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Kassena-Nankana West selected for Free Primary Health Care initiative
The Kassena-Nankana West District has been selected as one of 150 districts across the country to benefit from the Free Primary Health Care (FPHC) initiative launched by President John Dramani Mahama.
The initiative, launched in April 2026, was part of efforts to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the country.
Addressing the first ordinary meeting of the District Assembly, Mr Stephen Aeke Akurugo, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, announced that the initiative was expected to significantly improve access to healthcare services for residents by providing free essential health services at primary health facilities across the district.
He said the FPHC programme would further strengthen preventive and community-based healthcare through intensified public education campaigns, deployment of community health volunteers, and home visitation services.
To improve outreach, especially in hard-to-reach communities, the DCE, who is a nurse by profession, said the initiative would provide tricycles to support healthcare delivery.
He noted that the programme, when fully implemented, would help address transportation challenges and enhance the overall efficiency of health service delivery across the district.
Mr Akurugo added that the ‘Agenda 111’ hospital project in the district was identified as one of 35 hospitals nationwide to be prioritised for completion during the first phase of the government’s implementation plan.
He said the project, which was about 70 per cent complete, was among the health infrastructure projects highlighted by President Mahama for accelerated completion.
Mr Akurugo said the facility would significantly strengthen healthcare delivery and improve access to quality medical services for residents upon completion.
He told participants at the meeting that the District Health Directorate successfully completed and handed over a children’s ward at the Kassena-Nankana East Health Centre with its Internally Generated Funds (IGF).
He said the new facility was expected to enhance healthcare services for children and reduce pressure on existing health infrastructure.
“However, the office accommodation project initiated by the Directorate with the same funding source remains at the foundation level due to inadequate funds,” he stated. -GNA
AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine has broken ground on a modern 1,500-seater multipurpose assembly hall and a secured main gatehouse for New Edubiase Senior High School, in the Adansi South District.
The project, being executed by local contractor AA Engineering and Construction, is expected to be completed within 17 months and forms part of the Mine’s 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP) — a strategic framework for delivering sustainable development in its host communities.
Beyond the expansive assembly hall, the facility will house a fully integrated administrative complex featuring a dedicated sound room, a 16-seater staff eatery, and suites for the Headmaster and Assistant Headmaster, a bursar’s office, an 18-seater conference room, a 24-seater staff common room, six faculty office spaces and ancillary stores and washrooms.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the Mine’s Director of Sustainability Management, Edmund Oduro Agyei, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to improving educational outcomes in host communities through impactful and sustainable investments.
The Edubiasehene, Guahyia Oduropanin Birikorang, commended the Mine for the investment, saying the project demonstrated that the company’s development agenda extended well beyond its immediate operational areas.
The Headmaster of New Edubiase SHS, Mr Christopher Appiah Mensah, described the intervention as timely and transformative, noting it would address longstanding infrastructure deficits, improve conditions for teaching and learning, and create adequate space for academic and social gatherings.
“This will greatly enhance administrative efficiency and improve the overall welfare of both staff and students,” he said.
The facility is also expected to boost the school’s capacity to host national examinations and major events, and strengthen its standing as a centre of academic excellence within the district.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
Stakeholders have been urged to help raise awareness and eliminate the stigma often associated with clubfoot, a treatable condition which occurs in children.
Parents are to seek early treatment for the condition while policymakers strengthen support for early detection, disability inclusion, and child health services in the country.
Clubfoot is a condition present at birth in which one or both feet are twisted inward and downward. If left untreated, experts say a child may face lifelong challenges with walking, which could affect education, employment, and social inclusion.
In Ghana, an estimated 1,000 babies are said to be born with clubfoot every year.
In commemoration of the World Clubfoot Day, marked on June 3 every year, stakeholders create awareness about the condition and, among other things, celebrate the dedication of health professionals who ensure children receive treatment.
In a release copied to the Ghana News Agency, Nana Afua Adutwumwaa Adjetey, Programme Manager, Ghana Clubfoot Programme, noted that many families were unaware of the free treatment available for the condition in Ghana. 
She observed that the lack of awareness continued to delay treatment for children who could have received prompt and life-changing care at no cost.
Treatment, she said, was provided free of charge for children under age five at Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG–Hope Walks) partner clinics across the country.
More than 9,000 children born with clubfoot had received treatment and care through the programme over the past 18 years.
“The treatment follows the internationally recognised Ponseti Method, which uses a series of gentle casts to gradually correct the position of the foot, followed by a brace to maintain correction and prevent relapse. When treatment begins early, success rates are extremely high,” Madam Adjetey explained.
“For many children, the journey begins with a health worker who identifies clubfoot at birth and makes a referral. A few moments of observation can change the course of a child’s life forever.”
“Clubfoot is not a curse; it is not caused by wrongdoing…it is a medical condition that can be treated successfully. Families should never feel ashamed to seek help.”
The Programme Manager said children born with the condition deserved equal opportunities, dignity, and inclusion, and called on communities to support parents rather than “judge them.” -GNA
