

    ‘He was perfectly fine. We was in the pool together half an hour before, laughing and joking.

    ‘He had a little cough but we didn’t think it was anything.

    ‘It wasn’t a constant cough, it was just a little one, so you obviously wouldn’t think anything of it.’

    Dan Boyle and Ashleigh Lomas on holiday just hours before Dan's balcony fall. See SWNS story SWLNholiday. A British holidaymaker is fighting for his life after he fell 30ft from a hotel balcony due to undiagnosed pneumonia, his girlfriend said. Dan Boyle, 31, was on holiday in Lanzarote with his girlfriend Ashleigh Lomas, 30, when he tumbled over the wall off the balcony, which was on the third floor. He was immediately given CPR by another holidaymaker and was taken to hospital on the Spanish island, where doctors discovered Dan had undiagnosed pneumonia. They believe his lungs filled with fluid because of the chest infection which made his heart stop beating and then made him tumble over the balcony.
    The couple only arrived at the hotel a day before the fall (Picture: SWNS)

    Dan is no longer in a coma but is still unable to communicate. Doctors believe he has ‘really bad’ brain damage but the full extent won’t be known until he’s fully awake.

    He will also need a specialist flight to return home to Stockport, Greater Manchester, which costs around £35,000.

    While the couple’s insurance has covered Dan’s hospital bills, it won’t cover his flight home.

    Ashleigh is now raising money for the flight, adding: ‘It would mean everything for him to come home, everything would be so much easier for everybody.

    ‘He will be able to be around people who he knows and get the care that he needs.’

    Earlier this week a British bar owner in Lanzarote fell from a balcony to his death following ‘a scuffle with a drunken troublemaker’ – and a German man has been arrested on suspicion of his murder.

  • Stan Dogbe digs up more ‘dirt’ to prove Ghana’s ambulance was for sale in Dubai

    Stan Dogbe digs up more ‘dirt’ to prove Ghana’s ambulance was for sale in Dubai

    Former Presidential Staffer, Stan Xoese Dogbe has provided evidence confirming the video’s claims, in contrast to a press release disputing the viral video’s claims that an ambulance owned by the government is being auctioned in Dubai.

    The National Ambulance Service, in a release dated May 29, 2023, attempted to set the record straight regarding the viral video showing a government of Ghana-branded Toyota Hiace ambulance supposedly being sold in Dubai.

    According to the service, “The ambulance in question is one of the 26 Toyota Hiace Ambulances being procured by the Government, through the Ministry of Health and funded by the World Bank.

    “The said ambulance is located on the premises of the Company, which is manufacturing the ambulances. “It is therefore untrue that the ambulance is there for sale,” the service added. The service explained that the ambulances are awaiting shipment to Ghana after the completion of the manufacturing process.

    However, in a Facebook post, Stan Dogbe shared a screenshot of a May 23, 2023, post by the manufacturing company SK Motors FZCO on Facebook, where the company was advertising the same ambulance for sale.

    “SK Motors FZCO, the Dubai-based car dealer, whom the National Ambulance Service of the Republic of Ghana claimed in a statement on Monday to be the manufacturers of a set of ambulances being procured, had earlier on May 23, 2023, put up for sale on its Facebook page what it described as New Toyota Hiace GL 2024 Ambulances.

    “The ambulance in the accompanying photo for the advert was none other than what appeared in an amateur video with the Republic of Ghana National Ambulance Service logo and details on them,” Stan Dogbe wrote.

    He revealed that the company has since deleted the post following the statement released by the National Ambulance Service. He also pointed out that the company in question is a car dealership and not a manufacturer, as claimed by the service. “In an earlier PR statement regarding the viral video, the Service claimed that the ambulance is part of a fleet that has been procured and is due to be shipped to Ghana.

    The Service also claimed that SK Motors FZCO is the manufacturer of the Toyota ambulance, a fact that I have challenged the Service to provide proof of. “SK Motors has this evening deleted the earlier Facebook advert of the GoG advert, but folks had saved the post before they were prompted to delete,” he said.

    The former presidential staffer highlighted the contradictions in the statement and criticized the government’s attempts to dismiss the video as propaganda.

    “Does the National Ambulance Service have more information to provide? “Government officials had earlier sought to deny the video, claiming it was just another propaganda against the government, before the Service embarrassed them with its faulty and deceptive PR goof,” Stan Dogbe added.

