Ghana Medical Help Donates Essential Medical Equipment to Sandema Hospital.

Ghana Medical Help, a Canada-based nonprofit organization with strong Ghanaian roots, has donated vital medical equipment to the Sandema Hospital in the Builsa North Municipality. The donation is part of the organization’s ongoing effort to strengthen healthcare delivery across the Upper East and Upper West Regions.

Leading the donation was Dr. Dominic Akaateba, Physician Specialist at the Wa Regional Hospital and Country Director of Ghana Medical Help. In his remarks, Dr. Akaateba recounted how the organization began its journey at Sandema Hospital in 2009, when he came on clinical attachment as a medical student. Witnessing the lack of basic medical tools at the time inspired the formation of Ghana Medical Help, which was officially incorporated in 2010.

“For the past 15 years, we’ve moved from donating equipment to supporting clinical engineers and training midwives under our Maternity Service Agenda. We now serve all district hospitals in the Upper East and Upper West Regions,” he stated.

The latest donation includes one obstetric delivery manikin with two neonates, 10 Kiwi vacuum delivery systems, three fetal Doppler machines, a multipurpose vital signs monitor, and 5,000 surgical face masks. The equipment, valued at several thousands of Ghana cedis, is aimed at enhancing maternal and child health services and emergency care at the facility.

Receiving the items on behalf of the hospital, Dr. Paul Edem, Clinical Coordinator at Sandema Hospital, expressed deep gratitude for the gesture. “This donation is quite significant. These devices, especially the Kiwi systems and the manikin, will go a long way to support our work in obstetrics. We assure you that they will be well-maintained and put to full use for the benefit of our patients,” he said.

Dr. Akaateba further urged healthcare workers and community members to support local facilities. “If we all contribute in our small ways, we’ll improve healthcare delivery for our people. Gone are the days when we waited for government to do everything,” he added.

Similar donations would also be made to the St. Lucas Hospital in Wiaga and the Fumbisi Hospital in Builsa South.

Abakisi Derrick-NoiyengRadio

Builsa North Records Two Suspected Cases of Monkeypox

The Builsa North Municipal Health Directorate has recorded two suspected cases of monkeypox, now referred to as mpox, in the Chuchuliga subdistrict. This was disclosed by the Municipal Disease Control Officer, Mr. Thomas Akolaaga, during the second quarter review meeting of the Municipal Risk Communication Committee, held at the Health Directorate’s conference hall on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

Mr. Akolaaga stated that both suspected mpox cases involve an adult and a child from the same subdistrict. He further revealed that, within the review period, the municipality also recorded two suspected cases of meningitis, one suspected measles case, one suspected case of yellow fever, two suspected cases of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), and one fatal case of rabies. No cases of anthrax, cholera, or COVID-19 were reported.

On the national front, Mr. Akolaaga mentioned that as of June 7, 2025, Ghana had recorded 531 suspected mpox cases, out of which 71 were confirmed.

He used the opportunity to educate the public on mpox, noting that it is a viral zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans, and also from person to person through direct contact with body fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a distinctive rash that often starts on the face before spreading to other parts of the body.

Mr. Akolaaga advised residents to report suspected cases early, avoid contact with persons showing symptoms, and maintain good personal hygiene.

He also cautioned the public to be on high alert for cholera and other faeco-oral diseases, especially as the rainy season begins. He explained that cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. Symptoms include profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration, which can lead to death if untreated. He encouraged the public to drink clean water, wash hands regularly with soap, and practice proper food hygiene to prevent outbreaks.

Mr. Akolaaga urged all stakeholders to intensify community education and remain vigilant to protect the municipality from possible disease outbreaks.

Abakisi Derrick-NoiyengRadio 

Team of Hope Ends Mid-year Surgical Mission in Builsa, Appeals for Community Support.

Team of Hope, a non-profit organization operating in the Upper East Region, has successfully concluded its mid-year surgical outreach in the Builsa Traditional Area.

The three-day exercise, which took place from June 2 to June 4, 2025, saw 100 surgical cases handled at the Sandema Hospital and the Fumbisi Hospital. Conditions treated included hernia, hydroceles, hemorrhoids, and goitre, among others.

Speaking in a live interview, the CEO of Team of Hope, Dr. Benjamin Akinkang, described the outreach as a success and called for increased community support to sustain and expand future missions.

The organization conducts two major surgical outreaches annually—in June and November—as part of its commitment to improving access to essential healthcare in underserved communities.

Over the years, Team of Hope has carried out successful missions at the Sandema Hospital, Fumbisi Hospital, and Paga Hospital, all in the Upper East Region.

Dr. Akinkang emphasized the importance of local collaboration, urging traditional authorities, individuals, and development partners to support the initiative through funding, logistics, and mobilization to reach more people in need.

He reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to providing quality surgical care and called on all stakeholders to help make future outreaches even more impactful.

Abakisi Derrick-NoiyengRadio 

Thomas Kofi Alonsi Donates Medical Supplies to Sandema and St. Lucas Hospitals in Builsa North

Mr. Thomas Kofi Alonsi, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Builsa North and Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, has made a significant donation of medical consumables to two major healthcare facilities in the Builsa North Municipality. The recipient hospitals, Sandema Hospital in Sandema and St. Lucas Hospital in Wiaga, are key referral centers that serve a large number of patients from across the municipality.

Despite his loss in the recent parliamentary elections to Mr. James Agalga, Mr. Alonsi expressed gratitude to the people of Builsa North for their support during the campaign. He acknowledged that in every competition, there are wins and losses, but he remains optimistic, stating that "God's time is the best."

Mr. Alonsi emphasized the importance of supporting local health institutions, noting that both Sandema and St. Lucas Hospitals are critical to the health and well-being of many in the region. His donation aims to alleviate some of the challenges faced by these facilities, particularly the shortage of essential medical supplies.

The donated items include several boxes of gloves, plasters, gallons of methylated spirit, rolls of cotton wool, boxes of catheters, and various detergents for cleaning and disinfection. These supplies are expected to ease the burden on healthcare workers and improve patient care.

At Sandema Hospital, the Administrator, Mr. Timbawu Cletus Apui, expressed his appreciation for the donation, acknowledging the pressing challenges facing the hospital, particularly the shortage of medical consumables. He praised Mr. Alonsi for his generosity and reaffirmed that the Regional Director of Health Services is working diligently to address the hospital’s challenges. However, he also called for further support, especially in terms of infrastructure, to enhance the hospital's capacity to deliver quality healthcare.

At St. Lucas Hospital in Wiaga, the hospital's accountant, Mr. Konlan Samuel, also expressed gratitude for the donation, noting that the facility had previously requested medical supplies, some of which had not been fulfilled. He acknowledged that although Mr. Alonsi did not win the election, his ongoing commitment to supporting the people of Builsa North is a testament to his dedication to the community.

Both hospitals are hopeful that more stakeholders and philanthropists will step forward to support their efforts, as the need for medical supplies and infrastructure development remains critical.

Mr. Alonsi’s gesture is seen as a reflection of his commitment to the health and welfare of his constituents, regardless of the electoral outcome.

Abakisi Derrick-NoiyengRadio. 

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Kaadema-Zaring Women Pledge Support for Hon. Thomas Kofi Alonsi in Upcoming Elections.

The women of Kaadema -Zaring, a community in the Builsa North Municipality of the Upper East Region, have pledged their unwavering support for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate, Hon. Thomas Kofi Alonsi, in the upcoming December elections. The women made this commitment on Thursday, 7th November 2024, during a meeting where they emphasized the importance of leadership that is responsive to the needs of the constituency.

In a heartfelt message, the women of Kaadema- zaring expressed their desire to shift focus to Hon. Alonsi after their "other son," Hon. James Agalga, has served 12 years in Parliament. The women likened their support to a mother's love, saying that just as a mother gives equal love to all her children, it is time to turn their attention to Hon. Alonsi, who has long expressed his desire to serve the constituency.

"We have given our other son, Hon. Agalga, 12 years in Parliament. Now, it is time to show love and support to our other son, Hon. Thomas Kofi Alonsi, who has cried for a long time to lead this constituency," the women said. They called on all voters in the constituency to rally behind Hon. Alonsi, emphasizing that it is now his turn to represent Builsa North in Parliament.

During the event, the Queen Mother of Kaadema -Zaring, Pognaab Ankpiemba Sandra Ankisiba, praised Hon. Alonsi and the NPP government for their various developmental initiatives in the country, including the Free Senior High School program and other social interventions. The Queen Mother also took the opportunity to appeal to Hon. Alonsi to support women's "susu" groups in the community and provide vocational equipment for young girls who have completed training to help them start their businesses.

"I urge Hon. Alonsi to help our women by strengthening the 'susu' groups, which have been vital for our economic activities. Additionally, many of our young girls have undergone vocational training, and we need equipment to help them start their businesses and become self-sufficient," said Queen Mother Ankisiba.

In a show of support, Mr. Ankisiba Simon, who spoke on behalf of the Chief of the area, Nab. Amoak Abil, expressed gratitude to the NPP government for its role in improving the community. He highlighted the construction of a three-unit classroom block and the development of a dam, which has significantly improved the livelihoods of the people. The dam has reduced the need for their animals to roam far in search of water and has also helped curb animal theft.

Mr. Ankisiba Simon then made an appeal to Hon. Alonsi, requesting assistance for the construction of a kindergarten in the community, a need that has been long-felt by the residents. In response, Hon. Alonsi pledged his support and promised to donate 100 bags of cement to help make the kindergarten a reality.

"I am committed to supporting the growth and development of this community. I will ensure that the kindergarten project becomes a reality, and I will continue to work towards improving the lives of the people in Kaadema-zaring and the wider Builsa North constituency," Hon. Alonsi assured the gathering.

The women of Kaadema-Zaring's endorsement of Hon. Alonsi marks a significant step in his campaign as he seeks to secure the parliamentary seat for Builsa North in the upcoming elections. With a strong focus on youth and women empowerment, infrastructure development, and community welfare, Hon. Alonsi remains committed to transforming the constituency for the better.

Abakisi Derrick-NoiyengRadio 

Vote for a Candidate Committed to Youth and Women Empowerment – Hon. Thomas Kofi Alonsi Appeals to Electorates.

With just 30 days remaining until Ghana heads to the polls, parliamentary candidates are intensifying their campaigns across the country. In the Builsa North Constituency, NPP parliamentary candidate, Mr. Thomas Kofi Alonsi, is actively engaging with constituents to seek their mandate for the upcoming election.

During his 2nd-day on tour of the Kadema community in the Builsa North Municipality on 7th November, 2024, Mr. Alonsi appealed to the electorate to vote for a candidate who is deeply committed to the empowerment of the youth and women in the Constituency, as well as to the overall development of the constituency.

As the Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Mr. Alonsi has demonstrated his commitment to creating opportunities for the youth in the constituency. Through his leadership, over 50 young people from Builsa North have secured employment at the Ghana Maritime Authority, with many others also placed in the security and other services.

Developmental Projects Under Mr. Alonsi’s Leadership

In addition to his work in youth empowerment, Mr. Alonsi has also been instrumental in several developmental projects across the constituency. One of the notable initiatives includes the construction and furnishing of a six-unit classroom block, teachers' offices, a library, and a computer laboratory for the Wablinsa community. He has also worked on improving infrastructure by erecting sheds for chiefs and communities across the municipality, ensuring that each chief has a proper structure to receive visitors.

Among the newly constructed sheds are:

Chuchuliga town – 1

Chuchuliga Chondema – 1

Sandema Kori – 3

Sandema Balansa (chief’s house) – 1

Sandema Kobdema – 1

Sandema Achog Yeri – 1

Wiaga Chiok Atidoak – 1

Wiaga Muteensa – 1

Wiaga Tankangsa – 1

Kandema – 1

Other communities have also benefited, including Chuchuliga, Sandema, and Wiaga, where several sheds have been built or renovated.

Renovations and Additional Projects

Beyond the new constructions, Mr. Alonsi has also focused on renovating existing structures, including:

Wiaga Yimonsa School renovation.

Wiaga Chantiinsa CHPS compound renovation.

Sandema Kori CHPS compound renovations.

Sandema Kalijiisa No. 2 – 1 shed.

In addition to the infrastructure work, Mr. Alonsi has been actively involved in improving access to basic services in the municipality. He has facilitated the installation of street lights in Bilinsa, Kori, Abilyeri, and other communities, with more installations planned. He has also overseen the drilling and repair of several boreholes to improve access to clean water in various communities, including:

Borehole Projects:

Chuchuliga: Atinab Yeri and Achanyeri Primary School

Kadema: Apuing Yeri and Belimwazuk

Siniensi: Changsa, Danwarinsa, Yikpieng Primary School and Kaasa 2 Primary School

Wiaga: Gong and Wiabilinsa

Sandema: Longsa, Kaljiisa Atibiliyeri, Kaljiisa 1 CHPS, Akagyeri Primary School, Christ the King School, Nyansa Primary School, Chief Palace, Awusuiyeri, Nyansa, and Balansa Nyabasinsa (also known as Mr. No Nonsense Area).

All these projects were carried out between the period of January, 2024 to October, 2024 with more projects still ongoing or yet to commence in the Constituency. 

Abakisi Derrick-NoiyengRadio. 

NPP Candidate Thomas Kofi Alonsi Files Nomination Forms for 2024 Elections.

Hon. Thomas Kofi Alonsi, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Builsa North in the Upper East Region has officially filed his nomination forms today 9th September, 2024 to contest in the upcoming 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections. The submission took place at the Builsa North Municipal Electoral Commission office.

Accompanied by key figures including the Builsa North NPP constituency executives and the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Builsa North, Madam Vida Akantagriwen Anaab, Alonsi's filing marks a significant step in his campaign. His candidacy reflects a continued effort by the NPP to strengthen its presence and influence in the Builsa North constituency.

Addressing party supporters after presenting his papers to the electoral commission, Mr. Alonsi expressed his commitment to addressing the pressing issues facing the community and promised to work diligently to represent the interests of his constituents if elected. The event which was done without the usual pump and pageantry that events of these nature are carried out in the view of the Candidate is to differ from the usual way of doing things and a reflection of how he and his team are going to contuct the campaigns in a peaceful manner.

He urge constituents to vote for development and and not to vote on party lines.

His campaign is expected to focus on local development,Youth and women empowerment, Agriculture , infrastructural improvements, and economic growth.

The filing of nomination forms is a crucial milestone in the election process, setting the stage for the upcoming political contest. As the 2024 elections approach, the race for parliamentary and presidential seats intensifies, with candidates like Alonsi gearing up for a robust campaign season.

NoiyengRadio