On Tuesday, August 6, 2025, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the National Vaccine Institute (NVI) and the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), will convene the Ghana Vaccine Manufacturing Forum at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra. The high-profile event, themed “Mobilising Sustainable Financing to Accelerate Vaccine Development and Manufacturing in Ghana: The Role of Financing Institutions and Development Partners,” aims to unite key stakeholders from government, financial institutions, pharmaceutical companies, investors, research institutions, and development partners. In a statement released by Tony Goodman, Deputy Director and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, it was announced that President John Dramani Mahama will attend as the Special Guest of Honour, while the Minister for Health, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, will serve as the Guest of Honour. This forum arrives at a crucial juncture as Ghana reassesses and aims to enhance its capacity for vaccine research, development, and production in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the nation boasts a solid foundation in health regulation, pharmaceutical research, and local drug production, officials stress that sustainable financing remains a significant obstacle in creating a comprehensive vaccine manufacturing ecosystem. According to the Ministry of Health, an estimated US$2.5 billion is needed to establish an end-to-end vaccine production value chain in Ghana. The forthcoming forum seeks to mobilize the necessary funds through innovative financing models such as blended finance and Public-Private Partnerships. Support from international partners like GIZ and the World Bank has been pivotal in progressing the agenda. GIZ, through the PharmaVax Ghana program funded by the German Development Ministry (BMZ) and the European Union, is actively collaborating with the NVI to foster pharmaceutical self-sufficiency in the region. Additionally, local manufacturers such as Atlantic Lifesciences Ltd and DEK Vaccines Ltd have inked Memoranda of Understanding with global partners to facilitate technology transfer aimed at advancing vaccine fill-and-finish operations within the country. The forum aspires to: Facilitate dialogue among public and private stakeholders. Explore financing and policy strategies to attract long-term investments. Identify regulatory mechanisms that support vaccine development. Generate actionable proposals and partnerships to advance Ghana’s vaccine self-reliance agenda. To ensure inclusive participation, the event will adopt a hybrid format, enabling both in-person and virtual attendance. This collaborative effort underscores Ghana’s commitment to fostering a robust vaccine manufacturing sector, enhancing health security, and becoming self-reliant in vaccine production. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has shed light on the shocking murder of Stephen King Amoah, a Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) officer. Amoah’s charred body was discovered on July 9, 2025, sparking widespread outrage. According to CID Director-General COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, Amoah was last seen on July 3, after leaving his residence at Ashongman Estate to meet a suspect, Bright Aweh, who had promised to repay a debt. Aweh had sent Amoah photos of cash bundles, but when Amoah failed to return home, a missing person report was filed. The police arrested Aweh on July 6, and during interrogation, he claimed to have handed Amoah GHC500,000 in cash. However, inconsistencies in his account raised suspicions. The discovery of Amoah’s burnt body near the GBC Satellite area marked a turning point in the investigation. A thorough search of Aweh’s residence revealed alarming forensic evidence, including blood stains, signs of a hasty clean-up, and freshly sprayed walls. A second crime scene nearby yielded more incriminating evidence, such as a burnt woollen carpet, blood-stained fabric, and a fufu pestle soaked in blood. Aweh’s vehicle was also impounded, bearing traces of blood. All evidence has been sent for forensic analysis, and DNA samples from Amoah’s mother and son are being used to confirm the identity of the remains. Bright Aweh has been charged with murder and is currently on remand. The police are pursuing all leads to ensure justice is served, and a special operation is underway to identify and arrest any accomplices involved in the murder. The case will continue on August 8, 2025. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Parliament has swiftly passed the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Bill, doing so under a certificate of urgency. The decision reflects a growing concern regarding the state of specialized medical care within the country. During the presentation of the Health Committee’s report, Hon. Nawaane Kurt Mark, the Chairman, passionately outlined the purpose behind the Bill. His words resonated with urgency, as he explained that the establishment of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund is crucial for mobilizing resources to finance specialized medical care, particularly for those battling chronic diseases. Furthermore, he elaborated on the fund’s intent to create a robust framework for its management. Highlighting the government’s recognition of existing challenges, Hon. Mark pointed to the disparities in access to specialized care, especially in urban centers, where most specialist services are concentrated. He noted the