The Public Relations Department of Ghana Water Ltd (GWL) has apologised to customers across the country for temporary interruptions in water supply following the nationwide power system disturbance that has affected the operations of several of the company's water treatment plants and pumping stations. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the PR Department explained that the challenges stem from the ongoing disruptions on the National Interconnected Transmission System managed by the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), which have resulted in unstable electricity supply to key water production facilities. According to the statement, the majority of GWL's water treatment plants and pumping stations depend on electricity from the national grid to operate. The power outages have therefore forced many of the facilities to suspend operations, affecting the production and distribution of potable water to customers in several parts of the country. The company expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to consumers, stressing that the situation is beyond its control. The PR Department assured customers that GWL's technical teams remain on standby and are prepared to resume full water production and distribution immediately after stable electricity supply is restored. It added that management is working closely with GRIDCo and other relevant power sector institutions while closely monitoring developments to ensure that normal water supply services are restored as quickly as possible. Ghana Water Ltd also appealed to customers to remain patient and understanding as efforts continue to resolve the situation, assuring the public that further updates will be provided as circumstances evolve. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ministry of Health has disclosed that an estimated three million Ghanaians are living with hepatitis B, while about 500,000 others are believed to be living with hepatitis C, underscoring the urgent need for expanded prevention, testing and treatment services across the country. The disclosure was made in a speech delivered by Desmond Boateng, Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, on behalf of the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, during Ghana's commemoration of World Hepatitis Day and the inauguration of the National Viral Hepatitis Technical Working Group. According to the Ministry, many people infected with hepatitis B and C remain unaware of their status because the diseases often progress silently for years while causing irreversible damage to the liver. The Ministry warned that chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C remain the leading causes of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, noting that liver cancer is now the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in Ghana and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths nationwide. Among men, it is the leading cause of cancer mortality. In the statement, the Ministry stressed that much of the burden is preventable. Hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination and effectively managed with treatment, while hepatitis C can be cured with highly effective medicines. Early diagnosis and appropriate care, it said, can prevent disease progression, reduce transmission and save lives. The Ministry highlighted progress made through the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme, including strengthened public education, strategic policy implementation and partnerships that have expanded access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment. It cited the STOP Hep C Ghana Programme as a key intervention, explaining that medicines donated by the Government of Egypt and other partners have enabled thousands of Ghanaians diagnosed with hepatitis C to receive free curative treatment. The Ministry also reaffirmed government's commitment to fully introducing the hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine into the routine immunisation programme, saying the vaccine—administered within the first 24 hours after birth—is critical in preventing mother-to-child transmission. As part of the country's prevention strategy, the Ministry said hepatitis education, risk assessment, screening, vaccination and referral services will be integrated into the Free Primary Healthcare Programme through CHPS compounds, health centres, polyclinics and district hospitals. However, the Ministry acknowledged that major challenges remain, revealing that only about one percent of people living with hepatitis B in Ghana have been diagnosed, while treatment coverage remains very low. It further noted that although hepatitis C medicines are provided free of charge, the cost of confirmatory testing continues to be a significant barrier, alongside limited laboratory capacity, inadequate surveillance systems and financing constraints. To address these challenges, the Ministry pledged to strengthen vaccination programmes, expand affordable screening and diagnostic services, decentralise hepatitis care, improve referral systems and work with the National Health Insurance Authority and other stakeholders to develop sustainable financing mechanisms. The newly inaugurated National Viral Hepatitis Technical Working Group has been tasked with coordinating Ghana's hepatitis elimination agenda by supporting the implementation of a costed national strategy, strengthening surveillance, expanding affordable diagnosis and treatment, and integrating hepatitis services into the country's primary healthcare system. The Ministry urged all Ghanaians to know their hepatitis status through testing, receive vaccination where eligible and seek early treatment if diagnosed, stressing that eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat will require collective national action. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) has announced that the National Interconnected Transmission System experienced a major power system disturbance in the early hours of Wednesday, July 29, 2026, resulting in electricity supply interruptions across parts of the country. According to GRIDCo, the incident occurred at approximately 3:11 a.m., triggering the simultaneous tripping of several power generation plants connected to the national grid. The disruption affected electricity supply to customers in various parts of Ghana. In a statement issued by its Corporate Communications Section, GRIDCo said it immediately activated its established system restoration procedures, with engineers and system operators working around the clock in collaboration with key stakeholders in the power sector to restore electricity to affected areas as quickly as possible. The company emphasized that while efforts are underway to restore power, safety remains its top priority throughout the restoration process. GRIDCo also disclosed that a comprehensive technical investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the disturbance and prevent similar incidents in the future. The transmission company apologized to the public for the inconvenience caused by the outage and expressed appreciation for the patience and understanding of consumers. "We remain fully committed to restoring supply to all affected customers as quickly and safely as possible and will provide further updates as more information becomes available," the statement said. The company assured the public that it will continue to keep Ghanaians informed as investigations progress and restoration efforts are completed. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, has paid glowing tribute to healthcare professionals across the country for their unwavering courage and commitment in the fight against viral hepatitis, despite the occupational risks they face daily. Speaking at the World Hepatitis Day 2026 commemoration and the inauguration of the National Viral Hepatitis Technical Working Group in Accra, Prof. Akoriyea dedicated the occasion to the thousands of frontline health workers involved in hepatitis prevention, diagnosis, treatment and patient care. He acknowledged the fear many healthcare professionals experience when managing patients living with hepatitis B, particularly those working in operating theatres, labour wards and laboratories where exposure to blood and body fluids is a constant risk. "Today, I want to openly look directly into the cameras and dedicate this day to all the health staff in our country who have been involved in hepatitis management," Prof. Akoriyea said. Drawing from his own clinical experience, the Director-General admitted that healthcare workers often carry genuine concerns when operating on patients known to be hepatitis B positive. "I used to be afraid too. Once you know a patient is hepatitis B positive and you take that patient into theatre, you become extra cautious, even when removing your gloves after the procedure," he stated. Prof. Akoriyea praised the dedication of surgeons, obstetricians, neurosurgeons, laboratory scientists, nurses, midwives and all other health professionals who continue to risk their own safety while saving lives. "I know people put their lives on the line every day—delivering babies, performing surgeries, extracting blood samples and caring for patients. Their bravery and commitment deserve our deepest appreciation," he said. He further commended everyone who has contributed to Ghana's hepatitis response over the years, describing their efforts as instrumental in the country's progress toward eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat. Prof. Akoriyea called on Ghanaians to join the Ghana Health Service in recognising and celebrating the sacrifices of frontline health workers, whose professionalism and resilience continue to strengthen the nation's healthcare system. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Global Airline, Delta Air Lines has expanded its entry-level Basic fare options to include its premium cabin products, a move aimed at offering travelers more flexibility while making premium travel more accessible at lower price points. The airline announced that customers can now purchase Basic fares in Delta First, Delta Premium Select, and Basic Business—the entry-level option for its flagship Delta One business-class experience. The expansion follows last year's introduction of new travel product names and the rollout of Basic fares for Delta Comfort. According to Delta, the new fare structure is designed to provide customers with more choices by allowing them to prioritize the premium onboard experience while paying less if they are willing to forgo certain ground services and travel flexibility. "This expansion gives customers more ways to choose the Delta experience that best fits their trip, and a new way to access our premium tier products," said Joe Esposito, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Delta. He added that regardless of the fare selected, customers will continue to enjoy the airline's signature onboard service, comfort and hospitality. Premium Experience at a Lower Price Delta said there will be no difference in the onboard experience between Basic, Classic and Extra fares within its premium cabins. Travelers purchasing Basic fares will receive the same in-flight seating, meals and cabin service as those paying for higher fare categories. However, Basic customers will have fewer travel benefits before and after the flight. These include seat assignments only after check-in, reduced mileage earnings, lower checked baggage allowances, no complimentary or paid upgrades, and limited flexibility for changes or cancellations. For its long-haul business-class product, Delta has introduced Basic Business instead of naming the product "Delta One Basic." The airline explained that the name reflects an industry-standard business-class product that delivers the full onboard Delta One experience without premium ground services such as Delta One check-in and access to Delta One Lounges. Passengers flying Basic Business will continue to enjoy premium amenities including: Zone 1 boarding. Fully lie-flat 180-degree seats, including privacy suites on selected aircraft. Chef-curated three-course meals accompanied by complimentary premium beverages. Hot towel service, luxury bedding and Missoni amenity kits featuring Grown Alchemist skincare products. Transition Period for Lounge Access Delta noted that passengers traveling on Basic Business tickets will continue to receive Delta One Lounge access and Delta One check-in benefits until January 18, 2027. After that date, lounge access through purchased fares will be limited to customers holding Delta One Classic or Delta One Extra tickets. Customers traveling on Basic premium fares may still access lounges through separate qualifying credentials such as eligible Sky Club memberships or qualifying credit cards. Similarly, Gold Medallion members and higher flying on Delta Premium Select Basic international itineraries will retain Sky Club access through their Medallion benefits until January 18, 2027. Flexible Changes Remain Available Unlike traditional non-refundable basic economy products, Delta confirmed that Basic premium tickets may still be changed or canceled for a fee, with customers receiving an eCredit that can be applied toward future Delta travel. Checked baggage allowances under the Basic fares will generally include one fewer complimentary checked bag than comparable Classic fares, although allowances will vary depending on the route and market. Rollout Underway Delta First Basic became available on selected domestic and Latin American routes beginning July 8, 2026. Meanwhile, Delta Premium Select Basic and Basic Business fares are already available for booking and are expected to begin operating in September 2026 on selected domestic and long-haul international routes. The airline said availability will vary by destination and market, with customers able to purchase the new fares through the Delta mobile app, its official website, reservations centers and third-party travel agencies. The expanded Basic fare strategy reflects a broader trend within the airline industry to diversify pricing models, allowing carriers to attract price-sensitive travelers while maintaining premium onboard experiences through differentiated ancillary services. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Abdulai Ayariga, has urged Ghanaian youth to combine knowledge, talent and innovation with discipline and strong moral values to drive sustainable national development. Speaking at the official launch of the 2026 National Youth Month Celebration, Mr. Ayariga cautioned that intellectual ability and technological advancement alone cannot transform society without integrity, responsibility and patriotism. He stated that while digitalisation has created unprecedented opportunities for learning, innovation, entrepreneurship and global engagement, it has also introduced challenges including misinformation, cyber insecurity, substance abuse, indiscipline and the erosion of societal values. “Our shared values must remain the foundation upon which our future is built. Innovation without integrity cannot build a resilient nation. Knowledge without discipline cannot sustain development, and talent without patriotism cannot transform society,” the NYA Boss said. Mr. Ayariga said the theme for this year's celebration, “Rebuilding Values, Inspiring Patriotism: Empowering the Youth in the Digital Age,” reflects the need to equip young people not only with technical skills but also with the character and values required to lead responsibly. He emphasized that the mandate of the National Youth Authority goes beyond creating employment opportunities, adding that the Authority is committed to nurturing ethical leaders, responsible digital citizens and young patriots who prioritize national interest. According to him, National Youth Month has evolved into a nationwide movement that provides platforms for youth participation in governance, entrepreneurship, innovation, volunteerism, peace-building and national development. Mr. Ayariga outlined activities for the month-long celebration, including the National Voluntary and Community Service Day, youth engagements with religious leaders, the National Youth Conference at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the National Youth Parliament Sitting, an Inter-Agency Football Gala, an Inter-Generational Dialogue and the Red Means Stop Campaign 2026 aimed at combating substance abuse among young people. He also announced that Ghana will host international youth platforms such as the TICAD Youth Drive and the Pan-African Youth Parliament for Democracy, which will provide opportunities for young people to engage with peers, policymakers and development partners from across Africa and beyond. The NYA Chief Executive further called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, development partners, private sector actors, civil society organisations, traditional authorities, faith-based groups and the media to support youth development. He encouraged young Ghanaians to recognise their role in shaping the country's future, stressing that their ideas, talents, voices and integrity remain critical to Ghana's transformation in the digital age. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, Esq., has reaffirmed government's commitment to empowering Ghanaian youth through digital skills development, employment creation and value-based leadership, declaring that the country's future depends on a generation equipped with both technological competence and strong moral principles. Speaking at the official launch of the 2026 National Youth Month Celebration in Accra, the Minister said the month-long programme, observed as part of activities marking International Youth Day on August 12, is intended to spotlight issues affecting young people while advancing policies that will make Ghanaian youth nationally responsive and globally competitive. The celebration is being held under the theme, "Rebuilding Values, Inspiring Patriotism: Empowering the Youth in the Digital Age." According to Mr. Opare Addo, Ghana's youth continue to face numerous challenges, including unemployment, limited access to technology and start-up capital, skills mismatch, inadequate labour market opportunities, and concerns relating to health and wellbeing. He disclosed that recent research indicates 41 percent of tertiary students and 37 percent of Senior High School students are aware of drug availability and use on their campuses, with Colleges of Education recording the highest awareness level at 54 percent. The Minister further revealed that 26 percent of young people begin using drugs before the age of 15, 41 percent between the ages of 16 and 17, while 25 percent start between 18 and 19 years. He also cited labour market data showing that Ghana's youth unemployment rate stood at 32.5 percent in 2025, while 72 percent of young people expressed a desire to migrate in search of better opportunities. Despite these challenges, he noted that 88 percent of young people participate in civic activities, demonstrating their readiness to contribute to national development. Referencing the United Nations' 2026 International Youth Day theme, "Different Contexts, Common Aspirations," Mr. Opare Addo said young people everywhere share common aspirations for dignity, opportunity, inclusion and sustainable development regardless of their geographical location. He explained that Ghana's localized theme reflects government's determination to rebuild national values while equipping young people with the skills required to succeed in an increasingly digital economy. "The problems are now, so the solutions need young persons now. Issues like unemployment, climate change, digital skills, online scams, mental health and education are happening now. Therefore, the energy, creativity and innovation of young people are needed today, not tomorrow," he stated. The Minister stressed that rebuilding patriotism requires restoring integrity, accountability, hard work and civic responsibility among young people. He announced that the Ministry is collaborating with traditional authorities, religious institutions and community organisations to institutionalise mentorship and value-based leadership programmes across all 16 regions. He also underscored government's commitment to expanding digital skills development through flagship initiatives such as Adwumawura and the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP), which will incorporate specialised training in coding, artificial intelligence, digital marketing and data analytics. Mr. Opare Addo further announced that the National Youth Tracker Platform and the YouthXplore App will be promoted to connect young people with employment opportunities, scholarships and digital learning resources. He disclosed that government expects to complete three Youth Resource Centres this year, equipped with modern digital hubs, business incubation facilities and co-working spaces to support youth entrepreneurship and innovation. The Minister appealed to development partners, the private sector, civil society organisations, traditional authorities, faith-based organisations and the media to strengthen collaboration with government in advancing youth development through investments in digital infrastructure, employment pathways, entrepreneurship, apprenticeship and youth wellbeing. Addressing young people directly, he encouraged them to remain ambitious despite existing challenges. "The future is now, and you are the future. Continue to invest in productive ventures, be creative, remain energetic in all you do, and master the digital tools available to you. Ghana believes in your potential, and this Ministry will continue to clear the path for your success," he said. He subsequently declared the 2026 National Youth Month Celebration officially launched. On his part, Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Abdulai Ayariga, described this year's celebration as a strategic opportunity to reposition Ghanaian youth as responsible digital citizens and patriotic leaders capable of driving national transformation. He observed that while digitalisation has opened new opportunities for education, innovation and entrepreneurship, it has also fueled challenges such as misinformation, cyber insecurity, substance abuse, indiscipline and the erosion of societal values. "Our shared values must remain the foundation upon which our future is built. Innovation without integrity cannot build a resilient nation. Knowledge without discipline cannot sustain development, and talent without patriotism cannot transform society," Ayariga stated. He noted that the National Youth Authority's mandate extends beyond employment creation to nurturing ethical leadership, responsible digital citizenship and patriotism among young people. Mr. Ayariga announced that this year's National Youth Month will feature a series of nationwide activities, including the National Voluntary and Community Service Day, youth engagements with Christian and Muslim leaders, the National Youth Conference at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the National Youth Parliament Sitting, an Inter-Agency Football Gala, an Inter-Generational Dialogue, and the Red Means Stop Campaign 2026, aimed at combating drug abuse among the youth. He also announced that Ghana will host two major international youth engagements—the TICAD Youth Drive, under the theme "Youth Agenda 2055: From Vision to Action," and the inaugural in-person Pan-African Youth Parliament for Democracy—to strengthen continental cooperation and expand opportunities for Ghanaian youth. Calling for collective action, the NYA Chief Executive urged government institutions, development partners, civil society, parents, traditional authorities and the private sector to actively support the month-long programme. He concluded by encouraging young Ghanaians to recognise the critical role they play in shaping the nation's future, stressing that Ghana's progress will ultimately depend not only on technology, but also on the integrity, discipline, creativity and patriotism of its youth. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The World Health Organization (WHO) Ghana Country Representative, Dr. Fiona Braka, has expressed confidence that eliminating viral hepatitis is achievable, urging governments, development partners and the private sector to intensify efforts to expand access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment services. Speaking at the commemoration of World Hepatitis Day 2026, Dr. Braka said although Africa has made significant progress in reducing new hepatitis infections, millions of people still lack timely diagnosis, treatment and care, resulting in preventable deaths across the continent. "Eliminating viral hepatitis is within our reach, but only if proven interventions are available to everyone who needs them," she stated. She said the message aligns with Ghana's national campaign, "Hepatitis Elimination for Everyone, Everywhere, Right Now," describing it as an urgent call to ensure equitable access to life-saving hepatitis services. Dr. Braka noted that Ghana already has the necessary tools to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat, including a highly effective hepatitis B vaccine, reliable diagnostic technologies, curative treatment for hepatitis C, and effective long-term treatment for hepatitis B to prevent liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. She emphasized that integrating hepatitis prevention and treatment into the country's primary healthcare system would improve access, save lives, reduce pressure on health facilities and accelerate progress toward universal health coverage. The WHO Ghana Country Representative also welcomed Ghana's progress toward introducing the hepatitis B birth dose vaccine, describing it as a major breakthrough in preventing mother-to-child transmission of the virus. According to her, while approval from Gavi had already been secured, the recent signing of the implementation arrangements by the Ministries of Health and Finance marks a significant milestone toward nationwide rollout. Dr. Braka urged stakeholders to expedite the remaining preparations to ensure every newborn receives the vaccine within 24 hours of birth. "Every missed opportunity to vaccinate a newborn is a missed opportunity to prevent a lifelong infection," she stressed. She further acknowledged that Ghana's hepatitis response continues to face significant financial constraints and called on the private sector, development partners, philanthropic organizations and other stakeholders to increase investment in hepatitis prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Braka also commended the Government of Egypt for donating hepatitis C medicines to Ghana, describing the gesture as a strong example of South-to-South collaboration that is expanding access to treatment for people living with hepatitis C. She equally welcomed the inauguration of the National Viral Hepatitis Working Group, praising the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service for establishing a platform that will strengthen strategic coordination and accelerate Ghana's hepatitis elimination agenda. Reaffirming WHO's commitment, Dr. Braka pledged the organization's continued support for Ghana's efforts to achieve the 2030 viral hepatitis elimination targets. "As WHO, we are fully behind the Government of Ghana on this journey towards the 2030 elimination targets as we work together to prevent new infections, save lives, and ensure that viral hepatitis is no longer a barrier to better health for the people of Ghana," she said. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Dr. John Gerald Adiiboka, Programmes Manager of the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme under the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has raised concern over the low level of hepatitis awareness in Ghana, warning that the majority of people living with the disease remain undiagnosed until life-threatening complications develop. Speaking at an event to mark World Hepatitis Day 2026, Dr. Adiiboka said the country's biggest challenge in the fight against viral hepatitis is not only the burden of infection but also the fact that most infected persons are unaware of their status. "Most people living with hepatitis in Ghana do not know they have the disease," he stated. According to him, hepatitis B and C are often silent infections, with many patients showing no symptoms during the early stages. As a result, many Ghanaians delay seeking medical care until the disease has progressed to severe liver damage. "In Ghana, many people only visit a health facility when they experience pain or other obvious symptoms. Because hepatitis is largely asymptomatic, many patients report to hospitals only after developing liver failure, liver cirrhosis or other serious complications. By then, the disease is usually at an advanced stage," Dr. Adiiboka explained. He noted that despite progress made through international partnerships, particularly the support of the Government of Egypt, Ghana continues to face significant gaps in hepatitis diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Adiiboka commended the Government of Egypt for collaborating with the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service to provide free hepatitis B and C medicines, a move he said has enabled thousands of Ghanaians to receive life-saving treatment. "We have seen a significant impact from Egypt's support, and Ghana remains grateful for this important contribution to our hepatitis response," he said. Despite these gains, he disclosed that Ghana is still far from achieving the World Health Organization (WHO) hepatitis elimination targets for 2030. According to him, only about 9 percent of people living with chronic hepatitis B in Ghana have been diagnosed, while less than one percent are currently receiving treatment. "This means that fewer than one in ten people diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B are on treatment. We are still far below the WHO targets of diagnosing 90 percent of infections and treating 80 percent of eligible patients by 2030," he stressed. Dr. Adiiboka called for intensified public education, expanded community screening programmes, early diagnosis and improved access to treatment, emphasizing that increasing awareness remains one of the most effective strategies for preventing avoidable deaths from viral hepatitis. He urged Ghanaians to take advantage of available hepatitis screening services, noting that early detection and timely treatment can prevent liver cirrhosis, liver cancer and other life-threatening complications while advancing the country's goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Head of the Kantanka Family and Leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana, Nana Kwadwo Akofena Safo Kantanka Jnr, has announced that the scheduled burial of the late Apostle Professor Emeritus Kwadwo Safo on Thursday, July 30, 2026, will no longer take place due to unresolved family disputes over the funeral arrangements. Addressing a press conference in Accra, Nana Kwadwo Akofena Safo Kantanka said the decision had become inevitable after numerous attempts to unite the family and implement the wishes of the late renowned industrialist and founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission failed to yield consensus. "There will be no burial on July 30," he declared, explaining that the ongoing disagreements surrounding the custody of the late Apostle's mortal remains and the implementation of his final will had made it impossible to proceed with the funeral as planned. According to him, he convened the press conference in his dual capacity as Head of the Kantanka Family and Leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission to provide clarity amid growing public speculation and misinformation surrounding the burial arrangements. He acknowledged that the briefing had been called at short notice but stressed that recent developments required him to address the nation without delay. Nana Kwadwo Safo Kantanka revealed that following the death of his father, he, together with members of the Aduana Kotoko Royal Family, undertook several efforts to foster unity among family members to ensure a peaceful and befitting burial. He disclosed that he personally initiated reconciliation efforts involving his siblings, including his elder sister, former Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya Constituency, Sarah Adwoa Safo, and sought the intervention of church elders, family heads, chiefs, queen mothers and other respected traditional leaders. Despite those interventions, he said the family had failed to achieve the consensus needed to honour the late Apostle's final journey in the manner envisioned. He further alleged that although the late Apostle's will was read by Sarah Adwoa Safo, the directives contained in the document had not been implemented as intended. According to him, the Kantanka Family was not granted custody of the mortal remains of the late Apostle Professor Emeritus Kwadwo Safo despite what he described as provisions contained in the will, a development he said had further complicated efforts to organize the burial. Nana Kwadwo Safo Kantanka announced that he had instructed his solicitors, Kwame Gyan and Associates, led by Professor Kwame Jantu, to commence legal proceedings to seek the intervention of the courts to ensure that the wishes expressed in his father's last will and testament are fully enforced. He emphasized that resorting to the courts was a decision taken only after every reasonable avenue for an amicable settlement had been exhausted. The Kristo Asafo leader appealed to members of the church, the Kantanka Family, sympathizers and the general public to remain calm, exercise restraint and refrain from taking unilateral actions or circulating unverified information that could undermine the judicial process or deepen divisions within the family. Expressing confidence in Ghana's justice system, Nana Kwadwo Safo Kantanka said he believes the courts will ensure that justice is served and that the expressed wishes of the late Apostle Professor Emeritus Kwadwo Safo are respected. He urged all stakeholders not to allow the current dispute to overshadow the extraordinary legacy of a man he described as a visionary whose life was dedicated to faith, innovation, industrialization, national development and service to humanity. He concluded by assuring members of the Kristo Asafo Mission, the Kantanka Family and the Ghanaian public that every lawful effort would continue to be made to ensure that the late Apostle Professor Emeritus Kwadwo Safo is eventually accorded a befitting burial in accordance with his wishes, family customs and the laws of Ghana. Nana Kwadwo Safo Kantanka also thanked Ghanaians, friends of the Kristo Asafo Mission and the media for their patience and support, while calling for prayers for a peaceful, lawful and honourable resolution to the impasse. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Managing Director of Ghana Water Ltd (GWL), Hon. Adam Mutawakilu, has embarked on a working tour of the Western and Central Regions to inspect three major water treatment facilities earmarked for rehabilitation under a GH¢8.4 million project funded by the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod). The inspection follows the signing of a rehabilitation agreement between GoldBod and Ghana Water Ltd to restore the Bonsa, Daboase and Sekyere-Hemang Water Supply Systems, which have experienced operational challenges affecting water production and supply. The first phase of the project is expected to enhance water production capacity, improve operational efficiency and expand access to safe and reliable drinking water for thousands of residents in the Western and Central Regions. During the tour, Hon. Mutawakilu visited the Bonsa Water Treatment Plant, which serves the Tarkwa Municipality, the Daboase Water Treatment Plant that supplies the Takoradi Metropolis and nearby communities, as well as the Sekyere-Hemang Water Treatment Plant in the Central Region. The visits enabled the GWL Managing Director and his team to assess the condition of the facilities and evaluate the extent of rehabilitation works required before construction begins. At the Bonsa Water Treatment Plant, the Managing Director inspected the severe siltation at the raw water abstraction point, a long-standing challenge that has significantly affected water production. He also examined an improvised floating abstraction pump designed by engineers in the Western Region to sustain operations despite the difficult conditions. Hon. Mutawakilu commended the ingenuity of the engineering team, describing their innovation as a practical response to operational challenges. However, he stressed the need for a permanent engineering solution through the GoldBod-funded rehabilitation programme to guarantee sustainable water production. Beyond the infrastructure assessment, the Managing Director held separate meetings with management and staff in both the Western and Central Regions to evaluate operational performance and identify measures to improve service delivery. Discussions centered on regional Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), revenue mobilization, billing and revenue collection, meter reading efficiency, customer service delivery, reduction of Non-Revenue Water (NRW), staff accountability, supervision and the effective use of performance monitoring systems. Regional managers presented detailed reports outlining operational achievements, ongoing interventions and the key challenges confronting their respective regions. Staff members also shared practical recommendations aimed at improving efficiency and strengthening service delivery. Employees welcomed the Managing Director's engagement, describing the visit as a significant morale booster that encourages open communication between management and staff while fostering teamwork and providing greater clarity on the company's strategic direction. Addressing staff, Hon. Mutawakilu urged employees to uphold professionalism, accountability, teamwork and innovation, emphasizing that every member of the organization has a critical role to play in improving operational efficiency and ensuring customers receive quality water services. He noted that while the GoldBod-funded rehabilitation project would significantly improve infrastructure, its long-term success would depend on a strong performance culture and the collective commitment of employees across the company. The inspection tour forms part of Ghana Water Ltd's broader strategy to strengthen engagement with its workforce, assess operational realities firsthand and ensure the successful implementation of the GH¢8.4 million GoldBod rehabilitation project, which is expected to deliver lasting improvements in water production, infrastructure resilience and reliable water supply for communities across the Western and Central Regions. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has commended Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno, the Ashanti Regional Police Command and the IGP Special Operations Team (SOT) for their efforts in strengthening security and combating crime in the Ashanti Region. The commendation was made during a courtesy call at the Manhyia Palace by the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, COP Arthur Osei Akoto, who introduced the Director of the IGP Special Operations Team, Superintendent Augustine Dawson-Ahmoah, and his team. Otumfuo praised the team's intelligence-led operations, saying they have disrupted criminal networks involved in narcotics trafficking, robbery, human trafficking, prostitution-related offences and other crimes, leading to improved security and renewed public confidence. He urged the officers to remain disciplined, professional and committed to protecting lives and property, while encouraging the public and traditional authorities to continue supporting the Police with credible information. According to the Ghana Police Service, the Special Operations Team has arrested 412 suspects since commencing operations in the Ashanti Region. The suspects include alleged narcotics suppliers, drug peddlers, human traffickers and other persons linked to organised crime. More than 100 suspects are currently standing trial, while others remain under investigation or are being pursued by the Police. The suspects comprise 294 Ghanaians, 136 Nigerians, 11 Malians and four Togolese. Police also recovered large quantities of suspected cannabis, tramadol tablets, cocaine, ecstasy, unregistered pharmaceutical products, cannabis-infused beverages and confectioneries, as well as other suspected narcotic substances. Superintendent Augustine Dawson-Ahmoah thanked the Asantehene for his support and reaffirmed the team's commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations to combat organised crime and maintain law and order. The Ghana Police Service assured the public that similar operations will continue across the Ashanti Region and other parts of the country to enhance national security. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith