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We wanted a ring-fenced fund, and we got it – Kwame Sarpong Asiedu backs MahamaCares bill

Research Fellow at CDD-Ghana, Dr. Kwame Sarpong Asiedu, says the passage of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund aka MahamaCares Bill has fulfilled a major demand from key stakeholders: the creation of a ring-fenced fund.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Tuesday, July 29, the medical doctor recalled testing the bill’s content against outcomes from the JoyNews Stakeholder Dialogue on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

“When the bill was passed by Parliament, the first thing I did was to marry the bill against the outcomes of the stakeholder dialogue that Multimedia held,” he said.

“Because you had the patients on, you had government on, you had the health professionals on, and you had advocacy groups like me on.”

For him, the bill checks all the boxes that mattered. “It satisfies all the requirements that the stakeholder consultation was looking for,” he stated, before listing four critical elements.

“Why do I say that we wanted a ring-fenced funding?” he asked. “Now the government has said 20% of NHIS, so we exactly know where the money is coming from.”

He explained that ring-fencing meant the money must be protected from direct government interference. “It means it has to go to an entity that technically is out of the reach of government.”

He praised the creation of a trust fund as a direct response to that demand.

“So a trust fund has been set. That’s another thing that Dialogue asked for. So that has been done.”

He noted that management on behalf of patients was another demand. “A board has been set up. That has been done.”

He added that sustainability was a major concern, and the bill addresses that.

“There is an index to say 20% of NHIS,” he pointed out. “Even though I have a problem with the funding model, and we’ll come to that.

“But I’m just going by what the dialogue [said], sustainability, so you know that whatever it is, when the NHIS funding is agreed and approved by Parliament, 20% of that goes to management of chronic diseases.”

Dr Asiedu concluded by highlighting how seriously he took the match between policy and citizen input.

“I assessed the manifestos based on what the dialogue expected,” he recalled.

“I met Titus downstairs with the doctor, and I was laughing at them, and I said, you people have put proposals, but you didn’t test the proposals against what the dialogue said.”

‘JoyNews NCDs Dialogue reflected in law’ – CDD’s Kwame Asiedu on Ghana Medical Trust Fund

Research Fellow at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Dr. Kwame Sarpong Asiedu, says the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Bill passed by Parliament aligns almost entirely with the recommendations from the JoyNews Stakeholder Dialogue on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

Speaking on PM Express on Tuesday, July 29, the medical doctor described the passage of the bill—also known as the MahamaCares Bill—as a clear outcome of the deliberative process held by JoyNews.

“I assessed the manifestos based on what the dialogue expected,” he said, recalling how he challenged colleagues involved in drafting policy proposals to measure them against the outcomes of the NCD dialogue.

“And I remember that day, while working out—Titus is my friend—I met Titus downstairs with the doctor, and I was laughing at them, and I said, ‘You people have put proposals, but you didn’t test the proposals against what the dialogue said.’”

For Dr. Asiedu, the alignment became evident the moment the bill was passed.

“The first thing I did was to marry the bill against the outcomes of the stakeholder dialogue that multimedia held,” he noted.

He said the dialogue had involved patients, government officials, health professionals, and advocacy groups like his, and that their collective demands had been captured.

He pointed to four specific demands that were met.

“We wanted a ring-fenced funding. Now the government has said 20% of NHIS, so we exactly know where the money is coming from.” To him, that level of clarity was crucial.

“And when you talk about a ring fence, it means it has to go to an entity that technically is out of the reach of government. So a trust fund has been set. That’s another thing that Dialogue asked for. So that has been done.”

He said the management structure was also consistent with demands from the forum. “It had to be managed on behalf of the patient. So a board has been set up. That has been done.”

The final point, he said, was sustainability.

“There is an index to say 20% of NHIS, even though I have a problem with the funding model—and we’ll come to that. But I’m just going by what the dialogue: sustainability.

“So you know that whatever it is, when the NHIS funding is agreed and approved by parliament, 20% of that goes to management of chronic diseases.”

No life can wait – Prof Titus Beyuo defends urgent passage of Ghana Medical Trust Fund bill

“We’re talking about lives here.”

That was the impassioned plea from Prof Titus Beyuo, Board Chairman of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, as he defended the decision to treat the Ghana Medical Trust Fund bill as a matter of urgency in Parliament.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Tuesday, July 29, the Lambussie MP said lives were literally hanging in the balance, so passing what is also called the MahamaCares bill was the way to go.

“If providing health care for people who need dialysis, who need some cancer care, who are in some critical stage is not urgent, I don’t know what else is urgent.”

For Prof Beyuo, the matter is beyond debate. The need for immediate support to vulnerable patients cannot be postponed.

“No life can wait,” he stressed, justifying the urgency clause that saw the House fast-track the bill’s consideration.

The medical doctor insisted the House was right to act swiftly, because “there is no time.”

He reminded Ghanaians of the words of a former president, Nana Akufo-Add,o who said during the Covid-19 pandemic that: “They can revive the economy, but they cannot bring back lives.”

For him, those words capture the gravity of the moment.

“There’s no better way to emphasise the urgency of this.”

The emotional weight of the situation was clear as he reflected on the suffering of real people.

“For those people suffering today, they wish this had been passed yesterday.”

To him, the delay already feels like a betrayal of those in need.

“For someone who is on social media appealing for fun today, for a constituent who is looking for money today, they wish this had been passed a month ago,” he said. “So there’s no time to waste.”

So Why Are We Lacking Vitamin D?

Much of West Africa, Ghana, is blessed with abundant sunlight all year round. Many people assume that living in a sunny climate automatically protects one from vitamin D deficiency. I recently came across a multi-centre study (see reference) that challenges this widely held assumption. Despite all the sunshine, nearly half of the participants had low levels of this essential vitamin. This surprising finding invites us to take a closer look at how lifestyle, skin tone, and even geography affect our vitamin D status.

Why is Vitamin D so Important?

This “sunshine vitamin” is essential for strong bones, a healthy immune system, and even stable blood pressure. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps the body to:

• Absorb calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth
• Fight infections by boosting the immune system
• Regulate blood pressure and inflammation
• Support muscle strength and energy levels
• Reduce the risk of complications in pregnancy

Without enough vitamin D, the body begins to suffer quietly at first, but seriously over time.

What did the researchers do and what did they find?

The research team measured vitamin D levels in blood samples of 500 healthy adults (blood donors) from three geographical areas in Ghana: the northern, middle, and southern zones. They also gathered information on age, gender, and dietary intakes.

Surprisingly, nearly 45% of the study participants had low vitamin D levels. Women were more likely to be deficient than men. Participants living in the northern part of Ghana, which gets less rainfall and has more intense sun, generally had a slightly lower proportion of people with vitamin D deficiency (41%), compared to those in the southern (45%) and middle zones (46%). Interestingly also, not knowing about vitamin D-rich foods and eating fewer vitamin D-rich foods were associated with higher chances of having vitamin D deficiency.

Why Sunlight Alone is not Enough

Many people spend most of their day indoors, whether at work, in school, or at home. Even when outside, long sleeves, head coverings, or cultural clothing often block direct sunlight from reaching the skin. Also, because people with darker skin have higher levels of melanin, they need more sun exposure to produce the same amount of vitamin D as someone with lighter skin.

So even in a sunny country like Ghana, you can still end up vitamin D deficient.Some people have no symptoms at all when they are deficient in vitamin D. But common signs include, constant fatigue or weakness, bone or back pain, frequent infections or slow healing, depression or mood swings, muscle aches or cramps and hair thinning, among others. Pregnant women with low vitamin D are also more likely to experience complications like high blood pressure or preterm delivery.

What Can We Do?

