Category: Daily Guide Network

A recent survey by the Independent Media Caucus for Development (IMCD) suggests that Dr. Bryan Acheampong could trigger a runoff in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries if the election were held today.

The report, presented by Independent Media Caucus for Development (IMCD) Convener, Nana Abeiku Baiden, said 34,736 delegates were from all 16 regions of the country.

According to the group, the findings indicate a closely contested race, with none of the leading candidates poised to secure the required 50% majority to win outright in the first round.

It stated, ‘Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Vice President, leads with support from 10,901 delegates 31%, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, former Minister for Food and Agriculture, follows with 8,091 delegates 23%. Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, secured 5,569 votes 16%. Former General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyapong was backed by 390 delegates (1.1%).

The rest are former Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum garnered 128 votes 0.3%. A significant number of delegates 9,657, representing 28% of the total sample, remain undecided.

The IMCD noted that the large undecided bloc and the relatively even distribution of support among the top aspirants indicate a likely second-round vote unless a major shift occurs.

As the days to the 2026 World Cup get closer, the Ghana and the United States are exploring various fora of mutual benefits as the two nations take steps to foster and strengthen existing relationships.

As part of measures, the National Sports Authority and the US Embassy in Ghana have engaged journalists and stakeholders in sports as the days to the World Cup which will be held in the US, Canada and Mexico draw nearer.

Held under the theme ‘Countdown to World Cup 26: ‘Bridging the Cap: Fostering Connections between the United States and Ghana through Soccer Culture,’ the programme highlighted opportunities available through sports.

It also highlighted rivalries between the Ghana Black Stars and the US Men Soccer team which have faced each other in three successive Worl Cup tournaments-2006, 2010 and 2014, with Ghana winning the first two and the US winning the third meeting.

Director General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, in a presentation highlighted various collaborations between the two nations and how various Ghanaians have benefited and continue to benefit from these programmes.

He was hopeful that Ghana will qualify for next year’s World Cup thereby providing an opportunity for Ghanaians to experience the US as well explore opportunities for themselves.

Mr. Ampofo also disclosed that the NSA is putting in place measures to unearth talents across the country – not just in football but in various sporting fields.

He also indicated that despite financial challenges, the NSA is doing its best and pointed to government’s commitment to national development through sports.

Mathew Asada, Press Attachè at the US Embassy in Ghana said the US is ready to welcome people from all over the world ‘for this mega sporting event.’

He hoped that Ghana will qualify for the tournament, nothing that ‘once it does qualify, we can think about what we can do together.

He also pointed out that the Donald Trump administration is interested in ensuring that anyone that visits the United States abides by the US immigration laws, describing it as something that is ‘common sense.’

‘Each country has the ability to control who enters and stays and leaves that country,’ he said. ‘So, the United States right now, we want to ensure that we are facilitating that legitimate trade and travel and that people are abiding by the terms of their visa,’ Mr. Asada added.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has been given a one-match ban for ‘unsporting conduct’ by UEFA following his clash with Liverpool supporters at Anfield earlier this month.

After Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk scored a 92nd-minute winner in Atletico’s 3-2 defeat, Simeone reacted after he appeared to be goaded by a small number of home fans.

The Argentine complained to the fourth official with a number of stewards positioned between him and the Liverpool supporters.

Simeone had to be dragged away from the scene and continued his protests before he was sent off and walked down the tunnel.

His ban lasts for one competitive UEFA fixture, meaning he will miss his side’s home game against Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday (20:00 BST).

Speaking in the news conference after the Liverpool match, the 55-year-old said: ‘Firstly I regret the part I played. It’s clear we are in a position where we do not have the right to react and it is not good when we react.’

Simone said he ‘could not remember exactly’ what had been, but he took issue with the ‘insults throughout the whole game’ from the home supporters.

‘We [managers] are in a position where we are protagonists/standard bearers, so in the same manner that we fight against racism and insults in stadiums today, we could also fight on behalf of the managers, against the insults we receive throughout the whole game.

‘It’s not easy to be in the position we are in and receive insults for the whole game. I saw it from far away after the third goal. I saw the third goal go in and I turned, the insults continued, and well, I’m a person.’

