The Ghana AIDS Commission has disclosed that there are over 60,049 female sex workers in Ghana. This is according to its 2019 report. This revelation underscores the need for enhanced public health interventions and support services to address the challenges faced by this vulnerable population. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The driver of a tipper truck has died while two other persons are critically injured following an accident at Krispol City Junction, Kasoa on Friday, June 21. The driver who fell beneath the vehicle was run over by the tyres and died instantly. His mates also suffered critical injuries and were rushed to the Mother and Child Hospital in Kasoa, while the body of the deceased has also been deposited at the morgue of the same facility for preservation. According to an eyewitness account, the driver failed to lower the dumper of the truck to a secured position after tipping sand at a fuel station close by. The dumper therefore lifted suddenly and struck the overpass at Krispol City Junction. The cabin of the truck registered GN 7842-21 got ripped off throwing both the driver and his two mates overboard. “The vehicle while heading in the Budumburam camp direction didn’t notice that the dumper had lifted. All of a sudden, what we noticed was a big bang on the side of the Krispol City bridge. The driver came through the front windscreen and fell under the car, forcing the truck to run over him." “The two driver’s mate also suffered a similar fate. The driver came to tip sand at a nearby station and suddenly this accident occurred,” Katu Dennis an eyewitness disclosed. Meanwhile, an individual who is yet to be identified broke into the scene to steal an unspecified amount of money and smartphones from the accident victims. Some eyewitnesses expressed disgust at the act. Credit: Citinewsroom

The Ga Mantse, His Royal Majesty, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has called for a unified effort to make Accra cleaner, urging all residents, businesses, and institutions to participate actively in the Homowo Clean-Up Campaign. Speaking at the campaign's launch, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II stressed the importance of closing all shops and businesses in the designated cleanup areas on the day of the exercise. He emphasized the necessity for leaders of various groups and associations to fully engage in the cleanup efforts. "The involvement of all residents, particularly in the capital, will enhance environmental cleanliness and reduce the prevalence of waste-related diseases," he stated. King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II highlighted the need for collective action to foster discipline, community ownership, and responsibility for the ecosystem. He called for strict adherence to sanitation bylaws, with violators facing the full extent of the law. "We must act collectively to address environmental degradation and promote sustainable waste management practices," he urged. The Ga Mantse endorsed the introduction of sanitation competitions, with awards given to the cleanest areas in the capital. These competitions will include schools, markets, residential areas, offices, workshops, and lorry stations. "I hope the attractive awards will incentivize all city dwellers to participate fully," he said. King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II appealed to corporate bodies to adopt green policies and beautify the capital. He also urged the Advertising Association of Ghana to work with local authorities to declutter billboards and remove unauthorized advertising materials from road medians to enhance the city's aesthetics. He reiterated the importance of the bylaws on cleaning and greening frontages, which require households and businesses to clean their premises, maintain the cleanliness of grass and drains, beautify their frontages, and ensure proper waste disposal. "Assemblies must collaborate with waste management service providers to place refuse bins at strategic points to discourage littering," he noted. King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II called for intensified public education and the reintroduction of communal labor activities to reinforce environmental sanitation efforts. "The assemblies must strengthen their efforts in enforcing sanitation bylaws, which is our collective responsibility," he stated. King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II emphasized the collaborative nature of the Greater Accra Regional Homowo Clean-Up Initiative. "This represents a joint effort towards achieving a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for all residents. I urge everyone to join this necessary campaign to make Accra clean again," he declared. Taking his turn, Greater Accra Regional Minister, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover underscored the importance of collective action in maintaining cleanliness across the