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Ho Teaching Hospital charts path to medical excellence and tourism under new leadership

The Ho Teaching Hospital is entering a new chapter. Its new CEO, Dr. Hintermann K. K. Mbroh, and new Board Chair, Dr. Delanyo Yao Tsidi Dovlo, have laid out a bold plan to raise the hospital to top-tier status in Ghana and West Africa.

At a staff durbar and facility tour, the two leaders shared a vision focused on quality care, accountability, infrastructure, and medical tourism. They also highlighted progress made and challenges that remain.

Dr. Dovlo, a seasoned public health expert and former WHO official, set the tone with a strong message.

“One of the urgent areas we must address is the quality of care,” he said. “Yes, we’ve seen innovations and improvements. But these must lead to actual patient satisfaction. That must be the core of our service.”

He stressed the need for accountability across the hospital.

“We must clarify responsibilities at all levels,” he said. “We must hold each other accountable—not just management or the CEO, but the Board as well.”

The hospital, now over 20 years old, faces urgent infrastructure needs. Dr. Dovlo listed key gaps: more beds, a steady oxygen supply, backup generators, and better medical tools.

“We know money is tight,” he added. “So we’ll focus on areas with the highest impact. We must ask: what can we do now to move things forward fastest?”

For Dr. Mbroh, this was his first major public address since taking office. He made clear the hospital’s goal—becoming a centre for medical excellence and a hub for medical tourism.

“Our vision remains firm,” he said. “We want Ho Teaching Hospital to be a premier health facility. Even before medical tourism became a national focus, we had already begun the journey.”

He noted that the previous board had set a strong foundation for medical tourism. His job now, he said, is to realign and implement that vision.

“We must build the right systems,” he said. “We must create the right environment and improve services for both local and international patients.”

Both leaders stressed the need to strengthen ties with the public.

“We want to build a hospital that the people of the Volta Region—and all of Ghana—can proudly call their own,” Dr. Dovlo said. “It’s not just about buildings. It’s about people leaving our hospital feeling cared for. That’s the real measure of success.”

He urged all stakeholders to come on board. That includes management, clinical staff, support staff, and the community.

“If our people are not happy with the care we provide,” he said, “then we’ve missed the point of our existence.”

He introduced the new Governing Board—made up of professionals in health, education, finance, governance, and law—and said their experience will guide the hospital into a new era.

“These are the people who will help us restore pride in this hospital,” he said. “With their support, I believe we can turn this place into a national symbol of excellence.”

Dr. Dovlo reflected on the hospital’s 26-year journey and its digital transition four years ago. He said this is a turning point.

“Yes, there have been gains. But there’s also been stagnation. Now is the time to move forward. We want others to look at Ho and ask: how did they do it?”

He ended with a rallying call.

“This is our moment. Let’s rise together. Let’s build a hospital that’s not just functional, but phenomenal. One that attracts patients across borders. One that heals, trains, and inspires.”

Dr. Mbroh agreed.

“We are not just managing a hospital,” he said. “We are building a legacy. Let’s make Ho Teaching Hospital a place where hope meets healing—and service meets excellence.”

Medical facilities in Ahafo Region hail NHIA for prompt payment of claims

Medical Directors of health facilities in the Ahafo Region have commended the leadership of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) for the prompt payment of claims in 2025.

According to them, the NHIA’s timely disbursement of claims has significantly improved the day-to-day administration of both public and private health facilities across the region.

Dr Tsibo-Takyi, Medical Director of the St. John of God Catholic Hospital in Duayaw-Nkwanta, noted that although NHIS claims alone are not enough to sustain healthcare operations, their prompt payment is greatly appreciated.

The Medical Directors made these remarks on Monday at Hwediem during a stakeholder engagement meeting between the NHIA, credentialed facilities, and the Ghana Health Service in the Ahafo Region.

The meeting served as a platform to reflect, review, and renew the collective commitment to delivering quality and accessible healthcare to residents under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

It was attended by the Regional Director of Health Services, District Directors of Health, Medical Superintendents of hospitals, and representatives from mission hospitals in the region.

