Search Results

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has disclosed that government has significantly intensified enforcement operations against illegal mining within Ghana's forest reserves, leading to hundreds of arrests, the seizure of mining equipment and a marked reduction in illegal mining hotspots across the country. Addressing the Government Accountability Series at the Presidency on Wednesday, the Minister said the intensified crackdown forms part of government's broader strategy to protect the nation's forests, restore degraded ecosystems and preserve critical water bodies from the devastating effects of illegal mining. According to Mr Buah, coordinated operations undertaken by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Forestry Commission have yielded substantial results over the past several months. He revealed that the joint enforcement teams have arrested 258 persons engaged in illegal mining activities within protected forest reserves. The operations also led to the demobilisation of six excavators and 765 Changfan machines used by illegal miners. In addition, the security teams seized 1,225 pumping machines that were being used for illegal mining activities and destroyed 430 unauthorised structures and 35 tricycles linked to operations in the affected forest reserves. Mr Buah said the sustained enforcement campaign has significantly curtailed illegal mining activities in protected areas, stressing that Ghana has not recorded any "Red Zones" in its forest reserves since December 2025. He described the development as a major milestone in government's efforts to reclaim and safeguard the country's forest resources while strengthening environmental governance. The Minister explained that the intensified enforcement drive complements ongoing land reclamation initiatives being undertaken by government and its private sector partners. He disclosed that 1,535 acres of degraded land in the Ashanti Region have already been reclaimed through a partnership with the private sector, which has also committed to restoring an additional 1,500 acres before the end of the year. Government is separately undertaking reclamation works on another 960 acres of degraded land across various parts of the country. Mr Buah further highlighted broader reforms being implemented within the forestry sector, including the development of a Legislative Instrument to operationalise the Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2023 (Act 1115). According to him, the new legal framework will formally recognise Community Resource Management Areas (CREMAs), providing communities and landowners with a stronger role in sustainable forest and wildlife management. He reiterated government's commitment to sustaining the fight against illegal mining through stronger law enforcement, environmental restoration, community participation and institutional reforms aimed at protecting Ghana's forests and natural resources for future generations. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Director-General of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Dr Audrey Smock Amoah, has assured Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that they can continue to monitor additional indicators tailored to their respective mandates, even as Ghana adopts a common national results framework to track implementation of the Medium-Term National Development Policy Framework (MTNDPF) 2026–2029. She made the remarks during a validation meeting on the Results Framework for the Resetting Ghana Agenda: Creating Jobs, Ensuring Accountability and Promoting Shared Prosperity Policy Framework (2026–2029), held in Accra on Monday, July 13, 2026. The meeting, organised by the NDPC in collaboration with UNICEF, brought together representatives from MDAs, development partners, academia and planning professionals to review and validate the indicators, baselines and targets that will be used to assess Ghana's development performance over the next four years. Addressing participants, Dr Amoah explained that the development of a results framework is a critical step after the preparation of a national policy framework, as it provides the basis for measuring progress towards the country's development goals. She said the validation exercise was intended to give stakeholders the opportunity to scrutinise and endorse the proposed indicators, targets and baselines that would guide national performance monitoring throughout the implementation period. According to Dr Amoah, the framework includes a set of core indicators that all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) will be required to report on to ensure consistency in monitoring and evaluation across the country. However, she stressed that this would not prevent individual institutions from tracking additional indicators relevant to their specific responsibilities. "Institutions can continue to monitor additional indicators specific to their mandates," Dr Amoah stated, explaining that these indicators should be aligned with the Medium-Term Development Plans previously submitted to the Commission for certification. She noted that this approach would enable government institutions to maintain oversight of sector-specific priorities while contributing to a unified national monitoring and evaluation system. Dr Amoah further indicated that the validation process would strengthen the quality of the results framework by ensuring that the selected indicators are relevant, measurable and capable of providing an accurate assessment of national development progress. The Director for Monitoring and Evaluation at the NDPC, Mr Bright Atiase, also underscored the importance of developing a practical and measurable framework. He described the results framework as both a roadmap and a scorecard for assessing the implementation of development policies, programmes and projects. He explained that the Commission is shifting its emphasis from input and output indicators to outcome and impact indicators, retaining only essential output indicators that directly support effective performance measurement. Mr Atiase urged institutions to avoid including indicators they lacked the capacity to measure, stressing that realistic targets, supported by credible baselines and reliable data sources, would improve accountability and policy implementation. Also addressing the meeting, UNICEF representative Dr Felix Addo-Yobo highlighted the need for timely, reliable and disaggregated data to support evidence-based planning. He cautioned that relying solely on national averages could mask inequalities and leave vulnerable populations underserved. The validation meeting forms part of NDPC's efforts to finalise a robust results framework that will guide monitoring, evaluation and reporting under Ghana's Medium-Term National Development Policy Framework for the 2026–2029 period. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has secured a GH¢1,068,455 corporate sponsorship from 3TREES Ghana Painting Ltd to renovate and repaint the exterior of its national headquarters under the Government’s Brighten Ghana Initiative. The sponsorship, which comes at no financial cost to the state, will fully fund the project, including paint supplies, labour, scaffolding, equipment and all related renovation works. The initiative forms part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme aimed at supporting public infrastructure and national development. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the Minister for Food and Agriculture described the partnership as a clear demonstration of the private sector’s growing role in supporting government efforts to modernise public institutions. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming Ghana’s agricultural sector through President John Dramani Mahama’s Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda. He stressed that agriculture remains a key driver of the Ghanaian economy, noting that sustained investment in the sector is essential to improving food production, creating jobs and strengthening national food security. The Minister also called on corporate organisations and development partners to support the 42nd National Farmers’ Day, scheduled for December 4, 2026, saying contributions towards the celebration represent an investment in the country’s agricultural future and the welfare of farmers. He praised 3TREES Ghana Painting Ltd for taking the lead in the Brighten Ghana Initiative, describing the renovation of the Ministry’s headquarters as both a practical investment and a symbolic gesture in honour of Ghana’s farming community. The Ministry’s headquarters, he said, serves as the administrative home of the country’s agricultural sector, making its refurbishment an important step towards improving the working environment and enhancing public service delivery. The Minister further encouraged more businesses to partner with government in rehabilitating public facilities, arguing that stronger public-private collaboration is vital to accelerating national development. Representing 3TREES Ghana Painting Ltd, Sales Director Violet Lin said the company remains committed to delivering quality paint solutions while supporting projects that improve public institutions and contribute to sustainable development. She noted that the sponsorship reflects the firm’s dedication to creating lasting value for communities across Ghana. The Ministry also recognised UMB Bank for its support of the initiative and reaffirmed its commitment to working with corporate partners to advance agricultural development, institutional renewal and improved service delivery. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has reaffirmed its commitment to mitigating the environmental and social effects of mining by investing GH¢8.4 million in the rehabilitation of three major water supply systems in the Western and Central Regions. The intervention, undertaken through a strategic partnership with Ghana Water Limited (GWL), will support the rehabilitation of the Bonsa, Daboase and Sekyere Heman Water Supply Systems, which have experienced years of operational challenges that have affected the delivery of potable water to surrounding communities. Speaking at the signing ceremony in Accra on Tuesday, the Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, Esq., said the Board approved the project after conducting an independent technical assessment to determine its feasibility, sustainability and expected impact on the beneficiary communities. According to him, the rehabilitation of the water systems forms part of GoldBod's broader efforts to address the environmental and social consequences of mining activities. He explained that the initiative aligns with the Board's vision of promoting responsible and sustainable mining while ensuring that communities affected by mining operations benefit from investments in critical public infrastructure. Mr. Gyamfi noted that access to clean and reliable water remains essential to improving public health, protecting livelihoods and supporting economic growth in mining communities. He stressed that GoldBod is committed to ensuring that the country's mineral wealth translates into tangible improvements in the lives of Ghanaians, particularly those living in areas where mining activities have impacted the environment. He further indicated that the project reflects GoldBod's dedication to environmental sustainability, responsible resource governance and community development, adding that the Board will continue to collaborate with key stakeholders on initiatives that deliver lasting social and economic benefits. Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited, Adam Mutawakilu, expressed appreciation to GoldBod for the intervention, describing it as a timely investment that will restore water production capacity, improve operational efficiency and enhance the delivery of safe drinking water to thousands of residents in the beneficiary communities. He said the rehabilitation works would help address longstanding water supply challenges while strengthening Ghana Water Limited's ability to provide reliable and sustainable water services in the affected areas. The partnership between GoldBod and Ghana Water Limited highlights a shared commitment to investing in sustainable infrastructure, protecting the environment and improving the quality of life of citizens. Upon completion, the rehabilitation works are expected to significantly enhance access to potable water and contribute to the socio-economic development of communities in the Western and Central Regions. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Peace, Security and Intelligence Analyst, Patrick K. Yeboah, has stated that firearms confiscated from criminals or surrendered through amnesty programmes should never be reintroduced into the operational inventory of Ghana's security and intelligence agencies, stressing that their destruction is essential for national security, public safety and the integrity of the country's arms control system. In an article following Ghana's 8th National Small Arms Destruction Ceremony, held on July 9, 2026, to commemorate the United Nations International Small Arms Destruction Day, Mr. Yeboah explained that although some members of the public believe recovered firearms could help address logistical challenges within the security services, such weapons are unsuitable for operational use due to legal, forensic, operational and safety concerns. He noted that many seized firearms have uncertain or undocumented histories, with some having been illegally manufactured, smuggled across borders, modified to increase their lethality or poorly maintained. As a result, their mechanical reliability cannot be guaranteed, posing significant risks to security personnel during critical operations. According to him, confiscated firearms also retain important forensic value, as many have been linked to offences such as armed robbery, murder, organised crime, terrorism and illegal mining. Reintroducing such weapons into active service, he argued, could complicate future investigations, undermine chain-of-custody records and weaken public confidence in the criminal justice system. Mr. Yeboah further explained that permanently destroying seized firearms eliminates the possibility of their diversion back into criminal circulation through theft, corruption or unauthorised transfers. He added that destruction also enables security agencies to maintain standardised weapon systems, making training, maintenance, logistics and ammunition management more efficient. The analyst emphasised that Ghana's approach is consistent with internationally recognised arms control frameworks, including the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons (UNPoA), the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, the United Nations Firearms Protocol, the Arms Trade Treaty, and the International Small Arms Control Standards (ISACS). These instruments encourage the permanent destruction of illicit or confiscated firearms once all legal processes have been completed. He maintained that whenever additional firearms are required by the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prisons Service and other security agencies, they should be acquired through transparent procurement from licensed manufacturers and authorised arms dealers rather than by reusing confiscated weapons. Mr. Yeboah concluded that destroying seized firearms is not a waste of valuable resources but a necessary safeguard that protects security personnel, strengthens accountability, supports the rule of law and enhances national security. He also commended successive governments for sustaining the policy, describing it as a demonstration of Ghana's commitment to responsible arms control and the fight against the proliferation of illicit firearms. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Chief of Staff, Hon. Julius Debrah, has underscored the importance of destroying illicit firearms, describing the exercise as a vital measure in safeguarding Ghana’s peace, security and national development. Speaking at the 8th National Small Arms Destruction Ceremony held at the Police Depot in Tesano, Accra, to mark the United Nations International Small Arms Destruction Day, Mr. Debrah said the elimination of illegal weapons reflects the Government’s firm commitment to ensuring that illicit firearms do not find their way into Ghanaian communities. He stressed that the fight against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons requires sustained cooperation among government institutions, security agencies, civil society, traditional authorities and the general public. According to him, collective action remains the most effective strategy for preventing illegal firearms from fueling crime and insecurity. The Chief of Staff commended Ghanaians for responding positively to the