Category: Daily Guide Network

Hundreds of supporters of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) yesterday marched to the Jubilee House and, after a brief standoff over protocol, presented a petition to President John Dramani Mahama under protest, accusing the government of undermining democracy, abusing state power and selectively administering justice.

The protest, dubbed ‘Democracy Under Attack’, saw party supporters dressed in red and black march through the principal streets of Accra, chanting party songs and carrying placards with messages, including ‘Two judges, two sets of laws in Ghana’, ‘Stop the abuse of power’, ‘Courts are for justice, not political revenge’, and ‘Stop criminalising free speech.’

The presentation of the petition was briefly delayed after NPP leaders objected to the government’s decision to assign a Presidential Staffer, Nana Yaa Jantuah, to receive it on behalf of President Mahama.

The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, insisted that a petition presented by senior officials of the largest opposition party, including himself and the party’s General Secretary, deserved to be received by a senior government official.

Describing the arrangement as disrespectful, Mr. Afenyo-Markin initially declined to present the petition but later agreed in the interest of democracy. He subsequently designated the party’s Deputy National Youth Organiser, Sandra Sarkodie-Addo, to hand over the document to Nana Yaa Jantuah.

Presenting the petition, Mr. Afenyo-Markin cautioned the government against using state institutions to persecute political opponents, stressing that political power is temporary.

‘We are saying democracy is under attack, and let us all take steps as players in the governance structure to correct it and make Ghana a better place,’ he stated.

He added that assigning only Nana Yaa Jantuah to receive the petition amounted to disrespect for the NPP.

‘Without prejudice to your person, to nominate only you to come amounts to disrespecting us as a political party,’ he remarked.

The protest march drew several prominent figures within the NPP, including the General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong; the Deputy General Secretary, Haruna Mohammed; former National Chairman, Freddie Blay; National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye; former Works and Housing Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah; former Deputy Finance Minister, Abena Osei Asare; former Abuakwa South MP, Samuel Atta Akyea; former National Lottery Authority Chief Executive and MP for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku; former Deputy Health Minister, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye; and Weija-Gbawe MP and Minority Whip Jerry Ahmed Shaib.

Before arriving at the Jubilee House, the demonstrators had presented separate petitions to the Supreme Court and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), raising concerns over what they described as growing threats to judicial independence and the rule of law.

Responding on behalf of the Presidency, Nana Yaa Jantuah explained that senior government officials were unavailable because they were participating in activities marking the first anniversary of the military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of several government officials and security personnel. She also urged all political actors to operate within the country’s laws.

Addressing supporters after the petition was presented, Mr. Afenyo-Markin accused the Mahama administration of abandoning major campaign promises, including the proposed 24-Hour Economy, job creation initiatives and the ‘Nkoko Nkitinkiti’ programme.

Instead, he alleged, the government had shifted its focus to pursuing members of the opposition through weaponisation of state institutions.

He cited the imprisonment of the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, as an example of what he described as political persecution and questioned the circumstances surrounding the case.

The Minority Leader further accused EOCO of imposing excessive bail conditions on opposition figures by demanding properties worth millions of cedis before granting bail.

In the petition, the NPP demanded that the Attorney General publish a comprehensive account of all criminal cases involving persons affiliated with the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) that had been discontinued, withdrawn or otherwise terminated since January 2025, together with the reasons for those decisions.

According to the party, such disclosure is necessary to promote transparency, accountability and fairness in the administration of justice.

‘Without a doubt, our democracy is under siege. The 1992 Constitution, for which so many sacrificed, is being hollowed out before our very eyes, and all well-meaning Ghanaians, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnicity or creed, must rise to defend it,’ Mr. Afenyo-Markin declared.

He thanked party supporters for their massive turnout and conveyed appreciation from the NPP’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and the National Council, saying the demonstration had shown that the party remained united and capable of mobilising despite being in opposition.

He urged members to remain united and work towards recapturing political power in the 2028 general election.