Dr James Ankomah, Medical Director of Goaso Municipal Hospital, called on the NHIA to increase tariffs under the Scheme, stressing that the current payments to facilities are woefully inadequate.

In his address, the Acting Ahafo Regional Director of the NHIA, George Mawuli, revealed that payments to health facilities had been made up to May 2025, with only a few institutions having exceptional cases pending.

He expressed optimism that prompt payment of claims would translate into quality service delivery for all residents seeking healthcare in the region.

However, Mr Mawuli also raised concerns about some facilities continuing to charge illegal fees or impose co-payments on clients, describing the practice as unethical and a breach of contractual agreements with the NHIA.

“We cannot allow these practices to continue,” he stated. “They undermine the credibility of the NHIS and erode public trust.”

He therefore urged all service providers to immediately cease unauthorised charges and strictly adhere to NHIS tariffs and policies.

To enhance transparency and client education, Mr Mawuli announced the introduction of the “Pulpit System”—a new initiative in which NHIS staff will be stationed at various credentialed facilities daily to educate clients about their rights, responsibilities, and benefits under the Scheme.

He explained that the initiative will also serve as a feedback mechanism and facilitate real-time resolution of issues at the facility level. “We count on your maximum cooperation to make this a success,” he added.

As part of its operational calendar, the NHIA is also entering a new cycle of credentialing and contract renewals. Mr Mawuli urged all providers to ensure that their documentation is up to date and submitted promptly.

He emphasised the NHIA’s commitment to providing a smooth and transparent process and called for a similar level of professionalism and urgency from all healthcare facilities.

Mr Mawuli concluded by highlighting the shared responsibility of ensuring the NHIS’s success in the Ahafo Region. “Let’s work together in mutual respect and accountability to build a system that our clients can trust and rely on,” he said.

Scented candles linked to cancer, respiratory diseases – Toxicologist

A toxicologist, Dr Regina Ama Oppong Wiredu, has warned that some scented candles may release harmful chemicals when burnt, especially in enclosed spaces. She says the chemicals are likely to pose long-term health risks such as cancer and respiratory issues.

Dr Wiredu, who works with SYNLABB Ghana in Accra, said this in an interview with The Mirror on Friday, June 13, 2025.

In recent years, the use of scented candles has gained popularity among the youth.

hey use them not only to create a calming atmosphere but to add a touch of style to their living spaces.

From bedrooms and study corners to cafés and beauty studios, they have become a key part of the aesthetic often showcased on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.

Dr Wiredu explained that “many commercial scented candles are made from paraffin wax, which is a byproduct of petroleum. When burned, they can release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, a known carcinogen and toluene, which may cause other serious health effects.

These chemicals, she said, could linger in the air, especially in small rooms with poor ventilation, and over time, breathing in such toxins could irritate the lungs and affect indoor air quality.

“While occasional use is unlikely to cause immediate harm, people who light scented candles daily, particularly in unventilated spaces, are at a higher risk of long-term exposure,” she noted.

Dr Wiredu noted that although there is no direct evidence that scented candles alone caused cancer, the concern lies in cumulative exposure to multiple indoor air pollutants.

Cancer doesn’t happen overnight. It builds over years, sometimes decades, due to repeated exposure to harmful substances. When you combine emissions from candles with other indoor pollutants like air fresheners, dust, cleaning sprays or cigarette smoke, the risk increases,” she added.

What’s in a candle?

Citing a 2009 study by South Carolina State University in the United States, she said it was found that burning paraffin wax candles could release harmful chemicals into the air, potentially linked to cancer and asthma.

More recent studies suggest that while the levels may be low, regular exposure could still be problematic for certain groups, especially children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma. 

Fragrance vs health

Apart from the wax itself, the fragrance used in candles is another concern.

Dr Wiredu explained that many candles were scented with synthetic fragrance oils, which could emit phthalates, chemicals known to disrupt hormones.

