Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General William Agyapong, on Monday, May 12, paid a familiarisation visit to the 37 Military Hospital to acquaint himself with the operations of the medical facility.
He was briefed on the operational, administrative, and logistical challenges at the hospital, where he took turns advising the hospital administration to prioritize effective management and utilization of internally generated funds to sustain its operations.
The CDS also emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive attitude in delivering healthcare.
Lieutenant General William Agyapong’s visit briefly follows his induction into office as well as other top officials in the army, navy, and airforce.
Among those inducted earlier this week were the Chief of the Army Staff, Major General Lawrence Gbetanu, Chief of the Naval Staff Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, the Chief of Air Staff Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frempong and the Chief of Staff Air Vice Marshal Joshua Mensah-Larkai.
The induction service was held at the Garrison Pentecost Church in Burma Camp.
Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah congratulated the inductees on their well-deserved appointments.
The minister encouraged teamwork, discipline, and professionalism, expressing optimism that GAF would continue to uphold integrity, duty and dedication to service.
The inductees expressed their gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief of GAF, President John Dramani Mahama, for the confidence reposed in them and pledged to give their utmost best to ensure the safety and security of the country’s territorial integrity.
On his part, Apostle Eric Kwabena Nyamekye urged the new leadership of GAF to prioritise service to God and country, urging them to recognise the value in every individual.
In an unrelated development, at the Army Special Operations Brigade (ASOB) Headquaters in Burma Camp, Brigadier General Richard Kainyi Mensah has taken over command from Brigadier General Isaac Nicholas Paintsil in a ceremony overseen by the Chief of the Army Staff, Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu.
Also, Brigadier General Richard Kainyi Mensah has officially assumed command of the Army Special Operations Brigade (ASOB) during a ceremony presided over by Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, Chief of the Army Staff. This followed the handover from Brigadier General Isaac Nicholas Paintsil.
In his farewell address, Brigadier General Paintsil expressed gratitude to God, the Military High Command, ASOB personnel, and international partners for their support during his tenure. He urged the brigade to continue upholding the Special Forces’ ethics and values.
Brigadier General Paintsil highlighted that change, though challenging, offers opportunities for growth, stressing the Army’s commitment to operational excellence through resilience, sacrifice, and dedication to national security.
A private lawyer, Justice Abdulai, has condemned the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) actions for detaining Wontumi FM journalist Gordon Asare Bediako in connection with his claims about Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng.
Bediako was arrested after alleging that Agyebeng had requested a private jet from the former NPP administration due to the dangerous nature of his job.
While advising journalists to avoid making defamatory statements, Justice Abdulai emphasized that the actions of the OSP were illegal and beyond its legal authority.
“The OSP doesn’t have unbridled power to arrest people simply on the basis of allegations that are made or that are not within their remit. The OSP’s powers are purely regulated by law and to go after either politically exposed persons or politicians involved in corruption or allegations of corruption.
“And I do not think that the claims as made by journalists are enough basis for anybody to be arrested by that establishment. We [also] need to point out that one cannot rely on his profession, particularly as a journalist, to peddle falsehood either.
“It is also not the case that simply because a journalist takes something that is thought of as unfounded is the basis for the OSP to detain the person and insist on the person revealing his sources. These are clear limitations of the OSP’s powers and it is completely unlawful.”
Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has spoken out for the first time regarding the criminal investigation launched against him by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), voicing his frustration over the matter.
In an open letter dated February 26, he described the situation as both perplexing and distressing, stating that he felt compelled to clarify the issues at hand.
His response comes after the OSP issued a wanted notice for him, only to later withdraw it. The investigation reportedly focuses on several financial transactions, including the Strategic Mobilisation-GRA contract, the ECG-BXC contract termination, payments related to the National Cathedral, the procurement of ambulances, and the management of the Tax Refund Account.
Amid increasing public scrutiny, the OSP later confirmed that Mr. Ofori-Atta had formally informed them of his intention to return voluntarily. Consequently, his name was removed from the wanted list, though the office warned that any failure to return as promised would result in further legal consequences.
Addressing the situation, Mr. Ofori-Atta expressed deep confusion over how events have unfolded.
“I have been in the news recently in quite a dramatic manner. I thought it important that I share with you the facts surrounding recent events and news articles concerning me and Ghana’s Special Prosecutor. I am as puzzled and dismayed, as I suspect you must be.
“I was out of the country on January 24, for medical reasons, when the Special Prosecutor invited me to an in-person meeting for Feb 10, 2025, in connection with four “corruption and corruption related cases”. I was not the originating nor implementing Minister in any of these portfolios. I immediately responded through my lawyers, indicating my willingness to have them provide him with any information he may require to aid in his investigation, given that I will be out of the country for the next few months for medical reasons.
“The Special Prosecutor rejected the offer to meet with my lawyers, insisting on a firm date for my personal attendance. Instead on February 11th, my home was raided by armed National Security operatives. The Special Prosecutor remarked that I had staged the raid on my own home and, subsequently, launched an international campaign and declared that I was a wanted “fugitive from justice”
The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, has sounded an alarm over the immense dangers tied to his position, stressing that his personal safety is under severe threat.
Addressing the audience at the Constitution Day Public Lecture, he vividly described the high-risk environment in which he and his team operate while tackling corruption.
“The position of Special Prosecutor is a thankless job. It fetches you droves of enemies daily and brings you into direct confrontation with the lowest forms of debasement in humans. You do not go asking for it; it finds you,” he stated, underscoring the precarious nature of his work.
“The paradox surrounding the role of the Special Prosecutor is evident: while the public clamors for accountability and the eradication of corruption, resistance surfaces the moment the scrutiny is directed at particular individuals or groups.
“Everyone wants the Special Prosecutor to do his job, yet no one wants the Special Prosecutor to do his job. It all depends on the subject of the investigation,” he remarked, highlighting the entrenched reluctance to submit to the mechanisms of justice.
The Special Prosecutor pointed out the relentless and aggressive resistance encountered during corruption investigations.
“Though we accept that we need to rein in corruption, no one wants to yield freely to scrutiny. No one happily accedes to indictment. No one welcomes investigations. No one wants to be called out as a suspect in corruption-related activities. And so, there is always a strong pushback, intended to deflect focus from scrutiny and accountability,” he said.
He pointed out the relentless opposition encountered, including planned offensives, character assassination attempts, and deceptive narratives aimed at weakening the credibility of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
Even more concerning, he stressed, is that these hostilities are not limited to damaging reputations but, at times, escalate into serious threats to personal security.
“Some of the enemies this job attracts will not hesitate to take a life should the opportunity present itself,” he warned, stressing that both he and his operational officers live under constant threat.
“Thus, my security risk is ultra high, and I have to perpetually be on the lookout for attacks on my person.”
The Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has revealed that the oxygen plant at the 37 Military Hospital is back in operation.
He highlighted that this restoration reflects President John Dramani Mahama’s strong dedication to strengthening human security as part of his broader vision for national renewal.
Describing it as a significant boost for healthcare at the facility, Dr. Boamah recalled a recent visit where he discovered the plant had broken down, putting surgical theatres, ICUs, hospital wards, and ambulance services at risk due to the lack of medical oxygen.
With his medical background, he moved swiftly after the president instructed the Defence Ministry to collaborate with National Security to address the issue.
As a result, a brand-new oxygen plant was acquired and installed, guaranteeing a steady and reliable oxygen supply for the hospital and emergency response teams.
“I’m excited to announce that we have resolved the issue thanks to our proactive measures. There will be no bad news,” the defence minister stated in a Facebook post. “We remain committed to addressing challenges head-on, including those stemming from the mismanaged economy.”
The Maternal and Child Liberty Foundation has made a significant donation of medical and non-medical supplies to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the 37 Military Hospital.
Leading the donation, the foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Madam Grace Aidoo, emphasized that the gesture was inspired by her deep concern for the well-being of mothers and newborns, particularly in light of the rising cases of maternal mortality in healthcare facilities.
The presentation ceremony saw the attendance of key hospital officials, including Medical Colonel Rejoice Danso, Dr. Sheila Asamoah Okyere, the acting head of the paediatric division, Deputy Director of Nursing Services (DDNS) Gyebi Garbra, and other NICU staff members.
The Deputy Director of Operations at the Presidency, Mustapha Gbande, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) classification of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta as a fugitive.
Speaking with JoyNews on Monday, February 17, 2025, Gbande supported the OSP’s actions, emphasizing that the government will employ all available means to facilitate Ofori-Atta’s extradition should he fail to comply with the OSP’s summons.
He reassured that, if unexpected complications arise, the state will ensure that the case proceeds, and a thorough inquiry is conducted to verify the allegations, including those tied to the National Cathedral project.
“Should Ken Ofori-Atta refuse to come, every measure will be deployed to bring him down to this country. If for any reason, he passes on, his dead body will be prosecuted and jailed and every stolen money belonging to the people of Ghana will be retrieved,” he said.
Mustapha Gbande, stressed the party’s responsibility to live up to its pledge to pursue accountability for corrupt officials and recover state resources.
He refuted allegations that the government’s actions were aimed at unfairly targeting individuals from the former administration.
“It is not just an agenda of government, but a mandate. We went to campaign to retrieve monies stolen from us and Ken Ofori-Atta is one of them.”
On February 12, 2025, the OSP named former finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta as a key figure in four major corruption inquiries, which include investigations linked to the National Cathedral project, Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML), and two other matters.
In a press briefing on the same day, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng announced that Ofori-Atta is now classified as a wanted individual and must urgently return to Ghana for questioning.
This move has been widely recognized as a significant development in the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle corruption, complementing its broader mission to overhaul national priorities.
Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, has given assurance about government’s determined efforts to resolve some pressing and critical challenges facing the 37 Military Hospital.
Dr Boamah, accompanied by the Chief of the Defence Staff and senior officers from the Ministry of Defence, during a working visit today expressed appreciation for the warm reception from his former colleagues, both senior and junior, as well as civilian employees and patients at the hospital.
He acknowledged the numerous difficulties facing the hospital but maintained that they were not insurmountable.
“This working visit forms part of my deliberate intention to actively immerse myself into the challenges of the Ghana Armed Forces in order to prescribe tailored and cost-effective solutions.”
“The challenges are numerous but not insurmountable.”
“Subsequent to my visit, the President John Dramani Mahama Government is making frantic efforts to fix some urgent and critical challenges that are vital for the delivery of quality care at the hospital.”
The Defence Minister explained that the visit formed part of his broader objective to fully understand the challenges confronting the Ghana Armed Forces and develop tailored, cost-effective solutions.
He reiterated the government’s resolve to overcome all challenges as part of efforts to revitalise the country’s institutions, stating, “As we reset Ghana, no problem will be too steep to overcome.”
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has committed to taking all necessary actions to secure the return of former Finance Minister, Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, to Ghana.
This comes after the OSP declared him wanted, designating him as a fugitive from justice. The office has also questioned the credibility of a medical report submitted by Ofori-Atta’s legal team, which claims he is medically unfit to travel back to Ghana.
Addressing a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, February 12, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng cast doubt on the authenticity of the medical document, expressing skepticism over its claims.
“The OSP is unconvinced that the purported medical letter transmitted by Mr. Ofori-Atta through his lawyers to the OSP represents a medical report to the effect that Mr. Ofori-Atta is incapacitated or is so sickly an invalid to the extent that he is physically unable to return to the jurisdiction without imperilling his life.”
Agyebeng maintained that no distinguished law enforcement institution would regard the letter as a credible justification for Ofori-Atta’s absence.
“No serious law enforcement agency would be convinced that the purported medical letter estops it from demanding the physical appearance of Mr. Ofori-Atta before it in the described circumstances. And certainly not the OSP,” he stated.
The Special Prosecutor indicated that the OSP regards Ofori-Atta’s medical explanation as a strategy to evade returning to Ghana and facing scrutiny in ongoing investigations.
“We are of the firm conviction that it is only a ruse employed by Mr. Ofori-Atta in aid of his intention to avoid his return to the jurisdiction and to personally answer questions in respect of the investigations,” Agyebeng noted.
Agyebeng stated that Ofori-Atta’s true intention was evident in a previous letter from his legal representatives, which mentioned that he had exited the country with no specified return date.
“Mr. Ofori-Atta has no intention of willingly returning to the jurisdiction. That much is clear,” he said.
As a result, the OSP has designated Ofori-Atta as a fugitive and committed to exhausting all legal measures to secure his return to Ghana.
“The OSP would take all necessary legal steps to secure his return to the jurisdiction and attendance at the OSP. Mr. Ofori-Atta, you have two choices. You can either return to the jurisdiction voluntarily or the OSP will enforce your return,” Agyebeng warned.
Former President of Ghana, John Agyekum Kufuor, has shared his resolve to complete his constitutionally mandated term in office to prevent the country from experiencing another military takeover.
Speaking in a recent interview with morning show hosts at his residence, Kufuor explained how his personal experience with military rule shaped his determination to ensure a peaceful and democratic transition of power.
Kufuor, who served as president from 2001 to 2009, expressed that his tenure was marked by a strong commitment to national development across various sectors.
However, he made it clear that one of his main priorities was ensuring Ghana’s political stability and avoiding a return to military governance.
“I had experienced military rule and did not like the consequences of military rule. So, while I was president, I worked hard to ensure that my tenure was over, and I handed over smoothly to the next president of the country. I did everything within my reach to ensure that the country does not return to military rule,” he said.
The former president emphasized that, during his time in office, he worked tirelessly to ensure that his constitutional mandate was fulfilled and that the democratic processes of the country were respected.
Kufuor’s dedication to a peaceful handover process was rooted in his deep understanding of the fragility of democracy and the need to protect it at all costs. His efforts were instrumental in the successful transition of power following the 2008 elections, setting an example for future leaders in Ghana and across Africa.
In his closing remarks, Kufuor reaffirmed his belief that the stability of Ghana’s democratic system required active participation and vigilance from all political leaders.
Through his reflections, Kufuor’s words serve as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding democracy and the peace that Ghana has worked hard to achieve over the years.
His leadership during a critical time in the country’s history remains a testament to the strength and resilience of Ghana’s democratic system.
Military personnel in Bawku have reopened the offices of the Municipal Assembly, which were forcibly closed by unidentified individuals amid rising chieftaincy clashes.
The offices had been locked down by a group on November 4, demanding the arrest of Alhaji Seidu Abagre before they would allow the reopening.
The situation stems from Abagre’s return to Bawku on October 26, following his exile due to a February 2023 arrest warrant issued in connection with his contested installation as a rival chief by the Nayiri.
A High Court in Kumasi quashed the arrest warrant on October 17, 2024, clearing the way for Abagre’s return.
His arrival has reignited the longstanding chieftaincy dispute, leading to violent clashes that have resulted in at least two fatalities and several injuries.
The unrest has severely disrupted essential services in Bawku, with schools closed due to safety concerns.
Additionally, the Ghana Water Company Limited and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) have suspended operations, leaving residents without water and electricity.
In response to the escalating violence, authorities have imposed a curfew from 6 am to 6 pm, with security personnel enforcing the order in an effort to maintain peace.
Staff members at the Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital in the Akuapem North Municipality are planning a peaceful protest today, November 1, to address ongoing safety concerns.
Their demonstration is focused on the alarming number of high-speed vehicle collisions involving both hospital staff and patients along the road adjacent to the facility.
The purpose of their protest is to highlight the dangerous conditions on this heavily trafficked road. Since May 2024, there have been more than six fatalities, predominantly among patients seeking medical care and, in some instances, hospital personnel.
The urgency of this protest has intensified following the tragic death of a registered nurse who was struck by a speeding vehicle after finishing her shift on Wednesday.
This heartbreaking incident has sparked grief and outrage among her colleagues, who view it as a stark reminder of the preventable dangers that have long been ignored.
Hospital staff members argue that this latest accident underscores the pressing need for speed regulations in the area.
The protest’s organizer and spokesperson for the hospital staff, Bengalaxy Elorm Attipoe, has expressed the group’s frustrations and the rationale behind their action.
He stated that the protest is expected to last about two hours and aims to send a strong message to the local community and regional authorities regarding the necessity of implementing road safety measures.
“We are staging a protest this morning from 9:00 AM. The entire hospital staff will be on the road. I am giving this signal that we will be on the road for almost 2 hours to drive home our demand. There should be a modernised speed ramp around this stretch. I can’t understand. It is so tragic to see our colleague who hustles for bread losing a lot of blood to an accident.”
The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners, in collaboration with the military, has ramped up efforts to tackle illegal mining, particularly along the Birim River, as part of a broader government initiative to safeguard the environment.
The primary objective of the operation is to mitigate the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining, or “galamsey,” with a special focus on restoring water bodies heavily impacted by these activities.
Recently, three chanfan machines, commonly employed for unlawful gold extraction, were confiscated and destroyed along the banks of the Birim River. The operation, part of the intensified “Operation Halt” initiative, also involved burning industrial equipment linked to the illicit mining activities.
This initiative aims to revive the severely polluted Birim River, which has been damaged by illegal mining operations.
Led by the military, the task force initially concentrated efforts in Anyinam, a hotspot for illegal mining in the Atiwa East District of the Eastern Region. Despite receiving a tip-off, causing many miners to flee, the military successfully seized and destroyed key equipment used in the illegal activities.
Colonel Eric Tenadu, Commander of the Operation Halt Task Force, announced that military forces will maintain a strong presence along the Birim River and other critical areas for the next two weeks. This marks the beginning of a wider crackdown aimed at reducing the damage illegal mining has caused to Ghana’s water bodies and ecosystems.
“We are launching this operation to make sure that we clear our water bodies. Whether registered or unregistered, we don’t care, our concern is the water body, so far as you are close to the water body, you are our target.”
The collaboration between the military and the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners is considered a significant step toward curbing illegal mining activities.
Authorities are hopeful that this operation will not only deter illegal mining but also contribute to the long-term recovery of environments heavily affected by galamsey.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has announced the start of its 2024 recruitment drive for the Regular Career Officer Course and Short Service Commission Officers.
In its public notice about enlistment into the Ghana Military Academy, GAF stressed that it does not use intermediaries or charge any recruitment fees.
The public is encouraged to report anyone who claims to be an intermediary and asks for payment to help candidates.
“The Ghana Armed Forces further wishes to state that individuals who present themselves as middlemen, intermediaries or agents demanding payment in order to assist any candidate(s) should be reported to the nearest Military Installation or Police Station. In the same vein, interested applicants who choose to pay monies to purported agents for help are equally culpable in the fraudulent act,” portions of the statement read.
The statement further indicated that interested applicants are advised to refer to the Daily Graphic edition of Friday, September 13, 2024, available at Graphicnewsplus.com, for complete details on the enlistment process. They should also be cautious of fraudulent recruitment schemes on social media.
Online application scratch cards, priced at GH¢350.00, can be purchased at designated Ghana Post offices nationwide.
The online application portal opened on Friday, September 13, and candidates are encouraged to log in and apply.
The management of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has expressed grave concern over the urgent shortage of dialysis machines, which has made it increasingly difficult to meet the rising demand for kidney treatment at the facility.
This issue has intensified following a recent government policy that significantly increased the number of patients requiring dialysis.
KATH, based in Kumasi, is well-known for its extensive medical services, serving a vast population across the country and acting as a referral center for over 12 regions.
As one of the limited facilities equipped to handle complex medical issues like kidney failure, KATH has always seen high demand for dialysis treatments.
However, this demand has surged recently, driven by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) initiative to subsidize dialysis sessions for renal patients.
During a press briefing, the CEO of KATH, underscored the growing challenge posed by this surge in demand.
He acknowledged the hospital’s commitment to enhancing dialysis services but stressed that current resources are inadequate to keep up with the increasing patient load.
Professor Addai-Mensah revealed that the hospital is actively working to acquire more dialysis machines to address the growing need.
He further highlighted that KATH requires a total of 25 dialysis machines to fully equip its refurbished dialysis center.
“The hospital is making arrangements to buy six new dialysis machines, also from internally generated funds, our own funds, to buy these anesthesia machines. The challenge, however, is that we have also refurbished the dialysis center. The place is empty and we need a maximum of about 25 dialysis machines to complement it.
“Now the need for more dialysis machines has become dire. And it so because of a very good policy that has been rolled out by the government, people within a certain age bracket are enjoying free sessions and so on.”
Patients with hemophilia at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) are facing significant difficulties due to an alleged medication shortage.
Hemophilia is a rare genetic disorder that impairs the blood’s ability to clot properly. This condition is typically inherited and is caused by a deficiency or absence of certain clotting factors, which are proteins in the blood that work together to stop bleeding.
The Ghana Hemophilia Society has linked this shortage to delays in processing import permits for donated drugs by the Food and Drugs Authority.
As a consequence, prophylaxis treatments have been halted, depleting the hospital’s stock and leaving patients needing surgery or urgent care in a precarious situation.
Parents of affected children have voiced their concerns about the shortage to Citi News.
In response, Dr. Yaw Opare Larbi, the Deputy Medical Director of KATH, stated that although the hospital has enough medication for immediate treatment, the limited supply is impacting the administration of prophylaxis.
The hospital is currently rationing available medications to prioritize those with active bleeding, with prophylactic treatments being temporarily suspended.
People with hemophilia may experience prolonged bleeding after an injury, surgery, or even spontaneously, especially in joints and muscles. The severity of hemophilia varies depending on how much of the clotting factor is missing.
Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Haruna Mohammed, has criticized the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for what he describes as inadequate handling of the Airbus bribery scandal investigation.
Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse on August 8, 2024, Mohammed accused the OSP of not making a diligent effort to obtain the UK court ruling that referred to former President John Mahama as “Government Official 1.”
He emphasized that leveraging this ruling, given the shared legal principles between the UK and Ghana, could have strengthened their case.
“The OSP has done a lazy job because you can’t conclude by saying that you don’t have all the facts at hand; hence you cannot prosecute the case. Did he go to ask for the judgement? What was the material used in the judgement in the UK? Has he been denied the judgement?” Mohammed questioned.
