News
Minister of Health meets Management from World Bank
Management from the World Bank met today with the Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, to discuss the Ministry’s strategic health priorities and the government’s vision for the country’s healthcare system.
It was also to gather valuable stakeholder input on the World Bank’s Regional Health Program for Western and Central Africa and explore potential avenues for collaboration.
The meeting provided a platform for the Minister to outline key focus areas, including improving healthcare accessibility, enhancing the quality of services, and addressing critical health challenges faced by the nation.
Mr.Akandoh emphasized the importance of strengthening healthcare infrastructure, expanding access to essential services, removing financial barriers to healthcare, and ensuring the sustainability of health programmes to achieve long-term health outcomes for all citizens.
He highlighted that the government has set an ambitious goal to locally produce 60% of drugs and vaccines by 2040, enhance medical tourism, build more CHPS compounds, and introduce the Ghana Medical Trust Fund to support the treatment of chronic diseases not covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Rafiat Hasan, the Practice Manager from the World Bank, expressed the Bank’s commitment to supporting the Ministry’s efforts and discussed various mechanisms through which the global financial institution could provide assistance, including technical support, financing, and expertise.
She also proposed a multisectoral approach to adolescent health, one of the key priorities of the World Bank. This approach, she noted, requires coordinated efforts across various sectors, such as education, healthcare, nutrition, and social protection, to address the diverse and interconnected factors that influence adolescent well-being.
Mr.Akandoh welcomed the opportunity for continued collaboration, recognizing the vital role that international partnerships play in achieving the Ministry’s goals.
He highlighted the importance of fostering strong relationships with global organizations to attract much-needed resources and innovative solutions to meet the evolving health needs of the population.
Both parties agreed to explore specific projects that align with the Ministry’s health agenda, further solidifying the ongoing partnership between the Ministry of Health and the World Bank.
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.
