A senior Ghanaian official on Tuesday called for urgent action to strengthen local healthcare manufacturing across Africa to secure the continent’s healthy future.

Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, senior policy advisor to Ghanaian Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, made the appeal at the opening of the African Healthcare Manufacturing Trade Exhibition and Conference, the continent’s leading healthcare manufacturing forum, which kicked off in Accra, the Ghanaian capital.

The three-day event has drawn delegates from 111 organizations across 26 African countries.

Ampofo said Africa must foster stronger collaboration and healthy competition to advance local healthcare production, “because the continent’s strength lies in solidarity, when a regulator in Kenya, an investor in South Africa, and a manufacturer in Ghana act as one strategic ecosystem.”

He said Ghana is pursuing a transformative agenda to modernize and expand its manufacturing capacity, particularly in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, and to build a globally competitive industrial base anchored on value addition, innovation, and regional trade integration.

The goal is to make Ghana the preferred source of high-quality, African-made healthcare products — driving jobs, export revenue, and self-sufficiency across the continent, Ampofo said.

“Our policy vision aligns with the promise of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” the official said, adding that AfCFTA offers a unique opportunity to develop integrated regional value chains and reduce dependency on imports.

For Ghana, he said, the AfCFTA framework supports expansion of pharmaceutical manufacturing, improved access to finance, skills development, and the creation of infrastructure and incentives to make local production competitive.

The conference also saw the launch of the African Manufacturing Market Intelligence and Network Analysis, featuring data from 700 manufacturers and 2,500 health products across 18 countries.

By Frank Kwame Abbor 

Dodome (V/R), Oct. 8, GNA – The Dodome Traditional Area in the Ho West District of the Volta Region has installed new traditional leaders ahead of its 2025 Agadzi Za (Festival), in a colourful ceremony that celebrated unity, culture, and leadership renewal. 

The event, held at Dodome Avexa on Saturday, October 6, 2025, saw the installation of two chiefs, a queen mother, and two Traditional Council. 

The newly installed leaders are Togbe Kodzani III, Chief of Dodome Teleafenu; Togbe Dokpo VII, Dufia of Dodome Dogblome; Mama Nyamadzorse V, Queen Mother of the Tokor Clan; and Tsiami Yiboe and Tsiami Amenuvor, both Linguists of the Adzivivi Clan. 

The ceremony brought together traditional leaders, queen mothers, elders, clergy, youth groups, and residents from all six Dodome communities — Avexa, Awlime, Tsikor, Awuiasu, Dogblome, and Teleafenu. 

The Agadzi Za, also known as the Agadzi Festival, is a major cultural celebration of the Dodome people, symbolizing gratitude for harvest and community resilience. This year’s edition is scheduled to begin on November 3 to 8, 2025. 

In his address, Togbega Kpangbatriku IV expressed joy over the installation and urged the new leaders to serve with humility, patience, and wisdom. 

“Leadership is not always smooth. There will be good days and bad days. You must be wise, patient, and steadfast to overcome challenges,” he advised. 

He cautioned the new leaders against being carried away by the excitement surrounding their installation. “Today you hear people shouting your names, but that will not always be the case. When the difficult days come, you must hold firm,” he said. 

The Paramount Chief also appealed for unity among the Dodome communities, stressing that peace and cooperation were essential for progress. 

“If we remain divided, development will be slow. Those who oppose progress must advise themselves so that Dodome can move forward,” he added. 

Togbega Kpangbatriku further called on the government to prioritize road infrastructure under its “Big Push” initiative, saying improved access roads would enhance trade, mobility, and participation in the national 24-hour economy policy. 

Apostle Newton Kwame Dzator of the Christian Assembly Church, who delivered an exhortation, urged the new leaders to embrace humility and service. 

“Submit yourselves to the Paramount Chief, the Queen Mother, the elders, and the people you serve. Leadership is about service, not pride,” he said. 

Mamaga Emagbe III, Queen Mother of the Dodome Traditional Area, appealed to the youth to support the traditional council’s development agenda. “No son or daughter can work in isolation. We must work together to make Dodome mighty,” she emphasised. 

The event was marked by rich cultural displays, traditional drumming, and dancing, reflecting the heritage and unity of the Dodome people. Residents expressed optimism that the new leaders would promote peace, foster unity, and lead the community toward sustainable development. 

Observers described the installation as a milestone that rekindles hope and responsibility within Dodome as it prepares for the 2025 Agadzi Za Festival linguists under the authority of Togbega Kpangbatriku IV, Paramount Chief and President of the Dodome . 

GNA 

Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Audrey Dekalu 

The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has dismissed media reports alleging that about 300 of its staff have not received salaries for the past ten months.

This follows claims by some personnel across the country demanding the payment of ten months’ salary arrears, accusing the agency of neglect and frustration, with some alleging the situation has led to attempted suicides among colleagues.

In a statement signed by Suadique Musah, Director of Corporate Affairs, the Agency clarified that all legitimate employees on its approved payroll have been paid consistently from February to September 2025.

According to the statement, Chief Executive Officer Malik Basintale, who assumed office in February 2025, inherited the existing payroll approved by the YEA Board, and no verified employee has been excluded from salary payments since then.

The Agency explained that a comprehensive staff audit was conducted earlier this year to maintain payroll integrity and safeguard public funds. Staff who successfully completed the audit continue to receive their entitlements, while those whose contracts expired before the CEO’s appointment were required to reapply. Those whose contracts were renewed have since been placed on the payroll.

YEA stressed its commitment to staff welfare and expressed concern over reports of youth hardship, assuring that it has not deliberately neglected any employee or failed in its obligations.

Management reaffirmed its commitment to protecting staff interests, ensuring accountability, and delivering on its mandate to create sustainable employment opportunities for young people across the country.

Somalia is to introduce Swahili, the lingua franca of East Africa, to its national curriculum, the president has announced.

English is used as the language of instruction for most subjects nationwide at secondary schools, with Arabic the only other compulsory second language taught at the moment.

But President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said Swahili should also be taught at schools and universities, making the declaration at a summit of the East African Community (EAC) that is taking place in the capital, Mogadishu.

Somalia officially joined the eight-nation regional trading bloc last year with the intention of boosting economic growth following three decades of war.

With more than 200 million speakers, Swahili is one of the world’s 10 most widely spoken languages.

“The country’s universities, especially the Somali National University, should focus more on developing the Swahili language, which is the language of East Africa,” President Mohamud said.

“Adopting Swahili is important for our integration into the region,” he said.

Education Minister Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir added that the government had great ambitions for the adoption of Swahili nationwide.

“We want to see Swahili become a language of communication, trade and learning – even replacing English during our next conference,” he said at the EAC gathering.

Swahili dialects are already spoken along Somalia’s southern coast and the language has been used more widely around the country in recent years – one of the consequences of the civil war that erupted in 1991 and brought decades of instability and more recently jihadist violence.

Hundreds of thousands of people have sought refuge over the border in Kenya, many going on to learn how to speak Swahili – especially those who have gone through the Kenyan education system.

As the situation in Somalia has somewhat stabilised in recent years, some of these fluent Swahili speakers have returned or have links back home, while the presence of African Union troops has also seen the language grow.

These soldiers, many from East African nations, have been deployed since 2007 with Swahili often their common language.

Until 2016, Arabic was the language of instruction in Somalia at junior schools and English at secondary and tertiary levels.

Now the primary school national curriculum is taught in Somali with the curriculum remaining in English for higher education – and Arabic used at madrassas, or Islamic schools.

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.

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.

The emphatic win, one of Ghana’s most convincing performances under Otto Addo, means the Black Stars need a point in their final game against Comoros to secure qualification to the Mundial.

Ghana began the contest with intent and precision, and it didn’t take long for the Black Stars to draw first blood. 

In the 21st minute, a teasing in-swinging corner from Mohammed Kudus found Mohammed Salisu, whose far-post header crept beyond the goalkeeper into the net. 

From there, Ghana kept pressing. Corners and free kicks rained into the box, and at one point Kwasi Sibo threatened with a header that was blocked as his rebound effort just flashed wide.

The CAR defence scrambled and cleared repeatedly, but the Black Stars’ confidence grew as the half progressed. Still, the first half ended 1–0 in Ghana’s favour.

After the break, Ghana ratcheted up the pressure and within seven minutes the cushion was doubled. Jordan Ayew threaded a clever through-ball into the path of Thomas Partey, who broke clear and hammered his effort into the net with authority. 

The scoring spree continued. Not long after, Jordan was again the provider, this time swinging in a pinpoint cross that found Alexander Djiku, who rose well and headed home to make it 3-0.

Twenty minutes from full time, Jordan Ayew finally got the goal his industrious performance demanded. A cross from Gideon Mensah, taking a slight deflection, served up the chance. Jordan volleyed crisply past the keeper into the net, making it 4-0. 

The final blow came in the 87th minute when substitute Kamaldeen Sulemana slid in from close range to tap home, scoring his first goal for Ghana to wrap up an emphatic 5–0 win.

Ghana sign at set pieces, again

Since the March international break, Ghana have now scored eight goals from set pieces, with the majority coming from corners. This is no accident as Otto Addo’s staff have placed deliberate emphasis on exploiting dead-ball opportunities, and central to that is Gregory De Grauwe, brought in specifically for set-piece coaching.

De Grauwe is a Belgian video analyst and set-piece specialist who currently serves as Chief Video Analyst and Set-Piece Coach for the Ghana national team. Before joining the Black Stars, he worked in Belgium with clubs such as Sint-Truiden, Beerschot, Zulte Waregem, and currently works with KV Kortrijk.

A UEFA B-licensed coach, De Grauwe combines video scouting with practical on-field set-piece routines, focusing on opponent weaknesses and structured delivery patterns.

Since his appointment, Ghana’s transformation in dead-ball situations has been distinctive. In the 3–0 away win over Madagascar in March, Ghana scored twice from set plays. 

In crucial fixtures like the narrow win over Mali, it was Djiku’s header from a corner that made the difference, proving that in tight qualifiers, mastery of set pieces can tilt the scales.

Under De Grauwe, Ghana have mixed up their approach; alternating between in-swingers, short routines, and disguised long throws, making them harder to defend. In international football, where training time is limited, such marginal gains are invaluable.

Ghana has one foot at next World Cup

The 5-0 victory not only maintains Ghana’s three-point lead at the top of Group I, but also boosts their goal difference to +16, a full eight goals better than Madagascar’s. 

With goal difference serving as the tiebreaker, it would take an extraordinary eight-goal swing in favour of Madagascar for Ghana to be overtaken should they lose their final game – an extremely unlikely scenario.

Madagascar face a daunting trip away to Mali, while Ghana host Comoros in Accra on Sunday. With momentum and confidence all on their side, Otto Addo’s men now have one foot firmly planted in the 2026 World Cup.

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Nanisto News Blog of Wednesday, 8 October 2025

Source: Manteaw Amos

play videoProfessor Kobby Mensah is the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Development Company Limited

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Development Company Limited, Professor Kobby Mensah, has stated that tourism and hospitality form the largest sector of Ghana’s economy.

Speaking to the media at an event in Accra, Professor Mensah described the tourism sector as “multi-diverse,” highlighting its integration with other essential services such as healthcare, telecommunications, and financial services, all of which are required not only by citizens but also by tourists.

Tourism Agency to boost sector with ‘Market Place’ initiative

“If you want to look at how big the sector is, you’d want to look at the needs of the citizens and compare it to the needs of the citizens.

“The citizens needs healthcare, financial products and telecommunications and that is exactly what the tourists needs,” He stated, adding that the livelihood of citizens are a replica of tourism.

He emphasised the need for Ghanaians to recognise the immense economic potential of the tourism and hospitality industry.

“It is the biggest sector in every economy and we don’t seem to grasp it and come to that appreciation and know that it is bigger than what we are offering now,” he stated.

Professor Kobby Mensah also encouraged Ghanaians to embrace the Black Star Experience, a campaign designed to promote Ghana’s cultural identity and tourism appeal, especially during festive seasons.

“We need to upscale our efforts to bring that totality of our services. Financial, telcos, accommodation and travel which are incidental to tourism” he stated.

PAT/EB

Malik Basintale is the CEO of the YEA

The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has refuted media reports alleging that about 300 of its staff nationwide have gone without salaries for 10 months.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 8, signed by its Communications Director, Suadique Musah, the Agency described the claims as “factually inaccurate” and sought to provide clarity on the matter.

According to the release, the current Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Malik Basintale, assumed office in February 2025 and has ensured that all staff captured on the approved payroll have been paid up to September 2025.

“It is therefore factually inaccurate for any group to allege that the CEO has failed to pay them for ten months, when he has been in office for only eight months,” the Agency stressed.

The YEA further explained that a comprehensive staff audit was undertaken earlier this year to clean up the payroll and ensure accountability.

“This exercise, far from being punitive, was to protect the integrity of the Agency and safeguard public funds. All staff who participated in the audit have been paid accordingly and continue to receive their entitlements,” the statement noted.

The agency also clarified that certain staff whose contracts had expired before the new CEO’s appointment were required to reapply for renewal.

“Those whose contracts were renewed have since been placed on the payroll,” management confirmed, urging the public not to confuse such cases with non-payment of legitimate staff.

Reaffirming its commitment to staff welfare and youth empowerment, the Agency expressed concern over reports of hardship and unemployment pressures.

“At no point has the Agency deliberately neglected its verified staff or failed in its obligation to pay those legitimately captured on its payroll,” the statement said.

It added that YEA would continue to pursue opportunities to create sustainable employment for young people across Ghana.

Ghana forward Jordan Ayew continues to impress in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with the Black Stars captain improving his tally via Ghana’s big win over Central African Republic (C.A.R.).

Prior to the game, the former Crystal Palace player had six goals and five assists in nine World Cup qualification games.

Jordan Ayew scored and provided two assists in Ghana’s 5-0 win over C.A.R. in Ghana’s penultimate World Cup qualifier played out in Morocco. He improved his tally to seven goals and seven assists in the process.

The Leicester City player slammed the ball into the net off a brilliant move from the Black Stars in the 71^st minute to put Ghana up 4-0.

Prior to the goal, Jordan Ayew played Thomas Partey in to score Ghana’s second goal in the 52^nd minute and added to his assist tally when his corner kick was converted by Alexander Djiku in the 57^th minute.

With an eight goal difference advantage over second ranked Madagascar in Group I, Ghana has all but qualified to next year’s World Cup.

Jordan Ayew is in line to play at the World Cup for the third time should Ghana make it to USA, Canada and Mexico for the tournament.

Theophilus Ofori Amanfo, a 35-year-old teacher at New Edubiase D/A Junior High School ‘B’ in the Adansi South District of the Ashanti Region, has died after a fire engulfed his residence on October 7, 2025.

The Presiding Member for the Adansi South District, Cosmos Darkwah Amoah, confirmed the incident to Citi News, noting that Mr. Ofori had only recently been transferred to New Edubiase from Ponkoase D/A Basic School, also within the district.

He recounted how the tragedy unfolded, but did not provide details of the cause of the fire.

“He was recently transferred to the school. We got information that there was a fire at his residence, so we rushed to the place and realised the two-bedroom house had been burnt down.

“The police and fire service were there to take the body to the morgue. The cause of the death is not known. The police are investigating the matter; maybe they will give us feedback today, Wednesday, October 8,” he stated.

The body of the deceased has since been deposited at the morgue, while police have commenced investigations into the incident.

….

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The Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG), KNUST Chapter, has unveiled a newly established Research Commons aimed at enhancing research collaboration and academic engagement among postgraduate students.

The facility, located within the Colleges of Humanities and Social Sciences and Health Sciences, provides more than 120 seats and is designed to promote interdisciplinary learning, group discussions, and research productivity.

GRASAG-KNUST President, Mr. Gabriel Alexander Kpevu, said the initiative was driven by the association’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for postgraduate research and innovation.

He explained that through extensive consultation and support from the university’s leadership, GRASAG successfully transformed spaces within the Faculty of Social Sciences and the School of Nursing into a modern Research Commons. Mr. Kpevu urged future GRASAG executives to replicate similar projects across other colleges to sustain the vision.

Commissioning the facility, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Asamoah, praised the GRASAG leadership for their foresight and dedication to improving the university’s learning environment. He said the initiative aligns with KNUST’s mission to deliver quality education and impactful research.

Professor Asamoah also commended the Provosts of the Colleges of Humanities and Social Sciences and Health Sciences for their support and provision of space for the project.

The Director of Student Affairs, Professor Marian Asantewah Nkansah, lauded the 2024/2025 GRASAG executives for prioritizing the welfare of postgraduate students over personal recognition.

She described the Research Commons as “a legacy boldly inscribed in the history of KNUST’s student community,” and expressed appreciation to the University Management, the Provosts, the leadership of the Graduate School, and her deputies for their support in realising the project.

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.

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.

The body said the country is making tremendous strides in tackling financial crimes

The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cybersecurity and financial crime prevention systems as Ghana prepares for the mutual evaluation exercise scheduled for January 2026.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Cybersecurity Awareness Programme jointly organised by the FIC and the Cybersecurity Authority (CSA) on Tuesday October 8, 2025, the Deputy Manager of the FIC, Sean Henry Osei, highlighted the significance of the event, which formed part of activities marking Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October.

“Given the relationship that the FIC has with the Cyber Security Authority and our own position in preparing for the mutual evaluation exercise, we saw this as an excellent opportunity to engage our stakeholders on cybersecurity issues,” Osei said.

He noted that the programme not only provided a platform for awareness creation but also enhanced collaboration between regulatory institutions, accountable bodies, and other key stakeholders in Ghana’s financial ecosystem.

“The programme exceeded our expectations in terms of sensitising stakeholders, competent authorities, and accountable institutions on the importance of cybersecurity. It has created the needed synergy and brought to the fore key upcoming events related to the 2026 mutual evaluation exercise,” he added.

Ghana lost over GH¢19 million to cybercrimes in first 9 months of 2025

On Ghana’s broader progress in tackling financial crimes, the deputy manager said the country is making tremendous strides, even though challenges persist.

“Ghana is making tremendous progress in that regard. We’re not relenting on our efforts. Cybersecurity remains a complex issue, but given the measures we’ve put in place, we are on the right track. If we maintain this focus and momentum, the outcome will be success,” he noted.

The FIC expressed optimism that sustained stakeholder collaboration, awareness creation, and policy alignment would position Ghana strongly ahead of the upcoming evaluation, a key global benchmark for assessing the country’s resilience against financial and cyber-related crimes.

ID/MA

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Kwame Baffoe is the Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP

The Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, has been granted bail of GH¢1 million with two sureties after his arrest on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, over fresh charges of publication of false news with intent to create fear and panic, and offensive conduct.

According to an update shared on TV3’s Facebook page, the court granted the bail following two new criminal counts brought against him.

NPP must own up, apologise and rebuild for 2028 -Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

“Abronye has been re-arrested and charged with two new criminal counts. The court has granted him bail set at GH¢1 million with two sureties for the offenses related to false publication and insulting conduct,” the report stated.

This marks the second time in three weeks that the NPP Regional Chairman has been arrested.

Flagbearer Race: NPP releases date for presidential primary balloting

On September 8, 2025, Abronye was picked up and charged with offensive conduct likely to breach the public peace, as well as the publication of false news.

He was later granted bail of GH¢50,000 with one surety, without justification.

Read the post below:

JKB/MA

Details of second case that led to Chairman Wontumi’s rearrest

play videoDr Justice Srem-Sai is the Deputy Attorney General

Deputy Attorney General and Deputy Minister of Justice, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, has highlighted the significance of Ghana’s Corporate Insolvency and Restructuring Act (CIRA), describing it as a crucial tool to safeguard local businesses and restore investor confidence.

Speaking at a stakeholder sensitisation forum on the enhanced legal framework for corporate insolvency in Ghana on October 8, 2025, Dr Srem-Sai stressed that the Act provides structured mechanisms for companies facing insolvency, enabling them to restructure rather than shut down.

He explained that the law is designed to sanitise the system and offer relief to creditors.

New CIRA to protect creditors, businesses and safeguard investment – Dr Srem-Sai

“What the Insolvency and Restructuring Act suggests is that when companies are insolvent, we put in place mechanisms to restructure them and ensure the business continues. Creditors are confident that their money will not be lost forever. Employees are confident they will not lose their jobs, and families will continue to be happy,” he said.

Dr Srem-Sai further noted that the Act specifically addresses the growing issue of ‘goro boys’ exploiting the insolvency space.

“Now the Act does another thing. It eliminates goro boys from corporate insolvency. What the Act does is create professional, official creditors and practitioners. If you are not properly trained and have not demonstrated experience and commitment, you are not allowed to touch anyone’s business, even if the business has collapsed. The Act protects creditors,” he stated.

For his part, IFC’s Senior Country Manager for Ghana and Liberia, Kyle Kelhofer, underscored the critical role of the new insolvency and restructuring framework in boosting Ghana’s economic competitiveness and financial stability.

He noted that the framework is expected to enhance access to finance across key sectors of the economy.

“The CIRA framework is modern and predictable, making corporate distress manageable for banks, workers, and business owners. It gives companies a second chance through orderly restructuring. Now that we have the framework, the next step is to operationalize it and make it effective so businesses and lenders can start leveraging it as soon as possible,” he shared.

The Acting Registrar of the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC), Maame Samma Peprah, said Ghana is moving toward a more forward-thinking national approach to insolvency and business recovery.

She stressed that CIRA will enable vulnerable businesses to recover while promoting fair and transparent business practices.

“This is why forums like these are so crucial. They ensure the law is not just on paper but effectively implemented, well understood, and aligned with the real-world needs of our business participants,” she noted.

SP/MA

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