The good news is, there are simple steps we can take to improve our vitamin D levels:

• Spend Safe Time in the Sun: Aim for short periods of sunlight exposure (about 10–30 minutes, depending on skin tone) a few times a week—especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is gentler.
• Eat Vitamin D-Rich Foods: Include more oily fish (like sardines, salmon, and mackerel), egg yolks and liver in meals. Vitamin D-fortified foods such as breakfast cereals, margarine, and some dairy or plant-based milk are also good options. Cod liver oil and mushrooms (sun-dried or exposed to UV light) are also great sources.
• Talk to a Healthcare Professional about Supplementation: Because individual needs differ, it’s important to consult a registered dietitian or doctor before starting any vitamin D supplement. They can assess your vitamin D status and recommend the right dosage, if needed. Over-supplementation can be harmful.
• Check Your Levels When in Doubt: Especially if you experience symptoms like fatigue, frequent illness, or unexplained muscle aches, getting your vitamin D levels tested is a good idea.
• Educate and Advocate: Help spread awareness. Many people do not realise how essential vitamin D is, or how common deficiency can be, even in sunny countries.

My Concluding Thoughts

Residing in a sunny climate does not necessarily guarantee adequate vitamin D levels. In fact, recent evidence shows that a significant number of people in such regions are deficient without even knowing it. The good news is that vitamin D deficiency is something we can tackle through lifestyle changes, dietary improvements, and, when necessary, medical support. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Prioritise your health by spending time in the sun, eating vitamin D-rich foods, and consulting a qualified healthcare provider to find out if you may need a supplement.

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 Nutrition Consultancy committed to providing reliable, evidence-based, and practical healthy eating advice through its website www.fullproofnutrition.com.  Click here to join Full Proof Nutrition WhatsApp channel to receive more educative content. Send us a mail on fullproofnutrition@gmail.com

References

1. Sakyi, S. A., Antwi, M. H., Ahenkorah Fondjo, L., Laing, E. F., Ephraim, R. K. D., Kwarteng, A., … & Buckman, T. A. (2021). Vitamin D deficiency is common in Ghana despite abundance of sunlight: a multicentre comparative cross‐sectional study. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, 2021(1), 9987141.
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15050-vitamin-d-vitamin-d-deficiency

Health Ministry processes pharmacist salaries, promises interns payment

The Health Ministry says it has successfully processed salaries for 321 Pharmacist House Officers who completed their housemanship in 2024.

This, it notes, is a significant step toward addressing outstanding financial obligations within the sector.

The Ministry also acknowledges concerns raised by the 2024 batch of Rotation Nurses and Allied Health Interns who began their rotations in May 2024 and completed them in May 2025, but have not received their salaries.

It attributes the delay to the inability of the previous government to secure the necessary financial clearance before the interns started work.

According to the Ministry, it is actively working with relevant government agencies to prioritise and expedite the clearance process to ensure the timely disbursement of all outstanding salaries.

“This effort reflects the Ministry’s broader commitment to resolving salary arrears across all health worker categories and ensuring that every qualified professional is supported in delivering essential healthcare services to Ghanaians.”

“We wish to reassure all affected Rotation Nurses and Allied Health Interns that their concerns are being addressed as a matter of urgency,” it said, adding that steps are being taken to implement a sustainable system that prevents such delays in the future.

Korle Bu Teaching Hospital sees 700 cancer cases annually 

Africa records over 24,000 new cancer cases annually, with Korle Bu Teaching Hospital documenting 700 cases each year since 2005.

Dr Hannah Naa Gogwe Ayettey, Consultant Oncologist at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, disclosed this during a cancer research symposium held to explore the unique features of African cancers for improved treatment outcomes.

Speaking at the event, which was organised under the auspices of Precision Medicine for Aggressive Breast Cancers (PMABC), she stressed the importance of collaborative research to enhance patient care and develop effective treatments across the continent.

“The mission of PMABC is to build the capacity of institutions and researchers across Sub-Saharan Africa to help reduce cancer burden through advanced research and delivery of care to diverse populations worldwide,” she stated.

Dr Ayettey, who also serves as the General Secretary of the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), noted that while genetic factors contribute to cancer prevalence in Africa, patients face severe socio-economic challenges and financial hardship due to the high cost of treatment.

