Category: Daily Guide Network

While we congratulate the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for a decent demonstration last week, devoid as it was of breaches of peace and public order, same cannot be extended to a certain Chief Superintendent of Police and Nana Yaa Jantuah.

While the senior police officer, a certain Chief Superintendent Atuluk, put up a threatening posture, Nana Yaa Jantuah, a presidential staffer, on the other hand, found in the demonstration an opportunity to pour cold water over it with a deliberate lie.

As for the senior cop, many who saw him in that mode wondered whether he felt he owned the country. No wonder he was videoed when he uttered those useless threats.

Let us deal with the senior police officer’s silly threats of ‘dealing with them’ utterance and his cow-face posture. The ‘them’ referred to the demonstrators, and he reminded followers of international affairs of the ‘cockroach party in India’.

The import of his posture was about his readiness to vent his anger on the demonstrators. Perhaps by emptying many canisters of teargas on them. Does he not know that he is being paid with taxpayers’ money and that any foolish move on his part could have landed him in trouble?

The deployed cops comported themselves well because, after all, the demonstrators they were paid to protect were disciplined and did not show the rowdy nature associated with others.

Not so however Chief Superintendent Atuluk, as his name tag showed.

Thousands of Ghanaians have served in the Ghana Police Service as far back as the Gold Coast Constabulary days and retired successfully, and others passed on. Let those in uniform today not be fooled by the state power in their possession temporarily by acting untowardly to please megalomaniac politicians. These politicians would abandon them when the heat is turned on them.

It was disappointing that a Chief Superintendent who should guide the Other Ranks under him would do as Atuluk did.

By now he would have heard or even watched his image on social media uttering the unnecessary threats.

The Police College he attended did nothing to refine him unfortunately. We pray that he does not infect those under him with his crudeness and unprofessional conduct even at that rank as he looks forward to becoming an Assistant Commissioner in the not distant future.

We all have a country to protect and to serve in various ways.

Nana Yaa Jantuah played the gender card unsuccessfully when she claimed that she was disrespected by Hon Alexander Afenyo-Markin. All he meant was that she was not the appropriate person to receive the petition from the demonstrators.

There was no misogynistic traits in the Minority Leader’s opposition to her receiving the petition, her role as Presidential Staffer considering the rankings of the opposition leadership presenting the petition. That was all there was to it and not the negativities she sought to bring into the subject.

That is how politics has gotten to in this country. Let them hear who have ears, because Ghanaians are ready to protect democracy irrespective of government machinations.

POLICE LADIES emerged as winners of the maiden KGL Women’s Democracy Cup last Friday, August 7, 2026, beating the formidable Army Ladies in a 1-0 win at the McDan Park in La, Accra.

In a fiercely contested final, the Police Ladies created numerous chances in the first half but struggled to find the breakthrough, leaving the game deadlocked for much of the opening period.

The decisive moment came when a well-weighted through pass split the Army Ladies defence and found Fidus Yakubu, who calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to give Police Ladies the lead before half-time.

In the curtain-raiser, Judicial Service defeated Parliament Ladies on penalties in a symbolic exhibition match designed to celebrate unity, gender inclusion and the growing role of women in national development through sport.

Speaking at the launch of the Women’s Democracy Cup 2026, First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor, said the women’s competition is aimed at championing gender equality and equity, fostering social inclusion, and democratising public space by breaking down barriers in sports.

Following the all-women’s match to advance gender inclusion in sports, attention will shift to the main Democracy Cup match scheduled for Friday, August 28, 2026, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

The match will feature Accra Hearts of Oak, winners of the inaugural edition, and Asante Kotoko, winners of the second edition.

‘This expanded approach is deliberate. It reflects our resolve to deepen the impact of the Democracy Cup as a tool for promoting civic consciousness, strengthening youth engagement, and sustaining public participation in the work of nation-building,’ he added.

Mr. Ahiafor expressed Parliament’s appreciation to all partners supporting the initiative, with special acknowledgment to the title sponsor, KGL Group, for its bold four-year sponsorship commitment, which he said provides a strong foundation for the sustainability and growth of the Democracy Cup.

THE BANTAMA Constituency New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region, has elected new executives, with the mandate of steering the affairs of the party for the next four years.

It would be recalled that the constituency held similar elections few weeks ago, only for the party leadership to declare it null and void, citing several electoral irregularities to have influenced the decision.

In fresh polls, which was held on Saturday under the authorisation of the party and the supervision of the Electoral Commission (EC), the party delegates successfully elected their new leaders.

In the chairmanship race, Kingsley Atta won 570 votes, representing 50.2 percent of the valid votes cast to defeat the incumbent chairman, Fiifi Mensah, who had 566 votes, which is 49.8 percent.

In the women organiser polls, Josephine Ama Pomaa polled 572 votes to defeat her only challenger, Salomey Addae, who had 563 votes, as Frank Caleb Boateng, with 794 votes, was elected as 2nd vice chairman.

Addai Kingsford was elected as the communications officer with 695 votes, Eric Mensah had 644 votes to win the organiser position, as Kwadwo Adu polled 688 votes to win the deputy secretary position.

The first vice chairman position was won by Vincent Amoabeng with 867 votes, Vivian Arthur was elected as the treasurer with 738 votes, and Nana Kwabena Boakye Danquah polled 840 votes to win the youth organiser position.

In his acceptance speech after the EC officials had declared him winner of the chairmanship race, Kingsley Atta thanked the delegates for reposing their trust in him to lead the NPP in Bantama.

He stated emphatically that his major focus is to lead the NPP in Bantama to win more votes during the 2028 presidential and parliamentary elections, calling for unity and oneness among party members.

The Bantama MP, Francis Asenso-Boakye, also reminded the party members about the need to remain united as one family with a common destiny, and work together to help the NPP to recapture power in 2028.

The Diaspora Affairs Office at the Office of the President, in partnership with the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), has presented Ghana’s official charity auction gift to Miss Ghana 2026, Rumzia Sule, ahead of the 75th Miss World Festival in Vietnam.

The presentation formed part of Ghana’s official send-off for Rumzia Sule ahead of her departure for the international competition later this month.

The gift, inspired by Ghana’s iconic Independence Arch, will be presented at the Miss World Charity Auction, where participating countries showcase items that represent their culture, heritage and national identity. Proceeds from the auction support humanitarian initiatives of the Miss World Organisation.

Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD), congratulated Rumzia and the Miss Ghana runners-up and urged the queen to represent Ghana with confidence.

‘You are carrying the hopes and pride of an entire nation. Go out there with confidence and let the world experience the very best of Ghana. Make us proud,’ he said.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Gilbert Aggrey, popularly known as Abeiku Santana, said the Independence Arch was chosen because of its significance to Ghana’s history and identity.

He described the gift as a symbol of freedom, resilience and African leadership and encouraged Rumzia to promote Ghana proudly on the global stage.

‘Ghana is the Gateway to Africa. We are presenting a symbolic heritage gift that tells our story to the world. Go and shine with the pride of Africa, the Black Star of the world,’ he said.

Deputy CEO of the National Film Authority, James Gardiner, also urged Rumzia to remain confident and authentic throughout the competition.

Receiving the gift, Rumzia Sule expressed gratitude to the government and partners for their support, promising to represent Ghana with pride and honour its culture and traditions.

Managing Director of Exclusive Events Ghana and Chair of the Miss Ghana Foundation, Inna Patty, said Ghana’s participation in the Miss World Festival goes beyond beauty, providing an opportunity to promote the country’s culture, tourism, creativity and heritage while supporting humanitarian causes.

Rumzia Sule is expected to depart for Vietnam in the coming days to join contestants from more than 100 countries and territories for the 75th Miss World Festival.

Ghanaian movie star, Jackie Appiah, has paid a heartfelt tribute to veteran actress Adwoa Smart, publicly calling her ‘my biggest fan’ and crediting her as one of the reasons she joined the movie industry.

The touching moment happened at the final burial rites of late actress Beverly Afaglo at the State House in Accra last weekend. In a video that has since gone viral on social media, Jackie was seen exchanging pleasantries with Adwoa Smart at the funeral grounds.

Caught up in the moment, Jackie told the veteran actress: ‘You are my biggest fan. The way I like you is funny. We have never met before.’

The sincere exchange drew admiration online, with fans praising both actresses for showing love and respect across generations.

Adwoa Smart, real name Belinda Naa Dede Adjaye, is a household name and a mentor figure for many young actors. Despite battling health challenges in recent years, she remains an icon of resilience and talent in the industry.

The Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, has stated that maintaining the stability of the cedi remains a priority for the Central Bank and will therefore continue to implement measures aimed at protecting its value for sustainable economic growth.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement in Sunyani, Dr. Asiama explained that although the cedi came under pressure earlier in the year due to global developments, particularly the conflict in the Middle East, the currency had since recovered.

‘That is why the Bank of Ghana will continue to take decisions that protect the value of the cedi, keep inflation low, preserve financial stability and support sustainable economic growth,’ he said.

According to him, the goal of the Bank of Ghana is to create a stable economic environment where businesses, households could operate with confidence and plan for the future.

He said although the country’s recent economic gains were encouraging, there was the need for continued vigilance due to uncertainties in the global economy that could affect the country’s economic performance.

Dr. Asiama noted that the country continued to show signs of resilience, recording a growth rate of 6.4 per cent in the first three months of the year, compared with 6.2% during the same period last year.

He said the growth were mainly attributed to strong performances in the services and industrial sectors with increased economic activities that had increased across several areas, including improved bank lending to businesses, increased trade, higher industrial production and a recovery in tourism.

He said growing confidence among businesses and consumers was also contributing to the economic recovery, with declining lending rates making it easier for companies to access credit and invest.

‘The banking sector also remains strong and stable. Banks are well-capitalised, deposits continue to grow, and the quality of bank loans has improved,’ he added

On external sector performance, the Governor said the country’s trade position remained resilient, supported by strong exports of gold and cocoa, which contributed to a higher trade surplus in the first half of the year.

Dr. Asiama further acknowledged that rising global oil prices had increased the country’s import bill but stressed that Ghana continued to maintain strong foreign exchange reserves of about US$12.9 billion, enough to cover approximately five months of imports.

‘These reserves give us a strong buffer against external shocks and help the Bank of Ghana support stability in the foreign exchange market,’ he added.

IT WAS culture, music, and mouth-watering food all rolled into one as the maiden edition of the ‘Oobake Experience’ lit up the Bukom Boxing Arena over the week.

The festival, curated by Naomi Naa Borley Larbi, CEO of Oobake Experience, drew a star-studded crowd and was graced by Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II.

Dressed in a striking black and red smock, the Ga Mantse was warmly received by Naomi Larbi on arrival. The King commended the CEO of Oobake Experience for creating a platform to celebrate and promote Ga culture. In a special moment, the Ga Mantse offered prayers for his ‘daughter’ Naomi, blessing her life and her efforts to champion Ga heritage through the ‘Oobake’ initiative.

True to its promise, ‘Oobake Experience’ delivered an unforgettable fusion of Ga cuisine, live music, boxing, art and culture. The night was headlined by performances from music heavyweights including D-Black, EL, Jupiter, Cina Soul, Mzbel, Gasmilla, Mix Master Garzy, and Band Masters. The stage also came alive with acts from King Jerry, Nii Funny, Aluma, Patosia, Luther, Adotei Teto, and surprise guest appearances that had the crowd on their feet.

Cultural troupes added to the Homowo spirit with traditional dances, immersive art installations, and displays that celebrated the vibrancy of Ga heritage. Other dignitaries spotted at the event included Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, musician Sista Afia, and Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority, James Gardiner.

Organisers say the ‘Oobake Experience’ was designed to showcase the best of Ga food and culture while creating a modern festival feel for Ghanaians and visitors alike.

Tears and grief filled the forecourt of the State House in Accra on Saturday as family, friends, colleagues and loved ones gathered to bid farewell to late Ghanaian actress, Beverly Afaglo.

The actress was laid to rest following her funeral service, which brought together several personalities from the entertainment industry and government.

Among those present to pay their final respects were actors Majid Michelle, Yvonne Nelson, Jackie Appiah, Van Vicker, John Dumelo, Nana Ama McBrown and Irene Opare, as well as Abeiku Santana, Rex Omar, Obour and other friends and colleagues of the late actress.

The atmosphere turned particularly emotional when Beverly’s husband, musician Eugene Baah, popularly known as Choirmaster, broke down in tears while filing past his late wife’s body.

Visibly overwhelmed by grief, Choirmaster struggled to contain his emotions as the reality of Beverly’s death appeared to sink in, leaving mourners deeply moved.

Beverly’s sister, Royal Elorm, and her daughters were also seen in emotional moments as they mourned the actress and mother.

The funeral featured tributes from family members, friends and groups within the entertainment industry. The Ghana Actors Guild, led by actor Van Vicker, also paid tribute to the late actress, celebrating her contribution to Ghana’s film industry.

Beverly Afaglo died on May 24, 2026, at the age of 42, just four days before her 43rd birthday. Her husband and two children survived her.

She enjoyed a career spanning more than two decades. She was remembered for her performances in movies including Return of Beyoncé, Crime to Christ, Girls Connection, Never Again and Single Six.

Her death has left a deep void among her family, colleagues, friends and fans who continue to remember her legacy.

A thanksgiving service in her honour was held on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Action Chapel International.

Two-time Guinness World Records (GWR) contender Afua Asantewaa O. Aduonum has been featured prominently on the renowned New York Times Billboard in New York City, Manhattan, USA.

The music marathon diva’s exploitation attracted the attention of the historical, famous and busiest intersections in the world, resulting in her capture on the massive digital screen.

In 2023, the polished ebony young lady made an audacious attempt to sing for five days continues in Accra, Ghana to break and set a world record.

However, she missed her target on technical grounds.

And daring as she is she attempted again a year on in Kumasi, Ghana’s second largest city.

And having domiciled currently in Canada due to consistent attacks from a section of people and cyber bully, she is considering a third attempt on foreign land.

‘It’s an honor for me, my country, team and all who have contributed to making the Afua Asantewaa (Singathon) brand what it is today,’ she said after the feature.

The New York Times Billboard platform captures photo, video, or brand displayed on a massive digital screen in one of the busiest, most famous commercial intersections in the world. It symbolizes elite celebrity or corporate status.

The Attorney General (AG) is working with United States authorities to initiate criminal proceedings against former government officials and Members of Parliament who benefited from an over $1 million bribery scheme hatched by convicted former Managing Director of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Asante Kwaku Berko in the US.

A federal jury in Brooklyn found Berko guilty of charges relating to paying more than $1 million in bribes to Ghanaian government officials in connection with the development of a power plant in Ghana.

Court documents indicate how some beneficiaries of the illicit money referred to the expected bribe as ‘holy rains’ and were expecting it ‘sooner rather than later.’

Berko, a US-Ghanaian dual citizen, was found guilty on all counts of an indictment charging him with conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), violating the FCPA, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

The verdict followed a nine-day trial before United States District Judge Diane Gujarati, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) said in a statement.

Several government officials as well as Members of Parliament were said to have received various sums of monies in the form of bribes from Berko between 2014 and 2017 in connection with the development and financing of a power plant project expected to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in profits.

In the wake of the conviction, Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, disclosed on social media that his boss is ‘working with his United States counterparts to bring to book persons who are implicated in the bribery scheme related to the 2014-2017 power plant development contract between a Turkish energy company and the Government.’

Conviction

Berko, 52, faces up to 30 years in prison and has been remanded into lawful custody pending sentencing.

Court documents reveal that Berko and his co-conspirators paid and conspired to pay bribes to individuals at various levels of the Ghanaian government to ensure that Aksa Enerji Uretim A.S. (Aksa), a Turkish energy company and Goldman Sachs client, secured the contract to build and operate the power plant.

Prosecutors told the court that in April 2015, Berko and his co-conspirators discussed paying $1 million to Ghana’s Minister of Power, who was responsible for securing key approvals for the project, and a further $250,000 to the minister’s senior adviser.

Bribes were also paid to five Ghanaian officials during an all-expenses-paid trip to Turkey to inspect equipment for the proposed power plant.

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) indicated that after the power plant agreement was ratified by the Ghanaian Parliament in July 2015, Berko and his co-conspirators exchanged detailed emails discussing additional bribe payments.

The Department said that in August 2015, the group discussed payments totalling $250,000 to various individuals, including $46,000 allegedly paid to members of the Ghanaian Parliament, who had ratified the agreement between Aksa and the Government of Ghana.

It further stated that the conspirators referred to one expected payment as ‘holy rain,’ saying the recipient ‘would appreciate it sooner rather than later.’

According to prosecutors, Berko also sought to conceal the scheme from Goldman Sachs by misleading the firm’s compliance team responsible for reviewing the transaction.

Berko is said to have used his personal email account instead of his official Goldman Sachs email to discuss the project and the bribe payments, while directing his co-conspirators to do the same.

The DOJ further indicated that Berko and his associates concealed and laundered the illicit payments through shell companies, sham invoices, nominee account holders and cash withdrawals.

Payments linked to the scheme were routed through US and foreign bank accounts. Goldman Sachs eventually withdrew from the deal over corruption concerns.