national Gun Amnesty Programme, which led to the voluntary surrender of more than 4,000 firearms. He encouraged the public to continue supporting law enforcement agencies by providing information on the illegal possession, manufacture and trafficking of firearms. Also addressing the ceremony, the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, reaffirmed the Government’s resolve to strengthen national security through sustained efforts to curb the spread of illicit weapons across the country. He noted that every firearm destroyed represents one less weapon available to armed robbers, violent extremists, political vigilantes and other criminal elements capable of disrupting public safety and national stability. Hon. Muntaka observed that while Ghana continues to enjoy a reputation as one of Africa’s most peaceful nations, the growing circulation of illicit small arms within the West African sub-region poses a significant security threat, contributing to organised crime, armed conflicts, violent extremism and cross-border criminal activities. He therefore called on citizens, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and the media to intensify public education and remain vigilant in supporting national efforts to eliminate illegal firearms and promote a lasting culture of peace. The annual Small Arms Destruction Ceremony forms part of Ghana’s commitment to international efforts aimed at reducing the circulation of illicit weapons and strengthening public safety through responsible arms control. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ga Mantse and President of the Ga Traditional Council, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has called on residents and businesses in Accra to strictly comply with the directive to suspend commercial activities and actively participate in the two-day National General Cleaning exercise. The clean-up exercise, scheduled for Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, will take place from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon each day. During the period, all shops, markets and commercial establishments are expected to remain closed, except emergency services, essential medical facilities and authorised sanitation personnel. According to the Ga Mantse, the exercise is a collective responsibility aimed at improving environmental sanitation, clearing choked drains and creating a healthier and safer capital city. King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II urged residents to embrace the initiative with discipline and a sense of civic duty, stressing that a cleaner Accra benefits everyone. "When we set aside our daily business to clean our communities, we invest in a healthier future and preserve the dignity of our people. I urge everyone to observe the directive and actively participate in this important two-day nationwide exercise," the Ga Mantse stated. The National General Cleaning Days are being organised in collaboration with the Office of the Greater Accra Regional Minister, the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly as part of ongoing efforts to improve sanitation and reduce the risk of flooding and disease outbreaks. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku (MP), has admonished newly deployed District Feed Ghana Coordinators to approach their assignments with humility, discipline and a spirit of service, insisting that they are being sent to support Ghana's agricultural transformation—not to create parallel structures or assume authority over existing officers. Speaking at the passing-out ceremony of 506 members of the Feed Ghana Brigade in Accra, the Minister emphasized that the coordinators would become part of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture's established service delivery system and must work within the existing administrative framework. According to Mr. Opoku, every District Feed Ghana Coordinator is expected to operate under the administrative leadership and guidance of the respective District Director of Agriculture while maintaining close collaboration with agricultural extension officers and other technical staff already serving in the districts. He stressed that the District Director of Agriculture remains the head of the Ministry's operations at the district level and urged the newly deployed coordinators to respect the established chain of command. "I expect every coordinator to respect that authority and work within the established chain of command," he said. The Minister cautioned the coordinators against creating unnecessary rivalry with existing officers, stressing that the success of the Feed Ghana Programme would depend on cooperation rather than competition. "Success will come through cooperation, not competition; coordination, not duplication; and teamwork, not parallel structures," he stated. Mr. Opoku therefore urged the coordinators to see themselves as public servants committed to supporting farmers and strengthening agricultural service delivery. "Do not go to the districts as bosses. Go as servants to the people. Go to strengthen the existing system, not to replace it. Go to support your District Directors, extension officers and other technical staff in delivering the objectives of the Feed Ghana Programme efficiently, professionally and harmoniously," he charged. Touching on the broader objectives of the initiative, the Minister said the effectiveness of the Feed Ghana Programme would not be measured by policy announcements made in Accra but by practical outcomes in farming communities across the country. He said the programme's success would be reflected in the number of farmers reached, the acreage cultivated, increased food production, the number of young people attracted to agriculture, women supported, agricultural value chains strengthened and renewed confidence in Ghana's agricultural sector. Mr. Opoku described agriculture as the foundation of every serious economy, noting that no nation can attain genuine independence if it cannot feed its people. He said a strong agricultural sector is indispensable to sustainable industrialisation, economic growth and job creation, adding that no country can build a resilient economy while neglecting farmers, processors, transporters, traders and agribusiness entrepreneurs. The Minister further explained that President John Dramani Mahama's vision for agriculture extends beyond food production, describing it as a comprehensive strategy aimed at stimulating economic growth, strengthening national security, creating employment opportunities, driving industrialisation and restoring hope to young people willing to venture into agriculture. He encouraged the newly trained coordinators to demonstrate dedication, professionalism and integrity as they begin work in their respective districts, expressing confidence that their contribution would be instrumental in achieving the goals of the Feed Ghana Programme and transforming Ghana's agricultural sector. The 506 graduates of the Feed Ghana Brigade are expected to be deployed across the country's districts to support the implementation of the government's flagship agricultural initiative by working closely with district agricultural authorities and farming communities. On his part, National Coordinator of the Feed Ghana Programme, Bright Demordzi, has expressed confidence in the readiness of the newly trained Feed Ghana Brigades to support the country’s agricultural transformation agenda. Mr. Demordzi said the three-week training programme had equipped the recruits with both technical agricultural knowledge and essential leadership skills needed to strengthen Ghana’s agricultural extension system. He explained that the training, organised in collaboration with the Ghana Police Training School and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s Directorate of Agricultural Extension Services, focused on extension service delivery, leadership, ethics, discipline, teamwork, communication, conflict resolution, physical fitness and patriotism. According to Mr. Demordzi, the Brigades demonstrated the competence, discipline and commitment required to work alongside Agricultural Extension Officers in supporting farmers and ensuring the successful implementation of the Feed Ghana Programme. He urged the graduates to uphold professionalism, integrity and humility in their work, respect their supervisors, collaborate effectively with regional and district agricultural authorities, and remain dedicated to serving farming communities. Mr. Demordzi noted that the commitment of the newly deployed Brigades would play a vital role in advancing the objectives of the Feed Ghana Programme, improving agricultural productivity and contributing to Ghana’s food security and economic growth. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The DE MAYOR FOUNDATION has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting quality education and community development, declaring that every child deserves access to quality educational resources regardless of their background. The Foundation made the statement during activities marking its first anniversary, where it donated educational materials and essential school supplies to selected schools in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region on July 2, 2026. The beneficiary schools included Dalive–Torsikpota LA Primary School, Agorta Junior High School, and Nutekpor LA Primary School. The donation comprised bundles of exercise books and notebooks, mathematical instrument sets, boxes of pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, chalk, as well as assorted drinks for school activities. According to the Foundation, the intervention is intended to support effective teaching and learning while easing the financial burden on parents and guardians. “Our belief is that every child deserves access to quality educational resources regardless of their background,” the Foundation stated, stressing that education remains a powerful tool for transforming lives and creating equal opportunities for young people. Beyond education, the Foundation extended its support to the Dalive–Torsikpota community by pledging to supply chippings to improve flood-affected and waterlogged grounds. The initiative is expected to enhance mobility, improve safety, and provide a more conducive environment for residents. During the visit, authorities of Agorta Junior High School appealed to the Foundation for assistance with roofing sheets to replace the school’s deteriorating roof. School officials explained that heavy rainfall often causes water to leak into classrooms, disrupting lessons and affecting teaching and learning. Responding to the appeal, the Foundation acknowledged the urgency of the situation and indicated its willingness to explore partnerships and mobilise resources to help address the challenge. Reflecting on its first year of operations, the DE MAYOR FOUNDATION expressed gratitude to individuals, corporate organisations, philanthropists, and development partners whose support has contributed to its work over the past year. The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its educational and community interventions through strategic collaborations, noting that collective efforts are essential to building stronger schools, empowering communities, and securing a brighter future for Ghana’s children. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The National Patriots Against Injustice and Corruption Ghana (NAPAIC-Ghana) has commended the Ghana Police Service for what it describes as significant improvements in security across the Upper East Region, while strongly rejecting allegations of extrajudicial killings levelled against the police by the Upper East Regional Chairman of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Anthony Namoo. Addressing a press conference at the Bolgatanga Central Market on Sunday, July 5, the civil society organisation said recent security interventions, particularly the operations of the Inspector-General of Police's special anti-crime taskforce, popularly known as Black Maria, have restored confidence among residents and created a safer environment for businesses to thrive. The group was responding to remarks made by Mr. Namoo during a remembrance ceremony held on June 30, 2026, in honour of the three High Court judges murdered 44 years ago. . During his address, the GBA Chairman alleged that police officers had arrested some young men under the guise of transporting them to Accra before allegedly killing them along the way. NAPAIC-Ghana described the allegations as serious but unsubstantiated, insisting that such claims should be backed by credible evidence, particularly when made by a legal practitioner. Reading a statement on behalf of the organisation, Secretary Zumah B. Yaro said the group did not support extrajudicial killings under any circumstances but maintained that allegations capable of damaging the reputation of state institutions must be supported by verifiable facts. "As a lawyer, it would have been appropriate for him to substantiate his claims. We find such statements disturbing because they have the potential to erode public confidence in the security agencies," the statement noted. The organisation also criticised the Ghana Bar Association for failing to recognise what it described as the positive impact of the Black Maria taskforce in combating violent crime in the Upper East Region. According to NAPAIC-Ghana, the region had experienced a surge in armed robberies and violent attacks before the deployment of the special police unit. It credited the taskforce, together with the Upper East Regional Police Command under Deputy Commissioner of Police John Ferguson Dzineku, with helping to restore peace and significantly reduce criminal activities. The group noted that traders and residents who previously lived in fear are now able to conduct their daily activities with greater confidence due to the enhanced security presence. It further reminded the public that several lives had been lost to criminal activities in the region, including the killing of a police officer on the Bolgatanga-Tamale Highway and multiple armed robbery attacks targeting traders during the first half of 2026. "The lives of police officers matter. The lives of traders matter. Every life matters," the organisation stressed, urging the GBA to equally condemn attacks on police officers, traders, teachers, nurses, immigration officers and other innocent victims of violent crime. The press conference attracted scores of traders and residents, many of whom displayed placards expressing support for the police and the Black Maria taskforce. Some called on security agencies to sustain the ongoing anti-crime operations, while others challenged Mr. Namoo to provide evidence to support his allegations. NAPAIC-Ghana warned that unverified claims against the police could undermine the morale of security personnel and embolden criminal elements seeking to destabilise the region. The group also encouraged public figures to balance criticism of security agencies with condemnation of criminals whose activities have caused fear and economic hardship for residents. It added that any individual or institution that believed it had been defamed by the allegations was entitled to seek legal redress through the courts. NAPAIC-Ghana concluded by applauding the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, the Minister for the Interior, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, the Upper East Regional Police Command, the Black Maria taskforce and other security agencies for their continued efforts to safeguard lives and property. The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting accountability and justice but emphasised that public discourse on security matters must be guided by evidence, fairness and respect for the rule of law. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Mintah

Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Prof. Samuel K. Akoriyea, has reaffirmed the Service's commitment to reducing malaria infections among children through the nationwide distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) in schools, describing the intervention as a proven strategy to protect both pupils and their families. Addressing journalists during a media orientation in Accra on Wednesday, July 1, ahead of the 2026 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) campaign, Prof. Akoriyea said the school-based distribution programme forms part of Ghana's broader malaria prevention strategy aimed at reducing illness and deaths among vulnerable populations, especially children. "The ongoing school-based distribution of insecticide-treated nets is a deliberate and evidence-based strategy to protect school-age children and their households from malaria," he stated. He explained that the initiative, being implemented in partnership with the