Category: Daily Guide Network

The Ministry of Health (MOH) in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has issued a public notice on intensifying surveillance over a possible meningitis outbreak in communities within the country’s meningitis belt.

A press release signed by the GHS Director General, Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, stated that ‘meningitis is a serious and potentially life threatening disease that causes inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.’

It stressed that the disease can spread rapidly especially in crowded living conditions and requires early detection and immediate medical care to prevent severe complications or death.

GHS has indicated common signs and symptoms of meningitis which includes sudden high fever, severe headache, stiff neck pain when bending the neck forward, nausea and vomiting.

Also, confusion, drowsiness or difficulty waking, convulsions or seizures.

The statement further indicated that people who are at risk includes children under 5 years, adolescents and young adults, elderly people, people living in overcrowded conditions and individuals living with weak immune systems.

The service has outlined preventive measures for the public to follow such as avoiding overcrowded and poorly ventilated spaces, practicing good respiratory hygiene including covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, washing of hands regularly with soap and water, seeking early medical care when symptoms appear, ensuring routine immunization are up to date and increasing the intake of fluids and water for hydration.

It also called on individuals experiencing symptoms or suspecting a case of meningitis to report immediately to the nearest health facility stressing that early reporting and treatment saves lives.

The Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service has assured the public that surveillance systems have been strengthened and health facilities are on alert to respond immediately to any suspected case.

The Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU), has opposed the sale of the Volta Aluminium Company Limited (VALCO) to a private investor.

In a press release signed by ICU General Secretary, Morgan Ayawine, the union stated, ‘ICU-Ghana, as a key and indispensable stakeholder, is vehemently opposed to any sale, concession, or arrangement that would deprive Ghana of sole ownership of VALCO, one of the nation’s most strategic and irreplaceable assets’.

It further urged government to recapitalise the company like that of the National Investment Bank (NIB) stating that national assets must be preserved for the interest of Ghanaians.

‘We strongly urge Government to desist from any contemplated sale of VALCO to private interests. National assets must be preserved, strengthened, and developed to serve the collective interest of Ghanaians, regardless of cost. They must not be disposed of for transient or personal gains,’ it stated.

The Union further opined that it finds it hard to understand the continuous plans by certain eminent Ghanaian personalities to push for the sale of the company arguing that investors do not have the interest of the nation at heart.

‘The Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU), Ghana, therefore finds it difficult to understand the persistent machinations by certain prominent Ghanaian personalities to push for the sale of VALCO to a private investor an investor whose primary interest may not be the welfare of Ghana, but personal gain to the detriment of the Republic’.

It Union highlighted the rise of unemployment noting that the sale of VALCO will amount to unemployment thereby increasing the crisis in the country stating that recapitalisation will help create additional jobs.

‘Selling VALCO would inevitably result in job losses and further worsen the unemployment crisis. Conversely, adequately resourcing VALCO would not only safeguard existing jobs but also create additional employment opportunities,’ it stated.

It further added that, ‘the proposed sale of portions of VALCO’s lands to private individuals is unconscionable and amounts to a grave betrayal of public trust. These lands are held in trust for the people of Ghana for future expansion and development of VALCO’s operations and are therefore not transferable’.

The Ghana Police Service has commenced the second phase of its nationwide recruitment exercise, beginning with body screening and document examination of applicants, Director-General of Welfare at Police Headquarters, COP Iddi Seidu, has announced.

Speaking at the ongoing screening exercise in Ho in the Volta Region, COP Seidu stated that the recruitment process started about a month ago with the opening of an online application portal, which attracted a large number of eligible Ghanaian applicants. According to him, the current phase is designed to be transparent, orderly, and fair to all candidates.

He noted that applicants are taken through a structured process under canopies, where they are comfortably seated and provided with snacks to ensure a conducive environment. The exercise operates on a strictly first-come, first-served basis using the UQ application system, eliminating unnecessary congestion and struggle.

‘At the first stage, applicants go through body screening where their height and certain physical features are examined. When everything is satisfactory, they proceed to another stage to present their documents for verification. Once verified, the documents are forwarded online,’ he explained.

He disclosed that the Police Service is able to screen about 500 applicants in the morning and another 500 in the afternoon, bringing the daily total to approximately 1,000 candidates. In the Volta Region, the screening exercise began at the Police Training School in Ho, with additional centres expected to open for the exercise.

Describing the recruitment as an open and merit-based exercise, COP Seidu cautioned the public against fraudsters who demand money in exchange for police slots.

‘There is no need for anyone to pay money to anybody. This recruitment is open and transparent. Anybody who is qualified and duly applied will be given the opportunity. There is no favouritism,’ COP Seidu stated.

He further warned impersonators to stay away from the process, emphasising that applicants are being vetted by trained police officers who will detect any form of falsification, with offenders facing the full rigours of the law.