“Phthalates are used to help scents last longer, but they have been linked to hormonal imbalances and reproductive health issues. Inhaling these chemicals repeatedly is not something we should take lightly, especially for children and women of childbearing age,” she said. 

Safer candle choices

According to Dr Wiredu, not all candles are bad. She noted that natural wax alternatives like soy, beeswax and coconut wax burn cleaner and are generally safer.

“These options are biodegradable and don’t release as many toxins into the air. Even better, look for candles that use natural essential oils instead of artificial fragrances,” she advised.

She also encouraged consumers to pay attention to labels. 

“If a candle doesn’t list what type of wax or fragrance it uses, that’s usually a red flag. Transparency is key when it comes to your health.”

Tips for safer use

Even if someone prefers to keep using their favourite scented candles, Dr Wiredu said some practical tips such as always burning candles in a well-ventilated room, limiting burn time to under two hours, trimming the wick to a quarter inch before each use to minimise smoke, avoiding candles with dark soot or strong artificial smells and never sleeping with candles burning could help reduce health risks.

“Candles can still be part of your relaxation routine, but moderation and awareness are important,” she said.

Alternatives to candles

For people looking to create an ambience without health concerns, Dr Wiredu recommended natural alternatives like reed diffusers with essential oils, indoor plants that purify the air or open windows and fans to improve airflow.

Low public awareness

Addressing issues of public awareness, Dr Wiredu said despite growing global awareness of indoor air pollution, public education in Ghana and across many African countries remained limited.

“Many people associate pollution with factories and cars, but they forget about what’s happening inside their own homes. We need more conversations around indoor air quality and how it affects long-term health,” she said.

She added that while regulations for food and water safety existed, there were few local guidelines for everyday household products like candles and air fresheners.

“It’s important that consumers push for safer products and that health authorities consider stronger regulations to protect the public,” she urged.

“You don’t need to throw out all your candles. Just be informed about what you’re breathing in. Your lungs and your future self will thank you,” she said.

There are no cases of Covid-19 in Hohoe – Volta Regional Hospital

Authorities at the Volta Regional Hospital in Hohoe have debunked reports of three cases of Covid-19 in Hohoe.

According to a Joy News source, the figures being circulated were taken from data in 2021, during the peak period of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

Assurance was given that health officials have heightened surveillance and are ready to identify and act swiftly should any case be identified.

They have, therefore, entreated the public to ignore a newscard with the description “six children and 86 hospital staff have tested positive for COVID-19 in Hohoe.”

Meanwhile, the Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has confirmed a recent spike in COVID-19 cases, with infections currently concentrated at the University of Ghana campus.

He said the cases are primarily driven by the Omicron variant. Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, July 1, Mr Akandoh disclosed that out of 316 suspected cases, 107 have been confirmed.

However, he assured the public that there have been no hospitalizations or deaths linked to the new infections.

Ghana records 30 more Mpox cases; total now 163

Ghana has recorded 30 new confirmed Mpox cases as of 30th June 2025, bringing the nationwide total to 163, according to the latest update from the Ghana Health Service (GHS).

This rise follows 14 new cases reported on June 25, indicating a steady increase in infections over the past week.

Despite this upward trend, health authorities emphasise that the situation remains under careful control, with no new hospital admissions or fatalities reported.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, spreads mainly through close contact with infected individuals.

The GHS continues to urge the public to adhere strictly to preventive measures, including avoiding close contact with anyone showing a rash, washing hands regularly and thoroughly, and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms develop.

Health officials stress the importance of vigilance and timely reporting to contain the outbreak effectively.

Reaffirming its commitment to managing the situation, the GHS is closely monitoring developments and implementing necessary interventions to slow transmission.

With total infections now at 163, authorities call on all citizens to remain alert and cooperate fully with safety protocols designed to protect public health.

Government urged to act on pharmacists shortage  

The Community Practice Pharmacists Association (CPPA) has officially endorsed the Early Career Pharmaceutical Group’s (ECPG) #HirePharmacistsNow campaign, calling on the government to urgently address pharmacist shortages in the public health sector. 

