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Bueman SHS gets female-friendly toilet facility

Plan International has built a female-friendly toilet facility for the Bueman Senior High School in the Jasikan Municipality of the Oti region.

The facility has four toilet cubicles and two rooms for changing. Also included in the facility are two incinerators for burning disposed items.

This facility comes after the headmaster, Mr Frank Boamah, appealed to the organisation to pay attention to the girls’ place of convenience during the 2024 celebration of Menstrual Hygiene Day in school.

Speaking at the handing-over ceremony in the school, the headmaster, who was elated about the project, expressed his appreciation to the organisation for their intervention.

“Today marks a truly significant occasion in our history. For years, we have strived to provide the best possible environment for our learners, and a crucial aspect of that is access to proper sanitation. Today, thanks to the incredible generosity of Plan International. We are celebrating the donation of a modern toilet facility that would transform the daily lives of our school community, particularly our schoolgirls,” he said.

The headmaster also indicated that the old structure did not provide any form of privacy to the adolescent girls as they struggled to share a common space, which often led to some health concerns among the girl population.

“Our female learners in the boarding house, whose population stands at 1,652, representing 55.8% of total learners in the boarding house, have faced significant challenges due to inadequate sanitation facilities. This often led to discomfort and health concerns among our adolescent girls. The lack of privacy and hygienic spaces has been a constant source of worry for us. As educators and for the girls themselves, the new facility you have thoughtfully and expertly constructed is nothing short of relief and transformation. It is a beacon of dignity, health and comfort”, he added.

Mr. Boamah assured proper maintenance of the facility to promote its lifespan.

Some of the students who are the direct beneficiaries of the facility have been expressing their joy and gratitude to the donors for their kind gesture.

According to the girls’ prefect, Abas Huda, the days of insufficient rooms for attending to the call of nature and proper sanitation were gone.

She recalled sad situations when some students had to attend to the call of nature at unauthorised places, which made them uncomfortable.

“Before the inauguration of this facility, we did not have enough toilet rooms to attend to nature’s call. This made students go to unauthorised places to ease themselves. I hope this facility will put an end to that practice. The old facility also lacked safety and privacy. We sometimes see scorpions and snakes whenever we visit the old facility. I want to believe that with this facility, our safety and privacy are assured,” she concluded.

The country director, Constant Tchona, in a statement, said the interest of the organisation was borne from the call by the headmaster during the 2024 menstrual hygiene day celebration in the school, when it was realised that the old toilet facility for the girls was not safe and proper for use.

The organisation argued that menstruation should not be a barrier to the education of the girl child but should be seen as part of the growth process.

“Plan International took this request seriously because of our commitment to girls and our overarching objective to ensure that menstruation by girls does not become a barrier to them and does not contribute to their staying out of school. It should be a period that they are all comfortable with and able to learn. Plan International, through our integrated package for the sustainable community development project, took this challenge up. As an organisation with sexual reproductive health and education as our core work, we could not turn a blind eye to the request that was made, especially by the girls. I am proud that we have responded and responded positively”.

Mr Tchona again indicated that the facility is more than just a toilet, adding that it is a symbol of dignity, empowerment and our unwavering commitment to gender equality.

The Ghana Education Service and the District Assembly representatives who were present added to the songs of praise for the donation and also encouraged the school to maintain it at all times.

The organisation called on the school to take proper care of the facility so as to ensure value for the investment made in the school.

GMA raises alarm over rising Mpox cases, urges public vigilance and education

The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has expressed concern over the rising number of Mpox cases being reported across the country, urging intensified public education and preventive measures.

In a press statement issued on June 30, 2025, and signed by GMA President Dr Frank Serebour and General Secretary Dr. Richard Selormey, the Association confirmed that as of June 25, 2025, Ghana had recorded 133 confirmed Mpox cases.

The infections have been largely concentrated in the Western and Western North Regions, with males forming the majority of cases.

While commending the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service for initial steps taken to curb the spread, the GMA emphasised the need for greater public awareness.

“Mpox is a viral illness that is usually self-limiting but may result in serious illness and death,” part of the statement read.

“It is spread mainly by direct contact with infected people, respiratory droplets, infected body fluids, and contaminated surfaces.”

The GMA advised the public to be on the lookout for symptoms such as fever, body pain, and rashes, especially on the soles of the feet and palms, and to report to the nearest health facility for testing and treatment.

