He explained that the Authority is sensitising market women, drivers, and other informal workers on how to renew their membership using the short code *929#, eliminating the need to physically visit NHIA offices.

“This initiative allows us to connect directly with the public and also helps us gather first-hand information about the challenges members face. These are issues we need to address urgently to make the scheme more effective,” he said.

The Acting Operations Manager for NHIA in the region, Thomas Asante Krobea Opare, also highlighted that the Ahafo Region currently leads the country in active NHIS coverage—a feat he attributed to the dedication of district directors and field officers.

“Our team is determined to ensure that the number of active subscribers keeps improving significantly. The measures in place are working, and we’re committed to sustaining the momentum,” he assured.

The “Market Storm” campaign underscores the NHIA’s goal of expanding health insurance coverage through innovation and community engagement, ensuring that more Ghanaians can conveniently access affordable healthcare.

Source: Sammy Asare

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Speaking at Mim during the NHIA’s third-quarter review meeting for 2025, Mr. George told Adom News that the authority has intensified its campaign against facilities demanding unapproved fees from insured patients.

According to him, public education has helped citizens identify and report health facilities that engage in such practices.

This, he said, has led to several offenders being compelled to refund monies to affected subscribers.

He explained that the NHIA has also strengthened education for all service providers across the region to ensure they fully understand the scheme and refrain from imposing unauthorized charges.

“We continue to sensitize service providers and subscribers to ensure that no one is made to pay for services covered by the scheme,” he said.

Mr. George urged subscribers to always demand receipts for any payments requested by health facilities, as such receipts serve as evidence to help the authority trace and sanction offenders.

“We encourage our members to be confident and report any case where they are asked to pay illegal fees,” he added.

The NHIA maintains that collaboration with the public remains key to ending co-payment practices and ensuring fairness in healthcare delivery.

Source: Sammy Asare

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She has called on all stakeholders to take urgent steps to curb the menace.

Speaking to Adom News at Hwidiem during a regional event to mark the International Day of the Girl Child, Ms. Scholastica revealed that reports of sexual abuse have been recorded across all 18 senior high schools in the Ahafo Region.

The event, held under the theme “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,” was jointly organised by the Ahafo Regional Education Directorate and ActionAid Ghana.

Ms. Scholastica described the situation as alarming, explaining that such violations have long-lasting effects on the education and well-being of affected students.

She urged parents, traditional leaders, the GES, and relevant institutions such as the Department of Social Welfare, DOVVSU, and CHRAJ to intensify their collaboration to ensure offenders are punished in accordance with the law.

“These acts of harassment and abuse negatively affect the performance and confidence of our girls. The laws must work to protect them and punish perpetrators,” she emphasised.

Meanwhile, the Ahafo Regional Minister, Charity Gardiner, who attended the event, acknowledged that many girls in the region face numerous challenges that could derail their education and future if left unaddressed.

She assured that her office, in collaboration with municipal and district chief executives, would take concrete measures to create safer environments for girls in schools and communities.

“We are committed to working with all relevant bodies to tackle these challenges and secure a brighter future for every girl in the Ahafo Region,” she said.

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Speaking to Adom News at Kenyasi No. 2, Dr. Akosua Owusu-Sarpong, the Regional Health Director, said monitoring teams across the districts have so far reported smooth progress with no major challenges.

According to her, the HPV vaccine is safe and effective, urging parents to support the campaign by allowing their daughters to participate before the exercise ends on Sunday, October 12, 2025.

“The vaccine is safe. We’ve not recorded any significant side effects. Parents must encourage their girls to take part because this is an important step in protecting them against cervical cancer,” she said.

Meanwhile, the School Health Education Programme (SHEP) Coordinator for the region, Appiah Kubi, praised the strong collaboration between the GHS and the Ghana Education Service (GES), noting that their joint effort has ensured wide participation across schools.

He also disclosed that education officers are engaging some hesitant parents to help them understand the benefits of the vaccine.

“We’re working closely with GHS to make sure no girl is left out. Our officers are sensitising parents who are unsure so their children don’t miss this life-saving opportunity,” he added.

The HPV vaccination campaign forms part of Ghana’s national effort to reduce cervical cancer cases, one of the leading causes of death among women globally.

Source: Sammy Asare

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The organisation presented 400 sanitary pads, 1,000 exercise books, 200 mathematical sets, and 200 pens as part of its “Support for Girls at Risk” initiative—a project aimed at helping girls whose parents struggle to provide basic educational and personal needs.

Speaking to Adom News, the Executive Director of TAAG, Isaac Kwabena Kakpeibe, said the intervention seeks to curb teenage pregnancy and child marriage, challenges that often stem from the inability of families to meet the needs of their daughters.

“When girls lack basic items like sanitary pads and learning materials, it becomes difficult for them to stay in school consistently. That’s when issues like early marriage and teenage pregnancy arise,” he explained.

He added that the group’s mission is to ensure that no girl’s education is interrupted because of financial hardship or social barriers.

Girl Child Coordinators for the two districts, Princess Obeng Amoah and Faustina Horla, commended TAAG for the gesture. They noted that many girls, particularly those in rural areas, often stay home during their menstrual periods due to lack of sanitary products.

“This initiative has come at the right time. It will help keep many girls in school and boost their confidence. We hope it continues beyond this first phase,” they said.

The coordinators urged other organisations and stakeholders to emulate TAAG’s efforts in promoting girls’ education and welfare in deprived communities.

TAAG’s “Support for Girls at Risk” programme forms part of a broader campaign to advance gender equality and improve access to education for vulnerable children across Ghana.

Source: Sammy Asare

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The Minister for Ahafo Region, Charity Gardiner, has assured residents that all abandoned and uncompleted projects in the Tano North Municipality will be completed under the current government to boost development.

Speaking during a working visit to Duayaw Nkwanta, the minister said several projects, including classroom blocks and dormitories, were left uncompleted by the previous government, slowing down progress in the area.

She disclosed that the Regional Coordinating Council will soon invite contractors and consultants responsible for the projects to explain the reasons for the delays and chart a way forward.

