Category: Daily Guide Network

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has renamed its national headquarters in Adabraka ‘Jerry Rawlings House’ in honour of the party’s founder, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings.

The ceremony, held yesterday on what would have been the late Rawlings’ 79th birthday, comes five years and seven months after his death in November 2020. President John Dramani Mahama led the event, unveiling a commemorative bust of the late former President at the building’s forecourt.

Party stalwarts, members of the national executive committee, and the diplomatic corps joined hundreds of NDC supporters dressed in party colours to witness the christening. The move was carried out in collaboration with the J.J. Rawlings Foundation, an organisation led by the Rawlings family to preserve his political legacy.

Speaking at the event, President Mahama said Rawlings had repeatedly rejected efforts to name monuments after him while he was alive. He disclosed that the late leader declined proposals to name the University for Development Studies and an FPSO vessel for the ENI Sankofa oil field in his honour, despite donating his World Food Prize award as seed funding for UDS.

‘Rawlings himself, if he were alive, would have been very uncomfortable with this ceremony,’ Mahama said. ‘He replied to my letter during my previous presidency when I sought his permission to name the FPSO after him. He said, ‘Pass it on to President Kufuor. I prefer to have my name inscribed in the minds and hearts of men than on statues and monuments.”

Mahama described Rawlings as ‘a man who was neither vain nor ostentatious,’ adding, ‘Fortunately for us today, he is in no position to object to what we are doing here to immortalise his name.’

The President said renaming the headquarters was meant to embed the party’s history and values into its institution. ‘It is the place where ideas are debated, policies are formulated, manifestos are written, and decisions are taken in pursuit of our mission to serve the people of Ghana,’ he said. ‘By naming this headquarters after J.J. Rawlings, we ensure future generations will never lose sight of the values and sacrifices that have brought us this far.’

He urged Ghanaians to uphold the principles Rawlings championed: probity, accountability, and selfless service. ‘We celebrate not only Jerry Rawlings’ life but also the values he embodied – his courage, his conviction in times of uncertainty, and his enduring belief that public office should improve the lives of ordinary citizens,’ President Mahama stressed.

NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, said the decision followed extensive consultation. He noted that Rawlings ‘fiercely resisted’ attempts to name monuments after him, insisting his legacy should live in the hearts of Ghanaians.

‘But today he is no more, and generations are changing,’ Asiedu Nketia said. ‘If we allow his memory to remain only in the hearts and minds of people, it will also die when those hearts and minds pass on. It is well and fitting to name the building after the founder of our party.’

He added that even the late President John Evans Atta Mills, during whose tenure the headquarters was built, would have supported the move.

Kimathi Rawlings, son of the late founder, called the event a ‘moment of reflection, remembrance and recommitment.’

‘By naming this headquarters after Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, the NDC has permanently inscribed his name into the very home of the ideals, sacrifices and aspirations to which he devoted his life,’ he said. ‘It is a solemn affirmation that conviction, sacrifice and service in the pursuit of justice, accountability and national progress will never be forgotten.’

The NDC said the renaming is aimed at strengthening internal cohesion and reinforcing the party’s ideological identity ahead of future national assignments, anchored on Rawlings’ founding principles of probity, accountability, and social justice.

Content creator and YouTuber Code Micky, real name Michael Nartey, has advised Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, to approach the England match with a fearless, tactical, and winning mindset.

According to him, while England boasts world-class talent and tournament experience, if the Black Stars adopt a timid play, defensive shell can be fatal, stressing that mental courage and disciplined, aggressive counters are the keys to punishing a superior opponent and securing crucial points.

‘Looking at the players for both team, there is no way you can tell me that Pickford is good than Benjamin Asare in goal keeping. I think we need to change our mentality in securing a point from this game,’ he said.

While acknowledging the fact that the England team has the likes of Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, and Elliot Anderson, Code Micky noted that when the Black Stars midfielders press aggressively as a unit, they can dictate the tempo of the game.

He also pointed out that while aggression is required, mental discipline ensures the team avoids the pitfalls of unnecessary fouls, which can be costly in high-stakes matches officiated by strict referees.

‘If you get the mindset that you all are men and you as a Ghanaian has passed through grave hardship to get to the tournament, with this mindset you will win, and that was the mindset Cape Verde used in drawing with Uruguay,’ he added.

Anxiety has set in across Ghana as the Black Stars prepare to face England today in a highly anticipated international clash. The mood is tense in homes, offices, and fan zones nationwide. For many supporters, today’s game is a test of Ghana’s progress against one of the world’s football elite nations.

Social media has been buzzing since the fixture was confirmed, with fans posting predictions, team line-up debates, and nervous ‘pray for us’ messages. The Black Stars go into the match under pressure to prove themselves against England’s star-studded squad. But Ghanaian fans are holding on to hope that the Stars can rise to the occasion, as they have done against big teams in the past.

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, yesterday returned to Kumasi to a rousing welcome following a successful working visit to Poland and Canada aimed at promoting development partnerships, investment and educational opportunities for Asanteman.

Hundreds of chiefs, queen mothers, traditional leaders and enthusiastic subjects converged on the Prempeh International Airport to receive the revered monarch, creating a colourful spectacle of Asante culture and tradition.

The atmosphere became electric as the King’s aircraft touched down, with chiefs dressed in splendid kente cloth and adorned with gold ornaments lining the tarmac. Fontomfrom drummers and traditional dancers entertained the gathering while residents waved flags and sang praises in honour of the Asantehene.

During his visit abroad, Otumfuo held a series of high-level meetings with government officials, investors, business leaders and members of the Ghanaian diaspora in both Poland and Canada.

The discussions centred on attracting investment into the Ashanti Region, strengthening educational collaborations, expanding cultural diplomacy and securing development partnerships to improve the socio-economic well-being of the people of Asanteman.

In Canada, the Asantehene also met with members of the Ghanaian community, urging them to contribute to the country’s development through investment, skills transfer and support for ongoing development initiatives in the Ashanti Region.

The monarch also joined members of the Ghanaian diaspora to watch Ghana’s international football match against Panama, where he encouraged national unity and solidarity among Ghanaians living abroad.

Palace sources indicated that the overseas tour formed part of Otumfuo’s broader vision to deepen international cooperation and attract strategic partnerships that would support education, healthcare, infrastructure and youth empowerment in Asanteman.

Speaking to OTEC News reporter Kwame Agyenim Boateng, some of the residents who welcomed the King praised him for his dedication to projecting the image of Asanteman and Ghana on the global stage.

They commended his humility, patience and unwavering commitment to the progress of his people.

A local chief expressed confidence that the King’s engagements abroad would yield significant benefits for Asanteman.

‘We will continue to remain united and committed to peace and development as Asanteman continues to push for progress both locally and internationally,’ he stated.

After leaving the airport, Otumfuo was escorted in a grand procession through the principal streets of Kumasi to the Manhyia Palace.

Tight security was maintained as thousands of residents lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the monarch, with chiefs and elders describing the massive turnout as a clear demonstration of the love, respect and admiration the people of Asanteman have for their King.

MTN Ghana has thrown its support behind the Black Stars ahead of their World Cup Group L clash with England on June 23, calling on Ghanaians to unite behind the team.

The headline sponsor of the senior national team extended best wishes to the players, technical team, and management as they prepare to face one of the tournament’s strongest sides.

The message follows Ghana’s victory over Panama, a result MTN Ghana said showcased the squad’s dedication, resilience, and determination, reigniting hope among millions of fans.

‘The victory over Panama was a proud moment for Ghana and a reflection of the hard work, discipline, and team spirit of the Black Stars,’ said Stephen Blewett, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana.

‘As they prepare for the important challenge against England, we want them to know that the entire nation stands firmly behind them,’ he said.

Blewett added ‘We wish the team every success and encourage all Ghanaians to continue supporting them as they carry our hopes and aspirations onto the world stage.’