Mohammed expressed frustration with the OSP’s conclusion that they lacked sufficient evidence to prosecute.
He questioned whether the OSP had sought the UK judgment or explored the materials used in the court’s decision.
This criticism comes in response to the OSP’s recent announcement clearing former President Mahama of corruption allegations linked to the Airbus scandal.
Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng declared on August 8 that the investigation uncovered “no evidence” of bribery involving Mahama or his brother, Adam Mahama.
The OSP also confirmed that the military aircraft procurement adhered to all required standards.
Despite the OSP’s findings, Mohammed accused the Office of performing “shoddy work” and suggested that additional evidence could have been pursued.
He underscored that identifying Mahama as “Government Official 1” reinforces the NPP’s position and argued that “crime has no expiration date,” allowing for continued scrutiny.
The NPP plans to review the OSP’s report, with Mr Mohammed expressing satisfaction that John Mahama has been identified as “Government Official 1.”
“The NPP will state our position but we are very happy that the government official one is clearly John Mahama,” he added.
For context, Ghana was among five nations where Airbus admitted to bribery, leading to a £5 billion fine for the company.
The country acquired three C295 military aircraft from Airbus between 2011 and 2015.
UK court documents revealed Airbus’s use of secret agents for bribery, including in Ghana, involving various intermediaries and companies.
Bernard Allotey Jacobs has expressed his gratitude for the Ghana Armed Forces’ (GAF) pledge to maintain peace and stability during the elections on December 7.
In the approaching elections, the GAF have declared that they will uphold their professionalism.
The GAF will work with other security agencies to vigourously guard Ghana’s borders against any external threats, as stressed by Chief of Defense Staff Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah.
“We want to assure our father and everyone that together, we will continue to maintain the peace and security of this country and we will continue to perform our duties as the Ghana Armed Forces to ensure that this country’s safety, stability, and peace are all well maintained and we will need his prayers in this direction.”
“As we prepare for this year’s elections, we want to assure everyone in Ghana that we will play our role professionally to ensure that peace and security are maintained,” he assured.
Bernard Allotey Jacobs praised the Chief of Defense Staff during the “Kokrokoo” discussion program on Peace FM, stating,”he’s spoken well and that’s what the international community, investor community, Ghanaians would want to hear that we don’t record violence in the elections”.
Allotey Jacobs warned politicians not to provoke the Military, stressing “when people are obsessed with power, they know no bounds…People should not provoke the Military. Politicians should not provoke the Military”.
He advised the political parties to “do the appropriate thing” by training “your polling agents very well and don’t allow your monitoring team who move from one polling station to other to behave as if they are electoral officers to dictate to the EC officials at the polling stations”.
On Thursday, July 18, 2024, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) appeared in the Accra High Court as part of the ongoing trial involving Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, following a subpoena by Richard Jakpa’s legal team.
The Military Secretary of the Ghana Armed Forces, Air Commodore Nana Adu Gyamfi, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, were summoned to testify on Jakpa’s military record.
This came after the prosecution presented Jakpa’s military records, including his discharge letter, as evidence, with only Air Commodore Adu Gyamfi present for cross-examination.
Under questioning from Jakpa’s lawyers, Air Commodore Adu Gyamfi, responsible for army records, clarified that he did not release Jakpa’s military record presented by the Attorney General’s Office to the court.
During cross-examination by Attorney General Godfred Dame, details emerged from Jakpa’s military record.
The Attorney General had Air Commodore Adu Gyamfi read a report highlighting various infractions during Jakpa’s service, including financial indebtedness and instances of insubordination, as documented by Jakpa’s former commanding officer.
Below are details of the report as read by the Military Secretary of the GAF:
Special report on the conduct of Lieutenant RA Jakpa, GH2899
The conduct of Lieutenant RA Jakpa GH2899 in the regiment (the Armoured Regiment in Burma Camp), over the period is not only unacceptable but smacks of indiscipline, lackadaisical and unprofessional.
The officer appeared on my interview (the then commanding officer K Oppong) twice. First, was on October 2, 2001, when the officer parked a military vehicle overnight at his home outside the barracks. The vehicle was detailed with the driver, but he took the vehicle, including the driver, to his house, sacked the driver to go, and left the vehicle at his home.
The second interview was on September 4, 2002, when the officer failed to return to his unit, 2 Independent Recce Squadrons, Sunyani, after taking part in the officer practical promotion exam in 2002. Squadron leaders of two Recce squadrons at different times reported indiscipline of Lieutenant RA Jakpa. The first report, dated January 18, 2002, was submitted by Captain Nii Osu Ansah, the then squadron leader, when the officer, after attending the course in Accra, failed to return to the unit after the course.
Captain B. (sic) also submitted another report dated June 28, 2002, on the officer when he again failed to return to his unit after the officers’ practical promotion exam in 2002. His second appearance on my interview was in connection with this.
In addition to these acts of indiscipline and unprofessional behaviour, the officer has been involved in a case of indebtedness to a local Lebanese businessman, one Mr Tarik, to the tune of $400 when he served with UNIFIL Gamba 57. It was upon strong messages from the Ghana Contingent headquarters that the officer settled the amount. Prior to this, a Ghanaian local brought a case before me where items including monies were given to him from Beirut by Ghanaians residing there but the items and the monies were not delivered until he was instructed to do so.
The officer was nominated to attend an orientation course on RATEB ICV course at the Regimental Headquarters at Recce Regiment for the period May 3 to May 28, 2004. He attended classes for only three days in week one, one day in week two, and one in week three. He has now been charged for (sic). The charge sheets and the proceedings of a summary of evidence will be submitted separately. Additionally, there are quite a number of undocumented cases of indiscipline and misconduct on the part of the officer which both officers and men of the regiment can attest to.
The conduct of Officer Jakpa in the regiment without doubt seems to have reached its climax since both formal and informal interviews are not yielding any positive results. Respectfully submitted for your necessary action.
K Oppong Kyere, Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding Officer
Thirteen individuals have been taken into police custody on accusations of filling and illegally developing portions of the Laboma and Teshie Military shooting range near the Kpeshie Lagoon in La Dade-Kotopon, Greater Accra Region.
During an inspection of the site by the Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC), extensive sections of the Kpeshie Lagoon were discovered filled for development, with structures at various stages of construction.
Chairman of the Accra REGSEC, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, addressing reporters, assured that unauthorized structures would be demolished in the coming days.
“They were picked up because we wanted to get the right people who own these structures. Some are ordinary workers; when you ask them, they will tell you that they were sent here to work.
“So, as we have picked them, they are in the hands of the police, and they will go through the process, and whoever asked them to come and work should be able to produce them. When they do, they will be given bail, and then the law will take its course,” he stated.
“This one is closer to the Kpeshie; we will pull it down. There is another on your left, and they are building at the edge of the Kpeshie, and we will pull that one down too. At the far end, close to the shooting range, it will also be pulled down.
“We invite everybody to come, and we want to know who sold the land to the people. Because my traditional leaders are telling me they have not sold the land to anybody.
“They only told them that they wanted wooden structures, not permanent structures. So, they should tell us who sold the land to them. ,” he added.
The Chief of Defense Staff, Major General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, and the Military Secretary are scheduled to testify later this week in the ongoing ambulance trial.
These military leaders will address documents submitted by the prosecution, which allege that Richard Jakpa was dismissed from the military in 2007 due to unsatisfactory performance and failure to pass promotional exams.
Lawyers for Richard Jakpa argue that these documents aim to discredit their client, who testified in his defense in the criminal trial involving Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
As a result, Jakpa’s lawyers have issued subpoenas to ensure the military officials’ attendance.
Dr. Ato Forson, Richard Jakpa, and the Chief of the Ministry of Health are on trial for allegedly causing a financial loss of €2.37 million to the state through a contract to purchase 200 ambulances for the Ministry of Health, among other charges.
Court documents reveal that the ambulances are actually ordinary buses that lack the necessary equipment to function as proper ambulances.
Former Ghanaian goalkeeperAdam Larsen Kwarasey is set to lay his father, Jerry Franklin Kwarasey, to rest today, July 6, 2024, at the Lashibi Funeral Homes (Pavilion).
The burial will be preceded by a mass at St. Bakhita Catholic Church in Tema, followed by interment at the same venue.
Final funeral rites will then commence at Lashibi Funeral Homes, Pavilion.
A thanksgiving service is scheduled for Sunday at St. Michael’s Garrison Catholic Church near the 37 Military Hospital in Accra, with a family gathering planned at the Army Officers’ Mess, 37.
During his recent scouting trips to Norway, Kwarasey connected with businessman Kennedy Agyapong (Kenpong), who is hosting him at his residence in the Airport Residential Area.
It’s anticipated that Kwarasey will soon assume the role of International Relations Manager at Kenpong Football Academy, following their meetings and discussions.
Kwarasey, known for his tenure with Strømsgodset and Portland Timbers, represented the Black Stars in 24 matches from 2011 to 2016.
A man with the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has publicly criticized the organization for failing to facilitate his retirement despite his repeated requests.
In a viral video, Issah Kudus, revealed that he has served for several years and expressed a strong desire to exit the military.
According to him, despite submitting all required paperwork and appearing before relevant committees to explain his decision, he request is yet to be granted.
He stated that his decision to take a bow is personal, emphasizing that he alone understands the challenges he is currently facing.
He detailed his efforts, including submitting a formal request for compassionate release in March 2024.
Today, on Tuesday, June 18, during the court proceedings of the Ambulance case, the third accused, Richard Jakpa, openly acknowledged that he was dismissed from the Armed Forces due to misconduct and insubordination.
The cross-examination by the prosecution, led by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), uncovered significant revelations.
Jakpa disclosed that he had been commissioned into the Armed Forces in 1998 but was subsequently dismissed in 2007.
He cited allegations of insubordination and repeated failure to pass mandatory intelligence exams as the reasons for his dismissal, occurring five times in 2000, 2002, 2005, 2006, and 2007.
“Japka confirmed that he was commissioned in the Armed Forces in 1998 and got dismissed in 2007 for misconduct/ insubordination and failure to pass the required intelligence exams 5 times within 7 years.
“He failed in 2000, 2002, 2005, 2006 and 2007. He however claimed he was only victim of victimization by the senior officers of the Armed Forces because they were envious of his exceptional performance as a soldier,” he added.
Jakpa maintained that his dismissal was unjust, asserting that senior officers victimized him due to jealousy over his exemplary performance as a soldier.
During the proceedings, Jakpa also admitted that the conversation between himself and the Attorney-General (AG), presented in court as Exhibit 10 by the defense, did not encompass the entire dialogue.
He claimed that only portions favorable to their defense were included in the submission.
“Japka confirmed in open court that the conversation between him and the AG that is in circulation and which was tendered in court by the accused persons as Exhibit 10, is actually not the full conversation. And that, they only presented the aspects of the conversation that will help their case,”.
The current Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr. Ato Forson, and businessman Richard Jakpa face allegations of deliberately causing financial loss to the state amounting to 2.37 million euros through the procurement of ambulances.