She advised patients to seek early hospital care to avoid complications and called for increased awareness to encourage early detection and greater community involvement in care.

The symposium, themed “Catalysing Basic and Translational Cancer in Africa: Advancing Progress and Capacity Building”, was held in partnership with AORTIC.

It brought together experts and researchers to focus on high-burden cancers, including breast, cervical, prostate, colorectal, and oesophageal cancers.

Dr Miriam Mutebe, President of AORTIC, reiterated the importance of early diagnosis, saying, “Many cancer patients are potentially treatable and curable if diagnosed earlier.”

“Breast cancer is the most common diagnosis affecting young ladies in West Africa, but about 90 percent of the patients survive due to early detection,” she added.

Africa AI Health forum explores practical uses of generative AI in healthcare

More than 150 in-person participants and over 300 virtual attendees gather at the Africa AI Health Forum 2025 to explore the opportunities and limitations of using generative artificial intelligence (AI) in African healthcare systems.

The one-day hybrid forum, held in Kumasi and jointly organized by the Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research Group, KCCR-KNUST, and the Global Health Network, focused on the theme “Harnessing Generative AI for Healthcare Innovations: Lessons, Challenges, and Future Directions.”

Participants, including clinicians, health administrators, AI engineers, researchers, and students, engaged in live demonstrations, panel discussions, and technical sessions. The agenda focused on practical AI tools tailored to local needs and addressed regulatory and implementation barriers in African public health settings.

“Telehealth is the future of healthcare, and the way forward is AI-enabled,” said Dr. Wisdom Atiwoto, Director of Research, Statistics, and Information Management at Ghana’s Ministry of Health. “But real transformation will require bold policy, strong partnerships, and systems that put people first. Ghana is ready to lead that change.”

Dr. Atiwoto’s presentation outlined how Ghana’s digital health policies have progressed, from early eHealth strategies to the Ministry’s current focus on AI. He highlighted the Ghana Telemedicine Project as one example where AI-assisted consultation models are helping to reduce unnecessary referrals and cut costs.

Local Innovation Spotlight: CARE-GDM

CARE-GDM, a mobile-based digital health application, was one of the new innovations featured at the forum. Built on the WhatsApp platform, the tool includes a clinician-facing dashboard and a patient chatbot. The tool illustrates the potential of AI to enhance the continuum of care by supporting gestational diabetes management between facility visits.

CARE-GDM supports remote monitoring, health education, and decision-making tailored to each patient. Though still in its early development phase, it shows how AI is being adapted to Ghana’s health system and common communication platforms. 

“We need to move beyond pilots and proof-of-concept,” said Dr. John Amuasi, Lead for the Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research Group, GHID-KCCR.

“Africa is ready to own, adapt, and scale AI for health, but it must be on our terms, informed by local realities. That means investing in talent, building infrastructure, and anchoring AI in ethical, evidence-based systems.”

AI in Context

A panel discussion featuring Dr. Martin Balaba, Sesinam Dagadu, and Dr. Prince Adjei,  moderated by Dr. Neta Parsram, addressed key questions on the role of AI in Ghana’s health system and across Africa, where AI could add the most value alongside its potential to complement, enhance, and reshape, rather than replace, clinical roles. The panel also addressed risks such as data bias, stressing the need for African-generated data and locally relevant governance to ensure AI systems work equitably across contexts. Additionally, the forum also hosted a Prompt Engineering Challenge, allowing participants to experiment with large language models in health-specific scenarios.

Rather than promoting AI as a disruptive solution, the forum emphasized measured integration, linking AI tools to existing public health priorities. The event was supported by the Ghana Ministry of Health, The Global Health Network, Science for Africa Foundation, IDRC, and the FCDO.

Direct Relief applauds Breast Care International for lifesaving medical support in Ghana

Global humanitarian organization Direct Relief has praised Breast Care International (BCI) and its partner, Peace and Love Hospitals, for their outstanding efforts in distributing medical supplies to underserved communities across Ghana.

