“I went and laid on the mat. He called me and said I should come and lie by him on the bed, I said no. He said I should not make him angry because I was not his sister. I got up and sat at the edge of the bed and he pushed me to the bed, forced me and he raped me”. That was how a sobbing innocent girl given out in marriage begun her touching and soaring story of getting married out as a child at the age of 15.

At this moment, tears began to flow uncontrollably on her face. She looked frightened. She began to crack her knuckles while trying to use her forearm to block the watery phlegm that run from her nose as she sobbed. Her face looked pale.

Maltiti (not her real name) was a victim of child marriage. At the age of 15, she was forced into marrying a 34-year-old man when she had just finished writing the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in 2020. Maltiti hails from a community (name withheld) in the Kumbungu district of the Northern region. She comes from a family of seven. Her father is a farmer while the mother is a housewife.

“..I tried to stop him but I couldn’t…it was painful and after that I was bleeding”. Maltiti said while crying. She tried controlling the tears with the back of her right palm, but she could not. She then resorted to using her school house dress to wipe off the tears.

“I went and washed down and after some time I was in pain, I woke him up and told him my head ached. He told me to sleep and that it will be gone by day break. He said because it was my first time, and that if I got used to it, I would be the one begging him for it”. I looked at her, our eyes met and we laughed together. I observed how relieved she looked after the smiles.

Two weeks after she wrote the Basic Education Certificate Examination, Maltiti was forcefully given out for marriage. Her bride price of seven hundred Ghana cedis (700) had already been paid while she was still writing her papers. Efforts to persuade her parents to stop the marriage so she could continue her education fell on deaf ears. “My father once told me that if I don’t want to die early, I should obey and marry”, she said. Luckily for Maltiti, fourteen days into the marriage, she was rescued by her former class teacher with the support of the Northern Sector Action on Awareness Center (NORSAAC) and Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED), Ghanaian Locally based empowerment for change organizations focusing on women and Girls’ education in Tamale and its environs. She was admitted to one of the Senior High Schools in Tamale after release of the BECE results.

“Thanks to God and CAMFED, am back to school. I can now become the journalist I have been dreaming of”, she said beaming with smiles as she raised her head up, as if to say to the heavens, “thank you”.

Child Marriage

Maltiti’s story is not an isolated one. Child marriage is a problem the world over. Each year, 15 million girls are married before the age of 18, that is one girl every two seconds. But, while awareness around the problem of child marriage is growing, for many people, the question is, How is it that, in the 21st century, girls are still finding themselves being married off at such young ages?. In developing countries, it is estimated that one in seven girls marry before age 15 and 38 percent marry before age 18. According to the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS), in Ghana, 4.4 and 5.8 percent of women aged 15–49 married by exact age 15 in 2006 and 2011 respectively. In addition, among women aged 20–24, the proportion who married before exact age 18 was 22 percent in 2006 and 21 percent in 2011. The highest prevalence of child marriage in Ghana occurs in the five regions of the North, where more than one in three girls marry before age 18.

About child marriage

Child marriage is a global issue. It is fuelled by gender inequality, poverty, social norms and insecurity, and …

Child Marriage and Girls’ Education (Effects)

Early marriage makes attainment of higher education almost impossible for girls. Many girls who are married off before they turn 18 or are forced into early marriages are made to leave school, depriving them of their right to education and future independence. The relationship between child marriage and educational attainment for girls is also strong. In most developing countries in the rural communities particularly, it is extremely difficult for girls to remain in school once they get married. As a result, child marriage reduces the likelihood that girls will complete their secondary education. This emerges clearly from questions asked to parents in household surveys as to why their daughters dropped out of school. Marriage is often one of the main, if not the main reason, that adolescent girls drop out of school. Every year that a girl marries early (i.e., before 18) is associated with a reduction in the likelihood of completing secondary school of typically four to 10 percentage points, depending on the country or region. This leads to lower earnings for child brides in adulthood since a lack of education prevents them from getting good jobs. In addition, child marriage also reduces education prospects for the children of child brides by curtailing their mother’s education. Child marriage perpetuates cycles of poverty and disadvantage, limiting girls potential and undermining Ghana’s progress towards gender equality and quality.

Addressing Child Marriage

Child marriage is proven to be a major challenge for majority of teenage girls in achieving academic laurels. In addressing this societal canker and ensuring that girls in rural communities attain educational laurels, many Non-Governmental Organizations in the five regions of the North are making relentless efforts to address issues of child marriage and to keep these girls in school. In the Upper West region, ActionAid Ghana, rescued about 152 girls in 63 communities in three districts between 2010 and 2015 and were put back in school. 53 girls from different areas including Sissala East, Jirapa and Lambusie districts were also rescued between 2015 and 2017. The Social Initiative for Literacy and Development (SLIDEP) also rescued about twenty-seven girls between 2018 and 2019 and enrolled them in school. In 2022, it rescued about 250 girls in the Fulbe (Fulani) community in six districts of the region and returned all of them to school.

In the Upper East region, Rise Ghana rescued between sixteen and twenty-two girls since the inception of the organization in 2011. In 2019, seventeen girls were taken from forced marriage at Kolgo in the Kessena-Nankana West District. In the Nabdam District, nine girls from same school who were married off in 2017 were rescued and put back to school. Some of the girls who refused to go back to school were put on apprenticeship.

In the Northern region, the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice, CHRAJ, rescued 38 girls between 2020 and 2023 and 5 girls between January and June this year ( 2024). The Programme Officer in charge of Adolescent Programme at the Northern Sector Action on Awareness Center (NORSAAC), Hamdia Sumani, revealed that since 2020, NORSAAC and its partners have rescued 10 girls from six districts namely Tolon, Kumbungu, Kpandai, Walewale in the Northern region and Kassena-Nankana West and Builsa South in the Upper East region. In an interview with GBC News in Tamale, Mrs. Sumani said child marriage is still rife in rural communities and it has become difficult addressing it. To this end, NORSAAC has adopted strategies such as the Module Gendered Household, where parents are engaged on how to delay child marriage, and Safe Space Module where adolescent girls are mentored, oriented, educated, and empowered. Mrs Sumani said, “We also engaged traditional and religious leaders to understand child rights and child protection issues and demystify some misconceptions, and we have recorded a lot of successes, especially with the Paramount Chief of Tolon, he passed a bye-law on child marriage through our engagement with them”.

Sustainable Development Goals and Child Marriage

The Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, address child marriage through several targets under Goal Five (Gender Equality) particularly Target 5.3 aims to eliminate all harmful practices including child marriage by 2030 while target 16.2 aims to end all forms of violence against children including child marriage by 2030. The SDGs aim to end child marriage, and to ensure girls’ education and empowerment, address social, cultural and economic factors driving child marriage, strengthen laws, policies and accountability to prevent child marriage, and engage communities and traditional leaders to change harmful norms. With just six years to hit 2030, and with the practice still rife in communities, it is projected that achieving target 5 and 16 will be farfetched.

Way Forward

The good news is that conversely, keeping girls in school is one of the best ways to delay marriage. The fight against child marriage could only be won in the country if stakeholders came together to fight it. Addressing child marriage in the Northern regions of Ghana requires a multifaceted approach. Education and awareness for communities, parents, and children about the harmful effects of child marriage must be intensified to emphasize the importance of education and girls’ empowerment. There should be Community engagements with traditional leaders, religious leaders, and community members to change attitudes and norms perpetuating child marriage. Raising awareness about laws and regulations prohibiting child marriage is crucial to preventing its practice. Intensive education and community outreach programmes could help inform citizens about legal consequences of the practice.

It is important to acknowledge efforts being made by government to combat child marriage through the government’s launch of the campaign against child marriage in April 2016. However, the Government should support alternative livelihoods by collaborating with stakeholders to provide economic opportunities and skills training for girls and their families to reduce child marriage resulting from poverty. Laws and policies protecting children from child marriage should be enforced to increase access to justice for victims while providing safe spaces for girls to share experiences, receive support, and access resources.

By implementing these recommendations, it is hoped that frantic efforts would be made by stakeholders toward reducing child marriage in the country, especially in the Northern regions of Ghana to promote a brighter future for girls.

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Ostensibly, the Presidential Candidates of the two major political parties in Ghana—the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress—have adhered to Article 60, Clause 2 of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates the designation of a vice presidential candidate before the presidential election. While the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, has reaffirmed his faith in Prof. Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the New Patriotic Party’s presidential candidate, H.E. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has also officially presented Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh as his running mate.

