News
Ghana makes progress in TB case detection, treatment
Ghana in 2024 achieved the highest Tuberculosis (TB) treatment success rate of 90.6 per cent of the 20,599 new cases detected.
The current treatment rate exceeded the national TB treatment target of 90 per cent for 2025. Similarly, deaths among patients on anti-TB treatment was 12, 200, representing 5.1 per cent of TB death rate, a reduction in the previous trend ranging from eight to 10 per cent.
Despite the success chalked in TB cases detection, 24,000 of the estimated 44, 000 cases were missed due to inadequate funding, Dr Yaw Adusi-Poku, the Programme Manager, National TB Control Programme, said at the commemoration of the 2025 World TB Day in Accra on Monday.
He said, last year, Ghana identified 900 children with tuberculosis infections in the brain, spine and other organs, out of a projected target of 16,000 children.
Dr Adusi-Poku said the country presently needed commodities for TB treatment and control for the year 2025 and 2026.
He called on stakeholders to invest more in the screening of adults and children to aid in early case detection and treatment.
More than 70 districts have no GeneXpert machines and for Paediatric TB, Dr Adusi-Poku said, adding that currently only 77 facilities had digital x-ray machines.
Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minister of Health, called on all to take decisive actions to end TB.
He said the government was determined to increase funding for TB control activities, essential services and medical supplies.
“The government is committed to improving access to diagnostic tools like Gen Xpert and digital Xrays to ensure that no life is lost to TB,” the Minister said.
Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the Director General, Ghana Health Service (GHS), said Ghana had, over the years, lacked the will and resources to screen people and provide the needed treatment.
He said the fight against TB required a strong commitment from leaders at all levels, with adequate funding for prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Prof. Akoriyea said the GHS would intensify the capacity of healthcare workers to be abreast of the latest TB treatment interventions.
The World TB Day is celebrated on March 24, each year, to raise public awareness on the deadliest infectious killer and its devastating health, social and economic impact on people around the world.
The theme for this year’s celebration is: “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver.”
The World Health Organisation (WHO) urges countries to commit by ensuring rapid implementation of its guidance and policies, strengthen national strategies and full funding.
It called on leaders to invest in TB prevention with proper financing, stating that TB prevention success depends on community leadership, civil society action, and cross-sector collaboration.
News
Government, GoldFields,reach agreement on Damang Mine
The Government of Ghana and Goldfields Ghana Limited have reached an amicable agreement on a transitional plan for the Damang Mine.
The operational modalities of the transition involve issuing a new 12-month mining lease to Goldfields’ subsidiary, Abosso Goldfields Limited, pending parliamentary ratification in
May 2025.
Under the new arrangement, Goldfields will resume open-pit mining during the transition period, safeguarding jobs and conducting feasibility studies to establish Damang’s reserves and mine life.
At the same time, the processing of existing stockpiles will continue under the supervision of a joint management team composed of representatives from the Government of Ghana
and Goldfields. The two parties will work in good faith to secure a successful transition and eventual transfer of a viable mine to Ghanaian ownership.
Both parties have agreed to advance discussions in good faith on the renewal of the lease for the Tarkwa mine, due in 2027, and pledged to work together to enhance Ghana’s
potential in the mining sector as a favourable investment destination,
News
Ophelia Crossland appointed as new Creative Director of Nineteen57
In an exciting turn for Ghana’s fashion industry, celebrated designer Ophelia Crossland has officially assumed leadership of Nineteen57, the iconic menswear brand founded by her husband, Kofi Okyere-Darko (KOD).
This transition follows KOD’s recent appointment as Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President—a prestigious national role that reflects his continued service to Ghana on a global scale.
With this new chapter in public service, the reins of Nineteen57 have now passed to Ophelia Crossland, who will take on both the day-to-day operations and creative direction of the brand.
Ophelia Crossland, the CEO and founder of her eponymous womenswear label, brings over a decade of experience in luxury fashion.
Known for her keen eye for detail and mastery in haute couture, her leadership is expected to usher in a new era for Nineteen57—one that blends timeless African sophistication with modern sensibilities for the stylish gentleman.
“Nineteen57 has always stood for bold sophistication and African excellence,” said Ophelia Crossland. I’m excited to build on that legacy and explore new creative horizons with the team,” she said.
The transition marks a defining moment for the fashion power couple—Ophelia taking the creative lead in fashion innovation while KOD serves the nation in his new diplomatic role.
Together, they continue to elevate Ghana’s presence across fashion and governance.