Applicants who participated in the exercise expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the screening, praising the Police Service for its improved organisation, professionalism, and humane approach compared to previous years.

Some candidates described the process as smooth, fast, and well-organised, commending officers for being friendly, patient, and supportive. Others highlighted the provision of refreshments, including drinks to help them cope with the heat, describing it as a thoughtful initiative.

COP Seidu assured the public that the recruitment exercise will continue as scheduled beyond Friday, to ensure all invited applicants are screened.

‘We started this process transparently, and that is how we are going to end it. Only genuine people are needed to come into the Ghana Police Service to serve Mother Ghana,’ he added.

Africa’s economic growth is showing resilience, despite significant disparities persist across the continent’s sub-regions, according to the United Nations’ World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026 report.

The report said regional GDP growth is projected to rise to 4.0 percent in 2026 and 4.1 percent in 2027, gradually accelerating from 3.5 percent in 2024 and an estimated 3.9 percent in 2025.

The UN attributed this uptick to improved macroeconomic stability in several large economies, which is supporting stronger investment and consumer spending.

The report noted, however, that divergent commodity prices and high debt-servicing costs continue to shape uneven growth trajectories.

It said while inflation has moderated from post-pandemic peaks, it remains elevated in many countries, limiting scope for monetary policy easing.

At the same time, it said reduced official development assistance and rising trade barriers present additional challenges to growth.

The UN report indicated that North Africa experienced an estimated 4.3 percent GDP growth in 2025, up from 3.3 percent in 2024, led by improved balance-of-payments conditions and stable exchange rates.

Egypt and Tunisia, in particular, have benefited from successful debt repayments and a revival in tourism. Growth in the subregion is expected to ease slightly to 4.1 percent in 2026, with Egypt projected to expand by 4.5 per cent, supported by economic reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment.

In East Africa, growth remains above the continental average despite a small decline from 5.6 per cent in 2024 to 5.4 per cent in 2025.

The sub-region is projected to grow by 5.8 percent in 2026, driven mainly by Ethiopia and Kenya, which are forecast to expand by 6.3 and 5.1 percent, respectively.

Regional integration and renewable energy projects, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, are bolstering prospects, though debt distress and ongoing conflicts in countries like South Sudan remain key risks.

West Africa recorded 4.6 percent growth in 2025, slightly slowing to 4.4 per cent in 2026, largely supported by Nigeria’s economic recovery, higher gold prices, and reforms in the oil sector.

Central Africa, however, continues to lag, with GDP growth estimated at 2.8 per cent in 2025 and 3.0 percent projected for 2026, driven mainly by commodity-dependent economies such as Chad, Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Conflict and governance challenges continue to constrain broader economic gains, the report indicated.

It added that Southern Africa remains the slowest-growing sub-region, with GDP expansion of 1.6 percent in 2025 and 2.0 percent expected in 2026, weighed down by structural challenges in South Africa, declining diamond prices in Botswana, and trade shocks affecting Lesotho’s apparel industry.

Inflationary pressures are diverging, with some countries maintaining tight monetary policies while others, including South Africa and Namibia, have begun easing rates.

Despite lower global grain prices and improved exchange rate stability, the report pointed out that food inflation remains a challenge across the continent, exceeding 10 percent in countries such as Angola, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Rwanda as of September 2025.

According to the UN, this highlights persistent structural cost-of-living pressures, even as overall economic growth continues to show resilience.

In January 2026, the United States announced its withdrawal from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), following its earlier exit from the Paris Agreement.

While politically significant, global climate governance and low-carbon investment trends continue largely unaffected.

Key Implications for Ghana and Africa

Ghana must prioritise adaptation measures, resilience infrastructure, and integration of climate action into national development planning.

Strategic Recommendations for Ghana

Maintain strong engagement in UNFCCC processes Deepen alliances with African states, China, the EU, and climate-vulnerable countries. Focus on economic opportunities in renewable energy and green industrialization Frame climate action as a core development policy.

International Law Implications

Treaty Law Considerations; The UNFCCC was ratified unanimously by the US Senate in 1992. Legal uncertainty exists over unilateral presidential withdrawal, but this does not affect the treaty’s validity for other parties.

Effect on Global Obligations

Under the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, withdrawal by one party does not suspend or terminate obligations for others. Climate obligations, reporting frameworks, and COP decisions remain intact.

Climate Justice

Withdrawal does not negate historical responsibility. Claims related to loss and damage, adaptation finance, and equity remain legally and morally grounded.

Conclusion

US withdrawal weakens US influence but does not undermine global climate law.

Climate action is now economically embedded, legally resilient, and geopolitically multipolar.

During an interdenominational service to mark the first anniversary of the second term of President John Mahama, the General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana, Rev. Stephen Wengam, exhorted Ghanaians to shun grumblings and to appreciate what God has done for them.

The activity, which took place at the forecourt of the Presidency in Accra, saw the General Superintendent admonishing his compatriots to shun the attitude of pessimism and grumbling which makes it difficult to acknowledge what God has done for them individually and as a nation.

‘Grateful people are content with their accomplishments, and this spurs them to higher heights and further translates into national development,’ Rev. Wengam pointed out.

The church service was graced by President John Mahama, First Lady Mrs. Lordina Mahama, Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, Chief Justice Paul Baffoe- Bonnie, Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, heads of the security forces and other institutions.

The clergyman, who spoke on the theme ‘The impact of gratitude on leadership success and national development,’ picked lessons from how Samuel led Israel to express gratitude to God, and declared, ‘Ebenezer,’ meaning: this is how far God had been good to them.

Rev. Wengam commended President Mahama for instituting the special event to enable the nation to appreciate God for his blessings.

He recalled how when the nation of Israel observed that thanksgiving, they attracted blessings of peace, political stability, economic restoration and leadership success.

He spoke against the ‘sense of entitlement and greed, which leads to ingratitude and corruption.’

Rev. Wengam applauded President Mahama’s achievements so far. These included economic recovery, the stability of the cedi against the US dollar, and efforts to forge national unity.

The General Superintendent, assisted by the Executive Presbytery of Assemblies of God, Ghana, prayed for more divine blessings on President Mahama and his appointees, as well as for peace and prosperity for the nation.

Members of the clergy picked various areas of national development and prayed for them.

Also in attendance to pray for the nation were Islamic clerics who prayed for national transformation.

A pound 70 million water expansion project, expected to supply 22 million gallons of water per day to residents of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis and surrounding communities, is progressing steadily.

The existing water treatment plants at Daboase, built in the late 1960s with a capacity of six million gallons per day, and Inchaban, with a capacity of four million gallons per day, are currently unable to meet the growing demand in the metropolis.

To address the shortfall, the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, in collaboration with the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), launched the pound 70 million water expansion project about three years ago.

An Austrian construction firm, Strabag Engineering, was contracted to execute the project.

According to the contractor, the project is about 86 percent complete.

This was revealed when the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, embarked on a familiarisation visit to the Daboase Water Treatment Plant.

During the visit, the Minister directed GWCL to urgently demarcate the plant’s buffer zones and halt all activities within them to protect the facility from encroachment by landowners who claim ignorance of the restrictions.

He also instructed chiefs in the area to suspend any planned activities within the designated buffer zones.

‘The chiefs who sold land within the buffer zone claim ignorance, saying they did not know it was a restricted area,’ the Minister said.

‘To prevent further encroachment, I suggest the mounting of signposts to clearly mark the buffer zone as a no-go area. If these warnings are ignored, the law should take its course,’ he stated.

Mr. Nelson stressed that encroachment on the buffer zones is illegal and poses a serious threat to water supply in the metropolis and surrounding communities.

A manager at Ghana Water Company Limited, Gideon Asare Annor, expressed concern about the situation, noting that parts of the project site have already been heavily encroached upon.

‘As you can see, parts of the project site have been completely encroached upon, which means the source of our drinking water will likely dry up faster than usual during the dry season,’ he said, adding that the establishment of buffer zones should have begun earlier to protect the water source.

Meanwhile, the Project Manager for Strabag Engineering, Vlad Falup, explained that all major structures have been completed.

‘We are currently working on the high-lift pumping station, which houses the pumps that will transport water to Inchaban and other pumping stations,’ he said.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Dome-Kwabenya Constituency, Faustina Elikplim Akurugu, has honoured party executives, campaigners, and grassroots supporters who helped secure the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) victory in the 2024 elections.

In her address, Mrs. Akurugu described the victory as the result of two decades of persistence, sacrifice, and belief in change.

‘This was built through nights without sleep, house-to-house engagement, and vigilance at polling stations. You are the ones who made history change,’ she said.

The MP used the occasion to thank campaigners, polling agents, coordinators, youth and women organisers, and ‘silent supporters’ whose contributions, she said, laid the foundation for the constituency’s new chapter of development.

She also paid tribute to the late Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, former Director of Elections for the NDC, and the late Dr. Samuel Sarpong, acknowledging their strategic and behind-the-scenes contributions to the party’s 2024 victory.

NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, in his address, cautioned party faithful against complacency and internal divisions.

‘Winning an election is only one phase of the struggle,’ he said. ‘The most difficult phase is governing in a way that convinces Ghanaians that their votes did not go to waste,’ he added.

Warning against political vigilantism and the misuse of power, Mr. Asiedu Nketia said attempts to impose leadership through force would ‘turn the country into jungle warfare, survival of the fittest.’

‘This is why we are committed to pursuing all cases through the courts, so that justice will prevail and future elections are protected from manipulation,’ he added.

The event, themed ’20 Years: One Moment, The Dawn of Change,’ was attended by dignitaries including the NDC National Women’s Organiser, Dr. Hannah Bisiw, party executives, MPs, constituency coordinators, and traditional leaders.

Ga East Municipal Chief Executive, Edmund Agboh, said the gains recorded in 2025 were evidence that the government’s ‘Reset Agenda’ was delivering tangible results across the country, including Dome-Kwabenya.

‘You protected the people’s mandate and, by doing so, gave us the first NDC MP in Dome-Kwabenya in many years, in the person of Faustina Elikplim Akurugu,’ he noted, urging party supporters to remain united and position themselves for opportunities under upcoming flagship programmes.

A former Head of Department of Publishing Studies at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Dr. Ralph Nyadu-Addo, has said that Ghana is set to attract more German investors to the country.

This, he attributed to the current state of development and collaboration, as he called on institutions to link up with the German Embassy for interaction to ascertain areas they could collaborate.

In an interview in Accra last Friday, Dr. Nyadu-Addo, who is a German-trained academic and researcher, recounted the trust German government and business sector players in Germany have in Ghanaians, and urged all Ghanaians to continue to do all the good things that cause people to like the country as a destination for investment.

Commenting on his recent ‘Federal Order of Merit’ award, which he received from the German President, Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, in Ghana, he expressed gratitude to the German government for the honour done him, which keeps spurring him on to work extra hard towards the development of the two countries.

He particularly eulogised the Government of Ghana and the leadership of KNUST, which had granted him the opportunity to lead teams to visit Germany on several occasions for the mutual benefit of both countries.

The German-trained academic and researcher, Dr. Ralph Nyadu-Addo, for 25 years, made an immense contribution towards the cooperation and promotion of Ghana-German relations.

He has led Ghanaian businesses, entrepreneurs, and students to connect and form synergies with the German business culture and academics.

His contribution has raised more than twenty million dollars for KNUST, supported especially student entrepreneurs, and initiated several projects in the school.

Dr. Nyadu-Addo has coordinated an impactful entrepreneurial training and empowerment programme in Africa known as the Africa Centre for Career Enhancement and Skills Support (ACCESS) programme.

Dr. Nyadu-Addo also birthed the KNUST Centre for Business Development and Kumasi Business Incubator using the experience he had in Germany.

He had his Master’s and PhD at Leipzig University and has worked with several institutions in Germany, which spans 2000-2024.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, has been elected as the new Chair of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Council, for an initial period of two years.

In her new role, which came into effect on January 1, 2026, she will also chair the Executive Committee of Council.

Prof. Amfo joined ACU Council on August 1, 2024. Since then, she has distinguished herself as a committed and insightful Council member, contributing significantly to discussions and initiatives, and demonstrating exceptional dedication to advancing the ACU’s mission across the Commonwealth.

As a respected leader in global higher education, Prof. Amfo brings more than 24 years of experience in academia and university governance. During her tenure as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, she has led a bold agenda of innovation and transformation, including a multi-million-dollar digitalisation programme to enhance the university experience for students, faculty, and staff.

Her background includes service as Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, Dean of the School of Languages, and Head of the Department of Linguistics, among other senior roles. Beyond her role at the University of Ghana, Prof. Amfo has provided leadership across major regional and global higher education networks, bringing deep experience in multilateral collaboration, governance, and academic diplomacy.

Commenting on her election, Prof. Amfo said: ‘I am deeply honoured by the trust placed in me by Council. At a time of profound global change, the ACU’s role as a connector of universities across the Commonwealth has never been more important. I look forward to working closely with the Secretary General, Council colleagues, and our diverse membership to strengthen collaboration, advance equity and inclusion, and ensure that higher education continues to serve as a powerful force for sustainable development and societal transformation.’

The ACU’s Secretary General and Chief Executive, Professor Colin Riordan, added: ‘We are delighted to welcome Professor Amfo as Chair of Council. Her global outlook, proven leadership and deep experience in higher education, make her an outstanding choice to guide the ACU at this pivotal moment in the global higher education landscape. As we move forward with our refreshed Road to 2030 strategy, a bold plan to strengthen Commonwealth universities, support sustainable development, and connect engaged leaders, Professor Amfo’s vision and insight will be instrumental in shaping these priorities and ensuring their impact.’

He also paid tribute to the outgoing Chair of Council, Professor Cheryl de la Rey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, acknowledging the exceptional service she has provided to the ACU and the wider Commonwealth higher education community.

Professor de la Rey, whose term as Chair concluded on December 31, 2025, has guided the ACU through important challenges and fostered collaboration and innovation among member institutions. In recognition of her outstanding contribution, Prof. de la Rey was honoured with the Symons Award at the 2025 ACU Congress in Nairobi, Kenya.