Swiss Bio Shield, a Swiss-based company specialised in hospital equipment and healthcare solutions, is seeking a strategic partnership with the Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH) to establish a West African showroom.
Mr. Issaka Sidi, Chairman of the Company, said the partnership would bring numerous benefits to the Hospital, including the establishment of a modern production unit for zero-alcohol disinfectants, the setting up of a world-class showroom for hospital theatre devices, and training opportunities for health professionals.
He said Swiss Bio Shield would also establish state-of-the-art machinery with cutting-edge medical technology to attract international clients, support HTH wellness tourism with equipment, and set up cancer and skin centres at HTH with Swiss specialists.
Mr Sidi said the Company chose HTH due to its strategic location and growing medical tourism agenda.
Dr. Hintermann K.K. Mbroh, CEO, HTH, said the partnership would not only enhance the Hospital’s capabilities but also contribute to the region’s economic development.
He expressed gratitude to SwissBio for choosing HTH for the partnership, which he said aligned with the Hospital’s goal of becoming a centre of excellence in healthcare, education, and research.
Dzemeni in the South Dayi District in the Volta Region has witnessed improved maternal healthcare over the last year.
The riverine community within the period recorded no maternal deaths as mothers tend to deliver healthier babies, in a safe and sound environment.
This follows a series of interventions at the Evangelical Presbyterian Church Health Center in Dzemeni, spearheaded by the church with support from Rotary Club.
Dzemeni is a river-bound commercial community in the South Dayi District which harbors mostly traders, fisherfolks, artisans and private and public sector workers.
As the most developed and busiest community in the enclave, residents in the communities overbank travel here to access to all essential services, including basic healthcare.
This put pressure on the Evangelical Presbyterian Church Health Center which lacked enough space and was under-equipped.
Due to the imperative need for a radiant warmer, the health workers developed an outmoded model with mushroom bulbs and wood to serve in the interim
A midwife at the facility, Esadah Priscilla, explained that they previously had to share a small space at the outpatient department for antenatal and postnatal services.
She said this breached their confidentiality clause, as patients get to hear details of the health conditions of their peers during consultations.
“Previously, we had to attend to clients in pairs in an area divided with plywood. During sessions, they hear the discussions on the other side, and this wasn’t good because we needed to keep their conditions and details confidential”, she said.
She added that the E.P. Church provides an ultrasound machine which provided some relief to pregnant women who access the facility for antenatal care, “since they don’t have to travel out for such services.”
She lamented about the lack of separate wards and beds for mothers and their newborns, explaining they had to house them in a small-spaced ward with other patients.
Gauging the pressure on the health center, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church financed the construction of a maternity unit for the facility.
The structure which occupies a 20 by 70 feet land area has two separate counseling rooms, a labour room, two wards, a neonatal intensive care space, and a public health room among other ancillary facilities.
The Rotary Club stepped in to stock the maternity facility with modern equipment, ranging from radiant warmers, incubators, autoclave machines, labor beds, ward beds, and medical refrigerators among others.
Madam Esadah shared her excitement about the new facility indicating service delivery had drastically improved over the last year, with patients putting to bed healthy babies.
She disclosed that they no longer have to worry about exposed consultation sessions as they have two separate consulting rooms.
“We now have better delivery beds and rooms so mothers have a good rest after giving birth. The NICU is also helping us to provide critical care to babies that need it to survive”, she said with a smile.
Gudzuda Juliana is one of the beneficiaries of the project which has contributed significantly to maternal healthcare in the Dzemeni enclave.
She shared how she was taken care of diligently during her pregnancy journey to delivery, providing her with a holistic service.
“Due to the intensity of my labour and how I was feeling, I least expected them to help me give birth, thinking they will refer me to a bigger facility. However, they proved me wrong to me and did well to help me deliver my baby.”
“After delivery, the beds for resting are big enough and comfortable, unlike previously that provided small beds. The beds in the waiting room before delivery are equally good. They handled me very well after delivery”, she concluded.
As the world marks World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to August 7, health experts are warning about the dangers of abandoning exclusive breastfeeding.
Care providers have been urging parents to give their infants nothing but breast milk for the first six months of life, stressing that it is the single most powerful start a child can get.
According to experts, breast milk is a complete food containing every nutrient and fluid babies need during this period; no water, porridge, or other adult food is necessary.
Dr. Phillip Akwafo, Medical Officer at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Hwediem, Ahafo Region, told JoyNews during the World Breastfeeding Week celebration that breastfeeding reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
The Medical Officer pointed to scientific research showing that exclusive breastfeeding boosts a child’s immunity and brain development.
He noted that other well-researched health benefits for infants include protection against chronic diseases later in life, support for healthy gut development, and easier digestion.
For mothers, Dr. Akwafo said the practice lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancer and aids post-pregnancy recovery.
He warned against introducing solid or adult food too early, saying it can lead to malnutrition, digestive problems, and life-threatening infections.
“An infant’s digestive system is not ready for adult food. Giving such foods too early can damage their health and put them at risk of diarrhoea and stunted growth,” he said.
Feeding infants adult food in the first six months, he added, can cause diarrhoea, choking hazards, food allergies, and stunted growth, among other negative impacts.
Dr. Akwafo also dismissed common misconceptions about breastfeeding, including beliefs that babies need water in hot weather, that thin or malnourished mothers cannot produce enough quality milk, that big babies need adult food early to grow well, and that breastfeeding causes sagging breasts.
The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding with safe, appropriate complementary foods up to two years or beyond.
“Exclusive breastfeeding is not a choice between tradition and science. It is life-saving,” Dr. Akwafo emphasised.
In line with this year’s theme, “Closing the Gap: Support for Breastfeeding,” the country needs ongoing education to equip parents, caregivers, and communities with the facts, breaking harmful traditions that jeopardise child health.
Japanese technology giant Fujifilm, originally known for its electronics and imaging products, has extended its footprint into Ghana’s healthcare sector through a partnership with Eranis Medical Imaging and Engineering Limited.
At a grand launch held in Accra on Thursday, 7th August, the global team from Fujifilm showcased the company’s journey of innovation and excellence since its establishment in 1934.
Speaking to the media during the event, the Managing Director of Fujifilm MEA, Mr Shin Tagawa, explained that the company’s recent 90th anniversary served as a catalyst to expand its medical services into developing countries, including Ghana.
“We are in Ghana for the medical business with a core mission to make healthcare delivery more flexible and efficient using our cutting-edge technologies,” he said.
He added that Fujifilm’s advanced screening solutions, powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), are designed to ease the burden on healthcare systems, particularly in regions facing a shortage of medical professionals.
“With our AI solutions, we can facilitate advanced screening to reduce patient backlogs, especially where access to specialised care is limited,” Mr Tagawa stated.
He noted that Fujifilm’s technology will help medical professionals diagnose patients with greater accuracy and speed. “Using our AI-powered systems, doctors can make faster, more precise diagnoses, significantly reducing human error.”
Mr Tagawa also revealed plans to train Ghanaian healthcare practitioners on how to operate the equipment, ensuring optimal use of the technologies once they are deployed in medical facilities across the country.
Dr Isaac Thompson, Executive Director of Eranis, emphasised the significance of the collaboration. “The partnership between Fujifilm and Eranis is aimed at enhancing Ghana’s healthcare system,” he noted.
He added that Eranis would serve as a conduit between both public and private sectors, facilitating flexible procurement processes for the medical equipment. “We’re also responsible for ensuring proper maintenance of these machines once they are in use.”
Dr Thompson also highlighted the suitability of Fujifilm’s equipment for rural healthcare. “Fujifilm has developed a portable X-ray machine that can be transported on the back of a motorbike to remote areas. These devices are equipped with AI diagnostic capabilities, eliminating the immediate need for radiologists on-site.”
Also speaking to journalists was Dr Innocent Ugwoke, Regional Manager of Fujifilm for West Africa, who pointed out that some of the machines come with rechargeable batteries, making them ideal for underserved communities.
“These devices can diagnose conditions such as tuberculosis and other health challenges even in areas with limited infrastructure,” he said.
According to Dr Ugwoke, Fujifilm’s AI-assisted systems are designed to provide reliable diagnostics even with minimal numbers of radiologists, thus widening access to quality healthcare services across the country.
