Category: Daily Guide Network

I’m very pleased to be back in Ghana after nearly 20 years and honoured to return as the British High Commissioner. My previous posting here from 2006 to 2009 left me with fond memories. My children spent their early years in Accra; we celebrated Ghana’s 50th independence anniversary in 2007, cheered the Black Stars at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, and enjoyed more Waakye than we probably should have!

Back then, I saw energy and possibility everywhere, from young tech entrepreneurs in internet cafés to communities building schools and clinics, and excitement around the discovery of oil. On returning, the first thing that struck me was Accra’s transformed skyline, a clear sign of business confidence. I’m eager to explore the many other changes across the country.

What hasn’t changed is the generosity, optimism, and democratic spirit of Ghanaians. These qualities are the bedrock of progress and the reason I believe Ghana’s future is so promising. The UK wants to be a partner in that future. Our shared history includes difficult chapters, but from that past we’ve built a relationship rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision.

In London, I saw how the British Ghanaian diaspora acts as a vibrant bridge between our nations, driving trade, innovation, and cultural exchange. These connections are the foundation of a modern partnership, one that’s evolving to meet the challenges of a changing world.

UK’s partners with the Ministry of Education in childhood development

We’re moving from traditional aid to partnerships that foster shared prosperity. UK collaboration with Ghanaian institutions – like supporting tax reforms with the Ghana Revenue Authority, boosting industrial growth through growth partnerships, and fostering parliamentary partnerships and mutual learning – works because it’s Ghana-led, with UK expertise offered in a practical, respectful way. This modernised approach to development, from aid to investment, was showcased during the UK Minister for International Development’s visit to Ghana earlier this month.

UK’s partners with the Ministry of Education in childhood development

We’re supporting local private sector investment, linking Ghanaian and UK markets, creating jobs and bringing Ghanaian products to UK supermarket shelves. Strategic partnerships have attracted over £125 million in investment and created 5,000+ jobs across multiple sectors. UK-backed infrastructure projects-Kejetia Market, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, and airports in Tamale and Kumasi-are enhancing connectivity and public services. UK partnerships with the pharmaceutical sector have helped produce sera vaccines, essential COVID-19 medicines and other advanced products here in Ghana.

Trade remains central to our partnership. Bilateral trade reached £1.6 billion in early 2025, with room to grow especially in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, education, infrastructure, and clean energy. The UK-Ghana Trade Partnership Agreement provides duty-free, quota-free access for Ghanaian exports to the UK, supporting Ghana’s industrial transformation and export development goals. As host of the African Continental Free Trade Area, Ghana is a gateway to West Africa and beyond for UK businesses.

We continue to work together on shared challenges like countering terrorism, organised crime, disinformation, cyber threats, and keeping the peace. Ghana’s leadership in promoting regional stability is invaluable. I look forward to collaborating bilaterally and at the UN on global issues like international human rights, media freedom, and reforming international finance.

Dr. Christian Rogg with President John Mahama

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting President John Mahama. We discussed current global challenges, how our bilateral partnership has evolved but remains strong and deep, and will draw even closer on our shared growth and security priorities. Our partnership holds promise.

Ghana’s young population, growing economy, and democratic institutions offer a strong foundation for progress. The UK brings expertise, investment, and market access to help unlock Ghana’s potential while learning from Ghanaian resilience and innovation.

Returning to Ghana is more than a professional assignment; it’s a personal journey and a homecoming. I’m committed to listening, learning, and working closely with partners across government, civil society, and the private sector, in the spirit of mutual respect and genuine dialogue.

The Adinkra symbol, Ese ne Tekrema, representing the tongue and teeth, reminds us that true partnership involves not just agreement, but respectful conversation. Guided by this principle, I begin my posting to Ghana with renewed commitment to collaboration.

I’m honoured to serve once again and deeply grateful for the warmth and hospitality of the Ghanaian people. Let’s continue to grow together and strengthen the bonds of friendship and shared progress.

