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Wearing gloves not a substitute for hand washing – Health minister

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Minister for Health Mr Akandoh washing his hands to commemorate hand hygiene day
Minister for Health Mr Akandoh washing his hands to commemorate hand hygiene day

 The wearing of gloves have become increasingly common in various settings, including healthcare, hospitality and even in public places as a perceived means of protection against germs and diseases.

However, the Minister of Health, Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, at the com­memoration of the World Hand Hy­giene Day (WHHD) on Monday, he said wearing gloves was not a substitute for proper hand hygiene practices.

Although gloves were indispensable in clinical care, the Health Minister stated that hand washing was the safest and effective way to protect public health and prevent the spread of infections.

Mr Akandoh gave the reminder when Ghana joined the rest of the world to commemorate World Hand Hygiene Day (WHHD).

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The day, which was celebrated on the theme: ‘It might be gloves, it’s always hand hygiene,” is aimed at underscoring the importance of proper hand hygiene, especially in healthcare settings over the reliance on gloves.

“Hand hygiene is a simple, low-cost, yet extraordinary powerful intervention that saves lives, reduces healthcare-associated infections and protects both patients and healthcare providers,” Mr Akandoh explained.

He said consistent practice is es­sential- from both top administrator to frontline staff. He also called the public to adopt hand hygiene as a lifestyle.

“Importantly, we have set a bold target: by 2026, all regional and teaching hospitals in Ghana will rou­tinely monitor hand hygiene compli­ance and provide regular feedback as an integral part of their quality frameworks,” he added.

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Mr Akandoh further indicated that the Ministry was committed to ensuring sustainable hand hygiene infrastructure across all public health facilities and support local production of affordable hygiene products.

He said his outfit will also promote waste management systems aligned with environmental sustainability principles and encourage health train­ing institutions to prioritise hygiene in their pre-ser­vice curricula.

Again, He called on Ghanaians and healthcare pro­viders to extend hygiene education beyond hospital walls into homes, schools and communities to nurture a lasting culture.

In a message delivered on be­half of the World Health Organisa­tion (WHO), the representative, Dr Fank Lule, said healthcare workers play a critical role in preventing the spread of pathogens and Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) by adopting and practicing frequent hand hygiene as part of their routine work.

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He also indicated that evidence suggests about 70 per cent of health care workers do not routinely prac­tice hand hygiene and yet studies have shown that practicing routine hand hygiene achieves a reduction in healthcare associated infections.

 By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu

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Police arrest three suspects in narcotic drugs operation in Accra

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The Ghana Police Service has arrested three (3) suspects in connection with a case of possession of narcotic drugs and engaging in prohibited drug-related activities within the Accra metropolis.

On April 10, 2026, the Special Operations Assistant to the Inspector General of Police received intelligence that a group of individuals were planning to engage in the sale of suspected narcotic drugs at Dzorwulu in Accra.

A surveillance operation was mounted and on 11th April 2026, a Police team proceeded to the area and arrested two suspects, Bright Ayivor and Ifeanyi Ijeoba.

The suspects were found in possession of twenty-two (22) compressed substances suspected to be cocaine, which were being prepared for sale to a prospective buyer.

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Further interrogation of the suspects led to the identification of a third suspect, Kwabena Botwe as a key figure in the drug trade.

A follow-up operation at Caprice resulted in his arrest after Police mounted surveillance during a planned transaction involving proceeds from the sale of the suspected drugs.

The suspect later led Police to his residence at Greda Estates, where a search resulted in the retrieval of an amount of GHc400,000 and a counting machine.

According to the police, during the operation, he attempted to bribe the arresting officers with an additional GHc420,000, which has been retained as evidence.

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All the suspects are currently in Police custody assisting investigations and will be put before the court.

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IGP promotes Police Officers for exceptional performance in Tema

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The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, yesterday April 14, 2026, promoted seven officers of the Tema Regional Police Command to their next ranks for their role in a recent anti-robbery operation in Tema.

The promotions were awarded to officers who responded to a robbery attack on a Mobile Money vendor at Tema Community 5 leading to the shooting of two robbery suspects and the recovery of a firearm, ammunition, and other exhibits.

The officers promoted are Chief Inspector Enoch Nartey Nuer, Inspector Gershon Dekpey; Inspector Prince Asante; No. 45881 Sergeant Lukman Mohammed; No. 49900 Sergeant Eugene Kuudouru; No. 54157 Corporal Jerome Akator; and No. 59882 Lance Corporal Jonathan Sewurah.

The IGP, together with members of the Police Management Board (POMAB), congratulated the officers on their promotion and commended them for their courage, discipline, and commitment to duty.

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The IGP urged the officers to view their promotion as a call to higher responsibility and encouraged all personnel to continue working with dedication and professionalism in the service of the nation.

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