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20 facilities begin free dialysis treatment today.

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Twenty health facilities spread across the country will from today provide free dialysis treatment to patients with kidney issues.

This follows the successful pilot of the gesture over the last six months, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced.

The free dialysis treatment is expected to benefit about 1,200 patients nationwide.

Twenty more health facilities are expected to receive the green light from authorities with the passage of time to spread the free dialysis services wider.

The facilities set to begin the free treatment include Hart Adventist Hospital, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and Firstcare Hospital, all in the Ashanti Region; Holy Family Hospital in the Bono Region; Cape Coast Teaching Hospital in the Central Region; the Eastern Regional Hospital and the Upper West Regional Hospital.

Others are Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, 37 Military Hospital, Accra Newtown Islamic Hospital Ltd, Ghana Police Hospital, Trust Hospital Premium Centre, Ridge Hospital and the International Maritime Hospital, all in the Greater Accra Region; Tamale Teaching Hospital in the Northern Region and the Upper East Regional Hospital in Bolgatanga.

The rest are the Ho Teaching Hospital and Volta Regional Hospital, both in the Volta Region, and the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital and Takoradi Hospital in the Western Region.

The facilities have received the relevant accreditation from the NHIA, making them the NHIA-credentialed centres for the free dialysis programme after the six-month pilot phase.

The initiative, the NHIA said in a statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the NHIA, would offer kidney patients registered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) access to up to eight free dialysis sessions per month at the selected facilities.

The NHIS will cater for the GH¢491 cost per session for patients.

Machines

To enhance the initiative, the statement said, the government, in partnership with the World Bank, had secured 45 dialysis machines nationwide, adding that seven of the machines had already been delivered, 23 had been cleared and 15 additional machines were being ordered.

“Each batch of 15 machines comes with 2,000 sets of consumables, totalling 6,000 sets for the entire 45 machines. More of such facilities will be procured in the coming years to ensure continued service delivery to patients.

“The programme is being rolled out in collaboration with a range of stakeholders, including 40 facility heads, dialysis unit leaders, the Private Health Association and the leadership of the Dialysis Patient Group,” the statement said.

The statement expressed gratitude for the dedication and cooperation of healthcare providers, stakeholders and patient leaders for their roles in the successful pilot and the national rollout of the free dialysis programme.

“The NHIA remains committed to ensuring the availability of quality healthcare services for all Ghanaians, and we will continue to work collaboratively with all partners to build a sustainable and efficient healthcare system,” the statement said. 

Payments

Meanwhile, the NHIA has released GH¢200 million for the payment of claims to health facilities nationwide.

The amount covers claims submitted and vetted for September and October 2024.

The statement said the latest payment released by the authority would bring the total amount released by the NHIA over the last two months to GH¢1 billion, “underscoring the authority’s ongoing commitment to supporting healthcare providers and ensuring the sustainability of the NHIS”.

Election 2024: Prioritise peace and stability—Catholic Bishops’ Conference to Ghanaians.

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The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has called on all citizens to prioritise peace, unity, and prayer as the nation prepares for its 2024 General Elections.

This message was conveyed through their Jubilee Year Advent Pastoral Letter, which emphasises the importance of collective spiritual efforts and responsible civic engagement during this critical period.

“This year, as we enter into the season of Advent, we are also mindful of the upcoming general elections and the significance of this moment in the life of our country. The elections are an important occasion for all citizens of Ghana to exercise their democratic rights and responsibilities.

“As we prepare ourselves for this significant event, we are also celebrating a special year in the Church: The Jubilee Year, a year of grace and renewal, which calls us to reflect on our shared faith and our collective journey.

“We recognize that, as a country, Ghana is going through a time of transition, both politically and socially. The political climate in our nation is dynamic, and we are aware of the anxieties and uncertainties that often accompany times of electioneering.

“In these times, it is easy to lose sight of the hope that sustains us as people of faith. However, as we celebrate Advent, we are reminded that Christ is our ultimate hope, and it is in Him that we find true peace and stability.”

Bawumia Pledges To Sign Anti-LGBTQ+, Anti-Witchcraft Bills.

