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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.
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Prioritise affordable treatment of sickle cell treatment —Health Expert
Health experts have urged Ghana to prioritise affordable and accessible treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD) as advanced, but costly curative therapies remain out of reach.
SCD, an inherited blood disorder, affects about three in every 100 newborns in Ghana.
Globally, around 1,000 babies are born with the condition daily, with three-quarters in sub-Saharan Africa.
The disease causes severe complications including chronic pain, anaemia, infections, strokes and organ damage, often leading to shortened life expectancy.
In recent years, gene therapy has been developed as a potential cure.
However, its cost—running into millions of dollars per patient—makes it financially and technically inaccessible in Ghana.
According to Dr Lawrence Osei-Tutu, a Sickle Cell and Childhood Cancer Expert at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, “the country must instead focus on practical, lower-cost interventions such as hydroxyurea”, a decades-old cancer drug proven to reduce painful episodes, hospitalisation and life- threatening complications in SCD patients”.
Taken orally, the medicine improves red blood cell function and is considered safe and effective.
“Hydroxyurea therapy is as good as the cure and a low-hanging fruit to pluck, we must bring a cure to our sickle cell warriors, but do so sustainably.” he urged.
In a chat with The Spectator here, he said to create awareness on the disease, the expert noted that despite its benefits, “hydroxyurea is not widely accessible in Ghana.”
Stressing that, “many patients either cannot afford it or struggle with irregular supply through the health system.”
Moreover, he argued that scaling up access would provide immediate relief while the country builds the infrastructure, trains specialists and secures funding needed to support curative therapies in the future.
With an estimated 15,000 babies born with sickle cell disease annually in Ghana, Dr Osei Tutu cautioned that “failure to improve access to effective treatment will leave many patients vulnerable to preventable complications and early death.”
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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Let’s reintroduce Cultural Studies to complement educational reforms — Tourism Minister
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has emphasised the importance of reintroducing Cultural Studies in schools as part of Ghana’s broader educational reform agenda.
She said Cultural Studies would complement existing efforts to reposition Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to promote digital literacy and expand Creative Arts education.
Speaking at the 2025 Homowo Festival of the people of Ningo-Prampram, held on the theme: “Education: The Best Legacy for our Children,” Madam Gomashie said cultural education was critical to national identity and development.
She noted that the festival’s theme aligned with the Government’s vision to transform education in Ghana and encouraged the youth to embrace it not only as a means of personal development but also as a way of preserving traditional values.
These values, including patience, wisdom, and hard work, were at the core of the Homowo celebration, the Minister said.
“Cultural festivals like Homowo are vital instruments for strengthening cultural identity, preserving historical memory, and fostering national unity. Additionally, festivals serve as platforms for educating the youth through storytelling, music, dance, and other traditional practices, while also providing opportunities for community engagement.”
Madam Gomashie highlighted the strong foundation that Ghana’s tourism was built on, which included culture, traditions, and the creative industry, collectively contributing to over GH¢4.8 billion to the economy.
“Festivals give tourists reasons to visit our country. Therefore, with the right infrastructure and the development of all the domains, the sector can do more than what has been recorded,” she added.
Mr Sam Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, commended the community for their vibrant participation in the festival. He announced plans for the construction of a new nursing training school in Ningo, aimed at expanding access to healthcare education in the area.
Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII, Paramount Chief of Great Ningo Traditional Area; King Dr Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse; Nene Tetteh Wakah III, Paramount Chief of the Prampram Traditional Area; Prof. Odaifio Welentsi III, Paramount Chief of the Nungua Traditional Area; Naana Dugbakuwor Dugba II, Paramount Queen Mother of Great Ningo; and Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Special Envoy on Religion and Inter-Faith Affairs, who represented the Chief of Staff, were among dignitaries at the festival. -GNA
