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Dr. Mrs. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, Chief Executive Officer and Consultant Breast Surgeon at the Peace and Love Hospital, has issued a clarion call for a national reset in Ghana’s approach to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. According to her, the transformation of cancer care in the country “has been long overdue,” given the rising burden of the disease and the increasing number of families affected nationwide. Speaking on Day Two of the 2025 National Cancer Forum in Accra, Dr. Wiafe Addai challenged policymakers and health sector actors to confront long-held misconceptions that have slowed progress in cancer control. She noted that for many years, cancer was wrongly perceived as “that woman’s problem” or “that patient’s problem,” leading to limited public attention and delayed investments in national cancer systems. “Today, cancer has come so close to all of us—our homes, our workplaces, our communities,” she said. “Its impact has made the work of advocates easier, but also far more urgent.” Dr. Wiafe Addai, who also serves as President and Founder of Breast Care International and is recognised globally for her advocacy work, urged Ghana to draw lessons from international civil society organizations that have shaped global cancer policy and community engagement. She cited the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and the NCD Alliance as key examples of civil society-led institutions that have successfully influenced policies, expanded access to care, and strengthened survivor support systems in various regions. “We do not need to reinvent the wheel,” she emphasized" “There are effective models across the world. What we must do is adapt them to our context with commitment and urgency.” Dr. Wiafe Addai described civil society organizations (CSOs) as indispensable partners in the cancer care ecosystem. She likened them to consumer protection agencies, explaining that they understand community realities, work closely with patients and survivors, and ensure that voices from the ground inform national decision-making. “Civil society is not detached from the people,” she said. “They are in the hospitals, in the communities, in the homes of patients. They are often the bridge between the health system and the citizen.” She highlighted their role in public education, community mobilization, early detection campaigns, and patient navigation services that help individuals move from diagnosis to treatment without being lost in the system. Addressing the cultural and religious barriers that continue to impede early detection, Dr. Wiafe Addai argued that bold and persistent advocacy remains necessary. She revealed that many cancer patients, especially those with breast cancer, still hide in prayer camps and only seek care after extensive public awareness campaigns—particularly after the October Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “You cannot change deeply rooted perceptions by whispering,” she said. “People are still arriving at the hospital when it is far too late. So if noise-making will save lives, why shouldn’t we shout? Why shouldn’t we educate boldly?” Dr. Wiafe Addai welcomed the presence of health professionals, policymakers, development partners, and CSOs at the forum, saying their collective engagement was critical for long-term progress. She stressed that cancer control must be understood as a shared responsibility. “Cancer is a joint venture—not one person’s responsibility,” she remarked. “If a community does not have a treatment centre, civil society and local leaders can still help build the bridge that connects patients to care. No one should suffer alone.” She noted that the absence of strong social support systems places significant strain on patients, caregivers, and families. Many, she said, struggle financially and emotionally throughout the treatment journey. As part of efforts to reduce the financial burden on patients, Dr. Wiafe Addai called for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to be enrolled in the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme. She argued that those who travel long distances for treatment deserve temporary financial support until they complete therapy. “Once they finish treatment, they can exit the programme and new patients can be enrolled,” she suggested. “This is something we can do ourselves without reliance on donor funding.” Dr. Wiafe Addai made a strong appeal for a comprehensive national roadmap that guarantees sustainable prevention, effective early detection, and equitable treatment for all Ghanaians—regardless of where they live. “A woman in a village should receive the same quality of care as a woman in Accra,” she said. “Geography should not determine survival.” She urged stakeholders to view civil society not as an obstacle but as a catalyst capable of amplifying and accelerating existing national efforts. With strong collaboration, she said, Ghana can build a more resilient and equitable cancer care system. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for the Interior has announced a nationwide Gun Amnesty Programme, marking a major step in government’s renewed effort to curb the alarming rise in illicit firearms across the country. Addressing journalists at the Information Services Department in Accra, the Minister warned that the proliferation of illegal weapons has become “a silent threat that has infiltrated homes, workplaces, social gatherings, and even schools.” According to him, unregistered firearms continue to fuel armed robbery, land and chieftaincy disputes, domestic violence, and deadly community conflicts, turning minor disagreements into fatal encounters. The amnesty, themed “Guns Down, Ghana Up,” will run from 1st December 2025 to 15th January 2026. During this period, individuals in possession of illicit or unregistered firearms may surrender them at designated collection points without fear of arrest, interrogation, or prosecution. “This is a window of grace,” the Minister said. “Anyone who hands in a weapon will be commended, not condemned, as a patriot contributing to national safety.” He cautioned that after the amnesty period, security agencies will intensify nationwide operations to retrieve illegal weapons, and offenders will face the full rigour of the law. To support the programme, government has rolled out several complementary measures, including the suspension of firearm importation, sale, and registration; a temporary ban on the use of firearms in traditional celebrations; enhanced border security; and targeted joint security operations to mop up illicit weapons after the amnesty. The Minister disclosed that extensive groundwork has already been completed. This includes technical planning with the Police Service, NACSA, and other security agencies; consultations with regional ministers, chiefs, diplomats, arms dealers, and community leaders; broad public sensitisation; and specialised training for officials handling the process. He urged traditional leaders, religious bodies, civil society groups, and the media to help mobilise the public to voluntarily surrender unregistered weapons. “This is not a witch-hunt; it is a life-saving initiative,” he stressed. “Every gun handed over is one less tool of destruction and one more step toward a peaceful Ghana.” Calling on citizens to “choose dialogue over violence and safety over fear,” the Minister added that the country must not allow gun-related deaths to undermine its future. “Our children deserve playgrounds, not battlegrounds. Our families deserve laughter, not funerals.” Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The funeral of the late Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, former First Lady of Ghana, will be open to the general public, her family announced on Tuesday. She will be laid to rest on November 28, 2025 at the Black Star Square (Independence Square), Accra. Speaking at a press conference in Accra, family spokesperson Oheneba Akwasi Abayie said the state funeral will begin at 6 a.m. at Independence Square, where the cortege will arrive to commence the proceedings. “The funeral activities will start at 6 a.m. at Independence Square with the arrival of the cortege,” Oheneba Abayie told journalists. The family extended heartfelt gratitude to Ghanaians for the outpouring of sympathy and support following her passing. Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings died on October 23 at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital) at the age of 76. She was the wife of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings and a prominent advocate for women’s rights, celebrated for her leadership of the 31st December Women’s Movement, which championed women’s empowerment across the country. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana is set to develop a new Five-Year National Cancer Strategy (2026–2030) aimed at strengthening the country’s response to the rising burden of cancer, a disease now recognised as one of the leading public health threats in the country. The announcement was made at the opening of the National Cancer Forum held at the Fiesta Royale Hotel in Accra from November 18–19, 2025. Mr. Desmond Boateng, Chief Director at the Ministry of Health, delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh. In the address, the Minister described cancer as a “formidable and urgent national challenge,” stressing that Ghana must adopt more coordinated, data-driven and inclusive strategies to curb the growing number of cases. The upcoming strategy will replace the previous National Cancer Control Strategy, which covered the period 2012–2016. For nearly a decade, Ghana has operated without an updated national roadmap, a gap that public health experts have consistently highlighted as a weakness in the country’s cancer response. According to the Ministry of Health, the development of the new plan will be closely supported by the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO will assist in conducting a comprehensive impact assessment to evaluate the state of cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care in the country. The findings, together with recommendations emerging from the two-day forum, will feed into a national cancer situational analysis, which will shape the main pillars of the 2026–2030 strategy. In the speech read on his behalf, Hon. Akandoh emphasised that the Ministry of Health cannot tackle the cancer burden in isolation. “The Ministry of Health will lead, but leadership in this effort must be collaborative,” Mr. Boateng stated. “We must draw on the strengths of our service delivery agencies, teaching hospitals, research institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, NGOs, innovators in the private sector, and key non-health ministries and agencies.” He further stressed the need to incorporate the experiences of cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and families, noting that their insights are essential for building a system that is humane, accessible and responsive to real-life challenges. The Health Minister’s statement revealed that the new cancer framework will be anchored on four core principles: Equity, Access, Quality and Accountability. It will also align with international best practices, including the WHO’s Integrated People-Centred Health Services approach and Sustainable Development Goal 3, which seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. The Ministry highlighted gaps in early detection, limited diagnostic capacity, the high cost of cancer treatment, and disparities in access between rural and urban populations as areas expected to receive strong attention in the new plan. By the end of the forum, stakeholders are expected to: Define a clear national direction for cancer control; Clarify the roles of government institutions, partners and private-sector actors; Identify priority strategies for improving prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and palliative care; Highlight sustainable financing mechanisms for long-term implementation. The forum brought together a wide range of participants, including ministers of state, heads of health agencies, oncologists, public health experts, researchers, civil society organisations, NGOs, development partners and media representatives. he multi-sector turnout reflected the Ministry’s emphasis on inclusiveness and shared responsibility. Stakeholders described the forum as a critical step towards revitalising Ghana’s national cancer response, with expectations that the upcoming strategy will provide stronger coordination, better funding, and improved outcomes for patients. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana joined the continent on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, to mark the 2025 African Statistics Day with a call for data-driven governance and accountability. The event, held at the Assemblies of God Head Office in Accra, also saw the official launch of the Governance Series Wave 2 Report by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). Delivering the opening address, Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu underscored the central role of credible data in building a just, peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous society—echoing this year’s theme: “Leveraging Innovations in Data and Statistics to Promote a Just, Peaceful, Inclusive and Prosperous Society for Africans.” He emphasized that sustainable development cannot rely on guesses or assumptions but on evidence that reflects citizens’ lived realities. “Statistics are the backbone of development,” he said. “They shine a light on truths we must confront and guide the decisions that shape our future.” Governance Series Wave 2: Innovation in Data Collection Dr. Iddrisu highlighted that Wave 2 of the Governance Series builds on modern technology and innovation, with the survey conducted via Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) and based on the 2021 Population and Housing Census frame. The survey was carried out between July 28 and August 20, 2025, covering citizen experiences from January to June 2025. He noted that the shift to an innovative approach allows faster, more reliable, and more comparable data over time—an essential evolution for national statistical systems. Key Findings: Progress and Persistent Gaps The Government Statistician outlined a mix of encouraging and concerning results across governance indicators. Bribery and Corruption – SDG 16.5.1 National bribery prevalence dropped from 18.4% to 14.3%. However, the share of respondents who paid bribes five or more times rose sharply from 6.9% to 24%. Most payments involved money, with over half paying GH¢100 or less. Direct requests for gifts by officials fell from 51.3% to 38.6%, while voluntary “appreciation gifts” nearly doubled. Reporting of bribery incidents declined, suggesting fading confidence in accountability. The MTTD, though still perceived as the most associated agency with bribery, saw its share drop from 61% to 51.9%. Inclusiveness and Responsiveness – SDG 16.7.2 Citizen engagement showed notable improvement: Those who felt they had a say in political decision-making increased from 54.8% to 68.4%. Perceptions of complete exclusion fell from 42.4% to 29.2%. Exclusion among youth aged 18–24 dropped from 56.1% to 36.3%. Persons with activity difficulties also reported improved inclusion. Exclusion, however, remains highest in the North East, Upper East, and Northern Regions. Citizens’ Expectations for the Next Six Months According to the report: 52.6% expect better infrastructure and improved public services. 25.9% prioritise economic stability, jobs, and business support. “These expectations tell us that while inclusion is improving, it is not equal,” Dr. Iddrisu said, calling for reforms targeted at regions and groups still lagging. The Government Statistician urged government institutions, civil society, academia, development partners, and the media to actively use the findings to shape reforms. “Evidence must guide policy choices, advocacy, and debate,” he stressed. He identified five priorities moving forward: 1. Strengthen institutional accountability and anti-corruption efforts. 2. Expand civic engagement. 3. Enhance transparency in public services. 4. Prioritise excluded regions and vulnerable groups. 5. Leverage data and digital tools for governance reforms. Dr. Iddrisu acknowledged partners including CHRAJ, the PAIRed programme, GACC, ACEPA, CDD-Ghana, Transparency International Ghana, the Hewlett Foundation, and survey respondents for their role in producing the report. “Statistics are the language of development,” he concluded. “If we want peace, justice, inclusion, and prosperity, then reliable data must be at the centre of governance.” Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana has hailed the signing of a Record of Discussion between the Government of Ghana, the Korea Development Assistance, and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to implement a US$9.5 million agribusiness value chain project aimed at boosting local economic development. The agreement, which covers the Strengthening of Agribusiness Value Chains for Local Economic Development in Ghana project, was formalized at a signing ceremony on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, speaking at the event, expressed appreciation to the Government of Korea, KOICA, and the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) for the collaboration that made the initiative possible. He noted that the grant will help reduce post-harvest losses, enhance productivity, create jobs, and build institutional capacity through the construction of processing centres and comprehensive training for farmers, extension officers, and MSMEs. Dr. Forson reaffirmed the Finance Ministry’s commitment to facilitating all necessary tax exemptions under the Exemptions Act, providing budgetary support, and ensuring strong oversight to guarantee smooth implementation. Director-General of NDPC, Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah, described the project as critical to improving productivity, reducing post-harvest losses, and promoting food and nutrition security. She said the initiative aligns with the government’s priorities in agricultural modernization, job creation, and local economic development, adding that the partnership reflects an effective model for agribusiness-led growth. Dr. Amoah also lauded KOICA for its longstanding support to Ghana, highlighting the Commission’s gains in capacity building, knowledge exchange, and project implementation over the years. Korean Ambassador to Ghana, Park Kyonsig, reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s economic transformation. He said the project marks an important step in deepening development cooperation, noting that improved processing, stronger market systems, and better linkages between farmers and enterprises will drive innovation and rural growth. Drawing on Korea’s development experience, he expressed confidence that the partnership will deliver long-term benefits. The project will be implemented in the Volta and Central Regions, with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry (MoTAI) as key partners. NDPC will lead coordination, while KOICA provides oversight to ensure lasting impact. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Jospong Group has illustrated how Ghana’s private sector can move decisively from carbon-market preparedness to concrete climate action, says Ing. Dr. Glenn Kwabena Gyimah, General Manager of the Jospong Green Transition Office. Speaking at a World Climate Foundation panel discussion on the sidelines of the COP30 Brasil Amazonia summit in Belém on Friday, November 14, Dr. Gyimah shared how the company has capitalised on Ghana’s Article 6 framework to generate meaningful environmental and social outcomes. “The clarity provided by Ghana’s Carbon Market Office and the National Authorization Framework has shifted carbon markets from being purely policy conversations to viable business opportunities,” he noted. He highlighted the company’s progress since 2024, outlining five key milestones in implementation. “We have fully aligned our project portfolios with Ghana’s National Carbon Registry, making our composting, landfill gas recovery, and clean cooking programmes among the first to be captured in the national tracking system,” he explained. Dr. Gyimah stressed that Jospong Group’s involvement in the carbon market is driven by more than the generation of carbon credits. “For us, carbon markets represent a new definition of the private sector’s role in national development,” he said. "Every ton of emissions reduced must translate into social value—whether through green jobs, improved crop yields from organic fertiliser, or cleaner urban air.” Acknowledging the complexities of implementation, he noted initial hurdles such as stringent MRV requirements and high verification costs. However, he emphasised that sustained public-private dialogue has produced practical solutions that safeguard both environmental credibility and investor confidence. He also outlined four emerging models shaping Ghana’s evolving carbon market, highlighting the central role of community involvement. "Our community benefit-sharing model ensures that carbon revenues flow back into local development—supporting education, clean water, and reforestation efforts,” he said. Dr. Gyimah concluded by emphasising the transformative potential of strong partnerships. “Our experience shows that when government and the private sector work in alignment, carbon markets become more than transactional systems—they become strategic tools for sustainable national development and green growth.” Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has announced the resumption of its 2025/2026 recruitment exercise in the Greater Accra Region, following a temporary suspension triggered by last week’s tragic stampede at the El-Wak Stadium. According to a statement signed by Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin (Ghana Navy), Acting Director General of Public Relations, the exercise will restart on Thursday, 20 November 2025, with enhanced measures to ensure safety and a smooth screening process. The GAF indicated that screening will now take place across eight sub-centres situated in five key locations as follows: 1. El-Wak Stadium – 2 centres 2. Nicholson Park, Burma Camp – 2 centres 3. Air Force Base, Burma Camp 4. Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Teshie – 2 centres 5. Eastern Naval Command, Tema Qualified applicants will be processed in batches of 600, with each candidate receiving an SMS detailing their reporting date, batch number and assigned centre. Applicants have also been encouraged to visit the GAF recruitment portal for updates. The statement advises all candidates to strictly adhere to the instructions provided. Applicants who do not receive an SMS by Thursday, 20 November, are to contact the helpline on 0256405104 or WhatsApp 0256405154 for assistance. To reduce congestion, families and friends have been cautioned not to accompany applicants, as non-applicants will not be granted access to the screening centres. Meanwhile, the Board of Inquiry established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stampede is ongoing. To ensure transparency, GAF has replaced the entire Greater Accra recruitment team. Commodore F.A. Nyarko, Colonel F. Kusi-Darko, and Colonel G.B. Eduah have assumed the roles of Director General Human Resource, Director Manpower, and Director Information Technology respectively. The GAF reiterated its commitment to accountability, stating that “anyone found culpable will be sanctioned accordingly.” The Armed Forces also expressed regret over the unfortunate incident, extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wishing the injured a speedy recovery. All injured persons will continue to receive free medical care at the 37 Military Hospital, with a special recruitment package promised for them upon full recovery, as well as for families of the deceased. The statement concluded with an appeal for continued public cooperation as the recruitment exercise resumes under strengthened safety protocols. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has strongly refuted a media report alleging that the institution has incurred losses exceeding GHC3 billion in its first year of operations. In a statement issued by the Media Relations Unit of the Ghana Gold Board, the agency described the publication, attributed to Asaaseradio, as “entirely false” and “deliberately contrived” to distort public perception of its work and achievements. According to the statement, GoldBod has consistently posted significant surpluses since its inception, contrary to claims of heavy losses. The Board noted that its quarterly financial statements—soon to be made available on its official website—will confirm its healthy financial performance. GoldBod emphasized its key role in supporting the stabilization and revitalization of Ghana’s economy, adding that the disputed report seeks to undermine these gains. The Board has urged the public to disregard the publication and called on Asaaseradio’s management to retract the story and issue an unqualified apology for what it described as a “misleading and unethical” report. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Renowned Broadcaster, Emefa Apawu has cautioned journalists, especially emerging reporters, to guard their independence even when they receive “soli” during assignments. Speaking on the Talk No Dey Cook  podcast, she acknowledged that many young journalists operate under difficult economic conditions, but stressed that personal hardship must never compromise editorial integrity. Ms. Apawu explained that while some forms of “soli” may be offered as transportation or logistical support, the responsibility lies with the journalist to ensure such gestures do not shape the outcome of their reporting. “You can take it — but your story must remain credible, balanced and untainted,” she emphasised. The former JoyNews anchor noted that strong newsrooms have strict scrutiny processes that make it impossible for reporters to skew stories to favour organisations or individuals who offer tokens. What matters, she said, is that the story remains factual, independent and professionally executed. She warned, however, that money intended to kill a story or influence an investigation is entirely different. "If someone offers you money to stop a story or twist the facts, that is unethical and cannot be justified under any circumstances.” Ms. Apawu encouraged young journalists to build reputations anchored on credibility, saying that integrity is what ultimately sustains a successful career in the profession. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Former Broadcast Journalist with the Multimedia Group Limited, Emefa Apawu, has urged young journalists particularly those of the Gen Z generation to value their craft and fortify themselves with solid knowledge as they navigate the pressures of Ghana’s political and media environment. Speaking on the Talk No Dey Cook  podcast, Apawu reflected on her own experiences interviewing top political figures, including moments where guests attempted to intimidate or undermine her. She emphasized that confidence rooted in preparation is what shields a journalist from being pushed around. “When you know your stuff, you can’t be bullied,” she said, explaining that political actors often take advantage of journalists who are not fully prepared. ccording to her, politicians frequently assume that journalists “don’t read,” and that perception gives them room to evade accountability during interviews. Apawu recounted a widely discussed interview in which a seasoned politician attempted to rattle her and even threatened to walk off the set. Despite public criticism that followed, she noted that her composure came from having studied the issues thoroughly and knowing exactly what she wanted to ask. She advised emerging journalists to maintain emotional discipline, especially during heated exchanges. Using respected broadcaster Evans Mensah as an example, she highlighted the importance of staying calm and consistent no matter how guests behave. "Once you get emotional, you lose your grip,” she warned. Apawu added that young journalists must strive to make their intellect—“the upper part”—sharper than their reactions or emotions. She acknowledged that criticism will always come, with both major political parties sometimes accusing her of being aligned with the other. However, she said such pressures are part of the profession and should not deter committed journalists. Her message to Gen Z journalists was clear: prepare, read widely, know your worth, and refuse to be intimidated. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Seasoned Female Broadcast Journalist, Emefa Apawu, formerly of the Multimedia Group Limited, has opened up about the real reason she stepped away from the media after an illustrious 23-year career. Speaking in a candid conversation on the Talk No Dey Cook podcast, Emefa revealed that her decision to quit journalism — at a time many believed she was at her peak — was driven by one thing above all: her children. According to her, years of working six to seven days a week, constantly chasing deadlines, and juggling demanding newsroom expectations took a toll on her family life. She admitted that it became normal for her son to be surprised whenever he saw her at home during the day, a moment that made her question the kind of mother she was becoming. As a single mother of two, Emefa said she felt the weight of wanting to be fully present for her children, especially as her daughter approaches adulthood. She disclosed that the media industry, despite its glamour, is “not rewarding,” noting that journalists often work tirelessly without receiving the luxury or comfort the public assumes they enjoy. For female journalists, she added, the struggle is even tougher, requiring twice the effort to avoid being judged or stereotyped. Emefa also revealed that health challenges she experienced during her career forced her to pause and reflect deeply on her future. During this period, she sought clarity through prayer and realized it was time for a transition. She emphasized that contrary to public perception, her new role in the corporate world — now working with the Petroleum Hub — was not a political appointment. Rather, it was an opportunity that opened at the exact moment she felt ready to move on. “I needed to be present in the life of my children, my family, and even for myself,” she said, adding that while she has left the newsroom, her ambitions are far from over. Her story sheds light on the sacrifices, pressures, and personal battles often hidden behind the polished screens of television, offering a powerful reminder of the human side of journalism. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith