Doctors at Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) have ended their strike and resumed complete services after intervention by the Overlord of Dagbon, Ya Naa Abukari II, and discussions with Health Minister Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.

The doctors had withdrawn their services on April 23, 2025, following an incident during the health minister’s visit to the hospital the previous day. The strike was triggered when members of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) raised concerns about persistent operational issues and other challenges hindering effective healthcare delivery.

The suspension of services disrupted both routine and emergency operations at the hospital. In response, the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health and a delegation from Ya Naa Abukari II engaged with the hospital’s leadership to mediate a resolution.

Following consultations with the National Executive Council of the GMA, emergency services were partially restored at TTH from 2 p.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025. On the same day, a meeting between the health minister and the doctors was facilitated by the GMA.

During the meeting, Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh expressed regret over the ongoing challenges at the hospital and the events leading to the strike. He reassured the doctors that measures had been implemented to address their concerns, including providing necessary medical equipment and supplies.

After these discussions, the doctors convened an emergency meeting on April 26, 2025, where they voted to call off the strike. In a statement, the GMA directed all doctors to resume complete duties immediately.

The GMA also pledged to continue engaging with the hospital’s management, the Ministry of Health, and other stakeholders to address the longstanding healthcare delivery issues. The association urged the hospital leadership to be more transparent about the institution’s challenges and appealed to the media to report responsibly on health matters.

While expressing appreciation for Ya Naa Abukari II’s role in resolving the matter, the GMA warned that they may consider further actions if logistical and equipment challenges persist. The association reiterated its commitment to improving healthcare at Tamale Teaching Hospital.

Bunbon R/C Junior High School students in the Yendi Municipality of the Northern Region are experiencing significant obstacles in their ICT education because they lack computers and a designated ICT lab.

There are serious concerns about their readiness for a digital future due to the current situation.

Although the school has a large enrolment of 278 students and 13 teaching staff, not a single computer is available to aid in teaching and learning ICT.

Consequently, students are placed at a significant disadvantage compared to their counterparts in more well-equipped schools nationwide, as lessons solely consist of theoretical instruction.

According to Mr Yahaya Aminu, the Headmaster of Bunbon R/C JHS, the dearth of practical experience is diminishing the value of ICT instruction and detrimentally impacting students’ BECE results.

“Our students struggle to understand key ICT concepts, which makes it difficult for them to excel in exams and competitions,” he stated. “As a nation committed to digital learning and inclusive development, it is disheartening to see our children left behind simply because of a lack of basic resources.”

Apart from ICT, the school faces other obstacles. According to Alhassan Abu Safianu, the Assemblyman for the area, a significant lack of furniture is hindering the learning process.

According to him, students being stuffed into cramped classrooms, where three people have to squeeze onto one bench or take turns using chairs, disrupts lessons and creates an unfavourable learning atmosphere.

The Assemblyman also raised the alarm about the declining condition of the school building, noting its weakness and lack of safety. He pointed out that the structure is inadequate and outdated despite a student population of over 278. According to him, there are reports of classrooms housing up to 72 pupils, which far exceeds the maximum class size recommended by the Ghana Education Service of 45.

Mr Safianu appealed to the Yendi Municipal Assembly, non-governmental organisations, and philanthropic individuals to provide assistance to the school. He expressed his belief that with proper support, these children can be equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital world and enhance their academic achievements.

N-Yiigma Mulignan Carlos, the School Prefect, also spoke passionately, stating that Ghanaian children deserve a fair opportunity. He expressed their belief that having access to computers and suitable furniture would significantly improve their performance.

In its pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals, with a special focus on Goal 4, which aims to provide equal and quality education, Ghana faces a pressing issue highlighted by Bunbon R/C JHS. This calls for swift intervention to narrow the gap between access to technology and education.

Abdulai Abanga, the former MP of Binduri in the Upper East Region, has issued a sincere plea for peace amidst the recent surge of violence and disorder in the Kusaug area, which has tragically resulted in the loss of innocent lives, particularly women and children.

