Category: Daily Guide Network

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on Saturday, December 13, 2025, performed the ceremonial tee-off for the 3rd Stanbic-Asantehene Invitational Golf Tournament at the Kumasi Royal Golf Club Course.

The prestigious tournament, hosted by the Kumasi Royal Golf Club and sponsored by Stanbic Bank Ghana, is a flagship and signature programme of the bank, held annually in honour of the Asantehene for his exemplary leadership and immense contributions to national development, particularly in the business and economic sectors.

Speaking at the event, Mawuko Afadzini, Executive Head of Marketing at Stanbic Bank Ghana, described the tournament as a special invitational competition that provides a unique opportunity for Stanbic Bank to engage its clients and the golfing community while promoting sports development and facilitating meaningful conversations around issues that matter to the community and the country.

‘Above all, this tournament is to honour Otumfuo, who is the patron of the competition. It has been an excellent platform for deep engagement, and it is a tradition we hold in very high regard and are deeply committed to sustaining,’ he said.

Mr. Afadzini explained that participation in the tournament is based on two main criteria: Stanbic Bank clients who play golf, and selected golfers invited at the discretion of the Kumasi Royal Golf Club.

He further highlighted Otumfuo’s longstanding support for Stanbic Bank, describing the Asantehene as a pillar of strength to the institution over the years.

‘His support to the bank has been immeasurable. He is industrious, inspirational, and a symbol of leadership in Africa and beyond. This tournament is a small way of honouring him, and we hope to do even more in the years ahead,’ he added.

Mr. Afadzini also reiterated Stanbic Bank’s commitment to sports development beyond football, noting the bank’s support for golf, table tennis, swimming, cycling, arm wrestling, and football. He recalled that Stanbic Bank was among the major sponsors of the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

For his part, Professor Bernard Kofi Maiden of the Kumasi Royal Golf Club explained that the tournament is strictly invitational, underscoring its exclusivity.

He clarified that although the current edition is described as the third Stanbic-Asantehene Invitational, the numbering is ‘somewhat deceptive,’ as the competition was previously known as the Otumfuo Invitational before being renamed. Stanbic Bank, he noted, has sponsored the tournament for the past 11 years.

The one-day amateur competition featured a maximum of 72 golfers, with four players competing on each of the 18 holes. Golfers competed in four categories-Men Group A, Men Group B, Ladies, and Seniors-with gold, silver, and bronze trophies awarded to the top three finishers in each category.

At the end of the competition, Vivian Dick of the Kumasi Golf Club emerged as the overall winner in the Ladies category, with Samira Abdullah placing overall runner-up and Pearl Andrews finishing third.

In the Men’s Group A category, Bernard Kwasi Deomoh clinched first place, while Bismark Ntiedu Dapaah and Ekow Nyarko placed second and third respectively.

For the Men’s Group B category, Ben Baah emerged winner, followed by Maxwell Danso Osei in second place and Isaac Amoako Mensah in third.

In the Seniors category, Kwaku Okyere took first place, with Kwashie Avemegah and Chris Apau-Opong finishing second and third respectively.

Fr. Dogli Memorial Technical Institute has been crowned the National Best Senior High School in Practical Agriculture for 2025, earning national acclaim for its exceptional commitment to hands-on agricultural training, innovation, and food production.

The honour was conferred at the 2025 National Farmers’ Day celebration held in Ho under the theme ‘Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana and secure the future.’

The Principal of the School, Mrs. Brigitte Afi Dzakah, described the award as a major milestone for the school, noting that the achievement stems from a strong foundation laid by past leaders, which she and her team have strengthened through expanded programmes and the adoption of modern farming techniques.

According to her, the school’s vast land resources have enabled it to diversify its agricultural portfolio significantly.

‘We have vast land resources, and we have fully utilised them to diversify our agricultural activities. Not many institutions in Ghana have such an opportunity,’ she disclosed.

In recent years, the school’s agricultural department has experienced remarkable growth, with students actively engaging in crop production, piggery, poultry, and other practical ventures designed to equip them with employable skills. These initiatives, she noted, have not only enhanced the school’s practical training capacity but also contributed to national food production and improved the quality of technical education.