  • Sudan hospital strikes potential war crimes

    Sudan hospital strikes potential war crimes

    Data obtained by BBC News Arabic, has it that both parties in Sudan’s conflict may be committing war crimes against medical facilities and personnel.

    Hospitals have been hit by airstrikes and artillery fire while patients were still in the building and doctors have also been singled out for attack – all of which are potential war crimes.

    Only a handful of the 88 hospitals in the capital, Khartoum, remain open after weeks of fighting, according to Sudan’s Doctors Union.

    The BBC team used satellite data and mapping tools, analysed user-generated content on a huge scale, and spoke to dozens of doctors, to build a picture of how hospitals and clinics are being affected.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) called the attacks “a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law” adding that they “must stop now”.

    The fighting in Sudan began on 15 April and was triggered by a power struggle between former allies – the leaders of the regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

    Khartoum’s Ibn Sina hospital is one of a number the BBC has identified as having been targeted in an airstrike or by artillery fire when medics were treating civilian patients.

    Dr Alaa is a surgeon at the hospital and was present when the attack happened on 19 April.

    “There wasn’t any warning. Ibn Sina hospital where I worked was hit by three bombs, while a fourth bomb hit the nurses’ house which was entirely set on fire,” he said.

    Interior of damaged hospital
    Image caption,An image from inside Ibn Sina hospital shows the damage there after an attack

    Christian de Vos, an international criminal law expert with NGO Physicians for Human Rights, says this could be classed as a war crime.

    “The duty to warn of any impending airstrike to ensure… that all civilians are able to evacuate a hospital prior to an airstrike – that is very clear under the laws of war,” he said.

    Looking at the images of the attack, forensic weapons expert Chris Cobb-Smith said it could have been caused by artillery fire.

    Uncertainty over the kind of weapon used means it is hard to be sure which side was responsible, or whether this was a targeted attack.

    Soldiers seen inside a hospital
    Image caption,A still taken from a video appears to show RSF fighters entering Khartoum’s Al Saha hospital

    Another medical facility hit was the East Nile hospital – one of the last operating in that part of the capital.

    The BBC has seen evidence of RSF fighters surrounding it with their vehicles and anti-aircraft weapons.

    There have been reports of patients being forcibly evacuated from the building. But we have also spoken to witnesses who say civilians continued to be treated alongside the RSF soldiers.

    On 1 May, a public area next to the East Nile hospital was hit by a Sudanese army airstrike. There was no warning, according to sources the BBC has spoken to.

    Five civilians died in that attack.

    There was a further airstrike two weeks later but there has been no independent confirmation of the number of injured.

    The WHO has reported that nine hospitals have been taken over by fighters from one side or the other.

    “The preferential treatment of soldiers over civilians [is] not an appropriate use of a medical facility and it may well constitute a violation of the laws of war,” Mr De Vos said.

    A political advisor to the RSF, Mostafa Mohamed Ibrahim, denied that they were preventing the treatment of civilians. He told the BBC: “Our forces are just spreading… they are not occupying and don’t stop civilians from being treated in these hospitals.”

    The view inside a hospital
    Image caption,The fighting has made it increasingly difficult for civilian patients to be treated

    The Sudanese army did not provide a response to this investigation’s findings.

    There is also evidence of another potential war crime – the targeting of doctors.

    The BBC has seen social media messages threatening doctors by name, even sharing their ID number. The messages accuse them of supporting the RSF and receiving money from abroad.

    In a widely circulated video, Major-General Tarek al-Hadi Kejab from the Sudanese army said: “The so-called central committee of doctors, should be named the committee of rebels!”

    Sudanese doctors’ organisations have been monitoring threats which they say are coming from both sides and the BBC has spoken to doctors who have gone into hiding.

    “We know that this is a tactic that is used in wars, for pressure, that is illegal in all international laws. Unfortunately, this has pushed medical staff into a propaganda war – between the RSF and the Sudanese army,” said Dr Mohamed Eisa from the Sudanese American Physicians Association.

    Doctors around the world have been calling for an end to the targeting of their colleagues.

    At a conference in London last week, Sudan’s Doctors for Human Rights said medical staff had been killed, ambulances targeted and hospitals forced to close their doors.

