Category: Daily Guide Network

Broadcast journalist, Abena Soreno Yankyera, won the coveted Young Media Personality Africa category at the seventh edition of the Women’s Choice Awards Africa, held last Saturday under the theme, ‘Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps, and Building Legacies’.

Abena Soreno beat the likes of Akosua Takyi, Asieduwaa Yinka Akumia, Essilfua Boris-Hermans, Portia Arthur, and Itumeleng Banda to win the competitive category on the night.

In her remarks, Abena Soreno dedicated her recognition to young Africans-particularly young women-who are boldly stepping into their purpose despite uncertainty. Reflecting on her journey, Abena shared that she began her path into media at the age of 22. Years later, the experience has reshaped her understanding of influence and leadership.

‘I have come to realise that representing the voice of young people is not merely a role-it is a humbling privilege and a responsibility that transcends generations. When you speak, you’re not only speaking for yourself; you are speaking for those who are still finding their courage, confidence, and voice,’ she told journalists.

Abena expressed sincere gratitude to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Daily Guide Network, Kwame Blay, for his years of support, and to the Women’s Choice Africa Awards organisers for the nomination and recognition, noting how meaningful the honour is, as it marks her fifth year of service in advocacy, broadcasting, and youth-focused storytelling.

‘To everyone who voted, encouraged me, mentored me, and believed in the work I do-thank you for carrying me through these years. I’m especially grateful to my boss, Kwame Blay, for providing the opportunity to grow and express my voice in meaningful ways,’ she said.

She paid special tribute to her parents for their unwavering support. ‘My parents have been my backbone-their faith, guidance, and encouragement continue to shape the woman I am becoming.’

The Women’s Choice Awards Africa, organised by Global Ovations, is a prestigious event celebrating the achievements of remarkable women across the continent. The 2025 Women’s Choice Awards also honoured the likes of Akosua Dentaa Amoateng MBE and Prof. Elsie Effah Kaufmann for their years of hard work in promoting Ghana.

Former Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum says growing momentum from the Ashanti Region has significantly strengthened his bid to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as its next flagbearer, declaring that the groundswell of support gives him a strong chance of winning the internal contest and the general election.

Speaking in an interview with the DAILY GUIDE, Dr. Adutwum disclosed that he has successfully completed the first phase of his Ashanti regional tour, covering 20 out of the region’s 47 constituencies.

According to him, the reception so far has been overwhelming, marked by spontaneous endorsements, excitement and shifting loyalties among party delegates and supporters.

‘Momentum is clearly building. You see the excitement on the faces of the people when you share your message with them. Some walk up to you to say they are now convinced, others say they support your campaign, and some admit they are still confused. But every constituency we leave, the response is strong,’ he said.

Dr. Adutwum expressed firm confidence that the Ashanti surge could reshape the dynamics of the race, saying, ‘With Ashanti momentum building, I can win this election. It may come as a shock to many, but other regions are already taking their cue from Ashanti. As Ashanti moves, you will see Ahafo, Bono and other regions follow.’

He argued that beyond the contest for flagbearership, delegates must focus on selecting a candidate with the strongest appeal for the national election.

Central to his case, he said, is the ‘home region advantage’ and the broad identification many voters feel with his life story.

Drawing from his background as a teacher and son of a cocoa farmer, Dr. Adutwum said his personal journey resonates deeply with grassroots supporters.

‘Teachers are excited about the possibility of one of their own leading Ghana. In the cocoa-growing areas, the people say, ‘for the first time, the son of a cocoa farmer may become President.’ That identity matters,’ he noted.

He explained that his appeal also cuts across constituency lines in Kumasi, where many residents trace their roots to Bosomtwe and surrounding districts.

When he recounts growing up at Jachie, weaving baskets and selling them at the Kumasi Central Market, crowds often erupt with chants of ‘he is one of us.’

Dr. Adutwum added that his engagement with the youth during his tenure as Deputy Minister and Minister for Education continues to work in his favour, especially among former Senior High School (SHS) students who are now voters.

His proposal for free university education, he said, draws strong reactions in rural communities where families are struggling with life after free SHS.

Beyond the flagbearer race, he outlined a broader vision focused on poverty reduction through massive job creation, Information and Technology (IT)-driven growth, industrialisation and commercial agriculture.

He proposed the establishment of IT hubs across the country to absorb unemployed graduates into cybersecurity and global digital work.

‘India has done it, South Korea has done it, and Ghana will do it,’ he said, insisting that with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) as the foundation, the country can reverse its economic fortunes.

The National Catholic Laity Council of Ghana has expressed concern about Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu’s recent statement on the floor of Parliament in which he said that current debates surrounding religious practice in Christian Mission schools hinge on issues of human rights and constitutional interpretation.

According to the Council, ‘while we acknowledge the obligation of government to uphold the rights of every Ghanaian child, we firmly reject any attempt-direct or implied-to diminish, distort or undermine the historical identity, proprietorship and mission of Christian-founded educational institutions in Ghana. The issue at stake is far broader than an abstract human rights conversation. It touches the heart of partnership that predates the nation itself.’

The Council has endorsed the joint statement issued by the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) and the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) on November 25, 2025.

‘As affirmed in that statement, Christian Missions schools were established by the Churches-not the State-and their ethos, values and communal culture arise from a clearly defined Christian worldview. Governmental support over the decades has been a partnership, not a transfer of ownership, nor a mandate for the State to redefine the religious character of these institutions,’ it added.

Continuing, the Council expressed its alignment with the GCBC-CCG position that attendance in mission schools is voluntary and parents freely choose these schools knowing their Christian identity; that the constitutional rights to freedom of religion and association protect not only individuals, but also faith-based institutions; that the integrity, discipline and excellence for which missions are known are inseparable from their Christian foundations.

Any attempt to impose parallel religious systems risks fracturing the unity, moral formation and communal discipline that define these institutions as stated by the GCBC and CCG, is also endorsed by the Laity Council.

The Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra has renewed calls for a united, multi-sector effort to tackle gender-based violence (GBV), emphasizing justice, accountability, and stronger support systems for survivors. The call was made during the hotel’s Women Empowerment Summit, held under the theme ‘Breaking the Silence: Advancing Justice, Accountability and Support to End Gender-Based Violence.’

Delivering the welcome address, the General Manager of the hotel, Isaac Okpoti Adjei, stressed that GBV remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations and must be confronted through collective action.

‘Silence protects the perpetrator, not the survivor. Silence delays justice, weakens accountability, and hinders healing,’ he said, urging society to move away from victim-blaming and focus on protecting survivors and holding abusers accountable.

He noted that many survivors continue to face stigma, while perpetrators particularly those with influence or social standin goften evade justice. ‘It is time for a real paradigm shift where victims receive justice and support, and abusers face the consequences of their actions,’ he added.

Key Figures and Stakeholders Present

The summit brought together an influential line-up of stakeholders from the justice, security, and advocacy sectors, including:

Madam Faustina Acheampong, Director at the Department of Gender, representing the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection

Her Ladyship Justice Asare Afia Serwah Botwe, Justice of the Court of Appeal

Mrs. Linda Aboah, Ghana Legal Aid Commission

ACP Owusua Kyeremeh, Director of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), Ghana Police Service

Dr. Vanessa Aseye Atikpui, Gender and social development advocate

Representatives from civil society groups, legal institutions, and key organizations supporting women’s rights

Their presence reinforced the summit’s mission to strengthen Ghana’s response to GBV through collaboration across the justice system, law enforcement, and social support partners.

A Three-Pronged Approach

Mr. Adjei outlined the hotel’s strategy to contribute to the national fight against GBV through:

Awareness creation

Strengthening understanding of the justice system

Expanding support avenues for survivors

He emphasized that the private sector stands ready to partner with government, but urged stronger policy reforms and early education-especially in schools-to reshape harmful gender attitudes from adolescence.

Commitment to Continuous Action

The Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel announced that the summit marks the beginning of a broader initiative, with additional workshops, training sessions, and stakeholder engagements planned throughout the year to keep GBV advocacy active across communities.

‘As a global hospitality brand, we believe in using our platform to foster dignity, equality, and social progress,’ Mr. Adjei said. ‘Together, we can build a society where everyone lives free from fear, violence, and discrimination.’

He encouraged participants to leave the summit with renewed determination to champion justice, advocate for survivors, and contribute to a society that protects rather than silences victims.

mNotify Company Limited has firmly rejected media reports linking its platform to the circulation of unauthorized political messages, describing the claims as ‘inaccurate’ and the result of a fundamental misunderstanding of how its technology operates.

The company, which has for years positioned itself as a neutral and reputable bulk messaging service provider in the digital communications space, said it neither creates nor distributes political content on behalf of clients.

Providing background to the controversy, mNotify explained that its platform has always functioned as a self-service system, allowing users-including businesses, civil society organisations, event planners, and political actors-to independently upload, schedule, and disseminate their own messages.

This operational model, the company emphasized, means it does not edit, approve, endorse, or alter any content sent through its system.

According to management, this long-standing principle of strict neutrality has guided the company since its establishment.

The company clarified that the current public narrative arose from a misinterpretation of routine customer activity rather than any deliberate action by mNotify.

Once the misinformation began circulating, the company said it quickly moved to correct the record to prevent further escalation and to protect its reputation.

mNotify further noted that it welcomes any official inquiry into the matter, insisting that a transparent investigation will confirm the facts and dispel misconceptions about its role.

The company reiterated its commitment to lawful business practices, ethical use of technology, and upholding the highest standards of platform integrity as the election season intensifies and scrutiny of digital communication platforms grows.

Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has celebrated the life of the late Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, describing her as a trailblazer whose influence on women’s empowerment continues to shape the country’s history.

In a heartfelt tribute, the former president celebrated the former first lady as a transformational figure who redefined the role of women in public life.

‘Undoubtedly one of the most consequential Ghanaian women of her generation, Her Excellency Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, Ghana’s longest-serving First Lady, became the embodiment of the women’s struggle for self-empowerment,’ he said.

Ex-President Akufo-Addo recounted how Nana Konadu fearlessly stepped into national activism during the politically turbulent era of the June 4 Uprising and the 31st December Revolution. He noted that she seized the moment to build a formidable platform for women.

‘Bold, dynamic, and eloquent, she used the opportunity provided by her late husband, Jerry John Rawlings’ starring role in the tumultuous events. to found the 31st December Women’s Movement and assume unashamedly the path of foremost advocate of women’s rights and women’s empowerment initiatives in our country.’

According to him, Nana Konadu’s influence grew far beyond Ghana’s borders, eventually securing her a place among the continent’s most recognised female figures.

‘Even though I was neither a partisan nor a supporter of the 31st December Revolution, I had little hesitation in acknowledging and recognising the positive impact the 31st December Women’s Movement had on the progress of Ghanaian women. Her place in history is firmly grounded.’

He described her as vibrant and engaging, recalling their personal interactions with fondness. ‘She was a vivacious, sparkling woman whose company and wit I enjoyed very much. We will miss her very much.’

The Northern Regional Police Command, together with the IGP’s Special Operations Team, has arrested twenty-seven (27) suspects as part of a sustained nationwide operation to clamp down on drug peddling and related criminal activities in the Northern Region.

The suspects are Iddrisu Abdul Bassit, Iddrisu Sadick, Yawuza Hishan, Yakubu Yussif, Alhassan Abukari, Mutaru Daniel Fisco, Ibrahim Abdul Wakil, Hawa Abdul Rahman, Latifa Iddrisu, Mariam Fuseini, Ibrahim Sadia, Alima Iddrisu, Issah Latifa and others yet to be identified.

A statement signed by the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Alhassan Luckman Niendow, noted that on November 19, 2025, during coordinated swoops at several drug hotspots in and around Tamale, police recovered dried leaves suspected to be cannabis, packaged in polythene bags, along with five motorbikes believed to have been used in facilitating the illicit activities.

According to him, further operations across other parts of the metropolis led to additional arrests, bringing the total number of suspects to 27.

‘All individuals have since been handed over to the Northern Regional Drug Law Enforcement Unit to assist ongoing investigations,’ he added.

He disclosed that on Friday, November 21, 2025, nine suspects, made up of five females and four males, were put before the Tamale Circuit Court on charges of possessing narcotic drugs without lawful authority, and one additional suspect faced charges of unlawful possession of arms and ammunition. All the suspects pleaded not guilty and were granted bail.

Chief Inspector Niendow indicated that the remaining 18 suspects have been remanded into police custody to assist with ongoing investigations.

The Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) in 2024, under Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng, posted its strongest results since its inception, recording GHS1.964 billion in net income, almost 300% higher than the previous year’s GHS455 million.

This is contained in the Fund’s audited financial statements signed by the current CEO of MIIF, Justina Nelson, and the MIIF board chairman on 26th June 2025.

A review of the audited financials found that the Auditor described MIIF as a ‘high-performing sovereign minerals fund’ with strengthened revenue streams, investment growth, and balance sheet resilience.

Total assets of the Fund, as reviewed, rose to GHS11.2 billion, while the Fund maintained a cost-to-income ratio of just 3%, far below global sovereign wealth fund standards and those of all state-owned institutions in Ghana.

General and Administrative expenses amounted to GHS59.7 million, representing only 3% of total income. Travel expenditure, which falls under GandA, remained below 0.4% of revenue, according to the report.

A check on operational issues revealed that all travel by management, staff, and board was authorised by the Chief of Staff and aligned with Board-approved mandates and the approved budget, contrary to recent assertions in some media.

