Category: Daily Guide Network

Similarly, longtime environmental campaigner, lawyer Awula Serwah of the Eco-Conscious Citizens organisation, in a recent interview with 3News, drew attention to the alarming health and environmental consequences of galamsey, including rising kidney disease cases, premature deaths, birth deformities, and poisoned water bodies.

According to her, over 60 percent of Ghana’s water bodies have been contaminated by mining activities.

She cited figures from the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, which has recorded a fourfold increase in kidney disease cases, as evidence that the crisis is spiraling.

With vivid imagery, she stated: ‘The house is burning, and we are waiting for it to be reduced to ashes before we act. Water is life.’ She summed it up thus: ‘We will not die if we don’t have gold, but we will die without water.’

For its part, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) last week issued a strong warning that Ghana could soon face a nationwide water shortage if the government fails to take decisive action to halt galamsey.

The union raised the alarm during a fact-finding mission to assess the state of water treatment plants in the Kwanyako, Brim, and Akyem areas of the Central and Eastern Regions.

Speaking to JoyNews, the TUC Secretary-General, Joshua Ansah, described the situation as ‘deeply troubling.’

He called on President John Mahama to declare a state of emergency to confront the illegal mining crisis head-on, warning that the TUC will be compelled to take ‘a drastic decision’ if the government fails to act.

‘Galamsey must stop, and it must stop now,’ Mr Ansah stressed.

It was gratifying to learn last month that ‘the Government has declared all water bodies and forest reserves as security zones in the latest measure to root out illegal mining in the country,’ as announced by Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.

It’s also encouraging that there is a ‘National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), a special-purpose unit established under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources ‘to coordinate, monitor, and lead intelligence-led field operations against illegal mining (galamsey) activities across Ghana.’

However, how effective can these measures be, against the recalcitrant galamsey operators, some of them, fellow Ghanaians assisting foreigners; and well-armed too, to resist any challenge to their illegal mining?

Should they be allowed to endanger all of Ghana? They demonstrate their infuriating audacity, pepper-in-wound defiance, in videos posted online, posing for the cameras with impunity.

There is an argument that unemployment is the reason for the rise in illegal mining, but since when has unemployment become an acceptable excuse for crime?

Remarkably, despite the long and growing list of organisations calling for a SoE, President Mahama has declared his reluctance to do that, it should be only as ‘a last resort’ – though his party, the National Democratic Congress while in opposition had been strongly championing the need for a SoE.

What I must have missed somehow is their explanation for the change of mind, the present-day opposition to declaring a State of Emergency.

Anyhow, to my mind, the fight has to be an all-out offensive, with chiefs, youth and communities too in the forefront, to complement other measures. For us in Ghana, the WFD theme must relate to ensuring potable water and safe foodstuffs, free from galamsey poisons, for our better future.

And, in my opinion, Ms Serwah’s compelling message is good enough to serve as a slogan for a national call to action: ‘We will not die if we don’t have gold, but we will die without water.’

The Appointments Committee of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced the officiating team for the 2025 Women’s Champion of Champions match between Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League winners Police Ladies and Women’s FA Cup holders Faith Ladies.

The eagerly anticipated showdown is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, where the two top women’s clubs will go head-to-head for the season’s curtain-raiser trophy.

Experienced referee Mercy Boakyewaa Gyan will take charge of the encounter, assisted by Portia Ofosu and Elizabeth Alela on the lines.

Julian Antieh has been appointed as the fourth official, while Emmanuella Aglago will serve as the match commissioner. Vicentia Kyeremaa will act as the venue media officer, and the GFA’s cameraman will provide live coverage of the event.

The Women’s Champion of Champions match traditionally signals the start of the new domestic women’s football season, pitting league champions against cup winners in a battle for early-season bragging rights.

Fans are expecting a thrilling contest as both Police Ladies and Faith Ladies aim to begin the 2025/26 campaign on a high note.

Telecommunications company, Telecel Ghana, has dismissed claims made by the Minority in Parliament over its involvement in the management of state-owned AT (formerly known AirtelTigo), describing them as ‘misleading and disingenuous.’

In a statement issued by its External Affairs Department, Telecel explained that that its current engagement with AT Ghana stems solely from a National Communications Authority (NCA) directive, not from any merger or takeover arrangement.

According to the company, the NCA instructed the migration of AT Ghana’s network traffic to Telecel’s platform after ATC Ghana shut down AT’s cell sites in August 2025 over unpaid debts.

‘Since September 1, 2025, Telecel Ghana has been providing national roaming services to AT as an interim measure. Without this intervention, AT customers would not have been able to use mobile voice and data services across the country,’ the statement explained further.

