News
Ministry of Health hosts forum to drive Universal Coverage
- /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/9da66508-a962-4009-822e-90637bd01fdf-1-960x600.jpeg&description=Ministry of Health hosts forum to drive Universal Coverage', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/9da66508-a962-4009-822e-90637bd01fdf-1-960x600.jpeg&description=Ministry of Health hosts forum to drive Universal Coverage', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
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.
The Bono Regional Drug Law Enforcement Unit has arrested a 66-year-old woman and her 29-year-old son after police allegedly found suspected Indian hemp, Tramadol and other restricted drugs in their rooms at Dormaa Ahenkro.
The suspects, Mary Awuni and Maxwell Akukah, were arrested during an intelligence-led operation at Kumi Daa Street, a suburb of the Dormaa Central Municipality.
According to the Bono Regional Police Command, a search conducted in their rooms led to the recovery of 147 yellow compressed slabs wrapped in sellotape and suspected to be Indian hemp.
Police also retrieved 270 boxes and 329 blisters of assorted Tramadol, 14 blisters of Rohypnol, GH¢87,751 and CFA 2,000.
The police explained that Mary Awuni was found with a metal trunk containing the 14 blisters of Rohypnol, GH¢72,612 and CFA 2,000.
She allegedly told investigators that the items and money had been given to her by a man in Accra to be delivered to another person in Côte d’Ivoire. However, she admitted ownership of the items found in her room.
Her son, Maxwell Akukah, was arrested in a separate room where the suspected Indian hemp, Tramadol and GH¢15,139 were found.
He allegedly claimed that the items belonged to his brother, Anthony, who was said to be outside Dormaa Ahenkro.
In a press release issued on September 4, the Bono Regional Police Command stated that the two suspects remain in custody and are assisting with investigations.
The police added that investigations were ongoing to identify and prosecute all persons found to be involved.
The Command assured the public of its commitment to combating narcotics-related offences and urged residents to provide credible information to help police protect communities and maintain public safety.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ashanti Region have been crowned champions of the 2026 MTN Elite U-19 Championship after edging defending champions Eastern Region 4-3 in a pulsating final at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence, Prampram.
The final provided a fitting climax to 11 days of exciting football, delivering a seven-goal thriller at the GFA Technical Centre on Friday.
In a contest full of attacking intent and drama, Eastern Region fought back three times but Ashanti held their nerve to dethrone the holders and send the trophy to Kumasi.
Ashanti made a blistering start and took the lead in the 7th minute through Mohammed Dayvon. Eastern responded quickly, with Umar Archraf levelling matters in the 12th minute.
Issah Seidu restored Ashanti’s advantage six minutes later, but Tetteh Narh again drew Eastern level at 2-2 before the break in what was a fiercely contested first half.
The second half followed a similar pattern. Elvis Kwarteng put Ashanti ahead for the third time in the 78th minute with a performance that would later earn him the Final’s Most Valuable Player award.
Eastern refused to give up and equalised again three minutes later to make it 3-3, setting up a tense finish.
But their joy was short-lived. Substitute Emmanuel Boateng struck the winner in the 82nd minute to seal a dramatic 4-3 victory for Ashanti.
Eastern piled on pressure in the closing stages, but Raphael Amankwah’s side stayed resolute to see out the win.
The triumph capped an impressive campaign for Ashanti, who showed consistency and resilience throughout the tournament.
Individual Honours
Elvis Kwarteng was named Most Valuable Player of the final, while Central Region’s Desmond Korlettey was adjudged Overall Most Valuable Player after winning four MVP awards during the tournament.
Central Region also picked up the Fair Play award, while Ashanti’s Raphael Amankwah was named Best Coach.
Kelvin Osei Owusu of Ashanti won Best Goalkeeper, with Greater Accra’s Dennis Adjei finishing as Top Scorer with six goals.
The closing ceremony was led by Chairman of the Championship Committee, Hon. Eric Edem Agbana, and MTN representative Andy Cofie, joined by Executive Council members Samuel Aboabire and Eugene Noel Nobel, Juvenile Committee Vice-Chairman Samuel Anim Addo and Black Satellites head coach Maxwell Konadu.
Reserved exclusively for Second Division players, the championship once again proved a vital platform for discovering and showcasing Ghana’s next generation of talent.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