Representatives from the Ghana Health Service, Ministry of Health, and public and private hospitals at the event lauded the company’s efforts in bridging the gaps in healthcare services and welcomed the idea.
Trials of a daily obesity pill have shown it can help patients lose around 12% of their body weight over 72 weeks.
The manufacturer, Eli Lilly, says the drug, which is not yet licensed, could be available next year.
The daily pill, called orforglipron, works by suppressing appetite and making you feel fuller.
Preliminary results of a major trial show those on the highest dose lost an average of 12 kilos (nearly two stone) over 16 months, but about one in 10 stopped taking the pills due to side effects, including nausea and vomiting.
In addition to weight loss, participants also benefited from reductions in cholesterol, blood fats and blood pressure.
Dr Kenneth Custer of Eli Lilly said the company was planning to submit the drug for licensing before the end of the year and preparing for a “global launch to address this urgent public health need”.
So where might this weight loss pill fit in to the blockbuster multi-billion pound market dominated by injectable drugs like Mounjaro, Wegovy and Ozempic?
The pill is much less effective than injectables.
The 12% weight loss achieved by those taking orforglipron compares to 22% weight loss for patients on Mounjaro, given by weekly injection. Both drugs are made by Eli Lilly.
Despite being less effective, there is likely to be a significant market for weight loss pills, as a needle-free means of cutting obesity levels.
Obesity experts hope the oral drug will be far cheaper than current injectables, which would make it available to many more patients.
The full results of the trial will be presented next month at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes annual meeting and published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Rival manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, also has an oral version of its injectable drug Wegovy, which it has already submitted for approval in the US.
In trials, patients on the highest dose of the Novo Nordisk daily pill lost around 15% of their body weight after 64 weeks.
Mothers must not give in to modern-day pressures and deny their babies breast milk, since doing so can affect the child’s growth and overall wellbeing, a health practitioner, Ms Wilhemina Minnow, has mentioned.
“Breast milk is nature’s perfect food, containing all the nutrients a baby needs for healthy growth and development, as well as antibodies that protect against infections and reduce the risk of diseases like diarrhoea, respiratory illnesses, asthma and obesity later in life,” she stated.
Speaking in an interview with The Ghanaian Times yesterday to mark this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, celebrated in the first week of August, Ms Minnow said mothers must be encouraged to give their babies only breast milk for the first six months without water, formula or solid foods.
“It’s like giving your baby their first vaccine,” she explained, adding that the early milk, colostrum, is rich in immune-boosting substances that build a strong foundation for the baby’s health.
Ms Minnow further stressed that breast milk also promotes healthy gut bacteria, essential for immunity, and contains fatty acids that help brain development, contributing to higher IQ and academic performance later in life.
Beyond the child’s wellbeing, she said exclusive breastfeeding benefits the mother too. “It helps the womb return to its normal size after birth, reduces bleeding, lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, and even burns calories to support weight loss.”
On the mental side, Ms Minnow noted that breastfeeding releases hormones like oxytocin and prolactin, which help mothers bond with their babies and reduce the risk of postpartum depression.
She debunked common myths that some mothers did not produce enough milk, saying that true milk insufficiency is rare. “Most cases are due to infrequent breastfeeding, poor latching, anxiety, or wrong perceptions. Frequent breastfeeding on demand is key to maintaining a healthy milk supply,” she advised.
Touching on the pressure many urban mothers face to switch to formula, Ms Minnow urged women to stand firm and seek support. “No formula can match breast milk. Build a support system, know your rights, and plan ahead for work,” she urged, calling for better workplace policies such as breastfeeding breaks and private spaces.
She advocated national measures, including longer maternity leave, stricter control of formula marketing, community education, and training of health workers to better support breastfeeding mothers.
“Breastfeeding is not just a mother’s job, it’s a public health investment,” she concluded.
Absa Bank Ghana Limited has commissioned a Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant and Borehole at the LEKMA Polyclinic in Nungua, Accra.
This initiative forms part of the bank’s Water for Life Project, under the Social Impact Response Pillar of its Force for Good agenda.
