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Over 40% of Ghanaian Girls Infected with STIs -New KNUST Study Reveals

By
RICHARD OWUSU-AKYAW
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Dr. Laud Anthony Basing - Department of Medical Diagnostics, KNUST

A new national study has uncovered alarming rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among Ghanaian adolescent girls and young women, raising concerns over a silent reproductive health crisis in the country.

The research, led by Dr. Laud Anthony Basing, of the Department of Medical Diagnostics at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), found that more than 40% of girls, aged 15 to 24 years, tested positive for at least one STI — with most showing no symptoms.

The findings, which were published on the website of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), form part of a national cross-sectional study titled “Mapping Reproductive Tract Infections among Ghanaian Youth.”

The research covered 2,978 participants from 23 institutions across nine regions, including senior high schools, universities, head porter (kayayei) communities, and female sex worker networks.

Dr. Basing said the data reveal a hidden but growing public health threat among young women, who are often unaware of their infection status.

“Many of these young women do not show signs of infection, meaning they go untreated and continue to spread STIs unknowingly. This underscores the urgent need for expanded diagnostic screening and access to affordable testing across Ghana.”

The study identified Chlamydia Trachomatis as the most prevalent bacterial STI, affecting 23.2% of participants, followed by Neisseria Gonorrhoeae (8.0%), Trichomonas Vaginalis (7.1%) and Mycoplasma Genitalium (1.4%).

It also recorded widespread Candida infections, present in 57.5% of participants. Candida Albicans accounted for 65.6% of the cases, while non-Albicans species such as C. Glabrata, C. Tropicalis and C. Krusei were also detected.

Dr. Basing, who is also the founder and CEO of Incas Diagnostics, warned that the country’s syndromic management system, which relies on visible symptoms for diagnosis, misses most infections among young women.

He urged policymakers to strengthen routine STI screening in schools and youth centres, integrate comprehensive sexual health education and invest in locally manufactured diagnostic tools to improve accessibility and reduce costs.

The KNUST Researcher, who has collaborated with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other international partners, emphasised that addressing the problem requires multi-sectoral action to break the cycle of silent infections and protect the reproductive health of Ghana’s young women.

“Our findings show that we can no longer ignore the hidden burden of STIs among young women. Preventive education, early testing and access to affordable diagnostics are key to reversing this trend.”

 

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PURC holds public hearing on proposed Tariff increment

By
ERNEST BEST ANANE
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Dr Shafic, the Executive Secretary of PURC

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has held a public hearing in Kumasi to discuss the proposed tariff increment for utility services.

Last Tuesday’s hearing, which took place at the Prempeh Assembly Hall, drew a diverse range of stakeholders, including chiefs, assembly members, community residents and industry representatives.

Some participants contribute to questions time segment

Dr. Shafic Suleman, Executive Secretary of PURC, acknowledged the financial burden of utility bills on households and businesses, but emphasised the need for fair and reliable services.

Dr. Suleman assured the public that the PURC was committed to a transparent and fair tariff-setting process, balancing the needs of utility providers with the affordability concerns of consumers

The public hearing provided a platform for individuals and groups to voice their concerns and offer suggestions on the proposed tariff adjustments.

Dr. Shafic Suleman stated that the PURC understand the financial burden that utility bills can place on households and businesses.

However, it is also essential to recognise that maintaining and improving the quality of utility services requires adequate investment.

According to him, their aim is to strike a balance between affordability and the need to ensure that consumers receive reliable and efficient services.

The Executive Secretary reiterated that the PURC’s commitment to fair and transparent tariff setting is expected to ensure that utility services remain accessible and affordable for all Ghanaians.

He disclosed that the feedback received during the public hearing will be carefully considered as the PURC finalizes its determination of tariffs for the 2025-2030 period.

 

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Asanko Gold commissions GH¢2.3m multipurpose community centre for Manso Nkran

By
SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
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Dr. Charles Amoah, MD Asanko Gold, addressing the forum

Asanko Gold Ghana has commissioned a multipurpose Community Centre for residents of Manso Nkran in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region.

The facility, fully-funded by Asanko Gold Ghana, through its Social Responsibility Foundation (SRF) Development Fund, as part of the mine’s broader multi-sectoral corporate social responsibility agenda, cost over GHC2.3 million.

Omanhene Nana Bi-Kusi Appiah speaking at the commissioning ceremony

It will serve as a central hub for knowledge sharing, cultural exchange, community gatherings, training and development programmes.

Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Asanko Gold Ghana, Dr. Charles Amoah, said the facility is designed to address infrastructure gaps and promote social cohesion within its host communities.

