Category: Daily Guide Network

Celebrated gospel artiste, Empress Gifty, is set to receive a distinguished honour as the Western Gospel Awards marks its fifth anniversary with a grand black-tie ceremony in Takoradi.

Organised by Prolific GH, this year’s event will be held on December 20, 2025, at the Western Serene Atlantic Hotel under the theme ‘Celebrating Humanitarian Excellence.’

Empress Gifty, widely recognised as one of Ghana’s most influential gospel voices, has made remarkable contributions to the industry through her music, ministry, and media influence. With a career defined by excellence, innovation, and consistent impact, she has played a pivotal role in inspiring emerging talents and expanding the reach of Ghanaian gospel music both locally and internationally.

According to the awards board, the honour reflects her exceptional dedication to the growth of the gospel industry and her leadership as a role model for many aspiring artistes. Organisers note that celebrating her during the fifth anniversary is both meaningful and symbolic, acknowledging a milestone of progress for the awards scheme and the wider gospel community.

The upcoming ceremony promises an evening of elegance and worship, with a glamorous Blue Carpet reception beginning at 5 p.m. A large gathering of gospel musicians, industry stakeholders, and supporters are expected to grace the event.

Hosting duties will be handled by Adom TV’s Sister Sandy and Melody FM’s 2KD; two respected media personalities known for their dynamic presence and deep connection with audiences.

The organisers say honouring Empress Gifty at this significant juncture reflects the scheme’s ongoing commitment to spotlighting individuals who use their platforms to transform lives and advance the gospel mission.

The 2025 Western Gospel Awards is set to be a landmark night, celebrating excellence, humanitarian service, and the enduring power of gospel music.

Ghana’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Kojo Bonsu, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with China, following a meeting with the Director General of the International Cooperation Department of China’s Ministry of Public Security, Mr. Wang Yong, in Beijing.

During the meeting, Ambassador Kojo Bonsu conveyed the Ghanaian government’s appreciation for China’s enduring support towards Ghana’s socio-economic development and emphasized the country’s commitment to expanding collaboration in emerging areas of mutual interest.

The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in security and public safety, with discussions centered on enhancing institutional capacity-building, facilitating training and technical exchange programs, and promoting the exchange of best practices and intelligence-sharing mechanisms to address transnational crimes and emerging security threats.

Both sides also underscored the importance of continued dialogue, mutual understanding, and respect for sovereignty in advancing their collective interests, including peacekeeping, counterterrorism, and the protection of citizens.

The engagement has been hailed as a reaffirmation of the shared vision for a safer, more prosperous future, and a practical step towards enhancing Ghana-China cooperation in security and development.

Key Areas of Cooperation:

– Enhancing institutional capacity-building within Ghana’s security and law enforcement agencies

– Facilitating training and technical exchange programs in policing, cybersecurity, and crime prevention

– Promoting the exchange of best practices and intelligence-sharing mechanisms to address transnational crimes and emerging security threats

The meeting concluded with mutual expressions of goodwill and a shared determination to translate discussions into concrete programs and joint initiatives in the months ahead, further solidifying the Ghana-China partnership grounded in mutual respect, solidarity, and shared prosperity.

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has called on African leaders to speed up efforts to strengthen and sustain their national HIV responses through renewed political commitment, domestic investments and international solidarity.

Speaking at a press conference during the 23rd edition of International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA), in Accra, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director, Angeli Achrekar, mentioned that about 40.8 million people are living with HIV globally and in need of treatment.

She disclosed that over 1.3 million new infections are still happening among young people and key populations on the continent, especially among adolescent girls and young women, noting that such marginalised populations must be reached to ensure that new infections are prevented.

‘We must reach those marginalised populations and make sure that we are preventing new infections from occurring,’ she said.

She added that despite the halting of funding, there is hope since the continent is increasing investment in HIV response.

‘We have seen countries stepping up to ensure that their people maintain essential life-saving services and ARVs during this disruption. We have seen communities continue to rise up and lead the way and not give up. And we have seen that strength here on the continent more than any other place,’ she said.

Ms. Achrekar stressed that Africa must come together to end AIDS, which is a public health threat, by 2030. ‘We must work collectively in solidarity to urgently move to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 and sustain the gains beyond,’ she added.

Throughout history, railways have shaped the economic fortunes of nations. Where tracks were laid, industries thrived; where they weren’t, growth stalled. Today, Africa faces a similar situation, not with trains, but with talent. And Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) are the modern equivalent of that railway infrastructure, laying the foundation for inclusive progress.

