Ghana Roundup: Erratic power supply, food inflation soars, emergency health funds
Erratic power supply
The power outage in Ghana, known as 'dumsor', has been a pressing issue due to technical challenges resulting from a lack of fuel. However, Samuel Atta Akyea, the Chairman of the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament has assured Ghanaians that the problem will be resolved soon. GhanaWeb reports that a committee has instructed the Electricity Company of Ghana to release a load-shedding timetable. Efforts are underway to address the fundamental problem and suspend the export of power until the issue is resolved. The president of the republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo also expressed commitment to addressing the power outage.
U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in Ghana
The U.S. Peace Corps has welcomed 20 new volunteers to Ghana, marking the largest cohort since the onset of COVID-19. These volunteers will work with local communities over the next two years to address critical needs, promote sustainable development, and build bridges of understanding. The Peace Corps in Ghana has a longstanding tradition of focusing on projects related to climate change, including tree nurseries and climate-smart agriculture. This swearing-in ceremony initiates their service in communities across Ghana. Virginia Palmer, the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, participated alongside Ghanaian officials, returning volunteers, and supporters in the official swearing-in ceremony of 20 new Peace Corps Volunteers, Myjoyonline reports.
Food inflation and currency stability
The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) Ghana has urged the Ghanaian government to tackle food inflation with an emphasis on its impact on total inflation. The institute also highlighted the need to increase foreign exchange earnings and reduce import demand to stabilise the Cedi currency. According to Ghana Business News, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Ernest Addison, reported a decline in headline inflation, but the IEA expressed concerns about the sustainability of relying on external funds to strengthen the currency. Ghana just like many African nations is grappling with a huge depreciation of its currency against the U.S. dollar.
Ivorian taxi driver flees to Ghana after alleged murder
An Ivorian taxi driver, Nduoba Essoi Fulgence, was arrested in Ghana for allegedly killing his girlfriend in Côte d'Ivoire. The Ghana Immigration Service apprehended him at a village near Anyinase in the Western Region and handed him over to the Ivorian Police for further legal proceedings on April 2. GhanaWeb reports that Fulgence stands accused of brutally slashing the throat of his girlfriend, known as Nda Abekan Anne or Ella, before fleeing to Ghana and initial investigations indicated that Fulgence may have attempted to seek refuge with relatives in the Edwakpole village, situated roughly 50 kilometres from Elubo.
Public health emergency fund
Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) and SEND GHANA have urged the Government of Ghana to establish a Public Health Emergency Fund to address current health challenges and improve epidemic preparedness financing. They argue that this fund would strengthen the country's health security capacities and ensure a rapid and effective response to health emergencies. The fund's establishment is seen as crucial for safeguarding the nation's health security and mitigating the spread of diseases, Modern Ghana reports. The Ghana Epidemic Preparedness Financing Advocacy campaign aims to enhance public health systems, advocate for improved health policies, and ensure universal access to healthcare.
