Category: Daily Guide Network

The Bekwai Circuit Court, presided over by His Honour Isaac Apietu, has sentenced two men to lengthy prison terms for their involvement in a violent armed robbery at the Brent Energy Filling Station at New Edubiase in the Ashanti Region.

The convicts, Kwadwo Baffoe, also known as Owusu or ‘Sman,’ 38, a driver, and Kwame Affisah, also known as ‘Abednego,’ 36, also a driver, were jointly charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, unlawful entry, causing unlawful damage and two counts of robbery, contrary to the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

The prosecution, led by ASP Lloyd Baidoo, told the court that at about 1:30 a.m. on August 17, 2024, the two men, together with accomplices still at large, stormed the Brent Energy Filling Station at New Edubiase armed with pump-action guns.

The robbers overpowered fuel attendants and other persons spending the night at the station, tied them up with ropes and forced their way into the manager’s office after damaging several doors and a money safe.

They made away with GHS2,500 in cash and personal belongings, including a Tecno Pouvoir 3 mobile phone, an Infinix mobile phone, an Itel keypad phone, a smartwatch and an iPod belonging to workers Bismark Bonney and Yaw Kuma. They also caused extensive damage to a money safe valued at GHS6,000, three Chinese-made doors worth GHS6,100, and three locally manufactured doors valued at GHS1,200.

Police investigations led to the arrest of Kwadwo Baffoe in the Eastern Region on October 18, 2024, where he had been arrested in connection with another robbery case. During interrogation, he admitted participating in the Brent Energy robbery.

Further investigations revealed that Kwame Affisah was already serving a seven-year prison sentence at the Kumasi Central Prison following his conviction in a separate stealing case. He was subsequently brought before the Bekwai Circuit Court on a warrant and also admitted his involvement in the robbery.

After hearing the evidence, His Honour Isaac Apietu found Kwadwo Baffoe guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery and two counts of robbery, but acquitted him of the charges of unlawful entry and causing unlawful damage.

Kwame Affisah was found guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery, unlawful entry and two counts of robbery, but was acquitted on the charge of causing unlawful damage.

The court sentenced Kwadwo Baffoe to 20 years’ imprisonment on each of the two robbery counts, while Kwame Affisah, who was already serving a seven-year prison sentence, was handed 30 years’ imprisonment on each of the two robbery counts.

The sentences are to run concurrently, and both convicts have since been returned to the Kumasi Central Prison to continue serving their respective jail terms.

ASP Lloyd Baidoo prosecuted the case on behalf of the Republic.

Gospel musician, Florence Obinim, has revealed that she is prepared to divorce her husband, Bishop Daniel Obinim, if he decides to end their marriage.

She told Ghpage that she would not oppose a divorce if that is the direction her husband wants to take.

According to her, she has remained humble and patient throughout their marriage, but feels that her efforts have not been appreciated by the founder of the International God’s Way Church.

‘I have been humble and patient with Bishop, yet he still does not appreciate the kind of woman I am. May God’s will be done. If he is ready for a divorce, then I am ready too,’ she said.

Florence disclosed that about a month ago, she had a conversation with her husband about the years they have spent together and her behaviour throughout the marriage.

She said she reminded him of her calm and humble nature but stressed that she could not be pushed beyond her limits or be expected to do things that could put her life at risk.

According to Florence, she does not understand what more her husband expects from her at this stage of their marriage.

She also hinted at issues concerning Bishop Obinim that she has chosen not to discuss publicly.

‘If I choose to speak about certain things that concern me about Bishop’s life, it would not be pleasant. There are things I am entitled to that would give me peace of mind, but if I am denied them, I simply stay quiet. If I need to buy or rent them myself, I go ahead and do so,’ she stated.

Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has restructured his post-election office and appointed former Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, as Chief of Staff as part of efforts to strengthen preparations for the party’s future political activities.

The move is viewed by party insiders as a significant step towards reorganising the NPP and operational structures following the party’s defeat in the 2024 general election.

Under the new arrangement, Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu will coordinate all operational activities within Dr. Bawumia’s office, placing him at the centre of the former Vice President’s political and administrative operations.

A veteran politician with nearly three decades of parliamentary experience, Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu is widely regarded as one of the NPP’s most experienced strategists.