    Dr Ahmed Abbas said: “We’re gathering all the evidence of these transgressions, which are crimes against humanity and war crimes, and this could be presented to international judicial authorities, or national authorities in Sudan.”

  • New mothers detained at hospital for unpaid medical bills

    New mothers detained at hospital for unpaid medical bills

    Several new mothers have been detained at Koforidua‘s Eastern Regional Hospital due to their failure to pay medical expenses.

    Most of the new mothers went through caesarean sections, while others had their babies admitted at the neonatal Intensive Care Unit, services which have become very expensive in recent times.

    The new mothers who claim they are over 20 say their medical bills range between Ghc4,000 to Gh1,000.

    Speaking to the media, some of the new mothers said they lost their babies yet the hospital has presented huge medical bills to pay.

    Some of the detained new mothers narrated that “We were referred from Begoro to this place. My Children were twins they put them in machine(incubator )they say one is dead yet they have not shown that dead baby to me because they say I have not paid my bills. What to eat is even a problem [she cried]. They said I should pay Ghc4,200.”

    Another said “I have been discharged but I have not been able to pay my bills so still detained .There was blood from my baby’s mouth and nose .They gave the baby blood and oxygen but the baby died didn’t survive .They have however given me a bill of Ghc1,200 to pay. I have Health Insurance but it doesn’t work.I came from Begoro. I am now stranded”.

    “My bill given to me is also Ghc1,000 They gave my baby oxygen. I came from Kyebi, I am stranded” another stranded new mother narrated.

    Lastly, a new mother from Suhum also added “For me it is my bill that I am unable to pay. I have been detained. I have paid some but left with Ghc1,000 .I came from Suhum I don’t have anyone to help me”

    The economic hardship being experienced in Ghana has impoverished many lower class people. This has resulted in many of such people struggling to meet basic life necessities such as payment of medical bills.

    Their plights have been worsened by the disfunction of the National Health Insurance scheme due to failure by the authority to reimburse health service providers.

    The situation is fueling high cases nonpayment of medical bills , revenue losses due to absondment at many hospitals.

    The Eastern Regional hospital for instance ,continue to make huge revenue losses to absconders every year.

    The hospital for instance, loss GH¢103,476 from about 75 patients who absconded after inability to pay their medical bills in 2022.

    In 2017 and 2018, losses made to patients who either absconded or could not pay their medical bills due to poverty amounted to almost Ghc350,000

    According to the Hospital, “in 2018 about 20 patients sneaked out of their sick beds and absconded with total medical bills of Ghc11,080 while in 2017, 52 patients also absconded at the blind side of the Hospital Authorities with total medical bills of Ghc23,000.”

    Management of the hospital has instituted social welfare services for the poor and vulnerable who genuinely cannot pay their bills to sign undertaking for payment in installments.

    In 2018, the Hospital wrote off medical debt of 13 patients identified to be paupers to the tune of Ghc19,000 after Department of Social Welfare had done background checks to established their financial status.

  • Power restored to hospital in northern Ghana after death of babies

    Power restored to hospital in northern Ghana after death of babies

    A doctor who claimed that two babies had died at a hospital in the North after a state-owned energy company cut off their power earlier this month expressed joy over the restoration of electricity.

    Dr Gbeadese Ahmed from St Anne’s Hospital in Damango told the BBC he was about to go into theatre to resume surgical operations put on hold seven days ago.

    Local MP and Lands Minister Samuel Abdulai Jinapor had paid off part of the hospital’s debt to the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (Nedco), he said.

    The politician’s intervention followed Dr Ahmed’s interview on Monday with Citi News about the effects of the power outage on the state-run hospital in the town, which is more than 630km (390 miles) by road from the capital, Accra.

    He explained that two babies had died and three others were in a critical condition because without electricity medics at St Anne’s have been unable to organise blood transfusions for the new-borns.

    The problems began at the hospital on 4 May when the power was first cut over a debt of more than $370,000 (£342,000).

    This is when the first baby died, according to Dr Ahmed.

    The electricity was restored but Nedco warned if the bill was not settled in full it would again shut off power – and this happened on 16 May.

    The second baby died over the last week.

    Since the beginning of May Ghana’s state power firms have been cracking down on defaulters in an effort to claw back millions of dollars owed to them.

    Several government institutions have found themselves cut off for failing to settle their bills.

  • Maternity facility in Sudan struggles to preserve lives

    Maternity facility in Sudan struggles to preserve lives

    Esraa Hesbalrasoul took her preterm twins from an incubator and fled in a panic when a maternity facility in the capital of Sudan came under fire.

    In the chaos, only one of the infants survived.

    Hesbalrasoul now tends to her baby in a small hospital in the capital’s twin city of Omdurman that for weeks has struggled to weather the near-ceaseless fighting.

    Numerous medical facilities have been shelled in the fighting that broke out on April 15 between rival generals and the forces they command.

    The battles have left only 16 percent of hospitals in Khartoum fully functional, according to the United Nations, putting countless lives at risk.

    But the small Al-Nada hospital in Khartoum’s twin city of Omdurman remains a lifesaver, keeping its doors open to offer vital health care despite the mounting odds.

    When strikes shook the ground on April 20 around the facility initially caring for the twins, “we were told we had to evacuate everyone right away”, Hesbalrasoul told AFP.

    “There were no ambulances available so we had to transport our babies as best we could,” she said.

    “But one of them died because of the lack of oxygen.”

    Her tragedy is hardly an isolated one.

    The UN estimates that there are “219,000 pregnant women in Khartoum, including 24,000 women expected to give birth in the coming weeks”.

    Al-Nada is one of the rare facilities they can turn to.

    Its director, Mohammed Fattah al-Rahman, in particular credits a generous donation from the Sudanese American Physicians Association (SAPA-USA), which has allowed it to keep running.

    With this money, “we have been able to deliver 500 births, naturally and through caesarian sections, and to admit 80 children”, he told AFP, surrounded by premature babies in incubators.

    But the war is never far from the dimly-lit facility. Sounds of gunfire and blasts can often be heard echoing in the distance.

    There is no air conditioning, only overhead fans that attempt to relieve the heat which often reaches up to 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) even before the blazing peak of summer.

    As the war rages, killing hundreds and injuring thousands so far, much of Sudan’s meagre medical resources have been diverted to tending the war-wounded with urgent care.

    “There have been no obstetrics or paediatric services since the beginning of the conflict,” Rahman says.

    That meant that Sudanese couple Fatima and her husband Jaber could find no facilities to treat their young son for meningitis, until they arrived at Al-Nada, which offers paediatric care as well as maternity facilities.

    – Fear of ‘collapse’ –

    Even before the war broke out, mothers and children faced grave dangers in Sudan, one of the world’s poorest countries.

    Almost three out of every thousand women die in childbirth in Sudan, eight times higher than the figure in neighbouring Egypt, according to the UN children’s fund, UNICEF.

    It says 56 out of every 1,000 Sudanese children die before reaching the age of five.

    Last year, the UN estimated that one in three Sudanese needed to walk more than an hour to get medical care.

    Today, the small team that keeps the Al-Nada hospital going fears conditions will soon force them to stop their essential work.

    “Our stocks of medicines are starting to dwindle,” said Alaa Ahmed, a pharmacist at the hospital. “If it goes on like this, everything will collapse.”

    The prospect of getting more supplies from the government warehouse on the other side of the Nile River is not only unlikely — it is closed and unaccessible — but possibly deadly while combat rages.

    As a result, Ahmed laments, “a lot of people ask me for medicine but unfortunately I can’t give it to them”.

  • France to boost Ghana’s health sector

    France to boost Ghana’s health sector

    Ghana and France have reached an agreement to boost the country’s health sector.

    Under the agreement, additional support will be offered to the country for scientific research into the most appropriate way to implement secondary prevention of cervical cancer among women living with HIV.

    The €2.8 million grant, which was made possible through Expertise France to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), will also support the country’s response against diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

    The agreement was signed between the two countries at the Residence of the France Ambassador to Ghana in Accra last Thursday.

    The Director-General of the GHS, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, initialled on behalf of the beneficiaries, while the Head of Cooperation at the French Embassy in Ghana, Julien Lecas, signed for his country.
    Investment

    Mr Lecas, who represented his ambassador, said Ghana had received support from the Global Fund for over 20 years, with significant investment on HIV, tuberculosis and malaria pandemics.

