President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed that Ghana’s national health insurance coverage currently stands at 76 percent, with government targeting an increase to 90 percent as part of efforts to achieve universal health coverage.

According to President Mahama, while reaching 90 percent coverage would represent significant progress, it would still leave a portion of the population without access to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 28th Annual Conference of the Association of Medical Councils of Africa in Accra, he said government was therefore implementing additional healthcare interventions to complement the NHIS.

“Ghana’s health agenda is anchored on equity, equality, and sustainability. We are strengthening the National Health Insurance Scheme, and we currently have a national coverage of 76 percent. We are hoping to push up to 90 percent,” President Mahama said.

He said government’s Free Primary Healthcare programme was one of the key interventions aimed at closing the remaining gaps in access to healthcare.

The President explained that the programme was partly modelled on Kenya’s free primary healthcare system and has so far been introduced in about 160 of Ghana’s 260 districts.

He said government intends to extend the programme to the remaining 100 districts to ensure more Ghanaians, particularly those in underserved rural communities, can access essential healthcare services.

President Mahama said the programme would also strengthen preventive healthcare and provide free treatment at CHPS compounds and mobile health kiosks for people who may otherwise struggle to access healthcare facilities.

“They can go to any of the CHPS compounds, the mobile health kiosk, and receive treatment free of charge without showing any identification,” he said.

He expressed appreciation to the World Health Organization, development partners and the government of Kenya for their support and contribution to Ghana’s efforts to expand primary healthcare.

Beyond primary healthcare, President Mahama said government was also using the Ghana Medical Trust Fund to protect people living with chronic and high-cost medical conditions from financial hardship.

He said the combined interventions were designed to ensure that the cost of healthcare does not prevent citizens from seeking treatment when they need it.

“We’re pursuing free primary healthcare so that cost does not prevent people from receiving essential care at the point of need. Through the Ghana Medical Trust Fund too, we are seeking to protect persons living with chronic and high-cost conditions from financial hardship,” he said.

President Mahama said the initiatives formed part of government’s broader strategy to move Ghana closer to universal health coverage by improving access, reducing financial barriers and strengthening both preventive and primary healthcare delivery.

More than 8,500 kilograms of narcotic drugs have been seized, while approximately 45.4 million tramadol tablets have been intercepted over the past 20 months as authorities step up efforts to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse.

Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka disclosed the figures on Monday, August 24, 2026, during the Government Accountability Series, highlighting what he described as increased efforts by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to tackle the illicit drug trade.

According to the Minister, the enforcement campaign has also resulted in 217 arrests, with 165 cases prosecuted within the period.

He said the large quantity of tramadol intercepted was particularly concerning given the increasing use of synthetic and pharmaceutical drugs among young people.

“Narcotics Control has intensified its efforts, and imagine that in less than two years, over 45 million tablets of tramadol were seized and intercepted,” Mr Muntaka said.

Beyond the seizure of narcotics, the government is also targeting the financial networks and assets allegedly linked to drug trafficking.

Mr Muntaka revealed that 73 assets had been recovered as part of investigations into suspected drug-related activities.

Authorities have also seized about 19 kilograms of gold in cases involving suspected drug-related money laundering.

In addition, approximately GH¢6.9 million and US$440,000 in cash believed to be connected to suspected narcotics activities have been seized.

The measures form part of efforts to prevent suspected traffickers from benefiting financially from the illegal drug trade.

The Interior Minister said enforcement alone would not be enough to address the country’s drug problem, stressing the importance of prevention and public education.

He disclosed that NACOC had conducted more than 2,000 educational sessions across the country to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse.

The programmes have targeted a wide range of groups and institutions, including schools, tertiary institutions, religious organisations, communities and workplaces.

The breakdown includes 1,153 sessions at the basic school level, 185 at secondary schools and 41 at tertiary institutions.

NACOC also organised 187 sessions in faith-based institutions, 147 in communities and 235 in workplaces.

Despite the progress in enforcement and education, Mr Muntaka identified rehabilitation as a significant weakness in Ghana’s response to substance abuse.

He noted that Ghana currently does not have a state-owned rehabilitation centre, creating a major gap in efforts to support people struggling with drug dependency.

The Minister’s disclosure underscores the growing scale of Ghana’s narcotics challenge, with authorities combining arrests and seizures with financial investigations, public education and calls for stronger rehabilitation support.

The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has appealed to its staff to suspend their ongoing sit-down strike and return to the negotiation table as efforts continue to resolve a dispute over the proposed 2026 salary adjustment.

The call follows the rejection by the workers’ union of management’s 12% salary increase. The union is demanding a 17% adjustment, arguing that a higher increment is needed to cushion employees against the impact of changes to their take-home pay.

In a statement issued on Monday, August 24, 2026, the NLA said it remained committed to finding a solution and had engaged the National Labour Commission (NLC) to help settle the disagreement.

“The Management of the National Lottery Authority remains fully committed to resolving the issues at stake and is calling on the local Union and all staff to call off their sit-down strike and return to the negotiation table,” the Authority stated.

The NLA explained that its proposed 12% increase was influenced by financial pressures facing the Authority, including a tax liability of more than GH¢5 million.

