Month: July 2025

The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) has launched a campaign aimed at empowering the youth of the Upper West Region to take a stand against corruption in all its forms. The initiative seeks to build an inclusive nation by promoting equitable access to resources and opportunities for all, particularly the youth who are often the most affected by corruption.

The Impact of Corruption on Development

Corruption continues to undermine Ghana’s development, perpetuating inequality and eroding public trust in institutions. The GACC highlighted that young people bear the brunt of these consequences, which further fuels the need for a collective and proactive stance against corruption.

“The GACC recognises that empowering youth to stand against corruption is a critical step toward building a fairer, more inclusive Ghana,” said Mrs. Beauty Emefa Narteh, the Executive Secretary of the GACC, in a speech read on her behalf during the corruption sensitisation campaign in Wa. The campaign was part of the 2025 African Union Anti-Corruption Day celebration, themed “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”

Engaging the Next Generation

The GACC engaged students at the Northern Star Senior High School and Wa Technical Institute, encouraging them to actively participate in fighting corruption by “Resisting, Rejecting, and Reporting” corrupt activities. This initiative aligns with the African Union’s renewed call for bold, inclusive, and united action to combat corruption across the continent.

Raising Awareness and Promoting Civic Engagement

Supported by the Hewlett Foundation, the GACC aims to raise awareness about corruption, promote civic engagement, and encourage whistleblowing through its anti-corruption campaign. Mrs. Narteh stressed the devastating impact of corruption on Ghana’s development, referencing the 2023 Auditor-General’s Report, which revealed that the country lost over GH¢11 billion to financial irregularities. These funds, she noted, could have been invested in critical sectors like education, healthcare, and job creation.

The Cost of Corruption on Youth Opportunities

“Corruption disrupts access to quality education, reduces job prospects, limits opportunities, and undermines trust in public systems,” Mrs. Narteh explained. “These realities make it more challenging for young people to envision a future built on fairness and integrity.” The GACC plans to utilise platforms such as schools, religious institutions, and community media to encourage young people to lead with integrity and demand accountability.

Leveraging Anti-Corruption Legislation

Ms. Amanda Wiesekor Tembile, a GACC Local Accountability Network (LANet) Executive Member in Wa, introduced the students to Ghana’s Anti-Corruption legislations, including the Whistleblower Act 2006 (Act 720). She encouraged the students to utilise these laws to expose corruption, while emphasising that whistleblowers are protected under the law.

Ms. Tembile urged the students to take personal responsibility in fighting corruption, reminding them that it starts with resisting, rejecting, and reporting corrupt practices to the appropriate authorities.

Inspiring Youth Leadership in the Fight Against Corruption

The GACC’s campaign in the Upper West Region is a vital step in engaging the youth in the fight against corruption. By empowering students with the knowledge and tools to resist and report corruption, the coalition is helping to build a generation of young leaders committed to integrity and fairness.

The Mental Health Authority has announced plans to establish additional mental health facilities in the northern regions of Ghana. This development is part of the government’s ongoing effort to improve access to mental health care, particularly in underserved areas of the country.

New Psychiatric Hospitals Under Construction

The announcement was made during the 2025 edition of the Dcoded Show, organised by the University of Ghana’s Career and Counselling Centre in collaboration with Johnson & Johnson. The event, themed “Fixing the Pieces When the Mind Splits,” focused on raising awareness about schizophrenia and advocating for better mental health care.

Dr. Josephine Stiles Darko, Deputy Head of Communications at the Mental Health Authority, revealed that two new psychiatric hospitals are currently under construction, explicitly targeting the northern regions of Ghana. These facilities will be part of a broader initiative to expand mental health services, ensuring that communities across the northern regions have access to specialised care.

Integrating Mental Health into District Hospitals

In addition to building new facilities, Dr. Darko emphasised the importance of increasing the number of mental health specialists. The government is working on integrating mental health care into district hospitals, ensuring that all doctors receive psychiatric training as part of their medical education. This will enable them to better identify and treat mental health conditions at the local level.

Training and Community Outreach

Alongside the infrastructure expansion, the Mental Health Authority is actively training healthcare workers and conducting community mental health outreach programs. These efforts aim to promote early detection and treatment of mental health conditions, ensuring that individuals receive the care they need before issues become more severe.

