Retired Brigadier General Eric Aggrey-Quarshie, former Director-General of Public Relations of the Ghana Armed Forces, has urged journalists covering the defence sector to exercise heightened responsibility in their reportage, warning that seemingly harmless disclosures could have far-reaching national and regional security implications. He delivered the remarks on Wednesday while addressing members of the Defence Ministry Press Corps at a one-day capacity-building workshop held at the Command Officers’ Mess, Burma Camp, in Accra. Brig. Gen. Aggrey-Quarshie (Rtd) explained that espionage is not limited to dramatic covert operations but often involves the systematic collection of publicly available information. According to him, foreign intelligence operatives routinely monitor media publications, press briefings, and digital platforms to gather insights into the capabilities, vulnerabilities, and intentions of states and institutions. “Let us know the environment we operate in,” he emphasized, noting that embassies and foreign missions typically have intelligence officers whose responsibility includes analyzing open-source information. He cautioned that when journalists publish extensive personal histories, professional training records, operational details, and institutional processes—particularly out of dissatisfaction over appointments or internal decisions—they may inadvertently provide material that can be used to profile individuals and security structures. The Retired Officer explained that detailed biographical features, family backgrounds, career trajectories, and associations, when aggregated over time, can enable foreign actors to build comprehensive profiles of public officials and security personnel. “What you may consider a tribute or background story today could become a profiling document tomorrow,” he noted, adding that such information can later be used strategically in diplomatic, security, or intelligence engagements. He stressed that while investigative journalism and accountability remain pillars of democracy, they must be pursued with careful consideration of national interest and operational sensitivity. Brig. Gen. Aggrey-Quarshie (Rtd) further warned against the publication of unverified leaks and misinformation. He observed that intelligence agencies globally invest substantial resources to acquire sensitive information, yet in some instances, media publications provide similar insights freely—sometimes even fully analyzed. He urged journalists to verify documents thoroughly, assess potential security implications, and avoid being used—knowingly or unknowingly—as conduits for strategic manipulation. Beyond Ghana, he pointed out that certain security operations and defence collaborations are conducted within the framework of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). As such, careless reporting could have implications not only for Ghana but for the broader sub-region. “Disagreement with an individual or a government decision must not translate into exposing sensitive matters that affect all of us,” he cautioned. The Former Director-General of Public Relations underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation between the media and defence institutions. He called for professionalism, ethical judgment, and an understanding of the strategic environment within which defence reporting occurs. The workshop formed part of efforts to deepen collaboration between the Defence Ministry and the Press Corps, equipping journalists with greater insight into security dynamics while reinforcing the shared responsibility of safeguarding national and regional interests. He concluded by reiterating that responsible journalism enhances democracy and national resilience, but reckless disclosure can undermine collective security. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR), in collaboration with the Forestry Commission (FC), has announced a series of activities to commemorate the 2026 International Day of Forests (IDF), with a high-level inter-university debate taking centre stage. The event, marked globally on March 21, will be observed in Ghana under the theme “Forests and Economies,” spotlighting the vital contribution of forests to sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. As part of the celebrations, students from the University of Ghana (UG) and the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) will engage in a debate on March 19. The motion for debate reads: “The economic value of forests should be measured solely in terms of timber and non-timber forest products.” A balloting session held at the Forestry Commission Headquarters in Accra determined the sides for the contest. Representing UG are Mr. Kwaku Woelorm Agbedanu, a Level 200 BSc Business Administration student, and Ms. Abundance T. Adeleye, a Level 400 BA Psychology student. Both are executives of the UG Debate Society and will argue for the motion. UPSA will be represented by Mr. Richard Graham, a Level 400 Bachelor of Laws student and President of the UPSA Debate Club, who will argue against the motion. Speaking on behalf of the Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh Brown, the Executive Director of the Timber Industry Development Division (TIDD), Dr. Richard Gyimah, praised the students for their participation. He noted that the debate is aimed at engaging the youth, who will become future leaders and custodians of the nation’s natural resources. “The debate is targeted at the youth who will be the future frontliners of the various institutions. It is important that they understand forest protection and its associated issues. The FC is ready to offer support towards preparations for the debate competition. I wish you well,” he said. The International Day of Forests was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012. The Day is set aside to raise awareness about the importance of all types of forests and trees outside forest ecosystems. Member states are encouraged to organise national and local activities focused on forest conservation, sustainable management, and tree planting. Over the years, MLNR and the Forestry Commission have led nationwide tree-planting and public education campaigns to mark the occasion. In 2025, President John Dramani Mahama launched the Tree for Life (T4L) Reforestation Initiative at Nkawie in the Ashanti Region as part of the IDF celebrations. An assessment conducted at the end of the year revealed that more than 31 million tree seedlings were successfully planted across all 16 regions of Ghana under the initiative. As the country prepares to mark the 2026 celebration, organisers say the debate and related activities will further deepen public discourse on the economic, environmental, and social value of Ghana’s forest resources. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced plans to establish a Public Land Protection Task Force to curb encroachment and unauthorized development on state lands. Addressing the media at the Ministry’s conference room, the Minister said the initiative forms part of sweeping reforms introduced following a comprehensive review of 8,160 public land lease applications processed between 2017 and 2024. The review was undertaken in compliance with a directive issued on January 10, 2025, by President John Dramani Mahama, which temporarily suspended all transactions involving public lands after procedural irregularities were identified in several allocations. According to Mr. Buah, the reviewed applications included 4,176 direct allocations, 2,799 regularizations, 19 allocations relating to state bungalows, 108 land swap or public-private partnership arrangements, 795 subsequent transactions and 263 fresh allocations. He disclosed that uncompleted transactions under the affected categories have been cancelled, while completed ones will undergo a case-by-case assessment. Any allocation found to have breached due process, he stressed, will be revoked. “The establishment of the Public Land Protection Task Force will help prevent encroachment and unauthorized development on public lands,” the Minister stated, emphasizing government’s commitment to restoring transparency, accountability and discipline in land administration. Mr. Buah further outlined additional reforms, including the revision and standardization of the Public Land Application Form, stricter internal procedures at the Lands Commission, and mandatory written approval from the Minister before any public land allocation. He reaffirmed that although the temporary ban on public land transactions has been lifted, all future allocations must strictly comply with the new guidelines. “Public lands are vested in trust for the people of Ghana and must be managed in the public interest,” he added. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse has underscored the enduring legacy of West Africa Senior High School  (WASS), describing the institution as a vital pillar in Ghana’s educational and national development journey. The Ga Mantse made these remarks at the school’s 80th anniversary celebration, book launch and commemorative lecture, held on Friday at the conference room of the Ghana Shippers Authority  in Accra. Delivering a speech on behalf of the Ga Mantse, Chief of Staff of the Ga State, Justice Adjei-Amoah noted that reaching 80 years was no small feat, stressing that the school had endured and thrived through colonial rule, independence, military regimes, democratic transitions and successive generations of students. “Eighty years is not small,” she said, adding that WASS had not merely existed but had mastered the art of resilience and excellence. She emphasised the importance of remembrance, explaining that to “remember” is to put the body back together — binding the pieces of history, discipline and excellence with intention. According to her, institutions that forget their roots risk losing direction. Touching on the broader value of education, she described it as the bedrock of civilisation, noting that education transforms voice into knowledge, potential into purpose and children into leaders. She encouraged students to remain committed to their studies and take their academic responsibilities seriously. Justice Adjei-Amoah also highlighted the historical ties between the Ga State and WASS, stressing that the Ga people have always upheld a philosophy of inclusiveness and hospitality. She said since the school’s establishment in 1946, Ga leaders had invested vision and leadership into its growth and national impact. She referenced distinguished figures who contributed to the school’s development and Ghana’s national awakening, noting that WASS had played a role in shaping the country’s educational and cultural landscape, including influencing traditions linked to the national anthem. The Chief of Staff further reflected on the school’s motto — “Face Industry and Wisdom” — breaking it down as a guiding principle for students. “Face, so you do not panic when life tests you. Industry, so you do not become comfortable in laziness. Wisdom, so when success comes, it does not destroy you,” she stated, urging students to embody these values. As WASS marks eight decades of existence, Justice Adjei-Amoah called on alumni to support their alma mater, encouraged teachers to continue shaping destinies and advised students to prepare themselves for future leadership roles. She concluded by affirming that WASS is not just a school in Accra but an integral part of Ghana’s national story, wishing the institution continued growth and impact in the years ahead. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) will from February 18 to March 27, 2026, embark on nationwide consultations aimed at shaping Ghana’s long-term development agenda in response to rapid changes in the global economy. The exercise, led by NDPC Chairman Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, seeks to gather views on how Ghana can pursue sustainable development amid shifting global economic dynamics that present both risks and new opportunities for developing countries. The consultations come at a time when Ghana’s macroeconomic indicators are showing significant improvement. Inflation and interest rates have declined sharply, while the cedi has recorded a historic appreciation against the US dollar under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme that began in 2023. Government officials attribute the gains to rising commodity prices—particularly gold—and fiscal reforms implemented by the Ministry of Finance to reduce public expenditure inefficiencies. With the IMF programme expected to conclude in 2026, attention is turning to strategies that will move the country from economic stabilisation to diversified, resilient and job-rich growth. Central to the discussions will be the Ghana Infrastructure Plan (GIP), launched by President in October 2025, which outlines priority investments to drive long-term national development. The regional phase of the consultations will involve all 16 Regional Coordinating Councils and the respective Houses of Chiefs. According to the Commission, the approach reflects its commitment to promoting local economic development as the bedrock of national transformation. After the regional engagements, the NDPC will hold discussions with parliamentary leaders, regional caucuses in Parliament and political parties. Engagements with political parties will cover the introduction of a policy and legislative almanac to guide manifesto preparation, training in results-based management for party leadership, and briefings on the evolving post-war global economy and its implications for Ghana. Dr. Thompson will be accompanied by the Commission’s Director-General, Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah, who brings extensive experience in district and regional administration, as well as senior policy analysts. At each regional stop, the team will be joined by the region’s representative on the Commission. The NDPC says the consultations are intended to build broad national consensus around a development strategy capable of sustaining economic stability while accelerating inclusive growth in a rapidly changing world. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced that Cabinet has directed the Office of the Attorney General to commission a concurrent forensic audit and criminal investigation into the activities of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) covering the last eight years. Dr. Forson made the disclosure while addressing the nation through the media, outlining a series of far-reaching reforms aimed at restoring financial stability, accountability, and transparency within the cocoa sector. According to the Finance Minister, the decision forms part of government’s broader effort to address the deep-rooted financial challenges confronting COCOBOD, including rising liabilities, excessive contractual commitments, and non-core expenditures that have placed significant strain on the institution’s finances. He explained that the forensic audit will involve a comprehensive examination of COCOBOD’s financial records, contractual arrangements, procurement processes, and expenditure patterns over the period under review. The criminal investigation, to run concurrently, will determine whether any breaches of procurement laws, financial regulations, or other statutory obligations occurred and whether individuals should be held personally accountable. Dr. Forson emphasized that the directive is not merely administrative but a decisive accountability measure intended to protect public funds and restore confidence in the management of Ghana’s cocoa industry. “Cabinet has directed the Attorney General to commission concurrent forensic audit and criminal investigation into the activities of Cocoa Board over the last eight years,” he reiterated during the address. The announcement comes amid revelations of significant financial exposure linked to cocoa road contracts and other commitments undertaken by the Board in recent years. Government has since moved to rationalize these commitments and transfer certain liabilities to the Ministry of Roads and Highways and the Ministry of Finance as part of a restructuring process. The Finance Minister noted that strengthening governance at COCOBOD is critical to safeguarding the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector, especially at a time when declining world market prices have created liquidity pressures. He stressed that the government remains committed to enforcing fiscal discipline, streamlining operations, and eliminating wasteful expenditures within COCOBOD. Immediate reforms, he added, will be initiated to cut costs and refocus the Board strictly on its core mandate. The outcome of the forensic audit and criminal investigation is expected to inform further policy and legal actions as government works to reposition Ghana’s cocoa sector on a sound financial footing. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Cabinet has directed that a minimum of 50 per cent of Ghana’s cocoa beans be processed locally beginning from the 2026/2027 crop season, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced. Addressing the media on Thursday on far-reaching reforms in the cocoa sector, Dr. Forson said the directive forms a central pillar of government’s strategy to promote value addition, create jobs and strengthen the financial position of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD). According to him, the policy will be backed by legislation, as the new COCOBOD Bill to be presented to Parliament will make local processing of at least half of the country’s cocoa output mandatory. “This will ensure that Ghana moves beyond exporting predominantly raw beans and instead maximises value from its cocoa through increased domestic processing,” Dr. Forson stated. As a transitional measure, the Finance Minister disclosed that Cabinet has directed that the remainder of cocoa beans for the 2025/2026 crop year be allocated to domestic processors with immediate effect. He revealed that earlier on Thursday, he and the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry met with domestic cocoa processing companies, including private sector operators, who expressed readiness to process more than 50 per cent of Ghana’s cocoa production going forward. An agreement, he said, had been reached for the immediate implementation of the policy shift toward increased local processing. Dr. Forson announced that the state-owned Cocoa Processing Company (CPC) will be revived as a matter of priority to position it as the leading processor of Ghana’s cocoa beans. In addition, the Produce Buying Company (PBC) will be revitalised to resume full operations and become the leading licensed buying company in the cocoa sector under a new financing framework. He explained that the reforms are designed to restore indigenous participation in the cocoa value chain, which had been weakened under the existing financing model. Dr. Forson indicated that a new financing model for cocoa purchases will take effect from the 2026/2027 crop season, replacing the current system that relied heavily on buyer pre-financing arrangements. He said the previous syndicated loan model required COCOBOD to sell forward large volumes of raw beans to secure loans, limiting the country’s ability to optimise prices and constraining domestic processing because raw bean contracts were used as collateral. Under the new arrangement, bonds will be used to raise a revolving fund, while domestic cocoa beans will be leveraged to finance purchases and repayments within each crop year. The revised model, he noted, will enable COCOBOD to sell beans of any volume to local processing companies without being restricted by forward sales obligations. Dr. Forson stressed that the new COCOBOD Bill will prohibit quasi-fiscal and non-core expenditures, including road construction, which Cabinet identified as a major contributor to COCOBOD’s financial distress. He reiterated that the 50 per cent local processing requirement is part of a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at restoring financial stability, improving transparency, and ensuring long-term sustainability in the cocoa sector. “The objective is clear — to stabilise COCOBOD, protect farmer incomes, promote value addition, and create jobs through increased domestic processing of Ghana’s cocoa,” Dr. Forson said. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana’s economic growth moderated in November 2025, largely due to a decline in mining and quarrying activities, particularly in oil and gas production, Government Statistician, Dr. Iddrisu Alhassan, has said. Addressing the media at the release of the Ghana Statistical Service’s (GSS) November 2025 Monthly Indicator of Economic Growth (MIEG), Dr. Alhassan explained that the slowdown in extractive industries — historically key drivers of Ghana’s economy — significantly impacted overall performance. “The main reason for the moderation in growth is the decline in mining and quarrying activity, especially oil and gas production,” he stated, noting that the development signals emerging challenges within the extractive sector. According to the MIEG report, the economy grew by 4.2% in November 2025, down from 7.1% recorded in November 2024, indicating that while growth remains positive, the pace has slowed. The services sector, the largest and most dynamic segment of the economy, expanded by 6.7% in November 2025 and contributed 57.7% of the overall growth. However, this was lower than the 10.2% growth recorded in the same period last year. Dr. Alhassan attributed the expansion in services primarily to information and communication activities, reflecting increased digital engagement across the economy. “This confirms the continuing importance of services as the engine of Ghana’s economic growth in recent times,” he noted. While industry recorded marginal growth, its contribution to overall expansion was limited. Agriculture, on the other hand, improved modestly. However, the sharp slowdown in industry — particularly in upstream petroleum activities — constrained total growth. Comparing the year-on-year performance, Dr. Alhassan emphasized that the economy remains on a growth path, but momentum has eased. “Agriculture improved modestly. Industry slowed sharply. Services remained strong but cooled. This pattern explains why overall growth moderated,” he said. Touching on implications for the yet-to-be-released fourth-quarter GDP figures, Dr. Alhassan indicated that the October and November MIEG data suggest that economic activity in the fourth quarter remains positive, though slower than in the previous year. “Growth has continued, but the momentum has eased, especially in industry and parts of services. This pattern may reflect in the upcoming fourth-quarter GDP estimates to be released in March,” he explained. He identified crop production, digital and communication services, and public administration and social security services as the key drivers of economic performance in November 2025, while weaker output in the upstream petroleum sector acted as a constraint. Dr. Alhassan reaffirmed the Ghana Statistical Service’s commitment to producing timely, accurate, relevant, and credible statistics to support evidence-based policymaking and national development. He also expressed appreciation to data-providing institutions, development partners, and staff of the Service for their contributions toward the successful release of the November 2025 MIEG. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Hawa Abubakar

