Back to Latest Briefings
October 16, 2026
AI-Enhanced
Prof. John Amuasi calls for a shift towards preventing health crises at World Health Summit
Money
Policy
Opportunity
Growth
Key Points
- Professor John H. Amuasi advocates for a fundamental shift in public health, urging governments to focus on preventing illness by addressing underlying environmental, social, and economic conditions, rather than primarily treating diseases.
- He introduced the concept of "upstream prevention" and the "One Health" approach at the World Health Summit 2026, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
- Drawing on examples relevant to Ghana, such as illegal mining (galamsey), food safety, and environmental pollution, Prof. Amuasi highlighted the necessity of multi-sectoral efforts beyond just the health sector.
- A key recommendation is to integrate One Health concepts into the educational system from primary school to university to cultivate a new mindset about health and environmental responsibilities.
- The call also emphasizes the need for coordinated action involving environmental authorities, agriculture, education, industry, policymakers, and media to effectively implement preventive strategies.
Why This Matters
This article is highly significant for Ghana as it directly addresses critical public health challenges faced by the nation, using local examples like illegal mining and food safety. Adopting the 'One Health' and 'upstream prevention' approach could lead to more sustainable health outcomes, reduce the burden on Ghana's healthcare system, and foster inter-sectoral collaboration essential for national development. Implementing these recommendations would necessitate substantial policy reforms and resource reallocation across various government ministries.
Read Full Article
View original sourceRelated Articles
October 29, 2026
Asene farmers demand compensation for farms destroyed by Accra-Kumasi expressway
- Over 200 farmers at Akyem Asene in the Eastern Region are appealing to the government for adequate compensation for farms destroyed for the new Accra-Kumasi expressway.
- Affected properties include cocoa, food crop, and oil palm farms, which were their main sources of livelihood.
- The farmers staged a demonstration, detailing economic hardships, including difficulty meeting daily needs and paying school fees, since their farms were destroyed over eight months ago.
- Leaders highlighted significant financial losses, with one farmer, Da Costa Asamoah, losing an estimated GH¢40,000 annual income from his 8-acre cocoa farm.
- The Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) confirmed that some farms have not yet been measured, explaining the delay by an increase in the expressway's width from 120 metres to 150 metres, affecting additional farmers.
October 29, 2026
NAIMOS begins community engagements in galamsey-prone areas
- The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has launched community engagements in galamsey-prone areas.
- The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration, build public confidence, address local concerns, and improve intelligence sharing.
- Engagements will involve traditional authorities, local government officials, and opinion leaders to tackle environmental and livelihood challenges.
- This strategy complements existing enforcement operations rather than replacing them, as part of a broader coordinated effort.
- The program aligns with the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources' strategy and President John Dramani Mahama's vision to intensify the fight against illegal mining.
October 29, 2026
‘We tend to be open-minded and liberal, but that’s not how we’ve lived so far’ – Kufuor
- Former President Kufuor advocates for a Ghana where individual enterprise thrives, supported by strong leadership and inclusive governance.
- He emphasizes leveraging Ghana's natural resources and human talent, cautioning against stifling initiative with excessive taxation.
- Kufuor envisions a state framework that empowers the private sector to mature, attract investment, and allow citizens to build legitimate wealth.
- His vision balances private enterprise with robust social protection, calling for quality education, healthcare, and a safety net against poverty.
- He highlights Ghana's potential through its mineral resources (gold, lithium, bauxite, manganese) and the character of its people to achieve shared prosperity.