Tuesday, 22 September 2026

GUINEA-BISSAU STRENGTHENS HEALTH SYSTEM AS MPox AND OTHER PUBLIC HEALTH RISKS TEST NATIONAL CAPACITY

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BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR

GUINEA-BISSAU STRENGTHENS HEALTH SYSTEM AS MPox AND OTHER PUBLIC HEALTH RISKS TEST NATIONAL CAPACITY

GUINEA - Guinea-Bissau is strengthening its health system as authorities continue responding to infectious-disease risks and improving access to healthcare.

The country confirmed an mpox case earlier this year, prompting health authorities to strengthen surveillance and public-health coordination. The World Health Organization reported the confirmed case in July and has continued to monitor developments.

A Vulnerable Health System

Guinea-Bissau has a relatively small population but faces major healthcare challenges.

Health facilities and medical personnel are concentrated unevenly.

Rural communities can experience difficulty accessing hospitals and specialist services.

The government therefore needs stronger primary healthcare.

Mpox

The confirmed mpox case demonstrates why surveillance matters.

Early detection can prevent outbreaks from spreading.

Public awareness is equally important.

Citizens need accurate information about symptoms, transmission and when to seek medical care.

Polio Progress

There is also positive news.

An independent assessment recommended closure of Guinea-Bissau's 2021 variant poliovirus type 2 outbreak while calling for continued immunisation and surveillance.

This represents important progress.

However, the country cannot afford to reduce vaccination efforts.

Cross-Border CoOperation

Guinea-Bissau is part of a region where people move frequently between countries.

Disease outbreaks can cross borders quickly.

Health cooperation with Senegal, Guinea and other West African states is therefore essential.

The WHO has reported that ten African countries recently signed an agreement strengthening cross-border cooperation for health emergencies.

Agriculture and Cashews

Cashew production remains central to Guinea-Bissau's economy.

The crop provides income for large numbers of farmers.

However, excessive dependence on one commodity exposes the country to price fluctuations.

The development of cashew processing could help retain more value domestically.

Fisheries

Guinea-Bissau also possesses substantial marine resources.

Fisheries can provide food and export earnings.

Sustainable management is essential to prevent overfishing.

Political Stability

Political stability remains important to economic development.

Frequent political crises can discourage investment and disrupt government programmes.

Long-term development requires continuity.

Youth Employment

Young people need opportunities in agriculture, fisheries, services and digital industries.

Technology could help overcome the country's geographic isolation.

Strengthening primary healthcare should remain a national priority.

The country's progress against polio demonstrates what can be achieved through coordinated health programmes.

The challenge is sustaining that progress while preparing for new diseases.

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GUINEA FACES TRANSPORT AND TRADE PRESSURES AS GOVERNMENT SEEKS TO UNLOCK MINING AND AGRICULTURAL POTENTIAL

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BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR

GUINEA FACES TRANSPORT AND TRADE PRESSURES AS GOVERNMENT SEEKS TO UNLOCK MINING AND AGRICULTURAL POTENTIAL

GIONEA - Guinea remains one of West Africa's most resource-rich countries, yet transport infrastructure, agricultural development and the cost of doing business continue to influence the country's economic future.

Recent reports from Conakry have highlighted concerns from transport operators about repeated roadblocks, checks and other delays along the Labé-Conakry corridor.

For businesses, transport efficiency is not a minor issue.

It directly affects the price of food, fuel and manufactured goods.

A Mining Powerhouse

Guinea possesses some of the world's largest bauxite reserves.

Bauxite is the principal ore used to produce aluminium.

The country's mining sector therefore has enormous strategic importance.

Guinea also possesses iron ore, gold and other minerals.

Simandou

The Simandou iron-ore project is one of Africa's most significant mining developments.

The project has the potential to transform Guinea's economy through exports, infrastructure and employment.

But large mining projects require extensive railways, ports and power infrastructure.

Infrastructure

Transport remains one of Guinea's biggest development challenges.

Roads connecting rural communities to cities and ports are essential.

Poor roads increase the cost of moving agricultural products.

Improved transport could therefore help both mining and farming.

Fisheries

Guinea's coastline supports a substantial fishing industry.

Recent reporting has highlighted government attention to artisanal fishing communities around Conakry.

Fisheries provide food and employment.

Sustainable management is essential to prevent depletion.

Agriculture

Agriculture employs a large proportion of the population.

Rice, coffee, fruits and other crops contribute to the economy.

The country could expand agricultural processing and reduce dependence on imported food.

Mining Revenues

The central question is how mining wealth is distributed.

Resource-rich countries can experience strong export growth without achieving broad improvements in living standards.

Guinea therefore needs investment in education, healthcare, roads and electricity.

Youth

Young Guineans need jobs and skills.

Mining alone cannot employ the entire population.

Construction, agriculture, manufacturing and technology must also grow.

Regional Trade

Guinea's position on the Atlantic coast gives it access to international markets.

It also participates in the wider West African economy.

Better regional transport could increase trade with neighbouring countries.

Guinea has enormous economic potential.

The challenge is building the infrastructure and institutions required to convert natural resources into broad-based prosperity.

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GHANA MOVES TO PROTECT LOCAL MINING JOBS AS GOVERNMENT PREPARES NEW RULES FOR CONTRACTORS

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BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR

GHANA MOVES TO PROTECT LOCAL MINING JOBS AS GOVERNMENT PREPARES NEW RULES FOR CONTRACTORS

GHANA - Ghana is preparing new wage and tender standards for mining contractors as the government attempts to increase local participation and protect workers from aggressive cost-cutting.

The Minerals Commission is developing minimum wage and tender benchmarks for contract mining companies.

The objective is to prevent companies from winning contracts through unsustainably low bids that can ultimately affect worker pay and safety.

Local Participation

Ghana introduced requirements designed to increase Ghanaian ownership and participation in mining operations.

Surface mining operations are required to move toward Ghanaian-owned contractors, while underground operations must involve joint ventures with at least 50% Ghanaian ownership.

The compliance deadline is December 2026.

Why Mining Matters

Gold remains one of Ghana's most important exports.

The mining industry generates foreign exchange, tax revenue and employment.

But the government wants a greater share of the economic value to remain inside Ghana.

Local companies can benefit through contracts for transportation, equipment, engineering and other services.

Worker Concerns

Some workers have raised concerns that contract arrangements could lead to lower wages and less job security.

Minimum standards could help address those concerns.

The government is also attempting to prevent competition from becoming a race to the bottom.

Mining Companies

Major international companies operating in Ghana will need to adapt to the new requirements.

Some companies have not yet fully complied with the local participation rules.

The Ghana Chamber of Mines has expressed concerns about mandatory contracting requirements but supports measures to prevent harmful underbidding.

Technology and 5G

Ghana is also preparing for the next phase of digital development.

The government says 5G deployment is expected by the end of 2026.

Faster networks could improve businesses, education and digital services.

However, recent reports have highlighted fibre cuts and grid instability as factors affecting network quality.

Healthcare

Ghana has also launched a free primary healthcare programme in 135 Districts.

The initiative is intended to improve access to basic medical services.

Transport and Infrastructure

The government is also dealing with infrastructure challenges.

A $350 Million project aimed at addressing flooding around Weija Dam is expected to begin this year.

Education

More than 500,000 candidates have secured placement into second-cycle and technical institutions through Ghana's 2026 placement process.

Education remains critical to building a workforce capable of supporting industrialisation.

Ghana is attempting to combine resource nationalism with economic modernisation.

The success of the mining reforms will depend on whether local companies can become competitive without compromising safety and productivity.

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POWER CRISIS SPARKS PROTESTS IN THE GAMBIA AS PRESIDENT BARROW FACES ELECTION PRESSURE

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BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR

POWER CRISIS SPARKS PROTESTS IN THE GAMBIA AS PRESIDENT BARROW FACES ELECTION PRESSURE

GAMBIA - The Gambia has been hit by protests over widespread electricity shortages, creating a major political challenge for President Adama Barrow ahead of the December Presidential Election.

Protests erupted in several locations on September 7 and 8 after some communities experienced electricity outages lasting as long as 48 hours.

Demonstrators burned tyres, erected barricades and shouted demands for Barrow to leave office. Police used tear gas to disperse protesters.

Electricity becomes a Political Issue

The power crisis has affected households and businesses.

High temperatures have made electricity shortages particularly difficult.

Food can spoil when refrigerators stop working.

Businesses dependent on electricity face lost income.

Students struggle to study.

Hospitals and clinics also require reliable power.

President Barrow acknowledged the hardship and attributed the crisis to high demand, equipment failures and seasonal reductions in hydropower availability.

Government Response

The government has promised additional generating capacity.

New generators were expected to arrive during the week, while another 24-megawatt unit is planned.

Authorities have also discussed a 50-megawatt solar project.

Solar energy could eventually reduce pressure on the electricity system.

Election Implications

The protests are politically significant because the country is approaching a presidential election.

President Barrow is seeking a third term.

Electricity shortages can quickly become election issues because citizens experience them directly.

The government will therefore be under pressure to restore reliable power before voters make their decisions.

Economy

The Gambia's economy depends heavily on tourism, agriculture and remittances.

Electricity reliability is important to all three.

Hotels need electricity to operate.

Agricultural processing requires power.

Small businesses depend on refrigeration and telecommunications.

Tourism

Tourism is one of the country's major foreign-exchange earners.

The Gambia is known for its beaches, wildlife and winter tourism market.

Energy shortages can damage the tourism sector if hotels and businesses cannot guarantee reliable services.

International CoOperation

The Gambian government continues to work with international partners on food security, development and social programmes.

The country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently welcomed the new World Food Programme representative, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in national development.

Infrastructure Challenge

The electricity crisis exposes a wider infrastructure problem.

The country needs investment in generation, transmission and distribution.

Renewable energy could play a larger role.

The government has promised improvements.

But citizens will judge those promises through actual electricity availability.

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GABON GOVERNMENT MOVES TO TIGHTEN PUBLIC FINANCES AS ECONOMIC REFORM ENTERS NEW PHASE

GABON - Gabon is moving to strengthen public finances as the government seeks greater control over state revenue and expenditure.

One of the latest measures is the suspension of tax and customs exemptions.

Gabonese authorities announced the immediate suspension as part of efforts to improve public revenue collection.

The decision comes as Gabon continues its political transition and attempts to restructure the country's economy.

An Oil-Producing Economy

Gabon has long depended heavily on oil.

Petroleum exports provide a major source of national income.

However, the government is seeking to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons.

Mining, forestry, agriculture and tourism offer alternative opportunities.

Public Finance Reform

Tax exemptions can reduce government revenue when they are not carefully controlled.

By reviewing or suspending exemptions, the government can potentially increase the resources available for public services.

The challenge is ensuring that reforms do not discourage legitimate investment.

Businesses require predictable taxation.

Natural Resources

Gabon is rich in natural resources.

Manganese is particularly important.

The country also possesses large forest resources.

Responsible management of those resources could provide long-term economic value.

Forestry and Climate

Gabon is part of the Congo Basin rainforest.

Its forests are important for global climate stability.

The government therefore faces the difficult task of balancing economic development with environmental protection.

Sustainable forestry could create employment and export revenue while protecting ecosystems.

Urban Development

Recent government attention has also focused on Libreville's public spaces and infrastructure.

The beach area opposite Lycée National Léon Mba has undergone urban improvements, according to Gabon's national press agency.

Urban development can improve tourism and quality of life.

Healthcare

Gabon is also focusing on healthcare.

The country's paediatric medical community recently opened a new congress addressing child health.

Healthcare remains a critical component of development.

Political Transition

Gabon has been undergoing a major political transition following the end of the Bongo family's decades-long political dominance.

The government must now demonstrate that political change can deliver institutional reform.

Public finance will remain central.

Gabon needs enough revenue to finance infrastructure and public services while creating an environment attractive to investors.

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Tuesday, 22 September 2026