Ghanet warns of impending HIV testing kit shortage in Ghana by end of July
via GhanaWeb5 min read
Ernest Amoabeng Ortsin, President of the Ghana HIV/AIDS Network Ghanet, has expressed concern over a potential shortage of HIV testing kits across Ghana. He warned that health facilities could face supply challenges by the end of July if the government does not replenish stocks. Ortsin stated on the Asaase Breakfast Show that the current supply of HIV test kits at the Central Medical Stores is low and could be depleted within weeks. He noted that while the Global Fund has delivered its portion of kits, the government's complementary procurement is still pending. This issue was reportedly raised during a June meeting between Global Fund officials and the government. Ortsin reassured the public that antiretroviral drug supplies for HIV treatment are secure, with sufficient quantities to last until the end of 2026 and into the first quarter of 2027. He emphasized that a lack of testing kits could hinder early detection efforts and Ghana's HIV response. Ghanet plans to launch an online platform for individuals to request HIV self-test kits privately.
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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 ReadDr. 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.