Category: Daily Guide Network

The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that a total of 312,448 first-year tertiary students have benefited from the government’s flagship ‘No Fees Stress’ policy at a cost exceeding GHS888 million.

Addressing Parliament yesterday, Mr. Iddrisu disclosed that 152,698 validated first-year students benefited from the programme during the 2024/2025 academic year at a cost of GHS399.4 million.

He added that 159,750 students have so far received support in the 2025/2026 academic year, with expenditure reaching GHS489.5 million.

According to the Minister, the policy, which was successfully launched in July 2025 and is currently operational nationwide, is aimed at reducing the financial burden on students and expanding access to tertiary education across the country.

‘This is what we have done to support young people’s aspirations to access tertiary education. Our policy remains focused on access, relevance and quality,’ he added.

Mr. Iddrisu further revealed that 610 students of the Ghana School of Law have received financial support through the Students’ Loan Trust Fund.

He said the government is taking steps to make legal education more accessible by extending student loan opportunities to those pursuing law and professional legal studies.

‘I’m happy to announce that under this government, we are demystifying legal education. Therefore, students pursuing law and professional law can now apply for student loans,’ he said.

On support for persons with disabilities, the Minister disclosed that for the 2025/2026 academic year, 1,530 students with disabilities in pre-tertiary institutions have benefited from full tuition and residential support at a total cost of GHS9.84 million.

The Education Minister also assured Parliament that there are no outstanding financial obligations under the ‘No Fees Stress’ policy, stating that the Minister for Finance, Dr. Ato Forson, has released adequate funds to ensure the smooth implementation of the programme.

Technical universities in Ghana must urgently reform their academic programmes, research priorities and industry partnerships to remain relevant in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Rector of Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences, Prof. Dr. Ron S.J. Tuninga, has stated.

Speaking at the Seventh Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Lecture at Ho Technical University (HTU), Prof. Tuninga warned that rapid advances in AI, machine learning, robotics, blockchain technology, cybersecurity and quantum computing were transforming industries and redefining workforce demands globally.

Delivering a lecture on the theme, ‘Business Practice Education and Research in the Era of AI: Implications for Technical Universities in Ghana,’ he said institutions of higher learning could no longer rely on traditional teaching models if they hoped to remain competitive.

‘Technical universities must reposition themselves to prepare graduates for the realities of a rapidly changing digital economy,’ he stressed.

According to him, AI is increasingly automating routine tasks, making continuous reskilling, adaptability and collaboration between humans and intelligent technologies essential for future employment.

He noted that AI-driven systems are already improving efficiency and decision-making in sectors such as finance, healthcare and manufacturing, creating new opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.

However, Prof. Tuninga cautioned that African countries face challenges including inadequate digital infrastructure, shortages of skilled professionals, weak research ecosystems and concerns over data governance and privacy.

He also highlighted the limited representation of African languages in AI systems and called for greater investment in locally developed datasets and indigenous AI solutions.

To address these challenges, he urged technical universities to review their curricula and integrate AI, machine learning and data analytics into both technical and business programmes while placing greater emphasis on ethics, critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving.

‘The focus should shift from memorisation to judgement and innovation,’ he said.

Prof. Tuninga further called for stronger collaboration between universities and industry to ensure graduates acquire practical skills that meet evolving labour market needs. He also encouraged institutions to expand lifelong learning opportunities through flexible programmes aimed at helping professionals upgrade their skills.

The Vice-Chancellor of Ho Technical University, Prof. Ben Q. Honyenuga, described the lecture theme as timely, noting that AI is reshaping education, research and business operations worldwide.

He said institutions must embrace emerging technologies to remain competitive, and reaffirmed HTU’s commitment to integrating AI and related technologies into teaching, research and industry engagement.

‘As a technical university committed to career-focused education, applied research and innovation, we recognise both the opportunities and challenges that AI presents,’ he stated.

The lecture attracted academics, researchers, students, industry leaders and policymakers, who examined the growing impact of artificial intelligence on education, business and research in Ghana and beyond.

THE LEGAL fraternity in Kumasi, the Ashanti Region, have been hit with shock following news of a female lawyer collapsing and dying shortly afterwards while celebrating Ghana’s late 1-0 victory over Panama in their World Cup campaign.

The deceased who has been identified as Sara Araba Tettey, 26 year-old, was said to be jubilating with her friends at the Standard Hostel in Bomso, after the crunch football match on Thursday dawn when calamity suddenly struck as she collapsed.

The female lawyer, was immediately rushed to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) hospital by her friends for treatment to help save her life, but she gave up the ghost whilst being attended to by medical professionals.

Sources claimed that the young lawyer, had no heart related disease, so they suspected that she may have died of cardiac arrest due to over excitement after the Black Stars scored late to snatch all three points in the difficult match played in Canada.

According to reports reaching the paper, the body has since been deposited in the morgue of the KNUST Hospital, for preservation and autopsy to confirm what really caused the unexpected demise of the young law practitioner.

Until her death, Araba Tettey was said to be working with O and A Legal Consult, having been called to the Ghana Bar as a qualified lawyer earlier this year.

Meanwhile, the sudden and shocking death of the female lawyer is reported to have sparked melancholy and shockwaves among KNUST law faculty, where she was an alumnus.

According to reports, members of the legal fraternity in Kumasi and even beyond, have been using the social media to send their condolences to the bereaved family for their loss.

Her death has cast a shadow over what was otherwise a moment of national celebration as Ghanaians rejoiced over the Black Stars’ victory.

An educationist, Joseph Yendube Mahama, has lamented over the purported increasing incidence of indiscipline in some Senior High Schools in Ghana.

He said the situation has generated considerable public debate regarding it causes and appropriate interventions.

Mr. Mahama explained that discipline is the process of guiding individuals to develop self-control, be responsible, and respect accepted rules and norms.

He mentioned that while some stakeholders attribute the growing trend of indiscipline in schools to the prohibition of corporal punishment, others argue that changing teacher-student relationships, inadequate counseling services, and weakened moral guidance contribute significantly to the problem.

In an interview, the educationist and human rights activist argued however, that discipline founded on fear and coercion may produce temporary compliance but rarely fosters internalised values and self-regulation.

He contended that sustainable discipline is achieved through structured interventions that promote understanding, responsibility, empathy, and positive behavioural development.

Mr. Mahama said the issue of discipline has long occupied a central place in educational discourse.

He noted that schools are expected not only to provide academic knowledge but also to shape the character and behaviour of students.

‘In recent years, however, Ghana has witnessed increasing reports of student misconduct, violent confrontations among students, destruction of school property, and conflicts between students and teachers in Senior High Schools (SHSs).

‘These incidents have generated public concern and sparked debates about the effectiveness of current disciplinary measures,’ he noted.

Mr. Mahama told DAILY GUIDE that a common argument advanced by some stakeholders is that the prohibition of corporal punishment in schools has contributed to the rise in indiscipline.

He explained that corporal punishment is the use of physical force intended to cause pain as a means of correcting undesirable behaviour.

He said others also contend that the causes of indiscipline in schools are more complex and include changing social values, inadequate parental supervision, peer influence and weak counseling systems.

According to the educationist, there is a need to examine whether corporal punishment is an effective means of promoting discipline.

‘Historically, it has been widely used in schools across many societies. Proponents argue that it produces immediate compliance and deters misconduct,’ he added.

He, however, noted that numerous studies suggest that corporal punishment may lead to fear, resentment, aggression, low self-esteem, and damaged teacher-student relationships.

He also stressed that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child emphasises the dignity of every child and the need for discipline to be administered in a manner consistent with human dignity.

The Ga East Municipal Assembly has carried out emergency grading on the road leading to the Ga East Municipal Hospital, easing access for patients, health workers, and residents after years of complaints.

The workers were seen using the Assembly’s grader and other equipment following mounting concerns over the road’s poor condition. Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Edmund Agboh, said the move is a temporary fix while the municipality awaits a contractor to begin permanent reconstruction.

‘This was on the direct instruction of Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament (MP), Faustina Elikplim Akurugu, who has pushed hard for road rehabilitation in the constituency,’ Agboh explained during the exercise.

‘Access to healthcare should never be blocked by bad roads. That’s why we acted now,’ he added. Mr. Agboh stressed that poor road conditions had been disrupting emergency services and patient movement, making the intervention urgent.

He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to upgrading infrastructure and working with stakeholders to solve community challenges. Ga East District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) Coordinator, Seth Agboyie, said deploying machinery shows government’s intent to tackle accessibility quickly at the local level.

‘The hospital serves thousands. We had to respond fast,’ he noted. The grading is expected to improve traffic flow, especially during the rainy season.

The action follows MP Akurugu’s recent Mother’s Day visit to the hospital, where doctors and nurses flagged the deteriorating road as a major barrier to care. She later issued a public appeal, captured in a viral video, demanding urgent repairs and stressing that residents deserve safe access to healthcare.

Locals welcomed the move. Many said the stretch had been in disrepair for years, damaging vehicles and making hospital trips uncomfortable for patients.

They thanked the MP, MCE, and Assembly, but urged authorities to ensure that full reconstruction starts soon.

The Assembly says the grading is part of wider efforts to boost road access and service delivery across the municipality.

Permanent works are expected once the contractor mobilises to site.

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, made a majestic arrival at Sankofa Square in Toronto for a colourful durbar, using the moment to stress culture and identity as the foundation of Ghana’s global partnerships.

In his opening address to the Ghanaian diaspora community in Toronto, the Asantehene called on them not to forget their roots. ‘Do not lose your identity. Teach your children our language, customs, and values,’ he said.

His Majesty noted that Ghanaians abroad are the country’s greatest ambassadors. ‘You carry the resilience, the intellect, and the warm hospitality of our homeland in your daily lives. Do not lose your identity. Teach your children our language, customs, and our values,’ he told the gathering.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said that while his business engagements focused on trade, green energy, and institutional partnerships, the durbar was designed to showcase the cultural infrastructure that underpins those deals.

‘Ghana is open for business, open for tourism, and open for collaboration. I invite our Canadian friends to experience Ghana through the food, the music, the textiles, and the arts displayed in this village. To our diaspora community in Toronto and across Canada, this village is a home away from home – a place to come together, to cheer, and to remember who you are.’

He expressed gratitude to the government and people of Canada for the hospitality that allows Ghanaians to thrive while retaining their identity.

‘The peaceful and welcoming environment you provide allows our people to thrive, build, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to Canadian society while proudly retaining their Ghanaian identity,’ he added.

The Attorney General is set to call a first witness in the trial of former Chief Executive Officer of National Food and Buffer Stock Company Limited (NAFCO), Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, who are accused of stealing and causing financial loss to the state totalling GHS62.6 million.

This followed the completion of case management conference (CMC) by the prosecution which has supplied all the document it will be relying on for the trial, including witness statements and attached exhibits.

The couple are facing a total of 20 charges, including defrauding by false pretences, stealing, wilfully causing financial loss to the state, money laundering, using public office for profit, dishonestly receiving and intentionally causing financial loss to the state.

Further Disclosures

The court, presided over by Justice Francis Achibonga, yesterday refused an objection by Godfred Yeboah Dame, counsel for Mr. Abdul-Wahab that the case management conference could not be completed without the prosecution furnishing the accused persons with some further disclosures they have requested.

Mr. Dame had argued that the combined effect of various sections of the Practice Direction on Disclosures and Case Management in Criminal Proceedings, 2018, the prosecution is required to furnish the defence with the documents requested before the case management conference can be completed.

He submitted that all the provisions in the practice direction are in furtherance of Article 19 Clause 2 (e) and (g) of the 1992 Constitution which effectively require the accused persons to be aided with any facility in the possession of the prosecution, including the facility to examine any witness to be called by the prosecution.

Mr. Dame’s objection came at the back of what he described as complete disregard for a request he filed for the disclosure of some 69 documents which he argues are necessary for Mr. Abdul-Wahab to adequately prepare his defence as the prosecution is set to call its first witness.

He said although he had written to the Office of the Attorney General requesting for the documents on June 11, 2026, he had not received any response from the office till date.

‘…In this situation, there has been a complete disregard for our request about whether the documents exist or they are not in the possession of the prosecution,’ he pointed.

Mr. Dame, therefore, prayed the court to grant a request for the prosecution to disclose these documents.

Objection

The objection was opposed by Esi Denta Yankah, a Principal State Attorney, who argued that Mr. Dame’s submissions were contrary to the practice direction he quoted from.

She argued that no provision has been made in the said practice direction that until the prosecution furnishes the accused with ‘any and every document that they might request from the prosecution, the case management conference is to be held hostage,’ adding that it cannot be the position of the law.

Ruling

Justice Achibonga, in a ruling, was of the view that an accused person would be deemed to have been afforded the materials needed to prepare his defence if same is done within a reasonable time before trial.

He said he did not share the view that further disclosures not made at case management conference (CMC) in itself could impede an accused person from preparing his defence.

The trial judge disagreed with counsel for the accused that because the request for further disclosures has not been met CMC could not be completed.

Justice Achibonga added that once the prosecution had indicated that they have completed their CMC, and unless there is the need to amend witness statements or an indication to file further documents, ‘CMC should come to an end and suit adjourned for trial without prejudice to the rights of the accused to request further disclosure or entitled to same.’

He, however, urged the prosecution to ensure that the further disclosures requested by the accused persons are provided within reasonable time to enable them prepare for trial.

Release Phones, Laptops

Meanwhile, the court has ordered the prosecution to release some mobile phones and laptops confiscated from the accused persons during their arrest within 14 days.

This followed a protest from defence lawyers that once the prosecution did not include the electronic gadgets to their case and once they have closed the investigation and CMC, the devices ought to be released to their owners.

Telecel Ghana has engaged final year students of the Mampong Akuapem Senior High Technical School for the Deaf in the Eastern Region, encouraging them to embrace technology and pursue career opportunities in the field to participate equally in Ghana’s growing digital economy.

The interaction, which formed part of the telecommunication operator’s inclusive customer support initiative for people with special needs, known as SuperCare, brought together about 160 final year students, who were enlightened about digital career pathways and tailored connectivity packages for the Deaf community.

Welcoming the SuperCare team, headmistress of the school, Madam Philomena Kakra Buckman commended Telecel Ghana for its longstanding partnership with the school and its consistent support for workplace inclusion and career development for Deaf people.

‘We appreciate Telecel Ghana for continuing to stand with our school and students. Opportunities like these expose our young learners to possibilities beyond the classroom and remind them that their disability should never limit their ambitions,’ Madam Buckman said.

Speaking at the session, Rita Adiase, Experience Centre and Customer Operations Manager at Telecel Ghana, introduced students to the Telecel SuperCare initiative, specifically highlighting the available customer support channels, internship opportunities, national service placements and potential full-time career pathways within the company.

‘Technology has opened doors that were once inaccessible to many people with disabilities. We want you all to know that you belong to the digital future, and that Telecel Ghana is creating an enabling ecosystem where you can learn, grow and build careers with confidence and a sense of belonging,’ she said.

She also encouraged students to take advantage of relevant digital tools and the highly affordable connectivity packages by the telco to continue learning and exploring opportunities after graduation.

The engagement included the distribution of free SuperCare service SIM cards and branded souvenirs for the students.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, the student representative expressed their collective gratitude for the visit and said the interaction had strengthened students’ confidence about their future.

‘This session has shown us that there are opportunities available for us and that we can also work in technology and other professional fields. It has encouraged us to believe in ourselves and our future,’ she said using sign language.

The visit is part of Telecel Ghana’s tireless efforts to promote inclusion for the Deaf community and persons with disabilities. Through its SuperCare initiative, the telco has been building partnerships with tertiary institutions where sign language is taught, helping to introduce students to careers and create pathways for talent recruitment into the telecommunications industry.

The Telecel Play App includes accessibility features that enable persons with disabilities to access digital content and services through an intuitive smartphone experience. For customers without smartphones, the SuperCare quick code (*494#) provides an accessible alternative for support and service access.

During the 2025 International Week of the Deaf in Saltpond, Telecel Ghana advocated for the mainstreaming of sign language in schools and public service delivery, highlighting its importance in improving access to healthcare, education and employment for Deaf persons.

Through the Telecel Ghana Foundation, Deaf students participate annually in STEM and digital skills training during the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, where they are introduced to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. These initiatives reflect Telecel’s broader commitment to embedding accessibility and inclusion into its digital transformation agenda.

According to Ghana’s 2021 Population and Housing Census, more than 211,000 Ghanaians are Deaf or hard of hearing, while over 470,000 people live with varying degrees of hearing loss.

The Black Stars have returned to their training base in Rhode Island following Wednesday’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening Group L match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

After claiming all three points in Toronto, the Ghana squad arrived back in Massachusetts in the early hours of Thursday before heading directly to their camp in Providence to begin preparations for their next assignment.

Coach Carlos Queiroz’s side was scheduled for a recovery session at Bryant University on Thursday evening as attention quickly shifts to a crucial clash against England.

The victory over Panama has boosted confidence within the camp, with Ghana aiming to carry that momentum into their second group-stage encounter against the Three Lions.

Queiroz praised his players for their determination and resilience after the win, highlighting the team’s commitment in securing a positive start to the tournament.

Forward Antoine Semenyo, who was named Most Valuable Player against Panama, also expressed confidence ahead of the England showdown, insisting the Black Stars are ready to ‘prove a point’ on the world stage.

Ghana will remain in Providence for several days of training before travelling to the venue for the highly anticipated fixture, as the Black Stars seek another positive result to strengthen their chances of progressing from Group L.

As global investors increasingly look to Ghana’s energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors, Group CEO of Zilex Holdings and Hostplace Group, Eng. Alex Omaghomi, MNSE, has called for greater investment in indigenous Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) capacity.

He argued that local execution capability will be critical to Ghana’s ability to attract, retain and maximise long-term investment.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Ghana-UK Investment Summit 2026 in London, Eng. Omaghomi highlighted the critical role of Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) companies in transforming investment commitments into tangible development outcomes across Africa.

According to him, Ghana remains one of West Africa’s most promising investment destinations, with significant opportunities across infrastructure, agriculture, industrial development, housing, energy, and logistics.

‘As investors increasingly look towards Africa, Ghana stands out as a market with strong potential for sustainable growth. However, investment must be matched by execution capacity. The real measure of development is not the value of commitments announced at conferences but the projects successfully delivered on the ground,’ he said.

Drawing on his experience leading EPC projects across Sub-Saharan Africa and the United Kingdom, Eng. Omaghomi noted that engineering and infrastructure delivery will remain central to achieving Ghana’s long-term development objectives, particularly in areas that support industrialisation, food security, urban development, and job creation.

Eng. Omaghomi noted that Ghana’s ambition to become a leading destination for investment in West Africa must be matched by deliberate efforts to strengthen local engineering expertise, project management capabilities, technical training and participation of indigenous firms in major infrastructure and energy projects.

‘The nations that will benefit most from the next wave of energy and infrastructure investment will not simply be those that attract capital. They will be those that build the capacity to execute transformational projects and retain more value within their economies.’

He further called for deeper collaboration between governments, investors, financial institutions, development partners and private-sector project delivery firms to ensure that investment commitments translate into measurable economic outcomes.

For Zilex Holdings, participation in the summit reflects the company’s commitment to supporting agriculture, real estate and oil and gas infrastructure delivery, industrial growth and sustainable development across Ghana, Nigeria and the wider African continent.