According to management, the liability arose from the incorrect application of income tax on staff salaries between 2016 and 2022.

The Authority said it was notified of the outstanding amount by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and subsequently reached an arrangement with the tax agency to settle the arrears.

Management said it agreed to absorb the tax burden rather than pass the cost on to employees.

However, the tax adjustment still affected workers’ net salaries, which became a key factor behind the union’s demand for a 17% salary increase.

“The Union therefore pushed for a 17% salary increase to cushion staff,” the NLA said.

The Authority disclosed that its Board initially approved a 10% salary increase after considering the tax liability and other financial pressures reflected in its budget.

Management later secured an additional 2%, raising the proposed increment to 12%.

The union rejected the revised offer, declared the negotiations deadlocked and subsequently referred the matter to the NLC.

The NLA also disclosed that it had sought guidance from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC).

In a response dated June 11, the FWSC reportedly advised the Authority to implement an 8% salary increase based on its financial position.

Despite the recommendation, management said it increased its offer to 12% as part of efforts to reach a compromise with the union.

The disagreement escalated after the union informed management on August 21 of its decision to embark on a sit-down strike and demonstration from Monday, August 24.

The NLA is now calling on the workers to suspend the industrial action and resume negotiations while the dispute is addressed through the established labour relations process.

Management said it remained hopeful that its ongoing engagements with the NLC would produce a mutually acceptable outcome, including the possibility of resolving the matter through arbitration.

Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak Mohammed has disclosed that Ghana removed 2,281 migrant beggars and 774 other illegal immigrants linked to transnational organised crime in 2025.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, August 24, 2026, Mr Muntaka said the Ghana Immigration Service had intensified efforts to address irregular migration and unlawful activities involving foreign nationals.

“By the end of 2025, the Ghana Immigration Service had 2,281 migrant beggars on our streets and 774 other illegal immigrants involved in transnational organised crime that had been removed from Ghana,” he stated.

He added that the enforcement exercise had continued into 2026, with 960 migrant beggars removed from the streets of Accra and Kumasi as of July. During the same period, another 186 illegal immigrants were also removed from the country.

The Interior Minister said the government was carrying out the removals while taking into account Ghana’s obligations under the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, as well as the country’s diplomatic relations and longstanding ties with other nations.

“We are pursuing this removal fully conscious of Ghana’s obligation under the ECOWAS Protocol on free movement of persons as well as the diplomatic relations and long-standing ties we and other countries have,” Mr Muntaka said.

He explained that the government’s goal was to reduce irregular migration and unlawful activities associated with it while ensuring that enforcement operations were conducted within the law and with respect for human dignity.

“Our objective is to reduce irregular migration and unlawful activities associated with it to the barest minimum, while ensuring that enforcement actions are lawful, undertaken by the appropriate authorities and carried out in a manner that is respectful of human dignity,” he said.

Mr Muntaka also dismissed suggestions that the government lacked the political will, security intelligence or leadership to tackle irregular migration.

According to him, the major challenge was the level of skills and operational capacity available to effectively deal with the situation.

“Let me be clear that the challenge before us is not a lack of political will, security, intelligence or leadership. It is principally a question of skill,” he stated.

He assured the public that government had reached a high-level consensus to provide the necessary logistical support to strengthen the relevant agencies and expand the scale of migration enforcement.

“And I can assure the public that there is a high-level consensus that with earmarked logistical support to increase the scale of the removals and strengthen our bodies, evidence of that will soon be apparent,” he added.

The Interior Minister said Ghana would continue to uphold its tradition of hospitality while maintaining a firm stance on national security, public order and respect for the rule of law.

Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, appears to have adopted a more restrained position over his earlier threat to pursue legal action against Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, following allegations made against him.

Mr Afenyo-Markin had earlier indicated in a Facebook post that he would seek legal remedies over what he described as defamatory attacks, including allegations portraying him as an “extortionist”.

However, less than 24 hours after that warning, the Effutu Member of Parliament declined to definitively state that he would take Mr Gyamfi to court.

Speaking on JoyNews’ The Probe on Sunday evening, August 23, Mr Afenyo-Markin said he would rely on statements he had already made and urged the public not to rush him into taking further action.

“I have made certain statements. I would rely on them without more. Don’t rush. In the Bible, Jesus was accused of wild allegations. He kept quiet and watched them. He could have done anything,” he said.

According to the Minority Leader, his position as a senior political figure requires him to exercise restraint and avoid responding emotionally to attacks.

He said Ghanaians expected a certain level of maturity from him, particularly because of the responsibilities attached to his office and his leadership role within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

“But you see, when you are dealing with situations, the people of Ghana expect a certain level of maturity from me. The people of Ghana see that this is an accomplished businessman. He’s been in the space for some time. He’s leading a group. The tradition of the party NPP that I lead expects a certain level of conduct,” he stated.

Mr Afenyo-Markin said he would not allow himself to be distracted by what he believes could be a deliberate political strategy to shift attention away from the substantive questions surrounding the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP) and reported losses linked to the initiative.

“So if I were carried away with emotions, I would fail. It’s not an emotional game. It’s not a game where somebody attacks you, and you should also react. No, you won’t get it,” he said.

“There is always bait in politics, and don’t underestimate it. Opponents also have a strategy,” he added.

The Minority Leader further suggested that the allegations against him could be part of an attempt to divert public attention from the issues the Minority Caucus has raised about the government’s gold purchase programme and GoldBod’s involvement in the transactions.

“I was a majority leader. I know how government operates. I know how government can divert attention. So I’ve been there. Because the government must hold itself together, so it can be thrown in today’s social media. Let’s divert attention. Let’s stain the man,” he explained.

Afenyo-Markin says political attacks come with the job

Mr Afenyo-Markin also placed the controversy within the broader realities of opposition politics, saying he would not be the first Minority Leader to face intense political pressure or personal attacks.

He cited the experience of current Majority Leader and former Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who faced criminal proceedings while serving in opposition.

“In opposition, like I said, was Ato Forson not in court? Was his not worse than my situation? Do you get what I mean?” he asked.

Despite the attacks, Mr Afenyo-Markin said he remained committed to the mandate given to him by the NPP and would continue to scrutinise the government.

“So, as for this game, I want to assure the party that the mandate they gave me, God willing, that mandate will be discharged. We will work hard. The people of Ghana expect us to do nothing less. They expect us as a minority to be forthright, to work hard, to hold the feet of government to the fire, we will do that,” he said.

He acknowledged that political opponents had the right to disagree with him and criticise his actions but maintained that such criticism should not cross the line into what he described as excessive or unacceptable language.

“You know, we are in a political environment; people are free to oppose or disagree. But what the political environment cannot tolerate is the excesses there too. I have become aware of certain unacceptable language being put out there,” he stated.

Mr Afenyo-Markin added that he and members of the Minority Caucus had already taken steps in response to the allegations but would not allow the controversy to distract them from their parliamentary duties.

“I believe that I’ve taken appropriate steps together with my colleagues in the caucus, and we don’t want to fall into any bait of diversion,” he said.

He insisted that the Minority’s concerns about the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme were not simply partisan attacks but were intended to draw attention to an issue of national importance.

“This is an important national issue. It is not a partisan call. It is a patriotic call being made by a vigilant minority, however few our numbers,” he said.

Minority pushes ahead with GoldBod losses inquiry

Mr Afenyo-Markin said the Minority Caucus would continue with its plans to seek a parliamentary inquiry into the reported losses associated with the gold purchase programme.

“We want to focus. We promised the people of Ghana that we would file a motion; we have filed that motion,” he stated.

He said he was prepared for the political consequences of his position, including personal attacks, and was not surprised by the pressure accompanying his role as Minority Leader.

“Look, I won’t be the first minority leader to suffer attacks,” he said.

He recounted a conversation with a colleague about the challenges faced by opposition leaders in other countries, noting that some minority leaders had faced arrest, imprisonment or investigations by state institutions.

“And I said, oh, sir, in other jurisdictions, minority leaders have been arrested. They are in jail. In other jurisdictions, minority leaders are made to report to investigative agencies all the time,” he recounted.

Mr Afenyo-Markin again referred to Dr Ato Forson’s experience while serving as Minority Leader under the previous administration.

“In any event, you remember, even my good friend, Ato Forson, was facing charges in court, and NDC appointed him minority leader. He was attending court two times, three times,” he said.

He stressed that he was fully aware of the responsibilities and pressures associated with his position when he accepted the role.

“So, I’m very clear on my mind. The very day I took this job, I knew the weight of it. Everything is on me. I’m ready to live up to the task. I rely on my God, and I thank the party for the support,” he stated.

Motion to be considered as Parliament resumes

Mr Afenyo-Markin said his immediate focus was on securing parliamentary approval for the Minority’s motion seeking an inquiry into the reported GoldBod losses.

Parliament was scheduled to resume on Monday, August 24, and he expressed hope that the motion would be admitted and subsequently referred to an ad hoc committee.

“All other things that will come, we will deal with it. Tomorrow we are resuming; we pray that the motion will be admitted. We argue, set up the ad hoc committee so that within the period of break, at least there will be a hearing so that by October before we read the 2027 budget,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the committee would complete its work before consideration of the 2027 Budget, allowing its findings to inform the national debate.

“I hope by that time the report will be ready, and once it is ready, the good people of Ghana will see,” he added.

The Minority Leader also called for the proceedings of the proposed inquiry to be broadcast live, saying the public should have direct access to the committee’s hearings.

“But I pray for a live broadcast of the hearing. We expect that once the motion is carried, there will be a full public hearing of these GoldBod losses,” he stated.

Mr Afenyo-Markin’s latest comments represent a notable shift from his earlier declaration that he would pursue legal remedies over the allegations made against him.

Rather than committing himself to court action, he has now emphasised restraint, political maturity and a determination not to be distracted from the Minority’s broader scrutiny of the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme.

For now, his attention appears to be firmly focused on Parliament and the proposed inquiry into the reported GoldBod losses, with the Minority Leader signalling that any further response to the allegations will not be allowed to overshadow what he considers a matter of national interest.