Ghana Education Service (GES), targets pupils in Primary Two and Primary Six, using the country's educational system as a reliable platform to ensure that insecticide-treated nets reach children in every community. According to him, distributing the nets through schools guarantees equitable access while increasing household ownership of mosquito nets, thereby extending protection beyond individual beneficiaries to entire families. Prof. Akoriyea stressed that every net being distributed has undergone rigorous quality assurance checks and can be tracked throughout the supply chain, assuring the public that the products meet the required standards for effective malaria prevention. He noted that the school distribution exercise complements the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention campaign, another key intervention targeted at children between three and 59 months who remain the most vulnerable to severe malaria and its complications. The Director-General announced that the first phase of the SMC campaign has already been completed successfully in the Upper East, Upper West, North East and Oti regions. The next phase is scheduled to take place from July 2 to July 5 across the Northern, Savannah and Bono East regions. He disclosed that this year's campaign has been strengthened through the introduction of digital registration systems, enhanced safety monitoring and the deployment of trained community health volunteers who will administer the preventive medicines through house-to-house visits. Prof. Akoriyea encouraged parents and caregivers to cooperate with the volunteers by allowing them access to their homes and ensuring that every eligible child receives the complete monthly dosage of the preventive medication. He emphasised that the medicines are provided free of charge, have been proven to be safe and effective, and offer the greatest protection against malaria when all treatment cycles are completed during the peak transmission season. The campaign comes as Ghana continues to record remarkable progress in its fight against malaria. According to the Ghana Health Service, malaria prevalence has declined significantly over the past decade, falling from 27.5 per cent in 2011 to 8.6 per cent in 2022. Malaria-related deaths have also reduced dramatically, dropping by more than 98 per cent from over 3,200 recorded in 2011 to only 52 deaths last year. Also lending support to the initiative, the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, Prof. Ernest Kofi Davies, in a statement read on his behalf, reaffirmed the Education Service's commitment to collaborating with the Ghana Health Service to ensure the successful implementation of the campaign. He noted that schools remain an important platform for promoting child health and supporting national efforts to eliminate malaria. Health authorities are optimistic that the combined interventions of seasonal malaria chemoprevention and the widespread distribution of insecticide-treated nets will further reduce malaria infections among children and contribute to Ghana's long-term goal of eliminating the disease as a major public health threat. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in collaboration with the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), has concluded the 2026 edition of its Third Country Training Course, equipping laboratory professionals from across Africa with advanced skills to improve infectious disease diagnosis and surveillance. This year's programme brought together eight participants from Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo and Zambia, who completed an eight-week capacity-building course designed to strengthen laboratory practice and support public health systems in their home countries. The training was delivered in two parts. Participants first attended virtual sessions between April 20 and May 15, 2026, where they covered the scientific principles and theoretical aspects of infectious disease laboratory work. They later assembled at the Noguchi Memorial Institute in Accra from June 1 to June 26 for intensive practical sessions in Parasitology, Virology and Bacteriology. The course is part of a sustained partnership between JICA and NMIMR aimed at developing a highly skilled laboratory workforce capable of responding to Africa's evolving public health needs. Through specialised instruction and practical experience, participants gained competencies expected to enhance disease detection, laboratory diagnosis, surveillance and outbreak preparedness in their respective countries. Since the initiative was introduced, it has continued to expand its reach across the continent. The latest graduating class increases the total number of laboratory professionals trained under the programme to 80, demonstrating its growing contribution to strengthening health systems and regional scientific expertise. The organisers believe sustained investment in laboratory training is critical as African countries continue to face emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. They say building the technical capacity of laboratory personnel remains a key pillar in improving disease monitoring, accelerating responses to outbreaks and promoting collaboration among public health institutions across the region. The successful completion of the 2026 course further highlights the enduring cooperation between JICA and the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research in advancing scientific knowledge, fostering regional partnerships and supporting resilient healthcare systems throughout Africa. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith