Category: Daily Guide Network

The stage is set for a thrilling finale at the 2025 WAFU B U17 Boys Championship as Ghana’s Black Starlets take on hosts Ivory Coast in Yamoussoukro on Saturday.

Ghana booked their place in the final with an emphatic 2-0 victory over arch-rivals Nigeria in the semi-finals.

First-half goals from Michael Awuli and Robinho Yao Gavi sealed the win, sparking jubilant celebrations in the Starlets’ camp and heightening hopes of continental qualification.

Ivory Coast, meanwhile, edged Burkina Faso 2-1 to secure their spot in the decider. The hosts carry a psychological advantage, having defeated Ghana in the group stage. But the Starlets’ resurgence has been remarkable-recovering from that early setback to dismantle Niger 3-1 before dispatching Nigeria with authority.

Saturday’s clash promises more than just silverware. For Ghana, it is a chance at redemption and pride, while Ivory Coast will aim to repeat their group-stage heroics on home soil.

The Charles Konan Banny Stadium is expected to be a cauldron of passion as two of West Africa’s finest youth teams battle for regional supremacy and a place in history.

GHANAIAN RAPPER, Medikal, has featured five leading stars in the country for his highly anticipated album ‘Disturbation II,’ set to be released on October 10, 2025.

The album comes with 18 songs and features musicians such as Shatta Wale, Sarkodie, Olivetheboy, Beeztrap KOTM, and Lalid.

The yet-to-be-released album has songs like ‘I Did It’ featuring Shatta Wale, ‘Too Bad,’ which features Olivetheboy, ‘DND,’ featuring Sarkodie, and ‘Fully Active,’ which features fast-rising artist, Lalid, among other tracks.

The album was produced, mixed, and mastered by Atown TSB and Beatz Vampire. The streets and fans have been waiting, ready to jam on it.

Born Samuel Adu Frimpong, Medikal’s music career took off in 2010 when he was signed by Criss Waddle’s Arab Money Gang (AMG) Business record label. He released his first mixtape, ‘MediKatioN,’ in 2013, followed by his debut album ‘Disturbation’ in 2017, which earned him several nominations at the Ghana Music Awards.

Medikal’s breakthrough single ‘Confirm’ featuring Sarkodie in 2016 catapulted him to fame. He went on to release several hit songs, including ‘Omo Ada’, ‘Ayekoo’, ‘How Much’, ‘La Hustle’ and ‘Odo’. His collaborations with prominent artistes like Shatta Wale, King Promise, and Joey B have solidified his position in the Ghanaian music industry.

In 2020, Medikal released his third album, ‘The Truth,’ and his fourth album, ‘Abonten,’ in 2021. He also released the ‘Healing EP’ album in 2024, featuring collaborations with Shatta Wale, Beeztrap KOTM, and Kojo Funds.

The Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Haruna Mohammed, has criticised President John Dramani Mahama over what he described as a flawed and inconsistent approach to tackling illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

His comments come after the government announced plans to engage civil society organisations (CSOs) in a renewed dialogue on addressing the menace.

According to Mr. Mohammed, this latest move contradicts President Mahama’s earlier position on the matter.

‘This clearly shows that the President is not committed to the fight against galamsey. When he was in office, he had enough time to consult civil society, who were already raising concerns and pushing for solutions. But he failed to act on their proposals,’ he said.

He recalled that civil society groups had previously recommended measures such as declaring a state of emergency and amending sections of the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) governing small-scale mining-proposals that then-President Mahama acknowledged but never implemented.

‘So, if today the President says he is inviting CSOs to the table, it only proves he has not been clear or sincere with Ghanaians about how he intends to deal with galamsey.

‘This is a clear departure from his own earlier position, and instead of being praised, he should apologise to the people of Ghana,’ he added.

Youth leaders from the Ashanti Region, together with youth groups nationwide, have officially declared their support for Dr. Bryan Acheampong in the upcoming New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primary scheduled for January 31, 2026.

The youth announced their endorsement yesterday in Kumasi, amidst chants of ‘Bryan delivers’, ‘Unifier’, and ‘Bryan the Joshua’. According to them, they are backing a leader who delivers.

