AGP Executive Report

KATH Strike Fallout: Ghana’s Health Ministry called the KATH doctors and nurses strike “unfortunate,” saying the suspended CEO’s removal is an administrative step to support an independent probe after KATH announced a temporary halt to Accident & Emergency admissions—while also clarifying the suspension is not of his medical officer status. Flood & Fire Relief: Stanbic Bank Ghana donated GH¢400,000 in relief items to NADMO, including boots, raincoats, life jackets, food supplies and dignity kits, to support communities hit by the June 3 floods and fires. WASH for Rural Communities: World Vision Ghana signed an MoU with four Upper East district assemblies (Bawku West, Builsa South, Garu, Tempane) to push universal WASH access by 2030, including a “Drinking Water Sustainability Fund” for repairs and expansion. Sanitation Pressure in Accra: Viral footage of refuse clogging swollen drains reignited debate on waste management and flooding risk, with calls for stronger action against plastic pollution. Climate & Food Security: Proforest warned climate impacts are already cutting cocoa and food farmers’ incomes, urging ecosystem restoration as economic policy. Power Disruptions: ECG announced planned maintenance outages on Tuesday, June 9 across parts of Eastern, Tema, Accra East/West, Volta and Ashanti regions. Ebola Preparedness at Borders: Deputy Health Minister said Ghana has activated surveillance and isolation systems and is tightening Ebola readiness at border points.

KATH Crisis: Ghana’s Health Ministry says KATH CEO Dr Paa Kwesi Baidoo is suspended for two weeks only as administrative head, not as a medical officer, after the hospital halted A&E admissions due to congestion—sparking an indefinite doctors and nurses strike and renewed calls for calm from Parliament’s Health Committee Chair. Ebola Preparedness: Ghana’s Deputy Health Minister inspected border posts at Aflao and Elubo, flagging gaps in PPE, staffing and degraded facilities while confirming no suspected Ebola cases. Dengue Vaccine Push: A €11.09m DENSTAR project launched by an international consortium aims to accelerate dengue vaccine trials and regulatory approval for sub-Saharan Africa, with KNUST playing a key role. Community Health Access: Telecel Ghana Foundation’s Healthfest screened 400+ people in Konongo for conditions including hypertension, diabetes, malaria, HIV and hepatitis B, and supported NHIS registration. Water & Sanitation: WaterAid Ghana commissioned WASH facilities at Sauli and Ul-Dantie Health Centres in Jirapa to strengthen infection prevention and maternal/child care. Food & Health Policy: Peasant farmers demand a six-month halt to rice imports to protect local livelihoods and reduce pressure on household food security. Waste & Health Risk: Sanitation stakeholders urged a shift away from landfill dependence in Greater Accra, warning funding gaps could worsen environmental health risks.

KATH Crisis: Ghana’s Health Ministry defended the suspension of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) CEO Dr Paa Kwesi Baidoo as an administrative step to allow an independent probe after the Emergency Unit reportedly stopped taking new cases—while doctors, nurses and midwives expand a strike and unions push for reinstatement. Nursing & Midwifery Safety: Nurses and midwives in the Upper East Region renewed calls for better infrastructure, fair pay, training, leadership roles and safe working conditions, as NARM-GH also demanded justice after a midwife was assaulted at Tema Community 22 Hospital. New Diagnostic Capacity: HealthTech Ghana and the Ministry of Defence opened Ghana’s first helium-free MRI centre at 37 Military Hospital, offering free scans for eligible patients by appointment. Food Safety Push: Accra’s AMA marked World Food Safety Day by highlighting gaps in safe handling and pointing to updated WHO estimates showing unsafe food’s bigger health toll. Health System Access & Equity: Ghana Standards Authority says it is highly understaffed, forcing producers outside Accra to travel for certification and lab testing. Local Service Delivery: DACF and Wahu Mobility launched an electric motorbike pilot for districts to help officers reach communities and improve revenue and service delivery.