The Municipal Chief Executive for Tano North, Pius Opoku, also pledged his commitment to ensuring that stalled projects are completed to improve living standards in the municipality.

Source: Sammy Asare

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Speaking to Adom News at Hwidiem during a stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Regional Health Directorate, Girls Education Officer Dakora Scholastica said the directorate is committed to ensuring that no eligible girl is left out.

The vaccination exercise, scheduled for 7–11 October 2025, targets girls aged nine to fourteen. Scholastica explained that schools will identify and assemble all eligible girls for the free vaccination.

She emphasized that cervical cancer causes severe suffering and that prevention is critical, especially for families unable to afford treatment. Scholastica also appealed to parents, particularly mothers, to ensure their daughters are vaccinated.

Reverend Ebenezer Kwame Frimpong, Chairman of the Goaso Local Council of Churches and Head Pastor of Abundant Life Baptist Church, urged religious leaders not to discourage participation in the programme.

He called on the Health Directorate to enhance education and engagement with clergy to promote acceptance of the HPV vaccination as part of efforts to combat cervical cancer in the region.

Source: Sammy Asare

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Speaking at a mini durbar in Kenyasi, the Minister explained that the absence of a DVLA office in both Asutifi North and South districts has forced drivers to travel to Sunyani or Goaso to process licenses and related documents, causing unnecessary stress.

She added that plans are also underway to establish a passport office in Goaso before the end of President John Dramani Mahama’s tenure. This, she said, will reduce the burden on residents who currently travel long distances to Kumasi or Sunyani for passport services.

“By the end of this year, Asutifi North will have its own DVLA office, and very soon, a passport office at Goaso to ease the struggles of our people,” the Minister said.

The Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, Dr. Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, also assured residents that he, the District Chief Executive, and the Regional Minister are committed to driving development in the district.

He highlighted key priority areas, including water supply, roads, health, sanitation, and electricity.

“We will continue to work together to ensure our communities benefit from the essential infrastructure and services they deserve,” Dr. Addo said.

Source: Sammy Asare

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Speaking to Adom News in Kenyasi during the ordination of three new pastors, Most Rev. Atuahene emphasized that fighting drug abuse must be a top priority for church leaders.

“With the ordination of these three pastors, the diocese now has a total of 83 pastors. We expect them to use their positions to help tackle this menace that is destroying our young people,” he said.

One of the newly ordained priests, Reverend Father Sampson Badu, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, pledged their commitment to the cause.

“We are fully aware of the extent of drug abuse among the youth in this region. With the training we have received over the past ten years, we will implement new strategies to help address this issue. We cannot afford to fail the church in this mission,” Rev. Badu stated.

The Goaso Diocese says it will work closely with stakeholders to intensify education and outreach programs aimed at reducing drug use and rehabilitating affected youth.

Source: Sammy Asare

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According to the Health Directorate, during their half-year report, what is of great concern is the infection among adolescents, which accounts for 14% of the new infections in the region.

Dr. Akosua Agyeiwaa Owusu-Sarpong, the Ahafo Regional Director of Health Services, at a press briefing in Hwediem, encouraged everyone, especially the youth, to take HIV prevention measures seriously to reduce the infection rate in the region.

“Total abstinence from sex, being faithful to your sexual partners, and the careful use of condoms are effective ways to limit the transmission of the viral disease,” says the Regional Director of Health Services.

Additionally, she reiterated that there are many HIV interventions in our facilities, such as the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, early infant diagnosis, and HIV linkage to care with antiretroviral medications.

Dr. Akosua Agyeiwaa Owusu-Sarpong entreated everyone in the Ahafo region to take advantage of these interventions in their health facilities to seek care when positive and to prevent new infections.

Regarding monkeypox, she noted that the region has recorded three suspected cases of the virus in Asunafo South and North, adding that “they and their contact persons are all doing well.”

Monkeypox is a zoonosis caused by the Mpox/Monkeypox virus. Infection in humans can occur when a person encounters the virus from infected animals, infected humans, or contaminated materials.

The incubation period of monkeypox is typically 3 to 13 days, ranging from 2 to 21 days.

Humans can get infected from animals such as some species of non-human primates and rodents through bites or scratches or direct contact with their body fluids.

Human-to-human transmission occurs through close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials such as bedding, said Michael Beridu, Deputy Regional Director of Health Services.

He added that suspected individuals experience acute illness with fever, intense headache, back pain, and severe asthenia, followed by a rash one to three days later.

The Deputy Director indicated that they progressively develop a rash, often beginning on the face (most dense) and then spreading elsewhere on the body, including the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands.

“Practice hand hygiene by washing hands often, properly handling dead animals, and avoiding stigma and discrimination,” Mr. Beridu stressed.

Source: myjoyonline

Speaking at a press briefing in Hwidiem, Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Akosua Owusu-Sarpong, revealed that between January and June 2025, the region recorded 636 new HIV infections.

Alarmingly, about 14% of these cases involved adolescents and teenagers.

Dr. Owusu-Sarpong described the situation as “alarming, scary, and dangerous,” stressing that young people, who should be focused on their education, are instead engaging in risky sexual behavior.

She appealed to journalists and media outlets in the region to support the directorate’s public education campaigns to curb the spread of HIV and AIDS.

Dr. Owusu-Sarpong further urged persons living with the virus to avoid intentionally infecting others and encouraged them to visit health facilities for treatment and medication to help maintain healthy lives.

Source: Sammy Asare

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Regional Health Director, Dr. Akosua Owusu-Sarpong, made the appeal at a press conference in Hwidiem, where she also announced that a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign will be rolled out from October 7 to 11, 2025.

The exercise targets girls aged 9 to 14 years, with health workers expected to visit schools to administer a single dose of the vaccine to each child.

Dr. Owusu-Sarpong underscored the importance of the vaccination, describing it as a crucial step in preventing cervical cancer, which poses a serious health threat to women.

She called on parents to allow their daughters to take part in the campaign and urged journalists to use their platforms to educate the public and dispel myths surrounding the vaccine.

“There is no way the Ghana Health Service will introduce a vaccine that will harm citizens,” she assured, adding that the HPV vaccine is safe, tried, and tested.