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Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has reaffirmed his commitment to preserving Ghana’s cultural and moral values by pledging to sign the anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-witchcraft accusation bills into law if elected President.

Speaking at the Believers Worship Center, Philadelphia Church, at Kenyase, Ashanti Region, on Sunday, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the importance of protecting Ghana’s traditional values from external influence.

Ghana’s Stance on LGBTQ+ Rights

Ghana has been at the forefront of the debate on LGBTQ+ rights in Africa.


In 2021, the Ghanaian Parliament introduced the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, which seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities.

The bill has been met with widespread support from Ghanaian citizens, who argue that it is necessary to protect the country’s cultural values.

The Anti-Witchcraft Accusation Bill

The anti-witchcraft accusation bill is another contentious issue that has been debated in Ghanaian society.

The bill seeks to protect individuals, particularly the elderly, from being accused of witchcraft and subsequently subjected to violence and abuse.

Background

Dr. Bawumia’s pledge to sign the anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-witchcraft accusation bills into law is seen as a strategic move to appeal to Ghanaian voters who are concerned about the erosion of the country’s cultural values.

The NPP has been a strong advocate for the protection of Ghana’s cultural values, and Dr. Bawumia’s pledge is seen as a reaffirmation of the party’s commitment to this cause.

Nationwide Special Voting Exercise takes off today; Western, Eastern regions rescheduled.

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The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana will conduct the nationwide Special Voting exercise today, ahead of the main election on Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The exercise was initially scheduled to take place across 328 centers nationwide, but it has been rescheduled for voters in the Western and Eastern regions following the recall of ballots for the two regions.

As a result, the Special Voting exercise in the Western and Eastern Regions has been postponed to Thursday, December 5, 2024.

The Special Voting exercise allows eligible voters involved in election-related duties, including election officials, security personnel, and media practitioners, to cast their ballots early.

A total of 131,478 voters, representing 0.007 percent of the total registered voter population of 18,741,159, are expected to participate in the Special Voting exercise.

The exercise will begin at 0700 hours and end at 1700 hours.

The EC has confirmed that all election materials, except those for the Western and Eastern Regions, have been deployed to the centers and the commission is fully prepared for the exercise.

“We are ready to conduct transparent, credible and peaceful elections,” Mrs. Jean Mensa, Chairperson, EC told journalists last Friday.

However, Mrs. Mensa clarified that security personnel and journalists who did not apply for the Special Voting will not be eligible to vote on December 2 but can participate in the main election on December 7.

She said votes cast during the Special Voting will not be counted on the day of the exercise.

Instead, they will be counted on December 7 at the Constituency Collation Centres and added to the results from the main election.

The Returning Officer at each Constituency Collation Centre will record these results separately on both the Presidential and Parliamentary Election Results Collation Forms, before including them in the final tally from all polling stations.

To ensure security, all ballot boxes will be sealed and stored in a secured room at a Police Station within each constituency.

The EC has also directed that Presiding Officers do not count the ballots cast during the Special Voting on that day.

The National Elections Security Taskforce, chaired by Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, the Inspector-General of Police, has reassured the public of its readiness to provide maximum security to ensure the peaceful and safe conduct of the elections.

Ghana’s general elections for President and 276 Members of Parliament will take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024.

Documentary On President Akufo-Addo Premiers Dec. 1

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A documentary titled “Nana Addo: The Legacy of Leadership” will premiere on December 1, 2024.

The documentary, which is a tribute to the Presidency of Nana Akufo-Addo, will be aired on major television stations across the country.

The documentary captures the policies and initiatives of the President that have shaped the country’s future.

It also highlights the numerous strides made under his tenure, including the Agenda 111 hospitals project, which aims to revolutionise healthcare accessibility across Ghana.

Other achievements to be showcased include the revitalisation of agriculture through the Planting for Food and Jobs programme, which has empowered countless farmers, and the YouStart initiative, which has provided funding for thousands of young entrepreneurs.