region. Mr. Titus-Glover highlighted the shared responsibility of ensuring a cleaner environment and called for active participation from all sectors of society. Reflecting on past efforts, Titus-Glover paid tribute to his predecessor, Honourable Henry Quartey, for significant strides made under the "Agenda: Let's Make Accra Work Again" initiative and the "Clean Your Frontage" campaign. He committed to building upon this foundation, emphasizing that waste management and sanitation are critical pillars in mitigating flooding and ensuring a safer environment for all residents. "Today, as we embark on this Homowo Cleanup Campaign, I am reminded of the responsibility we bear to fulfill this promise," Titus-Glover stated. "Under the stewardship of my predecessor, Honourable Henry Quartey, significant strides were made towards achieving a cleaner, greater Accra. We are committed to sustaining and expanding these efforts." He acknowledged the invaluable support of traditional leaders, particularly the Grand Traditional Council headed by Nii Ayi Bonte II, whose endorsement and active involvement have been instrumental in revitalizing the campaign. "Their commitment to lead by example during the Homowo festivities underlines their dedication to environmental stewardship," he said. The Homowo Clean-Up Campaign officially commenced across all local government jurisdictions in the Greater Accra Region. The initiative will be rolled out in phases to ensure comprehensive coverage and effective implementation. "We are resourceful in forging partnerships and engaging stakeholders from various sectors to ensure the success and sustainability of this initiative," Titus-Glover noted. Expressing gratitude, Titus-Glover thanked Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, the group chair of the Jospong Group of Companies, for his substantial contributions to the campaign. "From compaction trucks to cleaning equipment, we are well prepared and focused to support the efforts of our communities and traditional authorities," he stated. The logistical support for the campaign includes the mobilization of approximately 30 compaction trucks, over 30 motorized cycles, and a variety of cleaning equipment such as boots, trash bags, PPEs, shovels, spades, and long brooms. Additionally, about 1,500 security personnel and a dedicated task force comprising traditional leaders, Environmental Health Officers, and other community members will be deployed to enforce sanitation regulations and uphold cleaning standards. Mr. Titus-Glover emphasized that the success of the campaign hinges not only on logistical support but also on the active participation of every citizen. "Cleanliness is a shared responsibility that demands collective action," he declared. "I ask each and every one of you—residents, community leaders, businesses, and institutions, both public and private—to join hands in this noble cause and build a resilient and enviable urban region. Your contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in preserving our environment." He also called on media partners to amplify the message of the Homowo Clean-Up Exercise, highlighting their role in raising awareness about cleanliness and environmental consciousness. On her part, Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Lydia Seyram Alhassan, has reaffirmed the Akufo-Addo administration's commitment to making Accra the cleanest city in Africa. Madam Alhassan announced the distribution of 400 cleaning tools and personal protective equipment (PPEs) to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) throughout the Greater Accra Region. This initiative aims to empower local authorities with the necessary resources to effectively manage waste and maintain cleanliness within their areas. In her speech, Madam Alhassan emphasized the establishment of sanitation committees designed to oversee sanitation activities, encourage community involvement, and promote sustainable practices across various municipalities. "These committees are crucial in mobilizing local resources and driving grassroots participation in our cleanup efforts," she noted. "Their role is essential in not only addressing immediate sanitation challenges but also in fostering a culture of regular and proactive waste management among citizens." The Minister who doubles as the Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon also stressed the importance of involving traditional rulers in the sanitation efforts. "It has become imperative to politically involve our traditional rulers, who are the custodians of the land, to lend their support to this broader call," she said. "Their involvement symbolizes the unity and collective action required to achieve our sanitation goals." The Minister reminded the public that cleanliness is not a one-time event but a continuous process that demands dedication and participation from everyone. "As we engage in this exercise, let us remember that cleanliness requires the dedication and involvement of every individual," Madam Alhassan stated. She assured that the government remains unwavering in its vision of transforming Accra into the cleanest city in Africa. "The Ministry will continue to collaborate with various traditional authorities and MMDAs to ensure a cleaner, healthier, and more beautiful Accra," she affirmed. Expressing gratitude, Alhassan thanked all partners, stakeholders, and community members who have supported and participated in the initiative. "Your efforts are invaluable, and your commitment is deeply appreciated," she said. Mayor of Accra, Elizabeth Kwaatso Sackey highlighted the urgent need for effective waste management strategies as the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) continues to generate significant amounts of municipal waste. Madam Sackey revealed that GAMA produces approximately 4,000 metric tons of municipal waste daily, a figure recorded during the 2021 Population and Housing Census conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). The Mayor warned that this number is likely to increase due to the rising population and expanding social and economic activities in the region. She stressed the necessity for pragmatic measures to realize President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s vision of making Accra the cleanest city in Africa. "The need for a clean environment in all parts of the region cannot be overemphasized. It provides a healthy living environment for everyone and protects natural resources such as surface water, groundwater, and soil for agricultural and horticultural purposes," Madam Sackey stated. She added that a clean environment also promotes safety, security, tourism, and other economic potentials of the region and the country as a whole. The Mayor praised the Greater Accra Region's new Regional Minister, Daniel Nii Kwatei Titus-Glover, for continuing the sanitation initiatives of his predecessor, Hon. Henry Quartey. Highlighting the significance of the Homowo Clean-Up Campaign, Sackey noted that the exercise, scheduled from Tuesday, July 2, to Tuesday, August 20, 2024, aims to rekindle individual and collective commitment to proper sanitation in communities. She emphasized that the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) are committed to sustaining the exercise even after the Homowo Festival. "The presence of His Royal Majesty, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, and other concerned Ministers of State at this function signifies the importance we must all attach to the issue of sanitation, MadamSackey noted. Mayor Sackey called for the maximum cooperation of all stakeholders in the region, particularly: "Waste service providers to work closely with the Assemblies to ensure the timely collection and evacuation of waste. Support from traditional authorities and other stakeholders to help change people's behavior and attitudes towards the haphazard disposal of waste in unauthorized areas such as drains, streets, and pavements. Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Deputy Minister of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, emphasized the importance of making Accra the cleanest city in Africa. "The Homowo Clean-Up Exercise we are launching today forms part of the activities leading to the Homowo Festival. This initiative, supported by the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development (MLGDRD), aims to make Accra clean and tidy in preparation for the celebration," Mr. Assafuah stated. "As the saying goes, ‘Cleanliness is next to Godliness,’ and it is in this vein that we are calling on all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to join hands in our quest to make this exercise successful." Mr. Assafuah reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to providing resources to all MMDAs to keep cities clean and attractive, complementing the government's ongoing efforts. He praised the "Clean Your Frontage" campaign, led by the current Minister of the Interior and former Greater Accra Regional Minister, as a significant step towards achieving this goal. "The Ministry wishes to identify with this laudable initiative and commit to fully supporting the Homowo Clean-Up Exercise," he said. The Deputy Minister also commended the leadership of His Majesty, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, for his dedication to maintaining a clean and healthy Accra during the festival. "On behalf of the Minister and the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, and our MMDAs, we assure you of our utmost support in this endeavor," Assafuah affirmed. Highlighting the cultural significance of the Homowo Festival, Assafuah noted that the festival symbolizes resilience and the spirit of community. "By participating in the Homowo Clean-Up Exercise, we honor this heritage and work towards a cleaner, healthier environment for all," he remarked. Mr. Assafuah stressed that cleanliness and sanitation are integral to national development, contributing to public health, tourism, and overall quality of life. He assured that the Ministry is dedicated to sustaining and expanding these initiatives. "We encourage all citizens, traditional leaders, and community groups to actively participate in the Homowo Clean-Up Exercise. Your involvement is crucial to its success and to the betterment of our communities," he urged. Beyond the Homowo Festival, Mr. Assafuah called for the adoption of sustainable practices in daily life, including proper waste management, recycling, and community cleanliness. He assured that the Ministry would continue to support these efforts with necessary resources and policies. "May the spirit of Homowo guide and manifest in all our endeavors! Afi oooo Afi. Thank you for your collective efforts, and may our commitment lead to a prosperous Ghana. God bless us all," Mr. Assafuah concluded. The Homowo Clean-Up Exercise, running from July 2 to August 20, 2024, aims to mobilize community involvement and ensure a cleaner Accra, in line with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's vision of making Accra the cleanest city in Africa. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Renowned Ghanaian Gospel Musician, Joe Mettle has revealed that the highly anticipated Praise Reloaded 2024 will be a free event for all to attend. Known for its electrifying performances and spiritual atmosphere, Praise Reloaded is traditionally a ticketed event. However, this year's edition promises to break new ground by welcoming everyone, without the barrier of an entry fee. Joe Mettle shared this exciting news, emphasizing the collaborative effort that has made this possible. "Although Praise Reloaded is a free event, we have partners and sponsors who are taking care of the logistics," he stated gratefully. Joe Mettle’s announcement is a testament to the power of community and shared purpose. "I am grateful to God for the team He has given me. Some of my friends have been very supportive, and so have some of the churches." This year's Praise Reloaded is set to be a spectacular celebration of faith and music, bolstered by the generous support of individuals and church communities. "The majority of the people who are supporting Praise Reloaded are actually individuals and the churches," Joe Mettle explained. "Some of them do not want their names mentioned." This wave of quiet, heartfelt contributions underscores the event's theme of unity and shared spiritual joy. The announcement comes at a time when Joe Mettle has been incredibly busy. "I couldn't really follow TGMAs this year," he admitted. "That was because of my upcoming event—Praise Reloaded. My head was all over the place." Despite his hectic schedule, Joe Mettle still found time to appreciate the musical achievements of his peers, particularly lauding Stonebwoy's win for 'Record of the Year' with the song "Manodzi." "I think it was equally an amazing production," Mettle noted, showcasing his support for the broader Ghanaian music community. Praise Reloaded 2024 promises to be an extraordinary event, filled with dynamic performances and a sense of togetherness that transcends ticket prices. Joe Mettle’s decision to make the event free highlights his commitment to inclusivity and his deep appreciation for the support of his community. As anticipation builds, gospel music fans across Ghana and beyond are marking their calendars for what is sure to be a landmark event in the gospel music scene. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to Joe Mettle’s music, Praise Reloaded 2024 is an unmissable opportunity to experience the powerful, uplifting atmosphere of one of Ghana’s premier gospel events—now open to everyone, free of charge. The event is scheduled for June 30 at the Accra Sports Stadium. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghanaian Gospel Musician, Joe Mettle has disclosed that he will not accept sponsorship from any alcoholic brand. Speaking on an Accra-based radio station on Thursday, he said "It’s a no for me" He noted that mostly, brands sponsor shows they can align with. It will be recalled a Supreme Court ruling has upheld the decision by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) of Ghana to prohibit celebrities from endorsing alcoholic beverages. This regulation, implemented to protect public health and curb underage drinking, aims to reduce the influence of high-profile personalities on young audiences. The Supreme Court's agreement with the FDA underscores the importance of promoting responsible drinking habits and protecting vulnerable populations from the potential harms of alcohol consumption. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Celebrated Ghanaian Gospel Musician, Joe Mettle has hinted that collaborating with secular artists is one of the doors he does not want to open. He made these remarks while speaking on an Accra based radio staion on Thursday. "The spirit has a reason for the directions it gives. Once you do for one artist, you will be forced to do it for the others" Joe Mettle's stance highlights his commitment to maintaining the integrity of his gospel music ministry. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Supreme Court has by a unanimous decision thrown out an application seeking to start the trial of  former Chief Executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr Stephen Kwabena Opuni and two others afresh. In a ruling Wednesday (June 19, 2024) a five member panel of the highest court presided over by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, dismissed as without merit, the appeal against a decision by the Court of Appeal in July 2023 which ruled that the trial should continue instead of the High Court’s decision to start the trial afresh. The appeal was filed by lawyers for Dr Stephen Kwabena Opuni. Background Dr Opuni and businessman, Seidu Agongo, were charged in March 2018, for allegedly causing a financial loss of more than GH¢271 million to the state in a series of fertiliser deals during his tenure at COCOBOD. The accused persons have pleaded not guilty to all the 24 charges. After five years of trial, the presiding judge, Justice Clemence Honyenuga, a Justice of the Supreme Court, with additional responsibility as a High Court judge, retired in March 2023. The Chief Justice then appointed a new judge, Justice Kwasi Anokye Gyimah, to preside over the case. With the new development, the prosecution filed an application, urging the High Court to adopt the previous proceedings of the case before Justice Honyenuga, which had been ongoing for five years. However, in a ruling on April 4, 2023, Justice Gyimah said the trial must start afresh because it would be unfair for him to adopt the proceedings of Justice Honyenuga, which had been “saddled” with numerous allegations. That decision was overturned by the Court of Appeal following an appeal by the Attorney-General. Dr Opuni then appealed against the ruling of the Court of Appeal at the Supreme Court. Credit: Graphic online

A budget analysis of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has shown that 99.51 per cent of its allocation goes into two social protection programmes, leaving 0.49 per cent for running the ministry. The School Feeding Programme and the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP), two social protection programmes under the ministry, swallow up GH¢2.1 billion of the ministry’s GH¢2.2 billion budget allocation from the Ministry of Finance for 2024. This represents 99.51 per cent of funds allocated to the ministry. Although the ministry’s 2024 budget allocation was a 57.13 per cent increase over the 2023 allocation, the release amounts to less than one per cent of the national budget of GH¢226.7 billion for the year. Dialogue A Gender and Human Rights Advocate, Frank Wilson Bodza, made this known at a dialogue on budgetary allocations to the Domestic Violence Fund and its relevance to survivors. The dialogue was organised by FIDA-Ghana under its Transformative Action for Gender Equality (TAGE) in collaboration with ActionAid, with funding from the European Union (EU). Mr Bodza pointed out that from the 0.49 per cent remaining for management and administration of the ministry, its headquarters received 0.21 per cent of the budget allocation, amounting to GH¢4.5 million, gender equality and women empowerment is allocated GH¢464,659, which is 0.02 per cent of the ministry’s budget. Child protection, promotion and development gets GH¢464,659 which is also 0.02 per cent, while the Human Trafficking Fund gets GH¢2.17 million, making up 0.10 per cent of the budget. The Domestic Violence Fund is expected to get GH¢2.74 million, approximately 0.13 per cent of the allocation to the ministry. Mr Bodze said the budget analysis of the ministry had been ongoing for a while to inform advocacy for improved budget allocation to the ministry. DV Fund He said after the passage of the DV Act in 2007, it established the Domestic Violence Support Fund towards the basic material support of the victims of domestic violence. It is also for the training of the families of victims of domestic violence, for any matter connected with the rescue, rehabilitation and integration of victims of domestic violence. The fund is also towards the construction of reception shelters for victims of domestic violence in regions and districts, and also for training and capacity-building of persons connected with the provision of shelters, rehabilitation and integration. He said after the first seed money of GH¢50,000 in 2008, it was not until 2021 that an allocation of GH¢1 million was made to the fund but was never released. However, in 2022, the total allocation of GH¢2.12 million was released in full while in 2023, only 68 per cent of the allocation to the fund was released. He recommended that the ministry prioritise the provision and maintenance of shelters preferably in all 16 regions of Ghana and expand offices to the regions and districts. However, he said in the interim, he had called on the DV Secretariat to have a liaison officer in each region and also called for continuous advocacy to enable sustained funding to the DV Support Fund. He called for the release of the total annual budgetary allocation to the DV Fund at the beginning of the year to enable effective planning and implementation of activities relating to domestic violence. Tracking budgetary allocation A Project Officer at ActionAid Ghana, Joyce Lena Danquah, in an address, said the tracking of the budget allocation had become necessary as the stakeholders wanted to ensure that the safety of women and girls was assured. The acting Executive Director, FIDA-Ghana, Susan Aryeetey, said the mission of both ActionAid Ghana and FIDA Ghana, which were being supported by the EU, over the past two years under the TAGE project, had been to empower survivors to demand access to justice and to address the cultural norms that fuelled domestic violence. She said statistics over the years had shown an increase in reported cases and, therefore, the need for a functioning Domestic Violence Fund that prioritised a decentralised fund that was easily accessible by survivors from all 16 regions. The fund must also support shelters and ensure psycho-social support and other essential services such as legal aid, Ms Aryeetey added. “We also need a fund that can support economic training initiatives and also sustain community outreach and awareness programmes to address the norms that fuel domestic violence,” the acting Executive Director of FIDA-Ghana said. Credit: Graphic online

Asante Kotoko SC have announced the departure of seven more players on mutual consent today following the closure of the 2023/24 league season. This brings the total number to 18 after the club earlier announced the release of 11 other players also on mutual agreement on Tuesday, June 18. The seven players leaving are Samuel Asamoah, Nanabayin Amoah, Isahaku Fiseini, Rocky Dwamena, Richmond Opoku, Julius Ofori Ziggy, and Shadrack Addo. Kotoko finished in sixth place after a challenging season, including a seven-match winless streak, leading to a crucial meeting with the club owner Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. The club ended the season without a trophy, prompting a major overhaul of the squad to improve performance in the upcoming season. Reports indicate that Kotoko is looking forward to recruiting new players, including Great Olympics goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who won the Golden Glove after keeping 17 clean sheets in the just-ended season. Despite Asare’s impressive performance, his club, Great Olympics, was relegated. Credit: Graphic online

Ghanaian broadcast journalist, Afua Asantewaa O Aduonum has announced her determination to break the Guinness World Record for the longest individual singing marathon, following a disqualification in her previous attempt. Madam Aduonum first attempted to surpass Indian singer Sunil Waghmare’s record of 105 hours of continuous singing, set in 2012, in December 2023. Despite falling short, she remains undeterred and is preparing for a second attempt. The mother of three revealed that her initial attempt was hampered by a lack of preparation time, having only two weeks to organize the challenge. This time, with more time to prepare, Aduonum is confident that she can achieve her goal and bring pride to Ghana. In a video message shared with Graphic Showbiz, Aduonum likened her pursuit to the persistence of Ghanaian sports teams and political candidates. “I've been thinking about it a lot, and I believe that the record attempt I embarked on is similar to the Black Stars participating in a World Cup, or the Black Queens participating in an African Cup competition, or a presidential candidate running for office. I've never seen the Black Stars quit football because they didn’t qualify for the World Cup—they still play all the time,” she said. She continued, “I have seen presidential candidates who have not won the presidential seat but still keep trying. So if I attempted the world record and it was not successful, it doesn’t mean I need to give up. We are still considering it. Moving forward, I believe we have learned a lot. We had only two weeks to prepare for our attempt in December 2023, so with the months ahead, we can properly prepare, hit the mark, and make Ghana proud. If I succeed next year, I will put Ghana on the map.” Aduonum's unwavering spirit and determination reflect her dedication to not only achieving personal success but also representing her country on a global stage. With ample preparation time, she is optimistic about her chances of breaking the record and setting a new benchmark in the world of singing marathons. Story by: Thinnknewsroom

