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Early Testing Saves Lives- First Lady stresses at Free Health Screening for vulnerable groups
First Lady, Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama, on Friday, addressed beneficiaries at a comprehensive free public health screening event, emphasising the vital importance of early testing and proactive health management, especially for vulnerable populations within the community.
The event, a collaboration between the Office of the First Lady and the Ghana AIDS Commission, provided essential health services to various community members, including hairdressers, tailors, head-porters (kayayee), and market women.
Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Mahama underscored the purpose of the outreach, “We are here for a very important reason. For the health of our people, especially young people, women, and vulnerable groups in our communities,” she stated. “We aim to raise awareness, offer free check-ups, provide medical advice and counselling, and help more people take care of their health.”
The First Lady said many people may be living with serious health conditions without realising it, making such screening exercises essential.
According to her,“Sometimes, people are living with these conditions and do not even know it. That is why today’s health screening is very important,” she explained. “It provides an opportunity to get tested free of charge, know about their health, and take the necessary steps to maintain their health.”
She stressed the life-saving potential of early detection, saying “Early testing saves lives. Knowing your health status early enables you to start treatment early and prevent serious complications. Testing early can also help us to protect our loved ones.”
Mrs. Mahama said, “For example, when people living with HIV get to know their status early, they can receive the right care and support, which will make them live long and healthy lives. But this can only happen if you get tested.”
The free health services provided at the event included HIV and syphilis screening, BMI and nutrition counselling, blood pressure checks and assessments for other medical conditions, and breast cancer screening.
Beneficiaries received awareness training on HIV/AIDS preventive measures and the importance of early antenatal care to prevent mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy.
Directing her message towards the younger generation present, the First Lady called for greater health consciousness. “I want to address the young people here directly. You are the future of this country. Your energy, your dreams and your well-being matter,” she said.
“However, many young people today are falling ill, sometimes due to a lack of access to the right information, services, or support they need. That must change. And it starts with talking openly to people who can help you, and by having a medical check at least once a year,” She added.
First Lady, encouraged attendees to take full advantage of the services offered free of charge.
She further added that “Today, you can check your HIV status, your blood pressure and sugar levels, and even be screened for breast cancer, right here at this event, all for free… I therefore encourage you all to take advantage of these services. Feel free to ask any questions that come to mind. We are here for you.”
Mrs. Mahama also highlighted broader government efforts aimed at improving access to and outcomes in healthcare. She mentioned the recently launched Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as MahamaCares.
“When this fund is fully operational, it will bring relief to many people suffering from non-communicable diseases,” she noted, adding that it will help diagnose and treat conditions like heart illnesses, kidney disease, and various cancers.
She also referenced the upcoming Free Primary Healthcare Programme, which she said will “enhance awareness of the health status of our citizens and contribute to disease prevention.”
“Together, we can create a Ghana where every person knows their health status. Where every pregnant woman gets the care she needs, and where every child is born healthy and free from infection,” she concluded.
Deputy Chief of Staff, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo was an integral member of the planning team.
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Prez Mahama opens AU high-level dialogue on democracy and human rights in Accra
President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency (H E) John Dramani Mahama, has officially opened the 13th African Union (AU) High-Level Dialogue on Democracy, Governance, and Human Rights in Accra.
The two day event, slated for 29th to 30th July 2025 and held under the vibrant theme “Justice, Rights, Reparations and State building,” brings together past and present African leaders, traditional authorities, members of the security services, diplomats, students, civil society actors, and other stakeholders to dialogue on strengthening democratic governance and addressing historical injustices across the continent.
The high-level conference is organised every two years by the African Union Commission in collaboration with key partners, serving as a platform for inclusive dialogue, knowledge exchange, and policy reflection on the continent’s democratic and governance trajectory.
In his opening remarks, the President of Ghana, H E John Dramani Mahama, underscored the importance of justice, human rights, and inclusive governance as the foundation for peace and stability in Africa.
He noted that sustainable peace could only be achieved when the rights of citizens were protected, and governance structures were accountable and owned by the people.
President Mahama said Africa could no longer build its future on systems inherited from colonial rule.
He highlighted how the continent still suffers from the legacies of slavery, colonialism, systemic racism, and economic inequality.
He stressed the need for Africans to shape their own systems that reflect their history, identity, and aspirations.
He praised the African Union Executive Council for extending the AU’s theme of reparations from a year to a decade, 2026 to 2036, and called on member states to support this commitment with action.
He also urged the timely operationalisation of the AU Commission of Experts and the Reference Group of Legal Experts on Reparations, so they can deliver truth, justice, and restitution.
The President warned that African citizens, especially the youth, were becoming impatient with empty promises and called for meaningful civic participation.
He advocated for legal frameworks in all AU member states to protect civil liberties, including freedom of speech, protest, and the press.
President Mahama further highlighted the importance of political and civic education in schools and communities.
According to him, civic disengagement was often caused by mistrust and exclusion, and therefore governments must make democracy relatable and relevant to everyday life.
He encouraged participants to take bold action beyond speeches, adding that the “dialogue must mark a new beginning for the continent, a moment when African leaders choose justice, truth, and unity over complacency.”
African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), H E Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, who delivered a speech on behalf of the AU Chairperson, said reparative justice, peace, and stability should guide Africa’s development journey.
He emphasised that reparations are deeply connected to justice and human rights, offering opportunities for economic renewal, healing, and sustainable peace.
He noted that the High Level Dialogue is essential for helping member states reflect on how to strengthen democratic systems.
Ambassador Adeoye reminded participants that Africa has endured centuries of oppression from slavery to apartheid and now needs to take full ownership of its future.
He said the legacy of colonialism should no longer weigh down the continent, and African culture and identity should be protected and celebrated.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and MP for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, expressed warm appreciation to the delegates gathered in Accra for the important continental dialogue.
Mr Ablakwa stated that for Ghana, justice, human rights, and good governance are not mere slogans but part of the country’s identity and values.
He noted that the chosen theme aligns with Ghana’s commitment to correcting historical injustices and promoting inclusion.
He urged African nations to move beyond symbolic gestures and take real action toward restorative justice.
Mr Ablakwa added that Ghana believes in fairness, unity, and building a continent where all voices are heard, especially those of youth, women, and the diaspora.
The Minister praised the efforts of the African Governance Architecture and the AU’s Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department for convening the dialogue.
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Stakeholders converge in Accra for ETHOCON 2025 Cyber Security Conference
Stakeholders in Ghana’s digital and cybersecurity space have converged in Accra for the Ethical Hacking and Offensive Cybersecurity Conference (ETHOCON 2025) to deliberate on safeguarding the country’s digital systems amid growing technological advancement.
Themed “Cyber Resilience for Ghana’s Digital Leap,” the high-level event is being organized by the Ethical Hacking and Offensive Security Centre (Ethosec), a cybersecurity-focused organization, to discuss strategies for strengthening the country’s cyber infrastructure in the face of increasing digital transformation.
The conference brought together representatives from government, industry, academia, civil society, leading cybersecurity experts, tech entrepreneurs, and policy advocates.
ETHOCON 2025 featured expert panel discussions and thought leadership sessions exploring emerging threats, national preparedness, digital policy direction, and the future of cybersecurity in Ghana.
Speaking with journalists, the CEO of the National Youth Authority, Osman Ayariga, said the government had taken cybersecurity seriously since the rise of the internet, putting in place laws and institutions to protect Ghana’s digital space.
He explained that laws such as the Data Protection Act and the Cybersecurity Act were helping to secure the country’s online platforms. 
He added that government had also established offices like the Signal Bureau and supported infrastructure that ensures digital safety.
According to him, while protecting cyberspace, the government was also creating opportunities for young people through tech-based programs like the One Million coders Program, Innovation Hubs, and soft skills training under the National Apprenticeship Program.
Mr. Ayariga stressed that these initiatives were part of efforts to ensure young Ghanaians were not left behind in the global digital race.
He said digital literacy, coding, online marketing, and awareness of risks like cyberbullying and hacking were now essential skills for the youth.
He also emphasized that President John Dramani Mahama’s vision for national programs was inclusive, not political.
He pointed out that the aim was to reduce unemployment and security risks by training Ghanaians regardless of their political background.
Founder of Ethosec and lead organizer of the conference, Ashraf Saaka, noted that while Ghana had made progress in building cybersecurity structures, public understanding of the issue remained narrow.
He explained that most people associate cyber threats with scams or mobile money fraud, but in reality, attacks on hospitals, electricity, and water systems could cause more serious national problems.
Mr. Saaka urged organizations to move beyond profit-focused thinking and make security a top priority.
He highlighted the importance of strategies like Zero Trust, which ensures that digital tools are secure from the ground up.
He urged cybersecurity professionals to constantly learn and adapt “because attackers only need to succeed once, but defenders must get it right every time.”
By Jacob Aggrey
