General News
Free Primary Healthcare goes live: Over 4,500 facilities ready — 135 districts implement policy
Ghana’s Free Primary Healthcare programme has officially gone live in 135 districts across all 16 regions, with 4,574 health facilities now participating in the government’s ambitious push to take basic healthcare closer to communities.
The programme, announced by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, is being rolled out first in deprived districts as government seeks to shift healthcare delivery away from a predominantly hospital-based system towards prevention, early detection and community-level care.
4,574 facilities now providing free primary care
The participating facilities include:
- 3,781 CHPS compounds
- 746 health centres
- 48 polyclinics
Facilities operated by the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) and other partners are also participating in the programme.
Government’s first-phase target is 150 deprived districts, meaning the remaining 15 districts are expected to be added before the end of 2026. The broader objective is to extend free primary healthcare nationwide by the end of 2027.
No NHIS card? You can still access the service
One of the major features of the programme is that residents in the implementing districts do not need an active NHIS card to access services covered by the Free Primary Healthcare initiative.
Beneficiaries can visit participating facilities, register and receive the appropriate services. The programme is designed to complement, rather than replace, the National Health Insurance Scheme.
However, the Minister stressed that the initiative should not be mistaken for universal free hospital care. Services are focused primarily on the primary healthcare level, while cases requiring specialist treatment, surgery or hospital admission remain subject to the relevant financing arrangements.
Government distributes thousands of equipment
To prepare the health system for the rollout, the government says more than 24,500 pieces of medical equipment have been distributed to primary healthcare facilities.
The Ministry has also received 5,000 health worker bags containing basic equipment for house-to-house healthcare activities.
More than 7,000 motorbikes and tricycles are expected to support health professionals travelling into communities, particularly underserved areas.
Healthcare moves beyond the hospital
A major focus of the programme is preventive healthcare.
Health workers are expected to reach people in their communities through house-to-house visits and outreach activities, allowing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and other health risks to be detected before they become severe.
The Health Minister cited an early example involving health workers and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, where commercial drivers were screened for basic health conditions. One driver reportedly recorded a systolic blood pressure reading above 200mmHg and was prevented from driving that day.
‘Don’t pay illegal charges’
Mr Akandoh has issued a strong warning to health workers against demanding money for services that are supposed to be provided free of charge.
He urged beneficiaries to report any health worker who attempts to charge them illegally, saying the Ministry would investigate such complaints and take disciplinary action where necessary.
Dedicated complaint lines have also been announced. Telecel users can call 06447, while MTN users can call 0544446447 to seek assistance or report concerns.
The bigger ambition: healthcare before illness strikes
The rollout represents one of the major components of President John Dramani Mahama’s health sector reforms, with the government seeking to change the emphasis from treating advanced illnesses to preventing and detecting diseases earlier.
With 135 districts already live, more than 4,500 facilities participating and expansion to 150 districts targeted by year-end, the government is betting that bringing healthcare directly to people’s doorsteps can make prevention—not expensive treatment—the new frontline of Ghana’s healthcare system.
The founder of Blissful Home Basic Academy, Kasoa, Mrs Agnes Lartey has appealed to the Ghana Education Service (GES) to consider a form of soft Corporal Punishment for pupils in Basic Schools instead of totally abolishing it. She made the appeal during the 17th Speech and Prize-Giving Day of the School.
The African environment cannot completely do away with corporal punishment and therefore needs a mild dose of it regulated by the GES due to the changing dynamics of time.
She argued that
Although the Biblical advice of ‘Spare the rod and Spoil the Child’ does not necessarily imply the frequent use of the cane, Corporal Punishment does correct children for the better.
She therefore appealed to the Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Idrisu to take a second look at the issue of Corporal Punishment in Basic Schools.
General News
CSIR-Water Research Institute will become centre of excellence in water research by 2030 — New Director
The newly inducted Director of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research–Water Research Institute (CSIR-WRI), Dr Emmanuel Obuobie, has set an ambitious 2030 target to transform the institute into Ghana’s leading centre of excellence for water research.
Dr Obuobie, a Senior Research Scientist specialising in Hydrology and Climate, made the commitment after officially taking over as Director of the institute.
His vision comes at a critical time when Ghana faces growing challenges around water security, pollution, climate change and sustainable management of the country’s water resources.
New Director unveils ambitious 2030 vision
Dr Obuobie wants CSIR-WRI to emerge as a leading institution for water-related research, generating scientific evidence that directly supports national development and policymaking.
The vision is not limited to producing academic research. It is aimed at strengthening the institute’s ability to develop practical solutions to Ghana’s water challenges and position the country as a hub for water research and expertise.
Water pollution remains a major threat
Ghana’s water bodies continue to face serious pressure from illegal mining, agricultural activities, climate variability and other forms of environmental degradation.
The CSIR-WRI has already been involved in research and technical interventions aimed at understanding and addressing these challenges.
For instance, researchers from the institute have participated in government’s pilot testing of innovative technology designed to treat polluted water from small-scale mining areas, including assessments of heavy metals, mercury, lead, turbidity and other water-quality indicators.
Research must translate into solutions
The new Director’s vision also comes against a broader push within CSIR to ensure that scientific research moves beyond laboratories and academic publications to deliver measurable national impact.
CSIR has previously stressed the importance of partnerships with industry and other stakeholders to translate research into practical, market-ready solutions.
For the Water Research Institute, that could mean deeper collaboration with government agencies, universities, development partners, private-sector players and communities.
Climate change adds urgency
Water security is becoming increasingly connected to climate change, with changing rainfall patterns, droughts, flooding and increasing pressure on freshwater resources posing significant risks.
Dr Obuobie’s expertise in hydrology and climate is therefore particularly relevant to the institute’s future direction.
The ambition is to strengthen research capable of helping Ghana better understand, manage and protect its water resources in the face of these emerging threats.
A research institution with national importance
The importance of CSIR-WRI extends beyond scientific research.
Reliable and safe water is directly connected to public health, agriculture, industry, energy production and economic development.
The institute’s work therefore has implications for virtually every major sector of the Ghanaian economy.
As Ghana grapples with polluted rivers and growing concerns over water security, the new Director believes stronger science and evidence-based solutions can help reverse the trend.
The 2030 countdown begins
Dr Emmanuel Obuobie’s target is bold: by 2030, CSIR-WRI should no longer simply be viewed as another research institution, but as Ghana’s centre of excellence for water research.
Achieving that ambition will require investment, modern research infrastructure, skilled scientists, international partnerships and, perhaps most importantly, a clear pathway for turning research findings into action.
With Ghana’s water resources facing mounting threats, the next four years could determine whether the institute’s 2030 vision becomes a landmark achievement—or another unfulfilled institutional promise.
Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has identified frequent fibre optic cable cuts and instability in Ghana’s national electricity grid as two major factors undermining the quality and reliability of telecommunications services across the country.
Speaking on the challenges facing the telecommunications sector, Sam George said poor network quality is not always the direct result of failures by mobile network operators, as critical infrastructure outside their control can significantly affect service delivery.
The minister said the problem requires a broader national response involving telecommunications companies, utility providers, road contractors and other stakeholders.
Fibre cuts disrupting services
According to Sam George, frequent damage to fibre optic cables has become a major headache for the telecommunications industry.
Fibre cables are essential to the transmission of voice and data services, meaning damage to critical lines can disrupt internet connectivity, mobile services and communication networks.
The minister explained that road construction, excavation works and other infrastructure projects sometimes result in fibre cuts, creating outages that affect thousands of customers.
He stressed that protecting critical telecommunications infrastructure must become a national priority if Ghana is to improve the reliability and quality of its digital services.
Grid instability hits telecom infrastructure
Beyond fibre cuts, Sam George pointed to instability in the national electricity grid as another major challenge.
Telecommunications infrastructure depends heavily on stable power to keep towers, transmission equipment and data systems operational.
When there are power fluctuations or outages, telecom operators are forced to rely on backup power systems, including generators and batteries, to keep networks running.
According to the minister, such disruptions can affect network performance and increase the operational costs of service providers.
Not every network problem is the telcos’ fault
The minister’s comments appear to push back against the widespread assumption that poor call quality, slow internet or network outages should always be blamed solely on mobile network operators.
While acknowledging the responsibility of telecom companies to improve their services, Sam George argued that external infrastructure challenges can have a direct impact on network performance.
The issue, he suggested, requires all stakeholders to work together rather than placing the entire burden on the telecommunications companies.
A call for stronger coordination
Sam George called for improved coordination between telecom operators and agencies undertaking construction and utility works.
He believes stronger systems are needed to prevent contractors from accidentally damaging fibre infrastructure, while also ensuring that electricity supply to critical telecommunications installations remains reliable.
The minister’s remarks come as government continues to push its digitalisation agenda and expand access to high-quality internet and mobile services.
The bigger challenge
For millions of Ghanaians, complaints about dropped calls, slow internet and sudden network outages have become part of everyday life.
Sam George’s explanation points to a much wider problem behind those frustrations.
The fibre can be cut. The power can go off. And when either happens, the network suffers.
As Ghana pushes towards a more digital economy, the minister’s message is clear: improving network quality will require more than asking telecom companies to fix their systems — the infrastructure supporting those networks must also work.
