Lawrence Danny Aseye Amenuvor,

Opinion

Jun – 16 – 2025 , 09:57

2 minutes read

Vice President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, has responded to former Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s denial of involvement in the controversial unitisation directive between Springfield Exploration and Production Limited and Eni Ghana Exploration and Production Limited (ENI).

In response to a statement released by Dr. Prempeh who demanded an apology, Simons clarified that while the initial directives were issued in 2020 under the former Minister’s predecessor, Dr. Prempeh played a significant role in escalating the dispute in 2021, ultimately leading to international arbitration.

In a statement issued on February 27, 2024, Simons acknowledged that the unitisation directives were initially issued in April, October, and November 2020. However, when Dr. Prempeh assumed office as Energy Minister in March 2021, he initiated a new process that culminated in a Heads of Decision (HoD) document.

“It is true that ‘directives’ were issued by his immediate predecessor in April, October, and November 2020 in an escalatory fashion to compel unitization of the ENI-Vitol and Springfield blocks, forming the

Read his full statement below:

My response to Mr. Matthew Prempeh, former Minister of Energy

I have seen a statement from the former Energy Minister effectively washing his hands off the whole embarrassing spectacle that the forced unitisation saga has become following the current government’s decision to abort the policy.

I think that the former Minister is, unfortunately, harbouring some misapprehensions about the timeline of events leading to the arbitration. Furthermore, he has settled on his own definition of what a “directive” means, which limits his ability to reckon with his full role in this sad episode.

It is true that “directives” were issued by his immediate predecessor in April, October, and November of 2020 in escalatory fashion to compel unitisation of the Eni-Vitol and Springfield blocks and that these actions formed the genesis of the dispute.

However, I shall refer to these as preliminary directives for reasons that I will explain forthwith.

As the Arbitral Tribunal noted, following these preliminary directives in 2020, a decision was made by the political authorities at the highest level in 2021 when Mr. Prempeh came into office to suspend these preliminary directives.

A whole new process was thus began, one that he spearheaded. This new process culminated in a Heads of Decision seeking to impose final terms on the disputing parties – ENI/Vitol and Springfield. To all practical intents and purposes, this new document has to be regarded as a new directive at the time it was issued. It was a directive in the same line of dictates marked by a failure to accommodate the concerns and interests of the two private companies.

It is this substantive directive that triggered the decision by Eni and Vitol to finally resort to arbitration.

The Minister may want to absolve himself and his conduct entirely of all blame but the records of proceedings are exceedingly clear that he was the principal factor in the decision by the two international companies to take the matter outside the Ghanaian jurisdiction at the time they did in 2021.

Below are extracts from the tribunal’s findings that establish both the timeline and his involvement.

1. “At various meetings that took place between February and October 2021, the Minister of Energy displayed his personal hostility and bias against the Claimants by making repeated accusations and threats, including that the MoE would enforce unitisation irrespective of the judicial review proceedings, and that it would replace Eni as the operator of the Sankofa field.”

2. “At the 21 July 2021 meeting between the Claimants [Eni-Vitol], the President, and the MoE [Ministry or Energy], the parties decided to enter into HoD [Heads of Decision] agreeing (i) to the suspension of the Unitisation Directives; (ii) to the suspension of the Judicial Review Proceedings and Springfield’s litigation against the Claimants; and that (iii), provided conditions (i) and (ii) were met, the Claimants would negotiate a PUA with Springfield on the basis of the Claimants’ Technical Report.”

3. “On 3 August 2021, the Claimants (Eni-Vitol) sent a letter to the MoE contending that the HoD [ sent by the Energy Ministry ] did not reflect the discussions at the 21 July meeting. They reiterated their position that the agreement had been to suspend the October and November Directives, as well as the ongoing judicial proceedings.”

It is the complaining former Energy Minister’s insistence that Eni and Vitol comply with the terms of his one-sided HoD, which destroyed every prospect of negotiation. If he chooses not to call his instructions to them to submit to his will “directives”, he is free to do so and choose his preferred language.

This entitlement, however, does not negate his contribution to the animosity that landed Ghana in international arbitration, with embarrassing results.

Next time, I will be more diligent in adding footnotes to any term I use for the conduct of the former Minister so as not to offend his definitional sensibilities.

