Ghana Roundup: Kidnap and cybercrime, meningitis outbreak, renewable energy efforts
Ghana commissions 50-megawatt solar power plant
Ghana has embarked on a significant renewable energy initiative with the commissioning of a 50-megawatt solar power plant in Galgu, Yendi Municipality, through a collaboration between the Bui Power Authority (BPA) and First Sky Limited. This $59 million venture forms part of a broader strategy aimed at achieving 500 megawatts of solar capacity, as Ghana seeks to realise its ambition of incorporating 10% renewable energy into its national mix by the year 2030. The Chief Executive Officer of BPA, Samuel Kofi Dzamesi, has highlighted the plant's potential benefits for enhancing energy security and fostering economic growth in northern Ghana, indicating positive implications for job creation and further investments in the region. Plans for additional solar installations in Yapei and Salaga are also underway, complementing the existing efforts in Yendi, Solar Quarter reports.
WHO supports Ghana to combat meningitis outbreak
Amidst advancements in energy, Ghana is currently grappling with a critical health crisis in the form of a burgeoning bacterial meningitis outbreak in the Upper West Region, where cases have surged from 42 to 60, resulting in 14 reported fatalities. In response to the escalating situation, the World Health Organization (WHO) has extended urgent assistance by supplying 10,600 vials of Ceftriaxone, valued at approximately $23,000, to bolster treatment initiatives. Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has acknowledged the vital nature of this donation, especially in light of concurrent outbreaks affecting the nation. Supplementing this effort, WHO has dispatched Dr. Nicolō Binello, a meningitis specialist, to work closely with Ghana's health authorities, enhancing clinical care and developing relevant response strategies. Furthermore, the Ghana Health Service is intensifying public education campaigns and providing free treatment to mitigate mortality risks, demonstrating a concerted approach to control the outbreak and safeguard public health.
Free issuance of Ghana cards
The National Identification Authority (NIA) has recently declared that the initial issuance of the Ghana Card will be available at no cost at its 276 Operational District Offices. Despite this, fees have been introduced for first-time card issuance at Premium Centres: GH₵310.00 for new cards, GH₵125.00 for card replacements, and GH₵420.00 for updating records alongside replacements. Other associated services, such as nationality updates, are priced at GH₵70.00, while record updates remain complimentary at district offices but incur a charge of GH₵310.00 at Premium Centres. According to citinewsroom, this initiative is strategically designed to streamline the identification process for citizens and enhance access to various government services.
Language barrier
The ongoing discourse on language and its impact on national development has been highlighted by Suhum MP Frank Asiedu, who has raised alarm over the persistence of language barriers that impede Ghana's progress. He asserts that despite achieving political independence, Ghana remains linguistically colonised, fostering a detrimental perception of non-English speakers. In light of this, Asiedu has announced intentions to introduce legislation that promotes multilingualism within the country. According to gbcghanaonline, he proposed a systematic review of the languages taught in schools every decade and suggested that any language spoken by a minimum of 35% of Ghanaians over a ten-year period should be recognised as a national language. This endeavour, he believes, is essential to unlocking Ghana's full potential and contributing to meaningful social reconstruction.
Nigerians arrested over alleged kidnapping of American
The FBI and local police in Ghana have apprehended two Nigerian nationals, Emmanuel Adedoyin Adebayor (28) and Esther Ogbonna, in connection with the alleged kidnapping of American national Diana Christine Nelson, Ghanabusinessnews reports. Another suspect, identified as Dennis Poromo, remains at large. The detainees face serious charges including conspiracy, kidnapping, and theft, with Adebayor and Ogbonna asserting their not-guilty pleas. The court has set their bail at GH¢500,000, conditional upon their reporting to police bi-monthly. The victim, aged 80, was reportedly lured to Ghana, where she was subsequently held captive following her arrival on November 22, 2024. Adebayor's arrest occurred during an attempt to withdraw funds from Nelson’s bank account using her ATM card. Investigations reveal that the suspects allegedly misappropriated over $15,000 from her account while simultaneously demanding a ransom of $150,000 from her family. Furthermore, the suspects are believed to have sold her personal possessions yet failed to recuperate all items. The legal proceedings related to this case have been postponed to March 5, 2025.
