Africa News from a Ghanaian Lens

Africa news covered from a Ghanaian lens: regional politics, economies, and the events shaping the continent. Curated from leading newsrooms and updated through the day, newest first.

Parts of Cape Coast were also submerged after the rains
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Environmental Crisis Grips Ghana as Research Warns of Wetland Loss Amidst Waste Failures and Galamsey Flooding

Ghana is facing a critical convergence of environmental threats as new scientific research highlights the rapid degradation of vital wetlands, while urban centers grapple with a burgeoning waste management collapse and the devastating impacts of illegal mining. Recent studies led by Dr. Cynthia Laar of the National Nuclear Research Institute (NNRI) have sounded the alarm over the state of the Densu and Sakumo wetlands, which are suffering from intense urban expansion and dangerous levels of heavy metal pollution. The research, supported by the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), revealed harmful concentrations of lead and arsenic, warning that the loss of these ecosystems poses a severe risk to national biodiversity and sustainable water resource management. Parallel to the ecological decline of wetlands, the capital city of Accra is currently paralyzed by a severe waste disposal crisis. Residents in areas such as Jamestown, Laterbiokoshie, and the Kaneshie Market have reported being unable to dispose of household refuse for nearly a month, as major landfill sites reach full capacity. This systemic failure has forced many to resort to illegal dumping in drains and open spaces, significantly increasing the risk of disease outbreaks during the ongoing rainy season. Tricycle waste collectors have largely halted operations, citing their inability to access disposal sites, leaving traders and homeowners to contend with overflowing waste, foul odors, and rising health hazards. The environmental strain is further compounded by the persistent menace of illegal mining, or galamsey, which continues to drive unprecedented flooding in the Western and Central regions. In areas like Cape Coast and Samreboi, the destruction of riverbeds and farmlands has turned seasonal rains into deadly disasters, resulting in significant loss of life and property. Regional authorities and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) have emphasized that these floods are no longer mere natural occurrences but are the direct result of human activity and environmental crime. They have called for greater community accountability and a unified front against mining practices that strip the land of its natural drainage capabilities. As Ghana navigates these interconnected crises, experts argue that the need for evidence-based policymaking and rigorous enforcement of environmental laws has never been more urgent. While international grants like the TWAS Seed Grant for New African Principal Investigators are fostering essential research, local leaders stress that sustainable change requires a collective moral commitment to land stewardship. The current situation underscores a looming sanitation and ecological emergency that demands immediate government intervention and a long-term strategy to protect the nation's natural resources for future generations.

Seychelles Marks Golden Jubilee with Strategic Vision for Cultural and Sustainable Tourism
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Seychelles Marks Golden Jubilee with Strategic Vision for Cultural and Sustainable Tourism

Seychelles has reached a historic milestone, celebrating its 50th independence anniversary with a national focus on the vital intersection of tourism, culture, and national identity. To mark the Golden Jubilee, the government declared June 30, 2026, a public holiday, allowing citizens across the archipelago to participate in festivities that honor the nation’s journey since 1976. Minister of Tourism and Culture, Amanda Bernstein, emphasized that the hospitality sector remains the heartbeat of the Seychellois people, serving as a primary driver of economic resilience and a cornerstone of the country's unique heritage. A centerpiece of the celebrations is the Local Food Fest held at Roche Caiman, which showcases the rich diversity of Creole cuisine and traditional cultural practices. This event highlights a broader policy of integrating local communities directly into the tourism value chain, ensuring that the benefits of the industry are felt at the grassroots level. Minister Bernstein noted that by centering tourism on people and values, Seychelles is not just selling a destination but sharing a vibrant way of life that distinguishes the islands in a competitive global market. Looking toward the future, the Seychelles government is pivoting its tourism strategy to prioritize a "high-value, low-impact" model. This approach aims to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship, preserving the islands' fragile ecosystems for future generations. A key component of this evolution is the expansion into the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. By hosting major international events, such as the upcoming UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa meeting, Seychelles is positioning itself as a sophisticated hub for professional and sustainable travel in the region. Ultimately, the 50th-anniversary celebrations serve as a roadmap for the nation’s continued development. By reinforcing the link between cultural preservation and economic strategy, Seychelles aims to build a more resilient economy that can withstand global shocks. The government’s commitment to sustainable tourism reflects a long-term vision where national identity and environmental protection are not sacrificed for growth, but rather serve as the very foundation upon which the country’s future prosperity is built.

Dr. Olivia Tchanque Launches Angel Care Foundation in Ghana with Ambitious Goal to Provide One Million Blankets for African Newborns
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Dr. Olivia Tchanque Launches Angel Care Foundation in Ghana with Ambitious Goal to Provide One Million Blankets for African Newborns

The Angel Care Foundation has officially launched in Accra, Ghana, marking the beginning of an ambitious Pan-African initiative to provide every newborn on the continent with a high-quality receiving blanket. Founded by Dr. Olivia Tchanque, the foundation held its inaugural event at the Pelican Hotel in Cantonments, followed immediately by a significant donation of blankets and cash to the Police Hospital Paediatric Ward. This launch serves as the starting point for a mission to distribute one million blankets across Africa within the next five years, ensuring that no child enters the world without the warmth and dignity of proper care. The initiative is designed to ensure that the very first physical contact a newborn has with the world is one of comfort and security. The inspiration for the foundation stems from Dr. Tchanque’s poignant personal history in Cameroon. As a teenager, she witnessed a distressing situation where a nurse initially refused to return a newborn sibling to her family because they lacked a blanket. This memory stood in stark contrast to her later experience giving birth in the United States, where her child was immediately and warmly wrapped. This disparity motivated her to create the Angel Care blanket, designed with Pan-African colors—red, green, and yellow—to symbolize love, unity, and a generational shift in how neonatal healthcare is addressed in Africa. The initiative was further catalyzed by support for her mission following a speech by President John Mahama, which inspired the choice of Ghana as the foundation's launchpad. At the launch event, the foundation presented receiving blankets and a cash donation to the Police Hospital, which were received by Assistant Superintendent ASP Bright Obeng Sarpong and Chief Superintendent Dr. Ewurekua Forson. Beyond the physical gift of a blanket, the foundation’s model includes the provision of essential postnatal guidance materials for mothers. By partnering with local hospitals, the Angel Care Foundation aims to bridge the gap in neonatal care, offering both physical warmth and educational support to families as they transition from medical facilities back to their homes. Looking ahead, the Angel Care Foundation plans to scale its operations from its Ghanaian base to reach healthcare facilities throughout the continent. Dr. Tchanque emphasizes that the blanket is more than just a piece of fabric; it is a symbol of hope and a commitment to protecting the dignity of Africa’s youngest citizens. By fostering partnerships with healthcare providers and international stakeholders, the foundation seeks to ensure that the "one million blankets in five years" goal becomes a reality, ultimately transforming the early-life experience for millions of African children and their mothers.

Togbi Agbesi Awusu II, Awadada of Anlo Dukor
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Anlo Traditional Council Announces Ban on Drumming and Noise-making Ahead of Hogbetsotso Festival

The Anlo Dukor Traditional Council has officially announced a comprehensive ban on drumming and all forms of noisemaking, effective from August 10 to August 29. This directive serves as a critical precursor to the annual Hogbetsotso Festival, a major cultural milestone for the people of the Anlo State in the Volta Region. The council has designated this period for solemn reflection and spiritual preparation, ensuring that the traditional customs of the land are observed with the necessary sanctity. By enforcing this period of silence, the traditional authorities aim to preserve the ancestral heritage that defines the Anlo identity as they approach their premier festival. Under the specific terms of the ban, all residents and visitors within the Anlo traditional area are strictly prohibited from engaging in activities that generate excessive noise. This mandate covers a wide range of activities, including the playing of loud music in public spaces, the hosting of vibrant outdoor celebrations, and the use of high-volume public address systems. The Council has clarified that these restrictions apply universally to religious organizations, commercial entities, and social groups. Such measures are deeply rooted in Anlo history, symbolizing a time of communal introspection and absolute respect for the traditional stools and the deities of the land. To ensure total compliance throughout the three-week period, the Anlo Dukor Council will deploy specialized traditional taskforces. These units are expected to work in close collaboration with local law enforcement and municipal authorities to monitor neighborhoods and address violations. Togbi Agbesi Awusu II, the Awadada of the Anlo State, has underscored the spiritual and social importance of this tradition, emphasizing that adherence is vital for maintaining communal peace and demonstrating reverence for the sacred rites of Hogbetsotso. He urged all residents and visitors to cooperate fully with the enforcement teams to avoid sanctions and to ensure a harmonious lead-up to the festival's grand climax.

