Dirty deals in politics could get you arrested, Bishop warns graduates

The Anglican Bishop of Central Buganda Diocese, Rt Rev Michael Lubowa, has cautioned fresh graduates against falling into traps set by “unwise politicians” as the country gears up for the 2026 general election season.

Speaking at the commissioning service for over 1,500 students due to graduate from Ndejje University next week, Bishop Lubowa warned the graduates about the dangers of getting entangled in dirty deals that could lead to shame and arrest.

“You have been groomed as custodians of discipline, ready to serve diligently, but the dirty deals outside the university as you graduate could get you arrested,” he said. “You are graduating at a time when political temptations by unwise politicians are at play. They could come as opportunities, yet they are at the same time traps.”

Bishop Lubowa emphasized the importance of thinking before acting, saying, “A wise person will always think twice before taking action. The good-intentioned people who seek God and serve humanity have the chance to live a good life and are a blessing.”

The bishop’s warning comes as the country is gearing up for the 2026 general elections, and some politicians have been engaging in questionable behaviors that undermine the integrity of people aspiring for leadership positions.

Ndejje University Vice Chancellor, Prof Olivia Nassaka Banjja, revealed that over 300 students will be graduating from the faculty of engineering as engineers. She praised the graduates for their resilience, noting that they joined the university during the COVID-19 pandemic and had to adapt to online learning. “The 27th graduating class joined the university at a time when the country was struggling with the COVID pandemic. Several that could not cope with the online learning dropped out. We thank God that those that persisted will be testing the fruits of resilience,” she said.

The commissioning service is an opportunity for the university to dedicate the graduates to God as they join the world of service. As a Christian-founded institution, Ndejje University expects its products to live an exemplary life outside the university. “Our success as Ndejje University hinges on the fear of God. As a Christian-founded institution, we expect our products to live an exemplary life outside the university,” Prof Nassaka said.

Ndejje University is owned by a consortium of Anglican Dioceses of Central Uganda, including Luweero, Mukono, Central Buganda, Namirembe, Mityana, and Kampala.

Women empowerment in Uganda: Reality or myth?

The last week was marked by debate about the non appearance of a female presidential candidate on the January 2026 presidential ballot, the first time since the return of political pluralism 20 years ago.

Notwithstanding that the last four elections featured a female aspirant, the development opened the longstanding debate of Uganda’s long journey to women’s empowerment. In Uganda and much of Africa, traditional beliefs undermined girls’ education, inheritance, and the right to work, and stripped women of simple pleasures such as consuming certain foods.

Consequently, the Women’s Movement, which was born in the 1960s/70s and gained momentum alongside other social movements, embarked on crusading for liberal reforms. In Uganda, post-colonial governments followed emerging trends. The enrolment of girls in schools was encouraged by the governments, although communities took a while to widely embrace the idea, as many preferred to educate the boys. In governance, women representation in the first parliament; the Legislative Council (LEGCO) started in 1954, although they were all white.

African women representation came in 1956 in Pumla Kisosonkole. She even went on to represent Ugandan women at the international scene and became president of the International Council of Women between 1959 and 1962, and the first Ugandan woman representative to the UN General Assembly from 1963 to 1964. Kisosonkole was followed in LEGCO by Florence Alice Lubega as the first woman MP in Uganda’s first post-independent parliament in May 1962. The post-independent Cabinet was largely men. There were no women in President Amin’s cabinet.

Renaissance

As political instability swept the country, 1979 marked a new dawn in global women empowerment with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), billed as the international bill of rights for women. Uganda ratified the treaty that requires signatory states to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women in 1985.

The National Resistance Army/Movement (NRA/M) shot to power in 1986. There were no women in the rebel group’s top hierarchy, although several women, driven to the precipice by the Uganda National Liberation Army, such as Olivia Zizinga, Joyce Sserwaniko, Gertrude Njuba, Sarah Navuga and China Keitesi played key roles as combatants and espionage.

The NRM embarked on wide ranging reforms, including forming a broad-based government encompassing Opposition politicians in key ministerial positions, and women, including Njuba and Victoria Ssekitoleko. In 1988, Joyce Mpanga, who died in November 2023, was appointed the first minister for Women Affairs.