Conclusion: A Step Toward Mental Health Improvement

The establishment of additional mental health facilities and the integration of mental health services into district hospitals are critical steps toward improving mental health care in Northern Ghana. With continued training for health workers and expanded outreach efforts, the government is taking significant strides to ensure that mental health services are accessible to all, particularly in underserved regions.

Dr. Emmanuel Abeere-Inga, the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Northern Development Authority (NDA), has embarked on a regional consultation tour across the five northern regions of Ghana. The purpose of the tour is to engage with regional ministers, seek support, and foster collaboration for the successful implementation of NDA projects aimed at boosting development in Northern Ghana.

Building Strong Partnerships for Regional Growth

During his visit to Damongo, Dr. Abeere-Inga paid a courtesy call on the Savannah Regional Minister, Salisu Be-Awuribe. The two discussed the NDA’s plans and explored opportunities for collaboration to ensure the sustainable development of Northern Ghana. Dr. Abeere-Inga emphasised the importance of leveraging the minister’s expertise gained through his previous role as District Chief Executive and expressed hope for effective teamwork in developing the northern regions.

Collaboration with Local Authorities

The NDA CEO announced that the authority is collaborating with various Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to implement key projects that will bring lasting benefits to the five northern regions. He also mentioned an upcoming meeting being organised by the Northern Caucus of Members of Parliament to discuss critical developmental issues. He promised to take actionable steps following the discussions.

Private Sector Partnerships for Investment

Dr. Abeere-Inga outlined plans to collaborate with the private sector to stimulate investment in the North, particularly for projects such as the Buipe inland port, which the President is passionate about. “We want to focus on private sector initiatives to attract investments and ensure the implementation of key projects,” he stated.

Engaging Local Leaders for Support

As part of his tour, Dr. Abeere-Inga met with chiefs and opinion leaders in the Savannah Region, seeking their support for the region’s transformation. His efforts aim to unite local stakeholders in driving forward development initiatives.

Support from Regional Authorities

The Savannah Regional Minister, Salisu Be-Awuribe, assured Dr. Abeere-Inga of the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council’s full support in bridging the development gap between the North and South. “It’s better for all of Ghana to be developed rather than just one side. We are more than willing to partner and share ideas to ensure the development of the five regions of the North,” he affirmed.

Conclusion: A Collaborative Path to Northern Development

Dr. Abeere-Inga’s regional consultation tour represents a vital step in fostering collaboration between government officials, local leaders, and the private sector to bring meaningful development to Northern Ghana. With support from all stakeholders, the NDA’s initiatives are set to play a crucial role in the region’s growth and prosperity.

The Northern Regional Police Command has arrested 53-year-old Alhaji Abdulai Sayuti for the unlawful possession and sale of restricted pharmaceutical drugs in Tamale. This arrest, made on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, highlights the ongoing efforts to tackle the illegal drug trade in the region.

The Discovery of Restricted Drugs

Following an intelligence-led operation at Victory Cinema near Aboabo, where Alhaji Sayuti operates an Over-The-Counter (OTC) chemical shop, police searched his premises. The search revealed 368 blisters of tramadol (120mg) and 298 blisters of tramaking (120mg), both of which are potent opioids and controlled substances under Ghanaian law.

The operation, which took place around 1:30 p.m., uncovered the illegal substances, leading to the arrest of the suspect. Further investigations directed the authorities to his residence in Fuo, another suburb of Tamale, where a warehouse was discovered. In the warehouse, police found 447 boxes of tramadol and 11 boxes of tramadol.

Court Appearance and Health Incident

Alhaji Sayuti was arraigned in court on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, where he pleaded guilty to charges of possessing restricted drugs and unlawfully selling them. However, during the court proceedings, a trusted source revealed that Alhaji Sayuti collapsed and was subsequently rushed to the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) for medical attention.

Next Steps and Legal Proceedings

Alhaji Sayuti has been remanded into prison custody and is scheduled to reappear in court on July 21, 2025, for further legal proceedings. This drug bust is part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement to clamp down on the illegal sale and distribution of controlled substances in the region.

A Step Toward Combating the Illegal Drug Trade

The arrest of Alhaji Sayuti and the subsequent seizure of a large quantity of Tramadol and Tramaking demonstrate the police’s continued vigilance in combating the illegal drug trade in Northern Ghana. This operation underscores the importance of intelligence-led interventions in maintaining law and order, particularly in the fight against the misuse of opioids and other dangerous drugs.

World Vision Ghana has launched the ENOUGH campaign aimed at combating child hunger and malnutrition in the Upper West Region. The initiative, which spans three years, seeks to raise awareness and influence policy on hunger, nutrition, and food security at all levels to ensure that children’s needs are prioritised.

The ENOUGH campaign is being implemented across 35 communities in the Wa East and Wa West Districts and is funded by World Vision International. Its primary objective is to address the health and developmental issues arising from hunger and malnutrition, particularly in children.

The Impact of Hunger and Malnutrition

During the campaign launch in Wechiau, Wa West District, Mr. Sergious Before, Wa Cluster Programmes Manager for World Vision Ghana, emphasised the profound effects of hunger and malnutrition on children. He explained that inadequate nutrition not only hampers children’s physical health but also stunts brain development, directly impacting their educational outcomes.

Mr. Before also highlighted the multiple factors that exacerbate these issues, including communal conflicts, poverty, and climate change, which affect food production, availability, and affordability. Despite progress in reducing child stunting from 33% in 1993 to 17% in 2022, a significant number of children still face food insecurity. According to UNICEF, 2.4 million children under five years old continue to live in food poverty.

World Vision Ghana’s Efforts to Combat Malnutrition

To combat these issues, World Vision Ghana has provided essential support to the Wa West District, including the donation of 50 boxes of prenatal multivitamin supplements, which have benefited over 4,000 pregnant women. The organisation also distributed 5,000 vitamin A tablets to Wa West and 3,000 to Wa East, as well as rehabilitating 36 malnourished children in collaboration with the Wa West District Health Directorate since 2024.

Encouraging Nutritional Awareness and Sustainable Practices

Ms. Barbara Asare, the ENOUGH Campaign Coordinator at WVG, encouraged the local community to utilise locally available food, such as beans and leafy vegetables, to provide nutritious meals for children. She emphasised that these affordable and accessible foods could make a significant impact on improving children’s nutrition in the region.

The campaign aims to reach 12.5 million children through improved services and policy implementation, directly providing nutritious food to 1.3 million children, and supporting 3.5 million parents and caregivers with better agricultural practices. The ENOUGH initiative also aims to influence policies in areas like health and nutrition, food security, climate-smart agriculture, and social protection.

Support from Local Leaders and Stakeholders

Mr. Richard Wulo, the Wa West District Chief Executive, highlighted the ENOUGH campaign as a call to action for all stakeholders to ensure every child has access to nutritious food, quality healthcare, and growth opportunities. He reaffirmed the district assembly’s commitment to supporting the campaign and collaborating with World Vision Ghana to improve access to nutritious food for vulnerable children and their families.

Naa Imoru Nandong Gomah II, the Paramount Chief of Wechiau Traditional Area, also expressed support for the campaign. He encouraged other chiefs to release fertile land for schools to cultivate food, helping to feed children within the community.

Engaging the Community in the Campaign

The campaign launch included an exhibition showcasing nutrition-rich foods, such as tumpani and tuozaafi, accompanied by a green vegetable sauce. A drama was also performed, illustrating the detrimental impact of hunger on children’s education. Stakeholders, including the Wa East District Chief Executive, traditional leaders from the Wa East District, and representatives from the Ghana Health Services and the Departments of Agriculture from both districts, signed a commitment to support the ENOUGH campaign.

A Collective Effort to End Child Hunger

World Vision Ghana’s ENOUGH campaign is a vital initiative aimed at tackling child hunger and malnutrition in the Upper West Region. By bringing together local leaders, organisations, and communities, the campaign is working to ensure children receive the nutrition they need to thrive, while also influencing broader policy changes to address food security challenges. Through collaborative efforts, World Vision Ghana hopes to build a healthier future for children and families in the region.