Category: Daily Guide Network

Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah has been named as a member of Ghana’s newly inaugurated National Anti-Doping Board, reinforcing the country’s efforts to protect the integrity of sport.

Appiah, who currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, brings a wealth of experience from both his illustrious playing career and his continued involvement in football administration.

Widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most influential footballers, he captained the national team at their maiden FIFA World Cup appearance in Germany in 2006 and later led the Black Stars to a historic quarter-final finish at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Since hanging up his boots, Appiah has remained closely connected to the game, contributing to player welfare, team management and policy discussions within the national team setup.

His appointment is expected to strengthen athlete representation and provide practical insight into Ghana’s anti-doping framework.

The National Anti-Doping Board was officially sworn in at a ceremony in Accra and will be chaired by Prof. Francis Dodoo, former President of Ghana Athletics and the Ghana Olympic Committee.

He currently chairs the World Athletics Governance Commission and also serves as a Presidential Advisor on the National Anti-Corruption Programme.

Speaking at the event, Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, described the establishment of the Board as a major milestone in Ghana’s sporting history.

He warned that doping poses a serious threat to the credibility of sport and urged Board members to act independently while prioritising education, prevention, testing and enforcement.

The Board will provide leadership and oversight as Ghana works to safeguard athlete welfare and uphold sporting integrity nationwide.

Global sustainability is entering a decisive period. Energy systems are evolving, digital innovation is accelerating, and climate impacts are intensifying. Yet one system sits at the centre of all progress.

Food systems connect land, water, energy, finance, biodiversity, trade, and human health. When food systems are strong, they anchor national stability and drive economic growth.

When they falter, progress in every other sector slows. Nowhere is this system’s reality more evident than in Africa. The continent holds some of the world’s greatest agricultural potential and its youngest workforce. It also faces some of the most urgent climate and market pressures.

If Africa’s farmers prosper, the continent becomes a powerful driver of global resilience. If they do not, the world will struggle to meet its climate and development goals.

This is why the theme of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026, The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go, is so timely. Sustainability is no longer about managing single issues. It is about redesigning entire systems. It is about creating the conditions for innovation, investment, and human capability to work together.

For Africa, the opportunity is clear. We stand on the cusp of unlocking a quantum leap for the farmers who feed the continent.

A quantum leap for farmers is within reach

African agriculture is on the verge of a shift from incremental improvement to transformational change. This means fast, significant gains in productivity, resilience, and income stability, and it is becoming possible because digital tools and artificial intelligence are reaching rural areas in ways unimaginable a decade ago.

AI-enabled soil diagnostics, satellite-based pest alerts, and climate-informed advisory services can multiply the value of the knowledge farmers already possess. They convert uncertainty into insight and help farmers make more precise decisions about planting, water use, soil health, and market timing.

These technologies are emerging across the continent. They are practical. They are scalable. They are designed around African realities. The challenge is not in innovation but in aligning investment, infrastructure, and institutions, so these tools reach millions, not thousands.

Finance is the missing link

Africa has a vibrant innovation ecosystem. What it needs is a financing system that matches the scale of the opportunity. Today, only a small share of climate and development finance reaches small producers. Many investment structures remain fragmented or too risk-averse, leaving farmers without the capital required to adopt new tools, improve storage, or access better markets.

This is where system design matters. Finance must move from isolated project funding to investment architectures that connect climate action, regenerative agriculture, loss reduction, storage and logistics, digital integration, and market access. The goal is to strengthen entire value chains, not single interventions. A shift toward this systems approach is beginning.

A concrete example: RE-GAIN

AGRA and the Green Climate Fund have launched RE-GAIN, a next-generation model for food system resilience across seven countries. REGAIN brings together regenerative agriculture, climate-aligned storage and aggregation, digital integration, and farmer-centred market linkages under a unified investment structure designed for scale.

Rather than treating food production, storage, climate adaptation, and market access as separate challenges, RE-GAIN connects them. It supports countries in reducing food loss, improving logistics, strengthening environmental stewardship, and expanding opportunities for smallholder farmers.

It also demonstrates how climate finance can be structured to attract additional investment and accelerate national and regional progress. RE-GAIN is a blueprint for how Africa can build the systems needed for a quantum leap. It shows how innovation and finance can work together to deliver widespread and lasting value.

Systems thinking creates lasting solutions

Farmers experience sustainability as a combination of factors, not as isolated themes. For a smallholder family, that can mean moving from one uncertain harvest a year to two reliable ones, school fees paid on time, and a kitchen that does not run out of food before the next season begins.

They rely on timely climate information, reliable energy for storage or irrigation, functioning transport networks, and predictable markets. When any one link breaks, the entire system weakens. When these links are strengthened together, farmers thrive.

For Africa, adopting a systems approach means aligning digital innovation, climate resilience, finance, and market access into one coherent strategy. It means designing policies and investments that recognise the interdependence of food, water, energy, trade, and nature. It means ensuring that farmers have the tools, incentives, and infrastructure required to prosper in a changing climate and a digitising world.

A call to action

ADSW gathers leaders who influence the future of sustainability, finance, and innovation. The opportunity before us is to accelerate a quantum leap for Africa’s farmers by aligning technology, investment, and systems design around a shared vision.

Three priorities can drive this transformation:

First, expand access to AI and digital tools that give farmers timely, actionable insights.

Second, modernise climate and development finance, scaling models like RE-GAIN that align regenerative agriculture, storage, logistics, and market development.

Third, support national and regional systems that make food, data, and finance move efficiently and transparently. Africa’s farmers are ready for the next chapter. Innovators are building solutions. Governments are investing. Partners are aligning. If we design systems that work together, Africa’s farmers will feed the continent and help shape a more stable and sustainable world.

Some unknown persons suspected to be members of the National Security have been captured assaulting a staff member of the Ministry of Energy on the morning of Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Kasoa Amanfrom.

This assault was captured in exclusive footage sighted on The1957News on social media.

These persons assaulted three people on the bus, including the driver, and dragged one staff member off the bus. According to the source, the whereabouts of the staff member who was taken away is currently unknown.

Eyewitness account that, some staff of the Energy Ministry, while traveling from Kasoa to the office on board an official bus, came across a pickup truck parked very close to the middle of the road, making it difficult for the Ministry’s staff bus to exit onto the main road.

Upon the bus exiting into the main road, a staff member on board the bus informed the driver of the pickup that he had parked incorrectly.

When the bus moved, the pickup allegedly followed at top speed and crossed the Ministry’s bus. The driver of the bus maneuvered but was crossed a second time.

The video from the incident shows the occupants of the pickup truck, who are alleged to be National Security officers, attacking some members of the Ministry through the window of the bus.

They were then seen forcing their way onto the bus and assaulting the occupants of the bus.

Ghanaian actress and television personality, Nana Ama McBrown, has been unveiled as one of the speakers set to inspire participants at this year’s Women of Valour happening at London.

Set to take place on March 7, 2026, under the theme, ‘The Pursuit of Fearlessness’, Nana Ama McBrown will join other selected speakers such as Nigerian actress, Kate Henshaw; champion of UK exporters, Lesley Batchelor CBE; Europe Consumer Practice leader, Clarisse Magnin; and Debora Shanley at this year’s event.

In a live Instagram chat hosted by Founder, Nana Aba Anamoah and Serwaa Amihere, Nana Ama McBrown called on her followers to support the event and help uplift women in every sphere of life.

‘The programme is a group of women coming together, so you should know that when women meet for good purpose, everybody takes something home. On that day, we are going to inspire each other, learn from each other, and take something home,’ she said.

‘It is necessary in the sense that the world is getting tougher every day, and I challenge you that by the time you leave the space, you are going home with something.there will be more entertainment and our stories will connect with the people, so I want to see you there,’ she added.

Women of Valour, organised annually on March 7, aims at recognising and highlighting women with unique stories of courage as the world marks the annual International Women’s Day in March.

Ahead of the International Day for Women, Women of Valour assemble incredible women from different backgrounds, orientation and culture whose stories reflect and connect with the reality of most women and girls.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has issued a public notice on intensifying surveillance over a possible meningitis outbreak in communities within the country’s meningitis belt.

A press release signed by the GHS Director General, Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, stated that ‘meningitis is a serious and potentially life threatening disease that causes inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.’

It stressed that the disease can spread rapidly especially in crowded living conditions and requires early detection and immediate medical care to prevent severe complications or death.

GHS has indicated common signs and symptoms of meningitis which includes sudden high fever, severe headache, stiff neck pain when bending the neck forward, nausea and vomiting.

Also, confusion, drowsiness or difficulty waking, convulsions or seizures.

The statement further indicated that people who are at risk includes children under 5 years, adolescents and young adults, elderly people, people living in overcrowded conditions and individuals living with weak immune systems.

The service has outlined preventive measures for the public to follow such as avoiding overcrowded and poorly ventilated spaces, practicing good respiratory hygiene including covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, washing of hands regularly with soap and water, seeking early medical care when symptoms appear, ensuring routine immunization are up to date and increasing the intake of fluids and water for hydration.

It also called on individuals experiencing symptoms or suspecting a case of meningitis to report immediately to the nearest health facility stressing that early reporting and treatment saves lives.

The Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service has assured the public that surveillance systems have been strengthened and health facilities are on alert to respond immediately to any suspected case.

The Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU), has opposed the sale of the Volta Aluminium Company Limited (VALCO) to a private investor.

In a press release signed by ICU General Secretary, Morgan Ayawine, the union stated, ‘ICU-Ghana, as a key and indispensable stakeholder, is vehemently opposed to any sale, concession, or arrangement that would deprive Ghana of sole ownership of VALCO, one of the nation’s most strategic and irreplaceable assets’.

It further urged government to recapitalise the company like that of the National Investment Bank (NIB) stating that national assets must be preserved for the interest of Ghanaians.

‘We strongly urge Government to desist from any contemplated sale of VALCO to private interests. National assets must be preserved, strengthened, and developed to serve the collective interest of Ghanaians, regardless of cost. They must not be disposed of for transient or personal gains,’ it stated.

The Union further opined that it finds it hard to understand the continuous plans by certain eminent Ghanaian personalities to push for the sale of the company arguing that investors do not have the interest of the nation at heart.

‘The Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU), Ghana, therefore finds it difficult to understand the persistent machinations by certain prominent Ghanaian personalities to push for the sale of VALCO to a private investor an investor whose primary interest may not be the welfare of Ghana, but personal gain to the detriment of the Republic’.

It Union highlighted the rise of unemployment noting that the sale of VALCO will amount to unemployment thereby increasing the crisis in the country stating that recapitalisation will help create additional jobs.

‘Selling VALCO would inevitably result in job losses and further worsen the unemployment crisis. Conversely, adequately resourcing VALCO would not only safeguard existing jobs but also create additional employment opportunities,’ it stated.

It further added that, ‘the proposed sale of portions of VALCO’s lands to private individuals is unconscionable and amounts to a grave betrayal of public trust. These lands are held in trust for the people of Ghana for future expansion and development of VALCO’s operations and are therefore not transferable’.

The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has launched a comprehensive four-year strategic plan aimed at strengthening sports development and administration across the country.

The plan, which will guide the Committee’s activities from 2025 to 2029, was unveiled at a ceremony in Accra.

It was developed by consultant Chris Essilfie and is designed to provide a clear roadmap for the GOC’s long-term vision and operations.

Board Chairman of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Dr. Fred Awaah, commended the GOC for prioritising planning and proper documentation.

He urged other sports federations to adopt similar strategic frameworks, stressing that such plans would soon become a requirement for accessing government support.

‘To get funding from the government, all federations and associations will have to replicate what the GOC is doing now,’ Dr. Awaah said. ‘We need to see clear documentation and well-defined plans before committing public funds.’

Secretary General of the GOC, Mohammed Miniru Kassim, described the strategic plan as a critical tool for shaping the organisation’s future, noting that it provides clear direction through defined thematic areas.

GOC President Richard Akpokavie said the Committee will engage its federations and subcommittees to ensure full understanding and effective implementation of the plan.

The 2025-2029 Strategic Plan is expected to enhance sports governance and strengthen Ghana’s Olympic preparations in the years ahead.

A Bekwai Circuit Court has slapped a 20-year jail term on a young man who nearly ended the life of a pragya rider after tying him to a cocoa tree and bolting away with his tricycle near Wawase in the Ashanti Region.

The convict, Michael Antwi Boasiako, was found guilty of robbery after the court upheld the prosecution’s case presented by the Bekwai Police. The sentence was passed on January 12, 2026.

Facts presented to the court indicated that on August 14, 2025, Antwi Boasiako and an accomplice, now on the run, hired a pragya rider, Godfred Tabi, claiming they were heading to Wawase to visit a cottage.

However, the journey turned into a nightmare when the suspects suddenly attacked the rider along the way.

The prosecution said the attackers tied the victim’s hands and legs and fastened him to a cocoa tree in a nearby bush before making away with his tricycle.

In a dramatic twist, the victim managed to free himself and ran to a nearby cottage for help. He later alerted his elder brother, who mobilised residents to assist him.

As the group searched the area, they spotted the stolen pragya being ridden by some individuals and attempted to arrest them.

One suspect escaped, but the other was captured and handed over to the police. He was later identified as Michael Antwi Boasiako.

After investigations, the accused was put before the Bekwai Circuit Court, where he was convicted on two counts.

The court sentenced him to 20 years’ imprisonment, with the sentences to run concurrently.

Briefing journalists, the Ashanti South Regional Police Commander, DCOP Joseph Nyaaba, praised the vigilance of the community and the swift police response.

He assured the public of the police service’s determination to clamp down on violent crime and appealed for information to help arrest the accomplice still at large.

Ghana Customs officials at the Takoradi Port have intercepted a large consignment of suspected illicit drugs concealed in two 40-foot containers.

The interception followed an intelligence-led operation at the Atlantic Terminal Services Limited (ATSL) terminal.

The containers were initially declared to contain ceiling fans. However, the suspicious arrangement of the cargo prompted officers to alert their superiors.

The successful interception highlights the importance of vigilant frontline officers in safeguarding Ghana’s borders against illicit trade and its associated public health risks.

The Takoradi Sector Commander, Walter Blankson, after receiving the report ordered that the containers be placed under strict surveillance to prevent any form of interference.

The containers were subsequently fully unstuffed for thorough inspection.

The inspection was carried out with the support from multiple state agencies, including the Narcotics Control Commission, National Security, the National Intelligence Bureau, the Food and Drugs Authority, and the cargo declarant, one Maxwell Boateng.

During the operation, officials uncovered an estimated 25 million tablets of suspected illicit Tapentadol and Timaking drugs hidden among cartons of ceiling fans.

The inspection also revealed thousands of undeclared electrical appliances.

The seized tablets have since been secured and samples taken by a Customs Chemist for laboratory analysis.

The remaining items have been transferred to the State Warehouse in Takoradi, where they will be held pending further investigations.

Seven killed and 18 others were injured following a head-on collision between a Sprinter bus and a Man Diesel truck at Komenda Asamasa on the Cape Coast-Takoradi Highway.

The accident occurred on Monday, January 12, 2026, at about 7:25 pm.

The Sprinter bus with registration number GS 6705-21 was travelling from Komenda towards Takoradi, while the Man Diesel Truck with the number GS 8394 Y was also moving towards the Cape Coast direction.

The seven victims were pronounced dead on arrival at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital

They comprised three females, including a pregnant woman, three males and a baby.

The 18 people who sustained various degrees of injury are currently receiving medical treatment at the hospital.

According to eyewitness, the Man Diesel truck travelling from Takoradi towards Cape Coast lost control while overtaking another vehicle and collided head-on with the Sprinter bus travelling in the opposite direction.

Personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNDS) arrived at the scene to help extricate six trapped victims from the Sprinter bus, which had veered into a nearby bush.

The GNFS personnel subsequently cleared debris from the road to help restore the free flow of traffic and ensured safety at the accident scene.