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Caution: Avoid recreational drugs for healthy life – Physician Specialist

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● Dr Ken Amaniampong
Though Christmas is characterised by merrymaking, revellers, individuals and social groups have been warned against recreational drugs which have negative effect on human health.
Dr. Ken Amaniampong, a Family Physician Specialist with Jubail Specialist Hospital at Sakumono has admonished the public to refrain from drugs because their effect was very dangerous and could lead to various health complications including lung cancer.
According to the Specialist, “marijuana, an example of a recreational drug is causing more harm to the youth who are abusing it for fun or lifestyle”.
He added that, smoking of any form including shisha and e-cigarettes was detrimental to one’s health irrespective of the age because it only led to diseases that could place a toll on an individual’s life, even at a treatment stage.
Dr. Amaniampong said “Smoking only increases one’s risk of heart disease, stroke, and different types of cancer among others, and affects the fertility of the smoker and also delays conception”.
He highlighted that recreational drugs were ranged from analgesics, depressants, stimulants to hallucinogens.
Analgesics, he said, were narcotics including heroin, morphine, codeine which affected the central nervous system of the human.
Depressants, according to the Physician Specialist were drugs such as alcohol, nicotine, tranquillisers among others which slowed down the function of the central nervous system.
Hallucinogens, he stated, affected an individual’s senses and changed the way “one sees, hears, tastes, smells and feels things” and enumerated some of the drugs that caused these awful changes of one’s senses, as mescaline, ketamine, PCP among others.
Dr. Amaniampong admonished Ghanaians to have a regular check up to identify any shortcomings in their health and wellness at an early stage for treatment.
He cautioned the youth to avoid irrelevant lifestyles that would only put them at risk of contracting complications that would require huge amount of money for treatment.
“Whatever bad lifestyle you practise in the present, has an effect on your future, so eschew all forms of lifestyle that pose danger to your health”, he said.
He indicated that one could develop high blood pressure, rapid or irregular heartbeat kidney or liver damage, respiratory difficulties and cardiovascular diseases from abusing recreational drugs.
By Alfred Nii Arday Ankrah
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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
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NPP suspends Greater Accra campaigns ahead of “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has directed all aspirants campaigning in the Greater Accra Region to suspend their campaign activities on August 5 and 6 and instead mobilise supporters for the party’s planned “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration.
The directive was issued by the party’s National Steering Committee in a statement signed by the NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of efforts to ensure a strong turnout for the demonstration, which is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2026.
The party said the protest would begin at 5:00 a.m., with participants expected to gather at the Supreme Court in Accra.
It further directed Regional, Constituency and Polling Station Executives in Greater Accra to work closely to mobilise members and supporters for the event.
“The National Steering Committee is calling on all aspirants currently campaigning across the Greater Accra Region to temporarily suspend their campaign activities on the 5th and 6th of August and join in mobilising support for the upcoming demonstration,” the statement noted.
The NPP appealed to party members and supporters to remain peaceful, disciplined and orderly throughout the protest.
The demonstration forms part of the party’s response to concerns it has raised over issues relating to Ghana’s democratic governance and the justice system.
The NPP leadership expressed confidence that party members would cooperate fully to ensure a successful and peaceful event.
By: Jacob Aggrey