In response to the tragic event that occurred in Binguri, located in the Binduri District, Mr Abanga expressed his strong condemnation for the “senseless murder” of innocent civilians. He called upon all parties involved to prioritise peace and humanity.

“I urge everyone to exercise calm and restraint,” he said. “I extend my deepest sympathies to the families affected by this horrific event,” he said.

Expressing concern over the potential danger of the situation, he urged all parties to avoid using provocative language, put down their weapons, and assist in efforts towards promoting peace. He emphasised the importance of preventing the violence from spreading to nearby communities.

He stressed the importance of a well-rounded approach by the authorities, urging the government to reconsider the curfew and motorcycle ban enforced in Binduri. He pointed out that although these measures aim to uphold order, they impede residents from participating in economic activities and fulfilling their basic needs.

He acknowledged that while the restrictions were necessary, they have also caused untold hardships and further vulnerability among already-struggled communities.

While commending the security agencies for their efforts in stabilising the region, the former MP called for increased measures to prevent further violence and restore peace. He emphasised the importance of proactive and people-centred approaches in building trust and sustaining long-term stability.

Mr Abanga also urged united backing of the Otumfuo-led mediation process, a top-level initiative seeking to tackle the conflict’s underlying issues and promote reconciliation.

He urged all those involved to fully support Otumfuo’s efforts. “It is only through genuine dialogue and unity that we can build sustainable peace.”

About Abdulai Abanga: A Story of Dedication, Service, and Progress

Abdulai Abanga is a Ghanaian politician known for his dedication to the development of his people and his service to the nation. He represented the Binduri constituency in the Upper East Region as a Member of Parliament (MP) from January 7, 2021, to December 2024, under the banner of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Early Life and Education

Abanga was born on May 25, 1970, in Akwatia, Eastern Region, and hails from Binduri in the Upper East Region. His journey to politics was shaped by his commitment to education and his desire to contribute to the betterment of his community. He attended several schools during his formative years, including:

• Akwatia L/A Primary School
• Bansi Primary School in Binduri
• Ghana Secondary School (Ghanasco) in Tamale
• Tamale Polytechnic (now Tamale Technical University), where he earned a Diploma in Business Studies (Accounting)
• University of Cape Coast, where he pursued a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
• Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana, earning his Chartered Accountant Certificate.
• University of Ghana, where he completed a Master’s in development finance.

Professional Career

Before entering the political arena, Abanga had a distinguished professional career. He worked as a Finance Officer at the National Governance Programme and later as a Management Accountant at the Millennium Challenge Account of Ghana. His experience in public finance, governance, and management laid the foundation for his political career.

Abanga’s professional journey also saw him serve as the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Bawku and later as Deputy Minister for Works and Housing, gaining valuable experience in governance and public service.

A Political Career Focused on Development

In the 2020 general elections, Abanga secured the Binduri parliamentary seat, defeating the incumbent Robert Baba Kuganab-Lem of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) by 454 votes. His victory marked the beginning of a tenure focused on improving the people’s lives of Binduri.

Abanga was appointed to the Government Assurance Committee and became known for his efforts to address the pressing needs of his constituents. During his time in parliament, he worked tirelessly to improve infrastructure, healthcare, and education in the Binduri area. Some of his notable achievements include:

• Construction of Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds in Kpalugu, Sakpare, Atuba, and Gumyoko will ensure better healthcare access for rural communities.
• Building of 6-unit classroom blocks in several communities to enhance educational facilities.
• Drilling 144 hand-pump boreholes, four electrically mechanised boreholes, and six solar-powered boreholes provides clean and accessible water to thousands of residents.
• Provision of scholarships for local and foreign studies, empowering the youth with education opportunities.
• Development of sports facilities, including constructing an astroturf pitch and organising football tournaments, promoting physical activity and community engagement.