Due to the area’s coastal location, groundwater in Nungua tends to be saline, making conventional boreholes unsuitable for drinking and clinical use.
The newly installed reverse osmosis system removes these salts and other impurities, ensuring a steady flow of clean, safe water for the polyclinic and the surrounding community.
The commissioning ceremony, held on August 5, was graced by the Managing Director of Absa Bank Ghana, Dr Edward Nartey Botchway, with notable attendees including the Krowor Constituency MP, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey; the Municipal Chief Executive, Paul Quaye and other respected opinion leaders from the community.
Dr Mrs Naa Momo Lartey commended the bank for its strategic decision to bring such a vital intervention to the heart of a healthcare facility.
“Water is life, and by choosing to enter Krowor with the gift of water, Absa has entered not just our community, but the heart of Krowor, where life is created and preserved.
This partnership means a lot to us, and today you have shown that our story matters,” she remarked.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Edward Nartey Botchway reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to investing in initiatives that improve lives and serve critical community needs.
“For us at Absa, this borehole is not just a project; it is a promise to continue investing in people and in the communities we serve.
“We believe that water is not a luxury but a right, and we remain committed to being a Force for Good in Ghana,” he said.
On behalf of the Nungua LEKMA Polyclinic, Dr William Frimpong, Medical Superintendent, expressed deep gratitude for the project and emphasised its importance in sustaining healthcare delivery.
“In healthcare delivery, access to a safe, reliable water supply is non-negotiable. This intervention from Absa ensures we have consistent water flow, helps maintain a sterile environment, and saves us the cost of buying water from tankers. It is a blessing to our facility and the patients we serve,” Dr Frimpong noted.
Absa Bank’s Water for Life Project is a strategic response to the pressing need for clean and reliable water in underserved communities.
Through its Force for Good strategy, the bank aims to deliver impactful solutions that uplift lives and empower communities across Ghana.
The organising committee of the Ghana Herbal Conference has paid a courtesy call on the Ashanti Regional Minister at his office in Kumasi ahead of the Ghana Herbal Conference, 2025.
The visit was to formally congratulate Dr. Frank Amoakohene on his appointment as the Ashanti Regional Minister and to discuss the upcoming Ghana Herbal Conference slated for December 3rd or 5th, 2025, at the Prempeh Assembly Hall in Kumasi.
The delegation, led by members of the planning and technical committee of the Ghana Herbal Conference, used the opportunity to introduce themselves and the conference to the Minister.
They also extended an official invitation to the Minister and expressed the hope that the Ministry would support efforts to promote the herbal medicine industry in Ghana.
Dr. Frank Amoakohene, while expressing gratitude for the visit and the congratulatory message, pledged his support for the upcoming event.
He noted that the Ghana Herbal Conference aligns with the government’s broader agenda of promoting local industries, preserving indigenous knowledge systems, and expanding access to alternative healthcare.
He further emphasised the importance of herbal medicine in Ghana’s public health space and its potential for economic empowerment, especially among rural communities and traditional medicine practitioners.
“The government of Ghana has, in recent years, taken active steps to support the herbal medicine sector. This includes the integration of herbal medicine into selected public hospitals through the Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR), as well as the Food and Drugs Authority’s continued efforts in regulating and registering herbal products to ensure public safety and international competitiveness.
“Additionally, the Health Ministry has been collaborating with traditional medicine practitioners to strengthen research, improve quality control, and develop a national policy framework for traditional and alternative medicine,” Dr. Amoakohene stated.
The Chief Director for Global Media Alliance, Ms. Emma Wenani, expressed her gratitude to the Minister for welcoming the team to his office and accepting the invitation extended to him.
“We are grateful for your willingness to support the Ghana Herbal Conference and for accepting our invitation.
“We look forward to more collaborations to championing indigenous herbal knowledge, promoting safe and effective herbal medical practices, and fostering innovation in the herbal medicine sector,” she mentioned.
The organisers of the Ghana Herbal Conference expressed optimism that the active involvement of government stakeholders, especially regional leadership, would significantly boost participation, stakeholder engagement, and public trust in herbal medicine initiatives.