IT LOOKS likely the new Asantehemaa will be named in the coming days, possibly this week, close sources at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, the seat of the Asante Kingdom, have hinted the paper.

According to them, the palace has gone far, behind the scenes, with regards to the selection of a new queen, so they would not be surprised if the 15th Asantehemaa is announced to the public soon.

The sources, who demanded anonymity for obvious reasons, said the Manhyia Palace doesn’t want the Asantehemaa’s throne, which is highly regarded and respected in the Asante Kingdom, to be vacant for a long time.

In this regard, the sources claimed that the necessary consultations and discussions have been done in the last few days, therefore they are hopeful that Asanteman would get their 15th Queen in the earliest possible time.

Fake Asantehemaa Reports

Meanwhile, there were wild reports that the new Asantehemaa has been selected by the Manhyia Palace on Monday, September 29, 2025. This news, which sparked excitement, was later on found to be a hoax.

Checks by the paper at the palace, indicated that speculations on social media platforms, regarding the selection of the new Asantehemaa, were not true so the public should treat them with contempt.

‘There are laid down traditional structures in the selection of the Asantehemaa, which has been adhered to for close to four centuries, so don’t believe concocted reports on social media, regarding a new Asantehemaa.

‘The Asante King is the sole person who will announce the new Asantehemaa. Until Otumfuo speaks, treat all the wild rumours making rounds as palpable falsehood,’ a source at the Manhyia Palace told DAILY GUIDE.

Asantehemaa’s Role

The Asantehemaa, per the Asante traditions and customs, is regarded the mother of the Asante Kingdom. She owns all the markets in Kumasi, the capital of the ancient kingdom.

The occupant of the Asantehemaa’s stool, traditionally, is also the mother of the occupant of the Golden Stool, the Asantehene. She always offer advice and wise counsel to the King, behind the scenes, to make his reign successful.

Immediate-Past Asantehemaa

Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III, 98, the immediate-past Asantehemaa, was the 14th Asante Queen. She succeeded her late mother, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, who visited her ancestors in the latter parts of 2016.

Nana Konadu Yiadom III was on the sacred throne for eight years, during which time she made an indelible impression in the kingdom. She contributed immensely towards the improvement of healthcare and education.

The body of the 14th Asantehemaa was finally interred at the Royal Mausoleum in Breman near Kumasi on the night of Thursday, September 18, 2025, following four days funeral rites, known in the Asante tradition as ‘Dote Yie’.

The Committee for Professional Boxing in Ghana has rejected the Interim Management Committee (IMC) to replace the current Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) Executive Board in running professional boxing in Ghana.

The committee has also criticised the decision to suspend all boxing activities following the demise of professional boxer Ernest Akushey aka Bahubali.

The Ministry of Sports and Recreation dissolved the board of the GBA, replacing it with an Interim Management Committee (IMC) which is expected to be inaugurated in the coming days.

But the Committee for Professional Boxing has criticised the decision, noting thar the NSA has overstepped its boundaries with its decision to replace the current board with an interim management committee.

The Committee in a statement noted that ‘the NSA has no such mandate since the GBA is governed by a constitution and it is only the congress of the GBA that has the power to elect board members to supervise professional boxing in the country.’

It further argues that the decision of the NSA ‘is a complete overthrow of the GBA constitution and for that matter cannot be countenanced.’

On the suspension of all boxing activities, the Committee noted that all decisions to be taken concerning professional boxing in Ghana should be within the remits of the GBA constitution and not in the manner in which the NSA seeks to micromanage the GBA.

‘We therefore, find the purported suspension of boxing activities and the replacement of the GBA board highly irrational and unlawful,’ the statement added.

THE NATIONAL Sports Authority (NSA), in consultation with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, announced the immediate suspension of all boxing activities in Ghana after the tragic death of professional boxer Ernest ‘Bahubali’ Akushey last week.

The decision, officials say, is aimed at prioritising the safety, health, and welfare of athletes in the sport.

Akushey’s passing came just months after the death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, which had already triggered a ministerial review into safety standards in Ghanaian boxing.

According to the NSA, preparations had already been completed to roll out reforms recommended by the Ministerial Committee on Boxing.

The campaign against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, in the country has not abated.

It is perhaps the hottest subject in the country today, as politicians kick it to each other’s side of the public space like a soccer duel.

The worrying impression is that there is no political will to clamp down on it.

In the midst of the shouts at government to do something impactful against it, a correspondence was sighted yesterday – an invitation to a long list of civil society organisations (CSOs) to attend a government brokered engagement to discuss the subject further.

Dated September 13, 2025, the correspondence signed by the Secretary to the President said the meeting is scheduled to hold on Friday, October 3, 2025.

In terms of the stakeholder list, the organisers have done a very good job covering from the known to the little known organisations in the CSOs bracket.

We are constrained to question what exactly the invitees are expected to put on the table which are not known already.

For the CSOs which have been at the forefront of the campaign against galamsey since last year, we do not expect them to seek to re-invent the wheel. Those who have remained faithful to the subject, their position is that government declares a state of emergency to curb it.

In the run-up to the last elections, the CSOs supported by the opposition put forth a number of demands which they confidently said would stop illegal mining in the country.

At the time of the campaign, including sponsored demonstrations, it was alleged that the activities were intended to impact on the elections – it appears they did. The integrity of the CSOs was questioned at the time, some of them losing their neutrality tag.

When appointments were being dished out, many were they who made it to the list after the elections. Cynics have constantly called out to these identifiable individuals to explain their silence to no avail.

Whatever happened to the stance they held at the time that it is possible to stop galamsey within a fortnight? This stance was constantly displayed a few months to the last polls although some appointees have disputed it today unsurprisingly.

The fact is that stopping galamsey is not a walk in the park as political campaigners sought to present the subject to Ghanaians.

While we cannot write off the importance of the planned meeting with stakeholders, doubts linger however in our minds about how much it can lead to a resolution of the conundrum which is what the subject represents on our socio-political space today in the country.

Skeptics have already described the engagement as a talk-shop intended to present government as being serious about ending galamsey.

At this stage, it is our suggestion to government to apologise to Ghanaians for getting it all wrong when they mounted the rostrums in the run-up to the last elections to claim their predecessors could have stopped illegal mining by declaring a state of emergency in the galamsey endemic areas.

Be it as it may, we can only wish the participants fruitful deliberations which would put a stop to galamsey in the country.

A RECENT Corruption Watch investigation has revealed that several prominent institutions in Ghana, including the Ghana Police Service, Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Parliamentary Service, Judicial Service of Ghana, Attorney General’s Department, and Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), have accumulated hefty fines totaling approximately GHS5.6 million.

The fines were imposed due to these institutions’ failure to provide information requested by citizens under the Right to Information (RTI) law.

The investigation, which was conducted over a six-month period from February to July 2025, further revealed that the Ghana Police Service has paid a fine of GHS450, 357, while the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice still owes GHS30,000.

Other institutions that have violated the law include the Parliamentary Service, which paid GHS53,785; the Judicial Service of Ghana, with an outstanding fine of GHS100,000; the Attorney General’s Department, owing GHS50,000; and the Social Security and National Insurance Trust, which has settled a fine of GHS200,000.

The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) paid the largest fine, totaling GHS1.365 million. Other significant payments were made by the Ministry of Education (GHS260,000), the Lands Commission (GHS150,000), and the Ghana Audit Service (GHS60,000). The Public Procurement Authority (PPA) still owes a fine of GHS100,000.

The investigation further discovered that state institutions have been using taxpayers’ funds to pay for fines imposed on them by the RTI Commission (RTIC). These details are contained in Corruption Watch Ghana’s latest investigative report titled ‘Saga over RTI: Millions paid as penalty’, released on September 29, 2025.

Investigation has uncovered that some of Ghana’s key governance institutions are failing to comply with the Right to Information (RTI) law, denying citizens access to requested information. This non-compliance has resulted in fines imposed by the RTI Commission, totaling approximately GHS5.6 million across over 70 determinations involving at least 60 institutions.

The investigation further revealed that in terms of frequency, the Ministry of Education ranks highest with four penalties received, while the Ghana Police Service has received three penalties. Ten other institutions have suffered two penalties each. They include the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Judicial Service, the Lands Commission, the PPA, the Ministry of Energy, and the Urban Roads Department.

THE HUMAN Rights Situational Analysis Report of Persons with Albinism in Ghana has revealed that women with albinism often face challenges while accessing sexual and reproductive health services, as many healthcare professionals, especially nurses and midwives in rural areas, generally believe the myths and misconceptions about albinism.

These professionals, according to the report, are often overly aggressive during the process of seeking reproductive healthcare.

It further stated that women with albinism get ridiculed by nurses and midwives while in labour, often suggesting that they should be asexual or refrain from having children because of their condition.

‘I faced challenges on my visit to the clinic while pregnant because a nurse made a comment when the doctor asked me to do a stool test, and the nurse was wondering if I would be able to bring a stool for testing or if I would go and collect someone else’s stool because she had learned that persons with albinism could not pass stool on Fridays,’ one interlocutor shared in the report.

The report also indicated that persons with albinism face other healthcare challenges, notably, the risk of skin cancer, which is one of the most common causes of death, as well as significant challenges with eyesight, which may worsen as they age.

With inadequate licensed dermatologists, mostly stationed in teaching hospitals in Accra and Kumasi, rural and deprived communities across the country face extreme deprivation of dermatological services. There are fewer than 40 certified dermatologists in Ghana, serving a population of over 32 million people. The Eastern Region, with a population of nearly 3 million, has no dermatologist, highlighting the need for specialised care to combat skin diseases.

Presenting the report, Michael Gyan Nyarko, a Human Rights Consultant, stated that persons with albinism often do not receive adequate diagnosis early enough due to limited knowledge among healthcare professionals about albinism.

He highlighted that by the time persons with albinism are correctly diagnosed, often the disease would have been quite advanced. This typically necessitates treatments like surgeries, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy, which are not covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and are often entirely unaffordable for most persons with albinism.

The report recommended access to healthcare services which is sensitive to the needs of persons with albinism. This includes training for healthcare professionals on the specific health risks faced by persons with albinism, provision of affordable sunscreen and skin cancer screening and treatment, as well as ensuring that persons with albinism have access to visual aids and other assistive devices, which the NHIS should ideally cover.

It further advocated for frequent and regular access to dermatologists for skin cancer prevention, ophthalmologists for low vision consultations, and oncologists for skin cancer management, should be ensured in health facilities across Ghana.

Pioneer Network Ghana on Saturday, September 27, 2025, convened a Regional Missions and Church Planting Conference at Fire Trinity Ministry International, located at Atwima Aburaso in the Atwima Kwanwoma District of the Ashanti Region.

Themed ‘From Vision to Mission: Leading the Church into New Frontiers,’ the conference brought together pastors, missionaries, and church members from across the region to deliberate on practical approaches for advancing the gospel and sustaining church growth.

Speaking in an interview after the programme, Pastor Andrew F. Lendor, Regional Leader of the School of Ministry and Pioneer Network for West Africa, underscored the need for church leaders to translate spiritual vision into concrete mission strategies.

According to him, the central goal of the church must remain the fulfillment of the Great Commission. ‘The church was established for missions. Any church that fails to prioritise evangelism and discipleship has lost its divine purpose,’ Pastor Lendor stated. He pointed out that inadequate mission-focused leadership and scarce resources continue to hinder the spread of the gospel, urging congregations to refocus on their mandate.

The conference featured teachings on topics including The Call and Urgency of Missions, Planting and Multiplying Churches, and The Holy Spirit: Power for New Frontiers, with scriptural emphasis on Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8.

Pioneer Network, which originated in the United Kingdom, has since expanded into a global body of churches spanning Africa, Asia, Europe, the United States, and Australia. The network seeks to connect independent churches under one fellowship, offering mutual accountability and support to strengthen kingdom work.

Addressing the gathering, Apostle Dr. George Amoako Alhassan, President of Pioneer Network Ghana, expressed gratitude to participants and encouraged Christians to embrace evangelism as a lifestyle. Citing Proverbs 11:30, he reminded them that winning souls is a mark of wisdom, and urged believers to engage their communities through personal outreach and innovative ministry efforts.

Organisers described the event as timely, stressing that it aimed to equip churches with the tools and strategies necessary to reach new frontiers with the gospel while ensuring sustainable growth.

KUMASI, THE capital of Ashanti Region, was made lit as ‘Rapperholic Homecoming’ and MoMoFest organisers created a brand new experience for patrons who witnessed Sarkodie and other artistes perform last Saturday.

The Garden City was buzzing with excitement as fans gathered at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, dressed in Rapperholic gear, glowing wristbands, and MTN-branded face caps. They were eager to dance, shop, and be part of an unforgettable weekend of entertainment.

The event kicked off with rising stars Hindu and Kweku Bany, followed by crowd favourites like Efya, Kweku Smoke, Kweku Flick, and Oseikrom Sikani. Each act built anticipation for the main headline, Sarkodie, who took the stage amidst a blaze of lights and pyrotechnics, electrifying the stadium.

Shatta Wale surprised Sarkodie on stage, sending the crowd into frenzy. Their unexpected collaboration dominated social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and X, with clips spreading like wildfire.

The collaboration between Sarkodie and Shatta Wale was a highlight of the night, with their chemistry on stage electrifying the audience.

The Garden City was also transformed into a hive of activity on Saturday, as MoMoFest 2025 brought together business, technology, and entertainment at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

The festival opened with a Cashless Market and Fair featuring more than 50 vendors, including food sellers, clothing retailers, and artisans. All transactions were carried out through mobile money, giving many small traders their first taste of a fully digital marketplace.

Fans in large numbers, eager not only for the music but also for MoMo-linked giveaways, VIP packages for the Rapperholic Concert, and interactive games, gathered at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Controversial Kumawood actor, Oboy Siki. has stunned his fans with an interesting revelation about his past love life.

The outspoken actor disclosed that he dated the late legendary actress Araba Stamp for more than 15 years.

Speaking on the Rash Hour show with Rashad and King Asu B, Oboy Siki took listeners down memory lane, recounting his youthful escapades when he was popularly known as ‘Boys Boys.’

‘Did you hear about Araba Stamp? She was my girlfriend. It’s been a long time-I was very young then. My relationship with Araba Stamp lasted over 15 years,’ he boldly declared.

According to him, their romance began long before the actress was featured in the Ghanaian classic; ‘I Told You So.’ He added that she was just one of the many women he dated during his youthful days, stressing that Araba Stamp held a special place in his life.

The revelation has sparked conversations among movie lovers and fans of the late actress, who is remembered as one of the most iconic faces in Ghanaian cinema.

Veteran music producer and Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy, has revealed why he remains unmarried at 42.

Speaking on the Echo Podcast, the hitmaker admitted that his journey to the top of Nigeria’s entertainment industry came with sacrifices, one of which may have been marriage. ‘I never thought I’d be in my 40s and not married. Maybe that’s the one I lost along the way. If it comes, it comes. If it doesn’t, I’m totally fine,’ he said.

Don Jazzy, who played a role in the shaping of the careers of stars like Tiwa Savage, Rema, and Ayra Starr, explained that his life has always revolved around music, and even if he wasn’t a record label boss, he would still be deeply involved in the industry.

Despite the trade-offs, the Mavin Records founder made it clear he has no regrets, saying he feels deeply fulfilled with all he has achieved in the music scene.