He noted that football remains a powerful force for national unity, bringing together people from all walks of life in support of a common cause.

MTN Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to sports development and nurturing talent across the country. As official sponsor, the company said it remains confident in the Black Stars and wished them the very best in their World Cup campaign.

Most Africans support women’s right to make their own choices about marriage and childbearing, and back equal job opportunities, yet many want stronger action from police and courts to protect women and girls from harassment, a new Afrobarometer report shows.

The Pan-Africa Profile, based on 50,961 face-to-face interviews across 38 countries in 2024/2025, found broad support for women’s autonomy.

On average, 75% of respondents said women should decide whether and when to marry, while 62% backed women’s right to choose the timing and number of children. Support for economic equality was weaker.

While 57% endorsed equal rights to jobs, 38% said men should get priority when jobs are scarce.

Nearly one in four respondents, 23%, reported that women are ‘often’ or ‘always’ prevented from taking jobs by husbands or family members.

Household finances also remain uneven. Women were less likely than men to say they make financial decisions themselves – 36% vs. 44%.

Concerns about safety and dignity were widespread. More than one in four citizens said schoolgirls frequently face discrimination, harassment, or requests for sexual favours from teachers.

About 28% said women often face sexual harassment in public spaces like markets, streets, and public transport.

Most respondents, 65%, believe women and girls are likely to be believed if they report discrimination or harassment. Still, 78% said police and courts should do more to protect women and girls.

Access to health care is another gap. Two-thirds of women, 66%, said they or a family member went without needed medicines or medical treatment at least once in the past year. Rural women were hit harder than those in urban areas.

Afrobarometer is a pan-African, nonpartisan survey research network. It has completed 10 survey rounds in up to 45 countries since 1999.

Round 10 covered 38 countries in 2024/2025. Interviews are conducted face-to-face in the respondent’s language with nationally representative samples. Results have margins of error of +/-2 to +/-3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

Telecel Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering partnerships with its cash agent network across the Ashanti Region at a regional forum held at the Kejetia Market Square in Kumasi.

Organised as part of Telecel’s Ashanti Month 2026 celebrations, the Telecel Cash Agent Forum brought together over 300 agents, traders and sales partners from across the region for direct engagement with Telecel’s leadership on product updates, revenue growth opportunities, service improvement and strengthening trust in the mobile money ecosystem.

Speaking at the gathering, Executive Head for Ashanti and Brong Ahafo at Telecel Ghana, Kwaku Asiedu, said the cash agent network is central to the business and their welfare and growth remain a priority.

‘Our agents are critical partners and their growth is directly tied to the success of our business. We are committed to addressing their challenges and improving the systems they depend on to deliver service to our clients,’ Asiedu said.

The forum was designed as a working session with agents interacting openly with executives, sharing operational feedback, and receiving on-the-spot responses to several queries on liquidity, transactions and service reliability.

Telecel Cash’s Business Development Manager, Foster Asare, briefed agents on banking partnerships and provided training on fraud prevention and cybersecurity practices. He stressed that protecting agents from fraud is central to sustaining their livelihoods.

‘As we expand partnerships with banks and deepen our digital offerings, we must also protect the people who make the system work, which includes our agent network. Security and trust are essential to improving our agent’s income and wellbeing as well as customer confidence,’ Asare added.

Agents also received detailed briefings on the Telecel Loyalty Promotion mechanics and upcoming product offerings designed to increase transaction volumes and improve earning margins.

Philip Osei Marfo, the Zonal Sales Manager, said, ‘Our agents understand the customers better than anyone because they interface with them every day. Through this forum, we are equipping them with relevant product information and ensuring that the challenges they face in the field are addressed and resolved quickly.’

The response from agents was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the forum as one of the most direct and practical engagements they have had with the telco. Several participants urged Telecel to institutionalise the forum as a regular engagement platform.

Market traders at Kejetia, who witnessed parts of the engagement, welcomed the decision to bring the telco’s leadership into the marketplace, saying it reflected a more responsive approach to agent relations and strengthened their confidence in the business.

