Category: Daily Guide Network

Ghanaian musician Gilbert Otoo, popularly known by his stage name Gilly and The Stars, is steadily carving his place among the finest voices in contemporary highlife music. Blending Ghana’s traditional rhythms with modern influences, Gilly continues to showcase the timeless beauty of highlife while giving it a refreshing global appeal.

Renowned for his lyrical fluency in both English and Ga, Gilly’s songwriting bridges culture and creativity. Most of his compositions are in the Ga language, reflecting his pride in heritage and his commitment to bringing Ga culture to the global stage.

Gilly’s latest highlife release, ‘Ye Oshia Sane (Dzi Wofie Asem),’ comes with vibrant visuals soon to hit television screens.

The song carries a powerful social message – urging listeners to mind their own business and respect the choices of others. The video is available on YouTube.

Other popular tracks such as ‘My Dear Adjeley,’ ‘CHRISTIE,’ and ‘Ekomefeemor’ have earned him loyal fans both at home and abroad, igniting dance floors with their energetic, soulful highlife rhythms. ‘Highlife is Ghana’s gift to the world, and I want my Ga roots to shine through it globally,’ Gilly said.

Gilly first gained recognition with his 2010 album ‘Fighting My Way Back,’ a versatile project that blended Highlife, Hiplife, Reggae, Pop, and RandB. The album featured collaborations with both Ghanaian stars and international acts, including Cynthia Johnson of ‘Funky Town’ fame, and production by the legendary Jay Q.

His musical journey began during his school days at Aggrey Memorial, where he performed with a pop group called The Cooking Pots.

Today, he continues to refine his sound at Agyingo Studioz, working alongside veteran engineer Agyingo. With his artistry, Gilly and The Stars is not only preserving Ghana’s musical identity but also reimagining it for a global audience. His music – available on iTunes, Amazon, YouTube, and other platforms – proves that highlife still resonates across cultures and generations.

President John Dramani Mahama and First Lady, Lordina Mahama, are in Beijing, China, to participate in a Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women.

Hosted by President Xi Jinping and UN Women, the event scheduled for October 13 and 14 brings together other world leaders to renew the spirit of the 1995 Beijing Declaration and also accelerate its implementation.

The 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action is a landmark global agenda for women’s empowerment adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women.

It established a framework for achieving gender equality by setting out strategic objectives and actions across 12 critical areas, including ending violence against women, economic empowerment, and improving health and education.

The declaration is considered the most comprehensive blueprint for women’s rights, and 189 governments committed to its implementation.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, organised by the UN and held in Beijing.

While in Beijing to champion women’s empowerment, President Mahama and his delegation will focus on strengthening Ghanaian ties and investment.

Additionally, President Mahama will hold discussions with his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping and with the Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, Li Qiang.

He will also meet with Chinese business leaders and host a Presidential Investment Forum, expected to bring Ghanaian businesses, their Chinese counterparts and investors together to explore opportunities in Ghana.

President Mahama, who is accompanied by the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare and officials of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, the Free Zones Authority and the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, will also visit Fujian Province to meet businesses with a presence in Ghana.

These engagements are expected to strengthen the long-standing partnership between Ghana and China, and promote greater cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Included in the president’s delegation are the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Executive Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, Presidential Advisor and Special Aide, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim and Presidential Staffer, Nana Yaa Gyantuah.

British Council’s Festival Connect Grant 2025, marking a major milestone in its mission to amplify African stories on the global stage.

The grant will support the creation of ‘AiF Edinburgh Connect’, a cross-cultural initiative set to take place in Edinburgh, Scotland, from November 5-7, 2025, as part of the Napier Student Film Festival (NSFF).

‘AiF Edinburgh Connect is part of our international outreach initiative, ‘AiF International Connect,’ which seeks to amplify African stories globally while strengthening ties between Ghana’s film industry and the international community,’ said Evan Eghan, Founder of Accra Indie Filmfest.

‘This grant recognises the power of festivals to create meaningful global connections, and we’re thrilled to be at the forefront of it all.’

Founded in 2019, AiF has grown into one of Africa’s fastest-rising platforms for emerging filmmakers, celebrating independent short films and fostering creative collaborations across continents.

The festival has become a beacon for young storytellers in the country and beyond, providing a space where diverse voices and narratives thrive.

The Napier Student Film Festival (NSFF), organised annually by the Edinburgh Napier Students’ Association (ENSA), is dedicated to showcasing student creativity and storytelling excellence.

It connects local and international filmmakers through film screenings, workshops, and networking sessions aimed at building meaningful professional relationships.

With the backing of the British Council’s Festival Connect Grant, AiF Edinburgh Connect will serve as a cultural bridge between Ghana and the United Kingdom.