As one of Direct Relief’s most trusted partners worldwide, BCI has played a crucial role in ensuring that lifesaving medicines and equipment reach facilities in need, particularly those treating breast cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Direct Relief has long supported Ghana’s healthcare sector through medical donations made possible by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BCI. Hospitals benefiting from this partnership include Tafo Government Hospital, Kokofu Hospital, Ankaase Government Hospital, Bunkurugu Yooyo Government Hospital, Trinity Hospital, Holy Family Hospital, Ankaful CHPS Compound, among others.

The donations have significantly alleviated the burden on patients who cannot afford critical medication and treatment services. Many beneficiaries suffer from chronic conditions that require ongoing care, making the initiative a lifeline for thousands.

In a visit, the newly appointed CEO of Direct Relief, Amy Weaver, made Ghana her first international stop since assuming office just two months ago. Accompanied by Dr. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, CEO of Peace and Love Hospitals, Weaver toured several facilities that have received support through the partnership.

Her delegation visited hospitals in Kokofu and Tafo, where she expressed deep satisfaction with the on-the-ground impact of Direct Relief’s donations.

“I’m very satisfied with what I’ve seen. From the very first day I took over as CEO, I began hearing about Breast Care International and Ghana. We work in 92 countries, and I chose Ghana as my first visit because of the exemplary work being done here,” said Weaver.

She emphasized the importance of early detection and regular screening in the fight against breast cancer, especially for young girls, mothers, and grandmothers, noting that Ghana is making significant strides in combating the disease.

Weaver also acknowledged Direct Relief’s long-standing collaboration with top Ghanaian institutions such as Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, and expressed the organization’s intent to deepen these relationships to improve access to care.

Dr. Beatrice Wiafe-Addai conveyed appreciation to Weaver and her team for recognizing Ghana among more than 90 partner countries.

“It means a lot that they came to see for themselves the vital work happening in our hospitals. The support from Direct Relief is invaluable—it makes treatment possible for many patients who would otherwise go without,” Dr. Wiafe-Addai stated.

She stressed the need to expand partnerships to reach more facilities and communities across the country, especially those facing the greatest healthcare challenges.

Beyond the hospital visits, the Direct Relief team also interacted with students at Ejisuman Senior High School, met with the Chief of Kokofu, and listened to testimonies from breast cancer survivors in the Ashanti Region.

Healthcare managers at beneficiary hospitals praised Direct Relief for its commitment to easing the burden on Ghana’s healthcare system and improving patient outcomes.

“Everywhere we went, people expressed deep appreciation. The medicines we receive are not just supplies they’re hope,” Dr. Wiafe-Addai affirmed.

Evacuate our members from conflict zone – GRNMA appeals to gov’t

The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has appealed to the government to evacuate its members from conflict-prone areas in the Bawku Municipality, citing worsening insecurity and direct threats to the lives of healthcare professionals.

Speaking to Adom News, GRNMA President, Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, urged the Ministry of Health and other relevant authorities to act swiftly to ensure the safety of health workers deployed in the area.

“There are some members, health workers, whose lives are in danger. We are calling on our employer, the government, and the Ministry of Health to consider moving our members, particularly those who do not reside in Bawku but are there due to duty, out of the area for their safety,” Ofori-Ampofo stated.

Her call comes amid a recent surge in violence in the Upper East Region, where ethnic clashes and sporadic gunfire have claimed civilian lives. In one tragic incident, two students from Nalerigu Senior High School were shot, an act believed to be linked to the ongoing unrest.

Echoing GRNMA’s concerns, the Pre-tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) has also appealed for the immediate evacuation of teachers stationed in affected areas.

Kingsley Anyimadu, National Communications Director of PRETAG, commended the government for initiating the evacuation of students over the weekend but emphasized that teachers and other personnel also require urgent attention.

“We appreciate the government’s directive to evacuate learners. However, the situation remains dire. Government must act now to evacuate our teachers as well,” Anyimadu stated. “We urge our members in these areas to remain calm as we work closely with the security agencies to ensure a safe evacuation.”