Ghana’s year-on-year inflation rate fell to 8.0% in October 2025, down from 9.4% in September, marking the tenth consecutive month of decline and the lowest inflation rate recorded in four years, according to the Government Statistician, Dr. Iddrisu Alhassan. Dr. Alhassan explained that the latest figures from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) show a continued slowdown in price increases across the country, signalling growing stability in the cost of goods and services after years of volatility. “This means that prices in October 2025 were, on average, 8% higher than they were in October 2024. The October rate represents a 1.4 percentage point drop from the previous month and is well below the 23.8% inflation rate recorded at the end of last year,” Dr. Alhassan said. On a month-on-month basis, prices fell by 0.4% between September and October, indicating that “things cost slightly less in October than they did in September.” The GSS report shows that food inflation declined to 9.5% in October from 11.0% in September, driven by reductions in the prices of items such as water, cereals, fruits, and nuts. Month-on-month, food prices fell by 1.0%, reflecting a steady easing in food costs. Non-food inflation — which covers items such as clothing and rent — also dropped to 6.9% from 8.2% the previous month, with little change in prices over the period. Inflation for goods such as rice, soap, and fuel fell sharply to 9.3% in October from 11.2% in September, while services inflation — including transport and repairs — eased slightly from 4.8% to 4.6%. However, Dr. Alhassan noted that service costs rose 0.5% month-on-month, largely due to increases in transport fares and repair services. Inflation for locally produced goods declined from 10.1% in September to 8.0% in October, with prices dropping 0.7% month-to-month. In contrast, inflation for imported items rose marginally from 7.4% to 7.8%, accompanied by a 0.3% increase in prices. The top contributors to October’s inflation were smoked herrings (5.9%), green plantain (5.6%), cinema and cultural services (5.1%), cooked rice (4.6%), and charcoal (4.6%), together accounting for about 26% of total inflation. Items with the highest individual inflation rates included ginger (94.1%), green plantain (61.6%), cinema and cultural services (52.9%), cashew (41.3%), and lime (39.8%) — most of them food-related, reflecting the continued impact of weather, transport, and supply conditions. Inflation remained uneven across regions. The North East Region recorded the highest rate at 17.3%, down from 20.1% in September, with prices falling 0.8% month-on-month. The Bono East Region recorded the lowest inflation rate at 1.1%, slightly below the 1.2% recorded in September, as prices dropped 3.0% between the two months. “These regional differences often reflect variations in transport costs, food distribution, and market accessibility,” Dr. Alhassan explained. Dr. Alhassan attributed the sustained decline in inflation to improved food supply, reduced fuel prices, and stronger fiscal discipline. “The main drivers of inflation remain food and housing, but both are slowing due to better supply conditions and lower fuel prices,” he said. He advised that for government, maintaining fiscal discipline and investing in storage facilities, irrigation systems, and road networks will be crucial to sustaining stability in food prices. He further urged businesses to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and source more inputs locally, while encouraging households to budget carefully, avoid unnecessary spending, and save as prices continue to ease. Dr. Alhassan described Ghana’s inflation trajectory as “a clear sign of economic progress,” adding that sustained collaboration between producers, policymakers, and consumers would help preserve price stability and strengthen the economy. He concluded by expressing appreciation to the hardworking staff of the Ghana Statistical Service for their dedication and professionalism in compiling the monthly inflation data. “If we all stay the course — producers, policymakers, and consumers — we can keep prices stable and strengthen our economy together,” he emphasized. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare Addo, has expressed deep concern over the increasing cases of HIV infections and teenage pregnancies among Ghana’s youth, describing the trend as a growing threat to public health and national development. Delivering the State of the Youth Address in Accra, the Minister disclosed that young people continue to account for a large share of new HIV infections. In 2023, about 27.4 percent of the 17,774 new reported cases occurred among the youth population. He added that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have also risen sharply, with a 32 percent prevalence rate recorded in 2024, attributing the situation to inadequate access to sexual and reproductive health information and services. “The steady decline in HIV testing among young people is alarming,” Hon. Opare Addo cautioned. "We must intensify education and provide accessible services to empower our youth to make informed health decisions.” He further highlighted that teenage pregnancy remains a serious social and health challenge, with more than 100,000 cases reported annually and a 19 percent prevalence among girls aged 15 to 19 years. The Minister warned that early pregnancies continue to derail the education and future aspirations of many young girls, exposing them to maternal health risks and long-term economic hardship. “Teenage pregnancy is not just a health concern — it’s a national development issue,” he stressed. “Each girl who drops out of school because of pregnancy represents a setback in our collective progress.” Hon. Opare Addo called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, schools, faith-based organizations, civil society, and the media to intensify advocacy and interventions aimed at reducing HIV infections and teenage pregnancies. He emphasized the need for comprehensive sexuality education, youth-friendly health services, and open community dialogue. Reaffirming government’s commitment under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, the Minister assured that policies and programmes are being implemented to promote youth empowerment, improve health outcomes, and create equal opportunities for all. “This address is not meant to paint a bleak picture,” he said, “but to inspire hope and reaffirm our government’s resolve to close existing gaps and provide the right environment for our youth to succeed.” He concluded by urging all stakeholders to work together toward building “the Ghana we want — a nation where every young person is healthy, confident, and capable of shaping the country’s future.” Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Royal Foam Ghana Limited has joined forces with health professionals to emphasize the critical importance of quality sleep in maintaining overall physical and mental well-being. The company made this call during its ongoing Royal Wow Promo Market Awareness Campaign, aimed at educating the public on the health benefits of proper rest and the role of quality mattresses in achieving it. Speaking at the event, Dr. Richard Korsah, a medical practitioner at Jaggreys Fertility and Medical Services, described sleep as “an essential human function, just like breathing and eating,” explaining that the body undergoes vital restorative processes during rest. “When you sleep, your body is still, but your brain remains active. It carries out essential processes that promote healing, emotional balance, and mental restoration,” Dr. Korsah said. He noted that most adults require seven to nine hours of sleep each night to function effectively, while children and teenagers need even more rest due to their ongoing development. According to him, the body’s circadian rhythm—a natural internal clock that regulates sleep and wake cycles—can be disrupted by shift work, stress, or lifestyle habits, often leading to sleep disorders and long-term health issues. Dr. Korsah cautioned that inadequate sleep impairs concentration, mood, and decision-making, increasing the risk of accidents and reducing productivity. “Lack of proper rest slows reaction time and can lead to chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and depression,” he warned. Addressing the challenges faced by shift workers, he advised maintaining consistent sleep schedules, creating a calm and dark sleep environment, and avoiding stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine before bedtime. He also urged people to reduce distractions from electronic devices and bright lights during rest periods. On the importance of sleeping environment, Dr. Korsah underscored that a good mattress is crucial for proper spinal alignment and overall sleep quality. “If your mattress sags, creaks, or leaves you stiff, it’s time for a replacement,” he noted, adding that sleeping on the wrong mattress can lead to back and neck pain, fatigue, and poor sleep. He further explained that mattress choice should depend on sleeping posture—back sleepers need firmer support, side sleepers benefit from softer surfaces, while combination sleepers should opt for medium-firm mattresses for balanced comfort. For his part, Baffour Awuah Assibey, General Manager of Royal Foam Ghana Limited, encouraged Ghanaians to prioritize sleep health by investing in quality bedding. “Good sleep starts with the right mattress,” he stated. “At Royal Foam, we are committed to helping Ghanaians experience better rest through durable and affordable bedding solutions.” The company’s initiative forms part of its broader commitment to promoting health and wellness by educating the public on the direct link between quality sleep and overall well-being. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has disclosed that the soldier reported to have fired the shot that killed Abass Ibrahim during the 2020 General Election in the Ablekuma Central Constituency has not yet been identified by the Ghana Armed Forces. Addressing a press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, the Minister said investigations revealed that although a man dressed in military uniform was captured on video as the person who allegedly fired the fatal shot, soldiers who were interviewed during the probe denied knowing the individual. “Investigations revealed that soldiers were interviewed and shown the video of a man dressed in military uniform and reported to be the person who fired, resulting in the death of Abass Ibrahim. However, they maintained that the said soldier was not known to them,” Hon. Mohammed-Mubarak said. He added that the use of armed military personnel for crowd control duties during the elections contributed to the incident that left one person dead and four others injured. The Minister noted that the situation was avoidable, as police personnel were already present and should have taken charge of crowd management. According to the Interior Minister, the Special Investigation Task Force, established to probe the 2020 and 2024 election violence, found that the lack of coordination between the police and military at the collation centre led to the unfortunate outcome. "The incident was a clear case of operational failure and poor coordination,” he stated. “If proper communication had existed between the police and military teams, the use of live ammunition could have been avoided.” The Minister announced that the Task Force has recommended that compensation be paid to the family of the late Abass Ibrahim and the four persons who sustained injuries during the incident. He said the report has been forwarded to the Attorney-General’s Office for necessary action regarding compensation and possible prosecution. The case docket has also been referred to the Cold Case Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for further review. Hon. Mohammed-Mubarak emphasized that the government remains committed to ensuring accountability for all acts of electoral violence. “Under the leadership of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, the government will ensure that justice is served and that those responsible for electoral violence are held accountable,” he assured. The Interior Minister urged all security agencies to adhere strictly to crowd control protocols and desist from using live ammunition in civilian operations. He further called for better coordination among security agencies to prevent similar incidents in future elections. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Professor Ahmed Abdulai Jinapor, has cautioned that any tertiary institution that fails to strengthen its cybersecurity systems risks becoming a weak link in Ghana’s digital transformation agenda. Speaking at the maiden National Cybersecurity Education Conference held in Accra, Prof. Jinapor underscored the urgent need for tertiary institutions to mainstream cybersecurity education and cultivate a culture of digital responsibility across all levels of higher learning. "Every institution that goes unprotected becomes a weak link in our national digital chain,” he warned. “Cyber resilience is not only about technology — it is about people and principles. It reflects the ability of institutions to anticipate, absorb, and adapt to digital shocks while protecting the rights of users.” The conference was organised through a collaboration between the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, and other development partners to promote cyber resilience and digital rights in higher education. Prof. Jinapor said GTEC is working closely with the CSA and the Ministry of Education to develop a cohesive policy framework that ensures cybersecurity becomes an integral part of academic life. “We aim to encourage curricular reforms that integrate cybersecurity across disciplines — ensuring that engineering students, teacher trainees, and business graduates alike can act responsibly in the digital domain,” he explained. He commended the CSA’s leadership under the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), describing its capacity-building and awareness programmes as instrumental in laying the foundation for a secure and globally competitive tertiary education system. Highlighting the rising wave of cyberattacks, Prof. Jinapor noted that tertiary institutions — even small colleges — are now prime targets for criminals using ransomware, phishing, and identity theft schemes. He warned that the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has further complicated the cybersecurity landscape. "These threats go beyond financial loss. They touch on academic freedom, intellectual property, and human dignity. Universities store critical national data in areas such as health, energy, and agriculture — and a breach in any of these sectors undermines public trust in digital governance,” he said. Prof. Jinapor urged tertiary institutions to treat cybersecurity not as a technical afterthought but as a fundamental part of institutional culture. He revealed that GTEC will soon include cybersecurity preparedness as a key component of its institutional quality assurance indicators, making cyber resilience as essential to credibility as academic accreditation. He further encouraged university and college administrators to invest in digital security infrastructure, create policies for incident response, and train staff and students to identify and mitigate cyber risks. Touching on digital rights, Prof. Jinapor called for a balance between technological innovation and ethical responsibility. He said protecting privacy, freedom of expression, and access to information must remain at the core of digital transformation in education. "Our goal is to create an ecosystem where technology empowers learning and research without compromising rights or inclusiveness,” he added. Prof. Jinapor urged stronger partnerships between academia, the private sector, and government agencies to enhance cybersecurity research and innovation. He envisioned: Technical universities serving as hubs for practical cybersecurity solutions; Colleges of education integrating digital safety into teacher training; and Research universities leading evidence-based policy development for national cyber resilience. He reaffirmed GTEC’s commitment to working with the CSA and other partners to secure Ghana’s educational landscape and strengthen its cyber defence systems. “Yet in every challenge lies an opportunity,” he concluded. “Ghana’s youthful population and expanding tertiary sector give us a unique chance to lead Africa in cybersecurity education and digital resilience.” Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Mr. Divine Salasi Agbeti, has stressed that cybersecurity education must be placed at the heart of Ghana’s digital transformation agenda, describing it as an essential foundation for building a safe and resilient digital society. Speaking at the maiden National Cybersecurity Education Conference in Accra, Mr. Agbeti said cybersecurity should no longer be treated as a specialised field limited to IT professionals but as a critical component of every academic discipline. “Cybersecurity education is not peripheral but central to Ghana’s digital transformation. It must become as fundamental as literacy or numeracy. Every student — whether studying medicine, law, business, or education — must develop a basic understanding of digital safety and responsibility,” he stated. The conference was themed “Empowering Higher Education for Cyber Resilience and Digital Rights,” convened policymakers, education leaders, and industry experts. Mr. Agbeti cautioned that the education sector