News
‘Nipahiamoa’ residents cry for basic social amenities
Residents of a farming community in the Nkoranza North District of the Bono East Region are living under conditions that directly reflect or connote the name of the township, Nipahiamoa.
The name of the town, Nipahiamoa, when translated directly means ‘humans need help.’
Despite the contribution in ensuring there is sufficient food in not only the region but the country at large, Nipahiamoa lacks basic social amenities to make life enjoyable after their farming activities.
water for the people of Nipahiamoa
According to some of the members of the community that The Spectator spoke to during a visit to the area, they lacked basic needs such as potable water, health post, among others.
This, they claimed, was impacting negatively on their general wellbeing and appealed to authorities to come to their aid.
The Unit Committee chairman of Nipahiamoa, Mr James Najohnbo, told this paper on Thursday that successive governments have neglected the town over the years.
“It is the reason we are where we are today in this era of development. Some people poke fun that our condition is a reflection of the name of the town but I don’t believe that. We have been neglected by governments over the years. There are no government initiatives here,” he explained.
The community, inhabited by over one thousand people, mostly settlers, is located on the Techiman-Kintampo stretch of the Trans-ECOWAS highway which connect from Tema to Mali.
Mr Najohnbo, who conducted this reporter around, revealed that a borehole constructed for the community by the former Member of Parliament for Nkoranza North, Major Derrick Oduro, had since broke down, compelling the people to turn to the Bono manso waterfalls which they trek several kilometres for their source of water.
Mr Najohnbo stated that their children are not left out in this challenges as they had to trek to either Manso or Dweneho, about two kilometres to access healthcare and education.
He added that a wooden structure constructed in 1994 currently serves as the only primary school for the community.
“Our kids had to trek several kilometres to Manso to attend school which come at cost to most parents.”
A 30-year old hairdresser, Rebecca Dibenpong, also appealed to authorities to come up with income generating activities to boost economic lives of the people.
She alleged that politicians often claimed they don’t have enough numbers to attract development, hence such initiatives were directed to bigger communities.
Like the name suggest, Nipahiamoa, the community needs urgent attention to make life meaningful for the people who contribute to the national economy by way of their farming activities.
From Daniel Dzirasah, Nipahiamoa
News
GTDC rolls out Accra By Night Tour on Wednesday
The Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC) as part of efforts to ensure 24-hour Economy in tourism is rolling out Night Tour from Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
This forms part of initiatives outlined the Chief Executive Officer of GTDC, Professor Kobby Mensah, for the growth of the tourism industry.
In all, he has created about twelve tourism products and services together with his team.
One of those products, which is Night Tour, he believes, ties into the NDC’s 24-hour Economy concept.
Starting from tomorrow, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, patrons will converge at the Accra Tourist Information Centre at exactly 7pm for the maiden trip.
Accra By Night, will run from 7pm to 3am.
This would be interspersed with food, drinks, music, and other fun activities.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
President Mahama launches Ghana Medical Trust Fund to support chronic diseases care
The President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, has officially launched the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as The MahamaCares, a landmark initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to individuals living with chronic diseases across the country.
The Fund seeks to cover the cost of care and medication for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) not currently included under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), thereby complementing it by supporting critical aspects of these conditions.
Additionally, the Fund will invest in health infrastructure, medical equipment, specialist training, and research to enhance access to quality healthcare.
Delivering the keynote address at the launch ceremony, President Mahama described the Fund as a vital component of his administration’s broader agenda to build a resilient and inclusive health system.
He emphasized that MahamaCares is designed to support specialist-level treatment for a wide range of chronic illnesses, including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney failure, stroke, among others.
The President underscored the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring that every Ghanaian, regardless of income or location, has access to essential healthcare.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, hailed the initiative as a groundbreaking intervention that reflects the President’s deep empathy for individuals burdened by chronic NCDs.
He described MahamaCares as a bold step toward greater equity and compassion in healthcare financing.
The Minister called on all heads of agencies under the Ministry of Health, as well as collaborating institutions critical to the implementation of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, to offer their full support.
“Together, we can ensure the successful realization of this transformative, life-changing initiative,” he stated.
He emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to providing quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare to all Ghanaians and identified the Ghana Medical Trust Fund as a key instrument in achieving that vision.
The event brought together key stakeholders from the health sector, civil society, and development partners.
