Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, hosted a breakfast meeting with the five presidential aspirants of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at his private residence in Nima, Accra. The meeting, aimed at promoting unity and camaraderie ahead of the party’s presidential primaries slated for January 31, 2026, also served as a platform for the former President to emphasize the need for a cohesive front as the NPP prepares for the 2028 general elections. In his remarks, former President Akufo-Addo expressed his appreciation to the aspirants for honoring his invitation despite their demanding campaign schedules. He described their presence as a demonstration of shared commitment to the progress and stability of the NPP. “I have worked closely with each of you and hold you in high regard,” he said, acknowledging the contributions of the aspirants to the party and the nation. He urged them to focus their campaigns on ideas and policies that will strengthen the party’s appeal to delegates and the Ghanaian public. Akufo-Addo reaffirmed his dedication to ensuring unity within the NPP and called for a credible and transparent primary process that would position the party for electoral victory in 2028. In a show of solidarity, the five aspirants—Hon. Ken Ohene Agyapong, Hon. Dr. Bryan Acheampong, H.E. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Hon. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong—pledged to conduct their campaigns in a respectful and competitive manner. They also committed to supporting the eventual winner to preserve the unity and strength of the party after the primaries. The meeting was also attended by key party figures including Hon. Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, Chairman of the NPP Council of Elders; Mr. Danquah Smith Buttey, Acting National Chairman; Mr. Justin Kodua Frimpong, General Secretary; Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Minority Leader; and Hon. Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, former Chief of Staff. The gathering concluded with a renewed sense of togetherness as party leaders and aspirants reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful, fair, and credible internal election process. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A violent attack at the Gbintri checkpoint in the North East Region has left one officer of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) dead and another critically injured. The deceased, Assistant Immigration Control Officer II (AICO II) Rafiq Mohammed, was on duty alongside his colleague, AICO II Daniel Kofi Oppong, when the assailants struck. Oppong is currently receiving treatment at the Tamale Teaching Hospital. Following the tragic incident, the Comptroller-General of Immigration (CGI), Mr. Samuel Basintale Amadu, visited the injured officer to offer his support and assess his recovery. Mr. Amadu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the officer and strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a “cowardly act” that will not deter the Service from fulfilling its mandate of safeguarding Ghana’s borders and combating transnational crime. “This cowardly attack will not deter us,” he stated firmly. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the borders of our country. Our officers will continue to receive the necessary protective equipment and logistics to enable them to perform their duties effectively.” The Comptroller-General also appealed to the public to assist the security services with information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible for the attack. The visit formed part of Mr. Amadu’s regional tour of the North East, aimed at assessing operational readiness and boosting morale among frontline officers. He was accompanied by senior officials including DCOI Maud Anima Quainoo, Head of Public Affairs; Northern Regional Commander DCOI Thomas Adjei; Chief Staff Officer ACOI Gorden Saah; and other top officers. The Ghana Immigration Service has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with other security agencies to ensure that justice is served and the perpetrators brought to book. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has joined the global community to mark World Statistics Day, reaffirming the vital role of quality data in driving inclusive and sustainable national development. This year’s celebration, themed “Quality Statistics for Everyone,” underscores the importance of trusted, relevant, and high-quality data in shaping effective policies and improving livelihoods. In a statement issued by the Service, GSS highlighted that reliable statistics are not just numbers but “the foundation of progress, the mirror of national realities, and the compass for policy direction.” "Quality statistics tell the story of our people—their living conditions, opportunities, and challenges—and ensure that decisions are based on evidence rather than assumption,” the statement read. The Service emphasised that data plays a crucial role in every sphere of national life—from monitoring inflation, employment, and population growth to tracking progress in health, education, and agriculture. “Reliable data convert development ambitions into measurable action,” GSS stated. “They enable decision-makers to see clearly, plan wisely, and act effectively, ensuring that today’s policies deliver tomorrow’s results.” GSS reaffirmed its commitment to upholding international standards in data collection and reporting. The Service noted that every census, survey, and statistical release is guided by rigorous methodology and transparency to ensure accuracy, consistency, and comparability. “When data are credible, policies become stronger, investments become smarter, and citizens’ trust in governance grows,” the statement said. As part of its efforts to keep pace with the global data revolution, GSS revealed that it is investing heavily in digital transformation—integrating modern tools such as automation, data science, and real-time analytics into its operations. These innovations, the Service noted, have “enhanced efficiency, reduced delays, and expanded access to high-quality information.” But beyond producing data, GSS stressed the importance of making statistics accessible and understandable to all. "Our greater responsibility is to ensure that data empower everyone—from policymakers and researchers to journalists, entrepreneurs, and citizens,” the Service said. “Our goal is simple but powerful: to make quality statistics an everyday tool for decision-making at all levels of society.” The GSS extended appreciation to its partners across the National Statistical System (NSS) for their continued collaboration in strengthening the production and use of official data in Ghana. It called on all stakeholders—government agencies, academia, civil society, development partners, and the private sector—to place evidence at the heart of national planning. “Decisions backed by quality data lead to fairer, more inclusive, and more sustainable development outcomes,” the statement noted. The Ghana Statistical Service is mandated under Section 3 of the Statistical Service Act, 2019 (Act 1003) to produce comprehensive, reliable, and timely data to guide national development. GSS provides key economic indicators such as inflation, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Producer Price Index (PPI), and Gross Domestic Product (GDP), alongside demographic, agricultural, and social statistics from regular censuses and surveys. The data produced by GSS are used widely across government, business, academia, civil society, and development organisations to inform evidence-based decision-making. As Ghana advances its development agenda, the Service reiterated one central message: "Quality statistics are for everyone—and they belong to everyone.” Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited (GWL), Adam Mutawakilu, has sounded the alarm over the increasing siltation of the country’s raw-water sources, warning that the trend is threatening water production and supply nationwide. Speaking at a press conference held at the company’s headquarters in Accra on Monday, Mr. Mutawakilu said Ghana’s rivers are silting up faster than treatment plants were designed to handle, leading to operational challenges, higher treatment costs, and intermittent shutdowns. “After heavy rains, turbidity at several major intakes now spikes to levels that make conventional treatment difficult, costly, and sometimes temporarily impossible,” he explained. “If we don’t act at the source, we will spend more each year to produce less water.” To address the growing threat, Mr. Mutawakilu announced a 24-month Catchment Recovery Plan, a multi-sector initiative aimed at stabilising priority rivers, restoring abstraction capacity, and reducing treatment losses. The plan will focus on eight key river systems across the country, combining riverbank re-vegetation, targeted dredging, and stronger enforcement of riparian buffer protection. The GWL Managing Director highlighted the financial and technical toll siltation has taken on the utility’s operations. He revealed that emergency dredging at the Owabi and Mampong treatment plants alone cost GHS 64 million and GHS 13.8 million respectively in the past year. These interventions, though necessary, required temporary shutdowns that disrupted water supply to surrounding communities. “Water that once responded to alum now demands more complex treatment after storm events dominated by fine clays and colloids,” he said, noting that GWL has been compelled to shift from alum to more effective but expensive polymers. The shift, he explained, has resulted in a 400% increase in chemical costs at some plants in the Ashanti Region, including Barekese, Odaso, and Konongo. Mr. Mutawakilu warned that if siltation remains unchecked, the ripple effects will extend far beyond Ghana Water Limited, affecting multiple sectors of the economy. “Beverage companies, food processors, hotels, hospitals, and schools will all face rising costs and supply interruptions,” he cautioned. “When a fundamental input like treated water becomes more expensive and less reliable, productivity falls and prices rise.” The GWL boss called on Corporate Ghana, public-sector agencies, and development partners to collaborate on the Catchment Recovery Plan, pledging transparency and accountability in implementation. He outlined a partnership framework that includes co-funding from private companies, collaboration with District Assemblies, the Water Resources Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Minerals Commission, and the Ghana Gold Board, as well as support from traditional authorities to mobilize local communities. “This partnership will deliver tangible benefits — improved supply reliability, lower long-term costs, measurable ESG impact, and greater resilience against climate-driven variability in raw-water quality,” he said. Mr. Mutawakilu commended the Government of Ghana for intensifying the fight against illegal mining and protecting water bodies. He praised President John Dramani Mahama for his decisive leadership through the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and lauded the registration and tracking of mining equipment as “a bold step making it increasingly difficult for illegal miners to operate.” He also acknowledged the work of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Kofi Buah, whose Blue Water Guard initiative is monitoring and reclaiming polluted water bodies, and the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Hon. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, for his continued partnership with GWL. While applauding the progress made, the GWL Managing Director cautioned that riverbeds remain heavily silted, requiring continuous desilting and protection to sustain the gains. Mr. Mutawakilu reaffirmed GWL’s commitment to restoring water security nationwide. “With your support, Ghana Water Limited will recover lost capacity at priority plants, reduce treatment losses and energy costs, and stabilise water supply to households, schools, hospitals, and businesses,” he assured. “Water security begins at the source. If we protect the source, our plants will do the rest. Let us act with urgency and purpose—together—to keep Ghana’s taps running.” Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has made a passionate appeal to the private sector, hospitality industry, and creative practitioners to invest in Africa’s culinary identity, describing food as a catalyst for innovation, job creation, and cultural diplomacy. Speaking on Day Two of the Afro Gastro Festival 2025 at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra, the Minister emphasized the need to “have some respect for food,” She urgrd Ghanaians and Africans at large to recognize the immense social and economic power embedded in their food traditions. “Food is not only an innovation but also a development tool — an enabler for job creation, a link between culture, medicine, science, technology, and industry,” she said. "There is rarely anywhere that food is patronized where music, dance, art, and fashion do not have an interaction. Food brings everything together.” Madam Gomashie highlighted that the Afro Gastro Festival was more than a cultural showcase — it is a platform to position African cuisine at the center of global culinary conversations while strengthening the continent’s creative economy. She called on investors, development partners, and cultural agencies to recognize the business potential within food tourism and African gastronomy. The Minister also expressed appreciation to participating countries and partners, including Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Peru, Barbados, Jamaica, Senegal, Brazil, and to celebrated culinary figures such as Chef Faila and the Omanye Chefs, for their commitment to showcasing Africa’s diverse flavors and culinary creativity. The event was infused with vibrant cultural performances and live music from some of Ghana’s finest talents, including Byno, Bessa Simons, Sheriffa Gunu, and Gyedu-Blay Ambolley. In a lighthearted moment that drew laughter and applause from the audience, Madam Gomashie described Ambolley as “a handsome man,” expressing admiration for his enduring influence on Ghana’s music scene. She further emphasized that food and the creative arts are inseparable, noting that every successful festival experience intertwines cuisine, music, dance, and fashion. “As we celebrate food, we are also celebrating our identity — the stories, the sounds, and the spirit that make us African,” she said. "Through festivals like Afro Gastro, we can develop, practice, and share our culture with the world.” Madam Gomashie thanked the directors and staff of the Ministry’s 17 agencies, as well as international embassies — including the British High Commission and the Embassies of Morocco, Brazil, Mexico, Cuba, and Suriname — for their partnership and contributions to the success of the festival. She pledged that future editions of the Afro Gastro Festival would expand its reach across other African and Caribbean countries, promoting peace, collaboration, and cultural exchange through food diplomacy. The Minister promised that next year’s edition would be “bigger, better, and even more inspiring,” reaffirming government’s commitment to building a strong and inclusive creative economy through tourism, culture, and the arts. The Afro Gastro Festival 2025 brought together chefs, artists, diplomats, entrepreneurs, and cultural enthusiasts to celebrate the intersection of African cuisine and creativity — transforming Accra into a hub of flavor, rhythm, and innovation. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Hawa Abubakar

