Category: Daily Guide Network

The Office of the Attorney General (AG) has filed an appeal at the Supreme Court (SC) challenging the decision of the Court of Appeal to temporarily halt the trial of former Chief Executive Officer of National Food Buffer Stock Company Limited (NAFCO), Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, pending the determination of an appeal against the trial court refusing to strike out the charges.

The Notice of Appeal signed by Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, says the Office is challenging the entire decision of the Court of Appeal delivered on October 19, 2026.

It is asking the apex court to overturn the decision of the Court of Appeal and order the trial court to proceed with the trial.

‘Take notice that the Prosecution/Respondent/Respondent/Appellat, being dissatisfied with a ruling of the Court of Appeal (Coram: J. Noble- Nkrumah, l. O. Marfo, and G. Buadi, JJ.A.), Accra, dated October 19, 2026, granting an interlocutory application for stay of proceedings pending appeal, hereby appeals to the Supreme Court on the grounds set out below and for the reliefs stated hereunder,’ the notice partly read.

The Notice of Appeal contends that the Court of Appeal erred in holding that the mere challenge against a charge sheet constitutes an exceptional ground upon which to stay proceedings in a criminal trial.

It also contends that the ruling of the Court of Appeal cannot be supported having regard to the record.

The AG further pointed out that additional grounds for appeal may be filed upon receipt of the certified ruling of the Court of Appeal.

Trial

Mr. Aludiba is standing trial with his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, for allegedly stealing and causing financial loss to the state totalling GHS62.6 million.

The Court of Appeal, on October 19, temporarily halted the trial of the couple pending the determination of an interlocutory appeal against the charges that initiated the trial.

This was after a three-member panel of the court granted an application for stay of proceedings filed by Godfred Yeboah Dame, lead counsel for Mr. Aludiba, challenging the decision of the High Court to dismiss a challenge against the charges.

Mr. Dame had challenged the charges filed by the Office of the Attorney General, contending that they are vague, ambiguous, duplicitous and renders a fair trial impossible, as well as violate his fundamental human rights as an accused person under the constitution.

The court, on July 23, dismissed Mr. Aludiba’s request to strike out the charge sheet for being ‘fatally defective.’

According to the court, apart from count 9 and 14 which it has directed the prosecution to amend, all the other 18 counts on the charge sheet provide enough details to inform the accused of the charges levelled against them.

On the issue of the prosecution charging the accused with the offence of stealing and defrauding by false pretences in respect of the same transaction, Justice Achibonga said there was nothing legally wrong with preferring both offences in distinct counts.

The court, however, acknowledged that there cannot be a conviction for the offences of defrauding by false pretences and stealing if they arise from the same facts.

Interlocutory Appeal

Mr. Dame subsequently filed an interlocutory appeal challenging the High Court’s decision and followed it up with an application for stay of proceedings pending appeal.

That application was dismissed by the trial court, thereby opening the door for the defence lawyer to file a repeat application at the Court of Appeal. The Office of the Attorney General opposed the application.

Moving the motion before the Court of Appeal last Monday, Mr. Dame argued that the issues raised are fundamental and hinge on the accused’s right to a fair trial, such that allowing the trial to continue will occasion substantial miscarriage of justice.

He further contended that a charge sheet invokes the court’s jurisdiction and must be prepared in accordance with the law.

‘We contend further that any defect which inhibits an accused person from knowing the particulars of the offence with which the accused is charged, and withholds material information about the offence, does not invoke the jurisdiction of the court,’ Mr. Dame, a former Attorney General, argued.

Again, he argued that it is unfair for the accused to be subjected to a trial for stealing over payments spread across such a broad period.

‘The facts say 86 transactions. Even if the Court considered this, there are more fundamental issues. There are no specificities. It is unfair for an accused to be subjected to such a trial,’ he added.

The three-member panel, Justices Noble Nkrumah (Presiding), Lydia Osei Marfo, and George Boadi, in a ruling, said the charge sheet carries the superstructure of the trial and a challenge to that must be dealt with.

‘We find the matters raised by the applicant to be exceptional and to warrant the grant of a stay. The application is granted,’ the court held.

Jamaican-based Countrystyle Community Network, under its Villages as a Business Model, has launched its first pilot project in Africa, dubbed the Royal Community Tourism Development Program.

The program targets communities with tourism potential that can be harnessed into business ventures and investor destinations for diasporans in the Caribbean, Europe and the Americas.

Championed by the Network’s African Ambassador, Dr. Prince Tengol Klepmani, a delegation of two from Jamaica was brought to Ghana to undertake feasibility studies and engage with traditional leaders as well as community members of the first pilot area, which is Paga in the Kassena-Nankana West District of the Upper East Region.

A delegation from the Countrystyle Community Tourism Network from Jamaica, including its Chairman Roy Page and Senior Architect Jason Stone, together with the Chiefs and People of Paga and the Paga Youth Movement, launched the program on Tuesday, October 20, at Paga Town Park.

Key among the programs to be initiated include the establishment of identity centres that would serve as a place to showcase the communities’ identities, including the Royal Truth Museums.

Another key initiative will be the ‘Know Thyself’ initiative that will champion cultural and business exchanges between the diasporan community and the Paga Community.

As part of the Know Thyself Initiative, 100 Jamaicans are expected to visit the Paga Community next year to reconnect with their heritage and develop personal and business relationships.

The delegation, while in northern Ghana, paid homage to the Buipe Wura, Paramount Chief of the Buipe Traditional Area in the Gonja Kingdom, Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II, who also serves as the Vice President of the National House of Chiefs. As part of the visit, the team engaged the Upper East Regional Minister, Akamugri Donatus Atanga, who pledged government’s support for the initiative.

The Upper East Regional Office of the Ghana Tourism Authority, led by Mr. Joseph Appiagyei, was also visited. The delegation also visited the palace of the Bongo Naba, Naba Baba Salifu Atamale Lemyaarum, in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region, the palace of the Navro-Pio, Pe Aneakwoa Balinia Adda Asagpaare II, and the palace of host, Paga-Pio, Pe Charles Awiah Awampaga II, Paramount Chief of the Paga Traditional Area.

The Upper East Regional Office of the Ghana Tourism Authority, together with the Paga Youth Movement, led the delegation to visit tourist sites in the region, including the Pikworo Slave Camp, the two major crocodile ponds in Paga – The Chief Pond and the Zenga Pond, the Ghana-Burkina Faso border, and the Upper East Regional Museum.

STRATEGIC MARKETING and communications professional, Dennis Gawuga, has urged creatives in Kumasi to treat their craft as a business and position themselves to attract corporate support.

Speaking at the Kumasi Rising forum themed ‘Positioning The Creative Economy: Shaping Kumasi’s Future’ held at the KNUST Great Hall on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Mr. Gawuga said brands invest in creatives based on value and alignment, not just talent.

‘It is business. It’s not just about being a creative,’ he said. Responding to a question on when businesses decide to support a creative enterprise, Mr. Gawuga explained that companies look at numbers, brand fit and return on investment.

He cited Shatta Wale’s recent concert, which was supported by MTN MoMo, as an example of a brand leveraging a creative platform that aligns with its objectives. ‘What value does the artiste bring to the business? Does it align with the business’s brand? Does it align with their business objectives? Those are things they would look at, even if it is under Corporate Social Responsibility,’ he added.

Touching on branding, he praised rapper Sarkodie’s submission at the forum, describing it as ‘very loaded’ and called for authenticity and consistency among Ghanaian creatives. ‘Beyond the talent, you need to be authentic to yourself. Sarkodie mentioned that Nigerians love their own; they love what they have and stick to it consistently. That’s one of the facets of branding – being consistent and true to yourself,’ he said.

He also lauded the Rapperholic concept and the broader Kumasi Rising initiative, saying such events drive the creative ecosystem and stimulate the local economy. Mr. Gawuga proposed the need for a unified brand identity for Kumasi that captures its creative potential.

‘How do we situate all of that into a unified brand that says one thing about Kumasi? Just like Malaysia says ‘Truly Asia’, what is it that makes Kumasi unique? That’s where all the other facets come together into a unifying statement,’ he added.

First National Bank Ghana has reintroduced its pre-approved unsecured business loan facility to help eligible businesses access financing for working capital and expansion.

The initiative is targeted at Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), which continue to face challenges in accessing credit due to limited collateral and inadequate financial records.

Through the offering, qualifying businesses can access pre-approved unsecured loans and overdraft facilities based on their banking and financial performance.

Head of Commercial and Business Banking at First National Bank, Mark Achiampong, said the move reflects the bank’s commitment to making business financing more accessible, affordable and convenient.

‘We want to support entrepreneurs who are ready to grow, create jobs, and invest in their businesses. Maintaining accurate financial records and consistently banking revenue is more than an administrative responsibility. It is a powerful way for businesses to demonstrate their creditworthiness and unlock access to finance. Our ambition is to make access to credit faster, fairer, and more accessible for the businesses driving Ghana’s economy,’ he said.

Mr. Achiampong explained that under the pre-approved model, a business’s financial track record is used to assess eligibility.

‘With our pre-approved unsecured loan offering, a business’s financial track record does the work. Our assessment model evaluates transactional behaviour, financial performance, and overall credit risk profile to determine eligibility.

Businesses that maintain disciplined records, bank their revenue consistently, and manage their accounts well build a track record that works in their favour. In many ways, strong financial performance becomes a form of collateral, helping businesses access the funding they need to scale and succeed,’ he noted.

The bank says the facility forms part of its broader strategy to support SME growth with innovative financing solutions that help businesses unlock their full potential.

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has issued a warning to teachers applying for promotion to disregard the demand for GHS210 from individuals claiming to be facilitators of the applications.

In a notice posted on Facebook, the GES stressed that the teacher promotion process is fair, transparent and entirely free of charge.

The Service said it has received reports that some individuals are requesting for money from promotion applicants under the pretence of helping them secure approval.

The GES, therefore, urged applicants not to make payments to individuals who claim they can facilitate or influence the outcome of the process.

‘Applicants are, therefore, advised to ignore any demands and refrain from making payments to individuals who claim they can facilitate or influence the promotion process,’ the Service stated.

It further directed teachers to follow only the official procedures and guidelines communicated by the Service in pursuing their promotion applications.

The Service’s advisory is intended to protect applicants from potential financial exploitation and reinforce the integrity of the promotion process.

Teachers have been urged to remain vigilant and avoid unofficial payment arrangements since no fee is required for promotion application.

Ghana midfielder Jessica Appiah Asamoah was named Player of the Match following her outstanding performance in the Black Maidens’ thrilling 3-3 draw against Brazil at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The midfielder delivered an impressive display, using her vision, creativity and energy to trouble the Brazilian defence throughout the encounter.

Although Rafia Osman, Gloria Ameaa and Priscilla Mensah were on target for Ghana, Jessica played a crucial role in the team’s comeback, producing a moment of brilliance to secure a late equaliser.

With Ghana trailing 3-2 in the 85th minute and facing the prospect of a second consecutive defeat following their opening loss to Norway, Jessica collected the ball in midfield, beat two opponents and delivered a defence-splitting pass for Priscilla Mensah to score the equaliser.

The assist capped an influential performance in which she also contributed defensively and created several opportunities for her teammates.

Jessica finished the match with one assist, four chances created, seven duels won and three successful dribbles, recording the highest number of chances created by any player in the game.

The individual accolade provides a boost for the young midfielder as Ghana turn their attention to their final Group C fixture against Canada.

The Black Maidens must secure a victory to keep their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage alive.

Aston Villa maintained their perfect start to the Champions League campaign with a comfortable victory over Viking at Villa Park, recording their third consecutive win in the competition.

Unai Emery’s side followed their emphatic 6-0 victory over Fenerbahce with another impressive display against the Norwegian outfit, who had held Bayern Munich to a 3-3 draw in their previous match.

Villa dominated the early exchanges and took the lead in the 23rd minute when Ross Barkley converted Ibrahim Mbaye’s corner at the near post.

The hosts continued to control proceedings and doubled their advantage eight minutes before the break. Emiliano Buendia calmly converted from the penalty spot after Alysson was brought down by Zlatko Tripic, with VAR confirming the decision.

Viking showed greater attacking intent after the restart but struggled to contain Villa’s pressure.

The English side extended their lead in the 62nd minute when Alysson delivered a dangerous cross that Henrik Heggheim inadvertently turned into his own net.

Alejandro Garnacho, who joined Villa on loan from Chelsea, came off the bench and produced an energetic performance. The winger nearly added a fourth goal, but his effort was saved by Viking goalkeeper Arlid Ostbo.

Viking grabbed a late consolation with four minutes remaining when Peter Christiansen scored with an acrobatic finish. The goal was initially ruled out for offside before a VAR review overturned the decision.

However, the late strike did little to affect the outcome as Villa secured another three points, extending their winning run at home in European competition to 12 consecutive matches.

The victory further underlined Emery’s reputation as a seasoned European campaigner, with Villa continuing to impress in their Champions League campaign.

The Minority Women’s Caucus has demanded an independent inquiry into the handling of alleged sexual abuse involving students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), insisting that officials found to have failed the victims must be held accountable.

The Caucus is also demanding a thorough investigation into every allegation, protection and support for the affected students, and an explanation from the responsible ministers to Parliament on the actions taken by state authorities.

Addressing the media in Parliament yesterday, the Women’s Caucus, led by the Deputy Minority Leader and Member of Parliament (MP) for Asokwa, Patricia Appiagyei, said the authorities must account for when they first became aware of the allegations, the steps taken to address them, and why the students were left seeking help.

According to the Caucus, media reports indicate that at least 19 girls have alleged abuse involving the school’s headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai.

The Caucus acknowledged the headmaster’s interdiction and the Interior Minister’s announcement on October 20, 2026, that he had been arrested.

It, however, maintained that these developments did not resolve questions about the handling of the complaints.

The statement cited the police as saying that a complaint made on August 4 had been investigated and the docket forwarded to the Attorney-General.

However, the Minority Women’s Caucus questioned why the public explanation on October 20 referred to only one complaint despite reports involving at least 19 girls.

The Caucus called on the government to reach out actively and sensitively to other complainants, arguing that students who report alleged abuse should not have to navigate official procedures without assistance from the state.

It further demanded an independent inquiry into the handling of earlier complaints, including possible political interference, with the findings identifying officials responsible for any failures and recommending appropriate sanctions.

The statement also questioned the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s handling of the matter, recalling that the party’s Deputy General Secretary had defended the decision to allow Mr. Abdulai to contest the Juaben Constituency chairmanship on October 19, despite the allegations.

The party directed him to step aside the following day, a decision the Caucus described as necessary but insufficient to erase questions about its earlier response.

It called on the NDC leadership to explain why it had considered the official’s political ambitions while, in its view, failing to demonstrate comparable urgency over the allegations involving the students.

The Caucus also called for an independent investigation into any suggestion that political influence had delayed action or shielded the headmaster, insisting that anyone found to have suppressed complaints or obstructed an investigation must be held accountable.

On the welfare of the affected students, the Minority Women’s Caucus demanded immediate access to counselling, medical care and legal assistance. It also called for measures to protect them against intimidation and retaliation, and insisted that their identities remain confidential.

The Caucus wants the Ministers of Education, Gender, Children and Social Protection as well as the Interior to make a statement to Parliament setting out the chronology of events, the action taken by the authorities and measures being implemented to protect students.

It also proposed the establishment of confidential reporting channels in schools that operate outside the authority of any headteacher accused of abuse.

The Women’s Caucus stressed that the headmaster was entitled to a fair investigation and the presumption of innocence, while the students were equally entitled to protection and a proper investigation of their complaints.

The Caucus commended the students who spoke out, their families, and other stakeholders for demanding accountability.

It pledged to pursue parliamentary oversight and keep the matter before the public, insisting that anyone found to have abused a student, concealed a complaint or obstructed justice must face the consequences.

Meanwhile, the suspended Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Zakaria Abdulai, has broken his silence on the matter, disclosing that the police have cautioned him and granted him self-recognisance bail.

Mr. Abdulai said he was granted bail after a female student and her parents reported him to the police over an alleged rape incident.

Speaking in an interview with radio host Blakk Rasta, Mr. Abdulai said he had been cautioned by the police and was awaiting the next stage of the legal process.

‘I have been cautioned because one girl and her parents said I have raped her. So they reported, I was cautioned, and as a headmaster I was given self-recognisance bail. I’m waiting for court days,’ he stated.

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.