In a statement signed by Dr. Emmanuel Kwaku Ireland, CPPA Chairman, the Association said Ghana’s failure to recruit public sector pharmacists for the past five years has severely impacted primary healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved areas. 

With over 4,300 early-career pharmacists available for service, only 1,300 are currently employed across more than 10,000 health facilities, the CPPA noted. 

“This chronic under‐resourcing hinders medication safety, chronic‐disease care, and patient outcomes,” the statement read. 

The Association observed that the shortage has led patients to increasingly rely on informal and unregulated drug outlets, exacerbating health risks.  

“Each empty post represents a missed opportunity to reinforce primary care, prevent medication errors, and combat antimicrobial resistance. 

“Our pharmacists are trained, credentialed, and ready, but the system leaves them idle while communities suffer,” it said. 

CPPA advocated for the immediate recruitment of at least 500 pharmacists to improve health outcomes and ease pressure on overstretched practitioners.  

“Doing so would strengthen universal health coverage, shore up the national pharmaceutical services, and build resilience against the growing burden of non‐communicable diseases,” it said. 

The Association also emphasised equitable deployment to rural and peri‐urban communities most in need. 

The endorsement follows ECPG’s participation in a CDD-Ghana capacity-building programme on civic and health policy engagement, and the subsequent launch of the #HirePharmacistsNow campaign—a national advocacy effort across digital, traditional media, and stakeholder platforms. 

“Our request is simple and urgent: fill the posts. Strengthen our system. Protect our people. #HirePharmacistsNow,” the CPPA said. 

Health Ministry creates Donation Desk to aid tax exemptions on medical equipment and materials

The Ministry of Health has established a Donation Desk to support philanthropists and corporate entities wishing to donate medical equipment and materials from outside Ghana.

Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minister of Health, announced this to the Parliamentary press corps in Accra on Tuesday, explaining that the initiative would enable the Ministry to pursue tax waivers on such equipment or materials for the collective benefit of the Ghanaian people.

He encouraged interested individuals and organisations to contact the Donation Desk via the hotline: 0204611611 for assistance.

Earlier, the Health Minister briefed Parliament on the COVID-19 outbreak at the University of Ghana campus and assured Ghanaians that there was no cause for panic, as a robust surveillance system was in place to contain the outbreak.

He reported that there were 316 suspected cases of the Omicron variant and 107 confirmed cases at the university campus, but no deaths or hospital admissions had been recorded.

“Mr Speaker, I want to assure Ghanaians that this is not a new virus, and we are not back in 2020. This Omicron variant has been with us before. It spreads fast, yes, but it is mostly mild. And we know how to manage it,” Mr Akandoh said.

He explained that the outbreak was localised and had not spread widely to Accra communities or other parts of the country.

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to provide all necessary support, including stockpiling vaccines and PPEs, to help the university manage the situation.

Following investigations, the Ministry found that recent Hall Week celebrations at the university had contributed to the spread of the virus due to non-adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols.

In response, the Ministry’s disease surveillance team has been working closely with the University’s Health Directorate, the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, and the School of Public Health to sensitise the university community on the importance of observing COVID-19 safety measures.

Campus-wide education campaigns have also been intensified using posters, campus radio, and student leaders to reach the broader university community.

The Minister noted that while COVID-19 is no longer considered a global emergency, occasional outbreaks are expected, and the government remains prepared to manage them promptly.

GNA

Covid-19: Full statement by Health Minister on resurgence

Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has updated Parliament on a recent spike in COVID-19 cases at the University of Ghana, assuring the public that the situation is under control and there is no cause for panic.

Delivering a statement on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, July 1, Mr Akandoh said that although COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency, it continues to pose occasional risks.

He disclosed that 107 confirmed cases have been recorded out of 316 suspected, all traced to the Omicron sub-variant. No hospitalisations or deaths have been reported.

The outbreak, according to the minister, was detected through Ghana’s national disease surveillance system and confirmed by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.

It remains confined to the University of Ghana community, with the rise in infections linked to recent Hall Week celebrations where COVID-19 safety protocols were largely ignored.

He also noted that while COVID-19 vaccination is no longer part of routine immunisation, efforts are underway to secure vaccines for vulnerable groups.

Mr Akandoh also reported ongoing surveillance of other health threats, including seasonal flu, cholera, and MPOX, with 133 confirmed MPOX cases but no deaths.

Below is the full statement:

Beware of COVID-19 resurgence – Minister cautions public

The recent surge in COVID-19 cases at the University of Ghana has prompted the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, to call on Ghanaians to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols while reassuring the public that there is “no need for panic”.

The minister, addressing Parliament today, July 1, emphasised that the current outbreak is localised, caused by a known and generally mild variant, but he stressed the importance of continued caution due to its fast-spreading nature.

“This is not a new virus, and we are not back to 2020,” Mr Akandoh affirmed, referring to the early days of the pandemic.

He explained that the cases are linked to the Omicron sub-variant, which Ghana’s health system has successfully managed before.

“It spreads fast, yes – but it is mostly mild. And we know how to manage it.”

While the University of Ghana’s recent hall week celebrations were identified as the primary driver of the spike, bringing large crowds together with little adherence to face masks or social distancing, the minister’s core message to the wider public was one of proactive prevention.

He outlined simple, yet critical, precautions that apply not only to COVID-19 but also to other circulating respiratory viruses like seasonal flu:

• Regular Handwashing: Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
• Mask Usage: Wear a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated places.
• Stay Home When Unwell: Isolate yourself if you are feeling sick.
• Avoid Gatherings if Sick: Refrain from attending social events if you are experiencing symptoms.
• Seek Early Medical Attention: Go to the nearest clinic as soon as symptoms are noticed.

The minister highlighted Ghana’s robust influenza surveillance system and the confirmation capabilities of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, which detected the current outbreak early.

This, he noted, should reassure all Ghanaians that the surveillance system remains active and ready to detect and respond effectively should cases emerge outside the university campus.

As of July 1, the University of Ghana community has recorded 316 suspected cases, with 107 confirmed, and importantly, no hospitalisations or deaths.

All confirmed cases are reported to be recovering well.

Mr Akandoh concluded by urging calm, cooperation, and responsible public health practices.

“We’ve beaten back bigger waves before, and we can do it again—with calm, cooperation, and good public health practices,” he stated, reinforcing the collective responsibility of Ghanaians in keeping communities safe. “COVID-19 is not over—but neither is our resolve.”

Below is the full statement.

Covid-19: 107 out of 316 suspected cases confirmed, no hospitalisation – Health Minister

The Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has confirmed a recent spike in COVID-19 cases, with infections currently concentrated at the University of Ghana campus.

He said the cases are primarily driven by the Omicron variant.

Addressing Parliament today, Mr Akandoh disclosed that out of 316 suspected cases, 107 have been confirmed.

However, he assured the public that there have been no hospitalizations or deaths linked to the new infections.

Health authorities have intensified surveillance and testing efforts, particularly in educational institutions, to curb transmission.

The minister urged the public to adhere to preventive measures, including hand hygiene, mask-wearing in crowded places, and vaccination, especially for those who have not yet received their booster shots.

This rapid spread, according to the Minister, was fuelled by a social gathering on the University of Ghana campus, during a hall week celebration.

“Mr. Speaker, after sending in a team to investigate, we found a few key issues that fuelled the spread. The most significant factor was the recent Hall Week celebrations held at the University. These events brought large crowds together, with little use of face masks or distancing,” he said.

He also explained that on the back of this, the Ministry sent a national team to work with the University and municipal health authorities and held meetings with the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, heads of Noguchi, and the School of Public Health.

Subsequently, alerts were issued to all health facilities nationwide and a suspension of all University’s hall week activities.

The Minister added that a campus-wide education campaign has been launched using posters, campus radio, and student leaders.