Category: Daily Guide Network

The Director of Operations at Damang Gold Mine Limited in the Western Region, Mr. Emmanuel Erskine, has reminded Ghanaians that environmental stewardship is no longer an option but an imperative responsibility for all.

He noted that climate change remains one of the greatest environmental challenges facing the world today.

‘At Damang and its surrounding communities, we continue to experience changing rainfall patterns, prolonged dry seasons, intense heat and flooding during heavy rains,’ he said.

‘These realities serve as a reminder that environmental stewardship is no longer an option but a responsibility for all,’ he stressed.

Mr. Erskine was speaking at a durbar organised by Damang Gold Mine Limited to commemorate this year’s World Environment Day.

The celebration was held on the theme: ‘Building a Climate-Resilient Country Through Responsible Stewardship.’

He reaffirmed the mining company’s commitment to supporting climate resilience initiatives within its host communities.

‘Our approach to mining goes beyond production. We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint, restoring disturbed lands, improving operational efficiency and supporting climate resilience within our host communities,’ he stated.

Mr. Erskine indicated that progressive land rehabilitation remains a key component of the company’s environmental strategy.

He noted that the company recognises the need for mining operations to be conducted responsibly and sustainably in order to address environmental challenges effectively.

The Environmental Manager of the company, Dr. Desmond Asare, also observed that unpredictable rainfall patterns, environmental degradation and other climate-related challenges continue to affect countries and industries worldwide.

‘This means each of us has a role to play in protecting the environment,’ he added.

A Director at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Eric Logo, encouraged participants to plant more trees and report anyone who fells trees indiscriminately to the agency.

He explained that individuals must obtain the necessary permit from the EPA before cutting down trees.

‘Before a person cuts down a tree, he or she must be issued a permit by the EPA,’ he said.

Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) has appointed a seasoned banking executive, Victoria Esinam Attipoe, as Branch Network Head for its Greater Accra Division, a move aimed at strengthening the bank’s retail banking operations and accelerating its ongoing transformation agenda.

The appointment forms part of UMB’s strategy to enhance customer experience, drive business growth, improve operational efficiency and expand its presence in key market segments as the nation’s banking sector continues to evolve.

With more than 20 years of experience spanning retail banking, personal and private banking, banking operations and business transformation, Ms. Attipoe joins the bank at a time when financial institutions are seeking innovative ways to meet changing customer expectations and support economic growth.

In her new role, she will oversee the strategic direction and performance of UMB’s branch network in the Greater Accra Region, with responsibility for deepening customer engagement, improving service delivery and driving commercial growth across the bank’s retail operations.

The Managing Director of UMB, Dr. Philip Oti-Mensah, described the appointment as a significant step in the bank’s transformation journey.

‘Today’s banking environment demands institutions that are agile, customer-focused, operationally disciplined and innovation-driven. Leadership with strong execution capability and deep market insight is critical to sustaining growth and building customer confidence. Victoria brings all these qualities and more to UMB’s transformation journey,’ he said.

Prior to joining UMB, Ms. Attipoe served as Head of Personal and Consumer Banking at United Bank for Africa (UBA) Ghana, where she played a key role in expanding the bank’s personal banking portfolio and leading growth initiatives across agency banking, fintech services, remittances, cards and bancassurance.

Her leadership at UBA was credited with strengthening customer acquisition and retention while improving profitability and overall business performance.

Speaking on her appointment, Ms. Attipoe expressed optimism about the opportunities ahead and reaffirmed her commitment to delivering value to customers and communities.

‘UMB is entering an exciting phase of transformation and growth, and I am honoured to be part of a team committed to redefining customer experience and strengthening the bank’s retail banking proposition,’ she said.

She noted that modern banking customers increasingly demand speed, accessibility, trust and personalised financial solutions, adding that her focus would be on building a branch network capable of consistently meeting those expectations.

