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.

The Court of Appeal has partly granted multiple requests by former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau, Kwabena Adu-Boahene, and his wife, Angela Adjei-Boateng, for the disclosure of certain documents regarding bank statements of one of his companies and other issues relating to the purchase of a cyber defence system for the State.

Mr. Adu-Boahene and his wife, Angela Adjei-Boateng and two others, have been charged for allegedly stealing a total of GHS49.1 million from the State.

The Attorney General as part of disclosures provided portions of the bank statements of Advantage Solutions Limited, a company incorporated by the couple, leaving out other pages which the defence said is exculpatory to their case.

The accused has filed an application asking the trial court to order the prosecution to provide the missing pages, but the court, then presided over by Justice Eugene Nyante Nyadu dismissed the request, holding that the accused persons could produce those pages later as part of their witness statements.

The lawyers therefore appealed the decision, arguing that the trial judge erred in his decision especially when the accused persons had not been ordered to open their defence.

‘The upshot is that his Lordship in his prejudgment has effectively dismissed any potential submission of no case to answer,’ they argued.

They further argued that the ruling gave aid to the prosecution to conceal vital and relevant documents and information exculpatory of the accused persons.

The lawyers further contended that Adu-Boahene and wife could not obtain the missing pages of the Advantage Solutions Company Limited’s UMB Bank account, the accounts having been frozen by Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

A three member panel of the Court of Appeal, Justices Georgina Mensah-Datsa (presiding), George Buadi and Ayitey Armah-Tetteh directed the Attorney General to provide the couple with the missing pages (pages2-89) of the accounts statements of Advantage Solutions Limited.

‘It was the position of the court that despite the fact that Adu-Boahene and his wife have access to their bank statements, the prosecution has disclosed portions of the said statement hence it is their responsibility ‘to provide the missing pages to void the appearance of concealing some evidence connected to this case,’ the court said.

The court also agreed with lawyers for the accused that the trial judge misconceived his remit at the case management conference stage in a criminal case when he started the evaluation of evidence before the commencement of the trial itself.

Nations Security Records

Meanwhile, the court has partly granted the couple’s request for the disclosure of the National Security Coordinator’s accounts.

The couple had filed an application for further disclosures, asking the trial court to order the prosecution to disclose all National Security Coordinators’ special operational accounts, spanning 33 years and five Presidents – from 1992 to date.

The court, presided over by Justice Eugene Nyante Nyadu, in his ruling on July 3, 2025, dismissed the request for further disclosure, stating that the accused did not provide justification for the request.

But the Court of Appeal its judgment yesterday said the accused did not indicate the connection to the specific charges and that the request by the accused was too broad.

It however, limited the disclosures of National Security Coordinator’s account connected to Mr. Adu-Boahene and directed the Attorney General to disclose same to him.

The court also ordered the Attorney General to provide the accused with portions of the file put together by former National Security Coordinator, Joshua Kyeremeh relating to the acquisition of the cyber defence system connected with the case.

Again, the court ordered that the immediate exited National Security Coordinator makes full disclosure as to whether the sum of GH?49.1 million was meant for the importation of the cyber defence system alone.

‘The prosecution bears a duty not only to disclose material in its possession, but also those within the control of the investigative agencies or that could be obtained with reasonable diligence,’ the court held.

The court, however, refused the accused person’s request for a stay of the trial pending the disclosure of the documents requested, holding that the compliance with the order for disclosures can be done concurrently with the case continuing.

Former Member of Parliament (MP) and economist, Dr. Mark Assibey-Yeboah, has warned that growing public distrust in political leadership poses a serious threat to democratic governance and national development.

According to him, one of the greatest crises confronting modern democracies is not merely the absence of institutions or laws, but the erosion of public confidence in leadership itself.

Delivering the Osahen Excellence Public Lecture in Winneba under the theme, ‘Selfless Leadership and Public Service: Building Integrity, Trust and Accountability,’ Dr. Assibey-Yeboah said citizens across many societies were increasingly questioning whether public office still represented sacrifice and service.

‘Across many societies today, citizens increasingly question whether leadership still represents service, whether public office still reflects sacrifice, and whether those entrusted with authority genuinely place the public interest above personal ambition,’ he stated.

He stressed that the future stability of democracies would largely depend on whether leaders could regain the trust of citizens through honesty, transparency, competence, accountability and service.

The lecture, organised by the Effutu Traditional Council in collaboration with Christian and Muslim groups and other stakeholders, was held in honour of the Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

Dr. Assibey-Yeboah noted that many young people across Africa were becoming increasingly disillusioned with political leadership and public institutions, making conversations on integrity and accountability more critical than ever.

‘At a time when many young people across Africa are becoming increasingly disillusioned with political leadership and public institutions, conversations about integrity, accountability and selfless service have become more necessary,’ he said.

He argued that leadership should not be measured by status, privilege or visibility, but rather by responsibility, sacrifice and commitment to the public good.

‘Leadership is not about occupying office; it is about stewardship. It is about the ability to inspire confidence, unite people around a common purpose and remain accountable even when authority provides the opportunity to do otherwise,’ he stressed.

The former MP described public service as a ‘sacred responsibility’ that must never become an avenue for personal gain or political advantage.

According to him, once leadership becomes disconnected from service, trust begins to decline, institutions weaken and citizens lose confidence in governance.

He said integrity remained the moral foundation upon which leadership legitimacy was built, warning that societies where leaders fail to uphold integrity often experience cynicism, institutional decline and weakened national cohesion.

Dr. Assibey-Yeboah further underscored the importance of accountability, insisting that true leaders should not fear scrutiny.

‘Accountability is not an obstacle to leadership. Accountability is what gives leadership credibility,’ he noted.

He also urged political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, professionals and the youth to reflect on the type of society they were building and the values being passed on to future generations.

Touching on the role of Parliament in democratic governance, Dr. Assibey-Yeboah praised Mr. Afenyo-Markin for consistently advocating stronger institutions, parliamentary oversight and accountability in public administration.

He said the Effutu MP’s rise from humble beginnings in Winneba to national leadership demonstrated the importance of resilience, discipline and empathy in public service.

The former MP recounted how Mr. Afenyo-Markin supported his family by selling bread as a young boy before later pursuing education, law and politics.

According to him, leaders who understand hardship firsthand often develop a deeper appreciation for ordinary people and their struggles.

Dr. Assibey-Yeboah also highlighted the role of culture and tradition in national development, arguing that societies could not achieve sustainable progress if they lost their identity, communal values and historical consciousness.

He called for unity beyond political, ethnic and religious divisions, stressing that leadership must promote dialogue, peaceful coexistence and social harmony.

Addressing the youth directly, he urged them not to equate leadership with wealth, popularity or social influence.

‘True leadership is not measured by popularity. True leadership is measured by responsibility,’ he said.

He reminded leaders that political office was temporary but integrity and legacy endured long after power changes hands.

‘Leadership is temporary, but legacy is permanent,’ he declared.

Ten finalists of the maiden Miss College Ghana are poised for the grand finale as they await who will be announced as the winner of the pageant scheduled for June 13, 2026.

With all roads leading to the CCB Auditorium of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) campus in Kumasi, to witness who takes the ultimate prize, organisers have promise nothing short of good production.

The finalist include Betty, Agyebea, Gyamaa, Chiu, Awo, Yayra, Ellafrost, Mimi, Ohenewaa, and Amoba. CEO of P.Y Events Ghana, Twene Fosu Bernard, confirmed the winner walks away with a brand-new car from Zonda Tech Ghana, the crown, and sponsor souvenirs.

He added that the 1st and 2nd runners-up will also receive cash prizes and gifts from partners, adding, ‘This is more than a competition, it’s the beginning of a legacy.’

Mr. Fosu urged the public to vote massively and show up at the grand finale to cheer for their favorite contestant.

He also indicated that Miss College Ghana isn’t just handing out tiaras as the pageant is positioning itself as Ghana’s next pipeline for young women leaders in business, media, public service, and beyond.

He stated that the goal is to empower tertiary women across the country, give them a platform to discover their strengths, and watch them grow into recognisable faces over the next decade.

‘We are building more than a pageant, we are building a pipeline of leaders. Our goal is to see contestants become role models whose impact lasts long after the crown is passed,’ he said.

Contestants are being tested across 5 high-energy episodes including Cooking Competition, Cultural Night, Talent Show, Fashion Show, and Debate.