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Breaking Silence: Ghana Mourns the Passing of Trailblazer Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings

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  The nation is today reflecting on the immense legacy of  Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings , who passed away on Wednesday, October 23, 2025, in Accra at the age of 76. The death of the former First Lady and pioneering politician marks the end of an era defined by her fierce advocacy for women's empowerment and her crucial role in Ghana’s political landscape. A Life of Firsts and Fierce Advocacy Born in Cape Coast on November 17, 1948, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings was a figure of undeniable influence.   Her public life spanned decades, primarily as the wife of the late President Jerry John Rawlings, serving two separate tenures as First Lady of Ghana: first briefly in 1979, and then continuously from 1981 to 2001. Her most enduring legacy is the establishment and leadership of the  31st December Women's Movement (31st DWM)  in 1982.   This grassroots Non-Governmental Organization became a powerful force, focused on mobilizing women across the country to partici...

Pathways for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) to Practise Medicine in Canada

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Quick Summary: International Medical Graduates (IMGs) have multiple routes to practise medicine in Canada, ranging from the CaRMS residency match, to Practice-Ready Assessment (PRA) programmes, to specialist certification pathways for those trained abroad. Doctors from certain advanced jurisdictions may also have streamlined routes. Each option comes with unique requirements and opportunities depending on training background and province. Canada has a growing need for physicians, yet many internationally trained doctors face challenges in joining the workforce. Fortunately, several structured pathways exist to help IMGs transition into medical practice. Here are the main routes available: 1.  The CaRMS Route (Residency Training) CaRMS (Canadian Resident Matching Service) is the most common pathway. IMGs apply for residency positions alongside Canadian medical graduates. Applicants must pass the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part I (MCCQE...

Understanding Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency

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Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency might sound like a complex medical term, but understanding it is crucial, especially for those affected by this condition.  As a medical doctor, my goal is to break down this condition in a way that's easy to grasp, ensuring you have a clear understanding of what it means, how it affects the body, and what you can do if you or someone you know is diagnosed with it.  What is Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD)?  Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an enzyme found in all cells, including red blood cells. Enzymes are proteins that help speed up chemical reactions in the body. G6PD plays a vital role in protecting red blood cells from damage. It does this by helping to produce molecules that protect the cells from harmful substances called reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause oxidative stress. In simple terms, G6PD acts like a shield for red blood cells, ensuring they function properly and stay intact while t...

The Silent Epidemic: Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease from a Public Health Perspective

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Quick Summary : Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a growing public health challenge, affecting millions globally. This article delves into the causes, impacts, and strategies for managing and preventing CKD, highlighting its significance in public health.  Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is an often overlooked but critical public health issue affecting millions of people worldwide. As a progressive condition, CKD can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and, if left untreated, can lead to severe health complications, including kidney failure. Understanding CKD from a public health perspective is essential for raising awareness, improving prevention, and managing this silent epidemic.    What is Chronic Kidney Disease?   Chronic Kidney Disease is a long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. This can result in a dangerous build-up of waste products, leading to various health problems. CKD is classifi...

Supreme Court Sets July 17 for Ruling on Anti-LGBTQI+ Bill interlocutory injunctions

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Quick Summary The Supreme Court has scheduled July 17, 2024, to deliver rulings on lawsuits filed by Broadcast Journalist Richard Dela Sky and Researcher Dr. Amanda Odoi challenging the constitutionality of Ghana's Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. Mr. Sky seeks a declaration that the bill breaches constitutional provisions and violates human rights, while Dr. Odoi seeks a restraining order to prevent the bill's transmission to President Akufo-Addo. The Chief Justice announced that separate rulings will be delivered following arguments from both sides. Full Article The Supreme Court of Ghana has set July 17, 2024, as the date to deliver rulings on two lawsuits challenging the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill passed by Parliament. Broadcast Journalist Richard Dela Sky and Researcher Dr. Amanda Odoi are the plaintiffs in these cases, each presenting distinct concerns regarding the bill's legality and implications. Mr. Richard Dela Sky is chal...

