News
NHIA Kick-starts Nationwide Cybersecurity Awareness Training in Western Region
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has launched its nationwide cybersecurity awareness training program, starting with the Western Region.
On May 26, 2025, staff from the NHIA Western Regional Office gathered at the Akroma Plaza Hotel in Takoradi for the inaugural session of this important training initiative.
The programme, designed to benefit all NHIA staff nationwide, aims to safeguard the Authority’s critical digital infrastructure, ensure regulatory compliance, and strengthen the organization’s capacity to respond to evolving cyber threats.
The training is spearheaded by NHIA’s MIS Directorate in collaboration with XYLO 360 Cyber Security Ghana Ltd., serving as the training partner.
Acting Western Regional Director, Mr. Joseph Meneabeh Akpoh, welcomed staff and expressed appreciation to Executive Management for selecting the Western Region to kick-start the national program.
He urged participants to take the sessions seriously, emphasizing that mitigating risks from human error and fostering cybersecurity awareness are essential responsibilities for every employee.
Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Chief Executive, Operations, Dr. Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, the Acting Director of MIS, Mr. Vitus G. Kaleo-Bioh, underscored the importance Executive Management places on the initiative. He stressed that cybersecurity awareness covers all aspects of technology use — from computers and applications to access controls and internet usage. Mr. Kaleo-Bioh warned that a single mistake by one staff member could jeopardize years of accumulated NHIA membership data, emphasizing that “cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility.”
He encouraged staff to learn, practice, and communicate responsibly in the digital space.
Providing a technical overview, Senior Manager for Information Security and Standards at MIS, Mr. Ebenezer Hooper, outlined the NHIA’s cybersecurity landscape.
He emphasized that the goal of the awareness program is to equip staff with the knowledge to prevent breaches and protect sensitive data amid growing digital operations.
Leading the training, Mr. Nathaniel Ayettey from XYLO 360 Cyber Security Ghana Ltd. delivered a series of presentations covering essential topics, including social engineering techniques, access control measures, multifactor authentication, individual responsibilities in the digital environment, cybersecurity best practices, workplace internet use policies, and email-related risks.
Director of Membership and Regional Operations, Mr. Oti Frimpong, highlighted that the MIS cybersecurity program would ultimately enhance membership enrolment and ensure uninterrupted workflow, provided staff apply the lessons learned.
Participants praised the two-day training initiative, reaffirming their commitment to protecting the NHIA’s IT systems and infrastructure. With over 75% of NHIA’s operations now relying on digital platforms, this nationwide cybersecurity training is seen as a critical investment in the Authority’s resilience.
Other notable attendees included Acting Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Oswald Essuah-Mensah; Deputy Director of MIS, Mr. Stephen Bewong; and MIS Directorate staff Mr. Eric Asamoah, Ms. Pamela Mantey, and Mr. George Quartey.
AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine has broken ground on a modern 1,500-seater multipurpose assembly hall and a secured main gatehouse for New Edubiase Senior High School, in the Adansi South District.
The project, being executed by local contractor AA Engineering and Construction, is expected to be completed within 17 months and forms part of the Mine’s 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP) — a strategic framework for delivering sustainable development in its host communities.
Beyond the expansive assembly hall, the facility will house a fully integrated administrative complex featuring a dedicated sound room, a 16-seater staff eatery, and suites for the Headmaster and Assistant Headmaster, a bursar’s office, an 18-seater conference room, a 24-seater staff common room, six faculty office spaces and ancillary stores and washrooms.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the Mine’s Director of Sustainability Management, Edmund Oduro Agyei, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to improving educational outcomes in host communities through impactful and sustainable investments.
The Edubiasehene, Guahyia Oduropanin Birikorang, commended the Mine for the investment, saying the project demonstrated that the company’s development agenda extended well beyond its immediate operational areas.
The Headmaster of New Edubiase SHS, Mr Christopher Appiah Mensah, described the intervention as timely and transformative, noting it would address longstanding infrastructure deficits, improve conditions for teaching and learning, and create adequate space for academic and social gatherings.
“This will greatly enhance administrative efficiency and improve the overall welfare of both staff and students,” he said.
The facility is also expected to boost the school’s capacity to host national examinations and major events, and strengthen its standing as a centre of academic excellence within the district.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
Stakeholders have been urged to help raise awareness and eliminate the stigma often associated with clubfoot, a treatable condition which occurs in children.
Parents are to seek early treatment for the condition while policymakers strengthen support for early detection, disability inclusion, and child health services in the country.
Clubfoot is a condition present at birth in which one or both feet are twisted inward and downward. If left untreated, experts say a child may face lifelong challenges with walking, which could affect education, employment, and social inclusion.
In Ghana, an estimated 1,000 babies are said to be born with clubfoot every year.
In commemoration of the World Clubfoot Day, marked on June 3 every year, stakeholders create awareness about the condition and, among other things, celebrate the dedication of health professionals who ensure children receive treatment.
In a release copied to the Ghana News Agency, Nana Afua Adutwumwaa Adjetey, Programme Manager, Ghana Clubfoot Programme, noted that many families were unaware of the free treatment available for the condition in Ghana. 
She observed that the lack of awareness continued to delay treatment for children who could have received prompt and life-changing care at no cost.
Treatment, she said, was provided free of charge for children under age five at Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG–Hope Walks) partner clinics across the country.
More than 9,000 children born with clubfoot had received treatment and care through the programme over the past 18 years.
“The treatment follows the internationally recognised Ponseti Method, which uses a series of gentle casts to gradually correct the position of the foot, followed by a brace to maintain correction and prevent relapse. When treatment begins early, success rates are extremely high,” Madam Adjetey explained.
“For many children, the journey begins with a health worker who identifies clubfoot at birth and makes a referral. A few moments of observation can change the course of a child’s life forever.”
“Clubfoot is not a curse; it is not caused by wrongdoing…it is a medical condition that can be treated successfully. Families should never feel ashamed to seek help.”
The Programme Manager said children born with the condition deserved equal opportunities, dignity, and inclusion, and called on communities to support parents rather than “judge them.” -GNA
