Category: Daily Guide Network

Tottenham Hotspur’s majority owners, the Lewis Family Trust, have injected £100 million of new capital into the club to reinforce its financial stability and support its long-term sporting ambitions.

In a statement, Spurs said the fresh investment would ‘further strengthen the club’s financial position and equip the club’s leadership team with additional resources to continue the focus on driving long-term sporting success.’

The injection comes from ENIC, the investment group controlled by the Lewis Family Trust, which holds an 86.58% majority stake in the club. The remaining 13.42% is owned by minority investors.

Former chairman Daniel Levy, who stepped down from his position in September, retains a 29.88% share in ENIC but no longer plays an active role in the club’s operations.

British businessman Joe Lewis, who once owned the majority of ENIC, transferred ownership to the Lewis Family Trust in 2022 and is no longer involved with Tottenham.

The Lewis family has overseen a series of leadership changes in recent months, and the club described the latest funding as part of their ‘ongoing commitment to the club and its future.’

A source close to the family said: ‘This is initial additional funding. As the club’s management decides what’s needed to deliver success, more money will be available. The Lewis family is committed to backing the club to be successful.’

Since Levy’s departure, Tottenham has reportedly received three separate expressions of interest regarding a potential takeover.

The country’s gold reserves have climbed to 37.06 tonnes at the end of September 2025, according to the latest data from the Bank of Ghana (BoG).

The central bank’s report shows that the country’s gold holdings have maintained a consistent upward trajectory since May 2023, when reserves stood at 8.78 tonnes.

Over the subsequent 16 months, the figure has more than quadrupled, reflecting the bank’s aggressive accumulation strategy under the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP) and the Gold for Reserves initiative.

From June 2024 to September 2025, reserves increased by almost 14 tonnes, underscoring the effectiveness of the central bank’s policy to use gold as a stabilising asset in foreign reserves management.

The sustained growth has positioned Ghana among Africa’s leading gold-reserve holders, alongside South Africa and Egypt.

Analysts say the accumulation aligns with the BoG’s broader strategy to diversify reserves away from the US dollar and strengthen the cedi’s long-term stability.

Gold holdings now account for a significant share of Ghana’s reserve assets, enhancing the country’s resilience against external shocks and currency volatility.

Governor of BoG, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama has previously emphasised that increasing gold holdings is key to insulating the economy from global commodity price fluctuations and exchange rate pressures.

The approach, he noted, complements the Domestic Gold for Oil and Gold for Reserves programmes designed to improve foreign exchange liquidity and stabilise fuel imports.

The September data marks the highest level of gold reserves in recent time, with total holdings rising from 36.02 tonnes in August to 37.06 tonnes a month later, a gain of more than one tonne in just 30 days.

New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has picked number one on the ballot ahead of the party’s primary on January 31, 2026.

Dr. Bryan Acheampong is 2nd on the ballot as Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia comes third, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum picked the 4th position, with Kwabena Agyepong taking the last spot on the ballot.

The campaign team of Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, speaking with the media after the balloting described the number one position on the ballot paper as a ‘sign of victory.’

Spokesperson for Ken Agyapong’s campaign team, Kwasi Kwarteng, said the process was fair and transparent, stating that the outcome is a positive sign for their candidate.

He said, ‘It was just five candidates. It was an open process, and the candidates had representatives who picked their own numbers.’

He explained that the number one, is an advantage to the team when it comes to marketing their candidate as well as visibility on the ballot paper.

‘In terms of the people, the marketing, and the visibility of the ballots, being number one gives us a lot of advantage,’ he mentioned.

He added that the campaign team is confident that their message of change and renewal will continue to resonate strongly with delegates across the country.

‘From day one, we have always maintained that our campaign is the right one,’ he said.

He emphasised that the party needs a new face in the spirit of revival.

‘We are going to tell delegates the core message of the party and what Ken has always maintained, that even in the spirit of revival, we need a new face,’ he added.

Mr. Kwarteng, however clarified that while the team was delighted with the outcome, their confidence did not depend solely on the number they picked.

He said, ‘We will go to the delegates, talk to them, and we are very hopeful. Like the Bible says, the heart of the king is in the hands of the Lord. So we are confident that God will guide this process in our favour.’

Highlife musician, Kofi Nti, has revealed that he has quit smoking and drinking alcohol, saying the habits once threatened to ruin his music career.

In an interview with Nana Romeo on October 7, 2025, the Rakia hitmaker admitted that while he was never a chain smoker, the lifestyle negatively affected his health, focus, and career growth.

‘Even though I wasn’t a chain smoker, smoking is something you can get addicted to, and it can destroy your career and life,’ he said.

He further explained how addiction could prevent artists from building valuable connections. ‘You can be so addicted that even after a show, when you should be networking with VIPs who may help boost your career, you would be at the back smoking,’ he added.

Kofi Nti said he made the bold decision to quit both smoking and drinking after realising how destructive the habits were to his progress. ‘I was influenced by friends, and because of that, I don’t go close to such friends. I feel I might be tempted to start again if I keep associating with them,’ he noted.

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) Sanitation Court has fined seven persons a total of GHS4,200 for breaching the city’s environmental by-laws through open defecation and indiscriminate dumping of refuse at unauthorised locations.

The convicts – Albert Quaye, Kwame Owusu Ansah, Daniel Nunoo, Razak Siedu, Haruna Abdul Rauf, Desmond Okeyika, and Moro Sebere – were found guilty by the court presided over by Rosemond Vera Aryeetey and each fined 50 penalty units, equivalent to GHS600.

Those unable to pay the fine will serve three months in prison.

Prosecutor, Nii Okine Aryee, told the court that the offenders were arrested by AMA Public Health Officers during a special sanitation enforcement operation on October 7, 2025.

The exercise, led by the Head of Public Health, Florence Kuukyi, formed part of the Assembly’s intensified efforts to curb unsanitary practices and promote public hygiene across the capital.

The AMA said the enforcement campaign targets individuals and households engaged in activities such as open defecation, littering, and dumping refuse at unauthorised sites – actions that pose health risks and undermine Accra’s cleanliness drive.

In a statement, the Assembly reiterated its commitment to enforcing sanitation laws to maintain a cleaner environment.

It warned that offenders will face swift prosecution and urged residents to comply with sanitation regulations.

‘Keeping Accra clean is a shared responsibility,’ the AMA stressed, calling on all citizens to support efforts toward achieving a clean, green, and healthy capital city.

The Head of the Global Freedom Network (GFN), Franca Pellegrini, has called for renewed global commitment to ending modern slavery, describing the challenge as ‘immense but surmountable through faith, unity, and action.’

Speaking at the GFN’s tenth anniversary gathering in Accra, Ms. Pellegrini expressed both gratitude for the network’s achievements and urgency about the ongoing fight. She recalled the GFN’s founding in December 2014, when twelve global religious leaders from Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, and Buddhism signed a historic declaration at the Vatican to eradicate modern slavery within a generation.

‘That moment was not just symbolic,’ she said. ‘It signalled that slavery is a moral crisis – and that faith communities have a unique role in confronting it.’

Ms. Pellegrini explained that over the past decade, GFN has mobilised faith leaders worldwide, equipped communities to recognise and respond to slavery, and championed survivor-led initiatives that ensure lived experiences inform policy and action. The organisation has also fostered strong partnerships among faith communities, governments, and civil society to strengthen prevention and promote ethical practices.

She warned that despite these successes, modern slavery persists, with more than 50 million people worldwide trapped in various forms of exploitation, from forced labour to domestic servitude and child marriage, and asked stakeholders to take decisive steps towards ending this menace.

‘Slavery continues to evolve adapting to conflict, climate change, migration, and inequality. Our response must match its scale and complexity.

‘Ending modern slavery is the work of all of us together. Faith leaders, use your pulpits as platforms for freedom. Governments, let your policies uphold dignity. Civil society, continue to reach the marginalised. Survivors, your leadership is essential.’

