Ghana declines $109 million US health aid over data privacy concerns
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Ghana has rejected a proposed bilateral health deal with the United States, which would have provided $109 million in US assistance for health over five years. The decision, reported on April 28, 2026, came after the John Dramani Mahama led government objected to sharing sensitive national health data, a condition of the agreement. Similar data governance concerns have also arisen in US negotiations with other African countries, including Zimbabwe earlier in 2026, and a related agreement in Kenya was temporarily suspended by a court. The Trump administration's "America First Global Health Strategy" aims to reduce reliance on foreign aid. Negotiations for the deal began in November 2025, with Washington setting an April 24, 2026, deadline for conclusion. Ghana formally communicated its position to the Trump administration after deciding it could not agree to the proposed terms.
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Professor Wazi Apoh, Dean of the School of Arts and Professor of Archaeology at the University of Ghana, has dismissed viral claims that Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, resided in Ghana's Volta Region for 40 years. The controversy arose from a social media video featuring a man, identified as a tour guide at the Volta Regional Museum, who alleged that Mary and Jesus lived in Kpando Agbenoxoe for decades before returning to Jerusalem. He also claimed a statue of Mary at the site honored this history and attracted Catholic pilgrims. Professor Apoh, in an interview with GTV on April 28, 2026, stated that these claims were falsely attributed to his research, calling them "crap of lies." He suggested the misunderstanding might stem from his 1996 art historical study of the Grotto site at Kpando Agbenoxoe, which includes a 40-foot-tall statue of Mary. He believes the "40 feet" was misinterpreted as "40 years." Professor Apoh emphasized that his current exhibition at the Volta Regional Museum focuses on German-Volta connections and archaeological findings related to missionary activities, not biblical claims about Mary.
The Minority in Parliament has disputed claims that the recent fire at the Akosombo Substation is the sole cause of Ghana’s ongoing power outages. During a press conference on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Collins Adomako-Mensah, the Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Energy Committee, stated that the power crisis, referred to as "dumsor," had been affecting Ghanaians since January 25, 2026, long before the April 23, 2026, fire. He argued that the government is responsible for the crisis and that the fire is merely a symptom of a decaying energy sector. Adomako-Mensah cautioned against attempts to shift blame, insisting that the government must take responsibility for the broader challenges. He cited persistent, unannounced blackouts across the country and multiple emergency and maintenance notices from the Electricity Company of Ghana ECG as evidence of a strained system predating the Akosombo incident. The Minority highlighted the severe impact on households and businesses, including lost income for small businesses and families struggling without power, emphasizing that these conditions existed before the substation fire.
Must ReadThe Ghana Armed Forces GAF has issued a warning to the public to avoid interfering with military operations, following a deadly ambush on an escort convoy in Binduri, Upper East Region. The incident, which occurred on Monday, April 27, 2026, involved a convoy transporting approximately 140 civilians from Bawku to Bolgatanga. Unidentified assailants attacked the convoy, resulting in the deaths of three civilians and one injury. The military escort repelled the attackers, killing seven of them. During a subsequent pursuit, security forces recovered a G3 automatic rifle, two fully loaded magazines, and 176 rounds of ammunition from an escapee found in a mosque. The number of arrests linked to the incident has risen to 21, with suspects currently assisting in investigations. The GAF extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery, emphasizing that any attempt to obstruct or engage security forces during operations will not be tolerated.
Medical practitioner Dr Mefia-Denteh has outlined practical strategies for stress management, including deep breathing, short walks, and dietary adjustments. Speaking on Health Focus on GhanaWeb TV, Dr Mefia-Denteh explained that a four-second deep breath, held, and slowly released, can help reduce stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. She also emphasized the benefits of physical activity, suggesting that even short walks can clear the mind, and encouraged starting small for those who feel unmotivated. Dr Mefia-Denteh advised against excessive intake of caffeine and sugary foods, noting they can worsen anxiety and cause energy crashes, recommending a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables instead. She urged individuals experiencing severe stress or depression to seek professional help, highlighting available mental health support systems in Ghana.