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Government to Build Six New Regional Hospitals – Health Minister

By
Ivy Hollys
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lightwave
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister of Health

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced that the government plans to build at least six new regional hospitals in areas that currently have none.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by leaders of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, Mr. Akandoh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery across the country. He said the government would continue all Agenda 111 projects started by the previous administration while also beginning construction of new regional hospitals within the next four years.

“If there’s a project that’s about 80 to 90 percent complete, it doesn’t make sense to abandon it,” he said. “We also have regions without regional hospitals, and that’s a separate project we’ll be taking on. Our goal is to build at least six regional hospitals in four years. It’s ambitious, but we are determined to do it.”

Mr. Akandoh also mentioned plans to work with mining companies to complete and manage hospitals in mining areas that are still under construction.

“We’re bringing in more partners, especially in mining communities. Some of the unfinished hospital projects in those areas will be handed over to mining companies to complete and operate, with government support,” he explained.

The minister said these efforts form part of the government’s broader goal to expand access to quality healthcare and strengthen the country’s health infrastructure.

Cabinet Orders Reversal of Renamed Public Universities

By
Ivy Hollys
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Public universities

The Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has announced that Cabinet has directed all public universities in Ghana that were renamed under the Akufo-Addo administration to revert to their original names.

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, the Bawku Central MP said a bill will soon be laid before the House to give legal backing to the decision.

“Mr Speaker, there has been a Cabinet directive to change the names of all the universities that were renamed after individuals back to their original names,” Mr Ayariga said. “A bill will be brought to this House to reverse all the name changes,” he added.

Several institutions were renamed during the Akufo-Addo administration to honour prominent national figures. These included the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Tarkwa, renamed the George Grant University of Mines and Technology; the Wa Campus of the University for Development Studies (UDS), renamed the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies; the Navrongo Campus of UDS, renamed the C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences; and the Ho Technical University, renamed the Ephraim Amu Technical University.

The renaming exercise faced strong criticism from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), which described it as politically motivated.

Once Parliament approves the new bill, the affected institutions will officially return to their original names. The move, according to government sources, aims to preserve the neutrality and historical identity of Ghana’s public universities

Mahama Swears In 37 New High Court Judges, Urges Integrity and Fairness

By
Ivy Hollys
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Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in 37 new High Court judges, urging them to uphold justice, integrity, and fairness in their work.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Jubilee House in Accra on Thursday, October 23, 2025. In his address, President Mahama reminded the judges of their critical role in ensuring public confidence in the judicial system. He called on them to remain impartial, apply the law without fear or favour, and protect the rights and freedoms of all citizens.

“The effective administration of justice is central to Ghana’s democracy and economic stability,” President Mahama said. He emphasised that the judiciary’s independence and professionalism were vital for maintaining peace and promoting national development.

The President also commended Ghana’s judiciary for its strong commitment to gender balance and inclusion. He described it as a model of affirmative action that other arms of government should emulate.

“Even though I am the appointing authority, I want to commend the judiciary when it comes to affirmative action and gender. You are doing far better than the executive,” he stated.

President Mahama noted that recent judicial appointments, including those to the Court of Appeal, reflected significant female representation. “A short while ago, we swore in Appeal Court judges, and a good number almost the majority were women. Again, I see that women are well represented here in this batch of High Court judges,” he said.

He congratulated the new judges and encouraged them to serve with dedication and impartiality, stressing that their actions will shape public trust in the judiciary and strengthen the foundations of Ghana’s democracy.

Illegal Miners Invade Konkoma School Park, Endangering Pupils and Health Centre

By
Ivy Hollys
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Miners threaten kokomba basic school

Illegal miners have taken over land meant for a school park at Konkoma in the Bosomtwe District of the Ashanti Region. The activity has left the area badly degraded and unsafe for residents.

The miners, in their search for gold, have dug dangerously close to the Konkoma D/A Basic School and the community health centre. These two public facilities serve as the main education and healthcare providers in the community.

Moreover, the land once used as a playground for pupils and a park for residents is now filled with open pits and loose soil. The mining site is located less than 100 meters from the school and health centre.

According to school authorities, the situation poses a major safety risk to pupils. The uncovered pits could cause serious accidents. In addition, stagnant water in the pits has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, worsening health conditions for patients at the nearby facility.

Assembly Member for the Konkoma Electoral Area, Stephen Abrokwah, described the situation as alarming. He therefore called for urgent action to protect lives and restore the affected land.

Meanwhile, officials from National Security have arrested some individuals believed to be involved in the illegal mining.

District Chief Executive for Bosomtwe, Engineer Abdullah Hamidu, has since begun a land reclamation exercise to restore the site. He assured residents that those responsible will face the full force of the law.

Furthermore, the Bosomtwe District Assembly is urging residents to support ongoing efforts to stop illegal mining. By doing so, the Assembly believes the community’s environment and public facilities can be protected for future generations.

Jinapor Reaffirms Government’s Commitment to Petroleum Hub Project

By
Ivy Hollys
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John Abdulai Jinapor reaffirms commitment to petroleum hub project

The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to the Petroleum Hub Project, describing it as a key driver of Ghana’s future energy and economic transformation.

Mr. Jinapor made the remarks during an official visit to the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) head office in Accra on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. The visit formed part of his familiarisation tour of agencies under the Ministry of Energy.

He commended the Corporation for its continuous efforts to make Ghana a competitive destination for energy investment. The Minister emphasized that the Petroleum Hub Project is one of the country’s most ambitious undertakings in the petroleum value chain.

“The Petroleum Hub is not just an infrastructure project ,it represents a bold vision to attract major global investment, create jobs, and anchor Ghana’s transition to a value-driven energy economy,” he said.

Mr. Jinapor assured the management and staff of the government’s full support toward the successful delivery of the project. He encouraged them to maintain professionalism, innovation, and neutrality in their operations. He also hinted at upcoming stakeholder engagements to refine implementation plans and ensure long-term success.

CEO of PHDC, Dr. Toni Aubynn, expressed appreciation for the Minister’s visit and reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to advancing the project. He drew parallels with international examples such as Singapore, the Netherlands, and Malaysia, where similar hubs have stimulated industrial growth and large-scale employment.

“Malaysia’s hub created over 80,000 jobs in its first phase alone Ghana can achieve even greater impact, particularly for the youth of Jomoro and beyond,” Dr. Aubynn noted.

The Petroleum Hub Project, located in the Jomoro District of the Western Region, seeks to position Ghana as a leading downstream petroleum and petrochemical hub in West Africa, serving as a catalyst for industrialisation, exports, and the country’s green energy transition.

Energy Commission and GSS Conduct Nationwide Energy Use Survey

By
Ivy Hollys
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Energy Commission

The Energy Commission, in partnership with the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), is carrying out an Energy Use Survey to gather accurate data on how energy is consumed across different sectors of the economy. The survey focuses on energy use patterns, appliances, and efficiency practices.

The goal is to provide reliable information that will guide national energy planning, policy development, and efforts toward sustainable energy growth.

Trained enumerators will visit selected institutions and households to administer structured questionnaires. All information collected will be kept strictly confidential in line with the Statistical Service Act, 2019 (Act 1003). The data will be used only for statistical and policy planning purposes.

The Energy Commission and GSS are asking for full cooperation from respondents by granting enumerators access to the necessary information and personnel to complete their work.

They say participation will help the country build a more efficient and sustainable energy sector for the benefit of all Ghanaians.

Abetifi Presby SHS Advances Narrow NSMQ Win Over Oti Boateng SHS

By
Ivy Hollys
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Abetifi Presby SHS truimps in NSMQ contest

Abetifi Presbyterian Senior High School has advanced to the next stage of the 2025 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) after a thrilling preliminary-round victory over Oti Boateng Senior High School. The contest, held at the SGS Auditorium, was one of the most competitive of the day.

Representing the Eastern Region, Abetifi Presby SHS edged out their rivals with 56 points, narrowly beating Oti Boateng SHS, who finished with 50 points. Sefwi Wiawso SHS from the Western North Region placed third with 16 points.

Both Abetifi Presby and Oti Boateng SHS showed strong intellect, quick thinking, and teamwork from the first round. Their fast-paced responses and confident delivery kept the audience engaged throughout. The lead changed several times, making the outcome uncertain until the final round.

The “Problem of the Day” round proved especially difficult. Abetifi Presby and Oti Boateng SHS each scored 2 out of 10 points, while Sefwi Wiawso SHS earned 1 point. Despite this, Abetifi Presby’s earlier strong performance gave them the edge to win.

The victory sparked loud cheers from Abetifi Presby’s students, teachers, and supporters who attended the event. The team thanked their fans for the encouragement and vowed to prepare harder for the next stage.

Although Oti Boateng SHS did not win, their impressive 50 points keep them in contention. They could still qualify for the one-eighth stage as one of the top five highest-scoring runner-up schools. Many spectators praised their effort, saying they deserve another chance.

The win adds to Abetifi Presby’s growing reputation as a strong NSMQ contender. As they move to the next stage, the school community remains confident and determined to go even further in the national competition.

Gifty Oware-Mensah Secures GH¢10m Payout In NSA Lawsuit

By
Ivy Hollys
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The Accra High Court has granted bail of GH¢10 million to former Deputy Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Gifty Oware-Mensah, following her appearance in court on Wednesday, October 22.

Gifty Oware‑Mensah, Former Deputy Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSA)
Gifty Oware‑Mensah, Former Deputy Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSA)

She faces five charges, including willfully causing financial loss to the state, stealing, money laundering, and using public office for personal gain. The charges stem from allegations of financial misconduct during her tenure at the NSA.

The case is linked to a nationwide verification exercise that uncovered widespread payroll irregularities. An initial audit revealed that while over 180,000 individuals were listed on the National Service payroll, only about 98,000 were verified as legitimate personnel. The remaining names were allegedly “ghost names,” resulting in an estimated loss of GH¢653 million to the state.

However, the Attorney-General’s office has since disclosed that a forensic audit conducted by the Auditor-General places the actual financial loss at GH¢2.2 billion significantly higher than earlier estimates. The charge sheet is expected to be amended to reflect this updated figure as investigations progress.

The case has drawn significant public interest, being described as one of the largest financial scandals in the history of the National Service scheme. Court proceedings are set to continue in the coming weeks. According to the Attorney-General’s office, the prosecution remains committed to ensuring accountability and recovering lost public funds.

Ayariga Defends Government’s MoU with U.S. on Deportation Deal

By
Ivy Hollys
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Mahama Ayariga

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has defended the government’s decision to sign an MoU with the United States on the deportation of some West African nationals. He dismissed claims from the Minority that the agreement requires parliamentary approval

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, October 22, Mr. Ayariga explained that the agreement was legally sound and did not fall under arrangements that must be approved by the legislature.

“The issue of the need for parliamentary ratification of the agreement with the United States to receive ECOWAS citizens being repatriated back to the sub-region has been widely debated,” he said. “If the appropriate legal advice to this House is that we should ratify it, we will consider so.”

He insisted that the government acted in the national interest and followed due legal processes, emphasising that the deal had already produced tangible benefits for Ghanaians.

“I can say with authority that the Majority approves of the arrangement and highly commends the government for negotiating the removal of the U.S. visa restrictions on Ghanaians,” he noted. “Given our business and social ties to America, these restrictions were going to be extremely burdensome to many Ghanaian businesses and families.”

The Minority has, however, questioned the legality of the MoU, arguing that any agreement with foreign policy implications must be brought before Parliament for approval in accordance with the Constitution.

Civil society group Democracy Hub has also waded into the issue, filing a case at the Supreme Court to seek legal interpretation and clarity on whether the agreement required parliamentary ratification.

Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom.

Kofi Asher Insists NDC Is Still Committed to Anti-LGBTQ Bill

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Mr. Kofi Asher, a youth communicator, speaking on Orange Sunrise, has firmly defended the National Democratic Congress (NDC) against claims that the party has slowed down its efforts in pushing for the passage of the anti-LGBTQ bill. He described such claims as deliberate attempts to mislead the public and create unnecessary tension around a sensitive national issue.

According to Mr. Asher, the NDC has not abandoned its stance on the anti-LGBTQ bill, as some critics have suggested. He dismissed suggestions that Hon. Samuel George, one of the leading voices behind the bill, has softened his position. “Hon. Sam George has not changed his words as people are claiming. He still stands by his position that the bill will be passed,” Mr. Asher clarified.

Mr. Asher also highlighted the Speaker of Parliament’s unwavering stance, emphasizing that the Speaker has vowed not to permit the acceptance of same-sex marriage in the country, even if it means risking his life.

“The NDC is still using the same energy we had in opposition, and nothing has changed,” he stated.

He explained that the anti-LGBTQ debate goes beyond politics, it touches the very foundation of Ghanaian cultural identity and values. According to him, Ghanaian society strongly rejects same-sex relationships because they conflict with traditional beliefs and moral principles.

Mr. Asher added that the delay in presenting the bill on the floor of Parliament does not mean the government has forgotten or abandoned it. He assured the public that officials are actively conducting internal consultations and following parliamentary procedures to ensure they pass the bill in accordance with the law.

He concluded by urging Ghanaians to remain patient and confident in the government’s dedication to protecting the nation’s moral fabric. “The party’s resolve to uphold the country’s moral and cultural principles has not diminished,” he assured.

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