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Editorial: Establishment Of 24-Hour Health Call Centre Is A Laudable Initiative

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THE CHRONICLE
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Editorial

The Minister of Health, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced the establishment of a 24-hour national call centre to handle complaints from patients about healthcare services across the country. Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, August 21, 2025 the Minister said the initiative will give the public a direct channel to report dissatisfaction with health service delivery.

He explained that while complaints will be taken seriously, lodging a complaint does not automatically mean the complainant is right, as all reports will be investigated before action is taken. Hospitals have been instructed to display the hotline numbers clearly, alongside suggestion boxes, to ensure easy access for patients. According to the Minister, the call centre forms part of wider efforts to improve accountability and service quality in the health sector.

The announcement of a 24-hour health call centre by the Minister of Health is a welcome development, one that could transform how Ghanaians engage with the health system. For too long, patient dissatisfaction has gone unheard or unaddressed, with complaints often trapped within dusty suggestion boxes or lost in bureaucratic bottlenecks. By offering a direct and round-the-clock channel for patients to raise concerns, the government is signaling its intent to place the citizen at the center of healthcare delivery.

However, while the initiative sounds progressive, experience teaches us that policies and announcements are only as effective as their implementation. Ghanaians have seen hotlines launched with fanfare in the past, only for them to go unanswered, under-resourced or poorly publicised. For this call centre to make a genuine impact it must be backed by adequate staffing, training and an efficient follow-up mechanism that ensures complaints are not only received but resolved in a timely manner.

More importantly, the Ministry of Health must guard against this centre becoming another symbolic gesture. The danger is that patients will enthusiastically report issues, but nothing meaningful will change within the hospitals. Complaints about long waiting times, poor attitudes of health workers, inadequate drugs and systemic corruption are not new. A call centre may capture these frustrations, but unless there is a strong system of accountability and corrective measures, the cycle will continue.

Globally, patient feedback systems have proven successful only when tied to clear standards and measurable outcomes. For instance, in countries with strong healthcare governance, patient complaints are integrated into hospital performance reviews, and sanctions or incentives are applied accordingly. Ghana must adopt a similar model. If hospital directors know their institutions will be evaluated based on how they respond to complaints, they will treat patient concerns with the seriousness they deserve.

It is also vital that the hotline is widely publicised, especially in rural and underserved areas where patients often endure substandard care in silence. Posters on hospital walls are not enough; there must be community outreach, radio campaigns and translations into local languages to make the hotline accessible to all.

The call centre is a bold first step, but it must lead to systemic reform. Patient complaints should not merely be logged—they must inform policy, expose inefficiencies and trigger disciplinary action where necessary.

If done well, this initiative can help rebuild trust in the health system and remind both patients and providers that accountability is not optional but essential.

Benue govt abolishes customized textbooks, extended lessons, graduation ceremonies in schools

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Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Benue State Governor

The Benue State Government has introduced sweeping reforms in the education sector, abolishing customized textbooks, compulsory extended lessons, and graduation ceremonies in schools across the state.

In a circular dated August 15, 2025, and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management, Helen Nambativ Zeramo, the government directed that the new policy must take effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.

According to the circular, the use of customized textbooks and exercise books is henceforth prohibited, as they are not transferable to other learners.

Schools are to revert to the traditional practice of passing books from senior students to their juniors to reduce the financial burden on parents.

The government also banned compulsory extended lessons after normal school hours, stating that such lessons should only hold when parents give explicit consent.

Similarly, graduation ceremonies at the kindergarten, nursery, and basic school levels have been scrapped, with the government insisting that the practice is unnecessary and often financially demanding on families.

The Ministry emphasized that strict compliance is expected from both public and private schools.

To ensure smooth implementation, a meeting has been scheduled with school proprietors, Parent-Teacher Associations, and other education stakeholders on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

Credit: dailypost.ng

Activist joins ADC, urges Nigerians to unite against APC

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Anti-corruption activist, Comrade Ibrahim Garba Wala

A popular human rights and anti-corruption activist, Comrade Ibrahim Garba Wala, popularly known as IG Wala, has snubbed the ruling All Progressives Congress for the opposition coalition African Democratic Congress, ADC.

The activist made his stance known in a statement on Thursday ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

He became the latest member of ADC after the emergence of David Mark, former Nigerian Senate President, as the party’s interim national chairman.

In his statement, IG Wala urged Nigerians, both old and young, to rally support for ADC to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who he said had brought hardship to the country.

According to him, the journey to a better Nigeria is not about fighting each other but about building bridges of understanding.

“For a long time, like many of you, I have felt the sting of political frustration and disappointment. I have pointed fingers and placed blame, convinced that our nation’s problems were the fault of a few individuals. This is a common and understandable feeling, but I’ve come to a powerful realisation: our focus on blame has held us back.

“Blaming is easy. It keeps us stuck in the past and blinds us to the real work that needs to be done,” he stated.

Recall that since July ADC has been backed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-governors of Kaduna State and Rotimi Amaechi of River State.

Recently Dele Momodu of Ovation Magazine and Dino Melaye, former Kogi State senator, joined ADC.

However, APC has dismissed the ADC ahead of the 2027 election following the party’s performance in the August 16th bye-elections across the country.

Credit: dailypost.ng

Security Agents Who Stripped Corps Member Naked Must Be Prosecuted -Lawyer

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Lawyer Onu and the scene of the incident

Cyrus Onu, a lawyer for the female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member who was assaulted and stripped naked by local security agents in Anambra State, has called for the prosecution of the perpetrators.

Onu, who made the call during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, says that the security operatives should face trial and pay compensatory damages to the victim involved.

“We have written petitions to the Anambra government, to the Attorney General of the Federation, and we have been demanding that these persons be prosecuted and they pay compensatory damages. We gave a timeline; it is allowed by the law.

“After that, we’ll take all the necessary steps, both civil and criminal, to ensure that these persons are not just prosecuted but, of course, the security outfit itself and the persons in charge, who will be the executive governor of Anambra State, will be made to pay compensation.

“We are demanding compensatory damages, not just criminal prosecutions for these persons,” the lawyer stated.

According to him, the only way to make those responsible for the assault feel the consequences of their actions is to make them pay damages to the victim.

Onu also confirmed that arrangements are being made and in process to go to Anambra to persecute those security operatives and give justice to the NYSC victim.

“As of yesterday [Tuesday], the police reached out, and we would reach out to them of course, and we will be in Anambra by the grace of God this week, and we will follow up on this matter to ensure that they do carry out this prosecution,” he said.

Credit: channelstv.com

ASUU threatens fresh strike, says govt has ‘Destroyed Trust’ on 2009 agreement

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ASUU

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned of a possible nationwide strike, accusing the Federal Government of failing to honour longstanding agreements on the revitalisation and proper funding of Nigeria’s public universities.

Speaking during a press conference at the University of Jos on Thursday, ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, said lecturers have endured over two years of broken promises and delay tactics by the government.

Piwuna listed unresolved issues to include the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, outstanding salary arrears, withheld promotions, and the welfare of retired lecturers.

“The general public should also note that ASUU has written several letters to the FGN drawing its attention to the need to resolve this crisis amicably. Lamentably, the FGN has always turned a deaf ear to all our pleas,” the ASUU president said.

“As always, it is the FGN that has consistently pushed our union to embark on a strike action, and it is clear that ASUU may have no other option than to embark on an action to press the FGN to listen to our demands and do the needful

“The government made promises on these issues. Regrettably, we are here today to inform the Nigerian public, through you, that these undisputed issues could lead to a crisis in our educational sector have met, as with other consequences, nothing but the same response,” he said.

The ASUU chief rejected the government’s proposed tertiary institutions staff support fund loan scheme, describing it as a trap.

ASUU also criticised the proliferation of universities without sustainable funding, warning that such actions have lowered standards and global rankings.

The union said it will await the outcome of a government meeting scheduled for August 28 before deciding its next line of action. Still, it announced that members will stage rallies across campuses next week to demonstrate their frustrations.

Credit: channelstv.com

Ghana Hosts 4th Edition of AMC-TICON Africa Conference

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JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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Some dignitaries at the conference in a group picture

The African Marketing Confederation (AMC) and the Technology Information Confederation Africa (TICON Africa) officially launched their joint annual conferences yesterday in Accra, marking the first time Ghana has hosted the event since its inception.

The AMC-TICON Africa Conference, held in Accra on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, brought together decision-makers, visionary leaders, and innovators from across Africa to explore the intersection of digital innovation and AI-driven marketing.

The gathering was designed to highlight how technology is reshaping brand-consumer engagement, driving business growth, and unlocking new opportunities across the continent.

AMC and TICON Africa are pan-African professional bodies of experts in marketing and information technology dedicated to unlocking Africa’s potential in these fields by 2030. Ghana’s own Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana (CIMG) and the Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGH) are members of the two bodies, and jointly hosted this year’s edition in Accra.

