Category: English

Source: APO

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The Ministry for the Interior has unveiled groundbreaking initiatives aimed at reforming the Prison Service and strengthening the nation’s security architecture.

Speaking at the inaugural “Government Accountability Series” at the Presidency in Accra, Minister for the Interior, Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, announced a pivotal shift for the Prison Service, transforming it into a key contributor to national production and inmate rehabilitation.

As part of the government’s strategic efforts to resource state institutions and foster meaningful rehabilitation, the Ministry for the Interior has initiated discussions with the Ministry of Education to sign a Memorandum of Understanding. This landmark agreement will empower the Prison Service to supply:

• 20% of sanitary pads for the nation’s Free Sanitary Initiative.
• 30% of all school furniture procured by the government.
• 30% of all school uniforms distributed nationwide.

Alhaji Mohammed-Mubarak, articulating the rationale behind the initiative, stated that the initiative is designed to engender reforms within the nation’s prisons, where inmates are mostly caged.

“We are moving beyond mere incarceration to equip inmates with valuable skills, foster productivity, and prepare them for successful reintegration into society.

The Minister stated that the Ghana Police Service plays a critical role in upholding public order and supporting the government’s economic agenda.

He lauded the Service’s unwavering commitment to public safety, highlighting its sustained efforts against illegal mining operations.

These robust efforts have significantly curbed illicit activities in forest reserves and along water bodies, effectively preventing foreign nationals from engaging in small-scale mining and safeguarding the nation’s natural resources.

In response to the government’s 24-Hour Economy programme, Mohammed-Mubarak announced the establishment of a dedicated 24-Hour Economy Secretariat at the Police Headquarters in Accra. This secretariat is designed to provide round-the-clock security for businesses, ensuring the safe movement of goods and people, and fostering unhindered economic growth across the country.

The Minister further detailed the Ghana Police Service’s impressive successes in crime combat.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO

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The World Bank Board of Directors approved the Second Kenya Social and Economic Inclusion Project (KSEIP2) which will strengthen the country’s social protection systems and scale up safety net support to twelve million citizens, including elderly, women, adolescents, children and other age specific vulnerable groups–while advancing human capital development and economic inclusion.

The KSEIP2, a successor to the recently completed Kenya Social and Economic Inclusion Project (KSEIP), will build on the success and lessons learned from the relevant interventions implemented to enhance delivery systems for inclusive access to social and economic inclusion. It is financed by a $127.5 million investment from the International Development Association (IDA).

“Inclusive growth and poverty reduction are realized when there are more and better jobs as well as more accessible jobs for the poorest and most vulnerable populations,” said Qimiao Fan, World Bank Division Director for Kenya. “The project’s innovative elements will prepare today’s children and adolescents for healthy and productive adulthoods, help poorer families with sustainable livelihood enhancement, and ensure that hard-won gains are not lost to food insecurity during the times of drought or other crises.”

The project will scale up cash-plus programs for targeted age groups, complementing the existing cash transfers provided under the government’s flagship National Safety Net Program (NSNP). KSEIP2 will promote inclusive and sustainable employment through the introduction of climate-resilient income-generating activities and by linking beneficiaries to government social insurance schemes for long-term savings and resilience.

Given Kenya’s vulnerability to recurrent droughts in the North and Northeastern Counties, the project will also strengthen the efficacy of social protection system through investments in modernization and provision of emergency social assistance as temporary support to offset the adverse impact of such crisis.

“The Government of Kenya is committed to supporting opportunities for every Kenyan family to sustainably exit poverty and vulnerability. The KSEIP2 Project supports the government’s ambition on disrupting the vicious cycle of poverty by focusing on investments in children and adolescents, as well as households with productive capacity,” said Shubha Chakravarty, Senior Economist and the Task Team Leader, World Bank. “This objective will be achieved by working in synergy with other relevant government programs.”

The project is consistent with the FY23-FY28 World Bank Group Country Partnership Framework (CPF), particularly with the objectives of increasing household resilience, national preparedness for shocks response, and priorities around human capital development and jobs agenda. It is also in line with Kenya’s vision 2030 while supporting the constitutional commitment to “provide social security for all Kenyans who cannot support themselves”.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

Source: APO

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President John Dramani Mahama has announced that, beginning with the next cocoa season, Ghanaian cocoa farmers will receive no less than 70 per cent of the prevailing world market price for their produce.

Addressing a grand durbar of chiefs and residents in Juaboso on Tuesday, the President declared: “Let me be clear: we will honour our promise to pay our hardworking farmers 70 per cent of the world market price of cocoa. The sweat of our cocoa farmers deserves dignity and a fair reward.”

Key highlights

1. 70 % price guarantee: The new pricing formula will be reflected in the producer price set by the Producer Price Review Committee ahead of the upcoming 2025/26 crop year.

2. President Mahama announced that construction works will commence this quarter on the Juaboso–Asawinso trunk road, along with 120 km of feeder roads that link farming communities to key buying centres.

3. Government will distribute five million hybrid seedlings and scale up fertiliser subsidies to increase yields and maintain Ghana’s position as the world’s leading cocoa producer.

An additional 10,000 young people are being enrolled in the Cocoa Rehabilitation & Youth Entrepreneurship Programme to rejuvenate aged farms and create decent jobs in the sector.

President Mahama described cocoa as “the lifeblood of our rural economy” and emphasised that sustaining farmers’ livelihoods is central to Ghana’s growth agenda. The chiefs commended the President for honouring his pledges and called for continued collaboration to improve health, education, and market access in cocoa-growing areas.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has reinforced its support to Tanzania’s post-Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) recovery by handing over essential medical equipment worth over TZS 112 million to health authorities in Biharamulo District, one of the areas most affected by the outbreak.

The equipment package includes personal protective equipment (PPE), diagnostic tools, hospital beds, and emergency medical kits, critical to restoring routine health services and enhancing outbreak preparedness at the district level.

Speaking during the official handover ceremony, Dr. Galbert Fedjo, acting WHO Representative in Tanzania, reaffirmed WHO’s long-term support: “This handover is part of a broader commitment to strengthen outbreak preparedness and response capacities in Tanzania. We are proud to stand with the Government and the people of Tanzania on the road from recovery to resilience.”

The donation is part of a larger post-Marburg support package made possible through funding from the Government of the United Kingdom via the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Beyond medical supplies, the support has also contributed to risk communication, psychosocial recovery, and training of health workers across affected regions.

Receiving the equipment on behalf of the Government, The Director of Emergency at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Erasto Sylvanus, expressed appreciation to WHO and partners: “This support comes at a critical time as we continue to strengthen our health systems and ensure our frontline workers are equipped to handle future health emergencies. We thank WHO and the UK Government for standing with us.”

The Marburg Virus Disease outbreak was officially declared in March and successfully contained through rapid response efforts led by the Ministry of Health with support from WHO and partners. Today’s handover marks a significant step in the recovery phase and in enhancing Tanzania’s long-term public health emergency preparedness.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – United Republic of Tanzania.

Source: APO

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On July 16, the first Invest Zambia International Conference was held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre. The three-day event, themed “Driving Generational Transformative Investments through Joint Ventures and Partnerships”, attracted participation from government departments, enterprises, financial institutions, industry organizations and diplomats from over 20 countries, totaling more than 1,500 attendees.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema attended the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech. He stated that Zambia has created a stable, predictable, and investor-friendly environment with immense development potential in sectors such as mining, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and processing. Investors from various countries, including China, have made significant contributions to Zambia’s economic and social development. The Zambian government will strive to foster a better business environment and welcomes global investors to establish joint ventures in Zambia, boosting economic growth, job creation, value addition and technological innovation.

Ambassador Han Jing was present and delivered remarks. He noted that the practical cooperation between China and Zambia has flourished dynamically under the strategic guidance of the two head of state. China is Zambia’s largest source of investment, second-largest trading partner and the largest sponsor of this conference. Chinese enterprises, active across all sectors of Zambia’s economy and society, are vital participants and contributors to the nation’s development. The Chinese government consistently requires all Chinese enterprises to operate in compliance with laws and regulations and actively fulfill social responsibilities. Simultaneously, Ambassador Han stated China’s expectation that the Zambian government and all sectors of society will create a more favorable environment for Chinese enterprises investing and operating in Zambia.

Prior to the opening ceremony, Ambassador Han Jing accompanied President Hichilema on a tour of the Chinese enterprises exhibition. During the opening ceremony, they jointly witnessed the signing of multiple investment cooperation agreements between Chinese enterprises and Zambian counterparts in fields including power construction and new energy vehicles.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Zambia.

Source: APO

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Sierra Leone has taken a critical step toward advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with the convening of a high-level policy dialogue on the draft Sierra Leone Agency for Universal Health Coverage (SLAUHC) Bill. Organized on 6 May 2025 by the Ministry of Health with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), the one-day engagement brought together over 60 senior leaders in Freetown, including ministers, directors, and technical heads from across the health sector.

The proposed SLAUHC Bill outlines the establishment of a dedicated agency that will integrate and manage two major national health financing mechanisms, the Free Healthcare Initiative (FHCI) and the Sierra Leone Social Health Insurance Scheme (SLeSHI). The unified governance structure aims to address current fragmentation, improve the efficiency of health financing, and accelerate the country’s progress toward achieving UHC.

“This Bill is a transformative step in Sierra Leone’s journey toward sustainable health financing,” said Dr. Ibrahim F. Kamara, speaking on behalf of the WHO Country Representative. “It will strengthen institutional capacity, enhance accountability, and ensure equitable access to health services, particularly for the most vulnerable populations.”

The engagement served three key objectives: a comprehensive review of the draft legislation, consensus-building among stakeholders, and alignment with the Ministry of Health’s UHC Roadmap and SLeSHI implementation framework. The outcome is a consolidated and informed policy position ahead of the bill’s submission to the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC). 

Chief Medical Officer Dr Sartie Kenneh emphasized the importance of a comprehensive and inclusive approach to UHC: “the name and scope of the bill must reflect the broader dimensions required to achieve UHC. While health financing is a critical pillar, it is only one part of the equation. No healthcare service is truly free, while it may be free at the point of delivery, someone ultimately bears the cost. Therefore, we must collectively design a sustainable health financing model that ensures long-term viability. It is also prudent to allow the Free Healthcare Initiative and the Social Health Insurance Scheme to operate in tandem, to optimize coverage and ensure the full spectrum of healthcare costs is addressed.”

The proposed SLAUHC Agency responds to longstanding structural challenges in the health financing landscape. Currently, out-of-pocket payments account for 56% of total health expenditure, well above the sub-Saharan Africa average of 30%. Less than 1% of Sierra Leone’s population is covered by any social health protection scheme, exposing many to catastrophic health spending and pushing households further into poverty. Moreover, with 75% of health financing reliant on donor contributions, ensuring coherence with national priorities remains a pressing issue.

The draft bill is grounded in the Ministry’s Health Financing Strategy 2021–2025, which calls for the creation of a Universal Health Coverage Fund, integration with SLeSHI, and the development of operational and regulatory systems to support long-term health sector sustainability.

WHO has reaffirmed its full technical support to the Ministry in the finalization and operationalization of the SLAUHC Bill. This includes support for institutional design, capacity strengthening, cost-containment mechanisms, and the establishment of care quality and priority-setting frameworks.

Once enacted, the SLAUHC Agency will serve as a central institution for resource mobilization, regulation of financial flows, and oversight of major health benefit programs. It is expected to play a pivotal role in improving efficiency, transparency, and equity in health service delivery.

This high-level dialogue marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s health sector reform agenda. It paves the way for the establishment of a National Health Insurance Scheme and reinforces the country’s commitment to achieving health for all, leaving no one behind.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

Source: APO

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Government congratulates the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) as its news division marks 75 years of public service journalism. Since its inception in 1950, SABC News has played a critical role in informing, educating and empowering citizens across the country.

Over the decades, SABC News has evolved alongside South Africa’s democracy, covering the country’s most defining moments, from the struggle for liberation to the birth of a democratic state, and beyond. Its continued commitment to accessible and balanced reporting has cemented its role as a trusted source of information for millions of people in our country.

As part of today’s milestone, Government pays tribute to veteran journalist and International News Editor, Sophie Mokoena, who signs off from the public broadcaster after 31 years of outstanding service to SABC News and the nation. Mokoena’s reporting brought South Africans closer to the world and made global news more accessible and relevant to South African audiences. We commend her immense contribution to public broadcasting and wish her well in her future endeavours.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

Source: APO

When asked what she prefers at school, Francine, 12 years old, looks up with a shy smile. What she loves above all is discovering new things — especially in science. Later, she dreams of becoming a nurse.

Francine lives at the Kigonze displaced persons site, on the outskirts of Bunia, in Ituri. Like thousands of other children, she fled violence with her family, leaving behind her school, her friends, and her landmarks. Today, she lives with her aunt and follows a catch-up school program at Saint-Luc primary school, built on the site so that learning wouldn’t become a lost memory of exile.

It’s there that she discovered Bana Education, a radio program broadcast by Radio Okapi, designed to bring school to those who no longer have easy access to it.

When Learning Comes Through the Airwaves

In one of the classrooms, the teacher adjusts the volume of a speaker connected to a mobile phone. About thirty students listen attentively. The clear voice of a radio educator resonates in the room. The day’s lesson is about gallinaceous birds.

“We use live radio or the rebroadcasts they send us. Thanks to the teacher speaking in easy-to-understand terms, the children follow the lessons. We see that they understand better. They are more motivated,” explains the teacher.

In this school, as in others located in areas with limited access to scholastic instruction, Bana Education has become a pillar of education. A precious solution where textbooks are rare and teachers are understaffed.

Implemented by Radio Okapi, this program accompanies children experiencing school dropout or living in areas affected by conflicts. It offers educational support in mathematics, science, French, and general culture, in a simple, interactive, and adapted manner.

At Saint-Luc school, which hosts 978 students, including 555 girls, children are divided into three levels according to their educational background. The radio program is integrated into classes to expand access to education.

Concrete and Encouraging Results

Loti Benoît, director of the institution, testifies: “Many children here are in precarious situations. Some have lost several years of schooling after fleeing violence. We sometimes welcome them without report cards, without clear history. Bana Education is precious support. Children want to learn. When they hear the radio, their eyes light up.“

He emphasizes the program’s impact, particularly for children in examination classes: “Several ENAFEP questions focused on concepts heard in the broadcasts, especially in general culture. This helps strengthen their level.“

Listening, Learning… and Still Dreaming

Eliya, 14 years old, is in sixth grade. He fled the territory of Djugu with his family. He confirms the program’s usefulness: “I love the science classes. On the ENAFEP, there was a question about oviparous animals. I knew how to answer because I had heard it in Bana Education!” His dream: to become a doctor to “heal people in the community.”

At the TARAJA school catch-up center, also in Bunia, Évodi, a third-level student, recounts: “This program saves me. What I don’t understand well in class, I listen to again at home during holidays. Once, I had homework on adverbial phrases, I understood nothing. Then I listened to Bana Education, I did my exercise well and got a good grade.“

Education, Even at a Distance

Bana Education is much more than a school broadcast. It’s a ray of hope broadcast daily over the airwaves. An appointment that thousands of children await, sometimes gathered around an old radio in their reception center or at home.

In a province marked by years of conflict, it gives meaning back to learning, structures days, brings continuity… and above all, dignity.

In Ituri, in a region still marked by conflicts, education remains a daily challenge.

Today, thanks to this initiative carried by Radio Okapi with MONUSCO support, aid takes another form — that of a voice, knowledge, a lesson. Because a child who learns is a child who hopes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

Source: APO

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As part of Mandela Month, the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Ms Nonceba Mhlauli, will participate in the #67MinutesOfMentorship programme hosted by The Mentorship Boardroom, a platform committed to nurturing talent and expanding leadership networks across sectors.

The Deputy Minister will mentor Ms Ntandokazi on Friday, 18 July 2025, as part of the Mandela Day commemorations. 

Ntandokazi is a dynamic young economist who holds a Master’s degree in Economics from Fordham University and currently serves as an Analyst at the National Treasury. She is passionate about development economics, impact investing, and public finance.

This mentorship session forms part of government’s broader commitment to youth empowerment, leadership development, and inclusive economic growth. It also highlights the importance of knowledge transfer between experienced leaders and emerging professionals in driving national development.

The engagement will focus on:

– Navigating career pathways in development finance and policy;

– Strengthening leadership and strategic competencies for young professionals;

– Fostering networks that support public-interest finance and investment;

– Encouraging young women in economics and public service to lead with purpose.

Through this initiative, the Deputy Minister reaffirms her commitment to building a generation of capable, ethical, and driven young professionals who can contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s development agenda.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to developing vital infrastructure, announcing the launch of extensive road construction and rehabilitation projects across the Western North Region.

This will be carried out under his flagship ‘Big Push Infrastructure Programme’, a $10 billion initiative aimed at significantly improving national connectivity and economic development.

Addressing a durbar of enthusiastic chiefs and people in Juaboso, as part of his ongoing nationwide ‘Thank You Tour’, President Mahama directly responded to a heartfelt appeal from the Western North Regional House of Chiefs.

The Chiefs had passionately articulated the pressing need for improved road networks, emphasising that their overwhelming support for him and the NDC in the 2024 elections was a clear demonstration of their profound trust in his leadership.

“I have heard your concerns about the roads connecting our farming communities and our markets,” President Mahama stated, acknowledging the region’s vital role in the national economy. “These roads are crucial arteries for moving cocoa, timber, food products, and people across our country. They are not a luxury; they are a fundamental necessity.”

The President assured the gathering that many of these crucial arteries, including vital cocoa roads that had previously experienced delays, will now undergo accelerated completion and new development as part of the ambitious ‘Big Push’ Programme.
“I assure you that these critical projects have been fully captured under our transformative $10 billion Big Push Infrastructure Programme,” he reiterated.

Detailing the scope of this unprecedented commitment, President Mahama explained, “The ‘Big Push’ is a strategic commitment to inject at least $2 billion annually into infrastructure development, with its rollout commencing robustly in the 2025 national budget.”

He further added, “We are dedicating substantial resources and deploying expert technical teams to ensure these roads are completed on schedule, transforming the landscape for our farmers, traders, and communities across the Western North Region.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.