Africa is undergoing changes of historic scale. Over 60% of its people are under 25, and by 2050, nearly 600 million will be of working age. This is more than a statistic; it’s a defining opportunity. If we equip young people with the right skills, we can unlock a future where industries flourish and nations move forward. Like railways once powered trade, TVET creates pathways to jobs, fuels innovation, and drives sustainable growth. It’s critical that we remain committed to building those tracks, because when technical talent thrives, so do economies.

Why growth hinges on technical talent

More than just an alternative to academic education, TVET is a driver of resilience and opportunity. That’s why countries like Togo are prioritising vocational education. Recently, the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development approved a pound 50 million line of credit to Planet One Education in Togo to strengthen this critical sector. Six modern vocational and technical training centres will be built, providing thousands of places for trainees and supporting the Togolese government’s development goals.

The relevance of TVET is underscored by the size of the informal sector, which employs over 85% of Africa’s workforce. For many, vocational training is the only accessible route to employment. Yet, much of it remains informal and unrecognised, leaving a gap between education and labour market demands. Despite rising school enrollment, too many young people remain unemployed or underemployed, as traditional curricula don’t match job market realities.

TVET bridges this gap. It equips learners with practical, in-demand skills across sectors like manufacturing, construction, ICT, and green industries. As Africa works to diversify its economies and reduce reliance on raw commodity exports, TVET becomes central to its growth strategy – linking education to employment and aspiration to achievement. Its adaptability to evolving industry needs ensures that graduates are prepared for the work environment both today and tomorrow.

Barriers to progress

Despite its potential, the sector faces persistent challenges. Chronic underfunding means many institutions still rely on outdated facilities. Access to modern equipment is limited, and resources for teacher training and curriculum reform are scarce.

There’s also a shortage of qualified instructors, particularly in fast-changing fields like ICT and STEM, further undermining the quality of training. Many educators lack exposure to current industry practices. And weak links between training providers and employers mean graduates often leave without the skills needed to succeed in the workplace.

Social perceptions add to the problem. TVET is often seen as a ‘last resort’, discouraging potential students. Moreover, limited private sector involvement in curriculum design, internships, and job placement continues to hinder the system’s responsiveness to market needs.

A shift is taking place

But signs of transformation are emerging. Ghana’s vocational education, for example, is shifting fast. Once held back by a preference for academic paths, the country faced high youth unemployment and a growing skills gap. In response, sweeping reforms have modernised TVET, expanding access nationwide and making digital skills central to training.

Public-private partnerships now shape curricula, with increased investment in facilities and teacher training to meet industry needs. Graduates are leaving with stronger technical skills, boosting employability and reshaping perceptions of vocational education. In fact, according to Planet One data, TVET enrolment in Ghana rose by 193% between 2020 and 2024.

Ghana’s transformation is inspiring other African nations to follow suit. Initiatives like those taking place in Togo signal a growing recognition that TVET is not a peripheral concern, but a cornerstone of national development.

Africa stands at a defining juncture. Its natural resources and youthful population offer a powerful platform for growth, but only if matched by the structures to harness them. TVET is that national structure, driving industrialisation, reducing unemployment, and unlocking Africa’s vast youth potential.

Ghana’s success shows what’s possible when governments, industry, and educators work together. As more countries follow suit, TVET must be seen not as a fallback, but as the foundational infrastructure of a resilient and inclusive Africa.

The future won’t wait – we must begin laying the tracks for progress today.

Access Bank (Ghana) PLC has been ranked among the top-performing companies in boardroom gender diversity, according to the newly released Ghana Board Diversity Index Report 2025.

The Bank emerged as the second most gender-diverse board in Ghana, with 44% of its board seats occupied by women, significantly higher than the national average of 25%.

The annual report, published by TheBoardroom Africa in partnership with the Ghana Stock Exchange, assesses female representation across the boards and senior leadership teams of all 36 listed companies in the country.

Access Bank’s performance places it firmly in the category of ‘Gender Champions’, a designation for companies with at least 30% women on their boards. Only 39% of Ghana’s listed firms meet this benchmark.

Beyond its 44% female board representation, the report also highlights that 50% of Access Bank’s Non-Executive Directors are women.

The Bank further distinguishes itself as one of the few listed companies with both a Woman Board Chair and a Woman Chief Operating Officer, underscoring its strong commitment to gender inclusion at both board and executive levels.

The Board Chair of Access Bank Ghana, Ms. Ama Sarpong Bawuah, noted, ‘Our diversity agenda is integral to our culture and our business. We believe organisations that reflect the diversity of their markets are better equipped for innovation, sustainability, and long-term value creation.’

