Category: Daily Guide Network

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has gone digital with the nationwide rollout of the Automated Fire Compliance and Safety System (AFCAS) to computerise the application of fire permits, certificates and equipment tagging.

The platform, announced in a press statement on August 28, 2026, is now open to the public at www.afcas.gnfs.gov.gh for online applications.

According to the GNFS, the move gives full digital effect to the Fire Precaution (Premises) Regulations, 2003 (L.I. 1724), as amended by L.I. 2249, which requires every premises – commercial or residential – to hold a valid fire permit before construction and a fire certificate on completion.

The Service said the reform has become necessary after years of paper-based certification, manual inspections and weak enforcement.

GNFS data indicate that more than seven in ten properties nationwide currently lack a valid fire certificate, manual processing typically takes months, and paper certificates are vulnerable to forgery with no central real-time record.

AFCAS Features

The new system comprises six integrated systems including the digital fire permit and certificate portal to automate application, inspection, approval and renewal, cutting processing time from 21 days to a maximum of 10 days, with QR-coded certificates and automated renewal reminders at 90, 60 and 30 days to expiry.

It also has a fire equipment tagging and tracking system to build a national inventory of safety equipment including extinguishers, hydrants, hose reels, fire doors, alarm panels, LPG cylinders and elevators, each with a scannable tag.

There is also the thermal imaging wiring certification to detect hidden electrical hazards such as overloaded circuits and overheating equipment;24-hour digital surveillance to connect heat, smoke and gas sensors at high-risk premises including fuel stations, depots and major public buildings, with real-time alerts to GNFS district commands.

Furthermore there is the training and certification system to maintain verifiable records of officer competency and service provider licensing to vet and license fire-safety companies across nine categories.

Under the directive, all vehicle owners, property owners and occupiers are required to apply through the AFCAS portal, while procurement departments of businesses, institutions and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) are to engage only GNFS-AFCAS licensed contractors.

All newly imported fire equipment will be tagged at the point of entry, while owners of equipment already in use have a six-month window from the date of publication to have their equipment inspected and tagged by GNFS-authorised officers.

The rollout comes after a series of major fire disasters including the January 2025 fire at Kantamanto Market in Accra which destroyed over 7,000 stalls, and the April 2026 fire at Kejetia Market in Kumasi, in addition to fires at Adum, Techiman and the Tamale Timber Market.

The initiative marks a key reform under Chief Fire Officer Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, the first woman to lead the 70-year-old Service, who has pledged to build a more open, transparent and accountable GNFS.

In the statement signed by the Head of Public Relations, Divisional Officer One (DO I) Emmanuel Bonney, the GNFS appealed for full cooperation from stakeholders to improve fire safety nationwide.

Members of the public seeking further information may contact the Service on 0557679695 or 0243288969.

CashToken Rewards Africa, a pioneering Cash Reward as-a-Service company in Africa, has distanced itself from fraudulent groups and individuals currently using variations of its name and identity to defraud unsuspecting members of the Ghanaian public.

According to the company, these groups and individuals are operating through websites, WhatsApp/Telegram to lure and defraud unsuspecting individuals.

The company in a release stated unequivocally that CashToken Rewards Africa does not currently operate in Ghana and has no business, representatives, agents or authorised partners operating on its behalf in the country.

The company said it has become aware of individuals using the CashToken name and identity to create fraudulent digital and social media platforms through which members of the public are approached and encouraged to provide money and personal or financial information.

‘CashToken Rewards Africa has no connection whatsoever with these activities, websites or individuals. The company is aware that some of the fraudulent websites previously used by the perpetrators have been taken down. However, new websites have subsequently been created to continue the fraudulent activities,’ it said in the statement.

‘Fraudulent variations identified so far include cashhtoken.com and cashtokken.com. Additional variants are likely to surface.The company’s legitimate and official website is www.cashtokenrewards.com. The company’s only official social media handle is @cashtokenhq,’ it added.

CashToken Rewards Africa, therefore, urged members of the Ghanaian public to disregard any communication, website, WhatsApp group or individual claiming to represent the company or offering CashToken-related opportunities in Ghana.

‘Members of the public are advised not to make payments or disclose personal, banking, account, PIN or other sensitive information to anyone claiming to act on behalf of CashToken Rewards Africa in Ghana or anywhere else.

‘Anyone who encounters such fraudulent activity is encouraged to retain the relevant evidence, including website addresses, telephone numbers, WhatsApp messages and payment details, and report the matter to the appropriate authorities,’ it added.

‘Nobody in Ghana is authorised to speak for CashToken Rewards Africa, because the company does not operate in that market. Every offer, group and website circulating there in the company’s name is fraudulent.

We are pursuing takedowns and working with the relevant authorities, and we urge the public to verify any claim against our official website and handle before releasing money or personal information,’ said Chinaenyenwa Nwokedi, Chief Marketing Officer at CashToken Rewards Africa.

CashToken Rewards Africa said it is taking steps to address the unauthorised use of its name and identity and remains committed to protecting members of the public from activities carried out by individuals falsely representing the company.

Parliament has backed investigations by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) into a controversial memorandum purportedly authored by the Deputy Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Asokwa, Patricia Appiagyei, concerning an alleged GHS70,000 payment.

The memo, which has been circulating on social media, allegedly suggested that Ms. Appiagyei received and subsequently returned GHS70,000 in connection with the vetting of ministerial and Supreme Court nominees.

In a statement signed by the Director of Media Relations, David Sebastian Damoah, Parliament said it had taken note of reports that the OSP had commenced investigations into the matter.

The Speaker, it said, welcomed any lawful investigation aimed at establishing the facts and urged the OSP to pursue the matter ‘thoroughly and expeditiously.’

The investigation, Parliament said, should establish both the authenticity or otherwise of the memo and the veracity of the claims contained in it.

The OSP has since invited Ms. Appiagyei to assist with a preliminary investigation into the alleged payment.

The Office said it had dispatched a communication inviting the Asokwa MP to appear before it as part of its efforts to establish the authenticity and circumstances surrounding the document circulating in the media.

Ms Appiagyei, however, has strongly denied authoring the memo and receiving any such payment.

In a statement dated September 4, 2026, the Deputy Minority Leader said the document was fake and urged the public to disregard it.

‘I did not write, authorise, or circulate this document. It is fake and should be disregarded by all,’ she stated.

She further said she had not received GHS70,000, or any other amount, from anyone in connection with the vetting of ministerial or Supreme Court nominees or her duties as a member of the Appointments Committee.

‘As I received no such payment, I had no occasion to return any such payment, contrary to what the fake document suggests,’ she said.

Ms Appiagyei said she had discharged her responsibilities on the Appointments Committee with integrity, including during the recent vetting exercises.

She explained that she was attending the funeral of a friend when she was initially informed about the document, which she described as ‘FAKE news originating from my office.’

According to her, she initially assumed that the fake stamp she had authorised to be placed on the document was sufficient to address the issue until the matter gained prominence in the media.

Parliament, meanwhile, said it had not independently verified the authenticity of the memo and would therefore not, at this stage, make a determination on the competing claims.

It said allegations concerning payments allegedly connected with the work of a parliamentary committee, particularly the Appointments Committee, deserved proper scrutiny.

Parliament said it was equally concerned about the possibility that a document could have been fabricated and falsely attributed to a Member of Parliament in circumstances capable of undermining public confidence in Parliament and its processes.

It has consequently assured the OSP and any other competent investigative authority of its readiness to provide the necessary cooperation in the lawful discharge of their mandates.

The Speaker has also directed that further action be taken if the investigation establishes that the memorandum was fabricated or falsely attributed to Ms. Appiagyei.

In that event, Parliament said, the appropriate investigative authorities should enlist the assistance of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) and other relevant law-enforcement agencies to identify the person or persons responsible for creating and circulating the alleged false document.

Those responsible should, where the evidence warrants, be held accountable in accordance with the law.

‘The fabrication and deliberate circulation of documents purporting to emanate from Members or offices of Parliament would constitute a serious assault on the integrity and reputation of the institution,’ Parliament stated.

Ms. Appiagyei has also indicated that she is taking legal advice on the appropriate next steps once the source of the document is established.

She said she reserved all her rights, including action against anyone found responsible for fabricating or knowingly circulating the document.

The Asokwa MP further alleged that ‘faceless individuals’ were attempting to sow discord within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Caucus, but expressed confidence that the effort would fail.

She assured the rank and file of the NPP and Ghanaians that the Caucus remained united and would rally behind the party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for the 2028 elections.

In the meantime, Parliament has urged the public, media and other stakeholders to exercise caution in sharing the document or drawing definitive conclusions until its authenticity and the circumstances surrounding it have been properly established.

Media personality Vida Adutwumwaa has taken a swipe at the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, accusing her of inaction and lack of commitment to growing the creative arts sector.

Speaking on United Showbiz, Vida questioned the Minister’s commitment to addressing the immediate concerns of creatives who depend on state facilities for their activities.

According to her, despite repeated calls for the renovation of the National Theatre, the sector minister has shown no urgency in tackling the challenges.

‘For many times we have raised concerns about the location of the National Theatre. It is said that its current location is prone to earthquake. I don’t know if they are waiting for the worst to happen before we take measures,’ she said.

She added, ‘When it comes to proactiveness, she is not helping we the creatives and she does not appear likely to be helpful to the industry.’

Vida noted that for years creatives have been appealing for venues to host events, but the Minister appears unconcerned.

She has therefore called on President John Mahama to reshuffle Dzifa Gomashie from the Tourism Ministry.

Her comments come amid renewed discussions over the future of the National Theatre, following government’s announcement of plans to undertake a major renovation and modernisation of the facility.

Meanwhile, Dzifa Gomashie has announced that government has secured support from the People’s Republic of China to renovate and modernise the National Theatre.

According to her, the project is intended to restore the theatre’s infrastructure, improve its technical facilities and reposition it as a world-class centre for Ghanaian arts and culture.

Vida, however, maintains that the response from the Ministry is not empowering enough to ensure the immediate completion of the renovation.

Nigerian actress, Regina Daniels, has sparked fresh reactions online after she was spotted at the residence of her husband, Senator Ned Nwoko, amid recent speculation surrounding their marriage.

A video shared on Instagram on September 5, 2026, appeared to show Regina Daniels several times inside Nwoko’s home.

According to reports, the footage was recorded during an Instagram Live session by one of Nwoko’s sons. Regina was seen in the background of the livestream, apparently unaware that she was being captured on camera.

The livestream reportedly ended shortly after the children realised that Regina had appeared in the video.

The footage has since generated discussions on social media, with users expressing different views about her presence at the politician’s residence following the recent public drama surrounding their marriage.

While some social media users interpreted her presence as a possible sign of reconciliation, others questioned the development, citing statements and positions she had previously expressed about her marriage.

The latest video, however, does not by itself confirm whether Regina Daniels and Ned Nwoko have reconciled or whether their reported marital difficulties have been resolved.

The Bono Regional Drug Law Enforcement Unit of the Police Service has arrested two suspects, woman and her son, for unlawful possession of narcotic and restricted drugs at Kumi Daa Street (KDS), a suburb of Dormaa Central in the Bono Region.

The suspects have been identified as Mary Awuni, 66, and her son, Maxwell Akukah, 29.

They were picked up during an intelligence-led operation. A search conducted in their rooms led to the retrieval of 147 compressed slabs of suspected Indian hemp wrapped in sellotape, 270 boxes and 329 blisters of assorted Tramadol, 14 blisters of Rohypnol, GHS87,751 and CFA 2,000.

According to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Bono Regional Police Command, Chief Inspector Thomas Akeelah, Mary Awuni was found with a metal trunk containing 14 blisters of Rohypnol, GHS72,612 and CFA 2,000.

She claimed the items and money were given to her by a man in Accra for delivery to another person in Côte d’Ivoire, but admitted ownership of the items found in her room.

Maxwell Akukah was arrested in a separate room where the suspected Indian hemp, Tramadol and GHS15,139 were retrieved.

He claimed the items belonged to his brother, Anthony, who was said to be outside Dormaa Ahenkro.

The suspects are currently in police custody assisting with investigations, while efforts continue to apprehend other persons connected to the case for prosecution.

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has abandoned plans to acquire about three acres of land belonging to the Department of Parks and Gardens at Cantonments in Accra for the construction of its permanent headquarters.

The decision follows strong public reaction to the proposed arrangement, which would have seen GoldBod obtain the land in exchange for constructing a new administrative headquarters and ancillary facilities for Parks and Gardens.

GoldBod Chief Executive Officer, Samuel Gyamfi, communicated the withdrawal in a letter dated September 4, 2026, to the Director-General of the Department of Parks and Gardens.

‘We wish to formally withdraw the said proposal forthwith. Accordingly, the proposal contained in our letter of August 20, 2026 should be considered withdrawn, and the matter closed,’ Mr Gyamfi said.

The initial proposal sought the allocation of approximately three acres of the Cantonments property to enable GoldBod to develop a purpose-built headquarters for its expanding administrative, technical, commercial, regulatory and operational functions.

Under the arrangement, GoldBod would have financed and constructed a new administrative office for Parks and Gardens, together with other logistical and ancillary facilities to be agreed by both institutions.

GoldBod had presented the proposal as a mutually beneficial arrangement that would provide both institutions with improved infrastructure while ensuring the land was put to strategic institutional use.

However, following public backlash, the gold trading authority has now ended discussions on the deal.

Mr. Gyamfi thanked the Department of Parks and Gardens for its cooperation during the discussions and asked that the matter be considered closed.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has cleared all 47 aspirants who went through the vetting process to contest for the party’s national executive positions across all nine (9) categories.

The National Officers Elections Committee (NOEC) in a statement signed by its Chairman, Frederick Opare-Ansah said the vetting process which was conducted between August 31 and September 3, 2026 was successfully completed in accordance with the timetable published by the Committee ahead of the election.

The Vetting Committee after careful examination of the documentation submitted by the aspirants, its interaction with them and its consideration of the applicable eligibility requirements, submitted its report to NOEC.

‘NOEC is pleased to announce that the Vetting Committee has recommended that all 47 aspirants who appeared before it are suitable and eligible to contest for the respective positions for which they filed their nominations,’ the NOEC said in a statement.

The statement further pointed out that all 47 aspirants have been ‘cleared to contest,’ subject to the processes provided under the applicable rules governing the elections.

Positions

Aspirants

The National Chairman position is being contested by four individuals; former Chairman Paul Afoko; former General Secretary, John Boadu; former Energy Minister, Boakye Agyarko, and former National Vice Chairman, Sammy Crabbe.

The thirteen aspirants seeking election as National Vice Chairperson include Henry Nana Boakye, Kojo Fosu Boadu, Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, Samuel Pyne, Richard Ahiagbah, and Abena Pokua Boaitey Amoah.

The rest are Alhaji Masawudu Osman, Yaa Amponsah Frimpong, George Kwabena Abankwah Yeboah, Horma Miezah, Richard Oti Aboagye, Bright Esselfie Kumi and Nana Akomea.

The four aspirants targeting the General Secretary position are the incumbent General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, Eugene Boakye Antwi, Sylvester Tetteh and Charles Dwamena.

For the National Treasurer position, Alfred Kojo Thompson, Collins Nuntwiri Nuamah, Tahiru Issahaku Moomin and Ahmed Ruka Saida would be going head-to-head for the slot.

Those going for the National Organiser position are Glover Daniel Nii Kwartei, Salam Mustapha, Kwame Prempeh, Archibald Korletey Gamor, Emmanuel Korsi Bodja, Nana Kwadjo Agyei Yeboah, Daniel Agyenim Boateng and Ali Maiga Halidu.

The National Women Organiser position is being contested by Mavis Hawa Koomson, Perpetual Ekua Lomokie Akwada and Safia Mohammed.

The National Youth Organiser position will be contested by Clement Opoku Gyamfi, Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei Asamoah, Michael Osei Boateng, Vera Oye Bram-Larbi, Kumi Alfred Ababio and Abanga Fuseini Yakubu.

For the National Nasara Organiser position, Issaka Muazo Kunata, Salim Bamba, Razak Tahiru Maiga, Awal Mohammed and Mohammed Ali Suraj will be contesting for the spot.

The National Communications Director position sees Dennis Miracles Aboagye going unopposed.

Balloting

With the successful completion of the vetting process, the party has set September 9, 2026, for the balloting process to decide where each of the aspirants will be positioned on the ballot paper.

‘Specific times for the balloting for the respective positions will be communicated directly to the aspirants,’ the party said in a statement, while pointing out that spirants will be expected to participate in the balloting process either in person or ‘through their duly authorised representatives.’

The NOEC urged all aspirants and their representatives to cooperate fully with it to ensure an orderly and transparent balloting process.

Appreciation

Meanwhile, the Committee has expressed appreciation to the Chairperson and members of the NOEC for the ‘diligence, professionalism and commitment with which they discharged this important responsibility.’

The Committee also commended all 47 aspirants for their cooperation and conduct throughout the vetting exercise.

‘We also thank Party members, officials, supporters, the media and the general public for their continued cooperation and interest in the electoral process,’ it stated.

The statement added that the NOEC remains committed to conducting the remaining stages of the election process in a manner that is fair, transparent, orderly and credible.

It, therefore, called on all aspirants, their supporters and party members to continue to conduct themselves in a manner that promotes the unity and integrity of the New Patriotic Party.

British-Nigerian businessman and social media influencer, Igho ‘Tiny’ Ubiribo, has died in Thailand at the age of 43 following complications from a penile cosmetic procedure.

Ubiribo reportedly passed away in March 2026 while on holiday in Bangkok with his wife, fashion designer, Danielle Simba Allen.

According to reports, he had visited a cosmetic clinic in the Thai capital for a penile enlargement procedure, during which doctors administered about 40ml of hyaluronic acid mixed with lidocaine.

The procedure was said to have ended without any immediate issues. However, tragedy struck shortly after when he was receiving a massage at his hotel with his wife. He reportedly complained of sharp chest pains before collapsing.

He was rushed to Sukhumvit Hospital where doctors battled for over 100 minutes to resuscitate him, but he was pronounced dead.

Preliminary findings linked his death to a pulmonary embolism triggered by the procedure. It is reported that a postmortem examination conducted in the UK reportedly detected cellular material in his lungs consistent with the substance used during the enhancement.

Medical experts say the finding highlights that cosmetic procedures should not automatically be regarded as risk-free simply because they are performed outside conventional surgery, raising concerns about the potentially catastrophic consequences when filler is accidentally introduced into a blood vessel.

While often marketed as minimally invasive, experts have long warned that injectable cosmetic procedures can carry serious risks when performed incorrectly or when rare complications occur.

Joheirry Mola Dominguez of the Dominican Republic has been crowned Miss World 2026 at the grand finale held in Vietnam on Saturday.

Joheirry emerged as the winner after competing against 111 contestants from around the world. Her victory gives the Dominican Republic its second Miss World crown, following Mariasela Álvarez’s win in 1982.

Spain’s Elisabeth Reynés was named first runner-up, while Taanusiya Chetty of Malaysia finished as second runner-up.

Although Ghana did not win the Miss World crown, the country recorded a notable achievement through its representative, Rumzia Sule.

Rumzia’s Beauty With a Purpose (BWP) project made it into the Top 6 in Africa, giving Ghana recognition for its work in the humanitarian and social-impact segment of the competition.

The Miss World pageant was founded in 1951 by Eric Morley and has grown into one of the world’s most recognised international beauty competitions. Unlike competitions focused mainly on beauty and fashion, Miss World places significant emphasis on humanitarian work through its Beauty With a Purpose initiative, which encourages contestants to develop projects aimed at improving lives in their communities.

The competition brings together contestants from countries across the globe and combines beauty, talent, public speaking, culture and charitable initiatives.

Following the 2026 edition, the Miss World Festival is scheduled to move to Tanzania in 2027, where the next Miss World competition will be held.

Ghana will therefore have another opportunity to compete on the global stage and build on Rumzia Sule’s achievement in the Beauty With a Purpose segment and possibly win the crown.