KATH Crisis: Ghana’s Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) remains in turmoil after the Health Minister suspended the CEO over emergency admissions amid congestion, triggering doctors’ and nurses’ strike threats; the National Labour Commission ordered KADA to end the indefinite strike and set a June 10 hearing, while talks with hospital leadership and unions reportedly moved toward a resolution. Accra Building Collapse: Avenor’s collapsed building in North Kaneshie has killed two so far, with two rescued and taken to Ridge Hospital as search continues; a separate North Industrial Area collapse also confirmed one death with rescue operations ongoing. Flood Response: The Works Minister ordered occupants of buildings on waterways and unauthorised sites to evacuate ahead of demolition to curb recurring flooding in Accra. Xenophobia Evacuation: Ghana completed the return of 979 citizens from South Africa, with the final batch of 342 landing in Accra; officials reiterated “no Ghanaian has been abandoned,” while government moves to secure compensation and jobs for returnees. Vaccines & Local Pharma: A nationwide survey found high vaccine confidence (89.7%) and support for local vaccine manufacturing, but awareness of the 2027 rollout is low, calling for stronger public education. Obstetric Fistula Care: UNFPA and Mercy Women Catholic Hospital provided free surgeries for about 30 fistula patients, highlighting Ghana’s low repair rates. Climate Warning: EPA urged urgent climate action, blaming flooding on dumping refuse into drains and building on waterways.

KATH Crisis Escalates: Ghana’s Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) is in turmoil after the Health Minister suspended the CEO over emergency admissions during A&E congestion, triggering an indefinite doctors’ strike and threats from nurses and midwives to join from Sunday—while the Ghana Medical Association demands reinstatement within days and warns the standoff could destabilise care. Pregnancy Safety: Nurses in Tema are urging pregnant women to avoid unapproved OTC drugs, herbal remedies and supplements without professional advice, warning they can harm foetal development and raise risks like bleeding or reduced amniotic fluid. Menstrual Hygiene Safety Call: A new piece raises concerns about hidden chemicals in sanitary pads and calls for safer menstrual hygiene options, shifting the focus from access to what’s inside products. Telehealth for Pensioners: SSNIT has launched a telehealth service with NHIA and participating facilities to help retirees access consultations remotely, aiming to reduce cost and travel barriers. Ebola Preparedness: Ghana’s Deputy Health Minister says the country remains ready to prevent Ebola entering, highlighting screening and public education at the Elubo border. Public Health & Environment: World Environment Day coverage links climate and flooding risks to poor waste disposal and encroachment on waterways, with calls for stronger enforcement and community action. Community Care: Faith Abound for All provided free screenings in Tema, including eye, dental, lab tests and NHIS support. Security Incident: One person died and another was injured in an armed robbery attack on a MoMo vendor at Gomoa Dominase.

KATH Crisis Escalates: Doctors at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) have begun an indefinite withdrawal of services after the Health Ministry suspended the hospital CEO over emergency admissions, arguing the pause was meant to protect patients amid A&E congestion—setting up a wider standoff between clinicians and government. Violence Against Health Workers: A suspect accused of assaulting a midwife at Tema’s Community 22 Polyclinic is set to appear in court, after the Ministry condemned the attack and promised stronger safety measures for staff. Ebola Preparedness: WHO and partners launched a US$518m response plan as CDC modelling warns the Central Africa outbreak could exceed 20,000 cases in three months without urgent public health scale-up. Child Nutrition Push: WFP and Lions Club’s Home-Grown School Feeding pilot will support 33,598 schoolchildren with safe, nutritious local meals for a year, linking nutrition to smallholder farmers. Tobacco Warning: Ghana’s FDA cautioned youth that there is “no safe form of tobacco,” warning shisha and vapes still expose users to harmful nicotine and carcinogens. Menstrual Health Support: World Vision donated sanitary pads to schoolgirls for Menstrual Hygiene Day, stressing period-friendly care as a rights and health issue. Digital Health Upgrade: Ghana launched a UNDP–WHO–Japan AI health programme to strengthen digital systems, data protection, and early warning for climate-sensitive diseases.

Emergency Care Pressure at KATH: Health Minister Mintah Akandoh has ordered a two-week suspension of KATH CEO Dr Paa Kwesi Baidoo after the hospital announced a suspension of emergency admissions amid congestion, and has directed investigations into the CEO’s actions and a related media interview. No-Bed Syndrome: A separate report highlights how overcrowding leaves patients waiting in corridors and even vehicles outside emergency units, turning “no bed syndrome” into a recurring cause of preventable deaths. Violence Against Health Workers: Ghana Health Service and police say the man accused of assaulting a midwife at Tema Community 22 Polyclinic will be arraigned on June 8; GRNMA and NARM-GAR also renewed calls for stronger security and national protection for nurses and midwives. Maternal Health Upgrade: The Ministry of Health is seeking UNFPA support to build a stand-alone obstetric fistula centre at KATH to expand specialised treatment and aftercare. Ebola Preparedness: The Health Minister urged Ghanaians to avoid handshakes, follow hand hygiene, and expect enhanced screening at entry points as Ghana monitors Ebola risk. Tobacco Control: FDA says selling single cigarette sticks is illegal; cigarettes must be sold in sealed packs with health warnings. Menstrual Health Support: NPA distributed 60,000+ sanitary pads to SHS girls for World Menstrual Hygiene Day. Food Safety Push: WHO marks World Food Safety Day, warning that unsafe food sickens 866 million people yearly and urging simple hygiene practices.

Workplace Violence in Healthcare: Ghana Health Service and police say a man has been arrested over an unprovoked assault on a midwife at Tema Community 22 Polyclinic after she enforced visiting hours; he is expected in court on June 8, as GRNMA and NARM-GAR demand stronger security and zero tolerance for attacks on health workers. Hospital Capacity Crisis: Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has suspended KATH CEO for two weeks after the hospital announced it would halt new emergency admissions, with the ministry saying the decision contradicted presidential directives. Advanced Diagnostics Access: HealthTech Ghana and the Ministry of Defence opened Ghana’s first Philips helium-free 1.5T MRI and expanded diagnostics at 37 Military Hospital, with free MRI scans by appointment for eligible patients from June 8–20. Maternal & Child Health Warning: A new global analysis says progress in newborn and child survival has slowed since 2015, putting SDG targets at risk, while maternal death patterns highlight the need for better postpartum care. Public Health at Borders: The Ministry of Health plans to upgrade border health facilities to strengthen Ebola preparedness, including better screening, logistics, staffing and protective supplies. Air Quality & Asthma: A report highlights how poor air quality is worsening asthma for children in Accra, with families facing frequent hospital visits and missed school. Disaster Response: GNFS says a pregnant woman died and four others were rescued after a building collapse in Adenta Newsite during heavy downpour. Consumer Protection: A “Verify Before You Buy” campaign urges Ghanaians to use phone-based checks to reduce counterfeit and substandard products.

Ebola Preparedness: Ghana’s Health Ministry has intensified Ebola surveillance at the Aflao border, directing tighter screening, surveillance and isolation readiness after gaps like limited PPE, staffing and deteriorating COVID-era infrastructure were flagged. Emergency Care Pressure: The Ghana Medical Association says KATH did not deny emergency patients during A&E congestion, pointing to temporary patient redirection within Ashanti while calling for deeper emergency system reforms. Telehealth Access: SSNIT launched nationwide telehealth for pensioners, enabling phone/video consultations via a dedicated call centre and linking SSNIT/Ghana Card details to NHIS numbers. Tobacco Control Under Threat: World No Tobacco Day campaign warns that flavoured shisha and e-cigarettes are drawing youth and could reverse Ghana’s tobacco-control gains. Workforce Pipeline Worry: Bolgatanga Nursing Training College admits nursing students but 102 rejected placements over deteriorating infrastructure, raising concerns about future nurse supply. Public Health & Safety: Accra’s AMA signed a plastic-to-fuel recycling deal with NRTL, while GNFS and officials reported major fire and building-collapse incidents driving calls for stricter urban compliance.

KATH Emergency Care: The Ghana Medical Association says Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) did not turn away emergency patients during recent Accident and Emergency congestion, describing temporary patient redirection to other facilities while capacity was managed; it also questioned a query letter to the KATH CEO, while doctors back the CEO and say the system strain needs urgent attention. Fire Safety & Health Impacts: Ghana Police deny arrests over the Accra Central Police Barracks fire, saying investigations are ongoing and reporting one injured firefighter in stable condition; separately, GNFS contained a major blaze at Accra Water Works that gutted 32 rooms with no fatalities. Violence & Public Health: Police arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict over the alleged rape and murder of a 17-year-old in Agona Nkwanta, with the victim pronounced dead after treatment. Disaster Response: GNFS completed search and rescue after an Adenta building collapse, rescuing four and treating injuries at 37 Military Hospital. Health Policy & Workforce: Ghana and Jamaica signed defence and healthcare recruitment agreements after nearly two decades, including plans to strengthen health delivery. Menstrual Health: EcoPeriod donated 200 menstrual hygiene kits to girls in Okuass in partnership with GES for Menstrual Hygiene Day.

Ebola readiness: Ghana has activated enhanced screening for travellers arriving from high-risk Ebola regions, with checks at Accra International Airport and key land borders, and officials stressing the country is prepared to respond if a case is detected. Hospital access crisis: The Ministry of Health has summoned KATH’s CEO after reports that the Accident and Emergency Centre was full and temporarily stopped admitting new emergency cases, warning hospitals must not turn away emergencies. Blood safety compliance: The FDA says blood banking compliance is weak, with only 12 facilities meeting licensing standards, prompting calls for faster collaboration and stronger hemovigilance. Emergency care pressure: KATH has resumed admissions at its A&E after congestion eased, following consultations with partner facilities. Regulation in private care: The Allied Health Professions Council carried out unannounced compliance visits to private health facilities in Ashanti to tackle unlicensed practice and substandard services. Public health in the community: NHIA registered Nsawam Prison inmates onto the NHIS to expand access for vulnerable groups. Health & safety incidents: A three-storey building collapse at Adenta New Site left one dead and two children trapped; firefighters are still responding. Food safety push: A “Verify Before You Buy” campaign urges Ghanaians to check expiry dates, batch numbers and seals before purchasing goods.

Menstrual health push: AIDS Healthcare Foundation Ghana marked 2026 Menstrual Hygiene Day with an outreach at University of Ghana Staff Village School, training about 250 pupils (girls and boys) to understand the menstrual cycle, practise hygiene, and challenge stigma. Free PHC implementation: Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh directed the Ghana Health Service to lead rollout of the Free Primary Health Care Programme, stressing supervision, quality delivery, patient safety, referral strengthening, and ending informal charges. Specialist training boost: The Medical and Dental Council’s Specialists Training Centre at Pantang was commissioned to expand specialist capacity for cancers, diabetes, hypertension and kidney disease. Workforce to Jamaica: Ghana’s Health Ministry opened recruitment for doctors and nurses for deployment to Jamaica, with applications running June 1–5. Maternal and child health tech: A Ghana-made wind/solar microgrid delivered 6,000+ hours of clean power to two Eastern Region health centres, supporting vaccine refrigeration and maternal deliveries. School feeding support: WFP says a daily school meal is keeping 60,000 children in Northern Ghana in class, improving attendance and health while easing household costs. Road safety and child protection: The Ministry of Gender mourned two pupils killed in the Assin Edubiase school bus crash and urged accountability as investigations continue.

Telehealth for retirees: SSNIT has launched a nationwide Telehealth Service for 267,000 pensioners, offering remote consultations, chronic disease support and e-prescriptions delivered to connected community pharmacies. Hospital overcrowding: KATH has temporarily suspended new A&E admissions after patient numbers exceeded capacity, with calls to operationalise Sewua and Afari Hospitals to ease pressure in Ashanti. Ebola readiness: Ghana has activated Ebola screening for travellers from high-risk regions at airports and land borders, while officials say the country is prepared to contain any detection. Child disability care: Stakeholders urged families to seek early treatment for clubfoot, noting free care is available for children under five through CHAG–Hope Walks partner clinics. Water and health: Ghana Maritime Authority is extending clean water access via six mechanized boreholes in Upper West communities to improve WASH and school attendance. Menstrual health push: FAWE Ghana and Uganda renewed calls to tackle period poverty and menstrual stigma through better access to products and education. Policy and rights: Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ bill faces scrutiny before approval, with the president saying legal review and procedural checks are needed.

Road Safety: A fatal head-on crash at Peki–Tsame in the Volta Region killed 15 and injured 25 after a container truck and passenger bus collided; victims were taken to Peki Government Hospital as investigations continue. Primary Healthcare Support: The Health Ministry received pulse oximeters worth over $100,000 from WAMPHARMA to strengthen Ghana’s Free Primary Healthcare, improving monitoring for children and critically ill patients. Child Health: Ghana marks World Clubfoot Day (June 3) with renewed calls to tackle late diagnosis and stigma; clubfoot is treatable when identified early. Cancer Care Pressure: Specialists at KATH report rising childhood cancer cases, warning under-diagnosis and late presentation may mean the true burden is higher. Menstrual Health & Education: Multiple initiatives target period poverty, including sanitary pad donations for schoolgirls and support for menstrual hygiene for girls with disabilities. Ebola Watch: Ghana says it is on high alert and monitoring Ebola developments across Africa, with emergency protocols and airport screening under review. Policy & Rights: President Mahama says Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ bill will undergo legal scrutiny before becoming law, amid ongoing procedural debate.

Free Primary Healthcare Rollout (Western Region): Ghana has launched the Free Primary Health Care initiative in Takoradi, selecting five districts—Ellembelle, Jomoro, Wassa East, Wassa Amenfi West and Wassa Amenfi Central—for the first phase, with plans to scale to 150 districts nationwide and reach all 251 by 2027. Children’s Hospital Plan (Korle Bu): Ga Mantse King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II says funding is secured to build a 500-bed children’s hospital at Korle Bu, with land already allocated and discussions focused on Ebola preparedness too. Health Workforce Mobility (Ghana–Jamaica): Ghana and Jamaica signed an agreement to deploy 400 Ghanaian nurses to Jamaica, aiming to plug hospital staffing gaps while easing Ghana’s own unemployment pressure among health workers. Hospital Bed Shortage Response (MTN Y’ello Care): MTN Ghana launched the 2026 “21 Days of Y’ello Care” campaign, targeting equitable access and preventive care, with a renewed focus on hospital bed shortages. Radiology Safety (AI Reporting Warning): The Ghana Association of Radiologists warns diagnostic centres against issuing AI-generated radiology reports without a licensed doctor’s authorisation, citing patient safety and legal risk. Clean Water Support (Republic Bank Boreholes): Republic Bank commissioned solar/electric mechanized boreholes in Pwalugu and Dingoni to improve access to clean water in underserved northern communities. Ebola Preparedness (Regional Alert): NCDC in Nigeria says the country is only about 59% ready for a potential Ebola outbreak as cases continue in Uganda and the DRC, highlighting border and surveillance gaps. Health & Public Service Reforms (HaPSNA): A high-level African meeting in Abidjan is pushing for stronger community health programmes through civil service systems, with Ghana among participating countries.

Youth Football & Life Skills: QNET and Manchester City coaches ran an elite football clinic in Accra for 25 children aged 7–11, pairing coaching with mentorship and life-skills. Maternal & Child Health: Compassion International closed its eight-year Survival and Early Childhood Intervention Programme in the Tongu cluster, supporting 1,211 mothers, infants and caregivers over the first 1,000 days. Drug Abuse Prevention: NHIA took its “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life” campaign to Navrongo, engaging students and urging healthy choices and early help-seeking for mental health. Clean Water Access: Republic Bank inaugurated mechanized boreholes in Pwalugu and Dingoni after a documentary highlighted communities competing with animals for water. Rainy-Season Health Caution: GHS warned that rains can raise risks of cholera and malaria outbreaks, urging stronger hygiene and prevention. Ebola Readiness: Ghana is stepping up Ebola surveillance and preparing simulation drills, with airport screening guidance highlighted by health officials. Lupus Awareness Push: Oyemam Autoimmune Foundation led lupus advocates to Parliament to demand stronger national attention and support for autoimmune disease care. Menstrual Health Education: A midwife urged parents to start menstruation talks as early as ages 8–10 and warned against harmful vaginal practices. Health System Safety: A hospital infant-abduction case is being revisited for lessons on strengthening security and protecting maternal care trust.