They further assured the Minister that the November 2025 conference would serve as a strategic platform for investment, policy advocacy, and the celebration of Ghana’s rich herbal heritage.
The Ghana Herbal Conference 2025, under the theme “Harmony in Herbalism: Balancing Tradition & Innovation, is committed to championing indigenous herbal knowledge, promoting safe and effective herbal medical practices, and fostering innovation within the herbal industry.
It is committed to advancing the country’s herbal medicine industry by fostering dialogue, collaboration, and scientific research aimed at promoting development and standardisation.
With a focus on global recognition, the conference envisions positioning Ghana as a leading hub for high-quality, evidence-based herbal medicine and indigenous health systems.
The conference, organised by Global Media Alliance (GMA), will feature plenary sessions, exhibitions, product showcases, stakeholder engagement, and live herbal demonstrations.
The Ghana NCD Alliance, a coalition of civil society organisations and individuals living with non-communicable diseases, has warmly welcomed the recent passage of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as ‘MahamaCares’.
In a statement issued today, August 5, the alliance commended the government’s “bold and timely intervention” but also raised critical concerns, calling for a comprehensive framework to limit the involvement of industries whose products contribute to NCDs.
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund Bill was passed by Parliament on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, and subsequently assented into law by President John Dramani Mahama.
The President’s personal donation of his six months’ salary as seed funding was hailed by the alliance as a “testament of the government’s commitment” and a “profound understanding of the urgency of the NCDs crisis”.
“We receive this bold and timely intervention with profound gratitude and renewed hope,” the statement read.
“Transforming from a party campaign manifesto promise to its official launch and the successful passage of the Trust Fund in Parliament… is a testament of the government commitment to reducing the catastrophic out-of-pocket expenses people living with NCDs and families face daily just to access treatment and care.”
The alliance noted that for too long, Ghanaians, especially the poor and vulnerable, have struggled with inadequate access to essential NCD services and limited financial protection.
The Ghana NCD Alliance also praised the appointment of Madam Obuobia Darko-Opoku as the administrator of the Fund, describing her role as a “pivotal responsibility that offers an opportunity to build a robust and sustainable mechanism for NCD care in Ghana.”
They urged her to adopt a multisectoral approach, collaborating with various ministries, agencies, civil society groups, and professional associations.
While expressing gratitude, the alliance raised two critical concerns regarding the new law:
Limited Stakeholder Engagement: The alliance noted with concern the “limited stakeholder engagement” that preceded the fund’s passage. Citing the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework, they stressed that “it is essential that patients, caregivers, civil society, and professional bodies are meaningfully engaged in every step, from policy formulation through to implementation and monitoring.”
Risk of Industry Infiltration: The second and most significant concern was the open-ended provision in Clause 3 of the Bill for funding sources. The alliance warned that without “explicit safeguards, the Fund risks infiltration by industries whose products—such as tobacco, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages—are known contributors to NCDs.”
The alliance stressed that allowing contributions from these “unhealthy commodity industries” would “create dangerous public health contradictions, legitimise these industries’ role in national health policy, undermine excise tax policies, and could also erode public trust in the Fund.”
Recommendations for a Sustainable Fund:
To ensure the fund’s sustainability and independence, the Ghana NCD Alliance proposed several recommendations:
Ring-fencing Excise Taxes: At least 50% of the excise tax revenues on products like tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks should be “ring-fenced to support the Funds.”
Increased Excise Taxes: The alliance called on the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to increase excise tax rates on these harmful products and to reject any industry lobbying for tax reductions.
Decentralization: They urged the government to strengthen the decentralization measures in the Act to ensure the fund “reaches those who really require the financial protection and support” in rural and underserved communities.
Comprehensive Care: The fund, they stated, must guarantee equitable access to NCD diagnostics, treatment, and care, and should integrate “psychosocial support systems and mental health services,” which are often neglected.
The alliance concluded by affirming Ghana’s exemplary leadership in the global response to NCDs, citing its active role in various international forums and its own national policies.
They believe the new Ghana Medical Trust Fund further cements the country’s position as a beacon in Africa and beyond, serving as a statement of Ghana’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3.4, which aims to reduce premature deaths from NCDs by one-third by 2030.