Both have pleaded not guilty and are currently standing trial.
The Dean of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) Law School, has highlighted that neither the 1992 Constitution of Ghana nor the law establishing the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) provides a clear basis to determine if Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng has ‘misbehaved’ in office.
According to Professor Ernest Kofi Abotsi both the Constitution and the OSP Act fail to clearly define what constitutes misbehaviour.
This lack of clarity makes it difficult to assess the legality of Agyebeng’s actions, which are within his official mandate, including his public engagements.
Prof. Abotsi explained that the ultimate decision on whether Agyebeng’s actions amount to wrongdoing would rest with the committee established by the Chief Justice of Ghana, should the matter progress that far.
“Incompetence – we can assume that we probably will recognise what incompetence is, but stated misbehaviour presupposes that there are constituent aspects of what can be considered a misbehaviour,” he is quoted to have said.
Prof Abotsi added, “However, because the two laws do not define it, the Constitution doesn’t define it, so we can’t make reference, and the Act also doesn’t define it – it means the one making a determination by way of impeachment – the panel making the determination would have to decide whether the particular act meets that threshold of stated misbehaviour”.
He further explained, “While we might assume what incompetence is, stated misbehaviour implies specific criteria that are not defined by these laws. Therefore, the panel responsible for making the determination during the impeachment process would need to decide if a particular act meets the threshold of stated misbehaviour.”
This statement follows President Akufo-Addo’s decision to forward a petition for the removal of Kissi Agyebeng as Special Prosecutor to the Chief Justice.
The petition, dated April 30, 2024, was submitted by former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu and relayed to Justice Gertrude Torkonoo on May 6, 2024.
Mr Amidu’s petition alleges procurement irregularities in the acquisition of vehicles for the OSP and misconduct involving judges and the administration of justice.
Additional accusations include the infringement of citizens’ rights through arrests and detentions, breaches of the right to information, and the inappropriate appointment of staff to the office.
In accordance with Article 146 of the Constitution, Chief Justice Justice Gertrude Torkonoo is currently assessing whether there is sufficient initial evidence to form a committee for Agyebeng’s potential impeachment.
She has reportedly asked the Special Prosecutor to respond to the issues raised in the petition.
Amid the ongoing power crisis plaguing the nation, a disturbing video has surfaced on social media revealing the dire consequences of the electricity shortage on healthcare delivery, particularly at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Tema General Hospital.
The video, which circulated on GhanaWeb, portrays the ward submerged in darkness due to the absence of electricity supply. Although the exact date of the recording remains unclear, a voice believed to be that of a hospital staff member provided context.
In the video, the staff member lamented the outage, highlighting the critical situation faced by newborns relying on medical equipment like the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine.
She expressed concern over the lack of essential equipment like flow meters, warning of the heightened risk of losing multiple infants if power was not restored promptly.
Furthermore, she disclosed that the unit was operating at full capacity, with approximately ten babies in critical condition.
“There is lights out here at the Tema General Hospital. This baby is on CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) and all of it have gone off. While there is oxygen available, there is no flow meter to connect… If we don’t get light in few minutes, the probability that we might lose a lot of babies is high,” she stated.
This footage sheds light on the harsh reality of the power crisis and its detrimental effects on healthcare services.
Despite growing public demands for a load-shedding schedule to help citizens cope with the situation, both the Ministry of Energy and the Electricity Company of Ghana have remained firm in their stance, rejecting the need for a timetable.
In a recent interview, Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh dismissed calls for a schedule, suggesting that those advocating for one should create their own if they believe “dumsor” exists.
His remarks have drawn criticism from some quarters, with many labeling them as insensitive to the suffering of the Ghanaian populace.
Following a clash between locals of Karaga and military personnel, resulting in the tragic death of one individual and injuring three others, the Karaga Security Council in the Northern region has implemented a curfew.
The conflict stemmed from the appointment of a new regent after the demise of a self-proclaimed chief within the community.
On Monday, March 25, supporters gathered at the regent’s residence to demonstrate their allegiance, prompting military intervention to disperse the crowd and maintain order.
However, the situation rapidly deteriorated, with some individuals allegedly hurling projectiles at the military, leading to further escalation and ultimately gunfire, resulting in loss of life.
Kwasi Owusu Twumasi, spokesperson for the late Deputy Minister of Finance and MP for Ejisu, John Kumah, has clarified that the MP passed away at the Suhum Government Hospital, not in Germany as some reports suggested.
Contrary to speculations that Kumah died in Germany, Twumasi explained in an interview with Accra FM that the MP was in the process of traveling to Germany for medical treatment but, unfortunately, succumbed to his ailment at the Suhum Government Hospital on Thursday, March 7, 2024.
Reports indicate that Kumah had visited his constituency in the Ashanti Region for the independence anniversary on March 6.
Mr Twumasi disclosed that the late MP had been unwell for some time, experiencing difficulty walking.
On March 6, doctors visited Mr Kumah at his residence in Ejisu, and due to the worsening of his health, plans were made to transfer him to Accra.
However, on the way to the airport for medical evacuation to Germany, they had to divert to Suhum Hospital as his condition deteriorated, leading to his unfortunate passing.
“We realised that he couldn’t walk properly and that was what drew our attention to getting him medical attention. Doctors came to his aid yesterday (March 6), but because his health was getting worse, he needed to bring him to Accra. “His office had made arrangements for him to be flown out of the country to Amsterdam and then transit to Germany this evening. So we began the journey in an ambulance from Ejisu, together with his wife. “When we got to Suhum, we had to divert to the hospital because his ailment was getting worse, and unfortunately, he passed on,” he stated.
Parents in Anloga, Volta Region, are urgently seeking financial assistance for their 14-year-old daughter, Millicent Nukornoo, who is currently admitted to the 37 Military Hospital.
Medical professionals at the hospital have diagnosed Millicent with damaged heart valves, one of which is irreparably harmed, causing swollen legs and considerable discomfort.
To address her critical condition, her parents urgently require $16,000 to cover the expenses of heart surgery, which is scheduled to take place at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
In an interview with Citinewsroom.com, Millicent’s mother, Madam Peace Quatewo, shared the challenges her daughter is facing, emphasizing the urgent appeal for financial support from Ghanaians, philanthropists, organizations, and individuals.
Madam Peace Quatewo also expressed how Millicent’s health condition has disrupted her education.
“Her illness began as a regular fever and body aches. It was identified as a heart disease at Battor Hospital 2 years ago, where it could be managed. She had a relapse when we visited the 37 Military Hospital, where she was diagnosed with damaged heart valves in December 2023.
“We were informed that she would need surgery to regain her health. Her education has been halted due to her illness. She was admitted to OLA Girls’ Senior High School, and we were in the process of requesting a transfer to Keta Senior High School when her condition worsened.
The father, Nukornno Jonas Kudzo, also appealed to the public for support in an interview with the media added “at the moment, I am financially drained. We desperately need help and are appealing to the public to assist us in any way possible. Our daughter is in great distress, please support us”.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has reached out to the public to gather more information about a patient who, until recently, had been referred to as ‘unknown Monday’ at the 37 Military Hospital.
The individual has now been identified as Appiah.
This patient was urgently admitted to the trauma and surgical unit in November of the previous year by an unknown individual.
Since then, the 37 Military Hospital staff has been tirelessly providing care and support to him.
Despite their efforts, attempts to trace his family have proven unsuccessful, leaving the hospital with limited information about his background and medical history.
Speaking to the media, GAF urged anyone with relevant information about Appiah to come forward and assist in filling the gaps regarding his identity and contacts.
The hospital staff, through their unwavering dedication, has been able to bring him to a point where he is now ready for discharge.
“He was brought in in November last year by an unknown person through the Trauma and Surgical Emergency Unit and then he was subsequently admitted to the NeuroSurgical Ward. The person who brought him was initially cooperating but along the line stopped. So we have been able to take care of him till a point that he was worthy to go home.
“There wasn’t anybody coming so through our Command and the Department of Public Relation we were able to send a picture of him to the social media and then people started coming. Before now he was known as unknown Monday but when his friend showed up he was able to tell that he is called Appiah.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) seeks assistance in getting more information regarding a patient who hitherto had been referred to as ‘unknown Monday’, but has been identified as Appiah, at the 37 Military Hospital.
Brother of the late president, John Evans Atta-Mills, Dr. Cadman Mills, has addressed a renewed request from certain relatives of the deceased president seeking access to his autopsy report.
Dr. Mills stated, “The (legitimate) family can acquire a copy from 37 Military Hospital.”
The plea for the autopsy report came from Nana Enyimfua III, who represented the family during a visit to the president in Accra on Saturday.
Nana Enyimfua III expressed concerns about the undisclosed cause of the president’s death and stressed the significance of obtaining the report for closure and historical documentation.
In response on X, Dr. Cadman Mills revealed that an autopsy had been conducted at the 37 Military Hospital and assured that it would be provided to the legitimate family.
“VERY STALE NEWS!!! And exasperating! President Mills died. An Autopsy was performed at 37 Military Hospital. A “Family Representative” was present at autopsy, as required by law. The (legitimate) family can obtain a copy from “37” to do with as it pleases. Next Subject.”
VERY STALE NEWS!!! And exasperating! President Mills died. An Autopsy was performed at 37 Military Hospital. A “Family Representative” was present at autopsy, as required by law. The (legitimate) family can obtain a copy from “37” to do with as it pleases. Next Subject.
Nana Enyimfua III, had said: “Our biggest problem as a family is that ever since I was enstooled as queenmother, I have not seen any autopsy report in the family. That is the biggest problem I have with the family because if someone asks me what killed him I won’t know if the doctor said he broke his arm or his neck or drunk something.”
“So we plead with you and the government that the family needs the autopsy report so that in future when I am no more queen mother posterity will learn from it because no child from the family knows what killed the late former president not to talk about me the queen mother in the family. So I plead with you on behalf of the family, before you leave office let us get the autopsy report.”
President Nana Akufo-Addo subsequently described the request as a “legitimate one”.
“I’ll have to find out how to proceed on that, but it’s a legitimate demand,” the president said after the family called on him at Jubilee House.
“If the family wants to have [the autopsy report] of someone who died in those circumstances, it’s a legitimate demand”, Mr Akufo-Addo said after Mr Koku Anyidoho, the spokesperson of the late president, had informed him in the presence of Mills’ family that only the late President’s brother, Samuel Atta Mills, claims to have the autopsy report.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), Major General (Maj Gen) Thomas Oppong-Peprah, has made a generous contribution to the Public Health Division of the 37 Military Hospital at the Army Headquarters in Burma Camp.
He donated two Lenovo ThinkPad laptops and an All-in-One HP Desktop as part of his personal initiative to support the department’s operations.
Maj Gen Oppong-Peprah expressed his motivation for the donation, emphasizing the importance of assisting the hospital, which faces equipment shortages.
He acknowledged the request for support from the Officer-In-Charge of the Public Health Division, Capt. (GN) Harriet Manu, and noted that not every leader actively seeks assistance. In response to Capt. (GN) Manu’s appeal for aid, he felt compelled to provide support within his capacity.