‘The road ahead is long, but our unity makes it possible. May our faith guide us, our unity give us strength, and our action bring freedom, dignity, and justice to all,’ she said.

The founding executive director of the Sanneh Institute, Dr. John Azumah, drew links between slavery and religion, and admitted that there were many instances where religious leaders used scriptures to justify the act.

‘Faith leaders in many different ways have been complicit in using very oppressive religious texts to justify slavery; religion was always corrupted to justify the practice,’ he said.

He also urged the government to prioritise the passage of a bill aimed at addressing witchcraft accusations, highlighting that the recent change in parliament has hindered the progress of this important legislation, which was close to being approved.

‘We have campaigned along with faith leaders in this room and other organisations for the last four years to really get the government to pass a bill against witchcraft accusations. We managed to get a bill passed in 2023 by Ghana’s parliament, but unfortunately, the bill was not signed into law. We’re praying that the current government will take responsibility and do something about this kind of danger to our vulnerable,’ he added.

The Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union of the Trades Union Congress (TEWU of TUC-Ghana) is calling for a 50 per cent base pay rise as it heads into salary negotiations with the government.

According to TEWU, only a substantial pay rise can restore fairness and cushion workers against the prevailing economic pressures.

National Chairperson, Salamatu Mahamah Braimah, said the union expects a significant improvement in workers’ conditions, stressing that rising living costs, utility tariffs, and increased fuel prices have significantly eroded the real value of workers’ salaries, hence the demand.

‘We are selling our labour, and as you know, each time things change, it means that our working conditions must change as well. So we are going into these negotiations with the mindset that there will be an improvement in the base pay.

‘I think the minimum will be 50%. So even if the government gives us 100%, we will say thank you, Mr. Government or Mr. President and walk away,’ she said.

Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, acknowledged the concerns raised and said the government would review the proposal carefully.

He expressed hope that any agreement reached will reflect both the needs of workers and the state’s financial capacity.

He assured that the government will carefully assess the proposal as part of ongoing negotiations with organised labour.

GCB Bank Plc has unveiled a comprehensive sustainability programme that sets a new standard for responsible banking in the country.

At the heart of the programme are six flagship initiatives, namely Sheagles Soar, R³ (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle), i-360, Evolve, and EagleTouch, designed to embed social impact, environmental stewardship, and strong governance across the bank’s operations. Together, they position GCB as a leader in sustainable finance.

Launching the programme, the Board Chairman, Professor Joshua Alabi, described it as a ‘blueprint for a sustainable future,’ noting that GCB is determined to lead sustainable banking in Ghana and beyond.

‘As the premier bank, we must lead by example. By putting people and planet first in all our operations, we will secure profit in the truest sense, profit that is inclusive, resilient, and beneficial to all stakeholders,’ Prof. Alabi said.

The Managing Director, Farihan Alhassan, emphasised that sustainability is not an add-on but a cultural shift within GCB.

‘Our strategy is anchored in a baseline assessment aligned with national and global commitments, including the Paris Agreement and the UN SDGs. Built on three pillars, Environmental Stewardship, Social Responsibility, and Ethical Governance, it reflects the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit.’

Head of Special Projects and Investor Relations, George Fuachie, added that GCB is determined to lead the charge. ‘Sustainability is no longer a buzzword; it has become a way of doing business.’

The launch featured a panel discussion titled ‘People, Planet, and Profit: Sustainable Operations for Impact and Opportunity,’ moderated by Cynthia Ofori-Dwumfuo, Chief Marketing, Communications and Customer Experience Officer of GCB Bank.

The panel included GCB Board Member Pamela Addo, SUCCA Africa’s Mark Ofori Kwafo, and GCB’s Head of Credit Risk, Edward Sasu Adofo.

Panelists called for sustainability to be fully integrated into banking operations, highlighting financial inclusion, gender-responsive products, youth banking, and climate-smart agriculture as key to long-term impact.

