Category: Daily Guide Network

Former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Awentami Paul Afoko, has called on party members, executives, and patrons to look beyond old divisions and focus on building a political culture that delivers tangible progress.

Speaking in separate meetings with Council of Elders, regional executives, and patrons of the NPP in the Western North, Ahafo, Bono and Bono East regions as part of his consultative engagements nationwide, Mr. Afoko stressed that the party should not be held back by some persons fixated on settling old scores rather than solving current problems.

‘We must build bridges to the future, not the past. If we keep looking backwards, we will miss the opportunities in front of us. The youth in this party and a great number of us, don’t want stories about who offended whom in the past or during 2024. They want the party they believed in back to power. Focus on unity and grassroots organising,’ Mr. Afoko told the gathering.

The consultative engagement centered on strengthening grassroots structures and encouraging participation from younger members.

Mr. Afoko asked members to avoid language and tactics that reopen past conflicts which would not be in the best interest of the NPP as he preached his 3R agenda, focused on Reuniting, Rebuilding, and Recapturing power for the party in 2028.

‘For years I chose to work quietly behind the scenes, supporting the NPP in private but recent developments have compelled me to step forward. We need to get our party back into winning ways, and that starts with unity of purpose,’ Mr. Afoko reiterated.

He framed the upcoming period as a test of whether NPP politics would mature or remain stuck in cycles of blame, but was optimistic that everyone who loves the party would come on board to realise the goal of making Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia the next President of Ghana.

‘The future will not wait for us to finish fighting the past. Let’s build the bridges now,’ he said.

The Western North tour forms part of Mr. Afoko’s wider outreach, aimed at reconnecting with the base and repositioning the party’s message around development and inclusion ahead of the next election cycle.

At long last a watered-down LGBTQI+ Bill has been passed by Parliament and the disappointment among Ghanaians is palpable.

It was a calm before the storm; the President kept the country in suspense as they undertook the engineering of the legislation so they would not offend the sensibilities of the gay community. Perhaps they have succeeded in addressing the international fraternity of gays, not so however the majority of Ghanaians who hold their family and traditional values dear.

When a bill about which so much cacophonous engagements between the Majority and the Minority under the current political dispensation and the one before it were made, this is not the outcome which should be presented to Ghanaians.

The impression we are getting and rightly so is that what was being dangled before former President Akufo-Addo was not good enough, yet those championing that cause insisted so be it.

We think that a hole was deliberately created for the former President to fall in, hence the insistence that the legislation be signed into law under his tenure. For good reasons he did not. It was the hottest campaign issue following in the heels of galamsey.

In both regards, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government has failed Ghanaians, hence the label of ‘deceptive gang’ festooned around their necks. This too has joined others like the 24-Hour Economy in the litany of scams presented to Ghanaians.

What informed the amendment to the 32 points in the bill which, as it were, represent the biting teeth of the legislation?

Now we understand why the biting aspects of the bill had to be expunged in the backyard. Satisfying the interests of the international gay community whose control of the purse from which foreign donations are made has been largely met. Shouldn’t we clap for them? Yes, we should, for mastering the art of political chicanery.

The basic rights of gays have never been so protected, and we think that parents should be mindful about the orientation that their children will be subjected to.

It is reprehensible that the advocacy of LGBTQI ideals is being promoted with a heavy dose of finesse by the passage of the bill in its doctored form.

Having discussed the contents of the previous bill, with its full complements so it can protect family and social values, behind the scenes the NDC was busy doctoring it for today; that is the level of chicanery we were subjected to.

An earlier attempt at smuggling this promotion into the school curriculum refers. It was dealt a death blow by the public and they chickened out. This and the current state in which we are with the subject under review is a clear indication that the President and his team had no intention of addressing this subject. The Rubicon has been crossed.

The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has announced the passing away of Hajia Kubura Salifu, a 52-year-old Ghanaian pilgrim, who died in Mina following an acute illness.

Her sudden death occurred following the completion of the Hajj rituals.

Her family has been duly informed, and the burial conducted in accordance with Islamic principles regarding deceased pilgrims.

This sad event brings the total number of deceased Ghanaian pilgrims during this year’s Hajj to three (3).

