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‘Empower women, build resilient healthcare systems, across Africa’
The First Lady of The Gambia, Mrs Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, and the Chairman of the Executive Board of E. Merck KG and Board of Trustees of the Merck Foundation, Prof. Dr Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, have called for stronger partnerships to, empower women, build resilient healthcare systems and promote responsible health journalism across Africa.
They made the call at the 12th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Banjul.
The event, hosted under the patronage of President Adama Barrow and Mrs Bah-Barrow, brought together First Ladies, health ministers, and stakeholders from more than 50 countries.
Mrs Bah-Barrow urged participants to remain united in strengthening health systems and improving lives, saying health was not merely the absence of illness, but the presence of opportunity.
Mrs Bah-Barrow also emphasised the role of the media in shaping public perception and behaviour, stressing that responsible health reporting saves lives.
“Journalists have the power to inform, educate, and inspire action, but they must be well-equipped to do so ethically and accurately. We have seen how misinformation can cost lives,” she cautioned.
In his remarks, Prof. Dr Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp revealed that since 2012, the Merck Foundation has provided over 2,400 scholarships to healthcare professionals from 52 countries to specialise in 44 critical fields to address Africa’s shortage of medical experts.
“Africa bears 24 per cent of the global disease burden but has only 2.9 per cent healthcare workers per 1,000 people. Through training and education, we are closing that gap,” he said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Merck Foundation, Dr Rasha Kalej said the foundation was supporting over 1,000 girls under the ‘educating Linda’ programme to finish their high school education and enable them fulfill their dreams.
She said with the support of the First Ladies “we are providing annually 40 scholarships for high performing but underprivileged girls until they finish their education.”
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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NPP Will Surely Return to Power in 2028 — Justin Kodua Declares, Accuses Mahama Government of State-Sponsored Persecution
The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua, has expressed confidence that the party will return to power in December 2028, promising that the NPP will present a stronger, united front to the Ghanaian people.
Speaking at a press conference at the party’s headquarters, Mr. Kodua assured members and supporters that despite current challenges, the NPP remains the best option for Ghana’s development.
“We have more than three years to preach to Ghanaians our record and what the New Patriotic Party stands for. I can assure you, issues of apathy and reconciliation will all be addressed. Inshallah, come December 7, 2028, the New Patriotic Party will surely come back to power,” he declared confidently.
Mr. Kodua also used the platform to criticize the John Mahama-led government, accusing it of persecuting NPP members through the abuse of state institutions.
According to him, the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government has “weaponised” state security agencies and the judiciary to target political opponents, describing the situation as a dangerous threat to Ghana’s democracy.
He said the NPP had on several occasions held demonstrations and press conferences to remind the government that Ghana is a country governed by the rule of law, but such calls have gone unheeded.
“Unfortunately, our calls have fallen on deaf ears, but as a party, we shall not back down on our resolve to fight this injustice,” he said.
Mr. Kodua cited instances where NPP members have allegedly been detained beyond the lawful 48-hour limit and subjected to excessive bail conditions.
He stressed that these actions violate Article 14 of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees that any person arrested or detained must be brought before a court within 48 hours or released on reasonable terms.
He further noted that the practice also contravenes Section 96 of the Criminal and Other Offences Procedure Act (Act 30) and several Supreme Court decisions, including Martin Kpebu vs. Attorney-General, which emphasize that bail must not be punitive or unreasonable.
“Under President John Mahama’s administration, a person is rather presumed guilty until proven innocent. This level of selective justice and intolerance of dissent is eroding public confidence in Ghana’s democratic and judicial systems,” he lamented.
Mr. Kodua described as alarming the growing “culture of silence,” where citizens are allegedly targeted for expressing dissenting opinions on social media, warning that it poses a threat to the nation’s democratic gains.
He reaffirmed the NPP’s commitment to defending justice and freedom, insisting that the party will not relent in protecting the rights of its members and all Ghanaians.
“The repercussions of this culture of silence are dangerous. It reverses the democratic progress we’ve made as a country,” he warned.
In a more hopeful tone, Mr. Kodua announced that the NPP would soon resume issuing membership cards to strengthen its grassroots organization ahead of the 2028 elections.
“I’m happy to announce that starting next week, we’ll continue with the issuing of membership cards to our members,” he said.
He ended his address by reiterating his belief that the NPP will return to power in 2028, saying Ghanaians have experienced both major political parties and can clearly see the difference.
“Ghanaians have tested both the NPP and the NDC, and I tell you, the difference will be clear. The New Patriotic Party will surely come back to power,” he concluded confidently.
— By Jacob Aggrey
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and Acting Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has arrived in Brazil to lead Ghana’s delegation to the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30).
The global climate summit is being held in Belém, a city in northern Brazil, where world leaders, negotiators, civil society groups, and environmental experts are meeting to discuss major decisions on climate action, nature conservation, and sustainable development.
As head of Ghana’s delegation, Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah is expected to deliver Ghana’s national statement at the Summit of Heads of State on Thursday, November 6, 2025, on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama.
His speech will highlight Ghana’s key climate priorities, commitments, and expectations for global cooperation.
The Acting Minister and his team will also participate in negotiations, ministerial dialogues, and other scheduled activities throughout the two-week conference, which runs from November 6 to November 21, 2025.
According to the Ministry of Environment, Ghana’s participation in COP30 underscores the government’s strong commitment to protecting the environment, promoting climate resilience, and building strategic partnerships with other countries to tackle global environmental challenges.
The Ministry added that Ghana will continue to use international platforms such as COP30 to share knowledge, engage in meaningful dialogue, and strengthen cooperation for sustainable development.
— By Jacob Aggrey