The Telecel Cash Agent Forum reinforced the role of partner-agents as critical drivers of financial inclusion across Ghana’s informal economy, where mobile money services remain a key bridge between banking systems and everyday transactions.

Telecel Ghana said the cash agent forum at the Kejetia Market Square forms part of its broader Ashanti Month 2026 programme this June, which combines business engagement, headlining the Asantehene Golf Open Golf Tournament, community health and digital skills training initiatives and customer appreciation activities across the region.

Tension is mounting within the Bantama Constituency of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) following allegations of manipulation of the constituency’s electoral album ahead of the party’s upcoming internal elections.

Before an interview with the constituency chairman, Fiifi Mensah, chaotic scenes erupted at the forecourt of the party’s constituency office as rival party supporters exchanged heated verbal attacks and insults over the disputed album.

The situation nearly degenerated into violence, prompting personnel from the Suntreso Police Command to intervene and restore calm.

The police subsequently invited the Bantama Constituency Chairman, Fiifi Mensah, and the First Vice Chairman, Kingsley Attah, popularly known as Wofa Attah, to assist with investigations into the disturbance.

Speaking after the incident, Mr. Mensah directly accused the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bantama, Francis Asenso-Boakye, of masterminding what he described as the manipulation of the constituency’s electoral album to favour his preferred candidates in the impending constituency elections.

According to him, Bantama had remained peaceful until it emerged that several long-serving delegates had allegedly been removed from the album without justification.

Mr. Mensah alleged that Mr. Asenso-Boakye had formed a group to control the electoral album process without involving him, despite being the constituency chairman, and claimed that delegates perceived to be loyal to him were deliberately being deleted.

‘We will not allow anyone to determine who should remain in the album based on personal affiliations. The electoral album belongs to the entire party, not a select group of people,’ he stated.

He further alleged that delegates who had served the party faithfully for between 12 and 16 years had been removed from the album solely because they were believed to support him.

Mr. Mensah also questioned why he, as constituency chairman, had not been given access to the electoral album, describing the situation as unacceptable.

He claimed that while some party executives, including the First Vice Chairman, the Youth Organiser and some polling station executives were allowed to add dozens of delegates to the album, his own list of 19 proposed delegates was rejected because they were allegedly considered his supporters.

According to him, party leaders had earlier reached a consensus that no existing delegates would be removed from the register, but that agreement had been disregarded.

He maintained that he had no objection to the outcome of the elections provided the process was transparent and fair.

‘If the elections are free, fair and peaceful, whoever wins deserves the victory. I will campaign, and if I lose, I will accept the outcome honourably. But we will not accept attempts to manipulate the system to satisfy someone’s selfish interests,’ he stressed.

Mr. Mensah disclosed that the disagreement intensified on Sunday, June 21, after which he reported the matter to the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the party, who advised him to submit formal petitions to the appropriate party authorities.

He said the affected delegates were only demanding a peaceful election based on a credible electoral album.

To prevent what he described as further manipulation, Mr. Mensah revealed that he had locked the constituency office and taken custody of all copies of the electoral album until the matter is resolved.

‘I am the constituency chairman and I am supposed to supervise the process. When I realised there were too many irregularities, I took custody of the albums because I want the issues resolved peacefully before the process continues,’ he stated.

Efforts to obtain a response from the Bantama MP, Francis Asenso-Boakye, regarding the allegations were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

The Ministry of Education has suspended all Senior High School (SHS) graduation ceremonies nationwide, while the Ghana Education Service (GES) has banned flamboyant post-examination celebrations on school premises.

The moves follow public concerns over excessive displays of wealth, with parents prohibited from presenting expensive gifts such as cars or money bouquets.

A statement signed by Hashmin Mohammed, Press Secretary to the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, said the ministry has taken note of growing public concerns regarding the increasing trend of excessive display of wealth and flamboyance during graduation ceremonies in some Senior High Schools across the country.

‘The Ministry wishes to emphasise that schools are institutions for learning, character development, discipline, and the nurturing of responsible citizens. Graduation ceremonies are intended to celebrate academic achievement and personal growth and should therefore reflect the values of modesty, dignity, and respect associated with the educational environment. The Ministry strongly condemns any conduct by students, parents, guardians, or other stakeholders that promotes extravagance and detracts from the true purpose of school ceremonies,’ part of the statement read.

The Education Minister further directed the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service to suspend all Senior High School graduation ceremonies nationwide with immediate effect, pending a review of existing guidelines governing such events.

He emphasised that the ministry under his watch remains committed to ensuring that all school activities uphold the highest standards of discipline, responsibility, and moral development, in line with the objectives of Ghana’s education system.

Subsequently, Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relation, GES, stated that while management is not against the practice of parents and guardians celebrating achievement of their children or wards, it is against the practice of such ostentatious displays by parents on school premises.

‘In order to ensure that this practice does not gain roots in the school culture, Management wishes to inform the general public that, henceforth, post-examination celebrations that are characterised by lavish presentation of items such as motor vehicles to students are prohibited on school premises,’ part of the statement read.

Mr. Fenyi stated that heads of schools who allow this practice on their campus will be sanctioned. ‘Schools are designed to promote social equalisers where merit and personal effort take priority over economic status. Ostentatious displays of wealth by parents on school premises create visible socio-economic divisions, shift the focus from academic achievement to financial privilege, and can foster psychological distress among students whose parents are not able to compete in such flamboyant celebrations,’ he stressed.

Videos that went viral last Friday show groups of Senior High School students being showered with expensive gifts immediately after completing their final examinations. In the clips, students were seen receiving cars, cash-filled ‘money bouquets,’ and other luxury items from family and friends. The flamboyant post-examination celebrations were filmed on school grounds and quickly spread across TikTok, X, and WhatsApp. The trend of extravagant ‘graduation gifts’ for SHS leavers has ignited mixed reactions online. While some praised parents for rewarding hard work, others criticised the displays as excessive and insensitive amid current economic pressures.

Former Ghana international Nii Odartey Lamptey has admitted he would not be surprised if the Black Stars fall to England in their crucial Group L encounter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana face England today at Gillette Stadium, with both nations looking to strengthen their chances of reaching the knockout stage after winning their opening matches.

The Black Stars began their campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Panama in Toronto, while England also secured maximum points in their first outing.

Despite Ghana’s positive start, Lamptey believes England will enter the contest as clear favourites.

He pointed to the quality, depth and experience available to the Three Lions under head coach Thomas Tuchel.

‘I will be surprised should Black Stars win against England. They are better than us in terms of everything,’ Lamptey said on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.

The former forward, however, stressed that his support remains firmly with Ghana and that he would gladly celebrate an upset victory.

‘I’m a Ghanaian, and if we win, I will celebrate. But on the face of it, I’ll not be surprised if we lose to England,’ he added.

Both teams head into the highly anticipated clash level on three points, setting up what could prove to be a decisive match in the race for qualification from Group L.

After facing England, Ghana will conclude their group-stage campaign against Croatia as they seek to advance beyond the first round of the World Cup for the first time since their memorable run to the quarter-finals at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Nollywood actress, Nancy Isime, has shared her views on the importance of financial stability in relationships and marriage.

Speaking on a recent episode of the ‘Tea With Tay’ podcast, the actress said she does not believe that marrying a poor man can guarantee a happy and comfortable life.

According to Isime, financial difficulties can put pressure on couples and make it hard for them to fully enjoy marriage and family life.

‘Marriage is not a poverty alleviation scheme, but I don’t believe marrying a poor man can make you happy,’ she said.

The actress explained that challenges such as unpaid rent, school fees and lack of food can create stress in a home and affect the quality of life of a couple.

She, however, clarified that she was not suggesting that love depends on money.

‘I’m not saying there is no love without money. But love and a fantastic life are not the same,’ she added.

Nancy Isime also encouraged people planning to get married to work towards achieving a reasonable level of financial stability before starting a family.