Category: Daily Guide Network

The Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, has appealed to corporate organisations, pharmaceutical companies, development partners and the general public to support a newly introduced Medicines and Equipment Bank Initiative to address persistent shortages of medicines and healthcare supplies in prisons across the country.

According to her, inadequate medical supplies, rising inmate population, communicable diseases and the increasing cost of healthcare have placed enormous pressure on the prison healthcare system, making it difficult to provide quality medical care for inmates.

Mrs. Baffoe-Bonnie made the appeal during the Ashanti Regional launch of the Ghana Prisons Service’s Medicines and Equipment Bank Initiative and stakeholder fundraising programme in Kumasi.

She disclosed that the cost of treating inmates with specialised medical conditions extends beyond the provision of medicines, explaining that the Service must deploy six prison officers daily to guard a single inmate receiving treatment at a referral hospital.

She noted that the situation places an additional burden on the already stretched manpower of the Service.

The Director-General therefore called for the establishment of a purpose-built prison hospital in the Ashanti Region to provide secure and specialised healthcare for inmates while reducing public concerns over prisoners receiving treatment in public hospitals.

She explained that the Medicines and Equipment Bank Initiative, launched nationally in Accra on March 26, 2026, is designed to mobilise medicines, medical consumables and healthcare equipment from pharmaceutical companies, health institutions, corporate organisations, faith-based bodies, development partners and individuals for distribution to prison facilities.

Mrs. Baffoe-Bonnie indicated that prison facilities in the Ashanti Region would be given priority in the distribution of medicines before surplus supplies are sent to other regions.

She said the Service also intends to establish a database of organisations and individuals willing to support inmates with rare medical conditions, to facilitate quick access to specialised treatment whenever the need arises.

Describing prison health as a public health issue, she stressed that every inmate would eventually return to society, making quality healthcare in prisons essential to protecting the health of the general public.

She assured stakeholders that the initiative would be managed with transparency and accountability through proper documentation, monitoring and annual reports on all donations received and utilised.

Mrs. Baffoe-Bonnie further revealed that the Service has introduced the Director-General’s Kitchen Support Project under which every prison now operates either a farm, fish pond or livestock project to supplement inmate feeding following the increase in the daily feeding grant from GHS1.80 to GHS5.00.

She also announced that the Ghana Prisons Service would soon officially launch its own television station after successfully conducting trial broadcasts on its Facebook platforms to showcase activities across the various regional commands.

The Director-General further appealed to Ghanaians to support the newly introduced Bispets Fund by contributing GHS1.00 every month, explaining that five million contributors would generate GHS5 million monthly to support the Service’s strategic programmes.

Earlier, the Ashanti Regional Prisons Commander, Deputy Director of Prisons James B. Mwinyelle, said prison health remains a critical public health issue that affects inmates, prison officers and surrounding communities.

He explained that the Medicines and Equipment Bank Initiative seeks to establish a sustainable system for mobilising, storing and distributing essential medicines and medical supplies to prison facilities nationwide.

According to him, many prisons continue to face serious challenges, including inadequate medical supplies, overcrowding and limited access to healthcare services, creating conditions for the rapid spread of communicable diseases.

Mr. Mwinyelle stressed that access to healthcare is a fundamental human right and an integral part of the Ghana Prisons Service’s ‘Think Prisons 360 Degrees’ agenda.

He described the initiative as a lifeline for inmates and commended institutions including Kumasi South Hospital, the Regional Health Directorate, Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Tafo Government Hospital, We Charity Foundation, Mount Zion Hospital, Powerhouse Hospital and Asuofua Polyclinic for supporting prison healthcare over the years.

He, however, appealed to corporate organisations, philanthropists, healthcare providers, faith-based organisations and the public to support the initiative through donations of medicines, medical equipment, technical expertise and financial resources to improve healthcare delivery, promote rehabilitation and enhance public safety.

American fitness influencer and content creator, Ashton Hall, has landed in Ghana to officially kick off his highly anticipated tour of Africa.

With his journey underway, Hall is documenting his two-week trek across multiple countries, focusing on physical fitness, community engagement, and cultural immersion.

Ashtown’s arrival at the Accra International Airport was met with a vibrant and festive welcome. The highlight of the celebration was an energetic encounter with a beautiful Kete dancer, who delightfully engaged him to step into the rhythm and match her traditional moves.

Ashton Hall’s journey will begin in Ghana, engaging with local crowds and culture right from the start. The multi-nation tour is confirmed to hit regions in East, West, and Southern Africa. With anticipated destinations like Kenya, Rwanda, Liberia, Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.

A 35-year-old man, identified as Ezekiel, has been arrested at Bawjiase Babianeha in the Central Region after allegedly hacking his 60-year-old friend to death over an alleged romantic relationship between the deceased and his aunt.