The initiative will spotlight African and diaspora filmmakers, facilitate academic and industry collaborations, and create new opportunities for cultural exchange.

BlueCrest University College students have been urged to prioritise breast cancer awareness to help reduce mortality rates among women.

Director of Strategy and Partnerships at BlueCrest, Henrietta Mensah, speaking at the Bluecrest SRC Breast Cancer awareness conference, emphasised the importance of early detection, especially given the rapid hormonal changes in young women in recent times.

She said, ‘From the age of 20, females should start performing regular breast examinations,’ thereby calling on students to start sensitisation efforts within the university community to raise awareness.

She encouraged ladies to take advantage of free screenings offered at health facilities, especially during awareness months, and to make it a habit to get checked regularly, highlighting the importance of proactive measures in combating breast cancer.

Speaking about creating systems and cultures where women can thrive in body, mind, and spirit, Ms. Mensah emphasised that it starts with education, empowering women and girls with the knowledge to make informed health choices.

‘Survivors of breast cancer need a lot of support. We must encourage each other to go for regular screenings, listen to our bodies, and break the myths and stigma surrounding breast cancer.

‘Let us all become ambassadors of awareness in our classrooms, in our homes, in our churches, and in our neighbourhoods. You have the power to make a difference. Let’s show up, support one another, and recognise that strength is not only measured in how we can endure, but how we can overcome together,’ she said.

Joy Amefa Bansah, a public health nurse, on her part, educated the students on the stages of breast cancer infections and the need to seek early treatment.

The breast cancer advocate also recounted how due to public perception and societal norms, victims end up losing their lives as a result of stigmatisation. She, therefore, urged the students to pick up advocacy roles to educate the public on breast cancer.

Mawuse A.K. Zottor, a breast cancer survivor, on her part, emphasised the importance of regular mammograms, self-exams, and clinical check-ups.

Sharing her personal struggles, fears, and coping mechanism, she highlighted the importance of family, friends, support groups, and communities in her journey.

She also encouraged the students to join the fight against breast cancer, promoting education, and supporting research.

The SRC Women Commissioner, Genevieve Appiah Otoo, applauded the students’ body and partners for the support, pledging that the council will prioritise enhancing it sensitisation programme on breast cancer to save lives.

The Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram was the scene of an inspiring health initiative as the Ghana Football Association (GFA), in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS), organised a two-day Cervical Cancer Awareness and HPV Vaccination campaign to educate and protect young female footballers and referees.

Led by Dr. Christiana Baah and her dedicated medical team – Richard Mensah, Rabiatu Abubakar, Christiana Pokuaa, Yaa Sarfowaa, and Henry Bart-Plange – the programme aimed to raise awareness about cervical cancer, one of the most preventable yet deadly diseases affecting women worldwide.

The event formed part of the GFA Foundation’s ‘GFA Cares’ initiative, which promotes health and well-being within the football community and beyond.

It received strong support from the Director of Public Health, Dr. Asiedu Bekoe; the Ningo-Prampram District Health Directorate, headed by Madam Patience Mamattah; and the Public Health staff of the Prampram Polyclinic.

Dr. Baah, a Community Medicine Physician and women’s health advocate, stressed the need for prevention through education and vaccination.

‘Cervical cancer is highly preventable through vaccination and regular screening. It is essential to protect our young athletes, not just in their sporting careers but also in their long-term health,’ she emphasised.

Participants were taken through an engaging presentation highlighting the warning signs of cervical cancer, the benefits of the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine, and the importance of regular screening and healthy lifestyles.

Over a hundred young female footballers, coaches, and support staff took part in the programme, actively engaging with health professionals and asking important questions about reproductive health. Many also received their first doses of the HPV vaccine.

Dr. Asiedu Bekoe praised the GFA and its partners for integrating public health education into sports development.

‘This is a model example of how sports organizations can contribute to national health objectives. Combining fitness, education, and prevention is the way forward,’ he said.

The GFA Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to using football as a vehicle for social impact, underscoring that women’s health remains a top priority.

The campaign concluded with renewed enthusiasm as participants pledged to promote cervical cancer awareness in their communities echoing the event’s key message:

‘Do not ignore what is underneath cervical cancer can be beaten if detected early.’

Policy Advisor at the Office of the Vice President, Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo says the government will soon implement a transformative agenda to modernise and expand the country’s manufacturing base, especially within the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.

Speaking at the African Healthcare Manufacturing Trade Exhibition and Conference (AHMTEC 2025) in Accra, Dr. Ampofo stated that the initiative is designed to reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported medicines by strengthening local pharmaceutical production.

He said, ‘The government is committed to an ambitious and transformative agenda to modernise our manufacturing base, especially in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.’

Dr. Ampofo revealed that Ghana is positioning itself to become a leading hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing in Africa.

He also indicated that as part of the strategy, the government plans to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the pharmaceutical space with tax incentives and improved access to financing.

‘These measures are intended to enhance local production capacity and shift Ghana’s role from being primarily a consumer to becoming a major producer in the pharmaceutical landscape,’ he stated.

Citing some statistics, Dr. Ampofo emphasised that African manufacturers currently supply less than 30% of the medicines consumed across the continent, describing the situation as both unsustainable and unjust.

He noted, ‘Africa’s health security, and indeed its economic resilience, cannot continue to rely on external goodwill. This heavy dependence poses a significant threat and must be urgently addressed,’

He, therefore, called on stakeholders in the healthcare and manufacturing sectors to collaborate in reversing the continent’s overreliance on imported pharmaceuticals.

AHMTEC 2025, jointly organised by the Federation of African Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (FAPMA) and Vizuri Health Dynamics, brought together over 200 delegates, including pharmaceutical manufacturers from Ghana and across the globe, to discuss pertinent issues in the healthcare manufacturing sector.

A new study by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has uncovered alarming levels of lead contamination in everyday consumer products across the nation, posing a serious health threat to children and pregnant women.

The joint research, conducted across all 16 regions of the country, found lead, a highly toxic heavy metal, in commonly used items such as traditional eyeliners, white baked clay, turmeric, cereals, and even household plumbing materials.

Lead, though used in various industries such as battery production, ceramics, and paints, is extremely hazardous when ingested or inhaled.

According to health experts, even small amounts can cause irreversible damage to the brain and nervous system, reduce Intelligence Quotient (IQ), and trigger developmental, learning, and behavioural disorders in children.

The study revealed that about 80% of traditional eyeliners (popularly known as kaji kaji or kholi) contained dangerously high levels of lead, in some cases tens of thousands of times above permissible limits.

White baked clay, locally called ‘shire’, ‘ayilor’, or ‘farinkasa’ and commonly consumed by pregnant women to ease nausea, was also found contaminated in nearly 25% of samples, with the North East and Greater Accra regions recording the highest rates.

Similarly, over 42% of ground turmeric samples tested positive for excessive lead levels, particularly in the Greater Accra, Central, and Bono regions.

Corn-based cereals such as Tom Brown, a popular weaning food for children, showed contamination in about 4.4% of samples, mostly from the Eastern Region.

The FDA also warned that old plumbing systems and cookware may be additional sources of lead exposure, as the metal can leach into drinking water or food during preparation.

Experts note that lead poisoning in children can lead to anemia, growth retardation, vomiting, abdominal pain, seizures, and hearing loss, while in pregnant women, it can cause low birth weight, premature delivery, miscarriages, and stillbirths.

Describing the findings as a ‘critical public health concern,’ UNICEF urged swift national action to eliminate sources of lead exposure.

The agency called for increased public awareness, stronger product regulation and enforcement, and routine screening for lead, especially among children and pregnant women.

‘Lead poisoning is entirely preventable,’ UNICEF said, adding that it remains committed to supporting Ghana to strengthen regulation, protect consumers, and ensure every child has a healthy start in life.

Bernice Aboagye, a staff nurse is staring possible disciplinary actions in the face as the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has issued a formal query against her for comments she made in viral videos directed at the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.

The GHS, in a letter issued on October 10, 2025, and sighted by DAILY GUIDE, accuses the nurse of using ‘unprintable, inappropriate and scandalous words’ directed at the sector minister and has the potential of damaging the image of the health profession.

The letter signed by Dr. Samuel Freeman Mensah, a Medical Superintendent, noted that the GHS has since the circulation of the videos, ‘received several calls from well-meaning Ghanaians registering their misgivings and reservations about the content of the videos.’

Ms. Aboagye allegedly made the comments on October 2, 2025, when the Coalition of Unpaid Nurses and Midwives hit the streets of Accra in protest of government’s failure to pay the salaries of nearly 7,000 health workers who have not been paid for the last ten months, despite being at post.

The aggrieved health workers began the demonstration from the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park and marched through some major streets in Accra to drum home their demands.

They gathered at the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health, where they presented petitions to the government. Government has promised to resolve the issue, noting that it will be captured in the 2026 budget.

The comments are said to have generated discussions and backlash on various social media platforms ‘with people making all manner of disparaging comments about the service.’

GHS has since issued a formal query to the nurse, attaching the impugned videos and has given her up to October 24, 2025, to explain why disciplinary action should not be instituted against her.

She is to explain why she should not face sanctions for ‘use of unacceptable and inappropriate words resulting in a rude behaviour towards the Honourable Minister for Health contrary to Section 8.1(c) of the code of conduct and disciplinary procedures.’

She is also to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against her for ‘use of abusive [words] on the Honourable Minister of Health contrary to Section 8. I (1) of the Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures.’

Finally, Ms. Aboagye is to explain why she should not be punished for ‘tarnishing the corporate image of the Service and bringing the name of the Service into disrepute contrary to Section 4.1 (d) of the Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures.’

Amnesty

Meanwhile, the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has appealed to the GHS to temper justice with mercy in addressing the matter.

According to him, both he and the government welcome divergent views and constructive criticism as part of his commitment to fostering tolerance and openness to diverse opinions.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Health ‘further urged all health workers to express their opinions responsibly and respectfully, without resorting to insults, as this contributes to the healthy growth and development of the health sector.’

It emphasised that the Ministry has no objection to demonstrations, as they are legitimate expressions of frustration and a constitutional right of every citizen.

‘However, the Ministry will not condone the use of abusive language or acts of indiscipline during such demonstrations,’ it said.

The statement further reminded all health professionals to be circumspect in their public communications and social media engagements.

With the advent of technology, soccer practitioners and especially performance analysts collect a wide range of data to analyse and help improve coach, player, and team performance.

As a soccer practitioner, you are expected to collect authentic data before and during a football match and evaluate performance in a variety of ways depending on the level of competition.

In modern football, data-driven insights are crucial for enhancing performance and gaining a competitive advantage. Performance analysis with accurate data will help to provide objective and actionable insights that can help coaches, teams, and players to improve and not destructive criticism or condemnation.

Some of the basic metrics you need to know and apply in a football match performance evaluation are as follows:

1. Team possession: High possession of the ball can indicate control over the game and ability to dictate the pace and neutralise an opponent

2. Passing accuracy: Accurate passing is very vital for dominating possession and building attacking players to convert half chances into full chances.

3. Defensive metric: Good tackles, interceptions, and clearance are crucial for defensive evaluation.

4. Midfield metric: Effective communication among defenders’, midfielders and attackers is vital to help midfielders dictate possession and provide accurate passes to strikers.

5. Short on target :This metric reflects the effectiveness of a team offensive play.

Payer statistics:

1. Distance covered: sprint, speed, and stamina. By tracking these statistics, practitioners can assess physical performance and identify areas of improvement of a player.

2. Match event: Important information during a match such as tackles, goals, assists, interceptions, fouls, and set pieces. These indicators provide a comprehensive view of the game and help in evaluating both individual and team performance.

3. Positional data: tracking the positions and movements of players throughout the match can help understand players’ roles, tactical disposition, tactical execution, tactical awareness, and tactical discipline.

In modern football:

It is important to state that experts have revealed that in modern football performance analysis, data-driven insights are pivotal for enhancing performance and gaining a competitive edge. Performance analysts must rely heavily on accurate and verifiable data to help provide objective and actionable insights for teams and players to improve on their performance. By applying accurate data, performance analysts or football practitioners can uncover game patterns, make informed decisions, and optimize game strategies.

Performance analysts play a crucial role in modern football by helping teams maximise their performance through data-driven insights and not emotional and unverifiable thoughts.

The Loop would want to urge all football practitioners in Ghana and beyond to consider this piece as a clarion call for a reset of how football matches, coaches, and players are evaluated before, during, and after football matches.

It’s not too late for all our sports desks in the country to help facilitate for some sports journalists to go into this very important area to help minimise harm on how we some times destructively criticise our coaches, players and teams.

Football we say is the passion of the nation, but we should not allow our ulterior motives, personal interests, and emotions to lead us to the level of mediocrity and condemnation of innocent individuals.

Media personality, Serwaa Amihere has officially been called to the Ghana Bar, marking a remarkable new chapter in her career.

At a ceremony held on October 10, 2025, Serwaa joined the latest cohort of 824 lawyers to be admitted, transitioning from acclaimed broadcaster to full-fledged legal practitioner.

The event drew members of the Judiciary, the General Legal Council, senior lawyers, academics, and well-wishers from the media and entertainment industries, who gathered to celebrate her achievement. Social media was awash with messages of pride for Ghana’s newest lawyer.

A leading news anchor and host at GHOne TV, Serwaa has pursued her legal ambitions quietly over the years. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Finance from Methodist University College and an LLB from GIMPA, where she graduated with second-class upper honours before advancing to the Ghana School of Law.

Reflecting on her journey, Serwaa expressed gratitude to her family, mentors, and supporters for their encouragement during years of balancing broadcasting with rigorous study.

’40 subjects, 40 exams, over 2,500 lecture hours and countless sleepless nights – this is the side of my life I kept private for five years,’ she wrote on X (formerly Twitter). ‘Thanks to God, my beloved family, and everyone who supported me through it all. To a new chapter.’

With her admission to the Bar, Serwaa Amihere says she hopes to use her voice and platform to promote justice, good governance, and public education – proving that determination, discipline, and purpose can indeed coexist with passion.