He served as Member of Parliament (MP) for Suame for 28 years and held several key positions, including Majority Leader, Minority Leader and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs.

His appointment is expected to bring considerable experience, institutional knowledge and organisational discipline to Dr. Bawumia’s team as the party seeks to rebuild and reposition itself ahead of future electoral contests.

Beyond his national political experience, Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has also held prominent international positions.

He served as Vice Chairman of the Global Organisation of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) and as Deputy Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association International.

As part of the reorganisation, several other key appointments have been announced to oversee various aspects of the office’s operations.

Former MP for Suhum, Frederick Opare-Ansah, has been appointed Director in Charge of Identifiable Activities, while former National Chairman of the NPP, Peter Mac Manu, will serve as Director in Charge of Political Strategy.

Former Managing Director of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST), Fred Oware, has been named Political Advisor to Dr. Bawumia.

Former Chief Executive Officer of the State Transport Corporation (STC), Nana Akomea, will head Communication and Branding, while former Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has been tasked with Policy Coordination. He will be assisted by policy analyst, Evon Hughes.

Former Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways, Anthony Abayifa Karbo, has been appointed to oversee Organisation and Youth Inclusion, while Dr. Ekua Amoako will serve as the spokesperson for the office.

Party sources say the appointments are intended to create a cohesive team capable of coordinating political strategy, policy development, communications and grassroots mobilisation.

The report of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee in December 2022 shows that the Afari Military Hospital project had reached about 90 percent completion under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, a revelation that has added a new dimension to the ongoing controversy surrounding the facility.

The disclosure comes at a time when the Minority in Parliament has intensified pressure on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government over allegations of financial impropriety and delays associated with the hospital project in the Ashanti Region.

However, the parliamentary report, signed by the then Chairman of the Defence and Interior Committee, Ken Ohene Agyapong, indicates that substantial progress had already been made on the project before the NPP left office.

The report, which accompanied the Ministry of Defence’s 2023 Budget Estimates during the Second Session of the Eighth Parliament, listed the Afari Military Hospital among major infrastructure projects undertaken by the ministry.

It stated that ‘the Afari Military Hospital had progressed to about ninety percent’ as of the period under review.

Other projects highlighted in the report included the reconstruction of the Military Academy at Teshie, the construction of the Bui Forward Operating Base which was 65 percent complete, military housing projects, the establishment of 15 Forward Operating Bases in northern Ghana and the acquisition of naval vessels to strengthen maritime security.

The parliamentary document has resurfaced amid a heated political debate over the status of the hospital and recent allegations concerning its financing and completion.

Commenting on the controversy, the former chairman of the committee, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, questioned why members of the current Minority, who were part of the government at the time, failed to complete the facility when it was reportedly close to completion.

According to him, if the project was indeed at 90 percent completion as stated in Parliament’s official records, there should be explanations as to why it was not fully completed before the change of government.

The issue has generated significant public interest following claims and counterclaims between the governing NDC and the opposition NPP regarding the state of the hospital and the resources committed to it.

Supporters of the government have pointed to the 2022 parliamentary report as evidence that the project was inherited in an advanced state but not fully completed by the previous administration.

They contend that the report raises legitimate questions about project management and expenditure under the NPP government.

On the other hand, members of the Minority insist that the current administration must provide a full account of the project’s status and explain any additional costs incurred since assuming office.

The Afari Military Hospital was conceived as a major healthcare facility for the Ghana Armed Forces and the wider public in the Ashanti Region. The project has been viewed as a critical component of efforts to improve access to specialised medical services and reduce pressure on existing health facilities.

In its conclusion, the Defence and Interior Committee had recommended approval of GHS3.74 billion for the Ministry of Defence’s programmes and activities for the 2023 financial year after expressing satisfaction with the ministry’s planned activities and ongoing projects.

Many Ghanaians do not trust the government and would always want to ascribe shadowiness to everything that emanates from the Presidency and its appendages.

Such suspicions are grounded in precedents. Many exposés have been released to the public through the Minority in Parliament’s painstaking oversight responsibilities over government business.

The government of settings, as the youth would describe the propaganda-laced operations, do not portray the President and his team in good light and it hurts. Taking one step forward and doing double that backwards does not augur well for progress, unfortunately we are in a resetting mode under which anything is possible.

After much backward and forward movements, Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu arrived in the country and in a wheelchair.

The manner of her arrival, according to Ghanaians, was choreographed to give the lady, a convict, a touch of decency which she doesn’t deserve.

The arrival of Ken Ofori-Atta, yet to be tried in Ghana, would have received a manipulative fanfare intended to embarrass him and his family.

Ken Ofori-Atta would have been treated like a common criminal at the Accra International Airport, with his pictures splashed on NDC platforms across the nation.

Anyway, Ghanaians do not think that Sedina is even where she is supposed to be, having been convicted and expected to have commenced her sentence.

Trust Ghanaians and their sense of humour. They are saying that she is far away from the gates of prison and that anything about her in the media are intended to throw dust into our eyes.

With the Minority in Parliament jumping into the fray, the coming days would be interesting.

Just how far the Minority can go in determining whether or not the lady is where she is supposed to be or somewhere cooling off under state security. After all, Kevin Taylor when he arrived in Ghana did so under state security, followed by the charges levelled against him dismissed – acquitted and discharged – as simply as that.

An NDC government can do anything except change the sex of a person. Reminds us of Swiss political theorist Jean-Louis de Lolme’s coinage on the powers of the British Parliament: ‘the British Parliament can do everything but make a woman a man, and a man a woman.’

Under their circumstances, the NDC in government can do many things regardless of their oddity or unconstitutionality, under the cloak of resetting.

If the legal process of nolle prosequi can be so abused as being witnessed today, Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu would soon be set free. Until then however, let us encourage the Minority in Parliament to press on with their commitment to verifying the location of the lady. Let them however expect stumbling impediments at the country’s plenipotentiaries because the Prison authorities would definitely be instructed not to cooperate with them. With the lady possibly not in any of them, their efforts could be rendered a wild goose chase, and she cools off over akple and spicy okro soup with red crabs in zomi. This is Ghana under NDC.

The Bank of Ghana (BoG), has announced that the Rural Banking (also Rural and Community Banking) Sector has been converted to Community Banking Sector in line with the guideline on the Revised Microfinance Sector Framework, 2026.

A statement issued by the Bank of Ghana on Wednesday June 17, 2026 said existing Rural Banks have therefore become Community Banks and are required to complete all statutory name changes, corporate rebranding, and other regulatory alignments by the end of December 2026.

It stated, ‘The Bank of Ghana (BoG) informs stakeholders and the public that, in line with the Guideline on the Revised Microfinance Sector Framework, 2026 (Notice No. BG/GOV/SEC/2026/03), the Rural Banking (also Rural and Community Banking) Sector has been converted to Community Banking Sector.

‘This conversion represents a strategic milestone under the ongoing microfinance sector reform and is intended to usher in a new phase of community-level financial intermediation. The conversion also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of rural banking in Ghana, providing a timely moment to transition the subsector into its next chapter’.

It further stated that Rural Banking was initiated in 1976 by the government and the Bank of Ghana to expand access to financial services in rural communities and integrate them into the national financial system but over the past five decades, the subsector has become a core pillar of the banking industry and national financial inclusion efforts.

‘It currently comprises 147 licensed institutions, with about 1,000 branch networks nationwide, and serving over eight (8) million customers. Its growth and impact reflect a combination of sustained policy support, a development-oriented regulatory approach, and a unique synergy derived from shared community ownership and customer base,’ parts of the statement read.

According to the Central Bank, through the conversion, it is repositioning the Community Banking sector as a modern banking segment to deepen inclusive finance in both rural and urban communities and integrate them into the national financial architecture.

Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang paid a morale-boosting visit to the Black Stars in Toronto, urging the team to represent Ghana with pride as they prepared for their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Vice President met players and technical staff at the team’s hotel on Tuesday, accompanied by a delegation that included Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Canada Prof. Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, and Nana Otuo Siriboe II, who represented Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene.

Delivering a message on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama and the people of Ghana, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang encouraged the players to approach the tournament with discipline, unity and determination.

She assured the squad of the nation’s unwavering support and called on them to make Ghanaians proud as they began their World Cup journey.

