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Italian delegation pays courtesy call on health minister to advance retooling project for 37 hospitals
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The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has received a delegation from the Government of Italy to deliberate on the ongoing collaboration between Ghana and Italy aimed at retooling 37 selected public health facilities across the country.
The meeting focused on advancing discussions surrounding a concessional loan agreement from the Italian Government to fund the retooling project, which was initiated in 2021.
The project seeks to transform clinical service delivery by equipping the targeted hospitals with modern medical equipment, replacing obsolete tools, and ultimately reducing the all-cause institutional mortality rate.
Speaking during the meeting, Akandoh highlighted key government priorities in the health sector.
These include the construction of six additional regional hospitals in the newly created regions, the upgrading of existing regional hospitals, and the establishment of a 500-bed Children’s and Fertility Centre of Excellence, among other initiatives.
Mr. Akandoh expressed appreciation for Italy’s commitment to Ghana’s health sector, describing the initiative as both timely and critical to enhancing health service delivery across the country. He assured that personnel would be trained to operate and maintain the equipment once procured.
The Italian delegation led by Stefano Gatti, Director General for development cooperation revealed that the Project’s Concept Notes, Pre-feasibility, and Feasibility Studies have all been completed and approved by the Ministry of Finance.
He reaffirmed his government’s readiness to support the initiative through a concessional loan and expressed optimism that the partnership would bring lasting benefits to Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure.
The Ministry remains confident that with continued bilateral cooperation, the project will advance to its implementation phase, ensuring that beneficiary health facilities receive the full complement of equipment required to meet the clinical needs of their patients.
Businessman Mr. Ibrahim Mahama has denied reports linking him to a takeover bid for the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO).
His reaction follows a demonstration by members of the VALCO Labour Union today, during which some protesters alleged that Mr. Mahama was interested in acquiring the state-owned aluminium company.
In a statement issued by his Special Aide, Rafik Mahama, the businessman said he has “no such interest” and has not made any offer to acquire VALCO.
“The allegation is the latest in several vile attempts to impute the integrity of Mr. Ibrahim Mahama and subject him to needless public engagements,” the statement said.
The statement added that Mr. Mahama’s business track record speaks for itself, describing his companies as “some of the best-run operations across the African continent.”
It further noted that all of Mr. Mahama’s business interests were “legally commenced or acquired” and operate within the law a fact it said explains why his businesses have endured across seven election cycles.
“Mr. Mahama remains committed to contributing his quota to the development of Ghana by investing in business opportunities in Ghana and beyond,” the statement added.
The statement also disclosed that Mr. Mahama has instructed his lawyers to take the necessary legal action over the publication and allegations.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The leadership of Kristo Asafo has dismissed reports circulating on social media and in some media outlets that the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka will be buried on July 30, 2026, describing the claim as false.
The current head of the Kantanka family and leader of Kristo Asafo, Kwadwo Safo Akofena Kantanka, addressed the issue during a press conference in Accra today.
He said no burial date has been set and urged members of the church and the general public to disregard any unofficial announcements.
“I urge the members of Kristo Asafo and the nation to disregard any burial date out there,” Akofena said.
He further stressed that neither the leadership of the church nor the Kantanka family has made any such announcement regarding the funeral.
According to him, all official funeral arrangements will be communicated only through a formal statement from the Kantanka family when the time is due.
Akofena Safo Kantanka said the family remains united in ensuring that the final funeral rites are conducted in a manner that befits the legacy of the late Apostle.
He called on Ghanaians to remain calm and wait for the official communication from the family, warning against the spread of misinformation.
Background
Apostle Dr. Ing. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, founder and spiritual leader of Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana, passed away recently, plunging the church and the nation into mourning.
The late Apostle was widely known not only as a religious leader but also as an industrialist, inventor, and founder of the Kantanka Group of Companies, which manufactures vehicles and other machinery in Ghana.
Since his passing, there has been heightened public interest in his funeral arrangements.
It would be recalled that a faction of the siblings and family led by former MP Adwoa Safo had earlier announced a proposed burial date and arrangements.
That announcement, however, has been rejected by the current leadership of both the church and the family.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
