For many years, the conversation about gender equality in the workplace has focused on empowerment. Women have been encouraged to step up, lean in and seize opportunities.

At a recent Women’s Network Forum event hosted by Absa Bank Ghana, a different message emerged: women do not need more motivation-we need real access, institutional support and a seat at the decision-making table.

Women need to own their success, financial institutions and businesses should provide equal access to resources, and organisations must move beyond the rhetoric to implement real policies that dismantle biases.

The ownership mindset

One of the most poignant points of the event was made by Janet Sunkwa-Mills, an entrepreneur who highlighted a fundamental challenge many women face: self-doubt. Throughout her career, she was repeatedly asked, “Can you?”- a question that subtly reinforced the idea that women must prove themselves in ways men do not.

The truth is, competence speaks louder than bias. Women must take control of their professional and financial growth, ensuring their skills and contributions are so visible that bias becomes irrelevant. As Patricia Obo-Nai, CEO of Telecel, remarked, “Bring your competence to the table – because results are the only language that cannot be ignored.”

However, competence alone is not enough. Whilst women can own their success, if the systems around them remain unchanged, progress will stall.

Workplace policies must evolve to support women’s career progression. As of 2023, only 18 per cent of employed women were in wage or salaried jobs, and of that number, only 26.6 per cent held senior and middle management positions in Ghana.

It stands to reason that flexible working arrangements, fair parental leave, fair remuneration and structured leadership pipelines are not privileges; they are necessary frameworks for ensuring women can compete on equal terms.

Why financial inclusion matters

Women already play a critical role in Ghana’s economy. According to the World Bank, 65.3 per cent of women participate in the labour force, yet many struggle to access finance. As of 2023, 58 per cent of women entrepreneurs cited lack of funding as their biggest obstacle. 

Financial inclusion is critical to overcoming these barriers. This is where initiatives like Absa’s female banking proposition, SHE Business, make a difference. One of its key features is collateral-free loans of up to GH₵2 million, which removes one of the most significant barriers women face when accessing credit. 

The programme also includes highly discounted interest rates (10 per cent per annum) to ease the financial pressure on women, as well as comprehensive insurance cover to safeguard businesses against unforeseen risks.

Beyond SHE Business, Absa Bank has several broader efforts that support women entrepreneurs. Through its partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, over GH₵630 million in loans have been disbursed to women at 10 per cent per annum. 

Capacity-building remains a crucial part of this initiative. In 2024, a total of 3,492 women, including smallholder farmers, received training to enhance their business skills. Absa Bank also facilitates platforms that grant women access to international markets. For example, the annual Inspire Me Conference empowers women entrepreneurs to reach new markets, connect with buyers, and establish international business partnerships. In 2024, this conference supported 30 delegates from diverse industries to explore partnerships in Kenya.

Another key aspect of Absa Bank’s support for women is the SME Business Clinics, which provide businesses with practical training, strategic insights, and networking platforms to scale their businesses. In 2024 alone, 336 women attended these clinics, representing 41.6 per cent of the total participants.

Moving beyond rhetoric to real reform

It is not enough for companies and policymakers to talk about gender equality; there is a need to implement structural changes that support it. 

Some of the most prominent suggestions that emerged from the event included rethinking hiring and promotion processes to ensure deserving female candidates have clear pathways to leadership, creating mentorship and sponsorship opportunities that open doors to senior leadership, and encouraging men to serve as allies in creating inclusive environments.

The reality is, when women thrive, businesses and economies thrive. The data is clear: companies with more women in leadership outperform their peers, and countries with strong female workforce participation experience faster economic growth.

As the event concluded, one statement stood tall: “We cannot wait.” If gender equality progresses at its current pace, it will take over a century to close the global gender gap, and that is unacceptable. Real change requires urgency.

The path forward is clear: women must take ownership of their success, institutions must create access, and organisations must enforce policies that drive inclusion.

Now is the time to accelerate action – not just for the benefit of women, but for the country as a whole.

