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Ministry of Health hosts forum to drive Universal Coverage
The Ministry of Health (MoH) is taking significant steps towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through a three-day forum focused on strengthening community health systems.
This initiative aims to improve health outcomes by enhancing the Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) program, which has been the foundation of Ghana’s primary care system for over two decades.
Held under the theme; “Achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through Strengthened Community Health Systems for Better Health Outcomes,” the forum commenced with an opening ceremony that brought together key stakeholders from across the health sector.
The discussions at the opening session centred on reflecting on the current state of Ghana’s community health system, identifying existing gaps, sharing best practices, and agreeing on practical next steps to ensure the system reaches its full potential.
In his address at the opening, the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, emphasised the importance of collaboration, innovation, and dialogue in the collective effort towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
He noted that throughout the forum’s duration, participants would engage in insightful discussions, foster partnerships, and explore new approaches to strengthening community health systems as a cornerstone of Universal Health Coverage.
The Minister also acknowledged the persistent challenges that continue to hinder healthcare accessibility, including limited financial access, gaps in service readiness, and inadequate infrastructure.
He underscored the urgent need to address these barriers through strategic investments, targeted policy reforms, and strengthened stakeholder collaboration, the very objective of the forum. “That is the only way to build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable health system for all,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, the Director General and Head of the Division of Community Health Systems and Health Promotion at Africa CDC highlighted the vital role of community health in advancing UHC across the continent.
He remarked, “Community health is not merely a sector it is the heartbeat of our health systems. It connects our citizens to essential services, empowers individuals and families to take charge of their health, and drives progress towards universal health coverage.”
This forum signals a renewed commitment by the MOH and its partners to prioritize community-level healthcare as the foundation for achieving accessible, affordable, and equitable services for all Ghanaians.
As the deliberations continue over the three days, it is expected that the forum will shape actionable strategies and reinforce the country’s determination to deliver health for all, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Ahyiresu and Abofrem, two quiet communities in the Atwima Mponua District, have been shaken to the core by a chilling midnight drama that reads like a nightmare.
A pastor and a young mother stand accused of attempting to bury a five‑month‑old baby girl alive, a crime that has ignited outrage and disbelief across the township.
According to police, Apostle Richmond Akwasi Frimpong, 36, Head Pastor of the Anointed Grace Prayer Ministry at Kuffour Camp, conspired with his uncle Emmanuel Appiah, 53, and the child’s mother, 23‑year‑old Beatrice Agyapomaa, to dispose of the infant, Anaya Achiaa, under the cover of darkness.
A fourth suspect, Emmanuel Donkor, remains on the run.
The suspects were caught near a refuse dump around 10 pm on April 9, 2026, after a vigilant resident, Akwasi Twezor, noticed their suspicious movements.
When confronted, they claimed the child was already dead and had palace approval for burial. But Twezor’s instincts proved right—the baby was still alive, gasping faintly for breath.
Chief Linguist, Nana Yaw Badu, later confirmed that Frimpong had misled him earlier in the evening, securing permission for burial by falsely declaring the child dead.
The infant was rushed to the Abofrem Clinic, where she is now responding well to treatment. Police described her as “very beautiful.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Evelyn Yitamkey, Commander of DOVVSU in Bibiani, confirmed that the suspects have been provisionally charged.
Frimpong faces attempted murder and conspiracy charges, while Agyapomaa and Appiah are charged with conspiracy and abetment.
They were remanded by the Bibiani Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Frank Asiedu Nimako, to assist investigations.
The docket has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for advice, ASP Yitamkey indicated.
The attempted crime has provoked fury among residents, many suspecting ritual motives aimed at bolstering the pastor’s influence.
Crowds attempted to attack the suspects outside court, but police intervention prevented mob justice.
The Assembly Member for Ahyiresu, Yusuf Suleiman, has assured residents that justice will be pursued swiftly.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
The forecourt of the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) in Accra came alive on Friday with colour, creativity and innovation, as Level 300 students transformed the space into a lively exhibition of ideas.
Under the theme “Building meaningful brands beyond the logo,” the students invited patrons into a world where ordinary products were reimagined through storytelling, design and purpose.
From scented candles to innovative food concepts, each stand told a unique story, one that went beyond aesthetics to capture identity, value and human connection.
For many of the students, the event was more than just an academic exercise; it was a moment to dream out loud.
Guided by their lecturer, Peter Wonders, they explored what it truly means to build a brand in today’s competitive world where trust, consistency and experience matter just as much as logos and slogans.
Chairman of the occasion, Nana Kum Gyata VI, in his remarks said a brand is what people say about you when you are not present.
At the end of the presentations, awards were presented to deserving groups with Vida Nyaneba emerging as the overall best branding student.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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