Capt. (GN) Harriet Manu, who received the equipment on behalf of the 37 Military Hospital, stressed the significance of data in public health. She highlighted that the donation would help address certain data-related challenges, particularly as the number of recruitments increases.
The Public Health Division is responsible for occupational health and safety within the Ghana Armed Forces, including recruitment processes.
Capt. (GN) Harriet Manu expressed her gratitude for the timely intervention by COAS, noting that the donated equipment would significantly enhance the division’s effectiveness and efficiency in its public health duties.
The equipment was formally presented to the hospital by the Chief Staff Officer (CSO), Brigadier General Brimah Brako Owusu, on behalf of COAS.
Results may surprise you after a comparism was made with the ability of these 10 nations to engage in aerial combat from highest to lowest.
To assess a country’s military aerial capabilities, it’s crucial to consider the efficiency and scale of its combat aircraft fleet. The ranking of the world’s largest military aircraft fleets takes into account the overall fighting strength of each nation. This involves evaluating aircraft across all branches of service, including Air Force, Army Aviation, Navy, and Marine units.
In essence, the overall composition of an aircraft inventory, spanning fighter jets (multirole, interceptors), trainers (basic, advanced), transport planes (fixed-wing and helicopters), dedicated bombers, ground-attack aircraft, and specialized mission platforms, contributes to a nation’s aerial might.
However, recent data from Global Firepower and the World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (WDMMA) doesn’t merely focus on the sheer number of aircraft. Parameters like aircraft modernization and defense capabilities are also taken into account.
Hence, considering strength, scale, and functionality, here are the top ten nations worldwide with the most extensive military aircraft fleets:
United States: Boasting an unmatched aerial power, the U.S. possesses over 13,300 active aircraft, combining various military branches. Figures may slightly differ between sources, with Global Firepower reporting 13,300 and WDMMA stating 13,443. The U.S. Air Force alone possesses a diverse fleet, including fighters, bombers, close-air support jets, helicopters, transportation planes, trainers, aerial tankers/refuelers, and special missions aircraft.
Russia: Holding a considerable edge, Russia follows with around 4,182 active military aircraft, a significant difference from the leader. While Global Firepower lists this number, WDMMA slightly varies at 4,036. The Russian Air Force and Naval Aviation account for this robust fleet.
China: China ranks third, reflecting its rise on the global stage. With approximately 3,166 military aircraft, China exhibits remarkable aerial growth. Although sources differ (Global Firepower vs. Statista), its commitment to enhancing its aircraft fleet is evident.
India: Emerging as a surprising contender, India secures the fourth spot. Reliable platforms report over 2,000 military aircraft in India’s possession. Statista and Global Firepower indicate 2,119 and 2,210 aircraft respectively, while WDMMA settles at 2,072.
South Korea: Despite its compact size, South Korea enters the list, underlining its emphasis on defense. Global Firepower and WDMMA estimates range from 1,602 to 967 aircraft.
Japan: Another Asian nation showcases its military strength. Japan’s military aircraft inventory numbers around 1,451, as per Global Firepower.
Pakistan: Demonstrating its aviation capabilities, Pakistan’s military aircraft fleet comprises 1,413 units, securing the seventh position.
Egypt: As the first African representative, Egypt boasts a significant air fleet, totaling 1,122 units. This North African country showcases notable defense prowess.
Turkey: Among Mediterranean nations, Turkey stands out with around 1,065 aircraft. Sources may slightly differ, but the nation’s commitment to defense is clear.
France: Concluding the list, France asserts its aerial capabilities. With approximately 1,004 military aircraft, France maintains a significant presence.
These nations exemplify varying levels of aerial power, highlighting their dedication to defense and national security.
A soldier’s life was tragically lost at the Michel Camp, as confirmed by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). Private Bayou Roger, a member of the 5 Infantry Battalion, met an unfortunate end when his rifle accidentally discharged, leading to his instant demise.
The incident occurred on August 19, 2023, at the Base Ammunition Depot (BAD), where Private Bayou was stationed as part of a platoon from the Southern Command. According to the preliminary investigative report, he was sitting on his bed, waiting to take over a duty post at 0800 hours. In a heartbreaking turn of events, his rifle discharged unexpectedly, striking him beneath his chin and causing fatal injuries.
The Ghana Armed Forces, represented by Brigadier General E Aggrey-Quashie, Director General of Public Relations, expressed profound condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones of the deceased soldier. The tragedy has prompted a collaborative effort between the Homicide Unit of the Ghana Police, specifically from the GBETSELE Police Station, and the Military Police to thoroughly investigate the incident.
As Private Bayou Roger is conveyed to the 37 Military Hospital mortuary, the GAF emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive inquiry into the matter. Accidental incidents like these underscore the significance of safety protocols and training within military environments. The loss of a dedicated soldier serves as a solemn reminder of the risks inherent to their profession.
Attached below is a copy of the statement SUSPECTED ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING AT BASE AMMUNITION DEPOT The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) regrets to announce the death of a soldier from the 5 Infantry Battalion, Private (Pte) Bayou Roger, as a result of a suspected accidental discharge. Pte Bayou, was part of a platoon from Southern Command performing duties at the Base Ammunition Depot (BAD) near Michel Camp. The sad incident occurred on Saturday, 19 August 2023 at about 0750 hours at BAD. Preliminary investigative report indicates the soldier was seen sitting on his bed, waiting to relieve his colleague at a duty post at 0800 hours when his rifle went off hitting him under his chin; killing him instantly. The body of the deceased soldier has since been conveyed to the 37 Military Hospital mortuary. A team from the Homicide Unit of Ghana Police (GBETSELE Police Station) is collaborating with the Military Police to investigate the fatal incident. GAF takes this opportunity to express its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues, friends and loved ones of the deceased soldier.
The 37 Military Hospital has issued a public service announcement regarding an upcoming mass burial exercise for unidentified and unclaimed bodies in its morgue.
Hospital authorities emphasized the necessity of addressing this matter due to the congestion caused by the accumulation of such bodies, which has been impeding day-to-day operations and efficiency at the facility.
As per the press release by the Ghana Armed Forces, the last mass burial exercise took place on 11th March 2017. In order to tackle the issue of congestion and manage the situation efficiently, the 37 Military Hospital has scheduled the forthcoming mass burial for Friday, 1st September 2023.
In an effort to identify and claim the bodies before the scheduled mass burial, the 37 Military Hospital is seeking assistance from the general public. Relatives of individuals who suspect their loved ones might be among the unclaimed bodies are urged to visit the Department of Anatomical Pathology at the hospital between Thursday, August 3, and Thursday, August 31, 2023.
The hospital authorities appeal to the public for cooperation and understanding during this sensitive process. Identifying and claiming the bodies will not only alleviate the burden on the morgue but also bring closure to families and ensure dignified arrangements for the deceased.
For further information or inquiries, concerned individuals may contact the 37 Military Hospital or visit their official website for updates on the mass burial exercise.
The 37 Military Hospital has announced its plan to conduct a mass burial exercise on September 1 for bodies that have been identified but remain unclaimed, as well as unidentified bodies stored at the hospital’s morgue.
The primary reason for this decision is to alleviate the congestion in the mortuary, which has been affecting the hospital’s day-to-day operations.
In a statement issued by the Ghana Armed Forces on August 2, they encourage relatives of the unclaimed bodies to visit the Department of Anatomical Pathology at the 37 Military Hospital between Thursday, August 3, and Thursday, August 31, 2023, to claim the bodies.
The 37 Military Hospital wants to inform the public about the impending mass burial exercise to address the issue of overcrowding in the morgue.
“The 37 Military Hospital would like to bring to the attention of the general public a pending mass burial exercise for identified but unclaimed as well as unidentified bodies at the hospital’s morgue. The continued storage of these unclaimed bodies causes congestion in the mortuary and affects efficiency in its day-to-day operation. It must be noted that the last time the hospital conducted a mass burial was on 11 March 2017.
The cooperation of the general public is sought to help identify the bodies before the scheduled mass burial on September 1, 2023.
On Tuesday, July 20, 2023, the Ghana Armed Forces received the body of one of its officers who passed away in India.
The army reported that the late soldier, Warrant Officer Class One (WOI) Sani Victor Kwaku, passed away in the Asian country following a brief illness.
In a Facebook post published on Tuesday, the army mentioned that the late Victor Kwaku was stationed at the 37 Military Hospital until his passing.
“The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has received the mortal remains of the Late Warrant Officer Class One (WOI) Sani Victor Kwaku at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on Thursday 20 July, 2023.
“During the Short ceremony at KIA, the Clergy, Chaplain Captain Michael Aniangyei and Imam Lieutenant Mohammed Abubakar prayed for the soul of the deceased and asked for God’s guidance and protection for the family during this difficult time,” parts of the post read.
It indicated that the mortal remains of its officer has since been deposited at the 37 Military Hospital Morgue.
The Ghana Armed Forces did not state the reasons why the soldier was in India.
The 37 Military Hospital has successfully conducted its first-ever Dual Chamber Pacemaker surgery for a 47-year-old woman who has lived with a blocked heart for 12 years.
Heart block is a condition where the electrical impulses that control the beating of the heart muscle are disrupted.
The most serious type of heart block is known as complete or third-degree.
Heart block has symptoms such as shortness of breath, palpitations (irregular heartbeat), dizzy spells/fainting, and nausea.
Dual-Chamber Pacemaker is a type of surgery, which helps to correct the condition by carrying electrical impulses to the right ventricle and the right atrium of the heart to help control the timing of contractions between the two chambers.
The surgery does not allow the heart to dip below a programmed heart rate and ensures that the atrium – the top chamber of the heart – and the ventricle – the lower chamber of the heart – beat in sync with one another.
Colonel Dr Kwame Acheampong Adomako, the Head of Cardio Center 37 Military Hospital, addressing the media after the surgery, said the patient’s blocked heart was due to a family history of hypertension and diabetes.
He said because the patient was hypertensive and diabetic, the nerves that needed to carry messages to other parts of the body were unable to do so.
The Cardiologist explained that the electronic pulse generator implanted in the heart would help the patient live her normal life without any sudden cardiac arrest or death.
This means that the heartbeat has increased from 39-40 beats to 80-90 beats per minute.
Col Adomako said the successful surgery had given the Hospital the confidence to do more and urged Ghanaians to go for regular check-ups to help pick up some of those conditions early for timely treatment.
He expressed gratitude to the medical team that assisted in the success of the procedure.
The patient expressed appreciation to the 37 Military Hospital for the prompt attention given to her, adding that before her referral to the facility on Friday, June 23, 2023, she had been given up to Sunday, June 25 to live.
She narrated how she had an attack at a function and was advised to go for a checkup immediately.
“After my checkup at the SSNIT Hospital, I was asked to wait for a while because my condition was critical. My heart was beating slowly at about 39 to 40 instead of the normal of 70 to 80 per minute.
“I was later rushed with an ambulance to the 37 Military Hospital where I was told about the surgery right away, which was performed because it cannot wait,” she added.
The patient said she was currently well and doing everything without the help of anyone, adding that “initially, I could not walk even a small distance.
“After the surgery, I can confirm today that my condition has changed. There is nothing like dizziness and pain anymore as it used to be,” she narrated.
She urged Ghanaians to have faith in local health facilities for their health needs.
Her wife said he was happy with the success of the surgery, saying his wife had gone through a lot.
Physician Specialist and Cardiology Fellow in Training with the37 Military Hospital, Wg Cdr Dr Benjamin Toboh has stated that “uncontrolled hypertension when not checked can weaken a person’s penis over time”.
Speaking to the media on Sunday hypertension is a chronic condition of elevated blood pressure, and when a person’s pressure is higher above a certain cut-off point (140/90), then that person is considered hypertensive.
Enumerating other risk factors that cause hypertension, Dr. Toboh said biologically, all males are at a higher risk of developing hypertension.
More so, hypertension is common in male black persons.
“Advancing in age can also trigger hypertension. As we grow older, our pressures tend to increase over time. Other people who also have a genetic predisposition to hypertension, familiar traits, family history, and obesity are at a higher risk of being hypertensive,” Dr. Toboh mentioned.
He, therefore, advised all people to undergo regular checkups for increased or decreased blood pressure.
Explaining how hypertension can cause erectile dysfunction in men, Dr Toboh disclosed that some of the medication for hypertension treatment have the tendency to relax the vessels that allow free pumping of blood into the penis, affecting its erection.
He also discouraged males with high blood pressure from taking sexual performance pills as it can lead to other blood pressure-related complications.
“Most orthodox medications have gone through rigorous testing. These ones that are off-label prescriptions for enhancing male potency, their measurements are not quantifiable and so people take them and they land in trouble,” Dr. Toboh stated.
He was however emphatic that, not all the blood pressure medications cause erectile dysfunctions.
“Some of the hypertension medications do not have an impact on erectile functioning for males. Speak to your health provider if you have issues with previous medications that caused erectile dysfunctions and it will be changed”, he advised.
TheMilitary High Command has established a 12-member Quality Management Committee to supervise services provided at the 37 Military Hospital.
The formation of the Committee according to the Chief of Defense Staff is due to the numerous lawsuits against the hospital.
Inaugurating the Committee, Chief of Defense Staff, Vice Admiral Seth Amoama said the public is losing confidence in the Hospital.
“In recent years, we have witnessed a number of complaints from the public about the quality of service some leading to avoidable loss of lives and its resultant loss of public confidence in the Ghana Armed Forces services and its facilities”.
“To forestall this trend and revive public confidence in the Ghana Armed Forces medical services, the military high command saw it imperative to set up a committee to promote quality assurance for the improvement of quality of care at the Ghana Armed Forces medical facility.”
The Hospital in recent years has suffered several lawsuits due to medical negligence. In July 2021 the family of a patient, Solomon Asare-Kumah, who died after being admitted at the 37 Military Hospital at age 48, sued management of the facility over alleged medical negligence.
The Court in July 2021 also slapped an amount of GH¢1,075,000, in damages, on the 37 Military Hospital for the negligence it caused the bereaved family of a 27-year-old woman during childbirth in November 2015.
Because dental health is a contributing factor in a number of chronic conditions, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory issues, Ghanaians have been encouraged to prioritise their mouth health.
In order to protect the main teeth and ensure early detection of oro-facial abnormalities, they must regularly visit the dentist.
On Monday, the Duala Medical Center in Burma Camp hosted the annual World Oral Hygiene Day (WOHD) celebration. The officer in command of the dental division at the 37 Military Hospital, Colonel Halidu Salifu Ayinga, made this statement.
It was held on the theme “Be proud of your mouth for a lifetime of smiles.”
He underscored the need for parents to take their children on regular visits to the dentist at an early age to detect any dental health-related diseases and address them before they become worse.
He noted that dental health was a major health concern in the country as at least 80 percent of adults between the ages of 35 and 44 years were affected by gum diseases, while another 40 percent of 12-year-old suffer from decayed, missing teeth, stained teeth and bad breath.
“Oral diseases negatively impact people throughout their lives, causing pain, discomfort, social isolation and loss of self-esteem. Most oral health conditions are largely preventable,” he explained.
He expressed worry over the lack of coordination between Oral Health Education and Public Health as far as policy was concerned.
“There are tremendous opportunities for prevention to significantly reduce the morbidity associated with oral health diseases if we synchronise policy and work together,” he emphasised.
The FDI World Dental Federation (WDF) Ambassador, Dr. Louisa Satekele, noted that Ghana was making strides in ensuring improved dental care in the country, however, more needed to be done in the rural areas.
She hinted at the WDF and the Ghana Dental Association’s desire to partner the government and all stakeholders to ensure equal access to quality dental care for all Ghanaians.
She added that on the occasion of WOHD “let us take a moment to reflect on the importance of good oral health and renew our commitment to promoting good oral hygiene practices, to ensure that every Ghanaian has a beautiful smile.”
A Clinical Health Psychologist, Ms. Anita Paddy, said bad dental hygiene could lead to “Halitophobia” (also known as the fear of having bad breath) which was a form of mental health problem.
She explained that if the phobia was not quickly addressed, it could lead to low self-esteem and eventually suicide.
“We the professionals at the therapy and wellness department can assist you by recommending further tests to clear the doubt of halitosis and subsequently counselling,” she explained.
The Ceremony was climaxed with a free dental health screening of military personnel and civilians within the Burma Camp enclave.
The 37 Military Hospital in Accra has handed the summary report of a Board of Inquiry to the couple, who claimed one of their twins was allegedly ‘stolen’ at the hospital shortly after delivery and told them to proceed to court if not satisfied.
The Chief of Staff (COS) at the General Headquarters (GHQ) of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) – Major General Nicholas Peter Andoh, on Monday, handed the summary report of the incident, to the family of Mr. Daniel Naawu, at the Burma Camp in Accra.
Maj. Gen Andoh insisted he was very convinced about the upshot of the five-month investigation, urging the couple to seek redress in court if they were still not content with the report.
“I have gone through the report thoroughly and I’m convinced nothing untoward happened. However, if you are unsatisfied, you may go to court.”
According to the eight-page report which was jointly signed by Captain (GN) Paul Yegbe and Major Alfred Toppar, President and Secretary of the Board of Inquiry respectively – a copy of which is in the custody of the Ghanaian Times, 16 persons were interrogated and their statements taken on oath during the inquiry to establish the facts of the case.
Those interrogated were the lead surgeon Dr. Ali Saine, Dr. Sheryl Adongo (Assistant Surgeon), Dr. Charles Buckman (Head of the Team), Dr. Davies Adedze (Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department), Group Captain Rosalind Asiedu (Senior Resident Radiologist), Dr. Margaret Mpetey (Radio Resident), Major Samuel Adade (Anaesthetist), SNO Roberta Anokye Bempah (Scrub Nurse) and Lieutenant Frederick Kunkpe.
The rest were Sub Lieutenant Nida Asiedu (Midwife), Chief Petty Officer Jennifer Boateng (Maternity Ward Master), Lance Corporal Linda Osei Bonsu (Midwife), Major Naomi Oppong (Nursing Officer In-charge of Maternity), DDNS Deborah Boateng (Deputy In-charge of Maternity), Miss Audrey Agyapong (Client) and Mr. Samuel Kotei Dsane (Client father).
Ms. Agyapong, the report stated, reported for ante-natal care booking at the 37 Military Hospital when she was 26 weeks, having earlier done a scan at a facility in Accra at 20 weeks of pregnancy which reported twin gestation.
It said a repeat scan done at the 37 Military Hospital on July 21, 2022, at 31 weeks also showed twin pregnancy.
“She was booked for a Caesarean section because she had two previous Caesarean sections and a medical condition. The surgical team made all preparation to receive the twins in the theatre. However, the surgeon realised it was a singleton and this was communicated to the patient and her family.
“The patient and her family disagreed and petitioned the hospital, alleging that their second twin baby was missing,” the report added.
It said the Board of Inquiry sought opinions of independent experts including a consultant radiologist and obstetrician from the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital – all of whom agreed that there could be a misdiagnosis of multiple gestation with the ultrasound scan.
The report stressed that the average weight for a singleton was about 3kg to 3.2kg, whilst the average weight of twins was about 2.5kg to 2.9kg.
“It is, therefore, rare to have a twin weighing more than 3kg unless there are other maternal conditions like diabetic mellitus.”
The baby delivered weighed 3.1kg.
During its findings, the report said the radiologist at the 37 Military Hospital who did the ultra-sound scan made a misdiagnosis, having been influenced by the patient’s information that she was carrying twins.
“Madam Agyapong and the attending health workers at the 37 Military Hospital assumed that she was carrying a twin gestation, purely influenced by two ultrasound scan reports until delivery,” it stated, adding that 10 people who were present at the theatre during the delivery had been interviewed, “all testifying that it was a single foetus with a single placenta and single cord.”
It said a single placenta was delivered with a single cord.
“This cannot be the situation if Madam Agyapong was carrying twins. Even for twins who share the same placenta, the cords must be attached to the placenta.”
The report said as part of investigations, the placenta was sent to the Police Forensic Laboratory (PFL) for analysis to establish that it was what was delivered by Ms. Agyapong.
“The PFL took a piece of the placenta tissue and oral tissue from Ms. Agyapong and sent the sample outside the country for the DNA analysis and we are waiting for the results.”
The Board of Inquiry’s report concluded that “the matter is an unfortunate situation of misdiagnosis of a singleton pregnancy for twin pregnancy influenced by late (second and third) ultrasound scan reports.”
Meanwhile, the father of the baby, Mr. Naawu, has expressed disappointment at the report, saying they would take a second look at it to know the action to take next.
“We have gone through a lot of trauma since September 8, last year, when my wife was delivered of a baby instead of two.
“The Chief of Staff has asked us to go to court if we were still not satisfied with the report, and we shall soon take a decision on what to do next,” he told the Ghanaian Times yesterday.
In a painstaking investigative story carried by the Ghanaian Times on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, a couple narrated how they went to the 37 Military Hospital expecting twins only to be handed one baby after delivery and thus suspected foul play.
Ultra-sound checks done 31 weeks into the gestation period at two medical facilities, including the 37 Military Hospital, showed that one Ms Agyapong was carrying two live foetuses (twins).
A second ultrasonic scan done at the 37 Military Hospital on July 21, 2022, and signed by Drs M.T Mpetey and R.Asiedu, a Resident and Senior Physician respectively, confirmed results of the earlier scan with twin A weighing 269g and B weighing 261g.
“In all, we did four different scans, all showing I was carrying live twins and it is baffling that one could disappear at birth,” Ms. Agyapong told the Ghanaian Times.
Explaining further, she said on September 7, 2022, when her gestation period was 38 weeks, she was admitted at the 37 Military Hospital where her vitals were taken with two foetal heartbeats confirmed as normal.