Dr Sylvia Tamale, writing in When Hens Begin to Crow, noted that President Museveni announced his belief that Uganda’s successful development depended on increased gender equity and backed his opinions by setting several women-centred policies in motion.

In 1989, the NRM passed a resolution to allocate at least one-third of seats for women at all levels, from local councils to the parliament. In 1994, Ms Specioza Wandira Kazibwe became vice president, the first on the continent and became the beacon of progressive policies. The Justice Benjamin Odoki Constitutional Commission that aggregated public views in the making of the 1995 Constitution, recommended special provisions for the protection and promotion of the rights of women, the family, children, and the handicapped or disabled.

‘Women have historically been subordinate to men in Ugandan society. Since 1986, gender has become an important base for division and organisation as women, encouraged by the government, have begun to address their relative lack of strength. Among other issues, women have expressed immense concern about their right to own and inherit property and to have custody of their children. They are also concerned about violence against women and children and their lack of access to education, credit, land, and employment,’ the report reads in part.

First steps

Ultimately, Article 32 of the 1995 Constitution lists women among the marginalised groups based on gender that require affirmative action to correct historical and traditional injustices that have positioned them in. Thirty years later, there is consensus that Uganda has made commendable progress in the cause of women’s empowerment and gender equality as women currently occupy key positions of Vice President, Speaker of Parliament, and Prime Minister, and are represented at all levels of leadership.

The position of District Woman Member of Parliament was created to increase the number of women in Parliament. In the Current parliament, out of the total 556 MPs, 189 are women (146 District Women representatives, 16 directly elected, 3 army representatives, 10 Special Interest Groups, and 14 ex officio)

The Local Governments Act reserves one-third of seats on local government councils for women. A specific woman councillor must be directly elected to represent each ward. A 2017 UBOS report found that women constitute about 46 percent of total elected representatives in local governments.

The introduction of free education at the primary and secondary levels is also hailed for bridging the gender parity gap in education. Girls joining the university are guaranteed an extra 1.5 points to increase the number of women in higher education. Even mainstream programmes such as the Parish Development Model make special provisions for women, for whom 30 percent of the 100 million per parish is reserved.

Dr Maggie Kigozi, a feminist and entrepreneur, reminisces about the time women were considered second-class citizens. She explains: ‘We were left out of education in the past. Not anymore with UPE, USE. When UPE came, those people who were saying, ‘I don’t have enough money to educate both the boys and the girls. So let me educate the boys, because they need to work, they need to bring the money. The girls will just get married.’ So that has changed. I sit on the Makerere Endowment Fund, and 52 percent of our graduates are women.’

‘But we’re still very much less in the top positions than the men. The politics, we have the vice president, and many PSs are now women. And we hopefully will get there where we are, 50-50. If not, more women, because we do deliver,’ she adds.

Despite the tremendous progress in, it has been marred by a century-long chain of a biased system, compounded by a deteriorating democratic system.

Ms Carol Kayanja, a senior programmes officer at the NGO, Uganda Community Based Association for Women and Children, concurred that while a lot of gains have been made, women remain on the back burners as a result of, especially traditional beliefs and values.

‘The failure to come up with a minimum wage has disadvantaged women, especially since everyone is struggling to get a job. Those whose bargaining power is less, and those whose chances of even being employed are limited, are the most affected by that,’ she adds.

Ms Rita Aciro, the executive director at Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET), says the progress must be contextualised. ‘If we are going to go by the population, we should be seeing a 50 and above representation of women in leadership because we’re the majority. But we’re still oscillating between 30 and 35 at most in all decision-making spaces,’ she says.

There are concerns that the prevailing politics of patronage and tokenism and social and cultural impediments have adulterated the ideals of women’s emancipation.

According to Ms Aciro, poverty remains a big problem for women, despite the many programmes introduced by the government, pointing to less than desired economic empowerment.

According to the 2020 Household Survey, poverty decreased gradually from 23 percent in 2016/17 to 21.3 percent in 2023/24 among females. For males, the reduction was more pronounced, with poverty dropping from 24 percent in 2019/20 to 17.4 percent in 2023/24.

Women in Numbers

189 women in Parliament (out of 556 MPs).

46 percent of elected local government representatives are women.

50 percent of Permanent Secretaries are women.

52 percent of Makerere University graduates are women.

21.3 percent of women still live in poverty, compared to 17.4 percent of men.

Museveni showcases ‘impressive gains’ NRM wants to protect

President Yoweri Museveni on Friday showcased the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party’s ‘impressive’ achievements ahead of the 2026 elections.

Mr Museveni highlighted the revamped health units, upgraded tarmac roads, revolving Parish Development Model (PDM) funds, established schools, and the discovery of oil, among the key achievements – with a focus on protecting the gains made.

While campaigning at Apac Bomah Ground in Apac Municipal Council, President Museveni said his administration has established numerous schools, increasing access to quality education and empowering future generations.

‘At independence, the only Senior Four (S.4) school in northern Uganda was Sir Samuel Baker and then, Teso College Aloet (eastern Uganda). We had a S.4, forget about A-Level. But when I look on the list here now, I think in Apac alone, there appears to be seven secondary schools: four in the rural areas and three in the municipality,’ said the President.

‘So, now we get a situation where there were only six A-Level schools in the whole of Uganda in 1961. But now, you have got four A-Level schools in Apac District alone. So, here I present evidence to the Wananchi that, please, this is the work of the NRM.’

In the health sector, Mr Museveni said his administration has made significant strides in improving healthcare services. The revamped health units, he said, have enhanced access to quality healthcare and further improved overall health outcomes.

Promises vs reality on ground

Mr Museveni said out of the 12 sub-counties in Apac, two are without a health facility. Nonetheless, there are eight health centre IIIs in the district with a total population of 221,962 people (106,696 males and 115,266 females).

‘In the other 10 sub-counties, you either have health centre IIIs, health centre four, or the district hospital. Now, since you have said you are going to elect me and the NRM, there is a health centre two in Akere. It will be upgraded to centre III. And there is another place called Atik Division (Apac Municipality), a new health centre three will be constructed,’ President Museveni promised.

‘There is a health centre IV in Maruzi Constituency with two doctors but they don’t have an ambulance. We shall provide that ambulance. In Maruzi North Constituency, we don’t have health centre IV but in the coming government, Teboke Health Centre III will be upgraded to health centre IV.

Mr Museveni further said the government’s investment in infrastructure development is also evident in the upgraded tarmac roads, which have facilitated smoother transportation, boosted trade, and stimulated economic growth.

‘If you come to the Lango area, we started by tarmacking the Soroti-Lira road, which was murram, then because the Kamdini-Lira road had been tarmacked, but had grown old, we had to do it again,’ he said.

The President said the PDM funds have been instrumental in promoting socio-economic transformation at the grassroots level. These revolving funds have enabled communities to access financing for income-generating projects, thereby improving livelihoods and reducing poverty.

New opportunities

The discovery of oil, the head of state noted, has opened up new opportunities for economic growth and development.

Mr Museveni said the ruling government has put in place measures to ensure that the oil revenues benefit the Ugandan people, promoting sustainable development and prosperity.

‘Now, I appeal to the people of Apac, bol kwir aber (vote wisely),’ he said.

What voters expect from incoming government

In Kwania, residents said the new government should improve the road network, enhance teachers’ salary and address the high cost of agro inputs and poor health service delivery.

Mr Geoffrey Omunu, a resident of Acwao Village in Nambieso Sub-county, said the new government should consider subsidising the price of seeds and agro-chemicals so that farmers can get profit from farming.

‘The price of seeds, fertilizer and pesticides is too high yet during the harvest our produce is bought cheaply. I want the new president to provide a solution to that,’ he said.

Mr Amos Obwol, a resident of Akwon in Aduku Sub-county, demanded for a lasting solution to the ongoing teachers’ strike.

‘Our children are at home with us because teachers are not teaching them at school yet the term is running out quickly. The president should not remain silent on this very important issue,’ he said.

Ms Monica Amek, a resident of Alaket in Chawente sub-county, said most of the health facilities are without medicines.

‘We have two health facilities nearer to use but when you go to these facilities, there are no medicines. The buildings are there with few health workers but you can’t get any quality service there,’ she said.

In Apac, the upgrade of Apac hospital and the removal of the army from lakes Kyoga and Kwania are the key issues.