The documentary takes viewers behind the scenes of some of the administration’s most celebrated accomplishments. These include the Year of Return, which positioned Ghana as a premier cultural destination, and economic reforms that stabilized the nation during challenging periods.

The documentary’s narrative, steeped in progress and innovation, takes viewers through the transformational changes spanning education, health, agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, and digitalization under the Akufo-Addo government.

The documentary will provide a stirring recount of Ghana’s journey under President Akufo-Addo’s administration, portraying him as a “beacon of hope” who led the nation during turbulent times.

Achievements such as the Free Senior High School initiative, which has benefited nearly six million students, and the expansion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) highlight his focus on youth development.

The documentary will also underscore contributions to infrastructure, including new roads and the completion of the Tema-Mpakadan railway project.

Through policies like One District, One Factory and the establishment of the AfCFTA headquarters in Accra, the film shows how President Akufo-Addo has enhanced Ghana’s industrialisation

As the presidency of Nana Akufo-Addo draws to a close, the documentary emphasises his enduring impact on Ghana’s socioeconomic development.

The documentary will also underscore contributions to infrastructure, including new roads and the completion of the Tema-Mpakadan railway project.

Through policies like One District, One Factory and the establishment of the AfCFTA headquarters in Accra, the film shows how President Akufo-Addo has enhanced Ghana’s industrialization. It will also portray his resilience during challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and his steadfast commitment to building a nation driven by hope, innovation, and unity.

France’s Macron acknowledges 1944 killings of West African troops by French was a massacre.

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In a letter addressed to the Senegalese authorities, French President Emmanuel Macron for the first time recognized the killing of West African soldiers by the French Army in 1944 as a massacre.

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye made the announcement in an interiew aired Thursday (Nov. 28) on French state television.

Macron’s move comes on the eve of the 80th anniversary of the World War II killings in Thiaroye — a fishing village on the outskirts of the Senegalese capital”.

The West Africans were members of the unit called Tirailleurs Senegalais, a corps of colonial infantry in the French colonial Army.

Between 35 and 400 West African soldiers who fought for the French Army in the Battle of France in 1940 were killed on Dec. 1, 1944 by French soldiers after what was described as a mutiny over unpaid wages.

Some of the soldiers who protested were tried on March 1945.

Faye said Macron’s step should “open the door” so that the “whole truth about this painful event of Thiaroye” can finally come out.

“We have long sought closure on this story and we believe that, this time, France’s commitment will be full, frank and collaborative,” he added.

Committee for the restoration of facts

“France must recognize that on that day, the confrontation between soldiers and riflemen who demanded their full legitimate wages be paid, triggered a chain of events that resulted in a massacre,” read Macron’s letter.

“It is also important to establish, as far as possible, the causes and facts that led to this tragedy,” Macron added. “I have asked my services to inform me of the progress of the work of the Committee for the Restoration of the Facts, which your government has decided to set up, under the direction of Professor Mamadou Diouf, whose eminence and qualities are recognized by all.”

The letter comes weeks after the Senegalese legislative elections, in which the ruling party PASTEF secured a definite majority. The win granted newly elected President Faye a clear mandate to carry out ambitious reforms promised during the campaign, which include more economic independence from foreign companies, including French ones, which are heavily invested in the country.

France still has around 350 troops in its former colony, mainly in a supportive role. Asked about the presence of French forces, Faye alluded that it would not be something the Senegalese would want.

“Obviously, I think that when you reverse the roles a little, you will have a hard time conceiving that another army, China, Russia, Senegal, or any other country could have a military base in France.”

Election 2024: Vote out NPP over high Kenkey prices—Mahama.

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The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has called on Ghanaians to vote out the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming elections, citing the severe economic hardships facing the country.

Mahama highlighted the soaring price of Kenkey, a traditional Ghanaian food, as a symbol of the widespread economic challenges under the current government.

Addressing a large crowd of supporters in Ayawaso East, Mahama criticised the rising cost of living, pointing to the significant increase in the price of Kenkey as an example of the government’s failure to manage the economy effectively.

He recalled how the NPP, particularly President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, had previously accused his administration of poor economic management, but noted that the current government’s handling of the economy has led to even greater hardships for ordinary Ghanaians.

