Shifting Mindsets: The Fight Against Open Defecation in Upper East Begins at Home and School
By Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen, Editor-in-Chief, Apexnewsgh Open defecation remains a persistent and deeply troubling public health issue in Ghana’s Upper East Region. Despite some progress over the past decade, regional estimates show that between 49% and 68.4% of the population still resorts to open defecation, a practice that not only undermines sanitation and health but also erodes the dignity and collective image of our communities. While this marks an improvement from historical rates that were once above 80%, the fact that nearly half or more of the population continues this practice is a clarion call for urgent, concerted action. As Editor-in-Chief of Apexnewsgh, I have followed this issue closely, and my observations have left me deeply concerned. A society that normalizes open defecation is, in many ways, failing its children. The holy book wisely counsels us to “train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” This wisdom is pertinent here. If children grow up witnessing and practicing open defecation, it becomes ingrained in their habits and worldview. The question we must ask ourselves as parents, educators, and authorities is: Are we truly doing enough to break this cycle? On the ground, the answer is painfully clear. Many parents in the Upper East Region continue to defecate in the bush, not necessarily out of choice, but due to a lack of household toilets. This reality has a direct and damaging impact on their children. Children learn by observation and imitation. If they see their parents engaging in open defecation, they will naturally adopt the same behavior, perpetuating the cycle for another generation. It is not just a matter of personal hygiene or convenience; it is a matter of legacy and social responsibility. According to Mr. Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen, his investigations around the region have revealed a critical gap in the infrastructure that supports good hygiene. Shockingly, a significant number of basic schools in the Upper East Region lack adequate toilet or urinal blocks for students. This absence of facilities leaves children with little choice but to relieve themselves in the open, around the school premises or in nearby bushes. Such conditions expose children to health risks, including waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery, and reinforce negative sanitation habits. Public health officials and development partners have long emphasized the dangers of open defecation. It contaminates water sources, spreads diseases, and contributes to high rates of child morbidity and mortality. The World Health Organization and UNICEF have consistently ranked open defecation as one of the leading factors undermining child health in low-resource settings. In the Upper East Region, the challenge is exacerbated by poverty, rapid population growth, and limited local government budgets for sanitation infrastructure. Addressing this crisis requires a multi-pronged approach that combines education, infrastructure development, policy enforcement, and community engagement. While it is easy to point fingers at parents or authorities, the reality is that all stakeholders, families, schools, traditional leaders, and government, must work together to create lasting change. One group with enormous potential to drive this change is teachers. Teachers are respected figures who shape not just the academic, but also the social and ethical development of children. They are uniquely positioned to champion Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) education in schools. By integrating lessons on proper hygiene, the dangers of open defecation, and the importance of using toilets, teachers can plant the seeds of behavioral change early in a child’s development. However, the influence of teachers should not end at the school gate. If teachers extend WASH learning to their students’ homes, encouraging parents to build and use latrines, and to model good behavior—they can amplify their impact throughout the community. Admittedly, this may place an extra financial or logistical burden on teachers and schools, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. Communities that are open-defecation free enjoy better health, higher school attendance, and improved economic prospects. Government intervention is also crucial. Local authorities must prioritize the construction and maintenance of sanitation facilities in both schools and residential areas. This requires investment, political will, and effective monitoring. There should be clear policies mandating that all schools have functional toilets and urinals, and resources should be allocated to ensure these standards are met. In addition, community-led total sanitation (CLTS) programs, which have shown success in other regions, should be scaled up and adapted to the specific needs of the Upper East. Traditional leaders and faith-based organizations can also play a transformative role. By leveraging their influence and moral authority, they can mobilize communities to abandon open defecation and adopt healthier practices. Public health campaigns, community meetings, and WASH clubs in schools can all serve as platforms for raising awareness and promoting positive change. Ultimately, the fight against open defecation in the Upper East Region is about more than just building toilets. It is about changing mindsets, instilling pride and responsibility in our children, and creating a healthier, more dignified society. The journey will not be easy, but it is one we must undertake together. As parents, teachers, leaders, and citizens, we have a moral and civic duty to ensure that the next generation grows up in a cleaner, safer, and more hopeful environment. The time to act is now. Let us resolve to break the cycle of open defecation in the Upper East Region, one household, one school, and one community at a time. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Bangladesh President Shahabuddin Resigns Amid Health Crisis, Leaving Hasina Without Allies in High Office
Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has resigned from office, citing serious health issues, his office announced on Friday. Shahabuddin, 76, has served as the largely ceremonial head of state since April 2023, a tenure marked by political upheaval following the ouster of his former ally, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The resignation comes after Shahabuddin was diagnosed with autonomic neuropathy, a condition that, according to his statement, causes him to occasionally lose consciousness. “Recent medical examinations have diagnosed me with a condition known as Autonomic Neuropathy. Due to this condition, I occasionally experience momentary loss of consciousness,” Shahabuddin said in a statement released by his press secretary. Shahabuddin’s departure leaves Hasina without allies in high office, just five months before her planned return. Since a deadly student-led uprising toppled her government in 2024, Hasina’s Awami League party has been banned, with many of its leaders and activists jailed or in hiding. Hasina herself fled to India in the wake of the unrest. According to the constitution, the speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad, Bangladesh’s national parliament, will assume the duties of president until a new one is elected. While Shahabuddin held the position of commander-in-chief of the armed forces as head of state, executive authority in the country of 173 million people rests with the prime minister and cabinet. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Italy Moves to Shift Burden of Proof for Criminal Responsibility of Minors
Italy’s right-wing coalition government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has approved a controversial bill that would shift the burden of proof in determining the criminal responsibility of minors aged 14 to 18. The draft legislation, which seeks to amend Article 98 of the Italian Penal Code, was announced Thursday by the Prime Minister’s Office. Justice Minister Carlo Nordio stressed that the measure does not lower the age of criminal responsibility, which remains at 14, nor does it increase penalties for minors. “The new provision concerns the presumption of criminal responsibility,” Nordio explained at a news conference following the Cabinet meeting. Currently, Italian law requires that a minor’s criminal capacity be established on a case-by-case basis, assessing their ability to understand the nature and consequences of their actions. The new bill would reverse this approach by presuming that individuals aged 14 to 18 possess such capacity unless evidence from investigations or court-ordered assessments proves otherwise. Prime Minister Meloni defended the measure in a video message, arguing that those who commit crimes like assaults, robberies, or vandalism “must always pay the price,” regardless of being 15 or 16 years old. She said the bill targets both those who exploit minors for criminal activity and young offenders who act with a sense of impunity. The opposition Democratic Party (PD) criticized the proposal, with lawmaker Matteo Mauri warning it risks “criminalizing an entire generation” instead of focusing on prevention, education, and social inclusion. Advocacy group Save the Children also opposed the bill, cautioning that it could lead to treating adolescent offenders the same as adults, ignoring the unique vulnerabilities of minors. Save the Children called for the continued individual assessment of criminal responsibility for those aged 14 to 18, and greater investment in educational and preventive initiatives. The bill must now be debated and passed by both chambers of Italy’s parliament before it can become law. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
South African Court Pauses Ramaphosa Impeachment Inquiry Over ‘Farmgate’ Scandal
A South African court has granted President Cyril Ramaphosa a temporary reprieve in the ongoing “Farmgate” scandal, ordering a halt to a parliamentary impeachment inquiry until a separate legal challenge is resolved. The controversy stems from a 2020 burglary at Ramaphosa’s private Phala Phala farm, where thieves stole at least $580,000 in cash hidden in a sofa. Details of the theft emerged two years later when former spy chief Arthur Fraser accused the president of concealing the crime from police and tax authorities. Ramaphosa has denied any wrongdoing, insisting the cash came from the sale of buffaloes. In 2022, an independent panel found Ramaphosa might have a case to answer, but parliament initially voted against launching an impeachment inquiry. However, in May 2026, South Africa’s Constitutional Court ruled that parliament had acted unlawfully by shelving the panel’s report, paving the way for the impeachment process to be revived. The political landscape has since shifted, with Ramaphosa’s African National Congress (ANC) now governing in coalition after losing its majority in the 2024 election. Following the Constitutional Court’s ruling, President Ramaphosa challenged the panel’s findings, arguing they were based on misjudged information and a misinterpretation of the charges. On Friday, Western Cape High Court Judge Andre le Grange ruled that the parliamentary committee must pause its hearings “pending the determination by this court of the applicant’s review.” Two out of three judges supported Ramaphosa’s request, effectively buying the president more time to clear his name. Ramaphosa’s legal team argued that allowing the impeachment process to continue before his case was heard could cause him irreparable reputational harm. In response to the ruling, Ramaphosa stated that he “respects” the court’s decision. Reactions to the ruling have been mixed. The Democratic Alliance, a key coalition partner, said the outcome was expected but does not prevent the committee from preparatory work. The opposition uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, led by Jacob Zuma, accused Ramaphosa of using the courts to delay accountability, while the ANC welcomed the decision and called for restraint from political opponents as the legal process unfolds. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government Considers Listing State-Owned Enterprises on Ghana Stock Exchange to Boost Performance
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has revealed that the government is weighing plans to list selected State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), including state-owned banks, on the Ghana Stock Exchange as part of efforts to enhance their governance, efficiency, and profitability. The initiative forms part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening the performance of public institutions without resorting to outright privatisation or shutting down underperforming entities. Speaking to Citi on July 24, a day after delivering the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament, Dr. Forson explained that several SOEs are under assessment to determine the most effective ways to improve their operations. He emphasized that the plan should not be seen as an attempt to sell state assets, but rather as a way to increase private sector participation through the capital market while maintaining state ownership. “We are assessing a number of SOEs. It’s not about selling, it’s not about shutting down; it’s about listing some of them on the Stock Exchange to improve governance and ensure profitability,” he said. State-owned banks are among the institutions being considered for this initiative. Dr. Forson noted that the government intends to deepen private sector participation in the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), which is already listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange, by selling additional shares to investors. He added that a similar approach could be applied to other state-owned banks, such as the National Investment Bank (NIB), to strengthen their financial standing and operational effectiveness. “ADB is already there, but we want to deepen it and offload more of those shares to the private sector, to you, to everybody. Everyone can buy some shares. NIB, all of them, we want to,” he explained. The Finance Minister said that listing more SOEs on the stock exchange would improve corporate governance, enhance transparency and accountability, and help these institutions become more efficient and commercially sustainable. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ejisu Assembly Members Give MCE Jerryne Asante One-Week Ultimatum to Resign
Members of the Ejisu Municipal Assembly have issued a one-week ultimatum to Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Jerryne Asante to resign or face removal from office by President John Dramani Mahama. The ultimatum follows the Assembly Members’ inability to convene an emergency meeting to consider a vote of no confidence in the MCE, after the Electoral Commission (EC) was unavailable to supervise the process. The situation was further complicated when the Assembly auditorium, the designated venue, was found locked. According to the members, Estate Officers informed them that the MCE’s personal aide had locked the facility and taken away the keys, preventing the meeting from taking place. Assembly Members said their planned vote of no confidence was prompted by what they described as major administrative lapses under the MCE’s leadership. After the aborted meeting, they addressed the media, expressing their dissatisfaction and demanding immediate action. Speaking on behalf of the group, George Kuntu Blankson, Assembly Member for the Kwamo Electoral Area, called on President Mahama to remove the MCE from office if she does not resign within the one-week period. He stressed that the Assembly Members had lost confidence in the MCE’s leadership and insisted that decisive action was necessary to address the ongoing issues. “Since the election could not come on today, all the 28 elected assembly members have resolved that we are giving an ultimatum of one week, starting today, for the MCE, Jerryne Asante, in her own interest, submit a resignation letter and recuse herself from office,” he said. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Oil prices hit $100 for the first time since May
Oil prices hit $100 a barrel for the first time since May as the escalating conflict in the Middle East reignited fears over global energy supplies. Brent crude – the global benchmark for oil prices – rose more than 6% on Thursday following several days of increases as the US stepped up military strikes against Iran. Prices spiked after Houthi militia in Yemen attacked oil tankers in the Red Sea, threatening a key export route that Saudi Arabia has used to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. Gas prices have also risen steadily over the past month, with the benchmark UK gas price currently at around 150 per therm, up from around 98p at the end of June. Oil prices had been falling following a temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran. They dropped back to levels last seen before the US and Israel began military action against Iran on 28 February. However, the ceasefire has failed and this week US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the people in charge in Iran were “not ready to make a deal”. The ongoing conflict risks pushing up inflation for many countries, including UK and the US leading to higher prices for consumers. Higher oil prices typically lead to petrol and diesel becoming more expensive. While drivers are affected directly, households could also see prices of other goods, such as food, increase due to businesses passing on higher transportation costs to customers. Inflation has fallen both in the UK – down to 2.6% in the year to June helped by slowing diesel and petrol prices – and in the US to 3.5%. But questions remain whether the slow down will prove short-lived due to the renewed conflict in the Middle East. New data released on Thursday showed that UK petrol prices have risen by 5p a litre since the beginning of July, hitting reaching almost £1.56. Diesel is at £1.72 a litre, on average, according to the RAC. Average gasoline prices in the US have surpassed $4 a gallon once more, up from $3.92 a month ago, according to motorist advocacy group AAA. “More expensive fuel and energy can ripple through the wider economy, increasing costs for businesses and ultimately feeding through into the price of food and other goods,” said Jonathan Raymond, investment manager at Quilter Cheviot. “This creates another headache for central banks as they continue their battle against inflation. “If energy prices remain elevated, policymakers may come under pressure to keep interest rates higher for longer or even raise them. This would come as a blow to mortgage holders and borrowers already feeling the strain.” The Bank of England, which sets UK interest rates, has held them at 3.75% in its last four meetings. Paul Dales, chief UK economist at Capital Economics, said he believed the Bank will “almost certainly” hold them again. But he said analysts still expected that interest rates could be cut next year if energy price rises ease. Kevin Warsh, the newly-appointed chair of the US Federal Reserve, last week told Congress that the central bank had “no tolerance to persistently elevated inflation”. US President Donald Trump had pushed Warsh’s predecessor, Jerome Powell, to cut interest rates. Trump has made it clear he expects Warsh to fulfil his demand for reductions in borrowing costs for Americans. But the Fed held US interest rates between 3.5% and 3.75% at Warsh’s first meeting last month. He also told Congress that he was committed to “restoring price stability” in the wake of the Middle East conflict impacting prices. Source: bbc.com
Parliament Delays Debate on 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to July 28 for Deeper Analysis
Parliament has postponed the debate on the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to Tuesday, July 28, giving Members of Parliament additional time to scrutinize the fiscal policy statement delivered by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. The debate, initially slated to begin on Friday following the Minister’s presentation, was rescheduled as parliamentary business was revised to allow more time for thorough examination. The extension will enable both Majority and Minority MPs to analyze the government’s economic performance for the first half of the year and evaluate the proposed fiscal and policy measures for the remainder of 2026. In his review presented on Thursday, Dr. Forson highlighted improvements in key economic indicators such as reduced inflation, a stabilized exchange rate, stronger international reserves, and ongoing fiscal consolidation. He also outlined plans to drive growth through the Big Push infrastructure agenda, increased investments in agriculture and education, expanded social protection initiatives, and efforts to sustain the country’s economic recovery. A notable announcement was the allocation of additional funds for educational infrastructure to facilitate the eventual elimination of the double-track system under the Free Senior High School programme. The Mid-Year Budget Review has received mixed reactions from economic analysts and stakeholders. While some have praised the reported macroeconomic gains, others have called for stronger job creation, improved domestic revenue mobilization, and more robust support for productive sectors. Ahead of the budget presentation, the Minority signaled their intent to rigorously scrutinize the review, reiterating opposition to any requests for extra spending authority amid existing substantial borrowing approvals. With the debate now scheduled for July 28, lawmakers are expected to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the government’s fiscal performance, weigh the proposed policy interventions, and decide if the outlined measures are sufficient to sustain growth and improve living standards for Ghanaians. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Majority Leader Urges Ofori-Atta to Return and Account for Ghana’s Debt, Praises Current Economic Management
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has called on former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to return to Ghana and answer questions regarding the country’s debt situation, accusing him of years of excessive borrowing and poor fiscal management during his tenure. Speaking in Parliament during the debate on the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review on Thursday, July 23, Ayariga argued that Ofori-Atta should be held accountable for the decisions taken under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration. He questioned the former minister’s absence from Ghana, suggesting he left after overseeing a period of heavy borrowing that contributed to the nation’s economic challenges. Ayariga asserted that Ghanaians deserve answers on how public finances were managed under the former administration and why the economy deteriorated during that period. In contrast, he commended current Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson for steering the economy without imposing burdensome taxes or relying on excessive borrowing. Highlighting policy differences, Ayariga noted that while the former government introduced taxes like the levy on mobile money transactions, the current administration has removed such taxes and still maintains fiscal stability. He praised Dr. Forson’s prudent economic management, saying the Finance Minister’s policies have strengthened the economy while easing the tax burden on citizens. The Majority Leader also criticized the previous NPP government’s spending priorities, arguing that the current administration is focusing resources on infrastructure projects such as schools, roads, and bridges, rather than initiatives like the National Cathedral. He maintained that the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review demonstrates the government’s commitment to expanding educational facilities, rehabilitating schools, and investing in major road infrastructure. Expressing confidence in the current economic direction, Ayariga said Ghana’s finances are on stronger footing and urged Parliament to commend Dr. Forson for his leadership. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Twenty-Five Ghanaians Seek Asylum in Canada After 2026 FIFA World Cup
Twenty-five Ghanaians who traveled to Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have filed asylum claims, according to figures released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The claims are part of a total of 175 asylum applications submitted by foreign nationals who entered Canada after receiving temporary residence approval linked to the tournament, which was jointly hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico. IRCC reported that it approved temporary residence applications for 26,111 individuals indicating they were traveling to Canada in connection with the World Cup. As of July 20, 2026, 175 of those visitors had submitted asylum claims. The data, according to Canadian authorities, only covers applicants who specifically identified “FIFA World Cup 26” in their applications. Ghana and China both recorded the highest number of asylum claims at 25 each. Egypt and Colombia followed with 15 claims each, while Senegal, Bangladesh, and Nigeria each had 10. Ecuador, Burundi, Nepal, and Pakistan each registered five claims. Canadian authorities did not provide details on the identities or backgrounds of the claimants, leaving it unclear whether they were football supporters, players, officials, or other visitors associated with the tournament. Reports indicate that asylum claims after major international sporting events are not unusual. Following the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, approximately 200 Ghanaians reportedly sought asylum, citing religious persecution, a claim the Ghanaian government later rejected. Source: Apexnewsgh.com