Akuapem Chief declares establishment of Ghana Medical Trust Fund and Free Primary Healthcare as two essential lifesaving interventions no government should think of ever scrapping
Paramount Chief of the Akuapem Traditional Area, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, has made a strong call for the protection of two of Ghana’s most significant healthcare interventions—the Ghana Medical Trust Fund and the Free Primary Healthcare, describing them as lifesaving policies that must never be abandoned by any government.
Speaking during a visit to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, the Akuapemhene emphasized that both initiatives are critical pillars in strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system and should be safeguarded beyond political transitions. He urged that they be entrenched in the country’s legal framework, ideally within the Constitution, to ensure continuity and stability in healthcare delivery.
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund was established to provide financial support for the treatment of chronic non-communicable diseases, which account for nearly 45 percent of all deaths in Ghana. By complementing the National Health Insurance Scheme, the Fund covers high-cost treatments, advanced medical equipment, and specialist care that are often beyond the reach of ordinary citizens. Its overarching goal is to ease the financial burden on families while improving access to critical, life-saving interventions.
Equally significant, the Free Primary Healthcare initiative focuses on delivering essential health services at no cost at the first point of contact. By prioritizing prevention, early diagnosis, and timely treatment of common illnesses, the policy seeks to remove financial barriers and encourage early healthcare-seeking behavior among Ghanaians.
“These are interventions that support and stabilize health systems globally,” the Akuapemhene noted, drawing parallels with established healthcare models in countries like the United States. He commended President John Dramani Mahama for championing similar initiatives in Ghana and stressed the need for sustained public education and advocacy to protect them.
“I want to convey this message clearly—these interventions must be enshrined in Ghana’s Constitution so that no future government can dismantle them and disrupt our healthcare stability,” he asserted.
The Chief’s visit, accompanied by members of his royal household, went beyond official engagement. It was also a personal mission to check on one of his own, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, who serves as Administrator of the Fund. He sought to understand her experience, the challenges faced, and to offer his encouragement and royal blessing.
His presence served as a powerful endorsement of the Fund’s work, underscoring its growing impact across communities nationwide.
Addressing the team, he urged them to remain steadfast in their mission and to continue serving with dedication, integrity, and a deep sense of purpose.
In response, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku expressed profound gratitude for the Chief’s visit and support. She described the gesture as both humbling and motivating, pledging to work diligently to make Okuapeman proud.
She also briefed the Chief and his entourage on the Fund’s mandate, highlighting the importance of nationwide support to sustain and expand its life-saving work.
The visit ultimately reinforced a broader national message—that healthcare interventions such as the Ghana Medical Trust Fund and Free Primary Healthcare are not merely policies, but essential lifelines whose continuity is vital to the well-being of all Ghanaians.
Entrench Medical Fund, Free Care-Akuapemhene
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GPHA Fire, LCB Worldwide Win 2026 Corporate Games
The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) Fire and Safety Team and LCB Worldwide Ghana Football Team have emerged champions of the 2026 LCB Corporate Games in the Tema and Accra Zones respectively, following weeks of competitive football action.
The grand finale of the fifth edition of the competition was held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Mexico Park, Community 2, Tema, bringing together participating companies from the ports and shipping industry and other sectors.
In the Tema Zone final, GPHA Fire and Safety secured a narrow 1-0 victory over the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) Team to clinch the ultimate title.
In another decisive encounter, LCB Worldwide Ghana delivered an impressive performance in the Accra Zone, thrashing the Ghana Immigration Service Team 5-0 to emerge champions.
The final standings saw LCB Worldwide Ghana finish first in the Accra Zone, followed by the Ghana Immigration Service in second place, while Manna Team settled for third.
In the Tema Zone, GPHA Fire and Safety claimed the top spot, with the Ghana National Fire Service finishing as runners-up and Wilmar Africa taking third place.
Winners Take Home Cash Prizes
The victorious teams were rewarded with cash prizes in recognition of their performances.
The champions in both zones received GH¢20,000 each, while the first runners-up took home GH¢10,000 each. The second runners-up were also rewarded with GH¢5,000 each.
Individual awards were presented to outstanding performers, with the tournament's top scorer receiving GH¢2,000 and the Best Goalkeeper taking home GH¢1,000.
16 Teams Compete in Fifth Edition
A total of 16 teams, comprising eight teams from each zone, participated in this year's competition, which featured several weeks of exciting football action.
The Accra Zone participants included the Ghana Union of Traders (GUTA), Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), LCB Worldwide Ghana, Ghana Immigration Service, Aviance, Mariners, Manna and Conquerors.
The Tema Zone was represented by Port Hub, GPHA Fire and Safety, Ghana National Fire Service, GPHA Mechanical, Ezeylinks, Wilmar Africa, Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) and Ghana Dock Labour Company Limited (GDLC).
LCB Eyes Expansion of Corporate Games
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the grand finale, a representative of the Human Resource Department at LCB Worldwide, Solomon Dwamena Aboagye expressed satisfaction with the performance of the participating teams and the overall impact of the competition.
He noted that the objectives behind organising the games had consistently been achieved over the years, adding that LCB Worldwide Ghana remained committed to expanding the initiative to attract more corporate organisations.
“We are hoping that in the next few years, the participating companies will be more. We are hoping to bring companies from other industries. We are expecting the financial institutions, oil and gas companies and even the educational sector as well,” he said.
Mr. Aboagye further disclosed that the competition was fully sponsored by LCB Worldwide Ghana, expressing optimism that the company would continue to mobilise resources to sustain and increase the prize money in subsequent editions.
Promoting Corporate Unity Through Sports
The LCB Worldwide Corporate Games was initiated to foster camaraderie, strengthen professional relationships and promote bonds of friendship among companies, particularly those operating within the ports and shipping industry.
Beyond sports, LCB Worldwide Ghana has also established a strong presence through its corporate social responsibility initiatives.
The crisis management company has been operating in Ghana since 2017 and has been contracted by the Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Health, to undertake fumigation and disinfection of cargo at the country's ports and designated points of entry and exit.
As part of its commitment to public health and community development, the company has undertaken fumigation exercises at markets, hospitals, senior high schools and tertiary educational institutions across the country.
The successful organisation of the fifth edition of the LCB Corporate Games further underscores the company's commitment to using sports as a platform to promote teamwork, corporate engagement and stronger relationships among businesses in Ghana.