Category: Daily Guide Network

Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Operations at the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC), Felicity Nelson, has challenged graduates of BlueCrest University College to translate their skills into real impact.

She was speaking at the 26th Convocation held under the theme, ‘From Skills to Impact: Empowering Graduates to Innovate, Lead and Drive Sustainable Development.’

Ms. Nelson said qualifications alone are no longer enough, stressing that the real test of education begins when graduates face problems without textbook answers.

‘What is the value of a skill if it does not solve a problem, create an opportunity, improve a system, or make somebody’s life better?’ she asked.

She noted that Ghana does not lack potential but must learn to organise and deploy its assets productively, citing tourism as an example where assets must be turned into viable products.

Sharing the success story of GTDC’s ‘Accra by Night’ product, Ms. Nelson revealed how she personally sold tickets door-to-door when the second edition recorded low sales, turning it into the company’s most successful product with over 30 editions in just over a year.

She urged graduates not to limit themselves to their qualifications but to be resourceful, creative, and ready to get involved to drive sustainable development.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba, Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual, Prof. Imurana Awaisu Braimah said UEW values its long-standing affiliation with BlueCrest, describing the institution as a credible partner.

Delivering the Vice Chancellor’s message, he said graduation goes beyond wearing gowns and taking pictures, stressing the importance of the theme ‘From Skills to Impact.’

He charged graduates to move ‘from gown to town’ by impacting their families, communities and the nation.

Prof. Braimah urged graduates to be creative and innovative and not wait to be employed, but to create opportunities for others.

Acting Rector of BlueCrest University College, Thomas Buabeng Assan, charged graduates to move beyond seeking jobs to creating opportunities.

He noted that graduates are entering a world rapidly transformed by technology, artificial intelligence and digitisation, which is changing how people learn, research and deliver services.

He, therefore, urged them not to fear technological change but to embrace continuous learning and adaptation.

‘Do not ask only where can I find a job. Also ask: What problems can I solve? What value can I create?’ he said.

Mr. Assan emphasised that entrepreneurship is about seeing possibilities where others see problems, and that leadership is about responsibility, not position.

He charged graduates to be innovative, entrepreneurial, technologically inclined and ethical, asking whether their work creates value, improves lives, protects the environment and contributes to a better Ghana.

Grace Sey-Ansah, BA Mass Communication and Journalism, was the Valedictorian for the class of 2025.

Faboulous Ladies coach Nana Atuahene has confirmed that two suspects have been arrested in Techiman in the Bono Region in connection with the alleged murder of footballer Agartha Takyiwaa.

The 22-year-old was killed on the evening of Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Afrancho in the Atwima Kwanwoma District of the Ashanti Region. She was stabbed in the thigh, stomach and neck.

According to the coach, Agartha worked as a commercial tricycle (pragya) rider. Around 10:30pm, she picked up a female passenger and was taking her to Afrancho New Site.

Events reportedly took a tragic turn during the journey, leading to a struggle between Agartha and some suspected assailants over her tricycle.

She was stabbed during the confrontation and died, while the suspects made off with the tricycle and her mobile phone. The suspects were later tracked down through the phone’s location.

Agartha had been preparing for the upcoming 2026/27 Women’s Division One League.

Coach Atuahene said the club has yet to formally inform the Ghana Football Association about the incident. Speaking to Luv FM, he noted the realities facing players in the women’s game. ‘Women’s football is still young in Ghana,’ he said. ‘Our players are registered as amateurs, not professionals, so we support them with only transportation costs.’

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has sworn into office the new Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Ghana (CIB Ghana), with a call on its members to strengthen professional standards, ethical conduct and the banking sector’s resilience against emerging threats.

The ceremony, held at the Ministry of Education in Accra, saw members of the 2026 Governing Council take their oaths of office and secrecy in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Ghana Act, 2019 (Act 991).

The Council is led by Dr. Ellen Ohene-Afoakwa as President and Chairperson, with Woelinam Dogbe as Vice President and Benjamin Amenumey as Immediate Past President. Robert Dzato serves as Chief Executive Officer.

