Connect with us

News

Early Testing Saves Lives- First Lady stresses at Free Health Screening for vulnerable groups

First Lady, Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama, on Friday, addressed beneficiaries at a comprehensive free public health screening event, emphasising the vital importance of early testing and proactive health management, especially for vulnerable populations within the community.

The event, a collaboration between the Office of the First Lady and the Ghana AIDS Commission, provided essential health services to various community members, including hairdressers, tailors, head-porters (kayayee), and market women.

Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Mahama underscored the purpose of the outreach, “We are here for a very important reason. For the health of our people, especially young people, women, and vulnerable groups in our communities,” she stated. “We aim to raise awareness, offer free check-ups, provide medical advice and counselling, and help more people take care of their health.”

The First Lady said many people may be living with serious health conditions without realising it, making such screening exercises essential.

According to her,“Sometimes, people are living with these conditions and do not even know it. That is why today’s health screening is very important,” she explained. “It provides an opportunity to get tested free of charge, know about their health, and take the necessary steps to maintain their health.”

Advertisement

She stressed the life-saving potential of early detection, saying “Early testing saves lives. Knowing your health status early enables you to start treatment early and prevent serious complications. Testing early can also help us to protect our loved ones.”

Mrs. Mahama said, “For example, when people living with HIV get to know their status early, they can receive the right care and support, which will make them live long and healthy lives. But this can only happen if you get tested.”

The free health services provided at the event included HIV and syphilis screening, BMI and nutrition counselling, blood pressure checks and assessments for other medical conditions, and breast cancer screening.

Beneficiaries received awareness training on HIV/AIDS preventive measures and the importance of early antenatal care to prevent mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy.

Advertisement

Directing her message towards the younger generation present, the First Lady called for greater health consciousness. “I want to address the young people here directly. You are the future of this country. Your energy, your dreams and your well-being matter,” she said.


“However, many young people today are falling ill, sometimes due to a lack of access to the right information, services, or support they need. That must change. And it starts with talking openly to people who can help you, and by having a medical check at least once a year,” She added.

First Lady,  encouraged attendees to take full advantage of the services offered free of charge.

She further added that “Today, you can check your HIV status, your blood pressure and sugar levels, and even be screened for breast cancer, right here at this event, all for free… I therefore encourage you all to take advantage of these services. Feel free to ask any questions that come to mind. We are here for you.”

Advertisement

Mrs. Mahama also highlighted broader government efforts aimed at improving access to and outcomes in healthcare. She mentioned the recently launched Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as MahamaCares.

“When this fund is fully operational, it will bring relief to many people suffering from non-communicable diseases,” she noted, adding that it will help diagnose and treat conditions like heart illnesses, kidney disease, and various cancers.

She also referenced the upcoming Free Primary Healthcare Programme, which she said will “enhance awareness of the health status of our citizens and contribute to disease prevention.”

“Together, we can create a Ghana where every person knows their health status. Where every pregnant woman gets the care she needs, and where every child is born healthy and free from infection,” she concluded.

Advertisement

Deputy Chief of Staff, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo was an integral member of the planning team.

News

Parliament adjourns over Akwatia MP’s death

Parliament adjourned shortly yesterday after the Minority Leader,  Alexander Afenyo-Markin sadly informed the House about the sudden death of the Member of Parliament of Akwatia Hon. Ernest Kumi.

Ernest Kumi was reported dead at the early hours of yesterday after short illness.

According to the Minority Leader, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Caucus, Akwatia Constituency and the Parliament of Ghana have been hit by the death of  Ernest Kumi. He made the House aware that Ernest Kumi was seen going about his parliamentary duties whole-heartedly last week.

The Minority Leader later appealed to the First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor who was in the Chair to adjourn the House to allow Members console themselves.

Advertisement

“Colleagues let’s take heart as we continue our service to mother Ghana” he consoled his colleagues.

Commenting on the sad news, the Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga described the moment as one of the saddest days of Ghana’s Parliament. He used the opportunity to extend condolences on behalf of the House to the immediate family of Hon. Ernest Kumi.

He later agreed to the appeal of the Minority Leader to adjourned the House and continue public business and proceedings tomorrow Tuesday  July 8, 2025.

The House observed a minute of silence in memory of the late MP for Akwatia Ernest Kumi and adjourned.

Advertisement

The leadership of the House is expected to visit the family of the late MP and commiserate with them at the appropriate time.

Continue Reading

News

Dr. Tony Aubyn to Lead Planning Committee for 2025 Champion of Champions Clash

Dr. Tony Aubyn has been named as the head of a five-member committee tasked with planning the 2025 Champion of Champions match between Bibiani GoldStars and Asante Kotoko.

The Champion of Champions fixture traditionally kicks off the new football season by pitting the Ghana Premier League champions against the MTN FA Cup winners in a high-profile showdown.

Bibiani GoldStars clinched their maiden Premier League title at the end of the 2024/25 season, following a remarkable campaign that saw them rise above Ghanaian football giants.

Asante Kotoko, on the other hand, secured the 2025 MTN FA Cup title, adding another feather to their rich history and setting up a tantalizing clash with the newly crowned league champions.

Advertisement

Dr. Aubyn, a former GFA Executive Council member and seasoned football administrator, will oversee a team that is expected to determine the date, venue, and overall organization of the much-anticipated encounter. His leadership is expected to ensure a professional and exciting event that will set the tone for the 2025/26 football season.

The planning committee’s responsibilities will go beyond logistics, encompassing security, media coverage, ticketing, hospitality, and fan engagement.

 The GFA is keen on turning the Champion of Champions into a marquee fixture that celebrates Ghana’s football excellence while providing a festive atmosphere for fans across the country.

Wilson Arthur will serve as the Vice Chairman of the committee. Arthur is currently the Chairman of the MTN FA Cup Committee and has been greatly applauded by many for how his team staged the 2025 MTN FA Cup final.

Advertisement

Other members of the committee include Frank Nelson Nwokolo, a member of the MTN FA Cup Committee, Akwasi Adu, CEO of Bibiani Goldstars and Richard Akoto, Accounts Manager of Kumasi Asante Kotoko.

This year’s edition holds extra significance as it features a debutant league winner in Bibiani GoldStars, going up against one of the most decorated clubs in Ghanaian football. The fixture promises both drama and quality, as both teams aim to assert their dominance ahead of the new season.

Details on the match date and venue are expected to be announced soon. The GFA is confident that the committee, under Dr. Aubyn’s guidance, will deliver a successful event that lives up to its billing as the true curtain-raiser for Ghana football.

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending