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Addressing shortage of healthcare professionals in Upper East

Donatus Atanga Akamugri, Upper East Regional Minister, is determined to create a medical school in the region. He highlights that staffing difficulties, caused by security issues and limited professional prospects, discourage health professionals from accepting assignments.

As you correctly mentioned, there are various reasons why people are hesitant to post in this area. Primarily, it is due to economic factors and other concerns. Additionally, upbringing and preconceived notions about the region also play a role in shaping people’s attitudes towards the area.

“So if we address this issue by making sure that we provide a training centre, like the medical school, that is going to take off in the region, and people brought up here are trained, one thing is that they will disabuse their minds,” he said.

During a recent visit to the Upper East Regional Hospital, the Minister revealed that he had also held discussions with the Vice Chancellor of CKT-UTAS regarding the establishment of a medical school at the university. He is optimistic that this initiative will effectively address the ongoing shortage of healthcare professionals in the region.

Furthermore, once medical doctors and health professionals arrive in the Upper East region, what options do they have for advancing their careers? Without access to educational opportunities, being a medical professional in this area may become less appealing, discouraging individuals from accepting job placements here.

“And apart from that, when they (medical doctors and health professionals) come to the Upper East, what are the opportunities for them to further? People will come to this place, and then if you come here as a medical person and you have no institution where you can upgrade your knowledge, it also goes a long way to serve as a disincentive, and it will discourage the people from accepting postings to this area.”

The Minister emphasised the region’s susceptibility, as demonstrated during the recent nurses’ strike. They emphasised that a medical school would not only educate local individuals but also attract healthcare investments and enhance conditions for the development of the healthcare sector.

“We are worst hit by the nurses strike because we do not have many of the private sector players in this sector. If we were to have many of such private sector players, at least it would be minimal because people would have the alternative. If the central government one is not working, I would go to the other area. But they are countable, and it is even in the regional capital you are talking about,” he stressed.

Dr Braimah Baba Abubakari, the Upper East Regional Health Director, praised the Minister for this initiative and expressed that he is currently coordinating with the university’s administration to ensure a successful launch of the medical programs at the institution.

Mahama transforms Daboya College into a public Teacher Training Institution and renews the Doli project.

President John Dramani Mahama has restated his administration’s dedication to enhancing teacher education in Ghana by announcing the official incorporation of the Savannah College of Education in Daboya into the public education system.

Speaking at a gathering during his regional “Thank You” tour, President Mahama emphasized his administration’s aim to improve teacher training and increase access to quality education in both new and historically underserved areas. This is part of their overarching strategy.

“To support teacher development, I’m pleased to announce that the Savannah College of Education in Daboya, which was previously a private-community initiative, has now been officially absorbed as a public teacher training institution,” he stated.

The speaker mentioned that he had instructed the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to expedite the hiring of educators and support staff, as well as place a focus on building infrastructure at the college.

Additionally, the President assured that construction on the deserted College of Education in Doli, near Bole, will recommence later this year. The project was initiated initially during his previous administration, but due to changes in government, it stalled.

“Furthermore, work on the abandoned college of education at Doli near Bole, which was begun under my previous administration, will resume this year,” Mahama declared.

Walewale to get a Trauma and Emergency Centre

The expansion of Walewale Government Hospital in the Northeast Region will include a new Trauma and Emergency Centre, according to President John Mahama’s recent announcement.

The President’s recent healthcare agenda, revealed at a community engagement in Nalerigu, focuses on improving infrastructure in underserved regions as part of his commitment to prioritise healthcare.

However, there has also been controversy surrounding its apparent disregard for a significant hospital venture established by former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

“We are seeking funding for the expansion of the Walewale Municipal Hospital,” President Mahama said.

“We want to add a trauma and emergency centre to take responsibility for any accidents that happen on the Tamale–Bolga road corridor.”

In addition, he announced initiatives to enhance the current infrastructure at Walewale Hospital, including improving staff housing and upgrading the water system to support the new emergency centre.

The revelation has provoked worries about the future of a previous, comparable endeavour spearheaded by Dr Bawumia.

The development in question was a 100-bed specialised hospital located near Loagri along the Tamale-Walewale-Bolgatanga road. The funding for this project was provided by the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), and it was initiated in 2019.

Initially scheduled for completion in 2020, the project was unfortunately put on hold, resulting in its current state of abandonment.

The hospital, spearheaded by Bawumia, was furnished with contemporary facilities, including a pharmacy, physiotherapy department, general laboratory, radiology lab, eye and dental clinics, Clinical Specialists Unit, operating theatre, ICU, obstetrics and gynaecology unit, medical wards, mortuary services, central sterilisation unit, laundry room, dining hall and state-of-the-art medical equipment.

Meet the First Female MCE for Kasena-Nankana

In a surprising shift in politics, Faustina Abulu, selected by President John Dramani Mahama, has been approved as the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Kassena-Nankana Municipal Assembly. This confirmation occurred on June 16, 2025, with a majority vote of 37 out of 50.

Abulu’s confirmation comes after being previously rejected on April 29, 2025, with 72% of assembly members voting against her nomination due to concerns regarding her qualifications, leadership style, and alleged political bias. Despite this rejection, President Mahama remained confident in Abulu’s abilities and decided to re-nominate her on June 11, 2025, through Minister Ahmed Ibrahim of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.

During the previous vote, some assembly members opposed Faustina Abulu’s candidacy, citing alleged misconduct, including disrespectful interactions and poor collaboration with colleagues. They also questioned her focus on political favouritism instead of consensus-building, which raised concerns about her ability to lead a municipality in need of inclusive and progressive leadership.

A sudden change of heart from a majority of assembly members has resulted in her approval, marking a significant shift. Some political analysts view this confirmation as a strategic win for the ruling government, highlighting President Mahama’s remarkable sway and determination.

As the recently appointed MCE, Faustina Abulu is responsible for steering development efforts in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality. This includes addressing crucial issues such as infrastructure improvement, youth employment opportunities, sanitation, and ensuring local governance accountability.

The confirmation of the individual has elicited a range of responses within the municipality. While some view it as a triumph for capable leadership, others are more hesitant and encourage her to demonstrate inclusivity, rebuild trust, and prioritise public service over political loyalties.

Mahama Orders Military Escort for Vehicles in Bawku

President John Mahama has directed the Ghana Armed Forces to escort vehicles in and around Bawku. The order covers the Bawku–Pulmakom–Bolgatanga and Walewale–Bolgatanga roads.

He said this is to ensure the safe movement of people and goods. The move is part of efforts to restore calm in the conflict-hit area.

The President announced his Thank You tour in the North East Region on Friday, June 13.

“As Commander-in-Chief, I have instructed the Armed Forces to provide armed escort and protection to all vehicles travelling within the Bawku area, along the Bawku-Pulmakom-Bolgatanga Corridor, and also along the Walewale-Bolgatanga Corridor,” he said.

He added that food trucks, which were stuck due to insecurity, have now arrived safely.

The President also spoke about ongoing mediation. He acknowledged the efforts of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the Nayiri, King of Mamprugu.

“I was last week with His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and he briefed me on the progress being made to achieve a lasting peace in Bawku. I want to thank my father, the Nayiri, for the important roadmap to peace that he presented for consideration by the Otumfuo,” he said.

“I’m sure the traditional solutions we are seeking to the Bawku crisis will offer us the opportunity for a sustainable peace very soon.”

GES Extends SHS Selection Deadline for 2025 BECE Candidates

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has extended the deadline for this year’s SHS selection. The new date is Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

The extension gives 2025 BECE candidates more time. This follows the addition of private Senior High Schools to the selection list.

GES says a supplementary register has been added. It contains the names of the new private senior high schools to guide students.

All Regional Directors have been directed to spread the message. They must inform Metro, Municipal, and District Directors. Heads of schools must also tell final-year students.

“This extension has become necessary due to the inclusion of private Senior High Schools in the selection process, allowing candidates additional time to make well-informed choices,” the GES statement said.

Candidates have been urged to seek advice. They should consult with teachers, parents, and guardians before making their choices.

Apart from the new schools, GES states that all other rules and processes remain unchanged.

7 Lawra SHS Students Missing After Boat Capsizes on Black Volta

Seven students from Lawra Senior High School are missing and feared dead. Their boat capsized on the Black Volta River at Dikpe while trying to cross into Burkina Faso.

The incident happened during a morning jogging session. Ten students had gone out to exercise. However, reports indicate that they suddenly decided to cross into Burkina Faso.

Their boat overturned midway. All ten students were thrown into the river.

Three of them were rescued. The other seven are still missing.

Search efforts are ongoing. Divers and rescue teams are combing the river.

Strong currents in the Black Volta are making the search harder. There are fears the missing students may have drowned.

Over 10,000 Hectares of Irrigated Land to Be Developed in Northern Ghana – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama says over 10,000 hectares of irrigated farmland will be developed in Nasia, Tumu, and Gbullung. The move is part of efforts to grow agriculture and create jobs in Northern Ghana.

He made the announcement on Friday, June 13, 2025, during a visit by the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abubakari II, at the Jubilee House.

The President said the project is part of the Northern Savannah Economic Transformation Programme. It will focus on rice, maize, and soya bean production.

“This project will create employment for over 8,000 young farmers and help turn the northern region into a strong agro-industrial zone,” he stated.

He added that Yendi, Savelugu, and Karaga will serve as agribusiness processing centres. He also revealed plans to expand the shea and cashew sectors.

“These efforts will benefit thousands of rural women by offering them stable livelihoods based on traditional skills,” he added.

President Mahama also spoke about the National Apprenticeship Programme, which was launched in Tamale. It will offer training in carpentry, welding, tailoring, shea butter processing, and agribusiness.

He said the 2025 budget has already made room for the programme. It will be done in partnership with vocational schools and private companies.

“All of this fits into our larger 24-hour economy strategy, which will create more job opportunities and support growth in agro-processing logistics and community services,” the President concluded.