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Wearing gloves not a substitute for hand washing – Health minister
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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).
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.
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.
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
The Ghana Police Service has arrested a man suspected of running a romance scam that targeted women with false marriage promises, blackmail, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
The suspect, Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng, was arraigned alongside Sally Akosua Amoasah before the Accra Circuit Court 1 on charges of conspiracy to commit crime, defrauding by false pretences, and non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
According to preliminary investigations, Kwarteng posed as a pastor conducting online church services on Instagram. He allegedly told women that “God had revealed” they were his future wives.
To gain their trust, police say he went as far as meeting their families and presenting them with promise rings.
Investigators allege the suspect then obtained intimate images of some victims and used them to blackmail them for money.
He is also accused of introducing victims to a fake car tyre business. Under the pretext of shipping and clearing containers of tyres, he allegedly collected thousands of dollars from them before becoming unreachable.
Police further allege that Kwarteng shared the intimate images of some victims with his wife, Sally Akosua Amoasah, who is also accused of threatening the victims.
Seven victims have so far reported the matter to the Police. Investigations indicate the offences date back to 2021.
The court remanded Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng into Police custody to reappear on August 6, 2026. Sally Akosua Amoasah was granted bail.
The Ghana Police Service says it continues to receive complaints from other possible victims.
The Service is urging anyone who may have had similar encounters with the suspect to report to the nearest Police station to assist with ongoing investigations.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Ghana’s tourism industry is in mourning following the sudden death of Prince Anthony Bart-Appiah, a pioneering figure credited with helping to reconnect the African diaspora to the continent.
Prince Anthony passed away in the early hours of Saturday, July 26, 2026, at his private residence in Spintex, Accra.
He was instrumental in the development and promotion of “The Year of Return,” the flagship tourism campaign that invited members of the African diaspora to return to Ghana in 2019.
The initiative is widely regarded as a turning point that boosted Ghana’s tourism numbers and strengthened cultural ties with Black communities across the world.
Beyond his work with the GTA, Prince Anthony was the Chief Exexutive Officer (CEO) of Bridgezone, an agency dedicated to showcasing Africa to Western audiences and fostering cultural and business connections between the continent and the diaspora.
Colleagues describe him as passionate, strategic, and committed to telling authentic African stories that drive tourism, investment, and pride.
Widely known as Prince Anthony, he served as a Board Member of the Ghana Tourism Authority from 2025 to date.
A former British Army officer and a royal of the Akwamu clan, he brought discipline, vision, and a deep sense of heritage to every role he held
Prince Anthony was also a proud father to two teenagers, whom he deeply cherished.
In a statement, the *Ghana Tourism Authority extended its heartfelt condolences to the grieving family, friends, and all sympathizers.
“The tourism industry has lost a pioneering figure and a vital link to the diasporan community,” the statement read.
The statement further added that “We pray for strength for the family during this difficult time.”
Tributes have since poured in from tourism stakeholders, creatives, and diasporan groups who say Prince Anthony’s legacy will continue to shape how the world sees and experiences Ghana.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