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming Ghana’s culinary heritage into a dynamic force within the global creative economy. Speaking at the launch of the maiden Afro Gastro Festival 2025, held at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra on Friday, Madam Abla Gomashie said the initiative forms part of government’s broader efforts to harness culture and creativity as tools for national development and soft power diplomacy. “We are nurturing a new generation of chefs and innovators who will not only present our culinary traditions, but also reimagine them for the global stage,” the Minister stated. She explained that Ghana’s gastronomy industry holds immense potential for job creation, export diversification, and creative entrepreneurship, underscoring the Ministry’s resolve to work with industry stakeholders to unlock these opportunities. “The global culinary industry is a multi-million-dollar economy. From food festivals to culinary tourism, the sector offers immense potential for our young people to find sustainable livelihoods while showcasing Ghana’s identity to the world,” she said. Hon. Gomashie revealed that the Ministry is partnering with hospitality institutions, culinary schools, local farmers, and creative entrepreneurs to create platforms that empower chefs and innovators to merge tradition with innovation. According to her, the Afro Gastro Festival represents more than just a celebration of African cuisine — it is a strategic investment in the future of Afro-cuisine as a platform for collaboration, cultural exchange, and economic empowerment. “This festival is not merely a showcase; it is an investment in the future of our food, our culture, and our people,” she emphasized. The Minister also highlighted the Blastar initiative, launched under the leadership of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, as part of a broader national agenda to reconnect the world to Ghana’s rich heritage, creativity, and cultural identity. Hon. Gomashie further commended partner organizations and stakeholders who collaborated with the Ministry to make the event possible, noting that Ghana continues to stand as the gateway to Africa’s cultural and creative rebirth. The Afro Gastro Festival 2025 is envisioned as a premier platform to celebrate Africa’s culinary diversity, promote regional collaboration, and project Ghana as a global culinary and cultural destination. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The family of the late Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, Founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana, has paid a courtesy call on the Ga Traditional Council at the Ga Mantse Palace in Accra. The visit was to officially inform the King of the passing of the revered inventor and spiritual leader and to extend an invitation to the Ga Traditional Council to attend the one-week celebration of his life and legacy. Leading the delegation was Hon. Sarah Adwoa Safo, daughter of the late Apostle and Former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya Constituency. She expressed the family’s profound appreciation to His Majesty and the Ga State for their warm reception and longstanding support for her late father. Hon. Safo also conveyed the family’s gratitude to the Ga people for the hospitality extended to Apostle Safo during his years of residence and ministry in communities such as Accra New Town, Laterbiokorshie, and Taifa. She noted that during the upcoming one-week celebration, the family will officially announce the date for the final funeral rites of the late Apostle, whose contributions to faith, science, and innovation have left an indelible mark on Ghana and beyond. Speaking on behalf of the Ga Traditional Council, Nii Adote Otintor II, Mankralo of the Ga State and Paramount Chief of the Sempe Mantse Traditional Area, conveyed a heartfelt condolences to the Kantanka family. He described Apostle Safo Kantanka’s passing as a great loss not only to the family but to the entire nation, emphasizing that the Ga State shared in their grief. Nii Adote Otintor II assured the family of the Ga State’s full support and participation in both the one-week observance and the final funeral rites, pledging that the Ga Traditional Council would be represented to honour the memory of the visionary leader. The visit concluded with mutual expressions of respect between the Kantanka family and the Ga Traditional Council. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Mankrado of Teacher Mante, Baffour Opoku-Frefre Ayisi Offei, has commissioned a set of modern mechanized boreholes and launched a comprehensive Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) project aimed at improving access to clean water and promoting menstrual hygiene among schoolgirls in the community. The initiative, implemented through the Health Promotion Unit of the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES) under its School Health Education Programme (SHEP), forms part of a national effort to enhance health and educational outcomes in schools. Addressing a gathering of community members, teachers, students, and local leaders, Baffour Ayisi Offei described the project as a “transformational investment in the lives of our children, especially our girls,” emphasizing that access to clean water and proper sanitation is a basic human right and a foundation for healthy living. “This project is not just about infrastructure—it is about investing in the future of our children. It will reduce absenteeism, improve health outcomes, and empower our girls to reach their full potential,” the Mankrado stated. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Education Service for selecting Teacher Mante as one of the beneficiary communities. He also commended the inclusion of the Girls’ Hygiene Empowerment Programme, which provides sanitary pads and hygiene education to female students to help them manage their menstrual health with dignity and remain in school. Baffour Ayisi Offei further called on students and teachers to take good care of the new facilities and ensure their sustainability. “We pledge to maintain these facilities and use them wisely. To our students, take ownership and spread the message of good hygiene practices to your families and the wider community,” he urged. The Mankrado also acknowledged the efforts of the Health Promotion Unit, SHEP coordinators, and all partners who contributed to the project’s successful implementation. The event concluded with the official commissioning of the boreholes and a renewed community commitment to promoting hygiene, health, and education for all children, particularly girls. “Let us celebrate this achievement and look forward to a brighter, healthier future for our children,” Baffour Ayisi Offei declared. The WASH project at Teacher Mante Presby Primary School is expected to serve hundreds of pupils and community members, providing sustainable access to safe drinking water and fostering a culture of hygiene and environmental responsibility. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ga Mantse, His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has hosted Master Jude Kofie, a 14-year-old Ghanaian-American piano prodigy, at his residence during a courtesy visit that celebrated talent, culture, and mutual respect. Master Jude Kofie, who is widely celebrated internationally for his extraordinary self-taught musical talent, was inspired to meet the Ga Mantse out of admiration for the King’s own love for music and commitment to promoting Ghanaian culture. Upon his arrival, the young pianist was warmly received by the King and his elders. In a display of exceptional skill and humility, Jude performed a selection of soothing Ghanaian gospel songs on the King’s personal organ. His performance filled the palace with joy and reverence, earning applause from His Majesty and all present. In his remarks, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II commended the prodigy for his talent, discipline, and passion for music. He encouraged Jude to continue nurturing his gift, noting that his achievements serve as a powerful source of inspiration for young people across Ghana and beyond. The Ga Mantse further assured the young pianist of the Ga State’s support, emphasizing the importance of helping gifted Ghanaian youth to flourish both at home and abroad. Jude, visibly moved by the warm reception, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the King for the honour of the visit. He pledged to work hard and raise high the flag of Ghana through his music, using his talent to promote peace, unity, and cultural pride. The courtesy call was a memorable occasion that underscored the unifying power of music and the deep connection between art, culture, and leadership. It also reflected how Ghanaian heritage continues to inspire excellence among the younger generation, both within the country and in the diaspora. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ga West Municipal Education Directorate, in partnership with the Talk2Me Foundation, has marked the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child with a vibrant celebration held at the forecourt of the Municipal Education Office in Amasaman on Friday, October 10, 2025. The event, observed ahead of the global commemoration on October 11, was held under the theme “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis.”  It brought together students, education officials, community leaders, and partner organizations to highlight the creativity, resilience, and leadership potential of girls across the municipality. Delivering her keynote address, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Talk2Me Foundation, Ms. Ampem Darkowaa Sarfo, reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to the holistic empowerment of girls through its signature 3L Model — Listen, Learn, and Lead. She explained that the 3L Model is designed to nurture confidence, develop life skills, and inspire girls to lead purposeful lives. "At Talk2Me Foundation, our mission goes beyond academics. We focus on empowering girls emotionally, socially, and mentally to ensure they have the tools to thrive in today’s complex world,” Ms. Sarfo stated. She added that the Foundation will continue to collaborate with schools, parents, and communities to create safe and inclusive spaces where girls can learn, grow, and take up leadership roles confidently. Addressing participants, the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. John Desmond Sowah Nai, reiterated the Assembly’s dedication to implementing policies that safeguard the rights of girls. He assured that tougher measures would be taken to protect girls from abuse and exploitation, stressing that offenders would face strict sanctions. The Guest Speaker, Mrs. Karis E. Senanu Adzosii, Head of Career Guidance and Counselling at SOS Hermann Gmeiner School, Accra, encouraged the girls to embrace personal growth and leadership. She called on stakeholders to invest in mentorship and education to help young girls become agents of transformation in their communities. The Municipal Director of Education, Mr. Victor N. Tawiah, gave an overview of the importance of the International Day of the Girl Child, highlighting the need to build supportive environments that enable girls to reach their full potential. He commended the participating schools for their enthusiasm and innovation. The event also featured a skills exhibition by girls from nine educational circuits in the municipality, showcasing creativity in paper craft, batik, beadwork, cook art, waste-to-art projects, and music. Participants received certificates and technical guidance from resource persons across various disciplines. The International Day of the Girl Child, celebrated globally on October 11, seeks to recognize and promote the rights, peducation, and empowerment of girls as essential pillars of national and global development. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Culture, Tourism and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has extended a warm invitation to the general public to join the Afro Gastro Festival 2025, an event that promises to celebrate Africa’s rich culinary heritage and cultural diversity. The festival is scheduled to take place at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra on October 17 and 18. Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, Hon. Gomashie announced that this year’s edition of the Afro Gastro Festival will bring together twelve African Union (AU) member states, making it one of the most vibrant cultural gatherings on the continent. The participating countries will showcase their distinct cuisines, music, dance, and artistic expressions under one platform that highlights Africa’s unity in diversity. The Minister emphasized that the Afro Gastro Festival is not merely a food fair but an immersive cultural experience that integrates gastronomy, art, music, and tourism. She noted that the event will feature live band performances, cultural displays, and interactive cooking sessions that will allow visitors to engage directly with African chefs and culinary experts. Among the highlights of the festival will be a special appearance by celebrated Ghanaian chef Chef Faila Abdul Razak, who will prepare Ghana Jollof—a symbolic dish in the ongoing “Jollof debate” across West Africa. Chef Faila’s presentation, the Minister said, will underscore Ghana’s culinary identity and creativity while offering visitors an authentic taste of local cuisine. Hon. Gomashie also revealed that she herself will step into the kitchen during the event to prepare a traditional Ghanaian meal, an activity she described as “a personal way of connecting with our people through food.” Her participation, she said, reflects the Ministry’s commitment to promoting cultural authenticity and national pride through hands-on engagement. The Minister further disclosed that the Afro Gastro Festival will not be a one-time celebration but part of a long-term cultural initiative aimed at strengthening Ghana’s position as a leading cultural tourism destination in Africa. The Ministry, she said, intends to institutionalize the festival as an annual event that rotates themes around different aspects of African culinary and creative arts. According to Hon. Gomashie, the festival aligns with the government’s broader vision of harnessing the creative arts and tourism sectors as major contributors to Ghana’s economic growth and social cohesion. She expressed optimism that the Afro Gastro Festival will serve as a major attraction for both local and international tourists, stimulating business for local artisans, food vendors, and cultural performers. She also encouraged Ghanaians from all walks of life to attend, stating that “the Afro Gastro Festival is a celebration of who we are as Africans — our taste, our rhythm, and our creativity. It’s an open invitation to every Ghanaian to come, learn, eat, dance, and connect.” The Afro Gastro Festival 2025 is expected to feature exhibitions, food tasting booths, traditional music and dance performances, art installations, and a cultural market showcasing locally made crafts and souvenirs. Organizers say the event will serve as a platform for cross-cultural collaboration, culinary innovation, and tourism promotion, positioning Ghana as a hub for African food and culture. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Rwandan President, Paul Kagame has met with AU Health officials to advance African Medicines Agency Agenda. President Kagame who also serves as the African Union (AU) Champion for Domestic Health Financing, has held discussions with Ambassador Amma Twum-Amoah, AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, and Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, Director-General of the African Medicines Agency (AMA). The meeting, held in Kigali, focused on accelerating the operationalisation of the AMA and exploring strategies to strengthen health systems across the continent. The AMA, headquartered in Kigali, Rwanda, aims to enhance the regulation and availability of safe, effective, and affordable medicines throughout Africa. President Kagame reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Agency’s mandate as part of broader efforts to ensure health security and self-reliance for the continent. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith