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Health Minister addresses Parliament on Long-term measures to address rising monkey pox cases
In an address to Parliament, the Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, emphasized the growing concern over the re-emergence of monkeypox in the country.
He recalled that Ghana recorded its first cases during the 2022 global outbreak, confirming 128 cases and four deaths between 2022 and 2023.
An additional five cases were reported in 2024. Zunotic diseases such as Monkeypox, he noted, remain a significant global public health concern.
The current outbreak began on May 13, 2025, with two confirmed cases identified in the Accra Metropolitan Assembly.
As of June 9, a total of 85 cases have been recorded across 10 regions and 30 districts, greater Accra, Western, and Western North regions are most affected.
According to the Minister, the government responded promptly with a structured, multiple approach at all levels.
This approach includes improved coordination, enhanced surveillance, strengthened laboratory services, effective case management, risk communication, and the activation of public health emergency teams.
“These teams are fully operational, ensuring the availability of essential logistics such as personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect frontline health workers “he stated.
The Minister attributed the rise in monkey pox case detection to better surveillance systems, expanded testing capacity, and rigorous contact tracing.
However, he warned that to sustain this progress, it is vital to replenish essential laboratory supplies.
To further control the spread of the disease, the Ghana Health Service, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has intensified public education efforts.
Through partnerships with civil society organizations (CSOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the media, preventive messages are being amplified nationwide.
“Mr. Speaker,” the Minister stated, “while we address the current outbreak, we are also laying the groundwork for long-term preparedness.”
These long-term measures include building capacity, pre-positioning logistics, sustaining integrated surveillance, exploring innovative financing mechanisms, and considering targeted vaccination for high-risk groups.
The Health Minister respectively urged the Members of Parliament to support ongoing efforts by promoting key preventive messages and supporting health directorates within their constituencies.
He concluded that “I wish to assure this honorable house and the people of Ghana that the health sector remains fully committed to containing this outbreak.”
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Invest in the welfare of children – UNICEF
The Country Representative for United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Ghana, Mr. Osama Makkawi Khogali, has urged the government and other stakeholders to invest more in the welfare of children.
He explained that Africa was home to a growing number of children, and by the year 2050, four out of every 10 children in the world will live in Africa.
This, he said, was a major reason why more investments are needed in children’s education, health, nutrition, safety, digital access, and job training.
Mr Khogali said this in a statement copied to The Spectator in Accra on Monday June 16 to commemorate the Day of the African Child.
Every year on June 16, the Day of the African Child is celebrated to remember the brave children of the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa. These children stood up against unfair education and fought for their rights. Today, the day reminds everyone to stand up for the rights and welfare of African children.
Mr. Khogali said, “we must act now so that children would not only survive but grow and succeed. Africa’s future is global, and it begins with the children of today.”
The Country Representative for UNICEF said, in Ghana, children make up about 45 per cent of the country’s population, indicating that the future of Ghana depends heavily on how well children were supported and protected today.
He therefore called on governments, communities, families, and individuals to work together and make sure every child has access to good education, health care, safety, and opportunities.
“Helping children now is the smartest way to build a strong and successful country,” he added.
UNICEF is the world’s leading children’s organisation. It works in over 190 countries to protect children’s rights and ensure that every child has the chance to live, grow, and reach their full potential.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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First Lady, Lordina Mahama address 7th Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit in Dubai
The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana on Wednesday, June 18, addressed the prestigious 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit in Dubai.
The programme held at Hilton Hotel was attended by First Ladies from about 15 African and Asian countries.
The First Lady shared insights on strengthening healthcare systems, empowering women, and celebrating the impactful partnership between Ghana and the Merck Foundation over the past 13 years.
Mrs Mahama also underscored the critical role of First Ladies as Ambassadors for the “More Than a Mother” campaign, working to break the stigma around infertility and promote gender equality.
At the Committee Meeting held on Thursday, June 19, Mrs.Lordina Mahama through her presentation showed video documentary of her varied projects aimed at impacting lives.
The documentary showcased her extensive works in Education, health and other sectors of the country.
This received applauds and commendation from her colleague First Ladies and leadership of Merck Foundation.
Expressing gratitude to the Merck Foundation, she reiterated her and the Lordina Foundation’s commitment to strengthening collaboration for enhanced initiatives in health, education, and combating social stigma across Ghana.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme, Dubai