John Dumelo (5th from left), Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, with the committee members
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Ministry of Food and Agriculture Inaugurates National Seed Council to Overhaul Ghana's Seed Industry

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has officially inaugurated a nine-member National Seed Council, marking a strategic milestone in the effort to regulate and certify Ghana’s seed industry. This council is tasked with the vital responsibility of ensuring that only high-quality seeds are distributed to farmers, which is fundamental to increasing agricultural productivity and ensuring national food security. By establishing this formal regulatory body, the government is taking a decisive step toward sanitizing the industry and providing a reliable framework for seed production and quality control across the country. Chaired by Alhaji Abubakari Mumuni, the council is composed of a broad spectrum of stakeholders from leading agricultural and scientific organizations, ensuring that its decisions are grounded in technical expertise and industry best practices. During the inauguration ceremony, Deputy Minister John Dumelo highlighted the critical role that the council will play in the nation's agricultural transformation. He specifically urged the council to prioritize and expedite the certification of locally produced seeds, noting that reducing the country’s reliance on seed imports is essential for economic resilience and the sustainability of the agricultural sector. The Deputy Minister emphasized that a robust local seed industry would not only support farmers but also reduce the pressure on foreign exchange reserves. Beyond regulation, the National Seed Council is expected to drive innovation within the sector, fostering an environment where improved seed varieties can be developed and commercialized efficiently. This initiative is a core component of Ghana’s broader strategy to modernize agriculture and improve the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers. As the council begins its mandate, it will focus on creating a seamless supply chain for quality seeds, which is expected to result in higher crop yields and a more competitive agricultural sector on the global stage. The success of this council is seen as a prerequisite for the overall transformation of Ghana’s rural economy and the achievement of long-term food self-sufficiency.

Maame Atta Appeals for Public Support as She Expects Her 24th Child
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Maame Atta Appeals for Public Support as She Expects Her 24th Child

Maame Atta, a woman already raising twenty-three children, has made a public plea for financial and material assistance as she prepares for the arrival of her twenty-fourth child. The expectant mother, whose story has captured significant attention across social media, highlighted the immense pressure and hardship involved in managing such an unusually large household. Her appeal comes at a time when the family is reportedly struggling to meet basic needs, prompting a broader conversation about social welfare and the efficacy of family support systems for vulnerable citizens. The situation came to light following a viral video on the social media platform X, where Maame Atta detailed her daily struggles and the overwhelming realities of caring for her expansive family. In the footage, she expressed that despite her efforts to manage her family size, she found herself pregnant once more. She notably claimed that previous attempts to prevent further pregnancies had been unsuccessful, suggesting a failure in contraceptive measures or a lack of access to consistent family planning services. This revelation has sparked discussions regarding healthcare delivery and reproductive education in underserved communities. The sheer scale of the household—now poised to grow even larger—has raised serious questions about the living conditions and future prospects for the children involved. Providing for twenty-three offspring presents a monumental logistical and financial challenge, encompassing nutrition, clothing, education, and healthcare. Maame Atta’s public outcry is a desperate measure to secure the survival and well-being of her children, as she admits to being completely overwhelmed by the mounting weight of her maternal and financial responsibilities. As the video continues to circulate, many observers are calling for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), philanthropic groups, and government social agencies to intervene and provide sustainable support for the family. Beyond immediate relief, her case highlights the critical need for improved education on reproductive health and more robust social safety nets for large, impoverished households. The public response remains a blend of sympathy and concern as the community awaits a formal response from authorities or civil society to this extraordinary plea for help.

Linford Kennedy Amankwa (right), Bantama Blues Ltd, receiving the €10,000 grant cheque from Christiane Tuabira, a former French Minister of Justice
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Fifteen Ghanaian Entrepreneurs Secure Grants and Mentorship Under French-Backed Creation Africa Program

Fifteen Ghanaian cultural and creative entrepreneurs have emerged as winners in the second edition of the Creation Africa Ghana Incubation Programme, securing significant funding and mentorship to scale their businesses. The initiative, spearheaded by the French Government, culminated in a competitive pitch session where the winners were selected from a pool of 30 finalists. Each of the 15 awardees is set to receive a grant of up to €30,000, providing a vital capital injection intended to bolster Ghana's burgeoning creative economy and foster sustainable business models within the arts sector. The selection process was highly rigorous, beginning with over 400 applicants from across the country. From this extensive pool, 30 entrepreneurs were shortlisted to participate in an intensive four-week incubation program. This training was designed to equip participants with essential business knowledge, networking opportunities, and strategic insights necessary to transform creative ideas into viable enterprises. Among the notable recipients of the grants are Bravado and TIISA Technology, companies that demonstrated exceptional potential for innovation and growth during their final presentations. Speaking at the awards ceremony, the French Ambassador, Diarra Dimé-Labille, underscored the French government's commitment to nurturing African creative talents. She highlighted the program as a cornerstone for fostering cultural exchange and economic development between France and Ghana. In a specific boost for the local film industry, the program also announced that top-performing animators among the winners would be sponsored to attend the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival in 2026, offering them a premier global platform to showcase Ghanaian creativity. The success of the Creation Africa Ghana program has been bolstered by local partnerships, with the Ghana Creative Arts Agency pledging its continued support for such initiatives. By bridging the gap between artistic vision and commercial viability, the program aims to build a resilient ecosystem where Ghanaian creatives can thrive both locally and internationally. As these 15 entrepreneurs begin utilizing their grants and mentorship, the initiative sets a significant benchmark for international cooperation in developing the continent's creative industries.

Nkwanta South Mourns as Six Victims of Recent Conflict are Laid to Rest in Odomi
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Nkwanta South Mourns as Six Victims of Recent Conflict are Laid to Rest in Odomi

The Nkwanta South Municipality in the Oti Region has been plunged into deep mourning as the community of Odomi gathers today to lay to rest six individuals who lost their lives in a recent outbreak of conflict. The burial ceremonies, which include solemn traditional rites and tributes, mark a tragic milestone in a series of violent clashes that have disturbed the peace of the area. Families and residents have turned out in their numbers to bid farewell to their loved ones, amid a heavy atmosphere of grief and a heightened security presence aimed at preventing any further escalation of hostilities during the funeral proceedings. The conflict in Nkwanta South has been characterized by intermittent violence, leading to loss of life, destruction of property, and the displacement of many residents. During the burial rites, community leaders and clergy have used the platform to advocate for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to unity. There is a strong emphasis on the need for traditional authorities and the youth to choose dialogue over confrontation. The emotional tributes shared by family members highlight the deep human cost of the unrest, as families grapple with the loss of breadwinners and the trauma of sudden violence, further straining the social fabric of the Odomi community. As the community seeks to heal from these losses, there are renewed calls for the government and security agencies to find a lasting solution to the underlying causes of the conflict. While the current burial rites have brought people together in shared grief, the underlying tensions remain a significant concern for local authorities and peace-building organizations. Residents are urging for a comprehensive peace roadmap that addresses the root disputes, ensuring that today's sorrow leads to a genuine, long-term commitment to peaceful coexistence. The hope remains that these six lives will be the last lost to a conflict that has already taken a heavy toll on the people of Nkwanta South.

Alhassan Seidu Alajor (right), MP for Chereponi, presenting the keys of a CHPS compound at Adali to Yakubu Abdul-Rahama, District Director of Health Services. With them is Sheini Kofi Amadu (2nd from right), DCE for Chereponi
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Chereponi MP Alhassan Seidu Alajor Commissions Key Development Projects, Credits Sustained Peace for Recent Gains

The Chereponi District in the North East Region is witnessing a transformative era of growth, underpinned by a newfound stability that has enabled significant socio-economic development across the constituency. Member of Parliament Alhassan Seidu Alajor has formally attributed the recent surge in infrastructure projects to the community’s collective commitment to peaceful coexistence. For a region previously hampered by volatility, the current atmosphere of calm has become the essential foundation upon which critical advancements in education, healthcare, and public infrastructure are now being built. During a recent series of project inaugurations, Hon. Alajor highlighted how the restoration of peace has directly translated into tangible benefits for the citizenry. The newly commissioned projects, which include modern health facilities and classroom blocks, are designed to drastically enhance the quality of life for residents and address long-standing gaps in essential service delivery. The MP emphasized that without the active maintenance of peace, the mobilization of resources and the physical execution of these development initiatives would have remained an impossibility, as prior instability often served as a primary barrier to regional progress. Beyond the physical structures, the MP lauded the vital role of local leadership and traditional authorities in fostering a culture of reconciliation and cooperation. This collaborative effort has empowered the district to focus its collective energy on growth rather than conflict management. By prioritizing dialogue and shared community goals, Chereponi has effectively transitioned from a period of stagnation to one of active construction and social improvement. The MP’s praise for local stakeholders reinforces the narrative that sustainable development is a bottom-up process requiring the unwavering support of all community members. Looking ahead, the district's leadership is focused on ensuring that this peace is not merely a temporary phase but a permanent fixture of life in Chereponi. Hon. Alajor noted that the ongoing investments are part of a broader agenda to uplift the district’s economic standing and provide better opportunities for the youth. As residents begin to utilize the new healthcare and educational facilities, the link between social stability and regional prosperity becomes increasingly evident, serving as a model for how peace can serve as the most critical prerequisite for long-term development.

Dr Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon (middle), Director-General, National Disaster Management Organisation, interacting with Priya Gujadhur (left), Interim Representative, Food and Agriculture Organisation, after the forum. Picture: ELVIS NII NOI DOWUONA
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Ghana Initiates First National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy to Combat Climate Hazards and Infrastructure Risks

Ghana has officially commenced the development of its first-ever comprehensive National Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Strategy and Action Plan. This landmark initiative is designed to bolster disaster prevention, preparedness, and recovery efforts across the country. The move comes as the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) simultaneously intensifies ground-level safety interventions, including a major operation in the Ablekuma North Municipal Assembly to clear road hazards and prevent accidents during the current rainy season. These dual efforts reflect a growing national urgency to address intensifying climate-related risks and safeguard critical infrastructure. The development of the national strategy was solidified during a high-level consultation meeting in Accra on June 25. Organized by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in partnership with NADMO, the session convened stakeholders from government, academia, and civil society to evaluate existing disaster management frameworks. The resulting strategy aims to improve institutional collaboration and establish a dedicated national technical working group focused on early warning systems. The FAO’s Interim Representative to Ghana emphasized the necessity of this framework, noting that climate-related disasters are increasingly threatening the nation's food security and economic stability. Demonstrating the practical application of disaster risk management, the Ablekuma North Municipal Assembly has recently deployed NADMO teams to trim and remove hazardous trees along major roads. Following several incidents where neem trees collapsed during heavy rains, Municipal Chief Executive Adamu Musah Kalamu reported that the assembly has acquired specialized equipment, including chainsaws, to ensure public safety and maintain traffic flow. This proactive maintenance program includes the removal of non-viable trees and a commitment to replanting, ensuring that urban greenery does not become a liability to motorists and pedestrians during volatile weather. These developments signify a strategic shift from reactive emergency response to a more structured, forward-looking disaster mitigation approach. While the national DRR strategy focuses on clarifying institutional roles and enhancing community resilience through education, local actions in municipalities like Ablekuma North highlight the immediate need for resource allocation at the community level. As the drafting process for the national strategy continues, the integration of high-level policy with municipal-level intervention is expected to provide a more robust and unified framework for Ghana's response to environmental hazards.

Divine Selase Agbeti — Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority
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Ghana Spearheads Continental Cyber Resilience Through AI Governance and Regional Collaboration

Ghana is increasingly positioning itself as a central hub for cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI) governance in Africa, through both strategic capacity-building initiatives and high-level diplomatic engagement. Central to this effort is the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), which launched the initiative titled "Towards Collaborative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity Governance in Africa." Supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Japan, this project focuses on enhancing research, policy dialogue, and capacity development. KAIPTC Commandant, Air Vice Marshal David Anetey Akrong, emphasized the dual nature of AI, noting that while it offers immense opportunities for growth, it also introduces significant risks, including cybercrime and the spread of misinformation, which require a unified African response.\n\nComplementing these institutional efforts, Ghana took center stage at the 2026 Cyber and Information Security Exhibition and Conference (CAISEC) held in Cairo. Divine Selase Agbeti, Director-General of Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority, led critical discussions on the intersection of cybersecurity, national security, and economic development. During the conference, which drew participation from across Africa and the Arab region, Agbeti called for deeper regional investments and institutional cooperation to combat increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. His leadership and Ghana's proactive stance on digital security policies were recognized with a Special Achievement Award, highlighting the country’s growing influence in international cybersecurity cooperation.\n\nThese combined efforts underscore a broader strategy to ensure that Africa's digital transformation is both secure and governed by coherent, responsible frameworks. By bridging the gap between technical training and regional policy-making, Ghana is helping to foster a collaborative environment where governments and civil society can address the evolving digital landscape together. As these initiatives move forward, the focus remains on building sustainable infrastructure and human capital capable of safeguarding the continent’s economic future against the backdrop of rapidly advancing AI technologies.

Staff of Prudential Bank Limited and officials of the Forestry Commission pose for a group photograph
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Ghana's Environmental Crisis Deepens as Illegal Mining and Urban Expansion Drive Severe Flooding and Ecosystem Loss

Ghana is facing a multifaceted environmental crisis as illegal mining (galamsey), unchecked urban expansion, and pollution converge to trigger unprecedented disasters across the country. In the Western and Central regions, heavy rains that once nourished the land are now causing devastating floods, while critical wetlands and forest reserves are nearing the brink of collapse. These interconnected challenges have resulted in significant loss of life and property, prompting urgent calls from local authorities, researchers, and the Forestry Commission for immediate collective action to safeguard the nation's natural resources and future. The socio-economic impact of galamsey has become increasingly lethal, particularly in areas like Cape Coast and Samreboi. The destruction of riverbodies and farmlands has stripped the landscape of its natural ability to manage heavy rainfall, turning seasonal rains into destructive floods. The Western Regional Minister and the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) have emphasized that these disasters are largely driven by human activity. While NADMO focuses on providing immediate relief to affected residents, officials warn that without ending the environmental crimes of illegal mining, the cycle of flooding and displacement will only intensify. Beyond the mining heartlands, Ghana’s vital wetlands—specifically the Densu and Sakumo basins—are under siege from rapid urban growth and heavy metal pollution. A study led by Dr. Cynthia Laar and funded by The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) underscores that these areas are facing severe degradation that threatens biodiversity and the country’s water resource management. The research highlights a critical need for policy-driven interventions supported by scientific data, noting that external funding remains essential for African scientists to build the capacity required to address these complex environmental pressures. The degradation also extends to the capital’s "green lungs," the Achimota Forest Reserve. The Forestry Commission of Ghana has raised alarms over the impact of illegal dumping and encroachment on the reserve, which serves as a crucial barrier against erosion in Accra. Restoration efforts are currently underway, with private sector partners like Prudential Bank Limited joining the National Trees for Life Initiative to plant hundreds of new trees. These restoration projects aim to enhance biodiversity through enrichment planting, but officials maintain that public and corporate support must be sustained to reverse the damage caused by years of neglect. Ultimately, addressing Ghana’s environmental decline requires a shift from reactive disaster management to proactive conservation and systemic accountability. From the coastal wetlands to the inland forests and mining districts, the moral imperative to protect the environment has never been more urgent. Whether through community-led resistance against galamsey, scientific research into pollution, or corporate-backed reforestation, the path forward depends on a unified national strategy that prioritizes ecological health over short-term gain.