These efforts were widely recognised by the Upper East Regional Youth Wing of the NPP, who advocated for his re-election in the 2024 elections.

Setback in 2024 Elections

In the 2024 general elections, Abanga was unseated by Mahmoud Issifu of the NDC, who won the seat with 21,943 votes compared to Abanga’s 7,811. Despite this loss, Abanga’s legacy as an advocate for development in Binduri remains strong. His contribution to the community resonates with his constituents, many of whom appreciate the tangible improvements he made during his tenure as MP.

A Continued Commitment to Peace and Development

Even after his departure from parliament, Abdulai Abanga remains influential in his community. In April 2025, amid rising tensions in the Kusaug area, Abanga called for calm and restraint, condemning the recent violence and advocating for peacebuilding efforts. His commitment to peace and progress remains steadfast, and he continues to work toward creating a better future for the people of Binduri.

Abdulai Abanga’s story is one of dedication to service, a relentless pursuit of development, and a commitment to the welfare of his people. He remains a figure of hope and inspiration for many, and his contributions to Binduri will not soon be forgotten.

In Nalerigu, North East Region, a district court has ordered the remand of Waliu Fazazi, a suspect in a mobile money robbery case. Fazazi will be held in police custody to aid in the ongoing investigations. The court arraigned him on Friday, April 25, 2025, for his involvement in a robbery at Bunkpurugu on April 23, 2025.

Per police reports, Waliu Fazazi, along with accomplices who remain at large, assaulted a mobile money vendor and absconded with GH₵1,300,000.00.

Based on initial investigations, it was discovered that the accused approached the vendor pretending to withdraw GH₵15,000.00. He claimed that his brother had sent the money. However, there was a delay due to network problems.

During the transaction, two masked individuals, one carrying a weapon, suddenly emerged and demanded the vendor’s money-filled bag. According to witnesses, the perpetrators fired shots as a warning before making their escape on a motorcycle.

After appearing in court, Waliu Fazazi was detained and is scheduled to return on May 9, 2025, while investigations are ongoing. The police have also asked the public for any helpful information that may aid in the capture of the other suspects who are still at large.

According to Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, the Chief of the Army Staff for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), members of both the GAF and other security agencies are resolutely dedicated to reestablishing tranquillity and safety in Bawku, located in the Upper East Region.

He emphasised that the GAF and other agencies have been working towards resolving the crisis in Bawku, which has been ongoing between two opposing sides. This effort will continue to establish lasting peace for the people’s benefit.

While on an official visit to Bawku last Wednesday, April 23, 2025, Major General Gbetanu interacted with the media and discussed his interactions with chiefs and military personnel deployed to maintain law and order.

During his initial journey outside Accra since his appointment, the excursion allowed him to visit Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, the Overlord of Kusaug, and his elders. It also provided a chance to evaluate the current security and operational state on-site.

During the visit, Major General Gbetanu, along with Brigadier General Frank Nartey Tei, General Officer Commanding Northern Command, and Lieutenant Colonel Kakra Sasu-Antwi, Commander Rear of the 11 Mechanised Infantry Battalion, stopped by an outpost in Kpalore. This particular outpost was where a military officer had tragically lost their life recently.

In light of recent events, he shared concern regarding the increasing severity of the ongoing conflict. This has resulted in numerous deaths, including those of security forces attempting to quell the violence. In his words, “The GAF condemns all the killings and the cowardly acts in no uncertain terms”.

He explained that the personnel were diligently enforcing the curfew, conducting patrols, safeguarding key facilities, and deterring any further clashes to address the ongoing hostilities and prevent further violence.

While acknowledging that violence is not the solution, he urged all parties involved in the conflict to put down their weapons and adopt peaceful methods of resolving their disputes for all benefit.

Major-General Gbetanu reassured that the GAF remains dedicated to safeguarding lives and properties and will continue working towards establishing a peaceful and secure environment.