The Association also urged the public to avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals and to maintain strict hygiene protocols such as regular handwashing and the use of sanitisers.

For healthcare workers, the GMA called for the activation of enhanced infection prevention measures and strict adherence to personal protective equipment protocols in clinical settings.

The Association also appealed to the media to support public health efforts by helping disseminate accurate information and educating the public on ways to prevent further spread.

Read the full statement below

Over 70% of Ghanaian adults suffer low back pain – Physiotherapist raises alarm

A Professor of Physiotherapy at the University of Ghana has called on policymakers to treat disorders affecting the structure that provides stability and movement to the human body as a public health imperative because of its impact on members of society.

Technically known as musculoskeletal disorders, including that of the bones, muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments and cartilage that work together to provide structure, stability and movement to the human body, Prof. Ajediran Idowu Bello said such disorders should not be treated just as clinical issues

Delivering the lecture on the theme “Beyond Movement: Addressing Musculoskeletal Disorders as a Public Health Imperative,” at the University of Ghana, last Thursday, he revealed that more than 70 per cent of Ghanaian adults suffered from low back pain, while 13.8 per cent of those aged 50 years and above were affected by knee osteoarthritis.

Those conditions, he said, accounted for 20 per cent of the country’s musculoskeletal disease burden.

He noted that while those conditions were often seen as routine or age-related, they actually arose from complex interplays between injury, chronic disease and socioeconomic conditions which were further exacerbated by the country’s reliance on out-of-pocket healthcare payments.

Prof. Bello emphasised that musculoskeletal conditions — including chronic pain, joint deformities and movement limitations — were not only widespread but also carried significant economic and social costs, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Ghana.

He revealed that in one of his studies on patients with chronic low back pain referred for physiotherapy in the Greater Accra Region, most participants earned between GH¢1,100 and GH¢1,500 monthly, yet their treatment-related expenses averaged GH¢1,408, an amount that exceeded the income of the majority.

“This creates a cycle of disability and financial strain,” he said.

The Professor of Physiotherapy called for the immediate implementation of a national screening programme to detect musculoskeletal disorders early in children and youth across the country.

He said such a move, along with sector-specific ergonomics training, increased access to physiotherapy services in rural areas, and intensified public awareness campaigns, was critical to reducing the growing burden of musculoskeletal conditions in Ghana.

“Preventing musculoskeletal disorders is not just about movement,  it is about restoring dignity, reducing poverty, and protecting human potential,” Prof. Bello, who is also a former Head, Department of Physiotherapy, stated.

Vulnerable sectors

Prof. Bello highlighted that health workers, especially nurses, faced high levels of work-related musculoskeletal disorders due to the physical demands of their jobs.

A survey he conducted among 151 nurses and health workers in a secondary facility in Accra revealed a 69.4 per cent prevalence rate, with low back pain accounting for 72 per cent of cases.

In the education sector, his research showed that 66 per cent of primary and junior high school pupils in Accra exhibited at least two musculoskeletal deformities, such as bent elbows or toes — conditions that, if unaddressed, could progress into more serious disabilities in adulthood.

Among pregnant women, he said knowledge of birth defects and the role of physiotherapy remained limited.

He revealed that out of 443 antenatal clinic attendees surveyed in the Greater Accra Region, less than half had adequate knowledge about birth defect risk factors and only 47 per cent were aware that physiotherapy could be used in managing such conditions.

Prof. Bello, therefore, called for better education during antenatal sessions and advocated the inclusion of physiotherapy services in maternity care to address both prenatal and postnatal musculoskeletal challenges.

According to a multi-country study conducted at teaching hospitals in Ghana and Nigeria, Prof. Bello revealed that more than half of all fracture cases treated through physiotherapy were due to road traffic accidents, with most victims falling within the 20–39 age group.

Nine test positive for H1N1 at Anum SHS

A confirmed H1N1 outbreak has hit Anum Senior High School in the Eastern Region.

Nine samples from the school tested positive for the respiratory disease, also known as Swine Flu.

The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research confirmed the cases.

Meanwhile, suspected cases have emerged at Bosu Secondary Technical School, where additional samples have been taken for testing.

Results are still pending.

Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have urged the public to remain vigilant.

H4P Organization champions inclusive healthcare for PWDs at Accra Rehabilitation Centre

The H4P (Here for Perfection) Organization has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive healthcare for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) through the sixth edition of its Celebration of Love initiative, held on Tuesday, June 25, at the Accra Rehabilitation Centre.

The event brought together over 300 students, staff, teachers, and members of various disability groups, who benefited from free medical screenings, including general health checks, eye screening, ENT and dental care. The outreach also featured the distribution of food items, toiletries, and sanitation products, with every attendee receiving a personal gift.

Founded in memory of the late Mrs. Christina Anansewa Hackman, mother of H4P CEO Bishop Dr. Charles Cofie Hackman, Celebration of Love has, since 2023, served more than 2,000 PWDs across multiple institutions.

Speaking at the event, Bishop Hackman emphasized the need to ensure equitable access to healthcare for PWDs, highlighting the many challenges they face within Ghana’s healthcare system.

“The strength of every nation is measured by how it takes care of its vulnerable. I believe Ghana is a great nation and the people of Ghana are great and so to prove this, we must take care of the vulnerable by being nice and sociable to Persons with Disability (PWDs),” he stated.

He noted that PWDs often encounter barriers such as physical inaccessibility, financial constraints, and communication challenges, particularly among the hearing-impaired.

“This initiative is our compassionate response to these challenges. We bring high-quality healthcare directly to the communities that need them most,” Bishop Hackman added.

Bishop Hackman also credited the success of the initiative to H4P’s strong partnerships with public and private healthcare institutions, which he said ensure proper diagnosis, treatment, and referral of beneficiaries to the appropriate facilities.

The event drew support from several prominent figures in the disability sector, including Madam Rita Kusi Kyeremaa, Executive Director of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations (GFD), and Dr. Peter Obeng-Asamoa, Executive Director of the Ghana Blind Union.

Also in attendance were groups such as the Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled, Ghana National Association of the Deaf, Voice of Women and Children with Disabilities, and others.

Notable guests included Mr. Elvis Kosi Alipui, a past winner of the C.H.I.L Awards in the Sports & Entertainment category, who praised H4P for its commitment to restoring dignity to persons with disabilities.

“H4P is ensuring that people with disabilities are not excluded from essential healthcare. These inclusive efforts are vital to building a more equitable society,” he said.

Current C.H.I.L Awards recipient, Mr. Raphael Botsyo Nkegbe, and his team also graced the event.

Institutions that have previously benefited from the Celebration of Love initiative include the Tetteh-Ocloo State School for the Deaf, Akropong School for the Blind, Cape Coast School for the Deaf and Blind, With God Cerebral Palsy Centre – Centre of Abilities (Winneba), and Grow with God Cerebral Palsy and Disability Organization (Teshie).

For the past 14 years, the H4P Organization has been a key player in Ghana’s disability advocacy space, promoting empowerment and dignity through initiatives in health, education, media, and entertainment.

Over 70% of Ghanaian adults suffer low back pain – Physiotherapist raises alarm

A Professor of Physiotherapy at the University of Ghana has called on policymakers to treat disorders affecting the structure that provides stability and movement to the human body as a public health imperative because of its impact on members of the society.

Technically known as musculoskeletal disorders, including that of the bones, muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments and cartilage that work together to provide structure, stability and movement to the human body, Prof. Ajediran Idowu Bello said such disorders should not be treated just as clinical issues.

Delivering the lecture on the theme “Beyond Movement: Addressing Musculoskeletal Disorders as a Public Health Imperative,” at the University of Ghana, last Thursday, he revealed that more than 70 per cent of Ghanaian adults suffered from low back pain, while 13.8 per cent of those aged 50 years and above were affected by knee osteoarthritis.

Those conditions, he said, accounted for 20 per cent of the country’s musculoskeletal disease burden.

He noted that while those conditions were often seen as routine or age-related, they actually arose from complex interplays between injury, chronic disease and socioeconomic conditions which were further exacerbated by the country’s reliance on out-of-pocket healthcare payments.

Prof. Bello emphasised that musculoskeletal conditions — including chronic pain, joint deformities and movement limitations — were not only widespread but also carried significant economic and social costs, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Ghana.

He revealed that in one of his studies on patients with chronic low back pain referred for physiotherapy in the Greater Accra Region, most participants earned between GH¢1,100 and GH¢1,500 monthly, yet their treatment-related expenses averaged GH¢1,408, an amount that exceeded the income of the majority.

“This creates a cycle of disability and financial strain,” he said.

