Ghana Roundup: Fraud, debt restructuring, Black Starlets coach resigns, NHIA initiatives

Debt restructuring

Ghana's debt restructuring is progressing as bilateral creditors sent a draft memorandum of understanding for their $5.4 billion part of the deal. The process has been marked by credit downgrades, interest rate hikes, and loans from international institutions, citinewsroom reports. In January 2023, Ghana requested debt restructuring under the G20's Common Framework process.

Suspected kidnap case

Ghanaian woman, Afiba Abigail Tandoh, is missing in Nigeria's Abia State, along with a Nigerian friend. According to GhanaWeb, they were last seen in Aba and there are suspicions of kidnapping. Reports indicate that they were in Nigeria for a wedding that was cancelled and had gone for business-related activities. An arrest has been made in connection with their disappearance. Their families and authorities are urgently trying to locate them.

NHIA collaborates to promote health initiatives

NHIA is engaging with health service providers to implement preventive and promotive health initiatives. The goal is to address key health issues and improve the efficiency of the National Health Insurance Scheme. Stakeholders discussed resource allocation and community outreach activities to operationalize the initiative. The NHIA and its partners are urging the public to actively participate in the upcoming programmes, according to the Ghana News Agency. The initiative is supported by the Ghana Health Service, Christian Health Association of Ghana, and the Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana. Dr Anarfi Asamoa-Baah, former Deputy Director-General of the World Health Organisation, chairs the committee facilitating implementation.

Fraud

Two Ghanaian-American citizens, Kelvin Nkwantabisa and Justice Amoh, have been arrested in the United States for their involvement in a $7 million global fraud scheme, which took place over three years. The scheme involved wire fraud and money laundering, with the suspects posing as legitimate business partners to trick victims into wiring money into their bank accounts. The suspects and their co-conspirators now face federal charges and could potentially face decades in prison, GhanaWeb reports.

Black Starlets coach resigns

The Ghana Football Association has accepted Laryea Kingston's resignation as Black Starlets coach but has made allegations of inappropriate behaviour. Kingston announced his resignation following a defeat to Burkina Faso and cited a focus on his coaching career. During his tenure, the team scored 54 goals and conceded 15, GhanaWeb reports.