News
Parliament passes Ghana Medical Trust Fund Bill
Parliament has passed the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares) Bill under certificate of urgency.
Presenting the report of the Health Committee to the House, the Chairman, Nawaane Kurt Mark noted that the purpose of the Bill is to establish the Ghana Medical Trust Fund to mobilise resources to finance and support the provision of specialized medical care for the treatment of persons with chronic diseases and to provide for the management of the fund.
He added that Government has identified key challenges and gaps in access to specialized medical care in the country.
These challenges include the concentration of specialist services in urban areas, limited diagnostic equipment, inadequate data systems and the high cost of treatment of chronic diseases, which often leads to catastrophic household expenditure.
He pointed out that households with patients with chronic diseases risk falling into poverty within five years of diagnosis.
“The Bill, therefore, seeks to provide statutory backing for the Ghana Medical Trust Fund and set out the arrangements for management of the Fund.,’ he stated.
The Minister of Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh was at hand to suggest proposed clauses to amend the Bill at the consideration stages before the passage of the Bill.
News
Street Academy distributes learning material to over 200 pupils
The Street Academy in Accra last weekend distributed exercise books, pens and other learning material to over 200 pupils from the Academy and neigbouring children within the vicinity.
The gesture was an annual activity of the Academy to commemorate its ‘Back-to-School’ programme aimed at equipping children with essential school supplies as they prepare for the new academic year.
Held at the precincts of the Academy, it brought smiles to the faces of the children most of whom were drawn from the streets.
Each beneficiary was presented with items such as notebooks, exercise books, pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, rulers, mathematical sets, and other school essentials, ensuring they were well-prepared to begin their studies with confidence.
Speaking to the media, the Founder and Director of the Street Academy, Ataa Lartey, expressed joy and appreciation over the support the Academy continues to enjoy from institutions and individuals.
According to him, some of these donations cannot be possible if individuals, corporate and religious bodies fail to support.
Ataa Lartey extended special gratitude to a Director of the Academy and a philanthropist, Nii Boye Abbey, who donated the items to the Academy for onward distribution to the needy children.
Mr Abbey presented the stationery worth GH¢68,000 to the Academy as part of his 61st birthday celebration for onward distribution to the needy children.
“We are grateful to Mr Abbey especially and other donors. His presentation went far to support the Academy’s ‘Back to School’ project that supports the children’s return to school.”
He thanked the media for the extensive publicity given to the Academy’s programmes over the years and expressed hope that this support would grow even stronger in the years ahead.
“We believe that as you sow into the lives of these children, God will continue to bless and reward you abundantly,” he said.
The Street Academy is a sports and culture organisation that draws children from the street and support them with education and teach others with skills in various sectors including sports to make an earning for themselves.
It is known for its commitment to providing education and skills training for street children and underprivileged youth and it continues to serve as a beacon of hope in the community, transforming lives through education, sports, and arts.
By Spectator Reporter
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
News
CSOs applaud outgoing IMF representative Dr Medina
CIVIL society organisations (CSOs) in Ghana have commended the outgoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) Resident Representative, Dr. Leandro Medina, for his commitment to fostering open and inclusive dialogue throughout Ghana’s ongoing IMF-supported Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme.
At a farewell event organised in Accra by the Economic Governance Platform (EGP), CSO leaders praised Dr. Medina for sustaining constructive engagement between the IMF and local stakeholders, a move they said had strengthened Ghana’s policy discourse and enhanced transparency in the programme implementation.
Professor Godfred A. Bokpin, an economist at the University of Ghana (UG), described Dr. Medina as tolerant and accommodating of diverse perspectives.
“We have, at times, disagreed openly with the IMF, but you never closed the door on engagement. These interactions sharpened our thinking and practice.
You are leaving at a time when Ghana’s macroeconomic indicators are beginning to improve, a testament to the collaboration we have seen under your leadership,” he said.
The Executive Secretary of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), Mrs Beauty Emefa Narteh, lauded Dr. Medina’s inclusive approach, which she noted built on the foundation laid by his predecessor.
“You sustained and strengthened the momentum of civil society engagement with the IMF. This was evident when CSOs were the first stakeholders the IMF Managing Director met during her visit to Ghana last year,” she added.
Mr Abdul Karim, Coordinator of the EGP, also applauded Dr Medina’s openness, saying; “Your commitment to include our perspectives in IMF-related discussions is deeply appreciated.”
Similarly, Mr Benjamin Boakye, Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), commended the outgoing representative for deliberately creating space for CSO participation during each review mission.
“You ensured there was room for dialogue before every review, strengthening our ability to contribute meaningfully to policy discussions,” he noted.
Reacting, Dr Medina expressed gratitude to the CSOs for the partnership built over the past years.
“Effective collaboration does not require agreement on every issue. Even in our differences, we found common ground to advance Ghana’s economic progress,” he said.
The farewell event was graced by key figures from civil society and academia, including Dr. Kojo Asante of the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Mrs Mary Awelana Addah of Transparency International Ghana, and Dr Steve Manteaw of the Civil Society Platform on Oil and Gas (CSPOG).
By Abigail Annoh
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
