Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) represents one of the most significant public health challenges facing Sub-Saharan Africa, profoundly affecting millions of families both socially and economically. As a genetic blood disorder, SCD causes red blood cells to adopt a sickle shape, leading to chronic anaemia, debilitating pain crises, and serious complications such as organ damage and increased susceptibility to infections. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2020), approximately 300,000 infants globally are born each year with SCD, with nearly 75% of these births occurring in Africa alone, underscoring the urgent need for focused interventions across the continent. Ghana, a key country within West Africa, is particularly impacted due to its notably high genetic predisposition.

Research conducted by the Ghana Health Service (GHS, 2022) estimates that approximately 20% to 40% of the Ghanaian population carries the sickle cell trait, significantly elevating the risk of SCD among newborns. This genetic prevalence translates into thousands of new cases each year, placing an extraordinary strain on families, communities, and the broader healthcare system. The persistent rise in SCD cases not only challenges Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure but intensifies the cycle of poverty, making comprehensive, evidence-based policy action essential for meaningful change.

The economic burden that SCD imposes on Ghanaian households is severe and multifaceted. Families often face overwhelming direct medical expenses, including hospitalizations, ongoing specialist consultations, diagnostic testing, and costly medications such as hydroxyurea, a critical but often unaffordable treatment option. Although Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) provides partial relief, significant coverage gaps persist, leaving many families with heavy out-of-pocket payments. A study published by the Ghana Medical Journal in 2021 revealed that households managing chronic conditions like SCD spend up to 40% of their monthly income on healthcare-related expenses, pushing them closer to poverty or further exacerbating existing economic hardships.

Beyond these immediate medical costs, SCD significantly undermines household financial stability through substantial indirect economic impacts. Families frequently experience reduced earning potential due to absenteeism and loss of productivity, as caregivers must dedicate substantial time to managing frequent hospital visits and prolonged illnesses. Furthermore, children living with SCD often face disrupted educational trajectories, diminishing their future employment opportunities and perpetuating cycles of economic vulnerability. These indirect costs, while less immediately visible, carry profound long-term implications for national productivity and economic growth, emphasizing the urgency of addressing SCD through holistic, targeted policy interventions.

Yet, despite clear evidence of these economic impacts, Ghana lacks comprehensive, data-driven analyses to inform policymaking fully. The absence of robust economic evaluations means resources and policies often do not align effectively with the actual financial hardships endured by families affected by SCD. Addressing this critical gap requires detailed assessments of household-level costs, analysis of healthcare accessibility, and comparisons with global best practices, which this article systematically provides.

Through an integrated approach involving empirical data, predictive economic modelling, and comparative global perspectives from countries like Kenya, Brazil, and the United States, this strategic analysis aims to deliver actionable insights and compelling policy recommendations. It advocates for sustainable healthcare financing models, strategic investments in healthcare infrastructure, and targeted policy interventions designed explicitly to reduce the financial strain on affected families. The ultimate objective is to foster a resilient healthcare system that not only alleviates the economic hardship faced by households affected by SCD but also ensures equitable access to affordable, high-quality care across Ghana.

1. Understanding the Economic Burden of Sickle Cell Disease on Households

The economic burden of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) on Ghanaian households extends far beyond the medical implications of the disease, shaping nearly every aspect of family life and financial stability. The financial challenges experienced by families dealing with SCD can be broadly classified into two categories: direct healthcare expenditures and indirect economic costs arising from lost productivity, caregiving responsibilities, and psychological strain. Understanding these distinct yet interrelated dimensions is critical to developing meaningful policy interventions. Households affected by SCD face significant direct costs stemming primarily from out-of-pocket expenses associated with disease management. According to a 2022 report published by Ghana’s Ministry of Health, the average cost of hospitalization for SCD-related complications can exceed GHS 3,500 (approximately USD 300) per hospitalization event. For families whose monthly incomes average around GHS 1,500 (USD 130), these hospitalization costs alone represent a crushing financial burden. Moreover, the recurrent nature of SCD episodes means that families often encounter multiple hospitalizations in a year, multiplying these financial pressures.

Medications essential for managing SCD, such as hydroxyurea, antibiotics, and analgesics, further deepen this economic strain. Hydroxyurea, while critical for reducing the frequency of painful crises and hospital visits, is not consistently subsidized under Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). A 2021 study published in the Ghana Medical Journal indicated that families frequently spend as much as 40% of their monthly household budget solely on medications and diagnostic testing. This expenditure severely restricts the ability of households to invest in essentials such as food, education, and other healthcare needs, pushing many families into a vicious cycle of debt and poverty.

Insurance coverage gaps exacerbate these direct costs. Although the NHIS partially covers some aspects of SCD treatment, significant gaps remain. Essential tests such as electrophoresis and routine monitoring blood tests are often not fully covered, forcing families to absorb these additional expenses. The result is a troubling disparity in healthcare access: families in urban areas with higher incomes may navigate these financial challenges, albeit with difficulty, while those in rural or low-income communities frequently forego critical care altogether, risking more severe health outcomes. The indirect economic costs of SCD are equally profound and often overlooked in policy discussions. Families frequently experience reduced earning potential due to absenteeism, driven by caregiving responsibilities or by the patient’s own illness episodes. Research from the Ghana Statistical Service in 2022 indicated that caregivers of patients with chronic conditions, including SCD, lose an average of 7–12 productive workdays per month. In households already living on tight budgets, such losses can trigger financial instability, contributing to sustained cycles of poverty and economic vulnerability.

The educational impacts on children living with SCD also represent a significant indirect economic burden. Frequent absences from school due to illness or hospitalization lead to disruptions in education, lower academic performance, and higher dropout rates. A study conducted by researchers from the University of Ghana in 2022 found that children with SCD miss, on average, up to 30% of their annual schooling days, adversely affecting their long-term economic opportunities and perpetuating intergenerational poverty. Furthermore, the psychological and emotional strain of managing chronic illness significantly impacts household productivity and overall well-being. Stress, anxiety, and depression are common among caregivers and patients alike, leading to further productivity declines and diminished quality of life. Yet, these costs remain poorly quantified and rarely considered in economic policymaking, highlighting an urgent need for greater attention to the psychological and social dimensions of chronic disease management.

2. Healthcare System Readiness and Policy Challenges in Ghana

Effectively addressing the economic burden of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) on Ghanaian households requires more than financial resources—it demands a robust and accessible healthcare infrastructure supported by coherent, comprehensive policies. Despite notable progress in Ghana’s healthcare sector over recent decades, significant gaps remain, particularly in specialized care for chronic conditions such as SCD. Examining Ghana’s current healthcare readiness and policy environment about SCD reveals critical opportunities for meaningful improvement and intervention. One of the principal challenges facing Ghana’s healthcare system regarding SCD is the uneven distribution and limited availability of specialized care. While urban centers such as Accra and Kumasi host several advanced healthcare facilities equipped to manage SCD effectively, rural and peri-urban communities continue to face substantial barriers in accessing specialized haematological services. According to the Ghana Health Service’s 2023 Healthcare Infrastructure Report, fewer than 20 specialized haematology clinics exist nationwide, with nearly 70% concentrated in major urban centers. This geographical imbalance creates significant accessibility gaps, forcing families from remote areas to travel long distances, often at prohibitive personal cost, to seek specialized care.

