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Ghana marks World AIDS Day, urges stronger national response
Government has joined the global community to observe World AIDS Day, using the occasion to renew its commitment to ending HIV and AIDS in the country.
In a statement, it noted that the day provides an opportunity to reflect on progress made, honour those lost to AIDS and strengthen national efforts toward an AIDS free Ghana.
This year’s global theme is Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response, while Ghana’s national sub theme is Africa unites against AIDS.
Government explained that although Ghana has made progress with prevention, treatment and care, HIV remains a major public health concern.
It said national estimates show more than 334,700 people are living with HIV, adding that in 2024 the country recorded over 15,200 new infections and more than 12,600 AIDS related deaths.
It also acknowledged that prevention efforts have sometimes been inconsistent and that stigma remains high.
To protect essential services, Government outlined a number of steps it has taken. It recalled that in February 2025, the President directed the Ministry of Finance to secure funding for core HIV services following cuts in external support.
It also noted that Cabinet has approved a revised National Workplace HIV and Wellness Policy to improve prevention and reduce stigma at the workplace. In addition, it has launched the National HIV Response Sustainability Roadmap to expand access to prevention and treatment and ensure long term resilience.
Government further stressed the importance of stronger private sector involvement.
It reminded businesses that HIV affects productivity and economic growth, and urged them to invest in workplace HIV programmes, support public education campaigns and implement policies that protect workers.
It commended health workers, private organisations and civil society partners for their continuous efforts in supporting the national response.
Government encouraged the public to know their HIV status, use HIV self test kits, seek early treatment and reject stigma and discrimination.
It urged Corporate Ghana to adopt the National Workplace HIV and Wellness Policy and work with it to build a sustainable response.
By: Jacob Aggrey
A 30-year-old man has been sentenced to 25 years imprisonment with hard labour by the Bekwai Circuit Court for his role in a 2022 robbery at a mining site at Manso Akwasiso in the Ashanti South Region.
The convict, Dominic Ofori, also known as Fanta, was arrested on 16th February 2026 after years on the run. He pleaded guilty before the Bekwai Circuit Court to robbery contrary to Section 149 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 Act 29, and was accordingly sentenced to 25 years imprisonment with hard labour.
On March 20, 2022, the Manso Adubia District Police received intelligence that a group of armed men from Manso Abodom were planning to attack a mining site at Manso Akwasiso to rob the owner of gold concentrate. Acting on the information, police mounted a coordinated operation and laid an ambush at the site.
At about 5:30 pm the same day, four-armed men arrived at the site, fired indiscriminately, and robbed the miners of their gold concentrate. The police team on surveillance intervened, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
Three of the suspects, Abu Abubakar, Musah Latif, and Gideon Takyi, sustained gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead on arrival at St Martins Catholic Hospital at Agroyesum. Dominic Ofori escaped at the time but was later arrested and put before the court.
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has assured the public of its continued commitment to combating violent crimes and bringing offenders to justice.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested 45-year-old Isaac Boafo, also known as “Duabo King,” for allegedly publishing false news intended to cause fear and panic.
Police said the arrest follows a viral TikTok video in which Boafo claimed that four officers at the Central Police Station in Kumasi engaged in inappropriate conduct with commercial sex workers during night patrols in Asafo.
Officers from the Police Intelligence Directorate (Ashanti Region) apprehended Boafo after receiving intelligence about the video.
During questioning, he admitted to creating the video to attract views and engagement online, and acknowledged that he could not prove the allegations.
Boafo also admitted making comments about the President of the Republic for content purposes and could not defend those statements.
He has been formally charged and is in detention as investigations continue.
The Ashanti Regional Police have warned the public against publishing or sharing false information on social media, noting that such acts can cause fear, panic, and damage reputations.
They said anyone found engaging in similar conduct will face legal action.
By: Jacob Aggrey