The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has rejected a proposal to use taxpayers’ money to finance the non-electioneering activities of political parties, warning against making the state responsible for the routine operations of political organisations.
The position forms part of the IEA’s broader response to proposals contained in the report of the Constitution Review Committee chaired by Prof. H. Kwasi Prempeh, as well as the government’s position on the proposed constitutional reforms.
IEA says ‘no’ to broad state funding
The Prempeh Committee proposed the creation of a Democracy Fund to support the non-electioneering activities of political parties.
The fund would be administered by an Independent Registrar and Regulator of Political Parties and Campaigns (IRRPC).
Although the government has accepted the idea in principle, it prefers the fund to be established through legislation rather than being entrenched directly in the Constitution.
The IEA, however, has rejected the proposal for broad public financing of political parties.
‘Taxpayers should not finance party operations’
The IEA’s position is that political parties should not routinely depend on public funds to finance their organisational and non-election activities.
The institute argues that political parties are political organisations and should therefore bear responsibility for financing their normal operations rather than placing that burden on taxpayers.
The proposal has consequently opened another important debate over the relationship between public financing and Ghana’s multiparty democracy.
But IEA makes one major exception
Interestingly, the IEA has not completely shut the door on state support for political parties.
It says limited and clearly defined assistance could be considered for specific democratic activities.
One example it cited is the possibility of the state paying the Electoral Commission (EC) to supervise internal elections of political parties if Ghana eventually abolishes the existing delegate system.
This, the institute believes, would be different from giving parties unrestricted access to public funds for their routine activities.
IEA pushes wider constitutional reforms
The Democracy Fund issue is only one part of the IEA’s 18-point position on Ghana’s proposed constitutional reforms.
The institute has also called for measures to reduce presidential appointment powers, strengthen Parliament and the Judiciary, deepen local democracy and improve accountability in public institutions.
It has supported stronger asset declaration rules, including lifestyle and wealth audits for public officials, and wants greater institutional independence in areas such as national development planning.
Concern over rushed constitutional amendments
The IEA has also raised concerns about the government’s proposed timeline for implementing the constitutional reforms.
It says reforms of such magnitude require sufficient time for public education, consultation, national debate and consensus-building, warning against rushing the process.
The government is targeting February 2027 for amendments to non-entrenched provisions and plans a referendum on entrenched provisions alongside the 2027 District Assembly elections.
The bigger question: Who should finance democracy?
The IEA’s latest position has brought a fundamental question to the centre of Ghana’s constitutional reform debate: should taxpayers be required to finance the political parties that compete for political power?
While proponents of a Democracy Fund could argue that public financing may strengthen political parties and make democratic participation more sustainable, the IEA is drawing a firm line between supporting democratic processes and funding the routine activities of political organisations.
For now, the institute’s message is clear: Ghana can strengthen its democracy without making the taxpayer the automatic financier of political parties.
Dr Charles Dwamena, popularly known as Dr China, is being presented by his supporters as an experienced, disciplined and decisive leader capable of helping the New Patriotic Party (NPP) rebuild its structures and prepare for a return to power in the 2028 general elections.
Supporters of the NPP National Treasurer argue that his extensive background in party administration, campaign organisation, diplomacy, finance, and grassroots leadership makes him a strong candidate for General Secretary.
Dr Dwamena, who has officially offered himself for the General Secretary position, is campaigning on the message: Let’s Rebuild to Restore the Lost Love.
According to his supporters, the message reflects the need to restore internal confidence, strengthen grassroots participation, rebuild party structures and improve discipline within the NPP.
Dr Dwamena is not new to NPP affairs. Over the years, he has served the party and Ghana in several capacities.
His political and administrative record includes serving as former Deputy Ambassador of Ghana to the People’s Republic of China and former Director of Finance and Administration at the NPP Headquarters.
He also served as Secretary to the 2016 NPP National Campaign Team, which coordinated the party’s successful campaign that led to the election of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the NPP’s return to power in 2017.
Dr Dwamena is also a founding member of the NPP China Branch and served as Chairman of the NPP China Branch for two terms.
His other leadership roles include serving as Chair of the Asia-Pacific Caucus of the NPP, NPP Representative to the 2016 ECOWAS Commission Internal Party Democracy and Administration Process, and the New Patriotic Party’s representative at the 2016 UNDP Democratic Governance Cluster Annual Retreat.
He currently serves as the National Treasurer of the NPP.
Supporters believe his experience in these various roles has equipped him with a deep understanding of the party’s administration, structures, finances and organisational needs.
The campaign for Dr Dwamena places particular emphasis on the importance of discipline and accountability as the NPP prepares for the future.
According to his supporters, the position of General Secretary requires more than popularity or political connections.
They argue that the office demands a leader who understands party administration, appreciates the concerns of grassroots members, coordinates executives at different levels, manages competing interests and enforces discipline fairly.
They maintain that the NPP needs a General Secretary who understands systems, structures, people, administration, data, finance and political strategy.
Supporters of Dr Dwamena say his combination of experience in diplomacy, party administration, campaign organisation and financial management makes him well-positioned to perform those responsibilities.
They also describe him as a disciplined, firm, honest and decisive party man, capable of bringing greater accountability, order and efficiency into the party’s structures.
As the current National Treasurer of the NPP, Dr Dwamena has also been involved in the party’s financial administration.
His supporters point to his experience in strengthening financial systems and improving internally generated funds as an important qualification for the General Secretary position.
They say improved accountability, engagement and financial systems are essential to building a stronger political organisation.
According to his campaign narrative, a party seeking to rebuild and return to power requires strong institutions rather than personalities.
Supporters argue that the NPP must strengthen its internal systems, improve accountability, support grassroots structures and develop a more efficient administrative machinery as it prepares for the 2028 elections.
Dr Dwamena’s campaign has outlined several ideas aimed at strengthening the NPP beyond election cycles.
Among the areas he has highlighted are the strengthening of polling-station structures, improved support for party executives, increased use of research and data-driven decision-making, and programmes aimed at improving the welfare and capacity of party members.
His proposed initiatives also include political mentorship, business incubation, human-resource empowerment, accidental insurance for party supporters and support for polling-station executives.
Another aspect of his vision is the development of a modern NPP National Headquarters complex.
The proposed facility could serve multiple purposes, including party administration, training, conferences and the preservation of the party’s history.
Supporters say these proposals demonstrate an ambition to build a stronger and more modern political organisation capable of functioning effectively beyond individual election campaigns.
Supporters of Dr Dwamena say the upcoming contest for the General Secretary position presents delegates with an important decision about the future direction of the party.
They argue that the contest should focus on competence, experience, discipline, integrity, organisational knowledge and the ability to rebuild the party.
For them, the key questions are straightforward:
Does the NPP need experience?
They say Dr China has it.
Does the party need discipline?
They say Dr China stands for it.
Does the NPP need decisive leadership?
They believe Dr China offers it.
Does the party need a General Secretary with administrative, financial, diplomatic and campaign experience?
Supporters say Dr Charles Dwamena has served in all these areas.
They also believe his vision for grassroots engagement, institutional strengthening and party rebuilding could help position the NPP for the 2028 general elections
The campaign is also urging NPP delegates to look beyond personal interests, factional considerations and short-term political calculations.
According to supporters, the party needs a General Secretary capable of bringing people together, strengthening unity, restoring discipline and improving the efficiency of party structures from the grassroots to the national level.
They believe the next General Secretary will play a crucial role in coordinating party executives, managing the party’s administration and helping to rebuild public confidence ahead of the 2028 elections.
Dr Dwamena’s supporters insist that his years of service to the party, knowledge of its structures and leadership experience make him a compelling candidate.
Beyond politics, Dr Charles Dwamena also has an extensive academic and professional background.
He is a medical doctor with additional qualifications in leadership, sustainability, clinical sciences and political financing.
His academic credentials include:
PhD in Political Financing
MSc in Clinical Sciences (Otolaryngology-ENT) – Plymouth University
Master of Business Administration in Leadership and Sustainability – University of Cumbria
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) – Wenzhou Medical University
Teaching Certificate (CELTA) – Cambridge University
His supporters say his academic background, combined with his professional, diplomatic and political experience, gives him a broad range of skills relevant to leadership and administration.
Campaign Message
As the contest for the NPP General Secretary position gathers momentum, supporters of Dr Charles Dwamena are rallying behind a message centred on experience, discipline, integrity, competence, unity and decisive leadership.
They believe the party requires a leader with a proven record of service and a clear vision for rebuilding its structures.
Their message to delegates is:
Choose experience.
Choose discipline.
Choose integrity.
Choose decisive leadership.
Choose competence.
Choose unity.
They are therefore urging delegates to support Dr Charles Dwamena, popularly known as Dr China, as the next General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party.
“Let’s Rebuild to Restore the Lost Love.”
Dr Charles Dwamena — Experienced. Disciplined. Decisive. Ready to Lead.
A.B. Crentsil: The Highlife Legend Many Ghanaians Are Slowly Forgetting
RE-CONSIDER CORPORAL PUNISHMENT IN BASIC SCHOOLS – EDUCATIONIST BESEECHES GES
CSIR-Water Research Institute will become centre of excellence in water research by 2030 — New Director
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