News
HIV cases soar in Greater Accra, Ashanti, Eastern regions
The 2024 National HIV and Subnational Estimates has revealed that Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Eastern regions have recorded the highest number of HIV infections and population.
Data from the Ghana Aids Commission (GAC) shows that 77,821 persons living with HIV reside in Greater Accra, 63,159 in Ashanti, and 44,792 in the Eastern Region. The North East Region recorded the lowest figure, with 1,717 cases.
Mr Issiah Doe Kwao, Director of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation at GAC, attributed the high infection rates to unprotected sex, risky sexual behaviours, limited HIV awareness, and low condom use among the youth.
He told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that Accra Metro recorded 451 new infections, Kumasi 360, Techiman Municipal 264, Kpone-Katamanso 252, and Ga East 206—making them the five districts with the highest number of new cases.
Mr Kwao encouraged young people to use lubricated condoms, describing them as safe and effective.
He said GAC is scaling up HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and self-testing to strengthen prevention and widen access to treatment, particularly among high-risk groups.
He further noted that stigma and discrimination continue to hinder testing and care services, stressing the need to reinforce the national HIV response.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), HIV remains a major global public health challenge, with 44.1 million lives lost to date.
As of end-2024, an estimated 40.8 million people were living with HIV worldwide, 65 per cent of whom were in the WHO African region.
In 2024, approximately 1.3 million new infections occurred globally, alongside 630,000 HIV-related deaths.
Although there is no cure, WHO states that effective prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care now enable people living with HIV to live long, healthy lives. –GNA
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
