President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, describing it as not a mere policy initiative but as a “national reset” aimed at fundamentally transforming Ghana’s economic landscape.

Speaking at the launch event in Accra on Wednesday, July 2, President Mahama unveiled what he termed the “24-H Plus Agenda”, a strategic initiative designed to maximise productivity, drive export growth, and create inclusive economic opportunities across all sectors of society.

“Today marks the formal launch of the 24-hour economy and accelerated export development programme, what we now proudly call the 24-H Plus Agenda,” he announced.

“This is more than a policy initiative, it is a national reset a bold strategic shift to unlock our country’s full productive potential,” he continued.

Framing the policy in historical and ideological terms, Mahama declared the agenda a return to Ghana’s founding ideals.

“Today we reclaim our founders’ vision of a self-reliant, industrious and inclusive African nation that works with organised creativity and ensures prosperity for all,” he said.

He stressed that the programme would be driven primarily by the private sector, with government playing an enabling and catalytic role.

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In preparation for a possible COVID-19 comeback, the government is acting to obtain COVID-19 vaccines locally, according to Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.

The minister acknowledged that COVID-19 cases had recently increased, with the majority of infections occurring at the University of Ghana campus. According to him, the Omicron variation is the main cause of the cases.

Speaking before Parliament, Mr. Akandoh said that 107 of the 316 suspected cases have been verified.

READ ALSO: COVID-19 Resurfaces at University of Ghana: Health Authorities Sound the Alarm

He did, however, reassure the public that the new illnesses have not been connected to any hospitalizations or fatalities.

In keeping with worldwide trends, Mr. Akandoh clarified that although the COVID-19 vaccine is no longer a part of Ghana’s regular immunization schedule, it is still an essential tool for halting the spread of the virus and lowering the risk of serious illness and death.

“In preparation for a potential surge, we have initiated the necessary processes to secure vaccines in-country,” the Minister stated.

He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to safeguarding the health of those who are most at risk, including the elderly and those with underlying medical issues.

READ ALSO: COVID-19: 107 Out Of 316 Suspected Cases Confirmed, No Hospitalisation – Health Minister

“This is consistent with our commitment to safeguarding the health of vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and individuals with underlying health conditions who are more likely to suffer serious complications from COVID-19,” he added.

In order to enable prompt deployment in the event that infection rates start to rise again, Mr. Akandoh reassured the public that the government is still taking the initiative in its pandemic response strategy.

He also assured Ghanaians that there are still efficient COVID-19 therapy options accessible. He mentioned that people with mild to moderate symptoms who also have diabetes or hypertension should take Paxlovid, an antiviral drug given twice daily for five days.

“Most people recover at home with symptom-based treatment,” he said. “But our hospitals are also well-prepared to manage more serious cases, including with oxygen therapy and comprehensive clinical care.”

In his closing remarks, Mr. Akandoh reaffirmed the government’s dedication to public health and emphasized the significance of national preparedness, especially for the most vulnerable.

A resident of Abodom in the Ashanti Region’s Asante Bekwai Municipality named Selina Adu Gyamfi has accused her Chinese partner, Leon, of leaving her after reportedly getting her pregnant.

Selina says she met Leon years ago in Bekwai while he was involved in illicit mining, sometimes known as galamsey.

The two fell in love, and she says Leon provided her with regular financial support throughout that time.

“My issue is that some Chinese people came to Abodom, Asante Bekwai, for galamsey. I had a relationship with one of them called Leon. When they were leaving, I didn’t know I was pregnant,” she narrated.

On Nhyira FM’s social program, Selina talked about how she trusted and became personal with Leon since he had promised to be with her.

“He told me he loved me. He used to give me 1,000 cedis a week or sometimes 500 cedis every three days,” she recounted.

According to Selina, she didn’t find out she was pregnant until two months after Leon and his coworkers had departed Bekwai.

Leon was originally happy when she called him and told him she was pregnant, but his attitude changed after that.

“I called to inform him I was pregnant and he said he liked it but I don’t know what people told him; he started avoiding me and eventually blacklisted me,” she said.

Selina became irate and went looking for Leon, who was then arrested after she told the police about the situation.

She claims, however, that the police soon freed him.

“Leon was good to me while we were together but now I’m struggling to take care of the child alone. I don’t know where he is,” she said.

Now, as she struggles to raise the child alone, Selina is pleading with the public and authorities to assist her in finding Leon.