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CAF medical seminar for WAFU Zone B has ended
Ghana’s male U-17 team doctor, Ernest Anim Opare, has successfully participated in a four-day medical seminar organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The seminar, held under the auspices of the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B took place in the Burkina Faso capital, Ouagadougou, from April 23-26, 2024.
Dr Anim Opare was among a cohort of high-profile medical doctors that took part in the workshop in the build-up to the 2024 CAF/WAFU-B U17 tournament to be held in Ghana from May15-28 in Accra.
The seminar focused on the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and fitness protocols captured in the Pre-Competition Medical Assessment (PCMA) in determining the eligibility of the U-17 players.
The CAF Executive decision (2023) regarding player eligibility for U17 tournaments remains in effect, emphasizing the use of MRI screenings to verify player age.
It was reiterated at the seminar that, for the qualifying phase, an eligibility test will be compulsorily performed for all the participating teams before the start of matches.
All tests will be performed according to the CAF protocol in health facilities and duly accredited centres with MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) equipment.
CAF reserves the right to conduct the eligibility test (MRI) for the tournament as well as the final phase for the twelve teams qualified to the CAF U17 AFCON tournament, where all costs of the MRI tests will be covered by CAF.
Again, after performing MRI tests for participating teams, no country will be allowed to replace an ineligible player.
The seminar touched on the importance of team doctors in educating players about the dangers and consequences of doping violations. Doctors are also to provide assent for minors selected for doping tests and to stay informed about the sample collection process and anti-doping procedures to support their players effectively.
With the conclusion of this medical seminar, it is anticipated that all participating teams are up to speed with all medical requirements and protocols for the upcoming WAFU B U-17 tournament.
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Health Minister leads delegation Mimi Darko’s appointment as AMA Director General
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Health and Member of Parliament has led a delegation to secure the appointment of Dr Delese Mimi Darko, Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority, as the Director General of the African Medicines Agency (AMA) during the ongoing 2nd Ordinary Session of the Conference of State Parties in Kigali, Rwanda.
This prestigious appointment, achieved through a competitive process, marks a proud and historic moment for Ghana and the entire continent.
It highlights Dr. Darko’s exceptional leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to enhancing public health and regulatory systems across Africa.
The Minister expressed his deep appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for his strong support and leadership throughout this process.
Mr.Akandoh congratulated Dr. Mimi Darko and Team Ghana for their incredibly successful campaign.
The AMA was established by the African Union on November 5, 2021, with the primary objective of improving access to quality, safe, and effective medical products throughout the continent. Its creation aims to facilitate the regulation and oversight of essential medicines at a continental level while promoting collaboration among African countries and regions.
The Agency’s mission is to provide leadership in creating an enabling regulatory environment for the pharmaceutical sector in Africa, ensuring that the African population has access to essential medical products and technologies.
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Police arrest five suspects involved in robbery cases in Ashanti Region
The Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) in the Ashanti Region has informed the public about a recent breakthrough in the fight against armed robbery in the Denchemuoso District.
Following a series of robbery incidents in the area, on April 22, 2025, PID/Ashanti operatives, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended one Michael Owusu Ansah, alias Baby Last, aged 32.
The suspect had been on the police wanted list since 2016 in connection with a robbery and the murder of Police Officer G/Cpl Frank Essel of SWAT/Ashanti, which occurred at the Open Space Hotel in Denchemuoso on May 19, 2016.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to engaging in multiple street and residential robberies in Denchemuoso, Atwima-Techiman, Asuoyeboah, and surrounding areas.
He also disclosed that his gang operated with knives, pistols, and pump-action guns.
Further investigations led to the identification and arrest of his accomplices, namely:Emmanuel Owusu, alias Cassidy, Maxwell Gyimah, alias Nana Kwame, Sudais Oxford Ntiamoah, alias The Man Sudais and Rhano Okyere, alias Demon
These individuals were arrested from their hideouts within Atwima-Techiman and Denchemuoso.
However, one suspect, remains at large and efforts are underway to apprehend him and recover the weapons used in the robberies.
All five arrested suspects were arraigned before the Atasomanso Circuit Court on May 13, 2025.
They were remanded into police custody and are scheduled to reappear on June 4, 2025.
