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Story by Mizpah Ampem Darko   The National Health Insurance Authority(NHIA) has taken a groundbreaking step to improve healthcare access by announcing full coverage for dialysis treatment under its insurance scheme. This initiative, set to begin on December 1st, aims to ease the financial burden of kidney disease treatment for Ghanaians. This decision follows a successful pilot program launched in June, which provided free dialysis sessions for children under 18 and adults over 60. The expanded program will now cater to all Ghanaians needing dialysis treatment. Significant Financial Commitment Dr. DaCosta Aboagye, Chief Executive of the NHIA, revealed that the authority has allocated a minimum of 20 million Ghana cedis annually to sustain the dialysis program. Currently, an estimated 1,200 patients require regular dialysis across the country. "The NHIA is capable of covering the cost of dialysis for many years. This is a sustainable initiative under the NHIS, and we are dedicated ...

Story by Mizpah Ampem Darko   The Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), Lawyer Kwame Asuah Takyi, has urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities as the nation approaches its upcoming elections. Speaking at a meeting with the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) at the Police Headquarters in Accra, Takyi reaffirmed the Immigration Service’s dedication to safeguarding the nation’s borders. He emphasized the importance of balancing professionalism with vigilance, in line with the GIS motto, “Friendship with Vigilance.” Takyi called on immigration officers to exercise civility when interacting with travelers while staying alert to potential threats. He warned that extremists and individuals who pose risks to national security would be prevented from entering Ghana, reiterating the Service’s unwavering commitment to protecting the country. In his remarks, Takyi highlighted the critical role of public cooperation in maintainin...

In a significant demonstration of commitment to Ghana's democratic process, the National Election Security Task Force has pledged its full support to ensure a peaceful and successful general election. This assurance was made during a high-level meeting with the leadership of the Electoral Commission (EC) at the Commission’s headquarters. The meeting brought together key figures, including the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. Akuffo Dampare, and heads of other security agencies. During the discussions, IGP Dampare praised the Electoral Commission for its exceptional preparations for the elections, highlighting notable improvements compared to previous years. “Madam Chair, you and your team, we are grateful to you. Ghana is grateful to you. Africa is grateful to you for showing the way for us when it comes to elections,” a representative of the Task Force stated, emphasizing the EC's pivotal role in strengthening Ghana’s democratic reputation. Commitment to Peace and Securi...

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSG) has issued a nationwide call to action to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), urging Ghanaians to use antibiotics responsibly. This appeal was made during a press conference marking World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2024, under the global theme, "Educate, Advocate, Act Now." Pharm. Dr. Samuel Kow Donkoh, President of the PSG, highlighted the critical role of pharmacists in safeguarding the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents. He emphasized the importance of ensuring their responsible use to protect both current and future generations. “As pharmacists, we stand at the forefront of healthcare delivery, tasked with safeguarding the efficiency of antimicrobial agents and ensuring their responsible use,” Dr. Donkoh stated. Common Misuses of Antibiotics in Ghana The PSG identified five common health conditions in Ghana where antibiotics are often misused: Flu Colds Coughs Diarrhea Malaria Dr. Donkoh explained th...

As Ghana prepares for the December 7 general elections, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, and the Police Management Board (POMAB) have taken proactive steps to promote peace and stability by engaging the Christian community in Accra. On Sunday, November 24, 2024, the election security task force, led by Dr. Dampare, visited several churches, including the Church of Pentecost at Dr. Wyatt Worship Centre, Resurrection Methodist Chapel, Holy Spirit Cathedral, Assemblies of God Church, Presbyterian Church of Ghana in Osu, and the Ghana Police Church at 37 Military Hospital. During these visits, Dr. Dampare delivered a strong message, urging congregants to resist being used as instruments of violence during the electoral process. He highlighted the importance of safeguarding Ghana's hard-earned peace and stability and called on citizens to refrain from any actions that could disrupt the nation’s democratic journey. The IGP also encouraged the Christian co...

   The Tsentse Skills Development Project celebrated its eighth graduation ceremony, marking another milestone in its mission to empower unemployed youth in Ghana, particularly in the Ablekuma South Constituency. The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South, Hon. Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, highlighted the significance of the initiative, announcing that this year’s program saw the graduation of 98 young people in various vocational fields, including cosmetology, fashion design, and more. Notably, the cohort included six male participants, underscoring the project's inclusivity and appeal beyond its traditionally female-focused demographic. Hon. Vanderpuije commended the graduates for taking advantage of the opportunity to gain skills that would enable them to become self-employed and economically independent. He also extended his gratitude to the parents, guardians, teachers, and staff members whose support and dedication contributed to the success of the graduates. The Tsentse Ski...

In a meeting held on November 21, 2024, in Accra, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, urged political parties to uphold peace and place the nation’s interests above personal or political ambitions during the ongoing election process. The meeting, which involved leaders of political parties and the media, was part of efforts by the National Emergency Task Force to ensure a peaceful election. Dr. Dampare expressed gratitude to the political parties for their cooperation and trust in security agencies throughout the electoral process. He acknowledged their confidence in allowing security personnel to oversee internal elections and commended them for reporting unauthorized individuals impersonating security officers. He praised the conduct of political leaders, particularly presidential candidates, during the campaign period, highlighting the relatively low tensions compared to recent elections in other democracies. “This is a new dawn of politics in Ghana. We...

The streets of Nkawkaw were filled with excitement and energy as supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) embarked on a massive campaign rally in support of the Presidential Candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and Parliamentary Candidate Joseph Frempong ahead of the upcoming general elections. Leading the charge was the Nkawkaw Constituency Youth Organizer of the New Patriotic Party, Morrison Kwasi Nyarko, who is known for his charismatic leadership and organizational skills, was seen rallying the supporters and urging them to work tirelessly to ensure victory for Dr Bawumia and Hon Frempong in the upcoming elections. The campaign rally, which was dubbed " Street Campaign" “One Day at a Time,” saw hundreds of NPP supporters, including members of the “Sweepers” and “Boys Boys Movement,” take to the streets to showcase their support for Dr Bawumia and Hon Joseph Frempong. The “Sweepers” and “Boys Boys Movement” are two of the most vibrant and active youth groups within the NPP,...

Apostle Kadmiel E.H. Agbalenyoh, the Founder and Leader of the Missionary of the Seventh Day Theocratic World Congregation, has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to sign the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill into law before the end of his term in January 2025. According to the Apostle, this act would leave a legacy of upholding Ghana’s cultural, religious, and moral values. Speaking at an event, Apostle Agbalenyoh lauded anti-LGBTQ+ activists for their efforts and expressed optimism that the global fight against homosexuality and lesbianism would gain momentum following the anticipated re-election of former U.S. President Donald Trump in the November 7, 2024, elections. Homosexuality and Religious Opposition Apostle Agbalenyoh reaffirmed his congregation's stance against LGBTQ+ practices, which he described as contrary to divine law. He cited several scriptures, including Leviticus 18:22-26, which condemns homosexuality, and Jude 1:7, which recalls the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah. ...

Joseph Kobla Wemakor, a renowned Ghanaian journalist and dedicated human rights activist, has received the esteemed Global Doctoral Humanitarian and Ministerial Excellence Award for 2024 from the Board of Regents of the International Kingdom University (IKU) in Margate, Florida, USA. This prestigious recognition underscores his exceptional leadership and steadfast commitment to humanitarian service. The award notification commended Wemakor for his lifelong dedication to community development, stating, “We consider it worthwhile to officially confer this honor upon you after a careful study and monitoring of your lifestyle and social work.” The Selecting Committee praised his exemplary character and significant contributions to both his community and country, recognizing him as “a noble personality with integrity who deserves this great highest academic achievement.” As the founder and Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), Wemakor has made significant strides in med...

  Renowned political researcher, Prof. Smart Sarpong, has predicted a highly competitive presidential election on December 7, 2024, with Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia leading the first round of voting. However, his forecast indicates that the election will likely proceed to a run-off due to the inability of any candidate to secure the required 50%+1 votes to win outright. Key Findings Prof. Sarpong presented the findings at a press conference held on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Erata Hotel. His research, themed "Evidence from Science and Data," analyzed voter intentions across the country and revealed the following projections: Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia (NPP): 49.1% John Dramani Mahama (NDC): 45.8% Nana Kwame Bediako (New Force): 2.2% Alan Kyerematen (Independent): 1.2% Other Candidates Combined: 1.7% The analysis covered a sample size of 99,355 respondents from 4,272 communities nationwide, representing a significant portion of Ghana's total population of 18,807...

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) commemorated World Children's Day with a spotlight on the theme, "Our Future, Our Voice: Listening to a Future for Affirmative Action." The event highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering inclusive policies and amplifying the voices of children and marginalized groups. Children Take the Lead A key feature of the celebration was the 6th session of the National Children's Parliament, where young Ghanaians were empowered to express their views on their rights and the critical need for gender equity. This platform demonstrated Ghana's dedication to involving youth in the decision-making processes that shape their futures. Affirmative Action Act in Focus Speaking at the event, Hon. Emmanuel Agyei Anhwere, Member of Parliament for Atwima Nwabiagya South and Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Employment and Social Welfare, emphasized the transformative potential of the Affirmative A...

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly condemned what it describes as attempts by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to disrupt the upcoming 2024 general elections through violent tactics. Henry Nana Boakye, the National Organizer of the NPP, accused the NDC of orchestrating plans to intimidate voters and destabilize the electoral process. According to Boakye, the NPP has uncovered disturbing schemes involving the NDC training individuals in various communities under the guise of private security exercises. He claimed these "thugs" are being prepared to create chaos, especially in the Ashanti Region, a known NPP stronghold. Specific incidents were cited, such as alleged training activities in the Obuasi East constituency. Boakye further alleged that the NDC plans to use ambulances to transport weapons and deploy armed individuals on motorbikes to instill fear in voters. He also claimed that these operations are being coordinated by key NDC members, including a retired...

  The World Health Organization (WHO) recently conducted a Regional Simulation Exercise focused on emergency preparedness to enhance health systems and enable rapid, effective responses to public health emergencies and outbreaks.  Ghana Pilots Innovative Tools Dr. Frank Lule, WHO Officer in charge of the INITIATE2 Health Emergency Facilities (HEF) Simulation Exercise in Accra, commended Ghana for being the first country to pilot innovative emergency preparedness tools in their final form. Dr. Lule highlighted WHO's central role in the INITIATE2 and Health Emergency Facilities projects, emphasizing its collaboration with the World Food Program (WFP), health emergency actors, research and academic institutions, and international and national partners to facilitate knowledge sharing and skill transfer for improved emergency responses.  Building Capacity and Advancing Health Innovation Dr. Lule noted that the Simulation Exercise is crucial in strengthening capacities for cas...

Accra Embraces Africa Oil Week with a Vision for Transforming the Continent’s Energy Sector In a historic move set to shape the future of African energy, Africa Oil Week (AOW) announced its commitment to establishing robust partnerships that will secure Africa’s role as a central player in the global energy landscape. This week, Accra served as the launch pad for this transformative initiative, as AOW aims to position Africa at the forefront of global energy debates and accelerate natural resource development for the continent’s benefit.   A New Era for Ghana and Africa In his keynote address, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana expressed his pride in welcoming Africa Oil Week to Accra, calling it a pivotal moment for Ghana and the continent. “I am personally delighted to endorse Africa Oil Week and to welcome its move from Cape Town to Accra,” he stated. The President extended his gratitude to Sankofa Events, AOW’s organizing partner, for choosing Ghana as the host nation and comme...

The Malaysia Palm Oil Council (MPOC) recently organized a Trade and Networking Programme in Accra, Ghana, on November 8, 2024. This event aimed to promote Malaysian palm oil products and explore collaboration opportunities within Ghana's growing edible oil market. The program reflects Malaysia's commitment to expanding its presence in West Africa while advancing sustainable palm oil practices. Representatives from three leading Malaysian palm oil companies—KLK, Able Perfect, and Alami Commodities—participated in the event to showcase their products, quality standards, and industry expertise. This gathering provided a platform for Malaysian companies to connect with potential clients and partners in Ghana, fostering relationships that could drive growth and innovation within the Ghanaian palm oil industry. Syed Nauzer Idid, Malaysia’s Deputy High Commissioner to Ghana, highlighted the significance of the program as a step toward deepening economic ties between the two countries....

The Ghana Health Entrepreneurship Summit, organized by Social Enterprise Ghana, convened prominent stakeholders to spotlight the potential of young health entrepreneurs in addressing Ghana’s healthcare challenges through innovative, market-driven solutions. This flagship event brought together a diverse array of contributors to the nation's health startup ecosystem, including entrepreneurs, policymakers, academics, and international partners. The summit's central focus was on how social entrepreneurship can provide viable business solutions to address significant issues such as poverty, unemployment, and diseases that are often overlooked, like neglected tropical diseases. By merging business acumen with social responsibility, young entrepreneurs aim to create sustainable solutions that directly impact the health and well-being of Ghanaians. In addition to the efforts of Social Enterprise Ghana, support was provided by the Nsor Foundation, a Spanish nonprofit, as well as academ...

Ghana recently hosted the Eighteenth African Continental Climate Outlook Forum (ACCOF), organized by the African Center of Meteorological Organization (ACMO). This annual event brought together climate experts from across the continent to discuss the latest developments in climate outlook services and explore ways to enhance coordination among Africa's Regional Economic Communities. Under the theme "Improved Climate Services for Informed Decision Making in Africa," this year’s forum emphasized the need for robust climate services that can support effective policy and decision-making on the continent. The forum aims to equip Africa with Continental Climate Outlook services, facilitating harmonization and collaboration among regional communities in response to climate-related challenges. Key Objectives of the Forum: 1. Provide Continental Climate Outlook Services: The forum serves as a platform to share knowledge and technical expertise, advancing climate prediction and out...

The Ghana Water Ltd (GWL) has taken a significant step toward improving water access and affordability in Ghana by launching a new Leakage Detection Field. This initiative aims to address long-standing challenges in water distribution, reducing wastage and ensuring that more Ghanaians have reliable access to clean water at affordable rates.   At the launch event, Dr. Clifford Braimah, the Managing Director of GWL, spoke about the pressing issues faced by communities without reliable access to the company's services. In such areas, residents are often forced to buy water from private tankers, which can cost considerably more than water from GWL. Dr. Braimah expressed concern about the safety and quality of water supplied by these tankers, as many use tanks intended for construction, with limited or no disinfection between uses.   Dr. Braimah also reassured the public that Ghana's water regulator, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PRC), is committed to ensuring that an...

Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire have taken renewed steps to strengthen their collaboration in managing and defining their shared land and maritime borders. Through a joint committee meeting, the two neighboring countries aim to formalize and solidify their borders, a move that underscores their commitment to peaceful coexistence and regional stability. The fourth meeting of the joint anchor committee, which brings together the Ghana Boundary Commission and Côte d'Ivoire’s National Boundary Commission, is currently focused on several key objectives. Central to these objectives is the ratification of framework agreements that will lay the foundation for ongoing and future efforts in border management. These agreements will serve as a guide to ensure the smooth execution of border-related initiatives between the two countries. One significant focus of the meeting is the implementation of a previous ruling by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, which delineated the maritime ...

The Ark Foundation, a Christian mission-based nonprofit in Ghana devoted to protecting the rights of women and children, has officially launched its new Shelter Treasury Fund. This initiative aims to secure sustainable financial support for the foundation's shelter operations and related services, addressing the critical need for safe havens for victims of violence and abuse. Established in 1995, the Ark Foundation has long been recognized as a beacon of hope for individuals escaping cycles of violence. In 1999, it made history by opening Ghana’s first shelter for abused women and children, setting a pioneering example in the fight against gender-based violence. Since then, the foundation has played an essential role in advocating for women’s and children’s rights, while providing refuge for countless individuals. However, due to persistent funding constraints, the shelter was forced to close in 2016, marking a significant setback for thousands of vulnerable individuals who relied ...

Story by Mizpah Ampem Darko. As Ghana approaches its 2024 General Elections in December, key stakeholders are emphasizing the importance of protecting digital rights to support transparency and democracy. The initiative underscores the essential role of digital freedoms in promoting fair elections and an informed electorate. In a recent gathering, stakeholders from civil society organizations, government, academia, media, and technology platforms discussed the threats posed by misinformation, hate speech, and potential internet restrictions. These issues, they noted, could erode public trust, influence voter behavior, and compromise the electoral process. The group was unified in its message: safeguarding digital rights is critical to informed decision-making and preserving electoral integrity. On October 30, 2024, Paradigm Initiative (PIN), along with Community Focus Foundation Ghana (CFF-Ghana), E-Governance and Internet Governance Foundation for Africa (EGIGFA), and Internet Society...

  The Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) has marked World Cities Day by emphasizing the critical role that young people play in addressing urban challenges through impactful initiatives. As cities grow rapidly, especially in developing countries, young changemakers and regulatory bodies in Ghana are stepping up to address crises related to urbanization, food security, and sustainability. FDA's Focus on Food Safety and Healthy Diets In line with World Cities Day, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) of Ghana has underscored the importance of food safety and healthy diets in creating sustainable urban environments. Speaking at the event, Desmond Paa Kwasi Hachman, a Senior Regulatory Officer at the FDA, highlighted that the UN’s initiative for World Cities Day draws attention to pressing urban issues, particularly in regions experiencing high rates of migration from rural to urban areas. Paa Kwasi Hachman explained, "We've seen a significant influx of people migrating to c...