Mahama urged voters to make their voices heard at the polls, emphasizing that the NPP’s economic policies have failed to benefit the majority of Ghanaians, with rising food prices and a declining standard of living.

He called for a change in leadership to alleviate the burdens facing the country.

“We all remember what the NPP said about the NDC government. At the time, I won’t say everything was going perfectly well, but there was so much peace in the country. Akufo-Addo said we were sitting on money yet we were hungry but at the time Kenkey was selling at GH¢1.

“Now, if you want to eat three balls of Kenkey, you would need GH¢15 and if you add 1 fish, that makes it GH¢20, so I am reminding you the people of Ayawaso East that they have failed. So let them pack their stuff and leave.”

Mahama’s remarks at Ayawaso East echoed sentiments he expressed on November 14 in the Western North Region during a campaign rally in Bodi.

In Bodi, he outlined the significant rise in food prices as a testament to the government’s poor economic performance.

He criticised the NPP’s inability to control inflation and provide relief to struggling households, emphasising that food security and affordability are critical indicators of a nation’s economic health.

Ghana to Commemorate 2024 World AIDS Day.

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Ghana will join the global community in commemorating World AIDS Day 2024 with a call for the public, especially the youth, to know their HIV status.

 
World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1, serves as a day to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, show support for individuals living with the virus, and remember those who have passed away from AIDS-related illnesses. 


The day is also an opportunity to unite voices, share experiences, and strengthen the global fight against HIV. 


The theme for 2024, “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!” emphasizes the right to health and calls for action to address the inequalities hindering progress in ending AIDS. 


According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by the end of 2023, an estimated 39.9 million people worldwide were living with HIV, with 65% of them being women in the WHO African Region. 


During the same period, about 630,000 people died from HIV-related causes, and an estimated 1.3 million people acquired HIV. 


In Ghana, the AIDS Commission recorded 17,774 new HIV infections in 2023, with 12,480 deaths and 334,095 people living with HIV and AIDS. 

 
The National HIV and AIDS Control Programme (NACP) of the Ghana Health Service also reported over 34,000 new HIV infections between January and September 2024. 


Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, has emphasized the importance of HIV screening and treatment, and has urged the public to take advantage of free treatment options, which are effective in suppressing the virus.  


He has also encouraged people to get tested, as many were unaware of their HIV status, despite free testing being available in most public health facilities. 


Dr. Stephen Ayisi Addo, Programme Manager of NACP, expressed concern over the rising number of HIV infections in 2024, highlighting the challenge it poses to Ghana’s goal of ending the epidemic by 2030. 
He urged sexually active individuals to take proactive steps to protect their health, stressing the importance of consistent and correct condom use to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

 
“The safest way to protect each other is to be faithful to your partner. Reduce new infections by behaving well or abstaining from sexual activities,” he advised, urging persons living with HIV to take their treatment seriously to prevent further transmission.

 

Ghana will win and peace will reign—Bawumia declares.

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Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, the Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the 2024 Election, Wednesday pledged his unflinching commitment and that of the NPP towards ensuring peace and harmony before, during and after the December 7 polls. 


“On my personal behalf and for the party I lead, the NPP, I pledge my commitment to working with all officials mandated to help conduct the elections and also abide by the rules and regulations governing this civic exercise,” he assured. 


The pledge was on the backdrop of the signing of a Peace Pact by all the presidential candidates, organised by the National Peace Council (NPC) and the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG), at the Kimpinski Gold Coast Hotel in Accra. 


“Ghana has been a model of democracy and an inspiration to many African countries, a feat achieved due to continuous efforts by our leaders, institutions and citizens who understood the value of peace as the bedrock for national progress,” Dr Bawumia said. 
 
Therefore, he would not do anything untoward to decapitate the prevailing peace and stability in the country no matter the outcome of the December 7 elections. 


“As we head towards the December 7 polls, the nineth presidential elections, and nine days from today, am certain of two outcomes: Ghana will win and peace will reign,” Dr Bawumia said in a speech before signing the Presidential Peace Pact, 2024. 


