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Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe, Prof. Fynn, others honoured … For supporting country’s socio-political drive
There has always been the call for countries to honour their heroes, who symbolise the values and aspirations of society, while alive, to avoid risking forgetting history and diminishing sense of national pride.
Responding to this call, the West Africa International Press Limited (WAIPL), last Wednesday, honoured 23 distinguished Ghanaians and institutions that have played significant roles in the country’s socio-political development.
They included Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, a founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and Professor Paul Kofi Fynn, Chancellor and Founder of Wisconsin International University College, Ghana.
They were joined by other personalities to receive awards, at the WAIPL’s 2025 Eminent Africans Global Integrity Conference and Awards, organised in Accra, for defending human rights, promoting good governance and empowering communities in the country.
Speaking at the event, Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe, warned that Ghana risked a mass revolt if entrenched corruption within both political and judicial systems was not addressed.
He accused successive governments since independence of perpetuating corruption, which according to him was a national cancer that permeated all levels of leadership, including the youth entering politics.
Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe, a retired military officer, lamented “the country’s slow progress despite gaining independence over six decades ago,” drawing comparisons with Malaysia, which he said, started on a similar footing with Ghana, but has far outpaced the West African nation in development.
He expressed worry that the country’s growing disillusionment with both political and military leadership could trigger dangerous consequences.
Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe voiced deep concern about the judiciary, describing it as ‘very disturbing’ and ‘corrupt’.
The Executive Director of the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), Mrs Mary Awelana Addah, noted that systemic corruption endured not only because of those who committed it, but also due to the fact that leaders remained silent or refused to act.
She stated that “corruption persists in the country because leaders often protect their own instead of ensuring justice and accountability.”
Mrs Addah, speaking on the theme of the event: “It is Time to Raise Men and Women of Conscience in Africa”, noted that corruption continued to thrive because leaders often protected their own instead of upholding justice and accountability.
She reminded Ghanaians that sustainable development could not be achieved when corruption remained unchecked.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of WAIPL, Dr Dee Otibu-Asare, commended the awardees for their roles in shaping national conversations, promoting good governance, defending human rights, and empowering communities.
She said that, “Your efforts reflect the kind of bold and ethical leadership Africa needs to advance.”
Dr Otibu-Asare underscored the importance of celebrating individuals who make significant contributions to society but are often overlooked.
Other awardees, include Chief Alhassan Andani, Mr Mensah Thompson, Rev. Nii- Noi Mensah, Mrs Mary Awelana Addah, Mr Listowell Nana Kusi-Poku, Nana Bobie Ansah, Mr Blessed Godsbrain Smart, Mr Daniel Baah Acheamfuor, Media General Ghana, Madam Felicia Twumasi, Apostle Femor Gavin, and Archbishop Stella Dartey.
By Stephanie Birikorang
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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
