President Akufo-Addo has charged political parties to uphold unity and peace ahead of the December 7 elections this year. Delivering his State of the Nation Address on Tuesday, February 27, the President said although the Electoral Commission has the upper mandate to constitute elections, political parties do have responsibility in ensuring a peaceful elections. He said political parties must keep in mind the denigration of their credibility if they fail to promote a peaceful elections. “A lot of the responsibility lies on the EC to put the organization in place to ensure that we have credible elections. A lot of responsibility lies on the political parties as well and I hope that the parties recognize that their credibility is on the line especially some people wanting to undermine the multiparty democratic system of government" “At the end of the process, the loser will congratulate the winner and the world does not come to an end because election is lost,” he said on the floor of Parliament. On the contrary, President Akufo-Addo dismissed any negative perceptions about politics which fuel election violence. “There is nothing inherently dirty and corrupt about politics and nothing about elections that should generate violence. We who are in politics owe it to ourselves and the institutions we claim to belong to and above all, we owe to Ghana and the people of Ghana to make politics and elections a joyful phenomenon it should be,” he added. Credit: 3news

Contemporary Ghanaian gospel singer, Christiana Twene, well-known by the stage name Obaapa Christy has recently revealed that she did not bother going for her Basic Education Certificate Examination results after completion. According to the ‘Hyebre Sesafo’ crooner, she envisioned that she would not pass all the subjects, so she made no effort to return to the school after the results were released. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Roselyn Felli on Joy Prime’s Prime Morning, the gospel music diva said; “I reached JHS, but it’s not that I stopped; I wrote BECE, but I didn’t go for the results. Responding to whether she passed her exams, Christiana said; “I didn’t even go for it to see whether I passed or not because I foresaw that I wouldn’t pass. Not that she didn’t study, but the singer held the opinion that even if she did, she would fail because she had nurtured the mindset that she was not good academically, making learning difficult. As a result, she channeled her energy towards singing and praying at school since she enjoyed doing them. “When we visit a colleague who is sick, then I’m asked to pray, or I’ll be called to lead praise and worship during Wednesday and Friday church services or a teacher would send me to buy something. Those were the things that made me like going to school,” the singer emphasized. Not only did Obaapa dislike studies, but she mentioned that she also detested dictation sessions in class. Nevertheless, Obaapa Christy feels she would have excelled in her academics if she had positioned her mind to study thoroughly, considering how smart she is at capturing things at her current age. According to the musician, she does not regret her conduct at school because she believes that education is not the only way to success for everyone. Although she supports formal education, she firmly believes that God’s blessing is the ultimate. “My success is based on the grace of God that located me, and so I don’t joke with such grace,” she said. Credit: Ameyaw Debrah

The Ghanaian fashion industry mourns the loss of a visionary as Antoinette Pokua Poku, a prominent Ghanaian fashion designer and creative director of the renowned fashion brand Poqua Poqu as she was laid to rest today, February 26, 2024. Pokua, celebrated for her distinctive style and innovative designs, left an indelible mark on the world of fashion. Her untimely passing on Wednesday, February 14, at age 42, has left a void in the hearts of many who admired her creativity and contributions to the industry. The funeral proceedings held at the Lashibi Funeral Home were a poignant reflection of Poku’s impact, attended by fellow designers, celebrities, industry insiders, politicians and admirers. Some celebrities spotted at the funeral grounds were John Dumelo, Sister Derby amongst others. Eulogies highlighted not only her sartorial genius but also her philanthropic endeavors, showcasing a woman whose influence extended beyond the realm of fashion. As Poku was laid to rest, the Ghanaian fashion community came together to honor her legacy. Her designs, known for blending traditional African aesthetics with modern elegance, will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of designers. The loss of Antoinette Pokua Poku is not just a personal one for her family and friends but resonates as a collective mourning within the tapestry of Ghanaian fashion. Though she may be gone, her influence endures through the threads of her creations and the impact she made on the vibrant landscape of African fashion. Credit: Ameyaw Debrah

Ghanaian media personality and Guinness World Record’s longest singing marathon applicant, Afua Asantewaa Aduonum has spoken out about the release of the results of her sing-a-thon attempt. It will be recalled that the Guinness World Records (GWR) official X account tweeted on Friday, February 23, 2024 to confirm that her official attempt was unsuccessful. GWR attributed her disqualification to rest break timings not being met. GWR further indicated that they had refunded $750 she paid for priority service for review of her attempt. After the GWR announced her disqualification, Afua Asantewaa was severely chastised on various social media platforms by netizens for allegedly withholding the results which which apparently got to her earlier this month. However, speaking in an interview with GHONE TV, Afua disclosed that she did not intentionally hold on to the results from GWR; rather, she could not access her account." “There is no way I will hold on to a result such as this, I’m a very strong personality and I believe in not giving up and regardless of the outcome be it successful or not successful I would have still shared with Ghanaians anyways. ”I spoke about a miscommunication with GWR, it had to do with my login account, I don’t have access,” she said. The media personality to a greater extent revealed that due to her inability to access her account, there are no documents to publish to verify her disqualification. “As I sit here, I don’t have an official document to even post on my social media that this is my disqualification letter, I can’t access my account,” she added. Credit: Ameyawdebrah

Governance Expert and President of IMANI Africa policy think tank, Franklin Cudjoe, has criticised President Akufo-Addo for reassigning the former finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta. Franklin Cudjoe expressed similar sentiments espoused by Ghanaian economist Kwame Pianim. Mr Pianim wondered which kind of economy Ken Ofori-Atta was going to advise on, saying, “We don’t have an economy, so what is he going to advise on?” Mr Cudjoe, in an interview with Alfred Ocansey, host of Ghana Tonight, on Monday, February 26, asked, amongst other things, “What really is he [Ken Ofori-Atta] going to advise on?” “I don’t see the point about which economy he is going to advise on…because we have been shut off from going to the [international] market anytime soon. The remaining 10 months of the president’s administration…For mThe President of IMANI Africa also cast doubt on the positive impact of Mr Ofori-Atta’s role in the growth of the economye, the way I see it, I think it is purely an egoistic position just to make it look like Ken really was not gone,” he stated. The President of IMANI Africa also cast doubt on the positive impact of Mr Ofori-Atta’s role in the growth of the economy, stating, “I don’t know what value that adds to the economy except maybe personal gratification" Meanwhile, the Information Minister-designate, in an interview with TV3’s Beatrice Adu, justified the government’s resolve to reassign Mr Ofori-Atta barely 24 hours after his much-anticipated dismissal. She maintained that the former finance minister’s capacity to provide advice in the financial sector is never in doubt. “His capacity to guide or to advise in the financial sector is not lost just because he is no longer Finance Minister. If his skills are required elsewhere and the President feels he can help us with negotiations or can advise, I don’t think there should be a big problem about that,” said Ms Abubakar. Credit: 3news

President William Nana Kweku Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is expected to deliver the 2024 State of the Nation Address in Parliament later today. This address, mandated by Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution, serves as a means for the President to provide an overview of the nation's current state at the beginning of each session of Parliament. President Akufo-Addo will be expected to give an overview of the country's economy, his achievements as well as plans for the country in 2024. High-profiled personalities such as Former President Kufuor, Former President Mahama, Chiefs, Queenmothers and Foreign Nations will grace the occasion. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

International Mother Language Day is a UNESCO approved Day marked globally every 21st February to recognize and promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. The idea to celebration of International Mother Language Day was approved in 17th November, 1999 by UNESCO and have been observed throughout the World since 2000. According to the UN, multilingual and multicultural societies thrive through the preservation of their languages, which serve as conduits for traditional knowledge and cultural heritage. This year’s celebration is under the theme: “Multilingual education is a pillar of intergenerational learning”. 2024 Celebration The NCCE in collaboration with the Ghana commission for UNESCO organized a Reading Festival as part of the Accra World Book Capital, 2023. In Gt. Accra Region, the celebration is being observed with reading activities simultaneously on Wed. 21st February, 2024 with a school each in 15 Selected Districts. Eminent Ghanaians capable of reading the Ga (Local) Language is invited as the resource person for each school and made to read a portion of selected Ga Book and encourage students to emulate the habit. Korle Klottey Municipal Office of the National Commission for Civic Education observed this year’s Day with students of the Rev. Ernest Bruce Memorial Methodist School (JHS), Adabraka with Mr. Seth Quaye, a Senior Accountant at the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly. The event took place in the auditorium of Rev. Ernest Bruce Memorial Methodist Church. Mr. Quaye who read Chapter 1 (three and a half paged) of a selected Ga Book entitled “Nileegbe 6” from the Bureau of Ghanaian Languages quizzed the students on the passage. He finally encouraged the students to take the Mother tongues very important and even learn other local languages. "This will propel you to greater heights in future. “it will also boost your confidence and help your break other barriers”, he concluded. The lively and educative reading session continued with three selected students (Stephen Atoku, Joshua Yeboah and Vera Boateng) also reading a chapter each of three other Ga Literatures, (i.e. Nillegbe 4, Nillegbe 1 and Shishijee Kpakpa 6). Three community members who witnessed the event expressed their joy about the whole exercise and encouraged the students to take their mother languages especially the Ga Language which seem to be dwindling very serious. They also took the opportunity to correct some pronunciations which were wrongly made by the students during their readings. In his final remarks, the Municipal Director for Korle Klottey Municipal Office of the National Commission for Civic Education, Nii Adjiri Sackey, submitted that the programme and the theme is in the right direction and a welcoming one. This, according to him is because language is one of the heritages won for us by our fore-fathers through their blood and toils most of our fathers hence there is the need to guard and protect it jealously as well as promote it by learning, studying, speaking and writing them in our daily interactions. He noted that Ghanaian families are gradually trading their Mother Languages for foreign languages. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghanaian social media sensation, Mona Faiz Montrage, better known as Hajia4Real on Instagram has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to receive stolen money before US Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave for her role in laundering the proceeds of a series of romance scams. She was extradited from the United Kingdom to the US last year for allegedly swindling over US$2 million from older, single American men and women in a twisted lonely hearts scam. “Mona Faiz Montrage knowingly received money stolen from older Americans through romance scams and was arrested abroad and now faces serious consequences for her actions. Romance scams such as Montrage’s harmed her vulnerable, elderly victims not only in the cruel betrayal of trust in the realization that their online romantic connection was fiction, but by also callously stealing their money. This Office and our law enforcement partners are relentless in bringing fraudsters who target Americans to justice, no matter where they are.” US Attorney Damian Williams said. Below is the full statement from the US attorney’s office: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the guilty plea today of MONA FAIZ MONTRAGE for her role in laundering the proceeds of a series of romance scams.  MONTRAGE pled guilty today to conspiracy to receive stolen money before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave. U.S. ATTORNEY DAMIAN WILLIAMS SAID: “MONA FAIZ MONTRAGE KNOWINGLY RECEIVED MONEY STOLEN FROM OLDER AMERICANS THROUGH ROMANCE SCAMS AND WAS ARRESTED ABROAD AND NOW FACES SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES FOR HER ACTIONS.  ROMANCE SCAMS SUCH AS MONTRAGE’S HARMED HER VULNERABLE, ELDERLY VICTIMS NOT ONLY IN THE CRUEL BETRAYAL OF TRUST IN THE REALIZATION THAT THEIR ONLINE ROMANTIC CONNECTION WAS FICTION, BUT BY ALSO CALLOUSLY STEALING THEIR MONEY.  THIS OFFICE AND OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTNERS ARE RELENTLESS IN BRINGING FRAUDSTERS WHO TARGET AMERICANS TO JUSTICE, NO MATTER WHERE THEY ARE.” As alleged in the Indictment and statements made in public filings and public court proceedings: From at least in or about 2013 through in or about 2019, MONTRAGE was a member of a criminal enterprise (the “Enterprise”) based in West Africa that committed a series of frauds against individuals and businesses in the U.S., including romance scams. Many of the Enterprise’s romance scam victims were vulnerable, older men and women who lived alone. The Enterprise frequently conducted the romance scams by sending the victims emails, text messages, and social media messages that deceived the victims into believing that they were in romantic relationships with a person who was, in fact, a fake identity assumed by members of the Enterprise. Once members of the Enterprise had successfully convinced victims that they were in a romantic relationship and had gained their trust, they convinced the victims, under false pretences, to transfer money to bank accounts the victims believed were controlled by their romantic interests, when, in fact, the bank accounts were controlled by members of the Enterprise. Montrage is a Ghanaian public figure who rose to fame as an influencer through her Instagram profile under the username “Hajia4Reall,” which at one point had approximately 3.4 million Instagram followers and was among the top 10 profiles with the most followers in Ghana. Montrage received money from several victims of romance frauds who members of the Enterprise tricked into sending money. Among the false pretences used to induce victims to send money to Montrage were payments to transport gold to the U.S. from overseas payments to resolve a fake FBI investigation, and payments to assist a fake U.S. Army officer in receiving funds from Afghanistan. In total, Montrage controlled bank accounts that received over $2 million in fraudulent funds from the Enterprise. Montrage, 31, of Accra, Ghana, pled guilty to one count of conspiring to receive stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Montrage also agreed to pay forfeiture in the amount of $2,164,758.41 and make restitution in the same amount. Montrage is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mitzi Steiner and Kevin Mead are in charge of the prosecution. Credit: Ghextractives

Waste Management Company, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, and Graphic Communications have launched a campaign to rank all 16 regions in Ghana and name the cleanest in terms of environmental sanitation. The campaign which was launched at the HO Central Market in the Volta region will rank all regions on proper waste management methods and general sanitation practices which will attain a score of 60% by the assessment team as well as a 40% votes from the public. The Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, at a ceremony to launch the event, indicated that poor environmental practices remain a matter of concern in the various regions causing ill health among community members. He said the main causative factor is indiscriminate waste disposal, which is due to ignorance, indifference, or complacency. Dr. Letsa said the cleanest region ranking is an appropriate measure that will help cultivate good environmental sanitation practices through competition among regions. "It will drive community participation by the involvement of people, schools, businesses, and local organizations by engaging in clean-ups, recycling programs, and tree planting initiatives," he emphasized. He said the Volta region known as the "Oxygen City" due to the quality of its Air and other good environmental practices will retain its position as the cleanest region. The Communications Director of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Madam Emma Adwoa Appiaa Osei-Duah, in her statement, expressed the commitment of Zoomlion to ensure total environmental cleanliness She said the company provides total waste management solutions by providing waste bins, waste haulage, and recycling facilities. "We have digitized waste collection through a USSD code. By dialing *857#, you can reach out to us for payment and other service request", she pointed out. The Managing Director of Graphic Communications Group Limited, Ato Afful said proper waste management, green initiatives, and toilet management enhance the collective wellbeing of the population. "That means we must all have a proactive approach towards handling our natural resources to leave a legacy for our future generations," he emphasized. The queen mother of HO-Ahoe, Mama Kuma II, who chaired the ceremony, described the cleanest region ranking campaign as a step in the right direction towards galvanizing community participation to keep our communities clean. The campaign is also being supported by the Environmental Service Providers Association(ESPA) and NERASOL IT Solutions. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ministry of Health and it’s Agencies with support of the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the National Infection Prevention and Control Strategy (2024-2028) in Accra. According to the Outgoing Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, preventing harm to patients, health workers and other users due to infection in healthcare facilities is fundamental to achieving quality care, patient safety, health security, reduction of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). Soeaking at the launch, Mr. Agyeman-Manu said "Available evidence from a multi-centre point-prevalence survey of HAIs in 10 acute care government hospitals in Ghana revealed that out of 2,107 in-patients surveyed, 184 Healthcare-Associated Infections were identified among 172 patients, corresponding to an overall prevalence of 8.2% (range 3.5% to 14.4%), with higher proportions of infections in secondary and tertiary care facilities" He added that the most common Healthcare-Associated Infections were surgical site infections (32.6%), bloodstream infections (19.5%), urinary tract infections (18.5%) and respiratory tract infections (16.3%). Device-associated infections accounted for 7.1% of HAIs (MOH 2019). "It is also instructive to note that the emergence and re-emergence of pandemics such as COVID-19 have taught us vital lessons which we have to take seriously. The development of this National Infection Prevention and Control Strategy is our direct response to the above" "Ladies and Gentlemen, I am happy to share with you the measures we took to prioritize infection prevention and control (IPC) during the COVID-19 pandemic. These include adoption of a behavior-change led strategy, making policy changes, updating standards, training curricula and programs. As country we established a joint IPC/WASH Taskforce to provide greater leadership and a clearer strategic direction" "The Taskforce adapted and implemented WASH FIT, a quality improvement tool, and worked to include IPC/WASH standards in key national strategies and policies, specifically the National Healthcare Quality Strategy (2017–2021), which is being reviewed and will be subjected to stakeholder validation tomorrow. IPC indicators were defined and updated within the national health information system, providing a more accurate measure of progress whiles identifying gaps for improvement" "In addition to all these, we strengthened professional training and capacity building and took steps to institutionalize monitoring and quality control. Finally, we strengthened the observance of standards, including environmental or climate-smart WASH solutions" The Outgoing Minister also revealed that his Ministry wa working to improve IPC infrastructure in Ghana. This, he noted include building new hospitals and clinics that are equipped with the latest IPC facilities. "By implementing effective IPC measures, healthcare workers can help to protect themselves and their patients from infections" "Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, all these notwithstanding, Infection Prevention and Control is faced with a myriad of challenges. For example, the Ministry of Health does not have a focal point for IPC. I hereby direct that the Director in charge of Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation to facilitate the appointment and training of a full-time national IPC focal point to fill this gap after the launch of the strategy" "Ladies and Gentlemen, despite these challenges, the Ministry of Health and stakeholders remain committed to improving IPC in Ghana. To demonstrate its commitment, the Ministry of Health has developed this National Infection Prevention and Control Strategy in-line with the WHO Guidelines on the Core Components of IPC programmes to improve quality of care, enhance patient safety, improve health security, reduce healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance" "Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, the development of the National Infection Prevention and Control Strategy is expected to address the above challenges. This strategy was developed in line with the minimum IPC standard requirements as outlined in the WHO Guidelines on core components of IPC programmes" Explaining further, he disclose that IPC minimum requirement serves as an entry point for building a robust IPC programme. He cited IPC programmes, IPC guidelines, IPC education and training Healthcare Associated Infections surveillance, Multimodal strategies, IPC monitoring, audit and feedback, Workload, staffing and bed occupancy, built environment, materials and equipment. These are in no particular order of importance, as all components should be deemed equally important for the functioning and sustainability of robust IPC programmes as the eight (8) WHO core components. He stressed that the vision of the National Infection Prevention and Control Strategy is aligned with the vision of the MoH which looks at 'A healthy population for national development'. "Ladies and Gentlemen, the implementation of this policy will culminate in the reduction of occupational infections in health care settings, combating Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, reinforce other national public health programmes like HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis, maternal and child health and achieving global health security goal" "Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, the development of this strategy clearly demonstrates our commitment to improve health outcomes for health workers, patients and communities. To make this happen, we need to ensure the effective implementation of this strategy. I therefore call on all stakeholders to support the implementation of this strategy" Chief Director at the Ministry of Health, Alhaji Hafiz Adam said "Ladies and Gentlemen, as you are all aware, IPC has become an integral part of the healthcare delivery system" "The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic and other recent large disease outbreaks have highlighted the extent to which healthcare settings can contribute to the spread of infections, harming patients, health workers, users of health facilities as well as communities" "As such the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that IPC programs at the national (MOH) and healthcare facility levels must have clearly defined objectives and functions that align with and contribute to the prevention of HAIs and the spread of AMR in healthcare settings" "To this end, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very elated to share with you that this new National Infection Prevention and Control Strategy, which will be implemented from 2024 to 2028 aligns with the WHO IPC Core Components and Minimum Requirements" Delivering a speech on behalf of WHO Rep to Ghana, Prof. Francis Kasolo, Infectious Hazard Mgt Officer, World Health Organization (WHO), Patrick Avevor said this strategy presents the roadmap for implementation of key actions and interventions for the advancement of the principles an practice of Infection Prevention and Control. He added that infection prevention and control are pivotal to the delivery of quality health services and ensuring patient and heathcare worker safety. "Though Ghana has made strides in infection prevention and control over the years, I wish to drawour attention to the findings from recent Harmonised Facility Assessment (HHFA 203) which involved a representative srvey of close to 1,500 health facilities across the country" "According to HHFA, whiĺe all regional houses and 85% of district hospitals have staff trained in a certified Infection Prevention and Control course, and had designated IPC focal persons, only 28% of facilities across the country had guidelines for infection prevention and control, with guidelines available in 69% of regional hospitalsbut less than 20% availability at CHPS facilitiesan clinic/mateenity homes" He re-affirmed WHO's commitment to supporting the building of a strong health system in Ghana where health facilities are centres of excellence. He called on stakeholders to lend their support the implementation of the strategy. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET) and UK Department of Health and Social care (UK_DHSC) in partnership with the Ministry of Health have launched the Global Health Workforce Programme in Accra. The programme which places priority on Universal Health Coverage is aimed at strengthening the Health Workforce in Ghana. In a speech delivered on behalf of Country Representative of World Health Organization (WHO), Prof. Francis Chisaka Kasolo, he said "The Ministry of Health with its comprehensive National HRH policy, lays a clear policy direction to ensure access to a health force with adequate and requisite knowledge, skills competencies an attitude, who are equitably distributed and motivated to provide the needed quality healthcare in both private and public sector" He added that the policy aligns with Ghana's roadmap for UHC, the health Sector Medium Sector Development Plan and the Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. "Low- and middle-income countries like Ghana seeking to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) face human resource constraints - whether in the form of health worker shortages, maldistribution of workers, inadequate mix of skills and competences, poor worker performance, and the recruitment, raining and retention of skilled health workforce that seriously undermine their ability to achieve well-functioning health systems" He hinted that in September 202e, WHO participated in a scoping mission by THET to identify key health workforce priorities, required to advance health strengthening and propel Ghana towards its goal of achieving UHC by 2030. He cited regulation van quality improvement of medical, nursing an midwifery and pharmacy education and training as one of the thematic areas identified. "Strengthening of postgraduate and specialist education and training, strengthening capacity of health system and HWF leadership and management as well as evidence generation and learning" He stressed that the launch of Global Health Workforce Programme was timely as it sought to addresssome of the potential interventions emanating from the preliminary analyses from the HLMA. "The Global Health Workforce Programme, also funded by the UK and managed by Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET), aim to develop the health workforce in Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria, in building stronger, more resilient health systems for Post-pandemic recovery to make progress towards UHC" He also added that the WHO will continue the collaboration with THET, providing technical guidance to the grant recipients, ensuring the smooth implementation of all projects. Director of the Human Resources for Health Directorate (HRHD), Ministry of Health, Dr. Kwesi Asabir commended the Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET) and UK Department of Health and Social care (UK_DHSC) for the initiative. He pleaded the Ministry of Health's commitment to the project. He was confident that the programme will achieve its intended purpose not only in Ghana but Kenya and Nigeria. Other speakers also commended Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET) and UK Department of Health and Social care (UK_DHSC) for the programme. They pledged their suport to the success of the programme. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Outgoing Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, has described iodine deficiency as a silent threat that affects millions of people around the globe. According to the Minister, it leads to serious health complications, especially among women and children. Reading a speech on his behalf, Director of Pharmacy, Ministry of Health, Dr. Joycelyn Aziz said “In 1994, the WHO recommended Universal Salt Iodisation (USI) as a global strategy to facilitate adequate iodine regulation for all individuals" "This strategy sort to attain a minimum of 90% households consumption of adequately ionised salt to facilitate the eradication of Iron deficiency diseases” “Unfortunately, notwithstanding the implementation of the Universal Salt Iodisation strategy, Ghana has not yet attained the WHO target of 90% households consumption of adequately ionised salt” Dr. Aziz hinted that a study in 2014 showed that consumption levels were as low as 39% among Ghanaians. “In light of the above, Ghana intends to re-launch its Universal Salt Iodisation project. This initiative is not just a health intervention but a commitment to the well-being of the communities that holds profound significance in our collective efforts towards improved health outcomes” “As we embark on this important journey, let us reflect on the strides we have made in the past on this same agenda and together work towards a future where every individual enjoys the benefits of iodine sufficiency” On her part, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Dr. Delese A. A. Darko said "Iodine deficiency in both humans and animals has adverse implications on health, collectively termed Iodine Deficiency Disorders or IDDs. These include still births, congenital defects and decreased cognitive capacity, infant mortality, delayed physical development and goiter" She also noted that inadequate iodine nutrition and IDDs are global health concerns which have been the subject of discussions at many international summits since the 1990s. "Accordingly, in 1994, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended Universal Salt Iodization as a global strategy to facilitate adequate iodine nutrition for all individuals. With this strategy, WHO sought to attain a minimum of 90% household consumption of adequately iodized salt to facilitate eradication of IDDs. Ghana enacted Universal Salt Iodization under the Food and Drugs Act 523 in 1996" "We developed and implemented the USI strategic plans I (2005 – 2007) and USI strategic plans II (2009 – 2011) through the National Salt Iodization Committee. These plans were to facilitate sustainable elimination of IDDs and you can find this in the Ghana Demographic Health Survey, 2014" "The initial USI Programme slowed down partly due to its reliance on external funding, especially for crucial aspects like acquisition of test kits" "In the interim the Food and Drugs Authority, in line with its mandate of protecting public health and safety, has purchased some test kits and is preparing to distribute them to stakeholders" "Currently, salt iodization practices among artisanal salt producers is poor. A survey conducted by the Food and Drugs Authority in December, 2022 revealed that nearly 70% of artisanal salt producers do not apply iodate during processing, and 100% of rock salt sampled from major markets in Greater Accra were not iodized. Additionally, iodate content of 50% of prepackaged salt sampled were below standard" These findings, she hinted have necessitated efforts to revive the Universal Salt Iodization Programme with specific emphasis on strengthening enforcement. In accordance with Section 107 of the Public Health Act, 2012, Act 851, only iodised salt for human and animal consumption shall be imported, manufactured and traded in Ghana. The World Health Organization (WHO) on their part explained that since 1994, it together with UNICEF have recommended Universal Salt Iodization (USI), as a safe cost effective and sustainable strategy to ensure sufficient intake of Iodine by all. The WHO noted that over the last decades remarkable progress was made in the elimination of iodine deficiency disorders. "In 2006, globally 68% of households were consuming adequately iodized salt, 64% in sub-saharan Africa and 72% in Central and West Africa (UNICEF, Global Databank on Iodized Salt). However, a report presented to the World Health Assembly in 2022, indicated that progress had stalled with 21 countries across all regions globally estimated to have insufficient iodine intakes in 2022, an increase from 19 countries in 2017. This is a worrying trend that requires action" "Ladies and gentlemen, as most of us will recall the last comprehensive IDD survey carried out in Ghana (Ghana IDD Survey Report, 2017) found that a large proportion of salt at the household level was not adequately iodized" "Universal salt iodization still remains a cost-effective strategy for the control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders, and I am therefore pleased that the Food and Drugs Authority in collaboration with other key stakeholder are relaunching the Universal Salt Iodization Programme" "This is an opportunity to review our implementation journey; scale up what we are doing well, identify the gaps that need to addressed and re-strategize on the way forward" "As you deliberate and forge the way forward, it is important to also consider other current public health recommendations such as sodium reduction strategies and ensure that comprehensive monitoring of sodium and iodine at the country level are foreseen for safe and effective individual iodine consumption" Taking his turn, Nutrition Officer at UNICEF, Jevaise Aballo hinted that according to the 2011 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, an estimated 500,000 Ghanaian children are at risk of permanent brain damage due to IDDs. He stessed that Universal Salt Iodization (USI) has been the major strategy to ensure adequate intake of Iodine in Ghana. "This approach, he noted was backed by the Public Health Act 851 (2012) on mandatory fortification of all salt for human and animal consumption. Chairman, over the past two decades, Ghana has achieved tremendous progress to prevent iodine deficiency through universal salt iodization (USI)" "Ghana is a key player in the success with respect to salt production, processing, and exportation to several countries in the region. Despite the critical benefits of iodine, household leve only 30% adequately Iodized. There are also disparities in household access to iodized salt by the rapidly changing landscape is threatening the gains of previous investments and consequently the risk of sliding back to IDDS thus the need for revitalization of iodine nutrition in to sustain the gains made in the last two decades, UNICEF is working collaboratively with FDA, GHS and other partners to renew the momentum on universal iodization of salt" "Through UNICEF and Iodine Global Network (IGN) partnership, a landscape analysis of iodine nutrition in Ghana and contribution of processed food to iodine nutrition assessments were conducted in 2021. Subsequently, an assessment of salt trade in Ghana was conducted" "As part of steps to renew the momentum, UNICEF facilitated the participation of FDA at the Global Universal Salt Iodization convening at the UNICEF Headquarters in New York and a follow up regional level convening in Dakar which offered the opportunity for exchange of ideas on the roadmap to revamp USI" "Mr. Chairman, at the Country level, UNICEF provided support to FDA to assess, adjust and revitalize the national programme for the elimination of IDD through USI" Leaders of the various salt stakeholders hinted tha the use of local dialects through its education will not only educate the maket women but also keep them on their toes. They also appealed to the FDA to ensure the availability of test kits. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith