Connect with us

News

WHO Director-General Rejects US Withdrawal Claims as ‘Untrue,’ Urges Return to Global Health Cooperation

Published

on

The World Health Organization (WHO) has firmly rebutted the United States’ justifications for its withdrawal from the agency, with Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus labeling the reasons “untrue” and warning that the move endangers both American and global security.

This development highlights deepening divides in international health governance, at a time when pandemics and health crises continue to threaten vulnerable populations worldwide, including in Africa.

The US formally exited the WHO earlier this week, fulfilling a notification issued a year prior under President Donald Trump’s administration. The decision revives tensions from 2020, when Trump first announced a withdrawal amid the COVID-19 pandemic, accusing the WHO of being overly influenced by China and failing to hold Beijing accountable for the virus’s origins. Although the Biden administration reversed that move in 2021, Trump’s return to office in 2025 has seen a resurgence of isolationist policies, including cuts to international organizations.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on January 24, 2026, Tedros stated that the US’s foundational role in the WHO, established in 1948 as a United Nations specialized agency.

“As a founding member of @WHO, the United States of America has contributed significantly to many of WHO’s greatest achievements, including the eradication of smallpox,” he stated. He added that the agency has always respected member states’ sovereignty and that the withdrawal “makes both the US and the world less safe.”

The US cited several grievances, including claims by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that the WHO had “tarnished and trashed everything that America has done for it.” A symbolic point of contention was an American flag allegedly withheld by the WHO, though it was later returned. The administration also accused the organization of obstructing information sharing during the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Countering these, the WHO reiterated its transparency efforts: In early January 2020, it alerted governments to a “pneumonia of unknown cause” in China and declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 30, when cases outside China were minimal.

“The reverse is true,” the WHO stated regarding US accusations. “As we do with every Member State, WHO has always sought to engage with the United States in good faith, with full respect for its sovereignty.”

For Ghana and other African nations, the US withdrawal is concerning. The WHO has been instrumental in initiatives like polio eradication and Ebola response, with Africa benefiting from technical support and funding.

Ghana, as a WHO member and host to regional health offices, has advocated for stronger multilateralism, especially post-COVID. The absence of the US—the largest WHO donor—could strain resources for ongoing challenges like mpox outbreaks and climate-related diseases.

Tedros expressed hope for the US’s return, underscoring the need for collective action in an interconnected world. As global health threats evolve, this rift could undermine preparedness, urging other nations to step up contributions.

WHO withdrawal, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, US foreign policy, COVID-19 response, international health, sovereignty, global security, 362.106 (International health organizations and services)

Ghana News

Ghana Star Thomas Partey Pleads Not Guilty to Two Additional Rape Charges in UK Court

Published

on

London, United Kingdom – Ghanaian international footballer Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to two additional rape charges, bringing the total number of rape allegations against him to seven.

The 32-year-old Villarreal midfielder appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, where he denied the new charges relating to a fourth woman in December 2020.

Partey had previously pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault against a third woman, with the alleged offences occurring between 2021 and 2022 while he was playing for Arsenal in the English Premier League.

Partey was signed by Arsenal from Atletico Madrid for €50 million ($58.49 million) in 2020 and became a key member of the first team before leaving the club last summer when his contract expired.

He subsequently joined Spanish La Liga side Villarreal.

The midfielder was released on bail following Monday’s hearing. His trial, originally scheduled to begin in November, could now face further delays due to the additional charges.

The case continues to draw significant attention given Partey’s stature as a prominent player for both Arsenal and the Ghana national team, the Black Stars.

Continue Reading

Ghana News

Armed Robbers Killed in Tema, New Black Stars Coach Speaks, CSOs Propose Fuel Relief and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today

Published

on

We have curated the most relevant stories from Ghana to keep you informed. Today’s trending stories cover security incidents, economic proposals, human rights debates, fiscal updates, and more.

