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Professor Kwesi Yankah criticizes Chief of Staff Julius Debrah's tearful apology
via GhanaWeb3 min read
Former Minister of State, Professor Kwesi Yankah, has criticized Chief of Staff Julius Debrah's public display of emotion, calling it misplaced and politically motivated. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Professor Yankah stated that Debrah's tears, which followed public backlash against comments made by the CEO of the Ghana Free Zones Authority regarding the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, were not directed at the country's more pressing challenges. He suggested that the apology was influenced by political considerations, particularly the potential impact on religious groups ahead of future elections. Professor Yankah argued that the tears appeared symbolic rather than genuine, questioning their intent. He maintained that national issues such as illegal mining and its impact on water bodies and public health deserved more attention and emotional response from government officials. He cited an essay by Tony Asare describing the devastating effects of illegal mining, or 'Galamsey,' on Ghana's environment and children. Professor Yankah concluded by urging the Chief of Staff to focus on more critical national issues, stating that such tragedies should draw tears from him, not the remarks of a CEO.
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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.
The number of arrests in connection with the fatal shooting incident in Binduri, Upper East Region, has increased to 21. These suspects are assisting security agencies with investigations into an ambush on a military-escorted convoy that occurred on Monday, April 27, 2026. The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed the 21 arrests following the attack on a convoy transporting approximately 140 civilians from Bawku to Bolgatanga. The incident resulted in the deaths of three civilians and injuries to one. Military personnel returned fire, killing seven attackers. In a subsequent operation, security forces recovered a G3 automatic rifle, two loaded magazines, and 176 rounds of ammunition from a suspect. The Ghana Armed Forces has warned the public against interfering with ongoing security operations, with Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations for the GAF, emphasizing the need to protect personnel and their mandates. Condolences were extended to victims' families, and security operations are continuing to restore calm and ensure resident safety.
Must ReadGhana 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.
Must ReadJohnson Asiedu Nketiah, National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress NDC, has called for thorough investigations into recent fires at state institutions, suggesting they could be deliberate acts of sabotage. Speaking during his "Thank You" tour in the Bolgatanga East constituency, Nketiah drew parallels to similar incidents in 2000 and 2016, implying a recurring pattern. He stated, "We must investigate every fire outbreak that happens in any state institution to rule out sabotage." The NDC Chairman alleged these fires might be part of a scheme to create artificial power crises, known as 'Dumsor', to undermine the current administration or manipulate public sentiment. He urged party members and all Ghanaians to be vigilant and proactive in protecting state assets, emphasizing that this responsibility transcends political lines. The rally in Bolgatanga East was part of a tour where the NDC leadership is also critiquing the government's management of national resources and energy infrastructure.