According to reports, the suspect had on several occasions warned the deceased to end his romantic relationship with his aunt.

The deceased’s brother, Kojo Bentum, confirmed the tragic incident in an interview with the media, recounting the circumstances surrounding his sibling’s death.

Following the incident, officers from the Awutu Bawjiase District Police Command arrested the suspect, who is currently assisting with investigations. The body of the deceased has been deposited at the Police Hospital Mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

Reacting to the incident, the Acting Head of Family of Awutu Bebiaa Ne Ha, Nana Kweku Asare, said he was shocked upon learning of the killing.

The incident has left residents of the community in shock. Many have expressed concern over what they describe as a growing number of violent disputes linked to personal relationships. Police say investigations are ongoing.

The Director-General of Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, says the government has expanded the Commission’s operational capacity to strengthen efforts to protect the country’s borders and communities from the growing threat of illicit drugs.

The Director-General, who disclosed this at the commemoration of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking last Friday, said the expansion forms part of a strategy to tackle drug trafficking and the emergence of more synthetic drugs.

‘District operational commands have expanded from fewer than 10 to 77 nationwide, covering all 16 regions in the country. Approximately, we have received 27 operational vehicles fulfilled deployment. 100 acre parcel of land has been secured at Akwamu Traditional Area for the establishment of a dedicated narcotic training school. This is a landmark investment in the next generation of narcotic professionals,’ he disclosed.

He said government has provided mobile drug detection scanners to NACOC and also collaborating with the Government of the Kingdom of Netherlands to undertake the full replacement of the body and baggage intrusive scanners at the Accra International Airport, which have been non-operational for over three years.

According to the NACOC Director-General, the new systems are expected to be fully installed and operational by August 2026, to help restore the country’s permanent fiscal border interdiction capabilities.

He said recognising the role of forensic science in combating drug trafficking, the government has also initiated the establishment of a modern state-of-the-art drug forensic laboratory for the Narcotics Control Commission which will be operational by end of September.

‘The facility, will significantly enhance Ghana’s capacity to analyze controlled substances, spreading evidence investigations, and support successful prosecutions,’ he stated.

Touching on the scale of the drug threat, Brigadier General Mantey said NACOC recorded 217 arrests, secured 165 prosecutions and seized more than 8.5 tonnes of narcotic drugs between 2025 and April 2026.

He noted that the Commission also confiscated GHS25.3 million Tramadol tablets in 2025, while an additional 20.1 million tablets had already been intercepted this year.

He said government will continue to deal with illicit drug trafficking despite sometimes confronted with synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances that are more addictive and harder to detect.

‘Traffickers are exploiting digital technologies, encrypted communications and commercial trading routes,’ he said.

On treatment and rehabilitation, the Director- General said 1,179 individuals received treatment and counselling through 30 treatment centres across the country in 2025.

He mentioned that out of the number, 50.5 per cent of the cases involved cannabis, 16.1 per cent cocaine, 14.9 per cent alcohol-related disorders and 14.6 per cent opioid use, while 85.8 per cent of clients were between 20 and 44 years.

Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, said illicit drug trafficking had become a major public health, development and national security challenge, which does not only destroy families and communities but also reduces productivity and deprives many young people of the opportunity to realise their full potential.

He said, ‘The Government of Ghana will not allow criminal enterprises to undermine our communities, endanger our youth and compromise our national security. It will not happen under our watch.’

Present at the commemoration of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held under the theme, ‘The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,’ were Minister of the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed- Mubarak, Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, other dignitaries and students.

The widow of late Nollywood actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has denied claims that she secretly sold her late husband’s properties for her personal benefit.

Speaking in an interview with content creator King Mitchy, Stella Maris Okafor said the sale of the properties was carried out legally under a court order and with the consent of Mr Ibu’s two sons, Valentine Okafor and Daniel Okafor.

‘I have to show you this document. This is a court order. We-I didn’t, not me alone. My husband’s two sons, Valentine Okafor and Daniel Okafor, and I did it according to the court order. All the evidence is here. We sold the house. I am not the one who sold the house,’ she said.

Stella Maris also revealed that she currently runs an online jewellery business. According to her, she wanted to start the business while her husband was alive, but he advised her against it because she was actively acting at the time.

She further disclosed that she plans to move out of her current residence because it is too expensive to maintain. She explained that she only moved there after her husband’s death due to security concerns and public pressure.

Addressing claims by a young man who alleged he is one of Mr Ibu’s children and was denied financial support, Stella Maris said disagreements over money started shortly after the actor’s burial.

She claimed some family members wanted her to share the money she received during the burial, but she refused because it was meant for the welfare of her children.

The High Court has declared the appointment of Nii Amoo Dodoo to the Judicial Committee of the Ga Traditional Council null and void, ruling that he does not meet statutory qualifications under the Chieftaincy Act.

