Expert advises caution on interpreting 1,300 HIV-positive cases in security recruitment
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Dr. Stephen Ayisi Addo, a former Programmes Manager for the National AIDS Control Programme, has urged caution regarding reports that approximately 1,300 applicants in a recent security services recruitment tested positive for HIV. Speaking on Starr FM on July 8, 2026, he explained that initial screening tests only identify reactive cases, and a full testing algorithm is required for confirmation. Dr. Ayisi Addo emphasized the need for these applicants to undergo confirmatory tests. He also noted that the figure should be evaluated against the total number of applicants tested, rather than in isolation. He suggested that if the proportion of positive cases is significantly higher than the national HIV prevalence of about 1.47%, it would warrant further examination of the characteristics of the applicants. His comments follow the disclosure by the Minister of the Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, to Parliament's Assurances Committee on July 6, 2026, that around 1,300 applicants tested positive for HIV during mandatory medical screening for recruitment.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Charles Cromwell Nanabayin Onuawonto Bissue, former Secretary for the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining IMCIM, has addressed the GH垄20,000 seen in the 'Galamsey Fraud' video, stating it was not a bribe. In an interview on July 6, 2026, Bissue explained that the money was an expected contribution from Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako Chairman Wontumi, to support a New Patriotic Party NPP program in the Western Region. Bissue, who was then the NPP's Western Regional Secretary, said Chairman Wontumi had promised the money, which was delivered by his personal assistant, Andy, who arrived with the undercover journalist. Bissue claimed that Chairman Wontumi, former Minister Joe Ghartey, and he personally contributed GH垄20,000, GH垄20,000, and GH垄30,000 respectively, to the Western Regional Organizer, Abdul Ganiru, for the program. He added that all three later provided statements to the Office of the Special Prosecutor OSP confirming the money's purpose. Bissue also asserted that the IMCIM did not issue mining licenses, and his role was to ensure proper vetting processes. He further claimed to have rejected a $500,000 bribe for illegal mining two weeks before the video's release. Bissue is currently on trial for allegedly receiving GH垄35,000 from Benjamin Adjapong to facilitate the renewal of an expired mining license for ORR Resources Limited.
Kwesi Pratt Jnr, Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, has criticized Ghana's management of diplomatic engagements with South Africa, specifically regarding the reported postponement of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's visit. Speaking on Metro TV's Good Morning Ghana on July 8, 2026, Pratt described the public disclosure of confidential exchanges between the two governments as damaging to Ghana's diplomacy and contrary to African unity. He argued that such leaks create a poor impression and could undermine trust in Ghana as a diplomatic partner, questioning the motive behind the disclosure. Pratt emphasized that African unity is imperative and that responses to issues like xenophobic attacks should strengthen cooperation among African states, not weaken it. He urged African leaders to prioritize diplomatic engagement to resolve disputes and maintain focus on continental unity, warning that actions deepening divisions hinder efforts to free the continent from economic exploitation.
Must ReadJohn Ntim Fordjour, Member of Parliament for Assin South, has stated that any attempts to protect government officials implicated in the investigation of a methamphetamine shipment intercepted in Australia will be opposed. His comments follow disclosures by Interior Minister Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, who revealed that preliminary investigations suggest possible internal collusion involving government officials. Muntaka informed Parliament's Committee on Assurances that several government officials are being interrogated over their suspected roles in facilitating the illicit drug movement through Ghana's security systems. Investigators have identified inconsistencies, leading to suspicions that individuals within the security architecture may have manipulated procedures at entry and exit points to aid the trafficking operation. Fordjour emphasized that implicated officials must be named and prosecuted, asserting that elected and appointed individuals should not use their power to operate drug trafficking cartels. Muntaka also noted that despite investments in security equipment, technology alone cannot prevent drug trafficking if personnel operating the systems are compromised.