The Professor of Physiotherapy called for the immediate implementation of a national screening programme to detect musculoskeletal disorders early in children and youth across the country.

He said such a move, along with sector-specific ergonomics training, increased access to physiotherapy services in rural areas, and intensified public awareness campaigns, was critical to reducing the growing burden of musculoskeletal conditions in Ghana.

“Preventing musculoskeletal disorders is not just about movement,  it is about restoring dignity, reducing poverty, and protecting human potential,” Prof. Bello, who is also a former Head, Department of Physiotherapy, stated.

Vulnerable sectors

Prof. Bello highlighted that health workers, especially nurses, faced high levels of work-related musculoskeletal disorders due to the physical demands of their jobs.

A survey he conducted among 151 nurses and health workers in a secondary facility in Accra revealed a 69.4 per cent prevalence rate, with low back pain accounting for 72 per cent of cases.

In the education sector, his research showed that 66 per cent of primary and junior high school pupils in Accra exhibited at least two musculoskeletal deformities, such as bent elbows or toes — conditions that, if unaddressed, could progress into more serious disabilities in adulthood.

Among pregnant women, he said knowledge of birth defects and the role of physiotherapy remained limited.

He revealed that out of 443 antenatal clinic attendees surveyed in the Greater Accra Region, less than half had adequate knowledge about birth defect risk factors and only 47 per cent were aware that physiotherapy could be used in managing such conditions.

Prof. Bello, therefore, called for better education during antenatal sessions and advocated the inclusion of physiotherapy services in maternity care to address both prenatal and postnatal musculoskeletal challenges.

According to a multi-country study conducted at teaching hospitals in Ghana and Nigeria, Prof. Bello revealed that more than half of all fracture cases treated through physiotherapy were due to road traffic accidents, with most victims falling within the 20–39 age group.

Minority Caucus demands urgent answers over alarming Covid-19 surge at UG

The Minority on Friday raised a red flag over a disturbing rise in COVID-19 cases at the University of Ghana, Legon.

It warned that government’s silence could trigger a full-blown health crisis if action is not taken immediately.

Describing the situation as “spiralling out of control,” Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh led the charge, calling on the House to summon the Minister of Health without delay.

He warned that the government’s slow response was breeding fear among students, staff, and residents around the university.

“We don’t want to go through what the country went through some time back,” the Nsawam-Adoagyire MP cautioned.

“Let’s make hay while the sun shines. I place this call right in front of the respected Leader of the House—we need the minister here now to do the needful.”

His plea was backed by Nalerigu/Gambaga MP Nurudeen Muhammed Mumuni, who echoed the urgency of transparency.

“It is a very important issue,” he stressed. “We need the Health Minister to respond and update the country as to whether COVID is back or not.”

The demands come amid growing reports of a fresh wave of coronavirus infections on the Legon campus, raising alarm in a country that had largely returned to post-pandemic normalcy.

Since the World Health Organisation lifted its global health emergency declaration in 2023, Ghana has relaxed restrictions, reopened schools and borders, and resumed social gatherings.

But the recent spike at the nation’s top university is shaking confidence, and the Minority isn’t waiting for a repeat of the 2020 nightmare.

They accuse the government of dragging its feet and failing to communicate with the public.

“The silence is dangerous,” a Minority source told reporters. “We need to know what the Ministry is doing to contain the spread and protect lives.”

With growing uncertainty and a nervous student population, the Minority says it is time to act, before it’s too late.

Breathe Easier with Better Nutrition – Eating to Fight Respiratory Infections

The arrival of the rains and relatively cold weather often signals the start of flu season, bringing with it a rise in coughs, cold, and other respiratory problems. There are even reports of the resurgence of COVID-19, is making rounds in the media. The focus is once again on practical steps to protect public health. While wearing masks, maintaining physical distancing, and improving ventilation remain essential, the role of good nutrition in supporting the immune system cannot be overlooked. In this article, we explore how a balanced diet can help the body defend itself against infectious respiratory diseases including colds, flu and COVID-19, and what this means for individuals and families seeking to stay healthy in the current climate.

