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Put cleft care on NHIS to reduce reliance on donor support – Dr Ernest Konadu-Asiedu
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DR Ernest Konadu-Asiedu, Head of the Medical and Dental Unit at the Ministry of Health, has underscored the need to embed cleft care into Ghana’s national health policy framework.
Speaking at the Partner Forum held at the Smile Train Leadership has supported more than two million procedures globally since its founding in 1999.
Centre in Kumasi, Dr Konadu-Asiedu emphasised that cleft lip and palate were not merely surgical conditions but public health and developmental challenges, often linked to nutrition, speech, stigma, and long-term functional limitations.
Currently, Smile Train—the world’s largest cleft-focused non-profit organisation—provides free surgeries and In Ghana alone, over 3,000 children have received primary cleft surgeries, generating an estimated $67 million in economic benefit since 2003.
Cleft refers to a split or division, like a cleft in a rock or a cleft palate (a birth condition affecting the roof of the mouth). In a broader sense, it describes a separation or fissure.
He noted that while Smile Train continues to provide free surgeries, long-term sustainability requires Ghana to take ownership of cleft services within its health system.
Financing is also critical, and embedding cleft services into the National Health Insurance Scheme and exploring the Ghana Medical Trust Fund would reduce reliance on donor support.
His vision is for cleft care to be fully institutionalised, locally led, and sustainably delivered through Ghana’s health system, ensuring that children born with cleft conditions can access comprehensive, life-changing care even beyond Smile Train’s support.
Ms Susannah Schaefer, President and CEO of Smile Train, lauded Ghana’s pioneering role in cleft care in Africa, describing the National Cleft Care Centre in Kumasi as ‘a beacon of hope’ for children and families across the continent.
She emphasised the urgency of tackling stigma and misinformation surrounding clefts, pointing out that one in 770 children in Ghana is born with the condition.
Without treatment, they struggle to breathe, eat, and speak, and too often face bullying and isolation. By encouraging families to seek free, safe, and high-quality care, she said, children are given the chance to thrive, to smile, and to contribute to building the nation.
Prof. Solomon Obiri-Yeboah, Head of the National Cleft Care Centre, also noted that one in 770 children has cleft condition.
He celebrated the resilience of families and children living with clefts, describing them as an inspiration.
The six storey centre, the first of its kind in Africa, was fully sponsored with equipment by Smile Train at a cost of over $2 million and is located within the precincts of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested five people and retrieved firearms, ammunition and other offensive items during an intelligence led operation at Sapeiman Faase in the Greater Accra Region.
According to a press release issued by the Command on Monday, the operation was carried out jointly with the National Police Intelligence Directorate (NPID) on July 17, 2026.
The Police identified the suspects as Torgbui Agah Semaglo, 50, Shadrach Agah Semaglo, 22, William Kweku Sedanu, 21, Cyril Kassenu, 26, and Kingsford Agah Semaglo, 18.
The Command said a search at the suspects’ premises led to the retrieval of a pump action gun, a Stoeger ST R9 pistol, a dummy Austria pistol, a jackknife, a face mask, 12 BB cartridges, three rounds of 9mm ammunition, one AK-47 round of ammunition, a talisman and two kitchen knives.
It noted that all the items had been kept as exhibits to support investigations.
The Police said preliminary investigations suggested that the suspects were members of a criminal group involved in armed robbery and landguard activities.
It alleged that they used the recovered weapons to terrorise residents in Sapeiman and nearby communities.
The suspects are currently in Police custody assisting with investigations, while efforts continue to determine their involvement in other robbery cases and related criminal activities. The Police also said it was working to identify and arrest any additional accomplices.
The Accra Regional Police Command commended members of the public for providing credible information that supported its work and urged residents to remain vigilant.
It encouraged the public to report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the Police emergency numbers, adding that it remained committed to protecting lives and property across the region.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that a revised national curriculum for kindergarten to junior high school will be presented to the Ministry of Education on Wednesday for further approval.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series today, Mr. Iddrisu said the new curriculum was developed by the National Curriculum Assessment Agency (NaCCA) as part of efforts to improve teaching and learning at the basic education level.
According to him, the revised curriculum will be formally submitted to the Ministry before it is forwarded to President John Dramani Mahama. He added that it will then be sent to Cabinet and Parliament for consideration and approval.
Mr. Iddrisu said the revised curriculum is designed to support a “Smart Start” approach by strengthening the teaching of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
He explained that the government intends to introduce new subjects, including coding, electronics, artificial intelligence (AI) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), into the basic school curriculum.
The Minister said the changes form part of the government’s commitment to equipping pupils with practical and digital skills needed to meet the demands of the modern world.
He expressed confidence that the revised curriculum would help prepare learners for future opportunities by integrating technology and innovation into education from the early years of schooling.
By: Jacob Aggrey
