Health Minister Orders Teaching Hospitals to Operate 24-Hour OPD and Laboratory Services

Najat Adamu
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Health Minister Orders Teaching Hospitals to Operate 24-Hour OPD and Laboratory Services

The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has directed all public teaching hospitals to immediately commence 24-hour operations at their Out-Patient Departments (OPDs), laboratories, and diagnostic centres in line with the government’s 24-hour health service policy.

The directive was announced during a sector-wide health management retreat, which brought together senior officials and institutional heads to review performance and outline priorities for the years ahead.

Mr. Akandoh also instructed the Health Facilities Regulatory Authority (HeFRA) and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to fast-track the accreditation of the Sunyani Regional Hospital as a teaching hospital. He said the move would ease pressure on existing teaching hospitals, enhance clinical training, and expand access to specialised healthcare services.

“The NHIA and HeFRA are accordingly directed to treat the Sunyani Regional Hospital as a teaching hospital and not as just any hospital. All teaching hospitals must urgently begin operating 24-hour OPD and laboratory services in line with the President’s 24-hour health service policy,” the Minister stated.

The Health Minister said government priorities in the sector are focused on key reforms and targeted interventions aimed at improving access, strengthening coordination, and enhancing service delivery nationwide.

He stressed the need for health institutions to align their budgets, operational plans, and objectives with these priorities to meet public expectations and improve sector performance.

“This two-day retreat provides a timely opportunity to take stock of progress, address implementation gaps, and reposition towards clearly defined targets for 2026 and beyond,” Mr. Akandoh said.

“I urge you to demonstrate renewed commitment, deepen inter-agency collaboration, and uphold accountability as we work together to advance the government’s health agenda and deliver better outcomes for citizens.”

He added that effective policy implementation must move beyond planning to coordinated action, urging health facilities to respond more directly to public needs by expanding access to essential services.

By Nana Achiaa Aboagye

AFCON 2025: Nigeria Face Hosts Morocco in High-Stakes Semi-Final Clash

Najat Adamu
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AFCON 2025: Nigeria Face Hosts Morocco in High-Stakes Semi-Final Clash

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is nearing its climax as Nigeria’s Super Eagles take on host nation Morocco in a blockbuster semi-final encounter later today in Rabat. With a place in Sunday’s final at stake, two of Africa’s football heavyweights are set for a fiercely contested showdown.

Nigeria’s Relentless March

Nigeria have been in imperious form throughout AFCON 2025, winning all five of their matches en route to the semi-finals. The Super Eagles are currently the tournament’s top scorers with 14 goals, underlining their attacking dominance.

Their forward line has been spearheaded by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, while Alex Iwobi has dictated the tempo from midfield. However, Nigeria will be without captain Wilfried Ndidi, who is suspended for the match, prompting Osimhen to assume the captain’s armband.

AFCON 2025: Nigeria Face Hosts Morocco in High-Stakes Semi-Final Clash

Morocco’s Home Ambition

For Morocco, the pressure and expectation are immense. Playing in front of their home supporters, the Atlas Lions are determined to win their first AFCON title on home soil since 1976.

Africa’s top-ranked nation and 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finalists, Morocco have relied heavily on the brilliance of Brahim Díaz, who has scored in every match so far and currently leads the tournament’s scoring charts. Ayoub El Kaabi and Achraf Hakimi add experience, pace, and attacking threat to a well-balanced squad.

This marks Morocco’s first AFCON semi-final appearance since 2004, heightening the significance of the occasion.

Head-to-Head Edge

Historically, Morocco hold the advantage in this rivalry, having won six of the 11 meetings between the two sides. Their last AFCON meeting came in 2004, when Morocco secured a narrow 1–0 victory over Nigeria.

Match Details

-Fixture: Nigeria vs Morocco

-Stage: AFCON 2025 Semi-Final

-Kick-off: Wednesday, January 14, 2026

-Venue: Rabat, Morocco

With both teams boasting quality, pedigree, and momentum, fans can expect a high-intensity, tactical battle as Africa’s elite clash for a coveted place in the AFCON 2025 final.

By Noble Atsu

Teshie–Nungua Water Crisis: Government to Construct Mechanized Boreholes – MCE

Najat Adamu
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Teshie–Nungua Water Crisis: Government to Construct Mechanized Boreholes – MCE

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly (LEKMA), Hon. Israel Adjetey Otchwemah, has announced government plans to construct mechanized boreholes to help ease the ongoing water crisis affecting Teshie-Nungua and its surrounding communities.

The announcement followed the MCE’s visit to several schools and health facilities in the area to assess the severity of the situation and its impact on essential services. Institutions visited included Salam A B C Primary School, O’Reilly Senior High School, LEKMA Hospital, the Nursing and Midwifery Training College at Teshie, Camp 2 Primary and JHS, among other locations.

The visit, according to the MCE, was aimed at identifying areas requiring urgent intervention and exploring short- to medium-term solutions to mitigate the water shortage.

Speaking to Atinka TV News, Hon. Otchwemah said the prolonged water crisis has significantly increased the cost of living for residents, placing a heavy financial burden on households, schools, and health facilities.

“The situation has made life very difficult for residents. People are spending more money to access water, and this has become a major burden,” he stated.

He assured residents that government is taking steps to address the challenge, announcing plans to construct mechanized boreholes in selected locations across Teshie to help alleviate the shortage while longer-term solutions are pursued.

Residents have meanwhile been urged to exercise patience and conserve water as authorities work to resolve the crisis.

The water shortage has persisted since October 2025, following the shutdown of the Teshie-Nungua Desalination Plant due to contractual disputes and maintenance challenges.

The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has since apologized to residents for the inconvenience and assured the public that efforts are underway to restore operations at the desalination plant by the end of January 2026.

By Mavis Yaa Acheampong

Ghana, US Agree on Priority Areas for Cooperation in 2026 – Ablakwa

Najat Adamu
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Ghana, US Agree on Priority Areas for Cooperation in 2026 – Ablakwa

Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, says Ghana and the United States have agreed on key priority areas for bilateral cooperation in 2026 following a high-level engagement at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the Minister disclosed that the meeting also reviewed the “significant progress” achieved in Ghana–US relations in 2025.

The engagement was hosted by Mr. Ablakwa and attended by a US delegation led by Acting US Ambassador to Ghana, Rolf Olson.

Ghana, US Agree on Priority Areas for Cooperation in 2026 – Ablakwa

According to the Minister, Ghana welcomed the successful negotiations that secured the country’s exemption from President Donald Trump’s visa sanctions, including the $15,000 visa bond imposed on some countries. He noted that Ghana will continue to enjoy this exemption.

The meeting also acknowledged the removal of a 15 per cent tariff imposed by the Trump administration on a range of unprocessed and semi-processed agricultural products from Ghana, with both sides expressing satisfaction with the implementation so far.

On trade, the United States announced what the Minister described as “another great news” concerning the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). He revealed that the US House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly—340 to 54—on Monday to extend AGOA by three years, with final endorsement by the Senate expected soon.

Ghana, US Agree on Priority Areas for Cooperation in 2026 – Ablakwa

AGOA provides duty-free access to the US market for eligible sub-Saharan African countries and products. Mr. Ablakwa said the extension is expected to boost local garment production and create more jobs in Ghana.

Touching on preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Minister said Ghana received assurances that special measures have been introduced to expedite visa applications, addressing current delays in securing appointments. He added that the US Embassy in Ghana will soon hold a press conference to outline the new World Cup visa initiatives.

The two countries also commended improved security and law enforcement cooperation, which led to the extradition of nine suspects from Ghana to the United States in 2025, as well as ongoing efforts to return two high-interest Ghanaian suspects from the US to Ghana.

Ghana, US Agree on Priority Areas for Cooperation in 2026 – Ablakwa

Mr. Ablakwa further revealed that the US government has assured Ghana that, without prejudice to judicial processes, it will not obstruct Ghana’s efforts regarding the removal of Ken Ofori-Atta and Sedina Tamakloe Attionu.

He added that discussions confirmed recent payments to US companies, an enhanced business climate, and prospects for stronger Ghana–US trade relations. He also announced that a major new health cooperation initiative will soon be launched.

Looking ahead, the Foreign Affairs Minister said Ghana will, in 2026, negotiate a bespoke trade agreement with the United States aimed at delivering mutual benefits.

“We are impressed with the incredible positive velocity of our Ghana–US bilateral relations,” Mr. Ablakwa stated.

Stephen Appiah Appointed to Ghana’s National Anti-Doping Board

Najat Adamu
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Stephen Appiah Appointed to Ghana’s National Anti-Doping Board

Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah has been appointed as a member of Ghana’s newly inaugurated National Anti-Doping Board.

Appiah, who currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, brings extensive experience from both his illustrious playing career and football administration to the 13-member Board.

Widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most influential footballers, Appiah captained the national team at its maiden FIFA World Cup appearance in Germany in 2006 and later led the Black Stars to a historic quarter-final finish at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

The National Anti-Doping Board is expected to place strong emphasis on education and prevention, particularly at the grassroots level, alongside testing, enforcement, and policy oversight.

The Board will provide strategic leadership for Ghana’s anti-doping framework as the country works to protect athlete welfare and uphold the integrity of sports nationwide.

By Prince Tuffuor

Awutu Senya East NDC Chairman Sues Party Executives Over Alleged Defamation

Najat Adamu
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Awutu Senya East NDC Chairman Sues Party Executives Over Alleged Defamation

The Awutu Senya East Constituency Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Stephen Ofosu Agyare, has instituted legal action against some constituency and branch executives of the party over what he describes as sustained defamatory attacks on his leadership and personal integrity.

Those standing trial include the Constituency Youth Organiser, Nash Adams Nyandey, his deputy Catherine Amosah, and five branch executives—Razak Tetteh Addo, Kojo Adande, Ebenezer Manaf Anim, Sufiyanu Halid, and Obed Wood.

According to a writ of summons issued by the Accra High Court and sighted by Citi News, Mr Ofosu Agyare is seeking GH₵500,000 in damages, in addition to legal costs and fees, over alleged defamatory publications made against him.

He is also asking the court to compel each defendant to publish an apology and retraction in a nationally circulated newspaper.

The plaintiff alleges that the defendants made defamatory statements about him on various WhatsApp platforms created to mobilise party members and promote the activities of the NDC.

Among the statements cited in the court documents are allegations that Mr Ofosu Agyare:

-paid individuals during party primaries to spread false claims against the Member of Parliament,

-lied about purchasing vehicles for the MP,

-attempted to unlawfully acquire land belonging to a former constituency chairman,

-engaged in illegal sand-winning operations using excavators, and

-misappropriated monthly constituency funds allegedly received from the national party.

Mr. Ofosu Agyare maintains that these allegations are false, malicious, and damaging to his reputation, insisting that they were deliberately circulated to undermine his leadership.

Sources within the NDC told Citi News that the court action has further strained already tense relations between the constituency chairman and some party executives, including the Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor.

The constituency has reportedly been plagued by internal divisions since 2020, marked by a longstanding rivalry between the camp of the constituency chairman and that of the MP.

Despite several reconciliation efforts by senior party figures, including former President John Dramani Mahama, sources say the internal disagreements remain unresolved.

Confirming the legal action to Citi News, Mr. Ofosu Agyare said the lawsuit was necessary to protect and redeem his image, explaining that the defendants had, for more than six months, allegedly used pseudo and anonymous accounts to defame him.

By Samuel Nyamekye Jnr.

Teshie Water Crisis: GWCL Assures Residents of Imminent Resolution

Najat Adamu
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Teshie Water Crisis: GWCL Assures Residents of Imminent Resolution

The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has assured residents of Teshie, Nungua, and surrounding communities that efforts are underway to resolve the prolonged water shortage affecting the area.

Speaking in an interview with Atinka TV News, the Communications Director of GWCL, Mr Stanley Martey, disclosed that the company is working around the clock to restore operations at the Teshie–Nungua Desalination Plant, which has been the primary source of water for the enclave.

Teshie Water Crisis: GWCL Assures Residents of Imminent Resolution

According to Mr Martey, high-level government intervention has accelerated efforts to resolve the crisis, giving the company renewed optimism about restoring the water supply in the coming weeks.

However, he cautioned that while engineers are making progress on the technical and physical aspects of the repairs, legal challenges surrounding the facility remain complex and could affect timelines.

“To manage the current shortfall, GWCL has introduced a temporary rationing schedule, and we are appealing to residents to exercise patience as we work to resolve the issue fully,” he stated.

Mr. Martey added that the company is targeting the end of January for restoration but noted that a definite date cannot yet be confirmed.

Meanwhile, the crisis has begun to raise serious public health concerns. Residents who spoke to Atinka TV News said they are being forced to purchase sachet water for basic domestic use. In contrast, others lamented that a gallon of water now sells for as high as GH₵5, placing significant financial strain on households.

Affected residents are therefore calling on government authorities to intervene urgently to bring lasting relief to the community.

By Mavis Yaa Acheampong

Kwahu Abene: Concerned Citizen Appeals for Lasting Peace

Ebenezer Madugu
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Kwahu Abene: Concerned Citizen Appeals for Lasting Peace

A concerned citizen of Kwahu Abene in the Kwahu East District of the Eastern Region, Mr. Kwasi Anim, has appealed to the government, security agencies, and other key stakeholders to take urgent steps toward resolving the ongoing chieftaincy dispute in the area.

The town has been gripped by chieftaincy tension for more than a year following the destoolment of the Kwahuhene, Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II, by the Abene Kingmakers over alleged misconduct. Subsequently, Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III was enstooled. The matter is currently before the Judicial Committee of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs and is awaiting judgment.

In response to the rising tension, the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei-Awatey, ordered the closure of the Kwahu Abene Palace late last year. The palace has since been placed under the protection of the Ghana Police Service.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, December 21, 2025, the Kwahu Traditional Council issued a strong warning to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohunu, demanding the release of the Abene Palace to the traditional authorities within three weeks. The ultimatum expires today, January 14, 2026.

Addressing the media at a press conference, Mr. Anim called on the Judicial Committee of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs to deliver justice without bias to allow peace to return to Kwahu Abene for the development of the town and the Kwahu area as a whole.

He further appealed to the Inspector-General of Police not to withdraw security personnel from the palace but rather to strengthen security presence in the town until lasting peace is restored.

Mr. Anim also called on the President, the IGP, and other security agencies to intervene promptly to prevent any potential violence and ensure peace and stability in the area.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Yaa Yeboah Boamah

JUSAG Announce Indefinite Strike Over Unpaid Arrears

Najat Adamu
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JUSAG Announce Indefinite Strike Over Unpaid Arrears

Judicial service employees across Ghana will begin an indefinite nationwide strike on Monday, January 19, a move that threatens to paralyse court operations across the country.

The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) said the action was prompted by the government’s failure to pay eight months of salary arrears dating back to last year. In a formal notice to the National Labour Commission, the association declared that its members could no longer endure what it described as an “unbearable situation” created by the state’s failure to honour its financial commitments.

At the centre of the dispute is a 10 per cent base pay increase for 2025, approved by the president for all public sector workers and scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2025. While other sectors received the adjustment promptly, judicial staff only began receiving the higher pay in September, after government assurances that arrears for the preceding months would be settled “not later than the 2025 fiscal year.”

JUSAG Announce Indefinite Strike Over Unpaid Arrears

That promise, JUSAG says, has not been fulfilled. Despite repeated engagements and a written follow-up in December seeking payment before year’s end, staff were left disappointed. According to the strike notice, management provided written assurance on December 16 that the arrears would be cleared that month, but no payment was made.

“The festive month of December was one of the most difficult moments for staff who were very expectant… only to be met with shock and disappointment,” the letter stated.

JUSAG’s National Executive Council emphasised the essential role of judicial staff in maintaining “law, order, and stability.”
The council said it had resolved at an emergency meeting that the strike would continue until its demands are met.

By Ebenezer De-Gaulle

Seven Killed, 18 Injured in Fatal Road Crash at Komenda Asamasa

Najat Adamu
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Seven Killed, 18 Injured in Fatal Road Crash at Komenda Asamasa

Seven people have lost their lives, with 18 others sustaining injuries, following a fatal road traffic accident at Komenda Asamasa along the Cape Coast–Takoradi Highway.

The incident occurred at about 7:25 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026, involving a Sprinter bus (GS 6705-21) travelling from Komenda towards Takoradi and a Man Diesel truck (GS 8394 Y) heading from Takoradi towards Cape Coast.

According to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), personnel from the Komenda Fire Station swiftly responded to the distress call and arrived promptly at the scene. The rescue team extricated six trapped victims from the Sprinter bus, which had veered off the road into a nearby bush.

Seven Killed, 18 Injured in Fatal Road Crash at Komenda Asamasa

All six victims were pronounced dead on arrival at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital. An additional female casualty, who had been transported to the hospital prior to the arrival of the fire service, was also pronounced dead, bringing the total death toll to seven.

The deceased include three females—one of whom was pregnant—one baby, and three males.

Meanwhile, 18 other passengers who sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rescued before the arrival of the GNFS team are currently receiving medical treatment at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital.

Eyewitnesses told authorities that the Diesel truck reportedly lost control while overtaking another vehicle, leading to a head-on collision with the Sprinter bus travelling in the opposite direction.

Following the rescue operation, GNFS personnel cleared debris from the roadway to restore traffic flow and ensure safety at the accident scene.

Investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing.

Filed by the Central Regional Public Relations Office of the Ghana National Fire Service. 

Reported By Vincent Kwofie

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