About the Absa Women’s Network Forum

The Women’s Network Forum is an internal initiative by Absa Bank Ghana aimed at empowering female colleagues through structured programmes in education, financial literacy, professional development, networking, mentoring and coaching. Its core objective is to promote equity and inclusion within Absa Bank Ghana. 

The event, Absa Women’s Network Forum event, held on the theme Accelerate Action: Overcoming Biases and Barriers Women Face in the Workplace, served as a thought leadership platform to explore practical strategies for achieving gender equality in the world of work. 

The event was graced by several distinguished personalities, including guest speaker Patricia Obo-Nai, CEO of Telecel Ghana; Frances Adu-Mante, Board Chair of Absa Bank Ghana; Judith Haizel, Compliance Director at Absa Bank Ghana; and Evelyn Acquah, Chief Customer Officer at Absa Bank Ghana. 

The panel featured Janet Sunkwa-Mills, an accomplished entrepreneur and CEO of Jane’m Salon & Spa; Dr Afua Ansre, a senior gender specialist and former UN adviser; Christabel Vorgbe, Head of Youth Segment at Absa Bank Ghana; and Julian Boakye, Learning and Development Partner at Absa Bank Ghana.

The writer is the Acting Chief Risk Officer, Chairperson of the Women’s Network Forum at Absa Bank Ghana LTD

The Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Mohammed Abdul-Salam, has cautioned the public against lotto fraudsters, particularly on social media. 

He advises against falling prey to fraudsters who claim to possess leaked winning numbers in exchange for money, a deceitful practice that has victimised many.

Mr. Abdul Salam made these remarks in Kwahu, Nkwatia, where the NLA held its Easter Community Draw on Saturday, 19^th April. 

“A lot of the time, these scammers use the images of Management and Staff on social media, assuring unsuspecting people that they can make them rich in connivance with officials of NLA, and have defrauded several people through this narrative.  If anybody tells you they can make you rich, consider it like choosing to stake your car number. Nobody can manipulate the numbers or find a way to make you win. The National Lottery Authority’s games are meant for development and are purely a game of chance. “Mr. Abdul-Salam said.

The NLA organises community draws periodically to bring the lottery draw process closer to the public and foster community engagement.

Mr. Abdul-Salam emphasised the transparency of Community Draws. “These events, where the NLA’s Draw machines are relocated from the Authority’s Brennan Hall to a community, serve as a platform for the public to witness the Draw Process firsthand, dispelling any misconceptions about the NLA’s Draws being manipulated”, said Mohammed Abdul-Salam.

Mr. Abdul-Salam also urged patrons to share the obligation of responsible gaming by not overindulging to prevent addiction and ensuring that minors are not involved in playing the game. 

The NLA Director General thanked the Managing Director of Prudential Bank, Bernard Appiah Gyebi, the Kwahumanhene, Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III; Nkwatiahene and Kwahu Sananahene, Nana Boamah Ayiripe III; Aburihene, Otoobour Djan Kwasi I; Dodowahene, Okukrubuor Nene Teye Kwasi Agyeman and Abotakyihene, Nana Kwame Sakyi Ababio III and their wing chiefs for gracing the occasion to witness the National Weekly Lotto Draw.

NLA’s National Weekly Lotto Draw was presented by ace Presenters, Akwasi Boadi Akrobeto, Robert Nana Kodua, Wofa K and NLA’s in-house presenter, Nancy Awuradwoa Darko, who entertained and interacted with the crowd that had thronged the venue to observe the Draw.

Patrons answered questions and others who won received souvenirs.

NLA Good Causes Foundation Donates Items To Chiefs Of Kwahu

In line with tradition, as a gesture of solidarity, and in accordance with the Arts and Culture Pillar of the NLA’s Good Causes Foundation, a team, led by the Deputy Director-General, Eric Yeboah Wadie, presented items to the Kwahumanhene, Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III and Nkwatiahene, Nana Boamah Ayiripe III., in support of the Easter festivities. The items included packs of water, cartons of drinks, and cash donations.