Delivering judgment on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Justice Alexander Graham held that the appointment contravened Sections 12(2), 14(1), and 29(2) of the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759).

The suit was brought by Daniel Nii Armah Tette, also known as Nii Attohi, against the Republic, the Ga Traditional Council, and Nii Amoo Dodoo.

Supervisory Jurisdiction

The Ga Traditional Council had argued that the High Court lacked jurisdiction because the matter affected chieftaincy, and that the applicant had no locus standi.

Justice Graham rejected both objections. He said while the High Court is barred by Section 57 of the Courts Act, 1993 (Act 459) from determining substantive chieftaincy disputes, it retains supervisory jurisdiction over adjudicating bodies, including Judicial Committees of Traditional Councils.

Citing Article 141 of the 1992 Constitution and Supreme Court decisions in Republic v High Court, Denu; Ex parte Kumapley [2003-2004] SCGLR 719 and Ebusuapanyin Ntiako v Ebusuapanyin Wereko DLSC 478, the judge said the court may intervene where a traditional adjudicating body acts without jurisdiction or in breach of natural justice.

‘This is clearly a matter of legality of administrative action, not a chieftaincy dispute,’ he said.

On standing, the court accepted that Nii Attohi, who described himself as Head of one of the Royal Families of Ayi-Kai Doblo and a party to a related chieftaincy dispute, had sufficient interest.

He had exhibited court proceedings and orders in which he was directly involved.

The core issue was whether Nii Amoo Dodoo was lawfully appointed to the Judicial Committee.

Section 12(2) of Act 759 requires members of a Traditional Council to be listed in the National Register of Chiefs.

Section 14(1) limits council membership to persons on that register. Section 29(2) states that a Judicial Committee must be composed of members appointed from among council members.

Justice Graham said the combined effect is ‘unambiguous’ as only persons on the National Register of Chiefs can be council members, and only such members can sit on the Judicial Committee.

Exhibit tendered by the applicant showed Nii Amoo Dodoo’s name does not appear in the National Register of Chiefs, a fact the respondents did not effectively dispute.

Another exhibit showed an injunction restraining him from holding himself out as chief, and a further exhibit confirmed a contempt conviction for disobeying that order.

‘The 2nd Respondent’s (Nii Amoo Dodoo’s) claim to chieftaincy status is at best disputed and at worst unlawful,’ the court said.

‘In the face of these statutory requirements and undisputed facts, the appointment… cannot stand.’

The judge added that under the doctrine of ultra vires, a statutory body acting beyond its enabling statute acts voidly.

He also faulted the Council under Article 23 of the Constitution for acting unreasonably in appointing someone subject to an injunction and contempt finding.

Orders

The court granted three orders: a declaration that the appointment violates Act 759 and is null and void; an order of mandamus directing the Registrar of the Ga Traditional Council to expunge Nii Amoo Dodoo’s name from the Council and Judicial Committee records; and an order of prohibition restraining him from acting as a member of either body.

Counsel for the applicant was Jacob Noye while Nii Amoo Dodoo was represented by Yaw Dankwah.

ELOK and Sons Limited, a jewellery retailer based in Sekondi-Takoradi, has filed a writ at the High Court in Sekondi against Donewell Insurance Limited for an alleged breach of insurance agreement.

The jewellery firm is accusing the insurer of failing to honour obligations under a fire and burglary policy covering stock valued at $3 million.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for the alleged breach of contract following the theft of its jewellery inventory in September 2025.

According to the plaintiff’s statement of claim, ELOK and Sons purchased a combined Fire and Burglary Insurance Policy from Donewell Insurance in August 2025 after the insurer conducted an inspection of the company’s premises and stock.

It contends that the inventory was valued at $3 million based on prevailing international market prices, with the plaintiff paying a premium of $4,266.

The company alleges that its jewellery stock was stolen during a burglary on September 1, 2025, after which it promptly notified the insurer and subsequently submitted a police investigation report.

However, the plaintiff contends that the claims process was characterised by delays, with investigators visiting the premises on separate occasions before the insurer formally communicated with the company in November 2025.

According to the statement of claim, Donewell Insurance later requested additional documentation and information relating to the insured stock.

The plaintiff, through its lawyers, challenged the requests, arguing that they were unreasonable and inconsistent with the terms under which the policy had been issued.

The suit alleges that subsequent exchanges and meetings failed to yield a resolution, leading the company to conclude that the insurer did not intend to honour the contract.

The case, now before the High Court in Sekondi, underscores the importance of claims management and contractual obligations within Ghana’s insurance industry, where timely settlement of claims remains critical to maintaining confidence in the sector.

Donewell Insurance has subsequently been served with the writ and yet to file its defence at the time of filing this report.

A seven-year-old boy who left home recently at Humjibre in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region and did not return, has been found dead in an illegal mining or ‘galamsey’ pit in the area.

According to information gathered, community members organised a search for the boy identified as Franklin Obeng Boateng, aka Junior, but their efforts proved unsuccessful.

The case was subsequently reported to the Sefwi Bekwai Police Command.

The search party later found the boy’s lifeless body in an abandoned galamsey pit, where he was believed to have drowned.

The Assembly Member for the Humjibre Electoral Area, Enock Nkrumah, confirmed that the little boy left home but failed to return.

‘This prompted his family and some residents to launch a search for him. They searched tirelessly for the boy but all their efforts proved unsuccessful,’ he noted.

He said the search ended when the boy’s lifeless body was discovered submerged in water in an abandoned galamsey pit.

‘The body was retrieved from the pit, and following consultations between the police and the bereaved family, arrangements were made for his burial,’ he told journalists.

The tragic incident has reignited concerns over the growing number of abandoned galamsey pits across mining communities in the area.

The residents have therefore called for urgent measures to reclaim and secure such dangerous sites to prevent more innocent persons from losing their lives.

Aspiring National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Awentami Paul Afoko, has assured party delegates that he will establish effective party structures to enable the NPP return to power in 2028 if elected National Chairman.

Mr. Afoko said the NPP needs robust grassroots structures to reclaim power from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the upcoming 2028 general election.

‘The Electoral Commission will not place polling stations at our national or constituency NPP offices but in the communities. Our people living close to those stations must be empowered to protect the ballots, because power is won at the polling station,’ he noted.

He reiterated his intention to revive a policy of providing monthly financial support to constituencies to help them carry out party activities.

‘If you remember, I asked all constituencies to open bank accounts, and those who followed my instruction received GHS10,000 every month. When other constituencies realised it was true, they opened theirs to receive support as well. If you make me your national chairman, I will find the money and continue to support the various constituencies like I did previously,’ he said.

As part of his Northern Region tour, Mr. Afoko engaged with constituency executives from Yendi, Wulensi, Karaga, Gushegu, Tamale North and others, promoting his 3Rs agenda: Reunite, Rebuild and Recapture Power.

He appealed to delegates to stay united and to work hard to ensure that the NPP’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is elected President in 2028.

‘We are going to ensure that Dr. Bawumia becomes President in 2028,’ he declared.

Mr. Afoko also assured that women and youth will be central to decision-making in the party if he is elected.

‘Women and the youth will not be spectators in my administration; they will be at the very heart of decision-making, leadership and party growth,’ he stated.

The General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana, Rev. Stephen Yenusom Wengam, has urged pastors, particularly those ministering in deprived communities, to remain steadfast in their calling despite the challenges they face, assuring them that God often performs His greatest works under difficult circumstances.

According to him, the hardships associated with ministry in underserved areas should not discourage pastors but rather strengthen their faith and commitment to God’s work.

‘God often performs great works in such situations, and this should inspire pastors to demonstrate unwavering faith in God while remaining diligent in their pastoral ministry,’ he said.

Rev. Wengam made the remarks during his third Apostolic Visit to the Upper East Region ‘B’ Council of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, at Zebilla.

The visit brought together serving ministers and their spouses, retired ministers and their spouses, as well as pastors’ widows for a period of prayer, fellowship, exhortation and spiritual impartation.

As part of the programme, Rev. Wengam led participants in a three-and-a-half-hour prayer session, interceding for peace in Ghana and the Upper East Region.

Special prayers were also offered for the forthcoming General Council meeting of the church in August and the World Congress of Assemblies of God, which Ghana is scheduled to host in October this year.

The General Superintendent also led married pastors in renewing their marriage vows and encouraged them to make their marriages exemplary, stressing that ministers must set positive examples for their congregations through strong family life.

Earlier upon his arrival in Zebilla, Rev. Wengam inspected the ongoing regional office project of the Assemblies of God, Ghana. He expressed satisfaction with the progress of work and announced a donation of 500 bags of cement on behalf of the church’s national headquarters to support the project.

He further pledged an additional 200 bags of cement from his family.

The Regional Superintendent of the Upper East Region ‘B’ Council, Rev. Timothy Tarinya Musah, commended Rev. Wengam for his visionary leadership and fatherly care for ministers across the country.

He also praised Lady Mrs. Monica Wengam for her continuous support for vulnerable members of the pastoral family, particularly pastors’ widows, retired ministers and their spouses.

In keeping with her tradition of supporting clergy families, Lady Mrs. Wengam presented gifts to serving pastors and donated pieces of cloth and cash to pastors’ widows and the wives of retired ministers.

The Upper East Region ‘B’ Council presented a traditional smock to Rev. Wengam and a piece of northern kente to Lady Mrs. Wengam in recognition of their visit, leadership and continued support for the church in the region.