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GAVI CEO pays courtesy call on Health Minister
The Ministry of Health was honoured to welcome Dr. Sania Nishtar, Chief Executive Officer of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi), during a courtesy call that underscored the enduring and valued partnership between Ghana and Gavi.
Her visit reflected the shared vision that every child, regardless of where they live, deserves access to life-saving vaccines.
In a statement during the meeting, the Minister of Health, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, highlighted the progress Ghana has made over two decades of collaboration with Gavi.
These achievements range from the introduction of new vaccines and the strengthening of health systems to expanding access to essential immunisation services for underserved populations.
The Minister also emphasized Ghana’s commitment to sustainable immunisation financing, citing the removal of the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) cap and a 13% increase in the 2025 health budget as key milestones.
Mr. Akandoh announced plans to introduce two new vaccines, the Hepatitis B birth dose and the HPV vaccine with continued technical and financial support from Gavi.
He further noted that Ghana is working to ensure long-term sustainability as it prepares for full transition from Gavi support by 2030.
These efforts include the development of an Investment Case for Immunisation and advancing domestic vaccine manufacturing through partnerships with Atlantic Lifesciences and DEK Vaccines, aligning with Gavi’s African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator initiative.
Dr. Nishtar praised Ghana’s consistent leadership in immunisation and its dedication to improving vaccine access for all children.
She acknowledged the government’s strong commitment to domestic resource mobilisation, including recent policy reforms such as the removal of the NHIL cap and the increased allocation in the health budget.
She also welcomed the development of Ghana’s Investment Case for Immunisation as part of its roadmap toward transitioning from Gavi support by 2030.
Additionally, she recognised the country’s growing role in regional vaccine manufacturing, with promising local partnerships progressing under the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator.
Dr. Nishtar expressed Gavi’s support for Ghana’s strategic direction and reaffirmed the Alliance’s continued commitment to working closely with the country throughout its transition toward full ownership of its immunisation programme.
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth-400x240.jpg)
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth-80x80.jpg)
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Times Ladies Association, a group consisting of female staff of the New Times Corporation (NTC), on Monday commemorated this year’s International Women’s Day with a call on women to empower themselves through education, unity and healthy living to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The event, held at the NTC’s boardroom, was attended by management members and staff of the corporation and was to celebrate the achievements of women and reflect on their role in society.
In her address, the President of the association, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo, said the global celebration, marked annually on March 8, recognised the economic, political and social achievements of women while raising awareness about gender equality.
Although the international celebration fell on Sunday, she explained that the association decided to mark the occasion on March 9 to enable members to participate fully and commemorate the day in their own way.
Speaking on this year’s theme: ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,’ and the global campaign theme: ‘Give to Gain,’ she the association had over the years worked tirelessly to support the growth and progress of the corporation despite the challenges they faced.
Urged members to commit themselves to deeper service to humanity and the advancement of women. She said women were unique, resilient and invaluable to society, stating that they deserved respect, appreciation, kindness and love for the vital roles they played in families, workplaces and communities.
According to her, members of the President, who is also the Editor of The Spectator newspaper, encouraged members to empower themselves academically and take advantage of opportunities to improve their lives and careers.
She also urged them to maintain healthy lifestyles by going for regular medical check-ups, exercise regularly, get enough rest and support one another.
Moreover, she advised members to accept leadership positions when given the opportunity and to exhibit qualities such as hard work, confidence, patience, compassion and responsibility in both their homes and workplaces.
Contributing, the Chanel Marketing and Circulation Manager, Mr Alfred Koomson, said women played critical roles in society and deserved to be supported and appreciated.
He urged men to recognise that they were often vulnerable species without the care, support and contributions of women in their lives.
He, therefore, commended women for the invaluable roles they play as mothers, caregivers, professionals and leaders, stressing that society would be incomplete without them.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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GHANA celebrated her 69th Independence Anniversary last Friday with colourful parades across all 16 regions of the country.
This year’s theme: ‘Reflect, Review, Reset,’ emphasised the importance of reflecting on the nation’s journey, assessing its current state, and planning for a brighter future.
At the Jubilee House, dignitaries present were President John Mahama, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, former Presidents, Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor, behalf of the President, former President of Tanzania, and other distinguished guests.
The President, John Dramani Mahama, addressed the nation at the seat of government whiles Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives addressed their various assemblies on.
As part of the celebrations, school children paraded and displayed their marching skills whiles others performed cultural and other social activities to mark the day across the regions.