Bright Simons

ID/MA

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Lands Commission of Ghana

President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the Lands Commission of Ghana to halt the sale of all public lands with immediate effect.

This directive was contained in a letter signed by the Executive Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama, to the Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission, which was dated January 9, 2025.

“I am directed to formally communicate a directive for the immediate cessation of all activities relating to the sale, lease, or processing of transactions involving State and Public Lands.

“This directive has been issued to protect and preserve State and Public Lands for the collective benefit of the citizenry and future generations. As such, all ongoing and pending transactions must be halted without delay to facilitate a comprehensive review of the current framework governing the management of such lands,” parts of the letter read.

The President also ordered the Executive Secretary to submit a comprehensive report of all recent land sales and ongoing transactions.

“You are further requested to submit a detailed report of all recent and ongoing transactions concerning State and Public Lands to this office within fourteen (14) days of this communication.

“Your immediate attention to this matter is required,” the letter concluded.

BAI/MA

Watch the moment John Mahama was sworn-in as President

Alhaji Ishaq Saaeed acknowledging cheers

Alhaji Ishaq Saaeed has been installed as the new chief for the Muslim community in Sowutuom during a colourful ceremony last Sunday at the Alhaji Gabmoro Park Mile 7 Street.

The short installation ceremony witnessed Alhaji Ishaq Saaeed being taken through all the prescribed rituals in installing a chief under the guidance of the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu and elders and other chiefs in the area.

Amidst the playing of traditional drums and the firing of musketry, Alhaji Ishaq Saaeed dressed in a beautiful white and gold embroidered Muslim attire, greeted his way to the inner court of the ceremonial park, where the chiefs in the area together with some selected guests had gathered.

The event was well attended by some clerics of the Muslim community in Sowutuom.

Speaking to journalists, Alhaji Ishaq Saaeed said he would mobilise the needed support from investors to develop the communities as a response to youth unemployment.

“I will settle all disputes within the Sowutuom traditional area, and I pledge to share all resources available to help in the development of the area,” he added.

Addressing issues of rising challenges in the community, Alhaji Ishaq Saaeed raised the issue of the stench in the community occasioned by poor drainage systems, which is also affecting the health of many in the community.

“We have an issue with drainage systems here at Sowutuom, we need to come out in our numbers to help save the situation. I will also ensure that the youth here get the needed support they need to thrive in their various endeavours,” he added.

The ceremony had in attendance personalities such as Alhaji Awudu Salifu (Galadima), Imurana Abubakar (Sarikin Samari, Mmrantehene), Alhaji Abubakar A. Husseni (Sarikin Faada), Alhaji Dr. Shaibu Jinkor (Waziri, Nkonwahene stool chief), Alhaji Baba Andy (Sadauna) and Hajia Jamila Ibrahim (Magajiah/Queen mother).

Other personalities included the Ga paramount stool Gyase, Nii Tackie Commey (Acting Ga Sentse), Nii Torto Tackie I Amugi We (Gyase elder) and many others.

BY Prince Fiifi Yorke

The Public Utilities Workers Union (PUWU) has called for clarity from the government following the reported reversal of John Ayiku Ocansey’s appointment as Acting Deputy Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

The demand comes after conflicting communications from ECG and the Ministry of Energy left the union questioning the decision-making process.

On March 17, 2025, a letter from ECG announced Ayiku Ocansey as the new Acting Deputy Managing Director, a move initially welcomed by ECG workers.

However, a subsequent statement from Energy Minister John Jinapor on March 18 declared that the earlier letter had been issued inadvertently and was withdrawn, effectively nullifying the appointment.

PUWU General Secretary Timothy Nyame, in an interview with Citi News, expressed the union’s confusion and frustration over the sudden reversal.

“We find it strange that one person’s appointment can be reversed by another,” Nyame said. He emphasized that Ayiku Ocansey, an ECG staff member, was set to assume his role on March 24, following what the union believed was a legitimate appointment by the President.

“It can only come from His Excellency, the appointing authority, to revoke an appointment he has made,” Nyame added, noting that the letter reversing the appointment was not signed by the President or the Chief of Staff.

Nyame questioned the basis for the withdrawal, stating, “We don’t believe his appointment has been reversed.”

He further asserted that the union had not opposed the appointment and saw no reason for it to be rescinded.

