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Revert to Covid 19 safety to curb cholera outbreak-GHS
Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the Acting Director General, Ghana Health Service (GHS), has urged the public to revert to the COVID-19 safety protocols to curb the cholera outbreak in the country.
He said the hand washing practice, the use of sanitiser and improvement of sanitation conditions would control the spread of the disease, however, the act of Ghanaians giving up on the protocols had led to the outbreak.
Prof. Akoriyea gave the advice when Tobinco Pharmaceutical Limited donated medical consumables to the Ghana Health Service to aid cholera and meningitis treatment.
“It was, thus, important for all to intensify hand washing practices and ensure a clean environment as part of measures to prevent cholera,” he added.
He said: “The most important thing will be cleanliness. We want people to clean their environment, wash their hands before they take any food, and concentrate more on water and sanitation.
“Once we are able to do that, we will be able to reduce the cases dramatically because for almost a year or two during the peak of COVID-19, Ghana did not record any cholera outbreak.”
“So, let’s keep ourselves clean. Let’s keep our environment clean. Let’s wash our hands before we eat,” Prof. Akoriyea added.
He further indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana was brought under control due to hand washing and adherence to the safety protocols, hence going back to the measures would help to curb the menace.
Prof. Akoriyea assured the public that the cholera situation, as well the Cerebrospinal Meningitis, were under control, without any cholera deaths being recorded in the past few weeks.
There were a few suspected cases, which had been taken to the laboratory for confirmation, he said, and stressed the need for strict hand washing practices.
Prof. Akoriyea said the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana was brought under control due to hand washing and other safety protocols, hence an improvement in the protocols would help to curb the menace.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
The World Health Organisation says cholera remains a global threat to public health and serves as an indicator of inequity and a lack of social development.
Symptoms include frequent diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration, along with abdominal cramps, fever, headache, fatigue, dry mouth and throat, and decreased urine output.
Medical experts warn that cases of the disease can be fatal within hours if left untreated. Most individuals infected with cholera may not exhibit symptoms, but the bacteria can still be present in their faeces for one to 10 days post-infection, potentially contaminating the environment and infecting others.
A minority of patients develop acute watery diarrhea with severe dehydration. This can lead to death if left untreated.
Cholera transmission is closely linked to inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Typical at-risk areas include peri-urban slums and camps for internally displaced persons. Early detection and treatment are crucial to preventing complications and reducing mortality. –GNA
News
Prioritise affordable treatment of sickle cell treatment —Health Expert
Health experts have urged Ghana to prioritise affordable and accessible treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD) as advanced, but costly curative therapies remain out of reach.
SCD, an inherited blood disorder, affects about three in every 100 newborns in Ghana.
Globally, around 1,000 babies are born with the condition daily, with three-quarters in sub-Saharan Africa.
The disease causes severe complications including chronic pain, anaemia, infections, strokes and organ damage, often leading to shortened life expectancy.
In recent years, gene therapy has been developed as a potential cure.
However, its cost—running into millions of dollars per patient—makes it financially and technically inaccessible in Ghana.
According to Dr Lawrence Osei-Tutu, a Sickle Cell and Childhood Cancer Expert at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, “the country must instead focus on practical, lower-cost interventions such as hydroxyurea”, a decades-old cancer drug proven to reduce painful episodes, hospitalisation and life- threatening complications in SCD patients”.
Taken orally, the medicine improves red blood cell function and is considered safe and effective.
“Hydroxyurea therapy is as good as the cure and a low-hanging fruit to pluck, we must bring a cure to our sickle cell warriors, but do so sustainably.” he urged.
In a chat with The Spectator here, he said to create awareness on the disease, the expert noted that despite its benefits, “hydroxyurea is not widely accessible in Ghana.”
Stressing that, “many patients either cannot afford it or struggle with irregular supply through the health system.”
Moreover, he argued that scaling up access would provide immediate relief while the country builds the infrastructure, trains specialists and secures funding needed to support curative therapies in the future.
With an estimated 15,000 babies born with sickle cell disease annually in Ghana, Dr Osei Tutu cautioned that “failure to improve access to effective treatment will leave many patients vulnerable to preventable complications and early death.”
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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Let’s reintroduce Cultural Studies to complement educational reforms — Tourism Minister
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has emphasised the importance of reintroducing Cultural Studies in schools as part of Ghana’s broader educational reform agenda.
She said Cultural Studies would complement existing efforts to reposition Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to promote digital literacy and expand Creative Arts education.
Speaking at the 2025 Homowo Festival of the people of Ningo-Prampram, held on the theme: “Education: The Best Legacy for our Children,” Madam Gomashie said cultural education was critical to national identity and development.
She noted that the festival’s theme aligned with the Government’s vision to transform education in Ghana and encouraged the youth to embrace it not only as a means of personal development but also as a way of preserving traditional values.
These values, including patience, wisdom, and hard work, were at the core of the Homowo celebration, the Minister said.
“Cultural festivals like Homowo are vital instruments for strengthening cultural identity, preserving historical memory, and fostering national unity. Additionally, festivals serve as platforms for educating the youth through storytelling, music, dance, and other traditional practices, while also providing opportunities for community engagement.”
Madam Gomashie highlighted the strong foundation that Ghana’s tourism was built on, which included culture, traditions, and the creative industry, collectively contributing to over GH¢4.8 billion to the economy.
“Festivals give tourists reasons to visit our country. Therefore, with the right infrastructure and the development of all the domains, the sector can do more than what has been recorded,” she added.
Mr Sam Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, commended the community for their vibrant participation in the festival. He announced plans for the construction of a new nursing training school in Ningo, aimed at expanding access to healthcare education in the area.
Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII, Paramount Chief of Great Ningo Traditional Area; King Dr Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse; Nene Tetteh Wakah III, Paramount Chief of the Prampram Traditional Area; Prof. Odaifio Welentsi III, Paramount Chief of the Nungua Traditional Area; Naana Dugbakuwor Dugba II, Paramount Queen Mother of Great Ningo; and Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Special Envoy on Religion and Inter-Faith Affairs, who represented the Chief of Staff, were among dignitaries at the festival. -GNA