‘Our focus will be on building a branch network that consistently delivers value while supporting businesses, individuals and communities across Ghana,’ she added.

Ms. Attipoe is an alumna of Mawuli School and holds an Executive MBA from the Paris Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Ghana.

She has also undertaken professional training in leadership, credit management, environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles and customer experience management.

Ghanaian Businessman and Chief Executive of Engineers and Planners (E and P) Ibrahim Mahama, has offered 100 job opportunities to Ghanaian nationals evacuated from South Africa.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who disclosed this to the second batch of evacuees said the government would continue to offer them assistance to enable them leave meaningful lives upon their return to the country.

The second batch of 345 evacuees returned to the country at the Accra International Airport on Saturday after leaving their assets, retail shops and jobs following recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

He said, ‘I am so impressed that already, about 200 jobs have been secured for you and leading the path is Mr. Ibrahim Mahama’s Engineers and Planners. They have offered 100 jobs’.

The Minister, indicated that some private entities have already secured 200 job openings to help with the long-term professional rehabilitation of the returnees.

About 1,500 Ghanaians have so far registered for emergency evacuation as a result of targeted attacks, destruction of foreign owned properties among others by South Africans.

About 700 Ghanaians have so far returned following an initial batch of 300 evacuees who returned to the country on Wednesday May 27, 2026.

Officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) profiled the returnees based on their skill sets, mechanical experience, and trade backgrounds to match them directly with the 100 jobs provided by Engineers and Planners immediately after the Ministers addressed them at the Airport.

The state has also put in place temporary psycho-social trauma counselling clinics at the airport terminal to assist the returnees upon their return to the country.

Apart from the state providing the evacuees with hot meals, and a transport stipend to facilitate their safe travel back to their respective families across the country, it has also partnered with telecommunication companies to provide the evacuees with emergency mobile SIM cards,

A third emergency rescue flight carrying over 300 passengers are expected in the country this week.

The government has assured that it will continue to partner with the private-sector to secure both the physical safety and support for all Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa.

A building collapse at Avenor in Accra’s North Industrial Area has claimed the life of at least two persons and left several others injured, prompting renewed calls for strict adherence to building regulations and safety standards.

The tragedy occurred at about 4:25 a.m. on Sunday when the structure, reportedly used for both residential and commercial purposes, suddenly gave way, trapping occupants beneath the debris and triggering panic in the densely populated community.

Emergency response teams drawn from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces were immediately deployed to the scene to undertake rescue operations.

The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, confirmed the fatality in an interview with the media. He said three persons had been rescued from the rubble, while two others who sustained injuries were receiving treatment at the Ridge Hospital.

Rescue efforts were still ongoing as of Sunday, amid fears that additional victims could be trapped under the debris. The incident has left families and residents of the area anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.

Vice President, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, who visited the site to assess the situation, described the incident as a preventable tragedy and urged citizens and the local Assemblies to place greater emphasis on safety.

She stressed that many such disasters occur because established procedures and regulations are ignored.

‘There are many things we can all prevent and it is about doing the right things. We know them; we do not need to wait to be told,’ she said.

Expressing concern that some people, who were still believed to be trapped beneath the collapsed structure, the Vice President questioned why such incidents continued to occur.

‘Because somebody did not do the right thing. When people struggle to do the right thing, all of us should support them. What is worse than somebody trapped in here? All I am saying is that let us abide by the rules, especially the rules governing the siting of properties, and not invite unnecessary tragedy,’ she stated.

The Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, announced that the government would establish a committee to investigate the cause of the collapse and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents.

‘We are going to set up a committee to investigate, but it will be very difficult for me to stand here and say when the report will be out. However, I believe we will move very swiftly so that we can prevent these things from happening,’ he said.

Mr. Muntaka also called on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to intensify the enforcement of building regulations and ensure that engineers and technical officers discharge their responsibilities diligently.

Six students of the Offinso Technical Institute (O.T.I) who were rushed to hospital following a violent confrontation between students and suspected Zongo youths have been discharged after receiving treatment.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, May 27, 2026, on the school’s campus, just hours after Eid prayers by the Muslim community in Offinso.

A teacher of the school, whose name has been withheld, told DAILY GUIDE that the confrontation stemmed from an existing feud between the two groups, which unfortunately escalated into violence.

He said the injured students were initially admitted to the St. Patrick Hospital at Offinso Maase but have since been treated and discharged.

According to him, the chaos led to further disturbances on campus, with several students fleeing the school and currently unaccounted for.

The teacher also alleged that the suspected Zongo youths vandalised parts of the school, including glass windows and doors in both the boys’ and girls’ dormitories, as well as the housemaster’s residence.

He added that a formal complaint has been lodged with the police, while school authorities and Zongo leaders have engaged in discussions aimed at restoring calm and ensuring lasting peace in the area.

Iran’s national football team has been granted visas to enter the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, easing uncertainty just days before their opening match in Los Angeles.

A White House official confirmed on Friday that the visas were approved overnight after Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, revealed that the squad had still been awaiting clearance as late as Thursday.

While the players are now cleared to travel, reports indicate that some members of Iran’s technical and administrative staff are yet to receive entry visas. Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency claimed the U.S. embassy had not approved visas for several officials, though no source was cited.

The visa delays prompted Iranian authorities to relocate the team’s World Cup base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, where the squad is expected to arrive on Sunday. The move reflects Tehran’s desire to limit the team’s stay in the United States amid ongoing tensions between the two countries.

Iran will begin its Group G campaign against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles before facing Belgium in the same city and Egypt in Seattle.

The tournament has taken on added political significance as it marks the first World Cup in history where a host nation is set to welcome a country with which it is engaged in active conflict.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently stated that individuals linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards would not be permitted as part of the country’s World Cup delegation.

Despite the strained relationship, Ambassador Pasandideh said Iran’s participation in the tournament demonstrates its commitment to peace, even as diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington continue alongside ongoing military hostilities.

Child Rights International (CRI) has endorsed a government proposal to introduce mandatory age and identity verification for users seeking access to pornographic websites, describing the measure as a necessary step to protect children from harmful online content.

The organisation said unrestricted access to pornography has become one of the fastest-growing threats facing children in the digital space, exposing many young people to explicit sexual material at increasingly younger ages.

In a statement, the Executive Director of CRI, Bright Appiah, said pornographic content remained easily accessible to children, often without meaningful restrictions or supervision.

‘Pornographic content is only a click away from Ghana’s children. Child Rights International welcomes the government’s proposal because we believe stronger safeguards are urgently needed to protect children from harmful sexual content online,’ he said.

Mr. Appiah noted that while advances in technology, artificial intelligence and the internet have created unprecedented opportunities for learning and innovation, they have also increased children’s exposure to content that can negatively influence their understanding of sexuality, relationships and social behaviour.

According to him, exposure to pornography at an early age can distort children’s perceptions of consent, intimacy and healthy human relationships while normalising behaviours they may not be emotionally mature enough to understand.

He stressed that safeguarding children online must go beyond restricting access to adult websites and should include strengthening the country’s identification systems.

Mr. Appiah urged the government to ensure that every child is registered at birth and linked to a reliable national identification system capable of supporting age-verification mechanisms online.

‘For us to be successful and protect children, children must be registered at birth and issued identification documents. Without proper identification systems, it becomes difficult to effectively protect children in digital spaces,’ he stated.

He added that the nation’s efforts to build a productive and responsible generation must include deliberate measures to shield children from harmful online content.

Mr. Appiah also called for policies that would direct children towards educational, developmental and skills-based content instead of exposing them to material that could undermine their growth and wellbeing.

‘The State must be deliberate about building online mechanisms that make information available to children relevant to their development, capacity building and future opportunities,’ he said.

The child rights advocate pointed to experiences in countries such as the United Kingdom, China and the United States, where stricter controls on children’s access to harmful online content have reportedly reduced exposure levels significantly.

He said the experiences of those countries demonstrate that targeted policy interventions can help create safer online environments for children.

Beyond dedicated adult websites, CRI expressed concern about the growing circulation of sexually explicit material on social media and messaging platforms, including Telegram and Snapchat.

Mr. Appiah noted that explicit content shared through such platforms often remains accessible to children and teenagers despite existing age restrictions.

He, therefore, called for any comprehensive child online protection policy to address not only adult websites but also the channels through which explicit material is distributed.

The organisation further warned that the issue extends beyond pornography itself and raises broader concerns about children’s wellbeing, social development and preparedness for adulthood.

CRI has pledged to work with the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations on public education campaigns, advocacy initiatives and policy interventions aimed at strengthening online child protection.

The endorsement comes after the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, announced that cabinet is working on a policy that would require users to verify their age and identity before accessing adult websites.

Speaking at the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values, the minister said the proposed policy is intended to prevent children from being exposed to harmful sexual content online.

Under the proposal, individuals seeking access to adult websites may be required to provide identification documents such as a driver’s licence or national identification card to prove they are of legal age.

Mr. George argued that governments have a responsibility to protect children from content that could undermine their development, values and wellbeing.

EMY Africa has announced the EMY Africa Washington, D.C. Soirée, a high-level gathering set for Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art, one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in the world.

The event will bring together some of the most influential African leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, creatives, diplomats, and change makers from across the continent and the global diaspora.

Positioned against the backdrop of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one of the world’s largest global events, the soirée is expected to become one of the most significant African diaspora convenings taking place in the United States during the tournament period.

The event will serve as a powerful platform for forging strategic partnerships, strengthening economic and cultural ties, and advancing conversations about Africa’s growing influence on the world stage.

The Washington, D.C. gathering marks a major milestone in EMY Africa’s international expansion and underscores the organisation’s vision of building a globally connected African community united by excellence, innovation, leadership, and impact.

For more than a decade, EMY Africa has established itself as one of the continent’s leading platforms for recognising and celebrating excellence.

Through its prestigious awards, leadership forums, cultural initiatives, and strategic engagements, the organisation has honoured individuals whose achievements are transforming industries, shaping policy, driving innovation, and elevating Africa’s global profile.

Now, with its focus turning to Washington, D.C., EMY Africa is extending that mission beyond the continent’s borders, creating a unique space where Africa’s most influential voices and its worldwide diaspora can connect, collaborate, and help shape the future of African development and global engagement.

The soirée comes at a time when Africa’s diaspora is increasingly recognised as a critical force in investment, innovation, diplomacy, culture, and economic growth.

From Washington and New York to London, Toronto, and beyond, Africans across the world continue to drive global progress while maintaining strong connections to their heritage and communities across the continent.

Hosting the event at the renowned National Museum of African Art further elevates the significance of the occasion.

As one of the world’s foremost institutions dedicated to preserving and celebrating African art, culture, and history, the venue provides an iconic setting for an evening focused on African achievement, influence, and opportunity.

Founder and Executive Director, Daniel Kojo Soboh said ‘EMY Africa Washington Soirée at the Smithsonian during the FIFA World Cup is more than a celebration, it is a powerful bridge connecting Africa with its diaspora across North America and the United States.’

He added that ‘at a time when the world’s attention is on this region, we have a unique opportunity to showcase African excellence, strengthen cultural and economic ties, and deepen the bonds that unite Africans and people of African heritage globally.’

Former Ghana Ambassador to Germany, Gina Ama Blay, has been honoured by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) for her outstanding contribution to journalism, media development and the advancement of women in the media profession.

The recognition formed part of activities marking this year’s World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) celebration held in Accra under the theme, ‘Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security.’

Mrs. Blay received a customised award plaque and citation in recognition of her decades of service to the nation’s media industry and her advocacy for greater female participation in journalism and media management.

According to the citation, she played a pioneering role in breaking barriers for women in the profession and contributed significantly to media development, democratic discourse and public communication in the country.

‘You broke barriers and opened doors for many women seeking careers in journalism and media management. Your contribution to media development, democratic discourse, and public communication has left a lasting and indelible mark on our national life and the lives of Ghanaians,’ part of the citation stated.

The citation further praised her diplomatic service, describing it as a reflection of the integrity, patriotism and commitment that characterised her journalism career.

The event also honoured several distinguished personalities under the GJA’s Dedication and Valour Award category for their contributions to journalism, media education and national development.

Among the recipients were Benedict Batabe Assorow, veteran journalist and former Editor of The Catholic Standard; Kwabena Yeboah, renowned sports broadcaster; Kofi Badu, former Managing Director of Graphic Communications Group Limited; Gamel Nasser Adam; and Prof. Kofi Agyekum, a renowned linguist and media commentator.

Posthumous honours were also conferred on Abubakari Sidick Ahmed and Nana Kwame Korang in recognition of their invaluable contributions to journalism and public service.

Other awardees included Amin Alhassan, Omane Antwi and Kofi Totobi Quakyi, who were recognised for their contributions to media development, governance and capacity building.

The GJA also honoured media executives including Beatrice Agyeman, Ken Ansah and Fada Dickson Narh for their leadership and role in strengthening the nation’s media industry.

Institutions recognised for supporting journalism and national development included Graphic Communications Group Limited, The Catholic Standard, Bank of Ghana, Ghana News Agency and Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra.

Speaking at the event, the GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, said Ghana had made significant progress in press freedom, citing the country’s rise from 52nd to 39th position globally in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index and its current ranking as fourth in Africa.

He attributed the achievement to the collective efforts of journalists, editors, media owners, civil society organisations, development partners and democratic institutions committed to protecting media freedom.

Mr. Dwumfour, however, cautioned that the improved ranking should not obscure the challenges journalists continue to face.

According to him, threats to press freedom have evolved beyond direct censorship and now include Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), digital surveillance, economic pressures on media organisations, online harassment and attacks on journalists covering sensitive issues such as illegal mining, corruption and politics.

‘If Ghana is to remain the beacon of press freedom in West Africa, then we must protect journalists not only in principle and law, but also in practice,’ he said.

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, who represented President John Dramani Mahama, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to media freedom and freedom of expression.

He said no journalist had been killed, forced into exile or had a media organisation shut down for critical reporting under the current administration.

‘We remain committed to building bridges between the government and the media fraternity, and not walls. Constructive engagement, regular press briefings and transparent communication are not concessions. They are obligations of democratic governance, and this administration takes them seriously,’ he stated.

Teenager Mirra Andreeva beats Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska to become the youngest woman to win the French Open since Monica Seles 34 years ago.

Mirra Andreeva lived up to the hype and came of age by sealing her maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open at the age of 19.

Eighth seed Andreeva ended the run of 114th-ranked Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska with a 6-3 6-2 victory at Roland-Garros.

The Russian became the youngest player to win the women’s singles title since Monica Seles, who was 18 when she landed her third straight French Open in 1992.

Chwalinska was attempting to become the first qualifier to capture the title in Paris.

Russia’s Andreeva, who lives and trains in France, may not have had the majority of the crowd behind her – perhaps in part because of the political landscape and perhaps because of her opponent’s underdog status – but there is no doubt she is a phenomenal talent and a worthy Grand Slam champion.

When a final winner landed in the corner, Andreeva, who is also the first Russian female grand slam singles champion since Maria Sharapova here in 2014, dropped to her knees in celebration.

‘You’re a very tricky opponent. Wouldn’t want to play you one more time. No, it’s okay. I hope we play ?many more finals in the future,’ Andreeva said during the trophy ceremony.