Other members include Rosemond Amoo, Doris Yaa Aggrey Ahiati, Daniel Kweku Arhin, John Awuah, representing the Ghana Association of Banks; Elliot Adu Amoako, representing the Bank of Ghana; Kudjo Andy Ameckson of the Ministry of Finance; and Emmanuel Oteng of the Ministry of Education.

Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the Education Minister urged the Council to promote professional excellence, enforce ethical standards and equip bankers to respond to changing industry demands.

He identified cybercrime, digital banking fraud and artificial intelligence as emerging threats requiring urgent attention.

‘We expect that you will respond to the new emerging challenge of artificial intelligence and how that can impact on fraud associated with banking in Ghana,’ he said.

The Minister also urged the Institute to pay attention to non-performing loans, regulatory compliance and corporate governance.

He stressed that ethical conduct was fundamental to the banking profession, urging practitioners to provide accurate information, avoid fraud, protect customer confidentiality and refrain from discriminatory practices.

Although he acknowledged improvements in the resilience of the banking sector, he said sustaining the gains would require stronger corporate governance.

Mr. Iddrisu also highlighted the contribution of community banks to financial inclusion and urged CIB Ghana to advise the Ministry on incorporating financial literacy into the national curriculum.

In her remarks, Dr. Ohene-Afoakwa said the new Council was committed to shaping the future of banking in Ghana amid rapid technological developments and emerging industry risks.

She identified professional standards, digital finance capabilities, good governance, ethical leadership and opportunities for young bankers as key priorities.

She said banking went beyond financial institutions and transactions to include supporting businesses, facilitating investment, creating opportunities and contributing to national economic development.

Dr. Ohene-Afoakwa said the Council would work towards building a profession that was future-ready, globally competitive and anchored in integrity, competence and public trust.

She identified cyber fraud and non-performing loans as major concerns, adding that the Institute had incorporated cybersecurity, virtual assets, data analytics and green finance into its curriculum.

The Chief Executive Officer of CIB Ghana, Robert Dzato, announced plans to make continuing professional development (CPD) mandatory for members.

He said chartered bankers would be required to earn a minimum number of professional development credit hours annually to maintain their membership status.

Mr. Dzato said the Institute was also strengthening leadership, soft and digital skills development, expanding digital learning and improving its faculty.

He added that efforts were underway to develop future banking professionals through university programmes in banking and ethics, as well as financial literacy initiatives in secondary schools.

The December rollout has officially begun as Polo Beach Club has hinted at a major comeback.

After months of speculation following its demolition, the luxury beachfront venue has confirmed it is returning with better vibes, bigger parties, and an upgraded location.

In a post on its official page, the club said: ‘You’ve been asking, we heard you, and we’re coming back just in time for Detty December! Better vibes, bigger parties, and an upgraded location. T + The December Rollout Begins Now!’

The announcement comes just weeks after the club’s demolition on October 2, 2026, during a security-led clearance operation at Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra. Personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces’ 48 Engineer Regiment and the Ghana Police Service removed structures along the La beachfront, citing encroachment and safety concerns raised by Labadi Beach Hotel and Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).

Prior to the demolition, Spartan-Ives Limited, operators of Polo Beach Club, had filed a lawsuit on September 16, 2026, against Labadi Beach Hotel and National Security officials over ownership of the disputed land.

Despite the setback, anticipation has been building. The club had earlier posted an eight-second video of an excavator levelling a beachfront for construction with the caption: ‘The rumours are true. We are coming back soon. Stay tuned for what’s next at Polo Beach Club,’ a post that garnered over 133,000 views.

Kumawood actress and popular social media influencer Sandra Ababio has joined Tebi Paints, a fast-growing Ghanaian-owned paint company, in a move expected to strengthen the company’s visibility and expand its reach among consumers.

The partnership brings together one of Kumawood’s recognisable faces and a locally owned business seeking to grow its presence in Ghana’s competitive paint industry.