Interestingly, both of these political stalwarts share a very unique name – Opoku – which historically has been associated with notable figures of power and influence like Otumfuo Opoku Ware I, who was the king of Asante during the 18th century. It has been noted that his reign marked a period of substantial expansion and consolidation of the Ashanti Empire. His hard work immortalised the name in the annals of Ghanaian history.

While Allport (1961) asserts that “the most important anchorage to our self-identity throughout life remains our own name”, Barbazzeni (2022) argues that our names have the potential to influence our behaviour, physical appearance, career path and life choices, popularity, and how others perceive us.   This phenomenon, known as nominative determinism, suggests that people tend to gravitate towards areas of work that fit their names. In the context of leadership and politics, a name’s perceived attributes can potentially shape public perceptions and even influence the bearer’s approach to his role. This interplay between name and destiny becomes particularly intriguing when we consider the shared names of the potential vice-presidential candidates. 

The name Opoku, deeply rooted in Akan culture, is believed to give the bearer a clever mind, good business judgement, a sense of responsibility, and an appreciation for the finer things in life. People with this name are serious-minded, responsible, and have a strong desire for a peaceful home environment. The name is associated with a balanced personality, creativity, and a willingness to take action to accomplish goals. Especially for a position as crucial as the VPship, these attributes associated with the name Opoku could be seen as highly desirable. The perceived characteristics of cleverness, responsibility, and balanced personality align well with the expectations of a good leader. 
Observing it from the political lens, the selection of a vice-presidential candidate is akin to choosing the perfect spice for a national dish. But what makes a VP candidate the right ‘spice’ for Ghana’s political gastronomy? Prof. Etse Sikanku’s book, “Bawumia and the Modern Vice Presidency in Ghana,” provides food for thought. Sikanku argues that the vice presidency is not merely garnish but a “transformative force” that can enhance the presidency’s flavour.

The transformative spice Ghana craves

Will it be the distinguished Cape Coaster, academic, and educator who has held various leadership positions, including minister for education and the first female Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang? Her impressive educational background includes a Bachelor of Education (Hons) in English and French Programs from the University of Cape Coast and Master’s and Doctorate degrees from York University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Through her career, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang has received numerous awards and honours, including the Ghana Women Excellence Award, honorary doctoral degrees from the University of West Indies and Winston Salem University, and the Global Leadership Award from the University of South Florida in Tampa. She is also a Fellow of several academic associations and has published many books and articles. 

Or will the Ashanti royal, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh’s mix of medical knowledge and ministerial experience prove to be the magic ingredient the Ghanaian electorate needs? Dr Opoku Prempeh’s educational background is inspiring, with a BSc in Human Biology and Medicine from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and an MB, ChB from the same institution. He furthered his education at Erasmus University in the Netherlands, obtaining an MSc in clinical epidemiology. He practiced medicine in the UK and became a member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Glasgow in 2002. 

Before entering politics, Dr Opoku Prempeh served as the CEO of Keyedmap Security Services Ltd. from 2004 to 2009. He was elected to parliament in 2008, representing Manhyia and later Manhyia South. He has held various ministerial positions, including Education Minister and Energy Minister. Throughout his career, Dr Prempeh has received numerous awards and honours, including honorary doctorates and the 2020 Havard Ministerial Medal of Achievement. He was adjudged the best minister in Ghana in 2017 and 2019. 

Few will disagree that these running mates have an eclectic mix of experience. Thus, they bring distinct aroma to Ghana’s political kitchen. It’s obvious that in the contest of their competences, both of them have the potential to add that extra kick to the presidency. And even the name Opoku, associated with positive attributes, carries a promise of good governance and balanced decision-making.  But, as any good chef knows, timing is everything. Only time and the discerning palates of Ghanaian voters will determine which Opoku has the right blend of skills, vision, and charisma to become the transformative spice in Ghana’s next presidential term. Of course, the two major political parties’ presidential candidates have played their roles by choosing these two Opokus, who are ready to prove their mettle. Now it’s up to the people of Ghana to decide which political dish will satisfy their hunger for progress and prosperity.

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As the December 7 election inches closer and with the major political parties in Ghana, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) tickets complete, the conversation about debates continues to take centre stage in Ghana’s political discourse.

How critical or important are presidential debates to the ticket? How impactful will a Presidential Debate be on the chances of winning a Presidential ticket?

NPP Presidential Candidate, Dr. Bawumia has challenged his opponent, the NDC’s John Mahama, to a debate on his ‘’24Hour Economy’’ policy, but Spokesperson Joyce Bawa Mongtari thinks John Mahama does not need to debate Dr. Bawumia.

Senior Political Science Lecturer, Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante in an interview stated that even though debates have a role to play in a democracy and elections, for that matter, debates do not necessarily impact voter choices per se.

‘’Debates have little impact on voter choices, if they do so fine, people do not need debates to know the issue with the economy, times are hard,’’ he said.

Dr. Asah-Asante, however, believes that debates can elicit responses to lingering questions and give the opportunity for issues to be clarified. However, he was quick to add that should the debaters fail to address the issues as expected by the citizens, that further creates ambiguity and may not be helpful to political campaigns.

‘’Debates may not necessarily affect voter choices, but it obviously adds steam to the democratic exercise of electing a President,’’ he said.

In Ghana, Presidential Candidates of both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have over the years not been consistent with participating in Presidential Debates.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on Ghana’s tourism industry, which was once the country’s third-largest foreign exchange generator. However, the pandemic has also accelerated digital transformation and innovation in the tourism sector, presenting new opportunities for growth and development. One such opportunity is MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) tourism, a niche area that has the potential to drive Ghana’s economic recovery.

MICE tourism involves hosting international conferences, meetings, and exhibitions, which attract high-spending tourists and generate significant revenue for the local economy. Ghana has the potential to become a leading MICE destination in West Africa, leveraging its rich cultural heritage, diverse attractions, and improving tourism infrastructure.

The private sector has taken the lead in promoting MICE tourism in Ghana, with the staging of the INTER-TOURISM EXPO 2021 at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC). The event brought together industry stakeholders to discuss the importance of MICE tourism and the need for government support and recognition.

Setting up a Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is critical to promoting MICE tourism in Ghana. A CVB is a destination marketing organization that focuses on attracting and hosting MICE events, providing a one-stop-shop for event planners and organizers. However, Ghana’s CVB, the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), needs to be strengthened and empowered to effectively promote MICE tourism.

Ghana’s MICE tourism potential is significant, with the country hosting several high-profile events in the past, including the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) Conference, the Non-Aligned Movement Conference (NAM), and the African Union (AU) Conference. However, Ghana’s MICE tourism industry faces challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited air access, and poor tourism service infrastructure.

To overcome these challenges, Ghana needs to invest in MICE infrastructure, improve air access, and enhance tourism service infrastructure. The government must also provide incentives and support for the private sector to develop MICE tourism products and services.

Digitalization is critical to promoting MICE tourism in Ghana. The country needs to adopt a digital culture and deploy state-of-the-art technology systems to attract and host MICE events. This includes investing in digital infrastructure, such as high-speed internet, and promoting digital payment systems.

Ghana can learn from Dubai’s success in developing its MICE tourism industry. Dubai started its journey in 1999 and accomplished its vision of becoming a “Smart City” in 2015. Ghana can adopt a similar approach by developing a national MICE tourism strategy, investing in digital infrastructure, and providing incentives for the private sector to develop MICE tourism products and services.

In conclusion, MICE tourism has the potential to drive Ghana’s economic recovery and growth. The country needs to invest in MICE infrastructure, improve air access, enhance tourism service infrastructure, and adopt a digital culture to attract and host MICE events. With the right strategy and investment, Ghana can become a leading MICE destination in West Africa, generating significant revenue and creating jobs for the local economy.

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In an exclusive interview on GTV Sports Plus’s Studio 5, John Zile, a UBO International Super Bantamweight Champion, opened up about his remarkable journey in the world of sports. Reflecting on his early passion for football and the eventual switch to boxing, Zile shared insights into his life experiences, the challenges he faced, and the determination that led him to become a world champion.

Growing up in Tuobodom, in the Bono East region, Zile had a deep passion for football. In search of opportunities, he left Tuobodom for a trial at Charity Academy, but fate had different plans for him. “I had a knack for football growing up, but moving forward and going for justification, I wasn’t selected,” he recalled.

It was in 2019 that Zile’s journey in boxing began. Initially, he trained with a beginner coach, but his potential was soon recognised, and Osibor Boxing Management took him under their wing. The transition from football to boxing was not without its challenges, but Zile’s resilience and dedication paid off. His coaches played a crucial role in shaping his career, instilling in him the mindset of a champion.

“Right from day one, I knew I was going to be a world champion. My coaches always advise me not to be merciful to my opponent; they say when I’m going for the kill, I should kill it,” Zile confidently stated. 

This relentless drive and uncompromising attitude in the ring have been keys to his success. Zile’s journey from a football hopeful to a UBO International Super Bantamweight Champion is a testament to his unwavering commitment and the power of believing in oneself. His journey underscores the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and the courage to pursue one’s dreams, even when the path is not straightforward. 

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Medical tourism is an industry that involves traveling to another country for medical treatment or care. Medical tourists may seek various procedures, such as dental care, cosmetic surgery, fertility treatments, organ transplants, cancer treatment, neurologic therapies, and more. Medical tourism can have significant social and economic impacts on host countries and communities, both positive and negative.

Medical tourism, a rapidly growing industry, presents a significant opportunity for economic development in Ghana. By leveraging its skilled healthcare professionals, modern facilities, and favorable location, Ghana can attract international patients and generate substantial revenue. In this article, we will explore the potential of medical tourism in driving economic growth and development in Ghana.

This aspect of tourism has become a popular choice for individuals seeking quality healthcare at affordable prices. According to the International Medical Travel Journal, the global medical tourism market is projected to reach $30 billion by 2025, with an annual growth rate of 15-20%. Ghana, with its strategic location and improved healthcare infrastructure, is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.

Medical tourism can contribute significantly to Ghana’s economic development by:

• Generating foreign exchange earnings: International patients bring in much-needed foreign currency, boosting Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves.
• Creating employment opportunities: Medical tourism creates jobs in the healthcare and hospitality sectors, contributing to local economic growth.
• Stimulating infrastructure development: Investment in healthcare infrastructure, such as hospitals and clinics, can stimulate economic growth and improve the overall quality of life.
• Promoting cultural exchange: Medical tourism facilitates cultural exchange between international patients and local communities, promoting cross-cultural understanding and people-to-people diplomacy.

While medical tourism presents numerous opportunities for economic growth, there are challenges that need to be addressed. Some of these challenges include:

• Improving healthcare infrastructure: Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure requires further development to meet international standards.
• Enhancing quality of care: Ensuring high-quality healthcare services is crucial to attracting and retaining international patients.
• Addressing language barriers: Language barriers can create communication challenges between healthcare providers and international patients.
• Developing marketing strategies: Effective marketing strategies are essential to promoting Ghana’s medical tourism industry globally.

Medical tourism is a complex and dynamic phenomenon that can have significant social and economic impacts on host countries and communities. Medical tourism can create positive social and economic impacts by supporting local health systems, promoting cultural exchange, and generating employment opportunities. However, medical tourism can also pose challenges and risks for these goals, as well as for the rights, needs, and aspirations of the host population. Therefore, medical tourism should be managed in a sustainable and responsible way that respects the principles and standards of universal health coverage, intercultural dialogue, and decent work.

Medical tourism should also be coordinated and regulated with the local health system, culture, and labor market, to ensure that it does not compromise the social and economic development of the host country and community. Medical tourism can be a powerful tool for development, but only if it is done with care and respect.

The potentials of Medical tourism to drive economic growth and development in Ghana by generating foreign exchange earnings, creating employment opportunities, stimulating infrastructure development, and promoting cultural exchange. By addressing the challenges facing the industry and leveraging its strengths, Ghana can unlock the full potential of medical tourism and cement its position as a leading destination in West Africa.

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The residents of Wa, the Upper West regional capital a fortnight ago woke up to the gruesome murder of two security men. This is suspected to be a serial killings, as it comes immediately on the heels of five other people killed in the region.

On 15th June, 2024, three people were reported killed in a suspected land dispute between the Kendeu and Lassie Tuolu communities in the Wa West District. Two days later, another two people were killed in a chieftaincy dispute at Nyanyoyiri in the Wa East District.

The people of the Upper West region are experiencing these security threats at the time they are battling with elementary issues of survival. Again, these heinous crimes occur at a time when the residents in the Wa Municipality have not unravelled the mysteries surrounding the previous killings two years ago.

They have still not been updated on the outcome of investigations conducted by the security agencies into the number of people killed in cold-blood in 2022.

The crime scenes of the latest two victims found on the 18th of June, this year, indicated that they were not markedly different from the modus operandi of the perpetrators of the 2022 killings.

The Overlord of the Wala Traditional Council, Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo has waded into the issue, calling on the state security agencies, traditional authorities, hoteliers and residents in the Wa Municipality, to combine efforts, to stop the heinous crimes, re-emerging in the Municipality.

The Wa-Naa, indicated that what happened last Tuesday smacked of the failure of stakeholders to collaborate to get to the bottom of the serial killings. He questioned the outcome of the investigations into the previous serial murders and called on the state security apparatus to update the residents on the investigations, to give them hope and learn the modus operandus of the murderers, emphasising security is a shared responsibility of all.

The Overlord of the Wala Traditional Council assured the residents of the Council’s readiness to team up with the security services to ensure their safety and security.

Meanwhile, the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), held a meeting to re-strategise to contain the situation. The MP for Wa Central, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo and his counterpart for Bole-Bamboi, Yusif Sulemana raised concerns about the rise in serial killings and stressed the need for the Minister of the Interior to brief Parliament on the issue. This prompted Parliament to summon the Minister of the Interior, Henry Quartey to update the House on the matter.

The residents of the Wa Municipality in particular and Ghanaians in general, want nothing short of the state, addressing the lingering serial killings in the Wa municipality, coupled with assurances of adequate security for all.

Life is the topmost priority of every living organism and the residents of Wa and their fellow Ghanaians are justified to be worried, if criminals are snuffing out the lives of their compatriots for reasons best known to these murderers, whilst the security agents are helpless in apprehending these social misfits.

Reports have it that the state security has not found any clue in their investigations after more than 20 suspects were arrested in relation to the 2022 killings. Another issue worth addressing is the sustainability of the previous measures put in place to neutralize the ritual murders in 2022. In a typical Ghanaian fashion, we tend to forget about a problem until the same problem re-emerges.

What happened to the idea of increasing security visibility in the Wa Municipality two years ago? What about the plans of providing light in every corner of the Municipality? What about the practicality of sharing responsibilities between landlords, hoteliers, the state security and the residents on security issues? Two years after the serial murders, residents in Wa are still living in darkness as most of the street lights are off.

The visibility of the Police needs to be upscaled.

As a people, we have the penchant for coming out with ideas and plans when problems and challenges emerge, but lack the endurance to sustain these ideas and plans.

We need to put plans and actions in place to curtail unpleasant eventualities, rather than knee-jerk approaches to issues, as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. We were quick to come up with the slogan, “if you see something, say something,” when we felt threatened by terrorists, but that slogan has fizzled out, because we feel less or no more threatened by the perceived terrorism that could take place.

Going forward, measures put in place to ensure adequate security in the Municipality, must be duly followed through by all.

A lot needs to be done by all stakeholders, to allay the fears of the people and encourage them to go about their socio-economic activities without panic, to improve their lot and to develop Mother Ghana.

A stitch in time, saves nine.

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The abundance of food vendors and eateries on Accra Dome’s colourful roads naturally draws attention. Some vendors are serving worldwide cuisine, while others are cooking local favourites like jollof rice, waakye, and kelewele.

The aroma of freshly baked bread, fried plantains, and grilled meat fills the air. But among the sound of pots and pans clattering and spices filling the air, one urgent question needs to be addressed: How safe is the food being served here?

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has not granted all food vendors at Accra Dome the required authorisation, according to a recent survey. While a few well-known eateries gladly show off their FDA certifications, a large number of street vendors do business without this vital approval.

Vendor Cecilia Kanta, who sells kenkey with fried fish, said that she has been here for years without ever experiencing any problems. My clients have faith in me.” But this unofficial guarantee doesn’t exactly allay the worries of medical professionals, who stress how crucial FDA supervision is to guaranteeing food safety.

We chatted with a number of Accra Dome residents to get a sense of popular awareness. Perfect, a frequent customer, expressed her feelings, saying, “I visit here nearly every day. Although the food tastes great, to be honest, I never give FDA approval any thought. I simply follow my instinct.”

Richard Adegbe, a different customer, voiced his concerns, saying, “I’ve heard stories about food poisoning and other issues.” Although taste and convenience frequently win me over, it makes me a little worried.”

Experts claim: “When food is not prepared under regulated conditions, there’s a higher chance of contamination. This can lead to foodborne illnesses, which can be severe, especially for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.” 

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A recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO), underscores the impact of alcohol consumption and psychoactive drug use on global mortality.

According to the findings of the report, alcohol consumption led to approximately 2.6 million deaths annually, making up 4.7% of all deaths globally. In addition, psychoactive drug use was responsible for 0.6 million deaths per year.

Notably, men accounted for a significant portion of these fatalities, with 2 million deaths attributed to alcohol and 0.4 million to psychoactive drugs.

The Global status report on alcohol and health and treatment of substance use disorders by the World Health Organization (WHO) presents a thorough update using data from 2019.

The Report highlights the extensive public health implications of alcohol and drug use globally.

According to the report, an estimated 400 million individuals worldwide were affected by alcohol and drug use disorders.

Specifically, 209 million people were living with alcohol dependence, emphasizing the significant prevalence and impact of these conditions on a global scale.

Speaking to the issue, the Director-General of the World Health Organisation, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “Substance use severely harms individual health, increasing the risk of chronic diseases, mental health conditions, and tragically resulting in millions of preventable deaths every year. It places a heavy burden on families and communities, increasing exposure to accidents, injuries, and violence.”

“To build a healthier, more equitable society, we must urgently commit to bold actions that reduce the negative health and social consequences of alcohol consumption and make treatment for substance use disorders accessible and affordable” the WHO Director-General added.

The report underscores the need to expedite global efforts in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.5 by 2030. This includes reducing alcohol and drug consumption while enhancing accessibility to high-quality treatment for substance use disorders.

The report emphasizes that although there has been some decrease in alcohol-related death rates since 2010, the total number of deaths attributed to alcohol consumption remains alarmingly high, reaching 2.6 million in 2019.

The European and African regions reported the highest numbers of fatalities. Moreover, the death rates per litre of alcohol consumed are notably elevated in low-income countries compared to their counterparts in high-income countries.

In 2019, alcohol was responsible for a significant number of deaths, totaling an estimated 1.6 million from noncommunicable diseases. Among these, 474,000 deaths were attributed to cardiovascular diseases, and 401,000 to cancer.

Additionally, alcohol contributed to 724,000 deaths from injuries, including those from traffic accidents, self-harm, and interpersonal violence. Another 284,000 deaths were linked to communicable diseases, such as increased risks of HIV transmission and tuberculosis infections and mortality due to suppressed immune responses.

Notably, young adults aged 20–39 years accounted for the highest proportion (13%) of alcohol-related deaths in 2019.

Alcohol consumption trends

Total Alcohol Consumption Trends:

• Total alcohol per capita consumption globally decreased from 5.7 litres in 2010 to 5.5 litres in 2019. This suggests a slight decline in overall alcohol consumption per person over this period.

1. Regional Consumption Patterns:
   • In 2019, the highest levels of per capita alcohol consumption were observed in the WHO European Region (9.2 litres) and the Region of the Americas (7.5 litres). These regions have notably higher average alcohol consumption compared to the global average of 5.5 litres.
2. Average Consumption Among Drinkers:
   • Among drinkers, the average consumption is about 27 grams of pure alcohol per day. This is approximately equivalent to two glasses of wine, two bottles of beer (33cl each), or two servings of spirits (4cl each).
3. Heavy Episodic Drinking:
   • In 2019, 38% of current drinkers engaged in heavy episodic drinking, defined as consuming at least 60 grams of pure alcohol on one or more occasions in the preceding month. This level of drinking is associated with increased health risks.
   • Heavy episodic drinking was more prevalent among men.
4. Alcohol Consumption Among 15-19 Year Olds:
   • Globally, 23.5% of all 15–19 year olds were current drinkers in 2019.
   • The highest rates of current drinking among 15–19 year olds were in the European region (45.9%), followed by the Americas (43.9%).

These statistics highlight both the global trends and regional variations in alcohol consumption, as well as specific risks associated with heavy episodic drinking and consumption among younger populations.

Effective treatment options for substance use disorders are available; however, treatment coverage remains significantly limited. In 2019, the proportion of individuals accessing substance use treatment services ranged widely, from under 1% to a maximum of 35% across countries that reported data.

A large majority of the 145 countries providing data did not allocate specific budget lines or document governmental expenditures for treating substance use disorders. Furthermore, despite the beneficial role of mutual help and peer support groups, nearly half of the surveyed countries indicated that such support groups were not available for individuals with substance use disorders.

Several factors contribute to these gaps in treatment, including stigma, discrimination, and misconceptions about the effectiveness of available treatments. Additionally, the low prioritization of substance use disorders by health and development agencies exacerbates these challenges.

To accelerate progress towards achievement of SDG target 3.5 (which focuses on strengthening prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol), governments and partners are to intensify actions in the following strategic areas:

• increase awareness through a coordinated global advocacy campaign;
• strengthen prevention and treatment capacity of health and social care systems;
• scale up training of health professionals;
• re-commit to the implementation of the Global Alcohol Action Plan 2022-2030 with a focus on the SAFER package;
• accelerate international efforts on capacity-building and knowledge transfer;
• engage civil society organizations, professional associations and people with lived experience;
• improve multi-level monitoring systems and corresponding research capacity; and
• scale up resource mobilization, allocation, and innovative funding mechanisms to strengthen capacity of health and social systems.

By focusing on these strategic areas, governments and partners can work towards reducing the health and social burden associated with substance use and contribute to achieving SDG target 3.5 effectively.

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Ghana, a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, is poised to become a hub for business tourism in West Africa. As the industry continues to grow, it is essential to prioritize sustainable practices that benefit both the economy and the environment. In this article, we will explore the potential of business tourism in Ghana and its impact on sustainable development.

The Rise of Business Tourism in Ghana

In recent years, Ghana has witnessed a significant increase in business travel, driven by the country’s strategic location, improved infrastructure, and favorable business environment. The government’s efforts to promote tourism as a key sector have also contributed to this growth. According to the World Bank, tourism accounted for 5.9% of Ghana’s GDP in 2019, with revenue reaching $3.7 billion ¹.

Sustainable Impact of Business Tourism

Business tourism has the potential to contribute significantly to Ghana’s sustainable development goals. By adopting eco-friendly practices and supporting local communities, business travelers can make a positive impact on the environment and the economy. Some ways business tourism can drive sustainable impact in Ghana include:

• Job creation and income generation: Business tourism can create employment opportunities in the hospitality and tourism sectors, contributing to local economic growth.
• Infrastructure development: Investment in tourism infrastructure, such as hotels and conference centers, can stimulate economic growth and improve the overall quality of life.
• Cultural exchange and preservation: Business tourism can facilitate cultural exchange between visitors and locals, promoting cross-cultural understanding and preserving Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.
• Environmental conservation: Eco-friendly tourism practices can support conservation efforts and promote sustainable use of natural resources.

Challenges and Opportunities
While business tourism presents numerous opportunities for sustainable impact, there are challenges that need to be addressed. Some of these challenges include:

• Infrastructure constraints: Ghana’s tourism infrastructure requires further development to accommodate the growing demand for business travel.
• Environmental degradation: The industry’s growth must be balanced with sustainable practices to mitigate environmental impacts.
• Community engagement: Local communities must be involved in the tourism development process to ensure equitable distribution of benefits.

Conclusion
Business tourism has the potential to drive sustainable impact in Ghana by creating jobs, stimulating infrastructure development, promoting cultural exchange, and supporting environmental conservation. However, addressing the challenges facing the industry is crucial to ensuring that business tourism contributes to Ghana’s sustainable development goals. By prioritizing sustainable practices and community engagement, Ghana can unlock the full potential of business tourism and cement its position as a leading destination in West Africa.

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