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The Ministry of Health has announced the commencement of a nationwide recruitment exercise for health professionals, effective April 16, 2026, following the receipt of financial clearance. In a statement signed by the Spokesperson, Tony Goodman, the Ministry confirmed that the recruitment process would be decentralised and conducted at the district level based on verified vacancies. The exercise will be competitive and transparent, guided by an approved quota system across all cadres and year groups, with all appointments made within approved budgetary limits. Qualified health professionals have been urged to monitor official Ministry of Health and district health administration channels for vacancy announcements and application guidelines. Applicants are advised to prepare the required documentation and credentials ahead of the recruitment rollout. The financial clearance remains valid until December 31, 2026, and all recruitment activities must be completed within this period. The Ministry urged all eligible professionals to take advantage of the opportunity to contribute to strengthening healthcare delivery across Ghana. write in thenewsbulletin24 style and include tags, meta and alternative headlines. MoH Opens Nationwide Recruitment for Health Professionals from April 16 The Ministry of Health (MoH) has announced the commencement of a nationwide recruitment exercise for health professionals, effective April 16, 2026, following the receipt of financial clearance. In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Tony Goodman, the Ministry disclosed that the recruitment process will be decentralised and conducted at the district level, based strictly on verified vacancies across the country. According to the Ministry, the exercise will be competitive and transparent, guided by an approved quota system covering all professional cadres and year groups. It stressed that all appointments will be made within approved budgetary limits. Qualified health professionals have been advised to closely monitor official Ministry of Health platforms and district health administration channels for detailed vacancy announcements and application procedures. Prospective applicants are also encouraged to prepare all required documentation and credentials ahead of the rollout to ensure a smooth application process. The Ministry noted that the financial clearance for the exercise remains valid until December 31, 2026, and all recruitment activities must be concluded within that timeframe. It further urged eligible professionals to take advantage of the opportunity to contribute to strengthening healthcare delivery across Ghana. Alternative Headlines MoH Announces April 16 Start for Nationwide Health Worker Recruitment Ghana Opens District-Level Recruitment for Health Professionals Health Ministry Begins Nationwide Hiring Drive After Financial Clearance MoH Rolls Out Competitive Recruitment Exercise for Health Workers Nationwide Health Recruitment to Run Until December 2026 Tags Ghana Health, Ministry of Health, Recruitment 2026, Health Professionals, Public Sector Jobs, Ghana Jobs, Healthcare Delivery, District Recruitment Meta Description Ghana’s Ministry of Health has announced a nationwide recruitment exercise for health professionals starting April 16, 2026, following financial clearance, with applications to be handled at the district level. The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has criticised government-linked contractors, accusing them of sabotaging Ghana’s agricultural backbone by importing rice in direct defiance of presidential orders. Addressing the Kwahu Business Forum on Friday, 3rd April 2026, the Minority Leader described the sidelining of local farmers as a calculated subversion of national food security goals. He argued that while the state has publicly championed "Buying Ghana", the reality on the ground is a systemic preference for foreign grains that leaves local warehouses overflowing with unsold produce. The controversy centres on the School Feeding Programme, a multi-million-cedi initiative intended to provide a guaranteed market for Ghanaian rice growers. However, according to Mr. Afenyo-Markin, middlemen awarded these lucrative supply contracts are bypassing local silos in favour of cheaper, imported alternatives. “Contractors engaged to supply the School Feeding Programme with locally produced rice instead of importing the grains [are] bypassing farmers who had prepared their produce following a direct presidential directive,” he stated. The impact has been devastating for the rice value chain. Thousands of farmers, encouraged by government promises of market access, now face mounting debts and rotting harvests. Mr Afenyo-Markin further condemned the lack of transparency at the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO). He revealed that despite repeated petitions from agricultural unions, the identity of the contractors involved in this importation spree remains a closely guarded secret. “The Peasant Farmers Association has repeatedly requested that NAFCO publish the names of those contractors. NAFCO has not responded,” the Minority Leader noted, adding: “What has been described is not a market failure. It is a procurement betrayal.” The Minority Caucus has served notice that it will not let the matter rest. Mr Afenyo-Markin signalled a looming parliamentary inquiry intended to force the publication of all active supply contracts and the identification of every beneficiary involved in the procurement process. He warned that such lapses do more than just hurt the economy but erode the fundamental trust between the state and the rural electorate. Without immediate reforms to ensure that state-backed programmes genuinely support local producers, he argued, the nation's drive toward self-sufficiency will remain a mirage. “Let us choose accountability over secrecy,” he concluded, urging the government to align its procurement actions with its political rhetoric to protect the livelihoods of Ghana's hard-working farmers. Afenyo-Markin Slams Contractors Over Rice Imports, Alleges Sabotage of Local Farmers The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has accused government-linked contractors of undermining Ghana’s agricultural sector by importing rice in defiance of directives to prioritise local produce. Addressing the Kwahu Business Forum on Friday, April 3, 2026, he described the sidelining of local farmers as a deliberate act that threatens national food security efforts. According to him, despite the government’s public push for a “Buy Ghana” agenda, the reality reflects a systemic preference for imported grains, leaving warehouses of locally produced rice unsold. The controversy centres on the Ghana School Feeding Programme, a multi-million-cedi initiative designed to provide a ready market for local rice farmers. However, Mr. Afenyo-Markin alleged that contractors awarded supply deals under the programme are bypassing local silos in favour of cheaper imported rice. “Contractors engaged to supply the School Feeding Programme with locally produced rice instead of importing the grains [are] bypassing farmers who had prepared their produce following a direct presidential directive,” he stated. He warned that the situation has had severe consequences for the rice value chain, with many farmers now saddled with debts and unsold harvests. The Minority Leader also criticised the lack of transparency at the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), noting that despite repeated petitions from agricultural groups, the identities of contractors involved in the imports remain undisclosed. “The Peasant Farmers Association has repeatedly requested that NAFCO publish the names of those contractors. NAFCO has not responded,” he said. “What has been described is not a market failure. It is a procurement betrayal.” He indicated that the Minority Caucus will push for a parliamentary inquiry to compel disclosure of all active contracts and beneficiaries within the procurement chain. Mr. Afenyo-Markin cautioned that such practices not only harm the economy but also erode trust between the government and rural communities. He stressed that without urgent reforms to ensure state-backed programmes genuinely support local producers, Ghana’s ambition for agricultural self-sufficiency will remain unattainable. “Let us choose accountability over secrecy,” he concluded, urging authorities to align procurement decisions with policy commitments to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods. Alternative Headlines Afenyo-Markin Alleges Procurement Betrayal in School Feeding Rice Supply Minority Leader Accuses Contractors of Undermining Ghana Rice Farmers Rice Importation Row: Afenyo-Markin Demands Probe into NAFCO Contracts “Procurement Betrayal” — Afenyo-Markin Slams School Feeding Contractors Minority Signals Probe Over Alleged Sabotage of Local Rice Industry Tags Afenyo-Markin, Ghana Politics, School Feeding Programme, Rice Farmers, NAFCO, Agriculture Ghana, Procurement, Food Security, Parliament Ghana Meta Description Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin accuses contractors of importing rice under the School Feeding Programme, undermining local farmers and calls for a parliamentary probe into NAFCO contracts. The government is set to distribute more than 24,500 pieces of medical equipment to health facilities across the country as part of preparations toward the rollout of the Free Primary Healthcare Programme. The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, on April 3, 2026, disclosed that the equipment will begin arriving at health facilities from next week to strengthen service delivery at the primary care level. He made this known after inspecting the items alongside the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, ahead of their distribution. According to him, the 24,534 pieces of equipment are intended to support the effective implementation of the Free Primary Healthcare Programme, which is expected to be launched on April 15 by President John Dramani Mahama. The equipment package includes essential diagnostic and treatment tools such as X-ray machines, vital sign monitors for checking blood pressure and temperature, and glucometers for diabetes screening. It also features critical neonatal care equipment, including baby incubators, radiant warmers, and oxygen concentrators to support newborn care and resuscitation. Additional items to be distributed are patient monitors, infusion devices, laboratory analysers, delivery beds, hospital beds, and ultrasound machines. He noted that the deployment of the equipment is aimed at enhancing the capacity of health facilities nationwide, particularly at the primary level, to deliver quality and accessible healthcare services. Gov’t to Distribute 24,500+ Medical Equipment Ahead of Free Primary Healthcare Rollout The government is set to distribute more than 24,500 pieces of medical equipment to health facilities nationwide as part of preparations for the rollout of the Free Primary Healthcare Programme. The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, disclosed on April 3, 2026, that the equipment will begin arriving at health facilities from next week to strengthen service delivery at the primary care level. He made this known after inspecting the items alongside the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, ahead of their nationwide distribution. According to him, a total of 24,534 pieces of equipment will be deployed to support the effective implementation of the programme, which is expected to be launched on April 15 by President John Dramani Mahama. The equipment package includes essential diagnostic and treatment tools such as X-ray machines, vital sign monitors for checking blood pressure and temperature, and glucometers for diabetes screening. It also features critical neonatal care equipment, including baby incubators, radiant warmers, and oxygen concentrators to support newborn care and resuscitation. Additional items to be distributed include patient monitors, infusion devices, laboratory analysers, delivery beds, hospital beds, and ultrasound machines. Mr. Kwakye Ofosu noted that the deployment is aimed at enhancing the capacity of health facilities across the country—particularly at the primary level—to deliver quality and accessible healthcare services. Alternative Headlines Gov’t Rolls Out 24,500 Medical Equipment Ahead of Free Healthcare Launch Mahama to Launch Free Primary Healthcare as Equipment Distribution Begins Health Facilities to Receive Boost with Nationwide Equipment Deployment Gov’t Moves to Strengthen Primary Care with Massive Equipment Distribution Over 24,000 Medical Devices Set for Nationwide Distribution Tags Ghana Health, Free Primary Healthcare, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, John Mahama, Medical Equipment, Healthcare Ghana, Public Health, Government Policy Meta Description Government will distribute over 24,500 medical equipment to health facilities nationwide ahead of the April 15 launch of the Free Primary Healthcare Programme. Deputy Finance Minister, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has confirmed that Rans Logistics has refunded GHC19.1 million to the state, just a week after the company was cited in the Auditor-General’s special report for multiple infractions. The firm was flagged for alleged involvement in a scandal linked to missing grains, overpayment for services, and thousands of tonnes of rice and maize that could not be accounted for. Speaking before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Deputy Minister Ampem said the payment has already been made, with government also expecting the return of additional commodities highlighted in the audit findings. “Exactly a week after the presentation the company has gone ahead to refund GHC19.1 million to the state and if you look at the audit revelations, it is not just the GHC19.1 million cedis that was cited. It was also stated that the company was paid with rice in excess of 7,000 metric tonnes of rice so we are expecting that as well,” he said. He added that the Attorney General would soon make recommendations regarding the infractions outlined in the special audit report. The development comes as the PAC continues its scrutiny of the Auditor-General’s findings, which uncovered several financial irregularities across state institutions and private entities contracted by government. Rans Logistics Refunds GH¢19.1m After Auditor-General Flags Infractions — Deputy Finance Minister Deputy Finance Minister, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has confirmed that Rans Logistics has refunded GH¢19.1 million to the state, just a week after the company was cited in a special audit report for multiple infractions. The firm had been flagged by the Auditor-General of Ghana over its alleged involvement in a scandal involving missing grains, overpayment for services, and thousands of tonnes of rice and maize that could not be accounted for. Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Mr. Ampem disclosed that the refund has already been effected, with government also expecting the return of additional commodities captured in the audit findings. “Exactly a week after the presentation the company has gone ahead to refund GH¢19.1 million to the state and if you look at the audit revelations, it is not just the GH¢19.1 million cedis that was cited. It was also stated that the company was paid with rice in excess of 7,000 metric tonnes of rice so we are expecting that as well,” he stated. He further indicated that the Office of the Attorney General of Ghana will soon make recommendations regarding the infractions outlined in the report. The development comes as the PAC intensifies its scrutiny of the Auditor-General’s findings, which uncovered widespread financial irregularities across state institutions and private entities engaged by government. The ongoing probe is expected to trigger further recoveries and possible sanctions as Parliament pushes for accountability in the management of public resources. Alternative Headlines Rans Logistics Refunds GH¢19.1m After Audit Scandal Deputy Finance Minister Confirms Refund in Missing Grains Saga PAC Probe Yields GH¢19.1m Recovery from Rans Logistics Audit Fallout: Gov’t Recovers Millions from Logistics Firm Rans Logistics Pays Back GH¢19.1m, More Recoveries Expected Tags Rans Logistics, PAC Ghana, Auditor General, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, Financial Irregularities, Ghana Parliament, Public Funds, Accountability, Audit Report Meta Description Rans Logistics has refunded GH¢19.1 million to the state after being cited in an Auditor-General’s report, with government expecting additional recoveries in commodities. Nasa has shared the first high-resolution images of the Earth taken by the Artemis II crew as they pass the halfway point between the Earth and the Moon. The mission's commander, Reid Wiseman, took the "spectacular" images, Nasa says, after the crew completed a final engine burn that set them on a trajectory towards our closest celestial neighbour. At about 07:00 BST, Nasa's online dashboard showed the Orion spacecraft was now 142,000 miles (228,500 km) from Earth, and 132,000 miles from the moon. The first image, called Hello, World, shows the vast expanse of blue that is the Atlantic Ocean, framed by a glow of the atmosphere as the Earth eclipses the Sun and green auroras at either pole. The Earth appears upside down, with the western Sahara and Iberian peninsula visible to the left and the eastern portion of South America to the right. Nasa identified the bright planet to the bottom right as Venus. Nasa/Reid Wiseman An image from inside of the Orion capsule, which shows a small window and part of the Earth outsideNasa/Reid Wiseman Wiseman also took this picture, titled Artemis II Looking Back at Earth, from one of the Orion spacecraft's four main windows The images were taken after the crew successfully completed a trans-lunar injection burn in the early hours of Friday. The burn took the Orion spacecraft out of Earth orbit as the four astronauts aboard aim to travel the more than 200,000 miles to the Moon. Artemis II is now on a looping path that will carry the crew around the far side of the Moon and back again. It is the first time since 1972 that humans have travelled outside of the Earth's orbit. The crew should pass around the far side of the Moon on 6 April and return to Earth on 10 April. NASA Half of the Earth NASA Another image taken by the crew shows the divide between night and day, known as the terminator, cutting across Earth After the burn was completed, the crew were "glued to the windows" taking pictures, mission specialist Jeremy Hansen told mission control in Houston. "We are getting a beautiful view of the dark side of the Earth, lit by the Moon," he said. Wiseman later called back down to mission control in Houston to ask how to clean the windows, as the astronauts' enthusiasm to see into space had left them dirty. The commander had initially found it difficult to take pictures of our planet from the spacecraft, saying taking photos at such a distance made it hard to adjust exposure settings. "It's like walking out back at your house, trying to take a picture of the moon," he told mission control. "That's what it feels like right now." But that is no longer an issue. Another view captured by Wiseman shows the Earth divided by night and day. That frontier between light and darkness is known as the terminator. NASA/Reid Wiseman Lights twinkle in the nighttime as the Earth completely occludes the Sun in this image taken from the Orion space capsule.NASA/Reid Wiseman Lights twinkle in the nighttime as the Earth completely occludes the Sun Later, Nasa published another image showing the Earth in near-complete darkness, with the electric lights of humankind twinkling in the nighttime. It also produced a side-by-side comparison of 2026's view of the Earth and a similar one taken by the Apollo 17 team in 1972 - the last time humans set foot on the Moon. "We've come so far in the last 54 years, but one thing hasn't changed: our home looks gorgeous from space!" it wrote. Artemis II Crew Captures Stunning High-Resolution Images of Earth from Deep Space NASA has released the first high-resolution images of Earth taken by astronauts aboard the Artemis II spacecraft, as the crew journeys between Earth and the Moon. The breathtaking images were captured by mission commander Reid Wiseman after the crew successfully completed a critical engine burn that placed the Orion spacecraft on a trajectory toward the Moon. At the time the images were taken, NASA’s tracking data showed the spacecraft approximately 142,000 miles (228,500 km) from Earth and about 132,000 miles from the Moon. One of the standout images, titled Hello, World, reveals a vivid view of the Atlantic Ocean, framed by Earth’s glowing atmosphere. The image also shows green auroras shimmering near both poles as the planet eclipses the Sun. The Earth appears upside down in the photograph, with the western Sahara and Iberian Peninsula visible on one side and parts of South America on the other. NASA also identified a bright object in the frame as the planet Venus. Another image, Artemis II Looking Back at Earth, was taken from inside the Orion capsule, offering a unique perspective through one of its windows. The photographs were captured shortly after the spacecraft executed a trans-lunar injection burn, propelling it out of Earth’s orbit and setting the astronauts on a journey of more than 200,000 miles toward the Moon. This mission marks a historic milestone, as it is the first time since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972 that humans have travelled beyond Earth’s orbit. The Artemis II crew is expected to loop around the far side of the Moon on April 6 before returning to Earth on April 10. Mission specialist Jeremy Hansen described the crew as being “glued to the windows” after the burn, captivated by the view of Earth’s dark side illuminated by reflected light from the Moon. “We are getting a beautiful view of the dark side of the Earth, lit by the Moon,” he said. Another striking image shows the boundary between day and night on Earth—known as the terminator—cutting across the planet, while a later photo captures Earth in near-total darkness, with city lights shimmering across its surface. Despite initial challenges with camera exposure due to the vast distance, Wiseman later reported improved results, likening the experience to trying to photograph the Moon from one’s backyard. NASA also released a side-by-side comparison of the new images with similar photographs taken during Apollo 17, highlighting both technological advancements and the enduring beauty of Earth seen from space. “We’ve come so far in the last 54 years, but one thing hasn’t changed: our home looks gorgeous from space!” NASA noted. Alternative Headlines Artemis II Astronauts Capture Stunning Views of Earth from Deep Space NASA Releases First High-Resolution Earth Images from Artemis II Historic Moment: First Deep Space Earth Images Since 1972 Revealed Artemis II Crew “Glued to Windows” as They Photograph Earth NASA Compares Artemis II Earth Images with Apollo 17 Era Tags NASA, Artemis II, Space Exploration, Moon Mission, Reid Wiseman, Earth Images, Orion Spacecraft, Apollo 17, Astronomy Meta Description NASA has released stunning high-resolution images of Earth captured by the Artemis II crew as they travel toward the Moon, marking the first such mission beyond Earth orbit since 1972. Democracy "kills" and the people of Burkina Faso must "forget" it, the country's military ruler has said in an interview aired on state television. Capt Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power in a coup three years ago, suggested most Africans do not want the system of democracy and that Burkina Faso had its own, alternative approach, without giving details. Traoré initially pledged to restore democratic rule to the West African country by July 2024, but two months before this deadline, the junta announced it would extend its rule for another five years. In January, the authorities announced a ban on all political parties as part of a plan to "rebuild the state". In Thursday night's interview, Traoré said: "People need to forget about the issue of democracy. Democracy is not for us. "Look at Libya, this is an example close to us," said the 38-year-old, who casts himself as a revolutionary leader standing up to Western imperialism. Libya was ruled autocratically for four decades by Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, who oversaw a brutal regime while also providing Libyans with subsidised housing, free education and free healthcare. He was killed during a rebellion assisted by Western military intervention. The north African country has since failed to hold elections and is split between two rival administrations, along with numerous armed groups. "Wherever they [Western powers] try to establish democracy in the world, it's always accompanied by bloodshed," Traoré said in his interview. While there has been a spate of military takeovers in recent years, most African countries do still hold regular elections, even if some are criticised as being rigged in favour of incumbents. Two military leaders - in Gabon and Guinea - have organised elections which they have gone on to win. Why Burkina Faso's junta leader has captured hearts and minds around the world Why coups don’t spell democracy's end in Africa Traoré also addressed the dissolution of political parties, saying he considered them to be divisive, dangerous and incompatible with the revolutionary protect. "The truth is, politics in Africa – or at least what we've experienced in Burkina - is that a real politician is someone who embodies every vice: a liar, a sycophant, a smooth-talker," he said. The junta leader did not propose an alternative system, but said: "We have our own approach. We're not even trying to copy anyone else. We're here to completely change the way things are done." He emphasised building a new system rooted in sovereignty, patriotism and revolutionary mobilisation, with traditional leaders and grassroots structures playing a central role. In a wide-ranging interview, he also emphasised the importance of economic and military self-reliance, as well as hard work, saying that working six- or eight-hour days would not enable Burkina Faso to catch up with richer countries. Traoré has suppressed dissent during his rule, cracking down on the opposition, media and civil society groups. His government has even been accused of punishing critics by sending them to the front-lines of the war against Islamist militants. Despite this, Traoré has gained a huge following across the continent for his pan-Africanist vision and criticism of Western influence. Burkina Faso, like its junta-led neighbours Mali and Niger, has moved away from working with Western countries, especially France, in its fight against Islamist militants, which have waged a decade-long insurgency in the region. All three have instead turned towards Russia for military assistance, but the violence has continued unabated. On Thursday, a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) said more than 1,800 civilians have been killed in Burkina Faso since Traoré seized power in 2023. The publication attributes two-thirds of the killings to the military and allied militias, with the rest blamed on Islamist militants. write tags and meta only Tags Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso, Military Junta, Democracy Debate, West Africa Politics, Coups in Africa, Human Rights, Political Parties Ban, Sahel Security, Islamist Insurgency, Russia Africa Relations, France Africa Relations, Governance, Pan-Africanism Meta Description Burkina Faso’s leader Ibrahim Traoré rejects democracy, defends military rule and political party ban amid ongoing security crisis and human rights concerns

NASA has released stunning high-resolution images of Earth captured by the Artemis II crew as they travel toward the Moon, marking the first such mission beyond Earth orbit since 1972

Sagnarigu MP Atta Issah receives National Progress & Human Capital Catalyst Honor for his impactful work in infrastructure, education, and youth empowerment

NASA’s Artemis II mission successfully launches into Earth orbit, with astronauts set to orbit the Moon in a historic 10-day journey

Oil prices surge to $106 per barrel while global markets slide after Donald Trump warns the US will hit Iran “extremely hard,” heightening geopolitical tensions

Former Attorney-General Godfred Dame issues a 7-day ultimatum to Felix Kwakye Ofosu over alleged defamatory galamsey claims, demanding retraction and apology

Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee refers former Defence Procurement Director Frank Oliver Kpodo to the Attorney-General over a controversial GH¢4.8 million vehicle procurement deal flagged by the Auditor-General for irregularities