News
Health Alert: HIV still prevalent-Over 23,000 infected in W/R
The Western Regional Office of the Ghana AIDS Commission, has advised the public to be on high alert on HIV/AIDS infections which continues to be a source of worry in the region.
“Currently, thereare 23,904 persons living with HIV in the region. Again, 1,101 people newly got infected with HIV in 2022 alone, a situation which is worrying to the Commission and partners,” the Regional Technical Coordinator of the Ghana AIDS Commission for the Western Region, MrDramaniYakubu, has revealed.
He disclosed that “The current HIV Prevalence in the region was 1.63 percent. This means that, out of every 100 people in the Western Region, about two of them were living with HIV. This data clearly tells us that HIV is still here with us and we should not take risks such as unprotected sexual relationships with multiple partners.”
MrYakubu disclosed these to The Spectator in an interview on the update of HIV and Aids campaigns involving stakeholders and also to mark the 2023 World AIDS Day (WAD), which falls on December 1, every year in Ghana and across the world.
Themed “Let Communities Lead”, this year’s event provides the opportunity for stakeholders to unite in response to the HIV & AIDS epidemic, to assess efforts in responding to the epidemic and to remember those who have unfortunately died from AIDS-related causes.
MrYakubu said it was importantfor the public to test to know their HIV status and that of their partner(s), and noted that, having sex at an early age exposes one to HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and early pregnancies.
He said practicing abstinence or being faithful to an uninfected partner were key behaviours to effectively prevent HIV infections.
He said “Having sex with multiple partners increases the risk of HIV and other STI infections. If your HIV test is positive, you ought to visit a health facility to start treatment immediately. Taking HIV medication consistently reduces the amount of virus in your body, promotes good health and prolongs life.”
The Technical Coordinator told The Spectator that Antiretroviral (ARVs) were free in all health facilities, noting that, HIV related stigma creates barriers to HIV testing, treatment, care and support.
“HIV is a virus and anyone can get infected. The theme is a call for action for communities to play a more active role in the HIV response,”MrYakubu said.
He said as part of Ghana’s efforts to integrate HIV and AIDS programming into everyday activities in communities, the regional office, under the guidance of the Regional Minister, MrKwabenaOkyereDarko-Mensah, marked the 2023 Farmers’ Day alongside the World AIDS Day on Friday, November 24, across all the district assemblies.
This was to pave way for the region to host the national event at Tarkwa, yesterday.
Ghana AIDS Commission, he said, has undertaken a number of activities in collaboration with partners, with logistics such as condoms, HIV test kits, fliers and leaflets distributed, especially to the HIV Focal Persons at the Metropolitan Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
The Commission had also engaged in a month-long HIV sensitisation through local media partners to sensitise the population on HIV and AIDS and to discuss other topical issues and also together with partners, offered free health screening at the Farmers’ Day durbars on November 24.
From Clement Adzei Boye, Sekondi
News
Media reports claiming Cecilia Dapaah is cleared by FBI are false – OSP
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has dismissed media reports suggesting that former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, has been cleared of corruption by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
In a statement, the OSP said its attention had been drawn to several misleading publications which claimed that the FBI “found no evidence of corruption” or that Mrs. Dapaah “had been cleared.”
The office stressed that these reports were false and a misrepresentation of its Half-Yearly Report.
According to the OSP, the report stated that no direct and immediate evidence of corruption had been found, a legal standard that is different from saying there was “no evidence” or that the former minister had been cleared.
The OSP explained that the case was earlier referred to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) after investigations revealed strong signs of suspected money laundering and structuring, which fall under EOCO’s mandate.
However, the previous leadership of EOCO failed to act and returned the docket.
The new leadership has since requested and received the docket again.
The OSP urged the media to report with accuracy and remain faithful to official documents, stressing that responsible communication is necessary on matters of high national interest.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
Government Pays GH¢9.7 Billion Coupon Under the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP)
The Government of Ghana has paid GH¢9.7 billion as part of its debt obligations under the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).
The Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson said the payment amounted to GH¢9,698,815,220.17.
This brings the total payments made under the programme this year alone to GH¢19.4 billion.
According to the minister in a facebook post, the payment shows government’s commitment to honouring agreements made under the DDEP and is expected to boost investor confidence in the economy.
He stated that government has also created two sinking fund accounts one in cedis and another in US dollars to help manage future debt payments.
These funds, introduced he said is in line with the 2025 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review and backed by the Public Financial Management Act, meant to ensure that upcoming loan obligations due between 2026 and 2028 are paid on time.
The Finance Minister assured investors and the public that all future debt commitments, including those under the DDEP, will be fully honoured without delays.
By: Jacob Aggrey
