WHO equips health facilities with refrigerators to strengthen access to safe blood

AMA
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WHO equips health facilities with refrigerators to strengthen access to safe blood

The World Health Organization (WHO) has delivered and installed 13 blood bank refrigerators, complete with solar power systems, in health facilities across all 10 States and the 3 Administrative Areas (AAs) South Sudan. This investment has enhanced blood storage capacity, ensured reliable power supply for blood banking services, and improved the availability of safe blood for patients requiring lifesaving transfusions.

The equipment was procured through funding from the Health Sector Transformation Project (HSTP), managed by the World Bank. The project is funded through Multi Donor Trust Fund, supported by key development partners including the World Bank group, UK international Development, GAVI, The global Fund, Canada, and European Union (EU). The investments form part of a broader effort to equip health facilities across the country with infrastructure, equipment, and systems needed to deliver quality healthcare services.

During the celebrations of the World blood donor day on 16th June 2026, Dr. Oromo Francis, Undersecretary of Health, noted that health facilities across the country continue to face shortages and lack of access to safe blood supplies. “The need for blood continues to rise and far outpaces supply,” said Dr. Oromo. “the refrigerators will enhance availability, safety, and quality of blood and blood products, particularly in facilities providing comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care. Reliable cold systems are essential to maintaining the integrity of blood, preventing wastage, and ensure timely access to safe transfusion services, and save lives.”

Dr. Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Representative for South Sudan, noted that safe blood is essential to survival. “Access to safe blood and blood products is a critical component of functioning health systems and progress towards universal health coverage. By delivering this equipment, we are sending a message of collective responsibility to ensure access to safe blood for all who need it.”

As part of a broader effort to strengthen the national blood system, WHO also supported the Ministry of Health and the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) in the development of the National Blood Transfusion Services Strategy 2026–2030, which provides a strategic framework for strengthening governance, improving blood collection and safety systems, enhancing quality management and ensuring equitable access to safe blood nationwide. To maximize the impact of these investments.

WHO developed standardized blood and blood donor management training materials, donor education materials, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support harmonized implementation of blood transfusion services across the country. This was complemented by a Training of Trainers (ToT) for 14 NBTS staff, equipping them with the technical and facilitation skills required to lead capacity-building efforts at sub-national level. Following the ToT, an integrated training programme on blood and blood donor management was launched and is currently being cascaded to all 13 health facilities where the blood bank refrigerators were installed. The training covers key aspects of blood donor mobilization, recruitment and retention, donor eligibility assessment, blood collection, processing, storage, inventory management, and safe transfusion practices.

Together, these interventions represent a significant milestone in strengthening South Sudan’s blood transfusion services, building the capacity of health workers, and ensuring timely access to safe, quality-assured blood and blood products for patients across the country.

South Sudan has one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, with post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) among the leading causes of maternal deaths. In such emergencies, access to safe blood is often the difference between life and death. Strengthening blood transfusion services therefore represents a vital investment in improving maternal and newborn health outcomes as well as emergency care services nationwide.
The 13 beneficiary health facilities include Al-Sabah Children’s Hospital in Juba, Aweil Hospital, Torit Hospital, Bentiu Hospital, Renk Hospital, Bor Hospital, Pariang Hospital, Kuajok Hospital, Yambio Hospital, Wau Hospital, Rumbek Hospital, Abyei Hospital, and Pibor Hospital.

WFP warns food assistance for Congolese refugees in Burundi risks ending without urgent funding

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WFP warns food assistance for Congolese refugees in Burundi risks ending without urgent funding

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today warned that food assistance for more than 130,000 refugees in Burundi – most of them fleeing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – risks drawing down unless urgent funding is received.
Families who crossed the border in search of safety, food and shelter now face the prospect of losing the very assistance they depend on to survive. WFP urgently needs USD 35 million to sustain food and nutrition support for refugees through August 2027. Without new resources, lifesaving food distributions will end entirely from October 2026.

“Refugee families have already escaped from violence with little more than what they could carry. They came to Burundi looking for safety and something to eat, but now even that lifeline is at risk,” said Arduino Mangoni, WFP’s Acting Country Director in Burundi. “For people who cannot safely return home and have few ways to support themselves, WFP food assistance is not optional, it is what keeps families alive.”

Funding shortfalls have already forced WFP to reduce food rations, eroding refugees’ health and nutrition. If assistance stops, the impact would be immediate and severe. Families already living on reduced rations would face deeper hunger, worsening malnutrition and impossible choices between food, shelter, health care and protection. With no reliable income, limited opportunities to work and nowhere else to turn, many refugees could be pushed into negative coping strategies, while pressure on camps and surrounding host communities could rise.

As renewed violence flared in eastern DRC in late 2025, more than 100,000 people were forced to flee into neighbouring Burundi, adding to the existing refugee population in the country and more than doubling the number of refugees WFP supports. While some refugees have returned voluntarily to DRC, persistent conflict and regional instability continue to drive needs and could trigger further displacement if the situation deteriorates.

“We urgently appeal to donors and the international community to act now,” Mangoni said. “A break in food assistance would come at the worst possible moment for families who have already lost so much. Timely funding will allow WFP to keep food moving, protect the most vulnerable and help prevent a humanitarian emergency from deepening in a region already under strain.”

Letshego Ghana Delivers Strong H1 2026 Results, Driven by Profitable Growth and Resilient Asset Quality

EDALL Chronicles
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Letshego Ghana Delivers Strong H1 2026 Results, Driven by Profitable Growth and Resilient Asset Quality

Accra, 29 July 2026 – Letshego Ghana Savings and Loans PLC has announced a strong financial performance for the half year ended 30 June 2026 during its “Facts Behind the Figures” engagement with the Ghana Stock Exchange.

The results were underpinned by growth in lending, improved margins, disciplined cost management and resilient asset quality. Profit before tax increased to GHS 67 million, from GHS 24 million in the corresponding period, while return on equity improved to 33%, from 23%. Lending income grew by 35% to GHS 308 million, supported by higher disbursement volumes, while lower funding costs contributed to improved margins.

Speaking at the session, the Chief Finance Officer of Letshego Ghana, Daisy O. Adjei-Boadi, said, “Our H1 2026 results reflect the strength of our strategy, the resilience of our business model and our commitment to sustainable growth. We continue to deliver strong earnings while strengthening our balance sheet, diversifying our portfolio and deepening financial inclusion across Ghana.”

Key Highlights:

– Mobile lending remained the company’s primary growth engine, recording GHS 5.0 billion in disbursements during the first half of the year.
– The gross loan book closed at GHS 1.2 billion.
– Total assets increased to GHS 1.9 billion, while customer deposits rose to GHS 834 million.
– Capital adequacy ratio of 20.2%, comfortably above regulatory requirements.

Focus on Financial Inclusion and Sustainability

Letshego Ghana continued to advance its financial inclusion agenda by expanding access to credit for individuals, women entrepreneurs and micro and small enterprises. The company piloted group-lending initiatives focused on women and continued to support sustainable development through financing for clean energy and green mobility projects.

Outlook for 2026

For the remainder of 2026, Letshego Ghana will focus on accelerating digital lending, launching its QwikSave retail savings product, growing impact-led lending, strengthening collections and portfolio quality, and advancing preparations for a potential transition to a microfinance bank, subject to Bank of Ghana sector reforms and regulatory approvals.

The Chief Executive Officer of Letshego Ghana, Nii Amankra Tetteh, said, “We remain confident in our outlook and focused on delivering profitable and responsible growth. Our priority is to create long-term value for our customers, employees, shareholders and the communities we serve, while continuing to expand access to financial services across Ghana.”

About Letshego Ghana Savings and Loans PLC
Formerly AFB Ghana, Letshego Ghana Savings and Loans PLC (“Letshego Ghana”) is a licensed financial services provider in Ghana, offering credit and savings solutions to individuals across the public and private sectors and supporting micro and small enterprises.

Osokrono We Youth Warn Nungua Traditional Council President Over Alleged Unauthorized Use of Clan Emblem

Prosper Kay
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Osokrono We Youth Warn Nungua Traditional Council President Over Alleged Unauthorized Use of Clan Emblem

The Youth of the Osokrono We Clan of Nungua have issued a formal cautionary notice to the President of the Nungua Traditional Council, Prof. Odehe Kpakpa King Odaifio Welentsi III, over what they describe as the unauthorized use of the clan’s sacred emblem during a traditional procession.

In a letter dated July 25, 2026, and signed by Ehontoi Borte on behalf of the youth, the group alleged that during the President’s Ohenease procession through Nungua on Thursday, July 23, he was seen carrying an egg in his hand, a symbol they say is the exclusive emblem of the Osokrono We Clan.

According to the youth, the hand holding an egg is a sacred historical and symbolic representation of the Osokrono We Clan’s heritage, identity and spiritual authority, and should not be used by persons outside the clan without prior approval.

The group argued that since Prof. Welentsi III belongs to the Mantse We Clan and not the Osokrono We Clan, his use of the emblem was contrary to Ga customary law and traditional practice.

They further claimed the incident provoked anger among some youth in the community and nearly resulted in a confrontation, which they said was only prevented through the intervention of elders of the Osokrono We Clan.

Describing the matter as a serious breach of tradition, the youth served what they termed a “legal caution,” warning that any continued unauthorized use of the Osokrono We Clan’s emblem or paraphernalia could lead to legal and traditional action.

The group said it may seek redress through the Nungua Traditional Council, the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, and the courts of competent jurisdiction on grounds including alleged impersonation, infringement of traditional rights and breach of the peace.

The youth also called on all chiefs, sub-chiefs, clan heads and residents to refrain from using the symbols, emblems or paraphernalia of other clans without first obtaining written approval from the rightful custodians.

Copies of the letter were sent to several traditional authorities, security agencies and government institutions, including the Wor Konor, the Kpeshi District Police Commander, the Minister for the Interior, the Nungua Traditional Council Registrar, the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, and a number of clan heads and traditional leaders in Nungua.

As of the time of filing this report, Prof. Odehe Kpakpa King Odaifio Welentsi III and the Nungua Traditional Council had not publicly responded to the allegations.

Japan Earthquake Renews Interest in Apostle Amoako Attah’s Prophetic Messages

Prosper Kay
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Japan Earthquake Renews Interest in Apostle Amoako Attah’s Prophetic Messages

Congregants of Apostle Francis Amoako Attah are pointing to a series of prophetic declarations he made earlier this month after a powerful earthquake struck Japan’s Kyushu Island, killing at least 13 people and leaving rescue teams searching for survivors under collapsed buildings.

The Kingdom Speaker, during separate church services in July, made statements about earthquakes, volcanic activity and Japan that some followers now believe correspond with the disaster.

On July 5, 2026, Apostle Amoako Attah told his congregation:

“They can weaponise the earth for earthquake to occur. As I speak, the Chinese are planning some for Japan.”

Five days later, on July 10, he declared:

“Today as the rains set in, earthquakes have started, volcanoes have started.”

He also warned that nations worshipping “the serpent, goat and cow” should call on their gods to save them.

In another service on July 19, the preacher said he saw “the oceans rising” and “cold from Japan to part of America,” adding that “something big is about to explode, something big is about to happen.”

The remarks have resurfaced following Tuesday’s devastating earthquake in Japan.

According to Japanese authorities, the earthquake struck Kyushu Island at 4:27 p.m. local time, with the Japan Meteorological Agency initially measuring it at magnitude 7.1, while the U.S. Geological Survey later revised it to 6.8.

The quake caused widespread destruction in Kumamoto Prefecture, where buildings, including parts of an Aeon shopping mall and a paper factory, collapsed. At least 13 people have been confirmed dead, while rescuers continue searching for survivors trapped beneath the rubble.

More than 100 aftershocks have been recorded since the main quake, prompting authorities to warn residents to remain vigilant as hundreds of thousands were advised to evacuate to shelters.

The coincidence between Apostle Amoako Attah’s July messages and the earthquake has generated significant discussion among his followers on social media, with many describing the events as a fulfilment of his warnings.

However, there is no independent evidence linking the Apostle’s statements to the earthquake, and scientists explain that earthquakes are natural geological events caused by the movement of tectonic plates. Claims that earthquakes can be deliberately “weaponised” have not been substantiated by credible scientific evidence.

Gold Trade Row Puts Sesi-Edem and JG Resources Under Intense Scrutiny

Prosper Kay
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Gold Trade Row Puts Sesi-Edem and JG Resources Under Intense Scrutiny

A multimillion-dollar gold trade dispute involving Sesi-Edem Company Limited and JG Resources Limited is expanding beyond a commercial disagreement, with the matter now attracting legal, regulatory, and governance scrutiny over alleged assay discrepancies, contractual breaches, and unresolved financial obligations.

The controversy, which industry sources estimate involves exposure exceeding $20 million, has drawn attention to the directors of Sesi-Edem Company Limited, including Volta Regional Member of the Council of State Gabriel Adovoe Kwablaw Kwamigah (Tanko Kwamigah) and Patricia Awoonor, as questions continue to surround export documentation, assay records, and payment reconciliation.

At the centre of the dispute is a gold supply agreement under which JG Resources Limited reportedly paid GH¢57.7 million for 50 kilograms of gold between June and July 2025 through three payment tranches linked to export transactions.

According to documentation cited by parties familiar with the transaction, the key dispute concerns the quantity of gold ultimately confirmed by an accredited refinery in Dubai. While internal records attributed to Sesi-Edem reportedly indicate deliveries of about 30.8 kilograms, refinery assay results are said to have confirmed approximately 29.2 kilograms, leaving an unresolved delivery deficit of roughly 19.2 kilograms, with an estimated value of about $17 million.

Industry analysts say refinery assay results typically determine final settlement in international bullion transactions, making discrepancies between supplier-origin assays and destination refinery assays a significant contractual issue.

Sources indicate that attempts to reconcile the assay differences and outstanding delivery obligations have so far failed to produce a settlement.

The dispute has become more sensitive because of the involvement of a serving Council of State representative. Governance experts say transactions involving politically exposed persons often attract heightened transparency expectations, particularly where significant financial exposure and documentation inconsistencies are alleged.

Meanwhile, the matter has also become entangled in ongoing legal proceedings involving JG Resources Limited.

The company and three of its directors—Papa Yaw Owusu-Ankomah, Maame Akosua Asama Kuranchie, and Kwaku Appiah Yeboah—are facing contempt proceedings before the High Court in Accra over allegations that they failed to comply with a December 2025 order requiring the freezing of certain bank accounts and the payment of funds into court.

In a separate development, Sesi-Edem Company Limited has accused JG Resources of using its corporate name, logo, and the signature of its Managing Director without authorization in connection with a gold transaction involving Tayvest-FZCO.

The allegations have become part of broader investigations being conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) into the disputed gold deal and the quantity of gold allegedly delivered relative to payments made.