She further encouraged media practitioners to actively counter misinformation and promote public participation to ensure the campaign’s success.

Source: Sammy Asare

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At a press conference on Tuesday, Nkosoɔ Mining Firm leader, Eric Kofi Amponsah, said that the concession was legitimately granted to them by traditional authorities.

Mr. Amponsah, therefore, questioned why armed security officers were deployed to evict them, destroy property, and cede control to a foreign company, Nadamusa.

“This decision has worsened unemployment in the area and created needless tension,” Amponsah stated.

Some residents also voiced frustration, saying that the Chinese company has not employed locals, leaving businesses struggling and families without income.

The group warned that if government fails to return the concession, they will be forced to confront the situation, a move they caution could lead to serious conflict.

Source: Sammy Asare

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In an interview with Adom News, Mr. Loko said since the establishment of the college in 2015, residents have failed to contribute to key infrastructural projects to improve teaching and learning.

“Over the years, we have organised several events and invited the community, but they rarely participate. It shows they have detached themselves from the school,” he noted.

He stressed that government alone cannot meet all the institution’s needs, urging residents to emulate other communities that support their training institutions with resources.

Mr. Loko further appealed to the Member of Parliament for Asunafo South and Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, as well as the Ahafo Regional Minister, Charity Gardiner, to prioritise the school’s pressing infrastructural needs, including lecture halls, hostels, and kitchen facilities.

According to him, the PTA is currently the only body supporting infrastructure development, but its efforts remain inadequate.

Source: Sammy Asare

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Mr. Dumelo, who toured institutions including Ahafoman Senior High Technical School, Mim SHS, and Acherensua SHS, praised management for cultivating crops such as maize, cassava, and plantain to support the school feeding programme.

He encouraged other schools yet to start farming to follow suit, promising that government would reward such efforts.

His pledge follows an appeal by the headmaster of Ahafoman Senior High Technical School, Derrick Adu Gyamfi, who called on the Ministry to provide schools with the needed equipment to scale up their agricultural projects.

According to Mr. Gyamfi, although many schools in the region have vast lands, they are unable to farm on a large scale due to lack of resources.

He said beyond crop production, schools are ready to expand into poultry farming, but this requires the Ministry’s intervention for the effective rollout of the “Institutional Farming” programme under Feed Ghana.

Source: Sammy Asare

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Speaking to Adom News in Goaso, Engineer Nyantakyi explained that the poor state of the roads has necessitated urgent intervention, as commuters continue to face severe challenges.

“These two roads are critical for transporting farm produce, timber, cocoa, ginger, and other goods. Including them under the Big Push initiative is a laudable decision by the government,” he said.

He revealed that work on the Bediako–Kasapin and Tepa–Goaso roads is currently at 24 percent and 18 percent, respectively.

Currently, the contractor for the Tepa–Goaso stretch has returned to site, while the contractor for the Bediako–Kasapin road awaits government approval to resume work.

Source: Sammy Asare

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The donation, made at a ceremony in Goaso, is expected to benefit children in Ahenfro, Goaso Nkrankrom, Kwadwo Ono, Kokofu Nkrankrom, Peprakrom, Kwartenkrom, and Odumase areas, where many pupils struggle to attend school regularly due to the long distances they must walk.

Union President Nana Sarpong Emmanuel told Adom News that the initiative, supported by Mondelez International, is aimed at improving school attendance and academic performance in rural areas.

“Some children miss classes frequently because the journey to school is simply too far. These tricycles will make it easier and safer for them to get to school,” he said.

According to Nana Sarpong, the tricycles have been registered, and arrangements are in place for riders to receive safety training from the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) to ensure the well-being of the pupils.

Municipal Education Director Samuel Laar expressed appreciation to the farmers’ union, stressing that the tricycles will be strictly monitored to prevent misuse.

“We know the transportation challenge is real in these rural communities, and this support will make a difference. However, we will put measures in place so that these tricycles are used for their intended purpose,” he noted.

Education officials hope the intervention will not only improve attendance but also reduce dropout rates in the beneficiary communities.

Source: Sammy Asare

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The presentation ceremony took place in Goaso, where the Ahafo Regional Coordinator of Zoomlion, Maxwell Osei Antwi, said the move is aimed at addressing persistent challenges with waste evacuation.

He explained that frequent breakdowns of existing trucks had resulted in overflowing waste containers, posing a major sanitation threat.

“The presented trucks will serve as backups. Immediately a truck breaks down, these ones will move to do the evacuation to ensure that containers are empty all the time as expected,” he told Adom News.

Mr. Antwi said the trucks will be shared among the six municipal and district assemblies. Tano North and South will share one truck, Asutifi North and South will use another, while the last truck will be shared between Asunafo North and South.

He believes the move will help ensure regular clearing and transportation of refuse to designated dumping sites to keep the region clean.

Receiving the trucks on behalf of the Ahafo Regional Minister, the Regional Political Coordinator, Loaman Iddrisu Dauda, lauded Zoomlion for the gesture.

He said the support will ease the burden on assemblies that struggle to manage waste due to constant breakdowns of collection vehicles.

“The availability of these trucks will help the assemblies handle waste properly,” he stated, calling the intervention timely and commendable.

Source: Sammy Asare

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During a community engagement at Akrodie in the Asunafo North Municipality, Ranking Member on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, Dr. Isaac Yaw Opoku, insisted that government must fulfil the GH₵6,000 per bag promise made during the 2024 election campaign.

The Offinso South MP noted that the pledge influenced many cocoa farmers to throw their support behind the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and should not be taken lightly now that the party is in power.

Dr. Opoku said the caucus will continue to engage farmers across the country to reiterate that they deserve nothing less than the promised amount.

Some farmers present at the meeting expressed disappointment at the possibility of a lower price, warning that they may hoard their produce if the government fails to meet their expectations. They specifically mentioned Agriculture Minister Dr. Eric Opoku, stressing that they would feel betrayed if he fails to deliver after his strong advocacy on cocoa prices while in opposition.

The farmers say they are prepared to resist any attempts to shortchange them in the upcoming announcement.

Sammy Asare, Adom News

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During a visit to some sawmills in Mim, Mr. Kotoko told Adom News that several companies are engaged in unlawful operations, including the purchase of stolen logs, which are often sold at cheaper prices than legally obtained timber.

He further revealed that some operators are buying immature logs — a practice he described as a blatant violation of forestry regulations.

“These illegal practices by sawmill owners are fast depleting the forest reserves in this region,” he stated.

To address the issue, Mr. Kotoko said the Commission will intensify public education campaigns to ensure that operators understand the laws governing the sector.

“From my interactions, it appears many are unaware that these practices are illegal and could lead to the closure of their companies,” he explained.

He stressed that after the educational phase, the Commission will launch unannounced operations to clamp down on all companies engaged in such unlawful activities.

Source: Sammy Asare

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The Regional Health Director, Dr. Akosua Owusu-Sarpong, disclosed this in an interview with Adom News during a health-focused event in Goaso, attended by representatives from the Ghana Health Service, the Regional Coordinating Council, and Newmont.

She indicated that the confirmed case was recorded in the Asunafo South District, and the affected individual is currently undergoing treatment.

Samples from the 12 suspected cases have been sent to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research in Accra for testing.

Dr. Owusu-Sarpong urged the public to adhere strictly to health education and preventive measures outlined by health professionals to curb the spread of the disease.

Commenting on the issue, Ahafo Regional Minister, Charity Gardiner, described the development as unfortunate due to the contagious nature of the virus.

She assured the public that the Regional Coordinating Council is committed to supporting the Health Directorate’s response efforts.

Both officials stressed the importance of community cooperation and the need for prompt reporting of symptoms to ensure effective containment.

Source: Sammy Asare

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As part of activities marking this year’s World Day Against Child Labour, the Union organized a sensitization program at Asumura Nfante, engaging chiefs, parents, and students. A football match was also held to raise awareness among young people.

Speaking to Adom News, the Union’s Marketing and Regulation Manager, Sadique Asumah, expressed concern that despite ongoing public education, some farmers continue to involve children in hazardous farm work. He stressed the need to intensify education on the issue to protect children’s rights.

Mr. Asumah reminded farmers that once they receive premium payments from the Union, they are expected to hire adult labourers rather than use school-going children—especially during school hours or for physically demanding tasks.

He emphasized that child labour is a violation of Ghanaian law and warned farmers to desist from the practice or face legal consequences.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Asumah encouraged parents to allow children to assist on farms only during weekends and school holidays, and only with light tasks appropriate for their age and strength.

In an interview with Adom News, Nana Aduse-Poku described the development as disgraceful and said it raises serious questions about the integrity of education in the region.

“This issue is tarnishing the image of Ahafo. It’s not something we should take lightly,” he said, calling for a collective effort to address the menace.

His comments follow revelations by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) on June 4, 2025, during the National Stakeholders Conference on Examination Malpractices. According to WAEC’s Head of Humanities, Daniel Nii Dodoo, the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo regions have consistently led in reported cases of exam cheating from 2021 to 2023, across both basic and secondary levels.

Nana Aduse-Poku said the report is alarming and called for collaboration between traditional authorities, the Regional Education Directorate, the Regional Coordinating Council, parents, clergy, and students.

“I’m shocked by this report. The former Regional Director of Education, Lucy Ama Ankrah, worked hard to discourage pupils and teachers from engaging in any form of malpractice,” he added.

He cautioned teachers and parents against aiding candidates to cheat in the upcoming Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), stressing the importance of allowing students to write independently to reflect their true performance.

“Let us have faith in our children and allow them to prove themselves,” he urged.

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Speaking to Adom News at Hwidiem during a stakeholder engagement session organized by CMCE in collaboration with ActionAid Ghana and the Young Urban Women Movement, Mr. Mahama highlighted alarming findings from a recent study.

According to him, many basic schools in the region lack essential facilities such as changing rooms, potable water systems, washrooms, and sanitary pad banks—conditions he described as detrimental to girls’ health and education.

He emphasized that the absence of these menstrual hygiene facilities discourages regular school attendance and poses serious health risks to female students. He therefore appealed to the government and relevant stakeholders to urgently invest in infrastructure that supports menstrual hygiene management.

Also speaking at the event, the Girls’ Education Officer for the Ghana Education Service in the Ahafo Region, Scholastica Dakuah, made a passionate appeal to municipal and district assemblies to prioritize the construction of changing rooms, washrooms, water systems, and the establishment of sanitary pad banks in schools.

She commended CMCE, ActionAid Ghana, and the Young Urban Women Movement for their collaborative efforts in shedding light on the challenges and advocating for better menstrual hygiene solutions for schoolgirls in the region.

Source: Sammy Asare

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony for six newly appointed MDCEs in Goaso, Madam Gardiner stressed that the president’s top priority is to pursue initiatives that enhance the quality of life for residents. She called on the MDCEs to align their plans and actions with this agenda.

She told Adom News that the president’s confidence in nominating them, coupled with the overwhelming endorsement from assembly members during their confirmation, reflects the trust placed in them to deliver on developmental objectives.

Madam Gardiner also commended the chiefs for their consistent support for the MDCEs since the announcement of their nominations and appealed to traditional leaders to continue offering guidance to help drive progress across the region.

Addressing the gathering, the President of the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs, Barima Twereko Ampem III, advised the MDCEs to approach their duties with dedication and urged them not to abandon uncompleted projects initiated by the previous administration, noting that doing so would only harm the interests of the people.

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Mr. Okyere was declared the winner in the election held on Tuesday, February 11, after securing six out of the 12 total votes cast in Goaso.

In an interview with Adom News, he expressed gratitude to the people and pledged to make truth his hallmark.

According to him, he will accord respect to everyone in the region and offer the best advice to President John Mahama to ensure the country progresses in development.

Some assembly members praised Mr. Okyere as the ideal representative who can advocate for their concerns, including the issue of unpaid salaries.

They described him as calm, truthful, and respectful, with strong lobbying skills to attract more development to the Ahafo Region.

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Mrs. Gardiner is the Ahafo Regional Women Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

In an interview at Goaso, the residents, including political actors, commended President Mahama for selecting the nominee, saying that it reflected the President’s readiness to appoint more women into leadership positions.

With Mrs. Gardiner’s nomination, the residents said they were highly optimistic that more women would also be appointed to serve as Municipal and District Chief Executives in the region.

Safiyatu Haruna, a civil society actor and a native of the Ahafo region, said, “Some of us are satisfied with her nomination because we know her, and she can do the job.”

She also urged the nominee not to disappoint the people, especially women in the region.

“Her nomination shows that the President is gender-sensitive, and we have to praise Mr. Mahama for selecting her as the first female Regional Minister since the region was carved out from the then Brong-Ahafo Region,” Mr. Michael Ampofo, a resident, stated.

Yaw Okyere, the Ahafo Regional Chairman of the NDC, said the party supporters had since hailed the President’s nomination, congratulating the nominee for her loyalty to the party, as well as her hard work and resilience, especially during the 2024 General Elections.

“Gardiner’s nomination is the best choice for us because her excellent human relations, affability, and experience will drive the progressive development of the region,” he stated.

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Speaking during an awards ceremony for students who dramatized scenes from their literature books, Reverend Sister Abiwu explained to Adom News that, the school’s management has identified a pool of talented students with potential in acting.

To nurture these talents, the school plans to provide support in areas such as scriptwriting and performance.

She emphasized that OLA Girls’ SHS is dedicated to fostering holistic development, ensuring students excel not only academically but also in extracurricular activities that prepare them for diverse opportunities in life.

Source: Sammy Asare

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He said this when the party executives engaged members at Noberkaw and Kukuom.

Mr. Yahaya explained to Adom News that measures, many of which can’t be disclosed to the media, have been instituted by executives to achieve the target.

Also, the Ahafo Regional Organizer for NDC, Loaman Iddrisu Dauda said the youth are coming on board to join NDC to kick out NPP because the government led by Nana Addo and Bawumia has failed to give them jobs.

He noted that, the youth believe the policies of NDC will secure them jobs should they win the December elections.

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In a meeting held in Goaso, the Ahafo Regional Security Council (REGSEC) convened with representatives from GAF – Central Command and Newmont Ghana to discuss strategies for enhancing regional security.

Head of the Central Command, Brigadier General Michael Opoku, told Adom News that the primary challenge facing the force is the inadequate housing conditions for officers posted to the region.

Currently, many officers are residing in tents, which he described as suboptimal for effective duty performance.

Brigadier General Opoku called on private companies, non-governmental organizations, and individuals to collaborate with the government in providing better living conditions for military personnel.

He specifically appealed to Newmont to consider supporting the provision of permanent accommodation, stressing that improved living conditions are crucial for maintaining robust security in the region.

In response, Ahafo Regional Minister and REGSEC Chairman, George Boakye, expressed confidence that Newmont would assist in this endeavor. He noted that Newmont has been a key supporter in enhancing regional security and believes the company will play a vital role in establishing permanent housing for the military.

Currently, military personnel are housed in temporary structures in Mim. Boakye assured that discussions with Newmont are ongoing and that permanent accommodation solutions are anticipated soon, which will significantly enhance the security capabilities in the region.

The call for improved accommodation is seen as a critical step towards ensuring that GAF officers can effectively carry out their duties and contribute to the overall safety and stability of the Ahafo Region.

While the strategy seeks to contain the issue at the national level, security insiders have hinted to the Daily Graphic that the scale of the problem in the region does not reflect its size and population.

With a population of just 564,668, it is the least populated region in the country.

But even before it was carved out of the then Brong Ahafo Region, the six constituencies of Asunafo North, Asunafo South, Tano North, Tano South, Asutifi North and Asutifi South were notorious spots for political violence across the spectra of voter registration, voter register exhibition, voting and counting of votes; declaration of results and other high-octane activities.

Only last month, the police granted bail to the Member of Parliament for Asutifi South, Collins Dauda, over violent clashes during the limited voter registration exercise.

With the claims and counter-claims reinforcing the violence tag acquired by the area, it appeared to provide a just cause for the intended clampdown by the police on political violence, with a big focus on the area.

But more than just a situation with the Ahafo Region, political hot spots have become a threat to national security. Eight people, including minors, were killed when security forces fired at them in nearby Techiman South in the Bono East Region during the 2020 general election.

Police

According to the Ghana Police Service index, flashpoints or hot spots are decided and reviewed based on a number of factors such as incidents recorded in previous elections, voter registration exercises, crime risks and volatility.

Police sources told the Daily Graphic that the security agencies were aware of the situation in the Ahafo Region and neighbouring areas, and would work to contain the situation. The sources said the security agencies were mapping out strategies to declare every polling station a hot spot, and design an operational agenda to deal with all breaches.

In the 2020 elections, the police identified 6,178 hot spots in its 17 operational regions, with the Ashanti Region leading the pack with 975 hot  spots; Central Region with 906; Eastern with 891;  Accra with 500; Northern with 393; Upper East with 345; Western with 323; Western North with 292; Upper West with 292 and Volta with 275.

The rest were Oti Region with 261; Tema with 189; Bono with 179; Savannah with 129; Bono East with 118; North East with 60 and Ahafo Region with 50.

The sources said the increase in the number of police administrative regions to 25 would not only bring policing closer to the people but also help in operations to deal with any flashpoint.

At a meeting with the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission on March 18, this year, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, said the Police Administration had established an election security secretariat in line with its commitment to enhance election security management.

“We view election as a process rather than an event, so managing election security must also be approached from that point. We do not want to wait until a few months to the elections before we begin to think about election security management,” he said.

He said the police had put in place a grand plan to manage security at all points of the electoral process. “What we need from the EC is the election programme to revise our election security management,” he stated.

CDD-Ghana

Speaking to the issue, the Teams Lead for Elections for the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) and the Coalition for Domestic Elections Observers (CODEO), Gilfred Asiamah, said through its long-term observation and monitoring, as well as pre-election surveys, CDD-Ghana had identified some of the hot spots and shared them with the appropriate agencies.

