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The Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF) has conducted a strategic needs assessment at the Bole Municipal Hospital to address gaps in specialized care for chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Dr. Norbert Kipo, GMTF Health Policy Advisor, has tasked hospital leadership with providing a prioritized roadmap for retooling, aiming to transform the facility into a robust regional referral center. This initiative is part of a broader mandate to decentralize high-quality medical services and reduce the strain on major teaching hospitals in Accra and Kumasi.
Improving healthcare infrastructure in newly established regions is vital for achieving healthcare equity and reducing the high costs associated with medical referrals for rural populations.
Under the Fourth Republic's decentralization drive, these region-specific interventions are critical for the survival of the Savannah Region's healthcare system, which has historically lacked the diagnostic tools found in southern hubs.
Foreign policy representative Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has called on African Union member states to support a United Nations resolution recognizing the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity. The initiative seeks a global framework for accountability and reparations to address historical atrocities. This diplomatic push reinforces Ghana's position as a moral leader on the continent regarding restorative justice.
This represents a formal shift in Ghana's foreign policy toward seeking tangible global redress for historical exploitation, which could influence future diplomatic and economic relations with Western powers.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has integrated the 15% standard VAT with a 2.5% National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) and a 2.5% GETFund Levy into a single 20% rate effective January 1, 2026. Simultaneously, the VAT registration threshold has been increased from GHc200,000 (~$18,639 USD) to GHc750,000 (~$69,897 USD) to provide relief to small businesses. In the commodities sector, GoldBod has summoned six licensed gold service providers for mandatory compliance checks under the Ghana Gold Board Act of 2025 to enforce transparency in the lucrative gold market.
The restructuring aims to eliminate cascading taxes by allowing input tax credits, though the high headline rate remains a concern for consumer price sensitivity.
The increased threshold for VAT registration makes it significantly easier to set up small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) back home without immediate, complex tax filing requirements.
Tightened GoldBod oversight signals a more regulated and transparent environment, reducing risk for institutional investors in Ghana's primary export commodity.
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) recovered GHc4,388,264.59 (~$408,971 USD) during its 2025 operational year through field inspections. Over 3 million kWh of electricity were consumed illegally via meter tampering and direct connections. Regional Manager George Amoah warned that power theft is a prosecutable offense and contributes significantly to the utility's commercial losses.
Revenue recovery is essential for the sustainability of Ghana's energy sector and the reduction of frequent power outages (Dumsor) caused by infrastructure underfunding.
The Cocoa Processing Company (CPC) is leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to transform Ghana into Africa's primary chocolate hub. CPC reported that domestic cocoa consumption has doubled to 1kg per capita and aims to reach 2kg. The company's 'Golden Tree' brand is currently expanding into Togo, Nigeria, and Benin.
Support for value-added Ghanaian products like Golden Tree chocolate helps shift the economy away from raw bean exports, creating more stable industrial jobs for family members at home.
Two separate attacks in Gomoa Potsin and Twifo Denyase have claimed the lives of two women, aged 50 and 62. In Gomoa, a suspect was arrested after the victim's son heard the assault while on a phone call with his mother. Separately, Kesse Okyerewaa Koranteng is in custody following a suspected arson attack at Pastor Elvis Agyemang’s Grace Mountain Ministry, which caused significant damage to the church auditorium.
Increased public pressure for improved community policing in the Central Region and potential security enhancements at high-profile religious centers following the 'Alpha Hour' church incident.
Ghana Water Limited (GWL) is negotiating the reopening of the Teshie-Nungua desalination plant, closed since late 2025 due to unpaid debts and maintenance. Residents currently rely on expensive private water tankers. A high-level meeting is scheduled for February 19, 2026, to finalize service restoration.
Be aware that family members in the Teshie-Nungua area may face higher daily costs for water until the state resolves the plant's debt issues.
Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo has become the first Ghanaian to score 13 goals in a single EPL season, surpassing the legendary Tony Yeboah's record of 12. Semenyo reached the milestone on February 11 against Fulham, solidifying his role as Ghana's most clinical striker in Europe.
Black Stars context: Semenyo's world-class form provides a massive boost to the national team's attack ahead of upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The University of Ghana Corporate Football League (UGCFL) kicks off February 13 at the UG Stadium. The opening match features a unique collaboration between the Diaspora Halls, pitting Limann/Kwapong Hall against Sey/Nelson Hall.
Today we covered the historic 13-goal record of Antoine Semenyo, the major 20% VAT restructuring by the GRA, and the critical socio-economic challenges involving food insecurity and water access. Thank you for reading the Ghana News AI Daily Brief!
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