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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 Accra Regional Police Command has arrested former professional boxer Michael Ayitey Okai, popularly known as “Ayitey Powers,” over an alleged threat of death against the Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo.
According to the Police, the 46-year-old former boxer was arrested on Monday, August 24, 2026, in connection with the alleged threat.
The Police said the arrest followed a video circulating on social media in which Ayitey Powers is alleged to have issued the threat against Mr Ampofo.
He is currently in Police custody and is assisting with investigations.
The Accra Regional Police Command said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged threat and determine the appropriate action to be taken in accordance with the law.
The Command has urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information about the matter while the investigation continues.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Minority Leader in Parliament Alexander Afenyo Markin has sued the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, and Multimedia Group Limited over alleged defamatory comments made against him on the Newsfile programme.
In a writ filed at the High Court in Accra, Mr Afenyo Markin is seeking GH¢15 million in damages, an apology and retraction of the statements, among other reliefs.
The suit follows comments allegedly made by Mr Gyamfi during the Saturday, August 22, 2026 edition of Newsfile, hosted by Samson Lardy Anyenini.
According to the statement of claim, Mr Gyamfi described Mr Afenyo Markin as an “extortionist” while responding to a question about GoldBod’s reported profits and its position on losses arising from its operations.
The plaintiff claims that Mr Gyamfi repeated the allegation when the host sought clarification on whether he stood by the description.
Mr Afenyo Markin further claims that Mr Gyamfi challenged him to sue him and insisted that the allegation was true.
The plaintiff argues that the statements created the impression that he engages in extortion, uses his political influence to put improper pressure on public institutions and officials, and conducts himself in a manner inconsistent with the standards expected of a lawyer and public office holder.
He denies the allegations and maintains that he is not an extortionist and has never engaged in the conduct alleged by Mr Gyamfi.
The Minority Leader also argues that the comments were made maliciously and were presented as facts without evidence being disclosed.
He claims the statements have damaged his reputation, professional standing and public image, particularly because of his position as a senior political figure and legal practitioner.
The suit also names Multimedia Group Limited as a defendant because, according to the plaintiff, the alleged defamatory comments were broadcast through JoyNews and subsequently circulated on social media platforms, including X, Facebook and YouTube.
Mr Afenyo Markin claims Multimedia failed to stop the comments or deactivate Mr Gyamfi’s microphone after the allegations were made.
He is therefore asking the court to award him general, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as GH¢15 million in compensation and legal costs.
He is also seeking an order compelling the defendants to issue a full, unconditional and unequivocal retraction and public apology.
The plaintiff wants the apology and retraction to be given similar prominence and reach as the original publication, including through JoyNews and the social media platforms where the comments were disseminated.
He is further seeking a permanent injunction preventing the defendants from repeating the alleged defamatory statements or words with a similar meaning.
The writ requires the defendants to enter an appearance within eight days after being served.
It warns that failure to do so could result in judgment being entered in their absence.
The case was filed by lawyer Paa Kwesi Abaidoo of Dehyena Chambers on behalf of Mr Afenyo Markin.
By: Jacob Aggrey
