Category: Daily Guide Network

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Ministry of Sports and Recreation has approved a budget of $1,120,000 to support the Black Stars in their final two matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Ghana will face the Central African Republic (CAR) and Comoros next month as they aim to secure a spot at the global showpiece.

The team opens against CAR on October 8 in Casablanca, Morocco, before returning home to host Comoros at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Addressing the press on Monday, September 29, Sports Ministry spokesperson Kofi Adams confirmed that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) submitted its budget on September 18, which was subsequently forwarded to the Office of the President for approval the next day.

‘The FA submitted a budget within an acceptable range, and the Ministry did not need to add any comments,’ Adams explained. ‘The two-match engagement carries a total estimated cost of $1.12 million-$733,000 for the away game in Casablanca and $387,000 for the home fixture in Accra.’

The approved funding is expected to cover all expenses for the qualifiers as the Black Stars bid to confirm their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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.

A NUMBER of TikTokers have applauded members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament for their thorough investigation of some public servants in government agencies in recent times.

A video excerpt of the PAC sitting to scrutinise the audited accounts of some government institutions have sparked conversations on social media.

In its recent sitting, PAC raised serious concerns about financial irregularities at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), after the latest Auditor-General’s report revealed the payment of unearned salaries amounting to GHS1,449,000 to a deceased staff member for 26 months.

This made TikTok sensation, Prisy1, to question the nature of corruption embed in state institutions, hence commending PAC for their investigations into the audited accounts of government agencies and public servants.

‘Tamale Teaching Hospital what a shame, what a disgrace, 26 good months of paying a dead person, and there are newly posted teachers who for 13 good months are not been paid, I saw it on Twitter (X) that they are demonstrating to be paid for 13 good months.

‘Public Accounts Committee, I commend you for the good work. You have done so well, I’m urging the committee to take a second look at other institutions, because there are other places you are to also look at where corruption is ongoing. Scrutinise them and bring them to book,’ she stated.

Similarly, another TikToker, Quecy Official, commented on the directive by the PAC to recover over GHS17,000 in physically challenged allowance wrongly paid to an able-bodied teacher.

He said, ‘The Public Accounts Committee audit is a step in the right direction; you need to continue with it. If we are able to name and shame, Ghana will be a better place for us all. How can you wrongfully pay GHS17,000 to someone who is not disabled? So you can imagine how many people are receiving salaries who are not working.’

The year-on-year inflation for September 2025 has dropped significantly, falling from 11.5 percent in August to 9.4 percent.

According to the Ghana Statistical Service, the decline reflects a shift in price dynamics and signals that the country is firmly on the path to macroeconomic stability.

Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, explained that the downward trend shows that the pressures which had been driving inflation in recent months are easing.

Food inflation recorded a decline from 14.8 percent in August to 11.0 percent in September.

Non-food inflation also dropped slightly, from 8.7 percent in August to 8.2 percent in September.

Inflation for locally produced items fell from 12.2 percent in August to 10.1 percent in September, while imported items declined from 9.5 percent to 7.4 percent over the same period.

Regionally, the North East Region registered the highest inflation rate at 20.1 percent, more than double the national average, while the Bono East Region recorded the lowest rate at just 1.2 percent.

Yesterday, September 30, 2025, marked the end of an era for Ghanaian and African exporters as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) officially expires after 25 years of duty-free access to the U.S. market.

For two decades, AGOA was more than a trade arrangement – it was a lifeline for businesses, a source of foreign exchange, and a catalyst for industrialisation.

Ghana’s cocoa derivatives, processed fruits, apparel, and other goods found a competitive footing in the United States largely because of the preferential access AGOA guaranteed.

But as the curtain falls, exporters now confront an uncertain terrain. From today, Ghanaian products entering the U.S. market could face tariffs of up to 15%, instantly eroding competitiveness and thinning already tight margins.

For companies that have built supply chains, financing structures, and employment models around AGOA preferences, the shift is seismic.

The expiration of AGOA is not merely a technical trade development; it is a defining moment for Ghana’s economic direction. The policy conversation must now move beyond lamenting the loss of duty-free access to shaping a forward-looking growth agenda. Exporters and policymakers alike must ask: What next?

For Ghana, this means accelerating efforts to diversify exports beyond raw materials, investing in value addition, and building stronger trade resilience. Overreliance on external preferences such as AGOA has proven precarious. The future will depend on how quickly the country can harness its strengths – competitive agriculture, a budding manufacturing sector, and a youthful labor force – to reposition for global markets.

New Opportunities In A Shifting Landscape

While the end of AGOA appears like a setback, it also opens new opportunities. Firstly, Ghanaian businesses can re-orient toward niche markets within Africa and beyond, where rising demand for processed foods, textiles, and digital services is less exposed to abrupt policy changes.

Secondly, exporters can explore bilateral deals with the U.S. or other partners, pressing for terms that reflect mutual interests rather than broad continental preferences.

Equally important, the expiration should sharpen Ghana’s focus on industrial policy. Incentives for agro-processing, light manufacturing, and technology-driven exports could reduce dependency on unilateral trade schemes. This shift requires tighter collaboration between government and private sector players to ensure that exporters are not left stranded in the new tariff regime.

AfCFTA: The Unseen Advantage

Perhaps the most underappreciated cushion for Ghana and its peers is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). While AGOA opened a window to the U.S., AfCFTA offers access to a far larger and closer market: 1.4 billion Africans with a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion.

By deepening regional integration, AfCFTA can absorb much of the shock from AGOA’s expiry. For Ghana, which hosts the AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra, this is an opportunity to lead by example. Streamlining border protocols, eliminating non-tariff barriers, and improving logistics infrastructure would allow Ghanaian exporters to pivot more effectively into African markets.

Intra-African trade currently accounts for just 15% of the continent’s commerce; if Ghana can capture even a small share of the growth potential, it could offset the losses from U.S. market access.

Moreover, AfCFTA provides a platform for industrial collaboration. Instead of competing as individual countries, African firms can develop regional value chains – for instance, Ghana processing cocoa and partnering with Nigeria’s packaging industry or Kenya’s logistics firms to deliver products at scale. Such cooperation could create a more resilient base of export-driven growth than AGOA ever allowed.

Did African leaders miss the moment?

One hard question lingers: did Africa’s leaders squander the opportunity to negotiate as a bloc? For years, African ambassadors in Washington lobbied separately for AGOA’s renewal, often focusing on country-specific advantages rather than continental strategy. The result was a fragmented approach that left the continent vulnerable when U.S. political winds shifted.

A united African front, leveraging the combined weight of AfCFTA, might have secured better and longer-lasting terms. Instead, Africa’s dependence on unilateral concessions left its exporters exposed to sudden reversals. The lesson is clear: Africa must speak with one voice in global trade negotiations. Without it, the continent risks being played off piecemeal in a world increasingly defined by blocs and mega-deals.

Charting Ghana’s Growth Agenda

So, where does Ghana go from here? Three priorities stand out.

Invest in value addition: Exporting raw cocoa beans and unprocessed fruits will not sustain long-term growth. Ghana must push aggressively into value chains that capture more revenue at home – from chocolate manufacturing to processed juices and textiles.

Strengthen regional integration: With AfCFTA on its doorstep, Ghana has no excuse not to maximize intra-African trade. Policies that reduce logistics costs, harmonize standards, and expand industrial zones will be key.

Negotiate smartly with global partners: The era of waiting for unilateral trade gifts must end. Ghana should pursue reciprocal, strategic agreements that protect its exporters and create predictable frameworks for long-term investment.

A Test Of Resilience

AGOA’s expiry yesterday is not just the end of a trade agreement. It is a wake-up call for Ghana and Africa to craft a growth path rooted in self-reliance, smart partnerships, and regional collaboration. For businesses that have thrived under AGOA, the adjustment will be painful, but it could also spark the innovation and resilience needed for the next chapter of Ghana’s trade story.

The question is no longer whether AGOA will be renewed. It is whether Ghana, and Africa at large, can seize this moment to pivot from dependence to independence in shaping their economic futures.