Tema Police Gun Down Two Armed Robbers After Brazen Daytime Mobile Money Heist
Tema police have shot and killed two armed robbers who carried out a daring daytime robbery at a Mobile Money outlet in Community 5, Tema. The suspects, riding a motorbike, attacked the vendor around 8:30 a.m., shooting her in the leg and fleeing with GH¢11,390. A police patrol team intercepted them near the Tema General Hospital area, leading to a chase and shootout. The robbers were rushed to hospital but pronounced dead on arrival. Items recovered included the stolen cash, a loaded pistol, phones, SIM cards, and the victim’s Ghana Card. The female vendor is in stable condition.
Read the full story here

CSOs Propose GH¢1.65 Fuel Price Relief and Long-Term Petroleum Sector Reforms
A coalition of civil society organisations, including IMANI Africa and the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers, has proposed an immediate GH¢1.65 reduction in the petroleum price build-up to ease the burden on Ghanaians amid rising fuel costs. The groups suggested the relief should last for two months instead of the government’s proposed four weeks, followed by a review based on global market conditions. They also called for broader structural reforms, including removal of burdensome taxes and levies, establishment of a Strategic Reserve Fund, and investment in the Tema Oil Refinery to enhance local refining capacity.
Read the full story here

Group Challenges Mahama, Says Backing LGBTQ Bill Undermines Human Rights
The group JustRight Ghana has strongly challenged President John Dramani Mahama over his stated commitment to assent to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill if passed by Parliament. The organisation described the bill as “modern-day slavery” and argued that supporting it would legitimise the arrest and torture of LGBTQ+ persons, thereby undermining Ghana’s moral authority on human rights issues globally. They cited constitutional provisions on human dignity and privacy, as well as Ghana’s international treaty obligations, and vowed to pursue legal action if the bill is passed.
Read the full story here

Ato Forson Says Ghana on Track for Debt Sustainability as Focus Shifts to Growth
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has stated that Ghana is making steady progress toward debt sustainability, describing it as a major milestone in the country’s economic recovery. Following discussions with the World Bank’s Regional Vice President for Western and Central Africa, he noted that the focus is now shifting from stabilisation to growth-oriented investments in commercial agriculture, energy, education, and infrastructure. The minister stressed continued fiscal discipline while safeguarding vulnerable groups.
Read the full story here

Does He Think He’s Still in the Entertainment Industry? – UCC Lecturer Fires A Plus
A senior lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, Dr Jonathan Asante Otchere, has sharply criticised Gomoa Central MP Kwame Asare Obeng (A Plus) for what he described as “irresponsible” and “wild allegations” regarding government officials acquiring state lands. The lecturer questioned whether A Plus still sees himself as a lawmaker or remains in the entertainment business, urging him to use formal parliamentary channels or whistleblower mechanisms instead of threatening to release documents out of anger.
Read the full story here

Newly Appointed Black Stars Coach Speaks
Newly appointed Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has vowed to meet the expectations of Ghanaians, promising commitment, discipline, and unity as he takes charge of the national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Portuguese tactician, who has managed at World Cups with Portugal and Iran, described the role as a great honour and expressed confidence in building a competitive squad capable of making Ghana proud.
Read the full story here

Ten Killed in Deadly Crash on Accra-Kumasi Highway
Ten people have been killed in a tragic road accident on the Accra-Kumasi highway. The crash occurred when a vehicle lost control and collided with another, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. Emergency services responded promptly, but the incident has once again highlighted concerns over road safety on one of Ghana’s busiest highways.
Read the full story here

Strong Exports Lift Ghana’s Q4 2025 Trade Surplus to GH¢47.2bn
Ghana recorded a strong trade surplus of GH¢47.2 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025, driven by robust export performance, particularly in key commodities. The positive trade balance reflects improving external sector conditions and stronger global demand for Ghanaian goods. Economists say sustained export growth will be critical for maintaining macroeconomic stability.
Read the full story here

Continue Reading

Ghana News

Newspaper Headlines Today: Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Published

on

Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Stay informed with today’s front pages of Ghanaian newspapers, all in one place.

Continue Reading

Trending