Actor and New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporter, Prince David Osei, has thrown his support behind the party’s ‘Democracy Under Attack’ demonstration, saying the voices of Ghanaians cannot be silenced.

Ahead of the protest, which was held on Wednesday, August 6, Prince David Osei took to social media to call for what he described as true democracy, urging citizens to stand up for their constitutional rights.

‘Our voices will never be silenced. We are not afraid. True democracy is what we seek as a nation – enough of the intimidation and arrests of citizens for exercising their constitutional rights. Ghana, wake up! Stand up for justice, freedom and the principles that unite us,’ he wrote.

The demonstration attracted scores of NPP supporters, sympathisers and party executives from across the country, who marched through the principal streets of Accra from the vicinity of the Supreme Court to the Jubilee House.

Protesters carried placards bearing inscriptions such as ‘Democracy Is Not a Crime,’ ‘Free Our TikTokers,’ and ‘Hostel Fees Are Too Much,’ as they expressed concerns over what they described as undemocratic practices by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.

According to the NPP, the demonstration was organised to defend the rule of law, constitutional governance and democratic accountability. The party said the protest was also intended to highlight what it considers growing threats to Ghana’s democratic principles under the current administration.

The NPP further stated that the demonstration forms part of its campaign against what it describes as political persecution, selective justice and the abuse of state institutions.

Among the issues raised by the party was the acquittal and discharge of former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) Chief Executive Officer, Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, which it said raised concerns about the consistency and impartiality of the justice system.

The party also protested what it described as the arbitrary arrest, detention and harassment of some of its members by state investigative and security agencies, arguing that the actions were politically motivated and intended to intimidate the opposition.

Nollywood actress Temitope Osoba has died after a battle with cancer.

The actress passed away on Tuesday evening, nearly two years after undergoing surgery for breast cancer.

Her death was announced on Wednesday by her close associate and fellow actor, Alesh Ola Sanni, in an emotional Instagram post.

‘Couldn’t sleep since last night. Rest well. Rest in peace, my dearest sister, Temitope Osoba. We had an amazing time and created wonderful memories together. Till we meet again. I really don’t know what to say. Gosh,’ he wrote.

Reports in the local media indicate that Osoba appealed for financial assistance in November 2024 to undergo a second surgery after her condition worsened.

Her death has sparked an outpouring of grief from colleagues, fans and members of the Nigerian film industry, who have paid tribute to her life and contributions to Nollywood.

Temitope Osoba was known for her roles in several Yoruba-language films and was widely admired for her resilience during her public battle with cancer.

EMY AFRICA, the pan-African platform celebrating leadership, achievement, and cultural impact, has staged two landmark events in London, reaffirming the city’s growing status as a global gateway connecting Africa with international investment, innovation, diplomacy, and its thriving diaspora.

On July 30, 2026, EMY Africa hosted the Africa Rising Symposium at the Terrace Pavilion, UK Parliament, Palace of Westminster, bringing together policymakers, academics, business leaders, and creatives to explore Africa’s cultural diplomacy, global partnerships, and diaspora engagement.

The symposium also marked the launch of the inaugural EMY Africa Magazine UK Special Issue, a curated publication spotlighting the Black British experience and its contribution to global culture, leadership, and progress.

This was followed on Sunday, August 2, 2026 by the EMY Africa Soirée London, a premium gathering for EMY Africa alumni, partners, and dignitaries at the London Hilton, Park Lane, uniting an influential cross-section of policymakers, business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, parliamentarians, creatives, and cultural figures from across Africa, the UK, and the global diaspora.

‘Africa’s future will increasingly be shaped through collaboration that extends beyond borders. London remains one of the world’s most important meeting points for African entrepreneurship, investment, diplomacy and innovation. Our vision is to ensure that the African diaspora is recognised not simply as a community abroad, but as a strategic partner in building Africa’s future. Through the Africa Rising Symposium and the EMY Africa London Soirée, we are creating spaces where meaningful partnerships are formed, ideas are exchanged and lasting impact begins,’ Daniel Kojo Soboh, Executive Director EMY Africa, commented.

Hosted at the historic Terrace Pavilion within the Palace of Westminster, the Africa Rising Symposium convened senior policymakers, academics, diplomats, entrepreneurs and cultural leaders to examine how Africa’s growing global influence can be accelerated through stronger UK-Africa partnerships, cultural diplomacy and diaspora engagement.

The inaugural UK Special Issue features distinguished personalities including Rudolph Walker CBE, Hugh Quarshie, Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP, Abena Oppong-Asare MP, David Gyasi and Lavinya Stennett, alongside an extraordinary collection of contributors reflecting on the enduring ties connecting Britain, Africa and the Caribbean.

Albert Chris Soboh, Editor-in-Chief of EMY Africa, said, ‘The Legacy We Carry is a tribute to every voice that has shaped our understanding of identity and belonging across Britain, Africa, and the Caribbean. To unveil this issue within the walls of the UK Parliament was a powerful reminder that our stories deserve to be told at the very centre of power and history.’

Building on the momentum of the symposium, the EMY Africa London Soirée welcomed an influential gathering of political leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, creatives, senior executives and members of the diplomatic community at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

Guests included distinguished figures such as Rudolph Walker CBE, David Gyasi, Vanessa Kingori OBE, Lady Anne Walsh, Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP, Florence Eshalomi MP, Abena Oppong-Asare MP, alongside senior investors, entrepreneurs, business executives and diplomatic representatives.

The soirée provided exceptional opportunities for international media coverage spanning business, politics, diplomacy, culture, diversity, entrepreneurship and UK-Africa relations while highlighting London’s growing influence as a gateway for African capital, innovation and diaspora-led enterprise.

The events reflected EMY Africa’s evolution into a global platform championing African excellence, leadership and opportunity while positioning the diaspora as a strategic driver of investment, innovation, cultural diplomacy and sustainable partnerships.

The ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) has set Saturday, December 19, 2026 as the date for its national congress, where the party will elect a new crop of national executives to steer its affairs as it prepares for the 2028 general election.

The announcement forms part of a comprehensive timetable released by the party’s Functional Executive Committee (FEC) following its meeting on August 4, 2026.

The roadmap outlines the schedule for constituency, regional and national executive elections, detailing every stage of the internal electoral process, including nominations, filing, vetting, appeals and elections.

According to the timetable, nominations for national executive positions will open on Tuesday, October 20 and close on Wednesday, October 21, with aspirants expected to complete their nomination forms within 14 days.

Filing of nominations will take place from November 7 to 9, after which candidates will undergo vetting on November 12 and 13.

Appeals arising from the vetting process will be heard between November 15 and 16, ahead of the National Congress on December 19.

The party has also scheduled its National Youth and Women’s Conference for December 12, a week before the National Congress, at a venue yet to be announced.

Before the national elections, the party said it will conduct constituency and regional executive elections as part of its nationwide reorganisation.

The constituency election process will begin with the opening of nominations from September 15 to 17, followed by the filing of nominations on September 23 and 24.

Vetting of aspirants will take place between September 25 and 27, while appeals will be heard from September 29 to October 1. Constituency executive elections are scheduled for October 24 and 25.

Regional executive elections will follow, with nominations opening on October 6 and 7. Filing of nominations has been slated for October 14 and 15, while vetting will be conducted from October 16 to 17.

Appeals are expected to be heard between October 19 and 20, with Regional Youth and Women’s Conferences scheduled for November 13, ahead of the regional executive elections on November 14 and 15, the roadmap indicated.

In a statement accompanying the release of the timetable, the party said the roadmap demonstrates its commitment to conducting transparent, credible and well-organised internal elections in accordance with the NDC Constitution and approved election guidelines.

The party called on all regional and constituency executives, aspirants and members to study the timetable carefully and strictly comply with the stipulated timelines, procedures and deadlines to ensure a smooth and orderly electoral process.

Signed by the Deputy General Secretary, Barbara Serwaa Asamoah, on behalf of the General Secretary, the statement expressed appreciation to members and stakeholders for their dedication and discipline, adding that the ongoing reorganisation would further strengthen the party as it seeks to secure victory in the 2028 general election.

Veteran Ghanaian filmmaker, Socrate Safo, has expressed regret over failing to preserve records of his film career, describing it as one of the biggest mistakes he has made in the industry.

The producer, who has made more than 100 films, said he often feels guilty knowing that important materials documenting his contributions to Ghana’s film industry have been lost.

According to him, he did not realise in the early stages of his career that keeping copies of his films, scripts, posters and production documents would one day become valuable historical records.

‘I blame myself. I haven’t projected myself and my work well. I blame ignorance because I didn’t receive that orientation from the beginning. I didn’t know to keep all these things for the future. I did not have the guidance to understand that films, scripts, posters and production documents would one day become important historical materials,’ he was quoted as saying by Adomonline.

Socrate Safo noted that although many people now know him more as a social commentator, his achievements as a filmmaker are often overlooked because much of his work was not properly documented or promoted.

He revealed that he later tried to retrieve copies of his productions after recognising the importance of preserving them, but by then many of the materials had already been lost.

He urged creatives to take archiving and documentation seriously to ensure that their works are preserved for future generations.

Ghanaian representatives Medeama SC and Nations FC have learned their opponents for the preliminary rounds of the 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions following Thursday’s draw at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.

Premier League champions Medeama have been handed a first-round tie against Congolese giants TP Mazembe in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

The Tarkwa-based side will host the first leg at the TnA Stadium before travelling to the Democratic Republic of Congo for the return fixture. Should Medeama overcome the five-time African champions, they will face either Tunisia’s Club Africain or Mali’s Djoliba AC in the second preliminary round.

In the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, MTN FA Cup winners Nations FC have been drawn against Mali’s FC Diarra.

The Kumasi-based club will travel to Mali for the first leg, scheduled for September 4-6, 2026, before hosting the return leg in Ghana between September 11 and 13.

Nations FC will take on the winner of the tie between Niger’s AS Zam and Togo’s ASKO de Kara in the second preliminary round, if they progress.

Nations FC secured their place in the CAF Confederation Cup after lifting the 2025/26 MTN FA Cup, earning a historic first qualification for African club football.

Real Madrid have signed Ivory Coast international Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig for a fee worth up to £120m (140m euros).

The 19-year-old winger has signed a seven-year contract and his price tag could surpass the £115m (133.9m euros) Real agreed to pay Borussia Dortmund for Jude Bellingham in June 2023.

Paris St-Germain had been frontrunners for the teenager but the Champions League winners pulled out of a potential move on Sunday after a £102.5m bid was rejected.

If Real end up paying the full £120m for Diomande he would become the fourth most expensive player in history, behind PSG’s Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, and Liverpool’s former Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.

Diomande is also the most expensive African player, surpassing the £72m Arsenal paid Lille for fellow Ivory Coast international Nicolas Pepe in 2019.

Diomande was previously a target for Liverpool, who had an initial bid of £69m rejected in June, as they search for a replacement for Mohamed Salah, who joined Turkish club Trabzonspor on Thursday.

Diomande is Real’s sixth summer signing under new head coach Jose Mourinho, joining Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella and Carlos Espi.

In a statement, the teenager thanked Leipzig fans for their ‘incredible support’, and said: ‘Who knows? Maybe we’ll meet again one day in the Champions League.’

But he said the move to Madrid ‘is a childhood dream come true’, adding: ‘I am all the more grateful to the management at RB Leipzig for making this move possible despite my current contract.’

He was named the Bundesliga’s Young Player of the Season for 2025-26, having scored 12 goals and registered eight assists in the competition.

He appeared in all four of Ivory Coast’s World Cup games as they were eliminated in the round of 32 by Norway.

