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Guard against disease outbreaks, reptile invasion as rains set in-GHS
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As dark clouds gather and the rains begin to fall across the country, health authorities are urging Ghanaians to take extra precautions to protect themselves and their families from disease outbreaks commonly associated with the rainy season.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS), through the Ministry of Health, has issued a public health alert, warning that the onset of the rains, particularly after prolonged dry spells, could lead to an increase in waterborne and mosquito-borne diseases.
According to a statement signed by the Director-General of the GHS, Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever and dysentery were likely to surge during this period as rainwater may carry contaminated waste into water sources used by communities.
For many residents, especially those living in flood-prone areas, the warning serves as a reminder of the health challenges that often accompany the rainy season.
Beyond contaminated water, the GHS noted that vegetables cultivated near water bodies could also become contaminated, posing additional health risks to consumers.
“The rains also create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of malaria, yellow fever and dengue fever. Stagnant water collected in discarded cans, old vehicle tyres and other containers has been identified as a major source of mosquito breeding,” it warned.
Health experts are, therefore, encouraging households to keep their surroundings clean by removing objects that can collect water and by clearing bushes around homes.
The service further advised the public to ensure that food was thoroughly cooked before consumption and to wash fruits and vegetables properly with clean water and salt or vinegar.
The service also urged residents to buy food only from hygienic and reputable sources and maintain regular hand washing with soap under running water, particularly before handling food.
Food vendors, who play a critical role in public health, were also reminded to adhere strictly to food safety practices and advised them to source ingredients from approved suppliers.
The statement also highlighted another often-overlooked consequence of heavy rains and flooding, which is the increased movement of reptiles into residential areas.
Floodwaters, the GHS explained, can force reptiles out of their natural habitats and into human settlements in search of dry ground.
Residents have, therefore, been advised to keep doors and windows closed where possible, raise belongings off the floor and eliminate potential hiding places around their homes.
Professor Akoriyea stressed that safeguarding public health during the rainy season requires collective responsibility.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has taken note of public allegations of extortion and related conduct made against the Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
The allegations were made by the Chief Executive of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi.
In a brief statement, the OSP said it has also received a joint petition submitted by two persons, as well as two separate petitions from other persons, in relation to the same allegations.
“Given the nature of the allegations, the OSP will assess the case and determine whether it falls within its statutory mandate and whether further investigative action is warranted,” the statement said.
The development comes amid a heated public feud between the Minority in Parliament and the leadership of GoldBod over the operations of the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme.
The Minority, led by Afenyo-Markin, has accused GoldBod and the Bank of Ghana of causing a loss of over $1.7 billion, citing the International Monetary Fund’s August 2026 report. The Minority has vowed to pursue the matter as Parliament has reconvened for an emergency sitting.
GoldBod, on the other hand, has rejected claims by some NPP MPs, including Tano South MP Dr Gideon Boako, that it owes the Bank of Ghana GH¢1 billion in overdrafts, describing the claim as “false and malicious.”
In the latest twist, GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi has accused the Minority Leader of extortion and related conduct, an allegation that has triggered petitions to the OSP.
The OSP is mandated under Act 959 to investigate and prosecute specific cases of alleged or suspected corruption and corruption-related offences involving public officers and politically exposed persons.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, has filed his nomination to contest the position of General Secretary again as the party begins its rebuilding efforts ahead of the 2028 general elections.
He was accompanied by party stalwarts and supporters who were in high spirits, expressing confidence that he is the right person to hold the position.
Speaking after filing his nomination, Mr Kodua Frimpong assured the rank and file of the party that he would not disappoint them.
“I can assure you that the faith the rank and file of the party have had in me, I will never disappoint them,” he said.
He also pledged to run a clean campaign devoid of personal attacks.
“I can assure you that our internal campaign will be devoid of personal attacks,” he told his fellow contestants and the rank and file of the party as he seeks to retain his position.
His tenure has seen the party through the 2024 general elections, where the NPP lost power to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) after eight years in government.
The party is currently in a rebuilding phase, with internal elections scheduled to elect new national executives to lead its reorganization towards the 2028 polls.
The General Secretary position is considered one of the most influential in the party’s administrative structure, responsible for the day-to-day running of the party secretariat and implementation of party decisions.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
