The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, Esq., has received the prestigious Suma Adinkra Sword, the highest honour conferred by the Suma Traditional Council of the Gyaman Kingdom. The award, presented by the Paramount Chief of the Suma Traditional Area, Odeneho Dr. Affram Brempong III, celebrates distinguished leadership and national service. The centuries-old honour—instituted nearly 470 years ago—originally recognised men of exceptional strength. Since ascending the throne in 2014, Odeneho Dr. Brempong III has redefined the award to acknowledge outstanding Ghanaian leaders whose work contributes meaningfully to national development. Presenting the symbolic sword, known locally as the Afana, the Paramount Chief commended Mr. Gyamfi for his transformative leadership at the Ghana Gold Board, noting that his efforts have positively influenced Ghana’s exchange rate stability. He praised the CEO’s commitment and impact, urging him to remain resolute in his national duties. “Remain steadfast, patient, and vigilant in your work,” Odeneho Dr. Affram Brempong III advised, emphasising that the honour should inspire Mr. Gyamfi to scale even greater heights. In his remarks, Mr. Gyamfi expressed profound gratitude to the Suma Traditional Council and dedicated the award to his team at the Ghana Gold Board. “This award is for my team at GoldBod, and I know it will urge us to do more for the betterment of our beloved country,” he said. This year, the Suma Traditional Council honoured four distinguished individuals. Fellow recipients of the top distinction include the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama. The award has previously been bestowed on former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, as well as current President John Dramani Mahama. The Suma Traditional Area, located in the Gyaman North District of the Bono Region, is a historic pillar of the Gyaman Kingdom. Oral tradition traces the roots of the Suma people to Akwamu-Awanweneso, from where they migrated with the Dormaa people before settling in their present homeland. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has outlined significant progress made within the health sector under the #MahamaCares initiative, highlighting major policy gains, expanded healthcare coverage, and renewed infrastructural commitments for 2026. Speaking at the Government Accountability Series, the Health Minister announced that the #MahamaCares programme is now fully operational, with a GHS 2.259 billion allocation in the 2026 budget dedicated to the treatment of non-communicable diseases. The intervention will support care for cancers, renal illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and other chronic conditions that have long imposed heavy financial burdens on Ghanaian families. Hon. Akandoh also revealed that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has seen a remarkable increase in membership, rising from 18 million to 20 million within one year, now covering 60% of Ghana’s population. To further strengthen the scheme, government will implement a 120% increase in NHIS tariffs, a move expected to restore confidence among healthcare providers and reduce out-of-pocket payments by patients. Touching on the broader fiscal plan for the sector, the Minister disclosed that the 2026 health budget stands at GHS 34.22 billion, the highest allocation in recent years. This budget includes provisions for the roll-out of Free Primary Healthcare, scheduled to begin next year as part of government’s drive to ensure equitable access for all. In terms of infrastructure, Hon. Akandoh announced that government will commence the construction of new regional hospitals in the Savannah, Oti, and Western North regions, further expanding access to specialized healthcare services. He added that President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Health Ministry to ensure an equitable distribution of medical doctors nationwide, with particular focus on underserved districts where the need is greatest. Hon. Akandoh reaffirmed government’s commitment to transforming healthcare delivery, emphasizing that the ongoing reforms are designed to guarantee that every Ghanaian, regardless of location or income, can access quality and affordable healthcare. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

GoldBod Jewellery Ltd has unveiled its new e-commerce website, Jewellery.goldbod.gov.gh , marking a major step toward transforming Ghana’s gold and jewellery industry. The platform, which operates 24/7, gives customers in Ghana and abroad easy access to a wide range of locally made gold products—from handcrafted jewellery to investment-grade gold tablets. Customers can browse items, make purchases, and choose secure delivery or pickup options directly through the portal. Speaking at the launch, Managing Director Getrude Emefa Donkor said the initiative forms part of a bigger national goal. “We are breaking the cycle of exporting raw gold and importing finished jewellery. Our goal is to position Ghana as a global leader in the gold and jewellery industry,” she stated. Key highlights of the platform include: Value Addition: The initiative supports Ghana’s efforts to create jobs, boost local manufacturing, and retain foreign exchange. Ghanaian Craftsmanship: Each jewellery piece showcases the skill and creativity of local artisans. Investment Opportunities: The platform offers gold tablets with guaranteed buyback options for investors. The launch is expected to contribute to economic growth while strengthening Ghana’s presence in the global gold market. GoldBod Jewellery says future plans include opening flagship stores and securing partnerships with international retail brands. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has started a nationwide blood donation exercise to help restock Ghana’s National Blood Bank. Their goal is to collect over 2,500 pints of blood. The 2025 edition was held at the FDA Headquarters in Accra. It is part of the Authority’s effort to support the health needs of the country. Speaking at the launch, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Health, Products and Technologies, Seth Kwaku Seaneke, explained why donating blood is important. “Blood is a vital medical product that could not be manufactured but must be donated,” he said. He noted that blood is needed for accident victims, pregnant women who suffer complications, people with anaemia, and many others whose lives depend on it. Mr. Seaneke encouraged individuals, companies, and organisations to support the exercise, saying Ghana still does not have enough blood in its hospitals. He added that all FDA regional offices are also donating blood on the same day to help reach the target. He assured the public that health checks are done to make sure donors are fit before giving blood. During the launch, many FDA staff happily volunteered to donate. There were also fun activities and games to make the event lively. One staff member, Ms. Mary Vivian Hammond, who donated for the third time, said the process was easy. She encouraged others to join, saying that donating blood can save lives. The FDA hopes more Ghanaians will step forward, because one single pint of blood can make the difference between life and death for someone in need. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana will have strong representation at one of the world’s most demanding motorsport events as seasoned rally driver Paul Edward List and his co-driver Johnny Jakobsen gear up for the 2025 East African Safari Classic Rally. The celebrated duo, supported by the renowned BMA Autosport team, will compete in a specially prepared Porsche 911 Carrera SC Safari when the iconic race roars to life in Kenya from December 5 to 13, 2025. The Safari Classic Rally, often described as the ultimate test of endurance and precision, covers over 5,000 kilometres of unforgiving terrain. With scorching heat, rugged landscapes, and nine intense days of racing, it remains one of global motorsport’s most prestigious historic rallies. List and Jakobsen—both known for their experience, discipline, and exceptional teamwork—will steer Ghana’s hopes in this international showdown. Their entry is bolstered by BMA Autosport, the Belgian rally outfit with a world-class pedigree spanning more than 350 international starts and a specialised vintage rally division. Their Porsche 911, upgraded to BMA’s 2025 Safari specification, features reinforced suspension, a dual-ignition race engine, heavy-duty drivetrain components, and 20 rally-grade Pirelli tyres—equipment built to survive East Africa’s harshest rally conditions. The 2025 edition promises fierce competition, with high-profile entrants such as former Formula 1 driver Jos Verstappen, Top Gear presenter Chris Harris, filmmaker and racer Jeff Zwart, and Ferdi Porsche, great-grandson of the legendary Ferdinand Porsche. Despite the global presence, the List–Jakobsen pairing is expected to make a strong showing, combining technical skill with a compelling narrative: representing Ghana on one of the sport’s toughest stages. As preparations intensify, the team is rallying support and partnerships to help fund their €267,000 campaign, which covers entry fees, logistics, technical assistance, and vehicle rental. With the countdown underway, Ghanaian motorsport fans can look forward to a thrilling display of resilience, speed, and national pride as Paul List and Johnny Jakobsen take on Africa’s most legendary rally. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Hawa Abubakar

The Ga Mantse, His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has praised Comsys Ghana Limited for its outstanding contributions to Ghana’s technological advancement over the past 25 years, describing the company as a “beacon of Ghanaian potential and integrity.” The King delivered the message through Justice Julia Naa-Yarley Adjei-Amoah, Chief of Staff at the Office of the Ga Mantse, who read the speech on his behalf at the company’s 25th anniversary celebration held in Accra. Addressing distinguished guests, business leaders and stakeholders, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II lauded Comsys for its resilience, innovation, and commitment to national development since its establishment. He noted that the company had not only “weathered the winds of change” but had also helped shape the digital landscape in the Greater Accra Region and beyond. According to the King, Comsys embodies the theme of the celebration — “Beyond Connectivity” — through its consistent delivery of trusted technology solutions, pioneering fibre-optic services, and maintaining state-of-the-art VSAT infrastructure that serves both Ghana and the sub-region. He emphasized that the company’s values of trust, integrity, and respect for local culture align strongly with the aspirations of the Ga State and the Ghana Traditional Council. “Trust is not given; it is earned. For 25 years, Comsys has kept its word to clients, workers, and the nation,” he stated. King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II also commended the company for