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Africa CDC Director General pays courtesy call on Minister of Health
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The Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Dr. Jean Kaseya, has paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, to sign a data-sharing agreement between Ghana and Africa CDC.
During the meeting, Mr. Akandoh stated that Ghana’s Health Security Bill is ready and will soon be presented to Cabinet and Parliament for approval.
The bill is part of the country’s broader efforts to strengthen national health resilience.
The Minister also reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to Primary Health Care (PHC), noting that it has a flagship program aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). He emphasized that financial barriers often hinder access to health services, and the rollout of free primary health care would serve as a major catalyst in accelerating Ghana’s path toward UHC.
Mr. Akandoh praised Africa CDC’s continued support to Ghana, highlighting several key contributions. He called for sustainable financing models to close the healthcare funding gap, urging African nations to “think outside the box” and take ownership of their health systems.
“Africa must take its destiny into its own hands,” he stated, expressing hope that the Director-General’s visit would help prioritize these concerns.
In his remarks, Dr. Jean Kaseya highlighted Africa’s over-reliance on imported medical solutions.
“We don’t produce our own vaccines or medicines for diseases like Ebola, Marburg, and cholera. That has to change,” he said.
Dr. Kaseya also hinted at an upcoming summit involving 19 Heads of State, which will focus on challenges in local pharmaceutical manufacturing and access to health technologies.
He urged African nations to move beyond dependence on foreign aid and invest in their medical solutions, stressing the importance of innovation, investment, and strong leadership.
“When you combine conflict, poor funding, and weak systems, you build the foundation of another pandemic,” he warned. “This is our opportunity to change course.”
In closing, Dr. Kaseya reaffirmed the shared commitment to continue working together to build a stronger, self-reliant health sector for Ghana and the African continent.
Businessman Mr. Ibrahim Mahama has denied reports linking him to a takeover bid for the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO).
His reaction follows a demonstration by members of the VALCO Labour Union today, during which some protesters alleged that Mr. Mahama was interested in acquiring the state-owned aluminium company.
In a statement issued by his Special Aide, Rafik Mahama, the businessman said he has “no such interest” and has not made any offer to acquire VALCO.
“The allegation is the latest in several vile attempts to impute the integrity of Mr. Ibrahim Mahama and subject him to needless public engagements,” the statement said.
The statement added that Mr. Mahama’s business track record speaks for itself, describing his companies as “some of the best-run operations across the African continent.”
It further noted that all of Mr. Mahama’s business interests were “legally commenced or acquired” and operate within the law a fact it said explains why his businesses have endured across seven election cycles.
“Mr. Mahama remains committed to contributing his quota to the development of Ghana by investing in business opportunities in Ghana and beyond,” the statement added.
The statement also disclosed that Mr. Mahama has instructed his lawyers to take the necessary legal action over the publication and allegations.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The leadership of Kristo Asafo has dismissed reports circulating on social media and in some media outlets that the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka will be buried on July 30, 2026, describing the claim as false.
The current head of the Kantanka family and leader of Kristo Asafo, Kwadwo Safo Akofena Kantanka, addressed the issue during a press conference in Accra today.
He said no burial date has been set and urged members of the church and the general public to disregard any unofficial announcements.
“I urge the members of Kristo Asafo and the nation to disregard any burial date out there,” Akofena said.
He further stressed that neither the leadership of the church nor the Kantanka family has made any such announcement regarding the funeral.
According to him, all official funeral arrangements will be communicated only through a formal statement from the Kantanka family when the time is due.
Akofena Safo Kantanka said the family remains united in ensuring that the final funeral rites are conducted in a manner that befits the legacy of the late Apostle.
He called on Ghanaians to remain calm and wait for the official communication from the family, warning against the spread of misinformation.
Background
Apostle Dr. Ing. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, founder and spiritual leader of Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana, passed away recently, plunging the church and the nation into mourning.
The late Apostle was widely known not only as a religious leader but also as an industrialist, inventor, and founder of the Kantanka Group of Companies, which manufactures vehicles and other machinery in Ghana.
Since his passing, there has been heightened public interest in his funeral arrangements.
It would be recalled that a faction of the siblings and family led by former MP Adwoa Safo had earlier announced a proposed burial date and arrangements.
That announcement, however, has been rejected by the current leadership of both the church and the family.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
