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High Levels of Microplastics in Fish Can Cause Human Infertility- Fish Expert Warns

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Dr. Stanley Hughes-Obresi, a veterinarian with the Fish Health Unit at the Fisheries Commission in the Ashanti Region, has issued a stark warning about the dangers of microplastics in fish, revealing their potential to cause infertility and other health issues in humans.

“The microplastics that accumulate in fish over time are also ingested by those who consume them, including humans and larger animals. So, the adverse effects observed in fish can be indirectly transferred to humans, leading to fertility issues, metabolic disorders, and other health problems over time,” he explained.

Dr. Hughes-Obresi further noted that microplastics can absorb harmful toxins, including heavy metals like mercury and lead, often resulting from illegal mining activities, which pose severe risks to human health.

In an interview featured in a documentary produced by Orange FM titled “Plastic Peril Part Two,” which highlights the effects of plastic waste on animals and crops, he called for a rethink of how plastic waste is managed across Ghana.

While microplastic accumulation is particularly severe in coastal areas, prolonged presence in rivers can lead to contamination of fish upstream, resulting in significant health implications.

Research from various institutions, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the U.S., indicates that microplastics adversely affect both female and male fertility.

They can degrade sperm quality, disrupt ovarian health, alter hormone levels, and potentially jeopardise fetal development.

Dr. Hughes-Obresi stated the urgent need for increased public awareness, policy changes, and innovative research to address microplastic pollution and its health impacts.

He believes that a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders is essential to effectively tackle this pressing issue.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme, approximately 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastic are dumped into the world’s oceans, rivers, and lakes every day, directly affecting millions of people’s livelihoods, food production capabilities, and social well-being.

Plastic pollution is a global problem that demands immediate solutions, if not the world may face serious crisis in the near future.

Plastic Pollution: The way we liter our environment is problematic – A/R Veterinary Officer

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Dr. Mabel Abudu, the Ashanti Regional Veterinary Officer, has raised alarms about the escalating issue of plastic pollution in the region, urging a collective change in behaviour to combat this pressing problem.

She noted that the responsibility lies with all Ghanaians to recognise that littering the environment is causing significant harm to both animals and humans.

“The problem is not just for livestock owners; it affects all of us. We must change our behaviour,” she stated.

In an interview featured in a documentary produced by Orange FM titled “Plastic Peril Part Two,” which highlights the effects of plastic waste on animals and crops, Dr. Abudu expressed deep concern over the impact on wildlife.

She explained that herbivorous animals often forage for food and can mistakenly ingest plastic debris, leading to serious health issues.

She called for an end to the indiscriminate disposal of plastics to mitigate this challenge.

Dr. Abudu shared her professional experiences, noting direct evidence linking plastic ingestion to animal fatalities.

“When you perform the PM (Post-mortem), you realise that there are a lot of polythene bags that are choked in the stomach,  and so I can testify to that, and so do my colleagues in the other districts and regions,” she reported.

She further pointed out that while plastic pollution may not claim the lives of many animals at once, it gradually contributes to their decline.

Dr. Mabel Abudu urged the public to stop littering to significantly reduce the detrimental effects of plastic waste on animals, humans, and the environment.

Kejetia Market Traders Undergo Free Health Screening

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The Ghanaian Society of Cardiology, in collaboration with the Spot Stroke Fast Foundation and the FrankCare Foundation, conducted a free health screening at the Kejetia Market.

This initiative aimed to commemorate World Hypertension Day on Saturday, May 17, benefiting hundreds of people.

The event began with a health walk that took participants through key city locations, concluding at the Kejetia Market.

Dr. Alfred Opata, representing the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, explained in an interview with Orange News that this initiative was vital due to the serious nature of hypertension.

He noted that many patients at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital suffer from strokes, with hypertension being a significant contributing factor.

Stroke cases are increasing daily and have become one of the leading causes of death both in Ghana and globally.

“Hypertension also leads to various heart diseases, so people need to check their blood pressure. If individuals are unaware of their blood pressure levels, they are at risk of having strokes and other diseases,” he said.

Dr. Opata attributed the rise in cases to people’s recent lifestyles and dietary choices.

According to data from the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate, the region recorded 126,110 new cases of hypertension in 2022, 136,380 in 2023, and 140,216 in 2024.

Despite these alarming figures, health professionals are calling for greater awareness among Ghanaians regarding their hypertensive status.

The Ghana Health Service is initiating a nationwide campaign to measure the blood pressure of one million Ghanaians. In the Ashanti Region alone, the Regional Health Directorate is targeting 170,000 individuals.

Samuel Kwesi Nyasu, Secretary of the Spot Stroke Fast Foundation, revealed that hypertension cases among the youth have been on the rise in recent years, prompting the need for increased sensitisation and health screenings.

He noted that six out of ten young people are affected by hypertension, with many unaware of their condition.

“We’ve realised that hypertension is on the rise among the youth lately. Formerly, we used to think hypertension was just for the aged, but we’ve realised the situation is growing among the youth, particularly if you come to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital,” he indicated.

Nyaso urged the public to voluntarily visit the hospital for screening to address the rising numbers.

Dr. Nii Moi Thompson Outlines National Development Vision as NDPC Chair

By
Ivy Hollys
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Dr. Nii Moi Thompson

Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, Chair of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), has outlined key priorities the commission will focus on as it crafts a unified national vision. He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to inclusive and data-driven planning to accelerate Ghana’s transformation.

This marks Dr. Nii Moi Thompson’s second time leading the NDPC. He addressed the public following the swearing-in ceremony presided over by President John Dramani Mahama.

Focus Areas Under Dr. Nii Moi Thompson’s Leadership

Dr. Nii Moi Thompson revealed that seven commissioners will operate through eight strategic sub-committees covering the economy, governance, and infrastructure.

  1. 1. Economy – Fiscal and monetary policies, with close collaboration with experts like Dr. Forson and Dr. Johnson Asiamah.
  2. 2. Transport & Logistics – Vital for supporting a 24-hour economy.
  3. 3. Energy & Private Sector Development – Ensuring sustainable industrial growth.
  4. 4. Agriculture & Natural Resources – Enhancing food security and resource management.
  5. 5. Employment, Productivity & Earnings – Linking economic growth to livelihoods.
  6. 6. Public Sector Reforms & Governance – Strengthening institutional efficiency.
  7. 7. Social Development – Improving education, health, and welfare.
  8. 8. Infrastructure & Land Use – Addressing land acquisition challenges for development projects.

“Through these committees, we will advise the President and engage stakeholders nationwide,” Dr. Nii Moi Thompson stated.

“The economy, with a focus on fiscal and monetary policies, comes first,” he said, acknowledging the roles of Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and Dr. Johnson Asiamah, whom he described as “the two men of the moment.” He emphasized collaboration with them to leverage their expertise.

Other focus areas include transport and logistics, which Dr. Nii Moi Thompson noted are central to establishing a 24-hour economy. The list continues with energy and private sector development, agriculture and natural resources, employment and productivity, public sector reforms, social development, and infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on land use.

“We put land use there because of its critical role in infrastructure development,” he explained.

Through these focus areas and technical research, the commission will provide strategic advice to the president, as has been done since 1994.

A Platform for All Voices in National Planning

Dr. Nii Moi Thompson stressed the need for broader participation in national development planning.

“The law requires the commission to provide a wider platform for Ghanaians from all walks of life,” he said. This includes input from political parties, Parliament, civil society, traditional authorities, faith-based groups, think tanks, and citizens.

He emphasized that national planning must combine structured research with popular demands.

“No one is left out,” Dr. Nii Moi Thompson added.

In addition to planning, the NDPC monitors and evaluates government performance. It does so through annual progress reports, which he said have remained underutilized.

“We will change that,” he asserted. “We will digitize the process and allow civic auditing—public monitoring of government performance in near real-time.”