    “And as you may know, France is a major donor to the Global Fund. This week, the team of L’Initiative from Expertise France is here in Accra, together with the Global Fund country team.

    “It is our hope that this visit will trigger further development of L’Initiative’s portfolio in Ghana.

    “We at the French Embassy in Ghana are very pleased to be able to officially launch the two programmes funded by L’Initiative to strengthen and evaluate the quality of health services by the GHS on one hand.

    “And on the other hand, it is also aimed at supporting the secondary prevention of cervical cancer among women living with HIV through the NMIMR,” he said.

    The Technical Director at Expertise France Groupe, Eric Fleutelot, said his outfit was pleased to support Ghana improve on its health care.

    “And I know that we are already making progress”, however, more efforts were needed to reduce vertical transmission of HIV, he added.
    Community scorecard

    Dr Kuma-Aboagye said the grant was offered through a community scorecard initiative by the GHS.

    He said the initiative, which was introduced in 2018, was aimed at strengthening community participation in health care and also improving accountability in service delivery.

    According to him, the grant would help extend the scorecard implemented to include HIV and tuberculosis.

    An Associate Professor in charge of Medicine, Molecular, Microbiology and Virology at NMIMR, Prof. George Kyei, said there was the need for a national policy to integrate cervical cancer screening into routine HIV care.

  • Spare parts dealer puts up a 90-bed top-tier specialist hospital at Lapaz

    Spare parts dealer puts up a 90-bed top-tier specialist hospital at Lapaz

    Ghana is among the many countries in the world that is working to resolve the deficit in health facilities available for citizens.

    Lives have been lost and many have had to endure pain as a result. But the people of Lapaz, now have a different tale to tell.

    This is all because of another “Kaggia” – an unsung hero whose endeavors have touched the hearts of many.

    Michael Banahene, a spare parts dealer has been lauded by leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Gabby Otchere-Darko for his intervention in addressing the bed syndrome and other healthcare challenges in the country.

    Banahene has built a 90-bed hospital, St Michael’s Specialist Hospital, for his community.

    Expressing his excitement at how the man dared to dream such a thing, Mr Otchere-Darko wrote, “The uber inspiring story of Michael Banahene, the spare parts and lubricants trader, who has realised his dream to build a first-class hospital, St Michael’s Specialist Hospital.

    “Mike, not sure what inspired you to dare to dream and do this but it tells you and the rest of us that once you put your mind, commitment, resources and energy to a worthy project, and engage the right people on it, no matter how big, if it is doable and you are prepared to persevere, you should succeed. Nothing can be more fulfilling than a business that delivers life, prolongs lives and saves lives. Well done, Banahene! We lift high your banner.”

    The health facility has spacious offices to accommodate doctors and nurses, cafeteria, children’s play ground and waiting area.

    The facility is expected to offer general and specialist medical care, such as cardiac care, day surgery, hemodialysis, and IVF.

    Brief profile of Michael Banahene:

    According to his LinkedIn profile, Michael Banahene describes himself as an experienced Managing Director with a demonstrated history of working in the automotive industry.

    He describes himself as skilled in budgeting, business planning, coaching, automotive engineering, and management.

    He also added that he is a strong business development professional who graduated from the University Of Ghana.

  • Convert national cathedral project into national hospital – TUC tells govt

    Convert national cathedral project into national hospital – TUC tells govt

    The TUC General Secretary, Dr. Anthony Yaw Baah, has asked the government to stop wasting money on projects like the National Cathedral.

    He made the request while speaking during the May Day celebration parade being held at Bolgatanga.

    The TUC asserts that the government should redirect monies from discretionary spending to more productive endeavors in order to create jobs and revenue in order to alleviate the current economic depression.

    He suggested that it would serve the country better if the national cathedral project was converted from a cathedral to a national hospital instead.

    “We have to change the situation ourselves as Ghanaians. We believe strongly that government can lead us out of this crisis, and the government can do so by cutting expenditure on non-essentials including the need to stop spending our hard-earned revenue on a national cathedral.”  

    “The president has always said he wants to create another Notre Dame in Ghana so we can attract a lot of visitors but we disagree. In fact, comrades, it will be better to convert the project into a national hospital,” he said.

    He further reiterated calls for the government to reduce its size to save costs.

    “Mr. President you can also reduce the size of your government. Ghana has too many ministers and deputy ministers.”

