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Ghana marks World AIDS Day, urges stronger national response

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Government has joined the global community to observe World AIDS Day, using the occasion to renew its commitment to ending HIV and AIDS in the country.
In a statement, it noted that the day provides an opportunity to reflect on progress made, honour those lost to AIDS and strengthen national efforts toward an AIDS free Ghana.
This year’s global theme is Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response, while Ghana’s national sub theme is Africa unites against AIDS.
Government explained that although Ghana has made progress with prevention, treatment and care, HIV remains a major public health concern.
It said national estimates show more than 334,700 people are living with HIV, adding that in 2024 the country recorded over 15,200 new infections and more than 12,600 AIDS related deaths.
It also acknowledged that prevention efforts have sometimes been inconsistent and that stigma remains high.
To protect essential services, Government outlined a number of steps it has taken. It recalled that in February 2025, the President directed the Ministry of Finance to secure funding for core HIV services following cuts in external support.
It also noted that Cabinet has approved a revised National Workplace HIV and Wellness Policy to improve prevention and reduce stigma at the workplace. In addition, it has launched the National HIV Response Sustainability Roadmap to expand access to prevention and treatment and ensure long term resilience.
Government further stressed the importance of stronger private sector involvement.
It reminded businesses that HIV affects productivity and economic growth, and urged them to invest in workplace HIV programmes, support public education campaigns and implement policies that protect workers.
It commended health workers, private organisations and civil society partners for their continuous efforts in supporting the national response.
Government encouraged the public to know their HIV status, use HIV self test kits, seek early treatment and reject stigma and discrimination.
It urged Corporate Ghana to adopt the National Workplace HIV and Wellness Policy and work with it to build a sustainable response.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
Police arrest former boxer Ayitey Powers over alleged death threat on NSA boss

The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested former professional boxer Michael Ayitey Okai, popularly known as “Ayitey Powers,” over an alleged threat of death against the Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo.
According to the Police, the 46-year-old former boxer was arrested on Monday, August 24, 2026, in connection with the alleged threat.
The Police said the arrest followed a video circulating on social media in which Ayitey Powers is alleged to have issued the threat against Mr Ampofo.
He is currently in Police custody and is assisting with investigations.
The Accra Regional Police Command said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged threat and determine the appropriate action to be taken in accordance with the law.
The Command has urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information about the matter while the investigation continues.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
Afenyo Markin sues Sammy Gyamfi, Multimedia for alleged defamation

Minority Leader in Parliament Alexander Afenyo Markin has sued the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, and Multimedia Group Limited over alleged defamatory comments made against him on the Newsfile programme.
In a writ filed at the High Court in Accra, Mr Afenyo Markin is seeking GH¢15 million in damages, an apology and retraction of the statements, among other reliefs.
The suit follows comments allegedly made by Mr Gyamfi during the Saturday, August 22, 2026 edition of Newsfile, hosted by Samson Lardy Anyenini.
According to the statement of claim, Mr Gyamfi described Mr Afenyo Markin as an “extortionist” while responding to a question about GoldBod’s reported profits and its position on losses arising from its operations.
The plaintiff claims that Mr Gyamfi repeated the allegation when the host sought clarification on whether he stood by the description.
Mr Afenyo Markin further claims that Mr Gyamfi challenged him to sue him and insisted that the allegation was true.
The plaintiff argues that the statements created the impression that he engages in extortion, uses his political influence to put improper pressure on public institutions and officials, and conducts himself in a manner inconsistent with the standards expected of a lawyer and public office holder.
He denies the allegations and maintains that he is not an extortionist and has never engaged in the conduct alleged by Mr Gyamfi.
The Minority Leader also argues that the comments were made maliciously and were presented as facts without evidence being disclosed.
He claims the statements have damaged his reputation, professional standing and public image, particularly because of his position as a senior political figure and legal practitioner.
The suit also names Multimedia Group Limited as a defendant because, according to the plaintiff, the alleged defamatory comments were broadcast through JoyNews and subsequently circulated on social media platforms, including X, Facebook and YouTube.
Mr Afenyo Markin claims Multimedia failed to stop the comments or deactivate Mr Gyamfi’s microphone after the allegations were made.
He is therefore asking the court to award him general, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as GH¢15 million in compensation and legal costs.
He is also seeking an order compelling the defendants to issue a full, unconditional and unequivocal retraction and public apology.
The plaintiff wants the apology and retraction to be given similar prominence and reach as the original publication, including through JoyNews and the social media platforms where the comments were disseminated.
He is further seeking a permanent injunction preventing the defendants from repeating the alleged defamatory statements or words with a similar meaning.
The writ requires the defendants to enter an appearance within eight days after being served.
It warns that failure to do so could result in judgment being entered in their absence.
The case was filed by lawyer Paa Kwesi Abaidoo of Dehyena Chambers on behalf of Mr Afenyo Markin.
By: Jacob Aggrey








