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Loneliness increases risk of stroke, others —kills over 100 every hour
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A World Health Organisation (WHO) report has linked loneliness to over 100 deaths every hour, totalling more than 871,000 global fatalities each year.
The WHO Commission on Social Connection revealed in its report that one in six people globally experience loneliness, with significant consequences for physical and mental health, well-being, and economic productivity.
WHO defines social connection as the ways people interact with others; loneliness as the painful feeling resulting from a gap between desired and actual connections; and social isolation as a lack of sufficient social ties.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation, noted that despite the limitless opportunities for connection in today’s world, increasing numbers of people feel isolated and alone.
He warned that beyond individual impacts, unaddressed loneliness and social isolation could cost societies billions through health care, education, and employment losses.
The report highlights that loneliness affects people of all ages, particularly youth and those in low- and middle-income countries.
Among individuals aged 13–29, between 17–21 per cent reported feeling lonely, with the highest rates among teenagers.
In low-income countries, about 24 per cent reported loneliness—double the 11 per cent in high-income countries.
She stressed that policies must embed social connection across sectors such as digital access, health, education, and employment.
Ms Mpemba noted that the root causes of loneliness and isolation were varied, including poor health, low income, limited education, living alone, inadequate infrastructure, weak public policy, and digital influences.
The report also cautions about the mental health risks associated with excessive screen time and negative online experiences, particularly for youth.
It further outlines the health and economic consequences: social connection reduces inflammation, supports mental health, lowers the risk of major diseases, and can prevent premature death.
It also enhances community safety and prosperity. In contrast, loneliness and isolation increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline, depression, and early mortality.
At the societal level, the report indicated that loneliness weakened social cohesion and incurred high costs in lost productivity and health care.
It said communities with strong social ties tended to be more resilient and responsive to crises.
Moreover, the WHO affirmed that solutions existed at national, community, and individual levels—from awareness campaigns and policy reforms to building inclusive social infrastructure such as parks, libraries, and community centres, alongside mental health support.
It called on individuals to act—check in on a friend, be fully engaged in conversations without digital distractions, connect with neighbours, participate in community groups, or offer their time through volunteering. —GNA
The Commercial National Motor Riders Union (CNMRU) has dismissed claims that the government has failed commercial motorbike riders after receiving their support during the 2024 general election campaign.
The union described allegations by a group known as the Okada Riders Association (ORAG) as false and misleading, insisting that the government has taken concrete steps towards legalising and regulating commercial motorcycle operations.
In a statement issued after a press conference on August 18, the CNMRU stated that the government established a technical committee after the 2024 elections to conduct research and engage stakeholders on the regulation of Okada operations.
According to the union, it has been actively involved in the process, representing the interests of commercial motor riders across the country.
It added that a delegation of stakeholders travelled to Rwanda to study that country’s system for regulating commercial motorcycle operations.
The delegation included representatives of the CNMRU, the National Road Safety Authority, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and the Ministry of Transport, the statement noted.
The union further stated that the bill on the regulation of commercial motorcycle operations has been laid before Parliament and is going through the legislative process.
“This is concrete progress, and it demonstrates that the government has not abandoned the Okada riders,” the CNMRU stated.
It also said sensitisation programmes were ongoing across the country to educate riders on road safety, licensing, responsible riding and the expected legal framework for commercial motorcycle operations.
The union noted that it was working with the government and the DVLA to bring mobile licensing services closer to riders and assist them in obtaining driving licences at subsidised rates.
It also welcomed plans to establish an electric motorcycle initiative in Ghana, which it said would provide commercial riders with access to environmentally friendly motorcycles under a work-and-pay arrangement.
The CNMRU explained that it supported President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 election campaign because of their commitment to address the legal and regulatory challenges facing commercial motor riders.
“We supported a commitment, and today we are witnessing concrete steps toward fulfilling that commitment,” it stated.
However, the union acknowledged that not all the challenges facing Okada riders had been resolved.
It urged commercial motor riders, the media and the public to distinguish between what it described as political propaganda and the work being undertaken to regulate the sector.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has commended The Fourth Estate for its investigative report into the attestation process, while announcing measures to improve the service and prevent the activities of middlemen.
The Ministry, in a press statement issued on Thursday, September 3, 2026, acknowledged an online report published by The Fourth Estate on September 2 concerning an undercover investigation into attestation services provided by state institutions.
It praised the media organisation for its investigative work, noting that such efforts contribute to good governance, public accountability and improved service delivery.
The Ministry, however, clarified that the man implicated in the investigation is not a staff member of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to the Ministry, the individual has been sanctioned by his respective institution and reported to law enforcement agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.
It added that he has also been prohibited from entering the premises of the Ministry.
The Ministry maintained that it has a zero-tolerance policy towards middlemen and third-party facilitators who seek to profit from the acquisition of attestation documents.
It condemned the activities of what it described as unscrupulous middlemen who take advantage of vulnerable members of the public.
The Ministry explained that the attestation process involves several institutions across different arms of government, making coordination important to maintaining the integrity of the process.
It said efforts to strengthen coordination among the institutions involved had been ongoing for several months, even before The Fourth Estate’s investigation.
Attestation process to go digital
The Ministry disclosed that comprehensive reforms are underway to make the attestation process more efficient and reduce direct human interaction.
According to it, plans are being pursued to make payments for attestation services cashless, while digital platforms are also being developed to support the entire process.
The Ministry expressed confidence that the reforms would produce results similar to improvements achieved in Ghana’s passport application and administration processes.
It further reminded the public that the Parliament-approved fee for attestation is GH¢200.
The fee, it explained, is collected by officials of the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department, who issue the appropriate receipts.
The Ministry warned the public against using middlemen, stressing that engaging their services is strictly illegal.
It encouraged anyone with information, enquiries or complaints concerning the attestation process to contact the Ministry.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining transparency, integrity and ethical standards in the delivery of its services.
By: Jacob Aggrey