Themed “Thriving in Africa’s Evolving Markets: Trust, Trends, and Technology,” the AMC sessions ran concurrently with the TICON Africa theme, “Empowering Africa’s Tech Future: Innovation, Standards, and Global Influence.” Both tracks sought to foster synergy between marketing, technology, and supply chains to ensure Africa remains competitive in the global digital economy.

Speaking at the opening, Deputy Minister of Communication and Digitalisation, Mohammed Adam Sukparu, stressed that technology and marketing are essential enablers of cross-border trade, e-commerce, and regional economic integration.

“The conference is not just about discussion, but about shaping the continent’s future through bold ideas, strategic collaborations, and visionary leadership,” he said.

The Minister emphasised Africa’s need to create homegrown solutions and globally competitive brands. He also highlighted Ghana’s evolving regulatory landscape, which includes new policies in cybersecurity, data protection and AI development.

“Technology alone does not guarantee impact; marketing is the bridge between innovation and transformation. Together, marketing and technology can empower small businesses, unlock new markets and build a future that is smart, sustainable and sovereign,” he added.

Following his remarks, Executive Director of the Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGH), Richard Kafui Amanfu, delivered the official welcome address. He underscored Ghana’s growing role as a strategic hub for digital transformation on the continent.

“From the early seeds planted in Zimbabwe in 2022 to the inaugural conferences in Uganda and Kenya, TICON Africa has grown into a continental movement redefining how we collaborate across borders, sectors, and disciplines,” he said.

Mr. Amanfu stressed that digital transformation must go beyond technology to focus on people, trust, and values.

He challenged African leaders to invest in digital skills development across both urban and rural areas, democratise access to opportunities, and ensure that women and youth play leading roles in the tech ecosystem.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, said marketing and technology were “not just tools for business, but powerful instruments to tell Africa’s story, shape her image, and create a sustainable future.”

“The synergy between marketing and technology is no longer a convenience but a necessity. In this era of rapid digital transformation, where borders are redefined by algorithms, and consumer behaviour shaped by data, this collaboration is not just timely but essential,” he said.

National President of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana (CIMG), Michael Abbiw, urged marketers to ensure the ethical use of emerging technologies.

“AI has the potential to revolutionise our experiences, offering personalised services and enhanced convenience.

“However, we must ensure this technology is used ethically, with consumer protection at its core, because the power technology gives us today must come with great responsibility,” he stressed.

Taylor Swift’s new album comes on cassette

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Taylor Swift

When Taylor Swift’s releases her new album, “Life of a Showgirl,” in October, it can be heard on the usual places, including streaming, vinyl and…cassette tape?

The cassette tape was once one of the most common ways to listen to music, overtaking vinyl in the 1980s before being surpassed by CDs. But the physical audio format has become an artifact of a bygone era, giving way to the convenience of streaming.

Or, that’s what many thought.

In 2023, 436,400 cassettes were sold in the United States, according to the most recent data available from Luminate, an entertainment data firm. Although that’s a far cry from the 440 million cassettes sold in the 1980s, it’s a sharp increase from the 80,720 cassettes sold in 2015 and a notable revival for a format that had been all but written off.

Cassettes might not be experiencing the resurgence of vinyls or even CDs, but they are making a bit of a comeback, spurred by fans wanting an intimate experience with music and nostalgia, said Charlie Kaplan, owner of online store Tapehead City.

“People just like having something you can hold and keep, especially now when everything’s just a rented file on your phone,” Kaplan told CNN.

“Tapes provide a different type of listening experience — not perfect, but that’s part of it. Flip it over, look at the art and listen all the way through. You connect with the music with more of your senses,” he said.

Kori Fuerst, the owner of Retrospekpt, an online store that revives retro technology, said that a “vast majority” of buyers for cassettes are millennials, Gen Z and Gen Y — all of whom “are looking for more opportunities to put their phone down and interact with music in a way that doesn’t require streaming.”

“With a cassette tape, it’s not easy to skip around between songs,” she told CNN. “You have to listen to the album all the way through, stopping to flip the tape halfway through.”

Credit: 3news.com

I was the richest in the film industry during our time –Socrate Safo

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Socrate Safo

Ghanaian filmmaker Socrate Safo has revealed that he was the richest man during his early days in the movie industry.

Speaking on Daybreak Hitz with Kwame Dadzie and Doreen Avio, the director explained that his involvement in film production earned him substantial wealth at a young age. He credited his success to the guidance of his mentor, Steve Asare Hackman of Hacky Films.

