Category: Daily Guide Network

Delta Air Lines and Amazon have announced a long-term partnership aimed at transforming the future of air travel through advanced connectivity and digital innovation.

At the centre of the collaboration is Amazon’s low Earth orbit satellite network, Amazon Leo, which will power high-speed, low-latency internet across Delta’s fleet.

The airline plans to begin installing the technology on 500 aircraft from 2028, which will mark a major step toward delivering seamless, real-time digital experiences onboard both domestic and international flights.

The initiative is expected to significantly enhance in-flight connectivity, enabling passengers to stream movies and television shows, listen to podcasts and audiobooks, and stay connected to work and personal networks without interruption.

The improved upload capacity will also allow travellers to share photos, videos and business files instantly, which will eliminate the need to wait until landing.

Chief Executive Officer of Delta, Ed Bastian, described the agreement as a strategic move to strengthen global connectivity and improve customer experience.

‘Delta’s future is global. This partnership gives us fast, cost-effective technology to better connect people and deepen our work with a global leader that shares our ambition to build what’s next,’ he said.

The collaboration builds on Delta’s existing relationship with Amazon Web Services (AWS), its preferred cloud provider.

Since 2020, nearly 600 of Delta’s applications have been migrated to AWS, which enabled the airline to accelerate digital transformation and improve operational efficiency.

Under the expanded partnership, both companies plan to integrate AWS, artificial intelligence and other Amazon technologies to enhance the travel journey from booking and airport processes to the onboard experience.

President and CEO of Amazon, Andy Jassy, said the collaboration demonstrates the scale and impact of the company’s satellite technology.

‘People increasingly want to stay connected wherever they are. Leo’s speed and reliability will transform the in-flight experience and expand what is possible while travelling,’ he noted.

Delta’s move builds on its track record of innovation in onboard connectivity. The airline introduced fast, free Wi-Fi for SkyMiles members in 2023 and has since expanded the service to more than 1,150 aircraft, reaching most of its global network.

The airline is also working with other connectivity providers, including Viasat and Hughes Network Systems, to ensure consistent, high-speed internet across different routes and aircraft types.

Beyond connectivity, the partnership underscores a broader strategy to integrate technology, entertainment and customer engagement.

Delta has strengthened alliances with global brands such as American Express, T-Mobile, YouTube, Starbucks and Uber to enhance passenger experience.

Newly appointed Black Stars head coach, Carlos Queiroz, is expected in Ghana this week for his official unveiling, as preparations intensify ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The experienced Portuguese tactician, who has previously handled Egypt and Portugal, has signed a short-term four-month contract to lead Ghana into the global showpiece scheduled for the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Queiroz’s appointment follows the dismissal of Otto Addo last month after Ghana’s disappointing pre-World Cup friendlies. The Black Stars suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Austria in Vienna before falling 2-1 to Germany in Stuttgart, results that ultimately ended Addo’s tenure.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has since moved swiftly to install Queiroz as his replacement, with his arrival expected to trigger a formal unveiling ceremony attended by the media and key stakeholders.

As part of the protocol, the GFA will also formally introduce the new head coach to the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams.

Following his unveiling, Queiroz will immediately take charge of Ghana’s final phase of preparations, which includes friendly matches against Mexico and Wales on June 2.

The Black Stars head into the World Cup carrying high expectations as they compete in Group L. Ghana will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.

A major fire disaster at the Kumasi Kejetia Market in the Ashanti Region was averted thanks to the timely intervention of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).

The incident, which occurred yesterday, began in a shop that sells matches.

However, fire officers stationed at the market acted promptly to contain the flames before they could spread to adjoining shops.

Although the fire was quickly brought under control, the shop where the outbreak originated suffered damage, with goods worth hundreds of Ghana cedis destroyed. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown.

In an interview with the DAILY GUIDE, the Acting Managing Director of Kumasi City Market Limited, Ernest Afayam, indicated that the situation could have been far worse if not for the timely intervention of the fire service.

‘We are fortunate the personnel responded swiftly. Their presence here helped prevent the fire from spreading beyond the affected shop,’ he stated.

He further assured that management would tighten supervision within the market to ensure traders comply with established safety guidelines.

The President of the Federation of Kumasi Traders, Nana Kwasi Prempeh, also lauded the GNFS for their professionalism and urged traders to remain vigilant to prevent similar incidents.

Meanwhile, the Ghana National Fire Service has launched investigations into the outbreak to establish its cause.

The Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, is indisposed and has been flown out of the country for medical attention.

‘We wish to inform the general public that the Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Kwame Baffoe Abronye, has been flown out of the country for further medical treatment following a deterioration in his health condition,’ a release sighted on social media stated.

It will be recalled that last Monday, Mr. Baffoe was arrested by the police on grounds of allegedly describing an Adenta Circuit Court judge as a ‘political judge’. During his time in police custody, Mr. Baffoe reportedly requested access to his doctors at approximately 5:00 p.m. the same day; however, this request was reportedly denied.

Subsequently, after his release from police custody, his health condition worsened significantly, necessitating urgent medical attention outside the country.

Mr. Baffoe was accompanied by his wife, Lawyer Portia Acheampong, and Dr. (Mrs.) Edwina Baffoe James, who are overseeing his care during this critical period.

The headlining politician has been in and out of police detention over assortment of political remarks. He hosts a political TV show dubbed ‘The Evidence.’

Residents of the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region have called on the government to take the necessary steps to make the Agenda 111 hospital at Bokoro in the municipality fully functional.

According to the residents, they cannot fathom why the facility, which was constructed under the previous administration and commissioned before the 2025 transition of political power, remains non-operational to date.

The residents claim that because the Agenda 111 hospital is not being used, immense pressure has been placed on the few existing health facilities in the municipality.

The residents, together with members of Advocacy for Citizens’ Ghana (ACG), a non-partisan pressure group, have therefore petitioned the government to, as matter of urgency, make the facility operational.

This was after they had picketed briefly around the facility yesterday. They wore red and black T-shirts and held placards some of which read: ‘Ahanta West Deserves Better Hospital’, ‘Stop the Politics, Save Lives’, and ‘Healthcare Delayed is Dangerous’.

The convener of the pressure group, Stephen Malvin Cobbinah, revealed that the current administration claims that the hospital was not fully completed at the time of commissioning.

‘This conflicting situation has created uncertainty, raised serious concerns, and deepened public frustration among residents of Ahanta West and surrounding communities who continue to struggle with access to quality healthcare,’ he disclosed.

He then indicated that as a matter of public interest and accountability, the Health Ministry should make it clear to the people the exact level of completion of the hospital at the time it was commissioned.

‘The government should also give the residents detailed breakdown of all outstanding works required to make the facility fully functional as well as a clear and time-bound roadmap for the operationalisation of the hospital,’ he pointed out.

He stressed that access to healthcare is a fundamental right, and the continued closure of such a critical facility poses a serious risk to the well-being of the people.

‘The citizens of Ahanta West deserve transparency, honesty, and swift action on this matter. We remain committed to constructive engagement and peaceful civic action in the interest of development and accountability,’ he added.

Meanwhile, the Communication Directorate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ahanta West Constituency has expressed deep concern about recent public commentaries made concerning the facility.

The directorate claims that the Chief of Lower Dixcove in the area, Nana Akwasi Agyemang IX, is on record to have said that ‘Equipping Bokoro Hospital will cost more than the building that was constructed. So the NPP should have done it in phases, equipping it at each phase.’

The Constituency Communication Directorate, in a statement, quizzed, ‘How did Nana Akwasi Agyemang IX arrive at the claim that equipping the Bokoro Agenda 111 Hospital will cost more than the construction of the building itself?’

The Ghana Air Sports Federation has announced an ambitious line-up of activities aimed at developing air sports in the country, creating opportunities for the youth, and supporting Ghana’s tourism industry.

The initiative, launched as part of Ghana Month celebrations, will feature paragliding, drone racing, drone soccer, scenic flights, skydiving demonstrations, hot air balloon experiences, and training programmes throughout the year.

According to the Federation, the programme is designed to build local capacity, discover new talents, and position Ghana strongly on the global air sports stage.

Drone Leagues, Training To Begin

One of the key highlights is a new partnership with the Esports Association Ghana to introduce drone leagues in the country.

The Federation said electronic drone racing will begin first, followed by physical drone racing in the coming months, alongside training sessions and competitive leagues.

Drone soccer, another fast-rising sport globally, is also expected to commence in May with workshops and training sessions for participants.

Paragliding, Scenic Flights, Balloon Rides

Adventure lovers will also have the opportunity to experience paragliding sessions scheduled on selected weekends during the year.

In addition, the Federation plans to offer scenic flights over Accra aboard a Cessna Skyhawk 172 aircraft, giving patrons panoramic aerial views of the capital.

Hot air balloon demonstrations, flights, webinars, and instructor-led workshops are also expected to be rolled out to help build technical expertise in the sector.

Women, Youth To Benefit

The Federation says it is also committed to increasing female participation in air sports through partnerships with women in air sports groups in Europe to inspire and mentor Ghanaian women.

Young talents identified through the programmes will also be groomed to form part of a future national air sports team to represent Ghana in international competitions.

Historic Skydiving Event Planned

Plans are underway for what could become Ghana’s first live public skydiving demonstration, followed by training programmes to develop local expertise in the discipline.

Major Exhibition In May

A full Air Sports Gallery Exhibition and demonstration event has been scheduled for May 30 at Holy Land City, where the public will be introduced to various air sports activities and opportunities.

Further details on drone league training sessions, airport league programmes, and workshops are expected to be announced in subsequent releases.

President Speaks

President of the Ghana Air Sports Federation, Isaac Nana Vanderpuije, expressed optimism about the future of the industry.

He said air sports hold enormous potential to contribute to Ghana’s tourism growth and national visibility if properly structured and supported.

He noted that deliberate investment, collaboration, and consistency would help place Ghana firmly on the international air sports map.

Media Outreach

To deepen public awareness, the Federation has also introduced media platforms including the Air Sports Africa Show, which airs on Guide Radio 91.5 FM on Fridays from 6:00pm to 6:30pm and on DGN on Saturdays from 1:00pm to 1:30pm.

Another platform, Airports Africa Show, will showcase air sports activities across Africa and beyond.

The Federation further disclosed plans to launch branded merchandise in partnership with FUEGO to promote the sport and support growth of the community.

An Accra Circuit Court has sentenced a 35-year-old self-styled spiritualist, Nana Adwoa Yamoah, to three years’ imprisonment for defrauding a man of GHS95,100.

Yamoah, who operated at Teshie in Accra, pleaded guilty to defrauding by false pretences and practising without registration and a licence.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Augustine Kingsley Oppong, prosecuting, told the court, presided over by Dennis Eyram Fumey, that the complainant, Douglas Abu, is unemployed and resides at Ntotroso in the Ashanti Region.

He said in 2025, a witness, Grace Fosua, introduced Abu to Yamoah as a spiritualist.

The prosecution said Yamoah claimed she had links with the Asantehene and could facilitate Abu’s enstoolment as chief of Ntotroso.

Based on that representation, she collected various sums of money from Abu, with the assurance that by January, he would be installed as chief.

The court heard that Yamoah also took GHS51,000 from Abu under the pretext of doubling the amount, but failed.

She further persuaded Abu to travel with her to Benin for spiritual fortification at his expense, but no such exercise was carried out.

ASP Oppong said Abu later became suspicious and demanded a refund, but Yamoah failed to repay the money.

Abu subsequently reported the matter to the police, leading to her arrest on March 9, 2026.

During investigations, Yamoah asked for time to refund the money but failed to do so.

Investigations also established that she was not registered with the Traditional Medicine Practice Council and had used similar methods to defraud other people.

The court convicted her on her own plea.

Sentencing was initially deferred pending a pregnancy test, which proved negative, after which she was handed a three-year custodial sentence.

The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, has assured residents of Anloga and surrounding coastal communities of swift government intervention following severe tidal incursions that have left parts of the area vulnerable to flooding and displacement.

The minister gave the assurance after leading members of the Regional Security Council on an emergency inspection tour of the affected communities. The visit followed a distress call from the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Anloga, Sandra Seyram Kpedor, and a delegation of local chiefs led by the Awadada of Anlo State, acting on behalf of the overlord, Togbi Sri III.

According to Mr. Gunu, the situation on the ground is alarming, with the sea breaking through its natural boundaries and advancing into nearby lagoons and settlements.

The minister outlined immediate intervention steps, including efforts to block the sea’s current path to prevent further inland encroachment. He noted that such actions must be carefully managed, as coastal dynamics can cause erosion to shift to other areas if not addressed holistically.

He emphasised that Ghana is already part of a broader regional initiative, the West African Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Programme (WACA), a World Bank-supported programme designed to strengthen coastal resilience across West Africa.

Under this initiative, sections of Ghana’s coastline are expected to benefit from protective infrastructure. Mr. Gunu referenced ongoing works at Blekusu, where a sea defence project is currently under construction by a private contractor, with plans to extend protection to other vulnerable coastal stretches.

He expressed confidence in the President’s commitment to addressing coastal erosion challenges, citing previous interventions in affected communities such as Agavedzi, where ongoing protective works are reportedly about 30 percent complete.

The District Chief Executive for Anloga, Sandra Seyram Kpedor, highlighted that the crisis may have been worsened by a blocked estuary, which has forced the sea to carve a new path into inhabited areas.

She urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that the government is aware of the situation and will respond accordingly.

Coastal erosion and tidal flooding remain persistent challenges for several communities along Ghana’s eastern coastline, particularly in the Keta-Anloga area. The situation has led to repeated displacement of residents and destruction of property over the years.

Authorities say the current development underscores the urgency of completing ongoing sea defence projects and expanding protective measures as residents are hoping for swift intervention to prevent further damage and safeguard livelihoods in the affected communities.

A High Court in Accra has given Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, another opportunity to file witness statements for all the witnesses he intends to call in his trial for allegedly facilitating others to mine on his Akonta Mining concession at Samreboi.

The court had ordered him to file his witness statements by April 14 to enable the court undertake case management.

However, his lawyers informed the court yesterday that they have filed a repeat application for stay of proceedings at the Court of Appeal, pending the determination of an appeal against the trial court’s ruling on a submission of no case.

The trial court, presided over by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, had dismissed an application for stay of proceedings pending the appeal, leaving the accused to repeat the application at the Court of Appeal.

‘My lady respectfully, pursuant to the directive, a repeat application for stay of proceedings pending the determination of the interlocutory appeal filed by the accused persons in respect of the court’s dismissal of the submission of no case has been lodged at the Court of Appeal,’ Ohene Amankwah-Gyan told the court.

He added that the outcome of the application will impact the continuation of the case, and subsequently prayed the court to adjourn the trial.

Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, said although the accused are entitled to repeat the application at the Court of Appeal, they are not entitled to a stay of proceedings pending the determination of the repeat application.

He said the accused have demonstrated that they do not intend to file their witness statements or offer an explanation why the court should not convict them.

He added that the only path left for the court to take was to convict the accused persons, and subsequently urged the court to convict Wontumi and the other accuser.

Mr. Amankwah-Gyan opposed the assertions, arguing that it was erroneous for the Deputy Attorney General to suggest that the only path that is left to the court is to proceed to convict the accused persons ‘because of a legal step that has been taken by the accused persons to protect their right so accorded by the constitution of the Republic of Ghana.’

Justice Kocuvie-Tay, in her ruling, indicated that notwithstanding the exercise of rights under the law by the accused persons, due process must still be complied with.

She pointed out that a repeat application for stay at the Court of Appeal does not fetter the jurisdiction of the trial court.

She, therefore, ordered the accused to file their witness statements by May 5, 2026 for case management on May 7.

Trial

Wontumi is on trial on allegations he permitted other individuals to undertake mining on his Akonta Mining concession at Samreboi in the Western Region without a written approval from the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.

He has been charged with one count of assignment of mineral rights without approval, and another count of purposely facilitating an unlicensed mining operation, contrary to Section 99(2)(b) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) as amended by Section 3 of the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).

His company, Akonta Mining and another person identified as Kwame Antwi, who is on the run, have been charged with the same offences. They have both denied the charges.

The prosecution called four witness to make its case against the accused persons and the company.

According to a submission of no case to answer filed by his lawyers, the prosecution’s case suffers from fundamental and fatal deficiencies, both in terms of the absence of evidence on essential elements and in terms of the quality and reliability of the evidence adduced.

It argues that the prosecution failed to adduce sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case against them on all six (6) counts charged under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) as amended by the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).

The Volta and Oti regions are poised for significant improvement in electricity supply following a major infrastructure upgrade announced by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo).

The initiative follows sustained pressure from the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, who demanded clear explanations and lasting solutions to the region’s electricity challenges. The announcement came after a high-level meeting and inspection tour of power installations at Asiekpe.

Briefing the media, ECG’s Acting Managing Director, Ing. Kwame Kpekpena, disclosed funds have been released for the first phase of a comprehensive transmission upgrade project. He stated that the intervention will include upgrading the existing transmission line from Asiekpe to Ho from 69kV to 161kV, constructing a new 45-kilometre transmission line, and establishing a new Bulk Supply Point (BSP) in Ho.

According to him, the upgrade will significantly improve voltage stability and reduce outages by transitioning Ho and surrounding areas from the aging 69kV network to a more robust 161kV system.

Ing. Kpekpena attributed the region’s longstanding power challenges to outdated infrastructure dating back to the 1980s, which has not kept pace with increasing demand. While most parts of Ghana operate on a 161kV transmission network, much of the Volta Region still relies on the lower-capacity 69kV system, resulting in frequent tripping and low voltage, especially during peak hours.

Acting Deputy Chief Executive of GRIDCo, Ing. Frank A. Otchere, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the project and called for strong stakeholder support. He emphasised the importance of cooperation in land acquisition, right-of-way access, compensation, and community engagement to avoid delays.

He revealed that technical teams have already completed route surveys between Asiekpe and Ho, with design works currently underway and active support from the Ministry of Energy. Although such large-scale projects typically take more than two years to complete, he noted that efforts are being made to deliver the project within an ambitious one-year timeline.

The Volta Regional Minister described reliable electricity as essential to the region’s economic transformation. He indicated that there is growing interest in the region as an investment destination, particularly in agro-processing, as well as key initiatives such as the Volta Economic Corridor and a proposed industrial park, all of which depend heavily on stable power supply.

He pledged the full support of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, Municipal and District Assemblies, and traditional authorities to ensure the smooth and timely execution of the project.

With funding secured and implementation underway, the planned upgrade represents a major step toward delivering a long-term solution to electricity challenges in the Volta and Oti regions, offering renewed hope to residents and businesses alike.