Making Development More Meaningful for Ghanaians

As Ghana’s lead planner, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson underlined the NDPC’s role as the government’s “brain trust” on strategic development matters. He criticized the overemphasis on GDP as a measure of progress.

“For too long, we’ve heard about GDP growth, GDP growth, and GDP growth,” he said. “It remains abstract to the public and even some professionals.”

He proposed a new approach. “We’ll use a three-dimensional approach—growth in GDP, growth in employment, and growth in wages,” he explained. These indicators, he said, are more relatable and impactful for everyday Ghanaians.

Dr. Nii Moi Thompson added that productivity will be the thread running through all economic evaluations. Quoting President Mahama, he concluded, “Ghana must function efficiently.”

With renewed focus and broad inclusion, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson reaffirmed the NDPC’s mission to build a development strategy that truly reflects the nation’s aspirations.

Mahama Urges Unified National Plan to Drive Development in Ghana

By
Ivy Hollys
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development in Ghana

President John Dramani Mahama has said development in Ghana should be forward-looking. Tasking the newly sworn-in National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) with consolidating all existing frameworks into a single, forward-looking plan to guide long-term development, President Mahama described the urgent call for a long-term national development plan as a national interest. 

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony at the Jubilee House, President Mahama stressed the need for a national blueprint that reflects broad consensus and addresses structural barriers to growth.

A Unified Strategy for Development in Ghana

President Mahama highlighted the existence of multiple frameworks with similar long-term goals, including the Ghana Beyond Aid Charter, the Ghana @100 long-term l Development Framework, and Vision 2057 Perspective Framework.

“Development in Ghana cannot be left to fragmented efforts. We must integrate all existing frameworks—such as the Ghana Beyond Aid Charter, Vision 2057, and the 40-Year National Development Plan—into one dynamic, forward-looking strategy,” he said.

He emphasized that the plan must be inclusive and developed in consultation with Parliament and the public.

“This must be done in close collaboration and consultation with Parliament and the people’s representatives to ensure that the final plan reflects a broad national consensus and is subject to regular review in response to evolving domestic and global challenges,” he stated.

President Mahama noted that the consolidated plan should guide ministries, agencies, and local assemblies over the next four years.

Addressing Structural Challenges to Development in Ghana

He warned that without long-term planning, Ghana’s economy will continue to face deep-rooted limitations. He emphasized that true development in Ghana would require bold structural reforms to unlock value addition, industrialization, and innovation.

Quoting Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, he underscored the importance of strategic vision.

“Without a clear vision, economic policies lack direction. Radical transformation demands a long-term perspective,” he quoted.

NDPC Mandated to Drive Development in Ghana

President Mahama expressed confidence in the commission’s leadership and its ability to chart a transformative course with Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, who previously led the creation of the 40-Year National Development Plan in 2017, returning as chairman of the NDPC.

A Roadmap to Sustainable Development in Ghana

President Mahama outlined key objectives for the NDPC’s new development strategy, including

  • Consolidating all existing frameworks under one adaptable national plan.
  • Fostering public-private partnerships to drive value addition and industrialization.
  • Ensuring periodic reviews to respond to global and domestic changes.

He concluded with a call to chart a bold path for the nation’s future, calling for the plan to be actionable, strategic, and capable of adapting to economic realities.

What Is Making the Cedi Appreciate?

By
Ivy Hollys
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what is making the cedi appreciate?

While some point to international and others to internal factors, what is making the cedi appreciate? This question dominated a discussion between Alfa Ali and economist Mr. John Akwasi Amponsah. While some observers have attributed the development to international factors, Mr. Amponsah insists that domestic policies and structural changes must not be overlooked.

Mr. Amponsah described international developments as “e-factors”—external influences that are minor but not insignificant. 

According to him, when the cedi appreciates, it usually means the dollar is weakening on the global stage. He identified the ongoing trade tensions between major economies as a contributor to the weakening of the US dollar.

“What is happening at the international front is what we call a trade war,” he said. “Trade war simply means that we are engaging in import and export. I export my goods to your country. You also export goods to my country.”