Mr Sam Ogwang, a resident of Apoi Sub-county, said: ‘We the fishermen, who were kicked out of fishing business, are demanding for the removal of the army or an alternative source of livelihood.’

Ms Rose Atim, a resident of Amilo Trading Centre in Ibuje Sub-county, said Apac General Hospital should be upgraded to the level of a regional referral hospital.

Uganda elected to civil aviation council

Uganda has secured a seat on the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council, the United Nations (UN) specialised agency responsible for setting standards and recommended practices that govern the global aviation industry. This follows elections at the ongoing ICAO Council’s 42nd Assembly in Montreal, Canada, from September 23 to October 3.

Held every three years, the ICAO Council Assembly brings together 193 member states to set global aviation policy, adopt new standards, and elect the ICAO Council of 36 States, a powerful body that governs international civil aviation between Assembly sessions. Uganda was on September 27 elected to the Council for the term 2025-2028 after a competitive process in which the East African country garnered 155 votes out of 185, following Part I and Part II elections. Africa put forward candidates in both Part II and Part III of the ICAO Council elections.

In Part II, which covers states making the largest contribution to the provision of facilities for international civil air navigation, Africa is represented by Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa, while in Part III, which ensures equitable geographic representation, the candidates are Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Mali, Morocco, and Uganda.

Uganda’s delegation to the Assembly was led by the Minister of Works and Transport (MoWT), Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, who was accompanied by Ambassador Allan Kajik, the country’s acting envoy to Canada, and Mr Fred Bamweigye, the director general of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), among other senior officials from the UCAA and the MoWT.

Speaking from Montreal, Canada, Gen Wamala, in a statement, described Uganda’s election as ‘an international vote of confidence in the country’s aviation sector’ and ‘an opportunity to learn best practices.

He added: ‘Uganda will be represented on the Council by Mr Kabbs Tijuke, who has been the CAA representative to the ICAO since May 2018.”

The African Union Commission (AUC), working with the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and the AU member states, presented eight African countries as candidates for election to the ICAO Council, signalling a historic step in advancing Africa’s role in international aviation governance.

The candidacies of the eight African countries were endorsed by the 46th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council held from February 12-13, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and reaffirmed by the 38th Ordinary Summit of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

UNICEF, AU Launch Initiative To Combat Child Malnutrition

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Government of Benin, has launched the First Foods Africa Initiative, a continental effort aimed at tackling child food poverty and malnutrition through nutrition-sensitive food systems.

The programme was unveiled at a high-level event in Cotonou on Monday, September 29, with regional leaders, policymakers, and civil society groups in attendance.

Director of Health and Humanitarian Affairs at the AUC, Prof. Julio Rakotonirina, described the launch as a step towards eradicating child malnutrition and building resilient food systems across the continent.

‘Nutrition is a right for every child, regardless of their geographic or economic background. Investing in children’s first foods means investing in Africa’s greatest wealth – its people,’ he added.

Globally, one in four children under five (around 181 million) suffer from severe food poverty, according to UNICEF. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for nearly a third of these cases, with 57 million children affected. Many survive on just breastmilk and a starchy staple, diets that leave them dangerously short of essential nutrients.

Although Africa has made progress in reducing stunting rates from 41.5% in 2000 to 32.3% today, population growth has increased the total number of stunted children from 55 million to over 62 million. More than 11 million children across the continent also suffer from wasting, a condition linked to acute malnutrition.

UNICEF officials argue that traditional food security efforts often prioritise staple crops and yields while neglecting the specific nutritional needs of infants and young children.

The First Foods Africa strategy seeks to close that gap through three main pillars; by encouraging local production of safe, affordable, and nutrient-rich foods for children under five; strengthening policies that guarantee children’s access to those foods; and promoting healthy diets through social marketing, behaviour change programmes, and community engagement.

The initiative will roll out in 14 priority countries across West, Central, East, and Southern Africa. It will be supported by governments, African food companies, and international partners such as Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP), World Health Organisation (WHO), and the World Bank.

To finance the programme, UNICEF is setting up a Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) to channel investments, de-risk private sector involvement, and provide technical support.

Speaking at the launch, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Omar Abdi called the initiative ‘a transformative moment for Africa’s children.’

Benin’s Minister of State for Government Action Coordination, Abdoulaye Bio Tchane, reaffirmed his country’s support: ‘Benin reaffirms its commitment today to champion child nutrition. It is essential to building a resilient continent.’

Civil society and private sector representatives at the event also expressed strong backing for reshaping food systems to meet children’s needs.

If successful, First Foods Africa could significantly reduce malnutrition rates and ensure millions of African children gain access to healthier diets. UNICEF says the initiative is central to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the AU’s Agenda 2063.

By addressing the root causes of food poverty, UNICEF and its partners hope to secure a healthier, more prosperous future for Africa’s youngest citizens.

NPP Can Bounce Back In 2028 – Former Fomena Chairman

FORMER NEW Patriotic Party (NPP) Constituency Chairman for Fomena in the Ashanti Region, Akwasi Nti, insists the party can easily recapture power in 2028.

According to him, those who believe the party would stay in opposition for a long time should have second look at their stance, as the NPP has what it takes to bounce back.

Mr. Nti stated that the NPP did a yeoman’s job in political office for eight years and, therefore, have numerous achievements to campaign on to win votes.

‘My good friend, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as Education Minister, worked to ensure the smooth implementation of the free Senior High School policy, which is a game changer.

‘That social intervention programme alone has impacted positively in the lives of thousands of Ghanaians and it can aid our dream of winning power in 2028,’ he said on Angel FM.

Akwasi Nti, however, sternly cautioned the NPP against politics of insults, insinuations and name-calling, which has characterised the party’s recent internal elections.

‘The politics of insults is not the style of the NPP, so it must stop now,’ he said, and added, ‘the present party leadership should be bold enough to crack the whip on undisciplined party members.’

According to him, if the NPP allow politics of insults and name-calling to persist in the party, it would create deep cracks which would deny them political victory in 2028.

Mr. Nti said as an opposition political party, the NPP should work assiduously to embrace peace and unity so that they could prepare adequately to win the next elections.

‘It’s only through total unity that we can realise our ambition of returning to political office. This therefore calls for total unity and oneness ahead of the next polls,’ he advised.

He also admonished the NPP members to refrain from fighting or insulting church leaders in the country, since such weird actions could negatively affect the party in 2028.

‘These men of God lead and control huge congregations, so if you fight them, bear in mind that you are indirectly fighting against their members too, who will vote against your party,’ he added.

Health As A Right, Not A Privilege: Demanding Equity And Accountability In Ghana’s Healthcare System

Health is not a luxury. It is not a privilege to be enjoyed only by the wealthy, the urban elite, or those with political influence. It is a fundamental right, inherent to every human being regardless of gender, geography, social class, or economic circumstance.

Indeed, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights affirm health as a fundamental human right, recognising every person’s entitlement to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental well-being a principle that Ghana, as a signatory, is bound to uphold.

Both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Ghana’s 1992 Constitution enshrine health as a fundamental right, with Articles 34(2), 36(10), and 37(3) essentially obligating the state to provide adequate facilities, safeguard worker welfare, and promote preventive care, yet the persistent inequities in Ghana’s health system reveal a painful gap between constitutional promise and lived reality.

To have life is to deserve quality life, and this should never be predicated on financial capacity, exclusionary policies, or unsustainable interventions.

At a recent engagement with the media, President John Dramani Mahama outlined some of the progress made in Ghana’s health sector: the distribution of six million sanitary pads to young girls, funding to stabilize the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the ‘Mahama Cares’ initiative, and supply of critical medical equipment, among others.

Yet, he made a striking point that goes to the heart of our health discourse: ‘Access without quality is inadequate’ and rightly so, mere access without sustainable, structured, and dependable systems undermine holistic well-being and, ultimately, national development.

A Picture Of Inequities And Crises

Our health security infrastructure also lags dangerously. Ghana ranked 105th out of 195 countries in the 2019 Global Health Security Index, reflecting fragile laboratory systems, weak surveillance, and poor emergency preparedness.

Meanwhile, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, kidney diseases and cancers are on the rise, now contributing to nearly 45% of deaths nationwide, according to WHO. However, health financing and policies remain disproportionately skewed toward infectious diseases, leaving NCD prevention and treatment underfunded.

