News
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
National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Executive Committee member and Volta River Authority (VRA) Board Member, Wonder Victor Kutor, has described calls for the resignation of Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa as premature and unjustified.
He argued that there was no evidence to establish that the minister had committed any wrongdoing to warrant such demands.
Speaking on Joy News in Accra on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Mr Kutor questioned what had changed to justify the growing calls for the minister to step down.
He recalled that the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, had earlier indicated that the opposition was not accusing Mr Ablakwa of any wrongdoing.
Mr Kutor, therefore, challenged those demanding the minister’s resignation to provide fresh evidence to support their position.
“The call for the Minister to resign is premature, it is untenable. There is no evidence. I mean, what has he done wrong?” he questioned.
He added that documents, including boarding passes, airline receipts and flight manifests relating to the minister’s return journey, had been provided.
Mr Kutor expressed concern that the calls for Mr Ablakwa’s resignation could discourage young politicians from speaking out against corruption and advocating transparency.
According to him, politicians should not be targeted or maligned for demanding accountability, warning that such treatment could create the impression that speaking against corruption could later become a liability when one is appointed to public office.
He maintained that calling for accountability and transparency should not be used as grounds to target public officials without evidence of wrongdoing.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ghana will host the Africa Festival of Arts, Culture and Creatives (AFESTAC) 2026 alongside Industrial Skills Week Africa (ISWA) 2026 in Accra from December 9 to 12, 2026.
On the back of these programmes, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has called on corporate Ghana, the media and the general public to support the initiative through partnerships, sponsorships and active participation.
The events, supported by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), will bring together stakeholders to celebrate Africa’s rich cultural heritage, strengthen the creative economy, promote industrial skills development and create employment opportunities for young people.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
