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At least three individuals have been arrested by personnel of the Ghana Police Service for their alleged involvement in the recent sporadic shooting incident that occurred at the Sakumono Celebrity Golf Club in the Greater Accra Region.

While the cause of this disturbance has not been made available to the public, the police, in a brief statement, disclosed that investigations have begun to determine the circumstances surrounding the cause of the incident, which disrupted activities at the popular leisure facility.

The statement read, ‘The Accra Regional Police Command has commenced investigations into a shooting incident that occurred yesterday, October 18, 2025, at the Celebrity Golf Club in Sakumono, Accra. Three persons have so far been arrested in connection with the incident, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend any other persons involved.’

The police reiterated their commitment to uncovering the cause of the incident as well as arresting more perpetrators, while assuring that additional details will be communicated in due course.

The Founder and Leader of the House of Revival at Fawode in the Ashanti Region, Apostle Emmanuel Kusi Boateng, has called on Christians to show greater honour and appreciation to their spiritual leaders, describing pastors as divine mouthpieces through whom God ministers to His people.

Apostle Kusi Boateng made the call when he delivered a sermon as the guest speaker at the Father’s Appreciation Service of the Fire Trinity Ministry International (FTMI) at Aburaso, in the Atwima Kwanwoma District of the Ashanti Region. The event was held to celebrate the General Overseer of FTMI, Apostle Dr. George Amoako Alhassan, for his unwavering service to God and humanity.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Honouring Your Father’ – drawn from Hebrews 13:7 – Apostle Kusi Boateng cited John 12:28 to emphasise that pastors serve as God’s representatives on earth and deserve honour from their congregations.

‘Pastors are God’s mouthpiece to their flock. They connect men to God, and whatever we give to them, we give unto the Lord,’ he stated, adding that honouring one’s spiritual father opens doors of divine favour and blessing.

He further noted that extending acts of kindness to one’s pastor may sometimes feel tiring or burdensome, but reminded believers, quoting Galatians 6:9, that such gestures accumulate spiritual rewards in due season. ‘It may look wearisome giving from time to time, but whatever is given to our fathers piles up blessings that are released from Heaven at the appointed time,’ he explained.

Apostle Kusi Boateng cautioned church members against neglecting the needs of their leaders, saying, ‘It is wrong to see your father in need and do nothing about it.’ He urged believers to cultivate a culture of gratitude and continuous support for their pastors as a reflection of their obedience to God’s word.

Quoting 2 Timothy 3:14-17, he encouraged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith and continue in good works, stressing that honouring those who teach and lead them is part of living a complete, godly life.

The appreciation service was filled with heartfelt tributes, music ministrations, and presentations made to Apostle Dr. George Amoako Alhassan and his family, who expressed deep gratitude to the church.

OVER 50,000 fans of dancehall artiste, Shatta Wale, rallied at the Independence Square to witness another historic performance to commemorate his 41st birthday celebration, dubbed MoMoFest x ShattaFest 2025.

The monumental successful event drew thousands of fans from across Ghana, filling the venue to capacity with an electric atmosphere. Fans dressed in white, as instructed, created a sea of energy and music, singing along to every song and waving flags.

The performance featured notable guest artistes, including Sarkodie, King Promise, Medikal, Darkovibes, Wendy Shay, Olivetheboy, Samini, Jupitar, Article Wan, Kelvynboy, JZyNO, and Patapaa.

The concert was marked by moments of reconciliation and maturity, particularly when Samini and Sarkodie shared the stage, putting aside past rivalries.

Shatta Wale also used the platform to appreciate industry veteran Tinny and publicly cherish moments. He went down on his knee and bowed in appreciation to legendary musician Tinny, who once fed, clothed, and sheltered him during his difficult times in life.

Another side attraction was Peller and Big Jiggy joining Shatta Wale on stage to squash their long-time beefing on social media.

The event’s coordination and planning were top-notch, with the audience responding enthusiastically to the performances.

One of the highlights of the event was the free food distribution by RNAQ Foundation, as a result of the partnership with Shatta Wale. Over thousands of attendees were provided with free food, drinks and water at the event.

The celebration wasn’t without challenges. The massive turnout led to overcrowding, with some attendees breaching security checkpoints, and reports of pepper spray, minor thefts, and crowd suffocation incidents surfaced. Despite these issues, the event continued in high spirits, with event organisers praising the security team for preventing a possible stampede.

Hisense Ghana has extended its footprint beyond the electronics market into the field of public health with the donation of two state-of-the-art Hisense H60 Ultrasound Diagnostic Systems to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi and the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH).

