The Aburihene of the Akuapem Traditional Council in the Eastern Region, Otoobuor Djan Kwasi II, has announced plans to build a state-of-the-art dialysis hospital in Aburi.
Driven by a commitment to his community’s health and well-being, Djan Kwasi II aims to address critical healthcare needs through this project.
The announcement coincides with the upcoming Odwira festival, which the Aburi traditional area will celebrate on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Aburi Botanical Gardens.
To fund the healthcare initiative, Otoobuor Djan Kwasi II stated that all monetary proceeds generated from the festival’s fundraising activities will be entirely directed toward the hospital’s construction.
He expressed strong confidence that, upon completion, the facility will serve as a vital asset providing widespread health benefits to residents and the broader public alike.
During the observation of the year’s seventh Akwasidae at Nsakye on Sunday, October 11, the Aburihene appealed for community support.
He urged residents, as well as those living abroad, to contribute funds toward building a new dialysis hospital to help save lives.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) is preparing to officially recruit graduate teacher trainees upon the completion of their mandatory annual national service.
According to Professor (Mrs.) Smile Afua Gavua Dzisi, the Deputy Director General of GES in charge of Management Services, advanced measures are already in place to ensure a smooth transition into the service.
She emphasized that GES is fully committed to empowering these new educators by providing necessary resources, continuous professional development, and systemic reforms.
“We are working diligently to upgrade educational infrastructure and design policies that foster highly effective teaching and learning across the country,” Prof. Dzisi stated. She closed by reaffirming the service’s solidarity with its educators, noting that the challenges and successes of teachers are shared entirely by the GES.
A total of 342 teacher trainees have graduated from the Presbyterian Women’s College of Education (PWCE), Aburi, during its 17th Congregation held on Friday, October 9, 2026.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honor, the Deputy Director General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) in charge of Management Services urged the new graduates to help eliminate rising indiscipline in schools. She emphasized that the government views educators as vital partners in driving national development.
Meanwhile, the Principal of the college, Dr. Mrs. Cynthia Anim, highlighted several structural challenges facing the institution and appealed for government intervention and support.
She noted that despite living in modern Ghana, her college continues to rely on an outdated bus with registration “X,” which no longer matches the institution’s standing. Furthermore, she emphasized the urgent need for an ultramodern science laboratory for the students.
Mrs. Anim believes that government intervention to address these challenges will significantly enhance teaching and learning, especially as the Presbyterian Women’s College of Education continues to grow.
Supporting this vision, the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Right Reverend Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, remarked that learners in today’s classrooms possess widely diverse abilities, circumstances, and aspirations. He reminded the audience that some students will enter the classroom with the same confidence and eagerness that they themselves felt when they first joined the college.
He noted that the children might face barriers like poverty, difficult family dynamics, learning difficulties, or a lack of support. True effectiveness relies not just on your knowledge, but on how wisely and compassionately you apply it.
“Furthermore, you possess professional competence but must exercise discernment knowing when a child needs patience rather than a reprimand, encouragement rather than discouragement, or a completely different approach rather than repeated instructions,” he told the graduates.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Opare Kwakye concluded by expressing his confidence in them, noting, “You have been prepared to go out and shape the next generation of our leaders, and I am certain you will succeed.”
Abena Osei Asare, the Member of Parliament for the Atiwa East constituency in the Eastern Region, has expressed deep concern over the alarming number of breast cancer cases and fatalities recorded across Ghana.
Speaking at the launch of the 2026 Obaatanpa breast cancer screening exercise, held at the party office in Anyinam on Saturday, October 10, the MP shared troubling statistics to highlight the urgency of the situation.
She revealed that in 2024 alone, Ghana recorded over 5,480 breast cancer cases, resulting in the loss of more than 2,600 women.
