Category: Daily Guide Network

The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has opted out of the party’s upcoming national executive elections, fuelling speculation that he could be eyeing a bigger political role ahead of the 2028 general election.

Mr. Asiedu Nketia, popularly known as General Mosquito, did not pick nomination forms to seek another term as national chairman before nominations closed on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

The party’s Director of Elections and IT, Mahdi Gibril, confirmed that the incumbent chairman had not picked forms and had not communicated any intention to contest.

‘These are those I know that did not pick. In any case, they did not indicate to us that they will pick,’ Mr. Gibril said.

Although Mr. Asiedu Nketia has not formally declared an intention to contest the NDC presidential primary, his decision to stay out of the chairmanship race has intensified speculation about his political ambitions ahead of the next general election.

In August 2026, when asked whether he had ruled out contesting the 2028 presidential election, he emphatically responded, ‘No, No, No!’

His latest decision has therefore drawn attention to the possibility that he could be considering a bid for the party’s presidential nomination, although he has yet to make any formal announcement.

Mr. Asiedu Nketia has served as NDC National Chairman since December 2020, having previously held the position of General Secretary for several years.

Meanwhile, the party has announced that 137 prospective aspirants picked nomination forms to contest 14 positions in its 2026 national executive elections.

The elections form part of activities leading to the NDC’s 11th National Delegates Congress, at which the party will elect its national officers.

According to a statement issued by the Congress Elections Committee and signed by its spokesperson, Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, the picking of nomination forms closed at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21.

The prospective aspirants are expected to complete their nomination forms, pay the relevant filing fees and satisfy the endorsement requirements within 14 days, in accordance with the party’s 2026 guidelines for the conduct of the National Congress.

The filing of nominations is scheduled for November 7 to 9, 2026, at the party’s national headquarters in Adabraka, Accra.

Among the prominent figures associated with the contest for the national chairmanship is former Chairman, Dr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, whose supporters purchased nomination forms on his behalf.

Other names linked to the race include former Odododiodio Member of Parliament, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, former Local Government Minister, Akwasi Opong-Fosu and Ambassador Alhaji Said Sinare.

Mr. Opong-Fosu declared his intention to contest the chairmanship in August 2026.

Prof. Christopher Mensah, Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Ho Technical University (HTU), has cautioned that Ghana’s universities risk reproducing the same workplace abuses they should be helping students to challenge.

Delivering his Inaugural Lecture on the theme ‘Hidden Curriculum: Toxic Socialisation in Ghana’s Higher Education and Hospitality Sector,’ Prof. Mensah revealed that mistreatment and harassment remain widespread in both higher education and the hospitality industry, undermining academic progress, professional development, and psychological well-being.

Findings from his studies showed that 92.2 per cent of students at a Ghanaian technical university had experienced at least one form of mistreatment, with hospitality students reporting the highest levels, mainly from lecturers. Another study found that 93.5 per cent of students had suffered lecturer bullying. In Accra’s hotels, nearly half of employees surveyed admitted experiencing harassment, most commonly from guests.

With more than 65 peer-reviewed publications, Prof. Mensah has conducted research in tourism development, hospitality management, human resource management, destination marketing, sustainable tourism, academic integrity, service quality, employee well-being, and student development.

He stated that toxic socialisation manifests through behaviours such as humiliation, intimidation, discrimination, exclusion, bullying, and sexual harassment. He identified quid pro quo harassment and hostile-environment harassment as major forms, stressing that harassment is often used to assert power, reinforce gender stereotypes, and discourage women from pursuing certain academic programmes and careers.

Prof. Mensah warned that institutions often teach ‘silence, obedience, and endurance’ not through the curriculum but by what they allow. He therefore urged lecturers, administrators, hotels, the Ghana Tourism Authority, and students themselves to help dismantle toxic cultures by creating safer, more respectful environments.

‘Students and employees must be equipped with the confidence to challenge abuses of power rather than accept mistreatment as an unavoidable part of education or professional life,’ he declared.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ben Q. Honyenuga, who chaired the ceremony, commended Prof. Mensah for his dedication to scholarship and for advancing HTU’s reputation as a hub of academic excellence.

He urged faculty and students to draw inspiration from such milestones and to deepen their commitment to research, innovation and professional development.

The colourful ceremony featured the donning of the professorial gown by Prof. Mensah and the presentation of various gifts from stakeholders and family members in celebration of his achievement.

The event brought together management, faculty, staff and students of HTU, as well as family members and invited guests, including the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Member of Parliament for Ketu South Constituency, Abla Dzifa Gomashie.

Prof. Mensah’s call to action places responsibility on both institutions and individuals to ensure that Ghana’s universities and hospitality organisations nurture environments where students and employees can thrive without fear of humiliation, discrimination, or harassment.

The chiefs and people of Damang in the Western Region have publicly commended Damang Gold Company for the fast spate with which it is implementing local development initiatives.

The people claimed that they are excited about the fact that since the mine transitioned to indigenous ownership about six months ago, it has started fulfilling its major promises to the people.

They said apart from retaining the workers under the previous regime, the owner has employed a number of the qualified local youth.

This came to light at a durbar organised by the chiefs and people which was broadcast live on the ‘Ekosii Sen’ radio programme of Asempa FM.

Some assembly members, opinion leaders as well as traditional leaders took turns to commend the company and its hard working CEO, Ibrahim Mahama.

The Gyaasehene of Damang, Nana Kofi Nyam, mentioned the construction of the Damang-Subri road and the concrete highway linking Damang directly to Cape Coast.

He expressed excitement about the construction of a modern airstrip to handle direct flights between Damang and Accra.

Other opinion leaders also applauded the commitment to build modern health facilities and to upgrade some existing ones.

The youth also expressed excitement about the construction of new AstroTurf facilities to boost recreation and sports in the area.

During the open forum, some of the residents insisted that the company should continue to employ not only those with the requisite qualifications but also those who could be trained on the job.

Ghana’s U-15 boys’ team departed Accra on Wednesday for Azerbaijan to participate in the FIFA U-15 Boys World Cup and Festival.

The contingent, comprising players and technical staff, will represent the country at the international youth event, which brings together emerging talents from across the world for competitive matches and developmental activities.

The festival forms part of FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme, which seeks to provide young footballers with early international exposure and opportunities to develop their skills against their peers from different countries.

Ghana have been drawn in Group W alongside Uzbekistan, Myanmar, Guam, the Bahamas and Kazakhstan.

The team will begin their campaign against Uzbekistan on Saturday, October 24, before facing Myanmar and Guam in two matches on Sunday.

They will conclude the group stage with fixtures against the Bahamas and Kazakhstan on Monday, October 26, 2026.

The format requires Ghana to play five group-stage matches over three days, offering the young players valuable international experience as they seek to make a strong impression at the festival.

THE ASHANTI South Regional Police Command has forwarded a rape case involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Zakaria Abdulai, to the Attorney General’s Office for study and advice.

The case follows allegations by a 20-year-old Form Two student of the school that the headmaster forcibly had sexual intercourse with her at his official bungalow on the school’s campus on July 25, 2026.

The police, in a press release dated October 16, 2026, said the student, accompanied by her father, lodged a complaint with the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) in Obuasi on August 4, 2026.

According to the police statement, the complainant alleged that she had gone to a spot near the headmaster’s official residence, where students dried their clothes, to remove her dresses when the suspect allegedly asked her to enter his residence to undertake an errand for him.

The statement said the headmaster allegedly began caressing and fondling the student against her will after she entered the residence.

When she resisted his advances, he allegedly dragged her into his bedroom and forcibly had sexual intercourse with her.

The police further disclosed that the suspect allegedly gave the student GHS100 after the incident to keep her silent.

Investigations

The police said investigations had been completed, including medical examination, reconstruction of the scene, photographs and the collection of witness statements.

The case docket has since been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Office for legal advice and the necessary action.

The referral marks the next stage in the handling of the allegations, although the police have not announced any court proceedings in the case.

The Ashanti South Regional Police Command assured the public that it was committed to ensuring justice and maintaining peace and security within its jurisdiction.

The allegations against the headmaster have yet to be tested in court.

Family Health University (FHU) has sworn in a new seven-member Board of Trustees for its Endowment Fund, to help provide strategic leadership, mobilise resources and strengthen financial support for brilliant but needy students pursuing healthcare education.

The new Board is chaired by Dr. Nicholas Smart-Yeboah, with Dr. Koku Awoonor-Williams, Dr. James Duah, Mrs. Lawrencia Adams Simpson, Mr. Kwabena Osei-Boateng and Mrs. Reeta Auguste as members, and Mrs. Lily Konadu Ocran serving as Secretary.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of Family Health University, Professor Enyonam Yao Kwawukume, urged the new Trustees to demonstrate prudent stewardship, transparency and accountability in managing the Fund.

He emphasised the importance of expanding resource mobilisation efforts to ensure that more deserving students who face financial challenges can access and complete their healthcare education, while acknowledging the contributions of the previous Trustees. Prof. Kwawukume expressed confidence that the new Board would build on the foundation established to strengthen the Fund’s sustainability and impact.

The Chairman of the Board, Dr. Nicholas Smart-Yeboah, expressed appreciation to the university for the confidence reposed in the Trustees, and pledged the Board’s commitment to achieving the Fund’s objectives.

He stressed the importance of collaboration and constructive engagement among members, noting that their work would directly influence opportunities for financially disadvantaged students.

Council Chairman of FHU, Brigadier General Daniel Kwadjo Frimpong (Rtd.), also urged the Trustees to begin mobilising resources to support students from less privileged backgrounds, while commending the Board members for accepting the responsibility.

Launched on March 23, 2023, the FHU Endowment Fund seeks to provide sustainable financial assistance to students with academic potential who face financial difficulties.

The swearing-in marks a new chapter for the Fund as the university strengthens its commitment to expanding access to healthcare education and supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals in Ghana.

Comedian, Prince Kwame Amoabeng, popularly known as Jeneral Ntatia, says the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy remains the main reason for his loyalty to the party.

Speaking to Nikki Samonas, he said the policy enabled his youngest sibling to attend Labone Senior High School without paying tuition fees, easing the financial burden on him after the death of both parents.

Ntatia, who campaigned for the NPP during the 2020 general elections, said the experience shaped his political allegiance despite the criticism he received for publicly supporting the party.

‘Our last born went to Labone Senior High School for free. Had it not been for it, probably our last born may not have been able to go to school because it wasn’t easy,’ he said.

‘So I decided that for all children to go to school, then let me go for NPP and I’m stuck there,’ he said.

He explained that he had to provide for his younger siblings while still at university, adding that critics did not fully understand the circumstances behind his support for the policy.

‘People don’t understand; by then my parents were gone and Free SHS really helped,’ he said.

Ntatia also urged Ghanaians to vote for the NPP’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in the 2028 general election.

MobileMoney Fintech Limited (MMFL) and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand access to digital financial services for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Ghana, with a focus on women- and youth-led businesses.

The agreement forms part of the Joint SDG Fund programme on Leveraging Digital Ecosystems for Increased MSME Productivity, implemented by UNCDF, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), under the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of MobileMoney Fintech Limited, Shaibu Haruna, said the partnership sought to improve access to digital financial solutions, including savings and microloans, while equipping entrepreneurs with financial literacy and business management skills to support sustainable growth.

‘This is in line with deepening our role in enhancing micro-enterprises in Ghana, and this is something we are very passionate about at MobileMoney Fintech Limited. At the core of what we do is providing financial inclusion and deepening the financial health of individuals as well as communities,’ he said.

According to him, the intervention comes at a critical time for Ghana, following significant improvements in access to financial services.

‘The focus for us could not have come at a better time. Access to financial services has improved significantly in this country, and it is time for enterprises, especially micro-enterprises, to take it to the next level so that we can create big businesses for tomorrow that will create employment in our communities and in some of the underserved communities,’ he added.

The Chief Product and Services Officer of MobileMoney Fintech Limited, Sylvia Otuo-Acheampong, said the company had focused on making it easier for small businesses to access financial services beyond basic payments.

She acknowledged that many micro-traders were accustomed to cash and face-to-face transactions, making the transition to digital savings and loans challenging. She said the company had been working to simplify the process of adopting digital financial services.

Speaking on behalf of the UNDP Resident Representative in Ghana, Niloy Banerjee, the Head of Innovative Finance and Inclusive Growth, Dr. Allen Anie, said many MSMEs, particularly women- and youth-led businesses, continued to face barriers to affordable finance, savings and business management support.

He explained that the partnership brought together three interconnected areas of support: a policy framework through Ghana’s first National E-Commerce Strategy; a digital platform through the government-owned MSME Digital Gateway; and improved access to digital financial services for women- and youth-led businesses.

‘By connecting policy, digital access and finance, we are working towards an ecosystem where MSMEs can find information, reach markets, build their capabilities, and also access financial services through more connected and accessible systems,’ he said.

The Alamein Quadrilateral Consultative Summit

The Joint Alamein Declaration was issued following the quadrilateral summit held among Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Somalia in the New Alamein City on October 4, 2026.

The summit was attended by Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Eritrean President, Isaias Afwerki, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and Sudan’s Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

The declaration addressed issues relating to national sovereignty, the war in Sudan, Somalia’s unity, Red Sea security, the dispute over Nile waters, and the enhancement of economic cooperation and regional coordination.

Executive Summary of the Main Provisions of the Alamein Declaration:

The Alamein Declaration establishes a common political framework among the four countries around three interconnected issues: protecting national states from fragmentation and external interference, affirming the role of littoral states in managing Red Sea security, and coordinating positions on Nile waters.

National Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity: Emphasizing respect for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of regional states; rejecting interference in their internal affairs; supporting national institutions; and encouraging political and peaceful solutions to conflicts.

Sudan: Supporting Sudan’s unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national institutions; rejecting the establishment of parallel entities; encouraging the resumption of a political process under Sudanese ownership and leadership; and categorically rejecting any support for mercenaries.

Somalia: Affirming the unity and sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia; rejecting any interference that undermines its territorial integrity; rejecting recognition of, or support for, the entity known as ‘Somaliland’; and supporting efforts to combat terrorism and strengthen Somali state institutions.

4. The Red Sea and Maritime Corridors: Emphasising freedom of navigation and affirming that governance of the Red Sea is the exclusive responsibility of the states bordering it, while highlighting the importance of maritime security in the Gulf of Aden and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

5. Nile Waters and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD): Emphasising respect for international law governing transboundary rivers, the principle of no significant harm, prior notification, consultation, and consensus, while rejecting unilateral measures that harm the existing water uses of the downstream countries, Egypt and Sudan.

6. Cooperation and Follow-up Mechanisms: Strengthening political, commercial, economic, and cultural relations; developing regional connectivity in infrastructure, energy, and trade; and establishing a mechanism to follow up on the summit’s outcomes through regular meetings and additional meetings as needed.

The Full Alamein Declaration

The Joint Alamein Declaration, issued following the quadrilateral summit bringing together Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Somalia, represents an important milestone in regional coordination on the political and security challenges facing the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.

The declaration reaffirmed a set of fundamental principles, foremost among them respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity, rejection of interference in internal affairs, support for national institutions, and recourse to political and peaceful solutions in addressing conflicts.

The significance of the declaration lies in both its timing and its substance, as the region faces increasing interconnections between internal crises and regional competition over ports, maritime corridors, and strategic resources. In this context, the quadrilateral consensus reflects a shared recognition that regional stability requires respect for state sovereignty, stronger cooperation among neighboring countries, and avoidance of measures that could exacerbate conflicts or undermine mutual trust.

Sudan and the Unity of the State

The declaration is particularly significant for Sudan, as it reaffirms support for the country’s unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national institutions, rejects the establishment of parallel entities, and categorically rejects any support for mercenaries.