In a follow-up story by the Ghanaian Times on Wednesday, January 25, last month, the 37 Military Hospital apologised to the couple, insisting that its ultrasound twin diagnosis was flawed.
The 37 Military Hospital has been sued together with a doctor, the Chief of Defence Staff and government by a family of a 48-year-old man who died at the facility.
The plaintiff is also demanding GH¢2 million damages for medical negligence leading to the deceased’s death.
The family contends that the death of Solomon Asare Kumah at the hospital in October 2019 was due to a breach of contract and negligence by the hospital and the doctor, Col. Dr Gao Appiah who took care of him.
Per the writ filed in 2021, the family argues that, “the hospital and its employees failed to exercise due care when they wrongly inserted Solomon’s breathing tube under his skin thereby denying oxygen for a considerable amount of time and as such causing stain on his heart and other organs and thus causing his death.”
The particulars of the negligence complaint were that, the 3rd defendant (Hospital) and its employees responsible for Solomon’s care, particularly the 4th defendant, (doctor) failed to exercise due care when they wrongly inserted Solomon’s breathing tube under his skin thereby denying him oxygen for a considerable amount of time and as such causing a strain on his heart and other organs and causing his death;
“The 3rd defendant and its employees failed to provide the appropriate standard of care when they failed to notice within reasonable time that Solomon’s tube had been wrongly inserted until he (Solomon) became extremely bloated;
“The 3rd defendant and its employees responsible for Solomon’s care, particularly the 4th defendant, failed to exercise due care when they failed to ensure on 16th September, 2019, that the drill required for Solomon’s surgery was in good working condition before cutting open Solomon’s skull, thereby exposing his body and organs to considerable strain and clotting in the vein, a condition which required an expensive procedure costing Solomon and his family the Ghana Cedi equivalent of five thousand five hundred United States Dollars (US$5,500.00) plus other expenses to treat;
“The 3rd defendant and its employees failed in their duty of care to Solomon when they failed to notice that Solomon had developed symptoms of clotting in the vein; and the 3rd defendant failed in its duty as a referral hospital to ensure that it had the requisite tools and equipment to treat Solomon’s condition before admitting him,” the writ stated.
Reliefs being sought
The family per the writ issued in 2021 is seeking the following reliefs…
a. A Damages of two million eight thousand two hundred and fifty-nine Ghana Cedis and fifty-seven pesewas (GH¢2,008,259.57) for negligently causing the death of Solomon Asare-Kumah;
b. Compensation to the widow and family members for mental distress, which eventually led to the death of Solomon’s father;
C. General damages for breach the contract between Solomon and the dr3 defendant;
d. An order for the recovery of special damages for breach of contract and for negligence resulting in the following losses;
The sum of twenty thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢20,000.00) being funeral and other expenses incurred; the sum of thirty-six thousand two hundred Ghana Cedis (GH¢36,200.00) being the sums of money collected from Solomon and or his family by 4th defendant through deceit, and unconscionable contract; the sum of ten thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢10,000.00) being the expenses incurred by family during Solomon’s 60-day stay at the 3rd defendant’s facility; and sum of the Ghana Cedi equivalent of five thousand five hundred United States Dollars (US$5,500.00) being expenses incurred for the IVC filter procedure at the National Cardio Centre, Korle-Bu;
e. Any other reliefs the Honourable Court deems fit;
f. Costs including solicitor’s fees of forty thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢40,000.00).
EIB Network’s Legal Affairs Correspondent, Murtala Inusah, reports that the High Court in Accra is expected to rule on an application from the family seeking the Chief of Defence Staff and the Hospital to release the report of its investigation on the matter pending the determination of the substantive matter.
Parties
The Plaintiff is the customary successor, and the administrator of the estate of Solomon Asare-Kumah (deceased) and brings this action in the capacities indorsed on the writ.
The Attorney General – 1st Defendant is the principal legal adviser to the government of Ghana and the constitutionally designated defendant for all suits against the State.
The Chief of Defence Staff – 2nd defendant is the head of the Ghana Armed Forces, and has oversight responsibility for the operations of the 3rd defendant herein.
37 Military Hospital- 3rd defendant is a state-owned referral hospital located in Accra, and was at all times material to the facts giving rise to the instant action, the employer of the 4th defendant.
Col. Dr Gao Appiah (doctor)- The 4th defendant is an employee of the 3rd defendant and the consultant surgeon in charge of the care of Solomon Asare-Kumah during his stay at the facility of the 3rd defendant.
A 48-year-old man’s family has filed a lawsuit against the 37 Military Hospital, a doctor, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the government.
The plaintiff is also demanding GH¢2 million damages for medical negligence leading to the deceased’s death.
The family contends that the death of Solomon Asare Kumah at the hospital in October 2019 was due to a breach of contract and negligence by the hospital and the doctor, Col. Dr Gao Appiah who took care of him.
Per the writ filed in 2021, the family argues that, “the hospital and its employees failed to exercise due care when they wrongly inserted Solomon’s breathing tube under his skin thereby denying oxygen for a considerable amount of time and as such causing stain on his heart and other organs and thus causing his death.”
The particulars of the negligence complaint were that, the 3rd defendant (Hospital) and its employees responsible for Solomon’s care, particularly the 4th defendant, (doctor) failed to exercise due care when they wrongly inserted Solomon’s breathing tube under his skin thereby denying him oxygen for a considerable amount of time and as such causing a strain on his heart and other organs and causing his death;
“The 3rd defendant and its employees failed to provide the appropriate standard of care when they failed to notice within reasonable time that Solomon’s tube had been wrongly inserted until he (Solomon) became extremely bloated;
“The 3rd defendant and its employees responsible for Solomon’s care, particularly the 4th defendant, failed to exercise due care when they failed to ensure on 16th September, 2019, that the drill required for Solomon’s surgery was in good working condition before cutting open Solomon’s skull, thereby exposing his body and organs to considerable strain and clotting in the vein, a condition which required an expensive procedure costing Solomon and his family the Ghana Cedi equivalent of five thousand five hundred United States Dollars (US$5,500.00) plus other expenses to treat;
“The 3rd defendant and its employees failed in their duty of care to Solomon when they failed to notice that Solomon had developed symptoms of clotting in the vein; and the 3rd defendant failed in its duty as a referral hospital to ensure that it had the requisite tools and equipment to treat Solomon’s condition before admitting him,” the writ stated.
Reliefs being sought
The family per the writ issued in 2021 is seeking the following reliefs…
a. A Damages of two million eight thousand two hundred and fifty-nine Ghana Cedis and fifty-seven pesewas (GH¢2,008,259.57) for negligently causing the death of Solomon Asare-Kumah;
b. Compensation to the widow and family members for mental distress, which eventually led to the death of Solomon’s father;
C. General damages for breach the contract between Solomon and the dr3 defendant;
d. An order for the recovery of special damages for breach of contract and for negligence resulting in the following losses;
The sum of twenty thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢20,000.00) being funeral and other expenses incurred; the sum of thirty-six thousand two hundred Ghana Cedis (GH¢36,200.00) being the sums of money collected from Solomon and or his family by 4th defendant through deceit, and unconscionable contract; the sum of ten thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢10,000.00) being the expenses incurred by family during Solomon’s 60-day stay at the 3rd defendant’s facility; and sum of the Ghana Cedi equivalent of five thousand five hundred United States Dollars (US$5,500.00) being expenses incurred for the IVC filter procedure at the National Cardio Centre, Korle-Bu;
e. Any other reliefs the Honourable Court deems fit;
f. Costs including solicitor’s fees of forty thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢40,000.00).
EIB Network’s Legal Affairs Correspondent, Murtala Inusah, reports that the High Court in Accra is expected to rule on an application from the family seeking the Chief of Defence Staff and the Hospital to release the report of its investigation on the matter pending the determination of the substantive matter.
Parties
The Plaintiff is the customary successor, and the administrator of the estate of Solomon Asare-Kumah (deceased) and brings this action in the capacities indorsed on the writ.
The Attorney General – 1st Defendant is the principal legal adviser to the government of Ghana and the constitutionally designated defendant for all suits against the State.
The Chief of Defence Staff – 2nd defendant is the head of the Ghana Armed Forces, and has oversight responsibility for the operations of the 3rd defendant herein.
37 Military Hospital- 3rd defendant is a state-owned referral hospital located in Accra, and was at all times material to the facts giving rise to the instant action, the employer of the 4th defendant.
Col. Dr Gao Appiah (doctor)- The 4th defendant is an employee of the 3rd defendant and the consultant surgeon in charge of the care of Solomon Asare-Kumah during his stay at the facility of the 3rd defendant.
The 37 Military Hospital in Accra has said that the ultra-sound scans conducted on a woman before delivery were error-ridden.
According to the hospital, the error was detected after further inquisition into the missing twin saga.
This disclosure comes five days after the Ghanaian Times’ investigative story published on Wednesday, January 18, 2023.
The hospital has, therefore, apologised to the couple and said the issue would serve as a wake-up call to the hospital, promising to release the result of an investigative report to the family this Friday.
These were the outcome of a meeting held on Monday with senior military officers, including the Chief of Staff (COS) at the General Headquarters (GHQ) of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) – Major General Nicholas Peter Andoh, and the family of Daniel Naawu – husband of the woman who was expecting twins, for a briefing at the Burma Camp in Accra.
Other top military officers present at the little-over-an-hour meeting which was at the behest of Maj Gen Andoh, were Brig. Gen. Raymond Kwabena Ewusi, the Director of General, Ghana Armed Forces Medical Services, Naval Commander Dr Paul Yegbe, an Urologist and surgeon at the 37 Military Hospital and Major Alfred Topper – a member of the team set up to investigate the issue.
Dr Ali Saine, a senior obstetrician and gynaecologist at the 37 Military Hospital, who performed the Caesarean Section (CS) on that fateful day (September 8, 2022), was also present to respond to questions at the meeting.
The four-member family of Naawu, led by the legendary Ghana goalkeeper, John Naawu, took turns to bombard Dr Saine with questions on the supposed missing twin and the ultrasound scan taken at the hospital after 31 weeks.
According to Dr Saine, the hospital expected twins as the scan had shown but was surprised to see only one baby.
He blamed the situation on a flawed diagnosis first conducted at the Cerica Diagnostic Services in Accra that suggested the woman, Ms Audrey Agyapong, was carrying double foetuses.
Responding to a question, Dr Saine conceded that the second scan done at the 37 Military Hospital, was also error-ridden, insisting that only one baby was delivered.
On his part, Maj Gen Andoh said the hospital had no intentions of doing anything malicious knowing their credibility and reputation was always on the line.
“We will not shield anybody who tries to bring the military’s name into disrepute.
“But we’re a human institution; such errors are bound to occur, and would be guided by this going into the future,” he was quoted as saying.
When contacted yesterday, Technical Director and Radiologist of the Cerica Diagnostic Centre, Dr Eric Otu-Danquah, was alarmed at the contention of the 37 Military Hospital, saying his outfit did due diligence in arriving at its result.
“We are not saying we are infallible but in the best of our knowledge, we were diligent in our delivery.
