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Ministry of Health marks lead awareness week to curb lead poisoning

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The Ministry of Health (MoH), in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and development partners, has observed this year’s Lead Awareness Week under the theme “No Safe Level: Act Now to End Lead Exposure.”

The campaign, supported by Pure Earth, aims to educate the public on the dangers of lead poisoning and promote efforts to eliminate lead from paints, consumer products, and the environment.

Speaking on behalf of the Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr. Frank Rajah said lead exposure remains a major public health concern, especially for children, pregnant women, and workers.

He explained that lead poisoning can cause serious and irreversible health effects, including brain damage, developmental delays, learning disabilities, and damage to vital organs such as the kidneys.

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Mr. Rajah noted that the effects of lead exposure go beyond health, as they also carry social and economic costs that reduce productivity and hinder sustainable development.

He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to preventive health measures, stronger regulations, and partnerships aimed at achieving a lead-free Ghana.

Dr. Fiona Braka, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Ghana, cited data from the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation showing that lead exposure caused over 1.5 million deaths globally in 2021, most of them due to heart-related conditions. It also led to 33 million disability-adjusted life years lost worldwide.

Dr. Braka explained that children are more vulnerable to lead because their bodies absorb it more easily, leading to reduced IQ, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems. In pregnant women, lead exposure can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and birth defects.

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She added that WHO, through the Bloomberg Philanthropies Lead Poisoning Prevention Initiative, will continue to support high-risk countries, including Ghana, to adopt clinical management guidelines for lead exposure and strengthen national systems for early detection and response.

The Lead Awareness Week celebration highlights Ghana’s growing commitment to protecting public health and ensuring a safer, lead-free environment for all.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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Police arrest former boxer Ayitey Powers over alleged death threat on NSA boss

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The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested former professional boxer Michael Ayitey Okai, popularly known as “Ayitey Powers,” over an alleged threat of death against the Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo.

According to the Police, the 46-year-old former boxer was arrested on Monday, August 24, 2026, in connection with the alleged threat.

The Police said the arrest followed a video circulating on social media in which Ayitey Powers is alleged to have issued the threat against Mr Ampofo.

He is currently in Police custody and is assisting with investigations.

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The Accra Regional Police Command said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged threat and determine the appropriate action to be taken in accordance with the law.

The Command has urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information about the matter while the investigation continues.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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Afenyo Markin sues Sammy Gyamfi, Multimedia for alleged defamation

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Minority Leader in Parliament Alexander Afenyo Markin has sued the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, and Multimedia Group Limited over alleged defamatory comments made against him on the Newsfile programme.

In a writ filed at the High Court in Accra, Mr Afenyo Markin is seeking GH¢15 million in damages, an apology and retraction of the statements, among other reliefs.

The suit follows comments allegedly made by Mr Gyamfi during the Saturday, August 22, 2026 edition of Newsfile, hosted by Samson Lardy Anyenini.

According to the statement of claim, Mr Gyamfi described Mr Afenyo Markin as an “extortionist” while responding to a question about GoldBod’s reported profits and its position on losses arising from its operations.

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The plaintiff claims that Mr Gyamfi repeated the allegation when the host sought clarification on whether he stood by the description.

Mr Afenyo Markin further claims that Mr Gyamfi challenged him to sue him and insisted that the allegation was true.

The plaintiff argues that the statements created the impression that he engages in extortion, uses his political influence to put improper pressure on public institutions and officials, and conducts himself in a manner inconsistent with the standards expected of a lawyer and public office holder.

He denies the allegations and maintains that he is not an extortionist and has never engaged in the conduct alleged by Mr Gyamfi.

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The Minority Leader also argues that the comments were made maliciously and were presented as facts without evidence being disclosed.

He claims the statements have damaged his reputation, professional standing and public image, particularly because of his position as a senior political figure and legal practitioner.

The suit also names Multimedia Group Limited as a defendant because, according to the plaintiff, the alleged defamatory comments were broadcast through JoyNews and subsequently circulated on social media platforms, including X, Facebook and YouTube.

Mr Afenyo Markin claims Multimedia failed to stop the comments or deactivate Mr Gyamfi’s microphone after the allegations were made.

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He is therefore asking the court to award him general, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as GH¢15 million in compensation and legal costs.

He is also seeking an order compelling the defendants to issue a full, unconditional and unequivocal retraction and public apology.

The plaintiff wants the apology and retraction to be given similar prominence and reach as the original publication, including through JoyNews and the social media platforms where the comments were disseminated.

He is further seeking a permanent injunction preventing the defendants from repeating the alleged defamatory statements or words with a similar meaning.

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The writ requires the defendants to enter an appearance within eight days after being served.

It warns that failure to do so could result in judgment being entered in their absence.

The case was filed by lawyer Paa Kwesi Abaidoo of Dehyena Chambers on behalf of Mr Afenyo Markin.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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