Ghana National News Digest: Educational Reforms, Health Safeguards, and Critical Community Updates

Ghana's educational and professional sectors are undergoing significant transitions this month, headlined by the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and national service enrollment. At Accra Senior High School, officials reported that 17 candidates—nine females and eight males—were absent for the Integrated Science paper on May 25. This absenteeism occurs against a backdrop of declining performance in the subject, with the 2025 pass rate hitting a low of 57.74%. In a parallel development for healthcare professionals, the National Service Authority (NSA) has released PIN codes for 18,617 eligible nurses and midwives for the 2026/27 service year. Candidates must complete their registration and pay the GH¢82.00 fee by June 5, 2026, to ensure their deployment within the health sector.\n\nHigher education institutions are also making strides in digital and academic expansion. The University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) recently launched its first five-year Corporate Strategic Plan, aimed at boosting digital transformation and infrastructural growth under Vice-Chancellor Prof. Eric Opoku Mensah. Meanwhile, the University of Ghana is preparing to launch the UGA Network App on May 28, 2026, a secure platform designed to reconnect global alumni and facilitate professional mentorship. Additionally, the Global Theological Seminary (GTS) has received accreditation to commence two new Master’s programmes in Strategic Church Management and Christian Ministry this September, intended to provide formal theological and management training for church leaders.\n\nPublic health remains a critical focus as authorities issue warnings regarding neonatal care and lifestyle-related diseases. Dr. Selorm Tsrakasu of the Ho Teaching Hospital has warned parents about the dangers of neonatal jaundice, emphasizing that delayed treatment can lead to permanent brain damage or death. Early symptoms such as yellowing eyes and skin require immediate medical intervention. Simultaneously, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has banned the open display of salt in local eateries to combat rising hypertension. This initiative follows findings that 62% of food establishments encourage excessive salt use, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 5 grams per day.\n\nIn community welfare, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) is urgently seeking public assistance to reunite a stranded woman with her family. Madam Rose Okraku, who is in her 60s and living with dementia, was found in Agbogbloshie on May 19 after traveling from Kasoa Market. She is currently in the care of the Department of Social Welfare. These collective updates—from institutional reforms at UniMAC and UG to public health mandates in Ho and Kumasi—reflect a period of active governance and social responsibility across the nation. Citizens are urged to remain informed and comply with new registration deadlines and health guidelines to support these national objectives.