has become a prime target for cyberattacks due to the vast amount of sensitive information it holds. He cited cases of data breaches, certificate forgery, admission scams, sextortion, and cyberbullying that have affected tertiary institutions across the country. He warned that cybercrime is projected to cost the world over $10.5 trillion by the end of 2025, while the shortage of cybersecurity professionals has reached an estimated four million globally. “Our educational sector has been designated as critical information infrastructure whose protection is vital to our national security, stability, and development,” he noted. To address these challenges, the CSA is collaborating with the Ministry of Education and GTEC to embed cybersecurity principles in teaching, learning, and institutional governance. Mr. Agbeti disclosed that the Authority had contributed to the review of the ICT in Education Policy and Ghana’s EdTech Strategy through CENDLOS, ensuring cybersecurity, data protection, and digital ethics are mainstreamed into education. He further revealed plans to implement a National Cybersecurity Competency and Qualification Framework to provide structured training pathways from basic digital literacy to advanced certification levels. “A draft Memorandum of Understanding has been submitted to GTEC to formalise this collaboration. I urge its swift finalisation so implementation can begin without delay,” he appealed. Mr. Agbeti also announced the establishment of an Education Sectoral Computer Emergency Response Team (Edu-CERT) to coordinate cybersecurity incident responses across universities and colleges. Through its Capacity Building and Awareness Creation programme, the CSA has already sensitised over 5.6 million adults on cybersecurity issues between January and October 2025 — a sharp rise from just over 100,000 in 2022. The CSA Director-General commended the Ministry of Education, GTEC, and the Accra Technical University for spearheading the inaugural conference, describing it as a vital platform. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has confirmed a deadly attack on two of its officers in the Tempani District of the Upper East Region, resulting in the death of one officer and serious injury to another. The incident occurred at Nangani on Sunday, November 2, 2025, around 8:30 p.m., when the officers were returning from duty on a motorbike. The attackers, who are yet to be identified, reportedly laid an ambush and opened fire on the unsuspecting officers. The victims, Assistant Immigration Control Officer (AICO I) Philip Lartey and AICO I Cosmos Dakurah, sustained gunshot wounds and were initially rushed to the Basonde Clinic in Tempani for first aid before being transferred to the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital for further treatment. Tragically, AICO I Cosmos Dakurah succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of Monday, November 3, 2025. The Ghana Immigration Service, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, has launched a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack. A joint team from the National Headquarters of both services has been deployed to the Upper East Region to support ongoing investigations and provide assurance to officers in the area. The Comptroller-General of Immigration (CGI) and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) have expressed deep concern over the tragic development and have pledged their commitment to ensuring that those responsible for this heinous act are swiftly brought to justice. The GIS Management has extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues, and friends of the late officer, describing his death as a painful loss to the Service and the nation. “The Ghana Immigration Service vehemently condemns any act of violence directed at its personnel, who serve with dedication and sacrifice to safeguard Ghana’s territorial integrity and contribute to national security,” the statement emphasized. The Service further reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and well-being of all its officers and assured that it will continue to work closely with relevant authorities to ensure justice is served. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Bosomoa Forest Reserve in the Bono East Region is facing a major environmental threat following the clearance of approximately 20 acres of protected land to make way for a proposed Nursing and Midwifery Training College. The Reserve, located between Jema and Ampoma near Kintampo, is managed by the Kintampo Forest District under the Forestry Commission (FC). It is one of only three remaining forest reserves in the region and plays a critical role in preserving the area’s ecological balance. Forestry officials have described the land clearance as a serious act of encroachment that undermines national conservation laws and threatens the long-term integrity of the Reserve. In response to the development, the Bono East Regional Minister, Hon. Francis Owusu Antwi, convened an emergency stakeholder meeting to address the situation. Present at the meeting were: Mr. David Kwaku Appiagyei – Regional Manager, Forest Services Division (FSD) ACP Boadu – Deputy Bono East Regional Police Commander Hon. Wilfred Zuuri – Kintampo South District Chief Executive Supt. Ernest Kodjo Doukonoo – Kintampo South District Police Commander Mr. Robert Sakyi (Slima) – Kintampo South Constituency Chairman Mr. Maxwell Agyekum Oteng – Manager, Kintampo Forest District Mr. Owusu Ansah – Deputy Manager, Kintampo Forest District Security officials at the meeting warned that any move by the Forestry Commission to halt the project could provoke resistance from the Jema and Ampoma communities. The caution was particularly aimed at the Rapid Response Team of the FC, which serves as the frontline security unit protecting the Reserve from encroachment and other forest-related offenses. Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Appiagyei stressed that constructing infrastructure within a gazetted forest reserve is illegal and could set a dangerous precedent for future encroachments. He emphasized that “the right procedure — including a formal appeal to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Presidency — must be followed for the area to be legally degazetted before any development can take place.” Until such approval is granted, he cautioned, the Bosomoa Forest Reserve “remains a protected area and cannot be encroached upon for any purpose by anybody.” Environmental experts have warned that continued encroachment could lead to biodiversity loss, reduced carbon sequestration, and increased vulnerability of nearby communities to environmental hazards such as flooding and soil degradation. The situation has sparked renewed calls for stronger enforcement of forest protection laws and community education on the long-term value of conservation. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has condemned in strong terms the recent attack on personnel of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) during an operation at Bronikrom near Hwediem in the Ahafo Region. The incident occurred on Saturday, November 1, 2025. In response to the attack, Minister Buah has engaged the Speaker of Parliament and the Minister for the Interior to initiate a full-scale investigation into the incident. He reaffirmed the government’s determination to ensure that all individuals involved in the assault—and those who facilitate illegal mining activities—are brought to justice. The Minister reiterated that the government remains steadfast in its efforts to protect Ghana’s natural resources and restore degraded lands. The ongoing NAIMOS operations, he explained, form part of a broader strategy to combat illegal mining, which continues to endanger water bodies, farmlands, and communities across the country. Authorities have launched a detailed probe to uncover the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify those responsible. The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has called on the public, especially residents of the affected area, to assist law enforcement with any relevant information. Minister Buah assured Ghanaians that the government will take decisive and lawful action to protect both its citizens and the nation’s environment from further harm. "No one has the right to attack state officials enforcing the law,” he emphasized. “We will not relent in our mission to safeguard Ghana’s natural heritage.” Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Administration, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, has called on Ghanaians to take practical steps in addressing breast cancer, describing it as both a national health concern and a matter of social equity. Speaking during a Breast Cancer Awareness Month event at the Jubilee House on Friday, October 31, she noted that the nation must move beyond awareness slogans and focus on actions that save lives. “We must resist the temptation of making this theme another slogan because we are losing many friends, loved ones and colleagues to breast cancer,” she cautioned. She emphasised the need for greater cooperation between government institutions, health professionals, and civil society organisations to ensure that screening, diagnosis, and treatment are available and affordable for all, especially vulnerable populations. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo reaffirmed government’s commitment, under President John Dramani Mahama and Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, to improving access to health services through initiatives like the Mahama Trust Fund, which supports treatment for chronic diseases, including breast cancer. She also acknowledged First Lady Lordina Mahama’s nationwide health screening campaigns, in partnership with the Ghana AIDS Commission, for promoting early detection and reducing preventable cancer-related deaths. The Deputy Chief of Staff commended breast cancer survivors, medical professionals, and advocates for their dedication to public education and awareness, noting that empowering citizens with knowledge is vital to early detection and prevention. Adding to the call, Deputy Minister of Health, Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, highlighted government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cancer care systems, improve early diagnosis, and expand public education. “Our goal is to make early detection a normal practice, not an occasional one,” Dr. Ayensu-Danquah said. “Under the leadership of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, we are determined to build a resilient healthcare system capable of tackling breast cancer.” The event also featured emotional testimonies from survivors who urged the public to prioritise regular medical check-ups and screenings. “I am alive today because I checked early,” one survivor said. Another added, “Let’s not end this conversation in October. Let’s carry it into our homes, schools, and workplaces—because early detection saves lives.” The gathering concluded with a renewed national appeal to turn awareness into sustained action, ensuring that every Ghanaian—regardless of background—has the opportunity to prevent, detect, and survive breast cancer. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghanaian residents spent an estimated GH¢4 billion on international travel in 2023, according to the newly released Ghana 2023 Domestic and Outbound Tourism Survey Report by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). The Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, described the findings as a milestone in Ghana’s tourism data landscape, marking the first-ever comprehensive nationwide assessment of outbound tourism. “For the first time, Ghana has compiled systematic, evidence-based data on outbound tourism — covering both Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians resident in Ghana who travelled abroad for leisure, business, and personal reasons,” Dr. Iddrisu said. The survey revealed that a total of 470,806 outbound visitors were recorded in 2023. Of this number, 77,500 were same-day visitors, while 393,306 travelled overnight. Same-day travellers spent approximately GH¢60 million, with nearly half aged between 25 and 44 years, representing the most economically active demographic. Men dominated this category, largely for business (34%) and funeral-related (23%) trips. The Ashanti Region recorded the highest number of same-day travellers, with Togo emerging as the top destination and highest-spending location per trip. For overnight travellers, spending was estimated at GH¢3.4 billion. Again, the 25–44 age group dominated, but female travellers slightly outnumbered males across most quarters, reflecting growing female participation in international mobility. The main reason for outbound overnight travel was visiting friends and relatives (41%), followed by funerals and business trips. The Greater Accra Region accounted for the largest number of outbound overnight visitors, while West Africa remained the preferred destination, highlighting strong sub-regional travel links. Nearly 90% of overnight trips were self-arranged, though travellers to Europe and North America recorded higher average spending and longer stays. Dr. Iddrisu noted that the findings underscore the vibrancy of Ghana’s outbound tourism market, driven mainly by young professionals and women. “Our tourism strategies must be both age and gender responsive,” he stated. "Government can retain more of this spending locally by investing in transport, airports, and hospitality infrastructure, ensuring that more of the GH¢4 billion circulates within the domestic economy.” He further encouraged tax incentives to promote tour packages that integrate Ghanaian services, urging private sector collaboration among hotels, airlines, and travel agencies to develop end-to-end travel experiences. Dr. Iddrisu also called for stronger linkages between tourism and local industries, including crafts, textiles, and souvenirs, to enhance Ghana’s visibility abroad and boost export-related earnings. The survey, conducted using a two-stage stratified sampling method, covered 18,500 households across 16 regions, using face-to-face computer-assisted personal interviews (CAPI). According to Dr. Iddrisu, the data provides a foundation for Ghana’s first Tourism Satellite Account (TSA), which will help measure tourism’s true contribution to GDP and align with Sustainable Development Goal 8.9, promoting sustainable tourism and local culture. The outbound tourism report forms part of a broader data initiative, with the Domestic Tourism Report to be launched in the coming weeks, and the Inbound Tourism Report scheduled for release on September 25, 2025. “This marks a new chapter in evidence-based policymaking for Ghana’s tourism sector,” Dr. Iddrisu concluded. "For the first time, we can quantify how residents travel, spend, and connect beyond our borders — and use that insight to build a stronger, more sustainable tourism economy.” Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Board Chairman of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Lawrence Nii Okantey Adjetey, Esq., has reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to building a health insurance system that is resilient in crisis, inclusive by design, and trusted by all. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2025 NHIS Stakeholders’ Conference in Accra, Mr. Adjetey commended participants for their active engagement, dedication, and openness throughout the two-day deliberations. “It’s alive — it’s alive! I think we should clap for ourselves,” he said with enthusiasm. “For two days, we’ve been sitting, listening, and talking to each other. We have been attentive, we have taken notes, and this shows that nothing discussed here will be set aside.” He noted that participants came to the conference with diverse perspectives — data, doubts, and questions — reflecting the complex nature of the issues surrounding healthcare financing and service delivery. “As I said earlier, we’ve had the good, the bad, and the ugly. But today, I believe we can all agree that we leave with the good,” Mr. Adjetey added. Expressing appreciation to development partners, the NHIA Board Chairman described their financial and technical support as “seeds” that would yield positive and transformative outcomes for Ghana’s health system. “To our development partners, your dollars are seeds — and they will tell stories of progress and impact. Together, we will build a National Health Insurance system that takes determined and confident steps into the future with your continued faith and partnership,” he stated. Mr. Adjetey emphasized that the discussions and resolutions from the conference would not end with the event’s closure, assuring stakeholders of the Authority’s plan to institutionalize regular dialogue and collaboration. “This will not be just another session where we wrap up and walk away. No. A systematic framework will be established to ensure regular interaction, continuous consultation, and sustained partnerships,” he pledged. Concluding his remarks, Mr. Adjetey expressed confidence in the collective will of stakeholders to drive the NHIA’s reform agenda forward. “With undying faith in all of us, I declare the NHIS Stakeholders’ Conference 2025 officially closed,” he announced to applause. The two-day conference brought together key stakeholders in the health sector — including policymakers, healthcare providers, development partners, and civil society representatives — to review progress and chart a sustainable future for Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith