Active membership under Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has increased from 56.3 per cent in 2024 to 70 per cent as of August 2026, Health Minister, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced. The Minister said the growth reflected government’s ongoing efforts to improve access to healthcare and strengthen the financial sustainability of the NHIS. Speaking at a Health Sector Update Engagement with the media and key stakeholders, Mr. Akandoh attributed the increase partly to measures aimed at improving the scheme’s financial position, including the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Levy. According to him, the additional resources had enabled the NHIS to meet its financial obligations to healthcare providers and improve the delivery of services to beneficiaries. He disclosed that government funding for the NHIS increased from about GH¢6.5 billion in 2024 to GH¢9.8 billion in 2025, contributing to an average 50 per cent increase in payments to healthcare providers. The Minister further revealed that GH¢2.1 billion had been paid in NHIS claims between January and September 2026, helping to reduce delays in claims payments and improve healthcare providers’ ability to continue serving NHIS beneficiaries. Mr. Akandoh also announced that the government’s Free Primary Healthcare initiative was currently being implemented in 135 districts. He said plans were underway to expand the programme nationwide as part of efforts to accelerate Ghana’s progress towards Universal Health Coverage. The Minister said the government was also prioritising the completion of 35 Agenda 111 hospital projects, while work was progressing on three regional hospitals. In addition, 24,534 pieces of medical equipment are being procured to retool health facilities and improve their capacity to deliver quality healthcare. On emergency medical services, Mr. Akandoh said 220 ambulances had been insured and were currently operational across the country. Government, he added, planned to procure an additional 100 ambulances in 2027 to further strengthen emergency response and referral services. The Minister also highlighted investments in the health workforce, noting that six post-basic specialist nursing programmes were being advanced, with more than 600 students currently enrolled. An electronic bed management system is also being introduced to improve the coordination and utilisation of hospital beds. Mr. Akandoh said the various interventions formed part of government’s broader strategy to strengthen Ghana’s health system, improve access to quality healthcare and bring the country closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage. Story: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Twenty-two Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) have been promoted to the rank of Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCOPs) in recognition of their dedication, hard work and contributions to the Ghana Police Service (GPS), particularly in the fight against crime. The officers, who had each served in the rank of ACP for a minimum of four years, were promoted on the recommendation of the Police Council and with the approval of the President. They were decorated with their new ranks at a ceremony held at the Police Headquarters in Accra. The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, said the promotion was both a recognition of the officers’ service and a call for them to take on greater responsibilities in strengthening the fight against crime and safeguarding the public. He commended the newly promoted DCOPs for their contributions to various divisions and operations of the Police Service, which, he said, had helped advance efforts to combat and reduce criminal activities across the country. The IGP urged the officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating stronger leadership and working to maintain law and order. “This promotion that we are getting today is to let you know that the government and the people of Ghana are happy with your work and it is a challenge to you to work harder so that people will enjoy their peace, people will go about their normal duties without any attack from any group of people and so that we will continue to raise the image of the GPS,” he said. Mr Yohuno further disclosed that the newly promoted officers would be expected to assume senior leadership positions within the Police Service, including assignments at the regional level. Speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, DCOP Ruben Asiwoko expressed gratitude to the President for approving their promotion and to the Police Council for the confidence reposed in them. He described the elevation as an honour and a greater responsibility to serve the country and contribute to the continued development of the Ghana Police Service. “On behalf of the newly promoted Deputy Commissioners of Police of the Ghana Police Service, we wish to express our profound gratitude and appreciation for the confidence reposed in us through our promotion to this important rank,” he said. DCOP Asiwoko also commended the Vice-President and Chairperson of the Police Council, the Minister for the Interior and members of the Police Council for their leadership, guidance and oversight. He thanked the Police Management Advisory Board (POMAB) for its support towards the administration and professional development of the Service. He also expressed appreciation to the IGP for his leadership, encouragement and commitment to the development of the Ghana Police Service. “We recognise the responsibility associated with our new rank and we pledge to justify the confidence placed in us through our continued service to the country,” he said. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to making essential eye care accessible to all citizens by integrating primary eye health services into routine primary healthcare. Deputy Minister for Health, Hon. Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, said the move was necessary to address preventable vision impairment and ensure that people did not lose their sight simply because basic eye services were unavailable, unaffordable or too far from their communities. She made the call in a keynote address delivered on her behalf by Dr. Ignatius Awinibuno, Director of Allied Health at the Ministry of Health, at the national commemoration of the 2026 World Sight Day in Accra. The commemoration was held under the global theme, “Love Your Eyes,” with Ghana adopting the national theme, “Eye Care for All: Integrating Vision into Primary Healthcare.” Prof. Ayensu-Danquah said the national theme reflected Ghana’s ambition to ensure that every person, regardless of where they lived, could obtain essential eye care without undue hardship. She stressed that eye health went beyond the health sector, noting that good vision was closely linked to education, productivity, independence, social inclusion and national development. The Deputy Minister drew attention to the continuing global burden of vision impairment, citing World Health Organization estimates that at least 2.2 billion people worldwide live with near or distance vision impairment. She noted that at least one billion of these cases could have been prevented or had yet to be addressed, with refractive errors and cataracts remaining major causes of vision impairment and blindness. According to the address, limited access to spectacles and cataract surgery continues to affect millions of people, particularly in low-income settings, with vision impairment also carrying a substantial economic cost through lost productivity. The situation, she said, demonstrated the need for countries to move beyond treating eye disease only at specialised facilities and instead incorporate essential eye services into primary healthcare. Prof. Ayensu-Danquah said a person visiting a health centre should be able to receive basic eye screening, appropriate information and timely referral where specialised treatment was required. She identified early detection of childhood vision problems, regular eye examinations for people living with diabetes, and timely treatment of cataracts as areas requiring particular attention. “Eye health must not sit at the margins of the health system. It must be part of routine primary healthcare,” she said. She emphasised that preventable vision loss had consequences for entire families and communities, citing children unable to see clearly in the classroom, farmers whose ability to work safely was affected, and older people who lost their independence because they could not access basic eye services. National Eye Health Policy nearing completion The Ministry of Health is also at an advanced stage in finalising Ghana’s National Eye Health Policy, according to the Deputy Minister. She said the policy would provide a national framework for integrated, accessible, equitable and quality eye health services. The proposed policy is expected to strengthen coordination, financing, workforce development, referral systems, accountability and the use of eye health data for planning. Prof. Ayensu-Danquah commended members of the National Eye Health Technical Working Group for contributing their expertise and time to the policy development process. She also acknowledged development partners and other organisations that had provided financial and technical support. Looking ahead, the Ministry outlined several priorities for strengthening eye health delivery. These include expanding primary eye care nationwide, training and equipping primary healthcare workers, strengthening referral pathways and improving access to cataract surgery and refractive services. Greater attention will also be given to school eye health and the needs of vulnerable populations. The Ministry further intends to improve the collection and use of eye health information to support planning and accountability. “What we measure, we can manage. What we manage well, we can improve,” Prof. Ayensu-Danquah said. Ghana to take eye health agenda to global summit Ghana is expected to participate in the Global Eye Health Summit in Antigua and Barbuda in November 2026, where the country will share its experience and commitments in advancing eye health. According to the Deputy Minister, Ghana will highlight the integration of primary eye care into the Free Primary Health Care Policy and outline its commitment to strengthening eye health delivery systems. She said the approach was consistent with Ghana’s broader health policies, including the National Health Policy, the Universal Health Coverage Roadmap, the National Non-Communicable Disease Policy and the Essential Health Services Package. Prof. Ayensu-Danquah urged Ghanaians to take greater responsibility for protecting their vision by undergoing regular eye examinations and seeking care promptly when they notice changes in their eyesight. Parents and teachers, she said, should pay attention to children who struggle to read or see clearly, while people living with diabetes should undergo regular eye examinations because of the risk of diabetes-related eye complications. She also cautioned the public against harmful practices and the use of unprescribed eye medicines. Health workers were urged to make eye health an integral part of everyday primary care, while development partners, professional associations, civil society organisations and the media were encouraged to support public education on eye health. The Deputy Minister said the ultimate goal was to ensure that no Ghanaian lost their sight because essential care was inaccessible. “Loving our eyes must be more than a slogan. It must mean prevention. It must mean early detection. It must mean timely treatment. Above all, it must mean access for everyone,” she said. She added that investing in vision was an investment in education, productivity, independence, dignity and Ghana’s future. “Love your eyes. See the future.” Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has called on its staff to prioritise improved patient experiences by strengthening communication and showing greater empathy towards patients and their families. Chief Executive Officer of UGMC, Dr. Abdul-Samed Tanko, said quality healthcare should not be measured only by the medical treatment provided but also by how patients are received, treated and supported throughout their care journey. He made the remarks on Tuesday at the launch of the 2026 Customer Service Week at the Simulation Centre of the University of Ghana Medical Centre. The celebration, held under the theme “Going the Extra Mile,” is aimed at reinforcing the importance of excellent customer service among staff and encouraging them to exceed patients’ expectations. Dr. Tanko acknowledged the need for continuous improvement in the way healthcare professionals communicate with patients and their relatives, stressing that effective communication is essential to building trust and confidence in the healthcare system. He urged staff to see every interaction with a patient as an opportunity to make a positive difference, adding that professionalism, courtesy, empathy and responsiveness must remain central to service delivery at UGMC. The CEO further encouraged staff to embrace the Customer Service Week as a reminder of their responsibility to provide compassionate and patient-centred care. He said creating a positive patient experience requires a collective effort from all staff, regardless of their roles, and called on employees to work together to make UGMC a facility where patients feel respected, heard and valued. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Priscilla Dodoo

A delegation from the Ministry of Roads and Highways, led by the Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Kwame Governs Agbodza (MP), has paid a courtesy call on His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse, and members of the Ga Traditional Council as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the Ministry and the traditional authorities on infrastructure development in the Ga State. The engagement provided an opportunity for the Minister to brief His Royal Majesty and the Ga Traditional Council on the government’s ongoing and planned interventions to improve road infrastructure in Accra and other parts of the country. Discussions focused particularly on the rehabilitation, upgrading and modernisation of major roads and principal streets within the capital. Hon. Agbodza outlined the government’s broader vision for improving Ghana’s road network, noting that well-developed road infrastructure remains essential to economic growth, efficient transportation, improved mobility and the general wellbeing of citizens. He explained that the Ministry was pursuing a number of road projects in Accra and other parts of the country, including key projects being undertaken in partnership with Oswal Investment Limited. These interventions, he indicated, form part of broader efforts to address infrastructure challenges and improve the quality, accessibility and functionality of roads across the country. The Minister also highlighted plans to give the principal streets of Accra a significant facelift ahead of Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary celebrations in March 2027. The initiative is expected to contribute to the improvement of the capital’s physical appearance while enhancing the functionality and overall condition of major transportation corridors. According to Hon. Agbodza, the planned improvements are particularly significant because Accra serves as Ghana’s political, administrative, commercial and cultural centre. He stressed that the development and modernisation of the capital must therefore be pursued in a manner that reflects its importance while respecting the city’s historical identity and cultural heritage. The Minister assured the Ga Mantse of the Ministry’s continued commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at improving road infrastructure within Accra and the wider Ga State. He acknowledged the important role of traditional authorities in promoting development and expressed appreciation for the support and cooperation of the Ga Traditional Council. Hon. Agbodza further commended His Royal Majesty for his efforts to support government initiatives aimed at improving sanitation, development and the general wellbeing of residents within the capital. He noted that effective development of Accra requires collaboration among central government institutions, traditional authorities, local stakeholders and the communities themselves. He emphasised that the modernisation of Accra should not result in the loss of the city’s historical and cultural character. Rather, infrastructure development should complement efforts to preserve the heritage and identity of the Ga people and ensure that the capital remains a city in which infrastructure, culture, history and economic activity can coexist. In his remarks, His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation to the Minister and the Ministry of Roads and Highways for their continued efforts to improve road infrastructure within the Ga State and across Ghana. The Ga Mantse used the occasion to draw the Minister’s attention to the need for sustained attention to road infrastructure within Gamashie. He stressed the importance of ensuring that roads serving communities within the traditional area receive continued maintenance and development to support mobility, commerce and the overall growth of the area. His Royal Majesty noted that improved road infrastructure would have a direct impact on the lives and economic activities of residents, particularly by facilitating movement, improving access to businesses and services, and supporting the development of communities within the Ga State. The Ga Mantse also introduced the Ga Mantse Foundation to the Minister and members of the delegation. He highlighted the Foundation’s programmes and its role in supporting the development and wellbeing of the people of the Ga State. The Foundation, he explained, is involved in initiatives aimed at promoting education, youth development and broader social wellbeing. Its activities are intended to complement development efforts and create opportunities that can contribute to the advancement of young people and communities across the Ga State. The introduction of the Foundation also provided an opportunity for the Ministry and the Ga Traditional Council to consider areas where institutional collaboration could further support development initiatives within the traditional area. The engagement highlighted the importance of cooperation between government and traditional institutions in addressing the infrastructure and development needs of communities. While government remains responsible for the formulation and implementation of national infrastructure policies, traditional authorities continue to play an important role in community mobilisation, local development and the preservation of cultural heritage. Both sides recognised that sustainable development of Accra requires a coordinated approach that goes beyond road construction alone. Improved roads must be supported by effective sanitation, responsible urban development, environmental management, improved public spaces and initiatives that enhance the socioeconomic wellbeing of residents. The discussions also underscored the importance of maintaining existing road infrastructure while undertaking new projects. Regular maintenance, effective planning and timely interventions are critical to ensuring that investments in road infrastructure remain beneficial to communities over the long term. The planned facelift of Accra’s principal streets ahead of the 70th Independence Anniversary was also viewed within the broader context of preparing the capital to host national and international activities while presenting an improved image of Ghana’s capital. For the Ga Traditional Council, the preservation of Accra’s historical and cultural character remains an important consideration as the city undergoes physical and economic transformation. The engagement therefore reinforced the need for development that recognises both the contemporary needs of the capital and the historical significance of the Ga State. The courtesy call ended with a reaffirmation of the shared commitment of the Ministry of Roads and Highways and the Ga Traditional Council to advancing infrastructure development, sanitation, cultural preservation and socioeconomic progress within the Ga State. The engagement is expected to further strengthen cooperation between the Ministry and the Ga Traditional Council as stakeholders work together to address infrastructure challenges and support the sustainable development of Accra and surrounding communities. The meeting ultimately underscored a common objective: to build a more accessible, functional and modern capital while ensuring that Accra’s rich history, cultural identity and traditional heritage remain an integral part of its future development. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Government of Ghana says it is advancing plans to transform the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI) into a fully-fledged Ghana Space Agency as part of efforts to position the country to take advantage of the emerging global space economy. The Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Zanator Agyeman-Rawlings, said the initiative forms part of Government’s broader strategy to make science, technology and innovation central to national development. Addressing stakeholders in Accra on Friday, October 2, 2026, on the theme “Ghana’s Space Science and Technology Agenda: Positioning Ghana for the Space Economy of the Future,” Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said space technology was no longer the preserve of technologically advanced countries but had become critical infrastructure for modern development. She said Ghana must move beyond viewing space science as a symbol of technological prestige and instead use satellite technology, Earth observation, artificial intelligence and geospatial systems to address practical development challenges. According to the Minister, space-based technologies could provide valuable information for monitoring forests, water resources, illegal mining, coastal erosion, flooding, drought, agricultural conditions, urban expansion and marine ecosystems. She said integrating satellite imagery with drones, ground observations, geospatial systems and artificial intelligence could strengthen Ghana’s ability to detect environmental degradation, support enforcement and measure the impact of interventions. Dr Agyeman-Rawlings disclosed that processes were underway to draft legislation for the establishment of a Ghana Space Agency following Cabinet approval. She explained that the proposed agency would coordinate Ghana’s space activities, develop national space programmes, facilitate research and innovation, promote public-private partnerships and international cooperation, support space infrastructure development and strengthen Ghana’s participation in the global space economy. “The objective is not simply to create another institution,” she said, stressing that the country needed a capable national institution that could coordinate and translate space-related investments into tangible development outcomes. The Minister identified institutional transformation, space infrastructure and data, environmental sustainability and climate action, human capital development, and space entrepreneurship and private-sector participation as key pillars of Ghana’s space agenda. Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said the Ministry was particularly interested in using space technology to improve environmental governance. She noted that satellite technologies could support the monitoring of deforestation, illegal mining, land degradation, water bodies, wetlands, biodiversity, coastal ecosystems, waste management and climate-related risks. She said access to timely and spatially detailed information would allow Ghana to move from largely reactive environmental management towards evidence-based and predictive governance. The Minister also called for stronger collaboration between government institutions, universities, research organisations, development partners and the private sector to ensure that satellite data was converted into actionable information for policymaking. Dr Agyeman-Rawlings further stressed the need to develop Ghanaian expertise in emerging areas of the space economy, including aerospace and satellite engineering, astrophysics, remote sensing, artificial intelligence, robotics, data science, telecommunications, space law and policy, and space entrepreneurship. “Our greatest national space asset will not be the satellite. It will be the Ghanaian who designs it, builds it, operates it, analyses its data and develops businesses from it,” she said. She urged stakeholders to create opportunities for young Ghanaians to become creators, innovators and entrepreneurs rather than remaining only consumers of technologies developed elsewhere. The Minister said Ghana’s space ambitions could not depend solely on government investment, urging the private sector to develop commercial applications and services using satellite and geospatial technologies. She identified agriculture, insurance, banking and finance, telecommunications, logistics, mining, maritime services, disaster management, urban planning, environmental monitoring and climate services as areas with significant potential. She also announced plans to strengthen cooperation with international space agencies, development partners, universities and research institutions, while aligning Ghana’s space initiative with the African Union Agenda 2063 and the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy (STISA-2034). First 100 days As part of her First 100 Days Public Engagement Agenda, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said the Ministry would prioritise stakeholder engagement on the implementation of Ghana’s Space Policy, advance work towards the institutional and legislative framework for the proposed Space Agency, identify priority infrastructure and capacity-development needs, and deepen international and private-sector partnerships. The Ministry will also promote the use of satellite and geospatial data for environmental management, climate resilience and national development, while creating opportunities for researchers, engineers, students and entrepreneurs to participate in space-related programmes. Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said the 100-day programme was intended to provide the direction and institutional momentum required to build a sustainable national space ecosystem. She called on the media and other stakeholders to support efforts to harness space science and technology as part of the Government’s “Resetting Ghana Agenda.” On his part, Director of the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI), Dr Joseph Bremang Tandoh, says satellite technology is playing an important role in monitoring Ghana’s groundwater resources and the environmental impact of illegal mining. Dr Tandoh explained that satellite missions such as the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) can detect changes in the Earth’s gravity field caused by the movement of water, providing information that can help identify areas experiencing groundwater depletion or inadequate recharge. He said the technology could also be used to monitor the environmental footprint of illegal mining activities. According to him, satellite data indicates that Ghana lost almost 67,000 hectares of vegetation to mining activities between 2008 and 2025, an area equivalent to about 94,000 standard football fields. Dr Tandoh, however, noted that cloud cover, particularly in southern Ghana, sometimes limits the use of conventional satellite imagery, while radar-based satellite data that can penetrate clouds are relatively expensive. He further clarified that satellite imagery can identify visible changes in water, such as increased brownness or turbidity, but cannot directly determine the concentration of heavy metals such as mercury and arsenic. He said satellite-based information could nevertheless provide important evidence for policymakers and stakeholders in managing groundwater resources, monitoring mining activities and protecting the environment. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Priscilla Dodoo

Ignite Social Enterprise is an independently owned corporate enterprise with no parent-subsidiary relationship, franchise arrangement, joint venture or shared ownership with any Ghanaian company, Member of the Ignite Global Advisory Board, Mr Nathan Kwabena Adisi (Bola Ray), has clarified. According to him, Ignite operates as a separate business entity, with no Ghanaian company having no control over its operations. Mr Adisi made the clarification during a Zoom briefing with the media on Wednesday, alongside Venu Johl of Ignite Social Enterprise, Dubai, who spoke about the company's business model, product offerings and international expansion. The clarification follows discussions and commentary on social media seeking to establish a relationship between Ignite and other Ghanaian business partners. Mr Adisi explained that direct selling is a global industry where professionals may move between different organisations during their careers. He said the previous professional association of individuals with other direct-selling organisations does not, by itself, establish a corporate, legal or financial relationship between those organisations and Ignite. “Let's look at the structures, not the assumptions,” he said, urging the media and the public to distinguish between individual career histories and the formal corporate structures of the companies involved. He stressed that Ignite is independently owned and that there is no parent-subsidiary relationship between Ignite and others. “There is no franchise, no joint venture, no shared ownership. No one has no control over Ignite's operations,” he stated. Earlier during the briefing, Venu Johl of Ignite Social Enterprise, Dubai, described Ignite as a direct-selling company offering wellness products, travel and lifestyle solutions, as well as AI-based online courses. He said the company's approach is focused on building a community in which success is shared and its network remains central to the business. Johl said Ignite's products and services are designed around wellness, lifestyle, travel and digital learning, with the company pursuing an international growth strategy. Mr Adisi further described Ignite as a product distribution company, stressing that it does not operate as an investment or deposit-taking institution. He said the company does not offer investment schemes, guaranteed returns or deposit arrangements. He therefore urged the public to assess Ignite based on its stated business structure and operations rather than assumptions arising from the professional backgrounds of individuals associated with the company. Mr Adisi also outlined measures being undertaken by Ignite to strengthen compliance among its business affiliates in Ghana. He said that since the company's launch in Ghana on August 7, 2026, Ignite has been engaging various stakeholders, including government institutions and law-enforcement agencies. He mentioned engagements with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Trade and Industry. He also disclosed that the company had engaged an anti-human trafficking agency as part of its stakeholder consultations. According to him, compliance must go beyond policies on paper and should be reflected in the conduct of individuals operating under the Ignite brand. He said the company periodically organises sensitisation programmes, training and workshops for its business affiliates to ensure that they understand and comply with its policies. Mr Adisi stressed that every affiliate carries a personal responsibility to understand and follow the company's procedures. Mr Adisi said Ignite does not authorise individuals associated with the company to operate outside its established procedures or Ghanaian law. He stressed that the company does not condone fraud, deception or any unlawful activity conducted using the Ignite brand. He said where individuals are found to be acting contrary to company policies, Ignite would take appropriate steps to dissociate such persons from the organisation. He further assured that the company would respect lawful investigations by state institutions and cooperate with relevant authorities whenever concerns arise over activities involving individuals using its name. “We cooperate with lawful processes, and we allow the facts to be established by the proper authorities,” he said. Mr Adisi also disclosed that Ignite is in the process of establishing a physical office in Accra as part of efforts to strengthen its presence and stakeholder engagement in Ghana. The office is expected to be located at Ridge in Accra, on the seventh floor of a building shared with other established businesses. He said the facility would include product display areas and provide an avenue for stakeholders, including the media, to engage the company and obtain information directly. According to him, key stakeholders will be invited to the official opening of the facility. Mr Adisi said the establishment of the Ghana office forms part of Ignite's broader strategy to consolidate its operations in Ghana and expand its reach across sub-Saharan Africa. He encouraged members of the public and the media with questions about Ignite's operations to approach the company directly for clarification rather than relying solely on information circulating on social media. Brainify is seeking to bridge the gap in artificial intelligence (AI) education by providing a structured learning platform designed to help people understand and apply AI in their daily lives and work. According to John Healy, Head of Development and Strategy at Brainify, the platform was developed as an AI-powered learning ecosystem in response to the growing influence of AI across different aspects of society. Healy said Brainify is particularly focused on underserved markets, including countries across the Global South, where he said there is significant demand for accessible and structured AI education. He said the platform provides learning opportunities through online sessions, boot camps and community engagements aimed at helping users develop practical knowledge and skills in AI. According to Healy, Brainify's broader objective is to enable individuals to use AI to improve their productivity, develop new skills and create opportunities for greater social and economic mobility. He said the company believes that as AI continues to transform workplaces and communication, expanding access to AI education will be critical to ensuring that more people can participate in the emerging digital economy. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A feature on Africa’s changing cybercrime landscape, digital evidence, public safety and the future of policing Africa is going digital at extraordinary speed. Criminals are moving just as fast. More than 1.1 billion mobile subscriptions were recorded across Africa in 2025, according to INTERPOL. Phones now carry our money, conversations, businesses, identities and access to public services. This transformation is opening enormous opportunities. It is also creating a crime scene that can exist everywhere at once: on a phone in Accra, a server abroad, a social-media account, a cryptocurrency wallet or data stored in the cloud. That is why cybercrime can no longer be treated as a problem for “IT people” alone. INTERPOL’s 2026 African Cyberthreat Assessment says artificial intelligence is enabling 55 per cent of reported cybercrimes across Africa, making attacks faster, easier to scale and harder to detect. The assessment describes a threat environment that is increasingly organised, borderless and technology-enabled. MEET DUNSTAN GUBA: WHERE TECHNOLOGY MEETS PUBLIC SERVICE One Ghanaian practitioner working at that intersection is Dunstan Guba. He is the Cyber Intelligence Lead of the Criminal Investigation Department, Ghana Police Service, with work spanning cybercrime investigations, digital forensics, cyber intelligence, training and international cooperation. He lectures at the Wisconsin International University where teaches Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing and he also host of Cybercrime Alert on Ghana Police TV owned by the Ghana Police Service, a programme focused on digital safety and cyber resilience. That mix of investigation and education matters. Cybersecurity is often discussed as if it were only about systems and networks. In practice, its consequences are human: a family losing money to fraud, a business locked out by ransomware, a child placed at risk online, or an investigator trying to preserve digital evidence before it disappears. The same connection between technology and public safety is visible in Ghana’s AMBER Alert initiative where Dunstan Guba lead the initiative with Meta and serves as the lead admin of the system in Ghana. The system uses Facebook, Instagram and Messenger to distribute targeted alerts when police determine that a missing or abducted child meets the alert criteria. It is an example of digital platforms being used not only to investigate harm, but to mobilise communities quickly to protect people THE CRIME SCENE HAS CHANGED For generations, investigators have been trained to protect the physical crime scene: secure the area, photograph it, preserve fingerprints, collect exhibits and maintain the chain of custody. Those principles remain essential. But the modern investigator must also recognise another crime scene - the digital one. A fraud investigation may depend on mobile-money records. A threat may begin on social media. A kidnapping case may involve location and messaging data. A ransomware attack may leave traces in system memory, network logs and cryptocurrency transactions. Evidence may be deleted, remotely wiped or moved across jurisdictions within minutes. INTERPOL reported in 2025 that cybercrime represented more than 30 per cent of reported crime in Western and Eastern Africa. Two-thirds of surveyed African member countries described cyber-related offences as a medium-to-high share of crime. Online scams, ransomware, business email compromise and digital sextortion were among the most reported threats. The capacity gap is equally important: 90 per cent of surveyed African countries said law-enforcement or prosecution capacity required significant improvement. Ninety-five per cent reported inadequate training, resource constraints or limited access to specialized tools. GHANA: DIGITAL GROWTH, DIGITAL RISK Ghana offers a useful case study. The Cyber Security Authority recorded 2,751 actual cybersecurity incidents in 2024 and reported losses of GH¢23.33 million; online fraud represented 44 per cent of reported incidents. By the first seven months of 2026, the Authority had recorded 3,876 cybersecurity incidents, with online fraud accounting for about 47 per cent. Ghana’s Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038) created the Cyber Security Authority and established a national regulatory framework. But legislation alone cannot reconstruct an intrusion, examine a compromised phone or preserve volatile evidence. That requires trained investigators, forensic laboratories, clear procedures, prosecutors who understand electronic evidence and strong cooperation between institutions. FROM ENCRYPTED FILES TO ATTACKER BEHAVIOUR Guba’s public interventions have focused heavily on this investigative capability. At the Council of Europe Africa Forum on ransomware, he joined African lead specialists discussing digital forensics, darknet investigation, open-source intelligence, command-and-control infrastructure, data preservation, cryptocurrency analysis and suspect identification. The lesson is that the encrypted files may be only the visible end of an attack. Investigators need to understand how the attacker entered, what credentials were stolen, where the attacker moved, what data left the network, what infrastructure was used and where the money went. That technical focus has been tested internationally. Guba also secured a silver medal after placing third at the 2025 INTERPOL Digital Security Challenge in Kuala Lumpur, where participants from law-enforcement agencies across more than 60 countries were tested in areas including digital-evidence analysis, malware, network security, vulnerability identification and incident response. In the history of Ghana, he is the first Police officer to attainment such on the map of Ghana signifying that Ghana is doing well in cybersecurity excellence. His public education work takes the same ideas beyond specialist rooms. Through Cybercrime Alert, academic teaching and professional forums, the emphasis is on making digital risk understandable: people need to recognise threats, institutions need to preserve evidence, and investigators need the skills to follow the digital trail. AFRICA CANNOT INVESTIGATE ALONE A victim may be in Ghana, the offender in another country, the platform holding evidence somewhere else, and the criminal proceeds moving through several financial or cryptocurrency systems. That makes international cooperation part of the investigation itself. INTERPOL reported that 86 per cent of African countries surveyed in 2025 believed their international-cooperation capacity needed improvement. Yet coordinated operations show what is possible. Operation Serengeti 2.0, involving authorities from 18 African countries and the United Kingdom, resulted in 1,209 arrests, USD 97.4 million recovered and 11,432 malicious infrastructures dismantled in 2025. The lesson is simple: cybercriminals can collaborate, outsource services and cross borders quickly. Law enforcement must be able to preserve evidence, share intelligence and coordinate lawful investigations with comparable speed. AFRICA MUST BUILD ITS OWN CYBER INVESTIGATORS According to Dunstan Guba, technology alone will not solve the problem. A forensic tool is only as useful as the person who understands what it can prove, what it cannot prove and how its findings can be explained in court. This is where Guba’s work as both practitioner and educator becomes relevant to the wider African conversation. He also states that training police investigators and postgraduate cybersecurity students helps close the distance between theory and the real crime scene. Africa needs more investigators who understand both crime and technology; more digital forensic examiners; prosecutors and judges comfortable with electronic evidence; and specialists in malware, mobile forensics, cyber intelligence, cryptocurrency tracing and incident response. Artificial intelligence raises the stakes again. It can help criminals automate reconnaissance, improve phishing, imitate people and scale fraud. It can also help defenders analyse information and identify patterns faster. INTERPOL’s 2026 recommendations therefore include standardised digital-forensic capability, stronger cross-border cooperation and investment in AI literacy for law-enforcement officers. The future of cybercrime investigation in Africa is therefore not simply about buying more technology. It is about building people, institutions and partnerships capable of turning digital traces into reliable evidence and reliable evidence into lawful action. Africa’s digital transformation will continue. The question is whether the continent’s investigative capacity will grow with it. Ghana’s experience shows both the urgency of the threat and the value of investing in skills, public awareness, digital forensics, child protection and international cooperation. The crime scene has changed. The criminal has changed. The evidence has changed. Africa’s investigations must change too. Credit: Dunstan Guba, INTERPOL-OPs SENTINEL

Samuel Nartey George, MP has called for a complete overhaul of Ghana football, including the dissolution of the Black Stars and the removal of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) leadership. The Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations Minister made the call after Ghana suffered a second successive defeat in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, losing 4-2 to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium. The Black Stars appeared to be in control after Ernest Nuamah and Felix Afena-Gyan gave Ghana a two-goal advantage. However, The Gambia turned the game around to leave Ghana empty-handed. The result came on the back of a 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Ghana’s opening Group C fixture, further complicating the team’s efforts to secure a place at the 2027 AFCON. Reacting on X, Sam George maintained that Ghana should abandon what he described as temporary fixes and undertake a fundamental rebuilding of the national team and football administration. “As for the Black Stars, my position before is my position today. Disband the team. Sack the FA. Let FIFA ban us for two years. Take the time to properly rebuild the team. Truth hurts, but the patchwork is worse. Cheers,” he posted. Ghana missed out on the 2025 AFCON in Morocco and will now look to revive its qualification hopes when it faces Somalia in a double-header scheduled for October. The 2027 AFCON will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Police Service has arrested three people over the suspected kidnapping and murder of 33-year-old phone dealer, Nana Yaw Kyere, whose disappearance was reported on September 22, 2026. The suspects are Philip Dzifa Kofi Tefe, Sarah Osei Adams and Josiah Obodai. The arrests followed investigations by the Police Missing Persons Unit into the disappearance of the victim, who reportedly left his residence at Kokomlemle in Accra on September 19 in his Honda Civic but never returned. Police investigations indicate that Nana Yaw Kyere was allegedly taken to the residence of Philip Tefe at Teshie Agbleza after being lured there by Sarah Osei Adams. According to the police, the two suspects have since admitted to their involvement in the incident. Investigators say Philip Tefe allegedly attacked Nana Yaw Kyere during a confrontation, striking him with a metal object and causing serious injuries. The victim was subsequently moved into another room, where he was reportedly left without medical attention until he died. Police further established that the body was removed from the house on September 20 and transported in a Kia Morning vehicle to an area near the motorway. The body was allegedly abandoned in a bush and set on fire. The partially burnt remains were found at Community 18 on September 21. Identification was later carried out at the Police Hospital morgue, where the victim's biological mother and uncle identified the remains on September 24. As investigators pursued the case, police recovered the victim's iPhone 12, which was allegedly sold by Philip Tefe for GH¢100. The individual who allegedly bought the phone, identified as Sunday Omeje, has been cautioned and detained for allegedly receiving stolen property. Police subsequently arrested Josiah Obodai following leads pointing to his alleged involvement in the transportation and disposal of the victim's body. A Kia Morning belonging to Obodai's father has also been impounded by investigators over its suspected use in moving the deceased. DSP Richmond Mensah, Staff Officer at the Public Affairs Directorate of the Ghana Police Service, said the three suspects are currently in police custody. He said they will be arraigned before the court as investigations continue, adding that the police are working to establish the involvement of any other persons connected to the case. The investigation remains ongoing. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana’s building cost inflation rose to 4.6% in August 2026, from 4.0% in July, driven largely by higher prices of construction materials and continued pressure from plant and equipment costs. The Government Statistician, Dr. Iddrisu Alhassan, disclosed this at the release of the August 2026 Prime Building Cost Index (PBCI) by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). According to Dr. Alhassan, building costs increased by 4.6% year-on-year in August 2026, while prices recorded a marginal 0.1% increase between July and August 2026. He noted that although building cost inflation has increased in recent months, the current rate remains significantly below the 12.0% recorded in August 2025, reflecting a substantial moderation in the pace of construction cost increases over the past year. The PBCI stood at 138.4 in August 2026, compared with 132.3 in August 2025, while the annual average inflation rate for the 12 months to August 2026 was 4.3%. Dr. Alhassan explained that materials remained the dominant source of pressure on building costs, recording 5.8% year-on-year inflation in August, compared with 5.1% in July. Materials account for 76.5% of the PBCI basket and contributed 96.5% of the upward movement in the headline building inflation rate. He said the figures demonstrate that construction costs are being influenced by different movements across individual inputs rather than by a uniform increase in prices. Among the construction inputs recording the fastest price increases were plumbing, 26.1%; reinforcement, 24.2%; small tools, 23.4%; roofing sheets, 21.7%; and glazing, 20.4%. In contrast, prices of some major inputs declined. Steel fell by 8.9%, cement by 7.1%, fine aggregate by 5.1%, unskilled labour by 4.6%, and skilled labour by 1.8%. Dr. Alhassan identified plant and equipment costs as an area requiring closer attention from businesses and policymakers. Plant inflation stood at 17.9% year-on-year in August, marginally lower than the 18.0% recorded in July. Although plant has a relatively small 4.0% weight in the PBCI basket, it contributed 15.6% to the headline inflation rate, underscoring its impact on overall construction costs. Small tools recorded inflation of 23.4%, while equipment prices increased by 10.7% over the same period. The Government Statistician also pointed to labour costs as a factor helping to moderate overall building cost pressures. Labour inflation was recorded at -2.9% in August, compared with -3.2% in July. Skilled labour costs declined by 1.8%, while unskilled labour costs fell by 4.6% year-on-year. Labour consequently recorded a negative 12.1% contribution to headline building inflation, partly offsetting increases recorded in materials and plant. Dr. Alhassan said the latest figures provide important information for contractors, developers, investors and government agencies involved in construction. The GSS has encouraged businesses to use current market evidence when pricing contracts and to carefully manage their exposure to plant, tools and construction materials experiencing higher inflation. The statistical service also recommends flexible procurement arrangements and transparent price-adjustment clauses to help businesses manage changes in construction costs. For government, the GSS says the relatively lower inflation environment presents an opportunity to improve project delivery while closely monitoring plant and installation costs and strengthening artisan skills, procurement data and local supply chains. The August figures point to a construction sector where overall inflation has moderated considerably compared with a year ago, but significant price pressures remain in selected areas. Dr. Alhassan said the key message from the latest PBCI is that building inflation remains low overall, while plant, tools and selected installation materials have emerged as the main pressure points. The GSS says the PBCI is intended to provide businesses, households, investors and government with reliable cost information for budgeting, contract decisions, project planning and investment decisions. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Government of Ghana through Ministry of Health has launched the 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a renewed call for Ghanaians to seek prompt medical attention for breast abnormalities, warning that delays in diagnosis and treatment can cost lives. Launching the month-long campaign in Accra on Tuesday, Deputy Minister for Health, Hon. Prof. Grace Ayensu Danquah, said the theme, “Early Action, Better Outcomes,” must translate public awareness into timely access to diagnosis and treatment. She said breast cancer remains the leading cancer affecting women in Ghana, with an estimated 4,650 new cases and about 2,060 deaths annually, describing the disease as a major health, social and economic burden on families and the health system. Prof. Danquah said Ghana’s response is centred on four key areas: prevention, early detection, equitable access to treatment and compassionate care. She noted that the country is promoting breast awareness, clinical breast examinations by trained health workers and stronger referral systems to ensure that suspected cases move quickly from presentation to diagnosis and treatment. The Deputy Minister also called for continued investment in pathology, imaging and radiotherapy services, stressing that early presentation must be matched by the capacity to provide timely and effective treatment. She identified fear, stigma, misinformation, cost and geographical barriers as some of the factors contributing to delays in seeking care. Addressing common misconceptions, she said a biopsy does not spread cancer and urged people not to dismiss painless breast lumps or rely on unproven remedies before seeking professional medical care. Under the World Health Organization’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative, Ghana is pursuing targets that include increasing early-stage diagnosis, ensuring diagnosis within 60 days of first presentation and improving treatment completion rates. Prof. Danquah said the breast cancer campaign also forms part of Ghana’s broader cancer-control agenda, including efforts to strengthen the National Cancer Registry and revise the National Cancer Strategy. She further highlighted government initiatives intended to reduce the financial barriers associated with cancer and other non-communicable diseases, including the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as Mahama Cares, and the Free Primary Health Care Initiative. The Deputy Minister called on health agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, researchers, the private sector, traditional and faith leaders, survivors and caregivers to intensify public education and support for people affected by breast cancer. Her message to the public was direct: know what is normal for your breasts and seek medical attention promptly if you notice a lump, changes in the skin or nipple, nipple discharge or swelling in the armpit. “Go to a health facility first, not last,” she urged. Prof. Danquah subsequently declared the 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness Month officially launched, calling for a national commitment to early action and improved outcomes for everyone affected by breast cancer. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith