Doctor Urges Regular Hospital Visits as Health Screening Reveals Rising Blood Pressure Cases

Najat Adamu
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Doctor Urges Regular Hospital Visits as Health Screening Reveals Rising Blood Pressure Cases

A medical practitioner, Dr. Dan Agyekum Kumi, has urged Ghanaians to make regular hospital visits and medical check-ups a priority, following a rise in blood pressure (BP) cases recorded during a recent health screening exercise at Kwahu Mpraeso in the Eastern Region.

The screening was organised by the Africa Centre for Health and Consumption and revealed that a significant number of residents were either hypertensive or at risk of developing high blood pressure. Many participants, according to organisers, were unaware of their condition prior to the exercise.

Speaking to the media during the event, Dr. Kumi expressed concern about the growing incidence of hypertension, describing it as a “silent killer” because it often presents no early symptoms.

He stressed that routine medical check-ups are critical for early detection and effective management of blood pressure and other non-communicable diseases. Dr. Kumi also advised the public to adopt healthier lifestyles by reducing salt intake, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, exercising regularly, and managing stress levels.

The Founder of the Africa Centre for Health and Consumption, Mr. Solomon Tettey, also used the occasion to encourage residents to pay closer attention to their eating habits as a way of reducing the risk of developing hypertension.

He explained that the screening formed part of broader efforts to promote preventive healthcare and raise awareness about the increasing burden of high blood pressure in Ghana.

Participants at the exercise praised the organisers for bringing healthcare services closer to the community and called for more such outreach programmes to support early detection and prevention of diseases.

Reported By Yaa Yeboah Boamah

MoFA Begins Poultry Distribution in Ashanti Region Under ‘Nkoko Nketenkete’ Initiative

Najat Adamu
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MoFA Begins Poultry Distribution in Ashanti Region Under ‘Nkoko Nketenkete’ Initiative

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has begun the distribution of poultry birds to registered beneficiaries in the Ashanti Region under the government’s Nkoko Nketenkete initiative, marking a significant step toward reviving Ghana’s domestic poultry industry.

The exercise started in the Ejisu Municipality before moving to the Juaben Municipality. Each beneficiary received 50 poultry birds and two bags of Nkoko Nketenkete-branded feed to support initial production.

The initiative forms part of the broader Feed Ghana Programme, which aims to boost local food production, create employment, and reduce Ghana’s heavy dependence on imported poultry products.

MoFA Begins Poultry Distribution in Ashanti Region Under ‘Nkoko Nketenkete’ Initiative

According to MoFA, domestic demand for poultry meat before 2025 exceeded 350,000 metric tonnes annually, while local production accounted for only about 15,000 metric tonnes. This shortfall left nearly 300,000 metric tonnes to be supplied through imports.

Speaking at a press briefing in Kumasi ahead of the distribution, the National Coordinator of the Feed Ghana Programme, Mr. Bright Demordzi, said registration forms have been dispatched to all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) nationwide to ensure a smooth and coordinated rollout of the programme.

Although the Ashanti Region is the first to benefit, Mr. Demordzi indicated that other regions will be covered in phases, depending on their readiness and implementation capacity.

He explained that the programme is deliberately targeting youth- and women-led enterprises, as well as small- and medium-scale poultry farmers, to ensure the intervention delivers meaningful economic benefits to vulnerable groups.

Launched in Kumasi last year, the Nkoko Nketenkete project has been described as more than a farming initiative, but a strategic economic recovery tool aimed at creating jobs, strengthening food security, and growing Ghana’s poultry value chain.

Some beneficiaries who spoke to Atinka News’ Ashanti Regional Correspondent, Obofo Michael, expressed gratitude to the Government of Ghana for introducing the programme, describing it as timely support that will help revive poultry farming and improve livelihoods in the region.

Reported By Obofo Michael

Ghana Repays $1.47 Billion in Energy Debts, Restores World Bank Guarantee

Najat Adamu
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Ghana Repays $1.47 Billion in Energy Debts, Restores World Bank Guarantee

The Government of Ghana announced Monday that it has repaid a total of $1.47 billion in energy sector arrears during its first year in office, a move officials say has restored the country’s credibility with international partners and revived a critical World Bank guarantee.

In a statement issued January 12, the Ministry of Finance said the Mahama administration inherited “an energy sector on the brink of collapse” after years of unpaid bills for gas supplied from the Offshore Cape Three Points (OCTP) field. The non-payments had fully depleted the $500 million World Bank Partial Risk Guarantee, a facility created in 2015 to support the Sankofa Gas Project and unlock nearly $8 billion in private investment.

Its exhaustion, the ministry noted, “represented a serious governance failure that undermined Ghana’s international credibility.”

By the end of December 2025, however, the government had repaid $597.15 million, including interest, drawn on the World Bank facility. “As at 31 December 2025, the government has fully repaid US$597.15 million, inclusive of interest, drawn on the World Bank Guarantee,” the ministry said. The repayment, it added, has “fully restored the facility and reaffirmed Ghana’s standing as a credible and reliable partner on the global stage.”

The government also cleared outstanding invoices owed to ENI and Vitol, amounting to about $480 million, and has set aside budgetary provisions to ensure timely payments in the future. Officials described the measures as part of a broader effort to stabilize the energy sector and prevent a repeat of the financial strain that nearly crippled it.

By Ebenezer De-Gaulle

Mahama to Meet Accra Reset Coordinators in U.K. and Join Leaders at Davos

Najat Adamu
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Mahama to Meet Accra Reset Coordinators in U.K. and Join Leaders at Davos

President John Mahama departed Accra on Sunday for the United Kingdom, where he is scheduled to meet with coordinators of the Accra Reset initiative.

In a statement issued by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the presidential spokesman and minister of state for government communications, the presidency said Mr. Mahama would continue on to Davos, Switzerland, to take part in a session of the World Economic Forum.

The statement added that the president is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders on the sidelines of the Davos forum.

By Ebenezer De-Gaulle

Morocco Coach Dismisses Claims of Referee Favoritism Toward Hosts

Najat Adamu
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Morocco Coach Dismisses Claims of Referee Favoritism Toward Hosts

Morocco head coach has rejected allegations that match officials have shown favoritism toward the host nation during the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

The Atlas Lions secured a historic place in the semi-finals for the first time in 28 years after defeating Cameroon 2–0 on Friday, January 9. Speaking to reporters after the match, the Moroccan coach insisted that referees have officiated fairly and professionally throughout the competition.

“We respect the referees and their decisions,” he stated. “There has been no bias toward any team, including the hosts.”

His comments come amid growing debate among fans and football analysts over several controversial officiating decisions in key matches at the tournament.

However, the Moroccan coach maintained that such discussions should not overshadow the performances of teams on the pitch.

Morocco’s victory over Cameroon marks a significant milestone for the North African side, as they continue their quest for continental glory with renewed confidence and momentum heading into the semi-finals.

By Prince Tuffuor

Ofori-Atta Declines Consular Meeting After Detention by U.S. Immigration Officials

Najat Adamu
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Ofori-Atta Declines Consular Meeting After Detention by U.S. Immigration Officials

The Embassy of Ghana in Washington has confirmed that Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, Ghana’s former finance minister, is in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

In a statement issued Saturday, Jan. 10, and signed by Ghana’s ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, the embassy said it had received official notification that ICE had detained Mr. Ofori-Atta. The embassy said it immediately began steps to verify the circumstances of the detention.

After confirmation, officials contacted the detention facility to request access to Mr. Ofori-Atta to provide consular assistance, in keeping with diplomatic and international protocols.

The embassy stated that officials at the facility informed them that Mr. Ofori-Atta declined to meet with consular representatives, citing his wish to do so only with his lawyers present.

“The Embassy of Ghana remains in contact with the appropriate United States authorities and will continue to follow the matter closely to ensure that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s rights are totally respected,” the statement said.

By Ebenezer De-Gaulle

Class Media Group Commends President Mahama’s Swift Action on Journalist Assault Case

Najat Adamu
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Class Media Group Commends President Mahama’s Swift Action on Journalist Assault Case

The Founder of Class Media Group, Alhaji Seidu Agongo, has applauded President John Dramani Mahama for confirming the interdiction of Ghana National Fire Service officers implicated in the assault of journalist Samuel Addo at the Kasoa New Market.

In a statement, Mr Agongo described the incident as “despicable and unacceptable,” stressing that the attack was not only an affront to one journalist but also a threat to the integrity of Ghana’s democratic institutions and the reputation of the Fire Service.

He also noted that “this prompt action underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring media freedom and accountability within our security services.

Mr Agongo expressed confidence that investigative bodies will act swiftly and judiciously to ensure justice is served and reforms are implemented.

While emphasising that protecting press freedom is essential to safeguarding Ghana’s hard-earned democratic credentials, the businessman further pledged the support of Class Media Group in advancing dialogue, advocacy, and initiatives that guarantee sustainable reforms for the safety of journalists and the credibility of security services.

Kradenteh Students Study Under Makeshift Facility; Chief Seeks Government Help

Najat Adamu
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Kradenteh Students Study Under Makeshift Facility; Chief Seeks Government Help

Students in Kradenteh, a community in the Krachi Nchumuru District of the Oti Region, are continuing their education under deplorable conditions due to the absence of a Junior High School (JHS) classroom block.

The community’s only government basic school has no dedicated JHS facility, forcing pupils to attend classes under a makeshift wooden structure. The situation has significantly disrupted effective teaching and learning and has also made it difficult for the school to attract and retain qualified teachers.

Kradenteh Students Study Under Makeshift Facility; Chief Seeks Government Help

Speaking to Atinka News reporter Samuel Nyamekye Jnr, the Odikro of Kradenteh, Nana Kwame Kumah, expressed deep frustration over what he described as years of neglect. He revealed that appeals have been made repeatedly to the relevant authorities, but no concrete action has been taken.

Nana Kumah described the situation as unacceptable and shameful, stressing that in this modern era, children should not be subjected to unsafe and unconducive learning environments. He called for the immediate construction of a permanent JHS classroom block to safeguard the future of the students.

A retired educationist and indigene of Kradenteh, Mr Jacob Kwesi Bawa, also raised concerns about the impact of the situation on educational outcomes in the community.

He appealed to the government, the Ghana Education Service (GES), non-governmental organisations, corporate institutions, and well-meaning individuals to support efforts to address the infrastructure deficit.

Mr Bawa further urged the GES to consider the school for funding under the GETFund, noting that improved infrastructure is essential for creating a safe and conducive learning environment for students in Kradenteh.

By Samuel Nyamekye Jnr.

Trump Signals Long-Term US Involvement in Venezuela

Najat Adamu
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Trump Signals Long-Term US Involvement in Venezuela

According to US President Donald Trump, the US may continue to be involved in Venezuela for years. After US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in a raid on Saturday, he told the New York Times that “only time will tell” how long his government would “oversee” the country’s governance.

In discussing Venezuela’s future, President Donald Trump avoided committing to a date for elections to replace interim president Delcy Rodríguez, leaving uncertainty over when or if a democratic vote will be held.

Opposition leader María Corina Machado, however, said Maduro’s removal has started an “irreversible process” toward a free Venezuela and has pledged to return to her homeland.

Days after Trump declared that his administration will govern the oil-rich country, reporters for the New York Times (NYT) questioned him about his plans for Venezuela’s future.

The White House had declared earlier on Wednesday that the United States would “indefinitely” regulate sales of oil that was sanctioned.

Chris Wright, the US Energy Secretary, contended that in order to exert pressure on the Caracas interim administration, the US needed control over Venezuela’s oil sales.

Although he conceded that it would “take a while” to establish the nation’s oil sector, Trump stated that his administration would be “taking oil” from Venezuela, which has the greatest proven reserves in the world.

Due to years of US sanctions and poor management by both the Maduro administration and that of his predecessor, Venezuela’s oil production has drastically decreased.

Speaking to The New York Times, President Trump said Secretary of State Marco Rubio has maintained constant engagement with Delcy Rodríguez, the interim leader appointed by Venezuela’s Supreme Court, which remains aligned with Maduro loyalists.

According to Trump, Rodríguez has been cooperative, adding that the interim government had agreed to use oil revenues solely to buy US products.

The NYT writers claim that Trump did not respond to their inquiries about why he acknowledged Rodriguez as the new leader of Venezuela.

Following Maduro’s ouster, many Venezuela watchers believed opposition leaders Edmundo González and María Corina Machado would promptly return home to help shape the country’s transition.

However, Trump disparaged Machado in his first press conference after the US raid, claiming that she lacked the “respect” and backing necessary to govern Venezuela.

“I think it would be very tough for her to be the leader,” he mentioned.

Before the 2024 presidential election, Machado was able to rally opposition groups behind her, but Maduro-aligned officials prevented her from running. Then, using former diplomat González as a stand-in, she threw her support behind him.

Maduro was proclaimed re-elected by the electoral council, which is likewise controlled by supporters of the regime. However, the opposition’s independently certified voting totals indicate González won by a wide margin.

Machado went into hiding within Venezuela, while González fled into exile to avoid the government repression that followed the election.

In order to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for her “tireless work promoting democratic rights” in Venezuela, she traveled dangerously by land, sea, and air to Oslo in December.

Although her current location is unknown, she has stated that she intends to return to Venezuela shortly.

She maintained that Maduro’s overthrow has put her nation on an unstoppable path to freedom in an interview with the opposition news website La Patilla.

“As short and swift as possible” is what she hoped this next stage of the transition process would be.

The temporary administration, which she described as “the same regime it was under Maduro,” was “being given instructions to dismantle itself,” she continued.

Machado advocated that González’s mandate be honored and maintained that he was the rightful president-elect.

She emphasized that the release of the political prisoners was “the first thing” that had to happen.

Machado is not alone in calling for the release of the more than 800 political prisoners detained in Venezuela’s infamous prisons.

Republican senator María Elvira Salazar demanded their release “immediately” in a number of social media messages on Wednesday.

But according to the journalists who met with him, Trump “appeared far more focused on the rescue mission than the details of how to navigate Venezuela’s future” during his interview with the New York Times.

He responded that “we will rebuild it in a very profitable way” when asked about US ambitions for Venezuela.

“We’re going to be using oil, and we’re going to be taking oil. We’re getting oil prices down, and we’re going to be giving money to Venezuela, which they desperately need.” He continued.

On Friday, the US president is scheduled to meet with officials of three of the biggest US oil firms at the White House to further discuss those plans.

Source: BBC

Rawlings Legacy Honoured as Statue Is Unveiled to Inspire Future Generations

Najat Adamu
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Rawlings Legacy Honoured as Statue Is Unveiled to Inspire Future Generations

The family and founding members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have unveiled a statue in honour of Ghana’s former President, Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, to preserve his legacy and inspire future generations.

The colourful ceremony, held in Keta, brought together traditional leaders, party executives, government officials, and members of the Rawlings family. Speakers at the event reflected on the values of accountability, transparency, unity, and hard work that defined the life and leadership of the late statesman.

According to the organisers, the statue symbolises the principles, lifestyle, and selfless leadership of Rawlings, who played a pivotal role in guiding Ghana through critical periods of political transition and democratic consolidation.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief of Keta, Togbe JOAKI KEDZII, called on the youth to draw inspiration from the life of the former president, urging them to uphold discipline, patriotism, and national unity.

The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, described Rawlings as a man of integrity whose contributions remain a significant asset to the nation.

In an emotional address, the late president’s daughter, Dr. Zenator Agyeman Rawlings, said the statue serves as a permanent reminder of her father’s sacrifices and unwavering commitment to the Ghanaian people.

Also present was the National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, who highlighted Rawlings’ foundational role in the formation of the party and his lasting impact on Ghana’s democratic development. He welcomed the initiative, describing the statue as an important source of inspiration for future generations.

The unveiling of the statue stands as a lasting tribute to the life and leadership of Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, reinforcing his enduring influence on Ghana’s political history and reminding generations yet unborn of the values he lived by and stood for.

Reported By Christina Ahodie

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