He said the Ahafo Region was known for some of the electoral breaches all the time. That, he explained, was because of the inability of the security agencies to prosecute the perpetrators.

As a result, Mr Asiamah said the perpetrators kept rehearsing, waiting to get sponsors or patrons to indulge in another round of electoral violence. He said if the consequences in terms of punishment far outweighed the benefits, particularly cash incentive, both the sponsors and perpetrators would stop.

Mr Asiamah said he was expecting the police to decisively deal with the perpetrators.

Conflict spots

He explained that hots pots were recurring conflict spots in elections. “They are known places that consistently experience violent incidents and chaotic atmosphere in different phases of elections, including voters registration, voters’ register exhibition, election campaigns, voting and counting and immediate post-election events,” he said.

Mr Asiamah said CDD-Ghana used hot spots identified by the Ghana Police Service and the EC, stressing that “CDD-Ghana monitors the political environment and tracks acts of political violence in the phases of elections.

The centre shares information with the security agencies and election management body to help them in making decisions on election security”.

Weakness

Mr Asiamah said the persistent occurrence of electoral violence in particular places reflected weaknesses in law enforcement and the inability of the system to take on perpetrators and their sponsors.

“It also reflects the low level of trust of the perpetrators in existing state security arrangements. In effect, cyclical violence at particular places give confidence to perpetrators and their financiers to continue to act; it’s rewarding to politicians who sponsor violent actions without any fear of consequences,” he stated.

He explained that when the state refused to punish people who committed violence, it often led to counter mobilisation against the perpetrators, so people took matters into their own hands to seek justice.

“In these areas that the state does not appear to be taking on people who commit violence, the victims are emboldened to organise themselves to pay back in kind,” he stressed.

“When people begin to mobilise or get mobilised to commit violent acts, it gives birth to vigilantism. Other people take advantage of the situation to mobilise to counter violent acts,” he said.

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In an interview with Adom News reporter Sammy Asare at Kenyasi, after a training session for journalists in the Ahafo Region on HIV and AIDS-related issues, Mr. Kyereh spoke on the alarming rate at which HIV/AIDS is increasing in the region.

He emphasized the critical need for collective action to combat the spread of the diseases effectively.

Mr Kyereh stressed that, the HIV/AIDS campaign should not be relegated to a small segment of the population, but must instead involve widespread participation to ensure comprehensive education and awareness to combat the diseases effectively.

Speaking on the impact of the training workshop, some journalists who attended the two-day session said they have enhance their understanding of HIV/AIDS-related issues.

They assured that, the knowledge gained will contribute significantly to efforts aimed at reducing the spread of the diseases when disseminated to the public.

The training workshop, spearheaded by Kingsley Kyereh and supported by the US Embassy and PEPFAR, represents a crucial step in empowering journalists with the necessary tools and knowledge to play an active role in the fight against HIV and AIDS in the Ahafo region.

Through informed reporting and public education initiatives, the media can serve as a potent force in raising awareness, dispelling myths, and promoting preventive measures to curb the spread of HIV and AIDS within the community.

He said this when the church had a local food exhibition and fun games.

The pastor explained to Adom News that, the promotion of the Ghana Month Initiative in the region was virtually non-existent compared to other regions.

According to him, duty bearers in the region did not put much effort into promoting the laudable initiative which is bad.

He mentioned that, in subsequent years ahead, measures and effective promotion must be conducted in the region to ensure residents get the needed benefits.

A Medical Officer at Goaso Government Hospital and also a church member, Dr. Amankwatia Evans appealed to Ghanaians to consume local foods because they are nutritious and good for their health compared to foreign dishes.

To him, there are many benefits one will derive from eating local foods, therefore there is a need to do so.

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Speaking to Adom News at the Ahafo Regional Health Directorate’s 2023 Annual Performance Review Meeting in Goaso, Dr. Dodor indicated a decrease from 66 percent to 64.9 percent in the number of pregnant women availing themselves to health facilities for delivery.

He emphasized the importance of reversing this trend, underscoring that expecting mothers should not shy away from seeking competent midwives’ assistance for safe deliveries.

He urged them to maintain consistent visits to health facilities, similar to their attendance for antenatal care.

Dr. Dodor also lamented that despite efforts, some health workers are reluctant to accept postings in Ahafo due to inadequate accommodation and poor road networks.

He appealed to stakeholders for assistance in addressing these challenges, to enable the region attract more committed health personnel to ultimately save lives.

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Earning the description, “the food basket of Ghana”, the Region’s soil type and rainfall pattern support the cultivation of varied food and cash crops, with farmers engaged in both subsistence and commercial farming.

Part of the challenge, particularly with commercial agriculture production, is the lack of access to ready market and the inadequate value-addition avenues for perishable crops.

In 2013, Newmont, which operates the Ahafo mine in the Ahafo Region and the Akyem mine in the Eastern Region, established the Asutifi Processing and Services Centre (APSC) in collaboration with the German Development Cooperation on a pilot basis to explore processing and marketing opportunities for agricultural produce in the area.

This was after extensive engagements with the beneficiary farmers and assessments to understand the agriculture value chain in the region and the opportunities therein.

In line with Newmont’s social performance strategy, which aims to enhance opportunities for people in its host communities, particularly the youth and women, the APSC became a significant vehicle to support the livelihoods of the people and create sustainable jobs in the Ahafo Region.

The APSC is a key project under Newmont’s broader Local Economic Diversification (LED) initiative, which focuses on fostering partnerships with development agencies, government, and impact investors, to identify business opportunities, create employment, and promote sustainable development in the company’s host communities.

Enhanced Processing Facility

The facility, which started operating in 2013, encountered some challenges that impacted the realization of its full potential. These challenges included limited raw materials to feed the factory and ready markets for the products. 

Newmont then conducted extensive feasibility studies in 2018 to confirm the viability of a bigger facility with the requisite market demand for processed chilli pepper and ginger.

The outcome of the assessment justified Newmont’s significant investment to scale up the project and create job opportunities, especially for farmers in the area and those in the agriculture value chain.

In December 2023, the expanded processing and services centre was completed. The US$ 4 million APSC facility, established with support from the German Development Cooperation, marked a significant milestone in Newmont’s ongoing efforts to create value and improve lives of beneficiaries through sustainable and responsible mining.

With a bigger capacity and scope, the APSC is now expected to significantly reduce post-harvest losses and improve food security in the Asutifi area. Over 80 farmer-based organisations and about 1,000 chilli pepper and ginger farmers are benefiting from the APSC through an out-grower scheme, guaranteeing them increased and consistent income.

Newmont’s Commitment to sustainable mining in Ghana

Newmont, the world’s leading gold company and a producer of copper, silver, zinc, and lead, operates two mines in Ghana: The Ahafo South Mine in the Ahafo Region and the Akyem Mine in the Eastern Region.

The company’s Ahafo North project is a greenfield mine currently under construction in the Ahafo Region. 

In Ghana, Newmont remains one of Ghana’s largest taxpayers. By the end of September 2023, the company had made GHS 2.857 Billion in fiscal payments to the Government of Ghana.

Its development Foundations in Ahafo and Akyem continue support host community development.

During the launch, the MD for Newmont’s Africa business unit, David Thornton, highlighted the commitment of the company to improving incomes and livelihoods of local farmers.

He said, “the revamped APSC signifies Newmont’s dedication to fostering local economic growth, promoting sustainable development, and supporting agriculture value chains in the Ahafo Region, recognized as the breadbasket of Ghana.”

The team leader of Invest for Jobs at GIZ Ghana, John Duti, added that, “the German Development Cooperation is happy to partner Newmont on this project which has huge potential positive impact for the farmers, and address the issue of post-harvest losses, one of the key challenges in the agriculture sector.”

According to the Adontehene of Hwidiem, Nana Baffour Kyei Anaafi, expressed to Adom News that, before his appointment to the region, residents struggled to access quality healthcare services due to the absence of effective policies.

Speaking on behalf of Ahafo chiefs during the farewell ceremony for Dr. Boateng in Goaso, the Adontenhene explained that the director’s tenure, the region witnessed significant improvements in the healthcare sector.

As an example, Nana Baffour Kyei Anaafi cited Dr. Boateng’s measures and diligent supervision, which resulted in Ahafo facing fewer challenges in combating COVID-19 compared to other regions.

He also emphasized that Dr. Boateng fostered cordial working relationships with his staff and all stakeholders in the region, a positive development previously unseen in the healthcare sector.

Additionally, William Frimpong Bonsu, Ghana Health Service Council Member for Ahafo and Western North Regions, noted that Dr. Boateng’s contributions had significantly elevated the quality of healthcare services in Ahafo, addressing longstanding challenges.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Roman Catholic Diocese in Goaso, Most Reverend Peter Kwaku Atuahene, who chaired the ceremony, urged the incoming Regional Health Director for Ahafo to establish good rapport with staff and all stakeholders to ensure effective service delivery, much like Dr. Boateng.

He emphasized that failure to do so would hinder the success of the new Regional Health Director.

He has called upon the Regional Health Directorate to step up its efforts to address this concerning trend.

The Minister voiced his concern during the Ahafo Regional Health Directorate’s 2023 Mid-Year Performance Review Meeting held in Goaso.

He pointed out that despite the dedicated efforts of healthcare workers, the region has seen a significant rise in maternal deaths compared to the same period last year, which is deeply troubling.

George Boakye emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that the reported figures for maternal deaths in the first half of this year are alarming. He urged the Regional Health Directorate to strengthen its strategies and interventions to effectively curb this rise in maternal mortality.

Dr. Kwabena Boakye Boateng, the Ahafo Director for the Ghana Health Service, echoed the Minister’s concerns. In an interview with Adom News, he acknowledged that maternal deaths remain a critical issue in the Ahafo Region, despite the tireless efforts of healthcare staff.

Dr Boateng disclosed that while the region recorded three cases of maternal deaths within the first six months last year, the number has risen to ten cases for the same period this year.

He revealed that the Directorate is currently conducting a comprehensive assessment to identify the underlying causes of this increase and to develop targeted strategies for its prevention.

The Ahafo Regional Health Directorate’s commitment to addressing this pressing issue is evident as they work to ensure that every mother in the region receives quality healthcare and experiences safe pregnancies and childbirths.

As part of activities scheduled for the 38th Farmers’ Day, the producers gathered at the venue at Gyedu in the Asutifi North District to have a fufu galore.

The food preparation was left in the hands of the abled men who gave the women a run for their monies with the large portion delicacy.

After the galore, the farmers will begin an official opening of an agricultural fair to exhibit their produce after which the deserving farmers will be rewarded.

This year’s theme is ‘Accelerating Agriculture Development through Value Addition’ in response to the current global economic crises and national constraint.

Some of the awardees will go home with tricycles (aboboyaa), agro-processors, farming equipment and cash prices.

According to him, the region has made significant progress in bringing development to the doorsteps of the people in key areas such as health, education, and governance to ensure that locals have access to social services.

Mr Boakye disclosed this in an exclusive interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem Thursday.

He indicated that, within a period of five and a half years of the Akufo-Addo government, Ahafo region has seen progress in agriculture, roads, trade and industry, rural/peri-urban/urban electrification, affordable housing, provision of logistics for security services, water and sanitation, employment creation and many others.

Education

Providing updates on education, Mr. Boakye said the region has been at the receiving end of significant investment in education by government. He said the result of which placed the region first as the hub of public basic education, as pupils in the region led in the first-ever National Standardized Test (NST) for Primary Four (P4) pupils.

The results of the NST, in which almost 390,000 P4 pupils from 14,883 public schools participated, showed that the region, together with the Western and Western North Regions emerged as a strong base for lower primary education.

In addition, the region placed second in the 2020 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), placing first in specific subjects like Mathematics, Integrated Science and Social Studies.

Mr Boakye also said the region since its creation has witnessed tremendous improvement in educational infrastructure including the construction of classroom blocks, dormitory blocks, assembly halls, administration blocks, teachers’ quarters, dining halls among others.

Health

In the area of health, the Minister said in line with government’s vision to create and expand access to health services and enhance the quality of health service delivery in the region, various development projects in the Health Sector in the Region were commenced and are progressing steadily with some being completed and others still under construction.

This includes the construction of a Poly Clinic at Mim in the Asunafo North Municipal Assembly, the construction of CHPS compound at Jachie, Atudrobesa, Konkontreso, Asutifi South District and many others.

Also, he said the construction of a district hospital in Kenyasi among hosts of many health projects are progressing steadily.

Mr. Boakye added that government’s flagship ‘Agenda 111’ hospital projects have taken off in the region. Contractors have mobilised to the site and construction at Kukuom and Kenyasi are both at the substructure stage.

He expressed his profound gratitude to President Akufo-Addo for the development in the area.

At a one-day symposium on ILO-189 convention, Finance and Administrative Director of Migrant Watch, Samuel Hackman, said the situation is worrisome.

As a result, stakeholders have come together to solve the problem of illegal migration with a sensitisation programme at Drobo, in the Jaman South municipality.

“Migration Watch has already started a sensitisation programme in Drobo to educate residents on illegal migration and it’s consequences on the individual.”

The symposium called together key stakeholders in the migration and domestic work sectors to deliberate on responsibilities of recruiting agencies.

Nicholas Agyekum, the CEO of IDREAM consult, a certified recruiting agency used the symposium to plead with government to lift the ban on domestic work to the Gulf countries.

He believes that the ban has given illegal agencies to operate in the black market of recruitment. Public Affairs Director of Migrant Watch, Peter Mensah, also believes that lifting the ban will help curb the issues of illegalities.

“The ban on domestic work to the gulf state has caused illegal recruitment agents to operate in the dark. They recruit innocent Ghanaians to the Gulf state and leave them there to suffer their own fate. If government lifts this ban, we will be able to fish out unlicensed recruitment agencies’ to curb the menace.”

This is a part of the Open Society Foundation funded programme of reintegration for domestic migrant workers from the Middle East and the Gulf Regions, pre and post the Covid-19 pandemic.

The aim is to bridge the identified gaps in compliance with Global compact for migration as signed in Morocco and further to complement relevant SDGs having bearing on migration.

The deceased, identified as Kwame Sarpong, is widely known in the farming community as Agya Abotre.

Reports indicate Agya Abotre was last seen on Saturday, September 12 heading towards his farm.

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His body was retrieved and deposited at the morgue of the Goaso Municipal Hospital by the police on Tuesday afternoon.

Public Relations Officer of the Ahafo Regional Police Command, ACP Isaac Kwame Loh, confirmed the incident and said the cause of death is currently unknown.

According to him, an autopsy will be carried out to aid the police in its investigations.

His tour of the region includes the inspection of ongoing construction works on the Techire-Adrobea road, the construction of an Astroturf at Duayaw Nkwanta in the Tano North constituency and a courtesy call on the Omanhene of Duayaw Nkwanta.

He is later scheduled to grace a sod-cutting ceremony for the Bechem-Techimantia-Akomadan road as well as commission a Business Resource Centre and also inspect the construction of the Regional Education Directorate at Bechem in the Tano South constituency.

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At Kenyasi in the Asutifi North constituency, the President will commission a 68-bed capacity ward including doctor’s bungalow and a children’s ward at the Kenyasi Government Hospital.

The President, among other things, is also expected to inaugurate the Regional House of Chiefs at Goaso in the Asunafo North constituency and inspect ongoing projects at Hwediem Senior High School and cut a sod for a 30-bed polyclinic.

President Akufo-Addo will climax his tour of the region with an inspection of the progress of work on the Noberkaw-Sankore road project at Sankore.

In all, a total of sixty-six (66) markets together with lorry parks and one hundred and six (106) public toilets benefited from the exercise.

The exercise, a collaboration between the ministry of local government and rural development (MLGRD) and waste management company, Zoomlion Ghana Limited (ZGL), will include a huge clean-up operation, which will be done on Friday (June 24)

Launching the exercise at the regional capital, Goaso, in the Asunafo North Municipal, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Yaw Osei Boahen, encouraged the residents to continually observe the COVID-19 safety protocols.

“It is for the above reason that the assembly has distributed about 10,000 nose masks and scores of alcohol-based hand sanitisers to be given to residents within the municipal.

He stressed that COVID-19 was real, noting that it was imperative that “we all comply with the President’s directives to fight the virus.”

However, he described as very worrying the development whereby the Ahafo Region was currently experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases.

He attributed that to the laxity on the part of residents to adhere to the COVID-19 safety protocols, especially the nose mask wearing.

At exactly 6:30 a.m., Zoomlion had deployed its disinfection teams to various markets in the region to begin the exercise. And as part of the exercise the company deployed fogger atomisers, spraying gangs and drones.

Some of the markets and lorry stations that were disinfected included Wednesday market, Yam market, Mim market and lorry station, Kenyasi market and lorry station, Ntotroso market and lorry station among others.

A combined team of military and police personnel was there to provide security for the Zoomlion disinfection crew and other government officials who took part in the exercise.

The Zoomlion Public Job Manager of Bono East and Ahafo Regions, Mr George Manu, disclosed that his outfit had deployed over 150 workers for the disinfection and fumigation exercise.

“My advice to Ahafo residents is that they should continue to observe the safety protocols despite the fact that markets, lorry stations and public toilets in the region had been disinfected again against the COVID-19 pandemic,” he advised.

Yaa Werimah ,46, met her untimely death when her husband butchered her multiple times with a cutlass and abandoned her body.

The incident took place on Tuesday afternoon in the deceased’s farm near Abuom Forest reserve at Sankore.

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Speaking on the issue, Kukuom District Police Commander, ASP Lawrence Adomire told Adom News’ Christian Ofori Kumah that the incident took place in the presence of their 16-year-old daughter who managed to escape the attack when the father pounced on her after killing her mother.

The intent of the murder is yet to be known since the suspect is still on the run.

However, the body of the deceased has been sent to the Goaso Government Hospital mortuary awaiting preservation and autopsy