The screening initiative specifically targeted women and young ladies, encouraging them to undergo regular examinations. Mrs. Asare emphasized that early detection remains the most critical factor in saving lives. Medical reports support this urgency, noting that breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among Ghanaian women, accounting for approximately 16% to 31.4% of all cancer diagnoses in the country.
Ghana recorded an estimated 5,000 new breast cancer cases and approximately 2,000 to 2,700 annual deaths in 2025, according to national health data.
During an address, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Atiwa East linked the rising number of breast cancer cases to a delay in seeking medical attention. She noted that many women do not visit health facilities for clinical check-ups even after discovering a lump in their breast.
Furthermore, she highlighted that some diagnosed patients do not complete their prescribed medication cycles, contributing to higher mortality rates.
To address these challenges, the MP pledged to fully finance the medical bills of any event participant diagnosed with breast cancer. This financial support will cover their expenses until they fully recover and reunite with their families.
The MP for Atiwa East, who also chairs the Public Accounts Committee, highlighted a success story from last year’s health exercise. A woman named Maame Yaa was diagnosed with breast cancer, and she [Abena Osei Asare] funded her hospital bills. Today, she is doing well and living happily with her family.
Mrs. Osei Asare advised the general public, particularly breast cancer patients, to always complete their prescribed medications. Doing so ensures proper healing, promotes longevity, and allows them to continue caring for their families.
Additionally, she urged the clergy to pray for breast cancer patients rather than keeping them at prayer camps. She emphasized that such diseases must be treated by health professionals, stating that Ghana cannot afford to keep losing women to breast cancer.
Abena Osei called on journalists to leverage their media platforms to educate the public, especially women, on the impact of breast cancer. She emphasized that raising awareness empowers women to prioritize their breast health, which is vital since the future of the nation depends on them.
The Member of Parliament for the Akuapem South constituency, Lawrencia Adwoa Dziwornu, has announced that the Ghanaian government, under President John Dramani Mahama, is committed to transforming the lives of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
She noted with concern that during Public Accounts Committee hearings, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDCEs) are frequently found to have dipped into disability common funds to finance other projects without proper accountability.
Characterizing this practice as entirely unacceptable, she warned that the government will aggressively pursue any local authority found misappropriating these designated funds.
Lawrencia Dziwornu highlighted that the government intentionally raised the Disability Common Fund from 3 percent to 5 percent. This increase ensures that family members with disabilities receive financial support or essential items to run small businesses, helping them achieve financial independence and active roles in society.
She also noted that the government and the Parliamentary Select Committee for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), led by Queenstar Pokua Sawyerr, will actively pursue any Metropolitan, Municipal, or District Chief Executive who misappropriates these funds. Violators will be publicly named and shamed to deter others from similar misconduct.
The Member of Parliament shared these remarks on Thursday, October 8, 2026, during the commissioning of the Akuapem South Disability Center, where support items were also distributed to 180 PWDs.
Isaac Sakyi, Chairperson of the Federation of Persons with Disability (PWDs) in the Akuapem South Municipal Assembly, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the government on behalf of his members for the newly received facility.
He noted that the community had been waiting decades for such a resource, which will now provide them with a dedicated building to host their meetings.
The Municipal Chief Executive of the Assembly, Paul Osae Offei, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the lives of PWDs nationwide.
He emphasized the importance of removing individuals from the streets, stating it is unacceptable for anyone to rely on begging to survive.
Offei promised that the Akuapem South Municipal Assembly would honor the government’s trust by managing the funds responsibly to ensure every physically challenged person in the municipality benefits.
The Eastern Regional Fire Officer, ACFO II Ofori Asamoah, led a management delegation including the Regional 2IC and Regional Accountant to visit injured firefighter StnO II James Atuahene on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
StnO II Atuahene sustained injuries on the night of October 3, 2026, when a section of a building collapsed during a residential-commercial fire response in Koforidua.
He was successfully rescued from the debris and is currently recovering at Central Hospital, Koforidua, where he is responding well to medical treatment.
The Command expressed its full solidarity and wished him a swift, complete recovery.
In observance of global Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Nsutem-based Yaktest Medical Laboratory Ultrasound Diagnostic Center, located in the Fanteakwa South District Assembly of the Eastern Region, has officially launched a free breast cancer screening program for local women.
Organized as part of the center’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, the initiative aims to give back to the community and promote the life-saving benefits of early detection. The free screening exercise will remain open to the public until October 31, 2026.
Women across the region are strongly encouraged to visit participating health facilities this October to prioritize their health and know their status.
According to John Hinneh, radiographer at the Yaktest Medical Laboratory Ultrasound Diagnostic Centre, breast cancer claims approximately 2,695 lives in Ghana annually, with over 5,000 new cases diagnosed each year.
Calling the disease a major threat to every woman, Hinneh revealed that their ongoing screening drive, which started in October, has already detected a few cases and successfully connected those patients with medical care.
He strongly advises women to prioritize their health this October by getting screened, as early detection is vital for those who may be carrying the disease unknowingly.
Furthermore, John Hinneh highlighted the gravity of breast cancer, noting that those unaffected by the disease or mastectomy might not realize its severity. He urged the public, especially women and young ladies, to prioritize regular breast examinations and check-ups to ensure early detection and longevity.
Additionally, Hinneh cautioned against rough handling during physical intimacy. “Men should not take the opportunity to aggressively handle their partners’ breasts,” he warned. “Instead, they should ensure they do not cause discomfort or potential health complications later.”
An aspiring Women’s Organiser for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Betty Krosbi Mensah has officially congratulated Mavis Hawa Koomson, the newly elected Women’s Organiser for the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
She wished her wisdom, strength, and success as Koomson steps into this vital leadership role.
“As a former Member of Parliament, I deeply understand the responsibilities of leadership, as well as the high expectations placed on women who hold prominent positions within our political parties,” Mensah stated.
While extending my congratulations to Hon. Mavis Koomson, I must respectfully disagree with the proposal to distribute pepper spray to female political organizers as a remedy for political violence. Although the suggestion stems from a well-intentioned desire to enhance personal safety and self-defense, especially given her own experiences, we must look at sustainable solutions.
“As women leaders, our core message should focus on peace, unity, stability, and responsible leadership, avoiding anything that could be interpreted as promoting confrontation.
Instead, Betty Mensah said, we should empower our female organizers through knowledge, skills, economic opportunities, resources, and leadership training. Providing these foundational platforms is what truly strengthens their roles in national development and transforms both their lives and their communities.
Fohad Agbenyadzi, an aspiring National Deputy Youth Organizer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), recently met with the party’s Eastern Regional Youth Organizers. The meeting served as an official platform for Agbenyadzi to introduce himself and announce his candidacy for the upcoming national elections.
Currently serving as the NDC’s Eastern Regional Deputy Youth Organizer, Agbenyadzi aims to leverage his regional achievements to secure the national leadership role. During the engagement, he sharply criticized the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) for its management of the economy. He emphasized that his primary mission at the national level is to create job opportunities for the youth and elevate their standard of living.
Following a meeting with fellow youth commanders on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in Koforidua, National Deputy Youth Organizer hopeful Fohad Agbenyadzi praised the NDC youth for their pivotal role in the party’s 2024 electoral victory. He pledged his full support to ensure young party members enjoy the rewards of their hard work if elected to the national leadership position.
Addressing journalists, Agbenyadzi criticized the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration led by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, stating they left the economy in severe distress upon exiting office in 2024.
He noted that the current NDC government has only been in power for two years; it is unrealistic to expect an immediate fix for structural damage that accumulated over an eight-year period.
However, he emphasized that President John Dramani Mahama remains deeply committed to resolving the economic crisis and delivering financial relief to Ghanaians through his ongoing “resetting agenda.”
Fohad Agbenyadzi stated that providing government support to ruling party members is unsuitable while the national economy remains in critical condition.
However, noting recent signs of economic recovery, he announced that party members, particularly the youth wings, will begin benefiting from government initiatives starting in 2027.
Mr. Agbenyadzi explained that empowering grassroots members boosts morale, motivating them to work harder toward securing a party victory in the 2028 election.
He pledged to prioritize the welfare and development of these youth wings to ensure they receive proper opportunities if elected as the National Deputy Youth Organizer.
The Akrahene (Soul Chief) of the Akuapem Traditional Council in the Eastern Region, Nana Kwame Donkor Kissiedu, performed sacred traditional rites on Friday, October 2, 2026, to mark the annual Fida Fofie rituals held at Akropong.
These customs seek divine guidance and protection for the Akuapehene, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III.
Fida Fofie is observed annually for the Akuapehene exactly one week after the Akuapem Odwira festival. The ritual officially signifies that the people of Akuapem can begin consuming the newly harvested yam.
This year’s Odwira festival marked a historic milestone as Akuapemman celebrated its 200th anniversary since the tradition’s inception in 1826. The colorful event drew numerous dignitaries to Akropong, including Ghana’s former President, Nana Akufo-Addo.
Following the Fofie celebration, the Akrahenes (Soul Chiefs) and selected Okoman elders in Akuapem dined with the Akuapehene to reaffirm their loyalty and support for his ongoing reign.
During a briefing with journalists, Nana Kwame Donkor Kissiedu highlighted that the Fofie observation is vital for honoring the forefathers who fought for the freedom of Akuapemman during the Katamanso war.
The Akrahene of Akuapem also used the event to offer prayers, seeking divine grace, blessings, guidance, protection, and long life for Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, the overlord of the Akuapem Traditional Council.
Furthermore, Nana Kwame Kissiedu selected specific chiefs, Queen Mothers, and Okoman elders to join in offering collective prayers for the success of the Akuapemhene’s reign.
Nana Kissiedu expressed his gratitude to the people of Akuapem, particularly the youth, for their record-breaking attendance at this year’s Fida Fofie celebration.
He further urged all citizens of Akuapem to unite and support the Akuapehene in their shared mission to develop and advance Akuapemman.
The Member of Parliament for the Akuapem North constituency in the Eastern Region, Samuel Awuku, partnered with the University of Ghana’s Department of the Center for Ageing Studies to celebrate the 2026 United Nations International Day for Older Persons.
The vibrant celebration took place at Grace Presbyterian Church in Akropong on Thursday, October 1, drawing a crowd of more than 1,500 elderly attendees.
Participants were encouraged to embrace aging with dignity and pride, recognizing themselves as the true heroes and heroines of the community.
Addressing journalists at the event, Mr. Awuku urged Parliament to expedite action on passing the old age bill into law, emphasizing that urgent legislative measures are needed to protect the elderly from maltreatment.
The Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Mr. Awuku, stated that passing the Older Persons Bill will deter individuals from falsely accusing the elderly of witchcraft.
He emphasized that legal accountability will safeguard the freedom and longevity of older citizens, describing living past 100 years as a blessing.
Meanwhile, Rev. Professor Joseph Osafo, Director of the University of Ghana’s Center for Ageing Studies, expressed deep disappointment in Parliament.
Speaking to Kontihen Kofi Oboh, Osafo highlighted that the bill has languished in Parliament for 16 years, leaving the aged vulnerable to ongoing social stigmatization.
According to Prof. Osafo, statistics indicate that over 57% of elderly women bear the brunt of hardship in the country, often facing safety risks due to being accused of witchcraft.
He noted that developed nations actively support their aging populations to promote longevity because they deeply value them.
Prof. Osafo joined Sammi Awuku in making an urgent appeal to Parliament to expedite the passage of a bill aimed at safeguarding the lives of older citizens.
