Category: Daily Guide Network

Businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Seidu Agongo, has donated relief items worth GHS1.45 million to victims of the June 29 floods that displaced hundreds of residents across Accra, as he called on government and citizens to enforce sanitation laws to end perennial flooding.

The downpour, which dumped over 170mm of rain, submerged homes in Mamobi, Nima, Alajo, Kaneshie and other low-lying areas, destroying property and livelihoods. On Saturday, a convoy of trucks moved into affected communities with bags of premium perfumed rice, cartons of tin tomatoes, tins of milk and bales of cloth for distribution.

Beneficiaries included residents of Mamobi, Nima at Beline Bridge, Alajo Assemblies of God, Alajo Central and North, Quay Mensah and Kaneshie Station.

Speaking during the distribution at Mamobi, Alhaji Agongo said the intervention was meant to provide immediate relief and restore dignity to families who lost everything.

‘It is disheartening to see the entire burden of this calamity resting squarely on the government’s shoulders,’ he said. ‘For me, we rise together, or we do not rise at all. We cannot afford to be mere spectators while our brothers and sisters suffer.’

The donation is the latest in a series of charitable works by the businessman. Over the years, he has funded school infrastructure, paid fees for underprivileged students, and settled medical bills for vulnerable patients across the country.

‘As a Muslim, my faith teaches me that service to mankind is service to Allah,’ Mr. Agongo stated. ‘Giving is not a choice, it is a duty. It is humane, and I am privileged that I can afford to share.’

Beyond relief, Mr. Agongo challenged state agencies to take decisive action on the root causes of flooding.

He called for strict enforcement of laws against indiscriminate waste disposal, building on waterways, and the regular desilting of drains.

‘It does not speak well of Ghana, almost 70 years after independence, that we are dealing with the same problem every year,’ he said. ‘We have the human resource, mineral wealth and technical capacity to address this. The measures may seem harsh at the beginning, but leadership must take the bull by the horn to bring lasting solutions and smiles to the people.’

He also urged a nonpartisan approach to flood management, noting that the disaster has affected Ghanaians since the 1980s and does not discriminate by politics or religion.

Residents who received the items described the donation as timely. For many in Mamobi and Nima, the supplies offered temporary respite after days of sleeping in classrooms and churches.

Mr. Agongo pledged to continue supporting vulnerable communities and urged other members of the business community to complement government efforts.

‘True wealth is not counted in cedis, but in lives touched and burdens lifted,’ he said.

Hearts of Oak are in advanced negotiations to appoint Bosnian tactician, Nebojša Kapor, as their new head coach, aiming to finalise the official paperwork before the highly anticipated upcoming football season kicks off.

According to a report by sports journalist, Shaban Mohammed, the former Tema Youth and Medeama SC trainer is heavily expected to take over the Phobians’ rebuilding efforts following the sudden departure of previous strategist Mas-Ud Didi Dramani.

The club aims to quickly restore the continental giants’ dominant status within the highly competitive Ghana Premier League landscape.

Simultaneously, iconic former Black Stars goalkeeper, Richard Olele Kingston, is strongly tipped to join Kapor’s incoming technical team as the new goalkeeper trainer to significantly strengthen the backroom staff operations.

The club management is reportedly acting very quickly to conclude these critical appointments and initiate strategic player acquisitions as crucial pre-season preparations rapidly approach.

The board of directors is pulling out all stops to ensure that the technical direction of the capital club is firmly secured well ahead of the demanding league campaign.

Devoted club supporters are anxiously waiting for the final confirmation of Kapor, hoping his vast tactical experience in the local top flight will inject much-needed discipline and consistency into the young playing body.

OmniBSIC Bank Ghana Limited has donated 20 computers to Prince of Peace International School in Accra to expand access to digital education, robotics training and youth leadership development.

The donation, made in partnership with the Rotary Club of Accra-Cantonment East, was presented during a ceremony that also saw the commissioning of a Teacher in a Box (TIB) digital learning and robotics station and the inauguration of the school’s Interact Club.

The initiative falls under OmniBSIC Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda focused on education, health and wellness, environment and talent development.

The 20 computers will be used for classroom instruction and will serve as the hardware platform for the ‘Teacher in a Box’ project.

The TIB is an offline digital learning system that gives students access to thousands of educational resources without internet connectivity. The new station will also support robotics education, equipping students with skills in coding, problem-solving and applied technology.

Representing the Bank at the event were George Tetteh Ocansey, Divisional Head, and Sylvester Apedoe, Group Head of IT.

Speaking on behalf of Managing Director, Daniel Asiedu, Mr. Ocansey said the donation aligns with OmniBSIC’s commitment to youth empowerment and community development.