Further complicating the issue of accessibility is the limited availability of trained haematology specialists and healthcare providers familiar with the nuanced management of SCD. A 2022 evaluation conducted by Ghana’s Ministry of Health identified a critical shortage of healthcare professionals adequately trained in SCD care, including haematologists, paediatricians, nurses, and genetic counsellors. The report highlighted that Ghana currently has fewer than one specialist haematologist per 100,000 people, significantly below WHO’s recommended minimum. This shortage negatively affects patient outcomes, often resulting in delayed or inaccurate diagnoses, inadequate follow-up care, and unnecessary healthcare expenditures stemming from mismanagement or preventable complications. The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), established to enhance healthcare affordability and access, has made significant strides but continues to fall short in providing comprehensive coverage for chronic conditions like SCD. Although the NHIS covers certain essential treatments and medications, the inconsistency in coverage remains problematic. For instance, critical diagnostic tests such as electrophoresis, regular blood screenings, and medications like hydroxyurea are only partially subsidized or excluded entirely, imposing additional financial burdens on affected families. Recent data from the Ghana Medical Association (2022) highlights that nearly 60% of surveyed SCD patients still face significant out-of-pocket expenses despite NHIS enrollment, demonstrating the scheme’s limitations in addressing chronic disease management comprehensively.

Ghana’s healthcare system also faces policy-related shortcomings, notably in the areas of neonatal screening and genetic counselling. Early detection through neonatal screening significantly reduces healthcare costs and improves patient outcomes by allowing early and appropriate medical interventions. Yet, despite the evident benefits, Ghana lacks a comprehensive, nationwide neonatal screening program for SCD. According to the Ghana Health Service’s 2022 annual report, only about 15% of newborns undergo screening for SCD, mostly in urban hospitals. The absence of widespread early detection programs leads to delayed diagnoses, increased morbidity, and higher lifetime healthcare costs, ultimately exacerbating the economic burden on households and the national healthcare system. International experiences offer valuable insights into potential solutions. Kenya, Brazil, and the United States provide instructive comparisons. Kenya has leveraged World Bank financing to strengthen its SCD care infrastructure significantly, expanding access to specialized care even in rural communities. Brazil’s policy approach ensures universal coverage of SCD treatments under its national health insurance, greatly reducing household expenditures and economic vulnerability. In contrast, the United States illustrates the stark disparities between insured and uninsured families in managing SCD costs, underscoring the vital role comprehensive coverage plays in mitigating financial strain.

Ghana can draw valuable lessons from these examples, adopting best practices tailored to local contexts. Essential policy improvements include increasing the number of specialized treatment centers, enhancing training programs for healthcare providers, extending comprehensive NHIS coverage to include all critical SCD treatments, and implementing nationwide neonatal screening and genetic counseling initiatives. Addressing these healthcare infrastructure and policy challenges is not only feasible but essential. Strengthening Ghana’s healthcare readiness for SCD requires coordinated, strategic investments coupled with comprehensive, evidence-driven policy reforms. Such reforms would significantly reduce the economic burden on households, improve patient outcomes, and foster a more resilient and equitable healthcare system capable of effectively addressing chronic diseases like SCD.

3. The Role of Inflation and Household Income Dynamics in SCD Affordability

The affordability and accessibility of healthcare for households affected by Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in Ghana cannot be fully understood without considering the broader macroeconomic context, particularly the critical influence of inflation and household income dynamics. Over recent years, Ghana’s economy has experienced significant volatility, with rising inflation rates directly impacting healthcare costs and intensifying the financial hardships faced by families managing chronic conditions such as SCD. Inflation has emerged as one of the most substantial threats to healthcare affordability in Ghana. According to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS, 2023), the nation experienced historically high inflation rates, peaking at 45.44% in 2023—among the highest rates recorded in recent decades. Such severe inflationary pressures dramatically raise the costs of essential goods and services, including healthcare expenditures, medication prices, and hospital charges. Consequently, households managing chronic illnesses like SCD have seen their financial burdens deepen significantly, as they spend an increasingly disproportionate share of their income simply to maintain basic healthcare.

This inflationary pressure disproportionately impacts lower- and middle-income households, which represent a significant segment of the population most affected by SCD. The Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS, 2022) underscores that nearly 40% of Ghanaian households fall within low-income brackets, earning less than GHS 1,500 (approximately USD 130) per month. For these families, persistent inflation not only increases healthcare expenses but simultaneously erodes their purchasing power, diminishing their ability to afford other vital goods such as nutritious food, housing, and education. The combined effect of low and unstable household incomes, coupled with rising healthcare costs driven by inflation, severely compromises the overall health and economic resilience of these families. Income disparity further exacerbates the economic strain of SCD treatment, creating significant inequalities in healthcare access and outcomes. Higher-income households typically have greater resilience to inflationary shocks and can afford more comprehensive private insurance or direct healthcare expenditures, enabling them to access specialized care with fewer barriers. Conversely, lower-income families—often reliant on public healthcare or limited NHIS coverage—frequently face difficult choices between healthcare and other critical needs. The financial burden is often so overwhelming that many families delay or forego essential treatment entirely, increasing the risk of severe health complications and higher long-term healthcare costs.

Employment dynamics add yet another layer of complexity to this issue. Households’ dependent on informal employment, which comprises approximately 70% of Ghana’s workforce according to the International Labour Organization (ILO, 2022), face heightened vulnerability due to unstable incomes and limited access to social protections such as sick leave, healthcare subsidies, or insurance. When managing a chronic condition like SCD, informal workers must often forfeit income during periods of illness or caregiving, further intensifying their financial hardship. In contrast, families with stable formal employment and employer-supported insurance schemes generally experience fewer financial disruptions, underscoring the critical need for social safety nets that support informal sector workers.

Predictive economic modelling conducted by researchers at the University of Ghana’s School of Economics (2023) projects that without meaningful intervention, the financial vulnerability of households affected by SCD will continue to increase substantially over the next decade. If current inflationary trends persist alongside stagnant wage growth, healthcare expenses related to SCD could rise by as much as 50% by 2028, pushing a larger proportion of already vulnerable families deeper into poverty. Such projections highlight an urgent need for comprehensive economic policies that address not only healthcare-specific subsidies but broader economic stability measures, including inflation control and income-support initiatives.

Addressing these intertwined economic issues requires a multi-dimensional policy approach. Ghana’s government and healthcare policymakers must prioritize controlling inflation through robust macroeconomic strategies, alongside targeted initiatives that strengthen income stability, especially for low-income and informal-sector households. Expanded NHIS coverage, direct healthcare subsidies, and employment-based social protections will be essential in cushioning families against inflation-driven economic shocks. Moreover, strategic interventions designed to stabilize household incomes—such as vocational training, financial literacy programs, and income-generating initiatives—will significantly enhance the economic resilience of families impacted by SCD.

4. Comparative Global Analysis – International Management of SCD Costs

Understanding the economic implications of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) on Ghanaian households can be significantly enhanced by examining the experiences of other nations that have effectively managed similar challenges. Countries such as Kenya, Brazil, and the United States provide diverse, insightful examples of healthcare financing strategies, offering valuable lessons Ghana can adapt to reduce the economic burden faced by families dealing with SCD. Kenya presents an instructive case within the African context. With support from international bodies such as the World Bank, Kenya has undertaken critical reforms aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure for chronic diseases, including SCD. According to a 2022 World Bank report, targeted investments in specialized SCD treatment centers across Kenya have notably improved healthcare access, particularly in underserved rural areas. The establishment of regional referral hospitals offering comprehensive hematology services significantly reduced both direct medical costs and indirect expenses associated with travel and lost productivity for affected households. Moreover, Kenya’s integration of nationwide neonatal screening and early detection programs has been particularly impactful, enabling earlier interventions and significantly lowering long-term healthcare costs. Ghana, facing similar geographic disparities and healthcare infrastructure challenges, can benefit substantially from adopting Kenya’s proactive, community-focused approach.

