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Ministry of Health hosts forum to drive Universal Coverage
The Ministry of Health (MoH) is taking significant steps towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through a three-day forum focused on strengthening community health systems.
This initiative aims to improve health outcomes by enhancing the Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) program, which has been the foundation of Ghana’s primary care system for over two decades.
Held under the theme; “Achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through Strengthened Community Health Systems for Better Health Outcomes,” the forum commenced with an opening ceremony that brought together key stakeholders from across the health sector.
The discussions at the opening session centred on reflecting on the current state of Ghana’s community health system, identifying existing gaps, sharing best practices, and agreeing on practical next steps to ensure the system reaches its full potential.
In his address at the opening, the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, emphasised the importance of collaboration, innovation, and dialogue in the collective effort towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
He noted that throughout the forum’s duration, participants would engage in insightful discussions, foster partnerships, and explore new approaches to strengthening community health systems as a cornerstone of Universal Health Coverage.
The Minister also acknowledged the persistent challenges that continue to hinder healthcare accessibility, including limited financial access, gaps in service readiness, and inadequate infrastructure.
He underscored the urgent need to address these barriers through strategic investments, targeted policy reforms, and strengthened stakeholder collaboration, the very objective of the forum. “That is the only way to build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable health system for all,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, the Director General and Head of the Division of Community Health Systems and Health Promotion at Africa CDC highlighted the vital role of community health in advancing UHC across the continent.
He remarked, “Community health is not merely a sector it is the heartbeat of our health systems. It connects our citizens to essential services, empowers individuals and families to take charge of their health, and drives progress towards universal health coverage.”
This forum signals a renewed commitment by the MOH and its partners to prioritize community-level healthcare as the foundation for achieving accessible, affordable, and equitable services for all Ghanaians.
As the deliberations continue over the three days, it is expected that the forum will shape actionable strategies and reinforce the country’s determination to deliver health for all, ensuring that no one is left behind.
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NPP Will Surely Return to Power in 2028 — Justin Kodua Declares, Accuses Mahama Government of State-Sponsored Persecution
The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua, has expressed confidence that the party will return to power in December 2028, promising that the NPP will present a stronger, united front to the Ghanaian people.
Speaking at a press conference at the party’s headquarters, Mr. Kodua assured members and supporters that despite current challenges, the NPP remains the best option for Ghana’s development.
“We have more than three years to preach to Ghanaians our record and what the New Patriotic Party stands for. I can assure you, issues of apathy and reconciliation will all be addressed. Inshallah, come December 7, 2028, the New Patriotic Party will surely come back to power,” he declared confidently.
Mr. Kodua also used the platform to criticize the John Mahama-led government, accusing it of persecuting NPP members through the abuse of state institutions.
According to him, the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government has “weaponised” state security agencies and the judiciary to target political opponents, describing the situation as a dangerous threat to Ghana’s democracy.
He said the NPP had on several occasions held demonstrations and press conferences to remind the government that Ghana is a country governed by the rule of law, but such calls have gone unheeded.
“Unfortunately, our calls have fallen on deaf ears, but as a party, we shall not back down on our resolve to fight this injustice,” he said.
Mr. Kodua cited instances where NPP members have allegedly been detained beyond the lawful 48-hour limit and subjected to excessive bail conditions.
He stressed that these actions violate Article 14 of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees that any person arrested or detained must be brought before a court within 48 hours or released on reasonable terms.
He further noted that the practice also contravenes Section 96 of the Criminal and Other Offences Procedure Act (Act 30) and several Supreme Court decisions, including Martin Kpebu vs. Attorney-General, which emphasize that bail must not be punitive or unreasonable.
“Under President John Mahama’s administration, a person is rather presumed guilty until proven innocent. This level of selective justice and intolerance of dissent is eroding public confidence in Ghana’s democratic and judicial systems,” he lamented.
Mr. Kodua described as alarming the growing “culture of silence,” where citizens are allegedly targeted for expressing dissenting opinions on social media, warning that it poses a threat to the nation’s democratic gains.
He reaffirmed the NPP’s commitment to defending justice and freedom, insisting that the party will not relent in protecting the rights of its members and all Ghanaians.
“The repercussions of this culture of silence are dangerous. It reverses the democratic progress we’ve made as a country,” he warned.
In a more hopeful tone, Mr. Kodua announced that the NPP would soon resume issuing membership cards to strengthen its grassroots organization ahead of the 2028 elections.
“I’m happy to announce that starting next week, we’ll continue with the issuing of membership cards to our members,” he said.
He ended his address by reiterating his belief that the NPP will return to power in 2028, saying Ghanaians have experienced both major political parties and can clearly see the difference.
“Ghanaians have tested both the NPP and the NDC, and I tell you, the difference will be clear. The New Patriotic Party will surely come back to power,” he concluded confidently.
— By Jacob Aggrey
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and Acting Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has arrived in Brazil to lead Ghana’s delegation to the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30).
The global climate summit is being held in Belém, a city in northern Brazil, where world leaders, negotiators, civil society groups, and environmental experts are meeting to discuss major decisions on climate action, nature conservation, and sustainable development.
As head of Ghana’s delegation, Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah is expected to deliver Ghana’s national statement at the Summit of Heads of State on Thursday, November 6, 2025, on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama.
His speech will highlight Ghana’s key climate priorities, commitments, and expectations for global cooperation.
The Acting Minister and his team will also participate in negotiations, ministerial dialogues, and other scheduled activities throughout the two-week conference, which runs from November 6 to November 21, 2025.
According to the Ministry of Environment, Ghana’s participation in COP30 underscores the government’s strong commitment to protecting the environment, promoting climate resilience, and building strategic partnerships with other countries to tackle global environmental challenges.
The Ministry added that Ghana will continue to use international platforms such as COP30 to share knowledge, engage in meaningful dialogue, and strengthen cooperation for sustainable development.
— By Jacob Aggrey
