News
NHIA Kick-starts Nationwide Cybersecurity Awareness Training in Western Region
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has launched its nationwide cybersecurity awareness training program, starting with the Western Region.
On May 26, 2025, staff from the NHIA Western Regional Office gathered at the Akroma Plaza Hotel in Takoradi for the inaugural session of this important training initiative.
The programme, designed to benefit all NHIA staff nationwide, aims to safeguard the Authority’s critical digital infrastructure, ensure regulatory compliance, and strengthen the organization’s capacity to respond to evolving cyber threats.
The training is spearheaded by NHIA’s MIS Directorate in collaboration with XYLO 360 Cyber Security Ghana Ltd., serving as the training partner.
Acting Western Regional Director, Mr. Joseph Meneabeh Akpoh, welcomed staff and expressed appreciation to Executive Management for selecting the Western Region to kick-start the national program.
He urged participants to take the sessions seriously, emphasizing that mitigating risks from human error and fostering cybersecurity awareness are essential responsibilities for every employee.
Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Chief Executive, Operations, Dr. Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, the Acting Director of MIS, Mr. Vitus G. Kaleo-Bioh, underscored the importance Executive Management places on the initiative. He stressed that cybersecurity awareness covers all aspects of technology use — from computers and applications to access controls and internet usage. Mr. Kaleo-Bioh warned that a single mistake by one staff member could jeopardize years of accumulated NHIA membership data, emphasizing that “cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility.”
He encouraged staff to learn, practice, and communicate responsibly in the digital space.
Providing a technical overview, Senior Manager for Information Security and Standards at MIS, Mr. Ebenezer Hooper, outlined the NHIA’s cybersecurity landscape.
He emphasized that the goal of the awareness program is to equip staff with the knowledge to prevent breaches and protect sensitive data amid growing digital operations.
Leading the training, Mr. Nathaniel Ayettey from XYLO 360 Cyber Security Ghana Ltd. delivered a series of presentations covering essential topics, including social engineering techniques, access control measures, multifactor authentication, individual responsibilities in the digital environment, cybersecurity best practices, workplace internet use policies, and email-related risks.
Director of Membership and Regional Operations, Mr. Oti Frimpong, highlighted that the MIS cybersecurity program would ultimately enhance membership enrolment and ensure uninterrupted workflow, provided staff apply the lessons learned.
Participants praised the two-day training initiative, reaffirming their commitment to protecting the NHIA’s IT systems and infrastructure. With over 75% of NHIA’s operations now relying on digital platforms, this nationwide cybersecurity training is seen as a critical investment in the Authority’s resilience.
Other notable attendees included Acting Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Oswald Essuah-Mensah; Deputy Director of MIS, Mr. Stephen Bewong; and MIS Directorate staff Mr. Eric Asamoah, Ms. Pamela Mantey, and Mr. George Quartey.
Ahyiresu and Abofrem, two quiet communities in the Atwima Mponua District, have been shaken to the core by a chilling midnight drama that reads like a nightmare.
A pastor and a young mother stand accused of attempting to bury a five‑month‑old baby girl alive, a crime that has ignited outrage and disbelief across the township.
According to police, Apostle Richmond Akwasi Frimpong, 36, Head Pastor of the Anointed Grace Prayer Ministry at Kuffour Camp, conspired with his uncle Emmanuel Appiah, 53, and the child’s mother, 23‑year‑old Beatrice Agyapomaa, to dispose of the infant, Anaya Achiaa, under the cover of darkness.
A fourth suspect, Emmanuel Donkor, remains on the run.
The suspects were caught near a refuse dump around 10 pm on April 9, 2026, after a vigilant resident, Akwasi Twezor, noticed their suspicious movements.
When confronted, they claimed the child was already dead and had palace approval for burial. But Twezor’s instincts proved right—the baby was still alive, gasping faintly for breath.
Chief Linguist, Nana Yaw Badu, later confirmed that Frimpong had misled him earlier in the evening, securing permission for burial by falsely declaring the child dead.
The infant was rushed to the Abofrem Clinic, where she is now responding well to treatment. Police described her as “very beautiful.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Evelyn Yitamkey, Commander of DOVVSU in Bibiani, confirmed that the suspects have been provisionally charged.
Frimpong faces attempted murder and conspiracy charges, while Agyapomaa and Appiah are charged with conspiracy and abetment.
They were remanded by the Bibiani Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Frank Asiedu Nimako, to assist investigations.
The docket has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for advice, ASP Yitamkey indicated.
The attempted crime has provoked fury among residents, many suspecting ritual motives aimed at bolstering the pastor’s influence.
Crowds attempted to attack the suspects outside court, but police intervention prevented mob justice.
The Assembly Member for Ahyiresu, Yusuf Suleiman, has assured residents that justice will be pursued swiftly.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
The forecourt of the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) in Accra came alive on Friday with colour, creativity and innovation, as Level 300 students transformed the space into a lively exhibition of ideas.
Under the theme “Building meaningful brands beyond the logo,” the students invited patrons into a world where ordinary products were reimagined through storytelling, design and purpose.
From scented candles to innovative food concepts, each stand told a unique story, one that went beyond aesthetics to capture identity, value and human connection.
For many of the students, the event was more than just an academic exercise; it was a moment to dream out loud.
Guided by their lecturer, Peter Wonders, they explored what it truly means to build a brand in today’s competitive world where trust, consistency and experience matter just as much as logos and slogans.
Chairman of the occasion, Nana Kum Gyata VI, in his remarks said a brand is what people say about you when you are not present.
At the end of the presentations, awards were presented to deserving groups with Vida Nyaneba emerging as the overall best branding student.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
Follow our WhatsApp Channel now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q