Brazil offers another compelling example of successful policy intervention through its national health insurance program, Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). SUS ensures universal access to comprehensive care for chronic illnesses such as SCD, fully subsidizing essential medications like hydroxyurea, diagnostic testing, and ongoing medical consultations. According to Brazil’s Ministry of Health (2022), the implementation of universal healthcare coverage has drastically reduced household out-of-pocket expenses for chronic disease management by nearly 80%. This policy has not only alleviated the immediate economic strain on families but has also contributed significantly to improved health outcomes, reducing hospitalization rates and associated healthcare expenditures. Brazil’s experience underscores the transformative potential of comprehensive national insurance schemes, particularly in alleviating economic disparities in healthcare access—an essential consideration for policymakers in Ghana aiming to strengthen the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

The United States provides a contrasting perspective, illustrating both the benefits and drawbacks of insurance-based healthcare financing. Although the U.S. boasts advanced healthcare infrastructure and treatment options for SCD, significant disparities exist between insured and uninsured families. According to research published by the American Society of Hematology in 2023, uninsured households dealing with SCD face healthcare costs three to five times higher than their insured counterparts, with annual expenses often exceeding $20,000. This stark disparity frequently results in severe financial distress, delayed treatment, and significantly worse health outcomes. In contrast, families with comprehensive insurance coverage benefit from reduced healthcare expenditures, increased access to specialized care, and better overall disease management. T

he U.S. scenario highlights the critical importance of ensuring equitable healthcare coverage to mitigate the economic impact of chronic diseases and offers a cautionary lesson for Ghana about the potential consequences of insurance gaps. From these diverse international examples, several critical insights emerge for Ghanaian policymakers. First, investing strategically in specialized healthcare infrastructure, as demonstrated by Kenya, significantly reduces both immediate medical costs and indirect economic burdens, such as lost productivity and travel-related expenses. Second, Brazil’s experience strongly advocates for comprehensive, universally accessible national insurance coverage that fully subsidizes critical treatments, thereby promoting equity and economic stability among affected households. Finally, the United States’ scenario underscores the detrimental economic and health impacts of incomplete or inadequate insurance coverage, emphasizing the need to close coverage gaps under Ghana’s NHIS.

Applying these lessons to the Ghanaian context requires careful adaptation and targeted implementation strategies. Policymakers in Ghana can prioritize the expansion of specialized healthcare facilities and the nationwide adoption of neonatal screening programs modeled after Kenya. Concurrently, enhancing the NHIS to provide universal and comprehensive coverage similar to Brazil’s SUS would significantly reduce household-level financial burdens, promoting broader socioeconomic resilience. Equally critical is the need to avoid the pitfalls evident in the U.S. experience by ensuring inclusive healthcare policies that address coverage disparities comprehensively.

5. Funding Models and Sustainable Healthcare Financing for SCD in Ghana

Alleviating the profound economic burden of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) on Ghanaian households requires innovative, sustainable, and targeted healthcare financing solutions. Traditional funding mechanisms alone have proven inadequate, necessitating a multifaceted approach that integrates government initiatives, public-private partnerships (PPPs), international aid, community-based financing, and transformative continental funding platforms like the Eco-6 holistic healthcare fund for Africa. Exploring these diversified strategies provides Ghana a clear roadmap toward long-term financial sustainability and equitable healthcare access for families impacted by SCD.

Government-led initiatives remain foundational in addressing chronic disease management. Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), despite its achievements, does not yet provide comprehensive coverage for essential SCD treatments. Expanding NHIS coverage to include medications such as hydroxyurea, comprehensive diagnostic testing, and regular specialist consultations could substantially reduce direct household expenditures. According to projections from Ghana’s Ministry of Health (2023), fully integrating SCD management into NHIS could decrease out-of-pocket expenses by up to 60%, alleviating the financial strain on families. Although initial investment would increase annual healthcare budgets modestly (5-7%), the long-term reduction in hospitalizations and improved economic productivity justify such strategic expenditure. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) offer promising opportunities for enhancing healthcare affordability. PPP models, particularly in local pharmaceutical manufacturing, can significantly reduce medication costs through increased domestic production. Collaborations with Ghanaian pharmaceutical firms could make medications like hydroxyurea more accessible by lowering import costs and fostering competitive pricing. Similar partnerships have proven effective in malaria control initiatives in Ghana, suggesting strong potential for success in SCD management. Encouraging PPPs would not only improve medication access but also stimulate local economic growth and employment opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector.

International donor funding and collaborations with global health organizations also remain crucial sources of sustainable healthcare financing. Partnerships with institutions like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Fund could provide essential resources for infrastructure development, personnel training, and direct medication subsidies. Kenya’s success with World Bank funding demonstrates how targeted international support can effectively reduce economic burdens associated with chronic diseases. Ghana could adopt a similar model, leveraging international resources to implement comprehensive healthcare improvements and targeted interventions tailored specifically for SCD. Community-based financing schemes offer another impactful solution.

Initiatives such as local savings groups, cooperative health insurance, and micro-insurance schemes tailored for chronic illnesses have demonstrated success in reducing catastrophic healthcare expenses. A successful pilot project in Northern Ghana (2022) showed that households participating in community-managed savings schemes experienced nearly 40% lower out-of-pocket costs during medical crises. Expanding and scaling these initiatives nationwide would significantly strengthen household financial resilience, particularly in rural and economically disadvantaged areas. An especially promising and innovative approach is the newly established Eco-6 holistic healthcare fund for Africa.

This groundbreaking initiative offers over 1 trillion USD in grants specifically designed to support healthcare infrastructure development and the promotion of traditional medicines that honour Africa’s diverse customs and cultural heritage. Accessing this substantial continental funding could enable Ghana not only to modernize healthcare facilities and enhance specialized care centres for SCD but also to invest strategically in research and development of traditional treatments proven to provide effective complementary care. In integrating conventional and traditional medicinal practices through Eco-6 funding, Ghana could significantly broaden treatment options, lower medication costs, and increase cultural acceptance and community involvement in healthcare delivery.

Leveraging the Eco-6 fund aligns directly with Ghana’s goal of promoting culturally relevant, sustainable healthcare solutions. Traditional Ghanaian medicines, long utilized by communities for managing pain crises and complications related to SCD, could be systematically researched, standardized, and integrated into the mainstream healthcare system. This would reduce dependency on imported pharmaceuticals and foster greater economic resilience through locally driven healthcare innovations. In accessing Eco-6 grants, Ghana could position itself as a continental leader in holistic healthcare, simultaneously addressing economic burdens, enhancing healthcare affordability, and preserving important cultural traditions. Ensuring the success and sustainability of these diversified funding strategies will require clear policy alignment, effective governance frameworks, and rigorous monitoring and evaluation processes. Policymakers must commit to integrating these varied strategies—including government initiatives, PPPs, international support, community-based financing, and Eco-6 holistic funding—into a coherent national healthcare financing plan. Establishing robust governance structures, transparent accountability mechanisms, and dedicated oversight committees involving diverse stakeholders will be crucial for effective implementation.

6. Strategic Policy Recommendations and Implementation Roadmap

Addressing the profound economic implications of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in Ghana requires carefully designed, evidence-based policy interventions supported by a structured and phased implementation roadmap. Drawing insights from local economic analyses, global healthcare best practices, and innovative financing solutions, this section presents strategic recommendations aimed at reducing the financial strain on affected households, improving healthcare accessibility, and promoting sustainable long-term economic resilience.

A critical starting point for policy intervention is the implementation of a nationwide neonatal screening and genetic counselling program. Early detection of SCD significantly improves patient outcomes by enabling prompt medical interventions that mitigate severe health complications. Ghana currently lacks comprehensive national screening initiatives, leaving most SCD diagnoses delayed and consequently increasing lifetime treatment costs. A government-funded neonatal screening program, complemented by mandatory genetic counselling for at-risk families, could drastically reduce healthcare expenses and significantly ease household financial burdens. If launched within the next two years, this initiative could reduce long-term healthcare costs by up to 50%, according to projections from Ghana Health Service (2023), improving quality of life and economic productivity.

Expanding the scope and depth of Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) specifically for SCD care is another essential policy priority. The existing gaps in NHIS coverage of critical treatments such as hydroxyurea and diagnostic testing disproportionately burden families, especially those in lower-income brackets. Comprehensive coverage of these treatments, as demonstrated in Brazil’s national healthcare policy, could significantly alleviate household-level economic strain. The Ministry of Health estimates (2023) indicate that this policy change could reduce families’ healthcare expenditures by approximately 60%.

To achieve these benefits, policymakers should aim for full integration of essential SCD medications and diagnostics into NHIS within three to five years, supported by incremental budget adjustments, strategic resource allocation, and international funding partnerships. Developing targeted financial assistance programs specifically tailored to support SCD-affected households is also crucial. Establishing welfare programs such as conditional cash transfers, medication subsidies, and targeted tax relief initiatives would directly alleviate the financial pressures faced by these families. Modeled after successful social protection schemes in Brazil and Mexico, these initiatives could significantly reduce healthcare-related poverty. Ghana could pilot a targeted financial support scheme within two years, gradually scaling it nationally after evaluation of effectiveness. Projections from the Ghana Statistical Service (2023) suggest that such direct financial interventions could reduce the incidence of healthcare-induced poverty by up to 40%, greatly enhancing economic stability among vulnerable households.

Investment in healthcare infrastructure, particularly the expansion of specialized SCD treatment centres and training of healthcare professionals, is equally important. Currently, specialized SCD care in Ghana is limited predominantly to urban areas, severely restricting access for rural populations. Establishing regionally distributed centres equipped with specialized haematological services, diagnostic laboratories, and adequately trained healthcare professionals would dramatically enhance healthcare accessibility and equity. Public-private partnerships (PPPs), combined with international funding sources such as the Eco-6 holistic healthcare fund, offer viable financial pathways for achieving these infrastructure goals. Policymakers should prioritize initiating infrastructure improvements within three years, with phased completion and full operational capacity targeted within six to seven years.

Additionally, incentivizing local pharmaceutical production through supportive legislation and financial incentives is an essential long-term policy measure. Increasing domestic production capacity for essential medications such as hydroxyurea would significantly lower costs, reduce import dependency, and boost local economic growth. Establishing regulatory incentives, tax benefits, and targeted funding programs for local pharmaceutical firms could foster innovation, stimulate economic activity, and promote sustainable healthcare solutions. A practical timeline for initiating these incentives is within three years, with substantial increases in local production capacity achievable over a five- to seven-year horizon. Finally, promoting investment in research and innovation focused on traditional medicine presents an innovative and culturally resonant strategy. Leveraging available resources from the Eco-6 holistic healthcare fund, Ghana could significantly advance research into traditional medicinal therapies proven effective in managing SCD symptoms. This integration of traditional medicine into formal healthcare systems offers dual benefits: reducing medication costs and fostering community acceptance and engagement in disease management. A strategic plan to initiate and expand research into traditional SCD treatments could begin immediately, with tangible impacts expected within five to seven years.

To ensure effective implementation, a detailed roadmap segmented into short-term (1–3 years), medium-term (4–6 years), and long-term (7–10 years) objectives should guide these policy recommendations. Clear key performance indicators (KPIs), rigorous monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and transparent governance structures are crucial. Policymakers should establish dedicated oversight committees comprising representatives from government ministries, healthcare providers, private-sector stakeholders, international donors, academia, and affected communities. Regular reporting, public accountability, and adaptive policymaking based on real-world data and feedback are essential for sustained success.

Conclusion – Building a Resilient SCD Healthcare System in Ghana

The economic impact of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) on households in Ghana is substantial, complex, and interwoven deeply within the nation’s socioeconomic fabric. Families confronted with SCD face daunting healthcare expenses, productivity losses, educational disruptions, and persistent financial hardships. Addressing these intertwined challenges demands strategic investments, innovative policy actions, and sustained commitment from stakeholders at all levels of society. As this analysis has demonstrated, building a resilient healthcare system capable of effectively managing SCD in Ghana is both essential and achievable through targeted, evidence-driven approaches. The financial burden on households managing SCD includes significant direct costs, such as medications, diagnostics, and hospitalizations, alongside substantial indirect economic impacts, including lost income, caregiving-related absenteeism, and reduced educational attainment. Moreover, persistent inflationary pressures and household income disparities compound these challenges, disproportionately affecting lower-income families and informal-sector workers, who constitute a significant portion of Ghana’s population. Without decisive policy interventions, these economic pressures threaten not only household financial stability but also broader national productivity and growth.

Strategically investing in comprehensive healthcare infrastructure and policy initiatives, as outlined throughout this analysis, presents a viable pathway to reducing the economic burden of SCD. Expanding neonatal screening programs, strengthening genetic counseling services, and fully integrating essential SCD treatments into Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) represent immediate priorities. Such policy actions could dramatically reduce long-term healthcare costs, improve patient outcomes, and significantly ease financial pressures on affected households. International experiences from Kenya, Brazil, and the United States further reinforce the importance and feasibility of these targeted interventions. Kenya’s successful investments in specialized healthcare infrastructure, Brazil’s comprehensive insurance coverage policies, and the U.S. example of the critical importance of equitable healthcare access provide valuable models Ghana can adapt. Incorporating lessons from these global benchmarks can guide effective policymaking, positioning Ghana as a leader in chronic disease management within the region. Innovative financing models, including expanded government funding, public-private partnerships, community-based insurance schemes, international donor collaboration, and leveraging transformative continental funding such as the Eco-6 holistic healthcare fund for Africa, provide the essential financial foundation required to achieve these ambitious goals. These diversified funding streams not only reduce direct financial burdens on families but also stimulate local economic growth, particularly through enhanced pharmaceutical production and research into traditional medicine.

The implementation roadmap outlined in this analysis provides a clear and actionable framework to achieve these critical objectives. Structured across short-term, medium-term, and long-term horizons, and supported by rigorous monitoring and accountability mechanisms, the roadmap ensures transparency, adaptability, and sustained progress. The engagement of government entities, private-sector partners, international donors, academic institutions, healthcare professionals, and affected communities is essential to fostering collective ownership and ensuring the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of policy interventions. Ultimately, addressing the economic impact of SCD requires urgent and committed action. Ghana now stands at a critical juncture: with strategic, data-driven policies and coordinated investments, the nation has a unique opportunity to transform the lives of thousands of affected households, significantly reducing their financial hardships while simultaneously enhancing national economic resilience. In prioritizing comprehensive healthcare coverage, strengthening infrastructure, fostering local innovation, and embracing culturally resonant traditional medicine through initiatives like Eco-6 funding, Ghana can create a sustainable, equitable, and resilient healthcare environment that not only mitigates the profound impacts of SCD but also lays the foundation for broader socio-economic prosperity. This comprehensive, strategic analysis provides policymakers, healthcare economists, and donor organizations a clear pathway forward. The time to act is now—by making bold decisions informed by evidence and guided by compassion, Ghana can ensure a healthier, economically secure future for generations to come.

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A Hollywood director has been arrested and accused of using studio funds intended to complete a sci-fi series to buy luxury cars, cryptocurrency and fancy bedding for himself.

Carl Erik Rinsch, 47, is charged with federal fraud and money laundering related to $11m (£8.5m) he was given by Netflix to create a series called White Horse.

Mr Rinsch, who is best known for the 2013 film 47 Ronin, declined to enter a plea when appearing in a Los Angeles court on Tuesday.

The indictment does not name Netflix, referring to a “subscription video-on-demand streaming service”, but Mr Rinsch’s long-running dispute with Netflix over the failed series has been previously publicised in US media reports.

Netflix has declined to comment on his arrest.

Between 2018 to 2019, the streaming giant gave Mr Rinsch an initial budget of $44m to film the show, which depicts artificial human clones, but he allegedly never completed a single episode.

In March 2020, Netflix sent him another $11m after he argued that the initial budget was “not sufficient”, according to prosecutors.

But instead of using the funds for the series, he allegedly transferred them to his personal bank accounts and used it to invest in several risky financial ventures, the US Justice Department said.

“Carl Erik Rinsch orchestrated a scheme to steal millions by soliciting a large investment from a video streaming service, claiming that money would be used to finance a television show that he was creating,” prosecutor Matthew Podolsky said in a statement on Tuesday.

“But that was fiction.”

Only two months after receiving the $11m, about half of it had already been spent, the indictment says.

While he “was in the process of losing” the money, Mr Rinsch allegedly informed Netflix that the show was “awesome and moving forward really well”, according to the indictment.

He allegedly used the remaining funds to speculate on cryptocurrency, and on personal expenses and luxury items for himself, including a fleet of Rolls-Royces and a Ferrari, court documents state.

The spending spree also included $1.8m for credit card bills, $3.7m on furniture and antiques and $933,000 on mattresses and luxury bedding, the Justice Department states.

The indictment also alleges that $1m of the cash was sent to lawyers to sue Netflix in hopes of receiving more funds, and for a divorce.

A profile of the dispute published by the New York Times in 2023 reported that friends and colleagues had described Mr Rinsch of growing increasingly erratic shortly after he signed the Netflix deal.

The newspaper reports that he believed he could predict lightning strikes and volcanic eruptions and knew about a “secret transmission mechanism” for Covid-19.

According to the Associated Press, Mr Rinsch made an initial court appearance on Tuesday. When asked by the judge whether he had read the 12-page indictment, he reportedly responded, “Not cover to cover”.

He was released on a $100,000 bail, and he is expected to attend trial in New York at a later date. If found guilty, he faces 20 years in prison.

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Zimbabwe’s Kirsty Coventry on her election as International Olympic Committee president on Thursday, saying her “unique experience” would ensure the movement’s advancement.

Putin, in a message posted on the Kremlin website, said the outcome of the election “clearly testifies to your great authority in the sporting world”.

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“I am certain that your unique experience and interest in the real advancement of the noble Olympic ideals will ensure your success in such a responsible position,” he wrote.

Putin was the first world leader to call Coventry’s predecessor Thomas Bach when he was elected in 2013.

Moscow wants to have its athletes fully reinstated in the forthcoming Olympic Games following a ban imposed over Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

A small number of athletes from Russia and Belarus, which allowed Russia to use its territory to launch the invasion, were permitted to compete in the 2024 Paris Games as neutrals.

Putin’s sports minister, Mikhail Degtyarev, made it plain that Moscow would press for reinstatement.

“We are waiting, in this era of a new leader, for the Olympic movement to become stronger, more independent and more prosperous and that Russia will return to the Olympic podium,” he wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said he hoped Coventry would contribute to strengthening “mutual understanding between nations and peoples and making sport accessible to all”.

The head of Ukraine’s National Olympic Committee, Vadym Guttsait, who lobbied hard to keep Russian athletes out of Olympic competition, said he hoped that under Coventry’s leadership, the IOC would “continue the fight for peace, equality and inclusivity”.

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Member of Parliament for the Mpraeso Constituency, Davis Ansah Opoku

Member of Parliament for the Mpraeso Constituency, Davis Ansah Opoku, has questioned the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over its recent decision against former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo.

Adwoa Safo has been referred to the National Disciplinary Committee of the party over her recent media remarks, in which she criticised the party-led committee, chaired by former Speaker of Parliament Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, describing its report as bogus.

Responding to the development in a Facebook post on March 20, 2025, the Mpraeso MP stated that Adwoa Safo was criticized unfairly in the past when she was going through difficulties. Hence, letting the public know the real situation shouldn’t attract punishment.

“In the 8th Parliament, no MP endured more criticism than you, Adwoa. Many of us, myself included, judged you harshly. We blamed you for actions and inactions that we believed had dire consequences for our party. But today, with reflection, I say we were wrong.

“I went on radio and attacked you, not knowing the full weight of what you were going through as a mother and as a person. Many who later came to understand your story regret how we treated you,” part of his post read.

He further stated that certain individuals within the party have spoken freely without any form of punishment; hence, Adwoa Safo shouldn’t be punished.

“To our party leadership, I say this, let us be sensitive. Many have spoken freely within the party without being summoned, so why should Adwoa’s voice be treated differently? Leadership must not see this as an opportunity for punishment but as a call for engagement.

“Instead of coercion, we must seek understanding. Instead of alienation, we must draw closer. She does not trust Prof. Oquaye’s committee for obvious reasons, and that concern must be respected. If we are a family, we must provide an avenue for her to air her concerns, not push her into a corner.

“This is a moment for reflection, not retribution. Let’s handle this with care.”

AM/KA

Meanwhile, catch the first in the series of our special episodes on Forgotten Forts on People and Places on GhanaWeb TV below. This episode focuses on Fort Amsterdam at Abandze:

Mr. Godwin Tameklo [M] in a group photograph with members of Bono RESEC

The Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority, Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, says his outfit will not spare groups or individuals engaged in illegal fuel trade.

He said the Authority would be tough with its mandate to ensure that the transportation and sale of fuel were carried out lawfully.

Speaking at a meeting with Bono Regional Security Council (REGSEC) during his familiarization tour in the region, the NPA Boss enumerated fuel smuggling, selling of adulterated fuels, operating with an expired license, and operating without proper safety standards as some of the illegal fuel trading.

Mr Tameklo pleaded with regional ministers across the country to abstain from intervening on behalf of unscrupulous fuel traders.

He stated that there was a tendency for people to hide behind political parties to try and induce officials of the NPA to engage in illegal activities; a practice he said would not be countenanced.

“We must support President Mahama’s agenda of resetting the economy for growth and prosperity for all.

“If you plead on behalf of these criminals who are not playing by the rules at the expense of the reset agenda, who will you call when you buy bad fuel in your car?” he quipped.

The NPA CE indicated that collaborative efforts by the NPA, National Security and other security agencies had helped to drastically reduce the menace of supply leakages such as export dumping in the country.

In his remarks, the Bono Regional Minister, Mr. Joseph Addae Akwaboah assured the NPA of the support of the regional security council.

“I assured you of the Bono REGSEC support that we are here to serve, and we can have a good collaboration with NPA to curb the future occurrence of such illegalities” the Regional Minister assured.

The meeting with the Bono Regional Security Council was part of a three-day tour by the Chief Executive of NPA to the Bono and Ashanti regions to familiarize himself with some petroleum installations.

The Chief Executive and Management of the Authority, on Wednesday, made the first stop at the Bono Regional Coordinating Council and paid a courtesy call on the Omanhene of Sunyani to court his support in dealing with fuel supply and export challenges in the region

The President of the Ghana Association of Banks has expressed optimism about the country’s banking sector, stating that Ghana is on a “path to recovery” following a series of economic shocks in recent years.

Kwamina Asomaning speaking on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition on Thursday, March 20, acknowledged the challenges the sector has faced but emphasized the strides made towards stability.

“I have been in the banking sector for some years, and the only constant is change. Each period has come with its fair share of challenges,” he noted.

“I wouldn’t say one period has been more turbulent than others by a significant degree, but we’ve gone through a few shocks.”

Reflecting on recent economic upheavals, the Managing Director of Stanbic Bank Ghana, pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent sovereign debt default as key disruptions that rattled Ghana’s financial landscape.

However, he stressed that despite the setbacks, the situation has improved compared to the past two years.

“I think it’s fair to say that we are on a path to recovery. We’re not completely out of the woods, but if you look back to where we were in 2022 and 2023, there has been significant improvement on the broad macros and in the sector in particular,” he explained.

The banking sector faced immense pressure following Ghana’s debt restructuring efforts, which significantly impacted financial institutions holding government bonds.

The sector also grappled with liquidity challenges and weakened investor confidence. However, Mr Asomaning believes the worst is behind the industry, with positive trends emerging.

Industry players have been working closely with regulators to restore stability, and Asomaning commended efforts made by the Bank of Ghana in fostering resilience.

“The regulator has been very instrumental in ensuring that the right policies and measures are put in place to restore confidence in the sector,” he said.

His remarks come at a time when banks are gradually regaining momentum, with improved macroeconomic indicators signaling cautious optimism.

Inflation rates, currency stability, and economic growth projections have shown some progress, factors that Asomaning believes are critical in solidifying the recovery process.

While acknowledging the road ahead remains uncertain, Asomaning underscored the need for continuous adaptation and collaboration to sustain the gains made.

“As banks, we must remain agile and innovative. The challenges we have faced only reinforce the importance of resilience and adaptability,” he stated.

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Cuba’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, led a high-level delegation to Ghana’s Parliament.

The visit was designed to explore new avenues for strengthening parliamentary cooperation and bilateral relations between the two countries.

This initiative reflects a broader effort by both nations to deepen their historical friendship and expand collaboration in various sectors.

During the visit, the Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, warmly welcomed the Cuban delegation.

He praised Cuba’s remarkable achievements in global healthcare, highlighting its commitment to providing quality medical services worldwide.

The Speaker also commended Cuba’s values of simplicity, humility, and maintenance culture, expressing his support for enhancing solidarity between Ghana and Cuba.

He emphasised the importance of continued dialogue with the Cuban Ambassador to Ghana to further strengthen these ties.

The visit underscored the long-standing relationship between Cuba and Ghana, which dates back to Ghana’s independence.

The two nations have a rich history of cooperation, particularly in healthcare and education. Cuban medical personnel have been instrumental in providing critical services in Ghana, contributing significantly to the country’s healthcare sector.

This legacy of collaboration serves as a foundation for future partnerships in other areas such as economic development and tourism.

As both countries look to the future, they are exploring opportunities to expand their cooperation beyond traditional sectors.

The Cuban delegation’s visit marked an important step in this process, highlighting the potential for mutual growth and development through enhanced bilateral relations.

With a renewed focus on parliamentary cooperation, Cuba and Ghana are poised to strengthen their partnership and explore new avenues for collaboration that benefit both nations.

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Richard Nii Armah Quaye, Founder of Bills Micro Credit Limited

Bills Micro Credit Limited has issued a strong statement clarifying its operational independence from its founder and board chairman, Richard Nii Armah Quaye.

The company emphasized that while Mr. Quaye is the Founder, Chairman, and Majority Shareholder, his personal financial decisions, acquisitions, and lifestyle choices are entirely separate from the company’s operations.

In a press release dated March 20, 2025, the microfinance institution stated:

“Bills Micro Credit Limited wishes to unequivocally state that the company, as a distinct legal entity, operates independently from the personal acquisitions, financial decisions, and activities of its Board Chairman, Richard Nii Armah Quaye.”

The statement further clarified that Mr. Quaye is not the CEO of the company.

Instead, Romeo Richlove Kweku Seshie serves as the Chief Executive Officer, leading a management team that oversees all operational and financial affairs.

The company’s response comes after recent public discussions linked Mr. Quaye’s personal affairs, including his birthday celebrations, to the financial dealings of Bills Micro Credit Limited. The company, while extending well wishes to its chairman, categorically stated:

“Bills Micro Credit Limited has not funded, sponsored, or facilitated any of his personal events or acquisitions.”

Reaffirming its commitment to corporate governance, transparency, and financial integrity, the company assured its stakeholders that any transactions undertaken by Mr. Quaye in his personal capacity are separate from the company’s obligations.

The statement concluded with an appreciation for the trust and support of its clients, partners, and stakeholders.

 Professor Isaac Boadi, Dean of the Faculty of Ac­counting and Finance at the University of Professional Stud­ies, has called on the government to allow the court to examine the allegations of misconduct related to the operations of Strategic Mo­bilisation Ghana Limited (SML).

Prof. Isaac Boadi, Dean, Fac­ulty of Accounting and Finance, University of Professional Stud­ies, has urged the government to let the court to test the allegations of wrongdoings against Strate­gic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) operations.

The previous government signed a consolidated contract with SML to monitor and audit downstream petroleum sector, upstream petroleum production (2023) and minerals and metals resources value chain.

“For Ghana’s fiscal health, the priority must be rigorous, evidence-based scrutiny—not sensationalised media trials. If SML’s critics possess irrefutable proof, let it be tested in court. Otherwise, the campaign risks being perceived as a desperate bid to resurrect an era of unchecked revenue leakage,” he explained.

Speaking in an interview with this paper in Accra yesterday, he said the SML saga reflected a broader struggle between trans­parency advocates and entities benefiting from opacity.

Furthermore, Prof. Boadi stated that “While legitimate concerns about procurement pro­cesses should be investigated, the weight of institutional endorse­ments from KPMG to Parliament, bolsters SML’s credibility.”

The government, he noted, faced a critical test: whether to uphold a system that recovers billions in lost revenue or yield to pressure from actors threatened by accountability.

SML has been accused of securing a lucrative contract through opaque procurement processes and failing to deliver on its mandate.

However, Prof. Boadi said audit conducted by reputable organisations found no adverse findings against SML.

The KPMG 306-page au­dit commissioned by President Akufo-Addo in 2024 found no evidence of wrongdoing by SML. The report affirmed the company’s effectiveness in enhancing revenue collection. The GRA publicly praised SML’s role in reducing petroleum sector leakages, stating its systems have “significantly improved revenue assurance,” he underlined.

He said the Parliamentary Energy Committee, chaired by Samuel Atta Akyea, lauded SML’s “practical solutions” to long-standing revenue losses.

Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, the National Chief Imam, has urged Muslims to pay their taxes to raise revenue for the country’s developmental projects. 

He assured the government of his commitment to encouraging Imams in the country to use their pulpit to educate the Muslim communities on the need for tax compliance. 

The Chief Imam said this through Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, the spokesperson for the Chief Imam when a delegation from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) paid a courtesy call to the Muslim leader. 

The visit was to appeal to the Chief Imam to support the Authority in intensifying its education on tax-related matters. 

Sheikh Sharubutu underscored the importance of tax payment for national development, adding, “The country’s economic stability rested on paying our taxes.” 

He said all needed to pay taxes to meet the domestic revenue target, pledging the Muslim support to complement the Authority to increase awareness of tax compliance. 

“We believed that payment of taxes was a civic and national duty. Our domestic revenue needs to grow, and we will support it by encouraging Muslims to pay their taxes,” he said. 

He called on the Authority to help ensure accountability from the revenue collected to build the trust and confidence of the public. 

Brigadier-General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo, Commissioner, Customs Division of GRA, said the visit was important because the Authority was committed to ensuring tax education among citizens. 

“We need the religious bodies to support our activities to raise revenue for the country because we know that those who are faithful will heed the dictates of the Quoran and pay their taxes,” he said. 

He said the payment of taxes was not easy, but he was optimistic that the influence of the Chief Imam would encourage the Muslim faithful to acknowledge the need for tax compliance. 

That, he stressed, was necessary because tax education and compliance played a key role in revenue mobilisation for the country’s development. 

He reiterated the Authority’s resolve to intensify tax education campaigns so that citizens would appreciate the voluntary need to honour their tax obligations. 

Dr Alex Adomako- Mensah, Commissioner for Support Services Division, speaking to the media, emphasized the need for Ghanaians to prioritise and pay their taxes, adding that without taxes the country cannot develop like the other nations”, he added. 

He said every tax collected was allocated to government spending for economic transformation.  

Dr Adomako-Mensah assured citizens of collecting taxes from taxpayers to ensure adequate revenue for the country. 

During the courtesy call the GRA customs division, donated some items in support for Muslims during their Ramadan fasting. 

The items included 100 bags of rice, 5 cartons of oil, 6 cartons of Tomato paste, 50 packs of bottled water and 6 packs of carbonated soda drinks. 

The National Chief Imam thanked the delegation for the support to the Muslim community, especially during their fasting period. 

He prayed for strength, good health and wisdom to enable them to steer the affairs of their respective organisations. 

He further prayed for peace and harmony in Ghana, that no war or conflict shall ever occur from generations to generations. 

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Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of Government Communications

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of Government Communications, has expressed deep concern over the inadequate budgetary allocation to his office, stating that the GH¢78 million assigned for the year is “woefully inadequate” to meet the operational needs of the three key agencies under his supervision.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Ofosu emphasized the crucial role played by the Ghana News Agency (GNA), the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), and the Information Services Department (ISD) in disseminating government information, keeping the public informed, and upholding media integrity.

“Mr. Speaker, these three agencies alone have 2,537 civil servants, and it is these civil servants who have been allocated GH¢78 million for both goods and services,” Ofosu stated on Wednesday.

“Mr. Speaker, it is woefully inadequate for them because the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation alone needs GH¢36 million to establish a presence in the six regions that the previous administration created,” he added.

Ofosu’s concerns highlighted the pressing financial needs of these institutions, which collectively employ 2,537 civil servants who rely on the budgetary provision to carry out their duties. The minister’s plea for increased funding comes as the GBC faces the challenge of expanding its services to cover the six newly created regions.

He, however, told Parliament that the current funding levels would severely hinder the ability of these three institutions to function effectively.

Former Governor of Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison

The National Security has refuted claims of theft following a raid on the residence of former Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

Contrary to reports suggesting operatives took money and jewelry from his home, officials have stated that no such items were taken.

“We did not take any money or jewelry from Dr. Addison’s home. We will, in due course, make public a full list of items retrieved during the search,” a National Security source told 3News.com.

According to officials, the operation at Dr. Addison’s Roman Ridge residence was carried out under a valid search warrant. They explained that the raid was based on intelligence indicating that the former governor was in possession of funds belonging to the central bank.

In an exclusive interview with 3News.com, National Security also confirmed that they had accessed Dr. Addison’s CCTV system, removing its hard drive as part of standard investigative procedures. This, they argued, was necessary for a thorough examination of events surrounding their investigation.

Despite widespread speculation, the security operatives insist that no valuables were taken from the premises. Officials further disclosed that empty money storage boxes were found at the residence, but they did not elaborate on their significance to the investigation.

Meanwhile, catch the first in the series of our special episodes on Forgotten Forts on People and Places on GhanaWeb TV below. This episode focuses on Fort Amsterdam at Abandze:

An Accra Circuit Court has granted a GH¢50,000.00 bail with two sureties each to two persons allegedly involved in the theft of Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) meters and dishonestly receiving the same.

The court ordered the sureties to present valid national identity cards to its registry.

Francis Addey, alias Kofi Kyei, 35, an okada rider, and Amos Duah, 39, an electrician, have denied the charges and were instructed to return to court on April 22, 2025.

Prosecuting, Police Inspector Hagar Owusu-Henabah, led by Chief Inspector Frederick Awuah-Ansah, stated that the complainant in the case was the Monitoring Officer of ECG’s Amasaman Branch.

According to the prosecution, Addey, based in Ablekuma, and an electrician named Fred, who is currently at large, conspired to steal ECG prepaid meters.

In August 2024, Fred reportedly supplied a meter with PIN number 000035737829, stolen from a customer at Fise near Amasaman, to Duah through Addey.

Duah then sold the meter to Kwaku Twum, a witness in the case, at Amasaman for GH¢2,500.00, the prosecution said.

During routine inspections, ECG officials retrieved the stolen meter, prompting a formal complaint to the police.

Investigations led to the arrest of Duah, who identified Addey and Fred as his suppliers. Duah cooperated with the police and lured Addey into supplying another prepaid meter.

On February 11, 2025, Addey delivered two used prepaid meters with PINs P181032280 and P181032277 to Duah at his home in Amasaman Abease for sale.

Addey was arrested by waiting police officers but attempted to flee.

Two prepaid meters and two meter cards were retrieved and kept as evidence.

The prosecution told the court that efforts were ongoing to apprehend Fred and trace customers whose ECG meters had been stolen, with assistance from the ECG Customer Service Department.

Addey and Duah were subsequently charged and arraigned.

The High Court (Commercial Division), Accra Thursday, 20th March 2025, threw out an Application filed by Blue Gold Bogoso Prestea Limited (1st Applicant) and FGR Bogoso Prestea Limited (2nd Applicant) for judicial review of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources’ termination of their mining rights and its subsequent transfer to Heath Goldfields Ltd.

Blue Gold Bogoso Prestea Ltd, and FGR Bogoso Prestea Ltd filed an application inviting the High Court to quash the Minister’s (3rd Respondent) decision approving the transfer of the Bogoso Prestea Mines and also for an injunction restraining the Respondents and Heath Goldfields Ltd from taking control or possession of the mines until the dispute is resolved.

The application also sought an order barring the Minister from presenting any mining lease agreements to Parliament for ratification, among other reliefs.

Counsel for the Respondents forcefully opposed the application as being incompetent and not properly invoking the jurisdiction of the court since the Minister did not commit any illegality in terminating the Applicants’ right and in transferring same to Heath Goldfields Ltd.

Her Ladyship Justice Yaa Onyameye Gyakobo upon hearing all legal arguments, dismissed the application as incompetent for failing to properly invoke the judicial review jurisdiction of the Court.

BACKGROUND

FGR acquired the Bogoso Prestea Mines from Golden Star Resources in October 2020. However, due to financial constraints, the Mine ceased operations in December 2023. As of December 2023, FGR was indebted to workers in unpaid salaries and to other persons with whom it had contractual agreements.

In January 2024, FGR submitted a proposal to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to restructure the Company and raise One Hundred and Fifty Million United States Dollars (US$150,000,000.00) to pay its creditors and revive the Mine.

However, FGR failed to fulfill the conditions given by the Minerals Commission. On the 3rd and 5th February 2024, the Minerals Commission, through its legal processes and considerations, concluded that FGR had breached the mining lease and that it ought to be revoked.

On the 6th of February 2024, the Minerals Commission recommended that the Minister terminate the mining lease.

On 13th February 2024, FGR wrote to the Minerals Commission indicating that FGR has been unable to inject any capital into the mine and further stated that “this, therefore, contradicts LI 2182 (Reg 32: which indicates that the holder of a mining lease or restricted mining lease shall make financial and other provisions and take other steps that are necessary to ensure that the mine is managed and worked in accordance with the requirements of these regulations”.

On 14th February 2024, the Minister wrote to the Minerals Commission in response to its 6th February 2024 recommendation, requesting the Minerals Commission to provide certain responses to aid him to act accordingly.

FGR further released a statement on its intended recapitalisation as part of its proposed restructuring.

On 27th February 2024, the Minister wrote to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice for advice on whether all substantive and procedural legal steps required under the law for the termination of the mining lease had been followed in light of the Minerals Commission’s recommendation for the FGR mining lease to be terminated.

On 18th March 2024, the Attorney General responded to the Minister’s letter stated above and indicated that FGR and Blue Gold have breached the mining laws.

In a letter dated 17th April 2024, the Minister granted FGR a “Conditional Approval” to execute the proposal within 120 days.

FGR was also given two weeks to commence payment of outstanding salaries and complete the same no later than 30th May 2024. The letter also stated expressly that if FGR failed to meet the conditions, the Conditional Approval would be deemed revoked and the Mining Leases terminated without further recourse to the company.

On 25th April 2024, the Minister met Mine Workers and assured them that “should the Company fail to meet any of the above conditions, the Conditional Approval given shall be deemed revoked, and the Mining Leases terminated, without further recourse to the Company”.

On 5th June 2024, the Ghana Mine Workers Union and the Bogoso Gold Enterprise Based Union wrote to FGR on the status of the Conditional Approval given by the Minister and stated that as of 3rd June 2024 “the company has not just failed to fulfil this condition but has gravely worsened the living conditions of workers”.

On 8th July 2024, the Minerals Commission wrote to recommend the termination of the lease and further stated that the Governing Board had recommended the proposal by Heath Goldfields for consideration and approval to facilitate the resumption of the operations of the Mine.

On 3rd September 2024, the Minister wrote to FGR and Blue Gold and indicated that their failure to comply with the conditions contained in the Conditional Approval, and on the advice and recommendation of the Minerals Commission, the Conditional Approval granted on 17th April 2024 had been revoked, and their Mining Leases terminated, in accordance with the terms of the Conditional Approval.

Further, the Government announced in a press release dated 18 September 2024 that the Company’s Mining leases had been terminated. Then on 20th September 2024, FGR and Blue Gold duly acknowledged receipt of the Notice of Termination.

On 20th September 2024, the Minerals Commission appointed an Interim Management Committee (IMC) made up of Labour and Staff of the Commission to manage the affairs of the mine pending the selection of a new investor according to law.

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Former NPP parliamentary candidate for Dome/Kwabenya, Mike Oquaye Jnr

The former New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Dome/Kwabenya, Mike Oquaye Jnr has refuted claims made by former Member of Parliament for the area, Sarah Adwoa Safo that he disrespected her father, Apostle Kwadwo Safo.

In a statement shared on his Facebook page on Thursday, March 20, 2025, he emphasized that such actions do not align with his upbringing and values.

“I have and will never insult anyone’s father. My paternal Grandfather is a farmer, I am myself a part time farmer. I have never and will never do that. That is not how I was brought up and those who know me, know that I eschew insults”, it stated.

It also dismissed claims that he ignored the former Chief of Staff, Frema Osei-Opare and former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and other persons who reached out to him.

“I will never snub the then President, Chief of staff or any elderly person who calls me to see them. That is the trait of disrespect, and I am not like that. I have historically shown that for me it is always party first”, it indicated.

The statement clarified that he made attempts to reach out to Sarah Adwoa Safo after he won the parliamentary primaries.

“I tried on three occasions to reach out to my opponent after I won the primaries. Madam Sheela responded and we chat till today. I was rebuffed by the other person and her special assistant Nana Dubin told me after three weeks of trying that she didn’t want to speak to me. How then will I have been welcome to attend her church?

“For now, I leave the rest of the matters to God for he will fight for me.

I will never malign the party or any individual who calls me to see them. That is the trait of disrespect, and I am not like that. I have historically shown that for me it is always party first”, it added.

Sarah Adwoa Safo has alleged in a recent media interview that Mike Oquaye Jnr insulted her father, Apostle Kwadwo Safo.

Read the post below:

JKB/KA

You can also watch a compilation of the latest Twi news on GhanaWeb TV below:

Kirsty Coventry hopes her election as the first female and African president of the International Olympic Committee – beating six male candidates including Britain’s Lord Coe – sends a “powerful signal”.

The 41-year-old former swimmer, who won two Olympic gold medals, secured a majority of 49 of the 97 available votes in the first round of Thursday’s election, while World Athletics boss Coe won just eight.

Zimbabwe’s sports minister Coventry will replace Thomas Bach – who has led the IOC since 2013 – on 23 June and be the youngest president in the organisation’s 130-year history.

Her first Olympics will be the Milan-Cortina Winter Games in February 2026.

“It’s a really powerful signal. It’s a signal that we’re truly global and that we have evolved into an organisation that is truly open to diversity and we’re going to continue walking that road in the next eight years,” Coventry said.

Runner-up Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr won 28 votes while France’s David Lappartient and Japan’s Morinari Watanabe earned four votes each. Prince Feisal al Hussein of Jordan and Sweden’s Johan Eliasch both took two.

Coventry, who already sits on the IOC executive board and was said to be Bach’s preferred candidate, is the 10th person to hold the highest office in sport and will be in post for at least the next eight years.

Coventry has won seven of Zimbabwe’s eight Olympic medals – including gold in the 200m backstroke at both the 2004 and 2008 Games.

“The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe all those years ago could never have dreamed of this moment,” said Coventry.

“I am particularly proud to be the first female IOC president, and also the first from Africa.

“I hope that this vote will be an inspiration to many people. Glass ceilings have been shattered today, and I am fully aware of my responsibilities as a role model.”

Coventry described her election as an “extraordinary moment” during her acceptance speech, and promised to make IOC members proud of their choice.

During her election campaign, Coventry pledged to modernise, promote sustainability, embrace technology and empower athletes.

She placed particular emphasis on protecting female sports, backing a blanket ban on transgender women from competing in female Olympic sports.

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Mar – 20 – 2025 , 19:14

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Following his appointment as the substantive captain of the Black Stars, Jordan Ayew says it was meant to happen.

Ayew has been with the Black Stars since 2010, earning more than 100 caps for the team.

Since his debut, the forward has readily made himself available for call-ups and selection, showcasing traits of his brother, Andre Ayew, and father, Abedi Pele.

Walking in the footsteps of the aforementioned (Andre and Abedi), Jordan was named as the first team captain of the Black Stars ahead of March’s international’s, bringing to bed a growing discussion about frequent leadership changes in the team.

Jordan takes over from his brother Andre Ayew, although Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey deputised in his absence.

Speaking to Joy Sports about his new role, Jordan, who is the latest Ayew to wear the armband following his brother and father, said it was unmistakably going to happen.

“I believe in destiny. I believe [becoming Ghana captain] was probably written in the stars,” he said.

Jordan captained Ghana against Angola in the Black Stars’ penultimate game in their underwhelming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Jordan faces his first test as captain when Ghana take on Chad in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Friday.