News
Amansie West records high malaria cases among children
The sharp increase in malaria cases among children under five years in the Amansie West District is beginning to raise concerns among health workers in the area.
According to health officials, malaria cases generally in the district has shot up with data revealing more than 38,000 cases at the Out-patient Departments (OPD) in 2025.
This marks over 2,000 increase over the 2024 figure of 36,000.
But worryingly, it is the increase among infants that is beginning to occupy the attention of the health workers in the district.
According to the data available, malaria cases among the kids have jumped from the 8,000 recorded in 2024 to 10,000 in 2025, marking a 25 per cent increase.
That was linked directly to abandoned pits left by illegal mining activities, commonly known as โgalamsey.โ
The Amansie West District Director of Health Services, Mr Bernard Badu Bediako, stated in an interview that these abandoned pits have become high-volume mosquito breeding grounds across the district.
Commemorating the occasion of the 2026 World Malaria Day, Mr Bediako called for a united front to eliminate the disease from the district.
The problem, he emphsasised, was also compounded by the situation where both children and adults donโt complete the course of their malaria treatment.
Consequently, he urged residents of the district to complete the full course of anti-malaria medication rather than abandon treatment after beginning to feel well, a practice he identified as a key driver of persistent infection.
He also strongly encouraged the consistent use of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets, acknowledging complaints from some residents about discomfort but stressed that โsleeping under treated nets remained far safer than the risk of severe malaria.โ
Mr Badu commended the management of Asanko Gold for supporting the fight against malaria, and announced that public education had been intensified across communities, with health authorities now shifting emphasis from malaria control to outright elimination.
Marking this year’s commemoration, Asanko Gold Ghana Limited organised a free health screening exercise for residents of Manso Abore and surrounding communities, covering malaria testing, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, and general medical consultations.
The company also distributed over 2,000 insecticide-treated mosquito nets to Senior High School students within the catchment area.
The company’s General Manager, Justice Fenteng, in a speech read on his behalf, said Asanko Gold’s commitment extended well beyond commemorative activities, pointing to ongoing investments in healthcare infrastructure, including the construction of Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds at Tetrem and Krofrom to bring essential medical services closer to rural communities.
“These are long-term investments aimed at improving access to healthcare and strengthening our communities,” Fenteng stated.
He called on residents of Manso and its environs to regularly use mosquito nets, maintain clean surroundings, seek early testing, and take preventive measures seriously, stressing that eliminating malaria required collective action beginning from individual homes.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasiย
The Ministry of the Interior has suspended the Private Security Organisation licence of Kantanka Security Services Limited with immediate effect.
The suspension follows reports of alleged use of unprescribed uniforms, and unauthorised possession and use of firearms and ammunition by the companyโs personnel.
The incident occurred on Sunday, June 21, 2026, while they were providing private security services at Kwabenya, Accra.
According to the ministry, preliminary investigations suggest possible violations of the Police Service (Private Security Organisations) Regulations, 1992, L.I. 1571, which regulate private security operations in Ghana.
The Ministry said the use of unprescribed uniforms, unauthorised firearms, and security accoutrements by private guards constitutes a serious breach with direct implications for public safety.
As a result, Kantanka Security Services Limited has been directed to cease all operations immediately pending the outcome of investigations.
All individuals and institutions are advised to stop doing business with the company until further notice from the Ministry.
The Ministry has also instructed Kantanka Security Services to fully cooperate with the Ghana Police Service and provide all information needed for a thorough investigation.
The Ministry assured the public that the suspension is an administrative measure to protect public safety while investigations continue, adding that appropriate action will be taken after investigations, in line with laws governing private security operations in Ghana.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The National Democratic Congress has officially renamed its national headquarters the โJerry John Rawlings Houseโ to honour its founder and former President, Jerry John Rawlings.
The ceremony took place on Monday, June 22, 2026, as part of activities marking what would have been Rawlingsโ 79th birthday.
Held under the theme โFrom Revolution to Fourth Republic: The Rawlings Legacy,โ the event brought together party members and senior government officials to celebrate his life, leadership, and role in shaping Ghanaโs democracy.
President John Dramani Mahama unveiled a commemorative plaque and a bust of the late statesman at the newly named building.
He said the renaming is a tribute to Rawlingsโ immense contribution to the NDC and the nation.
โHistory matters because it teaches people where they came from and inspires the future,โ Mahama said.
He described the ceremony as a significant act of institutional memory that ensures future generations understand the sacrifices made to build the party and protect Ghanaโs democracy.
Kimathi Rawlings, son of the late President, expressed the familyโs gratitude.
โThe naming of this headquarters after our dad, Jerry John Rawlings, is far more than a symbolic gesture,โ he said.
He called it a fitting tribute to Rawlingsโ legacy, values, and sacrifices that continue to influence Ghanaโs politics.
The event ended with a cake-cutting to mark Rawlingsโ birthday.
Rawlings, who died in November 2020, first led Ghana as a military ruler, then guided the transition to constitutional rule and served as the countryโs first President under the Fourth Republic from 1993 to 2001. He remains one of the most influential figures in Ghanaโs modern history.
The ceremony which was a moment of remembrance and celebration of his enduring legacy was attended by top party officials, government appointees and NDC faithfuls
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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