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The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the World Bank Group, has launched a Regional Health, Nutrition and Population Strategy to drive a new era of stronger, more resilient healthcare systems across West and Central Africa.
Unveiled under the theme โFit to Prosper,โ the initiative targets critical challenges including infectious diseases, malnutrition, and the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, while positioning health as a key engine of economic growth.
At the launch, Minister for Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh called for urgent and coordinated action across the region, stressing that health challenges are interconnected and demand collective solutions.
He noted that no country can achieve meaningful development without a strong and reliable health system.
Mr.Akandoh highlighted Ghanaโs ongoing efforts to expand primary healthcare, reduce financial barriers, and strengthen infrastructure, workforce capacity, and disease prevention systems, measures aimed at improving access and building resilience against future shocks.
The President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, noted that health remains central to Ghanaโs economic transformation agenda, stressing that investments in healthcare are not merely social spending but a critical foundation for productivity, innovation, and national prosperity.
Addressing participants on behalf of the President, the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, highlighted key reforms including the Free Primary Health Care Initiative and ongoing efforts to strengthen the National Health Insurance Scheme.
He noted that these measures are aimed at expanding access, improving the quality of care, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of healthcare financing.
World Bank Division Director Robert R Taliercio commended Ghanaโs leadership and longstanding partnership with the Bank, noting that the countryโs progress in improving health outcomes demonstrates what sustained investment and strong policy direction can achieve.
The one-day event brought together Ministers of Health from across West and Central Africa, senior government officials, representatives of the World Bank Group, development partners, health experts, academics, civil society organisations, and stakeholders from the private health sector to deliberate on strategies for strengthening regional health systems and improving population wellbeing.
The Ghana Police Service has interdicted five police officers captured in viral videos engaging in conduct considered damaging to the image of the Service.
In a press release dated May 4, 2026, the Police said the officers have been referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau for investigations in line with internal disciplinary procedures.
The affected officers are Chief Inspector Matthew Blay, Chief Inspector Francis Arthur and Inspector Eric Osei, all from the Osu Police Station in Accra, Sergeant Amos Dery of the National Protection Unit, and Inspector Joseph Okyere Asabre of the Obuasi Police District.
According to the Police Administration, the officers were seen in videos engaging in acts that โtend to put the name of the Service into disrepute.โ
The Service assured the public that appropriate action would be taken after investigations are completed.
โThe Ghana Police Service reiterates its commitment to professionalism, integrity and accountability,โ the statement said.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ghana Journalists Association ( GJA) has praised Ghanaโs improved performance in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index as the country marked this yearโs World Press Freedom Day.
In a statement issued on May 3, the Association said Ghana moved from 52nd to 39th position globally and ranked 4th in Africa in the latest index published by Reporters Without Borders.
The GJA described the achievement as a reflection of improvements across key indicators used in assessing press freedom around the world.
This yearโs World Press Freedom Day was observed under the theme โShaping a Future at Peace.โ
The Association commended journalists, editors, media owners, civil society organisations, regulators and development partners for their efforts in promoting press freedom and responsible journalism in the country.
According to the GJA, the progress recorded demonstrates the impact of sustained advocacy and cooperation among stakeholders in Ghanaโs media landscape.
The Association also praised the government and international partners for supporting efforts aimed at protecting media freedom and improving conditions for journalists.
It particularly commended President John Dramani Mahama, whom it described as a proud member of the Association, for his role in supporting improvements in Ghanaโs press freedom ranking.
Despite the gains, the GJA said more work remains to be done to address issues such as journalist safety, media sustainability and legal reforms.
The Association called on the Government of Ghana and the Ghana Police Service to ensure that attacks against journalists are properly investigated and perpetrators punished.
It urged authorities to review laws, including parts of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008, which it said are sometimes used to intimidate journalists.
GJA President Albert Dwumfour reaffirmed the Associationโs commitment to defending press freedom and promoting professionalism within the media.
โWe will continue to speak truth to power, challenge injustices and hold duty-bearers accountable without fear or favour,โ he stated.
The Association announced that it will organise a national event later this month to commemorate World Press Freedom Day and honour individuals and institutions that have contributed to media development in Ghana.
Meanwhile, Mr. Dwumfour is leading a delegation to Paris to participate in the centenary congress of the International Federation of Journalists from May 4 to May 7, 2026.
The congress is expected to bring together more than 300 journalistsโ unions and associations from around the world to discuss issues affecting the future of journalism, including artificial intelligence, safety, youth participation, gender equality and media sustainability.
By: Jacob Aggrey