    Government spent ¢142 million on National Cathedral project in 2021 – Auditor-General’s report.

    The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, claims that the National Cathedral project will cost over GH¢1 billion.

    This year’s May Day celebration is on the theme; “Protecting incomes and pensions in an era of economic crisis: Our responsibility.”

  • FDA cautions Ghanaians against unregistered oxytocin on market

    FDA cautions Ghanaians against unregistered oxytocin on market

    Unregistered oxytocin is being sold on the Ghanaian market, this according to the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).

    In a statement issued on Friday (21 April 2023), the FDA said “the pharmaceutical products are not registered with the FDA and therefore their quality, safety and efficacy cannot be ascertained”.

    “The FDA is therefore informing all health facilities and medical stores of the above-mentioned products to stop using them immediately and return them to the nearest FDA offices throughout the country. Meanwhile, the FDA is liaising with importers to ensure that the market is rid of these unregistered pharmaceutical products,” the statement said.

    “In this regard, the Authority is taking the necessary regulatory actions to prevent any such future occurrence,” the statement added.

    However, the FDA has assured the public that it is taking all the necessary precautions to ensure that medical products on the Ghanaian market are safe, efficacious and of the right quality.

  • Sudan: Hospitals in Khartoum closed down over ongoing fighting

    Sudan: Hospitals in Khartoum closed down over ongoing fighting

    Violence between Sudan’s two senior generals has erupted, causing havoc in Khartoum’s hospitals.

    People have been unable to leave their homes since Saturday as the two sides engaged in gun battles and bombarded each other with artillery and airstrikes.

    More than 185 people have been killed and over 1,800 wounded since the fighting erupted, according to United Nations figures.

    At the Ahmed Qassem children hospital, medical staff had to evacuate all cases except the ones in the intensive care unit.

    Supplies were running low, with doctors, nurses, patients and their relatives trapped inside for days as the Sudanese capital turned into a war zone.

    “There is a shortage in staff, medicine and oxygen. The hospital is witnessing a shortage in many things and even the doctors have left,” said Dr. Mohamed al-Mostafa.

    There are some 20 hospitals in the capital and the neighboring city of Omdurman. Those that still managed to operate were understaffed and overwhelmed, running low on supplies and struggling with power or water cuts, doctors said.

    The sudden outbreak of fighting caught everyone off guard, trapping doctors and nurses inside hospitals, and preventing other staff from reaching the facilities.

    The World Health Organization said many hospitals in Khartoum reported shortages of “blood, transfusion equipment, intravenous fluids, medical supplies and other life-saving commodities.”

    Along with Ahmed Qassem children’s hospital, the Al-Shaab Teaching Hospital shut down Monday after a ward was struck in fighting, said the general manager, Al Nameir Gibril Ibrahim.

  • About 30 people die from tuberculosis every day – Health expert

    About 30 people die from tuberculosis every day – Health expert

    According to Isaac Opoku Asamoah, a senior technical official at the Greater Accra Regional TB Control, Ghana has 125 new cases of tuberculosis (TB) and 30 fatal cases each day.

    He said tuberculosis is a silent killer, and adults in most parts of the developing world, including Ghana, are unknowingly exposed to TB bacteria.

    Asamoah, who was speaking with the Ghana News Agency, mentioned that the progression from latent to active TB disease depends on the individual’s immunity.

    He said among people with a higher risk of progressing to the disease are smokers, alcoholics, prisoners, people living in crowded and poorly ventilated rooms, mineworkers and individuals exposed to silica.

    The technical officer said individuals with lowered immunity caused by medical conditions such as HIV, diabetes, cancer, kidney failure and malnutrition are also at higher risk.

    Asamoah said the 2023 World TB Day in Ghana was commemorated with a series of activities, including nationwide screening, especially in densely populated communities, intensifying advocacy and sensitisation, among others.

    He said that the Ghana Paediatric Society had offered a webinar to paediatricians to increase their awareness of childhood TB and enable them to screen more children in all facilities.

    He said, “This is because TB in children is difficult to diagnose, and research done last year in Komfo Anokye [Teaching Hospital] found 50 TB cases among severely ill children on admission from January to June.”

    Asamoah stressed that TB is a preventable and curable disease and said free diagnosis and treatment are available at all public and accredited private health facilities.