News
No case of Leprosy recorded at Manhyia hospital for 5 years
The Manhyia government hospital in Kumasi, has not recorded any leprosy case for more than five years.
Mrs Evelyn Amponsah, the Disease Control Officer of the hospital who made this known, attributed it to the intense and continuing sensitisation efforts directed towards both the health workers and the public.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency at the hospital in Kumasi, she noted that, the hospital management had been unwavering in its commitment to ensure that all patients who visit the facility were thoroughly educated about Leprosy, its symptoms, and preventive measures.
This proactive approach had not only contributed to the absence of new cases but has also fostered a better understanding of the disease among community members, she added
The GNA visited the facility to gain insight into leprosy situation as the world observed leprosy day, which fell on January 25, 2026.
World Leprosy Day is marked on the last Sunday of January every year.
The Day serves as a vital opportunity to celebrate the resilience and strength of individuals who have experienced leprosy, while also raising awareness about the disease itself.
It also calls for a collective effort to eradicate the stigma and discrimination that often accompany leprosy, which can lead to isolation and suffering for those affected.
The theme for World Leprosy Day 2026 is ‘Leprosy is curable, the real challenge is stigma.’
Mrs Amponsah further indicated that the theme served as a clarion call to action, aiming to enhance public knowledge about leprosy, underscored the challenges faced by individuals affected by the disease, and encourage collaborative efforts to eliminate leprosy altogether.
She emphasised that the stigma associated with leprosy was frequently cited by those affected as one of their most significant challenges, making it imperative that society worked towards fostering acceptance and understanding.
She also provided important information about the transmission of leprosy, noting that, while it was not entirely clear how the disease spreads, it was believed that when an infected person coughs or sneezes, they release droplets containing the Mycobacterium leprae bacteria, which could then be inhaled by another person.
Casual interactions such as shaking hands, hugging, or sitting next to someone on public transport do not pose a risk of spreading the disease, she noted
In light of this, Mrs Amponsah strongly advised the public to seek immediate medical attention at the hospital if they observed any signs that might indicate leprosy, such as a noticeable loss of eyebrows and/or eyelashes, persistent sores on the soles of the feet that fail to heal, or deformities accompanied by pain, redness, or burning sensations in the nose, hands, and feet.–GNA
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President John Dramani Mahama has visited the Akosombo Dam to assess the impact of a fire incident at a substation operated by the Ghana Grid Company.
The fire is reported to have caused the loss of more than 1,000 megawatts from the national power grid, affecting electricity supply in parts of the country.
During the visit, he inspected ongoing restoration works and received briefings from engineers on efforts to restore power. He commended them for what he described as a swift and professional response to the situation.
According to him, the government remains committed to restoring stable electricity supply as quickly as possible.
He added that steps are also being taken to strengthen the resilience of Ghana’s energy infrastructure to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Ghana Grid Company has not yet provided a detailed timeline for full restoration, but work is ongoing to bring affected systems back on stream.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ghana’s Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, says he and his deputy have publicly filed their annual tax returns to demonstrate leadership and encourage compliance among citizens.
In a facebook post, he explained that the move was meant to show that public officials must lead by example when it comes to fulfilling civic duties.
“Leadership must be demonstrated, not declared,” he said.
He commended Ghanaian taxpayers for their continued contribution to national development, noting that tax compliance plays a key role in sustaining government activities.
According to him, paying taxes is both a legal and moral responsibility. He stressed that all citizens, including public officials, professionals, and businesses, are equal before the law and must meet their tax obligations.
He added that tax revenue is essential for funding key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security.
The minister praised the Ghana Revenue Authority for its work, especially during the ongoing Tax and Good Governance Month in April. He said the initiative helps to educate the public and promote voluntary compliance.
He urged the authority to intensify public education and continue reforms aimed at simplifying tax processes, reducing compliance costs, and improving transparency.
He further encouraged individuals and businesses that are yet to file their returns to do so promptly, adding that support systems and digital platforms are available to assist them.
He said building a strong tax culture would strengthen the country’s economy, improve accountability, and promote fairness in society.
By: Jacob Aggrey
