Category: Daily Guide Network

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has been given a one-match ban for ‘unsporting conduct’ by UEFA following his clash with Liverpool supporters at Anfield earlier this month.

After Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk scored a 92nd-minute winner in Atletico’s 3-2 defeat, Simeone reacted after he appeared to be goaded by a small number of home fans.

The Argentine complained to the fourth official with a number of stewards positioned between him and the Liverpool supporters.

Simeone had to be dragged away from the scene and continued his protests before he was sent off and walked down the tunnel.

His ban lasts for one competitive UEFA fixture, meaning he will miss his side’s home game against Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday (20:00 BST).

Speaking in the news conference after the Liverpool match, the 55-year-old said: ‘Firstly I regret the part I played. It’s clear we are in a position where we do not have the right to react and it is not good when we react.’

Simone said he ‘could not remember exactly’ what had been, but he took issue with the ‘insults throughout the whole game’ from the home supporters.

‘We [managers] are in a position where we are protagonists/standard bearers, so in the same manner that we fight against racism and insults in stadiums today, we could also fight on behalf of the managers, against the insults we receive throughout the whole game.

‘It’s not easy to be in the position we are in and receive insults for the whole game. I saw it from far away after the third goal. I saw the third goal go in and I turned, the insults continued, and well, I’m a person.’

Liverpool, meanwhile, have been fined 4,000 euros for the throwing of objects.

East Legon’s AandC Corner turned into a hub of music, laughter, and sizzling grills on Sunday as Guide Radio’s much-anticipated Beer and Grillz event delivered a night to remember.

What was billed as a casual weekend hangout quickly transformed into a full-blown festival of sound, flavour, and celebration.

From the moment the grills fired up, the air buzzed with excitement. Guests were treated to an irresistible blend of free-flowing beer and mouthwatering cuts of meat, which many enthusiastically grilled themselves as part of the interactive theme.

The do-it-yourself barbecue vibe, paired with endless drinks, set the stage for an atmosphere that felt like the ultimate backyard party, intimate yet electrifying.

The music, however, was the true showstopper. Rising twin sensations Lali and Lola lit up the stage with a high-energy set that had the crowd singing along and dancing without pause.

Just when the energy seemed at its peak, highlife star Molly raised it another notch with her powerhouse performance. Her hit Shake It to the Max brought the entire venue to its feet, creating a euphoric wave of movement and joy.

Adding to the spectacle was the strong presence of Guide Radio’s own community, including its popular salsa teams, who dazzled the audience with their polished moves and infectious energy.

By the end of the night, it was clear that Beer and Grillz had surpassed expectations. More than just a party, it became a celebration of music, food, and community that set a new benchmark for Sunday nightlife in Accra.

As the last song faded and the grills cooled, one question lingered in the minds of attendees: where will Guide Radio take the next Beer and Grillz?

The Black Princesses received a significant boost after their impressive 4-0 aggregate win over Tunisia in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier, thanks to a generous donation from Andre Ayew.

The victory, which saw the team win 2-0 in the return leg at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, sealed their progression to the third round of the qualifiers, where they will face South Africa in February 2026.

Before the match, Andre Ayew visited the team at their training grounds, urging them to make Ghana proud.

Ayew’s visit and words of encouragement clearly had an impact, as the Black Princesses dominated the match, with Mercy Attobrah opening the scoring in the 37th minute and Agnes Yeboah doubling the lead just after halftime.

The donation is a testament to his commitment to supporting Ghana’s female football talent.

The Black Princesses will now focus on their upcoming fixtures against South Africa, with their sights set on qualifying for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

As Botswana marks its 59th Independence Anniversary today, September 30, 2025, the nation is already awash in jubilation. The streets may be quiet, with Botswanans retreating to their villages to celebrate with kith and kin, but the air hums with pride and possibility.

This euphoria stems not only from the upcoming national milestone but also from a historic triumph that has reverberated across the continent. Botswana’s men’s 4x400m relay team (Lee Bhekempilo, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori, and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi) secured Africa’s first-ever gold medal in this event at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

This victory is no small feat. For decades, the United States, with its population of 350 million, has dominated the men’s 4x400m relay, clinching the last ten editions of the championship. Yet, from ‘small Botswana’ – a nation of just 2.4 million people – emerged a team of gallant runners who defied the odds. They outran not only the Americans but also formidable competitors like neighboring South Africa, with its 63 million citizens.

In a David-and-Goliath moment, these athletes proved that neither the size of one’s country nor the location of one’s address can stand in the way of greatness. Their triumph is a beacon of hope, a testament to African resilience, and a clarion call for unity across our diverse continent.

The Trans Africa Tourism and Unity Campaign, which I am honored to lead, arrived in Botswana on Saturday, September 28, 2025, as the 11th stop on our 163-day, 40,000-kilometer road journey across 39 African nations.

orsed by several African governments, our mission is to promote intra-African tourism, advocate for a visa-free policy for all African nationals, and foster a united Africa where borders do not divide but connect us.

From Togo to Namibia, we have witnessed the power of shared dreams and collective action, engaging government officials, diplomats, the media, and communities in a vision aligned with Agenda 2063.

In Botswana, we found a nation in celebration, not only of its sporting heroes but also of its enduring spirit. President Duma Boko, in a gesture of national pride, declared a paid day off to honor the relay team’s historic victory, setting the stage for the Independence Day festivities.

Despite the long holiday, with many Botswanans away in their villages, the Government of Botswana has exemplified Pan-African solidarity by arranging for the Minister for Presidential Affairs, Moeti Mohwasa – a very senior cabinet Minister – to receive our delegation. We are deeply grateful for this warm welcome and looked forward to a productive meeting to discuss how Botswana’s leadership in sustainable tourism and regional integration can amplify our campaign’s goals.

Botswana’s story-its rich cultural heritage, its stewardship of natural wonders like the Okavango Delta, and now its athletic prowess-mirrors the aspirations of our campaign. Just as the relay team showed that small nations can achieve monumental victories, we believe that a united Africa, free of visa barriers, can unlock boundless opportunities for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.

Botswana, with its forward-thinking governance and commitment to African unity, is poised to lead this charge.

As we celebrate Botswana’s independence and its recent triumphs, let us also celebrate the broader African spirit- one that dares to dream, competes without fear, and embraces unity as strength. The Trans Africa Tourism and Unity Campaign calls on all Africans to rally behind this vision. Let us make our continent a place where every citizen can travel freely, where every nation’s story is shared, and where every victory, like Botswana’s, belongs to us all.

Ghanaian DStv subscribers are set to enjoy greater value for their money from October 1, following a new agreement reached between the government and MultiChoice Africa.

Minister for Communications, Samuel Nartey George, announced the development at a press briefing in Accra yesterday, describing the arrangement as ‘an unprecedented value offer’ available only in Ghana.

He explained that the offer would give customers between 33 and 50 percent more value depending on the bouquet they subscribe to.

Under the new plan, subscribers will be automatically upgraded to higher packages at no additional cost, ensuring that they gain access to more channels and services while continuing to pay the same subscription rates.

Even premium customers, who already receive the full bouquet, will benefit through exclusive incentives, including automatic entry into a competition for an all-expenses-paid trip to watch English Premier League matches.

The Minister stressed that the arrangement means ‘more services for less’ and represents a significant concession from MultiChoice Africa after weeks of negotiations and regulatory scrutiny.

The government has framed the deal as a direct response to concerns expressed by subscribers about affordability and value, pointing out that the package is unique to Ghana and unmatched anywhere else on the continent.

The value upgrade will run for three months beginning October 1. During this period, the stakeholder committee, comprising the Ministry of Communications, the National Communications Authority, MultiChoice Africa, and MultiChoice Ghana, will monitor its implementation and reconvene to assess its impact.

According to George, the development highlights the power of collaboration between regulators and service providers to secure fairer, more beneficial terms for Ghanaian consumers.

Platinum Impex Limited, operating under the brand Sigma Appliances, has announced a strategic partnership with the Ghana TVET Service to launch ‘Sigma for TVET’, a long-term programme designed to bridge the country’s skills gap in modern electrical and domestic-appliance technologies.

The initiative will equip technicians with practical, industry-relevant skills and create direct pathways from training into internships and employment.

Built around three interlocking pillars – upgrading TVET infrastructure, strengthening instructor capacity, and facilitating employment pathways – the programme aims to deliver a sustained, systemic contribution to Ghana’s technical and vocational education sector.

Selected TVET institutions will be fitted with purpose-built Sigma Tech-Ready Labs, containing a full range of modern appliances, diagnostic equipment, and workshop resources to give learners hands-on experience with the systems they will encounter in the workplace.

Complementing the physical infrastructure, a rigorous Train-the-Trainer programme will upskill instructors in the latest technologies and competency-based approaches, ensuring the new facilities are used to their full potential.

A dedicated Sigma apprenticeship and job placement pathway will also offer high-performing graduates practical industry placements and clear recruitment opportunities within Sigma’s nationwide service and retail network.

The initiative is expected to raise the quality and employability of technical graduates, enhance after-sales and maintenance standards across the country, and contribute to Ghana’s broader economic development by fostering an adaptable, industry-ready workforce.

‘This initiative is not merely a corporate social responsibility project; it is a strategic investment in Ghana’s technical future,’ said Ahmad Taan, General Manager at Platinum Impex Limited.

‘Sigma has long been present in Ghanaian homes. Through this partnership with the Ghana TVET Service, we are committed to developing the skilled workforce that will install, maintain, and service the appliances of tomorrow, and to ensuring our support has a sustainable, system-wide impact,’ he added.

Director-General of the Ghana TVET Service, Eng. Dr. Eric Adzroe, welcomed the collaboration.

‘This partnership exemplifies how private-sector engagement can deliver tangible benefits for students and strengthen the national economy. It aligns with our mandate to provide demand-driven skills and to make TVET an attractive, viable career pathway for Ghanaian young people,’ he said.

Marie D. Sam, Marketing Manager at Platinum Impex Limited, added, ‘From January 2026, for every Sigma Appliance purchased, consumers will be contributing to the Sigma for TVET initiative.’

‘This programme is built on a model of sustainable shared commitment and collaboration, bringing together the private sector, government institutions, and consumers to ensure a lasting impact. By choosing a Sigma appliance, consumers are not only selecting a quality and affordable product but are also participating directly in building Ghana’s technical future,’ he stated.

Parliament will reconvene on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, to begin the Third Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament.

In an official notice issued yesterday, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, announced that the meeting will commence at 2:00 p.m. at Parliament House in Accra.

The upcoming meeting marks the end of a three-month recess, during which Members of Parliament (MPs) were expected to engage with their constituents and undertake committee assignments.

The House is set to return to a packed agenda that will include the consideration of new bills, outstanding government business, and reports from various committees.

Parliament is anticipated to serve once again as a key arena for government accountability and legislative oversight, with debates likely to be heated as both Majority and Minority MPs seek to advance their positions on matters of national importance.

RESIDENTS OF Afasiebon near Kwadaso Agric Nzema, a suburb of Kumasi, woke up to the weird news of a suspected ‘witch’ crash-landing on top of an avocado tree in the area.

According to some community members, they heard a loud bang in the area in the early hours of yesterday when residents of the community were asleep in their rooms.

Later on, they disclosed that they also heard dogs barking under a tree, sparking suspicion. When the residents got closer, they said they spotted a woman perching on the tree.

According to them, the woman was looking very weak, an indication that perhaps she may have fallen from the sky and accidentally landed on top of the tall avocado tree.

A sea of curious people in Afasiebon and nearby communities rushed to the scene to catch a glimpse of the woman, who was said to be looking confused.

Later on, a joint operation between the police and some community members helped to bring down the woman from the top of the tree, using a tall ladder.

According to reports, some of the agitated youth in the community attempted to manhandle her, but she was shielded by the policemen.

The woman, whose face was covered with a cloth to hide her identity, was whisked in a waiting police car to the station.

GHANA’S MOST Beautiful (GMB), the country’s premier tourism and cultural pageant reality show, is set to host its semi-final show, ‘Justify Your Inclusion,’ this Sunday.

The seven participants will each present their case for inclusion in the finale, showcasing their talents, charisma, and dedication to promoting Ghanaian culture.

The event promises to be an exciting display of Ghana’s rich heritage and the contestants’ passion for tourism and cultural development.

Currently, the seven contestants ready for the finale include Nana (Bono Region), Afedziwaa (Central Region), Asakia (Upper East Region), Yeli (Bono Region), Sika (Ashanti Region), Etornam (Volta Region) and Adjorkor (Greater Accra).

Last Sunday event, themed, ‘One Africa’ saw two of the contestants bow out from the competition, Busi from the Savannah Region and Diyuah representing the Oti Region. Etornam, Sika and Diyuah won the Star Performer, Most Eloquent and Best Costume respectively.

Among the seven, one of the most sought-after contestants in the competition whose jaw-dropping performances have sailed her through is Afedziwaa. Labelled as the ‘Viewer’s Favourite.’

Afedziwaa, representing the Central Region, has been making waves in Ghana’s Most Beautiful (GMB) 2025. She has on several occasions been saved from eviction. In one of her standout moments, Afedziwaa showcased the cultural significance of the Apatampa dance, a traditional Fante dance, and received accolades from judges and the audience alike.

Her educational performances have been a highlight of the competition, and she’s been praised for her eloquence, outfit, and embodiment of the performances.

Afedziwaa’s journey in GMB 2025 has been notable, and she’s been consistently waving her flag high for the Central Region. With her strong performances and cultural knowledge, she’s a contestant to watch out for in the competition.

A new poll conducted by Global Info Analytics has pegged former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and current Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu as favourites to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) into the 2028 general election.

According to the poll released yesterday, 57 percent of Ghanaians prefer former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to lead the NPP into the 2028 general election while Haruna Iddrisu narrowly leads with 27 percent of voter preference for the NDC.

Bawumia’s Popularity

The poll, via the organisation’s official social media platforms, confirms Dr. Bawumia as the most popular candidate among the general electorate, leading his closest contender, former Assin Central Member of Parliament (MP) Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, who garnered 29 percent support.

According to the data, Dr. Bawumia enjoys a commanding lead across various regions, underscoring his broad national appeal. However, the survey also notes a recent dip in his support among NPP delegates, raising questions about internal party dynamics ahead of the flagbearer selection.

Other notable contenders trail far behind. Former Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum secured 6 percent, Food and Agriculture Minister Dr. Bryan Acheampong polled 5 percent while former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyepong received 3 percent support.

In key swing regions like Greater Accra, Central, and Western, Dr. Bawumia remains dominant, with 57 percent of respondents backing him, Kennedy Agyapong follows with 32 percent, with both Dr. Adutwum and Dr. Bryan Acheampong garnering 4 percent each, while Kwabena Agyepong obtained 3 percent.

The poll further explored a hypothetical runoff between Bawumia and Agyapong. In this head-to-head scenario, Bawumia extended his lead, winning 62 percent of the projected vote compared to Agyapong’s 38 percent.

Despite some slippage in support among party delegates, Agyapong has yet to capitalise. The survey suggests that the Vice President’s losses have not translated into significant gains for his closest rival. Instead, a notable portion of delegates appear to be moving into the undecided category.

According to some analysts, the poll reflect both Bawumia’s enduring popularity among the general public and growing uncertainty within the party’s internal structures. Global Info Analytics highlighted this divergence as a key issue as the NPP prepares for its 2028 flagbearer race.

Among NPP delegates, Dr. Bawumia still holds a clear lead with 47 percent, while Agyapong trails at 17 percent with Dr. Acheampong and Dr. Adutwum each securing 3 percent and 1 percent respectively, while Kwabena Agyepong also polled 1 percent.

It however emerged from the poll that a significant 27 percent of delegates remain undecided, while 4 percent declined to state their preference, adding that in a possible runoff among delegates, Bawumia’s support ticks up slightly to 49 percent, compared to Agyapong’s 19 percent, as 27 percent remain undecided, and 5 percent chose not to reveal their vote.

NDC’s Close Contest

In the race to succeed President John Dramani Mahama as leader of the National Democratic Congress, Mr. Iddrisu is followed closely by Asiedu Nketia at 26 percent, Dr. Ato Forson with 22 percent, while Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, registers 11 percent.

The Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, polls at 8 percent, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings 4 percent, and other contenders share the remaining 3 percent.

The results reflect a surge for Mr. Asiedu Nketia compared to earlier April findings, while Mr. Haruna Iddrisu has managed to maintain his early advantage.

Among declared NDC voters, Mr. Iddrisu widens his lead slightly with 31 percent support, compared to Mr. Asiedu’s 24 percent and Dr. Ato Forson’s 22 percent. Messrs Julius Debrah, Ablakwa, and Dr. Zanetor all remain in single digits.

The poll also reveals how voting blocs break differently depending on party affiliation and past choices.

A majority of New Patriotic Party voters surveyed favour Asiedu Nketia (32 percent), with Haruna (22 percent) and Forson (20 percent) trailing.

Among those who voted for President John Mahama in the 2024 elections, Haruna Iddrisu draws 30 percent support, Dr. Ato Forson 24 percent, and Asiedu Nketia 22 percent. Ablakwa and Dr. Zanetor attract 8 percent and 3 percent respectively.

Among respondents who did not disclose their 2024 vote, Haruna maintains 30 percent backing, Forson 24 percent, and Asiedu 15 percent, while Debrah and Ablakwa poll 10 and 12 percent respectively.

Dr. Zanetor attracts 5 percent in this group. For those who did not vote in 2024, Asiedu leads with 23 percent, Haruna secures 19 percent, and Forson and Debrah both stand at 18 percent. Ablakwa draws 15 percent, while Dr. Zanetor garners 5 percent.

When narrowed to core NDC voters who backed Mahama in 2024, Haruna’s dominance is clearer – 31 percent to Forson’s 24 percent and Asiedu’s 22 percent.

However, among NDC voters who did not disclose their 2024 preference, Forson and Ablakwa perform better, drawing 18 and 13 percent respectively, compared to Haruna’s 24 percent and Asiedu’s 16 percent.

Among NDC voters who abstained in 2024, Haruna commands 28 percent, Asiedu 26 percent, while Debrah rises to 19 percent.

Beyond personalities, the poll also measured overall party attractiveness. It found that the NDC continues to gain ground nationally, with 44 percent of voters openly identifying with the party, which represents an increase from 42 percent in April 2025.

By contrast, the NPP’s support has slipped, now standing at 30 percent, down from 32 percent in April.

The survey covered 10,493 respondents across 84 constituencies through a combination of online, telephone, and in-person interviews conducted between May and June 2025. The overall margin of error is estimated at ±1.23 percent with a 99 percent confidence level.

Taken together, the findings suggest that while Haruna Iddrisu retains a narrow overall lead, Asiedu Nketia’s recent surge and Ato Forson’s steady showing among Mahama loyalists make the NDC’s succession race far from settled.