“It’s unfortunate they came to that conclusion. I have my contact numbers on the scan report in the possession of Ms Agyapong; so they could have called to crosscheck if they had any doubts,” Dr Otu-Danquah told the Ghanaian Times.
The 37 Military Hospital, it was disclosed to the Ghanaian Times, would hand over the final report of the investigations into the case that commenced in October 2022, to the Naawu family this Friday.
In a painstaking investigative story carried by the Ghanaian Times on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, the couple narrated how they went to the 37 Military Hospital expecting twins only to be handed one baby after delivery and thus suspected foul play.
Ultra-sound checks done 31 weeks into the gestation period at two medical facilities, including the 37 Military Hospital, showed that one Ms Audrey Agyapong was carrying two live foetuses (twins).
The first scan report, which was signed by Dr Otu Danquah, was conducted on April 22, 2022, at the Cerica Diagnostic Services when the pregnancy was 20 weeks old.
Its results showed live intrauterine (inside the uterus) foetuses.
A second ultrasonic scan done at the 37 Military Hospital on July 21, 2022 and signed by Drs M.T Mpetey and R. Asiedu, a Resident and Senior Physician respectively, confirmed results of the earlier scan with twin A weighing 269g and B weighing 261g.
“In all, we did four different scans, all showing I was carrying live twins and it is baffling that one could disappear at birth,” Ms Agyapong told the Ghanaian Times.
Explaining further, she said on September 7, 2022, when her gestation period was 38 weeks, she was admitted at the 37 Military Hospital where her vitals were taken with two foetal heart beats confirmed as normal.
In a follow-up story by Ghanaian Times on Friday, January 20, 2023, the couple was informed that the placenta tissue of Ms Agyapong, had been sent to Italy for further examinations.
The exercise, according to the Military Hospital, was to determine whether the 38-year-old woman was delivered of twins, which has generated a vortex of interest among Ghanaians.
A couple in Accra is accusing the 37 Military Hospital staff for the ‘disappearance’ of one of their freshly-born babies delivered at the hospital.
The delivery was done through Caesarean section on Thursday, September 8, 2022.
A visibly distraught mother of the supposed twin, 38-year-old trader – Audrey Agyapong, and her 54-year-old husband, Daniel Naawu, are suspecting foul play.
Narrating their ordeal to the Ghanaian Times in Accra, the couple recalled that an ultrasonic checks done 31 weeks into the gestation period at two medical facilities, including the 37 Military Hospital, showed that Ms Agyapong was carrying two live foetuses (twins).
A radiological report of the twin foetuses after 31 weeks
The Ghanaian Times’ painstaking investigations suggested that the first scan report, which was signed off by Dr Otu Danquah, was conducted on April 22, 2022, at the Cerica Diagnostic Services at Lartebiokoshie in Accra, when the pregnancy was 20 weeks.
Its results showed live intrauterine (inside the uterus) foetuses.
The first ultrasonic scan after 20 weeks showed two foetuses
Furthermore, a second ultrasonic scan done at the 37 Military Hospital on July 21, 2022, and signed by Drs M.T Mpetey and R. Asiedu, a Resident and Senior Physician respectively, confirmed results of the earlier scan with twin A weighing 269g and B weighing 261g.
“In all, we did four different scans, all showing I was carrying live twins and it is baffling that one could disappear at birth,” Ms Agyapong told the Ghanaian Times.
Explaining further, she said on September 7, 2022, when her gestation period was 38 weeks, she was admitted at the 37 Military Hospital where her vitals were taken with two foetal heart beats confirmed as normal.
“On the 8th of September 2022, the morning of the operation, my babies were checked again and I was told they were both well. Double logistics were therefore taken for them. At the theatre, I was prepared for the operation and anaesthesia was given which completely numbed the lower part of my body.
“A screen was placed in the middle which prevented me from directly viewing what was happening. However, I felt the two babies being taken from my womb. Later, I heard a cry and one female baby was shown to me by a doctor named Dr Ali Saine, who told me ‘It is only one baby’.”
Dr Saine is a senior Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the 37 Military Hospital, who performed the Caesarean section.
“I was startled and whilst trying to process the import of what I was just told, I heard the doctor tell his team members to take out their phones and video it. I was taken to the recovery ward where the doctor told me he would come and talk to me,” recalled Ms Agyapong, who said she had been having sleepless nights since the incident.
According to the disturbed mother, to make matters worse, she was later told that what she thought was a second baby, was rather a placenta.
“I was shocked because this was not the first time I was giving birth and I know how one feels when the placenta comes out.”
For his part, Mr Naawu, a senior driver at J.A Plant Pool Ghana Limited in Accra, said his baby’s alleged disappearance was “unacceptable” as he was asked to pay for double items before the operation.
“I have twins from my previous marriage and was glad I was going to have another set only to be told this shocking story,” the evidently upset father fumed.
He continued: “As I speak now, I have not been able to outdoor the child, nor give her a name, because I do not know whether the missing baby is also female or male.”
Meanwhile, on October 10, 2022, Mr Naawu petitioned the Commander-in-Charge of the 37 Military Hospital to cause an investigation into the matter and bring back his missing child.
Several attempts made by the Ghanaian Times to speak to Dr Ali Saine on the issue, proved futile, as he insisted on contacting the Commander-in-Charge of the 37 Military Hospital, for permission.
“We have a laid-down procedure here. I can’t speak to the media unless you seek permission from the appropriate quarters at the hospital,” he insisted.
After a couple of attempts to speak to him fell through, the Ghanaian Times on October 14, 2022, officially wrote to the Commander-in-Charge of the 37 Military Hospital, requesting an interview with Dr Saine.
Several follow-ups have been made ever since, but to no avail; as it was always met with the refrain at the hospital’s administration that: “we are working on it.”
On Friday, October 28, 2022, the Ghanaian Times wrote another letter addressed to the Public Affairs Department of the 37 Military Hospital, requesting for an interview with Dr Ali Saine, but only received a verbal response assuring that an investigation has been commenced into the case.
However, an eye specialist at the 37 Military Hospital, Wing Commander Isaac Bediako Fordjuor who is part of a team tasked to probe into the matter, told the Ghanaian Times in November last year that investigations had commenced.
“We have interviewed all concerned including nurses who worked at the theatre on that fateful day and we shall brief you on our findings when we are done,” he said.
Nearly four months have passed since investigations commenced into the incident.
Cassandra Banda, the first wife of business mogul Alhaji Asuma Banda has reportedly filed for divorce after close to five decades of their union.
A report by mynewsgh.com cited court documents in which Mrs. Banda is seeking the annullment of their marriage with settlement.
She argues in the court papers that she should be awarded 60% of Banda’s estate citing the role she played in supporting the now-ailing millionaire from his early days when they met in London.
Cassandra met and married the then 41-year-old Asuma Banda in London in 1974 but she contends that the marriage “has now reached a point of irreconcilable differences after years of alleged philandering by her husband which she largely ignored,” the Mynewsgh.com report stated.
Alhaji Asuma Banda has recently been in the news after viral videos of a custody battle around his bedside at the 37 Military Hospital was circulated on social media.
His two sisters subsequently appealed to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, former president John Mahama and the National Chief Imam to intervene in the custody issues.
A court has granted custody and care of Banda to his second wife Edwina Baaba Coussey Banda who he married in 1991.
The one-time Anktrak Air CEO turned 89 this year and will clock 90 years by next year June.
On December 8, 2022, videos depicting a sick Asuma Banda, one of Ghana’s wealthiest businessman and formerly thought to be the richest man in the nation, began to circulate on social media.
Banda is said to be on admission at the 37 Military Hospital under the care of his second wife even though his family have recently been pushing that he be sent to Kintampo for care.
According to a recent Rainbow Radio online reportage, two sisters of Asuma Banda claim that their brother has expressly requested that he be sent to Kintampo for care.
The sisters on December 7, 2022 told Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm that they were seeking the intervention of the president, office of the former president and the Chief Imam to resolve custody issues around their brother.
”We know the court has ruled in favour of the second wife. But he is our beloved family member. We acknowledge what his two wives have done for him. We will not be ungrateful to them.
“But our brother has requested to go to Kintampo. And so we are appealing to the president to intervene,” they said in apparent reference to the second wife’s reluctance to allow him to be moved.
The sisters revealed that except for Tuesday, December 6, 2022, we have not seen our brother in the past five years, the Rainbow Radio report added.
”We are still appealing to friends, the business community, and all those who know our brother to intervene. The court has ruled, but we are interested in making our brother better.
“John Mahama knows my brother so well. Nana Addo was his good friend. I am also appealing to Frema Opare to intervene. The two wives are tired, and we want to take over as his sisters,” Hajia Shatta said.
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) is a collective responsibility of all healthcare staff, patients and visitors of hospitals, the Commanding Officer (CO) of the 37 Military Hospital, Col Seth Attoh has said.
He explained that Infection Prevention and Control was not an area of interest to only a few trained specialists, but rather it was the role of all stakeholders in the health sector.
Col Attoh said this yesterday in Accra at the launch of the International IPC week which was held on the theme “The future is infection prevention: 50 years of infection prevention.”
International IPC week is an annual event celebrated globally to emphasise the importance of infection prevention and control in healthcare facilities.
It is also to celebrate infection prevention teams all over the world.
He stated that the hospital environment sometimes posed a risk of contracting infections to patients and healthcare staff, adding that “in view of this every effort at infection prevention and control in healthcare facilities should be vigorously pursued.”
According Col Attoh, it had been indicated by a research that up to seven per cent of patients in developed countries and more than 10 per cent in developing countries would acquire at least one health care associated infection.
He said a large percentage of health care associated infections were preventable through effective infection prevention and control measures, stating that IPC was pivotal to quality health care delivery.
He said the World Health Organisation (WHO) required all levels of healthcare facilities to implement infection prevention control programmes and that the relevant guidelines had been provided for all healthcare facilities in the discharge of their duties.
The CO of 37 Military Hospital said Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) had been added to IPC because studies had shown that effective infection prevention and control could not be practiced without proper WASH.
He said series of activities had been lined up for the week-long celebration which included workshop, competitive inspections for all divisions, departments and wards to assess their level of compliance with IPC and an award ceremony.
The Deputy Director of Quality Assurance at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Mary Ashinyo, said the service was ready to partner the Ghana Armed Forces to build the capacity of health workers of the hospital.
She said guidelines would be developed to support workers in the discharge of their duties, adding that it was important to understand the transmission of infections and entreated all stakeholders to support in the fight against infectious diseases.
The Chief Nursing Officer, Clinical, Col Patience Owusu Aidoo, said the fight against infectious micro-organisms would never end and that healthcare providers should strive to ensure that healthcare was delivered in a safe environment for all stakeholders.
The funeral ceremony was held at the forecourt of the State House. The late actor died at the 37 Military Hospital on August 1, 2022, at the age of 52.
Waakye featured in several prominent Ghanaian movies and was ordained a Reverend Minister in 2021.
His funeral was graced by several celebrated Ghanaians including his colleagues in the movie industry.
Check out some photos shot by Adomonline’s Gershon Mortey:
