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Ghana pledges to explore Gene Drive Technology as a strategy to combat malaria – Minister
Given the high burden of malaria in Africa, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, research scientists from the region are collaborating with global counterparts to explore genetic solutions to combat malaria transmission both locally and globally.
Ghana has expressed interest in exploring gene drive technology, a genetic engineering technique that alters genes to defy the typical rules of inheritance.
This technology significantly increases the chances that specific genes will be passed on to the next generation, enabling these genes to spread rapidly through a population and potentially override natural selection.
This interest was revealed at the Second Global Genetic Biocontrol Congress in Accra in partnership with the National Biosafety Authority, Ghana.
It brought together scientists, researchers, and stakeholders from 24 institutions across 15 countries and was held under the theme: “Harnessing Genetic Biocontrol Potential Solutions in Changing Climate.”
In a statement, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Ghana’s Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, emphasized malaria as a “serious threat” and underscored its significant economic impact on Africa, where millions are spent annually on malaria control.
He reassured that Ghana is committed to adopting emerging technologies to support disease prevention, including those affecting crops, as long as they do not pose a risk to human survival.
“Opposition to GMOs often stems from cultural and social concerns. However, the critical question is whether we should move forward with such technologies,” Dr. Muhammed stated.
He added “As long as they do not endanger our survival or cause adverse health effects, we are not opposed to them.”
Gene drive technology offers a promising new strategy to combat malaria by creating a “vaccine” for mosquitoes that prevents them from transmitting the disease.
Scientists genetically modify mosquitoes to make them incapable of spreading malaria, and these modified mosquitoes are then released into the wild, where they breed with others.
Over time, the genetic modification spreads through the population, and more mosquitoes become incapable of transmitting the disease.
Professor Fredros Okumu, a Public Health Researcher and Mosquito Biologist, emphasized the need for innovative, high-success solutions to fight malaria in Africa.
He pointed out that current malaria vaccines, which require multiple doses, highlight the necessity for more effective tools. “We need new tools,” he said, “and gene drive technology could be the solution.”
Dr. Willy Tonui, Founder and Executive Director of the African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium, explained that the Congress served as a platform for collaboration among researchers, developers, and practitioners. He stressed that the event would foster cooperation and drive new scientific advancements, particularly with technologies like gene drive and Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility.
Dr. Misheck Mulumba, the Congress President, advocated for the One Health approach to disease control, arguing that it offers a more affordable and efficient strategy for addressing health challenges.
By Benedicta Gyimaah Folley
Ahyiresu and Abofrem, two quiet communities in the Atwima Mponua District, have been shaken to the core by a chilling midnight drama that reads like a nightmare.
A pastor and a young mother stand accused of attempting to bury a five‑month‑old baby girl alive, a crime that has ignited outrage and disbelief across the township.
According to police, Apostle Richmond Akwasi Frimpong, 36, Head Pastor of the Anointed Grace Prayer Ministry at Kuffour Camp, conspired with his uncle Emmanuel Appiah, 53, and the child’s mother, 23‑year‑old Beatrice Agyapomaa, to dispose of the infant, Anaya Achiaa, under the cover of darkness.
A fourth suspect, Emmanuel Donkor, remains on the run.
The suspects were caught near a refuse dump around 10 pm on April 9, 2026, after a vigilant resident, Akwasi Twezor, noticed their suspicious movements.
When confronted, they claimed the child was already dead and had palace approval for burial. But Twezor’s instincts proved right—the baby was still alive, gasping faintly for breath.
Chief Linguist, Nana Yaw Badu, later confirmed that Frimpong had misled him earlier in the evening, securing permission for burial by falsely declaring the child dead.
The infant was rushed to the Abofrem Clinic, where she is now responding well to treatment. Police described her as “very beautiful.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Evelyn Yitamkey, Commander of DOVVSU in Bibiani, confirmed that the suspects have been provisionally charged.
Frimpong faces attempted murder and conspiracy charges, while Agyapomaa and Appiah are charged with conspiracy and abetment.
They were remanded by the Bibiani Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Frank Asiedu Nimako, to assist investigations.
The docket has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for advice, ASP Yitamkey indicated.
The attempted crime has provoked fury among residents, many suspecting ritual motives aimed at bolstering the pastor’s influence.
Crowds attempted to attack the suspects outside court, but police intervention prevented mob justice.
The Assembly Member for Ahyiresu, Yusuf Suleiman, has assured residents that justice will be pursued swiftly.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
The forecourt of the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) in Accra came alive on Friday with colour, creativity and innovation, as Level 300 students transformed the space into a lively exhibition of ideas.
Under the theme “Building meaningful brands beyond the logo,” the students invited patrons into a world where ordinary products were reimagined through storytelling, design and purpose.
From scented candles to innovative food concepts, each stand told a unique story, one that went beyond aesthetics to capture identity, value and human connection.
For many of the students, the event was more than just an academic exercise; it was a moment to dream out loud.
Guided by their lecturer, Peter Wonders, they explored what it truly means to build a brand in today’s competitive world where trust, consistency and experience matter just as much as logos and slogans.
Chairman of the occasion, Nana Kum Gyata VI, in his remarks said a brand is what people say about you when you are not present.
At the end of the presentations, awards were presented to deserving groups with Vida Nyaneba emerging as the overall best branding student.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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