Telecel noted that it, like all stakeholders, awaits the outcome of ongoing government processes being handled by transaction advisor KPMG.

Strong Financial Performance

The company further rejected suggestions that it lacks the financial capacity to manage operations in Ghana, revealing that it remains profitable and has recorded ‘a year-to-date net profit of multiple hundreds of millions of Ghana cedis.’

It said it has injected over US$240 million into the business since acquiring Vodafone Ghana in 2023, far exceeding the US$10 million figure cited by critics.

The investments, Telecel said, have gone into clearing legacy debts, modernising infrastructure, and expanding digital services across the country.

‘Till date, none of the over 600 employees in the organisation have been made redundant as promised, and the company has been certified Top Employer year on year,’ it added.

Corporate social responsibility

Telecel also rejected claims that its recent community and health interventions were aimed at gaining political favour, calling such assertions ‘unfortunate and untrue.’

The company cited recent donations of advanced cervical cancer screening equipment to the Korle Bu and Tamale Teaching Hospitals, as well as the Sefwi Wiawso Government Hospital, as part of its long-term corporate social responsibility strategy.

These, it noted, were in line with commitments made during the launch of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund in May 2025.

Telecel also referenced its continued support for the One Million Coders Programme and the sponsorship of several traditional festivals across the country, including Kwahu, Osu, Ningo, Prampram, La, Cape Coast, and Gomoa Dawurampong, stressing that all sponsorship requests came directly from Traditional Councils, not from the Communications Minister.

‘It therefore beats one’s imagination that our support for this year’s Homowo Festival could be interpreted as an attempt to influence decisions concerning AT,’ the company said.

Transparency and governance

Telecel reaffirmed its status as a legal entity operating under the name Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited, with the Government of Ghana holding 30% shares on behalf of the public.

The company said it remains committed to transparency, ethical conduct, and constructive engagement with all stakeholders.

‘We operate with professionalism, transparency, and adherence to the law and are committed to preserving the interests of all stakeholders such as customers, partners, employees, and shareholders,’ the statement stated.

Telecel urged the public to disregard misinformation regarding its role in the ongoing AT matter, saying it remains focused on expanding digital access, improving network quality, and delivering innovative services to millions of Ghanaians.

Talented Ghanaian rapper known for his drill music, specifically in the Asakaa genre, Yaw Tog, born Thorsten Owusu Gyimah, has opened up on how his music friends have abandoned him since his career took a nosedive.

Yaw Tog, who gained popularity with hits like ‘Sore’ and ‘Can’t Stop’ featuring Sarkodie, in an interview with Headless YouTuber, stated that his rise in the early stage of his career was met with numerous mistakes.

According to him, one of his biggest missteps was allowing too many people into his close circle when he first gained nationwide attention with ‘Sore’.

‘My worst experience is allowing too many people to also be in the spotlight with me when ‘Sore’ was on, but now those people them no dey around anymore (sic),’ Yaw Tog shared.

He revealed that a lot of people have since disappeared from his life, emphasising how fame often attracts temporary relationships.

‘Not the guys who were on ‘Sore’ with me specifically, but everybody that came around me at the time. It’s something that I would say I’ve regretted. I don’t even get a call from them anymore,’ he added.

Yaw Tog concluded by saying that although the experience was painful, he has come to accept it as part of the realities of the entertainment industry.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that Ghana’s debt-to-GDP ratio will reach 59.1 percent by the end of 2025.

The forecast, contained in the October 2025 Fiscal Monitor Report, was released during the IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C.

According to the report, the projection is slightly lower than the government’s 60 percent target for the same period. The IMF further expects Ghana’s debt ratio to decline to 56.1 percent in 2026, 53.7 percent in 2027, and 51.3 percent in 2028, suggesting that by 2028, the country will outperform the 55 percent debt-to-GDP benchmark set under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Programme.

In its World Economic Outlook released on October 14, 2025, the IMF also forecasted that global economic growth will slow from 3.3 percent in 2024 to 3.2 percent in 2025, and further to 3.1 percent in 2026, despite a slight upward revision from its April projections.

The Fund noted that the global economy is being reshaped by new policy measures and trade dynamics, with some temporary boosts expected from fresh trade agreements and tariff adjustments introduced in early 2025.

‘Advanced economies are expected to expand by about 1.5 percent, while emerging markets and developing economies will grow just above 4 percent, reflecting resilient domestic demand in Asia and parts of Latin America,’ the IMF stated.

It added that global inflation is projected to continue easing, though it remains above target in the United States and subdued in several other regions.

An inquest into the death of former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton has been opened and adjourned at the South Manchester Coroner’s Court in Stockport.

The 46-year-old, who earned global fame after winning world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight, was found dead at his home in Hyde on 14 September.

During the brief hearing, the court heard that Hatton was discovered by his manager, Paul Speak, who had gone to his home that day to collect him for a flight to Dubai.

Alison Catlow of Greater Manchester Police told the court that Hatton was last seen by his family on 12 September and had appeared to be in good spirits at the time. He reportedly failed to attend an event the following day as expected.

Senior coroner Alison Mutch said the final cause of death has yet to be determined, though the preliminary indication was hanging. No members of Hatton’s family were present at the hearing.

The full inquest into the death of the man affectionately known in the boxing world as ‘The Hitman’ has been scheduled for 20 March

The Kumasi High Court has adjourned to October 28, 2025, the case involving Akosua Serwaa, who claims to be the legally wedded wife of the late highlife legend, Daddy Lumba.

The case seeks to determine who has the legal and traditional right to perform the widowhood rites of the celebrated musician.

The late Daddy Lumba, born Charles Kwadwo Fosu, passed away on July 26, 2025. His family has since announced that his final funeral rites will take place on December 6, 2025, at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

However, that event could be affected by the ongoing legal dispute initiated by Akosua Serwaa against Kofi Owusu Fosu, head of Lumba’s extended family, and Priscilla Ofori, popularly known as Odo Broni.

She is seeking a court declaration affirming her status as the only surviving spouse and the sole individual entitled to perform the widowhood rites.

She also wants an injunction restraining Odo Broni from publicly presenting herself as the musician’s wife.

During yesterday’s proceedings, lawyers for the defendants informed the court that they had filed an application to challenge Akosua Serwaa’s legal capacity to bring the matter before the court.

However, Her Ladyship Justice Mrs. Dorinda Smith Arthur declined to hear that motion, explaining that it was not the business before the court for the day.

Counsel for the plaintiff, William Kusi, argued that the court should instead proceed with the hearing of their injunction application to prevent the defendants from interfering in the widowhood rites.

After listening to both sides, Justice Smith Arthur urged the parties to explore an amicable settlement, noting that the case would be given priority if it proceeds.

The court then directed all parties to file their responses within 14 days before adjourning the matter.

Speaking after the proceedings, Mr. Kusi expressed hope that the case would not drag on until December, warning that such a delay could disrupt the scheduled funeral.

In her statement of claim, Akosua Serwaa insists she is the legally wedded wife of Daddy Lumba and that neither she nor her children were consulted before the family announced the funeral date – which they only learned of through social media.

She contends that her marriage to the musician was valid and subsisting at the time of his death.

She further alleges that the family head informed her that she would not be permitted to perform the widowhood rites, a role traditionally reserved for the lawful spouse.

According to her, Odo Broni surfaced after the musician’s death, claiming to have been married to him and to have had children with him.

Akosua Serwaa maintains that any attempt by the family to allow Odo Broni to perform the widowhood rites would be unlawful, as she believes Odo Broni was never legally married to the late Daddy Lumba.

She is therefore asking the court to intervene to prevent what she describes as an injustice that would deny her rightful recognition as the only legally acknowledged wife of the late musician.

GrowLead, a not-for-profit organisation, has been launched with a call on society to empower women, especially the youth, to actively participate in decision making to enable them contribute meaningfully to the development of society.

The launch, held in Accra, brought together women groups, some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), past District Chief Executives, Nana Otubea II, Paramount Queenmother of the Nkonya Ahenkro Traditional Area, members from the academia, students, among several other dignitaries.

Speaking at the event, a lecturer at the Department for the Study of Religions at the University of Ghana, Dr. Fatimatu N-Eyare Sulemanu stated that given how resourceful women are, they cannot be relegated to the background but should be included in decision making.

She said, ‘We cannot call leadership inclusive until women and girls are empowered to learn; the digital revolution requires deliberate efforts to ensure women are not left behind.’

While commending various civil society groups for working towards improving the livelihoods of women, she, however, called on society to provide the needed support to enhance the livelihoods of women.

She said efforts geared towards supporting women and girls in any sector of the country should not be viewed as charity but legacies to enable them take up leadership roles in society.

The former Minister for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, said ‘we have general problems, and then we have some problems that are very pertinent in marginalised communities, and we came together as friends and as a collective to try and solve one of the problems, and it has to do with the fact that there are a lot of young women from underprivileged communities who do not have mentors.’

‘We are filling in the gap for communities where they don’t have female mentors to give that kind of helping hand in terms of grooming, in terms of capacity building, and also providing scholarships for girls to pursue post graduate studies in some specific field,’ she stated.

‘We must go into any other agency with passion, but those from marginalised communities who desire to pursue higher education should be given the facility and resources to do so. So we’ve come together to form some form of a big sister club, and to reach out to girls on social media through our website GrowLead,’ Ms. Abubakar added.

GrowLead aims to nurture leadership, amplify voices and create opportunities for women and girls to participate meaningfully in civic life and decision making.

The law of karma is exposing many unworthy politicians these past few months.

They make utterances which expose them big time and reduce them to laughing stocks.

Sadly and unfortunately, their conduct give the noble occupation a bad name fit to be hanged at the marketplace.

After the cacophonous noise about the inability of the government of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to stop illegal mining or galamsey, the Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Johnson Asiedu Nketia has stated that nine months is too short to end it.

Of course nine months is such a short period to reward illegal miners for supporting his party to desecrate.

We cannot doubt the speculation that such miners, some of whom contributed pickup vehicles and cash to the cause of the then opposition NDC, are being overlooked as they engage in galamsey.

Even as the heat mounted on the then President Akufo-Addo to end galamsey with a declaration of a state of emergency, NDC activists were canvassing for votes in illegal mining areas by promises of not stopping them from plying their occupation.

Today, nine months is too short to end galamsey. Hmm. Time, it is said, will tell, and political hypocrisy will be exposed eventually as the NDC’s real position on galamsey is out for all to see.

It is not difficult to tell how lies and sheer propaganda was used by the NDC to win votes, especially in galamsey endemic areas of the country.

It is now clear that illegal mining will not stop anytime soon.

The recent engagement with stakeholders on the so-called way forward was nothing but a ruse. Buying time as the illegality persists with devastating destruction of our forest cover and pollution of water bodies is the endgame.

It would not be long for Ghanaians to start demanding for the sources of selected foodstuff such as cassava, kontomire and tilapia in a bid to avoid mercury and other heavy metal infested food. The speed with which we reached this notch is amazing.

On the other side of the aisle, we have heard about how Pius Hadzide, a former National Youth Authority CEO pointed at Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the reason the NPP did not win the 2024 polls.

Interesting how some politicians can prompt discourses about their bad deeds buried by time.

We are constrained to recall the gentleman’s Australia visa scandal and how this impacted negatively on the electoral fortunes of 2024.

The scandal notwithstanding, he promised facilitating trips for the youth of the Asuogyaman Constituency to the United States when he was parliamentary candidate. Of course, the constituents remembered the scandal and denied him their votes. Today, he has the guts to blame others for the NPP loss, ignoring the Aussie visa scandal which dented the image of the NPP at the time.

Some politicians do not learn lessons which come their way gratis and so talk loosely, thereby exposing the contents of their closets.

As the two dominant parties seek to pick their flagbearers, many of the contestants will shoot themselves in the foot, thereby enabling the delegates to pick the most appropriate.

The Moroccan national football team achieved a historic feat by securing a world record 16 consecutive victories by beating Congo (1-0) in the World Cup Qualifier on Tuesday evening at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

With this performance, Morocco managed to dethrone Spain and Germany, who held the top spot with 15 consecutive victories, respectively in (2008-2009) and (2010-2011).

The Atlas Lions extended their winning streak to 16 in a row, across all matches, including matches in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers, the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and friendly matches.

The record confirms the considerable growth that Moroccan football is experiencing, as well as the prestigious place it now occupies on the international scene.

Apart from the winning streak, the highlight of the Atlas Lions’ exceptional run, under the leadership of national coach Walid Regragui, are the impressive scores recorded in the various matches.

In numbers, the Atlas Lions have scored 50 goals in 16 matches, an average of more than 3 goals per game, while conceding only 4 goals.

Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has kept 12 clean sheets in those matches, reflecting the team’s defensive solidity and rigorous tactical discipline across various lines.

The results achieved in recent years by different age categories are only tangible proof of this qualitative leap in Moroccan football, now a reference and an example to follow at the Arab and African levels.

This achievement also reflects the national team’s consistent levels of tactics, discipline, and the ability of its players to compete with the biggest football schools in different age categories, which explains Morocco’s rise in the current FIFA rankings, where it recently reached 11th place in the world, while continuing to dominate the African and Arab rankings.

The series of victories makes Morocco a formidable opponent for continental and international titles and paves the way for new generations of talents to continue writing the history of Moroccan football.