He lauded the NPC and IDEG for their tireless efforts in ensuring that the signing of the Peace Pact. 
“Since the dawn of the Fourth Republic, Ghana has been a model democracy and an inspiration to many across the African continent and beyond. As we head into the polls again, the eyes of the world are on Ghana, watching and hoping Ghana will rise to the occasion, stand tall, and shine bright as the star of Africa.” 


“The love for the country and an adherence to the rule of law should be the guiding principle. In the end, Ghana must be the ultimate winner.” 


He appealed to all interest groups in this year’s elections to reaffirm their commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law. 


“It’s possible to rise above our differences and unite for the sake of our country.

We have been here before and prove once again that Ghana is a shining example of a resilient democracy, Dr. Bawumia stated. 


The NPP flagbearer entreated all the stakeholders—political parties, candidates, electoral officers, security personnel, voters, the media, and the public to take responsibility for ensuring peace and harmony. 
“The day the power of love overrules the love for power, the world will know peace.”. 
“I stand for peace and development. Peace is possible!, he said. 


The Peace Pact, the fourth in the series, was to enable the presidential candidates to pledge to peace before, during, and after the December 7 polls. 


Eight out of the 12 presidential candidates were present while four were represented. 


Those present were former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress, George Twum-Barima-Adu, an Independent Candidate, Hassan Ayariga, All People’s Congress, Kofi Koranteng, an Independent Candidate, Nana Akosua-Frimpomaa, Convention People’s Party, and Mohammed Frimpong, National Democratic Party. 
 
The rest were Kofi Akpaloo, Liberal Party of Ghana, and Dr Daniel Augustus Lartey Jnr, Great Consolidated Popular Party. 


Mr Alan Kyerematen of Movement for Change was represented by Nana Ohene Ntow, Christian Kwabena Andrew of Ghana Union Movement was represented by his Vice Presidential Candidate, Evelyn Serwa Bonsu, Nana Kwame Bediako of The New Force was represented by his aide. 


Dignitaries present to witness the event included Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, the Inspector-General of Police, Dr George Akuffo-Dampare, the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharabutu, Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, the African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns, and Reverend Dr Ernest Adu Gyamfi, the Chairperson, National Peace Council. 

All our materials are on the field; we’re ready for the election – Jean Mensa assures.

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The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission has told Joy News that the Commission will conclude all election-related processes, deployments,and training today, November 29, in readiness for the 2024 general election slated for December 7.

Speaking on the sidelines of a ceremony held in Accra where all 12 presidential candidates committed to peace, the EC chairperson also added her voice to the calls for peace before, during and after the elections.

“On the part of the Commission, we commit to carrying out transparent, robust electoral processes and elections, and as indicated during my presentation, we will announce the will of the people that is expressed at the polls. And we entreat all the presidential candidates to accept the outcomes of the result. I think we are ready. All our materials are on the field, our training is taking place.

” We are ready,” Jean Mensa stated.

The assurance from Jean Mensa is coming at a time when the Electoral Commission (EC) has reported a shortage of presidential and parliamentary ballot papers for five constituencies in the Volta Region.

The affected constituencies are Keta, Ketu North, Ho Central, Hohoe, and Ho West. The Commission says it has moved swiftly to address the issue, planning to print additional ballots at Acts Commercials Printing House.

In an official letter sent to representatives of all presidential candidates, the EC outlined its plan to resolve the shortfall. It confirmed that additional ballot papers would be printed and distributed in time for the election. The printing process will take place in Accra, at Acts Commercials, to ensure no disruption to the electoral process.

To maintain transparency and ensure accountability, the EC has called on all political parties and independent presidential candidates to send two representatives each to observe the printing.

According to the Commission, this will allow for independent oversight and confirmation that the ballots are being printed correctly under the law.

The observation is set to take place on Friday morning. Samuel Tettey, the EC’s Deputy Chair of Operations, has reassured the public that the Commission is taking all necessary steps to guarantee the integrity of the upcoming election.

He emphasized the EC’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election.

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