‘This initiative is very important to us because it aligns with our commitment to education, youth empowerment and community development,’ he said. ‘In today’s digital world, young people need the skills to innovate, think critically, and solve problems. We are pleased to donate these 20 computers to support teaching and learning, expand access to technology, and help prepare students for the future.’

Mr. Ocansey commended the Rotary Club of Accra-Cantonment East and the management of Prince of Peace International School for driving the project.

He also congratulated the newly inaugurated Interact Club, Rotary International’s youth service programme, noting that programmes that promote service, leadership and integrity are critical in shaping future generations.

He described the donation as a strategic investment in the next generation of Ghanaian innovators.

‘This partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when institutions work together to improve learning outcomes for young people,’ he added. ‘OmniBSIC remains committed to supporting initiatives that expand access to technology, strengthen digital skills and create opportunities for students to thrive.’

According to the Bank, the project marks the beginning of a broader commitment to support schools across the country and equip young people with skills needed to succeed in an increasingly digital economy.

School authorities and Rotary officials welcomed the support, saying the computers and TIB station will help bridge the digital divide and prepare students for 21st-century jobs.

The 2026 edition of the Ghana Science and Tech Explorer Challenge Prize (GSTEP) ended on a high note with Team Next Gen Coders from Swift Academy emerging as the overall winner.

The team from the Ashanti Region beat off competition from five other teams to win the coveted prize and the bragging rights as outright champions of the fifth edition.

The final, which was held at the Cedi Conference Centre at the University of Ghana on July 9 and 10, 2026, brought together students, educators, policymakers, industry leaders, stakeholders, and development partners to celebrate innovation under the theme, ‘Curiosity to Impact: STEM Without Borders.’

The first day commenced with an exhibition where sixty finalist teams and six Perseverance Teams showcased science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) innovations designed to address real-world challenges in healthcare, agriculture, climate, environmental sustainability, and digital technology.

The exhibition continued on the second day before culminating in an Awards Ceremony that recognised the most outstanding young innovators.

Organised by the GSTEP Consortium, the programme continues to inspire Junior High School students to apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to develop practical solutions to challenges within their communities.

This year’s edition celebrated five years of GSTEP’s impact on STEM education and the programme’s expansion into the Volta Region, extending its reach to more young innovators across the country.

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, applauded the remarkable innovations displayed by the students and encouraged them to continue transforming their ideas into solutions that will benefit society.

‘What you have built is remarkable, but it is only the beginning. You have proven that you can imagine solutions. Now go out and make them real. Build. Test. Fail. Learn. And build again. Ghana needs your ideas, your courage, and your commitment,’ he stated.

He reaffirmed the Ministry of Education’s commitment to strengthening STEM education through investments in STEM infrastructure, practical learning, teacher development, and digital access, emphasising that programmes such as GSTEP play a vital role in preparing young people to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and job creators.

Director of the National STEM Resource Unit of the Ghana Education Service, Olivia Opare, reflected on GSTEP’s five-year journey, describing the programme as one that has successfully transformed STEM learning from classroom theory into practical, hands-on innovation.

She also highlighted the growing participation and leadership of girls in STEM, noting that more young women are confidently leading teams and presenting innovative solutions.

Speaking on behalf of the GSTEP Consortium, the Executive Director of DreamOval Foundation, Afua Asiamah Adjei, expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, consortium partners, sponsors, teachers, coaches, mentors, STEM coordinators, parents, and volunteers whose dedication has contributed to the programme’s continued success.

She noted that over the past five years, GSTEP has evolved into a national movement that empowers young people to dream boldly, think critically, and create solutions that positively impact their communities.

The Awards Ceremony recognised the outstanding achievements of the Top Six teams that participated in the 2026 Challenge.

Team Innovepoch from the Greater Accra Region was named first runner-up, while The Science Whizzes from the Volta Region secured the second runner-up position. Pulse Mobility from the Ashanti Region received the Best Pitch Award, Nova Engineers from the Volta Region was recognised for the Most Innovative Idea, and Replastix Team from the Eastern Region earned the Excellence in Applied Science Award.

Beyond the Top Six, the ceremony also honoured outstanding teams, educators, mentors, coaches, and other stakeholders across several special award categories in recognition of their contributions to the success of GSTEP 2026.

GSTEP is implemented by DreamOval Foundation, Partnership Bureau, Practical Education Network, and Shulem Lake, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service, with funding support from Fondation Botnar.

The leadership of Royalhouse Chapel has urged Ghanaians to change their habits to prevent future disasters following the devastating 170mm+ downpour on Monday, June 29, 2026, that caused widespread flooding across residential and business districts.

Addressing the nation, Founder and General Overseer of Royalhouse Chapel, Apostle General Sam Korankye Ankrah, said human attitudes, particularly the culture of littering and improper disposal of plastic waste that chokes the city’s drainage systems, remain at the heart of the perennial flooding.

He further stressed that protecting the environment is a shared civic duty.

‘We must look inward. True transformation begins from within,’ he stated. ‘Our habits of throwing refuse into gutters are blocking our waterways. Protecting the environment is not the job of government alone. It is a responsibility we all share.’

He declared that the church stands firmly with state authorities in taking decisive action, including clearing structures blocking waterways and other preventive measures for the benefit of all.

The church also extended its deepest sympathy to affected families and communities, especially members of Royalhouse Chapel who lost homes and property.

‘We deeply empathize with everyone whose home was flooded and who lost precious property in this disaster. To our church family and every affected citizen, we are truly sorry for what you have lost,’ the Apostle General said.

‘We are lifting you up in prayer, trusting God for a speedy recovery and total restoration. Because this crisis has touched almost everyone in our city, let us look out for one another and find strength in our shared faith,’ he added.

Royalhouse Chapel pledged to continue sensitizing its members on discipline, civic responsibility and moral uprightness, while praying unceasingly for total restoration in communities hit by the floods.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) will organise the 2026 Elite U-17 Girls Colts Championship from July 30 to August 4 at the GFA Technical Centre in Prampram as part of efforts to strengthen women’s football at the grassroots level.

The six-day tournament is aimed at discovering and developing the country’s brightest young female football talents while providing them with a competitive platform to showcase their abilities.

The championship forms a key part of the GFA’s Women’s Football Strategy and supports FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme, both of which focus on building sustainable pathways for emerging players and improving youth football development across the country.

Young footballers from different parts of the country will compete during the tournament, with coaches and talent scouts expected to closely monitor performances in search of players capable of progressing to Ghana’s national youth teams.

Beyond the competition, the event reflects the GFA’s long-term commitment to nurturing the next generation of female footballers and creating more opportunities for girls to excel in the sport.

The Association believes the championship will not only enhance player development but also contribute to the continued growth of women’s football in Ghana by identifying future stars and inspiring more young girls to pursue the game.

Former Black Stars captain, André Dede Ayew, has urged school children to take their education seriously and be each other’s keeper, saying they are the future leaders of Ghana.

Andre made the call when he joined the Miss Ghana Foundation’s nationwide youth mentorship programme on Friday at the Martey Tsuru Presbyterian JHS in Accra, where more than 300 pupils were mentored in patriotism, empathy, sympathy, resilience, and civic responsibility.

He said he accepted the invitation from the Foundation’s Chairperson, Inna Patty, Esq., because he believes in supporting initiatives that shape the next generation.

‘You are the future of Ghana. You need to take your studies seriously, be smart, work hard and care for one another. A strong nation is built when its people love and support each other,’ he told the pupils.

Andre also stressed that education should go hand in hand with good character.

‘School is important, but being human and understanding other people is even more important. I see the next presidents, ministers, footballers and leaders sitting here today. The future of our nation is in your hands, so you must be willing to work hard,’ he said.

The event formed part of the Miss Ghana Foundation’s Beauty with a Purpose initiative. Contestants of the Miss Ghana 2026 pageant took turns speaking to the pupils, inculcating the values of empathy, patriotism, resilience and compassion while encouraging them to become responsible citizens.

Award-winning actress, Jackie Appiah, supported the programme by donating cartons of bottled water and soft drinks, while A1 Bread provided refreshments for the children.

Inna Patty thanked Ayew for inspiring the pupils and said the Foundation would continue the youth mentorship programme across all 16 regions to instill positive values in the country’s next generation.

This year’s Miss Ghana pageant is the 69th edition and is themed, ‘Empowering Women, Enduring Legacy’.

The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, has received and handed over relief items from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the 12 districts affected by the recent floods in the region.

The items, presented to the Volta Regional Director of NADMO, Pascal Agbagba, form part of the government’s emergency response to support thousands of residents displaced by the floods and to ease the hardship caused by the disaster.

Receiving the items, Mr. Gunu commended NADMO for its swift response and assured residents that the relief supplies would be distributed promptly, fairly and transparently to all affected communities.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting flood victims and helping communities recover from the devastating effects of the disaster.

The Regional Minister, however, noted that the government’s intervention alone would not be sufficient to address the scale of destruction caused by the floods. He therefore appealed to corporate organisations, faith-based institutions, non-governmental organisations, philanthropists and individuals to support ongoing relief efforts by donating food items, clothing, bedding and other essential supplies to affected families.

According to the Regional Minister, the widespread destruction of homes, farmlands and other property requires a coordinated response from all stakeholders to help victims rebuild their lives and restore their livelihoods.

Mr. Gunu expressed confidence that with unity and sustained support from both the government and development partners, the affected communities would recover and emerge stronger.

Several communities across the Volta Region were inundated following days of heavy rainfall, forcing many residents from their homes and causing extensive damage to farms, public infrastructure and private property. The government, through NADMO, has since intensified relief efforts in the affected districts while appealing for additional support to meet the growing humanitarian needs.

The brief presentation ceremony was attended by the Member of Parliament for Ho Central, Richmond Edem Kpotosu; the Volta Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mawutor Agbavitor, Municipal and District Chief Executives as well as Municipal and District NADMO Directors.

The presidential clean-up exercise has come and gone leaving in its trail more filth on the streets than before it.

It is amazing the success rating the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) awarded the exercise when, in our opinion and others, the task was hurriedly done, accounting therefore for the glaring challenges it has left behind in many suburbs of the city.

Perhaps the GJA based its marking scheme on the number of uncollected garbage lining the streets of some parts of Accra.

Perhaps it was a symbolic exercise to present the authorities as swiftly responding to an environmental situation after failing to live up to the expectation of obviating further flooding in the nation’s capital as promised in 2024.

As we compose this commentary, the streets of Accra Newtown are lined up with heaps of sand and assorted garbage scooped from the uncovered gutters of the suburb, waiting for evacuation. There are similar eyesores in other parts of the city, which makes us wonder whether serious planning went into the two-day exercise.

We have taken note of the President’s order that transfer stations be immediately opened to take care of the mounting garbage in the city. If the stations were inactive, there was a reason for that which can only be addressed not of course through a presidential diktat.

To make it look like the flooding was occasioned by the choked gutters only is to triviliase the drainage problem in the nation’s capital. It goes beyond this simple reasoning.

Many residents had to contend with strange loads of garbage swept to their doorsteps by the floodwaters. While some of these residents waited in vain for the poorly coordinated evacuation of the garbage by a few trucks and loaders, others after living with the filth for some days had to pay for alternative arrangements.

No wonder an interagency blame-game prevailed as each of these state entities sought to exonerate themselves from the glaring failings.

The Local Government Minister struggled to exonerate himself when by and large management of such publicity stunt exercises fall within his ambit.

The 2024 promise by the then Candidate John Mahama to collapse the Sanitation Ministry and transfer its terms of reference to the Local Government Ministry is still fresh in our memories.

The collapse was done and the transfer of terms of reference duly carried out. The Local Government Minister must take responsibility for the accompanying lapses.

We shall take no excuse for broken down District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) equipment just a few years after they were acquired and deployed to the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

These equipment were largely unseen during the clean-up exercise. Have they found their way to the country’s El Dorado?

Such one-off clean-up exercise without the accompanying dumping trucks and loaders cannot achieve the necessary cleaning of the city and, above all, in the absence of a dumping site.

A success? No. Failure? Of course yes.

The two-day nationwide clean-up exercise commenced in the Volta Region with a massive turnout as residents, public institutions, security agencies, and government departments joined efforts to restore environmental sanitation following recent flooding in parts of the country.

The exercise, which began around 5:00 a.m. on Friday, saw participants clean choked gutters, desilt drains, clear refuse dumps, and remove plastic waste from public spaces across various communities in the region.

Speaking to the media, the Ho Municipal Environmental Health Officer, Mr. Rogar Adjei, described the turnout as highly encouraging and commended institutions and residents for responding positively to the initiative.

According to him, the exercise demonstrates a collective commitment to keeping the environment clean and preventing future flood disasters. He, however, cautioned that existing sanitation laws would be enforced against individuals and institutions that fail to participate or engage in practices that undermine environmental cleanliness.

Some participants who spoke to the media lauded President John Dramani Mahama for initiating the nationwide clean-up campaign, describing it as timely and necessary in the aftermath of recent floods that affected several parts of the country.

One participant noted that the exercise had exposed the extent to which gutters had become clogged with sand, plastics, and other waste materials, which contribute significantly to flooding.

‘Post-flooding, this exercise will help us clear our gutters and remove rubbish that could block drains and cause further flooding. It is a very good initiative, and we are pleased to be part of it,’ the participant said.

He, however, stressed that the clean-up exercise should not be a one-off activity but should be sustained and organised more regularly.

He further urged residents to stop indiscriminately disposing of plastic waste and refuse into drains and along roadsides, noting that such practices eventually result in blocked waterways and flooding.

‘We all witnessed the tragic flooding in Accra. To prevent similar occurrences, we must properly dispose of our waste, recycle where possible, and keep our environment clean at all times rather than waiting for disasters to occur before taking action,’ he added.

Others called for increased public education and stronger collaboration among government institutions, communities, and sanitation agencies to promote environmental responsibility.

They emphasised that beyond cleaning exercises, there is a need for continuous sensitisation on the health implications of indiscriminate waste disposal and the importance of protecting waterways.

The participants appealed to all residents of the Volta Region to adopt proper sanitation practices to ensure cleaner and healthier communities.