Ghana is grappling with a persistent HIV epidemic, despite a decade-long effort to curb new infections. Data from the 2023 national and sub-national HIV and AIDS estimates reveal a troubling scenario: 17,774 people were newly infected with HIV last year. This includes 6,457 males and 11,317 females. The new infections are particularly alarming among the youth, with 4,869 individuals aged 15 to 24, 1,698 children under 15, and 1,520 adolescents aged 10 to 19 contracting the virus. Adults above 15 years old accounted for 16,076 new cases. Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, disclosed these figures in Accra on Wednesday, highlighting a 14.8 per cent decrease in new infections from 2013 to 2023. However, this falls short of the annual target of a 17 per cent reduction. "The data indicates that Ghana has not been able to achieve its annual target of a 17 per cent reduction in new HIV infections in the last ten years," Dr. Atuahene said. Looking forward, Ghana aims for a 41 per cent reduction in new HIV infections between 2023 and 2030. Projections for 2023 also paint a grim picture of the HIV landscape in Ghana. Approximately 334,095 people were living with HIV, including 115,891 males and 218,204 females. This population included 17,550 children under 14, 16,381 adolescents between 10 and 19, 33,245 young adults between 15 and 24, and 316,545 adults aged 15 and up. The data showed a nine per cent increase in the HIV population from 2013 to 2023, with an expected rise of 6.8 per cent by 2030. Additionally, 12,480 Ghanaians succumbed to AIDS-related illnesses in 2023, despite the availability of treatments that can prevent the progression and fatality of the disease. Dr. Atuahene stressed that AIDS-related mortality should not continue, given the effective treatments available. He emphasized Ghana's commitment to the global 95-95-95 targets, which aim to ensure 95 per cent of people living with HIV are aware of their status, 95 per cent of those receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) attain viral suppression, and 95 per cent of those on ART know their status by 2025. In 2023, Ghana achieved 65.3 per cent for the first target, 69.4 per cent for the second, and 89.0 per cent for the third. The majority of those living with HIV in Ghana are between the ages of 15 and 49, a demographic that is also the country's economically active population. "Stopping the AIDS epidemic in the country should be a key priority for everyone," Dr. Atuahene urged, underscoring the importance of continued efforts and increased awareness to combat the HIV crisis. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Senior Presidential Advisor, Yaw Osafo-Marfo has voiced his concern over the alarming number of uncollected passports in Ghana. Speaking to journalists in Accra on Wednesday, Mr. Osafo-Marfo revealed that approximately 86,000 passports remain unclaimed by the public. Mr. Osafo-Marfo highlighted the significant improvements made by the Department of Passport Services (DPS) in recent years, despite facing challenges such as limited capacity in printing and outdated machinery. He disclosed that about 8,696 passports are sitting in the Cape Coast office uncollected likewise 19,500 in the Accra office. To address these issues, the government has supplied new IT equipment to the DPS, enabling them to print passports in-house and enhancing overall efficiency. "The DPS has 33 operational offices across the country, all of which have been equipped with the relevant electronic equipment to streamline the passport printing process," Osafo-Marfo stated. "As a result, the time required for registration has been reduced from six hours to under two hours." He further noted that the production capacity of the DPS has seen a substantial increase, from 700 passports per day before the COVID-19 pandemic to 2,500 per day currently. This boost in productivity has allowed the DPS to significantly reduce their backlog of unprinted passports from 76,000 to 8,000. In addition to passport services, the DPS has made strides in improving the birth and death registries. The department has produced around 1.2 million birth and death certificates for newborn babies, a significant improvement from previous periods when the registries operated under constrained schemes. "Passports are critical documents, and it is essential for citizens to collect them once they are ready," Osafo-Marfo emphasized. "We have implemented systems to capture bio-data effectively and have supported the DPS in enhancing their in-house management capabilities." Mr. Osafo-Marfo urged the public to promptly collect their passports to ensure that the government's efforts in improving these services are not in vain. The enhanced systems and equipment are in place to provide efficient and timely passport services, and the public's cooperation is necessary to fully realize these benefits. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith