Ing. Godfred Fiifi Boadi, ESQ, Head of Climate Action, Sustainability and Partnerships at the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has underscored the need for targeted, district-level interventions to sustain water treatment and handwashing practices across the country. Speaking at the presentation of a recent sector report, Ing. Boadi said the findings provide critical guidance for directing national interventions, particularly those aimed at vulnerable populations and varying levels of disability. He noted that several development partners are already supporting initiatives such as the distribution of chlorine filters and the promotion of solar water treatment at the district level. According to him, the Ministry welcomes the report and will draw on its insights to strengthen policy direction and implementation. “This report will go a long way in helping us refine our interventions and ensure they are better targeted,” he said. Touching on hygiene practices, Ing. Boadi observed that post-COVID-19 trends show a noticeable decline in the sustained availability of soap and water at designated handwashing points. He explained that although handwashing activities increased significantly during the pandemic, those behaviours have not been fully maintained. He questioned why heightened handwashing practices seen during the COVID-19 period have waned, even though public health risks persist. He attributed the decline partly to the perception that COVID-19 was more a life-threatening crisis than a long-term health concern, leading to reduced vigilance once the immediate threat appeared to subside. Ing. Boadi further pointed out that while existing policy-relevant indicators capture access to water and hygiene facilities, they do not adequately measure frequency, consistency and correct usage of water treatment and handwashing practices. He described this as an analytical gap that needs to be addressed. To bridge this gap, he said the Ministry is ready to deepen collaboration with the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). He outlined key implications from the report, including the need to strengthen institutionally linked monitoring systems, enhance the measurement of point-of-use and behavioural sustainability indicators for handwashing, and ensure district-specific targeting of interventions based on disaggregated data. He concluded by reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking and collaboration, and expressed appreciation to all stakeholders involved in the research and reporting process. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Hawa Abubakar

A Data Scientist at the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), Mr. Peter Yeltulme Mminlaaru, has clarified that alcohol consumption in itself is not considered harmful, but becomes a public health concern when intake exceeds medically defined moderate levels for men and women. Speaking at the release of the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) District-Level Reports at the British Council Hall in Accra on Monday, Mr. Mminlaaru explained that the GDHS classifies alcohol intake as excessive only when it goes beyond established moderate thresholds. According to him, moderate alcohol consumption differs by sex. For men, consuming up to two standard drinks within a given period is considered moderate and acceptable, while any intake above two drinks is classified as excessive. For women, he noted, one standard drink is regarded as moderate, and anything above one drink is deemed excessive. Mr. Mminlaaru stressed that the definition of a “standard drink” depends on the type and alcohol content of the beverage, a principle that has long been reflected in traditional drinking practices. “Our forebears were very wise. Different alcoholic drinks were traditionally consumed in different containers based on their strength,” he explained. He illustrated that a bottle of beer is generally considered a single standard drink, which is why it is commonly sold in full bottles at drinking spots. For men, taking up to two bottles of beer is considered moderate, while consuming more than that becomes excessive. Similarly, stronger alcoholic beverages are usually sold in smaller measures, reflecting their higher alcohol content. “The idea is not to discourage alcohol consumption entirely,” Mr. Mminlaaru noted, “but to promote responsible drinking by understanding the limits beyond which consumption becomes harmful.” He added that the same principles apply to locally brewed beverages such as palm wine and other traditional alcoholic drinks, where moderation is determined by quantity and alcohol strength. The clarification forms part of findings from the Small Area Estimation reports derived from the 2022 GDHS, which include excessive alcohol consumption among men as one of the thematic indicators. The reports are intended to support evidence-based planning and targeted public health interventions at the district level. Mr. Mminlaaru emphasized that understanding what constitutes excessive alcohol intake is critical for both policymakers and the public, as harmful drinking patterns have implications for health outcomes, productivity, and social wellbeing across the country. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Hawa Abubakar

The Greater Accra Region has recorded the lowest prevalence of the Double Burden of Malnutrition (DBM) in Ghana, highlighting a sharp contrast in nutritional outcomes across the country, according to newly released district-level data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). Speaking at the dissemination of six district-level reports derived from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS), the Acting Deputy Government Statistician, Alhaji Omar Seidu, described the findings as both encouraging and deeply troubling. He explained that districts within Greater Accra—La Dade-Kotopon, Adentan, and Accra Metropolitan—posted DBM prevalence rates of 3.1 percent, 3.3 percent, and 3.8 percent respectively, making the region the lowest nationwide and significantly below the national average of 11.7 percent. According to Alhaji Seidu, the Double Burden of Malnutrition reflects the simultaneous presence of child stunting and maternal anaemia, a condition that undermines child development, weakens maternal health, and entrenches cycles of poverty. “Greater Accra’s performance demonstrates the dividends of improved access to healthcare, better nutrition, diversified diets, and relatively stronger infrastructure associated with urban settings,” he stated. However, he warned that the positive story in Greater Accra must not obscure the stark inequalities elsewhere. Alhaji Seidu revealed that several districts in the Northern and North East regions recorded DBM prevalence levels more than twice the national average, with figures exceeding 20 percent in some areas. He described the gap of over 22 percentage points between the best- and worst-performing districts as evidence of deep structural disparities in access to food security, healthcare, and social services. “These disparities are disturbing and unacceptable. They call for urgent, integrated, and district-specific interventions, particularly in northern Ghana, where children and mothers remain disproportionately affected,” he emphasised. The Acting Deputy Government Statistician stressed that the district-level insights were made possible through the application of Small Area Estimation techniques, which combine data from the 2022 GDHS and the 2021 Population and Housing Census to generate reliable indicators for all 261 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs). He noted that the availability of such granular data equips local authorities and health directorates with the evidence needed to design targeted nutrition, health, and social protection programmes. “The purpose of this data is action. We expect Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to use these findings to prioritise interventions, allocate resources effectively, and close the nutrition gap across regions,” Alhaji Seidu said. The reports form part of broader efforts by the Ghana Statistical Service to support evidence-based planning and track Ghana’s progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). He concluded by calling on government agencies, development partners, and civil society organisations to deepen investments in nutrition-sensitive interventions to ensure that no district is left behind, despite the relatively strong performance of Greater Accra. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Hawa Abubakar

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has launched its Community Engagement and Policing (CEP) Strategy, together with a comprehensive curriculum and training manual, aimed at strengthening border governance and deepening collaboration between law enforcement and local communities. The CEP Strategy represents a significant shift from traditional enforcement-focused border management to a people-centred and community-driven approach, particularly in border and coastal communities where vulnerabilities to irregular migration, human trafficking, and transnational organised crime are high. Under the new framework, community members are recognised as critical partners in safeguarding national security and promoting sustainable development. Speaking at the launch ceremony held in Accra, the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mr Samuel Basintale Amadu, underscored the importance of community trust in effective border management, stating that “sustainable border security relies on mutual trust and open communication with communities.” He explained that the CEP Strategy provides a structured and practical guide for GIS officers to engage communities respectfully, build confidence, and encourage cooperation in addressing security challenges. Mr Amadu expressed appreciation to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and key development partners, including the German Federal Foreign Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, for their technical expertise and financial support in developing the strategy, curriculum, and training materials. The launch coincided with the commemoration of International Migrants’ Day 2025, observed globally under the theme “Migrate: Stories, Cultures,” reinforcing the link between humane migration governance and sustainable development. As part of the implementation plan, Mr Amadu announced that training-of-trainers workshops would be conducted early next year to ensure nationwide rollout of the strategy. He said the CEP curriculum would be fully integrated into GIS training schools and the Immigration Academy, ensuring that both new recruits and serving officers are equipped with the skills needed to engage communities effectively. hief of Mission, IOM, Ms Fatou Diallo Ndiaye congratulated GIS and its partners on the milestone, noting that the CEP Strategy strengthens community-centred security and resilience, particularly in vulnerable border areas. She observed that incorporating community perspectives into border governance reduces risks, addresses root causes of insecurity, and contributes to regional stability. Presenting details of the CEP curriculum and training manual, ACP Kofi Asano explained that the programme was designed to foster trust, collaboration, and proactive civic engagement between communities and law enforcement agencies. He said the approach ensures that communities understand their role in supporting security, while GIS officers uphold human rights and professional standards through a people-focused policing model. According to ACP Asano, the curriculum merges entry-level and post-entry training into a unified framework, with specialised modules reserved for senior officers. He noted that the programme comprises 15 modules covering areas such as community engagement, policing concepts, conflict resolution, gender equity, protection from sexual exploitation, transnational organised crime, referral mechanisms, project management, community safety planning, media and communication skills, and religious orientation. He added that each module outlines clear learning objectives, duration, teaching methods, and continuous assessment tools to ensure measurable outcomes. The accompanying training manual, he said, provides detailed instructional guidance while allowing flexibility to adapt content to participants’ experience levels and operational contexts. The CEP Strategy is expected to enhance cooperation between GIS officers and communities, strengthen border security, and support safer, more orderly migration across Ghana’s borders. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Hawa Abubakar

His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, has renewed Africa’s call for reparations while openly acknowledging the complex historical role some African traditional authorities played in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. Speaking at the opening of the Diaspora Summit 2025 in Accra, the Ga Mantse described the gathering as a historic moment of reflection, unity and purpose for Africa and its global diaspora. He expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for the invitation and praised him for his leadership in championing reparations and racial justice on the global stage. According to the Ga Mantse, Ghana’s establishment of the Global Office for Reparations underscores the country’s moral commitment to pursuing historical redress and global justice for Africans and people of African descent. He reiterated that the African Diaspora, recognised by the African Union as the continent’s Sixth Region and by Ghana as its 17th Region, remains an inseparable part of Africa’s story. He stressed that millions of Africans who were forcibly uprooted during the slave trade endured immense brutality yet remained resilient across centuries. Describing the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade as one of the greatest crimes against humanity, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II noted that over 12.5 million Africans were forcibly removed from their homelands, with enduring economic, social and psychological consequences that continue to affect nations on both sides of the Atlantic. In a rare and candid admission, the Ga Mantse acknowledged that some African kings, chiefs and intermediaries were complicit in aspects of the slave trade. Speaking on behalf of traditional leadership in the ancient Ga State and in solidarity with custodians of African heritage, he expressed regret and apologised for any roles played by their forebears. He emphasised that acknowledging this painful truth strengthens, rather than weakens, Africa’s demand for reparations, adding that genuine justice and reconciliation must be grounded in honesty and shared accountability. The Ga Mantse cautioned that the global reparations agenda is complex and will require sustained diplomacy, legal expertise and continental unity. However, he expressed optimism, citing the leadership of Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah at the Global Office for Reparations as a critical asset in advancing the cause from rhetoric to international recognition. He further noted that reparations go beyond financial compensation and must include the restoration of dignity and identity, the return of stolen artefacts, economic restructuring, truth-telling and healing for African peoples. Addressing members of the diaspora, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to welcoming them home as family, not visitors, describing their return as the restoration of a circle broken by history. He concluded by calling for unity among Africa and its diaspora, urging stakeholders to pursue the reparations journey as one anchored in truth, justice, healing and collective responsibility. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Government Statistician, Dr. Iddrisu Alhassan, has called on young people to take greater personal initiative and start something small on their own as a practical way of addressing the country’s persistently high youth unemployment rate. Dr. Alhassan made the call in an exclusive interview with Thinknewsonline.com on the back of the release of the 2025 Quarterly Labour Force Survey, which was published on Thursday by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). According to the survey findings, youth unemployment remains significantly high at about 32 percent, more than double the national unemployment rate of 13 percent. In addition, the number of young people who are not in employment, education, or training (NEET) stands at approximately 1.34 million, a figure Dr. Alhassan described as deeply concerning. He stressed that while government, the private sector, and other stakeholders must intensify efforts to create jobs, young people themselves also have a responsibility to take advantage of available opportunities. He encouraged the youth to invest in continuous learning, particularly in emerging and fast-growing sectors such as information technology and digital services, where entry barriers are relatively low. Dr. Alhassan noted that government initiatives, skills programmes, and short-term employment opportunities even when temporary can help young people acquire practical skills and work experience that improve their employability over time. Beyond formal employment, the Government Statistician urged the youth not to wait indefinitely for jobs in the public or private sector. He explained that with relatively small capital ranging from GH¢1,000 to GH¢5,000, young people can start small businesses based on their existing skills and gradually expand them. He further highlighted the availability of micro-credit and small-scale financing schemes designed to support young entrepreneurs, encouraging the youth to take advantage of such support rather than resorting to risky alternatives, including irregular migration. Dr. Alhassan emphasized that many successful businesses in the country began on a small scale and grew over time, adding that self-initiative and entrepreneurship remain critical tools for reducing unemployment and building sustainable livelihoods. He concluded by calling for a collective national effort to address youth unemployment, stressing that empowering young people to create their own opportunities is key to driving inclusive economic growth. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Hawa Abubakar