Ababio, who has built a following through her work in the Ghanaian movie industry and her influence on social media, is expected to help promote the Tebi Paints brand and connect the company with a wider audience.

Her appointment reflects the growing role celebrities and social media personalities play in brand promotion, as businesses increasingly turn to familiar faces to attract customers, build trust and communicate their products to the public.

Tebi Paints is funded by Ghanaian entrepreneur Stephen Kwadwo Tebi, whose investment in the business places him among local entrepreneurs seeking to build and expand Ghanaian-owned brands.

The company’s partnership with Ababio is expected to provide an additional platform for promoting its products and strengthening its identity in the local market.

For a business operating in the paint sector, brand visibility and customer confidence are important factors in attracting homeowners, contractors, property developers, retailers and other consumers who require paint products for construction, renovation and decoration.

Ababio’s involvement could therefore help the company reach audiences beyond its existing customer base, particularly through entertainment platforms and social media channels where she has an established presence.

Ababio’s appointment further demonstrates how actors and influencers can contribute to the promotion of locally produced goods and services.

With businesses increasingly competing for public attention, personalities who can connect with audiences across traditional entertainment and digital platforms have become valuable partners in marketing campaigns.

Her role at Tebi Paints is expected to centre on promoting the brand and helping it gain wider recognition among prospective customers.

About TEBI Paints

TEBI Paints is committed to providing high-quality, innovative, and reliable decorative coating solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

Founded in 2021, it is an emerging name in Ghana’s paint and coatings industry, focusing on product quality, durability, aesthetic excellence, and customer satisfaction.

Based in Accra, with a showroom at Agbogba, the company serves homeowners, developers, contractors, painters, and businesses.

Founded by Ghanaian entrepreneur Stephen Kwadwo Tebi, the company grew from a passion for entrepreneurship, innovation, and quality building finishes. Through ongoing formulation improvements and practical product testing, TEBI Paints works to develop coating solutions suited to Ghana’s climate and diverse construction needs.

Tebi Paint Products Are:

Acrylic Graffiato: Decorative textured exterior coatings for attractive finishes and surface protection.

Premium Semi-Gloss Paint: Acrylic-based coatings developed for durability, washability, and elegant finishes.

Washable Matte Paint: Smooth wall finishes designed for everyday maintenance and cleaning.

Flat Matte Paint: Decorative coatings with a refined, low-sheen appearance.

Satin Paint: Elegant finishes for interior decorative applications.

Ceiling Pro: Coatings developed for ceiling applications.

Skimming Paint: Acrylic-based surface-finishing products for smooth walls and ceilings.

Allweather Procoat: Exterior decorative coatings for weather-exposed surfaces.

A High Court in Accra yesterday dismissed an application by lawyers for former Director-General of National Signals Bureau, Kwabena Adu-Boahene and his wife, Angela Adjei-Boateng, asking it to strike out portions of the Attorney General’s response to a submission of no case to answer.

The lawyers had urged the court to strike out the portions of the submissions complained about for allegedly being ‘falsified records’ which were not part of the record of proceedings, evidence led and exhibits before the court.

The court, presided over by Justice Francis Achibonga, said if counsel makes representations or even misrepresentations of the evidence in his or her written address, same is of no moment in the court deciding the suit one way or the other, as the court would have to rely solely on the evidence adduced before it and exhibit admitted during the trial.

Trial

The couple and Advantage Solutions Limited, are facing a total of 11 counts of conspiracy to commit crime, stealing, using public office for profit, money laundering and causing financial loss to the state.

They have all denied any wrongdoing in the ongoing trial, which has attracted both national and international attention.

The prosecution closed its case on September 9 after calling four witnesses and the court gave both the defence and prosecution counsel to file a submission of no case to answer and a response to same, which have since been filed.

Non-existent Record

However, Samuel Atta-Akyea, counsel for the couple, filed an application asking the court to strike out portions of the Attorney General’s response to the submission for importing non-existent materials not borne out by the record of proceedings.

‘He has made attributions to witnesses regarding matters they never said anything about. And there is also the statement of the content of an exhibit which is not permitted by the rules of court, the rules of evidence and even the ethics of the legal profession,’ he argued yesterday.

He contended that the risk and danger of not bringing these matters before the court is that they could deceive the court in its judgment and ‘we might suffer miscarriage of justice.’

‘It is your bounden duty to ensure the sanctity of the records of proceeding. Your records must be sacrosanct even as you deny lawyers any attempt to import their material into the records under the guise of written submissions,’ Mr. Atta-Akyea added.

Opposition

The application was opposed by Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, who argued that the application did not invoke any known jurisdiction of the court, pointing out that a court has no jurisdiction to expunge an argument made by counsel in a written submission.

‘What the court has the power to do is to evaluate the argument as against the record before the court and make a decision as to whether to decide the case for or against the submission. Where the court has jurisdiction to strike out or expunge, the law expressly provides,’ he argued.

He further suggested that the motion was ‘carefully designed to delay the trial’ and prayed the court to treat it ‘as what exactly it is.’

Dr. Srem-Sai further argued that the motion was actually prejudicial to the court’s power to determine the submission of no case because it is assuming that the judge has no capacity to decide the merits of this case based on the merits.

‘The truth of the matter is that the application is alien to any criminal procedure and practice and must be dismissed accordingly as it is another way of procuring the court to decide the submission of no case even before a decision is made thereof,’ the Deputy Attorney General added.

Ruling

Justice Achibonga, in his ruling, held the view that it is not the duty of the court to inquire whether or not the written submission filed by counsel is a true reflection of the evidence led or that counsel relied on non-existent evidence and to strike out same.

He said it is rather the duty of counsel on the other side to draw the attention of the court to such and for the court, whether its attention has been drawn or not to rely solely on the evidence properly led at the trial, thereby constituting the record and exhibits properly admitted in order to arrive at a fair and just conclusion as to the matters in question.

‘I am therefore unable to go into the merits of the application. For the above reasons, the application is dismissed,’ he held.

Young single adults of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered in Accra for a special screening of the fourth episode of Dedicate, a six-part global video series exploring faith in Jesus Christ.

The screening was held at the Christiansborg Stake Center at the Accra Ghana Temple in North Ridge, drawing hundreds of attendees.

Dedicate follows seven young adults from Brazil, France, Ghana, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines and the United States as they explore the renovated Salt Lake Temple in Utah and reflect on the role of faith in their lives.

Ghana is represented by Favour Onyinyechukwu Okeke from the Greater Accra Region.

Ms. Okeke, who volunteered to share her personal story after prospective participants were invited, said representing Africa was a privilege.

‘It’s honestly a great privilege. It’s an honour, and I feel very humble to represent Africa in this series, because my life is showing what the life of an average young single adult in this area is all about,’ she said.

She described the production as emotional and faith-strengthening. ‘I learnt so much, and throughout the journey it’s added to my testimony,’ she said.

The fourth episode takes viewers inside the Salt Lake Temple during its extensive renovation, where between 700 and 800 workers are on site daily. With the help of YouTuber Zack Nelson and his wife Cambry, the participants examine models of the temple on an earthquake simulator to understand why the 19th-Century structure required reinforcement.

The episode draws parallels between structural resilience and Christian faith, with base isolators representing Jesus Christ as a source of stability and cables symbolising daily prayer, scripture study and temple worship.

The participants also meet senior Church leaders, including Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

‘In our lives, we have our own earthquakes and points where we shake and we might have cracks. But if we want to strengthen that foundation, Christ can help us,’ Ms. Okeke said. ‘We are never too far from the reach of God.’

For audience members, the collective viewing offered a different experience. Nana Yaa Agyeiwaa, a Church member in Accra, said she had previously followed the series on YouTube while driving to work.

‘Having to sit with my friends and watch it, it just felt different, because I was able to see the reactions from other people. It made it better,’ she said.

About two million young people in Ghana are neither employed nor in education or training, which raises concerns about youth unemployment and the country’s ability to harness its growing youthful population for economic development, according to Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).

The Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, who disclosed this at the launch of the Ghana in Numbers 2025 publication in Accra yesterday, said about 12 million Ghanaians were aged between 15 and 35, but the country continued to face significant challenges in providing adequate employment and educational opportunities for its young population.

He noted that almost one in three jobseekers aged between 15 and 24 could not find work, while more than six in 10 young people who were neither working nor in education or training were women.

The figures, he said, highlighted the urgency of addressing the barriers preventing young people from accessing employment, education and skills development opportunities.

Dr. Iddrisu warned that the nation’s ability to benefit from its youthful population would depend largely on decisions taken in the coming years to improve education, develop relevant skills and expand employment opportunities.

‘Ghana’s youth window is open, but it is closing. Our choices on schooling, skills, jobs in the next 10 years will decide whether it becomes a dividend or a burden,’ the Government Statistician said.

According to him, informal employment remains widespread despite a significant expansion in the number of businesses operating in the country.

The GSS’s first Integrated Business Establishment Survey (IBES-1) recorded 2.64 million business establishments in 2024, nearly three times the number recorded in 2014.

However, the number of people working in those establishments only doubled over the same period, suggesting that the expansion of businesses had not translated into employment growth at the same pace.

Dr. Iddrisu said about 92 percent of businesses in the country operated informally, while more than seven in 10 jobs remained in the informal sector.

He noted that only 7.7 percent of business establishments were classified as formal, with nine in 10 businesses falling within the micro-enterprise category.

The GSS pointed out that although the country’s unemployment rate declined from 14.6 percent in 2023 to 12.8 percent in 2025, the figures on youth unemployment and exclusion from education and training point to persistent challenges in ensuring that economic activity translates into broader employment opportunities.

The Government Statistician stressed the need to support small businesses to expand and formalise, a development that could strengthen their capacity to create jobs and provide more sustainable livelihoods.

Beyond employment, the ‘Ghana in Numbers 2025’ publication highlighted mixed trends in household welfare.

Inflation declined from 54.1 percent in December 2022 to 5.4 percent in December 2025, but food insecurity increased from 37.7 percent in 2024 to 39.8 percent in 2025, affecting an estimated 13 million people.

‘The progress is real. But it is not shared evenly,’ Dr. Iddrisu said.

He continued that the publication, together with its accompanying online portal, provides national and district-level statistics intended to support evidence-based policymaking, investment and development planning.

Dr. Iddrisu urged policymakers, businesses and investors to use the data to guide their decisions, emphasising that the ultimate objective of producing statistics was to generate practical results.

‘For us, producing statistics is no longer the finish line. For us, use is the finish line or, if you want, impact is the finish line,’ he said.

The Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) has held an induction and oath-swearing ceremony for 15,000 graduates at the University for Development Studies (UDS) Dungu campus in the Northern Region.

The ceremony, held under the theme ‘Setting the Standard: Regulating Service, Safety and Excellence across Universal Health Coverage,’ brought together graduates from 12 allied health professions who are preparing to begin their internships.

The Registrar of the AHPC, Prof. Shirazu Issahaku, cautioned the inductees that they were not yet licensed professionals and should not present themselves as such.

‘I want to be clear about what this induction means. You are transitioning from studentship to internship. You are not yet licensed professionals,’ he stated.

He said universal health coverage requires people to be able to access the care they need and to receive care that is safe, competent and worthy of their trust.

‘The Allied Health Professions Council has the duty to protect that trust,’ he noted.

Prof. Issahaku said the Council had focused on inspections across the country this year to ensure compliance.

‘Inspections help us assess whether requirements are being met, identify gaps and insist on the improvements needed to protect the public,’ he added.

He assured the inductees that the Council would continue to set and enforce standards, and urged institutions to provide the conditions necessary for effective learning.

‘As interns, you must bring humility, diligence and integrity to every assignment. That shared commitment is how service becomes a consistent expectation across healthcare,’ he said.

The guest speaker, Dr. Abu Abudu Rahamani, urged the inductees to set high standards and serve as ambassadors for their professions.

‘Go out there and set the standards-and set them high. Set them with courage, kindness and competence,’ he stated.

The Minister of Health’s representative, Dr. Ignatius Awinibuno, Director of Allied Health at the Ministry of Health, urged the inductees to uphold their integrity and become trusted leaders in their work.

‘Maintain uncompromising professional integrity, uphold truth and accuracy in your documentation, follow clinical protocols, report errors transparently and never falsify your data,’ he said.

Dr. Awinibuno commended the AHPC and assured the Council of the Ministry’s commitment to working with it.

‘The Ministry of Health recognises the contributions of the Allied Health Professions Council and remains committed to working with the Council to strengthen regulation, professional development, quality assurance and health service delivery,’ he stressed.

Public sector workers on the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) will receive a 9% increase in total remuneration from January 1, 2027, under a new two-year agreement between the government and Organised Labour.

A statement issued by the Public Affairs Unit of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) said the agreement was negotiated at the Public Services Joint Standing Negotiating Committee (PSJSNC).

The government was represented by the FWSC and the Ministry of Finance, while Organised Labour was represented by workers’ unions and institutions within Ghana’s public service.

The agreement establishes a remuneration framework covering January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2028, to provide predictability and stability during the transition from the FWSC to the Independent Public Emoluments Commission (IPEC).

Under the agreement, total remuneration will increase by 9% in 2027, comprising an 8-percentage-point increase in base pay across the board and a one-percentage-point increase in allowances under Conditions of Service.

For 2028, base pay will increase by 10% across the board, effective January 1, 2028. The adjustment will be calculated using the applicable base pay as of December 31, 2027.

The statement said the PSJSNC would reconvene to review the 2028 base pay if year-on-year inflation for December 2027 exceeded 16%, representing twice the 8% midpoint of the government’s inflation projection.

According to the Commission, the parties will use the transitional period to review allowances to address existing distortions. The government will also consult Organised Labour quarterly on reforms, while the FWSC will retain its lawful functions until any transfer to IPEC takes legal effect.

The agreement was signed on behalf of the government by the Chief Executive Officer of the FWSC, Dr. George Smith-Graham, and on behalf of Organised Labour by the Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Bro. Joshua Ansah.

The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, and the General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Thomas T. Musah, witnessed the signing.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Forson commended Organised Labour and the government’s negotiating team for their cooperation, understanding and commitment to the national interest.

He described the agreement as a historic milestone in the country’s public service remuneration negotiations.

‘For the first time, Government and Organised Labour have reached a two-year pay agreement. The agreement is more than salaries. It is about protecting workers’ incomes, giving families greater certainty, and helping Government plan and manage public spending responsibly,’ he said.

‘The government has demonstrated that fair pay for workers and responsible management of public finances can go hand in hand,’ he added.

Dr. Smith-Graham said the negotiations were significant because they came at a critical period in the country’s public sector compensation reform agenda, particularly as the FWSC prepared to transition to the IPEC.

The statement explained that the decision to pursue a two-year salary agreement reflected a shared commitment to industrial harmony, predictable public expenditure, income security for workers and stability during the institutional transition.

Dr. Smith-Graham also praised the government and Organised Labour for demonstrating maturity, mutual respect and a willingness to compromise, as well as recognising the need to balance improvements in workers’ welfare with economic realities and fiscal sustainability.

The statement said the Commission’s objective of ensuring equal pay for work of equal value, fair rewards for productivity and a public sector compensation system that promotes equity, efficiency and national development remained unchanged as it transitioned towards becoming an independent commission.

For his part, Mr. Ansah said the 2027 base pay adjustment was above the prevailing inflation rate of 5.3%, but acknowledged that the agreement might not meet every expectation.

He said the agreement nevertheless represented progress in efforts to protect workers’ purchasing power, although the increase did not fully reflect the difficulties workers faced in meeting their daily needs.