Oppong Nkrumah Launches Ghana Hydrological Fund to Combat Flooding Issues

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Quick Summary: Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, inaugurates the Ghana Hydrological Fund during the Built Environment National Conference on Housing and Hydrology (BENCHH) 2024. With an initial allocation of GHS 1.5 million, the fund aims to address Ghana’s perennial flooding challenges by financing critical projects like drainage construction and dredging. The Minister underscores the fund's role in improving water management and calls for collaborative efforts from stakeholders and development partners to ensure its success. Full Article: Ghana has taken a decisive step towards tackling its longstanding housing and flooding challenges with the launch of the Ghana Hydrological Fund during the Built Environment National Conference on Housing and Hydrology (BENCHH) 2024. The three-day conference, held at Labadi Beach Hotel, commenced with an opening address by Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, who emphasized the urgent need for sustainable solut...

Hajia4Reall’s Legal Team Satisfied with Court Verdict, Despite Extended Sentence

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Quick Summary Hajia4Reall's legal team has expressed satisfaction with a U.S. court verdict that sentenced her to one year and one day in prison, following her guilty plea to conspiracy charges involving fraudulent activities. Despite advocating for a shorter sentence, her attorneys appreciate the court's decision, contrasting it with the government's initial request for a much longer incarceration period. Full Article Hajia4Reall, the Ghanaian socialite, has received a one-year and one-day prison sentence from a U.S. court, to the satisfaction of her legal team, Fast Law PLC. The verdict was handed down in the case of U.S. v. Mona Montrage, 22 cr 617 (JPO), on Friday, June 28. Initially, her defense attorneys had sought a three-month sentence, but the court imposed a longer term, aligning closer with their plea than the government's recommendation of 37 to 46 months of imprisonment. In a statement following the sentencing, Fast Law PLC expressed their contentment with ...

NSS Personnel Declare Nationwide Strike Over Unpaid Allowances

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Quick Summary  The Concerned National Service Scheme (NSS) Personnel Association of Ghana (CONSPAG) has announced a nationwide strike, effective immediately, demanding the payment of overdue allowances. Citing severe financial hardships including unpaid accommodation, utility bills, and transport costs, the association highlights their contributions to public and private institutions and calls for urgent intervention from stakeholders to resolve the situation. Full Article NSS personnel across Ghana have commenced a nationwide strike today, July 3, 2024, organized by the Concerned National Service Scheme (NSS) Personnel Association of Ghana (CONSPAG), to protest the non-payment of their allowances. In a statement dated July 2, 2024, addressed to all NSS personnel, user agencies, and stakeholders, CONSPAG outlined the dire circumstances prompting their decision to embark on strike action.  Key grievances include the inability to cover accommodation and utility bills, transport expens...

GNAT Criticizes Government, Claims Proposed Free SHS Bill Politically Motivated

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Quick Summary The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has criticized the Akufo-Addo government for its proposed Free SHS Bill, alleging political interference in the education sector. GNAT President Rev Isaac Owusu argues that the new bill, aimed at legalizing free senior high school education, appears politically motivated and unnecessary given existing legislation.  Full Article The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has voiced strong opposition to the Akufo-Addo government's proposed Free SHS Bill, accusing it of political maneuvering in the education sector. GNAT President Rev Isaac Owusu expressed concern that the introduction of the new bill seems politically motivated, driven by fears that a future administration might overturn the current flagship Free SHS programme.  In an interview with Evans Mensah on PM Express, Rev Owusu suggested that instead of proposing a new bill, the government should focus on clarifying the implementation of Free SHS through ...

Massive Flooding in Accra After Wednesday Morning Downpour

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  Quick Summary: Accra has experienced severe flooding in numerous areas following a heavy downpour early Wednesday morning. Major roads such as those from the Airport through Shangri-La to Shiashie are impassable, causing extensive traffic congestion and stranding commuters. Businesses have closed, and residents are calling for urgent assistance from NADMO to manage the aftermath. Full Article: Accra, Ghana's capital city, has been severely affected by extensive flooding following a heavy downpour that began early Wednesday morning. The rainfall, which started around 3 am in some areas, has caused significant disruption across the city, particularly impacting road users and local businesses. Major roads, including the route from the Airport through Shangri-La to Shiashie, have been submerged under floodwaters, rendering them impassable and causing massive traffic gridlock. Other areas severely affected include Tantra Hill, Adabraka Sahara, the Ofankor Pokuase stretch, the Accra-Te...

Meta Expands Monetization Features for Content Creators in Ghana

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Quick Summary Meta has announced expanded monetization features for content creators in Ghana, allowing them to earn revenue from Facebook's in-stream ads and reel placements. The initiative aims to empower local creators, ensuring compliance with strict content and advertising policies to maintain user experience and business connections. Full Article Meta, through its Public Policy Manager for Anglophone West Africa, Sade Dada, has communicated to the Ministry of Information about the launch of expanded monetization features for content creators in Ghana. Under these new features, creators will now have the opportunity to earn a share of revenue from Facebook’s in-stream ads, which are placed alongside their content. Additionally, Meta plans to introduce ads on reels, offering creators further opportunities to monetize their content on Facebook, with similar plans to expand these features to Instagram later this year. To qualify for monetization, content creators must adhere to M...

Ex-Black Stars Captain John Mensah Embraces Faith and Evangelism Post-Retirement

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Quick Summary John Mensah, former Ghana international and Black Stars captain, has revealed his new life dedicated to church activities and spreading the word of God since retiring from professional football seven years ago. Mensah, known for his contributions to Ghana's 2010 FIFA World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations success, now spends most of his time involved in church and evangelism. Full Article John Mensah, a former Ghana international and ex-Black Stars captain, has shared insights into his life after retiring from professional football seven years ago. The celebrated defender now dedicates most of his time to church activities and spreading the word of God. Mensah played a crucial role in Ghana's football history, notably during the Black Stars' impressive run to the quarterfinals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and their second-place finish in the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations. “I’m just keeping myself in the church all the time, so I'm always visiting the church becaus...

Treasury Bill Sales Exceed Target with 12.79% Oversubscription

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Quick Summary The government recorded a 12.79% oversubscription in its recent treasury bill auction, securing GH¢2.99 billion against a target of GH¢2.65 billion. The majority of the bids were for the 91-day bill, with interest rates remaining stable across all maturities. Full Article In a notable financial move, the government achieved a 12.79% oversubscription in its latest treasury bill auction, as reported by the Bank of Ghana. The auction results revealed that the government secured GH¢2.99 billion, surpassing the target of GH¢2.65 billion. Breaking down the figures, bids for the 91-day bill amounted to GH¢2.358 billion, representing 88.7% of the total, all of which were accepted. The 182-day bill attracted GH¢573.45 million from investors, with the government accepting all bids as well. For the 364-day bill, GH¢64.31 million was tendered, and again, all bids were accepted. Interest rates remained stable across the yield curve during this period. The yield on the 91-day bill stoo...

Kwame Mickey Resolves Copyright Dispute with Team Eternity Ghana Over 'Defe Defe' Lyrics

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Quick Summary Music producer Kwame Mickey and Team Eternity Ghana have amicably resolved their copyright dispute over the use of 'Defe Defe' lyrics. The settlement involved both an apology and a monetary compensation, with future royalties also agreed upon. Full Article: Kwame Mickey, the music producer at the centre of the controversy regarding Team Eternity Ghana's use of 'Defe Defe' lyrics, has revealed details of the resolution between both parties. Following his announcement that “the issue that arose concerning Team Eternity Ghana’s use of a portion of the existing song titled ‘Defe Defe’ in their new song also titled ‘Defe Defe’ has been amicably resolved,” Kwame disclosed that a financial settlement was part of the agreement. In an interview with DJ Slim on Hitz FM's morning show Daybreak Hitz, Kwame shared that lawyers from both sides reached a mutual agreement, and he is satisfied with the outcome. When asked if Team Eternity merely apologized or also ...

Alan Kyerematen Claims Unmatched National Recognition Ahead of Bawumia and Mahama

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Quick Summary: Alan Kyerematen, leader of the Movement for Change, asserts his widespread recognition across Ghana surpasses that of NPP's Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and NDC's John Dramani Mahama. He emphasizes his extensive political involvement and believes he is destined to be Ghana's next president. Full Article: The founder and leader of the Movement for Change, Alan Kyerematen, has confidently stated that he is more widely recognized across Ghana than the flagbearers of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Kyerematen claims that his reach and familiarity with the people exceed those of his two closest rivals, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and former President John Dramani Mahama. He insists there is no village in Ghana where his name or face is not known. “There is no village in Ghana where Alan will not be recognized either by face or by my name, and none of the two candidates [Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and John Dramani Mahama] have th...

Ghana's Electoral Commission Facilitates Student Voting with Campus Vote Transfers

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Quick Summary: Ghana's Electoral Commission (EC) will allow students to transfer their votes to their campus locations for the upcoming general elections on December 7. The transfer process is scheduled for July 3-5, 2024. Daniel Oppong Kyeremeh, NUGS President, commended the EC's decision and urged students to participate. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to address stipend delays for Ghanaian students abroad. Full article Ghana's Electoral Commission (EC) has decided to permit students to transfer their votes from their original registration locations to their campus locations. This decision aims to facilitate student participation in the upcoming general elections on December 7. The EC has scheduled the vote transfer process to take place from Wednesday, July 3 to Friday, July 5, 2024, on school campuses throughout Ghana. In a media briefing, Daniel Oppong Kyeremeh, President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), praised the EC for enabling vote transfers an...

Express Entry to Canada for Doctors and healthcare professionals: Updated Guide to the Federal Skilled Worker Program

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Immigrating to Canada as a medical professional has become a promising pathway for doctors seeking new opportunities and a higher quality of life. Canada's Express Entry system, tailored for skilled workers, offers a streamlined process for obtaining permanent residency (PR). For doctors, this involves meeting specific educational and professional criteria, demonstrating language proficiency, and navigating a series of procedural steps to ensure their credentials are recognized. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the Express Entry process for doctors, covering essential costs, required documents, and the likelihood of practicing medicine upon arrival in Canada. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a recent graduate, understanding these key elements will help you embark on your journey to Canada with confidence and clarity. Preliminary Requirements Before Receiving an Invitation: 1. IELTS ( General Training ): • Cost: GHC 3,200-3,400 or equivalent ...

Students of KNUST left stranded following TEWU strike

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Students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology find themselves stranded on campus as the first day of the nationwide strike by the Tertiary Education Workers Union of Ghana (TEWU-Ghana) unfolds. The indefinite strike was initiated in response to the government's alleged failure to disburse extra-duty and car maintenance allowances, as well as Tier-2 pension funds, among other grievances. Sulemana Abdul-Rahman, the National President of TEWU-Ghana, emphasized the establishment of task forces on university campuses to ensure the comprehensive adherence of their 10,000-plus members to the strike. Speaking to JoyNews, Abdul-Rahman underscored the role of local leaders in enforcing the strike and expressed confidence in the unwavering commitment of union members to press their demands. The impact of the TEWU-Ghana strike is already evident at KNUST, where students face restrictions accessing crucial facilities such as the library and lecture halls, both of which rema...

Court orders Ex-Black Stars player Prince Tagoe to pay $40,000 in fraud case

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An Accra Circuit Court has told that ex-Black Stars player, Prince Tagoe, reimburse the funds involved in an auto fraud case at a rate of GH₵10 per dollar. So far, Tagoe has reimbursed $21,000 of the total amount, with a remainder of $19,000. However, Tagoe argued that he should be allowed to repay the sum based on the 2021 dollar rate. This was contested by the prosecution, led by Detective Chief Inspector Agartha Abena Asantewa, because the original funds were given to Tagoe in dollars. The prosecution also clarified that they had set the exchange rate at GH₵10 per dollar, even though this did not align with the prevailing foreign exchange market rates. Tagoe stands accused of defrauding the Black Stars' Assistant Coach, George Boateng, out of $40,000. This was allegedly done under the pretence of importing a Lexus sports utility vehicle for Boateng. Despite being charged with defrauding by false pretences, Tagoe denies the allegations, but has made repayments totalling GH¢161,00...

Reckless lifestyle of the young accounts for increasing HIV cases - Ghana AIDS Commission Head

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Dr. Steve Kyeremeh Atuahene, the head of the Ghana AIDS Commission, has attributed the escalating HIV rates among individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 to irresponsible and unprotected sexual conduct.  In an interview with JoyNews, Dr Atuahene elucidated that a significant number of youth are contracting the infection due to their involvement in hazardous activities, with little regard for their well-being. He referenced statistics indicating a 45% surge in new HIV cases among individuals aged 15 to 24 between the years 2010 and 2016.  Dr. Atuahene noted that despite extensive awareness campaigns, the youth frequently fail to adopt protective measures, such as condom use. This is consistent with results from the 2014 Demographic and Health Survey, which pointed out a high prevalence of unprotected sex and inadequate HIV prevention knowledge among young people.  Dr. Atuahene's comments come in the wake of a recent survey that disclosed over 45,000 HIV-positive youths i...