News
GAVI CEO pays courtesy call on Health Minister
The Ministry of Health was honoured to welcome Dr. Sania Nishtar, Chief Executive Officer of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi), during a courtesy call that underscored the enduring and valued partnership between Ghana and Gavi.
Her visit reflected the shared vision that every child, regardless of where they live, deserves access to life-saving vaccines.
In a statement during the meeting, the Minister of Health, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, highlighted the progress Ghana has made over two decades of collaboration with Gavi.
These achievements range from the introduction of new vaccines and the strengthening of health systems to expanding access to essential immunisation services for underserved populations.
The Minister also emphasized Ghana’s commitment to sustainable immunisation financing, citing the removal of the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) cap and a 13% increase in the 2025 health budget as key milestones.
Mr. Akandoh announced plans to introduce two new vaccines, the Hepatitis B birth dose and the HPV vaccine with continued technical and financial support from Gavi.
He further noted that Ghana is working to ensure long-term sustainability as it prepares for full transition from Gavi support by 2030.
These efforts include the development of an Investment Case for Immunisation and advancing domestic vaccine manufacturing through partnerships with Atlantic Lifesciences and DEK Vaccines, aligning with Gavi’s African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator initiative.
Dr. Nishtar praised Ghana’s consistent leadership in immunisation and its dedication to improving vaccine access for all children.
She acknowledged the government’s strong commitment to domestic resource mobilisation, including recent policy reforms such as the removal of the NHIL cap and the increased allocation in the health budget.
She also welcomed the development of Ghana’s Investment Case for Immunisation as part of its roadmap toward transitioning from Gavi support by 2030.
Additionally, she recognised the country’s growing role in regional vaccine manufacturing, with promising local partnerships progressing under the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator.
Dr. Nishtar expressed Gavi’s support for Ghana’s strategic direction and reaffirmed the Alliance’s continued commitment to working closely with the country throughout its transition toward full ownership of its immunisation programme.
The 24 Hour Economy Authority has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hunan Architectural Design Institute Group to support the planning of the Volta Economic Corridor.
The agreement aims to guide how land within the corridor will be used, design key infrastructure, and develop systems that will support large scale production.
The partnership will focus on detailed planning to make the area ready for investment and smooth business operations.
The project will include the development of agroecological parks, industrial zones, and transport networks to connect production centres to markets.
According to the Authority, proper planning is critical to building strong economic systems and expanding production across the corridor.
It noted that the collaboration with the Chinese design firm will help lay a solid foundation for industrial growth and long term development within the Volta Economic Corridor.
By: Jacob Aggrey
President of the Ghana Bar Association, Efua Ghartey, has called on judges and lawyers to carry out their duties with humility, fairness, and a strong sense of responsibility.
She made the appeal during the Supreme Court at 150 celebration held at the University of Ghana, under the theme “Honouring the past, celebrating the present and defining the future.”
Addressing participants, she noted that those in the legal profession occupy positions of great power and influence, and must therefore remain humble in the discharge of their duties.
She urged both the bench and the bar to deliver justice without fear or ill will, stressing the need for fairness in handling cases.
Reflecting on the significance of the celebration, she explained that the year 1876 marks not only the establishment of the Supreme Court but also the beginning of formally trained lawyers in the Gold Coast.
The GBA President questioned what Ghana would be without the rule of law, which is upheld by judges and lawyers, adding that the country could descend into a system where only the strongest survive if justice is not properly administered.
She further encouraged legal practitioners to reflect on their responsibilities and remain committed to upholding the rule of law for the benefit of all citizens.
By: Jacob Aggrey