limited availability of diagnostic equipment and the inadequacies in data systems, both of which contribute to the high costs associated with treating chronic diseases. Alarmingly, he shared that households with members suffering from chronic conditions often find themselves on the brink of poverty within just five years of diagnosis. “The Bill, therefore, seeks to provide statutory backing for the Ghana Medical Trust Fund and set out the arrangements for the management of the Fund,” Hon. Mark stated with conviction, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these health-related challenges. Also present was the Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, who actively engaged in the discussions, suggesting amendments to various clauses during the Bill’s consideration stages. His contributions aimed to refine the Bill further, ensuring it effectively addresses the nation’s pressing healthcare needs. With the passage of this Bill, Parliament has taken a vital step towards transforming healthcare delivery in Ghana, particularly for those grappling with the burdens of chronic illnesses. The establishment of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund stands as a beacon of hope for many, promising greater support and improving access to essential medical care throughout the country. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

In a remarkable turn of events highlighting the power of youth and merit-based leadership, Theophilus Berchie, at the age of 26, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming a board member of the Ghana Hydrological Authority (GHA). This appointment not only makes him the youngest member currently serving on any governing board in Ghana but also stands as a testament to the John Mahama administration’s commitment to fostering excellence and inviting fresh perspectives into national governance. Theophilus is not just any young professional; he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from the esteemed Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and is pursuing his Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in the same field. Additionally, he has earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from KAAF University College. His academic achievements are matched by a robust record of leadership and community service, most notably demonstrated during his tenure as President of the Tertiary Education Institutions Network (TEIN) at KNUST, where he championed youth engagement and political participation. The appointment of Theophilus to the Ghana Hydrological Authority Board comes at a pivotal moment when the nation faces pressing hydrological and environmental challenges. His unique combination of expertise in environmental science and law equips him to contribute effectively to the Authority’s mission of managing Ghana’s drainage and flood control systems. With climate-related risks increasingly threatening communities across the country, innovative solutions driven by the energy and ideas of young professionals like Theophilus are essential. “This opportunity represents not just a personal milestone but also reflects the confidence that the Mahama administration places in young people,” Theophilus expressed. He sees his appointment as a vital signal of the potential that young Ghanaians hold in governance and nation-building. The John Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) has been a longstanding advocate for the active involvement of youth in decision-making processes. Theophilus’ role on the board exemplifies this commitment to inclusivity, intergenerational balance, and meritocracy within governance. It sends a powerful message: when young people are empowered to take the lead, they can forge innovative, forward-thinking policies that address today’s challenges. As the youngest member among Ghana’s current governing boards, Theophilus hopes that his journey serves as an inspiration for other young Ghanaians encouraging them to aspire to greatness, engage in public service, and help shape a brighter future for the nation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has announced the appointment of Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Manso Opuni as its new Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective Monday, July 14, 2025. Prof. Opuni succeeds Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, who has led the FDA since 2017 but recently accepted a notable position as the Director General of the Africa Medicines Agency (AMA), marking a significant milestone in her impressive career in public health leadership. Before stepping into his new role, Prof. Opuni served as the Board Chairman of the FDA, where he gained extensive experience in public health policy, regulatory oversight, and institutional governance. His background equips him well to tackle the challenges ahead. In a statement regarding the appointment, the FDA extended its warmest congratulations to Prof. Opuni, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the Authority in fulfilling its essential mandate of safeguarding public health and safety in Ghana. Prof. Opuni assumes leadership at a critical time for the FDA, as the Authority is focused on strengthening regulatory systems, enhancing consumer protection, and ensuring the safety and efficacy of food, drugs, and other regulated products across the nation. His expertise and vision are expected to play a pivotal role in advancing these goals and addressing the ever-evolving landscape of public health in Ghana. Source: Apexnewsgh.com