He continued, “So as much as I pay you dollars for the goods I import from your country, you also pay me dollars for the goods I export to your country.”

Mr. Amponsah pointed to US economic policies, especially under the Trump administration, as a factor behind the weakened dollar.

He explained that because China and Canada have responded with similar tariffs, global trade transactions are slowing, leading to a dip in demand for the dollar. “Transaction is not going on. And that is why Ghana must gear up. Ghana must diversify. Ghana must create import substitution immediately,” he said.

“The United States is saying that for every good that will enter my country, I’m going to put a tax on it in his bid to resurrect his economy,” he said. “So this tax war of 40%, 10% for the rest of the world, and 40% for China is causing the dollar to depreciate.”

Domestic Reforms Must Complement Global Factors

Mr. Amponsah warned that relying solely on what is making the cedi appreciate globally could backfire. “If we don’t do that and things begin to look different on the external side, it could more or less negate whatever we are doing,” he cautioned.

He emphasized that the US is actively working to revive its economy, stating that Trump wants to rebuild America’s economic fortunes. He cited Apple’s shift in production back to the US as an example.

Amponsah said such shifts are not just about trade but about protecting national interests, and therefore Ghana should be finding alternatives, Mr. Amponsah responded.

Import Substitution Is Ghana’s Best Bet

Pressed further, Mr. Amponsah stated that import substitution is the most effective response to what is making the cedi appreciate. He advised that Ghana identify the commodities that are trading higher in terms of imports. He stressed that the trade balance equation is critical. 

“The exports we do are bringing us foreign exchange. Ghana must look at the things we do that take money away from us to depreciate our cedi.”

Mr. Amponsah mentioned rice and chicken as areas Ghana can control. “Some of them, if we are serious, we can reduce them. Like rice and chicken. We can reduce them. And you are reducing them, not banning them, but you are creating a substitute.”

He linked this to the 24-hour economy policy, suggesting that Ghana should industrialize around at least five key commodities.

Mr. Amponsah was confident that Ghana has the capacity to achieve this.  

Policy Innovation and Investment in Agriculture

He highlighted the potential in maize production, citing Ukraine and Russia as examples. “The government will only need to introduce grain, which is corn. Only corn is fetching Ukraine and Russia over four billion US dollars per annum.”

“If the Ghana government just makes a policy that I’m going to buy corn in addition to cocoa, it will drive people to go into maize production. Because the government is buying. There is a market,” he added.

In addition to maize, he recommended innovations in poultry. Responding to the “ ‘Nkoko Nkitinkiti’ policy as a solution, Mr. Amponsah said, although the initiative was a good one, it will generate revenue in the zeros, and therefore Ghana can look towards other policies that will generate bigger contributions to the GDP. “If we are looking at its contribution to the GDP, it will be zero point something. We want something that’s big.”

He suggested granting farmers access to funding. “Grant them loans through the agricultural bank. Let Ghana begin to buy corn from farmers. That forms the major part of the feed,” he said. “Then you create a balance. You create an ecosystem where we will not import the feed. We’ll raise our own chicken in Ghana.”

He concluded that such measures would not only reduce imports but also boost exports. 

With a combined strategy of internal production and policy direction, Mr. Amponsah believes Ghana can shape its own narrative about what is making the cedi appreciate.

KNUST Expert Calls for Studies on Plastic Contamination in Ghanaian Vegetables

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Dr. Eli Gaveh, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Horticulture at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has reassured consumers in Ghana that there is no need to panic about plastic contamination in vegetables, but called for a stop in indiscriminate disposal of plastics and further studies on plastic contamination in vegetables.

He explained that while numerous studies on plastic contamination in farm produce, including vegetables, have been conducted in other countries, Ghana is yet to comprehensively validate the level of toxicity from seepage of chemical compounds in plastics into irrigation water, soil, and the vegetables consumed by the population.

“The concern should come if there’s a prove that there’s plastic contamination in our water bodies, in the soil, and in the food we eat. There’s been a lot of studies on this, but in Ghana we’ve not established whether the plastic in water actually seeped into the water and also the concentration is above toxic level. The level of toxicity of chemical compounds in plastics is what makes them hazardous and that is what will make people become more concerned,” he stated.

Dr. Gaveh’s comments followed a documentary produced by Orange FM titled “Plastic Peril Part Two”, which highlighted the experiences of vegetable farmers facing declining sales.

Some consumers are refusing to buy their vegetables due to concerns about plastic pollution.

Agyei Douglas, a vegetable farmer, expressed that certain individuals and restaurants have stopped returning to their farm areas over worries about plastic waste.

“Many people visit our farm because our vegetables are organic. However, some visitors are disturbed by the plastic litter in our fields, which discourages them from returning and negatively impacts our sales,” he explained.

Despite the concerns raised, Dr. Gaveh noted, there is no cause for alarm if measures are taken to reduce plastic pollution on the environment and its contamination in the food chain.

He further cautioned that any seepage of plastic into irrigation water, could pose potential health risks, including cancer and respiratory conditions among others.

Tax Problems in Ghana: UPSA Dean Urges Urgent Digital Reforms

By
Ivy Hollys
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tax problems in ghana

Tax problems in Ghana are costing the nation over GH₵9 billion annually, according to Professor Isaac Boadi, Dean of the Faculty of Accounting and Finance at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).  He urged the government to show moral courage by digitalizing the country’s tax system to curb massive revenue losses.

Speaking at the UPSA National Dialogue on the theme “Tackling Tax Leakages in Ghana,” Professor Boadi revealed that Ghana loses over GH₵9 billion annually due to tax evasion, corruption, and illicit financial flows. He described the situation as a threat to the nation’s development, saying the losses represent missed opportunities for critical investments in healthcare, education, and youth development.

“These figures represent hospitals, classrooms, medicines, and the dreams of our young people being deferred,” he emphasized. “GH₵9 billion is four times the annual budget for Free SHS and six times the allocation for the National Health Insurance Scheme.”

Highlighting findings from a university-led research project, Professor Boadi criticized Ghana’s low tax-to-GDP ratio of 13.5%, which he said is far below both global and African standards. Citing World Bank reports, he argued that if Ghana could close its tax loopholes, it could boost tax revenue by an additional 2–4% of GDP.

“A country that collects only 13% of GDP in taxes cannot adequately support infrastructure projects,” he stated. 

Professor Boadi identified two major challenges fueling Ghana’s tax problems: the dominance of the informal sector and the Ghana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) difficulty in taxing digital and online businesses. He noted that the informal sector accounts for 80–90% of economic activity but contributes only about 10% to tax revenue. This, he said, creates a major gap in the country’s revenue collection efforts.

“The informal sector contributes 35–40% of our GDP, yet compliance is below 10%. That alone is a clear signal that we’re going to struggle with revenue,” he noted.

He also criticized the GRA’s limited capacity to tax businesses that operate entirely online, saying new strategies are urgently needed to bring digital companies into the tax net.

Calling digitalization a national imperative, Professor Boadi declared, “Digitalization is not just a technical upgrade—it is a battle against institutionalized theft. The fight to digitize our revenue system is a fight for Ghana’s survival.”

He concluded with a strong appeal to government leaders and tax authorities to act decisively.

“If revenue is power, then our only option is to digitalize what we have. Our authorities must have the courage to block the leakages,” he said.

The UPSA National Dialogue brought together academics, policymakers, and tax professionals to discuss solutions to Ghana’s persistent tax revenue challenges. 

Heavy Rains Trigger Flooding in Accra: Three Dead, Dozens of Shops Damaged

By
Ivy Hollys
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flooding in accra

Flooding in Accra has once again left a trail of destruction as residents of Awudome and Adentan recount the devastation caused by heavy rains on Sunday, May 18, 2025. The relentless downpour, which lasted for nearly three hours from around 3:00 p.m., submerged major roads, cut off communities, and damaged homes, shops, and infrastructure.

