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First batch of Ghanaian Hajj pilgrims arrive safely in Mecca
via GhanaWeb1 min read
The first group of Ghanaian pilgrims arrived safely in Mecca on May 1, 2026, after departing from Tamale. This marks the beginning of the Hajj pilgrimage for Ghana, with five batches having already left Tamale for Saudi Arabia. A total of 6,000 pilgrims are expected to travel on 18 flights scheduled between May 1 and May 18, 2026. Mohammed Amin Lamptey, Director of Communication for the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana PAOG, confirmed that all members of the first batch are in good health and experienced a smooth journey due to effective measures implemented by authorities. He reassured families about the pilgrims' safety and welfare, noting that adequate arrangements have been made for their support and an advance team is in Saudi Arabia to receive them in Madina and Mecca. Lamptey also highlighted enhanced communication systems for accurate information sharing this year.
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Ghana's health financing system is recognized as one of the most impressive among lower-middle-income countries, attracting international attention, according to Dr. Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority NHIA. Countries like Chad and Ethiopia are scheduled to visit Ghana to study its National Health Insurance Scheme NHIS. Dr. Djokoto made these remarks at an academic symposium on sustainable financing for primary healthcare in Ho. He highlighted Ghana's significant progress in healthcare financing since the NHIS's introduction in 2003, which replaced a "cash-and-carry" system where patients paid directly for services. The NHIS is funded by a 2.5% National Health Insurance Levy on VAT, 2.5% deductions from SSNIT contributions, premiums from informal sector workers, and investment income. Initially focused on curative care, the scheme now aims to expand to include preventive and promotive healthcare services through the Free Primary Healthcare initiative. This initiative will provide basic healthcare services at various community-level facilities, regardless of NHIS card possession, though referrals to higher-level hospitals will require NHIS enrollment. The government currently finances about 56% of healthcare expenditure through the NHIA, with out-of-pocket payments at 26% and development partners contributing about 4%. Ghana is also strengthening interventions for non-communicable diseases via the Ghana Medical Tr
Dr. Enam Bankas, a haematologist at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, has urged for national action to enhance mental health support and comprehensive care for individuals with sickle cell disease SCD. Speaking at a World Sickle Cell Day symposium in Accra, Dr. Bankas highlighted that the emotional and psychological burdens of SCD are frequently overlooked, despite their significant impact on patients and their families. The event, themed "Think Health: Mental Health, Wellness and Self-Care in Sickle Cell Disease," focused on psychosocial challenges, mental well-being, and self-care strategies. Dr. Bankas, who is also the Founder of Sickle Life and Co-founder of Heale, noted that while physical complications of sickle cell often receive attention, mental health issues like stigma, discrimination, bullying, and social isolation are often neglected. She pointed out that patients frequently experience health crises during academic or work periods, leading to emotional distress and unfair perceptions in the workplace. Globally, over 400,000 babies are born with SCD annually, with Ghana accounting for approximately 15,000 newborns each year. Dr. Bankas expressed concern over Ghana's limited newborn screening program, stating that 80 to 90 percent of children born with SCD may die before age five without early diagnosis and comprehensive care. She advocated for a dedicated national sickle cell program to coordinate awareness, screening, treatment, and patient support, as well as expanded
Must ReadThe Madina Divisional Police Command is investigating a shooting incident involving Sarah Adwoa Safo, former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament. On Sunday, June 21, 2026, Safo reported sustaining a gunshot injury to her left ear while visiting her late father's residence in Kwabenya, Greater Accra Region. She subsequently reported the incident to the Kwabenya Police and presented a vehicle, registration number GN 3482-24, with visible gunshot damage. According to a statement signed by Superintendent Juliana Obeng, Head of Public Affairs for the Accra Region, Safo has been issued a Police Medical Report Form and is receiving medical treatment. The vehicle has been retained for forensic examination as investigations continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. Sarah Adwoa Safo is the daughter of the late Apostle Dr Ing. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission and the Kantanka Group of Companies, who passed away on September 11, 2025.