Diomande moved from his native Ivory Coast to an academy in the United States before joining Spanish side Leganes in 2025 and then Leipzig later that year.

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) and the Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIB Ghana) have reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening collaboration, strengthening ethics and professionalism, and building a more resilient and trusted banking sector.

The commitment was made when the Governing Council of CIB Ghana paid a courtesy call on the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, on Friday, July 31, 2026, at Bank Square in Accra.

The visit also provided an opportunity to formally introduce the Institute’s new leadership and express appreciation to the Governor for his leadership of the banking industry and continued support for CIB Ghana.

Discussions centred on raising standards of ethics and professionalism, customer protection, cybersecurity, and fraud prevention. The meeting also explored digital assets, banking sector reforms, the future of technology, and the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing in shaping the future of banking.

Both institutions underscored the importance of closer collaboration in addressing emerging risks and strengthening the standards and human capital required to sustain confidence in the banking sector.

The Governing Council also briefed the Governor on key CIB Ghana initiatives, including the Branch CEO Programme, the Chartered Banker for Executive Leadership (CBEL) Programme, industry-wide ethics certification, anti-fraud campaigns, and research initiatives.

These programmes form part of the Institute’s commitment to developing competent, ethical, and future-ready professionals for Ghana’s financial services industry.

The incoming President of CIB Ghana, Dr. Ellen Ohene-Afoakwa, outlined her vision to strengthen ethics and professionalism, rebuild the Bankers’ House, and host a successful World Conference of Banking Institutes (WCBI). Ghana is scheduled to host the 2028 edition of the conference in Accra.

The event will provide an important platform for Ghana to showcase its banking sector, professional education ecosystem, contributions to global banking development, and how the future of banking is being redefined in Africa.

For his part, Dr. Asiama said that, just as professionals in the health sector are expected to uphold high standards, those working in the banking industry must demonstrate competence, professionalism, and ethical conduct.

He commended CIB Ghana for supporting the efforts of the Bank of Ghana, the Ghana Association of Banks (GAB), and other industry stakeholders in combating fraud and addressing emerging risks that threaten public trust in the financial system.

The Governor also outlined the Bank’s efforts to strengthen verification processes across the banking sector and ensure the successful implementation of community banking reforms.

Access Bank (Ghana) Plc has partnered with Points Africa, a mobile-first rewards platform, to enhance its Rewards by Access loyalty programme by expanding the network of locations where customers can earn and redeem loyalty points.

Through the partnership, Rewards by Access members will enjoy greater flexibility and more opportunities to redeem points across a growing network of participating merchants, including restaurants, retail outlets, wellness providers, entertainment venues, and other lifestyle destinations across Ghana.

The partnership forms part of Access Bank Ghana’s commitment to delivering innovative, customer-centric banking solutions that reward customers for their everyday transactions.

By leveraging Points Africa’s established merchant ecosystem, the Bank is enhancing the Rewards by Access experience and creating more meaningful ways for customers to benefit from their card usage.

With more than 65 participating locations currently available on the Points Africa platform, eligible Access Bank customers will continue to earn loyalty points automatically whenever they transact with their Access Bank cards and can seamlessly redeem those points across an expanded range of lifestyle and retail experiences.

Commenting on the partnership, Eugene Ocansey, Executive Director of Retail and SME Banking at Access Bank Ghana, said, ‘Rewards by Access was designed to deliver tangible value to our customers through their everyday banking activities.’

‘Our partnership with Points Africa allows us to extend that value by giving customers access to more relevant and rewarding experiences. It reflects our commitment to continuously innovating and collaborating with strategic partners to enhance the banking experience for our customers,’ he added.

Speaking on the collaboration, Adam Meghji, Chief Commercial Officer at Points Africa, said the partnership is designed to bring practical, everyday value to Rewards by Access members.

‘This partnership brings rewards closer to the everyday lives of Access Bank customers. By expanding where customers can redeem the points they earn from their regular card transactions, we are creating a more practical and engaging rewards experience that delivers real value,’ he stated.