Further checks on expenses revealed board fees and sitting allowances of circa GHS800,000 in 2023 and GHS2 million in 2024, covering all six committees, including the investment advisory committee. Further checks showed that board fees are set by the Ministry of Finance and paid in line with the ministries’ guidelines.

Record Profit

MIIF also posted a record profit of GHS1.904 billion, reflecting a 97% margin, making it arguably the most profitable state institution. Cash reserves reached a record GHS5.58 billion, a 69% increase from 2023, thereby strengthening the Fund’s liquidity.

Fund Investment Portfolio

The Fund’s investment portfolio, including gold, lithium, and industrial salt, is positioned to deliver diversified long-term value. MIIF’s US$40 million investment in Asante Gold Corporation, which owns the Mensin Bibiani, Chirano, and the Kubi, for instance, as at 1st November 2025, yielded circa US$20 million (Ghc 224 million).

MIIF’s investment in Atlantic Lithium of Australia, a holding company, makes it the third-largest shareholder globally. MIIF’s investment in the Ada Songhor salt enclave, leased to Electrochem Ghana, positions Ada as the largest industrial salt-producing enclave in sub-Saharan Africa, with the potential to produce over 1 million tons of salt.

The MIIF gold trade

The Gold Trade Program generated more than US$1.0 billion in receipts and GHS36 million in profit for 2024 as recorded in the audited financials. MIIF’s capital outlay in its trade program was the cedi equivalent of US$30 million, from which it realized over US$250 million.

Fidelity Bank and CBOD participated in the MIIF gold trade (gold for forex) with their own funds (pre-finance).

Fidelity received US$197 million through the program, while CBOD received over US$700 million to complement the government’s gold-for-oil initiative.

Despite cumulative forex losses affecting all parties, Fidelity’s $19 million forex loss was resolved without recourse to MIIF’s deposits, on the back of an approved Ministry of Finance and Board trade expansion and forex loss recovery strategy.

It is important to note that MIIF, under the current CEO, Justina Nelson, issued a Civil Writ against Goldridge and one of the trade insurance companies for loss recovery of approximately US$27 million on 3rd October 2025.

Clean Bill Of Health

The Auditor-General issued an unqualified opinion, confirming full compliance with IFRS and statutory requirements. The report concludes that MIIF is ‘an exceptionally well-managed organisation’ with strong prospects of becoming a multi-billion-dollar sovereign minerals fund.

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin, has ruled that it is premature to declare the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kpandai, Matthew Nyindam, disqualified from Parliament despite a recent High Court order directing a re-run of the constituency’s parliamentary election.

Addressing the House yesterday, the Speaker disclosed that Parliament had formally been served with an order of the Tamale High Court, which was directed at the Clerk to Parliament.

The order instructed the 2nd respondent in an election petition, the Electoral Commission, to conduct a re-run of the Kpandai parliamentary election within 30 days.

The court order follows an election petition filed by the 2024 National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate, Daniel Nsala Wakpal, who challenged the declaration of Mr. Nyindam as the duly elected Member of Parliament for the Kpandai Constituency after the December 7, 2024 parliamentary elections.

At first reading, the order appears to suggest that the original declaration of Mr. Nyindam as winner of the election is invalid, thereby implying that he is no longer a Member of Parliament.

However, Speaker Bagbin stressed that a deeper consideration of the law, particularly the rules on appeals, shows that such a conclusion cannot yet be sustained.

Citing the Court of Appeal Rules, 1997 (CI 19), as amended by the Court of Appeal Rules, 2020 (CI 132), specifically Rule 27(3), the Speaker explained that every High Court judgment that is capable of appeal is automatically subject to a mandatory seven-day statutory stay of execution from the date the judgment is delivered.

Rule 27(3), he noted, provides that ‘there shall be a stay of execution of the judgment or decision appealed against for a period of seven days immediately following the giving of notice of the judgment or decision.’

This provision, according to the Speaker, is mandatory and applies to all High Court decisions that can be appealed.

He further referenced the decision of the Supreme Court of Ghana in Mensah v. Ghana Commercial Bank (2005-2006), where the apex court held that any attempt to execute a High Court judgment before the expiry of the mandatory seven-day stay is premature and void.

He also quoted a more recent affirmation of that legal position by the Court of Appeal in Clennam Construction Limited v. Falcon Crest on April 7, 2022.

According to the Speaker, the rationale behind the statutory stay is to afford the losing party adequate time to study the judgment and decide whether to appeal or seek further relief.

Until that window elapses, the judgment cannot lawfully be executed, he added.

In the specific case of the Kpandai election petition, the Speaker noted that the ruling of the Tamale High Court was delivered on November 24, 2025. Consequently, the statutory seven-day stay of execution remains in force until December 1, 2025.

During this period, Speaker Bagbin said, the High Court ruling cannot form the legal basis for him, as Speaker, to instruct the Clerk of Parliament to notify the Electoral Commission that the Kpandai parliamentary seat is vacant.

He further explained that should Mr. Nyindam exercise his constitutional right of appeal and file the necessary application under Rule 27(1) of CI 19 within the seven-day stay period, the law may impose an additional suspension on the enforcement of the High Court judgment until the appeal is finally determined by the appropriate court.

‘These processes are in place to ensure that the subject matter of the litigation is not altered or prejudiced while legal processes are pending,’ the Speaker stated.

He also drew the attention of the House to Articles 97 and 99 of the 1992 Constitution, which regulate the qualification, election, and vacation of parliamentary seats.

He explained that until all applicable legal processes are exhausted, changes to a Member’s status must be approached with caution.

In addition, Speaker Bagbin cited Article 105 of the Constitution, which makes it a criminal offence for a person to sit or vote in Parliament ‘knowing or having reasonable grounds of knowing’ that he or she is not entitled to do so.

However, he stressed that Article 105 is penal in nature and must be strictly interpreted. As long as the statutory stay of execution remains in force, the affected Member cannot be said to have knowledge of disqualification in the legal sense.

‘It is therefore too premature to say that Hon. Matthew Nyindam is disqualified from entering and participating in the proceedings of the House while this period still falls within the seven-day mandatory stay of execution of the order,’ the Speaker ruled.

He explained further that the High Court order was not a declaratory order, but an executory one. As such, it is subject to the statutory stay provided by law.

On that basis, the Speaker affirmed that Mr. Nyindam was within his rights to have been present in the House on Tuesday, November 26, 2025, and to have participated fully in parliamentary proceedings.

The ruling effectively maintains the status quo in Parliament until the expiration of the statutory stay or until further directions are given by an appellate court in the event of an appeal.

Stanbic Bank Ghana has reinforced the Ho Teaching Hospital’s (HTH) ambition of becoming a major medical tourism destination in the sub-region with a donation of office equipment valued at GHS120,000 to the Hospital’s Medical Tourism Coordinating Office.

The equipment, comprising a 4-in-1 workstation, six swivel chairs, two 1.5HP air conditioners, a metal cabinet, two printers, two desktop computers and a laptop, will support the full establishment of the new unit, which is designed to serve as a one-stop centre for medical travellers.

The Medical Tourism Coordinating Office is a key component of HTH’s broader vision to position itself as a preferred destination for both domestic and international clients seeking high-quality, affordable, and culturally enriching healthcare experiences. The unit will streamline service delivery by integrating clinical excellence with travel logistics, patient support, hospitality services, and wellness offerings.

Speaking during the presentation, Mawuko Afadzinu, Head of Brand and Marketing at Stanbic Bank Ghana, said the bank recognises the crucial role healthcare plays in national development.

He praised HTH for taking a bold step in establishing a dedicated Medical Tourism Centre, emphasising that such initiatives hold the potential to transform the region’s healthcare landscape.

‘Ho Teaching Hospital is already a pillar in this region, and with this new centre, it has the potential to attract medical tourists, expand access to care, and raise the standard of healthcare delivery.

‘Better infrastructure leads to better service, and better service leads to better outcomes for the people who matter most – the patients.’

Mr. Afadzinu stressed that the support forms part of Stanbic Bank’s long-term commitment to improving lives and empowering institutions that drive community development. He commended the leadership and staff of HTH for their dedication and expressed optimism about the long-term impact of the partnership on the Volta Region.

Receiving the items on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, George Tetteh, Director of Administration at Ho Teaching Hospital, expressed gratitude to Stanbic Bank for the timely support. He noted that the donation aligns perfectly with the hospital’s strategic goal of becoming a recognised Medical Tourism Destination in the West African sub-region.

He disclosed that as part of its wellness and therapeutic tourism initiatives, the hospital will soon open a music therapy studio to complement alternative and holistic care options for patients and medical travellers.

Mr. Tetteh further stated that the Medical Tourism Coordinating Office is situated within the hospital’s serene Meditation Garden, designed to enhance patient recovery and provide a calming environment for visitors.

Following the presentation, the Stanbic Bank team toured the Meditation Garden and the new Coordinating Office, reaffirming their enthusiasm for the transformative vision of Ho Teaching Hospital.

The establishment of the Medical Tourism Centre places HTH among the few public health institutions in Ghana taking deliberate steps to harness the growing global medical tourism market, with the potential to boost healthcare excellence, regional visibility, and economic growth.