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AMA ‘de-rats’ major markets in Accra
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A staff of AMA spraying the market
As part of measures to control rodent infestation in some major markets in the capital city, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has conducted a ‘de-ratting exercise’ to ensure a safer and healthier environment.
The exercise was conducted at the 31st December Market, Agbogbloshie and Makola No 2. markets.
Speaking to the Spectator in Accra, the Head of Public Affairs of the AMA, Gilbert Nii Ankrah said some of the health risk associated with rodent infested markets were food contamination, leptospirosis (a bacterial disease spread through the urine of infected animals), hantavirus (a family of viruses spread mainly by rodents and can cause varied disease syndromes in people) and allergies.
He said rodents also gnaw on structures, wiring, and packaging materials, potentially causing damage to buildings and creating fire hazards if they chew on electrical wiring,” he added.
According to Mr Ankrah, rodent were highly adaptable creatures that often carry bait to their nests located far from where they originally encounter it and making it challenging to control their population effectively, hence the use of the systemic and gradual killing,” Mr Ankrah said.
He said before the operation, Public Health Officers conducted a comprehensive assessment of each market to identify rat-infested areas, entry points, and potential breeding grounds, adding that despite awareness campaigns, achieving universal compliance with hygiene practices among vendors proved challenging.
He pointed out that the assembly, as part of measures to address factors that may cause the increase in rodent population in the market, had established a routine de-ratting schedule to prevent infestation and was redeveloping the markets to eliminate entry points for rats.
He added that the assembly was educating traders on proper waste disposal and hygiene practices, emphasising that the success of the initiative does not only hinge on the efficacy of the gradual poisoning method, but on the collaborative efforts of the community.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
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Justin Kodua Frimpong files nomination to seek re-election as NPP General Secretary

General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, has filed his nomination to contest the position of General Secretary again as the party begins its rebuilding efforts ahead of the 2028 general elections.
He was accompanied by party stalwarts and supporters who were in high spirits, expressing confidence that he is the right person to hold the position.
Speaking after filing his nomination, Mr Kodua Frimpong assured the rank and file of the party that he would not disappoint them.
“I can assure you that the faith the rank and file of the party have had in me, I will never disappoint them,” he said.
He also pledged to run a clean campaign devoid of personal attacks.
“I can assure you that our internal campaign will be devoid of personal attacks,” he told his fellow contestants and the rank and file of the party as he seeks to retain his position.
His tenure has seen the party through the 2024 general elections, where the NPP lost power to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) after eight years in government.
The party is currently in a rebuilding phase, with internal elections scheduled to elect new national executives to lead its reorganization towards the 2028 polls.
The General Secretary position is considered one of the most influential in the party’s administrative structure, responsible for the day-to-day running of the party secretariat and implementation of party decisions.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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UGMC disputes Michael Blackson’s claims over late mother’s treatment

The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has disputed claims made on social media by comedian Michael Blackson concerning the treatment given to his late mother, saying a review found that the allegations did not accurately reflect what happened during her stay at the hospital.
In a statement issued in Accra on August 5, 2026, the management of UGMC expressed condolences to Mr. Blackson and his family over the death of his 83-year-old mother, who died at the facility on July 16, 2026.
The hospital said it had taken the concerns raised by Mr. Blackson seriously and conducted a thorough review in line with its clinical and administrative procedures.
According to the statement, the facts presented by Mr. Blackson on social media contained “numerous inaccuracies” and did not accurately reflect the medical care provided to his mother.
UGMC explained that she was referred to the facility from another hospital and received treatment there from May 27 to July 16, 2026, a period of about eight weeks.
The hospital stated that it would not release details of her diagnosis, treatment, medical records or other aspects of her care because it had a duty to protect patient confidentiality, even after death.
It said the decision was intended to respect the dignity of the deceased and the privacy of her family.
UGMC further stated that all clinical decisions at the facility are made by qualified healthcare professionals based on medical judgment, established standards of care and the best interests of the patient.
The statement added that such decisions are made in consultation with authorised family representatives where necessary and that billing and financial procedures are governed by institutional policies and are separate from clinical decision-making.
The hospital noted that it values feedback from patients and their families and considers both positive and negative comments important for improving the quality of care.
Mr. Blackson had earlier used social media to criticise the care his mother received at UGMC, prompting the hospital’s response.
By: Jacob Aggrey