Commenting on the recognition, the Managing Director of Access Bank Ghana, Ms. Pearl Nkrumah, described the achievement as a reflection of the Bank’s long-standing commitment to inclusive leadership.

‘We are proud to be recognised as one of the top organisations driving gender balance in Ghana’s corporate space. Diversity is not just a metric for us; it is a strategic imperative. The presence of women at the highest levels of leadership has strengthened our governance, broadened our perspectives, and enhanced our decision-making as a bank,’ she said.

Despite Ghana recording a modest 1% increase in women’s board representation since 2024, progress remains slow. Sixty-one percent of listed companies are still below the 30% board diversity benchmark, while 14% have no women on their boards at all.

According to the report, companies chaired by women are nearly twice as likely to achieve the 30% diversity threshold.

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) with support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has unveiled the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) to address the country’s climate change impacts.

The NAP reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding the economy from the adverse impacts of climate change for present and future generations. As Ghana’s first National Adaptation Plan, it consolidates the country’s vision for climate resilience, aligning macro-level adaptation actions with sectoral and district-level vulnerabilities to enhance long-term resilience and adaptive capacity.

The Director of Climate Change and Ozone at the Environmental Protection Authority, Felix Addo-Okyireh, said the plan seeks to integrate climate change adaptation coherently into relevant policies, programmes and activities in development planning processes, across all sectors and subnational levels.

He indicated that the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124), which repeals the previous EPA Act of 1994 (Act 490) further strengthens the legal framework for environmental protection in Ghana. It reaffirms that environmental stewardship including climate change adaptation. ‘Ghana has experienced the realities of changing climate and its negative impact over the past years, from coastal erosion to prolong dry spells, these impacts has given us a challenge on development aspirations and also remind us of our collective responsibility to build a climate resilient nation,’ he said.

In an address read on behalf of the Acting Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Madam Suweibatu Adam, Chief Director of the Ministry, described the NAP as Ghana’s most comprehensive documentation of actions and plans to tackle climate change. She thanked all contributors to the process and urged their continued involvement in implementation.

The launch also provided a platform for partners to explore collaboration, investment, and next steps for implementing the NAP across the country.

Throughout history, railways have shaped the economic fortunes of nations. Where tracks were laid, industries thrived; where they weren’t, growth stalled. Today, Africa faces a similar situation, not with trains, but with talent. And Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) are the modern equivalent of that railway infrastructure, laying the foundation for inclusive progress.

Africa is undergoing changes of historic scale. Over 60% of its people are under 25, and by 2050, nearly 600 million will be of working age. This is more than a statistic; it’s a defining opportunity. If we equip young people with the right skills, we can unlock a future where industries flourish and nations move forward. Like railways once powered trade, TVET creates pathways to jobs, fuels innovation, and drives sustainable growth. It’s critical that we remain committed to building those tracks, because when technical talent thrives, so do economies.

Why growth hinges on technical talent

More than just an alternative to academic education, TVET is a driver of resilience and opportunity. That’s why countries like Togo are prioritising vocational education. Recently, the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development approved a pound 50 million line of credit to Planet One Education in Togo to strengthen this critical sector. Six modern vocational and technical training centres will be built, providing thousands of places for trainees and supporting the Togolese government’s development goals.

The relevance of TVET is underscored by the size of the informal sector, which employs over 85% of Africa’s workforce. For many, vocational training is the only accessible route to employment. Yet, much of it remains informal and unrecognised, leaving a gap between education and labour market demands. Despite rising school enrollment, too many young people remain unemployed or underemployed, as traditional curricula don’t match job market realities.

TVET bridges this gap. It equips learners with practical, in-demand skills across sectors like manufacturing, construction, ICT, and green industries. As Africa works to diversify its economies and reduce reliance on raw commodity exports, TVET becomes central to its growth strategy – linking education to employment and aspiration to achievement. Its adaptability to evolving industry needs ensures that graduates are prepared for the work environment both today and tomorrow.

Barriers to progress

Despite its potential, the sector faces persistent challenges. Chronic underfunding means many institutions still rely on outdated facilities. Access to modern equipment is limited, and resources for teacher training and curriculum reform are scarce.

There’s also a shortage of qualified instructors, particularly in fast-changing fields like ICT and STEM, further undermining the quality of training. Many educators lack exposure to current industry practices. And weak links between training providers and employers mean graduates often leave without the skills needed to succeed in the workplace.

Social perceptions add to the problem. TVET is often seen as a ‘last resort’, discouraging potential students. Moreover, limited private sector involvement in curriculum design, internships, and job placement continues to hinder the system’s responsiveness to market needs.

A shift is taking place

But signs of transformation are emerging. Ghana’s vocational education, for example, is shifting fast. Once held back by a preference for academic paths, the country faced high youth unemployment and a growing skills gap. In response, sweeping reforms have modernised TVET, expanding access nationwide and making digital skills central to training.

Public-private partnerships now shape curricula, with increased investment in facilities and teacher training to meet industry needs. Graduates are leaving with stronger technical skills, boosting employability and reshaping perceptions of vocational education. In fact, according to Planet One data, TVET enrolment in Ghana rose by 193% between 2020 and 2024.

Ghana’s transformation is inspiring other African nations to follow suit. Initiatives like those taking place in Togo signal a growing recognition that TVET is not a peripheral concern, but a cornerstone of national development.

Africa stands at a defining juncture. Its natural resources and youthful population offer a powerful platform for growth, but only if matched by the structures to harness them. TVET is that national structure, driving industrialisation, reducing unemployment, and unlocking Africa’s vast youth potential.

Ghana’s success shows what’s possible when governments, industry, and educators work together. As more countries follow suit, TVET must be seen not as a fallback, but as the foundational infrastructure of a resilient and inclusive Africa.

The future won’t wait – we must begin laying the tracks for progress today.

The chiefs and people of Jema, a farming community in the Aowin Municipality of the Western North Region, have taken a decisive stand not to allow illegal mining activities or ‘galamsey’ in the area.

While neighbouring communities like Ngakain, Asemkrom, Boinso, and Omanpe, among others continue to struggle with the devastating effects of illegal mining, including polluted rivers, the people of Jema have resolved to protect their forest reserves and two streams which are currently very clean and potable.

According to sources, the chief of Jema had turned down numerous offers from galamseyers, including bribe worth billions of Ghana Cedis and a trip to South Africa which were meant to entice him to allow galamsey operations in Jema.

The youth of Jema have also mounted a bill board at the entrance of the community with the inscription ‘No Illegal Mining Activities On Jema Lands. You Do So At Your Own Risk.’

The community has therefore established the Jema Anti-Galamsey Advocates (JAGA), a movement dedicated to preserving the lands and ensuring illegal mining has no foothold in the area.

A leading member of the movement, Rev. Father Joseph Blay could not fathom why fertile lands and water bodies have to be destroyed in the quest for gold.

‘It takes a wicked generation to devastate its land because that generation does not want the nation to live and benefit others,’ he pointed out.

In an interview, Rev. Blay explained that the fight against galamsey in the area started in 2015 when a group of five young men from Jema went to dig in a reserved forest to prospect for gold.

‘Upon hearing the incident, some opinion leaders rushed to halt their operation and commenced sensitising the community on the effects of galamsey. There were also lots of arrests, including Chinese nationals who wanted to embark on galamsey activities in Jema,’ he added.

He said to sustain the fight against galamsey on Jema lands, the group is poised to use the Ghanaian laws to fight any form of illegal mining activities in Jema.

He added that JAGA plans to collaborate with environmental organisations to explore sustainable development opportunities that will benefit Jema, while safeguarding its natural resources.

Rev. Father Blay further opined that government should develop an environmental stewardship curriculum for all levels of students to educate the young ones.

Recently, the farmers in the community organised a fair during which they displayed some fresh vegetables and other foodstuffs, and disclosed that foodstuffs from their area are safe to eat.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has praised the residents of Jema for their strong resolve in the fight against illegal mining.

He has, therefore, pledged his support for JAGA and emphasised that residents have the legal authority to arrest anyone attempting to engage in galamsey on Jema lands.

The youth of Jema, mainly farmers and motorcycle (okada) riders, have also thrown their weight behind the anti-galamsey movement.

They have, however, appealed to the government to create more employment opportunities for them, to ensure the long-term sustainability of their resistance and prevention of illegal mining.

Odefille, the Ghanaian fashion house known for its refined approach to modern C-suite apparel, will debut a bold new collection at Accra Fashion Week 2025 scheduled to take place from December 14-21, introducing a sophisticated blend of Thai-inspired design and South-East Asian styles-driven creativity.

The collection marks a significant evolution for the brand, which has built its reputation on structured silhouettes, executive-ready tailoring and a commitment to comfort, style and exclusivity.

Titled ‘The Thai Collection’, the new line draws from Thai, Indonesian related South-East Asian styles from the 1960s through the 1980s, merging vintage Asian influences with contemporary elements designed for today’s professional woman and man.

This year’s presentation moves beyond the social impact focus of Odefille’s 2024 Bambose collection, which featured textiles hand-painted by single mothers in northern Ghana. Instead, the 2025 showcase explores a more personal narrative. ‘This collection reflects that journey while staying true to our vision of empowering the modern executive through exceptional design,’ Co-Creative Director Nadia Asantewaa Nkandobi stated.

She added that the collection allowed Odefille to explore elegance through a completely new cultural lens. ‘By drawing from Thai heritage while honouring the realities of womanhood, we wanted to create pieces that feel both globally inspired and deeply personal. It is a reminder that executive fashion can evolve, adapt and still remain empowering,’ she stressed.

Odefille’s appearance at Accra Fashion Week 2025 reinforces the brand’s growing interest in global cultural references and its ambition to broaden the definitions of African executive fashion. The event will bring together designers, buyers and fashion stakeholders from more than 20 countries.

Odefille’s Thai Collection will be unveiled during the main runway showcases, offering audiences an early look at the brand’s latest exploration of global aesthetics and executive fashion.

The label will showcase the collection exclusively during the main runway events from December 14-21, 2025, joining designers from across Africa, Europe and Asia.

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has warned the public not to enroll in any of the 6 University of Ghana (UG) Legon, learning centres as well as other institutions operating without accreditation.

In a public notice, GTEC urged prospective students and parents to verify the status of such institutions before seeking admission as academic qualifications issued will not be recognised.

‘The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) hereby brings to the notice of the public that the following learning centres currently operated by the University of Ghana (UG) have not been accredited by the Commission.

‘UG Learning Centre, Koforidua, UG Learning Centre, Cape Coast, UG Learning Centre, Tamale UG Learning Centre, Ho/Tsito, UG Learning Centre, Wa, UG Learning Centre, Sunyani and all academic qualifications issued by the University at these centres are not recognised by GTEC for the purposes of employment, further education, and promotion,’ it stated.

The Commission also announced that 11 other tertiary institutions have been directed to suspend all fresh admissions with immediate effect until they meet the accreditation standards required.

These include Institute of Business Management and Journalism, Kumasi, Rural Development College, Kwaso, University College of Agriculture and Environmental Studies, Bunso, School of Anaesthesia, Kumasi, Unique Citizens College, Accra and Kings and Queens Medical College, Akosombo.

The rest are, Springs College, Labone-Accra, Wintech Professional Institute, Accra, Trans-Africa College, Accra, Royal Nursing College, Kumasi, and OAA Consulting Limited, Kumasi the local agency for Universidad Empresarial De Costa Rica (UNEM).

The Commission further mentioned other 26 institutions whose accreditations have also expired.

They include Abbeam Institute of Technology, Kasoa, SS Peter and Paul Pastoral and Social Institute, Wa, Redeemer College of Health, Tarkwa, Community College, Takoradi, Mumford Institute of Technology, Accra, Lakeside University College, Accra and ILMA Institute of Science and Technology, Accra

Others are College for Community and Organisational Development, Sunyani, River View College, Accra, Synergies Institute, Accra, Nursing Training College, Kwapong, Presbyterian Nurses’ Training College, Bawku, Institute of Local Government Studies, Accra, Ohawu College of Agriculture, Ohawu and College of Tropical Agriculture, Domeabra.

The rest are Animal Health and Production College, Tamale, Kwadaso Agricultural College, Kumasi, Hopkins Health Training Institute, Akim Oda, Manaata School of Midwifery, Kumasi, Western Hills School of Nursing, Accra and Oak City International College, Accra.

Others are Kokofu Nursing Training College, Kokofu, Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Asankrangwa, Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Yeji, Presbyterian Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Dormaa Ahenkro and Holy Spirit College of Education, Ho.

The Commission further advised prospective students, parents, guardians, and the public to verify the accreditation status of all institutions, learning centres, and academic programmes directly with the Commission before seeking admission.

‘Enrolling in unaccredited institutions or learning centres poses serious risks, including the potential loss of time, financial resources, and future career opportunities.

‘This notice is issued in the interest of public safety, to prevent misinformation and to protect the public from possible exploitation,’ parts of the notice read.

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) in September also shut down 149 open distance learning institutions found to be operating without authorisation and accreditation

Director-General of GTEC, Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, said most of the affected centres were situated in second-cycle schools, churches, and public works departments.