The chiefs thanked the Deputy Director-General and the Management of NLA for honouring them by celebrating Easter with the Kwahu people and bringing the Draw to their community.

They also congratulated Eric Yeboah Wadie, a native of Kwahu, on his appointment as Deputy Director-General. They wished him success in this new role and urged him to conduct himself creditably to bring honour to his community.

The Arts and Culture Pillar of the NLA Good Causes Foundation celebrates and supports projects safeguarding and protecting Ghanaian cultural events and educational programs.

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As part of preparations for the relaunch of National Sanitation Day in May this year, Jospong NextGen, the youth wing of the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC), has begun a nationwide sanitation awareness campaign.

Jospong NextGen’s campaign is a youth-led initiative focused on promoting environmental cleanliness and sanitation across the country.

The campaign, launched in Obomeng, Eastern Region, on Easter Friday (April 18, 2025), aims to raise awareness about the upcoming relaunch while educating the public on the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy environment.

The team engaged with drivers, shop owners, and residents in Obomeng, Atibie, and Mpraeso, receiving an overwhelmingly positive response. Many community members accepted stickers and pledged to support the clean-living message.

The relaunch of National Sanitation Day will establish the first Saturday of every month as a dedicated day for nationwide clean-up activities.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the campaign, the Lead of Jospong NextGen, Akosua Bosompemaa Amoako, explained that the initiative was part of a nationwide effort inspired by the government’s plans to relaunch National Sanitation Day.

She emphasised the importance of keeping the environment clean and healthy.

“We want people to understand the need to dispose of waste properly—not just anywhere—but in designated bins,” she noted.

According to her, Kwahu was strategically chosen due to the massive influx of people during the Easter festivities, making it the perfect place to reach a large and diverse audience.

“We know that during Easter, Kwahu becomes a gathering point for people from all over Ghana. Almost the whole of Ghana is here for Easter, and we know how symbolic Kwahu is during this time. It’s the perfect opportunity to reach as many people as possible,” she added. “That’s why we came here—to reach as many people as possible with this message,” she indicated.

Ms. Amoako underscored that the campaign was just the beginning, adding, “We’re working hard to extend our message to communities across Ghana. The support from the Ministry of Local Government has been instrumental, particularly because of the youth-driven nature of our initiative.”

The campaign has also received strong backing from Zoomlion Ghana Limited (their parent company), The Church of Pentecost, and the Environmental Service Providers Association (ESPA), with hopes that more organisations will come on board as it expands.

“This initiative is not just about cleaning up; it’s about changing mindsets,” Ms. Amoako stressed. “We recognise that many of our sanitation issues stem from attitudes and habits. Through this campaign, we’re encouraging people to be more responsible—use bins, avoid littering, and become sanitation ambassadors in their own communities,” she noted.

“We’re truly encouraged by the enthusiasm of the people,” she concluded. “Seeing them willing to participate, listen, and spread the word gives us hope that together, we can transform the sanitation culture in Ghana,” Ms. Amoako concluded.

President John Dramani Mahama has renewed his call for sound economic policies that place entrepreneurs at the centre of Ghana’s development agenda.

He stressed the urgent need to unlock opportunities and give meaningful expression to the success of hardworking Ghanaians.

In a Facebook post after a three-day visit to Kwahu during the Easter festivities, President Mahama highlighted the importance of creating an environment where businesses can thrive.

“We need sound economic policies that empower entrepreneurs, unlock opportunities, and bring real meaning to their success,” he posted.

He noted that Ghana’s economic future rests heavily on the creativity and resilience of its private sector, and reiterated his commitment to resetting the economy in a way that supports innovation, job creation, and inclusive growth.

Read also: Kwahu Business Forum: Exhibitors, participants commend government for initiative

During his time in Kwahu, President Mahama engaged with business executives, CEOs, and heads of financial institutions, lauding their contributions to the local economy.

He also described the visit as both energising and inspiring, reinforcing his belief in the entrepreneurial strength of Ghanaians.

“Spending the last three days in Kwahu for the Easter festivities has been truly refreshing!

A special thank you to the Kwahu business executives, CEOs, and heads of various financial institutions and other agencies.

We should remain impressed by the entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to fostering a thriving local economy. The energy and ambition I observed reaffirmed my belief in the potential of Ghanaian businesses.”

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Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has highlighted a robust roadmap set in tone to transform the country’s digital ecosystem, enhance transparency and accountability across the sector.

Speaking during his first quarterly press briefing, the minister emphasised that the technology and innovation space remains a critical pillar for economic transformation and youth empowerment.

As such, his outfit has employed measures to significantly harness the sector’s benefits toward development.

One million coders programme takes off

A flagship initiative highlighted is the One Million Coders Programme rollout, a project designed to equip youth with digital skills for the future of work.

The programme was launched on April 16, 2025 in the Greater Accra, Ashanti, Bono and Upper East Regions, aimed at preparing young people for roles in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) sectors.

Mr. Nartey George also disclosed that a standardised digital curriculum has been developed by the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT, ensuring equitable access to training across all regions.

“The ministry launched intensive efforts to mobilise partners and secure the resources needed to implement the programme and deliver results at scale through strategic diplomacy and public-private partnerships.

“A landmark memorandum of understanding was signed with the MTN Group, with several other agreements with other private Ghanaian and International partners currently being finalised to support implementation. The programme features 50/50 gender inclusion,” he stated.

Internet access and connectivity

The minister also revealed ongoing interventions to make internet access more affordable and accessible.

He recounted that the multi-stakeholder data cost-pricing committee that was formed in February to deliver a roadmap for reducing data costs. The report has since been submitted, with all three major mobile network operators agreeing to introduce special data bundles tailored for tertiary students, content creators and gig economy workers.

Additionally, network providers have agreed to offer discounted data packages on five national holidays each year.

Wasteful contracts

Underscoring the administration’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, the minister announced a non-renewal of the controversial KelniGVG Common Monitoring Platform contract – citing alarming cost inefficiencies.

He stated that fees paid under the contract had ballooned, saying: “As of October 2024, the fees paid to KelniGVG represent 84 percent of the revenue accruing to the state. This means the state is paying far more to monitor the revenue than it retains”.

He added that the ministry has also begun investigating irregularities in other inherited contracts, particularly at the National Information Technology Agency (NITA). These include questionable payments to project management firms not directly contracted by the agency.

Also, as part of a broader clean-up, 13 staff under the World Bank-funded Ghana Digital Acceleration Programme have had their contracts terminated due to issues of concern.

“This became necessary to show our zero level of tolerance for any semblance of graft or corruption in the ministry,” he stated.

SIM registration

“We will commence public sensitisation and education toward the impending SIM registration and Central Equipment Identity Register….Ghanaians will not be saddled with having to abandon work and queue for long hours to register their SIMs. The process will be human-centred and technology-driven. This registration is critical for our collective security as a nation,” he indicates.

Legislative reform

To modernise the sector’s legal architecture, its sector minister is spearheading the redrafting of several outdated laws – some dating back over two decades

“To effectively regulate technology in today’s fast-evolving digital environment, I have initiated a comprehensive review of existing legislation and regulatory frameworks.

“We are redrafting outdated laws to ensure they reflect present realities, anticipate future developments and provide a transparent, enabling environment for innovation, investment and consumer protection. I am confident I will lay the revised legislation before prliament in its next meeting,” he said.

The Ghana Innovation and Startup bill, he added, has gained stakeholder support and is nearing finalisation.

Artificial intelligence

On the country’s artificial intelligence blueprint, he said: “Ghana has entered strategic partnerships with key partners such as the British High Commission, UNESCO and other international organisations to support efforts toward Ghana’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and blueprint.

“The ministry has commenced critical efforts to digitise the nation’s essential data sets as a foundational step in our national Artificial Intelligence agenda.”

Disinformation

To combat the rising tide of misinformation and disinformation, the minister will present specialised legislation in parliament to create a legal framework that manages false and harmful digital content.

The Cyber Security Authority has also intensified its monitoring efforts, collaborating with security agencies to ensure responsible communication in the digital space.

GIFEC reforms

The minister also noted that the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) has begun an inventory of digital centres and is pushing forward with completing the Rural Telephony Project to improve the digital inclusion drive.

“I have also directed an asset inventory of our infrastructure across the country to ensure that these centres, built primarily under the first John Mahama administration, are put to use,” he noted.

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 Tributes from around the globe have poured in follow­ing the death of Pope Francis, the 88-year-old leader of the Roman Catholic Church, who passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, just a day after celebrating Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Square in Rome.

The Vatican confirmed the Pope’s passing after a prolonged struggle with illness, noting that although he had been discharged from the hospital recently and had resumed his papal duties, his death came suddenly, leaving millions of Catholics and world leaders shocked and mourning.

Many global leaders took to social me­dia platforms, including Facebook and X, to express their condolences and pay homage to a man widely seen as a spiri­tual reformer and a beacon of humility, compassion, and peace.

His Royal Majesty King Charles in a tribute stated: My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis. Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry.”

Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, General Secretary of the Commonwealth, shared her sorrow in a Facebook post:

“Deeply saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. His advo­cacy for the poor, peace and tolerance touched the lives of people across the Commonwealth and the world. May he rest in peace.”

French President Emmanuel Ma­cron called the late pontiff “a man of humility,” recognising Francis’s personal simplicity and his devotion to the mar­ginalised.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof remembered him as “a man of the peo­ple in every way,” reflecting the Pope’s lifelong commitment to bringing the Church closer to ordinary people.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola remarked on his warmth and universal appeal, saying, “His contagious smile captured millions of people’s hearts across the globe.”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised the Pope’s compassion: “Pope Francis showed boundless compassion and dedication to building bridges between faiths. His legacy of peace and unity will endure.”

Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter echoed similar sentiments, describing Francis as “a great spiritual leader, a tireless advocate for peace.”

Scottish First Minister John Swin­ney highlighted the Pope’s moral voice in international affairs: “He was a voice for peace, tolerance and reconciliation in a world that desperately needed it.”

— CNR

President John Drama­ni Mahama has observed that there are early signs of macroeconomic stabil­ity with inflation gradually easing.

He said with disciplined management, government was restoring a measure of confidence in our economy.

“I am confident—and I say this with sincerity—that we are turning a corner. But recovery alone is not enough. We must now set our sights higher — on transformation. We must build an economy that is resilient, inclusive, and productive,” the President said.

President Mahama made this ob­servation when he opened the second edition of the Kwahu Business Forum at Mpraeso in the Eastern Region on Saturday on the theme ‘The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector’.

The forum, designed to serve as a platform for dialogue between financial institutions and private sector players, was to highlight investment opportu­nities, discuss policy interventions, and chart a path towards building a more resilient and competitive business land­scape in the country.

President Mahama’s observation comes on the back of consumer infla­tion rate declining for the third consec­utive month to 22.4 per cent in March 2025 from 23.1 per cent in February.

According to President Mahama, the quest to build a “resilient, inclusive, and productive economy” could not be achieved without a financial sector that works not just for a few, but for every Ghanaian business.

He said the government’s vision for Ghana’s future business landscape was bold and deliberate as it pursues targeted programmes to restore investor confidence by enhancing transparency, cutting bureaucratic red tapes, and pro­moting a rules-based investment climate.

“We are prioritising sectors that can absorb labour and grow our economy sustainably— agro-processing, ICT, manufacturing, tourism, renewable energy, and the green economy. But our focus is not only on attracting foreign investment. We are equally committed to empowering Ghanaians to become own­ers and drivers of enterprise,” he stated.

To truly enable business growth, he noted that there was the need to go beyond economic policy and champion a firm commitment to the rule of law, political stability, respect for contracts and property rights, a responsive, corruption-free public service that sees the private sector not just as a revenue source, but as a development partner.

A collaborative effort between government and the private sector, President Mahama said was what Ghana needed to change its socio-economies narrative. “The future of Ghana will not be determined by government alone. It will be determined by our ability to build partnerships—between state and private sector, between finance and innovation, and between leadership and the people,” he stated.

He lauded the Kwahu Business Fo­rum, describing it as a call to action and urged participants to join hands with the government to work together to build a Ghana that is competitive, productive, and inclusive. A Ghana that creates opportunity for all.

The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, disclosed that the government, in col­laboration with the private sector, was to establish three state-of-the-art garment factories to reduce the importation of fabrics.

She said each of the factories would have the capacity to provide 3,000 jobs per shift and create 27,000 jobs across three shifts under the 24-hour economy policy.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare, MP, Techiman North, added that a pharmaceutical manufacturing development policy to offer robust incentives and encourage local production of essential medicine was in the offing whiles a component manufacturing policy to support the automotive sector was being finalised.

The find was made during ongoing iron ore exploration in the Gyamurume range by GIISDEC and GGSA

Potentially mineable nickel deposits have been discovered in the Oti Region—a development that could diversify the country’s mineral portfolio and attract investment into battery metal supply chains.

The find was made during ongoing iron ore exploration in the Gyamurume range by the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC) and the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA).

Preliminary drill samples indicate nickel concentrations exceeding one percent—considered commercially viable, raising the prospect of Ghana joining the global race for critical minerals.

While certified laboratory results are pending, officials say the early data is promising.

“We have found iron ore in good quantities, but we do not want a situation where an investor comes in for iron ore and then unexpectedly benefits from nickel as well,” GIISDEC Chief Executive Officer William Okofu Darteh said during a technical visit to the site.

“We want to know the full picture—what minerals are here, in what quantities and of what quality—before we make decisions,” he further stated.

GIISDEC has commissioned consultants to conduct a comprehensive mineral content analysis, expected to be completed by September 2025.

The study will determine the grade, volume and distribution of both iron and nickel across the site.

“We are doing a complete analysis because our mandate allows us to handle not just iron and steel but related minerals like copper and nickel. So this is still within our operational scope under the law,” Mr. Darteh told the B&FT.

Once validated, the findings will be packaged for investors, with the aim of attracting capital into the full value chain rather than piecemeal extraction.

The GGSA confirmed the presence of nickel in all eight drill holes completed so far. “The concentrations observed are within the economic range—in some cases even exceeding one percent —which is considered mineable for nickel,” David Yaw Kuma, senior geoscientist with the GGSA added.

Initial testing was done using handheld scanners, but results from certified commercial laboratories are expected to provide greater precision.

“We used handheld scanners to do some of the initial checks, and what we saw was promising. But we are now waiting for the results from the certified commercial laboratories. Those lab results will give us a clearer picture of what we are dealing with,” Mr. Kuma explained.

He noted the project’s scope could be adjusted depending on the lab-confirmed grades.

“The nickel discovery was not planned, but it’s there; and now we have to evaluate it carefully. We cannot ignore it,” he said.

Nickel is a key input in lithium-ion batteries, and demand has surged in recent years due to the accelerating global energy transition. Ghana’s entrance into the nickel market would align with its broader strategy to position itself as a critical minerals supplier.

The country is also developing the Ewoyaa Lithium Project in the Central Region, which is projected to produce around 365,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate annually. Together, the projects signal Ghana’s growing ambition in battery metals, traditionally dominated by countries like Indonesia, the Philippines and Australia.

Despite the optimism, GIISDEC and GGSA say it’s too early to draw firm conclusions.

“We are not jumping to conclusions. We need the lab results. Once we get that, we will know what steps to take,” Mr. Darteh noted.

“We have something worth looking at, but let’s wait for the proper data. That’s how you build a strong mining sector—by relying on science and facts, not just speculation,” Mr. Kuma added.

Should commercial viability be confirmed, the nickel discovery is expected to boost investor interest in the Oti Region and contribute to Ghana’s longer-term plans to expand and modernise its mining sector. GIISDEC says transparency will be key in investor engagement.

“We want to be transparent with investors. If we are offering iron ore, and there is also nickel, then we must be upfront about it. That is how we build trust and long-term investment,” Mr. Darteh stressed.

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Businessman and philanthropist Alhaji Seidu Agongo has said that the government’s decision to place the free dialysis programme under the newly formed Ghana Medical Trust, also known as Mahama Cares, could prove to be the best solution to the country’s dialysis crisis.

Alhaji Agongo, who founded the Sage Medical Centre, a dialysis hospital in Accra, said many kidney disease patients lacked access to treatment due to inadequate funding and limited service availability, leading to needless complications and loss of lives.

His comments follow assurances by the Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Victor Bampoe, last week that the NHIA would procure additional dialysis machines and essential consumables for healthcare facilities nationwide to expand access.
The expansion is in line with the government’s broader strategy to improve access to critical healthcare services, he said, adding that it planned to incorporate the programme under the Mahama Cares initiative.

Alhaji Agongo said that, when fully operational, the Mahama Cares initiative could extend free dialysis services to all patients nationwide, bridging access and capacity gaps while saving lives.
The businessman pointed out that currently, seven of the country’s 13 regions, with a combined population of about 5.7 million people, do not have dialysis centres, highlighting a significant gap in treatment availability.

“What it means is, if you’re a kidney patient in any of these seven regions, you have to travel to the other six regions for treatment or risk deterioration and early death.”

“If you consider the fact that patients require dialysis three times a week to survive, then you can imagine the additional pressure it places on a renal patient to seek treatment in another region,” he said.

The businessman added that the government needed to partner with indigenous entrepreneurs with experience in the sector to support the implementation of the Mahama Cares initiative.

Cost of Dialysis

Alhaji Agongo founded the Sage Medical Centre at East Legon in 2020 as a subsidiary of Alive Industry, a market leader in dialysis care and technology.
The company has since imported over 650 dialysis machines and provides treatment to an average of 10,000 patients every year.

He said he was moved by the plight of kidney patients to establish the Sage Medical Centre and help expand access to quality care.
However, after half a decade in the sector, he said he is convinced that private sector investment alone is inadequate to address the problem.

“When it comes to dialysis, we have both access and capacity-to-pay challenges. Every session costs GHȼ750, and every patient requires three sessions a week.”

“Can you imagine the amount required for dialysis alone in a week, not to mention other expenses?” he asked.

The founder of the defunct Heritage Bank Limited expressed hope that the Mahama Cares initiative — which aims to provide sustainable funding for healthcare — would help to expand free access to life-saving treatment for renal patients in the country.

He emphasised that this was critical to the welfare of Ghanaians, given the rising number of kidney-related diseases in the country.

Partnership

As of 2023, Sage Medical Centre was one of just 14 dialysis centres in the country serving a population of over 30 million people.

Alhaji Agongo said the dialysis unit is equipped with some of the most advanced technology in the industry, utilising Nipro and Toray dialysis machines, known for their efficiency, precision, and patient safety.

“These machines are supported by a consistent and robust supply chain — with eight containers of dialysis consumables imported every month, including components such as bloodlines and fistula needles, ensuring uninterrupted treatment and the highest standards of care,” he said.

“What sets Sage apart is not just the numbers — but the quality of our care, the dedication of our professionals, and our ability to deliver consistently, even in the face of rising demand,” he said, adding that the centre was willing to partner with the government to make the free dialysis programme a success.

He also appealed to Ghanaians and specialists in renal health to join hands with the government in addressing the country’s kidney disease challenges.

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