“We will demand answers as to why his appointment is being reversed,” he insisted.

Until his appointment, John Ayiku Ocansey was the HR Manager for ECG’s Accra East Region. He holds a BSc in Social Sciences from the University of Ghana, an MSc in Governance and Development from the University of Cape Coast, and an LLB from Mountcrest University College.

GA/MA

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US tech giant Nvidia lost over a sixth of its value after the surging popularity of a Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) app spooked investors in the US and Europe.

DeepSeek, a Chinese AI chatbot reportedly made at a fraction of the cost of its rivals, launched last week but has already become the most downloaded free app in the US.

AI chip giant Nvidia and other tech firms connected to AI, including Microsoft and Google, saw their values tumble on Monday in the wake of DeepSeek’s sudden rise.

In a separate development, DeepSeek said on Monday it will temporarily limit registrations because of “large-scale malicious attacks” on its software.

The DeepSeek chatbot was reportedly developed for a fraction of the cost of its rivals, raising questions about the future of America’s AI dominance and the scale of investments US firms are planning.

Last week, OpenAI joined a group of other firms who pledged to invest $500bn (£400bn) in building AI infrastructure in the US.

President Donald Trump, in one of his first announcements since returning to office, called it “the largest AI infrastructure project by far in history” that would help keep “the future of technology” in the US.

DeepSeek is powered by the open-source DeepSeek-V3 model, which its researchers claim was trained for around $6m – significantly less than the billions spent by rivals.

But this claim has been disputed by others in AI.

The researchers say they use already existing technology, as well as open source code – software that can be used, modified or distributed by anybody free of charge.

DeepSeek’s emergence comes as the US is restricting the sale of the advanced chip technology that powers AI to China.

To continue their work without steady supplies of imported advanced chips, Chinese AI developers have shared their work and experimented with new approaches to the technology.

This has resulted in AI models that require far less computing power than before.

It also means that they cost a lot less than previously thought possible, which has the potential to upend the industry.

After DeepSeek-R1 was launched earlier this month, the company boasted of “performance on par with” one of OpenAI’s latest models when used for tasks such as maths, coding and natural language reasoning.

Silicon Valley venture capitalist and Trump adviser Marc Andreessen described DeepSeek-R1 as “AI’s Sputnik moment”, a reference to the satellite launched by the Soviet Union in 1957.

At the time, the US was considered to have been caught off-guard by their rival’s technological achievement.

DeepSeek’s sudden popularity has startled stock markets in Europe and the US.

In the US, AI chipmaker Nvidia ended Monday’s trading having plunged 16.9% while its rival Broadcom slumped 17.4%.

Other tech firms also sank, with Microsoft down 2.14% and Google’s owner Alphabet down over 4%.

In Europe, Dutch chip equipment maker ASML ended Monday’s trading with its share price down by more than 7% while shares in Siemens Energy, which makes hardware related to AI, had plunged by a fifth.

“This idea of a low-cost Chinese version hasn’t necessarily been forefront, so it’s taken the market a little bit by surprise,” said Fiona Cincotta, senior market analyst at City Index.

“So, if you suddenly get this low-cost AI model, then that’s going to raise concerns over the profits of rivals, particularly given the amount that they’ve already invested in more expensive AI infrastructure.”

Singapore-based technology equity adviser Vey-Sern Ling told the BBC it could “potentially derail the investment case for the entire AI supply chain”.

But Wall Street banking giant Citi cautioned that while DeepSeek could challenge the dominant positions of American companies such as OpenAI, issues faced by Chinese firms could hamper their development.

“We estimate that in an inevitably more restrictive environment, US access to more advanced chips is an advantage,” analysts said in a report.

Meanwhile, DeepSeek said on Monday it had been the victim of a cyberattack.

“Due to large-scale malicious attacks on DeepSeek’s services, we are temporarily limiting registrations to ensure continued service,” it said in a statement.

“Existing users can log in as usual. Thanks for your understanding and support.”

Who founded DeepSeek?

The company was founded in 2023 by Liang Wenfeng in Hangzhou, a city in southeastern China.

The 40-year-old, an information and electronic engineering graduate, also founded the hedge fund that backed DeepSeek.

He reportedly built up a store of Nvidia A100 chips, now banned from export to China.

Experts believe this collection – which some estimates put at 50,000 – led him to launch DeepSeek, by pairing these chips with cheaper, lower-end ones that are still available to import.

Mr Liang was recently seen at a meeting between industry experts and the Chinese premier Li Qiang.

In a July 2024 interview with The China Academy, Mr Liang said he was surprised by the reaction to the previous version of his AI model.

“We didn’t expect pricing to be such a sensitive issue,” he said.

“We were simply following our own pace, calculating costs, and setting prices accordingly.”

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Security consultant Richard Kumadoe has described the recent protest by Members of Parliament from the Minority Caucus and supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as politically motivated and unjustified.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue on Saturday, May 31, Kumadoe said while citizens have the right to express their views, the actions taken at the headquarters of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in protest of Bernard Antwi Boasiako’s detention were not a reasonable response.

“At the point where the bail term was slapped on our brother Wontumi, two options came up: either you engage the investigators for something to be done or go to court for a review. What we saw at the space in the office of EOCO was not a reasonable action. It was pure politics.

“If EOCO breached the rights of our brother Wontumi, I will be the first person to say it. EOCO has the option to take him to court, but they also have the option to engage him.”

Kumadoe’s comments come amid growing controversy surrounding the arrest and continued detention of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, who serves as the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP.

Chairman Wontumi was invited on Tuesday, May 27, by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service and investigated for alleged financial irregularities involving the Ghana Export-Import Bank (EXIM BANK).

He was later picked up by  EOCO, which is conducting a separate investigation into possible financial crimes, including fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state. EOCO granted him bail on Wednesday, May 28, setting the amount at GH₵50 million with two justified sureties.

In response, Minority MPs staged a dramatic sit-in outside EOCO’s head office in Accra, calling for his immediate release. The group, led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, marched from Parliament to EOCO and occupied part of the street in front of the agency’s premises.

The protest brought vehicular traffic to a halt and prompted a heavy police presence. Chants of “justice for Wontumi” and accusations of political persecution echoed throughout the scene, as the MPs accused EOCO and other state institutions of targeting political opponents.

Kumadoe, however, insisted that the proper channels were available to challenge the bail conditions, and the display at EOCO’s premises only served to politicise a legal process.

“As a country, we must allow investigative bodies to operate within the framework of the law. If there are genuine concerns about rights violations, those issues can be addressed through legal avenues, not street protests,” he added.

Deputy Attorney General Dr. Justice Srem Sai has confirmed that foreign investigative partners are actively tracking Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, aka Chairman Wontumi, over suspicions of criminal activity tied to his business operations and personal dealings.

“There are issues with our foreign partners, an investigative agency,” Dr. Srem Sai revealed on JoyNews’ PM Express on Wednesday.

“We have partnered with other foreign agencies who are interested in things that have been traced—or suspicions of crime that have been traced—to his business and him personally.”

Pressed by host Evans Mensah on whether the investigation was triggered by Ghana’s international partners, the Deputy Attorney General clarified: “It is not that it will be triggered necessarily by our foreign partners, but they are interested in what we are doing, and they assist us, just as we assist them. That is how law enforcement works these days, it’s cooperative, it’s international.”

The revelation marks a significant turn in the ongoing scrutiny of the controversial businessman and political figure.

Dr. Srem Sai said the interest from foreign agencies stems from suspicions that “the process of crime or materials which are subject to criminal proceedings have found themselves in his possession.”

Evans Mensah then asked directly whether Wontumi had committed acts involving foreign jurisdictions, but Dr. Srem Sai declined to provide specifics.

“That is something I cannot put out at this point,” he responded. “But the point I’m trying to make is that we will not persecute anyone.”

He emphasised that disclosing certain operational details could compromise investigations.

“You need to understand—if I am here and I’m telling you the design and scheme, what I’m also doing is to inform the suspects that we are looking for you in this direction. And then it helps them to evade.”

Dr. Srem Sai’s comments appear to confirm that the state’s interest in Wontumi is not isolated or politically motivated, but part of a larger, transnational enforcement effort.

While the Deputy Attorney General did not reveal which specific agencies or countries were involved, his repeated references to “foreign partners” suggest a broadening scope in the Wontumi investigations.

“They are interested in Wontumi’s case,” he stressed.

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Arsenal star Declan Rice has showered praise on teammate Thomas Partey, highlighting the Ghanaian midfielder’s influence and composure in the heart of the Gunners’ midfield.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League semi-final second-leg tie against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, May 7, Rice emphasised Partey’s importance to the team, especially with the Gunners needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit following a narrow first-leg loss in Paris.

“Thomas brings calmness to the team,” Rice said. “He doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves, but I’m lucky to have him beside me. He allows me the freedom to move around the pitch.”

Partey missed the first leg due to suspension, and Arsenal felt his absence early on as PSG took control and found the net through Ousmane Dembélé in the fourth minute.

The 31-year-old, who joined from Atlético Madrid in 2020, is expected to return for the second leg—his presence seen as a key boost as Arsenal chase their first Champions League final since 2006. Talks are ongoing between the club and Partey’s representatives regarding a contract extension, with his current deal nearing its end.

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By Jibril Abdul Mumuni

Accra, April 10, GNA – The Accra School of Hygiene has officially launched its centenary celebrations, marking 10 decades of excellence in training environmental and public health professionals in Ghana.

The event, held at the school’s premises, brought together government officials, health professionals, alumni, students, and stakeholders to commemorate the institution’s legacy and chart a path for its future.

On the theme, “A Century of Hygiene: Reviewing the Past, Refining the Future”, the ceremony highlighted the school’s pivotal role in Ghana’s public health sector since its establishment in 1925 as the nation’s oldest public health training institution.

Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh Minister of Health, in a speech read on his behalf, praised the school for its unwavering commitment to producing skilled environmental health officers, occupational health specialists, and sanitation professionals.

“For a century, this institution has been at the forefront of safeguarding public health, enforcing sanitation laws, and mitigating environmental health risks.”

“The recent introduction of the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health and Sanitation further demonstrates its dedication to innovation and excellence,” he said.

The Minister also acknowledged the school’s alignment with national and global health goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on clean water, sanitation, and good health.

Mr Smile Kobina Ametsi Principal of the Accra School of Hygiene, in his welcome address, outlined the institution’s growth over the years, from offering certificate programmes to now providing degree and diploma courses.

“We have expanded our training portfolio to include a BSc in Environmental Health and Sanitation, as well as new diploma programmes in Occupational Therapy and Occupational Health and Safety,” he said.

He further revealed plans to introduce additional undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including a Bachelor of Science(BSc) in Health Promotion and a Master’s in Environmental Health, pending accreditation.

Despite its achievements, the Principal highlighted pressing challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited lecture halls, and bureaucratic hurdles in staff transfers from local government to the Ministry of Health.

“We appeal to the government, alumni, and development partners to support our vision of becoming a centre of excellence in public health training,” he said.

The centenary will be marked by a series of activities throughout the year, including health outreach programmes, academic symposiums, and alumni engagements.

The school also aims to secure a new site for a state-of-the-art training facility to meet 21st-century health demands.

As part of the launch, the school matriculated its second batch of BSc Environmental Health students, reinforcing its commitment to producing the next generation of public health leaders.
GNA
SOF

The Coalition for Maternal Health and Citizen Empowerment (CMCE) and ActionAid Ghana have trained Community-Based Anti-Violence Teams (COMBAT) in the Asutifi North and South districts on the early warning signs of conflict.

Conflict, a disagreement or clash between individuals or groups involving opposing interests, goals, or viewpoints, can manifest in overt arguments or passive-aggressive behaviour stemming from differing perspectives, unmet needs, communication breakdowns, or power imbalances.

It can be expressed verbally in arguments, physically through altercations, or through more subtle behaviors like passive-aggressiveness or emotional withdrawal.

During a COMBAT review and planning meeting at Kenyasi in the Ahafo Region, the Programs Officer for ActionAid Ghana in the Bono, Ahafo, and Bono East regions, Yaw Osei Boateng, said issues of conflict are increasing and that there is a need to sensitize the public.

He indicated that conflict can occur in personal relationships, workplaces, associations, families, among ethnic groups, and in other areas of society, adding that we must join hands to address them amicably and promptly whenever they occur.

Mr. Boateng stated that early warning signs of conflict can manifest in various ways, including behavioral changes, emotional shifts, and physical reactions, providing valuable insights into the potential for conflict escalation and allowing for early intervention and de-escalation.

“While often perceived negatively, conflict can also be a catalyst for growth and change if handled constructively, where resolution strategies can include negotiation, compromise, or even seeking mediation,” the officer added.

He reiterated that conflict prevention involves addressing the root causes of conflict, such as inequality, poverty, and lack of political participation, and building resilience in societies to withstand potential triggers of violence.

Key aspects of conflict prevention include addressing root causes, recognizing early warning signs, and building peace through conflict resolution.

This involves promoting the peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue, mediation, and other conflict resolution mechanisms.

The Executive Director of CMCE, Yaw Osei Boateng, noted that the center collaborates with state-owned institutions, namely CHRAJ, DoVVSU, and the Department of Social Welfare, which update them on issues of violence happening in the communities.

He said behavioural warning signs of violence include repeated loss of temper, frequent physical fighting, vandalism or property damage, increased use of drugs and alcohol, and an increased demonstration of risk-taking behavior.

Other signs, the Executive Director noted, include announcing plans or threats to commit acts of violence or harm others, enjoyment in hurting animals, and carrying, accessing, or having a fascination with weapons, especially guns.

According to Mr. Mahama, if a student or any other person in the neighborhood shares information or behaves in a way that leads you to believe he or she could harm himself or herself or others, it must be reported to the appropriate authorities, including security officers.

A participant, Matilda Asare, on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked CMCE and ActionAid Ghana for enlightening them on issues of conflict, its causes, possible solutions, and other preventive measures, saying that “the knowledge and skills acquired will be used.”

The Centre for Maternal Health and Community Empowerment (CMCE), established in 1995 and in partnership with ActionAid Ghana, is a national non-governmental organization (NGO) operating in four districts of the then Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana.

It operates in sectors of the economy, namely agriculture, anti-corruption, civil society, NGOs, education, food security, fundraising, gender, health, human rights, and rural development.

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By Jibril Abdul Mumuni  

Accra, Feb. 8, GNA – First Lady, Mrs. Lordina Mahama, has called for the integration of mental health services into child healthcare strategies.  

 She said the integration of mental health in child healthcare delivery required a holistic approach to address the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of children.  

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the Paediatric Society of Ghana’s Annual General and Scientific Meeting (AGSM), 2025 in Accra, Mrs. Mahama highlighted the growing mental health challenges faced by children, particularly in rural and underserved communities. 

The event on the theme: “Bridging the Gaps and Building Resilience in Child Health Care Delivery Across Ghana,” brought together healthcare professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving child healthcare delivery.  

The AGSM 2025 of the Paediatric Society of Ghana presents a pivotal opportunity to unite diverse stakeholders in the mission to achieve Universal Health Coverage for children across Ghana. 

The conference brought together esteemed professionals, researchers, and leaders from various fields, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. 

It will also engage partners and stakeholders including WHO, UNICEF, Ghana Health Service, GJA and GMA to discuss the common goal of ensuring a resilience delivery of quality child healthcare across Ghana. 

Mrs. Mahama stressed that mental health was a critical component of a child’s overall development. 

 “Building resilience in child healthcare delivery is not just about addressing physical health gaps. It is also about fostering emotional, psychological, and social development,” she said. 

The First Lady said that children in remote areas often faced significant barriers to accessing essential health services, leading to preventable diseases and long-term developmental challenges.  

She called on healthcare professionals, including paediatricians and nurses, to address mental health disparities by leveraging technology, training community health workers, and strengthening partnerships with local organizations. 

Dr. Hilda Mantebea Boye, President of the Paediatric Society of Ghana, echoed the call for Universal Health Coverage to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for all children, regardless of their background or financial status. 

Dr. Boye said there were disparities between urban and rural healthcare access and advocated for strengthened primary care, expanded paediatric services, and innovative solutions like telemedicine. 

She said that collaborative efforts, sustainable financing, and a multi-agency approach were essential to building a resilient healthcare system that safeguards the future of Ghana’s children. 

GNA  

Ghana on Monday announced it was banning all foreigners from trading in its local gold market as part of sweeping reforms aimed at boosting foreign exchange reserves and stabilising the local currency.

The ban takes effect on May 1 and grants exclusive authority to a new state body, the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), to regulate and control artisanal and small-scale gold mining in a country where illegal mining has become a major issue.