They cautioned that climate risks pose real threats but also open opportunities in renewable energy, green jobs, and sustainable farming.

Profitability, they stressed, must advance hand in hand with social empowerment and environmental care.

Heavy metal pollution is a growing concern in many parts of Ghana, especially in communities near galamsey (small-scale gold mining) sites.

Toxic metals like arsenic, mercury, lead, and cadmium can seep into rivers, soils, and food crops from mining runoff and mercury use in gold extraction.

Long-term exposure to these metals is linked to serious health issues – from nerve and brain damage to organ failure and cancer.

The good news is that families can take action at home.

This article explores truly cost-free methods to reduce or remove heavy metals from drinking water and foods using only readily available, discarded, or natural materials.

It explains how each method works scientifically and provides step-by-step guidance, backed by research and public health sources, to help keep your household safe.

Heavy Metals and Galamsey: A Hidden Danger

Illegal and small-scale mining (galamsey) often contaminates nearby water sources and farmlands with heavy metals. For instance, mercury used to extract gold can wash into rivers and fish. Arsenic occurs naturally in some gold-bearing rocks and can leach into groundwater.

Lead and cadmium may also be present in mining waste and fertilizers, ending up in soils or water. These metals are odorless and tasteless in water and can accumulate in food crops without obvious signs. Consuming even low levels over time can cause chronic poisoning.

Children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable – lead, for example, harms brain development. This makes it vital for households in mining-affected areas to adopt simple precautions in daily cooking and drinking habits.

Easy Water Purification Techniques

Ghana’s climate and local resources offer several low-cost water treatment methods that require no fancy filters or expensive chemicals. Below are effective techniques using everyday materials like fruit peels, charcoal from cooking fires, and even sunlight.

Each method targets heavy metal contaminants by either adsorbing (binding) the metal ions or physically separating them from the water. You can use these methods individually or even combine them for better results.

Always start with the clearest water possible (let muddy water settle, or filter debris with a cloth) before applying these treatments. And remember: after removing heavy metals, you should still boil or disinfect water to kill microbes if it’s not from a treated source.

Banana Peel Water Filters

Banana peels, a common throw-away item, turn out to be powerful natural water purifiers. Banana peels contain pectin and other compounds with negatively charged carboxyl and hydroxyl groups. These functional groups attract and bind heavy metal ions (which are positively charged) like a magnet.

Researchers have found that dried banana peel can adsorb substantial amounts of metals from water – for example, up to 7.97 mg of lead and 5.71 mg of cadmium per gram of peel in lab tests.

In fact, minced banana peel was shown to remove lead and copper from river water as effectively as or better than many commercial filtering materials. Banana peel filters worked across a wide range of water pH and could be reused multiple times without losing potency.

How To Use Banana Peels To Purify Water:

Collect and prepare peels: Rinse banana peels to remove dirt or pesticides, then cut them into small pieces. For best results, sun-dry the peel pieces or lightly heat them (not burning) to remove moisture – dry peels seem to adsorb metals more effectively. You can crush or grind the dried peels into a coarse powder if possible, to increase the surface area.

Soak or filter the water: Place the peel pieces/powder in the contaminated water. Use about one peeled banana’s worth of material per few liters of water (exact amounts aren’t critical; more peel can grab more metal). Stir the water and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. During this time, the heavy metal ions will attach to the banana peel. Studies show that simply mixing banana peel with arsenic-spiked water and shaking for 30 minutes removed up to 90% of the arsenic.

Separate the peels and use the water: After soaking, strain out the banana peels by pouring the water through a clean cloth or fine mesh. The heavy metals remain bound to the peels you remove. Discard the used peels in the trash or by burying – do not eat them or feed them to animals, since they now contain the concentrated toxins. Finally, for drinking water, it’s wise to boil or disinfect the filtered water.

Rice Husk and Plant Waste Adsorbents

Rice husks, coconut shells, maize cobs, or sawdust are excellent natural filters. Rice husks are rich in silica and cellulose, giving them a natural ability to bind metals like lead, cadmium, and copper. To use, pack a cloth bag with clean rice husks and pour water through.

Alternatively, burn the husks lightly to create rice husk ash, stir it into water, and let it settle before decanting. The ash’s fine silica attracts heavy metal ions, cleaning the water. Dispose of the husk or ash safely afterward.

Moringa Seed Powder (Natural Coagulant)

The seeds of the Moringa tree can clarify dirty water and remove some heavy metals. Shell the seeds, grind the kernels into powder, and stir one or two seeds’ worth into a bucket of water. After 30 minutes, particles settle at the bottom. Decant or filter the clear water at the top. The seed’s natural proteins bind with metals and microbes, helping purify the water.

Safer Food Preparation Techniques at Home

Heavy metals also enter through food. These techniques can lower your exposure:

– Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly to remove dust and soil.

– Peel or discard outer layers of root and leafy vegetables.

– Cook rice or greens in plenty of water and discard the water afterward; this leaches out arsenic and lead.

– Soak produce in mild vinegar or lemon water for 10-20 minutes, then rinse. The acid helps dissolve metal residues.

– Avoid concentrating sauces or dried foods from contaminated produce, as this increases metal concentration.

– Choose smaller fish (like tilapia or sardines) instead of large predators like tuna or shark, which accumulate mercury.

– Eat a varied diet rich in calcium and iron to reduce heavy metal absorption in your body.

Safety and Disposal Tips

Used banana peels, charcoal, or rice husks will contain the metals they absorbed. Do not reuse them or add them to compost for food crops. Bury or discard them safely. Replace and adsorbents regularly. Combining methods – such as Moringa plus sand filter – can improve results. In severely contaminated areas, push for community water testing and alternative clean sources. Join the anti-galamsey campaign.

Conclusion

Heavy metal pollution from galamsey and other sources is a serious challenge, but families can protect themselves using simple science and local resources. Banana peels, rice husks, Moringa seeds, and sunlight can all make water safer. Proper washing, soaking, and cooking reduce metals in food.

These methods cost nothing yet can save lives. Clean water and safe food are possible when households take small, informed steps – turning waste into protection.

The immediate family of late highlife legend, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, has filed a court injunction to halt funeral and burial arrangements announced by a faction of the extended family.

In a statement issued yesterday, the immediate family, comprising his wife, Mrs. Akosua Serwah Fosu and their children, said they were ‘deeply distressed’ to learn of funeral plans being circulated on social media without their knowledge or consent.

According to the statement, Abusuapanyin Kofi Wusu and members of a funeral committee had publicly announced a funeral date for the late musician during an interview on October 8, without consulting the deceased’s legal wife or children.

The family described the action as ‘disrespectful and inconsiderate,’ accusing the organisers of sidelining them in all burial-related decisions since the musician’s passing on July 26, 2025, in Accra.

‘Hearing about your own husband’s funeral plans for the first time through social media is deeply distressing,’ the statement said, adding that the actions of the committee showed ‘a complete lack of respect for the wishes and rights of the deceased’s direct family.’

The family further explained that Daddy Lumba was legally married to Mrs. Akosua Serwah Fosu in Bornheim, Germany, on December 23, 2004, and remained married to her until his death.

Citing Section 1306 of the German Civil Code (BGB), they emphasised that German law strictly prohibits bigamy, making any claims of a second marriage ‘false, misleading, and legally void.’

The family also revealed that questions remain about the exact cause of the musician’s death, noting that investigations are still ongoing.

In light of the controversy and alleged lack of communication, the ‘direct family’ has sought a court injunction to suspend the funeral and burial until proper dialogue and consensus are reached among all parties.

Addressing the late singer’s fans and the public, the family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support, urging them to disregard unofficial funeral announcements.

‘We assure the public that a respectful and dignified farewell will be given to our beloved Charles Kwadwo Fosu – one befitting his legacy and the love he shared with millions through his music,’ the statement concluded.