Understanding The Immune System

The immune system is your body’s natural defence against infections. It is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to detect and destroy harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, and parasites. When this system is strong and balanced, it can fight off most infections efficiently and speed up recovery. However, when it is weakened due to poor nutrition, stress, or chronic illness the risk of prolonged or severe infections increases. Good nutrition supports:

• Immune cell production and function
• Wound healing and tissue repair
• Antioxidant defence against inflammation
• Energy for fever, coughing, or other symptoms

Key Nutrients for Fighting Infections

• Protein: This is essential for the production of immune cells and antibodies. During infections, protein needs increase. Eggs, poultry, fish, beans of all kinds, dairy, and lean meats are sources of protein.
• Vitamin C: This enhances immune cell function and acts as an antioxidant, reducing inflammation caused by infections. Sources of vitamin C are; oranges, bell peppers, pawpaw (papaya), tomatoes, guava, and strawberries.
• Zinc: It helps the immune system function properly and is involved in wound healing and fighting viral infections. Sources of zinc are meat, shellfish, beans, seeds, whole grains and groundnuts.
• Vitamin A: It maintains the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes which are the body’s first line of defence. Carrots, sweet potatoes, dark leafy greens, mangoes, eggs, and liver are good sources of vitamin A.
• Fluids and Electrolytes: Hydration is crucial, especially during fever or diarrhoea. It helps flush out toxins and supports all body functions. You can get this from drinking water, coconut water, clear broths, herbal teas, fresh fruit juices
• Healthy Fats: Good fats help absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and provide energy during times of poor appetite. Sources of healthy fats are avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, coconut water, palm oil in moderation.

Nutrition considerations when fighting an infection

When your body is fighting an infection, what you eat can make a big difference in how quickly you recover. It is best to limit sugary foods and drinks, as they may weaken your immune response. Highly processed snacks often lack the nutrients your body needs and may contain ingredients that promote inflammation. Alcohol and too much caffeine can also contribute to dehydration and lower your body’s ability to fight illness. If you have a poor appetite, which is common during illness, try eating small, frequent meals. Nutrient-rich options like smoothies, soups, and porridges are often easier to tolerate, and you can boost their energy content with ingredients like nut butter, eggs, or milk. If eating is too difficult, focus on staying hydrated until your appetite returns. Once you start to feel better, continue paying attention to your nutrition. Eating well after an infection helps to rebuild nutrient stores, repair body tissues, and restore any weight or strength you may have lost.

In summary

Good nutrition though not a substitute for medication can certainly support the immune system before, during, and after respiratory infections. Whether you are battling the flu, a cold or COVID-19, a nourishing balanced diet with a focus on the key nutrients discussed is one of your best tools for a quicker and stronger recovery. If you are dealing with a chronic infection or are unsure what to eat while sick, speak with a registered dietitian for a personalized nutrition plan.

Click here to join Full Proof Nutrition WhatsApp channel to receive more educative content. Send us a mail on fullproofnutrition@gmail.com

Written by Dr. Laurene Boateng (PhD, RD)
Dr. Laurene Boateng is a Registered Dietitian and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Dietetics, University of Ghana. She is the founder and editor-in-chief of Full Proof Nutrition, a website committed to providing reliable, evidence-based, and practical healthy eating advice. Click here to join Full Proof Nutrition WhatsApp channel and send us a mail at fullproofnutrition@gmail.com.

References

1. Calder, P. C. (2020). Nutrition, immunity and COVID-19. BMJ nutrition, prevention & health, 3(1), 74.

OmniBSIC Bank promotes wellness with Health Walk in Accra

OmniBSIC Bank successfully hosted a vibrant health walk this morning at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, encouraging participants to embrace an active lifestyle.

It was under the theme “Better Health Starts Here.”

The event kicked off promptly at 5:30 AM, attracting fitness enthusiasts, bank staff, and community members dressed in sporty attire.

The walk aimed to promote physical well-being while fostering community engagement.

Attendees enjoyed a refreshing route starting from around the stadium and then outside the campus, with the bank providing hydration stations and health tips along the way.

Food Safety: Veterinary Services raises alarm over unsafe food handling

As part of activities to mark World Food Safety Awareness Day, the Veterinary Services Directorate of Ghana organised a food safety awareness float.

The initiative aimed to educate the public, especially food vendors and consumers, on the critical importance of food safety practices.

Some individuals also shared their thoughts on where they get their food and how they ensure it’s safe to eat.

As the pressure to survive grows, so does the temptation to cut corners. But experts warn – one sick bird, one unsafe choice, could be the beginning of an outbreak.

JoyNews’ Anne Dasse has more in the following report.