‘Ghana is at a crossroad. We need a statesman, a visionary, a builder. That leader is Bryan Acheampong,’ declared the conveners.

They cited his transformational work in agriculture-especially under Planting for Food and Jobs 2.0, which shifted the country from subsidy dependence to a credit-based value chain.

Also, his expansion of irrigation in Afram Plains and his leadership of the cocoa sector, where he secured fair pricing for cocoa farmers, were hailed as game-changers.

The youth further praised his international role as Chairman of the Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative during which period he elevated West Africa’s bargaining power as well as his investments in the private sector through Rock City Hotel, which has created hundreds of jobs and empowered farmers, artisans, and the youth.

‘In Abetifi, his legacy includes scholarships, vocational training, health programmes, and infrastructure,’ they said.

The youth emphasised that Dr. Acheampong embodies the traits the NPP needs in its next leader. ‘Bryan Acheampong is not just a candidate, he’s a movement,’ they declared. He has the track record, the temperament, and the tenacity to unify the party and win for Ghana.’

They thus called on delegates, executives, and polling station officers to rally behind him, stating that his leadership offers the clearest path to victory in 2028.

Elon Musk has become the first ever person in the world to reach a net worth of more than $500 billion.

The Tesla boss and X owner saw the value of his businesses rise to £370.9 billion yesterday afternoon, October 1, the Forbes’ billionaires index reported.

This further cements his status as the world’s richest person, with most of his wealth tied closely to his 12% stake in Tesla.

The value of the car company shares has risen by more than 20% over the last year.

Musk is also in sight of becoming the world’s first trillionaire, as he will receive a huge payout if Tesla reached its list of ambitious targets.

These include selling a million AI robots, another 12 million Tesla cars and boosting the company’s value eight-fold.

Investors have welcomed Musk focusing more time on his businesses, which also includes artificial intelligence startup xAI and rocket company spaceX, rather than politics.

He came under fire this year after working with Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which was tasked with cutting jobs and spending.

But he is back ‘front and centre’ of Tesla according to the company chair Robyn Denholm.

President John Dramani Mahama has sworn into office eleven new Ghanaian envoys to represent the country in missions abroad, as part of his government’s commitment to strengthening international relations and advancing Ghana’s foreign policy agenda.

The swearing-in ceremony, held in Accra yesterday, followed the granting of approval by host nations throughout September 2025. Each envoy received presidential instruments of commission, officially empowering them to assume their duties in their respective posts.

All the appointees are non-career diplomats drawn from varied professional backgrounds. Among those commissioned were Kwesi Ahwoi, named Ambassador to the Republic of Serbia; Kojo Choi, Ambassador to South Korea; Captain (Rtd.) George Kofi Nfojoh, High Commissioner to Togo; Prof. Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, High Commissioner to Canada; Alhaji Abdul-Rahman Harruna Attah, High Commissioner to Namibia; Dr. Kwame Ampofo, Ambassador to Hungary; Benjamin Anani Quashie, High Commissioner to South Africa; Magnus Kofi Amoatey, Ambassador to the Republic of Congo; Benedict Batabe Assorow, Ambassador to the Holy See (Vatican); Prof. Esi Awuah, Ambassador to Switzerland; and Mohammed Abubakari Manaf, Ambassador to Benin.

President Mahama charged the diplomats to project Ghana’s image as a stable democracy and a credible partner for trade, investment, and sustainable development.

He emphasised that their work should not only strengthen bilateral relations but also promote the welfare of Ghanaians abroad.

Addressing the envoys before their departure, the President used the platform to caution Ghanaians against overstaying their visas in the United States.

He explained that visa restrictions recently imposed by the Trump administration had stemmed largely from Ghanaian nationals overstaying their permits, particularly students and members of official delegations.

‘Many of you are aware that Ghana became the only country subject to U.S. visa restrictions to secure a complete reversal from the Trump administration. Let me state clearly that this outcome was negotiated in Ghana’s best interest,’ President Mahama said.

He noted that assurances were given to U.S. authorities that Ghana would work to reduce the number of overstayers.

‘I mean, these are people who go and instead of coming back, they decide to stay. And so, they have the record. So, when they draw the threshold and you’re above it, then they cancel your five-year visas and bring you to B-5, B-3. So those of you applying for visas, please, when you go, come back. Because you affect everybody else,’ he cautioned.

He further explained that there was no financial arrangement as part of Ghana’s negotiations with Washington. Instead, talks are continuing on U.S. trade tariffs and the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which previously provided African nations with tariff-free access to American markets.

Touching on the deportation of some West African nationals to Ghana, the President stressed that the country would not accept individuals who compromise national security. ‘I wish to assure my countrymen and women that our understanding with the U.S. does not undermine our sovereignty, security, or stability. Ghana will not, and I repeat, will not become a dumping ground for deportees, nor will we accept individuals with criminal backgrounds,’ he declared.

An anti-illegal mining operation carried out by the Western North Regional Police Command has led to the arrest of six suspects.

The six individuals were arrested at Sefwi Mrewa in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region while engaging in illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey.

The six suspects, aged between 20 and 42, were subsequently arraigned before the Sekondi High Court and remanded into prison custody.

They are to reappear before the court on October 22, 2025.

Their names were given as Emmanuel Addae, 20; Boating Enoch, 26; Kwa Yurimpue, 26; Elvis Dery, 37; Nana Kwabena, 42 and Quansah Albert, 40.

According to a police press statement, the operation was conducted on September 25, 2025, in response to a request from Koantwi Mining Company Limited, to apprehend individuals mining on their concession.

A team of 20 police officers, led by the Regional Operations Commander, stormed the mining site and encountered about 20 individuals.

According to the police statement, although most of the illegal miners escaped, six of the suspects were apprehended.

It indicated that when the police were transporting the arrested suspects from the mining site, a group of thugs blocked the road and attacked two police officers on a motorbike.

In the process, one of the attackers, Dickson Nkrumah, 24, sustained a gunshot wound, and he is receiving treatment at a hospital.

The Regional Police Command has indicated its commitment to combating illegal mining, and warned that attacks on security personnel during their operations will be met with a swift response.

Telecel Ghana concluded its annual Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Month celebrations with the Telecel Business Runway, a dynamic event designed to equip young entrepreneurs with practical skills and visibility to grow their businesses.

Held at the Labadi Beach Hotel under the theme ‘Gen Z Impact: Skills, Money and Mindset,’ the forum brought together emerging business founders, content creators, industry experts, and youth policymakers for a day of learning, discussions, networking, and product showcases.

Participants also benefited from free on-site services, including business registration by the Registrar General’s Department, tax orientation by the Ghana Revenue Authority, and a vendor market that highlighted innovative small businesses.

Opening the event, Telecel Ghana’s CEO, Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, urged young entrepreneurs to embrace skills, money, and mindset as the foundation for sustainable growth.

‘The mission for SME Month is to back young entrepreneurs with the skills, networks, visibility, and digital tools to grow. Skills, money, and mindset are the three essentials for business growth, and today is about giving you these tactics to apply right now,’ she said.

The programme featured insights from leading entrepreneurs and business experts, including Sam Rodgers of Wild Fusion Ghana, who discussed content strategy for growth; content creator Kojo Junior, who spoke on authenticity and digital storytelling; and Jahzara Agyemang, CEO of JTE Business Consult, who guided attendees through grant opportunities.

Others, such as Innohub CEO Nelson Amo and Absa Bank’s Head of SME Banking, Edward Mawudem, focused on funding, investor expectations, and capital access.

Young entrepreneurs, including Baaba Ankrah of GOBA Kente and Joey Lit of Free the Youth, also shared candid stories about overcoming challenges, pivoting careers, and avoiding the pitfalls of comparison in business.

The government signaled its support through Mohammed Saani Adams, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, who reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to institutionalising SMEs as a key driver of Ghana’s economy.

Beyond panel discussions, Telecel unveiled three new SME-tailored products – the Boss Plan, One Business Mobile, and an enhanced Your Business Online service – aimed at helping small businesses stay connected, market themselves, and expand digitally.

Genevieve Dzifa Akpalu, founder of The AG Shop, said she was able to register her business on-site, gain clarity on tax obligations, and secure new customers from the vendor market.

‘I’m leaving with a registered business, a roadmap to apply for grants, file taxes, and even new customers for my products. This is a great opportunity,’ she said.

Now in its ninth year, SME Month has become a cornerstone of Ghana’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, reflecting Telecel Ghana’s broader commitment to empowering small and medium enterprises with digital tools, connectivity, and access to opportunities.

The Kwahuhene, Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III, has called on mining companies operating in the Kwahu area to adopt responsible mining practices in line with Ghana’s mining regulations.

The king made the appeal when the management of Akoroma Mining Company, a gold mining firm operating at Obo, paid a courtesy call on him to officially introduce themselves.

Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III also called on Akoroma Mining Company and other mining firms in the region to prioritise the welfare of host communities, urging them to fulfil their corporate social responsibility (CSR) of reclaiming mined lands in order to contribute to sustainable development.

He further urged mining companies to create job opportunities for the youth in affected communities, highlighting that this would help address unemployment and reduce social vices.

In support of the Kwahuhene’s message, Odeefour Effah Opinamang III, Kwahu Obomenghene and Acting Nifahene of the Kwahu Traditional Area, commended Akoroma Mining Company for sustaining a positive relationship with the community over the past 20 years.

The company’s delegation was led by Odeefour Effah Opinamang III and included Tom Wan, Administrative Manager, and Enock Kwasi Abglor, Community Relations Officer.

Acting Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has urged judges in Ghana to approach cases involving illegal mining, known in local parlance as galamsey and drug trafficking with a sense of urgency, as a way of combating the growing menace.

According to him, the devastation caused to the environment and the nation are huge and the Judiciary must play its role in eradicating the canker.

‘As members of the Judiciary, we are not policy makers and we do not wield the enforcement powers of the executive. Yet our constitutional role is neither passive nor peripheral. We are the guardians of justice, custodians of the law, and interpreters of the nation’s conscience,’ Justice Baffoe-Bonnie said.

He was speaking at the 44th Annual Meeting of the Association of Magistrates and Judges Association of Ghana yesterday. It was under the theme ‘Leveraging Technology to Enhance Justice Delivery’.

The Acting Chief Justice indicated that the Judiciary’s responsibilities in confronting the challenges of illegal mining and drug trafficking include upholding the law, nothing that ‘we must ensure that prosecutions related to illegal mining and drug trafficking and abuse are handled with seriousness, impartiality, and urgency. And I mean urgency.’

He said where there is evidence, the law must be applied without fear or favour, emphasising that ‘no person, and I mean no person, regardless of their political affiliation or social status, should be immune from justice.’

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie also highlighted what he described as ‘a growing public perception’ that sentences for environmental crimes and drug offences are either too lenient or inconsistently applied.

‘We must work towards harmonising sentencing practices to ensure propriety, deterrence, and fairness. We must fiercely guard our independence from external pressures, be they political, commercial, or social,’ he added.

President of the AMJG, Justice Henry Anthony Kwofie, highlighted some of the challenges facing the Judiciary, particularly infrastructural facilities and welfare packages for judges and magistrates.

He pointed out that even when the Judiciary’s budgetary allocation has been approved and allocations made, getting it released then becomes the problem.

‘It suffices to say that facilities for the performance of functions of the Judiciary are released, given to us as if we don’t deserve it,’ he said.

He also stated that compensation packages for judges, including allowances, medical bills, and others are not paid on time, a situation which is affecting judges and magistrates who do not have any other source of income.

He called on the Ministry of Finance to at least expedite action on the financial packages for the Judiciary to address the challenges.

Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, assured the gathering that he will to work ‘assiduously’ with his deputy to ensure that the challenges confronting the Judiciary are a thing of the past.

He urged judges and magistrates to bear the solemn duty of ensuring that technology supports rather than supplants judicial reasoning.

‘To this end, it is imperative to establish a clear regulatory framework to guide the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our courts, one that safeguards accuracy, integrity, and public trust in the administration of justice,’ he suggested.