The Army Chief warned those causing unrest in Bawku, stating that their actions would not be tolerated. Any violent acts against civilians or soldiers would be regarded as acts of terrorism and dealt with accordingly.

He emphasised that such actions would not be tolerated and the military would respond with full force and determination. He made it clear that there would be no refuge for those who resort to violence.

“I have directed the personnel to undertake deliberate and targeted searches to retrieve weapons in the possession of the people”.

The speaker urged Naba Azoka II to encourage the community, particularly the young adults, to calmly collaborate with security forces to restore Bawku’s former prestige.

Through the Pusiga Naba, Naba Tambiisi-baaluk-Kunwiak Ibrahim Aguuri I, Naba Azoka II expressed appreciation for Major General Gbetanu’s visit to engage with essential figures in the pursuit of peace in Bawku and its surrounding areas.

He expressed worry over the methods security personnel use when accompanying residents who are leaving town. He requested that this practice be conducted in a way that does not hinder other drivers from using the road.

The speaker expressed sorrow over the fact that certain individuals are harmed and even lose their lives during escort activities in the town. They also commended the security personnel for their role in promoting tranquillity and resolving conflicts in Bawku.

Major General Gbetanu responded by assuring him that the escort operation would be carefully reviewed and carried out in a manner that prioritised the safety of the people involved.

The TTH doctors ended their strike after two days due to the involvement of Yaa Naa Abukari II, Overlord of Dagbon. A top-level group sent by the Yaa Naa and headed by Zangbalun Naa Dr. Yakubu II, Chief of the Zangbalun Traditional Area, met on Friday, April 25th, with the hospital’s management and representatives of DATTH.

According to Joy FM’s Northern Regional Correspondent Martina Bugri, emergency services have resumed at the northern sector’s referral facility following this meeting.

Despite their ongoing work stoppage, the doctors have not relented in their request for an apology from Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh before returning to their duties at the Outpatients Department and other hospital areas.

During the gathering, Zangbalun Naa Dr Yakubu II mentioned:

“As a neutral facilitator, I will convey your concerns to the minister and engage him to take the necessary steps to address your grievances. We implore you to consider the lives hanging in the balance. We urge you in the interim to find a way to ensure the continuity of emergency service. We’re willing to facilitate a meeting with your representatives and the minister to discuss the way forward.”

Dr. Salifu Alhassan Tiah, the hospital’s Director of Pharmacy, implored his colleagues to consider the traditional leader’s involvement on behalf of the hospital.

“I want to appeal to colleagues that, as we are here, if there is any difficulty with our subsistence here, the ultimate place we will go to is his royal Highness, and if he is here, we have nothing to do but to accord this delegation the highest of respect, so we plead that we should all do well to take to heart the word they have for us,” he appealed.

The doctors stopped working, citing a hostile working environment, a shortage of basic medical supplies, and what they perceived as disrespect to their dignity from senior government officials.

The TTH’s CEO, Dr Adam Atiku, was dismissed by the minister due to accusations of mismanagement and medical negligence resulting in a patient’s death. This led to the strike that ensued.

The purpose of the minister’s visit was to evaluate the facility’s present condition and gather direct information regarding the reported negligence that led to the death of a patient who was transferred to the hospital several weeks ago.

Bavug Salim, the deceased, was immediately taken to the red zone of the Emergency Ward when he arrived unconscious. However, there were reports that he was left unattended for several hours without any explanation, ultimately resulting in his passing.

During the visit, Dr Valentine Akwulpwa, a medical officer, attempted to explain the circumstances surrounding the death. However, the minister was unsatisfied with the explanation provided.

The minister was not pleased with the hospital’s overall state and use of resources, which resulted in the CEO’s dismissal.

In Bolgatanga, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, has led the groundbreaking ceremony for the Upper East Regional Lands Commission Office Complex. This event aims to tackle persistent infrastructure issues that have plagued the region’s Lands Commission.

Alhaji Sulemana, speaking on behalf of the sector minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, highlighted the new facility’s benefits. It will improve land administration services, generate revenue, and promote regional job opportunities.

According to the Deputy Minister, land is crucial for economic, political, and social progress. A contemporary and efficient facility is necessary to effectively provide services and settle conflicts. The construction of this building will aid in achieving these goals.

According to Alhaji Sulemana, the Ministry is taking steps to introduce a Legislative Instrument (L.I.) in Parliament that will reinforce the legal framework for the Lands Commission’s operations. He also reaffirmed the government’s dedication to expediting reforms to enhance land acquisition and documentation procedures, which are crucial for attracting local and foreign investment.

He stressed the significance of accurate land paperwork and how it enables small and medium enterprises to secure credit. He explained that the absence of collateral often prevents aspiring entrepreneurs from taking advantage of potential opportunities.

“We must help businesspeople secure land documents so they can access loans and expand their businesses. That is how we create jobs and grow our economy,” he emphasized.

In his speech at the event, the Deputy Minister harshly warned the contractor about poor quality and delays.

“We’re counting from today. You have exactly one year to hand over this building. No excuses. If you deliver well, more opportunities will come your way. But if not, you’ll have no future engagements with this Ministry,” he warned.

In addition, he stressed the importance of the contractor hiring indigenous craftsmen and workers to generate employment opportunities for community members and boost the area’s economic growth.

Alhaji Sulemana, also known as the Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi, expressed his appreciation to traditional authorities and landowners for granting permission for the project and assured them of responsible land use.

According to Jonathan Kwabla Kene, the Upper East Regional Lands Officer, building the Upper East Regional Lands Commission Office Complex is an important milestone and a realization of a cherished goal for both the Commission and the region’s residents.

Mr Kene sincerely appreciated the Alegmia Abaa Family of Zorbisi for granting access to the land, which he emphasized was crucial in making the project a reality.

“This is a great day for the Lands Commission in the Upper East Region. For decades, we have operated without a dedicated office complex. Today marks the beginning of a significant transformation in how land services are delivered in the region,” he announced.

According to Mr Kene, the regional office is currently in a government building that it shares with multiple institutions. This arrangement impacts its efficiency, he noted.

“The lack of space has been a major impediment. Even the Chairman of the Lands Commission in the region has no dedicated office space. This has severely affected our operational efficiency and the capacity to increase our staff,” he expressed frustration.

The speaker addressed several obstacles facing land administration in the area, such as encroachment on state and public lands, complications with vested and de-vested lands, conflicts between the Land Act 2020 (Act 1036) and traditional land tenure systems, disputes over compensation, and the absence of subsidiary legislation to aid in implementing the Land Act.

Moreover, Mr. Kene mentioned the ongoing initiatives to address these issues. He reiterated the Commission’s dedication to promoting public awareness and engaging with key stakeholders, including traditional leaders, landowners, and land sector agencies. He commended the recent implementation of digital solutions, specifically the Enterprise Land Information System (ELIS), for successfully streamlining land service delivery processes.

Frustration and confusion occurred at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) on Thursday morning, April 24, 2025, as patients arriving early for medical care were greeted with empty consulting rooms.

Doctors at the hospital had suspended emergency and outpatient services the previous day, April 23, citing “unwarranted attacks” by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and Tamale North MP Alhassan Suhuyini.

This drastic decision was reached during an emergency general assembly meeting held by the Doctors’ Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH). The strike came just hours after the group released a statement condemning an incident during the Minister’s visit to the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit on Tuesday, April 22.

In their statement, DATTH confirmed, “All members of DATTH have proceeded on an indefinite suspension of all emergency and outpatient services (General OPD, Antenatal clinic, Specialist clinic, Paediatrics OPD),” the Association announced.

When thesavannaonline reached out to contacts at the hospital on Thursday, April 24, it was told patients are in long queues at the emergency and outpatient departments. Still, no doctors or medical staff were present to provide care.