The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has called for a comprehensive review of Ghana’s recruitment system into the Armed Forces and other public sector institutions following the deadly stampede at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra, on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
Mr. Bagbin said the tragic incident could have been avoided if proper safety and organisational measures had been in place during the recruitment process.
He made the remarks during a visit to victims of the stampede at the 37 Military Hospital, where several injured persons are receiving treatment.
Rt.Hon.Alban S.K.Bagbin interacting with one of the injured applicants
Officials at the hospital confirmed that six people died in the incident, five others remain in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and 12 more are in fairly critical condition.
Speaking to journalists after his visit, the Speaker expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and urged all stakeholders to work together to prevent a recurrence.
“We can rethink this whole process of recruitment and enlistment, even the entire system of how we employ people into the public sector, to prevent future occurrences,” he said.
“We are saddened and shocked. This is a day no Ghanaian would ever wish to see repeated. But we must all work together—this is not the responsibility of one person or institution alone. Our focus should be on preventing similar tragedies and, more immediately, on saving the lives of those who are injured.”Source:Sammi Wiafe
In a prestigious ceremony, the Department of Herbal Medicine under the Faculty of Pharmacy at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has honored Dr. Ebenezer Agyemang, the Founder of Businesses, and Manufacturer of these three powerful medicines ,HEPA PLUS, PAVI and PLASMOX , both syrop and capsules with a citation for his exceptional commitment to advancing herbal medicine research and entrepreneurship.
.Dr.Ebenezer Agyemang (first from left) receiving his recognition
The Department of Herbal Medicine proudly recognizes Dr. Agyemang’s outstanding contribution to the growth and development of herbal medicine research at KNUST.
The Dean of of Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at KNUST, Prof. Samuel Asare Nkansah presented the citation praising Dr Agyeman for paying sponsoring students research at the Department
In response to the department’s call for support, Dr. Agyemang graciously established the pioneering HEPA Plus Research Awards.
This annual sponsorship is specifically designed to fund innovative undergraduate research projects that promote entrepreneurial thinking among final-year students in the department.
The impact of this inaugural initiative has been extraordinary.
. Ebenezer Agyemang displaying the citation
The first award-winning student research project achieved unprecedented success, being part of the University Entrepreneurial Product Competition winning team and representing KNUST at an international competition in Thailand.
This accomplishment underscores the significance of Dr. Agyemang’s philanthropic investment in bridging academia with industry and validating student creativity.
Dr. Agyemang’s contribution transcends monetary value; it ignites innovation, validates student creativity, and fosters a partnership between the academic and business communities.
The Department of Herbal Medicine celebrates Dr. Agyemang’s generosity and vision, trusting that this partnership will flourish for years to come.
The citation, presented with gratitude and highest esteem, highlights the Department of Herbal Medicine’s appreciation for Dr. Agyemang’s commitment to advancing herbal medicine research and entrepreneurship. This recognition underscores the importance of collaborations between academia, industry, and philanthropic individuals in driving innovation and promoting excellence in research and entrepreneurship.
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology is a premier institution of higher learning in Ghana, dedicated to advancing science, technology, and innovation for national development.
The Faculty of Pharmacy, through its Department of Herbal Medicine, is committed to promoting research and innovation in herbal medicine to improve healthcare outcomes.
The Department of Herbal Medicine at KNUST looks forward to continued partnerships and collaborations that drive innovation, promote entrepreneurship, and advance herbal medicine research.
Dr. Ebenezer Agyemang’s outstanding support serves as a model for others to follow, demonstrating the power of philanthropy in shaping the future of research and innovation in academia.
By honoring Dr. Agyemang with this citation, the Department of Herbal Medicine acknowledges his significant contribution to the growth of herbal medicine research and entrepreneurship at KNUST, and expresses gratitude for his vision and generosity.
Ghana faces a potential sanitation crisis as members of the Environmental Service Providers Association (ESPA) have threatened to suspend all waste collection services nationwide by 7 November 2025, if government fails to settle outstanding arrears owed to contractors.
Mr.Ernest Morgan Acquah, a member of ESPA, revealed that the government owes waste management companies—including major players such as Zoomlion, J. Stanley Owusu, Jekora Ventures, and SSGL—for as long as three years.
According to Acquah, the arrears have crippled operations, leaving many companies unable to pay staff, maintain trucks, or service debts owed to banks. “We’ve had several meetings with the Ministry of Local Government and the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sanitation, but we see little effort to resolve this. By 7 November, we will have no choice but to fold up,” he said.
