News
Akatsi South records zero maternal deaths in three years- 66 new HIV cases
The Akatsi South Municipal Health Directorate has revealed that there were zero maternal deaths between the period of 2023 to June 2025.
Antenatal Care (ANC) registrants, however, saw a 63.3 per cent rise from 1,071 in 2024 to 1,236 in 2025 between the period of January to June health performance review window.
In contrast, teenage pregnancy recorded a slight decrease from 161 in 2024 to 152 in 2025 under the review period.
This was disclosed during a half-year health performance review presentation by health officials from the Municipal Health Directorate at the Akatsi South Municipal Assembly Hall.
Under the maternal health services, the year 2023 saw the highest figure of 1,071 skilled deliveries against 1,039 in 2024 and 1,029 in 2025 for the period.
The presentation also revealed that there were 1,039 deliveries in 2024 as compared to 1,029 in 2025 representing 54 and 52.7 per cent respectively.
Concerning HIV testing and counselling, Ms Sefakor Justine Alornyo, the Akatsi South Director of Health, disclosed to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that their outfit had identified 66 new HIV cases compared to 51 in 2024 with the latest figure showing 45 females and 21 males between January to June.
“All are currently on treatment, including nine pregnant women who tested positive. All HIV positive cases are on treatment including five babies who are put on prophylaxis.
On immunisation, MS Alornyo said all 1,029 deliveries in the municipality were immunised with BCG, Penta, and Measles-Rubella vaccines.
However, a key issue of concern to be addressed by all stakeholders according to Ms. Alornyo, was centered on High Teenage Pregnancy Rates.
“The Akatsi South Municipality continues to record high teenage pregnancy. The year under review recorded a total of 339 teenage pregnancies. Sad as it may be, two girls aged 10-14years were pregnant and 144 teenagers came to deliver of which one was between 10 -14 years of age,” she added. -GNA
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has held its Fourth Quarter Ministerial Advisory Board Meeting to review progress, discuss key policy matters, and strengthen collaboration towards achieving its strategic goals.
The meeting brought together members of the Advisory Board, which was set up under Section 39 of the Civil Service Act, 1993 (PNDCL 327), and the Civil Service (Ministerial Advisory Board) Regulations, 2010 (L.I. 1961).
The Board serves as a platform for continuous engagement between the Ministry and its stakeholders.
Its role is to advise the sector Minister on policy planning and implementation, while ensuring that programmes on gender, social protection, and child welfare align with national priorities and government development goals.
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, commended the Board for its consistent support and technical guidance in advancing the Ministry’s mandate.
She noted that the Ministry’s work in promoting gender equality, protecting the vulnerable, and ensuring the welfare of children and families depends on strong policies and effective partnerships.
Dr. Lartey stressed that the Advisory Board plays an important role in helping the Ministry deliver its mission in a sustainable and impactful way.
A major highlight of the meeting was a presentation on the Ministry’s achievements so far this year, followed by discussions on future policy direction and strategic focus areas.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has been unanimously elected as the Chairperson of the Africa Geopolitical Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
The election took place on October 19, 2025, during the ongoing 151st IPU Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. His victory places Ghana at the center of continental and global parliamentary diplomacy.
With this new role, Speaker Bagbin will coordinate and harmonize Africa’s collective positions on major IPU decisions and policies.
He will also serve as the continent’s chief representative on key issues such as governance, peace, security, and sustainable development.
Speaker Bagbin currently serves as the President of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (COSPAL) and is the immediate past Chairman of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) International.
In his remarks after the election, he thanked African delegations for their confidence and unity, particularly commending Nigeria for seconding his nomination and Senegal for withdrawing its candidate in the spirit of cooperation.
He pledged to strengthen collaboration among African parliaments and promote transparency, democratic governance, and sustainable development through stronger legislative institutions.
He succeeds Ms. Angela Thokozile Didiza, Speaker of South Africa’s National Assembly, who served with distinction.
The Africa Geopolitical Group, formed in the early 1950s, serves as a continental branch of the IPU, ensuring fair representation of African countries in the Union’s committees and decision-making bodies.
It also coordinates Africa’s common positions on major parliamentary issues discussed at IPU assemblies.
By: Jacob Aggrey
