Month: July 2025

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commended Ghana for fulfilling its 2025 vaccine co-financing obligation of USD 24.5 million. This timely payment is expected to bolster Ghana’s immunisation programme significantly, improve child health outcomes, and strengthen the country’s health system.

A Major Milestone in Vaccine Financing

In a press statement signed by Mr. Osama Makkawi Khogali, UNICEF Representative in Ghana, the complete and timely payment marked a significant achievement in Ghana’s commitment to child health. The country’s efforts to return to pre-COVID-19 financing performance, despite previous economic delays, were praised. “I am proud to stand with the Government of Ghana in celebrating this important milestone,” Khogali stated, emphasising that the payment reflected the government’s prioritisation of child health.

Strengthening Immunisation and Preventing Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

This payment ensures the uninterrupted supply of vaccines, which is crucial for preventing vaccine-preventable diseases and maintaining herd immunity nationwide. UNICEF highlighted that this move would also support the introduction of new vaccines, contributing to a more comprehensive immunisation programme. This is especially important as Ghana works towards reducing the impact of diseases that can be easily prevented through vaccination.

Transitioning Towards Self-Financing Immunisation Services

The statement noted that the payment marks a key moment in Ghana’s Transition Roadmap towards self-financing immunisation services, as development assistance from international bodies like Gavi gradually declines. By fulfilling its vaccine financing obligations, Ghana is taking necessary steps towards greater autonomy in managing its immunisation programmes, which will lead to stronger long-term health security.

Ensuring Long-Term Vaccine Security

UNICEF urged the government to maintain the momentum by strengthening domestic financing mechanisms to ensure long-term vaccine security. Investing in vaccines, the statement emphasised, offers one of the highest returns in public health, noting that prevention through immunisation is far more cost-effective than treatment.

A Significant Win for Child Health

This move represents a significant return to form for Ghana, which had faced delays in 2022 due to economic challenges and increased co-financing demands. The timely payment reflects Ghana’s ongoing commitment to ensuring every child is vaccinated and protected. UNICEF reaffirmed its continued support to the government to achieve universal immunisation coverage and leave no child behind.

This timely financing commitment from Ghana underscores the importance of consistent investments in vaccines to build a healthier, more resilient generation. It serves as a model for other countries working towards similar goals in child health and immunisation.

The National Peace Council (NPC) has equipped community members in the Bawku West District with the tools and skills to foster peace and social cohesion. This initiative, part of the Improving the Economic Resilience of Host Communities for Peacebuilding in Northern Ghana project, involved a two-day capacity-building workshop for opinion leaders, minority groups, refugees, and youth. The training aimed to empower these individuals to resolve conflicts, promote tolerance, and build resilience against violent extremism in their communities.

Training for Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution – National Peace Council

A total of 24 participants from the communities of Sapeliga, Tarikom, and Widnaba attended the workshop, where they learned about peace, conflict analysis, dialogue, and mediation, as well as strategies for addressing violent extremism. The aim was to develop these individuals into peace champions who could lead conflict resolution efforts, promote social harmony, and help others understand the importance of peaceful co-existence.

“The presence of refugees and minority groups from different cultural backgrounds means that social dynamics are under pressure. For peaceful co-existence to be possible, we must build their capacity in conflict resolution and social cohesion,” said Mr. Damien A. Asobayire, Upper East Regional Executive Secretary of NPC. The project, funded by the United States Department of State, the UNDP, and the IOM, aims to empower local leaders to engage in peacebuilding efforts actively.

Addressing Social Tensions in Host Communities

Ms. Abigail Asana, a participant from Sapeliga, shared a personal story about the tensions between refugees and host community members, particularly regarding shared resources such as water. “There is no borehole for the refugees, so they depend on our community borehole. With the increased number of people, there’s always pressure on the borehole, causing discontent,” she explained.

Such situations, if not addressed, could easily lead to conflict. However, after the training, Ms. Asana felt better equipped to mediate and promote peaceful co-existence, with plans to share her newfound knowledge with her community.