BOST (Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited), Ghana’s strategic fuel stockholding and distribution company, has appointed Mr. Nat Salifu Acheampong as its new Deputy Managing Director. His appointment follows the reassignment of the former Deputy Managing Director, Ms. Adwoa Sarwaa Bondzie, who has been elevated to serve as Acting Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission. Mr. Acheampong is among the longest-serving and foundational members of BOST, which was established in 1993. Prior to his elevation, he held the position of Executive Technical Liaison, playing a key role in the company’s technical and operational engagements. BOST was formed with a mandate to develop and manage Ghana’s petroleum storage and pipeline infrastructure. The company maintains strategic fuel reserves to safeguard national energy security, oversees the distribution of petroleum products nationwide, and manages a network of depots, storage facilities, and pipelines to ensure efficient fuel transportation. Industry observers view Mr. Acheampong’s appointment as recognition of his extensive experience and long-standing contribution to the organisation’s growth and operations. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana’s food insecurity challenge remains severe, volatile and unevenly distributed across regions, with the Upper West, Volta and North East regions recording the highest prevalence rates, according to the Government Statistician, Dr. Iddrisu Alhassan. Dr. Alhassan disclosed this on Tuesday while addressing the media during the release of the 2024 Q1 – 2025 Q3 Food Insecurity Report, an official assessment tracking food access, vulnerability and nutrition outcomes across the country. According to the report, national food insecurity prevalence increased from 35.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2024 to 38.1 per cent by the third quarter of 2025, peaking at 41.0 per cent in the second quarter of 2025 before easing slightly. Dr. Alhassan said the fluctuations highlight the volatile nature of food insecurity in Ghana, noting that the situation responds quickly to economic pressures, seasonal cycles and food price movements. “Although we observed some easing in the most recent quarter, the overall trend since the first quarter of 2024 is upward, indicating rising vulnerability,” he stated. Dr. Alhassan described regional inequality as one of the strongest findings of the report, stressing that food insecurity is deeply spatial and not evenly spread across the country. He revealed that the Upper West Region recorded the highest food insecurity prevalence rate at 55.9 per cent, followed by the Volta Region at 50.1 per cent, while the North East Region recorded 45.9 per cent. All three regions are significantly above the national average of 38.1 per cent recorded in the third quarter of 2025. “The severity becomes clear when you compare these figures to the national average. A region like Upper West, with nearly 56 per cent prevalence, is facing a far more serious situation than the country as a whole,” Dr. Alhassan explained. In contrast, the Oti Region recorded the lowest food insecurity prevalence, declining from 23.8 per cent in the first quarter of 2025 to 18.4 per cent by the third quarter. As a result, the gap between the highest- and lowest-ranked regions widened to 37.5 percentage points, up from 32.9 percentage points earlier in the year, underscoring growing regional divergence. Beyond percentages, the Government Statistician emphasized the importance of understanding food insecurity in human terms. The report shows that the number of food-insecure persons rose from 11.2 million people in 2024 Q1 to a peak of 13.4 million in 2025 Q2, before declining slightly to 12.5 million by 2025 Q3. While nearly one million people exited food insecurity between the second and third quarters of 2025, Dr. Alhassan cautioned that 12.5 million Ghanaians remain food insecure, a figure he described as “still very significant.” He added that compared to 2022 Q1, when food-insecure persons were estimated at about 16 million, Ghana has recorded a nearly 22 per cent reduction, meaning roughly three to three-and-a-half million people have moved out of food insecurity over the period. “That progress is important, but it does not reduce the urgency. As a country, we must do everything possible to bring this number down to the barest minimum,” he said. The report further reveals persistent gender disparities, with moderate food insecurity consistently higher among female-headed households throughout the review period. Food insecurity among female-headed households peaked at 44.1 per cent in the first and second quarters of 2025, compared to 38.7 per cent among male-headed households, creating a 5.4 percentage point gap, which widened further to 6.2 percentage points by the third quarter. Dr. Alhassan attributed the gap to structural factors, including income inequality, differences in employment opportunities and the burden of caregiving responsibilities borne disproportionately by women. Locality also plays a major role. Nationally, about 53 per cent of households reported worrying about food in the third quarter of 2025. However, the problem was more acute in rural areas, where nearly 60 per cent of households expressed concern, compared to 48 per cent in urban centres. Across all food insecurity indicators, rural households consistently showed higher vulnerability, particularly in eating less than needed. He noted that household composition was another critical factor. Food insecurity was highest among households with both children and elderly members, averaging 44 per cent in the first three quarters of 2025. Households with children only recorded 40 per cent, while those without dependents recorded 38 per cent. Regionally, Upper West, North East, Savannah and Volta dominated the high-risk household categories. The report also found a strong link between food insecurity and child malnutrition. Nationally, households with malnourished children recorded food insecurity rates of about 44 per cent, well above the national average. “This clearly shows that food insecurity is not just about availability of food, but also about nutrition outcomes, particularly for children,” Dr. Alhassan said. Dr. Alhassan concluded that the findings call for targeted, region-specific, gender-responsive and rural-focused interventions, especially in high-prevalence regions such as Upper West, Volta and North East, to strengthen resilience and protect vulnerable households. “The data is telling us clearly where the risks are and who is most affected. Policy responses must reflect that reality,” he said. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Hawa Abubakar

One of the prophecies delivered by the founder and leader of Reign House Chapel, Prophet Eric Boahen Uche, popularly known as Prophet Uche, for the year 2026 appears to have come to pass following the outcome of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential primaries. On 29 January 2026, the founder and leader of Reign House Chapel International, Prophet Eric Boahen Uche, publicly reaffirmed a prophecy he had earlier declared, predicting the victory of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in the NPP primaries. During the reaffirmation, he not only insisted that the prophecy remained unchanged but also mentioned the exact percentage range by which the former Vice President would win. “Nothing has changed. He is fully and fully manifested… Nobody can change the reign,” he declared. He is added that he was seeing a winning margin of between 55 and 56 percent. “Honourable Kennedy Agyapong will congratulate Dr Bawumia on Saturday night, he will congratulate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. “I am praying the figure I am seeing will not change…in-between 55 to 56. “The figure that I am seeing is in-between 55 to 56. 55 to 56 percentage for Bawumia,” he said. He further stated that Kennedy Agyapong a fellow contender in the election would congratulate Dr Bawumia on Saturday night January 31, 2026, following the primaries, a claim that also aligns with post-primary developments. The initial prophecy was first delivered on 31 December 2025 during the church’s Watch Night Service, where Prophet Uche predicted Dr Bawumia’s victory in the NPP presidential primaries. When the Electoral Commission of the election announced the official results after close of polls for the January 31, 2026, NPP presidential primaries, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia emerged victorious with 110,645 votes, representing 56.48 percent of the total votes cast. His closest contender, Kennedy Agyapong, secured 46,554 votes (23.76%), while Dr Bryan Acheampong obtained 36,303 votes (18.53%). Other contenders recorded significantly lower figures, with Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum polling 1,999 votes (1.02%) and Kwabena Agyapong receiving 402 votes (0.21%). In all, more than 211,000 delegates voted across over 300 polling centres nationwide in what party officials described as a keenly contested race. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, says government is intensifying stakeholder engagement as part of preparations toward the rollout of the Free Primary Health Care Policy, expected to be launched in the first week of April. Speaking during an interaction with the media, the Minister explained that the policy framework covering three key priority areas has already been developed, and the focus now is to ensure broad national buy-in. According to him, the Ministry has engaged a wide range of stakeholders, including the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), the manufacturing sector, the private sector, child-focused institutions, the Christian Health Association of Ghana, traditional groups and other donor agencies. He also underscored the importance of the media in the process, describing journalists as “the voice of the voiceless” whose participation would encourage wider public interest and understanding of the policy. Mr. Akandoh noted that stakeholder engagement will not end with the current consultations. He revealed plans to extend discussions to the National House of Chiefs to brief traditional rulers on the policy and ensure their involvement. Additionally, he announced the proposal of a special one-day public forum to allow individuals and groups to present questions, concerns, and suggestions before the policy is officially rolled out. “This platform is not for debate or banter,” the Minister stated. “We are here to listen. Questions may be asked, and while answers may not be given immediately, all concerns will be documented and addressed.” He explained that after the stakeholder engagement process, the policy will be submitted to Cabinet for approval. Where necessary, the Ministry will proceed to Parliament for the passage of new legislation or amendments to existing health sector laws to support the policy’s implementation. The Health Minister emphasized that no policy is perfect at the outset, cautioning against delays caused by the pursuit of perfection before implementation. “If we wait for perfection before implementation, we will never implement any policy,” he said, adding that the Free Primary Health Care Policy presents a critical opportunity to transform healthcare delivery and address longstanding challenges within the health sector. Mr. Akandoh expressed confidence that the policy would significantly improve access to quality healthcare across the country once implementation begins. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Hawa Abubakar