News
Elephantiasis still prevalent in eight districts… efforts are made to contain it – Experts
Over 120 million people are infected with Elephantiasis, according to WHO
What started as a painful pinch on the leg of Madam AkuaAbokumaa, 20 years ago has now become a bigger swelling, despite numerous efforts to ease the bulge and the throbbing pain associated with it.
The 69-year-old woman is virtually immobile.
Pain is etched on her face as she struggles to walk around the mud houses in her remote village at Asemko, in the West Ahanta Municipal Assembly close to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in the Western Region.
She is among over 120 million people who are infected and 40 million who are disfigured or incapacitated by microscopic larvae and microfilariae, which are transmitted to humans through mosquito bites, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Madam Abokumaa said she had spent thousands of cedis generated from her small subsistence farming to visit hospitals and traditional healers in an attempt to treat the deadly sickness.
But the situation keeps getting worse.
Narrating her sad story to this reporter, she said that most of the traditional healers she visited,after taking money from her as consultation fees, told her that she had been bewitched.
Madam Abokumaa accused some of the healers of making the swelling worse, after making cuts on the leg with a razor blade and covering them with white powder.
She said the treatment rather caused more acute infections that spread to her entire body leaving her bed-bound and feverish.
“I have lost so much and even sold properties to pay the healers, or to get a taxi to the hospital when the pain is unbearable. Now it’s getting worse and my other leg is becoming swollen. It sometimes feels like I might just die,” she said.
Another person suffering a similar fate is 56-year-old John Asmah, who developed the early stages of elephantiasis as an infant. The father of six can no longer work and struggles to pay her children’s secondary school fees, let alone medical bills.
According to him, the loneliness had wanedhis confidence. His family abandoned him when the swelling started in because they saw him as a disabled person.
“I sometimes feel like I’m the only one with this problem, people walking by always laugh at me. Sometimes when I meet a group of people, they just stand there staring at my leg, asking if I’m cursed,” he said.
MrBright Alomatu, the Desk Officer for Lymphatic Filariasis and a biologist of the Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme (NTDP) of Ghana in an interview said:“Lymphatic filariasis (LF), commonly known as elephantiasis, is a disabling and disfiguring disease where the lymph vessels and nodes are damaged by mosquito parasites and may result in massive lymphoedema.”
He said it was a widespread and major public health problem in many developing countries with warm and humid climates, including Ghana.
He said with the implementation of the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) with various support, significant progress had been made towards the elimination of the disease as a public health problem.
He said that out of the 114 hotspot districts, 106 had been contained leaving eight districts namely; Sawla-Tuna-Kalba and Bole in the Savannah Region, Ellembelle in the Western Region, Sunyani West in the Bono Region, Lawra, Wa East and West in Upper West Region and Nabdam in the Upper East Region.
“Those affected with symptoms are left with strangely swilling deformed limbs which had been as a result of several years without treatment, he said.
According to Dr Sylvester Coleman, an entomologist and a lecturer at the Department of Clinical Microbiology of the Kwame NkrumahUniversity of Science and Technology, “elephantiasis is a severe manifestation of lymphatic filariasis, a disease which could also trigger extensive scrotal swelling, or hydrocele, in men.”
It is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and is endemic in 73 countries.
He said the infection was transmitted by mosquitoes carrying tiny, thread-like worms, which nest in and attack a person’s lymphatic system, though many of those infected with the parasite will not present any symptoms.
He warned patients against the use of herbs for treating elephantiasis as well as seeking treatment from traditional healers, but rather visit the nearest health centres.
From Geoffrey Buta, Asemko
A special intelligence team of the Ghana Police Service has dismantled a robbery gang responsible for a series of violent attacks in the Upper East region, following an intelligence-led operation on April 29, 2026.
The suspects, Awudu Kasim, Malik Baako, Mohammed Amidu, and Wadud Abdul were arrested at their hideout at Zuarungu.
A search at the location led to the retrieval of a G3 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition which had been concealed in the storage compartment of a motorbike that suspect Samsudeen Mohammed and an accomplice known as “DJ”, currently at large, had robbed from a victim. Police also retrieved seven (7) other motorbikes believed to be stolen.
During interrogation, the suspects admitted involvement in a series of robbery attacks across the region. These include an attack on February 2026 along the Zuarungu–Kongo road 4, during which a bus driver, Ussif Abdul Razak, sustained gunshot injuries and lost three fingers, and a separate attack on a cargo truck driver, Mohammed Ibrahim, on the same stretch.
They also admitted to a robbery at the Kejetia mining site at Gbane on 28th March 2026, where a miner, Atani Mark, was robbed of cash and gold, as well as other incidents in the area.
Two suspects, Samsudeen Mohammed and Seidu Safianu, now deceased, sustained gunshot injuries during the operation. Their bodies have been transported to the Police Hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.
All four suspects are in custody assisting investigations, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other accomplices, including one identified as “DJ”, who is at large.
The Ghana Police Service has assured the public that all those at large will be arrested to face the full rigours of the law
The anticipation was palpable at The Octopus, Kumasi City Mall, on Thursday, April 30, 2026, as the Ghana Music Awards USA (GMA-USA) officially unveiled the nominees for this year’s highly anticipated awards ceremony.
The glamorous event attracted artistes, industry stakeholders, and music lovers, highlighting the growing influence of Ghanaian music both at home and abroad.
This year’s nominations recognize remarkable talent across 35 categories.
Notably, 24 of these categories are dedicated to the US-based Ghanaian music community, while 11 categories specifically honor achievements within the Ghanaian music industry.
The move underscores GMA-USA’s commitment to bridging the gap between Ghana’s vibrant home scene and its dynamic diaspora in the United States.
Speaking at the event, organizers emphasised the importance of celebrating Ghanaian music excellence on a global stage.
Dennis Boafo, also known as Don D, CEO of Ghana Music Awards USA, further noted that
“We are proud to provide a platform that acknowledges the outstanding achievements of artists both in Ghana and the US. This dual focus strengthens the connection between our communities and showcases the diversity of Ghanaian music to the world.”
The announcement night featured electrifying performances from Kumasi based artiste such Adom Kiki, Xheila, and many others who offered guests a first look at the talented nominees set to compete for honours at the main awards ceremony later this year.
The occasion also provided networking opportunities for artists, promoters, and stakeholders, further fostering collaboration within the global Ghanaian music community.
As excitement builds toward the main event, fans and industry watcher eagerly anticipate which artists will take home the coveted awards, with the GMA-USA continuing to shine a spotlight on Ghanaian talent worldwide.
Below Are Lists of Nominees:
Ghana Nominees Categories
Artiste of the Year
●Stonebwoy
●Shatta Wale
●Diana Hamilton
●Piesie Esther
●Black Sherif
●Wendy Shay
●Sarkodie
●Medikal
●Kofi Kinaata
Most Popular Song of the Year
●Black Sherif – Sacrifice
●King Paluta – Foko
●Medikal – Shoulder (ft. ●Shatta Wale & Beeztrap KOTM)
●Wendy Shay – Crazy Love (ft. Olivetheboy)
●Moliy – Shake It to the Max (Remix) (ft. Shenseea, Skillibeng, Silent Addy)
●Kwabena Kwabena – Aso (Remix) (ft. ●Stonebwoy & Kofi Kinaata)
●Diana Hamilton – Aha Ye (ft. Elder Mireku & Ntokozo Mbambo)
●KiDi – Gymnastic (ft. Olivetheboy & Kojo Blak)
●Shatta Wale – Street Crown
●Piesie Esther – Nyame Ye
New Artiste of the Year
●Kojo Blak – Next Door (ft. Sarkodie)
●Lalid – The Matter
●Gonaboy – Same Timbs
●Paul Enana – Baba God
●Morgan Nero – Agbozume Naomi
●Cojo Rae – Aketesia
●Rcee – Agenda
●Adom Kiki
Gospel Artiste of the Year
●Diana Hamilton
●Joe Mettle
●Mabel Okyere
●Piesie Esther
●MOG Music
●Kofi Owusu Peprah
Highlife Artiste of the Year:
●Fameye
●Kofi Kinaata
●Kuami Eugene
●Kwabena Kwabena
●Sista Afia
●Akwaboah
Hiplife/Hip-Hop Artiste of the Year
●Black Sherif
●Kweku Smoke
●Sarkodie
●Amerado
●Medikal
●AratheJay
●Beeztrap KOTM
Afrobeats/Afropop Artiste of the Year
●Wendy Shay
●KiDi
●Kojo Blak
●King Promise
●Olivetheboy
●Gyakie
●Lasmid
Emerging Artist of the Year
●Yaw Dhope
●Bosoma
●Bellogod
●Bogo Blay
●Salome Nketia
●Kwadwo Tinz
●Supa Sandy
●AlorG
●Joojo Addison
● Kim Maureen
● Xheila
● Tony Dath
Music Concert of the Year
●Shatta Wale – Shattafest (Independence Square)
●Stonebwoy – BhimFest (Accra Sports Stadium)
●Sarkodie – Rapperholic (Grand Arena & Kumasi Sports Stadium)
●Diana Hamilton – Awake Experience (Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani, Maryland)
●Joe Mettle – Praise Reloaded (El Wak Sports Stadium)
●Kofi Kinaata – Made in Taadi (Takoradi)
●Black Sherif – Zaama Disco (Untamed Empire, Accra)
●Kwabena Kwabena – Valentine Love Night (Grand Arena, Accra)
●Kweku Smoke – Revival Concert (Ghud Park, Accra Mall)
●Piesie Esther – Made By Grace (Accra International Conference Center)
●Amaarae – The Black Star Experience: Homecoming Concert
Gospel Song of the Year
●Mabel Okyere – So Far, So Good
●Piesie Esther – Nyame Ye
●Paul Enana – Baba God
●Diana Hamilton – Aha Ye (ft. Elder Mireku & Ntokozo Mbambo)
●Ewura Abena – Ebefa
USA NOMINEES CATEGORIES
🔥 EMERGING ACT OF THE YEAR
- PLC44 Xclusive
- Peter Life (Maryland)
- Koby Trice (Bronx NY)
- Selina Sunshine
- Odogwu Aziza
- Daniel Shedy
- Elizabeth Turkson
- Mabel Love
🌟 NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Tokyo Yaw (Baltimore, USA)
- Ohemaa Daystar (Connecticut, USA)
- Kate and Ruth (Bronx, USA)
- Kobby Maxwell
- Saucelord
🌍 BEST GHANA INTERNATIONAL ACT OF THE YEAR
- Qhophi Delly (UAE, Abu Dhabi)
- Silla Sky (Canada)
- Lauren Akosia (UK / USA / Ghana)
- Samuel Sey (UK)
- Minister Ike (Canada)
🎤 MALE ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
- Jay Baba
- RevGraceMan Nana Yaw Prempeh
- Nana NYC
- Qpee Vibez
- HTSongz
- Daniel Nii Nertey Nettey
- Emperor T-Jiga
- C Burn
- Edmund Eghan
- Jamin Beatz
🎤 FEMALE ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
- Herty Corgie
- Royal Mama
- Dr. Ama Kutin
- Cee Music
- Mz Nana
- Millicent Yankey
- Rosey Music
🎶 AFRO POP SONG OF THE YEAR
- Chop Life – Tokyo Yaw
- Coolam Beleleh – Waliy AbouNamarr
- Fine Fine Lady – Emperor T-Jiga
- Come to Africa – Mizter Okyere
- Push – Jay Baba
- Basaa – Qpee Vibez
- Mapim – Koby Maxwell ft BigTim
- Feel Am – C Burn
- More Than – Dreamz
- Saucelord – Fatima
- Jamin Beatz – Fa )d) Bom
- Dreamz GH – More Than
🎤 BEST RAPPER OF THE YEAR
- Tokyo Yaw (Baltimore, USA)
- FredricIcgh (New Jersey USA)
- Waliy AbouNamarr (New York)
- K Rocks (Atlanta, USA)
- C Burn (New York)
🔥 MOST POPULAR ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Jay Baba (New York)
- Royal Mama (Maryland, USA)
- Herty Corgie (Maryland, USA)
- HTSongz (New Jersey, USA)
- C Burn (New York)
- Millicent Yankey
- Jamin Beatz
- Givfi
🎵 BEST AFRO POP ARTISTE
- Tokyo Yaw (Baltimore, USA)
- Jay Baba (New York)
- FredricIcgh (New Jersey USA)
- Qpee Vibez (New York)
- Emperor T-Jiga
- C Burn (New York)
- Saucelord
- Jamin Beatz
- Dreamz GH
🎙️ FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
- Rosey Music
- Mabel Love
- Joan Bedie
- Dr. Ama Kutin
- Cee Music
- Millicent Yankey
- Herty Corgie
- Elizha
🎙️ MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
- RevGraceMan Nana Yaw Prempeh
- Muzic Mensah
- Daniel Nii Nertey Nettey
- James K. Owusu
- HTSongz
- Saucelord
- Brother Ishmael
🎶 BEST GOSPEL SONG OF THE YEAR
- Akpe – Daniel Nii Nertey Nettey
- Faithfullest Friend – Becky Osei
- Rev Edmund Eghan – Too Much Love
- Hye Mi Animoyam – Royal Mama
- My Father – Rev. Grace Man Nana Yaw Prempeh ft. Ernest Opoku
- Wodo (Your Love) – Gifty K ft. Piesie Esther
- Grace – Ama Kutin Ft Chisha
- Nyame Beye – Brother Ishmael
- Oguamma (Lamb of God)- Cee Music (Chicago) ft. Ernest Opoku Jr.
- Ahoto (Comfort) – Mz. Nana FT. OBAAPA CHRISTY
- Overdo – Millicent Yankey ft. Scott Evans
- Living Testimony – Herty Corgie
- Onyame Ye (God is Good) – HTSongz
- Rosey Musiq- More
🙏 GOSPEL ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
- Royal Mama
- Dr. Ama Kutin
- Brother Ishmael
- RevGraceMan Nana Yaw Prempeh
- Cee Music
- Mz Nana
- Millicent Yankey
- HTSongz
- Herty Corgie
- Rev Edmund Hagan
🎼 HIGHLIFE ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
- FnF Musik
- Muzic Mensah
- C Burn
- King Life
- Nee Oseye Ade Leke
🎼 HIGHLIFE SONG OF THE YEAR
- Lies – King Tozua
- Medofo Pa – C Burn
- Babalomia – Nee Oseye Ade Leke
- Ankwanoma – Muzic Mensah
- Makoma – Qwamenewking
🎼 HIPLIFE ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
- FnF Musik (New York)
- Jay Baba
- K Rocks (Atlanta, USA)
- C Burn (New York)
🎼 HIPLIFE SONG OF THE YEAR
- Hear Me – FnF Musik
- Fire Burn Dem – K Rocks
- Sika – C Burn
🎧 PRODUCER / SOUND ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
- Mizter Okyere
- Kin Dee
- C Burn
- Jamin Beatz
🎬 MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
- Ghana Star – Real Kings (New York, USA)
- Dr. Ama Kutin – Grace
- Muzic Mensah (USA) – Ankwanoma
- Enoch Boateng -I will Love You
- Millicent Yankey – Overdo
- Emperor T-Jiga – Fine Fine Lady
- Robi Debs – Numson
- Herty Corgie – Living Testimony
- Becky Osei – Faithful Friend
- C Burn
- Rosey Muziq – More
🌍 BEST INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION
- Real Kings (feat. Kofi Jamar) – GhanaStar
- Wodo (Your Love) – Gifty K ft. Piesie Esther
- Grace – Dr. Ama Kutin Ft Chisha
- I will Love You – Enoch Boateng ft. Efe Grace
- Ahoto (Comfort) – Mz. Nana FT. OBAAPA CHRISTY
- Overdo – Millicent Yankey ft. Scott Evans
- Low Key – Kophy Kay ft. Fameye
- Kriminal – C Burn ft. Zie
- Babalomia – Nee Oseye Ade Leke ft. Skrewfaze
🎤 BEST ENTERTAINMENT MC / DJ
- DJ Ponto
- Okogyefo Mcpipigee
- Wavy Bunch Sound
- DJ Tech
- DJ V.O.V
🎪 BEST MUSIC CONCERT OF THE YEAR
- Royals Praiz 2025 – Royal Mama
- And God said 2025 – RevGraceMan Nana Yaw Prempeh
- The throne of Worship – Joana Bedie
- Glory 2025 (Ghana) – Grace – Dr. Ama Kutin
- Atmosphere of Love – Cee Music
- Overflow 2025 – Herty Corgie
- Intelligence 2.0 – C Burn