And perhaps one of the most glaring blind spots is mental health. Despite the World Health Organization’s recognition of mental well-being as inseparable from overall health, Ghana consistently underfunds and sidelines mental health in national priorities.

The Mental Health Authority remains chronically under-resourced; only about 1.4% of Ghana’s health budget is allocated to mental health, most of which goes to psychiatric hospitals in Accra, Kumasi, and Pantang.

Rural areas are left virtually without structured services, meaning millions of Ghanaians facing depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, or substance abuse disorders have little to no access to care. This neglect reinforces stigma, drives social exclusion, and creates a silent public health emergency that continues to drain productivity and family well-being.

More concerning is what these inequities say about justice: What justice is accorded to citizens who die preventable deaths due to systemic negligence? What dignity is left when healthcare workers are overworked, underpaid, and under trained? What hope is sustained when disability inclusion and mental health are consistently not marked as national health priorities?

Contradictions we can’t ignore: Leadership, trust, and practice

Even more telling is this contradiction. While health governance is frontlined in political speeches and policy documents, leaders and their families often seek medical care in Western countries when illness strikes. What does that say about the quality of healthcare we provide at home?

It reveals a lack of confidence not in individual health workers or necessarily in individual hospitals alone, but in the systemic reliability: in diagnostics, in availability of specialists, in continuity of care, in trust that when it’s your turn, you’ll get competent care without lengthy delays or risk of complications.

When those who proclaim commitment to health reform do not themselves fully rely on the local health system, it erodes public trust and suggests that the system is not yet where it needs to be. It’s not simply symbolic; it’s a metric of the credibility of governance and the seriousness of our commitments.

The Accra initiative: A global vision from Ghana

In the midst of these realities, there is a new vision emerging. Deputy Chief of Staff, Finance and Administration, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, has revealed that President Mahama is spearheading a bold global effort, the Accra Initiative, to redefine Africa’s place in the global healthcare landscape.

The initiative seeks to:

-Increase domestic investment in health,

– Ensure that Africans are central to shaping health systems across the continent, not passive recipients of aid or external best-practices,

– Form a presidential task force to ensure re-imagining and restructuring of global health systems remains a top priority, and

– Expand its scope in UN General Assembly meetings to include countries beyond Africa, in South America, Asia, and other regions.

This recalls the leadership of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, whose efforts around the HIV/AIDS crisis led to the establishment of the Global Fund – a landmark, home-grown, global response. The Accra Initiative has the potential to be similarly transformative, provided it matches vision with honesty about our domestic shortfalls.

Health and justice

Health, as a matter of right, demands accountability. Citizens disadvantaged by systemic negligence suffer an injustice no less severe than those deprived of liberty or dignity.

Corruption, the politicization of governance, weak regulatory enforcement, and lack of civic courage deepen these disparities. Policies without inclusivity, interventions without sustainability, and systems without ethical grounding fail the very people they purport to serve.

The Way Forward

With data and experiences clarifying where we stand, here are practical steps to close the gaps and make rights real:

Elevate quality as a priority

Not only more staff, but better training, ongoing professional development, ethical standards, regular audits, and accountability for quality outcomes.

Invest in health facility readiness: equipment, laboratory capacity, supply chains, diagnostics.

Target inequalities explicitly

Because the poorest and those in remote, rural, or northern regions are falling behind. Policies should be pro-poor, with resources tied to disadvantaged (geographic, socioeconomic, gender, disability).

Free or highly subsidized maternal, neonatal, and child health services in underserved areas.

Ensure trust and transparency

Leaders must lead by example: using local health services builds trust.

Public reporting of outcomes: mortality ratios, service quality, patient experiences by incorporating customer/feedback services.

Support the Accra initiative, but ground it locally

The Accra Initiative must not only shape global frameworks but also catalyze domestic reform. It must link international advocacy with local implementation.

Ensure that international attention does not become a smokescreen for unfulfilled promises on the ground.

Strengthen emergency preparedness and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

As data shows, mortality from NCDs is growing. Resources are still far more weighted toward infectious disease.

Build surveillance systems, prepare for outbreaks, enhance lab capacity, and ensure service readiness even under stress.

Embed inclusivity: Gender, disability, vulnerable groups

Ensure health policies explicitly incorporate persons with disabilities, special populations, slum dwellers, migrants, and rural remote communities.

Improve spatial access: many cannot physically reach good healthcare in reasonable time.

Sustainability and Depoliticisation

Health reforms must survive beyond electoral cycles. Longer-term funding, bipartisan support, independent oversight.

Donor assistance should support capacity building rather than fostering dependency.

Conclusion: A demand for accountability and a promise of redemption

Ghana’s progress in healthcare is real. But progress without justice is hollow. As long as a child’s survival depends on where he/she is born; as long as illness condemns the poor to debt or death; as long as access without quality prevails; we have not fulfilled the right to health.

When leaders proclaim that every Ghanaian deserves healthcare that every African must shape and benefit from the systems that serve them, those must be more than words. The Accra Initiative offers a new possibility – a chance for Ghana and Africa to lead on the world stage, to reimagine health governance to be fair, inclusive, and locally empowered.

But the credibility of that possibility depends on domestic consistency: ensuring that even in our most remote region, even for the poorest woman, quality care is available and trusted not only when they are well, but when they are sick.

Health must never be at the mercy of political will, donor interests, or the ‘accident’ of birth. It must be guaranteed, protected, and sustained as a matter of justice. Only then can we speak of a truly equitable, resilient, and humane healthcare system – one that upholds the dignity of every Ghanaian, strengthens our economy, and secures our collective future.

Ho Residents Reject Proposed Tariff Hikes

Residents of Ho have strongly rejected proposed utility tariff hikes, voicing frustration over what they describe as persistent poor services from electricity and water providers.

This came to light during the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s (PURC) Public Hearing on the 2025-2030 Multi-Year Tariff Review, held at the GNAT Hall in Ho.

The hearing formed part of PURC’s nationwide engagements to gather public views before finalising new tariffs for electricity and water supply across the country.

At the session, citizens lamented that service providers such as the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Ghana Water Limited (GWL) have consistently failed to deliver reliable services, yet continue to push for steep tariff increments. Some participants complained that entire households and communities either do not receive regular water and electricity supply or suffer frequent power cuts and poor water flow.

‘It is unfair to burden consumers with higher tariffs when service delivery remains unreliable,’ Frank Lawoe, a fashion designer noted, reflecting the general sentiment of the gathering.

According to proposals presented at the forum, ECG is demanding a 225% increase, GWL is seeking a 280% adjustment, while the Volta River Authority (VRA) is pushing for a 59% increment. The announcements were met with visible disapproval from the public, who insisted that utility providers should first improve efficiency, ensure stable supply, and resolve longstanding customer concerns before requesting higher payments from already burdened consumers.

Chairperson of the PURC Stakeholder Committee, Nana Yaa Jantuah, clarified that the figures presented are only proposals and not yet approved tariffs. She explained that the Commission will consider technical factors such as crude oil prices, exchange rates, and inflation, alongside public feedback, before making a final decision.

She further assured that PURC will no longer approve tariffs without attaching strict Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), stressing that ECG and the Ghana Water Limited will be held accountable for service delivery.

A major issue raised during the Ho Public Hearing was the destruction of electricity poles by bushfires, which ECG says costs the company over GHS560,000 annually and disrupts power supply.

Madam Jantuah urged communities to stop bush burning practices, noting that the environmental and utility costs far outweigh any short-term economic benefits.

She added that PURC would intensify public education on energy conservation and environmental protection, while ensuring both utility providers and consumers who flout regulations face sanctions.

The hearings, which have already been held in Kumasi and Koforidua, will continue in other regions as part of efforts to strike a balance between economic realities, consumer protection, and the financial sustainability of utility providers.

KGL Supports U-17 Colts Soccer Championship

As a continuous support by the Foundation, it aims at nurturing young talents and promoting sportsmanship among the youth in Ghana. This significant initiative reflects the KGL Foundation’s commitment to empowering the next generation through sports, education, and community engagement.

Launched in 2021 and now in its fifth edition, the KGL U-17 inter-regional championship has firmly established itself as Ghana’s premier platform for identifying and nurturing emerging football talents.

The nine-day tournament showcased some of Ghana’s best young football talents, with the finale held on September 27, 2025 at the McDan Teshie Sports Complex, marking the culmination of an inspiring tournament, reinforcing the Foundation’s dedication to nurturing future sports stars.

Greater Accra’s prodigy Jeremiah Abalo emerged the Overall Best Player, and although the midfielder’s team missed out on the trophy, his exceptional performances throughout the championship was duly recognised, earning him the top award. Throughout the tournament, Jeremiah Abalo starred with his displays, exciting supporters with his skill and vision at both the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence and the McDan Teshie Sports Complex.

His outstanding performances inspired Greater Accra Region to a commendable fourth-place finish, as the side finished behind bronze medalists Central Region, dethroned champions Western Region, and the Ashanti Region team that eventually finished as champions.

The 2025 KGL U-17 Inter-Regional Championship came to an end last Saturday, with Ashanti Region crowned champions for the second time following a 2-1 victory over defending champions Western Region in a thrilling finale.

Among the individual award winners, Western Region’s Frank Abu claimed the Best Goalkeeper Award after a series of commanding displays that not only helped his team reach the final to secure the silver medal, but also caught the eye of many who followed the tournament.

Ashanti Region’s attackers Agyei Duah and Alidu Issah shared the Top Scorer honours, after each scored seven goals to lead their team to clinch the trophy. Their teammate, Kelvin Baffoe, was also named Most Promising Player, underlining Ashanti’s dominance in both team and individual awards.

The 2025 edition saw an expansion, featuring 12 teams that included all ten Regional Football Associations, along with the two GFA Elite Academies. This ensured a full nationwide representation and intense competition that provided a platform for top talents.

The tournament, which is backed by a five-year, $1 million partnership with the KGL Foundation, continues to serve as a cornerstone of the Ghana Football Association’s grassroots development strategy.

Highlighting his commitment to youth development, the CEO of the KGL Foundation, Elliot Dadey underscored the Foundation’s commitment to the U-17 football tournament. ‘At KGL Foundation, we are deeply committed to empowering our youth through sports. This tournament was not only about competition but also about fostering teamwork, discipline, and leadership among young athletes,’ Mr. Dadey reiterated.

The CEO of KGL Foundation, aptly puts it: ‘Our approach is simple, yet deeply intentional: we go into communities, we listen, we learn, and we co-create. We engage not as distant donors, but as equal partners-collaborating with those who live the realities we seek to improve. Together, we design solutions that are rooted in local context, cultural relevance, and shared ownership.’

’Electrical Cables Must Meet Quality Standards’

The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has stated emphatically that all electrical cables, manufactured or imported into Ghana must meet acceptable safety and quality standards.

The GSA is therefore taking steps to ensure that consumers of electrical cables in the country will find it easier to verify product quality before making a purchase.

The consumers will be equipped with mobile-friendly verification tools to allow them check the authenticity of the products in real time.

The Director General of GSA, Prof. George Agyei, disclosed this in an interview with journalists after the launch of the Digital Programme for Quality Assessment or Conformity Pilot Project in Takoradi.

He said a mobile application has been designed to help consumers assess the quality of cables produced by local manufacturers.

‘We are trying to introduce a Quick Response (QR) codes on electrical products. So that a consumer can use a phone to scan and get some basic information about the products.

‘We are trying to pilot the initiative with six electrical manufacturing companies in Ghana and later incorporate foreign ones,’ he added.

Prof. Agyei explained that the initiative aims to protect consumers from substandard electrical cables circulating on the market.

He revealed that the Authority is getting feedback which would assist his outfit to correct some challenges with the technology before the initiative is fully implemented in 2026.

‘We are still at the design stage and engaging the suppliers to see how best we can all help to resolve the challenges,’ he stated.

In a related development, the GSA has begun a nationwide enforcement exercise to remove sub-standard mattresses from the market.

Prof. Agyei said the move is to protect consumers from health risks and ensure fair competition among mattress producers.

He stated that under the Ghana Standards Authority Act, 2022 (Act 1078), it is illegal to manufacture, distribute, or sell any product that does not meet the required Ghana Standard.

He has therefore appealed to consumers to always look for the GSA certification mark on mattresses before buying them.

He also urged the manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to ensure that their mattresses are certified before they are put on the market.