A pilgrim who dies in Mina after Arafat receives immense spiritual blessings.

They are granted the continuous reward of Hajj until the Day of Judgment when all the deceased will be resurrected.

The Ghana Leather and Footwear Manufacturers Association (GLFMA) has appealed to government to urgently protect the local footwear industry from the influx of cheap imported shoes from China.

According to the Association, the increasing dominance of foreign footwear on the Ghanaian market is collapsing local businesses, destroying jobs and threatening the survival of the country’s leather industry.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, May 26, President of GLFMA, Gilbert Akwasi Ntim, described the situation as ‘economic sabotage,’ insisting that local manufacturers were being treated unfairly compared to importers of foreign footwear.

He disclosed that data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) and UN Comtrade showed that over 70 percent of footwear sold in Ghana between 2024 and 2025 was imported from China, with imports valued at more than $40 million, while Ghana’s footwear exports remained below $1 million.

He noted that several local shoe producers and leather artisans in Kumasi, Accra and Takoradi had either shut down or scaled down operations due to the influx of cheap imported products.

Mr. Ntim lamented that local manufacturers are heavily burdened with taxes on raw materials imported for production.

According to him, although the import duty on some raw materials stands at 10 percent, additional charges under the ICUMS system, including VAT, NHIL and GETFund levies, push the total tax burden to about 36.1 percent before goods are cleared at the ports.

He further alleged that some importers deliberately misclassify finished Chinese shoes as rubber scrap or waste materials in order to evade the legally required 35 percent duty on finished footwear imports.

‘This is an inversion of justice. Honest local artisans pay huge taxes on raw materials while smugglers pay very little to import finished products,’ he stated.

The Association also raised concerns over the quality and safety of some imported shoes, claiming that certain products bypass safety checks by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) due to false declarations at the ports.

The GLFMA is therefore calling on the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Ghana EXIM Bank, Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Parliament’s Select Committee on Trade and the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) to intervene immediately.

Among the Association’s demands are increased tariffs on imported finished footwear from outside the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) zone, a zero percent duty on raw materials used by local manufacturers and access to low-interest loans for industrial machinery.

The Association also wants government to enforce a mandatory local procurement policy requiring the Ghana Armed Forces, Police Service, Immigration Service and public schools to procure footwear from certified local manufacturers.

Mr. Ntim further proposed the introduction of a nationwide ‘Buy Ghana Made Footwear’ campaign to promote locally produced shoes.

He warned that if urgent steps are not taken to save the industry, the Association may withdraw from government trade promotion activities, intensify media engagements and stage peaceful demonstrations to protect local jobs and businesses.

He stressed that Ghana’s footwear industry has the potential to create thousands of jobs and contribute significantly to national economic growth if given the needed support and protection.

The Central Regional branch of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), in collaboration with HolyFire Revival Ministries, is set to host a powerful gospel event dubbed ‘Let’s Praise the Lord’ on Sunday, June 21, 2026.

The event, which coincides with this year’s Father’s Day celebration, promises to be a spiritually uplifting gathering filled with praise, worship, and thanksgiving. It will take place at the premises of HolyFire Revival Ministries in Cape Coast, located adjacent to Matlat Hotel along the Accra-Takoradi Highway, starting at 10:00 a.m.

Organisers say the programme is designed not only to glorify God through music but also to honour fathers and father figures for their invaluable roles in families and society.

The collaboration between Central Region MUSIGA and the church reflects a shared commitment to promoting gospel music and strengthening community bonds through faith-based activities.

The event will feature electrifying performances from ACP Kofi Sarpong and a host of renowned gospel artistes, including Fresh Joy, Empress Christy, Bra Adjei, Adjoa Praiz, Lady Anointed, Mrs. Gifty Ehun Arthur, Uncle Ebo Woode and Theresa Eduafo.

Each act is expected to bring a unique blend of contemporary and traditional gospel sounds to inspire and uplift attendees. Adding flair and excitement to the programme, the event will be hosted by the dynamic Auntie Nyaniba and Sammy Levelz, who will serve as the official Master of Ceremonies.

With a strong lineup and a meaningful theme tied to Father’s Day, ‘Let’s Praise the Lord’ is anticipated to draw a large audience from across the Central Region and beyond.