Strengthening Social Cohesion and Unity

The workshop aimed to foster culturally diverse yet cohesive communities, where all groups, including youth, women, and minorities, can actively participate in maintaining peace and security. Mr. Isaac Anongwin, the Assemblyman of Tarikom, emphasised the importance of the knowledge gained in facilitating peace in his electoral area. “This training will help me to champion social cohesion in my community,” he said.

The participants were trained to be proactive in identifying early signs of conflict, allowing them to address potential issues before they escalate.

Early Warning Systems for Conflict Prevention

Mr. Ali Anankpieng, a facilitator and former Regional Executive Secretary of the NPC, emphasised the importance of being vigilant for early warning signs of conflict. He emphasised that the timely detection of these signs is crucial for preventing disputes and ensuring effective, constructive dialogue. “The ability to act early is crucial in preventing conflict and promoting peaceful resolution,” Anankpieng stated.

Empowering Local Communities for Long-Term Peace

The ultimate goal of this initiative is for participants to return to their communities and lead peacebuilding efforts, helping to identify and respond to conflicts before they escalate into crises. The NPC’s training program provides vital tools to support not just short-term conflict resolution, but also the development of long-term peace and social cohesion in the region.

By equipping community leaders and key figures with the knowledge and skills to promote peace, this project is laying the foundation for a more united and peaceful future in Bawku West.

The 2025 PANAFEST and Emancipation Day celebrations took place from July 18 to 19 at the Pikworo Slave Camp in Paga, Upper East Region, under the theme “Let Us Speak of Reparative Justice – Pan-African Artistic Activism.” This two-day event not only paid tribute to Africa’s painful history but also called for justice, healing, and a renewed commitment to the African diaspora’s cultural and artistic roots.

A Tribute to Africa’s Enduring History

The event highlighted Africa’s enduring history of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade and the continued struggle for reparative justice. One of the major highlights was a symbolic walk from Navrongo to Paga, alongside cultural performances and exhibitions. The night vigil was particularly moving, as it honoured the enslaved ancestors who endured unimaginable suffering. A grand durbar brought together traditional leaders, diaspora communities, students, and government officials to reflect on the continent’s painful past and advocate for reparative justice.

Urgent Call for Preservation of Heritage Sites

Wisdom Korbla Ahadzi, the Upper East Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority, emphasised the urgent need to protect and preserve the Pikworo heritage site. “We need urgent government support to protect this heritage site. A fence wall and improved infrastructure will go a long way to enhance heritage tourism and education,” he stated. This reflects the region’s ongoing efforts to preserve and showcase its rich cultural history while fostering educational opportunities.

Supporting Creative Industries and Youth Engagement

Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga called on all stakeholders to deepen partnerships in cultural education and support the creative arts sector. He urged: “Let us use this moment to support creative industries, engage the youth, and build stronger ties with the African diaspora.” Atanga’s call underscores the significance of cultural education and the creative industries in the region’s development and beyond.

A Celebration of Culture and Tradition

The festival featured a vibrant mix of attendees, including political figures, educators, clergy, students, and members of the general public. The celebration grounds came alive with traditional food vendors, art exhibitions, and cultural performances, especially from local schoolchildren, showcasing the region’s rich heritage and creative talent.

Honouring the Past with Unity and Hope

The event concluded with a solemn procession to the burial site of enslaved persons, where wreath-laying ceremonies and traditional rites were held. This act of remembrance, unity, and hope served as a powerful symbol for future generations, reinforcing the importance of acknowledging the past while working toward a united, culturally rich future.

The 2025 PANAFEST and Emancipation Day celebrations were not only a tribute to the resilience and strength of the African diaspora but also a clarion call to support and uplift the creative industries, engage the youth, and preserve cultural heritage for future generations.

The Bolgatanga basket-weaving industry, once a thriving source of livelihood for over 100,000 people across the Upper East Region, is now on the verge of collapse. Rising production costs, an unstable exchange rate, and a lack of strategic policy interventions have left the industry grappling for survival. Stakeholders are sounding alarms about the urgent need for national action.

Rising Costs Threaten Bolgatanga Basket Industry’s Survival

During a recent stakeholders’ forum in Bolgatanga, Mawuli Akpenyo, CEO of Delata Ghana, expressed grave concern about the industry’s future. He pointed out that the rapid depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi has made baskets unaffordable for buyers. “A few months ago, $10 translated to about GHS150. Today, that same $10 is barely GHS100. Meanwhile, the cost of producing a quality Bolga basket has risen to GHS120 or more,” he explained. This sharp increase in costs is primarily driven by surging prices for raw materials, including straw, which has doubled from GHS 10 to GHS 20 per bundle. Additionally, transportation and packaging expenses have further inflated production costs.

Akpenyo stressed the unsustainability of the situation, as producers are now working at a loss, unable to raise prices abroad, where many of the baskets are sold. Without urgent intervention, the industry is at risk of total collapse.

Exchange Rate Volatility Disrupts Exports

Morten Ledskov, an international buyer from Hammershus Company, added his voice to the growing concerns, citing the sharp appreciation of the cedi—from 17 to 12 per Euro—as a significant disruption to exports. “If this continues, there could be a complete halt in Bolga basket production,” Ledskov warned, underscoring the urgency of finding a sustainable solution to the exchange rate crisis. He suggested that local straw cultivation should be commercialised as a way to reduce the dependency on sourcing from southern Ghana, providing a more stable and regional supply chain.

A Call for Local Straw Cultivation

Ledskov’s call for local investors to treat straw farming as a viable enterprise is echoed by others in the industry. Instead of relying solely on donor-funded initiatives, he advocates for a market-driven approach to straw farming, which could help stabilise the supply chain and lower costs. “If people can sell dyes, why not straw?” he asked, urging a shift towards commercialising local production.

Government Action and Policy Support

Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga acknowledged the seriousness of the crisis and stressed the need for a coordinated national response. He proposed the establishment of quality assurance centres, semi-industrial finishing hubs, and policy support for sustainable straw cultivation to help stabilise the industry. “This craft is a source of livelihood for over 10,000 women and youth. If we don’t act now, the industry could collapse,” Atanga warned.

Ensuring a Stable Supply Chain for the Future

Conrad Biilarh Duti, Program Manager at TradeAID Integrated, also addressed the challenges facing straw sourcing. Traders often face long delays in acquiring sufficient quantities of straw, making it difficult to maintain production schedules. Duti recommended integrating straw cultivation into national programs, such as Tree for Life and One District One Dam, to ensure a stable and sustainable supply of this critical raw material.

Urgent Call for Policy and Investment

As the crisis deepens, stakeholders are calling on the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), policymakers, and private investors to step in and save the Bolgatanga basket industry. The sector, a cornerstone of Ghana’s craft export industry, plays a vital role in the cultural heritage and economic well-being of the Upper East Region. Without immediate action, the future of this iconic industry remains uncertain, posing a threat to the livelihoods of thousands of people and Ghana’s craft export sector.

Ghana Youth Guide, a youth-led advocacy organisation, recently hosted a two-day capacity-building workshop aimed at equipping smallholder farmers in the Tolon District of the Northern Region with vital knowledge on sustainable agricultural practices. The training, which benefitted 290 farmers, is part of their flagship initiative, the “Empowering Ghanaian Youth for Sustainable Agriculture (R2C) Project,” supported by DIB and CISU, Denmark-based organisations.

A Strong Focus on Resilience and Sustainability

The workshop brought together participants from five communities in the district, including Waribogu Kamonaayili, Tolon Galinkpegu, Gbanjong, and Gbulahgu. The initiative’s core focus was to help farmers enhance their understanding of climate-resilient agriculture and strategies for food security. Mr. Prince Chentiwuni Abdul-Fatawu, the Executive Director of Ghana Youth Guide, emphasised the importance of adapting to climate challenges for increased agricultural productivity.

“This training is part of a broader strategy to empower young farmers, ensuring they can navigate climate challenges and maintain productivity,” he said during the workshop.

Addressing the Challenges of Climate Change

As global climate patterns continue to change, Mr. Abdul-Fatawu emphasised the importance of farmers being well-informed about weather patterns and adopting techniques that enhance soil fertility. The participants were educated on effective planting and harvesting techniques, as well as how to reduce post-harvest losses. These insights are crucial for improving crop yields and minimising waste in the face of unpredictable weather conditions.

Women Farmers and Sustainable Agriculture

Mr. Abdul-Fatawu also highlighted the importance of involving women farmers in the government’s Feed Ghana Project. He urged that women farmers in deprived communities should be prioritised to address hunger, deprivation, and malnutrition in the region. The empowerment of women is key to sustainable agricultural growth in the district, and this workshop is a step toward achieving that goal.

Strengthening Agricultural Practices Through Collaboration

Mr. Abdul-Fatawu Seidu, a representative from the Tolon District Department of Agriculture, also addressed the farmers, urging them to use high-quality seeds and adopt modern agricultural practices. His presentation stressed the importance of these techniques for improving long-term farm sustainability and increasing yields. He also recommended that farmers form groups to access government interventions promoting sustainable farming practices.

Practical Tools for Success

As part of the initiative, participants were provided with essential agricultural and sanitation materials, including hand-washing kits, detergents, and farming tools such as wheelbarrows and rakes. These tools, combined with the new skills acquired during the workshop, are expected to help farmers increase their agricultural productivity and improve their livelihoods.

The farmers, many of whom belonged to vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, expressed their appreciation for the training. They pledged to apply the knowledge and skills they gained to enhance their farming practices and contribute to the region’s agricultural development.

By empowering smallholder farmers with the knowledge of sustainable practices, Ghana Youth Guide is playing a crucial role in improving agricultural productivity in the region, ensuring that farmers are better equipped to face the challenges posed by climate change.

World Vision Ghana, an international NGO, has celebrated schools in the Zabzugu District for their dedication to improving Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices. The organisation’s Schools’ Sanitation League Table, now in its fourth edition, recognises outstanding basic schools that demonstrate exemplary commitment to hygiene and sanitation.

Promoting Healthy Sanitation Behaviours in Zabzugu District and others

The Schools’ Sanitation League Table aims to encourage healthy sanitation and hygiene behaviours among schoolchildren. This year, a total of 73 schools participated in the competition, marking a significant increase from the 15 schools that initially participated when the program was launched. The event was an opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and achievements of schools in maintaining high hygiene standards.

From Poor Hygiene to Healthy Competition

Mr. Joseph Kwogyenga, the Zabzugu Area Programme Manager of World Vision Ghana, highlighted the transformation in the region’s schools. He recalled a time when poor hygiene conditions were prevalent, with many pupils falling ill due to open defecation and the improper use of WASH facilities. “Some years ago, you would visit schools, and despite the presence of WASH facilities, they were barely used. Human waste was common in the school environment, and the general health of pupils was poor,” he said.

This situation prompted World Vision Ghana to collaborate with key stakeholders, including the Zabzugu District Assembly, the Ghana Education Service, and the Ghana Health Service, to develop a WASH league table that would promote healthy competition among schools.

Criteria for the Sanitation Competition

The competition’s criteria focused on the availability and cleanliness of latrines, the proper use of hand-washing stations, and overall hygiene practices. Through this partnership, several schools have benefitted from improved WASH facilities, including latrines, hand-washing stations, and other essential resources.

Winners and Rewards

Dagbabaani D/A Primary School emerged as the winner in the Junior category. At the same time, Gor-Kukani Roman Catholic JHS topped the Senior category. Each of the 73 participating schools received various sanitation and educational materials, including hand-washing kits, detergents, bleach, gloves, rakes, wheelbarrows, and teaching aids.

Mr. Kwogyenga encouraged school authorities to utilise the provided items effectively to continue maintaining high hygiene standards. The support provided by World Vision Ghana and the District Assembly aims to ensure a healthier learning environment for all students.

A Shared Vision for Cleaner Schools

Mr. George Lakoba Tanie, the Zabzugu District Chief Executive, commended World Vision Ghana for its unwavering commitment to promoting WASH in schools. He noted that the organisation’s efforts have contributed significantly to improved health and better teaching outcomes in the district.

The Headteacher of Dagbabaani D/A Primary School, Mr. Alhassan Mumuni, expressed his excitement about his school’s victory and encouraged other schools to keep working hard in future competitions. “This is a great motivation. Let’s keep the spirit of hygiene and healthy competition alive,” he said.

The event, which brought together stakeholders from the education, health, and local government sectors, reinforced the commitment to building cleaner and healthier school environments across the district.