Liverpool, meanwhile, have been fined 4,000 euros for the throwing of objects.

East Legon’s AandC Corner turned into a hub of music, laughter, and sizzling grills on Sunday as Guide Radio’s much-anticipated Beer and Grillz event delivered a night to remember.

What was billed as a casual weekend hangout quickly transformed into a full-blown festival of sound, flavour, and celebration.

From the moment the grills fired up, the air buzzed with excitement. Guests were treated to an irresistible blend of free-flowing beer and mouthwatering cuts of meat, which many enthusiastically grilled themselves as part of the interactive theme.

The do-it-yourself barbecue vibe, paired with endless drinks, set the stage for an atmosphere that felt like the ultimate backyard party, intimate yet electrifying.

The music, however, was the true showstopper. Rising twin sensations Lali and Lola lit up the stage with a high-energy set that had the crowd singing along and dancing without pause.

Just when the energy seemed at its peak, highlife star Molly raised it another notch with her powerhouse performance. Her hit Shake It to the Max brought the entire venue to its feet, creating a euphoric wave of movement and joy.

Adding to the spectacle was the strong presence of Guide Radio’s own community, including its popular salsa teams, who dazzled the audience with their polished moves and infectious energy.

By the end of the night, it was clear that Beer and Grillz had surpassed expectations. More than just a party, it became a celebration of music, food, and community that set a new benchmark for Sunday nightlife in Accra.

As the last song faded and the grills cooled, one question lingered in the minds of attendees: where will Guide Radio take the next Beer and Grillz?

The Black Princesses received a significant boost after their impressive 4-0 aggregate win over Tunisia in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier, thanks to a generous donation from Andre Ayew.

The victory, which saw the team win 2-0 in the return leg at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, sealed their progression to the third round of the qualifiers, where they will face South Africa in February 2026.

Before the match, Andre Ayew visited the team at their training grounds, urging them to make Ghana proud.

Ayew’s visit and words of encouragement clearly had an impact, as the Black Princesses dominated the match, with Mercy Attobrah opening the scoring in the 37th minute and Agnes Yeboah doubling the lead just after halftime.

The donation is a testament to his commitment to supporting Ghana’s female football talent.

The Black Princesses will now focus on their upcoming fixtures against South Africa, with their sights set on qualifying for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

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.

The depreciation of the Ghana cedi eased over the past two weeks, with the interbank and retail markets recording modest dips.

In the interbank market, the US Dollar cedi pair closed the fortnight at GHS12.40 from GHS12.15, marking a 2.02% dip compared to 6.17% recorded two weeks earlier.

In the retail market, the cedi remained range-bound between GHS13.40 and GHS13.50 against the US dollar, posting a 0.74% decline from 6.72%. In parallel, the pound and euro closed at midrates of GHS18.05 (-2.49%) and GHS15.70 (-1.59%) from GHS17.60 and GHS15.70, respectively.

‘We note that the slowdown in the cedi’s depreciation confirms our earlier expectations of stability, supported by stronger FX [foreign exchange] inflows and softer market sentiments. Looking ahead, we maintain a cautiously optimistic near-term outlook, with seasonal FX inflows from commodity exports expected to filter through’, Databank Researchers said.

It acknowledged that heightened corporate demand, particularly from the services sector ahead of the festive season, may create upside risk.

However, it said sustained forex support from the Bank of Ghana, underpinned by a strong reserve buffer and positive expectations around the International Monetary Fund’s fifth programme review to anchor its outlook is expected.

It further noted that, the ongoing U.S. budget stalemate could sustain dollar softness, providing further support to the USD/GHS pair.

The Anala family has organised a memorial mass for the late Wing Commander Peter Baafemi Anala and his late siblings Fr. Tony Anala and Grace Anala at OLA Catholic Cathedral Parish in Tamale in the Northern region.

The memorial mass was graced by the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Tamale, Most Rev. Philip Naameh, the Clergy, Ghana Airforce, St. James Old Boys Association, Catholic Church groups, family members, sympathisers among others.

