News
Health Minister addresses Parliament on Long-term measures to address rising monkey pox cases
In an address to Parliament, the Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, emphasized the growing concern over the re-emergence of monkeypox in the country.
He recalled that Ghana recorded its first cases during the 2022 global outbreak, confirming 128 cases and four deaths between 2022 and 2023.
An additional five cases were reported in 2024. Zunotic diseases such as Monkeypox, he noted, remain a significant global public health concern.
The current outbreak began on May 13, 2025, with two confirmed cases identified in the Accra Metropolitan Assembly.
As of June 9, a total of 85 cases have been recorded across 10 regions and 30 districts, greater Accra, Western, and Western North regions are most affected.
According to the Minister, the government responded promptly with a structured, multiple approach at all levels.
This approach includes improved coordination, enhanced surveillance, strengthened laboratory services, effective case management, risk communication, and the activation of public health emergency teams.
“These teams are fully operational, ensuring the availability of essential logistics such as personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect frontline health workers “he stated.
The Minister attributed the rise in monkey pox case detection to better surveillance systems, expanded testing capacity, and rigorous contact tracing.
However, he warned that to sustain this progress, it is vital to replenish essential laboratory supplies.
To further control the spread of the disease, the Ghana Health Service, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has intensified public education efforts.
Through partnerships with civil society organizations (CSOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the media, preventive messages are being amplified nationwide.
“Mr. Speaker,” the Minister stated, “while we address the current outbreak, we are also laying the groundwork for long-term preparedness.”
These long-term measures include building capacity, pre-positioning logistics, sustaining integrated surveillance, exploring innovative financing mechanisms, and considering targeted vaccination for high-risk groups.
The Health Minister respectively urged the Members of Parliament to support ongoing efforts by promoting key preventive messages and supporting health directorates within their constituencies.
He concluded that “I wish to assure this honorable house and the people of Ghana that the health sector remains fully committed to containing this outbreak.”
Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has revealed that in the whole of 2024, only GHS 362 million was released to MMDAs in Common Fund.
Contrary to this, In 2025 alone GHS 5 billion was released to the MMDAs with the following breakdown as follows.
The Minister made this revelation when he took his turn at the Government Accountability Series held today.
In breakdown, the minister nonted that 1st Quarter – 790,372,058.40 was released for 2025.
He added that for the 2nd Quarter, 1,464,983,309.60 was released.
3rd Quarter saw the release of 1,188,921,640.80 and
1,592,706,391.20 for 4th Quarter.
The Minister added tha each of the MMDAs were required to undertake the following; at least 2-CHPS compounds, 3 Classroom blocks, 10 Boreholes, and Completion of legacy projects.
Additionally, 25% of the Common Fund was allocated for the Construction of 24-Hour Economy Model Markets.
Ahmed Ibrahim noted that as a result of the timely and unprecedented release of Funds, a total of 494 CHPS compounds, 761 Classroom Blocks, 4,029 Boreholes, and 2,755 Legacy projects are currently at various stages of completion.
Also, he added that 261 24-Hour Economy Model Markets have all been awarded on contracts and construction has begun on many of them.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, together with members of the Police Management Board (POMAB), on April 17, 2026, decorated nineteen (19) senior officers who have been promoted to their next ranks based on the recommendations of the Police Council and approval of the President, John Dramani Mahama.
The ceremony, held at the National Police Headquarters in Accra, forms part of efforts to recognise merit, dedication, and long-standing service within the Ghana Police Service, while strengthening leadership across key operational and administrative levels.
The officers promoted from Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) to Commissioner of Police (COP) are Dr. Luke Asue-In-Yeng Zakpaa, Mr. Frederick Agyei, Mr. Duuti Tuaruka, Mr. Arthur Osei-Akoto, Mr. Darko Offei Lomotey, Mr. Eric Ken Winful, Mr. Barnabas Nambont Nasumong, and Mr. Desmond Owusu Boampong.
The IGP and members of POMAB congratulated the officers and urged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