Mrs. Dzakah acknowledged the efforts of staff, students, and development partners whose dedication made the national recognition possible. She reaffirmed the school’s commitment to strengthening agricultural education and contributing to the country’s food security agenda.

Fr. Dogli Memorial Technical Institute currently operates a robust agricultural enterprise that spans both crop and livestock production. Its ventures include maize, cocoa, coffee and vegetable farms, a seven-acre oil palm plantation, mushroom production, piggery, sheep and goat rearing, and a vibrant poultry unit.

These activities serve a dual purpose providing hands-on training for students and supporting the school’s feeding programme.

The Principal revealed that the availability of fresh produce from the school’s farms has significantly improved the nutritional quality of meals served to students, a factor she said has contributed to a sharp rise in enrolment.

‘Most students who come to us always talk about the nutritious meals we provide. With our vegetables, fruits and livestock products, we are able to enrich their diet. It has even doubled our first-year intake this year,’ she disclosed.

As part of the award package, the school received a 32-seater mini bus, GHS100,000 cash, and an 18-unit classroom block from the Government of Ghana.

Mrs. Dzakah described the new classroom block as a timely intervention that will ease congestion and enhance teaching and learning. ‘That alone will reduce the burden on us. It will support teaching and learning and allow us to expand our programmes further,’ she stressed.

She encouraged other educational institutions across the country to invest in agriculture, emphasising its potential to reduce feeding costs, improve student nutrition, and equip learners with practical, employable skills.

‘For other schools, I advise them to go into farming because it helps, especially with feeding students. Agriculture is not only profitable but also essential for developing practical skills and fostering independence among young people,’ she stated.

The recognition of Fr. Dogli Memorial Technical Institute further underscores and strengthens the school’s reputation as a trailblazer in practical agricultural education, inspiring institutions across the country to embrace innovation, sustainability, and experiential learning for greater impact.

AFTER SEVERAL months of legal tussle between the sharply divided family of the late Charles Kwadwo Fosu aka ‘Daddy Lumba’, the mortal remains of the late musician was finally interred on Saturday.

This was after a sea of mourners, including bereaved family members, government officials, politicians, musicians, music lovers, and staunch supporters of Daddy Lumba had paid their last respects to the music star at the Heroe’s Park, Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

Last Minute Drama

Meanwhile, there was drama on Friday when an Accra High Court placed an injunction on the funeral rites upon the request of one of the feuding factions of the family, only for the court to reverse its decision few hours later after the applicants had failed to pay GHS 2 million, ordered by the court.

Despite the last minute drama in the courtroom, patronage of the funeral rites was not adversely affected as initially feared. Determined mourners who were clad in mourning clothes, trooped to the venue to officially bid adieu to the multi-talented musician

Mourners

The mourners, who were seen in long queues, filed past the body, which was placed in a casket, to bid farewell to the music legend, whose music continues to entertain and serve as advice and motivation to millions of followers.

Present at the solemn ceremony included the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, business moguls, the clergy, chiefs, and other prominent people.

Music star, Nana Acheampong, whose friendship with the late Daddy Lumba span over three decades, was also present to pay his last respects to his longtime friend, who won many awards with his melodious music.

Akosua Serwaa Absent

Akosua Serwaa, one of the two women that a Kumasi High Court had earlier on ruled to have the right to perform the widowhood rites during Daddy Lumba’s funeral was absent. Priscilla Ofori aka ‘Odo Broni’, the other wife, was however present.

Odo Broni was seen crying as some of the mourners tried to console her. She was clearly down in spirit and devastated, especially, as she saw her longtime lover lying motionless in the casket.

The children of Daddy Lumba, both domiciling in the country and abroad, were present at the funeral united in grief despite rumours of division.

Abusuapanin Steals Show

In a related development, the head of Daddy Lumba’s family ‘Abusuapanin’, Kofi Owusu, who, amid legal battles, name callings and insults, stood his grounds to ensure that Daddy Lumba was buried on Saturday, December 13, 2025, became an instant hero during the funeral rites.

Clad in red cloth, Kofi Owusu was seen making some hand and mouth gestures, which were said to suggest that his detractors only talk but they can’t take any action. The crowd, who seemed to have fallen for his antics, were heard chanting ‘Abuasuapanin Tupac’.

Renowned celebrity beauty entrepreneur and educator, Marie Noelle-Yakubu, has urged more men to pursue careers in makeup artistry, insisting that the profession is not exclusive to women and that male creatives are vital to the coubtry’s fast-growing beauty industry.

‘Makeup artistry is not limited to women,’ she said. ‘This morning, a male makeup artist did my makeup. There are incredibly talented men in the industry, and more should take advantage of the opportunities available.’

She made the call during the 5th Graduation Ceremony of Marie Noelle Beauty Academy at the GTEC Hall, East Legon, where 258 students graduated after completing professional courses in makeup artistry, hairstyling, nail techniques, massage therapy, and other beauty-related disciplines.

The colourful ceremony, hosted by Citi TV presenter Christy Ukatah (Chriskata), saw graduands receive certificates and medals in recognition of their dedication and hard work. Marie Noelle encouraged more men to enrol at the academy and confidently build careers in makeup artistry, despite the field being largely female-dominated.

Addressing the graduands, she stressed that passion alone is not enough to succeed.

‘TVET is where passion meets profession. It gives you a skill that feeds you, a craft that sustains you, and an entrepreneurial mindset that empowers you,’ she said, adding that the beauty industry is a serious economic force that creates jobs, builds businesses, and shapes culture.

‘When I look at you, I see future CEOs, brand owners, innovators, and trailblazers who will define the next decade of beauty in Ghana and across Africa,’ she added.

Keynote speaker and CEO of Make-Up Ghana, Rebecca Donkor, urged graduates to embrace lifelong learning and continuous self-improvement.

‘Graduation is not the end; it is the beginning. Master new techniques, understand the business of beauty, and explore areas like wellness therapy, content creation, and product formulation,’ she advised, while encouraging collaboration to grow the industry.

Deputy Director-General of CTVET in charge of Corporate Affairs, Abdul Rahman Zakaria, praised the academy for its consistent role in grooming skilled professionals.

‘You are saving the future of Ghana’s beauty and cosmetology industry, one professional at a time,’ he noted.

Marie Noelle Beauty Academy, based in Adenta, Accra, is a leading professional beauty training institution affiliated with Marie Noelle Spa and Salon. The academy offers hands-on training in makeup, hairstyling, skincare, nail technology, and other cosmetology careers, helping students turn passion into sustainable professions.

Azumah Resources, a Ghanaian mining company, last Friday signed an agreement with Danish mining firm FLSmidth to supply equipment valued at US$37 million to develop the Black Volta gold project.

Director of Azumah Resources, Noel Nii Addo, in an interview with the media after the signing ceremony in Accra, said Azumah Resources selected FLSmidth (FLS) as its strategic technology partner and supplier of all major equipment and main process technologies due to its 140 years’ experience in the mining industry.

According to him, the signing ceremony for the supply of equipment begins the process towards large scale commercial gold production.

‘The initial order for the long-lead equipment and associated technical support services is valued at approximately USD$37million. The equipment is due to be delivered during 2026, ahead of mine start-up date in 2027.

‘As part of the long-lead equipment, FLS will supply among other equipment: gyratory crushers, raptor cone crusher, SAG and ball mill, a pre-leach thickener, screens, apron feeders, KREBS cyclones, and pumps. The order also includes equipment for absorption, desorption and refining and detoxification,’ he noted.

Mr. Addo stated that the company would also provide technical support to the EPC contractor, start up, commissioning and site training, including spare parts as well as a performance guarantee for the process equipment during the detailed engineering phase and site support.

‘The items will take close to forty-six weeks to manufacture, so we need to pay for them now while we continue sourcing other components. That is the essence of today’s ceremony. FLS is well known in the mining industry and their presence alone gives us significant leverage,’ he added.

The Director of Azumah Resources also stated that commercial gold production is expected to begin in about 21 months after the supply of equipment by FLSmidth, which will create about 1,700 sustainable jobs for people, especially residents in the area, rather than short-term contracts, having explored only about 20 percent of the total concession.

He indicated, ‘This is a mine with an 11-year life, and we have only explored 20% of the total concession. As we continue mining, we will conduct further exploration which will uplift the entire Wa area.’

The signing ceremony, which brought together some management of the two companies, including the Chief Executive of Engineers and Planners (EandP), Mr. Ibrahim Mahama, FLS Vice President for Capital Sales in Europe, Arabia, and Africa, Alistair Mackay and some management of Azumah Resources Limited, follows the complete payment of US$100 million by EandP to former foreign shareholders of Azumah Resources as sole owners of the Black Volta Gold project.

Alistair Mackay said that the company is committed to providing advanced technology to improve efficiency and output.

‘The signing today is focused on the long-lead items, which involve a substantial amount of equipment. We expect installation to begin early next year and anticipate that six months from now, we will see construction,’ he said.

Background of FLSmidth and Azumah Resources Ghana Limited

FLSmidth is a full flowsheet technology and service supplier to the global mining industry that enables customers to improve performance, lower operating costs and reduce environmental impact. FLSmidth work within fully validated Science-Based Targets, have a clear commitment to improving the sustainability performance of the global mining industry, and aim to become carbon neutral in operations by 2030.

Azumah Resources Ghana Limited is a Ghanaian-incorporated mining company holding the Black Volta and Sankofa Gold Projects in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The company’s mission is to responsibly explore, develop, and operate these assets to generate long-term economic and social value for Ghana.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, Dr. Varsen O.V. Agharbekian, has officially ended her visit to Ghana, engagement which aims at strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

According to her, the visit focused on enhancing political consultations while discussing issues of mutual interest to consolidate the long-standing ties between the two nations.

As part of her visit, Dr. Agharbekian paid a courtesy call on some Ministers of State, civil society groups and religious leaders.

Earlier, Dr. Agharbekian visited the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum in Accra, where she laid a wreath in honour of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, describing him as a symbol of African solidarity and anti-colonial struggle.

She also used the opportunity to plant a tree at the Embassy of the State of Palestine, which according to her symbolises the long-standing relationship between Ghana and the State of Palestine.

Addressing the media, the minister described the ongoing violations against Palestinians by Israel as genocide, and expressed gratitude for the demonstrations and public expressions of solidarity held in Accra and other parts of Ghana.

The minister also commended Ghanaians, especially President John Mahama and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, for their continuous support to the people of Palestine.

She noted that while a ceasefire is currently in place in Gaza, it remains fragile and incomplete, as Israel continues to attack Palestinians.

She stressed the urgent need for a sustainable ceasefire, warning that any delay will result in further loss of Palestinian lives, and highlighted the severe humanitarian challenges of food shortages, water, medicine and weaponisation of basic necessities in the region.

Dr. Agharbekian further emphasised the importance of international recognition of the State of Palestine, noting that 160 countries have so far extended recognition, but however called for sustained efforts to strengthen Palestine’s legal and diplomatic standing.

She reiterated Palestine’s commitment to peace and security with its neighbours, including Israel, stressing that lasting peace requires respect for sovereignty, international law and the rights of the Palestinian people.

The Palestinian Foreign Minister said though her visit was short, it was highly productive, and expressed hope that the two countries friendship will continue to wax stronger in the years ahead.

Veteran journalist, Kwesi Pratt, also received a citation and a medal on behalf of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, for his advocacy for the Palestinian cause and role in promoting friendship as well as cooperation between Ghana and Palestine.

Ghana could significantly increase revenues from its industrial minerals sector if regulatory oversight, value addition and monitoring systems are strengthened, Senior Policy Analyst at the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), Mabel Acquaye, has said.

She made the call while delivering a presentation at a capacity-building workshop for parliamentary correspondents, where she highlighted how weak governance and limited attention to industrial minerals continue to undermine their contribution to national development.

According to Mrs. Acquaye, studies by ACEP indicate that the country can generate up to 18 times more revenue from the quarry sector alone if proper regulatory and revenue monitoring mechanisms are enforced.

She noted that while attention has largely focused on precious minerals such as gold, industrial minerals, including limestone, clay, salt, sand and sandstone, remain severely underutilised despite their high domestic consumption rates.

She explained that gold accounts for over 90 percent of the country’s mineral exports, yet the mining sector’s contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) remains relatively low compared to agriculture.

In contrast, industrial minerals, which are largely consumed locally, offer stronger opportunities for value addition, job creation and stable revenues since they are less exposed to international price volatility.

Mrs. Acquaye stressed that globally, industrial and development minerals account for more than 80 percent of total mineral production, while high-value precious minerals make up less than 20 percent.

However, she said Africa, including Ghana, has failed to reflect this global trend in policy focus, governance frameworks and investment priorities.

She cited countries such as Uganda, Zambia and Cameroon as examples where industrial minerals have been prioritised through targeted mining policies, regulation of construction minerals and support for artisanal and small-scale mining.

Ghana, she noted, still treats all minerals under a single regulatory framework, limiting the country’s ability to optimise the industrial minerals value chain.

A major challenge, she pointed out, is weak revenue oversight at quarry and industrial mineral sites.

Unlike large-scale mining operations, she said, institutions such as the Ghana Revenue Authority and the Minerals Commission have limited on-site presence, relying largely on self-reported production data from companies, a situation that creates room for under-reporting and revenue leakages.

To address this, Mrs. Acquaye advocated the adoption of remote monitoring technology, including laser scanners at quarry entry and exit points, to independently verify production volumes in real time.

She explained that such systems would improve royalty collection, enhance transparency, reduce disputes and allow both regulators and the public to track production and revenues through digital dashboards.

She further called for legislative reforms, stronger institutional coordination and capacity building for regulators and security agencies to ensure compliance, arguing that industrial minerals could become a key driver of local industrialisation, infrastructure development and inclusive economic growth if properly governed.

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA), in collaboration with National Security operatives, has arrested 32 Nigerians at Kasoa-Tuba for suspected cybercrime offences.

The coordinated early morning operation led to the seizure of 31 laptops and 15 mobile phones suspected to be linked to cybercrime activities.

The arrest came just a day after Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, was arrested over his alleged involvement in a romance scam network that defrauded foreign nationals in the US of over $8 million dollars.

The suspects are currently in custody assisting with ongoing investigations, while the seized devices are undergoing forensic analysis.

The CSA, in a post on Facebook, said the operation forms part of the Authority’s sustained efforts to combat cybercrime and related offences nationwide.

‘The CSA remains committed to safeguarding Ghana’s digital space in close collaboration with its security partners and encourages the public to report suspicious cyber-related activities through the appropriate channels,’ it added.

Confirming the arrest, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam Nartey George, wrote on Facebook: ‘This dawn, another massive blow has been struck against cybercrime in Ghana.’

He added that government will continue to support the Authority in its efforts to do more ‘as we make Ghana an unattractive destination for cybercrimes.’

Zenith Bank Ghana has commemorated its annual Light Up Ceremony in Accra ahead of the festive season.

Speaking at the Zenith Bank Ghana Light Up Ceremony and Carols Night, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Ghana, Henry C. Onwuzurigbo, explained the significance of lighting up the city as a reflection of the bank’s journey.

‘As we illuminate Zenith Heights and the Airport enclave, these lights symbolise a powerful reflection of our journey, our team spirit, our oneness, and the resilience that emerges even in challenging moments,’ he said.

He used the occasion to reflect on the bank’s 20-year anniversary in the country.

‘This year, we have not only reflected on our 20-year journey, but we have also taken bold steps towards a greater and more successful future,’ Mr. Onwuzurigbo stated.

He added that despite the competitive operating environment, the team has remained focused on the bank’s goals.

‘In an operating environment that has tested many, we have remained focused, disciplined, and strategic,’ he said.

Highlighting some of the bank’s innovative offerings, Mr. Onwuzurigbo mentioned products such as the Zenith Visa Fleet Card, a forward-looking solution that empowers businesses with greater control, transparency, and efficiency in managing fleet and fuel-related expenses.

He also cited Eazy Cash, an instant mobile micro-loan solution accessible to both Zenith Bank customers and MTN subscribers, as well as the Mastercard Foundation Bridge-in-Agriculture Programme, which is designed to create impact in the lives of women and youth by providing access to funding and business support in agriculture and agriculture-adjacent fields.

He stressed that the bank has upgraded its website to make it more user-friendly, secure, and accessible to customers.

Mr. Onwuzurigbo used the occasion to thank the Zenith team, stakeholders, and customers for their loyalty to the bank.

‘To our Board, thank you for your leadership, guidance, and strategic direction. To our customers and stakeholders, thank you for your trust, loyalty, and support. To my executive management and every member of Team Zenith, I can’t say it enough. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to the success of our great bank,’ he said.

Mr. Onwuzurigbo wished Ghanaians a Merry Christmas and many more years with Zenith Bank Ghana.

‘I wish you a Christmas filled with peace, joy, and quality time with your families and loved ones. May the coming year bring us greater success, new opportunities, and the continued growth of Zenith Bank Ghana,’ he added.

Nine Ghanaians implicated in cybercrime and related offences have been extradited from Ghana to the United States this year, the US Embassy in Accra has disclosed.

The disclosure was made at a roundtable discussion held at the embassy on Friday, December 12, 2025, where the US Chargé d’Affaires, Rolf Olson, said the individuals were accused of crimes including online impersonation and large-scale financial fraud involving millions of dollars.

The event was also attended by the Deputy Assistant Secretary for West Africa at the US Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs, William B. Stevens.

Mr. Olson explained that extradition does not amount to a conviction, stressing that the accused persons are entitled to full due process under US law and would only be punished if found guilty by a court.

‘We go through a formal legal process to make a request. Often, someone is first arrested because they may not necessarily already be in prison, and then they are legally sent to the United States to stand trial. Everyone gets a fair trial. They are presumed innocent until proven guilty,’ he further explained.

He noted that where guilt is established, the offenders could face custodial sentences depending on the nature and severity of the crimes proven in court.

‘These are the kinds of people who, if proven guilty, should be in prison. They shouldn’t be out taking advantage of others, particularly older people, although any of us could fall victim to this kind of crime,’ Mr. Olson added.

Strong cooperation

The US Chargé d’Affaires commended Ghana, particularly the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, for what he described as strong and effective cooperation in the fight against cybercrime.

He described the extradition of nine individuals within a single year as an ‘extraordinary achievement’ and praised the government for their collaboration on law enforcement and adherence to the rule of law.

‘Extraditing nine individuals from Ghana in one year is an extraordinary achievement. The cooperation with the government, including the President, the Attorney-General and the Interior Minister, has been exceptional. It has been a very strong collaboration,’ he said.

Extradition requests

Mr. Olson said the United States remains committed to working closely with Ghana to combat cybercrime and protect citizens from financial fraud.

He also indicated that the US is open to receiving extradition requests from other countries, including Ghana.

‘We are always open to receiving extradition requests. That is a firm part of any good bilateral relationship, and certainly ours,’ he stated.

He explained that extradition processes are often lengthy and subject to judicial scrutiny, noting that final decisions rest with US judges, who may either approve or reject such requests.

‘There is no individual case that can be prejudged because US judges make these decisions. They are a separate branch of government and have the authority to approve or disapprove a request. But we are always open to that kind of collaboration,’ he added.

Deportation issues

Touching on deportation, Mr. Olson said the administration of President Donald Trump has prioritised addressing illegal immigration, resulting in the deportation of some foreign nationals who are unlawfully present in the United States.

He said the US remains determined to protect its borders and enforce immigration laws while respecting individual rights.

He also noted that the United States has agreements with several countries, including safe third-country arrangements, which allow individuals to seek refuge elsewhere if they cannot remain in the US.

Mr. Olson praised the Ghanaian government for its cooperation in facilitating the return of Ghanaian nationals and other West Africans who have exhausted their legal options in the United States.