Gospel music lovers, church members, families, and the general public are all invited to be part of what promises to be a memorable day of worship and celebration. Organisers are encouraging patrons to come with hearts of gratitude and a readiness to experience a refreshing encounter through music and fellowship.

The Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Johnson Asiama, has stated that the country’s economic transformation will not happen by accident but will require disciplined policy choices, resilient institutions, and strong collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Speaking at the 10th Ghana CEO Summit and Expo in Accra on the theme, ‘Monetary Stability, Financial Sector Reform, and Industrial Growth: Driving Ghana’s Economic Transformation from Vision to Action,’ Dr. Asiama said the progress made so far demonstrates that economic transformation is achievable when institutions act decisively and policy coordination is strengthened.

‘The task before us is challenging, but it is achievable. The progress we have made demonstrates that when institutions act decisively, when policy coordination is strengthened, and when the public and private sectors work together, the vision of economic transformation can become a reality,’ he said.

According to the Governor, the debate is no longer about whether Ghana can recover economically but whether the country can turn that recovery into a foundation for sustained prosperity, industrial competitiveness and inclusive growth.

Dr. Asiama stressed that macroeconomic stability remains the foundation of sustainable economic growth, noting that low and predictable inflation, as well as exchange rate stability, are critical to business confidence and investment.

‘A stable macroeconomic environment provides the confidence that businesses need to invest, expand and create jobs. Without price stability, businesses cannot plan. Without exchange rate stability, investors hesitate. Without confidence in economic management, long-term capital retreats,’ he said.

He noted that the mandate of BoG extends beyond technical monetary management and is fundamentally linked to national development.

According to him, financial stability is not an abstract concept reserved for regulators, as weaknesses in the financial system directly affect businesses seeking credit, entrepreneurs pursuing expansion, households saving for the future and investors assessing risk.

Dr. Asiama explained that a stable financial system mobilises savings efficiently, allocates capital productively, absorbs shocks and supports economic expansion.

To strengthen the sector, he said the central bank has adopted a more proactive, forward-looking and risk-sensitive supervisory framework aimed at identifying vulnerabilities early and ensuring resilience in an increasingly complex financial environment.

Among the key strategies being pursued are proactive risk identification and mitigation, promoting innovation while maintaining resilience, strengthening governance and accountability, and building institutional capacity to address emerging risks.

‘Weak controls and poor risk culture can quickly evolve into systemic threats. We are therefore intensifying our supervisory focus on governance standards, board effectiveness and compliance culture across regulated institutions,’ Dr. Asiama added.

NEARLY TWO million school children in Ghana still lack access to basic water and toilet facilities, creating a severe barrier for adolescent girls trying to manage their periods with dignity.

While welcoming government’s Free Sanitary Pads Initiative which aims to reach schoolgirls all over Ghana, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) noted that addressing deep infrastructure gaps, tracking deficiencies, as well as promoting safe hygiene practices at various levels will be vital to sustaining national progress.

While a decade of policy gains has strengthened Ghana’s menstrual health framework, data highlights a stark divide between policy and daily reality for millions of girls: an estimated 1.9 million children lack water facilities in schools, and 1.8 million lack access to toilets, limiting a girl’s ability to safely manage her menstruation.

Over 31 percent of adolescent girls have never received any menstrual health education, contributing to persistent social stigma and school absenteeism. A lack of national tracking systems means vulnerable girls who are out of school are often left out of multi-sectoral planning.

Commemorating Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026 under the national theme ‘Together for a Period Friendly Ghana,’ UNICEF, in collaboration with development partners and civil society, proposes scaling up support and investments in three priority areas: continuing the expansion of gender-responsive, period-friendly water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in schools nationwide, as well as promoting safe hygiene practices at all levels to protect the quality of menstrual products post-production, and establishing robust data collection systems to better track, support, and deliver reproductive health services to vulnerable girls outside the classroom.

Menstrual health is a matter of fundamental human rights, dignity, and economic opportunity. UNICEF says it remains fully committed to supporting the Government of Ghana and partners to ensure no girl is left behind.

Heath Goldfields Limited has unveiled a $20 million five-year community development programme aimed at transforming education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic opportunities in communities within its operational area in the Western Region.

The initiative, launched in Prestea last Thursday under the theme, ‘A New Era of Growth, Opportunity and Hope: Our Commitment to Community Development,’ is expected to benefit residents of the Bogoso-Prestea mining enclave through a series of flagship projects and social interventions.

Speaking at the launch, the Managing Director of Heath Goldfields, Patrick Appiah Mensah, said the programme reflects the company’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of mining are translated into tangible improvements in the lives of host communities.

He said key projects earmarked under the five-year plan include the construction of a Nursing Training College in Prestea to expand healthcare education and create opportunities for young people seeking careers in the health sector.

According to him, the company will also establish a Technical and Vocational Training Centre at Beppoh to equip the youth with employable skills and promote entrepreneurship.

Other major projects include the construction of a modern Community Centre in Bogoso, a new clinic and Junior High School at Dumasi, a school block at Brakwaline and a Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound at Kumsono.

Mr. Appiah Mensah said the company was also partnering the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) to establish a campus in Prestea, while plans are underway to provide a JHS block and CHPS compound for Kwame Niapa, potable water and a CHPS compound for Akokobediabrow, and improve the road network at Mbease Nsuta.

He stressed that the true value of mining should not be measured solely by the volume of gold produced but by the positive impact on communities.

‘The true value of mining is reflected in the jobs created, businesses empowered, families supported and lives transformed,’ he stated.

The Managing Director called on the government to provide greater support for indigenous mining companies, arguing that local firms require the same level of backing often extended to foreign mining entities if they are to contribute meaningfully to national development.

He further advocated the visible reinvestment of a significant portion of mining royalties and taxes into mining communities, noting that many of the agitations recorded in such areas stem from perceptions of underdevelopment despite decades of resource extraction.

‘If we do not address this challenge intentionally, it risks evolving beyond a social concern into a national security issue,’ he cautioned.

Mr. Appiah Mensah also appealed to chiefs, youth and residents to protect mining assets and support the operations of the company, stressing that the success of the mine was directly linked to the success of the development programme.

Reflecting on the company’s journey, he noted that Heath Goldfields inherited a collapsed operation when it took over the Bogoso-Prestea Mine, but said significant progress had been made through the collective efforts of workers, traditional leaders, government and management.

In a speech read on his behalf, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, described the initiative as a demonstration of what can be achieved when mining companies embrace their responsibilities to host communities.

The Founder of Heath Goldfields Limited, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, said the programme was intended to change the development narrative of Prestea, lamenting that despite more than a century of mining activity, the town had little to show in terms of infrastructure and economic progress.

‘It has been over 120 years since mining started in Prestea, yet the roads are bad and the youth are suffering. Who does business for over 124 years and shows no prosperity?’ he asked.

Minerals Commission

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Emmanuel Anyimah, commended Heath Goldfields for revitalising the Bogoso-Prestea Mine and restoring confidence in Ghanaian participation in the mining industry.

‘The initiative by Heath Goldfields is a commendable demonstration of corporate responsibility and partnership with the people whose lands and resources support mining operations,’ he said.

Prestea Chief

The Chief of Prestea Himan, Nana Nteboa Prah, described the initiative by Heath Goldfields as a positive step towards improving development in mining host communities.

The Convention People’s Party (CPP) has expressed concern over the growing rejection of pesewa coins in commercial transactions, warning that the practice is contributing to ‘silent devaluation’ of the cedi and worsening inflationary pressures in the country.

In a press statement issued by its Finance Desk and signed by the Acting National First Vice Chairperson for Finance, Joyce Larbie, the party said the refusal by traders, trotro drivers and sections of the public to accept 5 pesewas, 10 pesewas and 20 pesewas coins was undermining confidence in the national currency.

According to the CPP, what many consider a minor market practice is in reality ‘a direct attack on the integrity of the cedi and a hidden driver of inflation that hurts the poorest Ghanaians most.’

The party argued that the rejection of small denominations forces prices upward through arbitrary rounding of prices and transport fares.

It cited examples where sachet water prices moved from 20 pesewas to 50 pesewas and are now edging toward 70 pesewas, while transport fares fixed at GHS4.25 are often charged at GHS4.50 because drivers refuse to return 20 pesewas change.

‘This is not driven by production or fuel costs, but by a market that no longer accepts the coins designed for fair pricing. The result is cost-push inflation created by our own hands,’ the statement said.

The CPP further contended that the practice was weakening the effectiveness of the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG’s) monetary policy measures aimed at stabilising inflation and supporting the cedi.

The party referenced the BoG’s May 2026 Monetary Policy Committee decision to maintain the policy rate at 14 percent and introduce a uniform 20 percent cash reserve ratio effective June 4, 2026.

According to the statement, those measures depend on the proper circulation of all currency denominations.

‘When traders and drivers reject pesewas, they shrink the effective money supply at the retail level and create inflation the MPC did not target. Monetary policy cannot transmit properly if the smallest units of our currency are abandoned,’ it stressed.

The CPP warned that treating the pesewa as worthless sends dangerous signals about the credibility of the cedi itself.

‘A currency is only as credible as its smallest unit. When the pesewa is treated as worthless, it signals instability in the cedi itself,’ the party stated.

It added that the trend weakens public confidence in the local currency, encourages rapid price adjustments in foreign exchange terms and deepens the cycle of depreciation and inflation.

The party also noted that low-income households bear the greatest burden from the rejection of pesewa coins because they rely heavily on public transport and small-unit purchases.

‘The inability to use 5p, 10p and 20p coins means they pay more for the same quantity of goods and the same journey. This is an invisible tax on the vulnerable,’ the statement added.

The CPP consequently called on the Bank of Ghana not to discontinue the printing and circulation of pesewa coins, insisting that the solution lies in enforcing their use rather than abandoning them.

It urged the Ministry of Finance and the Attorney General’s Department to reaffirm the legal tender status of all cedi and pesewa notes and coins under the Bank of Ghana Act and apply sanctions where necessary against those who systematically reject them.

The party also appealed to market associations, traders and transport unions, particularly the GPRTU, to direct members to accept all denominations and provide exact change to customers and commuters.

In addition, the CPP encouraged members of the public to insist on receiving change in all denominations and to report persistent rejection of coins to the Bank of Ghana’s consumer hotline.

‘Ghana cannot fight inflation while we discard the foundation of our currency. A nation that ignores its pesewas will soon find it cannot defend its cedis,’ the statement concluded.

Access Bank (Ghana) Plc, in partnership with Deloitte Ghana, has successfully hosted a Women Business Workshop designed to equip female entrepreneurs with practical financial knowledge and strategic insights needed to scale their businesses sustainably.

The workshop brought together a diverse group of women business owners who are clients of the bank, providing a dynamic platform for expert-led learning, peer exchange, and frank discussions on the challenges of growing a business in today’s competitive environment.

Bimpe Gisanrin, Head of Women Banking for Access Bank African Subsidiaries, used the occasion to reaffirm the bank’s commitment to supporting women-led enterprises beyond conventional banking products.

‘We recognise that women entrepreneurs are a powerful force in driving economic growth. However, access to capital alone is not enough. They need the right financial knowledge, structures, and confidence to make informed decisions that will move their businesses forward,’ she said.

Ms. Gisanrin noted that while financing remains a critical enabler, many women entrepreneurs are held back not by a lack of ambition but by gaps in financial literacy and strategic direction.

She explained that the workshop was conceived to bridge that gap by delivering actionable insights on financial planning, business structuring, and long-term growth strategies.

‘Our focus is to ensure that the women we support are not only able to start businesses but are positioned to scale and sustain them over time,’ she added.

She further described the initiative as a reflection of Access Bank’s deliberate, capacity-focused approach to women’s banking.

‘We are deliberate about creating platforms like this where women can engage experts, ask questions, and leave with actionable knowledge. It is about building capacity and strengthening resilience,’ she stated.

Facilitators from Deloitte led in-depth sessions on financial management, risk assessment, and strategic planning, equipping participants with frameworks to position their businesses for expansion and attract investment with greater confidence.

The workshop also provided an opportunity for participants to share their real-world experiences and business challenges, which fostered a spirit of collective problem-solving and peer accountability.

The initiative forms part of Access Bank’s broader long-term strategy to champion women’s entrepreneurship and accelerate the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises across the country.