Leticia Anala, who read a tribute on behalf of the family, expressed their gratitude to the entire nation for their support and wished the late family members farewell.

‘Though we part for now, we await the day we will be united again in God’s kingdom,’ she stated.

Frank Hanson (Ltd), Ghana Airforce, described the late Wing Commander Peter Baafemi Anala as a dedicated, intelligent and welcoming officer who served the nation diligently.

Wing Commander Peter Baafemi Anala, tragically lost his life with seven others in a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash near Adansi Brofoyedru in the Ashanti Region.

He was born on November 2, 1989 in Tamale.

He hailed from Siniensi, in the Builsa North District of the Upper East Region, and was the youngest child of Honorable Oscar Anala, former Member of Parliament for Builsa and Lucy Apung Anala, a retired educationist.

Peter began his primary and junior secondary education at Barwah Barracks, home to the Air Force Base in Tamale.

He later attended St James Seminary/Secondary School, where his discipline and academic excellence flourished.

Upon graduating from St James, Peter pursued a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) graduating in 2012.

He went on to obtain a Master of Science in Air Transport and Aviation Management from the same institution in 2023.

At the time of his passing, he was pursuing postgraduate studies in Safety and Accident Investigation in the United Kingdom.

Ghanaian gospel artist and public servant, Daniel Asamoah, popularly known as ‘The Singing Prophet’, has earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Health from the Livingstone International University of Tourism Excellence and Business Management (LIUTEBM) in Lusaka, Zambia.

The graduation ceremony was held on Friday, September, 19, 2025, at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka.

Dr. Asamoah’s dissertation, titled, ‘Healthcare Facilities Regulations in Ghana: Compliance and Challenges’, highlights his expertise and innovative approach to addressing key issues in Ghana’s health sector.

His research is expected to contribute significantly to healthcare regulations and public health policy in Ghana and beyond.

Beyond his role as a gospel artist best known for the hit song ‘Di Yen Anim’, the musician has built a reputation as a respected professional in health regulation, healthcare facility establishment, and the development of Standard Operating Procedures.

His academic achievement reflects his dedication to advancing healthcare regulation and public health policy.

Eleven other Ghanaians who were also awarded PhDs in various disciplines such as Public Health include Dr. Jennifer Andoh, Dr. Mabel Afi Togbe, Dr. Catherine Armah, Dr. Gifty Dede Mateko Angmor, Dr. Augustina Ampah, and Dr. Hafez Adam Taher.

The rest are Dr. Felix Ahima-Adonteng, Dr. Raphael John Marfo, Project Dr. Joseph Okine and Dr. Isaac Setordzi.

President John Dramani Mahama has assured private universities of government’s readiness to consider measures that will improve their operations and contribution to higher education in Ghana.

This assurance was given when a delegation from the Christian Service University (CSU) in Kumasi, led by its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sam Afrane, paid a courtesy call on him at the Flagstaff House in Accra.

Prof. Afrane, speaking on behalf of the delegation, urged the government to extend the Stress-free Fee Programme for first-year students in private universities, arguing that the initiative should not only benefit students in public institutions.

He also appealed for scholarships to be made available to lecturers in private tertiary institutions to enable them pursue Doctoral programmes, thereby improving faculty capacity.

President Mahama, in his response, welcomed the delegation warmly and expressed appreciation for their support and prayers. He emphasised that private universities play a vital role in expanding access to higher education and deserve attention from the government.

To demonstrate his commitment, the President tasked the Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, who was present at the meeting, to study the issues raised and make recommendations.

The CSU delegation included the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Dr. Stephen Banahene; the Registrar, Mr. Andrews K. Doku; the Dean of the Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, Dr. Cynthia Akuoko; and the University Chaplain, Rev. Anthony Boateng Agyenim. Before their departure, they prayed for the President, his government, and the peace and prosperity of the nation.

Christian Service University, located in the Ashanti Region, is a leading private institution offering programmes in theology, business, health sciences, and applied sciences. Its call for support highlights broader challenges facing private universities across Ghana, particularly in the areas of funding, staffing, and student access.