Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Lands and Forestry, Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio, has emphasized the importance for mining companies to fulfill their obligation of land and forest reclamation which is a condition precedent for the issuance of operational license to mine in the Forest Reserve. According to the Deputy Minister, large scale mining companies with licenses to Mine in forest reserves are obliged to restore the land and the forest they exploit and that it is imperative that they live up to this important obligation. “This is something that will be a testament to the fact that mining companies can mine in the forest and be responsibly, so that their operations will not lead to degradation.We have seen the before and after of Newmont’s operation here in Akyem Before they came the whole place was degraded but now it is not so”, he said. Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio made the observation on behalf of the sector minister on Monday 27th November, 2023, after a working tour of the reforestation Offset project embarked on by Newmont Mining Company , Akyem in partnership with Forestry Commission at their concessions in Kweikaro and Ajenua Bepo Forest Reserves in the Eastern Region. The re-afforestation drive by the company, has seen them restore 257 hectares of Land at the Kweikaro Forest Reserves and 60 hectares (off reserve) at the Ajenua Bepo Forest Reserve. The project which is in partnership with the Forestry Comission had over fourteen indigenous and exotic forest tree plants being used to reforest the land which has been exploited by the company in their operations. Mr. Derrick Boateng, Snr Manager in charge of Sustainability at Newmont Africa explained to the Deputy Minister that his outfit plans to completely relinquish control of the forest to the Forestry Commission after ten years. He re-affirmed the commitment of his outfit to sustainable and responsible mining practises that will ensure the protection of the biodiversity and eco-system. Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio commended the company for being an ideal example of a firm that appreciates the respects and tenancy of licenses. He noted that the Ministry of Lands Natural Resources through its agencies will continue to keep tabs on the development and ensure that mining companies in the country fulfil their obligations to the country. He encouraged companies to take cues from the commendable initiative of Newmont. The visit by the Deputy Minister forms part of efforts by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to curate compelling and riveting content and materials for Ghana's participation at the 28th edition of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as the Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP28). Credit: MLNR

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has launched a 'Secure Borders, Stable Country, Safe People' campaign to sensitize the public on the need to collaborate with its officers to ensure a secure and stable nation. According to the GIS, the groundbreaking initiative is evidence to the institutions commitment to safeguarding the country’s borders, ensuring a stable environment, and protecting the well-being of citizens. Speaking at the launch, Public Relations Officer of GIS, Chief Superintendent Michael Amoako Atta said, “This initiative reflects our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability within our ranks, ultimately contributing to a safer and more secure nation.” He added that as an important institution of national security, the Ghana Immigration Service recognized the importance of ensuring ethical behavior among its officers to maintain secure borders in an ever-changing world. The "Secure Borders, Stable Country, Safe People" campaign, he stressed embodies GIS’s vision to become a model Immigration Service for Migration Management and National Security and to provide a safer and more prosperous Ghana, where every citizen and resident can thrive. GIS says it is inviting all Ghanaians, stakeholders, and the international community to join in this endeavor to create a more secure, stable, and safe Ghana for all. The campaign, which is based on the newly published Code of Conduct and the Reporting Mechanism, aims at promoting integrity, accountability, and transparency in Ghana's border management by raising awareness among the broader population on the expected ethical behaviours and modalities of officers and reporting mechanism for incongruent behaviours. He also noted that the Triple S Campaign aims to promote integrity, accountability and transparency in the Ghana Immigration Service by raising awareness primarily among the general public on expected professional and ethical standards. He hinted that while officers continue to be trained and sensitized to uphold optimum professionalism, the public will be educated through this campaign to report unprofessional conducts from officers. "The GIS contributes to National Security by tackling immigration-related crimes; collaborating with National Security, Intelligence and other agencies; Cooperating with international stakeholders to improve the quality of operations and detecting and preventing threats at the country's borders" "The Code builds the capacity of the officers, establishes the right ethical framework and empowers the citizens with ethical knowledge to achieve this priority. Together, we strengthen our first line of defense" "GIS ensures safety of the people by deterring, detecting, and preventing border crossings at unauthorized crossing points and preventing the entry of miscreants" "GIS invests in the safety and well-being of Ghanaian citizens, as they secure the borders and for a stable country. It is only in safety that our people can go about their business. A commitment to ensuring the people are safe" The PRO disclosed that Management of the Service are committed to an assurance of quality through intensified training, strict discipline, constant learning and improvement. This, he further explained was evident in the recent disciplinary actions taken against Officers for various offenses and the speed with which misconduct is addressed according to the provisions of our laws. "However, just as we strive to enforce laws against the civilian public without fear or favor, we shall continue to hold our feet to the fire in line with the Service’s vision to become a model Service for Migration Management and National Security" Background The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) on August 10, 2023, launched its Code of Conduct and Reporting Mechanism, as part of the Strengthening Border Security in Ghana (SBS Ghana) project. The specific objective of the SBS Ghana project is to contribute to the development of the long-term capability of Ghana border control authorities, in particular GIS, to control and manage its borders, to update border management information and communication systems and to ensure greater security for citizens and visitors while guaranteeing the respect for the rule of law and human rights standards. In light of this, the GIS Code of Conduct and reporting mechanism was developed to promote good governance principles within the Service while developing an internal (GIS staff) and external (population) reporting mechanism to enhance integrity. The Code is intended to provide the personnel of the Service and the Public with a clear understanding of the principles, values and ethical standards expected of an Immigration officer at all times. The GIS Code sets the rules outlining social norms, responsibilities, guide the conduct of all officers in the agency, and ensure that integrity, and good reputation is maintained. It aims to develop the institutional culture and responsibility of GIS staff, support their professional ethical values when dealing with superiors, colleagues and the public, and to provide the best service to enhance confidence and credibility in GIS. Head of Immigration Professional Standards and Ethics (IPSE) Section, Assistant Commissioner of Immigration (ACI) Philip Andoh was optimistic that the campaign will not only help sensitize the public on the need to collaborate with its officers to ensure a secure and stable nation but also challenge the public to report officer who are tarnishing the image of the Service at their various locations. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ms Mahami Lamisi. a midwife with Pelungu Health Centre in the Nabdam District of the Upper East Region has won a prestigious award at the 3rd Excellence and Hall of Fame Awards organised by the Ministry of Health (MoH), Ghana. She picked home the Clinical Excellence Award at the just-ended 4th Nursing and Midwifery Leaders and Managers Conference which climaxed the 3rd Excellence and Hall of Fame Awards ceremony in Ho in the Volta Region. Ms Barbara Lamisi Mahami and other 24 nurses and midwives, managers and leaders across the country received various awards in six different categories. The awards aim to recognise and celebrate exceptional nurses and midwives whose contributions have significantly impacted healthcare delivery in the country, according to the Ministry of Health. Commenting on the award, elated Ms Mahami said she was motivated to go into midwifery because of her love for children and humanity. She thanked the MoH and her nominators for the honour and pledged not to let them down. Credit: African Eye Report

Over 800 delegates from over 100 countries across the globe are expected to participate in the first-ever Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building (GC3B) from November 29th to 30th at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, the Director-General, Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako has announced. The two-day event themed “Cyber Resilience for Development” is organized collaboratively with the Ministry of Communications and Digitalization, Cyber Security Authority, Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE), the Cyber Peace Institute, the World Bank, and the World Economic Forum. Addressing the media during the Minister’s Press Briefing at the Ministry of Information in Accra today, the Director-General of Cyber Security Authority, Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako stated that the GC3B Conference is aimed to bring together a diverse group of high-level decision-makers and practitioners fromqq¹1 Governments, international organizations, the private sector, civil society, and academia. He stated that cyber resilience and capacity building plays a key role in enabling and supporting the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable development but also aims to improve the awareness and need for decision makers to leverage and create cyber capacity building programmes and opportunities. “Expectations for the event include the development of a global cyber capacity-building agenda, improved coordination mechanisms, and increased resources for cyber resilience”, Dr. Antwi-Boasiako said. He mentioned that the upcoming conference is a golden opportunity for Ghana to position itself as a leader in cybersecurity development in Africa and urged all stakeholders to actively participate in the event to ensure an effective outcome. Dr. Antwi-Boasiako added that the event is expected to foster networking opportunities, catalyze commitments on cyber capacity building, and elevate Ghana's visibility and involvement in global cybersecurity issues. “The influx of delegates is also anticipated to bring economic value to the country's tourism sector”, he revealed. The Director-General of Cyber Security Authority reiterated that the media is recognized as a vital partner in this endeavor and encouraged the media to continuously educate the public about the importance of cybersecurity. The President of the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE) Foundation, Mr. Christopher Painter said that as the world eagerly anticipates the GC3B Conference, Ghana stands poised to lead discussions and collaborations in the critical realm of cybersecurity, contributing to global efforts for a more secure digital future. Present at the event are the President of the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise Mr. Chris Painter, Members of the Cyber Security Authority Governing Board; Members of the Joint Cybersecurity Committee; the President, ISACA, Accra Chapter, Mr. Daniel Gyampo and Executive Director, Institute of ICT Professionals, Ghana Mr. David Gowu, Background: Ghana's Rise in Cybersecurity Leadership Ghana's journey towards becoming a cybersecurity champion has been marked by significant achievements. The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) facilitated Ghana's entry as the 88th member of the GFCE, actively participating in various committees and groups, including the Africa Cyber Experts Community. This engagement paved the way for Ghana to secure the hosting rights for GC3B. Ghana's success in organizing major global events in 2022, including the G7-ECOWAS meeting, ACE Community Kick-off meeting, and the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) Conference, contributed to the nation's selection. The country's impressive International Telecommunication Union (ITU) ranking, reaching 86.69 percent in 2020, further solidified its reputation as a cybersecurity stronghold in the Sub-Saharan Region. Preliminary Assessment and Commitment to Cybersecurity The CSA's commitment to cybersecurity development was underlined during an assessment interview in February 2023 with representatives from the AU-GFCE. Ghana's successful hosting of previous cybersecurity-related events and its active participation in international cybersecurity initiatives, including the United Nations Open Ended Working Group (UNOEWG), played a crucial role in securing the bid. Story by: Thinknewsonline.com

Mary, a former house help of Ghanaian music sensation, Kuami Eugene, has revealed why she was sacked from her job. In a recent interview, Mary, who once shared a beautiful relationship with her boss was asked why she was sacked by the “Monica” hitmaker. Mary revealed she was sent on an errand by a lady friend of the ‘Monica’ hitmaker but returned home late that day. “He sacked me because I returned late from an errand. Frankly speaking I got home late that day. A lady friend of his asked me to deliver something and I think I got home after 12 am that day" “He asked me why I returned late, and I explained to him. He asked me if I knew Ghanaians will hold him responsible should something bad happen to me" "He then gave me two options, either I pack my things or I will receive Gh400 as my Salary (after the increment),” she said. Credit: Ameyaw Debrah

The government of the Sierra Leone foiled a coup attempt by a group of armed men who this morning attacked a military barracks and attempted to break into an armory in the capital, Freetown. The Sierra Leonese government reported this in a statement, declaring that it had launched a national curfew with immediate effect and "strongly advising citizens to stay at home". “In the early hours of Sunday, unidentified individuals attempted to enter the military armory at Wilberforce Barracks. They were rejected,” the information minister said in the statement Chernor Bah. The President Julius Maada Bio he also commented on the forceful action, stating in a post on In the capital, sporadic gunshots were heard near the barracks. The political situation in the West African country has remained tense since the re-election of President Julius Maada Bio in a disputed June election, the result of which was rejected by the main opposition candidate. The dispute over the vote led to violent anti-government protests in August in which at least 21 civilians and six police officers died. Credit: Thinknewsonline.com

The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has appealed to Ghanaian professionals especially nurses and teachers to remain in the country and work. Although he acknowledges that there are difficulties, he said, the country needs professionals to work to grow the economy. After lamenting the increasing rate of brain drain, the respected traditional ruler also told the government and all the stakeholders to create an enabling environment in the country to serve as an incentive for young graduates and professionals to remain and work. The Asantehene indicated that if this phenomenon remains unchecked it poses a huge threat to the future of our nation. Speaking at the 57th congregation of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology on Friday, November 24, he said “Our country is facing enormous challenges that demand our immediate attention and collective action, from the economy to the environment, climate change and the exodus of professionals in the health and educational sectors. We must wholeheartedly recognize the need to unite in our quest to ensure sustainable solutions for the betterment of our nation. “One of the most current challenges confronting our nation is the pervasive phenomenon known as brain drain. It is without a doubt a disheartening spectacle to bear witness to the substantial exodus of our health professionals, teachers, and graduates, all departing our shores in pursuit of more promising opportunities abroad. This exodus at its core resembles a modern form of colonization where the very minds and intellect that ought to nurture and lead our nation are choosing to depart, driven by their need of seemingly more fertile grounds elsewhere" “While it is important to acknowledge that human migration is not inherently negative, it is equally crucial to recognize that if this phenomenon remains unchecked it poses a huge threat to the future of our nation. “The departure of our potential leaders and talents who should be actively contributing to the growth and development of our country raises a formidable challenge, we must collectively work to transform our country into an enticing and compelling destination for our youths, a place where they have unshaken faith in their capacity to thrive and succeed. “To achieve this I call upon the government and all stakeholders in education to embark upon innovative strategies aimed at retaining and harnessing the potential of our young grates, so please let's stay here and work.” Quite recently, the President of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo has admitted that brain drain in the health sector is having a negative impact on healthcare delivery in Ghana. She has therefore called for an urgent intervention to ensure that this matter is resolved. She explained that experienced nurses who would have been training newly recruited nurses are the ones leaving the shores of Ghana to seek better working conditions elsewhere. Madam Ofori-Ampofo indicated that the nurses want an environment that will help them in their career progression, further studies, and also better salaries and remunerations hence, their decision to travel outside the country to pursue these interests. Speaking to TV3 in an interview on Thursday, July 13, she said “Indeed, it is a worrying trend that we are all experiencing, our nurses are leaving the shores of Ghana and they are seeking to work in better work environments and earn better salaries and. “It is their right and we cannot stop them but the truth of the matter is that as much as they are leaving it is having a toll on health service delivery in Ghana. The truth is those that are leaving are those that are well experienced, with many years of experience. Even if we are going to recruit new personnel these are the very people who would have trained them, so their leaving is a big issue.” Credit: Laud Nartey

Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG), has announced their intention to go on a nationwide strike starting Wednesday, November 29, 2023. The decision comes as a response to longstanding grievances regarding working conditions, salary disparities, and inadequate resources within the mortuary sector. The Association has notified six government institutions in a press statement signed and issued by its General Secretary on Monday, November 20. The institutions include; the Ministries of Health, Employment and Labour Relations, National Security, Finance, Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, and the National Labour Commission. According to the association, the notice of the indefinite nationwide strike is in accordance with Section 159 of Act 651(2003) of the constitution. The move, the group said, is to exercise their fundamental human rights as enshrined in the 1992 Constitution. “Our position is that all mortuary workers in Ghana shall lay down their tools starting on Wednesday, 29th November, 2023, until all matters already in your domain are resolved. This is in exercise of our rights as the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana stipulates,” the statement said. Credit: Ameyaw Debrah

The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has told the government and all other stakeholders to create an enabling environment in the country for young graduates and professionals to remain and work to grow the economy. He lamented the growing rate at which Ghanaian professionals, especially nurses and teachers are exiting the country to seek better opportunities abroad. The Asantehene indicated that if this phenomenon remains unchecked it poses a huge threat to the future of the nation. Speaking at the 57th congregation of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology on Friday, November 24, he said “Our country is facing enormous challenges that demand our immediate attention and collective action, from the economy to the environment, climate change and the exodus of professionals in the health and educational sectors. We must wholeheartedly recognize the need to unite in our quest to ensure sustainable solutions for the betterment of our nation. “One of the most current challenges confronting our nation is the pervasive phenomenon known as brain drain. It is without a doubt a disheartening spectacle to bear witness to the substantial exodus of our health professionals, teachers, and graduates, all departing our shores in pursuit of more promising opportunities abroad. This exodus at its core resembles a modern form of colonization where the very minds and intellect that ought to nurture and lead our nation are choosing to depart, driven by their need of seemingly more fertile grounds elsewhere" “While it is important to acknowledge that human migration is not inherently negative, it is equally crucial to recognize that if this phenomenon remains unchecked, it poses a huge threat to the future of our nation. “The departure of our potential leaders and talents who should be actively contributing to the growth and development of our country raises a formidable challenge, we must collectively work to transform our country into an enticing and compelling destination for our youths, a place where they have unshaken faith in their capacity to thrive and succeed. “To achieve this, I call upon the government and all stakeholders in education to embark upon innovative strategies aimed at retaining and harnessing the potential of our young grates, so please let's stay here and work.” Brain drain within the health sector is a major concern. Quite recently, the President of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo has admitted that brain drain in the health sector is having a negative impact on healthcare delivery in Ghana. She has therefore called for an urgent intervention to ensure that this matter is resolved. She explained that experienced nurses who would have been training newly recruited nurses are the ones leaving the shores of Ghana to seek better working conditions elsewhere. Madam Ofori-Ampofo indicated that the nurses want an environment that will help them in their career progression, further studies, and also better salaries and remunerations hence, their decision to travel outside the country to pursue these interests. Speaking to TV3 in an interview on Thursday, July 13, she said “Indeed, it is a worrying trend that we are all experiencing, our nurses are leaving the shores of Ghana and they are seeking to work in better work environments and earn better salaries and. “It is their right and we cannot stop them but the truth of the matter is that as much as they are leaving it is having a toll on health service delivery in Ghana. The truth is those that are leaving are those that are well experienced, with many years of experience. Even if we are going to recruit new personnel, these are the very people who would have trained them, so their leaving is a big issue,” she said. Credit: 3news.com

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, MP, has emphasized that the upcoming 28th edition of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as the Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP28), offers a distinctive and unprecedented opportunity for the country to showcase its impactful and meaningful contributions to the global fight against the adverse effects of climate change. Scheduled to take place from November 30 to December 12, 2023, at Expo City, Dubai, COP28 holds significant importance in the ongoing global efforts to address climate change challenges. Addressing attendees at the Pre-COP 28 event held on Thursday, November 23, 2023, in Accra, the Hon.Jinapor expressed the nation's preparedness for the conference. He underscored the vital role and platform that COP28 provides, allowing the country to amplify its commitment and efforts in combatting climate change. “This year’s Conference is unique, and its importance cannot be over-emphasised. Article 14 of the landmark Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, provides for a Global Stocktake to, periodically, take stock of the implementation of the Agreement to assess progress towards achieving its objectives, and COP28 will serve as the first Global Stocktake since the adoption of the Agreement. ”This Conference, therefore, presents a unique opportunity for us to review the effectiveness of our adaptation and mitigation measures, climate financing, and our country’s Nationally Determined Contributions, with the aim of updating such Nationally Determined Contributions.” After taking stock of the key activities and benefits Ghana derived from previous sessions, the Lands Minister announced a packed line up of activities which are indicative of the commitment by the government of Ghana to play a frontal role in the global fight against climate change. He explained that Ghana’s climate change drive is anchored forest and natural solutions and that he is confident that by the end of the conference, there will be a general consensus on upscaling forest oriented solutions to climate change. He further disclosed that like previous editions, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has secured a pavilion which will serve as the hub of activities marking Ghana’s participation at the COP28. At the spire of activities lined up by the Ministry is the Presidential Event which will see His Excellency President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo hosting heads of States and Government, and the United States’ Special Presidential Envoy on Climate, Secretary John Kerry, on the theme, “Leveraging Nature-Based Solutions Towards 1.5°C: Monitoring Progress.” The President will, also, lead Ghana to announce her Country Package dubbed "Resilient Ghana: Advancing Climate Action for Prosperity.” In addition to the above-mentioned Presidential Events, the Ministry will hold a high-level Ministerial event on “Accelerating Forest and Nature Finance Towards 1.5⁰C.” Hon. Jinapor also announced that the Ministry is partnering with the Africa Women and Children Conference (AFRIWOCC) Secretariat, under the outstanding and distinguished leadership of H.E. Samira Bawumia, to host a high-level event at Ghana’s Pavilion on the implementation of the communique actions and roadmap of AFRIWOCC. Other events to be led by the Ministry at Ghana’s Pavilion include a technical knowledge sharing event on the Ghana Cocoa Forest REDD+ Programme, a roundtable discussion on the Cocoa and Forest Initiative (CFI), and a forum on “Safeguarding Women and Children in REDD+ Processes: Financing What Works,” to be held in partnership with Hands Across the Oceans Foundation (HATOF). He further stated that Ghana as co-chair FCLP “will also lead a number of FCLP events where we will showcase Ghana’s climate actions in addressing forest loss, and partake in other events organised by our partners, such as the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI), the Food and Land Use Coalition, and the Wildlife Conservation Society.” He concluded his speech with a clarion call and appeal to stakeholders to rally behind the ministry and help it deliver a successful COP28. On her part, the Second Lady, Her Excellency Samira Bawumia who doubles as the chairperson of the AFRIWOCC bemoaned the devastating impact of climate change on the socio-economic development of the country. The Second Lady noted her worry over the effect of climate change on women and children and assured of her resolve to continue working with relevant stakeholders to combat it. Outlining some notable contributions of AFRIWOCC towards mitigating the impact of climate change on women and children, Mrs Samira Bawumia emphasized the need for women and children to be factored into climate change policies. Credit: Fafa Nyame

Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu says government's commitment to providing quality, accessible and affordable healthcare in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains steadfast. According to the Minister, the completion of these projects will improve the stock of infrastructural and bridge equity gaps in geographical access to health services. Speaking at the commissioning of the Presbyterian Hospital Kom, Aburi in the Eastern Region on Thursday said "Our government's commitment to providing quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare in line with the Sustainable Development Goals remains steadfast. The completion of these projects in Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital, Atibie Hospital, Kibi District Hospital, and that of Presbyterian Hospital which is treing inaugurated today, will improve the stock of infrastructural facilities and bridge equity gaps in geographical access to health services" The Minister added that the government of Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo embarked on a journey to revamp the weak and inadequate healthcare infrastructure in the country. This commitment, he stressed has been diligently pursued alongside other key development investments and the Government will continue to sustain our agenda of building a robust, resilient, and sustainable healthcare system for current and future generations. "The KOM Presbyterian Hospital, designed with several departments, including administration, outpatient and emergency, inpatient wards, obstetrics and gynecology, pharmacy, diagnostic services, and logistics buildings, is a testament to our dedication. It is a tumkey project equipped with modern medical equipment, such as X-ray machines (stationed and mobile), ultrasound, surgical equipment, medical gases, and patient monitors. "We must address the issue of the maintenance and sustainability of our facilities. To combat this, the project scope includes a one-year post-completion maintenance and training program. I urge the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) to liaise with the Contractor's maintenance team to effectively maintain the hospital" "Beyond the one-year period, a full transfer of knowledge and skills must occur to ensure the long-term operation and management of this facility" The Minister revealed that the 40-Bed Ultra-Modern Hospital for the people of Aburi will be under the management of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. He explained that the hospital was one of four (4) medical facilities that commenced construction four (4) years ago. "We are also strengthening the management architecture of primary healthcare delivery in the country. Through the Network of Practice (NoP) model, Health Centres will act as hubs, collaborating with sub- districts and other lesser facilities to address resource and service delivery gaps" This approach, he noted aims to increase the pace in achieving Universal Health Coverage targets by enabling facilities to deliver a comprehensive package of essential services. "The NPP government is committed to transforming and deepening the use of ICT for telemedicine and teleconsultation services within the network of practice. This integration will extend to the Regional Hospitals, further enhancing the quality and accessibility of healthcare services at all levels" He revealed that the Presbyterian Hospital Kom Aburi along with the other facilities at Kibi, Atibie and Akuapem Mampong were constructed by Contracta Costruzioni Italia S.R.L. at a total cost of Forty Million Euros, (€40,000,000.00). He added that funding for this project was provided by SACE from Italy through the Ministry of Finance. However, it was important to note that these funds will ultimately be repaid by the government, demonstrating a clear example of the purpose for which borrowed funds are used for. The clergy from the Presbyterian Church promised to ensure that the facility remains in good shape. On his part, Aburi Man-hene, Otoobour Djan Kwasi, II, thanked President Akufo-Addo, Health Minister, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu and MP, O. B. Amoah. He appealed to staffs to treat patients with outmost care. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Accra Hearts of Oak's Congolese midfielder, Glid Otanga delivered an impressive performance during his side's 2-1 win over Accra Lions in a matchday 11 encounter of the betPawa Ghana Premier League. Despite not getting on the scoresheet, Otanga's contribution to the team was positive as he curtailed the attacks of the opponents with countless tackles. The hardworking midfielder suffered a minor injury setback during their previous encounter against Legon Cities, but he was able to pass a late fitness test and featured against Accra Lions. Otanga's hard work on the field of play this season has earned him back-to-back Man of the Match accolades. He is one of the most skilled and talented midfielders in the BetPawa Premier League and is very highly rated in the league. Otanga is expected to feature for Hearts of Oak in their next game against Berekum Chelsea at Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday. Credit: Thinknewsonline.com