“From the Kwabenaso Primary School and the five-unit Asuadai Teachers’ Bungalows, to the 60-bed Esaase Hospital and the many Community Centres we have built, each stands as clear evidence of our multi-million-dollar investment in improving lives and strengthening community infrastructure across our host communities.

“Together, they reflect our conviction that responsible mining must advance side by side with social progress,” he noted.

Dr. Charles Amoah said as part of the Asanko’s five-year development plan, the company has introduced and actively implementing several impactful initiatives designed to empower the host communities, enhance livelihoods and build resilience.

Nana Bi-KusiAppiah assisting Dr. Amoah to commission the facility

“These include the Asanko Scholarship Scheme, which has awarded full educational support to 15 brilliant but needy students, a soap-making initiative empowering women and youth with livelihood skills and income-generating opportunities,” he said.

He disclosed that, “The company has also launched an Agro Input Support Program to boost agricultural productivity and food security in host communities”.

Dr. Amoah also mentioned that a modern 10-seater toilet facility has been constructed for the Kwankyeabo community, improving sanitation and promoting better hygiene and public health standards.

He said the company’s efforts are also aligned with the Government of Ghana’s vision, to ensure that communities around mining operations receive real and lasting benefits and assured that Asanko Gold Ghana will continue to invest heavily in infrastructure, human capital and sustainable initiatives that directly benefit the people within the operational area.

The GH¢2.3m community centre

The Paramount Chief of Manso Nkwanta, Nana Bi-Kusi Appiah, while speaking at the commissioning ceremony expressed gratitude to Asanko Gold Ghana for the initiative, which he said would significantly benefit the community.

He urged residents in the Manso enclave to halt attacks on Asanko Gold and resort to dialogue with the traditional council to settle tensions.

His appeal trails the recent violent clashes between the youth of Mpatuam and Tontokrom and soldiers guarding the mines, which resulted in the death of a local assembly member and extensive damage to properties belonging to sub-contractors of the mining company.

Nana Bi-KusiAppiah condemned the recurring hostilities and entreated residents to prioritise peace and cooperation to foster development.

The Omanhene also pushed for more critical investments for communal development that would promote peace and stability in the area.

 

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Tourism Minister inaugurates governing board of Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Governing board of Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park

The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie has inaugurated the new governing board of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, commending President John Dramani Mahama for appointing a competent team and urging members to serve with integrity in preserving one of Ghana’s most iconic heritage sites.

Chaired by Mrs. Anne Asantewaa Sackey, the board is tasked with preserving and enhancing the legacy of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, while promoting the park as a world-class heritage and tourism destination.

Members of the board include, Anne Asantewaa Sackey (Chair), Collins R. Nunyonameh Ph.D, Dr. Michael Mensah, Paul Parker Atitsogbui ESQ, Abraham Eghan, Bob Denis Ahiagble, Fafa Afua Adinyra, Belinda Alijata Suleman and Awudu Lah Jnr. Baguah all members

Also present were Yussif Issaka Jajah, Deputy Minister, the Chief Director, and senior officials of the Ministry.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Accra, the minister expressed her gratitude to the board members for accepting the responsibility to oversee one of Ghana’s most significant national heritage institutions.

She emphasised the critical role the board will play in ensuring the park’s sustainability, development, and alignment with national cultural and tourism priorities.

“The survival or otherwise of this institution depends to a large extent on you,” she stated.  “You are more than equal to the task, given your individual accomplishments in life.”

Dzifa Gomashie urged the board to provide strategic leadership, ensure efficient resource management, and promote transparency, accountability, and collaboration with stakeholders.

She also extended her appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for appointing what she described as a competent and visionary team to lead.

She expressed confidence in their capacity to protect and enhance the legacy of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President and a Pan-African luminary.

She underscored the importance of the park as a sacred national site dedicated to preserving and showcasing the legacy of Dr Nkrumah.

“To be entrusted with the stewardship of this monumental site is not an honour we take lightly. Our mission is clear: to preserve the legacy of the park while enhancing it as a world-class destination for education, inspiration, and tourism,” she added.

Chief Director of the Ministry, Joseph Kwasi Amoah, also welcomed the new board members and acknowledged their crucial role in ensuring the effectiveness and sustainability of the institution.

“Without a governing board, no matter what the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park does, we cannot describe it as complete,” he noted.

Prison taught me to separate social media hype from real life – Akuapem Poloo

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Akuapem Poloo

Socialite and Actress Rosemond Brown, known in showbiz as Akuapem Poloo, says her past mistakes and legal troubles have taught her to separate social media hype from real life.

The actress admitted that her obsession with online validation once blinded her to consequences in a conversation with Giovani Caleb on TV3 monitored by MyNewsGh.

“Don’t let social media fool you,” she advised. “That’s what happened to me. I used to post without thinking. I didn’t even watch my videos before uploading them. I just wanted likes, views, and shares.”

The actress, who became infamous for her controversial posts and unfiltered commentary, says fame once made her reckless. “When I posted something and saw it going viral, I felt powerful,” she confessed. “But that same power brought me down.”

After serving time in prison and converting to Islam, Poloo says she now values peace over popularity. “You have to think before you act,” she said. “Life is bigger than social media trends.”

Her transformation, she insists, isn’t an act. “I’ve truly changed. I no longer insult or pick fights online. I just share joy, laughter, and positivity.”

Despite public criticism, Poloo says the love Ghanaians showed her after her conviction was overwhelming.

“The #FreePoloo campaign saved me,” she recalled. “That’s when I realized Ghanaians genuinely care. It made me cry.”

She also used the moment to thank the Mahama family for their quiet support. “The First Lady reached out to my mom and helped with my bail. I’ll forever be grateful,” she said.

Reflecting on her journey from viral controversy to redemption, Poloo had one final message for young creators; “Be careful what you post. Social media is not life. Likes and comments can’t fix your mistakes.”

Spyy Entertainment is redefining events in Western Region – CEO

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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John Asamoah Assasie, CEO of Spyy Entertainment

The Western Region’s entertainment landscape is quietly but steadily being redefined, thanks to the strategic rise of Spyy Entertainment. From hosting premium music experiences to grooming fresh talents for the big stage, the company has positioned itself as one of the most influential forces shaping events in the region today.

Founded in 2016, Spyy Entertainment has built a solid reputation for producing well-curated shows that not only entertain but also empower the creative community. Over the years, the company has been behind several standout moments in the region’s entertainment calendar, including high-profile listening parties, street carnivals, and collaborations with major music industry stakeholders.

One of its recent headline events, the official unveiling and listening party of fast-rising Afrobeat/Highlife act Yaw Jus at Shocks Hub, Takoradi Mall was more than just a show. It was a statement of intent: that the Western Region can host events with the same class, coordination, and energy as the nation’s capital.

Another major highlight came when Spyy Entertainment partnered to host the Takoradi edition of the Aso @ 20 celebration, a landmark concert marking 20 years of the timeless hit “Aso” by award-winning Highlife artiste Kwabena Kwabena. The event brought a wave of nostalgia and elegance to Takoradi, giving fans in the Western Region a taste of Accra-style premium live performances without having to travel far.

Spyy Entertainment’s vision goes beyond the lights and music. The company, under the leadership of its CEO, John Asamoah Assasie (popularly known as John Asaasie), is determined to build an ecosystem that supports both audiences and artists.

“Takoradi and the entire Western Region deserve more than just shows; they deserve premium experiences,” said John Asaasie. “Our goal is to take event organisation here to the next level, creating memorable moments while grooming and projecting homegrown talents to the national and international stage.”

This focus on excellence has earned the company recognition from industry players, including the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), and made it a trusted partner in shaping the regional entertainment scene.

Beyond events, Spyy has also been visible in community development. From supporting orphanages with building materials to providing platforms for emerging creatives, the company’s footprint reflects a deliberate blend of business and impact.

Entertainment analysts say Spyy Entertainment’s rise is timely. As more attention turns to regional economies and creative industries outside Accra, companies that can deliver quality and create opportunities for young people are becoming invaluable.

Takoradi has long been known for its vibrant nightlife and rich cultural identity. With players like Spyy Entertainment leading the charge, the region is not just hosting events, it is building a legacy.

President Zelenskyy strips Mayor of Odesa of his Ukrainian citizenship

By
admin
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Recently removed Mayor of Odesa Gennadiy Trukhanov

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stripped the mayor of Odesa, Gennadiy Trukhanov, of Ukrainian citizenship over allegations that he possesses a Russian passport.

The Ukrainian leader has instead appointed a military administration to run the country’s biggest port city on the Black Sea, with a population of about 1 million.

“The Ukrainian citizenship of the mayor of Odesa, Gennadiy Trukhanov, has been suspended,” Ukraine’s SBU security service announced on the Telegram messaging app on Tuesday, citing a decree signed by Zelenskyy.

The SBU accused the mayor of “possessing a valid international passport from the aggressor country”.

Ukraine prohibits its citizens from also holding citizenship in Russia, which launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and the move against Trukhanov could see him deported from the country.

In a post on social media, Zelenskyy said he had held a meeting with the head of the SBU, which had reported on “countering Russian agent networks and collaborators in the front-line and border regions, as well as in the south of our country”.

The SBU chief “confirmed… the fact that certain individuals hold Russian citizenship – relevant decisions regarding them have been prepared. I have signed the decree”, Zelenskyy said.

A former member of parliament, Trukhanov has been the mayor of Odesa since 2014. He has consistently denied accusations of holding Russian citizenship, an allegation that has dogged him throughout his political career.

Credit: aljazeera.com

Madagascar military seize power as president moves to ‘safe place’

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admin
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Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina

An elite military unit says it has seized power in Madagascar from President Andry Rajoelina following weeks of youth-led protests in the Indian Ocean island.

Standing outside the presidential palace on Tuesday, CAPSAT chief Col Michael Randrianirina said the military would form a government and hold elections within two years. He also suspended key democratic institutions, like the electoral commission.

Gen Z protesters will be part of the changes because “the movement was created in the streets so we have to respect their demands”, he added.

Troops and protesters have been celebrating the apparent ousting of President Rajoelina, with thousands waving flags in the capital, Antananarivo.

CAPSAT, or the Personnel Administration and Technical and Administrative Services Corps, is the most powerful military unit in Madagascar.

The unit supported Rajoelina when he came into power in 2009, but joined the protesters on Saturday.

Madagascar’s constitutional court has named Col Randrianirina as the country’s new leader, even though a statement from the president’s office said he was still in charge and denounced what it described as an “attempted coup d’etat”.

Rajoelina’s whereabouts are unknown, but he has said he is sheltering in a “safe place” following an alleged attempt on his life by “military personnel and politicians”. CAPSAT has denied any involvement in any such move.

There have been unconfirmed reports that the president was flown out of the country on a French military aircraft.

Also on Tuesday the US state department urged all sides “to pursue a peaceful solution in line with the constitutional order”.

The unrest began just over two weeks ago, after a youth-led movement began protesting against chronic water and power cuts across the country.

Credit: bbc.com

China seizes 60,000 maps over ‘mislabelled’ Taiwan

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admin
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Customs officers recently seized a batch of maps bound for export

Chinese customs officers in eastern Shandong province have seized 60,000 maps that “mislabelled” the self-governed island of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as part of its territory.

The maps, authorities said, also “omitted important islands” in the South China Sea, where Beijing’s claims overlap with those of its neighbours, including the Philippines and Vietnam.

The “problematic” maps, meant for export, cannot be sold because they “endanger national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity” of China, authorities said.

Maps are a sensitive topic for China and its rivals for reefs, islands and outcrops in the South China Sea.

China Customs said that the maps also did not contain the nine-dash line, which demarcates Beijing’s claim over nearly the entire South China Sea.

The line comprises nine dashes which extends hundreds of miles south and east from its most southerly province of Hainan.

The seized maps also did not mark the maritime boundary between China and Japan, authorities said.

Authorities said the maps mislabelled “Taiwan province”, without specifying what exactly the mislabelling was.

China sees self-ruled Taiwan its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to take the island. But Taiwan sees itself as distinct from the Chinese mainland, with its own constitution and democratically-elected leaders.

The statement from China Customs did not say where the seized maps were intended to be sold. China supplies much of the world’s goods, from Christmas lights to stationery.

The confiscation of “problematic maps” by Chinese customs officers is not uncommon – though the number of the maps seized in Shandong easily eclipses past seizures. Goods that fail inspection at the customs are destroyed.

Credit: bbc.com

UK targets Russian oil market in fresh sanctions

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admin
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Rosneft, the target of new UK sanctions

Britain is targeting Russia’s largest oil companies and the country’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers in a bid to cut off Vladimir Putin’s ability to fund the war in Ukraine.

The UK government is also pursuing a major Indian oil refinery and four Chinese oil terminals in a package of 90 new sanctions.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the move was expected to have a significant impact on Russia’s economy and its ability to sustain military operations in Ukraine.

“We are sending a clear signal: Russian oil is off the market,” she said ahead of a meeting in Washington DC with global counterparts to discuss Russian sanctions.

Reeves said the government was “significantly stepping up the pressure on Russia and Vladimir Putin’s war effort.”

Russia’s two largest oil companies – Lukoil and Rosneft – will be hit with sanctions, Reeves said on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) annual meeting.

“At the same time, we are ramping up pressure on companies in third countries, including India and China, that continue to facilitate getting Russian oil onto global markets,” she said.

“There is no place for Russian oil on global markets and we will take whatever actions are necessary to destroy the capability of the Russian government to continue this illegal war in Ukraine.”

The government was also sanctioning 44 tankers that operate in Russia’s “shadow fleet” transporting oil around the world, Reeves said in a joint statement with the Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.

The two Russian oil firms export 3.1 million barrels of oil per day. Rosneft is responsible for nearly half of all Russian oil production, which makes up 6% of the global output, according to the government.

Credit: bbc.com

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