It also emphasises the need to resume a political process under Sudanese ownership and leadership, underscoring that resolving the Sudanese crisis should be based on respect for national will and the preservation of state institutions, while supporting political and peaceful efforts aimed at ending the conflict.

This common position represents a diplomatic asset for Sudan, strengthening prospects for broader regional understanding on the need to preserve the nation-state.

It also underscores that achieving sustainable peace is linked to ending external interference, cutting off support to armed insurgents, and supporting solutions that take into account the specific circumstances of the Sudanese situation.

Somalia and State Sovereignty

Regarding Somalia, the declaration reaffirmed support for the unity and sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia and rejected any recognition of or support for the entity known as ‘Somaliland’ that would undermine Somalia’s territorial integrity. It also called for support for counterterrorism efforts and the strengthening of Somali national institutions.

This position reflects the four countries’ commitment to the principle of territorial integrity and highlights the need to address issues related to ports and access to the sea through arrangements that respect state sovereignty and international law.

The Red Sea and Nile Waters

On maritime affairs, the declaration emphasised freedom of navigation and affirmed that governance of the Red Sea is the exclusive responsibility of the states bordering it.

This underscores the importance of strengthening consultations among these countries on maritime security and the protection of shared interests, while taking into account the international rules governing navigation and trade.

Regarding Nile waters, the leaders emphasised respect for international law governing Transboundary Rivers, the principle of no harm, prior notification, consultation, and consensus, while rejecting unilateral measures that harm the existing water uses of Egypt and Sudan. This highlights the importance of cooperation and mutual understanding in managing water resources, as fundamental pillars of water security and regional stability.

From Political Consensus to Joint Action

The true value of the Alamein Declaration lies not only in the positions it articulates but also in the ability to translate them into practical mechanisms for coordination and cooperation.

In this regard, the proposed establishment of a mechanism to follow up on the summit’s outcomes is particularly important, alongside efforts to strengthen cooperation in trade, energy, infrastructure, and regional connectivity.

Ultimately, the Alamein Declaration provides a political foundation for enhancing consultations among the four countries on issues of sovereignty, security, and development. It also creates opportunities for a more coordinated regional approach to shared challenges.

The success of this initiative, however, will depend on sustained dialogue, adherence to the declared principles, and the transformation of political consensus into practical initiatives that support regional stability and safeguard the interests of the region’s peoples.

Challenges Facing the Alamein Declaration

Despite the positive aspects highlighted in the declaration, the Alamein Summit faces several challenges. These include the difficulty of translating political consensus into concrete diplomatic action, continued regional competition and disagreements over ports, as well as divergent interests and the involvement of multiple regional and international actors.

Disagreements over the rules governing the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) also represent a challenge to achieving regional consensus. Another key concern is ensuring sustained follow-up and the implementation of the summit’s outcomes.

Accordingly, the summit’s strategic effectiveness will depend on the four countries’ ability to move beyond a declaration of principles toward specific action programmes, establish cooperation priorities, and strengthen regular consultations on regional crises. These efforts are essential to transforming political understandings into practical, implementable measures.

ored more important issues discussed during her interview.

The station’s X page published a news card with the headline, ‘I’m single. I’m currently searching for a boyfriend,’ prompting the singer to publicly challenge the editorial decision.

In a response on X, Gyakie expressed disappointment that the report focused on her relationship status rather than her latest music, upcoming extended play (EP) and concert.

‘We spoke about so many important things. I have a new song out, I have an EP coming soon and I have a concert coming up as well, yet this is what you decide to highlight?’ she wrote.

She added, ‘I am not looking for a boyfriend, please.’

Her reaction sparked discussions on social media, with several users accusing the media outlet of prioritising sensational headlines to attract engagement at the expense of more relevant aspects of the interview.

Others supported the singer, arguing that female musicians are often judged more by their romantic lives than their professional achievements.

Gyakie is currently promoting a new single and preparing to release an EP, alongside an upcoming concert. Her response highlighted her concern that these career developments were overlooked in favour of a headline about her love life.