“I was the richest young man, young boy at that time in the film industry. I learned a lot from him [Hacky Films] and he’s always my mentor. Hacky has always been my mentor to date. I go to him, we speak almost every time and we still help each other so it really helped me. There are a lot of things that I learned from him,” he said on Hitz FM.

Safo also urged people to respect God’s divine directions in their lives, stressing the importance of prayer.

“You see when it comes to, and let me tell you one thing, maybe it’s for us to learn. Sometimes when you pray, God has a way of answering your prayer,” he added.

Socrate Safo is widely regarded has been very instrumental in policy making for Ghana’s film industry.

He is also known for his controversial and commercially successful productions, particularly in the late 1990s and 2000s, which helped shape the growth of Ghanaian cinema and gave a platform to many actors and filmmakers.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

Shatta Wale claims he bought Lamborghini from ‘the street’ as EOCO probe depeens

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NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Shatta Wale

Dancehall superstar Charles Nii Armah Mensah, widely known as Shatta Wale, has said that he bought the Lamborghini Urus, which has landed him in trouble with US officials, on the streets.

This came to light in a statement by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) released on Thursday, August 21, 2025 detailing the intense interrogation of the musician on Wednesday as investigations continue into the ownership of his yellow Lamborghini Urus.

The Wednesday episode resulted in detention. The case, which has captivated public attention for weeks, took a surprising turn.

According to an official statement from EOCO, Shatta Wale provided an unusual account of how he acquired the exotic vehicle.

After nearly four hours of questioning, the EOCO statement revealed, “So far, Charles Nii Armah Mensah has been unable to identify the person from whom he purchased the said Lamborghini Urus vehicle except to say that he purchased it from the ‘Street’ and from someone possibly called ‘ZAK’ who may have contacted him on WhatsApp but whose identity he does not know and whose contact he has thrown away.”

The Lamborghini Urus is central to a high-profile international investigation.

EOCO, in a joint operation with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), seized the luxury car after it was linked to the proceeds of a US$4 million fraud scheme.

The scheme was orchestrated by a Ghanaian national, Nana Kwabena Amuah, who is currently serving an 86-month prison sentence in the United States.

According to EOCO, the vehicle is part of a larger $4.7 million restitution order against Amuah, and the U.S. authorities are seeking to repatriate the car.

Adding to the mystery, EOCO disclosed that Shatta Wale has no receipts or official transfer documents to prove ownership of the car.

The only document in his possession is a customs declaration form, which bears Nana Kwabena Amuah’s name.

This lack of documentation, coupled with the “street” purchase claim, has become a key focus of the ongoing probe.

The incident underscores the growing collaboration between Ghanaian and U.S. law enforcement agencies in combating transnational financial crimes.

The EOCO has stated that its investigation is ongoing and that Shatta Wale remains a “person of interest” as they seek to uncover the full circumstances behind the acquisition of the luxury car.

Bail

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has granted dancehall artiste Charles Nii Armah Mensah bail of GH₵10 million with two sureties to be justified.

In a statement issued on Thursday, August 21, 2025 EOCO SAID, “Nii Armah was granted bail around 9 pm shortly after interrogation ended. He was granted bail of GH₵10,000,000 with two sureties to be justified.”

The Office explained that once the sureties are presented and inspected, the musician will be released from custody.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

Palestinians flee Gaza City districts as Israel says first stages of offensive have begun

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Palestinians flee Gaza City

Palestinians are fleeing parts of Gaza City after the Israeli military began the first stages of a planned ground offensive, officials in the city say.

Israel’s troops have established a foothold on the outskirts of the city – which is home to more than a million Palestinians – after days of intense bombing and artillery fire.

It has prompted UN Secretary General António Guterres to renew calls for an immediate ceasefire “to avoid the death and destruction” an assault would “inevitably cause”.

Israel wants to signal that it is pressing ahead with its plan to capture all of Gaza City despite international criticism.

Hundreds of Palestinians in the Zeitoun and Sabra neighbourhoods of Gaza City have left towards the north-western part of the city.

Gaza City residents described relentless bombardments overnight into Thursday.

“The house shakes with us all night long — the sound of explosions, artillery, warplanes, ambulances, and cries for help is killing us,” Ahmad al-Shanti told news agency AFP.

“The sound is getting closer, but where would we go?”

Amal Abdel-Aal was displaced from her home in Sabra a week ago and said she watched strikes hit the area.

“No one in Gaza has slept, not last night, not for a week. The artillery and air strikes in the east never stop. The sky flashes all night long,” she said.

Credit: bbc.com

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