The Government Statistician has called on employers to ensure that the skills of workers align with the jobs they are hired to perform, warning that skills mismatch undermines productivity, output and overall profitability of organisations. Speaking exclusively to Thinknewsonline.com on Thursday while addressing employers, the Government Statistician revealed that recent data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) shows a mixed picture of skills alignment in the labour market. According to him, about 65.8 per cent of employed persons in Ghana believe their skills adequately match their jobs, indicating that a majority of workers feel well placed in their current roles. However, the data also shows significant gaps: 20.7 per cent of workers are unsure whether their skills match their jobs, while 10 per cent feel their skills exceed the requirements of their positions. In addition, about 3 per cent of employed persons believe their skills fall below the demands of their jobs. He stressed that employers must pay closer attention to skills-job alignment during recruitment, noting that organisations hire workers primarily to enhance productivity and increase output. “You cannot achieve increased productivity if you bring in people whose skills do not match the job,” he explained. He added that proper matching ultimately contributes to profitability and the attainment of broader organisational goals. The Government Statistician also pointed to the role of the education system in addressing skills mismatch. He said the availability of labour market data from the GSS provides clear evidence that should guide educational planning. "It is important to identify the skills required for good jobs so that our educational system is refined to provide the right courses and programmes that deliver relevant, job-specific skills,” he noted. Beyond employers and educational institutions, he said households and individuals also have a responsibility. He called for greater sensitisation of families and job seekers on the impact of skills match or mismatch on careers, economic outcomes and overall wellbeing. He expressed optimism that with increased awareness, better alignment of education and labour market needs, and the creation of more job opportunities, the incidence of skills mismatch in Ghana could be significantly reduced. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Government Statistician, Dr Alhassan Iddrisu, has observed that although employment levels in Ghana are increasing, the unemployment rate has remained largely unchanged, particularly among young people. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Thinknewsonline.com  on Thursday, Dr Iddrisu revealed that youth unemployment among persons aged 15 to 24 stood at a high 34.4 per cent in the third quarter of 2025. He noted that about 1.34 million young people in this age group were not in employment, education or training (NEET), underscoring persistent challenges in youth labour outcomes. Dr Iddrisu explained that Ghana’s overall unemployment rate declined marginally from 13.1 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2024 to 12.8 per cent in the first quarter of 2025. He also not that it further eased to 12.6 per cent in the second quarter, before rising again to 13.0 per cent in the third quarter of 2025. According to him, more than 15 million people participated in the labour force in the third quarter of 2025, with about 87 per cent employed. Employment increased by over 330,000 persons between the first and third quarters of 2025, with female employment consistently exceeding that of males. He noted that the services sector remained the largest employer, followed by agriculture and industry, while urban areas continued to record higher employment levels than rural areas. However, he stressed that job quality remains a major concern, as more than two-thirds of employed persons are in vulnerable employment, dominated by women, rural workers and those engaged in agriculture. Dr Iddrisu added that own-account work continues to dominate Ghana’s labour market, reflecting limited access to secure wage employment and the persistence of informality. “The key message is that jobs are increasing, but the unemployment rate is not falling in a sustained way" "Job creation is still not fast enough to absorb new entrants into the labour market, especially young people and urban job seekers,” he said. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Renowned Ghanaian Actress and Television host, Nana Ama McBrown has candidly opened up about her divorce from Maxwell Mensah, describing the separation as peaceful, mutual and free of bitterness. Speaking on an Accra-based television programme, the award-winning actress revealed that although their marriage had ended, the bond between them remains strong. According to McBrown, the decision to part ways was taken amicably after both parties realised the marriage could no longer continue. “Even though we are divorced, I still feel something for him, and I’m sure he does too,” she disclosed, underscoring the deep respect and affection that still exists between them. Nana Ama McBrown emphasized that there was no abuse or maltreatment during their 12 years together, describing her former husband as a true gentleman who remains a responsible and devoted father to their daughter. She added that they continue to communicate regularly and have maintained a cordial relationship, anchored on mutual respect and effective co-parenting. The celebrated actress also revealed that she still enjoys a close relationship with Maxwell Mensah’s family, especially his mother, and that both families remain connected despite the divorce. While she has no immediate plans to remarry, McBrown noted that she remains open to life’s possibilities, including having more children. For now, she says, peace, friendship and family remain her priority. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Domestic tourism contributed an estimated GHS 6.6 billion to Ghana’s economy in 2023, driven by more than 15 million trips by residents across the country, according to findings from the Domestic Visitors’ Survey released by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). Speaking to the media about the survey, the Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, said the data underscore the critical role domestic travel plays in sustaining local economies, beyond the focus on international tourism. “This momentum is a powerful reminder that tourism is not only about international arrivals. It is also about Ghanaians discovering Ghana, investing in local experiences, and breathing economic life into the communities and sites they visit,” Dr. Iddrisu said. The survey shows that domestic overnight trips accounted for the largest share of spending, contributing about GHS 4.8 billion, representing 73 per cent of total domestic tourism expenditure. Same-day visitors spent an estimated GHS 1.8 billion, or 27 per cent, with most spending occurring during the trip itself. Dr. Iddrisu noted that the survey provides detailed insights into travel behaviour, regional movement, and spending patterns, which are essential for effective tourism planning. "The findings give us the clarity to identify the regions that attract the most movement, the activities that drive domestic trips, the socio-economic profile of travellers, and the value of spending that circulates within our borders,” he stated. According to the report, domestic tourism is largely driven by working-age adults. Individuals aged 25 to 44 years accounted for 41.1 per cent of same-day trips and 35.2 per cent of overnight travel, reflecting the mobility of Ghana’s economically active population. Social reasons remain the dominant motivation for travel. The survey found that more than 80 per cent of overnight trips and about 70 per cent of same-day trips were made to visit friends and relatives or to attend funerals, highlighting the importance of family, culture, and social networks in shaping domestic travel. In terms of travel organisation, over 95 per cent of trips were self-arranged, with road transport—particularly buses and minivans—remaining the primary mode of travel. Dr. Iddrisu said the Domestic Visitors’ Survey provides nationally representative evidence to guide tourism investment decisions and support the development of Ghana’s Tourism Satellite Account. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has expressed condolences to the family of a deceased individual and sympathised with residents of Adelekezu in the Western Region following a fatal incident at a mining site. In a statement issued by the Communications Directorate of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Ministry said it had taken note of an official release by the Ghana Police Service on the incident, which is currently under investigation. The Ministry emphasised its respect for the independence of the ongoing police investigations and appealed to the public, particularly members of the affected community, to remain calm and cooperate fully with security agencies to enable due process to be followed. Reaffirming its mandate, the Ministry underscored its commitment to lawful mining operations, community safety, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence between mining companies and host communities. The statement added that any further action or engagement by the Ministry would be guided strictly by the outcome of the official investigations. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The National Service Authority (NSA) has uncovered significant irregularities in the national service payroll following internal investigations, leading to the flagging of 8,105 service personnel nationwide. Out of the total number flagged, 1,840 personnel have been temporarily suspended pending further investigations by relevant state institutions. Addressing a press briefing on Monday, December 15, the Director-General of the NSA, Madam Ruth Dela Seddoh, disclosed that the anomalies were traced to three tertiary institutions — the University of Development Studies (UDS), Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU), and the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development. According to Madam Seddoh, the Authority compared the number of graduates produced by the affected institutions with figures submitted for national service deployment, a process that exposed glaring discrepancies. She indicated that the findings suggest possible complicity by some institutional officials, describing the scheme as involving a “large network or cartel.” The investigations have so far resulted in the arrest of ten staff members from the implicated institutions. She confirmed that the suspects are currently assisting security agencies with ongoing investigations. Madam Seddoh also addressed concerns surrounding the shutdown of the National Service portal after two deadline extensions, explaining that the decision was necessary to allow for reposting and thorough validation of personnel at their respective places of service. She stressed that the timelines were deliberate and aimed at ensuring the accuracy of deployment records, as well as eliminating ghost names from the system. Following the validation exercise, she said a re-validation process will be undertaken to enable the prompt payment of allowances to legitimately verified personnel. The NSA Director-General issued a stern warning to individuals attempting to exploit the system, stating that existing security mechanisms will detect ghost registrations and that offenders will face the full rigour of the law. She assured service personnel that all outstanding validation issues will be addressed to ensure fairness and transparency in the national service administration. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith