Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has clarified that the government’s Free Primary Healthcare initiative is not intended to compete with or replace the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), but is designed to complement the scheme by strengthening preventive and community-level healthcare delivery. Mr. Akandoh said the initiative represents a major shift towards prevention and early intervention, with the government seeking to bring essential healthcare services closer to people in their communities and reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for basic medical care. Speaking to journalists on the implementation of the programme, the Health Minister explained that the Free Primary Healthcare initiative would focus primarily on CHPS compounds, health centres and polyclinics, rather than major referral hospitals such as the Korle Bu and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospitals. He said patients who require specialised or advanced medical attention beyond the primary healthcare level would be referred to the appropriate facilities, with the NHIS continuing to provide financial protection for eligible services at the next level of care. “Free Primary Healthcare is not intended to compete with or replace the NHIS,” Mr. Akandoh said. According to him, the two interventions are expected to work together to create a stronger and more sustainable healthcare system. He said effective implementation of both the NHIS and Free Primary Healthcare would, in the long term, significantly reduce pressure on the national health insurance system, particularly by preventing illnesses before they become severe and expensive to treat. “If we implement the National Health Insurance and the Free Primary Healthcare well, in the long run it will reduce drastically the pressure on the National Health Insurance Scheme,” the Minister said. Mr. Akandoh stressed that prevention remained one of the most effective ways of improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare expenditure. He explained that treating diseases at an advanced stage could impose significant financial pressure on both individuals and the state, whereas early detection, prevention and timely intervention could help reduce the cost of treatment. The initiative is therefore expected to strengthen community-based services, including outreach and house-to-house healthcare, enabling health workers to identify health challenges earlier and connect residents to appropriate care. Equipment and Mobility for Health Workers The Minister disclosed that the government was equipping health facilities and community health teams to support the implementation of the programme. He said government was expecting more than 12,000 pieces of additional equipment in the next batch, while approximately 5,000 bags were also expected to be delivered in the following week as part of efforts to improve the capacity of frontline health workers. Mr. Akandoh further announced plans to distribute not less than 7,000 motorbikes and tricycles across the country. He said the vehicles would improve the mobility of health workers and make it easier for them to undertake community outreach, house-to-house visits and other essential services, particularly in areas where transportation remains a challenge. The Health Minister also identified Mahama Care as another important component of the government’s healthcare protection strategy. He said the programme was particularly relevant to patients suffering from non-communicable diseases, including cancer, which often require prolonged treatment and can impose significant financial burdens on families. According to him, Mahama Care is expected to help address gaps in healthcare financing and provide additional protection for people whose conditions require expensive and long-term medical care. Mr. Akandoh said the Free Primary Healthcare initiative was being implemented on a broad national scale, with 4,574 facilities currently covered. These comprise 3,781 clinics, 746 health centres and 48 polyclinics. He said the government was also working with relevant agencies and faith-based health providers to expand access and ensure that the programme reaches communities across the country. The collaboration includes health facilities affiliated with the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission. The Minister said the ultimate objective of the Free Primary Healthcare initiative was to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by ensuring that Ghanaians can access appropriate and essential healthcare services regardless of where they live. He said strengthening primary healthcare would bring the health system closer to communities, encourage early detection and treatment, and reduce unnecessary pressure on higher-level hospitals. Mr. Akandoh also disclosed that an accessibility system, including the generation of a one-time accessibility code, had been established to facilitate access to the programme. He maintained that the government’s broader healthcare strategy was based on the principle that a strong primary healthcare system, supported by a functional NHIS and targeted interventions such as Mahama Care, would provide a more comprehensive safety net for Ghanaians. The initiative, he said, is ultimately aimed at moving Ghana’s healthcare system from one that largely responds to illness to one that places greater emphasis on prevention, early intervention and accessible care within communities. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Deputy Minister for Health, Hon. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has underscored the importance of research and scientific validation in ensuring that herbal and plant-based medicines meet the required standards of safety and quality before they are made available to the public. She said rigorous laboratory testing, quality control and scientific assessment were necessary to establish the safety, quality and efficacy of plant-based medicinal products and to strengthen public confidence in their use. Hon. Ayensu-Danquah made the remarks during a working visit to the Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR), where she toured key laboratory and production facilities and was briefed on the Centre’s research, testing, quality assurance and production activities. She visited the Microbiology Laboratory, Haematology and Biochemistry rooms, Drugs Analysis Office, Pharmaceutics and Quality Control Laboratory, as well as the Production Unit. The Deputy Minister said institutions such as the CPMR play an important role in promoting evidence-based research and innovation while supporting the development of safe, quality and locally produced healthcare solutions. She stressed that strengthening the Centre’s research and laboratory capacity would contribute to the Ministry of Health’s broader efforts to improve healthcare delivery and promote locally developed solutions. Hon. Ayensu-Danquah also commended the researchers and technical staff for their work and encouraged continued investment in scientific research to unlock the potential of Ghana’s plant-based medicinal resources. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

TexStyles Ghana Limited (TSG), the company behind two of Ghana’s most iconic textile brands, GTP and Woodin, is set to enter a new chapter following the acquisition of its shares by Ghanaian-owned investment firm Olive Africa Partners Fashions Ltd. Olive Africa Partners Fashions, represented by its co-founding partners Kofi Kwakwa and John Gadzi, has acquired Vlisco BV’s entire shareholding in TexStyles Ghana Limited, along with the Woodin brand and trademarks associated with the company. The transaction makes Olive Africa Partners Fashions the principal shareholder of TSG and marks a significant shift towards Ghanaian ownership of a major player in the country’s textile industry. Despite the change in ownership, TexStyles Ghana will retain its existing management structure as the company seeks to ensure continuity in its operations and relationships with employees, distributors, retailers and customers. Kofi Kwakwa, Chairman of Olive Africa Partners Fashions, described the acquisition as both a personal milestone and a strategic investment in Ghana’s textile industry. “This moment is deeply meaningful to me,” Mr Kwakwa said, recalling his childhood experience of watching his mother trade in GTP fabrics to support her family. He said he and Mr Gadzi considered it an honour to take over the historic company and its GTP and Woodin brands, adding that they were committed to building on the brands’ legacy. TexStyles Ghana has been a major participant in Ghana’s textile industry for decades, producing fabrics that have become an important part of Ghanaian fashion and cultural identity. Its products have also gained a strong market presence across West Africa through an established distribution network. Under the new ownership, the company will continue manufacturing and operating in Ghana while serving its existing customers and markets across the sub-region. Perry Oosting, Chief Executive Officer of Vlisco Group, said the company was proud of its contribution to TexStyles Ghana over the years and expressed confidence in the new ownership. He said TSG and its brands remained deeply connected to the cultural and textile heritage of Ghana and West Africa. Mr Oosting further indicated that Vlisco would continue supporting TexStyles Ghana and regarded the new relationship as a partnership. The Managing Director of TexStyles Ghana Limited, Kodwo Agyenim-Boateng, welcomed the new shareholders and expressed appreciation to Vlisco for its support over the years. He said the management was looking forward to working with the new owners to strengthen the business and take the company forward. The acquisition is expected to become effective in the coming weeks, subject to the completion of all applicable administrative and regulatory requirements. Olive Africa Partners Fashions, chaired by entrepreneur Kofi Kwakwa, is an investment-holding company focused on the fabrics sector. The company says its strategy is centred on long-term Ghanaian ownership, strong corporate governance, operational excellence and investment aimed at expanding businesses in Ghana and other African markets. The acquisition of TexStyles Ghana and its iconic brands therefore positions the company for a new phase of locally driven ownership while preserving its longstanding role in Ghana’s textile and fashion industry. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), ChristianTetteh Yohuno has promoted seven police officers to their next ranks in recognition of their excellent performance and bravery in the successful arrest of suspects in the Adabraka gold robbery case. The beneficiaries comprise one Senior Police Officer (SPO) and six other ranks, all of whom have been elevated to the next rank for their professionalism, dedication and effective operational and investigative work. The officers played a key role in the arrest of suspects linked to the Adabraka gold robbery incident, demonstrating commitment and courage in the discharge of their duties. The IGP commended the officers for their exemplary performance and contribution to the fight against crime, describing their actions as worthy of recognition. The promotion is expected to serve as an incentive to other personnel to continue demonstrating professionalism, vigilance and dedication in protecting lives and property. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has taken delivery of three Toyota Hilux pickup vehicles to improve the implementation and monitoring of reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, adolescent health and nutrition (RMNCAHN) services in three regions. The vehicles have been allocated to the Central, Eastern and Ashanti Regions to support field operations under the RMNCAHN Networks of Practice (NoP) initiative. The vehicles were procured by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) serving as the implementing partner. The initiative is expected to improve the mobility of health teams and strengthen supervision, monitoring and community-based interventions, particularly at the regional, district and community levels. Presenting the vehicles to the GHS, KOICA Ghana Country Director, Mr Dong Wan Woo, said the donation reflected South Korea’s continued commitment to supporting Ghana’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery. He said the vehicles would enable project teams to move more efficiently to communities and health facilities to undertake critical programme activities. Mr Woo urged the beneficiary regions to ensure that the vehicles were properly utilised to advance the objectives of the RMNCAHN Networks of Practice programme. Receiving the vehicles on behalf of the Ghana Health Service, the Director-General, Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, stressed the importance of responsible management, sustainability and local ownership of the donated assets. He said the success of such interventions depended not only on the provision of resources but also on ensuring that they remained functional and useful over time. Dr Kaba Akoriyea assured stakeholders that the GHS had the capacity to maintain the vehicles, noting that its mechanical workshops were equipped to undertake routine servicing and repairs. He explained that the vehicles had been assigned specifically to regional teams and field officers to facilitate supervision, monitoring and community outreach, with the broader objective of improving primary healthcare delivery in beneficiary districts. For UNICEF, Deputy Representative Ms Emmanuelle Collet said the Networks of Practice initiative was designed to strengthen the links between health systems, communities and frontline health workers. She described the vehicles as an investment in improved supervision, quicker coordination and more consistent support for health workers delivering services at the community level. Ms Collet reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to working with the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service and KOICA to turn national health policies into practical interventions capable of improving outcomes for mothers and children. Beyond the vehicles, UNICEF and KOICA are also completing the procurement of 38 additional pieces of medical equipment and supplies for health facilities in the targeted regions. The Director of the Family Health Division of the GHS, Dr Kennedy T.C. Brightson, said the improved mobility would have a direct impact on several community-level health interventions. According to him, health teams would be better positioned to conduct home visits for newborns and mothers during the postnatal period, allowing health workers to identify sick infants early and facilitate timely referrals. The improved access would also support focused antenatal care and doorstep maternal health assessments, including monitoring pregnant women for high blood pressure and ensuring that complications are identified and managed promptly. He added that the programme would facilitate nutrition and reproductive health interventions, including the distribution of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) and Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), aimed at supporting the health and development of mothers and children. On efforts to reduce maternal and perinatal deaths, Dr Brightson said Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) audits remained an important mechanism for identifying the underlying causes of deaths and addressing gaps in clinical care. He explained that the audits help health authorities examine maternal and perinatal deaths systematically and use the findings to improve the quality and safety of services, particularly in labour wards. Dr Brightson therefore appealed to the media and the public to pay greater attention to evidence from institutional reviews and efforts to address identified challenges rather than sensational claims circulating on social media. He said constructive collaboration among health institutions, communities and media partners was essential to creating a safer healthcare system and reducing preventable deaths among mothers and children. Story by: Hawa Abubakar

Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings has pledged to align science, technology and innovation with environmental protection as she officially assumed office as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology (MEST). Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, who also serves as Member of Parliament for Klottey-Korle, emphasized that Ghana’s development must not come at the expense of the environment. She stressed that both government and citizens have a constitutional duty to safeguard the environment, calling for stronger collaboration to achieve sustainable national growth. Speaking at a brief handover ceremony in Accra, the new minister highlighted the growing global threat of climate change and environmental degradation, noting that Ghana must take decisive steps to address these challenges. “We bring alive the core principles and mandate of this ministry. Science, technology and innovation must work hand in hand, but not at the expense of our environment,” she stated. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who served as acting MEST Minister and is also the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, formally handed over the ministry, expressing confidence in her leadership. He noted that her contributions to Parliament’s environment and science committee demonstrate her readiness for the role, adding that she is well-suited to steer the ministry toward achieving its mandate. The new MEST Minister assured staff of an inclusive leadership style, promising teamwork, transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources. She further urged ministry officials to uphold discipline and professionalism, stressing that success would depend on collective effort rather than individual interests. The ceremony marks a transition in leadership at a time when environmental concerns and climate action remain high on Ghana’s national agenda. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Carlos Queiroz has confirmed that he will continue as head coach of the Ghana national team, declaring that his “mission continues” as the Black Stars look ahead to a new chapter. In a statement addressed to Ghanaian football fans, the Portuguese coach expressed his pride at remaining in charge of the four-time African champions and described the role as both a privilege and a responsibility. “Serving Ghana is far more than coaching a football team. It is a privilege, a responsibility and a mission to honour one of Africa’s greatest football nations,” Queiroz said. The coach reflected positively on Ghana’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, praising the players, technical staff and the Ghana Football Federation for their efforts under what he described as challenging circumstances. According to Queiroz, the team’s performances helped restore “belief, competitiveness and the Pride of a Nation.” With the World Cup now behind them, the Portuguese tactician has turned his attention to the Africa Cup of Nations, which he views as a crucial step in Ghana’s long-term rebuilding process. “The Africa Cup of Nations is much more than our next destination — it is the golden gateway to building the Black Stars that will shine and proudly compete at the 2030 FIFA World Cup,” he stated. Queiroz said his immediate objectives are to improve the team, unite the country behind the Black Stars and build a stronger side capable of competing for major honours. “Our ambition is clear: improve every day, unite the nation, make Ghana stronger and fight for every victory with passion, humility and pride,” he added. The coach concluded his message with a rallying call to supporters: “One Team. One Nation. 35 Million Hearts. One Heartbeat.” With Queiroz set to continue at the helm, attention now shifts to how the Black Stars will prepare for their next competitive challenge and whether the new chapter can deliver a return to continental prominence. The mission continues. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate dissolution of the governing boards of nine state-owned institutions, the Presidency has announced. The decision, communicated on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, affects public institutions operating in strategic areas of the economy, including petroleum, mining, banking, housing, infrastructure, postal services and sports. The institutions whose boards have been dissolved are Prestea Sankofa Gold Limited, Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST), Volta Aluminium Company Limited (VALCO), Consolidated Bank Ghana Limited (CBG), Ghana Post Company Limited, the Road Maintenance Trust Fund, TDC Ghana Limited, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and the National Sports Authority (NSA). In a statement issued by the Presidency, the relevant sector ministers have been instructed to take the necessary administrative and legal steps to implement the President's directive. The ministers are expected to carry out the process in line with the laws governing the respective institutions and their applicable regulatory and governance frameworks. The Presidency, however, stressed that the dissolution of the boards should not be interpreted as the abolition of the governing structures of the affected institutions. It explained that the decision is part of a process that will ultimately lead to the reconstitution of the boards. New board members will subsequently be appointed to provide governance and oversight for the institutions, the statement said. The move places nine key state entities under an interim transition as the government prepares to establish new governing boards for the institutions. The affected organisations play significant roles in Ghana's economic and public-service landscape, particularly in the areas of energy security, petroleum management, mining, financial services, infrastructure development, housing, postal services and sports administration. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Deputy Minister of Health, Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has called for a more focused and practical approach to addressing Ghana’s healthcare challenges, particularly maternal and newborn deaths. She said rather than attempting to solve every challenge in the health sector at once, stakeholders must identify critical problems that can be addressed with available resources and implement targeted interventions that produce measurable results. Prof. Dr. Ayensu-Danquah made the call at the USG/Integrated Health Partnership workshop held in Accra on Tuesday under the theme “Building Healthier Futures for Families.” The US government-funded initiative, implemented through the Integrated Health Partnership with Project HOPE, is aimed at improving maternal, newborn and child health services by ensuring that women receive skilled care before, during and after childbirth. It also seeks to strengthen health facilities and equip frontline healthcare workers with the skills, tools and commodities required to provide quality care. Prof. Dr. Ayensu-Danquah said Ghana could achieve significant reductions in preventable deaths by concentrating resources on interventions at the primary healthcare level, where many health conditions could be detected and managed before becoming emergencies. “We should narrow it down and do the best we can under our small thing.” She said the country did not necessarily need sophisticated solutions to address some of the major causes of maternal mortality, insisting that relatively simple and practical interventions could save lives if properly implemented. According to her, conditions such as anaemia and pregnancy-induced hypertension could be detected early and managed effectively if frontline health workers were adequately equipped. “Anemia is number one. We can solve anemia with something else. There are a lot of things now that we can use to solve anemia. Pregnancy-induced hypertension, it's not a difficult diagnosis. It doesn't need to be rocket science to fix it. We know that they are hypertensive,” she said. The Deputy Minister proposed that essential equipment and commodities be made available at every primary healthcare facility, particularly CHPS compounds. She said such facilities should have functional delivery beds, appropriate delivery and surgical instruments, integrated drapes and other basic commodities required to support safe childbirth. She also called for the provision of small refrigerators at health facilities, powered by reliable electricity or solar energy, to ensure that medicines such as oxytocin are stored under appropriate conditions. “We can ensure every single compound has a proper delivery bed. It is not rusted. And we can also provision there a small fridge. They have some level of electricity, whether it's solar, to power that fridge so that your oxytocin is stable,” she explained. Prof. Dr. Ayensu-Danquah further advocated the provision of essential tools and commodities to midwives to enable them to respond promptly to complications during pregnancy and childbirth. She expressed the view that a strong primary healthcare system, supported with basic equipment, commodities and competent personnel, could prevent a significant proportion of maternal deaths before patients reached emergency or tertiary facilities. “My goal is, if we could give every single compound in health at this stage... the commodities, the surgical instruments or instruments to aid delivery, the integrated drapes, and ensure every single compound has a proper delivery bed,” she said. Prof. Dr. Ayensu-Danquah stressed that prevention must remain central to Ghana’s healthcare strategy, arguing that by the time a patient reaches the emergency stage, the chances of survival may already have been significantly reduced. She said investing heavily in primary healthcare could therefore complement efforts to strengthen emergency and intensive care services. “If I put myself in the primary care level, I will get more than 80% reduction in mortality, whilst looking at the higher things,” she stated. She explained that the principle of early intervention was not limited to maternal healthcare but could also help address other major health conditions. “This pregnancy thing that we are talking about, it cuts across everything. It cuts across cardiac. It cuts across pathology. It cuts across endocrinology, the heart problem, the stroke, everything,” she said. The Deputy Minister said many serious health conditions could be prevented from reaching emergency stages through early detection, appropriate treatment and adequate follow-up at the primary healthcare level. She therefore urged stakeholders to prioritise interventions that were realistic, affordable and capable of being rolled out across communities. She said the success of such interventions could have a ripple effect across the health system by reducing the number of patients who eventually require specialised emergency care. “You will be surprised that you will now feed into the other types of emergency that we didn't plan to fix. But now, because of the things you are going to fix, it will prevent people from cardiac problems, stroke and more,” she added. The workshop brought together health sector stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for improving maternal, newborn and child health, strengthening frontline services and building healthier futures for families. Prof. Dr. Ayensu-Danquah said Ghana must therefore concentrate on areas where immediate action could save lives, while progressively addressing other challenges as resources become available. On her part, Chief of Party (COP) of Project HOPE, Dr. Efua N. Aggrey, hinted that the partnership was focused on strengthening the capacity of health facilities and frontline workers to deliver effective maternal, newborn and child health services. She said the intervention was designed to support healthcare providers with the skills, tools and resources required to provide skilled care throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period. The initiative also seeks to enhance maternal, newborn and child health services by improving the quality of care available to families, particularly at the frontline of the healthcare system. Dr. Aggrey stressed the importance of strengthening health facilities and ensuring that frontline health workers were adequately equipped to respond to the healthcare needs of women and children. The intervention forms part of broader efforts to address preventable maternal and child deaths by improving access to timely, skilled and quality healthcare. The partnership underscores the importance of investing in preventive and primary healthcare while strengthening referral and emergency care systems to improve health outcomes for families across Ghana. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Secretariat of the Joint Association of Port Truckers (JAPTU) has reportedly received a number of complaints from truck drivers over alleged intimidation, harassment, prolonged delays and extortion at some police checkpoints along major northern transit corridors. The concerns, which have reportedly emerged in recent weeks, are particularly linked to sections of the Tamale–Walewale route, as well as parts of the Upper East and Upper West Regions. According to complaints received by the association, some truck drivers are allegedly subjected to lengthy stops after refusing to comply with demands for unofficial payments purportedly made during routine police checks. The drivers further allege that vehicles travelling between Walewale and Tamale are sometimes stopped in large numbers, resulting in significant delays. Some complainants have also raised concerns about the treatment of drivers using driving licences issued by Burkina Faso. They allege that, in some instances, the licences are declared fake or invalid by officers, after which drivers are allegedly asked to pay amounts ranging from GH¢600 to GH¢1,000 before being permitted to continue their journeys. Drivers who reportedly refuse or are unable to make such payments are alleged to face further delays, detention or, in some cases, handcuffing. The complaints also extend to the inspection of items contained in vehicle first-aid kits. Drivers allege that some officers demand access to materials such as alcohol, scissors and other emergency supplies. In another allegation, some drivers claim that police personnel have sought to inspect personal items, including condoms, during roadside checks. The alleged practices are said to be contributing to prolonged transit times, additional financial burdens and difficulties for truck operators and passengers using the northern corridors. JAPTU is concerned that, if established, such practices could undermine efforts to improve Ghana’s reputation as a preferred transit destination and adversely affect trade facilitation between Ghana and its landlocked neighbouring countries. The concerns come at a time when the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) and the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) are pursuing initiatives aimed at attracting more cargo from landlocked and neighbouring countries through Ghana’s ports and transit corridors. A video reportedly supplied by one of the complainants, showing several vehicles stopped along the route, has also been cited as supporting material. The footage could form part of further verification into the allegations. The claims have not been independently verified, and the conduct described cannot be attributed to the Ghana Police Service as a whole without evidence establishing the involvement of specific officers. The allegations nonetheless raise concerns about the need for transparency, accountability and professionalism in the management of Ghana’s major transit routes, particularly where roadside enforcement has implications for trade and regional commerce. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has summoned the Volta Regional Police Commander following concerns over alleged harassment, intimidation, unnecessary delays and extortion of local traders by some Police personnel along the Aflao–Accra main route. The Regional Commander has consequently summoned all Divisional and District Commanders to a meeting on Wednesday, 2nd September 2026, to deliberate on the matter and take appropriate measures. The concerns follow a viral Facebook post alleging that some Police personnel at Tokor Barrier, Ativuta Toll Booth, Weta–Afiadenyigba Junction Barrier and other locations towards Sogakope demand receipts for goods being transported by local traders and allegedly extort monies from those unable to produce them. The Joint Association of Port Transport Unions (JAPTU) has also appealed to senior Police officers to intervene, stressing that their concern is not the number of checkpoints but rather the alleged unnecessary delays, intimidation and extortion of traders. The allegations are of concern as Ghana, through institutions including the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) and Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), is making efforts to promote its ports and transit corridors to neighbouring countries to boost trade and economic growth. Personnel deployed to the affected locations have been cautioned against misconduct. An inspection team is also being constituted to identify and investigate personnel involved in such acts, with appropriate disciplinary measures to be taken where allegations are substantiated. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has commended Inspector Hance Atubra of the Tarkwa Divisional Headquarters. The commendation comes following his bravery and exceptional service during the recent fire outbreak at Aboso in the Western Region. According to the IGP, Inspector Atubra’s courage, swift response and dedication to duty, which contributed to saving lives and protecting property, demonstrate the high standards of professionalism expected of every police officer. Inspector Atubra was subsequently promoted to the rank of Chief Inspector in recognition of his heroic actions. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith