News
Ministry of Health collaborates with KOFIH to commission state-of-the-art model healthcare facility
The Ministry of Health (MoH), in collaboration with the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH), has commissioned a state-of-the-art model healthcare facility in Abotia Kpota, Volta Region.
This milestone is expected to enhance healthcare delivery in the region and significantly improve access to quality medical services.
During the ceremony, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh stated that the newly established health facility aims to provide quality healthcare services to the local community, thereby bridging the gap in healthcare access and enhancing health outcomes in the region.
He commended the Republic of South Korea for being a strong ally of the Government of Ghana and also acknowledged the various developmental programs that South Korea has supported, notably through funding, technical assistance, and grants, which have significantly contributed to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“This collaborative effort between the MoH and KOFIH demonstrates the Government’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system and improving the overall well-being of its citizens,” he stated.
The Minister reassured the public that the Ministry is committed to ensuring collective participation from all, emphasizing that achieving high-quality Universal Health Coverage requires strong community involvement under the leadership of traditional leaders.
He assured the public that the Ministry would continue to monitor and support the facility to ensure its sustainability.
The health center is equipped with modern medical equipment and staffed by trained healthcare professionals. It will provide a variety of services, including maternal and child healthcare, general outpatient and inpatient services, laboratory services, and community-based health programs.
His Excellency Kyongsig Park, the South Korean ambassador to Ghana, announced that KOFIH plans to soon expand the Ho Teaching Hospital due to the strong bilateral ties between Ghana and Korea.
As part of the event, a newly established Biomedical Engineering Unit was commissioned in the Volta Regional Health Directorate.
This Unit, supported by KOFIH, ensures proper maintenance and management of medical equipment, ultimately improving the efficiency of healthcare services in the region.
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, also paid a courtesy call on the Volta Regional Minister,James Gunu, highlighting the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure in the region.
The Director of the Public Health Division of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant and observe good hygiene during the flooding and rainy season to prevent a cholera outbreak.
According to him, although flooding in some parts of the country has subsided, the risk of cholera remains because the conditions that promote the spread of the disease still exist.
“The risk of cholera still exists,” Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe said, explaining that cholera is closely linked to unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation.
Speaking on 3 FM on Thursday, he cautioned the public against becoming complacent a few days or weeks after the floods, stressing that people should continue to be careful about the food they eat and the water they drink.
“I want to urge Ghanaians to be careful what we eat and drink. Let’s not assume that because the flood came last week, we can lower our guard,” he said.
Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe noted that countries with access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation have largely eliminated cholera, adding that Ghana still has challenges in those areas.
He therefore advised the public to maintain high standards of personal hygiene, especially by washing their hands regularly with soap and clean water.
According to him, handwashing remains the most effective and affordable way to reduce the spread of cholera and other infectious diseases.
“The most cost-effective intervention is handwashing with soap and water,” he said.
According to him “That does not depend on whether there are floods or not. Make sure you wash your hands regularly with soap and water.”
He called on Ghanaians to maintain clean surroundings and practise proper sanitation to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks during the rainy season.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Supreme Court has dismissed all four suits challenging the removal of Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkonoo from office as Chief Justice.
The court delivered its rulings earlier this morning, ending the legal challenge at the domestic level.
This follows last week’s judgement by the ECOWAS Court, which also rejected applications seeking to overturn Justice Torkonoo’s removal.
Each of the four cases filed at the Supreme Court argued against the processes that led to Justice Torkonoo’s exit. The court, however, found no legal basis to grant relief and dismissed each application in its entirety.
In a brief statement by the Deputy Attorney-General Jusrice Srem-Sai after the rulings, he expressed appreciation to the legal team.
“Gratitude to our team of State Attorneys and members of staff,” he posted on Facebook, acknowledging their role in defending the state’s position through both ECOWAS and Supreme Court proceedings.
Background
Justice Gertrude Torkonoo was removed from office as Chief Justice following proceedings initiated earlier this year.
The move triggered multiple legal challenges, including four separate suits at the Supreme Court and petitions before the ECOWAS Court of Justice.
Both courts have now ruled against the challengers.
Last week, the ECOWAS Court dismissed the regional applications, and this morning’s Supreme Court decision closes the matter in Ghana.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