Mr.Ernest Morgan Acquah
Acquah described the situation as a “national security issue,” warning that any disruption in waste management could trigger outbreaks of cholera, malaria, and typhoid, especially in densely populated areas.
He added that the cost of transporting waste has increased sharply due to the absence of engineered landfill sites in Accra. “We have to haul waste over 50 kilometres to the Eastern Region to dump at Adipa. The costs are killing us,” he lamented.
The group is urging government to revive the Sanitation and Pollution Levy to provide sustainable funding for waste management. Acquah said this dedicated fund could stabilise the sector and prevent future crises.
“We are doing our part to keep Ghana clean. But without support, the waste will pile up, and everyone—including government—will feel the consequences,” he warned.
ESPA’s strike threat comes amid growing public concern about mounting refuse heaps in parts of Accra and Kumasi. Industry insiders estimate the government owes service providers tens of millions of cedis in arrears.By: Winifred Lartey
The urgency in communicating the existential threat posed by illegal and irresponsible mining on Ghana’s food and water, and its attendant health implications, is such that the Eco-Conscious Citizens environmental group has postponed its monthly Zoom meeting set for this Thursday.
Instead, it has posted online two short videos entitled ‘Eco-Conscious Citizens Public Safety Announcement 1: Food & Water Insecurity In Ghana & Its Diaspora’ and , which it intends promoting in the next few weeks in order to raise awareness of the health risks already posed to Ghanaians, because of the irresponsible practices of illegal and some licensed miners.
The group urges the general public to awaken from its apathy and join the chorus of media, civil society and other organisations in the campaign against IRRESPONSIBLE MINING, by actively pressing state institutions to wage a vigorous, unrelenting battle against illegal miners.
In bringing the videos to the attention of the key sector ministers, officers and institution heads, Eco-Conscious Citizens will not only be calling for the government institutions charged with protecting our environment to redouble their efforts by implementing a robust and sustained fight against the irresponsible miners, but also asks that a well-publicised NAIMOS (National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat) 24-hour phone hotline be set up for citizens to report illegal activity in the forest reserves or on water bodies; plus the spurious court case against the Atronsu 5 environmental activists to be dropped.
The effects of the activities of the environmental terrorists known as illegal miners, or galamseyers, impacts Ghanaians at home and abroad. The EPA (Environmental Protection Authority) and other organisations have recently announced high levels of heavy metals, such as mercury, in Ghanaian staple foods like kontomire, which is enjoyed in stews in Ghana and its diaspora
Also, Ghana Water Company (GWC) does not remove the heavy metals left in water bodies by the illegal miners. So the fact that the water in Ghana may be clear does not mean it doesn’t contain toxic heavy metals, such as mercury or cyanide. Only procedures such as reverse osmosis can remove such metals – this process is used by some bottled water brands.
Hopefully when the citizens of Ghana appreciate the extent of the threat to their health caused by the activities of the environmental terrorists, they may be more proactive in demanding the state uses all its powers to end the on-going environmental terrorism.
Asanko Gold Mines Limited has hosted the annual National Inter-Mines First Aid and Safety Competition organized by the Ghana Chamber of Mines. Staff of large-scale mining firms and their community teams showcased their preparedness in responding to emergencies both within mining sites and in host communities.
In the community teams category, Asanko Gold Mines emerged winners with 98%, beating Abosso Goldfields Damang with 89%, AngloGold Obuasi Mine with 85.5%, and the Ghana Manganese Company, which scored 27%.
Golden Star Wassa, Asanko Gold Mine, AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem, AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi, and the Ghana Manganese Company Limited were among the companies that participated in the competition with both staff and community teams.
In the staff category, however, Golden Star Wassa scored 59%, Asanko Gold Mine 58.5%, AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi 52%, and AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem 50%. The oral component of the competition will be held a week later in Accra on Ghana Television (GTV).
According to the Ghana Chamber of Mines, such engagements not only align communities with corporate safety goals but also provide practical knowledge applicable at home and at work.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Chamber of Mines, the Director for Analysis, Research, and Finance at the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Christopher Opoku Darko, said the annual competition, in particular, was a demonstration of lifesaving first aid techniques that can mean the difference between life and death in real-world emergencies.
He stated, “A mine is not truly safe unless the community around it is also safe. That is why we continue to engage community teams and especially empower women to actively participate in safety competitions.”
Managing Director for Asanko Gold Mine Limited, Dr. Charles Amoah, emphasized that safety was not a one-day event, but a mindset and a way of life that must be prioritized at all times.
He pledged Asanko Gold Mine’s commitment to improving its safety standards not only within the mine environment but also in the host communities to ensure everyone’s safety at all times.
“At Asanko, safety defines who we are. It shapes our culture, drives our discipline, and reflects our commitment to excellence. Hosting this year’s competition is therefore not just an honour but a clear demonstration of our belief that safety is a shared duty across the entire mining industry,” he noted.
He commended the Ghana Chamber of Mines for granting Asanko Gold Mines the privilege to host this year’s National Inter-Mines First Aid and Safety Competition.
The Paramount Chief for the Manso-Nkwanta Traditional Area lauded the initiative by the Ghana Chamber of Mines and commended Asanko Gold Mine for hosting the event in his area to create awareness on safety, noting that it moves the industry one step closer to zero harm.
This year’s competition was themed, “Every Moment is an Ambush, Think Safety All the Time.”
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced a temporary disruption affecting some electronic hospital management systems across the country.Buy vitamins and supplements
The move follows complaints from patients at several government hospitals in the Ashanti Region about delays in record-keeping caused by challenges with the Lightwave Health Information Management System (LHIMS). Patients have expressed frustration as hospitals revert to the manual folder system, resulting in long waiting hours and slower service delivery.
A Citi News visit on Friday, October 24, revealed that medical officers at Ejisu, Suntreso, and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospitals have resorted to manually recording patient medical records.
In a statement on October 26, 2025, the NHIA assured the public that the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders are working to restore full system functionality as soon as possible.
The Authority directed all NHIS-credentialed healthcare providers to continue offering uninterrupted services to NHIS members despite the setback. Providers have been advised to use the mobile phone–based platform to generate Claims Check Codes (CCC) to ensure continuity of care.
The NHIA emphasised that NHIS members should not pay out of pocket or incur additional costs due to the disruption. Members experiencing difficulties are encouraged to contact the NHIA Call Centre on 054-444-6447 for assistance.
The Authority expressed gratitude to healthcare providers and NHIS members for their patience and cooperation as the issue is resolved.Source: Leticia Osei
The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has begun a renewed partnership with the Narcotic Control Commission (NACOC) to enhance media collaboration in the national campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
On Monday, October 20, 2025, executives of PRINPAG paid a courtesy call on the Director-General of NACOC, Brigadier-General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, to explore avenues for closer cooperation between the media and the Commission.
Brigadier-General Mantey commended PRINPAG for its readiness to work with the Commission in addressing the growing threat of drug abuse, particularly among Ghanaian youth.
“We acknowledge your work as the media and your contributions to the fight against drug use in Ghana. We appreciate your readiness to collaborate with us. Drug use among the youth is eroding the country’s future, and we must work together to tackle this challenge head-on.”
He expressed concern over the increasing use of synthetic drugs and highlighted the role of irresponsible parenting and social media influence in worsening the problem. The Director-General assured that under his leadership, NACOC would continue to enforce the law strictly, regardless of social status, and called for strong media participation in public education campaigns.
Mr. David Tamakloe & Brigadier-General Mantey
Brig Gen Mantey also announced that NACOC, in collaboration with the Ghana Standards Authority, will soon roll out training and public education sessions for journalists on the new cannabis regulations currently before Parliament. These sessions will help enhance the media’s understanding of the legal framework and promote accurate, responsible reporting on narcotics-related matters.
Speaking on behalf of PRINPAG, President Mr. David Tamakloe reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to supporting NACOC through impactful journalism and nationwide sensitization.
“As editors and news publishers, we are the eyes and ears of the public. We see what is happening on the streets regarding drug use and trade, and we are equally concerned. We believe this collaboration will help us better understand the issues and report more effectively on them,” Mr. Tamakloe stated.
He further noted that PRINPAG members would benefit from capacity-building programmes to strengthen their knowledge of narcotics and public health issues, adding that support from NACOC in this regard would be highly valuable.
The Public Affairs Officer of NACOC, Nana Osei Nkwantabisa I, assured PRINPAG of the Commission’s commitment to building a stronger and more structured working relationship with the media to ensure smooth collaboration on future initiatives.
Both PRINPAG and NACOC agreed to deepen engagement and explore practical ways to promote national awareness, transparency, and responsible journalism in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
About PRINPAG
The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) is a professional body of journalists, editors, and publishers from private newspapers and online media platforms. The Association is dedicated to promoting press freedom, ethical journalism, and national development through responsible reporting and advocacy.
PRINPAG National Secretariat
0244822034
October 21, 2025
Heavy metal pollution is a growing concern in many parts of Ghana, especially in communities near galamsey (small-scale gold mining) sites.
Toxic metals like arsenic, mercury, lead, and cadmium can seep into rivers, soils, and food crops from mining runoff and mercury use in gold extraction.
Long-term exposure to these metals is linked to serious health issues – from nerve and brain damage to organ failure and cancer.
The good news is that families can take action at home.
This article explores truly cost-free methods to reduce or remove heavy metals from drinking water and foods using only readily available, discarded, or natural materials.
A Filtered water
It explains how each method works scientifically and provides step-by-step guidance, backed by research and public health sources, to help keep your household safe.
Heavy Metals and Galamsey: A Hidden Danger
Illegal and small-scale mining (galamsey) often contaminates nearby water sources and farmlands with heavy metals. For instance, mercury used to extract gold can wash into rivers and fish. Arsenic occurs naturally in some gold-bearing rocks and can leach into groundwater.
GroceriesLead and cadmium may also be present in mining waste and fertilizers, ending up in soils or water. These metals are odorless and tasteless in water and can accumulate in food crops without obvious signs. Consuming even low levels over time can cause chronic poisoning.
Children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable – lead, for example, harms brain development. This makes it vital for households in mining-affected areas to adopt simple precautions in daily cooking and drinking habits.
Easy Water Purification Techniques
Ghana’s climate and local resources offer several low-cost water treatment methods that require no fancy filters or expensive chemicals. Below are effective techniques using everyday materials like fruit peels, charcoal from cooking fires, and even sunlight.
Each method targets heavy metal contaminants by either adsorbing (binding) the metal ions or physically separating them from the water. You can use these methods individually or even combine them for better results.
GroceriesAlways start with the clearest water possible (let muddy water settle, or filter debris with a cloth) before applying these treatments. And remember: after removing heavy metals, you should still boil or disinfect water to kill microbes if it’s not from a treated source.
Banana Peel Water Filters
Banana peels, a common throw-away item, turn out to be powerful natural water purifiers. Banana peels contain pectin and other compounds with negatively charged carboxyl and hydroxyl groups. These functional groups attract and bind heavy metal ions (which are positively charged) like a magnet.
Researchers have found that dried banana peel can adsorb substantial amounts of metals from water – for example, up to 7.97 mg of lead and 5.71 mg of cadmium per gram of peel in lab tests.
In fact, minced banana peel was shown to remove lead and copper from river water as effectively as or better than many commercial filtering materials. Banana peel filters worked across a wide range of water pH and could be reused multiple times without losing potency.
How To Use Banana Peels To Purify Water:
1. Collect and prepare peels: Rinse banana peels to remove dirt or pesticides, then cut them into small pieces. For best results, sun-dry the peel pieces or lightly heat them (not burning) to remove moisture – dry peels seem to adsorb metals more effectively. You can crush or grind the dried peels into a coarse powder if possible, to increase the surface area.
2. Soak or filter the water: Place the peel pieces/powder in the contaminated water. Use about one peeled banana’s worth of material per few liters of water (exact amounts aren’t critical; more peel can grab more metal). Stir the water and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. During this time, the heavy metal ions will attach to the banana peel. Studies show that simply mixing banana peel with arsenic-spiked water and shaking for 30 minutes removed up to 90% of the arsenic.
3. Separate the peels and use the water: After soaking, strain out the banana peels by pouring the water through a clean cloth or fine mesh. The heavy metals remain bound to the peels you remove. Discard the used peels in the trash or by burying – do not eat them or feed them to animals, since they now contain the concentrated toxins. Finally, for drinking water, it’s wise to boil or disinfect the filtered water.
Rice Husk and Plant Waste Adsorbents
Rice husks, coconut shells, maize cobs, or sawdust are excellent natural filters. Rice husks are rich in silica and cellulose, giving them a natural ability to bind metals like lead, cadmium, and copper. To use, pack a cloth bag with clean rice husks and pour water through.
Alternatively, burn the husks lightly to create rice husk ash, stir it into water, and let it settle before decanting. The ash’s fine silica attracts heavy metal ions, cleaning the water. Dispose of the husk or ash safely afterward.
Moringa Seed Powder (Natural Coagulant)
The seeds of the Moringa tree can clarify dirty water and remove some heavy metals. Shell the seeds, grind the kernels into powder, and stir one or two seeds’ worth into a bucket of water. After 30 minutes, particles settle at the bottom. Decant or filter the clear water at the top. The seed’s natural proteins bind with metals and microbes, helping purify the water.
Safer Food Preparation Techniques at Home
GroceriesHeavy metals also enter through food. These techniques can lower your exposure:
– Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly to remove dust and soil.
– Peel or discard outer layers of root and leafy vegetables.
– Cook rice or greens in plenty of water and discard the water afterward; this leaches out arsenic and lead.
– Soak produce in mild vinegar or lemon water for 10–20 minutes, then rinse. The acid helps dissolve metal residues.
– Avoid concentrating sauces or dried foods from contaminated produce, as this increases metal concentration.
– Choose smaller fish (like tilapia or sardines) instead of large predators like tuna or shark, which accumulate mercury.
– Eat a varied diet rich in calcium and iron to reduce heavy metal absorption in your body.
Safety and Disposal Tips
Used banana peels, charcoal, or rice husks will contain the metals they absorbed. Do not reuse them or add them to compost for food crops. Bury or discard them safely. Replace and adsorbents regularly. Combining methods – such as Moringa plus sand filter – can improve results. In severely contaminated areas, push for community water testing and alternative clean sources. Join the anti-galamsey campaign.
Conclusion
Heavy metal pollution from galamsey and other sources is a serious challenge, but families can protect themselves using simple science and local resources. Banana peels, rice husks, Moringa seeds, and sunlight can all make water safer. Proper washing, soaking, and cooking reduce metals in food.
These methods cost nothing yet can save lives. Clean water and safe food are possible when households take small, informed steps — turning waste into protection.
The writer is a lecturer at the Department of Food and Nutrition Education, Faculty of Health, Allied Sciences and Home Economics Education, University of Education, Winneba.
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced that the government will clear all outstanding salary arrears owed to nurses and midwives by November.
Speaking at a press conference amid growing agitation from nurses’ unions across the country, the Minister revealed that the Ministry of Finance has received Cabinet approval to release funds for the payments.
According to Mr Akandoh, about 7,000 nurses are currently receiving payments, 3,000 are on the payroll but yet to be paid, while an additional 3,500 are being processed, bringing the total number of affected health workers to 13,500.
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh,Health Minister
He explained that the Cabinet had given the green light for the Ministry of Finance to begin payment immediately, starting in November.
“As I speak to you now, about 6,500, that will add up to the 7,000 already being paid, making 13,500; that’s a lot, that’s over 6,000. The Cabinet has approved that with immediate effect. Starting from November, the Minister for Finance must pay them. And I have in my hand the letter to that effect,” he stated.
Mr Akandoh expressed empathy for the affected nurses and midwives who have endured months of financial hardship.
“And so these were the difficulties. I empathise with anybody who has had to go through this painful situation. And it is important for Ghanaians to be taken care of,” he added.
The Health Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the welfare concerns of health workers and ensuring the timely payment of their entitlements.Source: Emmanuel Atakorah
The Chief of Ejura Divisional Council, Barimah Osei Hwedie II, has called for concerted efforts to halt the rising cases of drug abuse in the country.
According to the renowned chief, drug addiction among the youth is killing the future of Ghana, calling for urgent intervention.
Barimah Osei Hwedie I
Speaking at the climax of the 2025 Ejura Sekyerene Festival, Barimah Osei Hwedie II appealed to the youth to shun drugs and social vices that could land them in trouble.
“The current difficulties as a nation are partly due to the gradual surge of societal indiscipline, especially among the youth,” he noted.
“Drug abuse leads to deterioration of physical and mental health, an increase in crime rates, social unrest, and destruction of lives and properties.”
Barimah Osei Hwedie II called for a collective and holistic approach by all and sundry to deal with the canker that tends to mar peace and development of Ejura in particular and Ghana as a whole.
For his part Odeneho Okyere Kusi Ntrama II, Paramount Chief of Esumenya Traditional Council, expressed worry over how some energetic youth are dying at the hands of illicit drugs.
He emphasized the need for stakeholders to come together to address the issue, which threatens the nation’s development and security.
The Omanhene’s concerns were echoed by Barimah Osei Hwedie II, who also highlighted the importance of maintaining cleanliness in Ejura, urging the Municipal Assembly to ensure all public spaces and visible nuisances are cleared, especially on National Sanitation Days.