The initiative, announced this week, marks the latest in a series of contributions by the global technology giant aimed at strengthening the country’s healthcare delivery system and improving access to advanced diagnostic services.

Acting Managing Director, Dinah De-graft Quaye, said the donation will enhance diagnostic capacity in two of the country’s busiest teaching hospitals, where thousands of patients rely on ultrasound scans for early detection and treatment planning.

In resource-constrained settings like Ghana, ultrasound serves as the primary non-invasive diagnostic tool for an estimated 70 percent of initial obstetric and gynaecological assessments and is critical for diagnosing conditions ranging from abdominal disorders to heart disease.

According to her, the H60 Ultrasound Diagnostic System combines cutting-edge image processing with a user-friendly interface to deliver exceptional imaging clarity.

This, Dinah stated, ensures faster and more accurate diagnoses, an essential factor in improving patient outcomes in emergency, paediatric, and critical care units.

Globally, Hisense’s medical imaging systems are already in use across more than 20 top-tier hospitals in China, where they have supported over 50,000 complex diagnostic cases and earned strong clinical endorsements from leading medical professionals.

Dinah described the donation as ‘a continuation of the company’s long-term commitment to supporting Ghana’s public health system through technology-driven interventions.’

This is not the first time the electronics brand has contributed to healthcare in Ghana.

In August 2020, Hisense Ghana donated two fully equipped ambulances, valued at $90,000, to the Apinto Government Hospital and the Tarkwa Municipal Hospital.

That same year, it made its first ultrasound donation to the Tarkwa facility.

In 2023, the company provided an advanced ultrasound diagnostic system worth over $50,000 to the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), supporting the training of future medical professionals.

With the introduction of the H60 systems, Hisense Ghana says it hopes to not only boost clinical efficiency but also strengthen the partnership between the private sector and public healthcare institutions.

‘Our goal is to ensure that technology serves humanity,’ the company said in a statement.

‘By equipping Ghana’s leading hospitals with world-class medical equipment, we are contributing to better health outcomes for all,’ Dinah De-graft Quaye intimated.

This piece isn’t intended to blame any government or political party. It is intended to help increase awareness of kidney damage risks which keep increasing in Ghana.

I learnt of this risk in about 1990 in Obuasi when Anglogold (Ashanti Goldfields) installed its globally acclaimed innovative sulphur treatment plant (the STP – BIOX) which uses bacteria to remove sulphur compounds (pollutants) from water as part of its gold recovery process.

My cousin was the Mechanical Engineer in charge of running the plant. I was then a BSc Mathematics undergrad at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

When he took me on a visit to the plant, he told me of the risks of excessive poisons which the mining industry is unleashing into our environment and warned that Ghana shouldn’t allow individuals to do mining because they cannot safely handle these deadly pollutants in the same way Ashanti Goldfields was doing by investing in the expensive sulphur treatment plant.

Directly, he mentioned kidney damage risks associated with the chemicals used in recovering gold. – the compounds of cyanides, mercury, arsenic, etc. Being a science student then, I understood and appreciated the explanations he gave me.

So over the past 35 years, I have keenly observed the kidney damage risks unfold. For example, availability of dialysis machines in our hospitals hasn’t been a mainstream news until recent times.

Unfortunately, my cousin himself, then a Mechanical Engineer and who later became Contracts Manager for Anglogold Ashanti after studying law, died of kidney failure and I have had a reduced kidney function from my last test.

His words to me when he discovered he had kidney damage was ‘Taywee, I’ve been hit’. Yes, he calls me Taywee, short form for Tawiah. After saying to me he has been hit, my question to him was ‘Hit by what?’. He said ‘I have been hit by kidney damage and you know I’ve been talking about this risk for a long time.

This conversation took place in his office in Accra. He was then the Executive Secretary for Ghana Institution of Engineers. Since then, I have been interested and observing kidney related news and it keeps becoming alarming. At this stage, the question will remain ‘who will act to save the people of Ghana from the increasing risks of kidney diseases?’

Amongst friends, I have told this kidney disease risks story for 35 years ever since my cousin educated me about it but I think the time is right to tell it publicly to increase awareness. May his soul continue to rest in perfect peace.

A 57-year-old man has committed suicide after his wife threatened to divorce him.

The unfortunate incident happened at Oheamadwen in the Shama District of the Western Region, last Thursday.

The man, Agya Badu, also known as ‘Express’, initially attacked his wife with a machete before allegedly killing himself.

According to information gathered, the deceased had some issues with his wife, who had reportedly informed him of her decision to end the marriage.

The woman’s decision did not go down well with the man, who confronted the woman and verbally assaulted her, last Monday.

The wife later reported the confrontation to the police and later summoned him before the chiefs and elders of the community.

The husband, who worked as a security guard, was therefore avoiding home for fear of being arrested.

However, last Thursday evening, after closing from work, he returned and launched another attack on the woman, this time with a machete.

The wife got severely injured and was admitted at the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital for treatment.

It was gathered that after the attack, the man left home and committed suicide by hanging himself on a tree in the community.

The case was reported to the police, who conveyed the lifeless body of the deceased to the hospital morgue. The police have since commenced investigations into the case.

Meanwhile, DAILY GUIDE learnt that the condition of the wife remains critical as she receives treatment.

Assembly Member for the area, Owu Ewie, who confirmed the incident, said the husband had issues with his wife.

‘He worked as a security guard in a company so after closing from his shift, he came home on Thursday evening and attacked his wife with a machete. The intention was ending his wife’s life, but that did not materialise, and he later killed himself,’ the assembly man revealed.

Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has been trending after a distressing video of her went viral on social media on Saturday, October 18, 2025.

In the clip, Regina is surrounded by people amid a tense commotion and can be heard saying she ‘can no longer stand the violence.’

The short footage, widely shared on X and Instagram, shows Regina panting and upset as bystanders try to calm her. She tells those around her: ‘In Ned Nwoko’s house, I am nothing, but in my own house, I am a queen. Not again. I can’t stand the violence, it’s too much.’

At one point men who appear ready to intervene are visible, and one man is seen carrying a stick, suggesting a heated confrontation.

The video prompted an angry public response from Regina’s’ brother, Ojeogwu Samuel Danhillman (Sammy West), who posted on Instagram alleging that Senator Ned Nwoko had physically assaulted his sister and even ‘smashed her head on the wall,’ and accused the senator of sending thugs.

Sammy West vowed to defend his sister and threatened retaliation in several posts.

News outlets and social feeds reporting the viral footage say the immediate cause of the disturbance is not publicly confirmed.

Multiple reports note that no formal police statement or public legal filing has been released so far.

Senator Nwoko Speaks

Responding to the incident in a lengthy post and a short video shared on his Instagram handle #princenednwoko on Sunday, Nwoko claimed the actress was battling drug and alcohol abuse, which he said was at the root of the crisis rocking their marriage.

‘Regina was not always like this. Her current battle with drugs and alcohol abuse is the root of our problem.

‘She must continue her rehabilitation programme, or I fear for her life and safety,’ he wrote.

The senator alleged that Regina went on a violent rampage at their home in his absence, attacking staff and destroying property.

‘She slapped and hit three staff in the past 48 hours and destroyed property, including cars and windows, for no just cause.

‘Now she has moved to a place where she will have unrestricted access to drugs,’ the senator alleged

Nwoko said he had offered his wife two rehabilitation options in Asokoro or Jordan, ‘where she will not have access to drugs.’

He further alleged that the scene at home was worsened by the interference of Regina’s associates, whom he described as ‘drug suppliers.’

‘While I took Moon to the hospital, a scene of chaos unfolded at home, orchestrated by Sammy, Regina’s main drug supplier.

‘Another known supplier of drugs to Regina is the tiny evil devil called Ann,’ he alleged.

The incident comes weeks after Regina Daniels’ October 10 birthday post and follows earlier signs of strain in the marriage that attracted public attention, including previous social-media moves by Daniels that drew speculation.

Both the personal dynamics of their marriage and Nwoko’s polygamous lifestyle have kept the union in the public eye.

Neither Regina Daniels nor Senator Ned Nwoko has issued an official joint statement addressing the viral video and the allegations circulating online. The story remains fluid as social media and news outlets continue to circulate the footage and family members voice strong reactions.

Ghana’s representative at the 2025 Miss Grand International, Faith Maria Porter was crowned the third runner-up at the end of the show which was held in Bangkok, Thailand.

The ultimate winner was Emma Tiglao from the Philippines, Sarunrat Puagpipat from Thailand was the 1st runner-Up, followed by Aitana Carolina Jimenez from Spain for 2nd runner-up and Nariman Battikha from Venezuela as the 4th runner-up.

As the only African to be listed among the top five of the show, the 26-year-old beauty queen from the start of the competition had been the favourite of many.

Faith Maria Porter also won the Grand Talent award for her multifaceted talents and engaging stagecraft. Her outfit for the national costume, titled ‘Mother of the Soil – Essence of Ghana,’ showcased Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, symbolising the nation’s fertility, vegetation, and timeless traditions.

With her beauty, intelligence, and passion for humanitarian causes, Faith has impressed judges and audiences alike. Following her crowning, many Ghanaians have taken to social media to congratulate her for the spectacular performance on the world stage.

In today’s data-driven world, statistics have become an indispensable resource for shaping national development, guiding policy decisions, and ensuring accountability.

In Ghana, the importance of credible and harmonised statistics cannot be overstated. From planning infrastructure projects and monitoring economic growth to tracking health outcomes and assessing educational progress, statistics serve as the backbone of evidence-based decision-making. Yet, the effectiveness of statistics depends not only on their collection but also on how well they are harmonised, coordinated, and improved to meet national and international standards.

This is where the role of statistical players becomes central. Ghana has a wide ecosystem of actors responsible for generating, managing, and using statistics, including the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), research institutions, academia, civil society organisations (CSOs), and development partners. Each plays a unique role, but their collective impact depends on collaboration, coordination, and alignment.

The Need for Harmonised Statistics

Harmonisation in statistics refers to ensuring consistency, comparability, and coherence in data across different institutions and sectors. Without harmonisation, figures on the same subject may vary across institutions, creating confusion for policymakers, researchers, and the general public. For example, if different agencies report different unemployment rates or varying inflation trends, it undermines trust in official statistics and affects policy responses.

Harmonisation also ensures that Ghana’s statistics align with international standards such as the UN Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics, the African Charter on Statistics, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework. Meeting these standards allows Ghana to report credible data internationally, benchmark progress with peers, and attract investment and development assistance.

The Role of the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS)

The Ghana Statistical Service stands at the heart of Ghana’s statistical system. As the central authority, GSS provides leadership in data collection, standard-setting, and coordination. Over the years, it has introduced modern frameworks such as the National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS) and the Statistics Act, 2019 (Act 1003), which reinforce its mandate to coordinate all official statistics in the country.

The GSS also plays a critical role in capacity building, ensuring that MDAs and MMDAs adopt uniform methodologies and classifications. Through initiatives such as the Annual Household Income and Expenditure Survey (AHIES) and the Population and Housing Census (PHC), the Service provides vital information for planning and development. More importantly, GSS increasingly collaborates with other actors to promote data interoperability, making datasets easier to share and integrate.

Role of MDAs and MMDAs

While GSS provides leadership, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, together with MMDAs, remain essential data producers. For instance, the Ministry of Health generates health indicators, the Ministry of Education produces data on enrolment and learning outcomes, while the Bank of Ghana provides financial and monetary statistics. MMDAs, on the other hand, generate local-level data critical for planning community infrastructure, healthcare delivery, and social services.

The challenge has been that many MDAs and MMDAs historically worked in silos, leading to duplication and inconsistency in datasets. However, the role of these institutions in harmonising statistics is becoming increasingly important. By aligning with GSS standards and embracing integrated data systems, MDAs and MMDAs can ensure that the information they produce feeds seamlessly into the national database.

Role of Academia and Research Institutions

Universities and research centres are vital in strengthening Ghana’s statistical system. They not only produce independent research but also serve as training grounds for statisticians, data scientists, and economists. Research institutions complement official statistics by providing experimental data, conducting policy impact evaluations, and exploring emerging issues such as climate change, digitalisation, and social inequality.

Their role in harmonisation lies in ensuring that methodologies used in academic research align with national and international standards, and that findings are shared openly with policymakers and the GSS for validation and integration.

Civil Society and Citizen-Generated Data

Civil society organisations (CSOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are increasingly involved in data generation, particularly on social issues such as gender, environment, and community development. Citizen-generated data initiatives provide valuable insights that may not be captured in official surveys, for example, data on female genital mutilation (FGM), informal sector employment, or local environmental risks.

These actors play a complementary role in improving statistics by filling data gaps and amplifying voices of marginalized communities. However, their work must be harmonised with the official system to ensure quality, comparability, and policy relevance. Partnerships between CSOs and GSS, supported by frameworks like the Copenhagen Framework on Citizen Data, are paving the way for more inclusive and reliable data ecosystems.

Development Partners and International Agencies

Development partners such as the UN, World Bank, and African Development Bank have long supported Ghana’s statistical development. Their contributions include funding, technical assistance, and knowledge transfer. For instance, the World Bank’s Data for Development Project has provided resources for modernising Ghana’s data infrastructure. Harmonisation requires that the support of development partners aligns with national priorities and strengthens-not duplicates-the work of existing institutions.

Towards a Stronger Statistical Ecosystem

To fully harness the role of statistical players, Ghana must invest in a coherent national statistical system. This involves:

Strengthening the coordination role of GSS.

Ensuring MDAs and MMDAs adopt uniform standards.

Building capacity through training and technology adoption.

Encouraging academia and research institutions to align methodologies with national needs.

Formalising partnerships with CSOs for citizen-generated data.

Leveraging international support strategically.

Moreover, the use of digital technologies and big data offers Ghana an opportunity to modernise its statistics. From satellite imagery in agriculture to mobile phone data for migration patterns, innovative approaches can complement traditional surveys.

Why Harmonisation and Improvement Are Necessary?

Decision-Making: Reliable, comprehensive, and harmonised data is essential for informed decision-making by policymakers, economic, and social players across Ghana.

Development Programmes: Evidence-based data is crucial for developing, implementing, and monitoring development programmes aimed at tackling challenges like poverty. Without a harmonisation, specific indicators to track developmental programmes becomes difficult.

Coordination: The need for statistical data cuts across geographical areas, sectors, and administrative districts, necessitating strong coordination and standardisation among all data producers.

Capacity Building: Capacity building is essential in improving harmonisation in data production. This supports regional bodies like the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS to enhance their capacity for advocacy, coordination, and data dissemination.

Strategic Planning: The national statistical system should develop strategic plans, such as Corporate Plan, to guide transition to build institutions in the area of the production of official statistics and to attract professionals in the field.

Data Science: The embracing of data science and machine learning to automate processes, improve data quality monitoring, and enhance the timeliness and accessibility of statistical products in increasing and there is a need to intensify in all data production institution to enhance harmonisation in data ecosystem.

Conclusion

Harmonising and improving statistics in Ghana is not the responsibility of a single institution, but a collective effort by all statistical players. Each actor-whether government, academia, civil society, or development partner-has a role to play in building a system that produces reliable, timely, and inclusive data. When harmonised, these efforts ensure that Ghana not only strengthens evidence-based policymaking but also meets global reporting obligations.

Ultimately, a robust statistical ecosystem empowers Ghana to plan effectively, monitor progress, and respond to the complex challenges of development in the 21st century. The role of statistical players is, therefore, not just technical-it is foundational to the nation’s growth, stability, and prosperity. Harmonising data should be intentional!!!

Heath Gold Fields’ Prestea-Bogoso Mine has outlined a five-year Phase One strategy, under which the company plans to invest $205 million in underground mine redevelopment.

The company is also poised to establish a sulphide processing plant and targeting an annual production of 285,000 ounces of gold.

According to Heath Gold Fields, its immediate focus is on completing the dewatering of the underground mine by the first quarter of next year.

The process involves pumping out about 10 million litres of water daily, accumulated over years of neglect.

The Managing Director of Heath Gold Fields, Patrick Appiah-Mensah, who disclosed this, mentioned that so far, water levels have been reduced by 75 feet, with refurbishment works nearing completion.

He was speaking at an expanded Community -Mine Consultative Committee meeting and a guided tour of the mines facilities.

It was intended to update the leadership of Heath Gold Fields’ host communities on the progress of the company’s operations.

The programme was also attended by the leadership of various youth groups and religious leaders in Prestea and Bogoso.

Mr. Appiah-Mensah revealed that Heath Goldfields is 90 per cent Ghanaian-owned and 100 per cent Ghanaian-managed.

He said the company is fully committed to sustainable development, adding, ‘We are here to upgrade the mine and enrich lives through responsible mining.’

He noted, ‘Re-commissioning of the processing plant and commencement of open-pit operations are on course.’

‘By having Ghanaian ownership and Ghanaian management and leadership, we are giving practical meaning to President Mahama’s vision of deepening local content and local participation in the country’s mining sector,’ he added.

He appealed to the chiefs and people to partner with the company to raise awareness on the dangers of illegal mining.

He also called for their support to enforce concession boundaries to safeguard lives and assets.

Mr. Appiah-Mensah indicated that Heath Gold Fields would have made far greater progress in developing and upgrading the Bogoso-Prestea Mine if not for a number of court cases challenging the government’s decision to hand over the mine.

According to him, the company spent the first five months of the year battling legal challenges from Blue Gold FGR, which opposed the government’s decision to transfer the mine lease to Heath Gold Fields.

The Managing Director added that, so far, all the cases brought against Heath have been dismissed by the courts.

Meanwhile, the two Divisional Chiefs of Himan-Prestea and Bogoso have expressed their excitement about the rejuvenation of the Bogoso-Prestea Mine by Heath Gold Fields.

Both Nana Nteboah Prah IV, of Himan-Prestea and Nana Akwasi Sompre of Bogoso believe that the mine’s resurgence offers renewed hope of jobs, economic revival, and stability for the people of Prestea and beyond.