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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), with funding support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), is intensifying efforts to improve nutrition and learning outcomes among school-aged children in Ghana through the introduction of fortified rice in both public and private schools across several regions. The initiative, being implemented in collaboration with key government partners — including the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Ghana Health Service (GHS), and Women in Agriculture Development (WIAD) — is currently being piloted to assess the feasibility and economic viability of scaling up rice fortification nationwide. Globally, large-scale rice fortification has proven to be an effective intervention for addressing micronutrient deficiencies in populations where rice is a staple food. The Ghana pilot involves enriching rice with essential vitamins and minerals during the milling process, with the aim of improving child nutrition while strengthening local food systems. Under the public schools component, the programme targets 157,510 students, made up of 111,247 basic school pupils and 46,263 senior high school students. At Ejisu Secondary Technical School in the Ashanti Region, Headmistress Mrs. Grace Asomani said the introduction of fortified rice has contributed positively to students’ nutrition, despite initial resistance. Ejisu Secondary Technical School Headmistress Mrs. Grace Asomani “Fortified rice contains added nutrients unlike the ordinary polished white rice we are used to. This has improved the nutritional intake of our students, and if sustained, malnutrition could eventually become a thing of the past,” she Kumasi Mail. Mrs. Asomani acknowledged that the transition was not without challenges, noting that many students were initially reluctant to accept the unpolished rice due to their preference for perfumed white rice. “Before the project was rolled out, we educated the students and even organized nutrition campaigns where Home Economics students prepared different meals using the fortified rice. Despite that, acceptance was slow at first, so we had to continue educating them,” she explained. She added that some batches of the rice were returned to suppliers for further processing to improve acceptability. “Because it was unpolished, some students did not accept it initially. We sent some back for polishing and fortification, and with time, the resistance reduced significantly,” she said. WFP, in partnership with GES and GSFP, selected 365 basic schools and 35 senior high schools in 12 districts across six regions — Upper West, Upper East, Northern, Ashanti, Oti and Greater Accra — for the pilot phase. Ashanti Regional School Health Education Programme (SHEP) Coordinator, Addo Emmanuel Ashanti Regional School Health Education Programme (SHEP) Coordinator, Addo Emmanuel, said the initiative complements national efforts to promote healthy nutrition in schools and surrounding communities. “The World Food Programme is supporting schools with the nutritional aspect of feeding. In the Ashanti Region alone, more than 30 schools have been enrolled, and we have so far visited about 25 of them, covering both basic and senior high schools,” he said. Mr. Addo noted that the programme also seeks to influence positive dietary habits beyond the classroom. “We observed that some students relied heavily on fizzy drinks and unhealthy foods. Introducing fortified rice promotes healthier eating habits and encourages students to transfer this knowledge to their families and communities,” he explained. He further revealed that assessments conducted in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service identified cases of anaemia and obesity among students, particularly in rural areas, underscoring the need for targeted nutrition interventions. “As part of the programme, many schools have introduced nutrition-friendly initiatives such as designated fruit, vegetable and egg days. This has improved awareness and dietary practices among students,” he added. 4:50
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WFP expands Fortified Rice Programme in Ghanaian schools to boost nutrition and learning

The Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi, popularly known as King Zuba has announced plans to implement permanent safety measures to prevent recurring fire outbreaks at the Akwatia Line slum following a fire disaster that displaced several residents over the weekend. The Kumasi Mayor made this known when he visited victims of the fire on Tuesday 20th January 2026, during which he presented relief items and assessed the extent of damage at the settlement. According to the King Zuba the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), through coordinated efforts, has so far secured 250 bags of 20-kilogram rice, 104 high-density mattresses, buckets, boats, and mosquito nets to support affected residents. He noted that reconstruction efforts had already begun at the site. “Our advice to them is that this cannot be a recurring issue every year. Fires break out here annually, which tells us that something is fundamentally wrong,” King Zuba said. He revealed that the Assembly will deploy naval officers, fire officers, and other technical experts to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the area to identify the causes of the frequent fire outbreaks. The local Assemblyman, he said, will lead efforts to implement remedial measures aimed at preventing future incidents. The Mayor explained that many of the residents affected by the fire are migrants from northern Ghana who are engaged mainly in scrap dealing and head portering. “It is unfortunate that every year they struggle to save a little, only for fire to destroy everything they have worked for,” he said, stressing the need to address the underlying factors contributing to the disasters. Mr. Boadi appealed to residents to cooperate with city officials during the assessment process to help develop a lasting solution. While acknowledging that some of the structures at the site were unauthorized, the Mayor said the immediate priority of the Assembly was the safety and well-being of the victims. “As city managers, our first responsibility is to ensure their safety. After that, we can examine what the law says and address the issues accordingly,” he noted. The fire, which occurred over the weekend at the Akwatia Line slum, destroyed several makeshift structures, leaving many residents displaced and in urgent need of assistance. Source :www.kumasimail.com 4:31
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Kumasi Mayor donate to Dagomba-line slum fire Victims

The Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, has announced strict measures to curb traffic indiscipline and alleged bribery involving law enforcement officers police in Particular operating within the Kumasi Metropolitan Area . Speaking during a media interaction, the mayor disclosed that a high-level meeting had been held with officials from Metro Roads Engineering, the Head of Transport, the Assembly’s Convenor for Transport, the KMA Chief Executive, and the original police commander re-sponsible for traffic enforcement in the metropolis. According to Mr. Boadi, the meeting clearly outlined expectations for traffic officers, particularly regarding illegal loading and parking activities that continue to choke major roads in the city. “We identified three specific areas where we do not want to see any loading or parking at all,” the mayor said. “These include the stretch from Costa Pharmacy to the roundabout in front of the Ontario Hospital, as well as the entire area around the NTL roundabout.” He stressed that enforcement in these zones must be uncompromising, noting that persistent violations contribute to congestion and undermine public confidence in law enforcement. The mayor also acknowledged that the police commander shared concerns during the meet-ing, some of which would require collaboration with other agencies to address. “Those issues that fall within our mandate, we will work on them. Where other agencies are involved, we will engage them,” he said. However, Mr. Boadi expressed deep concern over the conduct of some Police officers on traffic duty, describing current practices as damaging to the image of the police service. “What we are seeing now is an embarrassment to the police in this city,” he stated. “This year, we want enforcement to be done in a way that does not bring shame to the service.” As part of efforts to strengthen discipline and enforcement, the mayor announced plans to increase the number of military personnel attached to the KMA from six to about 12. “These officers will support enforcement where necessary,” he said. “If negotiations fail and offenders refuse to comply, we will take firm action.” The move follows public complaints about alleged indiscipline and open bribery involving drivers and traffic offenders during enforcement operations. Mr. Boadi said the assembly is determined to implement the agreed measures this year to restore order on Kumasi’s roads and ensure professionalism among enforcement officers. “We have agreed among ourselves that this year, these measures will be implemented,” he said. Source: www.kumasimail.com 2:18
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KMA tightens traffic enforcement, warns against indiscipline and Police bribery

Frustration is mounting among traders and pedestrians across major markets in Kumasi as persistent vehicle shortages and fare hikes during rush hours continue to disrupt their daily businesses, forcing many to arrive late, lose customers, or pay more just to move goods. Amid the growing public outcry, the Station Chairman of the Sofo Line Lorry Terminal, Albert Boamah, has rejected claims by the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, that transport unions such as the GPRTU and PROTOA are to blame for the recurring transport crisis. According to Chairman Boamah, blaming transport unions ignores the real causes of the hardship traders and commuters face daily. He argued that weak enforcement of transport regulations by state authorities has allowed indiscipline among some trotro drivers to flourish, particularly during peak hours. “For traders who depend on early-morning transport to get to the markets, the situation is unbearable,” Boamah said. “Drivers stop anywhere to load passengers, create congestion, and then charge whatever fare they want because nobody is enforcing the rules.” Many traders, especially those transporting perishable goods, say the rush-hour scarcity of vehicles and sudden fare increases cut directly into their profits. Some are forced to pay inflated fares to avoid losing customers, while others arrive late to already crowded markets. Chairman Boamah explained that the lack of strict policing has emboldened some drivers to flout traffic and transport rules openly. He insisted that consistent arrests and sanctions would significantly reduce congestion, improve vehicle availability, and stabilize fares. “Once the police enforce the law without fear or favor, drivers will stop loading passengers indiscriminately and charging arbitrary fares,” he noted. He also blamed the proliferation of unauthorized lorry terminals for worsening the problem, saying individuals are allowed to set up stations anywhere without regulation, further choking key roads and disrupting orderly transport operations. Boamah urged the government to stop shifting blame to transport unions and instead focus on measures that would directly ease the burden on traders and commuters. These include enforcing transport laws, properly regulating lorry terminals, and engaging transport stakeholders in finding lasting solutions. Until such steps are taken, traders say they will continue to bear the brunt of a transport system that fails them most when they need it—during the critical rush hours that determine whether their businesses thrive or suffer. Source: www.kumasimail.com / Kwabena Antwi Boasiako 3:23
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Rush-hour chaos hits traders hard as transport union leader rejects gov’t claims

Ghanaians in possession of illegal firearms have been warned to surrender them before January 15 or face arrest and severe punishment when the ongoing national weapons amnesty expires. The Acting Executive Secretary of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Dr. Adam Adamu Alhassan Bonaa, said persons found with illegal weapons after the deadline will be prosecuted for a first-degree felony, which carries the possibility of lengthy prison sentences. Dr. Bonaa assured the public that the amnesty programme allows individuals to voluntarily surrender firearms at any police station across the country without fear of arrest, questioning or payment. He explained that the exercise covers all categories of illegal weapons, including prohibited and stolen firearms such as AK-47 rifles. According to him, thousands of weapons have already been retrieved nationwide since the start of the amnesty, with the Volta Region recording particularly high numbers. He noted that the process has so far been peaceful, with no reports of intimidation or arrests. Dr. Bonaa cautioned that once the amnesty period ends, security agencies will begin enforcement operations. He added that informants who provide credible information leading to the recovery of illegal weapons will be rewarded. He further warned that individuals found in rooms or homes where illegal firearms are discovered could be treated as suspects under the law. The Acting Executive Secretary linked the proliferation of illegal weapons to violent crimes, chieftaincy disputes, land guard activities, and attacks on schools and places of worship. He appealed to chiefs, assembly members and other community leaders to assist residents who may be afraid or uncertain about how to surrender their weapons. Dr. Bonaa stressed that ignorance will not be accepted as an excuse once enforcement begins and urged the public to take advantage of the amnesty to help safeguard lives and maintain peace. The nationwide disarmament campaign is expected to intensify across all regions in the coming days. Source: www.kumasimail.com 2:12
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Illegal gun holders warned ahead of January 15 deadline for weapons amnesty

Three people, including a journalist, are reported to be in critical condition following a violent confrontation between personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and civilians during a fire outbreak at the Kasoa New Market in the Awutu Senya East Municipality. The incident occurred while firefighters were working to contain a major blaze that had engulfed sections of the busy market. According to eyewitnesses, tensions flared when some local youth joined efforts to help control the fire, while others recorded the operation on their mobile phones. Media report from the scene, said officers from the Kasoa Fire Station allegedly assaulted some of the civilians, including individuals who were filming the firefighting exercise. The situation reportedly escalated after an altercation broke out between fire service personnel and traders affected by the blaze. Among those allegedly attacked was Samuel Addo, a journalist with the Class Media Group, who was reportedly assaulted while recording a confrontation between firefighters and traders. The clash quickly degenerated into a scuffle, resulting in serious injuries to three people. The injured journalist later spoke to the media, recounting his ordeal and condemning the alleged assault on media practitioners carrying out their lawful duties. The incident has since sparked public outrage, with civil society groups, media advocates and members of the public calling for a thorough investigation into the conduct of the fire service personnel involved. There have also been renewed calls for the protection of journalists and civilians during emergency operations. As of the time of filing this report, the Ghana National Fire Service had yet to issue an official statement on the incident. Source: www.kumasimail.com 1:43
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Fire Service personnel assault civilians and Journalists, three critically injured at Kasoa

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Mob attacks Police at TW Mines football final in Obuasi

The General Secretary of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, has strongly criticised party members and supporters calling for a third presidential term for former President John Dramani Mahama, describing such actions as “pure sycophancy and bootlicking.” Speaking at a party engagement, Mr. Kwetey expressed concern over what he described as growing sycophantic tendencies within the NDC, where individuals, in his view, believe their political survival depends solely on proximity to party leaders. “It saddens me when I see so much sycophancy creeping into our party,” he said. “Some people think that being in the presence of a leader is the only way they can survive politically, and that is why you hear statements suggesting there should be a third term. That is nothing but sycophancy.” Mr. Kwetey stressed that the NDC’s ideology and strength are rooted in collective action rather than individual personalities. According to him, the party’s “revolution” is enduring and transcends any single leader. “The revolution has come to stay. It is not about individuals; it is about us as a collective,” he stated, adding that leadership within the party should always be guided by constitutional principles and internal democracy. While commending former President Mahama for his contributions and dedication to public service, the NDC General Secretary maintained that no individual, regardless of performance, should be elevated beyond the party’s structures and values. “President Mahama has done his best, and we bless him for that. But his time, like everyone else’s, will come. Leaders will come and go, but the great NDC will remain,” he said. Mr. Kwetey warned that excessive praise and personality cults undermine democratic ideals and national development, arguing that such behaviour reflects a lack of genuine commitment to the country. “When people spend their time praising individuals just to gain favour, it shows they do not love this country enough,” he added. The comments come amid renewed public discourse following recent political debates and speculations surrounding leadership succession within Ghana’s major political parties. 2:30
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Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey condemns calls for third Term for Mahama, labels them ‘Sycophancy’

Constituency Communication Officers of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region have issued a strong caution to presidential hopeful Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, urging him and his campaign team to exercise restraint and decorum in their public utterances as he campaigns in the region. In a press statement signed by Communication Officers from 40 out of the 46 constituencies in the region, the group welcomed Mr. Agyapong to the Ashanti Region but expressed growing concern over what they described as “intemperate language, tribal insinuations, religious and ethnic undertones, and other divisive statements” attributed to him and members of his campaign team. The officers, who described themselves as front-line communicators of the party, said such comments have made it increasingly difficult for them to defend the party’s image and respond to criticisms from grassroots supporters and the wider public. “These recurring challenges undermine our work and weaken the Party’s public image, particularly at a time when unity, discipline, and message coherence are essential,” the statement said. The group contrasted Mr. Agyapong’s conduct with that of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, noting that defending Dr. Bawumia’s public engagements poses no difficulty because his communication style remains “respectful, issues-based, and appealing to the Ghanaian public.” As Mr. Agyapong begins his campaign in the party’s traditional stronghold, the Communication Officers warned that they would not tolerate hate speech, insults, or attacks against other aspirants. “The Ashanti Region remains the stronghold of the NPP, and we will not countenance comments or actions that sow division, damage party cohesion, or provide ammunition to our political opponents,” the statement emphasized. They called on all flagbearer aspirants and their supporters to uphold the party’s values of respect, unity, and responsible communication in the lead-up to the January 31 contest. The statement was signed by several Constituency Communication Officers, with Chief Anokye of Old Tafo serving as spokesperson, alongside Nicholas Ansere Boateng of Ahafo Ano South East, Agyemang Emmanuel of Offinso North, Wilfred Nana Gyasi of Nhyiaeso, Wahab Adams of Obuasi West, and Ofori Farried of Kumawu. The officers concluded by reaffirming their commitment to the unity and success of the New Patriotic Party, Asanteman, and Ghana. 3:20
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Ashanti NPP communication officers caution Kennedy Agyapong over campaign conduct

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