In Awudome, floodwaters engulfed the main road leading to the cemetery and the Obetsebi-Lamptey Interchange, forcing vehicles and pedestrians to a standstill. Though the waters have since receded, thick mud and debris now line the roads, making movement difficult and unsafe.

Local authorities at the sub-metro level say the root cause of the flooding in Awudome is the choked drainage system. Drains in the area, they confirmed, have not been desilted in years. One resident who both lives and works in the community described the situation as increasingly dangerous. He said the gutters, especially those near the Awudome cemetery, are completely blocked, which leads to flooding when light rains occur. He expressed the willingness of residents to help with clean-up in order to help the situation.

Meanwhile, the situation in Adentan’s Lakeside community is equally dire. Residents are counting major losses after the rain swept through homes, shops, and even pharmacies. More than 20 shop owners were seen scooping water from their premises, salvaging whatever they could. Many have lost valuable goods, and the cleanup is ongoing.

The Municipal Chief Executive for the Adentan Municipal Assembly, Madam Ella Esiman Nongo, confirmed that three people lost their lives as a result of the flooding in Accra. She revealed that two deaths occurred at Lakeside, including a four-year-old girl at Nanakrom, while another man was reported dead in the New Legon area.

Beyond Awudome and Adentan, other communities affected by the flooding in Accra include Weija, Kaneshie, Adabraka, Adenta-Dodowa, Tema, and adjoining neighborhoods. The downpour also caused major stormwater channels like the Odaw drain to overflow, worsening the damage and leaving residents stranded.

Authorities have begun assessments and are expected to coordinate relief efforts in the coming days. However, residents are calling for long-term solutions to the recurring problem. From proper enforcement of building regulations to urgent drainage system upgrades, many believe that until decisive action is taken, flooding in Accra will continue to endanger lives and destroy livelihoods.

Mpox Disease: Ghana Records Four Confirmed Cases 

By
Ivy Hollys
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mpox disease

Ghana has recorded four confirmed cases of mpox disease, with cases reported in the Greater Accra and Western regions. The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has activated public health protocols and intensified surveillance efforts to prevent further spread.

The GHS confirmed in a circular dated May 18th, 2025, that three of the mpox disease cases were recorded in the Greater Accra Region, while one case was reported in the Western Region.

Dr. Caroline Reindorf-Amissah, Deputy Director General of the GHS, speaking on the measures taken to contain the disease, said they are following up on the cases. “We know who they live with, and we are following up these persons to see if they will develop any of the symptoms that they have talked about.”

She emphasized the need for vigilance due to the broad range of symptoms noting that the symptoms of the MPox disease are common to a lot of illnesses. “So for mpox, we know that people may take some of these for granted,” she noted.

She urged the public to pay attention to rashes and accompanying symptoms. “As soon as you see a rash develop on your face, your extremities, or anywhere that you haven’t seen before… together with other symptoms… your mind should be alerted to the fact that this could be mpox,” she said.

Dr. Reindorf-Amissah further explained that the symptoms do not occur in any particular order. 

Containment Measures and Public Support

Dr. Reindorf-Amissah affirmed that the disease is largely being contained. She said the service has activated all public health measures, including the sensitization of staff. 

The GHS continues to educate the public, encouraging early reporting and responsible behavior. “If people have these and they sit home or they do not report, then it makes it difficult for us to be able to test and confirm if, indeed, they have mpox or not,” she said.

Dr. Reindorf-Amissah also highlighted hygiene as a major preventive measure. “We need to make sure that we are washing our hands constantly with soap and water.”

She further advised individuals with symptoms to cover exposed areas while seeking help in order not to put others at risk. She emphasized that the presence of symptoms like scars and rashes should not lead to stigma. 

“We don’t want to stigmatize anybody with any scar or whatever. When all these things come together… even then, we are not to be stigmatized. You have to be supported to get help.”

The Ghana Health Service continues to call for public cooperation to ensure prompt detection, reporting, and treatment of mpox disease cases across the country.

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