JG Resources has rejected allegations suggesting that documents relied upon in the dispute were forged, insisting that its recovery claims are based on contractual performance, refinery assay verification, and outstanding settlement obligations.

Sources familiar with the negotiations said the parties at one stage explored terminating the supply agreement after movements in international gold prices complicated further deliveries. Refund discussions were reportedly initiated but failed to produce an agreement.

Industry observers warn that unresolved disputes involving export commodities of this scale could affect confidence in Ghana’s gold trade, where transparency in assay verification, export documentation, and settlement procedures remains critical to maintaining investor confidence and the country’s international trading reputation.

With parallel civil proceedings and regulatory investigations ongoing, the dispute is expected to be determined largely by documentary evidence, accredited assay certification, and the outcome of judicial and regulatory processes rather than competing public claims.

 

Continuous public sector reform key to Ghana’s development – Head of Civil Service

Prosper Kay
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The Head of Civil Service, Dr. Evans Aggrey Darko, has called for sustained public sector reforms to strengthen state institutions, improve service delivery and support Ghana’s long-term economic and social development.

Speaking on the sidelines of the National Stakeholder Validation Workshop on the National Public Sector Reform Strategy II (NPSRS II), Dr. Darko said reform must remain a continuous process because institutions naturally deteriorate over time and must adapt to changing national and global demands.

He said governments face increasing pressure to deliver better services with limited resources, making institutional transformation essential.

“Institutions decay with time. We also live in a very complex, ambiguous and uncertain world. Therefore, we need to do things differently. Citizens’ expectations continue to change, and there is increasing pressure on government to deliver more with limited resources,” he said.

Dr. Darko explained that public sector reform extends beyond restructuring institutions and includes reviewing systems, improving business processes, strengthening human resource capacity and placing customer service at the centre of public service delivery.

He stressed that building the capacity of public servants is critical to improving the quality of government services.

“You cannot give what you do not have. We must continue to build the capacity of our personnel because, at the end of the day, the quality of the services we provide will determine our relevance and value to the people,” he said.

The Head of Civil Service noted that effective service delivery is essential for strengthening public trust and democratic accountability.

According to him, governments that deliver on citizens’ expectations build confidence in public institutions, encourage tax compliance and promote support for national development programmes.

Dr. Darko said the National Public Sector Reform Strategy II is designed to make public institutions more productive, efficient and responsive to citizens’ needs.

He identified key priorities of the strategy as deepening decentralisation, strengthening local governance, promoting inclusivity and mainstreaming gender equality across the public sector.

Referring to data from the 2021 Population and Housing Census, he said women constitute a larger share of Ghana’s population and must be fully integrated into national development efforts.

He said the Civil Service has established a Gender Task Force, introduced gender-mainstreaming initiatives and incorporated gender-disaggregated indicators into performance appraisal systems.

Dr. Darko also highlighted digital transformation as a major pillar of the reform agenda, saying technology can improve transparency, reduce corruption opportunities and make government services more accessible.

“We want to adopt modern methods of service delivery and reduce unnecessary human interaction because excessive human interface often creates opportunities for corruption. Through digitalisation, we can make government services faster, more transparent and more accessible,” he said.

He said the strategy also seeks to improve workplace conditions, strengthen occupational safety, enhance recruitment processes and introduce more effective talent management systems.

The Civil Service boss further underscored the importance of ethical leadership, integrity and accountability in managing public institutions and public resources.

He argued that performance management systems should be strengthened by linking rewards and compensation to measurable results in order to improve productivity.

“Compensation is important, but when compensation is linked to performance, it creates an incentive for people to deliver better results,” he said.

Dr. Darko said Ghana’s public sector reform agenda is ultimately aimed at building a developmental state capable of driving sustainable economic transformation.

He noted that the state’s role is not only to participate directly in economic activities but also to create an enabling environment for private sector growth through effective regulation and strong institutions.

He cited agencies such as the Food and Drugs Authority, Ghana Standards Authority, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority and the Environmental Protection Authority as examples of institutions that play critical regulatory roles in national development.

He stressed that laws must be effectively enforced if they are to contribute meaningfully to development.

Dr. Darko called on the media and other stakeholders to support the implementation of the National Public Sector Reform Strategy II, saying national development requires both sound policies and effective execution.

“Implementation is the action phase of every policy. We must move beyond speeches and ensure that our good intentions result in tangible improvements in the lives of our people. That is how we will truly achieve national development,” he said.

Public Sector Reform Strategy II Set to Drive Better Service Delivery

Prosper Kay
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The Government of Ghana has taken a significant step toward reshaping the country’s public administration by convening a National Stakeholder Validation Workshop to review the final draft of the National Public Sector Reform Strategy II (NPSRS II), a comprehensive framework designed to transform public institutions into more efficient, accountable and citizen-focused organisations.

The workshop, organised by the Public Sector Reform Secretariat (PSRS) under the Office of the President, brought together senior government officials, development partners, representatives of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), civil society organisations, academia, organised labour, the private sector and the media at the AH Hotel in East Legon.

The validation exercise marks the final stage before the strategy’s formal adoption and implementation as the government’s overarching blueprint for public sector reforms.

According to the Secretariat, the strategy was developed through an extensive consultative process involving broad stakeholder participation to ensure that it reflects national priorities and responds to the evolving needs of Ghana’s governance landscape.

Building a Public Sector that Serves Citizens

Opening the workshop, the Minister of State for Public Sector Reforms, Hon. Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, said the National Public Sector Reform Strategy II represents a new vision for public administration centred on improving the lives of ordinary Ghanaians.

She noted that although Ghana has pursued several reform programmes over the past decades, changing socio-economic realities, rapid technological advancement, growing citizen expectations and fiscal challenges demand a more integrated and sustainable reform agenda.

“The objective of this Strategy is simple,” she said. “It is to build a public sector that places citizens at the centre of governance.”

According to the Minister, public institutions exist to serve citizens and businesses, and every reform initiative outlined in the strategy must ultimately translate into tangible improvements in public service delivery.

She explained that these improvements include reducing delays in accessing government services, enhancing transparency and accountability, strengthening professionalism and ethical conduct within the public service, leveraging digital technologies to improve efficiency and ensuring that public services are accessible to all Ghanaians regardless of their location, gender, age or physical ability.

Seven Strategic Pillars

Hon. Akanvariba disclosed that the National Public Sector Reform Strategy II has been structured around seven strategic pillars, which will be implemented through 27 programmes and 135 strategic activities.

The interventions are expected to strengthen service delivery to citizens and businesses, build a competent and disciplined public sector workforce, modernise public institutions, improve regulatory systems, strengthen local governance structures, accelerate digital transformation and establish sustainable financing mechanisms for public sector reforms.

She stressed that the true measure of success would not be the number of activities undertaken but the real-life impact experienced by citizens.

“The success of this Strategy will be measured by the tangible improvements citizens and businesses experience in their daily interactions with public institutions,” she stated.

She explained that success should mean a business owner completing regulatory processes in fewer days, a farmer in a rural community accessing government services without travelling long distances, taxpayers obtaining services through simple and transparent digital platforms, and every Ghanaian experiencing professionalism, courtesy and efficiency when engaging public institutions.

The Minister further urged all stakeholders to maintain strong collaboration throughout implementation.

“As we pivot from Strategy development to implementation, let us remain guided and committed to ensuring that no Ghanaian is left behind. Let us partner where resources are limited, collaborate across organisations, demonstrate effective leadership and uphold the highest standards of professionalism,” she said.

She also expressed appreciation to members of the National Oversight Committee, the Technical Committee, the Public Sector Reform Secretariat and all institutions that contributed to the preparation of the strategy.

Declaring the workshop officially open, she encouraged participants to actively contribute to discussions to ensure that the final document reflects broad national consensus.

Evidence-Based and Consultative Process

Delivering the welcome address, the Director of General Administration at the Public Sector Reform Secretariat, Mrs. Thelma Ohene-Asiamah, described the workshop as an important milestone in Ghana’s public sector transformation journey.

She said public sector reform remains one of the key drivers of Ghana’s socio-economic development because an efficient and capable public service underpins good governance, improves service delivery, strengthens public trust and creates an enabling environment for private sector growth.

According to her, the development of the National Public Sector Reform Strategy II followed a rigorous evidence-based and highly consultative process.

She explained that the process began with comprehensive reviews of previous reform programmes, evaluation reports and sector data before progressing to technical engagements involving subject matter experts from the Public Sector Reform Secretariat and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), with support from the World Bank through the Public Sector Reform for Results Project.

She added that the drafting process also included interviews, technical working sessions and nationwide stakeholder consultations involving Ministries, Departments and Agencies, local government institutions, academia, organised labour, civil society organisations, development partners and the private sector.

Mrs. Ohene-Asiamah noted that a multi-sectoral Technical Committee and a National Oversight Committee subsequently provided strategic direction throughout the drafting process, ensuring that the strategy reflects diverse perspectives and practical implementation considerations.

She emphasised that stakeholder ownership would be critical to the successful implementation of the strategy.

“The strength of this Strategy will ultimately depend not only on the quality of its design but also on the ownership and commitment of the organisations that will be responsible for its implementation,” she said.

She encouraged participants to critically examine the proposed priorities, strengthen the implementation framework and help position the strategy as a practical roadmap for transforming Ghana’s public sector.

Responding to Emerging National Challenges

Officials at the workshop observed that Ghana’s public sector reform agenda has evolved significantly since the Civil Service Reform Programme introduced in 1987.

While previous reforms have produced gains in institutional strengthening, digitalisation and improvements in service delivery, persistent structural challenges continue to affect efficiency across the public sector.

They noted that rising public expectations, demographic changes, fiscal pressures, technological advancement and increasing demands for transparency require a new generation of reforms that are integrated, sustainable and results-driven.

Consequently, the National Public Sector Reform Strategy II has been designed not simply as another reform initiative but as a comprehensive national framework for transforming public institutions into efficient, accountable and citizen-focused organisations capable of supporting Ghana’s long-term development agenda.

Key Strategic Priorities

The strategy is anchored on several priority areas considered essential for modern public administration.

These include accelerating digital transformation across government institutions, strengthening institutional coordination, enhancing performance management systems, improving regulatory frameworks, promoting citizen-centred service delivery, developing gender-responsive platforms, ensuring sustainable financing for reforms and strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems.

Officials noted that monitoring and evaluation would play a particularly critical role in ensuring accountability and measuring progress throughout implementation.

Among the priority interventions identified are the institutionalisation of a robust performance management framework that directly links organisational performance to national development outcomes while strengthening individual accountability across the public service.

The strategy also proposes accelerating end-to-end digital transformation by integrating government information systems, reducing duplication of processes and improving interoperability among Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

Other priorities include strengthening leadership and change management capacity through continuous executive development programmes for public sector managers, improving policy coordination by clarifying institutional mandates and reinforcing whole-of-government planning mechanisms, as well as investing significantly in workforce reskilling.

Particular emphasis will be placed on building competencies in digital technologies, data analytics, innovation management and customer service to prepare public servants for the demands of an increasingly modern and technology-driven public administration.

Blueprint for Public Sector Transformation

Once formally adopted, the National Public Sector Reform Strategy II is expected to become the government’s principal policy framework for driving reforms across Ghana’s public sector.

Government believes the strategy will help improve efficiency, accountability and transparency within public institutions while strengthening governance, enhancing service delivery and restoring public confidence in state institutions.

The validation workshop provided stakeholders with the opportunity to make final recommendations and ensure that the strategy enjoys broad national ownership before its official adoption, paving the way for a new phase of public sector reforms aimed at delivering better outcomes for citizens, businesses and national development.

 

Online Pastor Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng Swindled Women with Fake Marriage Promises

Attractive Mustapha
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Online Pastor Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng Swindled Women with Fake Marriage Promises

An Accra Circuit Court has remanded Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng, a 35-year-old online pastor, into police custody over an alleged romance fraud and blackmail scheme involving seven complainants.

Kwarteng has been charged with six counts of conspiracy to commit crime, namely defrauding by false pretences, and six counts of defrauding by false pretences. He also faces a charge of non-consensual sharing of intimate images, which will be prosecuted before the High Court.

His wife, Sally Akosua Amoasah, has been jointly charged with six counts of conspiracy to commit crime, namely defrauding by false pretences.

The court adjourned proceedings to August 6, 2026, for the pleas of the accused persons to be taken.

Inspector Frank Morgan Dorvi, who led the prosecution, told the court that Kwarteng allegedly used an Instagram account, where he portrayed himself as a pastor, to establish relationships with women before inducing them to part with large sums of money.

According to the prosecution, the complainants include an ambassador and several businesswomen. Kwarteng allegedly proposed marriage to some of the women, visited their families, and claimed to operate a profitable car tyre business.

Police told the court that he allegedly convinced the complainants to provide money, claiming the funds were needed to clear consignments of tyres. The prosecution said the amounts allegedly obtained included US$33,000, GHS25,000, US$4,000, GHS22,000, and other foreign currencies, which were not repaid.

The prosecution further alleged that Kwarteng secretly recorded intimate images and videos of some of the complainants and later used the recordings to threaten or blackmail them when they demanded refunds. It also alleged that he shared intimate images of one complainant with his wife.

Police said the accused persons allegedly went into hiding after the complainants reported the matter, despite being invited for questioning.

According to the prosecution, the couple were arrested at their hideout on July 20, 2026, following intelligence-led operations. Kwarteng allegedly attempted to flee during the operation but was re-arrested.

While Kwarteng was remanded into police custody, Amoasah was granted bail in the sum of GHS100,000 with two sureties. She has also been ordered to report to the case investigator every Monday and Friday.

The prosecution informed the court that investigations are ongoing and that additional persons have since reported to the police claiming to have been victims of the alleged scheme.

The Ghana News Agency has also gathered that Kwarteng is wanted by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in connection with separate investigations.

AI and Ghana’s Future: Experts Outline Path to Jobs, Innovation and Growth

Isaac Kofi Dzokpo
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AI and Ghana’s Future: Experts Outline Path to Jobs, Innovation and Growth


Ghana’s artificial intelligence drive has received a major boost as the Ghana AI Summit and Awards 2026 opens in Accra, bringing together more than 300 experts and industry leaders to brainstorm over AI’s role in economic growth, innovation and job creation.

The two-day summit, organised by Knowledge Innovations in partnership with Deloitte Ghana and other key stakeholders, is being held at the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons from July 29 to 30 under the theme, “Artificial Intelligence for Economic Growth and Job Creation: Innovation, Inclusion and Future Jobs.”

The event is examining how AI is transforming industries, boosting productivity and contributing to economic growth, while equipping organisations with the knowledge and skills needed to harness the technology for inclusive and sustainable development.

Government Positions AI as Pillar of Digital Transformation

Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, a representative of the ministry reaffirmed government’s commitment to positioning artificial intelligence as a key pillar of Ghana’s digital transformation agenda.

The minister highlighted government’s efforts to implement the National AI Strategy, launched in April 2026, and its collaboration with development partners to establish a National AI Delivery Framework with clear milestones over the next decade to ensure the strategy delivers measurable outcomes.

He also highlighted government’s plans to establish a US$250 million AI Compute Centre, strengthen digital infrastructure, improve data governance, modernise the National Data Centre and implement a Data Exchange Hub to support responsible AI development.

The minister further underscored the importance of developing digital talent through the One Million Coders Programme, which is equipping young Ghanaians with skills in artificial intelligence, software engineering, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics and digital entrepreneurship.

He noted that building a skilled workforce remains critical to ensuring that Ghana is able to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the global artificial intelligence ecosystem.

UNESCO Urges Ghana to Accelerate AI Preparedness Amid Global Competition

The UNESCO Representative in Ghana, Edmond Moukala N’Gouemo, said artificial intelligence presents significant opportunities for economic transformation but urged countries, particularly in Africa, to move quickly to develop systems that allow them to benefit from the technology.

He said global developments demonstrate that the AI revolution is moving rapidly, citing China’s restructuring of thousands of outdated university programmes between 2021 and 2025 and introduction of new programmes aligned with emerging technologies to prepare its workforce for an AI-driven future.

Mr. Moukala N’Gouemo also referenced the establishment of a global artificial intelligence cooperation organisation headquartered in Shanghai, noting that the initiative reflects growing international efforts to promote equitable AI governance, open-source development and capacity building, particularly for the Global South.

“If you are still debating whether AI is important, if you are still analysing whether Africa needs AI, things are already moving faster than you can imagine,” he said.

He applauded Ghana for developing its National AI Strategy, describing the country as one of the leading nations on the continent in artificial intelligence readiness.

However, he cautioned that a strategy without adequate funding and an implementation plan risks becoming only a policy document, stressing the need for practical action to achieve meaningful transformation.

According to him, Ghana must continue strengthening its AI ecosystem by investing in innovation, research, local capacity development and partnerships to ensure that artificial intelligence delivers real economic and social benefits.

The UNESCO Representative said AI has the potential to transform critical sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture, public administration and scientific research, while creating new opportunities for businesses and young entrepreneurs.

He stressed the importance of ensuring that AI development remains ethical, inclusive and centred on human rights, noting that UNESCO’s position is that artificial intelligence must be a force for good.

He explained that UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, adopted by member states in 2021, provides a global framework to ensure AI respects human rights, promotes peace and protects the environment.

Mr. Moukala N’Gouemo added that UNESCO is working with Ghanaian stakeholders to translate global AI standards into local actions through initiatives such as the AI Readiness Assessment Methodology, which helps countries evaluate their preparedness across legal, institutional, technological, economic and social dimensions.

He further highlighted the importance of preserving Ghana’s cultural heritage through technology, warning that undocumented traditions, knowledge and living heritage risk being lost without deliberate digital preservation efforts.

He said the theme of the summit goes beyond algorithms and technology, as it reflects discussions about the future of Ghanaian workers, the competitiveness of local industries and the resilience of the economy in a post-digital world.

The UNESCO Representative also stressed the need for greater digital inclusion, particularly among women and rural communities, noting that access gaps could leave some populations behind in the AI revolution.

He praised local AI startups using technology to address challenges in education and healthcare, adding that inclusion must ensure every Ghanaian, regardless of location or background, has a role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.

Data Protection Commission Calls for Strong AI Ecosystem Beyond Innovation

The Executive Director of the Data Protection Commission (DPC), Dr. Arnold Kavaarpuo, said Ghana’s approach to artificial intelligence must focus not only on developing technology but also on building the ecosystem required to transform innovation into economic value.

Dr. Kavaarpuo, who chaired discussions at the summit, compared the evolution of artificial intelligence to the Industrial Revolution, using the history of the steam engine to explain how transformative technologies create impact when supported by strong ecosystems.

He explained that while the steam engine was a groundbreaking invention, it was the development of supporting systems such as factories, railways, universities, banking institutions, engineering capabilities and trade networks that allowed it to reshape economies.

“History teaches us something even more important: the steam engine was the invention; the Industrial Revolution was the innovation,” he said.

Dr. Kavaarpuo noted that artificial intelligence is expected to make a major contribution to the global economy, but warned that countries controlling critical parts of the AI value chain, including computing infrastructure, semiconductor technology, cloud systems, data centres and advanced models, are likely to benefit the most.

He said Ghana may not immediately compete in areas such as manufacturing advanced chips or developing the world’s most powerful AI models, but the country can identify areas where it has comparative advantage and build capabilities around them.

“The question is not simply what artificial intelligence can do, but what kind of economy it can help us build,” he said.

The Data Protection Commission Executive Director challenged stakeholders to focus on how AI can create jobs rather than only automate existing ones, while developing Ghanaian talent, strengthening local intellectual property and improving competitiveness.

He said Ghana must ensure that artificial intelligence protects national values, promotes innovation and contributes to shared prosperity.

Ghana AI Summit Chair Highlights Role of Innovation Ecosystem

Chair of the Ghana AI Summit and Awards, Dr. Kwami Ahiabenu, said artificial intelligence is reshaping every aspect of society and presents enormous opportunities for Ghana’s development.

“AI is transforming every aspect of society, and we are proud to contribute to Ghana’s AI journey through this landmark event. The Ghana AI Summit & Awards is a catalyst for national development and should strengthen Ghana’s emerging AI ecosystem while celebrating the remarkable achievements of individuals and organisations driving innovation in the country’s rapidly growing AI sector,” he said.

Dr. Ahiabenu noted that the summit has attracted over 300 innovators and thought leaders from Ghana, Nigeria, the United States and the United Kingdom to discuss AI’s impact across sectors and strengthen Ghana’s emerging AI ecosystem.

He said discussions throughout the summit will focus on how AI can contribute to GDP growth, improve productivity, enhance AI fluency for competitive advantage and build the capacity of Ghana’s next generation of AI startups through practical workshops.

Deloitte Ghana Highlights AI Opportunities and Responsible Adoption

Roland Baah Teye, Technology and Transformation Partner at Deloitte Ghana, said artificial intelligence is already reshaping economies, industries, governments and societies globally, making it necessary for Ghana to develop strategies that ensure AI delivers inclusive growth.

He said the global conversation has moved beyond whether AI will transform the future, stressing that the technology is already changing how decisions are made, how services are delivered and how value is created across sectors.

“The most important question is this: How can Ghana harness AI in a manner that accelerates economic growth, improves lives, strengthens institutions, and creates opportunities for all citizens, while ensuring that innovation remains responsible, trusted and inclusive?” he asked.

Mr. Baah Teye said Ghana is well positioned to become a leading AI-enabled economy following years of investments in digital infrastructure, financial inclusion, digital identity, connectivity and technology-based public services.

He said these foundations provide an important platform for the next phase of Ghana’s digital transformation journey through the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence.

He commended government’s National AI Strategy, which he said provides a framework for harnessing AI to promote inclusive growth, improve public services, encourage local innovation and support responsible AI adoption.

Mr. Baah Teye noted that the strategy focuses on talent development, ethical AI use, research capacity, adoption across priority sectors and the development of solutions that respond to Ghana’s realities, priorities and values.

He highlighted the growing importance of local language technology, including artificial intelligence and speech recognition tools developed around Ghanaian and African languages, describing such initiatives as critical to making AI more accessible and relevant to local communities.

He said AI must not only be powerful but also practical, inclusive and rooted in the realities of the people it is designed to serve.

On opportunities presented by AI, the Deloitte Ghana partner said the technology could significantly transform key sectors of the Ghanaian economy.

In agriculture, he said AI can support farmers through predictive weather analysis, pest detection, crop monitoring, market intelligence and improved supply chain management.

In healthcare, he noted that AI can strengthen diagnostics, support disease surveillance, improve patient management and expand access to quality healthcare services.

He added that in education, AI-powered learning tools can support personalised learning, assist teachers and improve educational outcomes.

Mr. Baah Teye also pointed to the financial sector, where AI is already playing an increasing role in improving services, enhancing efficiency and creating new opportunities.

He said the private sector will be instrumental in shaping Ghana’s AI future, with businesses across financial services, telecommunications, energy and other industries exploring how AI can improve productivity, develop new products and services, reduce operational costs and unlock new business models.

However, he cautioned that successful AI adoption requires more than acquiring technology tools, stressing the need for clear strategies, strong data foundations, effective leadership, workforce readiness, risk management and responsible governance.

“AI transformation is not only a technology initiative; it is an enterprise transformation initiative,” he said.

Mr. Baah Teye stressed that responsible AI must remain a national priority, arguing that trust is not a barrier to innovation but a foundation that allows technology to scale sustainably.

He said citizens, employees, investors and regulators are increasingly asking critical questions about whether AI systems can be trusted, whether decisions are fair and unbiased, whether personal data is protected and who remains accountable when AI systems fail.

He outlined key principles that must guide Ghana’s AI development, including ensuring that AI is human-centred, transparent, explainable, fair, inclusive, privacy-conscious, secure, reliable and accountable.

He further emphasised the need for continued investment in workforce readiness to ensure Ghanaians have the skills required to participate effectively in the emerging AI economy.

The summit features keynote addresses, panel discussions, hands-on workshops and networking sessions involving leading AI experts, including Dr. Gillian Hammah, Professor Isaac Wiafe and Meta’s Vice President of Public Policy for Africa, Middle East and Turkey.

Discussions are focusing on the application of artificial intelligence across key sectors, including government, finance, healthcare, education, agriculture, manufacturing, media and the creative economy.

The event will conclude on July 30 with the Ghana AI Challenge, showcasing innovative AI-powered solutions to real-world problems, and the Ghana AI Awards, which will honour outstanding individuals, organisations, startups and institutions advancing artificial intelligence, innovation and digital transformation in Ghana.

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