The delegation was received by Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Edwin Okraku and members of the Black Stars Management Committee.

Mr. Okraku expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as a significant show of confidence in the team.

According to the GFA President, the presence of senior national figures highlighted the importance of the Black Stars to the country and provided extra motivation for the players ahead of the crucial fixture.

Former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has donated vehicles and medical equipment to the Ghana Police Service and 17 health facilities across the country as part of activities marking his 66th birthday.

The former New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer aspirant presented a brand-new pickup vehicle to the Greater Accra Regional Police Headquarters and 15 motorbikes to support police operations within the region.

Mr. Agyapong, who was accompanied by some well-wishers, also presented a saloon vehicle and medical equipment to the 37 Military Hospital.

He also donated 56 incubators, standalone radiant warmers, radiant warmers with trolleys, nose masks, lamps, and other essential medical supplies to Winneba Hospital, Fosu Polyclinic, and Juaboso Government Hospital.

Other beneficiary health facilities included Suaman Hospital, Bibiani Government Hospital, Drobo St. Mary’s Hospital, Tema General Hospital, the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), as well as government hospitals at Atiwa East in the Eastern Region and Mampong in the Ashanti Region.

Receiving the items on behalf of the Commander of the 37 Military Hospital and the Acting Deputy Chief of Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces Health Services, Brigadier General Evelyn Vivian Abraham-Kwabiah and the Head of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Brigadier General Richard Naab, thanked Mr. Agyapong for the gesture.

Officers at the Accra Regional Police Command including Superintendent Juliana Obeng, Director of Public Affairs for the Greater Accra Regional Police Command, who also received part of the donation, commended Mr. Agyapong for the support, stating that the vehicles and motorbikes would go a long way in enhancing police operations in the region.

Speaking to the media after the presentations, Kennedy Agyapong said the gesture was his way of expressing gratitude to God for His blessings and guidance throughout his life, as there was no better way to glorify God on his birthday than to give back to society.

Mr. Agyapong described the donation as his ‘widow’s mite’ and explained that he chose to support hospitals because of the critical role they play in the lives of individuals and communities.

He stated that healthcare facilities serve everyone regardless of their social status and therefore deserve continuous support, while commending the Queen Mother of Asante Mampong for contributing some of the items donated as part of the birthday celebrations.

He further emphasised that, regardless of a person’s social standing, access to quality healthcare remains essential, even for those who may seek medical treatment outside the country, and therefore urged the general public to support key state institutions, particularly hospitals and security agencies, which play vital roles in national development.

The former NPP flagbearer aspirant also highlighted the important role played by the Ghana Police Service in maintaining law and order, as well as ensuring public safety, and called for continued support for the Service.

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, says Ghana’s democracy, stability, and rule of law make it a safe and profitable destination for foreign investors.

He added that Ghana serves as Africa’s gateway, strategically located and endowed with hardworking, energetic, welcoming people plus vast natural resources – creating a business-friendly environment for all.

The Asante Monarch thus urged business leaders across the globe, especially in Canada and other parts of North America, to make Ghana their preferred destination when it comes to doing business in Africa.

‘Ghana offers Canada stable democratic governance in West Africa and an energetic population, abundant natural resources; growing digital capacity; and a strategic geographic location and access to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

‘Ghana is, therefore, ready for a serious partnership and I’m officially inviting businesses from all over the world, notable Canada, to come to Ghana and do business’, the 16th Asante King, who was positively marketing Ghana to businessmen in Canada stated.

The occasion was the ‘Beyond the 2026 World Cup’ Power Breakfast Business Meeting, which was held at the Woodbine Banquet Hall in Toronto, Canada on Tuesday. It was organised by the Canada Ghana Chamber of Commerce and attracted personalities from Ghana and Canada.

In attendance were Myriam Montrat, Canada’s High Commissioner to Ghana; Professor Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Canada; and Linda Vasnani, President of the Canada-Ghana Chamber of Commerce, and other dignitaries.

According to Otumfuo, he is excited about the cordial relationship that exists between Ghana and Canada over the years, but he was quick to point out that the two sister countries should further deepen their relations so that their citizens would reap more benefits.

‘When Canada makes strategic investments in Ghana, it gains entry to one of Africa’s most dynamic economies. Conversely, when Ghana collaborates effectively with Canada, it will benefit from technology, skills, market opportunities, finance, standards, and institutional expertise that can propel its development.

‘I see opportunities in agro-processing, food security, mining and mineral value addition, renewable energy, digital technology, Artificial Intelligence, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, housing, tourism, education, textiles, logistics, creative industry, and professional services.

‘I see opportunities for Canadian universities to partner with Ghanaian universities. I see opportunities for Ghanaian entrepreneurs to access Canadian markets, and I see opportunities for Canadian investors to support industrial power, clean energy, health infrastructure, and manufacturing,’ he remarked.

Otumfuo also urged Ghanaians in the diaspora to ‘move from emotional attachment to strategic engagements, saying ‘remittances are important, but they are not enough. We need diaspora investment funds, mentorship networks, professional exchanges, technology transfer, export partnerships, and partnerships in structured business platforms.

‘Let a Ghanaian professional in Toronto mentor a Ghanaian entrepreneur in Kumasi. Let the Ghanaian engineer in Calgary partner with a technical institute in Ghana. Let a Ghanaian wealthy professional in Ontario support healthcare at home, let the Ghanaian investor in Canada consider agribusiness, housing and education.’

The Asantehene received a standing ovation after his powerful delivery.

The Volta Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu, has commended media practitioners in the region for their responsible and professional reportage, describing their contribution as crucial to maintaining peace, national cohesion and security.

According to him, journalists in the Volta Region have consistently demonstrated a high sense of responsibility by avoiding sensationalism and divisive narratives that could undermine social harmony.

Mr. Gunu made the remarks on Monday when a research team from the National College of Defence Studies (NCDS) in Accra paid a courtesy call on him at the Volta Regional Coordinating Council. The team is in the region to conduct a study on the relationship between national cohesion, security and sustainable development.

‘Their coverage does not compromise the cohesion and security of the region. I must put it on record that we have no reckless media in this region,’ he disclosed.

He noted that by prioritising factual and contextual reporting, journalists in the region have helped prevent misunderstandings that could potentially escalate into conflict. He praised the media for playing a significant role in preserving the peace and stability the region currently enjoys.

Beyond the media’s contribution, Mr. Gunu attributed the relative peace in the Volta Region to the people’s rich cultural heritage, shared language and longstanding tradition of tolerance and coexistence.

He stated that cultural practices, particularly traditional festivals, serve as platforms for reconciliation and unity among community members.

‘Culture plays a key role in uniting our communities. During traditional festivals, there are rituals where if you have something against me, we forgive each other before we go to the celebration,’ he stated.

The minister further observed that the predominance of the Ewe language across the region, despite variations in dialect, has strengthened communication and fostered mutual understanding among residents.

‘Language differences can sometimes hinder communication and cohesion. When you are speaking a language that I do not understand, I may think you are saying something about me. But we speak the same language – Ewe. Even though with different dialects, we understand ourselves,’ he added.

Mr. Gunu also highlighted the role of intertribal marriages in promoting unity, citing his own family connections to the Anlo, Avenor and Tongu traditional areas as an example of how social integration continues to strengthen bonds among communities.

He stressed that the peace and unity enjoyed in the region are the result of deliberate collaboration among various stakeholders, including traditional authorities, security agencies, local assemblies and civil society groups.

‘The peace and unity of the Volta Region are not accidental. They are the result of conscious efforts by institutions and individuals working together for the common good,’ he noted.

Leading the NCDS delegation, Brigadier General Eric Konadu, Deputy Commandant of the College, explained that the Volta Region was selected for the study because of its reputation as one of the country’s most peaceful regions, despite occasional chieftaincy disputes.

He said the research seeks to identify factors that have contributed to the region’s stability and to compare the findings with similar studies being conducted in the Ashanti Region and other jurisdictions outside Ghana.

According to Brig. Gen. Konadu, the outcome of the study will inform policy recommendations aimed at strengthening national cohesion and security across the country.

‘The objective is to understand how cohesion has contributed to peace and stability in the Volta Region and to translate those lessons into practical recommendations that can guide national policy,’ he added.