creating jobs for hundreds of Ghanaians and contributing to the transformation of the telecommunications sector. He assured Comsys of the continuous support of the Ga Traditional Council through advocacy, partnerships, and community goodwill. The Ga Mantse urged Comsys’ leadership to remain committed to innovation, youth development, and community investment, stressing that their progress should uplift others within the digital ecosystem. “Let your success be one that others can also grow from,” he said. He further encouraged international partners to see their collaboration with Comsys as an investment in Ghana’s broader development vision. “When you work with Comsys, you are not only working with a company; you are investing in the promise of Ghana,” he added. King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II concluded by wishing the company greater achievements in the years ahead, declaring: “Long live Comsys Ghana Limited. Long live the telecommunications industry. Long live the Greater Accra Region. Long live Ghana.” On his part; the Chief Executive Officer of Comsys Ghana, Jonathan Lamptey traced the company’s evolution from a modest ICT solutions provider in 2000 to a leading national backbone for enterprise connectivity. Mr. Lamptey said Comsys began by supplying computers and communication hardware but quickly identified a major challenge in Ghana’s financial sector—unequal access to reliable connectivity. This realization, he noted, pushed the company to pivot towards building stable nationwide network infrastructure that businesses could rely on “like the oxygen you breathe.” Today, Lamptey reported, Comsys operates more than 80 MPLS points of presence across all 16 regions, a national fiber-optic backbone, and KU/KA band satellite services, ensuring connectivity even in remote areas. The company has also earned 13 consecutive industry awards for enterprise solutions and ISP excellence. Despite challenges such as frequent fiber cuts and high maintenance costs, Lamptey said Comsys has remained resilient and contributed significantly to Ghana’s digital ecosystem. He highlighted the company’s construction of the country’s first open-access network and a workforce that is 65% engineers trained in advanced technologies. Looking ahead, Lamptey announced a bold shift “beyond connectivity” toward powering Ghana’s AI, cloud, and digital economy ambitions. He cited the operation of the Porto DC Tier 3 data center, ongoing collaboration on a Tier 4 facility, and hosting of a global low-earth-orbit satellite portal that positions Ghana as a digital gateway for Africa. “Our future is about transformation and acceleration,” he said, adding that Comsys aims to eliminate disruptions and usher in an era of intelligent, automated, seamless digital infrastructure. Mr. Lamptey thanked customers, partners, staff, and the board for their support over the past 25 years. “Comsys is ready for the future.” Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana’s ambitious move to digitise healthcare delivery has entered a decisive phase as the government accelerates the rollout of the Ghana Health Information Management System (GHIMS) across major teaching hospitals and frontline facilities in the Greater Accra Region and beyond. A fact-finding exercise at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge), and the Adabraka Polyclinic confirms that the facilities have begun live operations on GHIMS, with staff trained across OPD, laboratory, pharmacy and other critical service points. Similar checks at the Komfo Anokye, Tamale, Cape Coast, Sunyani and Ho Teaching Hospitals further show that departments in all five centres have already commenced use or are scheduled to go live this week. At Korle Bu, GHIMS is fully operational at the Child Health and Obstetrics & Gynaecology OPDs, with in-patient deployment underway and specialty clinics—including Trauma & Orthopaedics, Cardio, Internal Medicine and Surgery—queued next. At Ridge Hospital, training has been completed across OPD, IPD, laboratory and pharmacy units. Multiple departments such as Family Medicine, Paediatrics, Dental, ENT, Eye and O&G OPDs, as well as the pharmacy and cashier points, have already transitioned to the new platform. Adabraka Polyclinic, one of the early adopters, reports that registration, OPD services, pharmacy and laboratory are live, with improved alignment to NHIS claims processing. Across the other teaching hospitals, progress remains steady: some departments at KATH, Tamale and Cape Coast Teaching Hospitals are already transacting on the system, while Sunyani and Ho Teaching Hospitals—having completed extensive training—begin utilisation this week. Officials overseeing the rollout emphasise that every national health transaction, including NHIS eligibility checks, claims submission, remittances and provider verification, now travels through the National Health Information Exchange (NHIE). This “one-way-in, one-way-out” architecture is designed to enhance data integrity, traceability and auditability across the health sector. Health managers attribute the project’s momentum to structured wave-based planning, hands-on training, and intensive hypercare support offered to facilities immediately after go-live. From primary care centres to the country’s largest hospitals, the message is consistent: GHIMS is live, more departments are joining daily, and nationwide deployment is firmly underway. The Ministry of Health says additional units at Korle Bu and Ridge will come online following hypercare, as the rollout expands to more regions in the coming weeks. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Eswatini on Tuesday, 25th November 2025, paid a working visit to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra as part of a study tour of key governance and accountability institutions in Ghana. The nine-member delegation, made up of five Members of Parliament, officials from Eswatini’s Ministry of Justice, the Eswatini Commission on Human Rights, and the Ministry of Public Service, was received by the Executive Director of EOCO and members of the Office’s management team. The team was accompanied by an official from Ghana’s Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), which is coordinating the group’s institutional visits. Co-led by Honourable Michael Masilela and Gugu Nsibande of the Eswatini Ministry of Justice, the visit forms part of a broader effort by Eswatini lawmakers to understudy Ghana’s operational frameworks in the areas of human rights protection, public administration, administrative justice and the fight against corruption. The delegation said the engagement was crucial in helping them gain firsthand insight into practices that could be adapted and replicated in Eswatini. EOCO took the delegation through a comprehensive presentation detailing the Office’s mandate, functions, and day-to-day operations. An interactive session followed, during which the visitors sought further clarification on critical aspects of the EOCO Act (Act 804), the legal processes governing freezing, seizure, and confiscation of assets, as well as the Office’s asset management regime. The delegation also expressed interest in EOCO’s whistleblower protection systems, safety protocols for investigators handling high-risk cases, and the tenure and governance structure surrounding the Office of the Executive Director. Responding to the concerns, EOCO’s Executive Director, Raymond Archer emphasised that the Office places a premium on the protection of whistleblowers and informants. He noted that confidentiality and anonymity are strictly safeguarded, adding that physical protection is provided in situations where individuals face potential threats due to the nature of information they provide. Hon. Masilela, speaking on behalf of the Eswatini delegation, expressed deep appreciation for the warm reception and practical insights shared by EOCO. He said the knowledge gained would significantly support Eswatini’s lawmakers in drafting stronger, more effective and operationally grounded legislation to combat organised crime and enhance governance in their country. The visit to EOCO forms part of a series of engagements lined up for the Eswatini delegation as they explore Ghana’s institutional approaches to accountability, transparency, and rule of law. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana’s Ministry of Health has initiated major accountability measures after a forensic audit uncovered extensive lapses in the $100 million national electronic medical records project awarded to Lightwave E-Health Solutions. The project, launched under the previous administration, was intended to digitalise medical records in more than 900 health facilities nationwide. But after years of funding and extensions, a significant portion of the system remains non-functional — and the State may not have received full value for money. According to Ministry documents, by the time the contract expired on 31 December 2024, Lightwave had already been paid about $77 million, representing nearly 80% of the total contract value. However, only around 450 facilities — just half of the expected number — could be verified as fully operational. The forensic audit, commissioned by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, revealed widespread shortcomings across the project’s three-year implementation cycle. The audit documented substantial gaps including: 1. Undelivered Year-3 Sites Of 157 facilities scheduled for completion in Year 3, only 7 were confirmed as delivered. The full milestone value of $10.6 million had already been paid. No valid bank guarantee was provided for the advance payments. 2. Nearly $19 Million in Missing Equipment Hardware items the State had fully paid for could not be located. Missing items included: 6,000 desktops 3,600 tablets 2,200 switches and load balancers 370+ communication masts and grounding systems 3. Lower-Spec Devices Installed Several devices delivered did not meet the specifications listed in the contract and reportedly failed shortly after installation. 4. Poor Integration With National Health Databases A large number of facilities were not integrated with DHIMS2, limiting the system’s usefulness for national health reporting. 5. Weak Performance Security The contractor’s performance guarantee was significantly below the required 10% of the contract sum. It was also not issued by a Ghanaian bank, contrary to contract terms. 6. Limited State Control of Health Data The audit found that the government did not have full, independent access to its own servers and patient data — a major national security concern. The report further alleges that the vendor remotely switched the system on and off during discussions about contract renewal and handover, disrupting operations in some facilities. Health workers in multiple regions reported being unable to access patient records during these incidents. In response to the audit, Minister Akandoh took steps considered unusual in Ghana’s political landscape: He referred the matter to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). He forwarded the audit findings to the Attorney-General for criminal and civil review. He directed the Ministry, NHIA, NITA and other state agencies to reclaim full control of all health data infrastructure. He endorsed a transition toward more secure, state-led digital systems, including GHIMS and a national health information exchange architecture. Sources at the Ministry say the Minister resisted pressure to quietly extend the contract or negotiate outside of official state processes. The case is expected to trigger nationwide debate over: Oversight of large ICT contracts The protection of national data Advance payments without adequate verification Vendor control over critical public systems Governance experts warn that the findings point to systemic weaknesses in contract enforcement. EOCO has begun preliminary reviews, while the Attorney-General’s office is examining potential breaches related to: Procurement violations Misrepresentation Possible financial loss to the State Data governance risks The Ministry is also undertaking infrastructure verification across all facilities. While the fate of the contractor will be determined by investigative and legal processes, analysts say the Minister’s decision to escalate the matter signals a firm shift in how public contracts may be handled going forward. For now, the Ministry insists that no private vendor will again be allowed to hold control over national patient data — a position many health sector stakeholders have welcomed. The investigation continues. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Dr. Wisdom Atiwato, Director of Research, Statistics and Information Management at the Ministry of Health, has outlined the Ministry’s key priorities in leveraging digital technologies—particularly artificial intelligence (AI)—to strengthen Ghana’s health system. He delivered the remarks during a press briefing ahead of the Future of Digital Countries (FDC) Summit held in Accra on Wednesday. According to Dr. Atiwato, Ghana’s digital health journey began as far back as 2005, with a comprehensive strategy developed in 2011 and followed by consistent investment over the years. He noted that the Ministry is currently focusing on five critical areas where technology can significantly improve health-sector performance. The first priority, he said, is addressing rising operational complexities within the health sector. With rapid shifts in how Ghanaians access care and how services are delivered, the Ministry is deploying digital health solutions to manage growing patient volumes, rising chronic diseases, and the increasing demand for specialized care. Strengthening the technological infrastructure to support these changes remains central to this effort. The second area concerns ongoing challenges in health financing. Dr. Atiwato highlighted government interventions such as the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Scheme and the introduction of the Mahama Cares initiative. However, he emphasized that technology remains essential in eliminating co-payments, out-of-pocket spending, and catastrophic health expenditures. Digital systems, he said, will make these programmes more effective and more efficient. Third, the Ministry is tackling the longstanding problem of fragmented data systems across the health sector. “Data fragmentation is a major obstacle to technology adoption,” Dr. Atiwato stressed, adding that modern digital tools are being deployed to harmonize systems and create an environment where AI can be fully integrated and leveraged. The fourth priority involves resolving leakages and disruptions within the health supply chain. Digital tracking systems and automation tools are being explored to strengthen supply chain integrity and improve efficiency. Finally, he said, effective digital transformation requires real-time visibility across all health-sector operations. The Ministry is therefore turning to analytics and machine learning to improve decision-making and drive better outcomes across facilities. Touching on cyber security, Dr. Atiwato noted that under the Cyber Security Act 2020, the Ministry of Health is designated as a Critical Information Infrastructure (CII). This classification places strict legal obligations on the Ministry and its 28 agencies to comply with cybersecurity directives issued by the Cyber Security Authority. He added that ongoing compliance efforts would greatly benefit from the support and platforms provided through the FDC initiative. Dr. Atiwato also revealed that the Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications, is advancing work on seven major AI use cases. These include using AI to reduce maternal mortality, deploying AI-powered clinical audit tools, and enhancing patient adherence monitoring in hospitals. Several of these initiatives are being implemented in partnership with the UNDP. He concluded that digital technologies present enormous opportunities for Ghana’s health system and emphasized the government’s commitment to accelerating innovation to improve service delivery nationwide. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Comptroller-General of Immigration (CGI), Mr. Samuel Basintale Amadu, has praised the Africa Frontex Intelligence Community (AFIC) for its instrumental role in advancing intelligence-led border management as Ghana hosts the 2025 AFIC Plenary Workshop in Accra to mark the organisation’s 15th anniversary. The three-day workshop has brought together delegates from AFIC member states, representatives of the European Union and Frontex, Ghana’s national security agencies, and several international partners. The participants will review emerging trends in migration management and cross-border crime across the sub-region. CGI Basintale Amadu expressed Ghana’s appreciation to Frontex for its sustained technical support to African border authorities. This support includes the establishment of Ghana’s Risk Analysis Cell (RAC), capacity-building in risk analysis, and the deployment of secure information-sharing platforms. He noted that these investments have significantly enhanced Ghana’s analytical capacity and operational readiness at border points, positioning the country as an active contributor to regional security dialogue. Referencing recent AFIC assessments, Mr. Basintale highlighted a decline in irregular migration along parts of the Western African route due to strengthened inland controls. However, he cautioned that criminal networks continue to adapt, intensifying smuggling operations along other corridors in North and West Africa. He also warned of increasing cases of document fraud, human trafficking, illicit commodity smuggling, and cyber-enabled recruitment targeting vulnerable populations. “These complex, transnational threats demand coordinated, intelligence-driven responses,” he stressed, reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to strengthening regional security cooperation. He added that the Ghana Immigration Service would continue enhancing its analytical capabilities and deepening cross-border intelligence collaboration through the RAC in Accra. Frontex Executive Director, Hans Leytens, addressed participants via video, expressing optimism that the plenary’s deliberations would produce practical recommendations to boost joint risk analysis and operational collaboration among border security agencies. Miss Anna Polak, Head of the Analysis Unit in the EIBM Intelligence Division at Frontex, also outlined key issues that will guide discussions throughout the meeting. The Accra plenary, commemorating AFIC’s 15-year milestone, is dedicated to reflecting on the community’s achievements, assessing emerging security threats, and strengthening information-sharing channels among member states. Delegates are expected to refine AFIC’s strategic direction and analytical products to better anticipate and respond to evolving border threats across Africa. Established in 2010, AFIC continues to serve as a vital framework for intelligence and knowledge sharing between Frontex and African border authorities in addressing irregular migration, smuggling, trafficking, and other transnational crimes. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana’s progress in eliminating Sudan dye from palm oil has suffered a major reversal, with the national adulteration rate jumping to 24.44 per cent in 2024. This represents a 261 per cent rise compared to the 6.76 per cent recorded in 2023, undermining the significant gains made since the alarming 98 per cent level in 2015. These findings were presented at a stakeholder engagement held at the headquarters of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to disseminate results from the 2024 nationwide palm oil monitoring exercise. The survey evaluates market compliance by tracking the presence of Sudan dyes across production, aggregation, and retail markets. In a speech delivered on his behalf by the Deputy CEO, Food Division, Mr. Roderick Kwabena Daddey-Adjei, FDA Chief Executive Officer Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Manso Opuni described the resurgence of adulteration as “a major setback” for national food safety. Prof. Frimpong-Manso warned that the disturbing trend reflects a decline in vigilance among market participants and stressed the need for renewed collective action. “The success of 2023 and the lessons of 2024 remind us that food safety is a shared responsibility,” he said, urging value chain actors to strengthen peer accountability and adopt more robust self-regulation to restore confidence in Ghana’s palm oil. The FDA CEO disclosed that while millers and processors showed strong compliance this year, contamination was widespread at the aggregation, distribution and retail stages—particularly in major markets. To address the growing threat, he announced that the Authority will intensify market sensitisation, enforce stricter monitoring and deploy upgraded traceability systems to protect public health and curb adulteration. He acknowledged the cooperation of environmental health officers, market leaders and other stakeholders who continue to support the Authority’s nationwide food safety efforts. Providing updates on enforcement, Chief Inspector Brako Isaac, Head of the Seconded Ghana Police Unit at the FDA, said joint operations with the Ghana Police Service in five major markets led to the arrest of 17 people. Prima facie cases have been established against 12 suspects, with dockets forwarded for prosecution. He emphasised that the crackdown aims to deter offenders rather than punish, adding that enforcement teams will continue operations in remaining markets. Sudan dye, popularly known as “suudii,” is an industrial chemical illegally used to enhance the colour of palm oil and other foods. It is toxic and unapproved for human consumption, posing serious health risks. The FDA, established under Section 80(1) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), remains committed to enforcing standards and safeguarding public health across the country’s food and consumer product sectors. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith