Son Allegedly Murders Father Over Cocoa Proceeds

Tragedy struck the farming community of Koben in the Adanse Asokwa District of the Ashanti Region when a 35-year-old man, identified as Joshua, allegedly murdered his 65-year-old father, Mr. Kwasi Akoma, following a misunderstanding over proceeds from their cocoa farm.

According to reports, the unfortunate incident occurred on Monday, October 6, 2025. Residents disclosed that the suspect and his father had been engaged in a long-standing dispute over how income from their jointly operated cocoa farm was being shared.

In an interview with DAILY GUIDE, some residents alleged that Joshua had been accusing his father of denying him a fair portion of the farm’s earnings. The disagreement reportedly escalated into a heated confrontation during which the suspect allegedly struck his father on the head with a pestle.

‘The two have been fighting recently over the cocoa farm proceeds. The son claimed the father wasn’t giving him his fair share. During a quarrel, he hit his father with a pestle,’ a resident recounted.

The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Police have since arrested the suspect to assist in investigations, while the body of the deceased has been deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Over 50 Farmers Count Losses As Forestry Guards Destroy Crops

The incident, which occurred last week, has left many farmers counting their losses and struggling to make ends meet. They claim the guards stormed the area without prior warning and cleared the farmlands, leaving behind destruction and despair.

Several affected farmers told reporters that they had invested heavily in their farms and depended solely on their produce to sustain their families.

‘This is all we have worked for. Now everything is gone,’ one farmer said in tears. ‘We were not even given a chance to harvest our crops. How are we supposed to survive?’

Another farmer expressed similar sentiments, noting that the loss has thrown their families into uncertainty.

The Nkosuohene of Manso Af?de?, Nana Kwaku Agyapong, has condemned the actions of the forest guards, describing them as excessive and inconsiderate.

‘We support the preservation of our forests, but such actions should not come at the expense of people’s livelihoods,’ he stated. ‘There must be dialogue and understanding between the Forestry Commission and our communities before such operations are carried out.’

The destruction has caused widespread fear among farmers, many of whom are now reluctant to return to their farms for fear of further attacks. Some residents also warned that the situation, if not addressed swiftly, could lead to tension and unrest in the area.

Community leaders and affected farmers are therefore appealing to the government and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to investigate the matter and ensure justice is served. They also called for compensation and the allocation of alternative farmlands to help them rebuild their lives.

The farmers emphasised that they are not against the enforcement of forestry laws, but urged authorities to adopt a more humane and consultative approach in dealing with such matters to prevent future conflicts.

Let’s Embrace Technology, Innovation – Ag. CJ

Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has reiterated the need for justice delivery to be anchored on leadership, innovation and technology to enable the Judiciary to deliver on its mandate of adjudicating cases efficiently.

According to him, ‘the convergence of leadership, innovation and technology is not accidental; it is strategic,’ adding that ‘when we integrate these three pillars, we create a justice system that is resilient, inclusive and future-ready.’

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, in a message ahead of the 2025-2026 legal year, noted that the challenges confronting our justice system-heavy caseloads, case backlogs, limited resources and procedural delays-cannot be addressed by doing things the same way they have always been done.

He, however, pointed out that innovation is not only about introducing new systems, but also about cultivating a culture that values efficiency, openness and adaptability.

‘Court users should encounter not barriers but pathways-clear signage, simplified forms, helpful court staff, and procedures that respect their time and dignity,’ he noted.

He added that the Judiciary must be open to progressive interpretations that reflect the changing realities of society, balancing continuity with the need for justice that is relevant and living.

Touching on technology, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie indicated that it is no longer a luxury for justice delivery but a necessity.

‘The recent global crises have underscored the importance of digital tools in ensuring continuity of service. Virtual hearings, e-filing systems, electronic case management, and digital registries are no longer optional experiments-they are the new frontiers of justice,’ he disclosed.

He said embracing technology enhances transparency by allowing litigants to track their cases, reduces delays by automating repetitive processes, and widens access by breaking geographical barriers.

He, however, advocated caution, noting that technology must not create new divides between those who can access it and those who cannot.

‘As we digitise, we must ensure that no citizen is left behind – that rural communities, the elderly and those without digital literacy are equally empowered to benefit from modernised justice systems,’ he stressed.

He added that ‘investing in technology must also go hand in hand with building the capacity of our judges, lawyers, and court staff. Training and re-training are essential if digital tools are to be effectively used and sustained.’

Justice Baffoe-Bonie also called for strong leadership in the Judiciary, noting that it ‘means more than maintaining tradition; it means having the courage to reform where systems are failing, to speak truth where silence enables injustice, and to remain steadfast in upholding the Constitution even in the face of pressure.’

The Anglican Bishop of Accra, Rt. Rev. Dr. Daniel Sylvanus Mensah Torto, speaking at a church service to usher in the new legal year, noted that the Judiciary must be seen to foster trust among the public and ensure that justice is served without bias, ill will, or favour.

‘The Judiciary must follow due process, not to be against the processes. There must continue to be a non-political arm of government where she acts with integrity and follow the rule of law,’ he added.

Apology Mark Of Humility

There is no dearth of news on the political terrain in the country, and with limited space at the disposal of editorial boards, the task of what to tackle becomes challenging.

Even more challenging is the case where a subject is before our law courts, in which case we must tread carefully lest we breach the standards; and there is one such case on the bosom of our judges.

Be it as it may, last week and the current have been laden with so much to deal with.

One of the flagbearer aspirants of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia won the hearts of many Ghanaians, both within his party and outside it, when out of humility he pleaded with NPP supporters and by extension floating voters to forgive the past administration for not meeting their expectations in certain regards.

The Akufo-Addo administration of which he was a part did a lot in the area of good governance and infrastructural development. In spite of these, however, being a human institution and therefore not without blemishes, the need to plead for forgiveness where toes were stepped on should be regarded as a mark of maturity and good leadership.

The recent request for forgiveness where the expectations of the people were not met should not be tendentiously misconstrued and hanged as some seek to do within the party.

Many NPP supporters were incensed about some interventions during the previous regime, as did floating voters. This accounted for the record number of NPP supporters who refused to go and cast their votes, a protest refusal if you like.

The debt rescheduling initiative was one of such programmes which had Ghanaians, especially pensioners, complaining in spite of the many feats chalked, one being the famous Free Senior High School (SHS), which remains unparalleled in terms of social intervention.

In one of his post-office discourses, former President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the concern expressed by many, especially pensioners, about the mandatory haircut. His remorseful remark triggered a conversation among party supporters and victims of the haircut.

It is worrisome therefore when begging for forgiveness on behalf of the NPP becomes a matter of political polemics when indeed there is a plethora of bad governance being committed by those at the helm today.

One of the acts of humility from former President Akufo-Addo was when in the face of public furore when he uttered ‘all die be die’, he told Ghanaians if that had touched their sensibilities he was sorry.

It was such a show of humility which calmed tempers, and to date the subject is hardly remembered. To err is human, and to forgive is divine.

Expressing apology cannot be equated with knocking oneself down, ignoring the fallouts from stepping on toes of the governed by the governors is.

Dr. Caesar Warns Of Rising Kidney Deaths

Chief Executive Officer of M.Y. Caesar Company Limited, Dr. Caesar, has expressed grave concern over the rising number of kidney-related deaths in the country, urging citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles and prioritise regular medical check-ups to curb the trend.

According to him, recent data suggest that kidney disease claimed 4,161 lives in 2020, representing 2.38% of all deaths in Ghana.

He said the country now ranks 56th globally in kidney disease mortality – a statistic that has alarmed health experts and prompted renewed calls for preventive action.

‘This trend is alarming. Many of these deaths could have been prevented through early diagnosis and lifestyle changes,’ Dr. Caesar said and added, ‘We cannot sit back and allow this to continue. Prevention must be our first line of defense.’

Dr. Caesar, a strong advocate for natural health solutions, noted that most kidney complications develop silently and go unnoticed until they reach advanced stages.

He emphasised that early detection through regular screening can save lives and reduce the growing burden on the nation’s health system.

He urged Ghanaians to adopt healthier habits to protect their kidneys, including reducing salt and fat intake, managing blood sugar and blood pressure levels, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, staying hydrated, and refraining from misuse of over-the-counter painkillers.

‘Regular health screening is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Early detection can mean the difference between life and death,’ he stressed.

Dr. Caesar also highlighted the need for continuous public education on kidney health, warning that lifestyle-related diseases are fast becoming one of the country’s major public health threats.

He noted that through M.Y. Caesar Company Limited, the Kumasi-based natural health enterprise, he has led initiatives promoting the use of food supplements and natural therapies to support patients battling conditions such as kidney disease, liver disorders, diabetes, and infertility.

His holistic approach, he said, aims to complement conventional medicine and bring relief to people seeking safe and sustainable health alternatives.

CID Rescues 110 Foreigners From Qnet Scam

A TOTAL of 110 foreign nationals, identified as both Cameroonians and Ivorians, are in the custody of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Criminal Investigative Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service after they were rescued through anti-human trafficking operation yesterday.

The foreign nationals, who are victims of a suspected Qnet scam operation at Kuntunse Satellite in the Greater Accra Region, were said to have been lured into the country with promises of lucrative employment opportunities. However, upon arrival, they were subjected to exploitative conditions under the guise of network marketing.

The early morning operation was conducted following weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering by the police. The victims have since been taken into protective custody as investigations continue to identify the perpetrators and dismantle the network behind the scheme.

According to police sources, initial findings indicate that the suspects used Qnet, a controversial online business platform, as a cover to recruit and exploit unsuspecting individuals from other West African countries.

The CID has assured the public of its commitment to intensifying the fight against human trafficking and transnational scam operations, urging citizens to be cautious of fraudulent job offers, especially those requiring upfront payments or recruitment through unverified agents. Authorities say efforts are underway to locate and arrest key members of the criminal syndicate believed to be operating across several regions.

It’s worth noting that Qnet has been accused of operating a pyramid scheme in various countries, including India, Ghana, and Indonesia, with allegations of misleading participants about the ease and returns of the business.

It would be recalled that some 76 Ghanaian victims of human trafficking linked to Qnet were rescued from Nigeria. Seven Ghanaian suspects were arrested in Nigeria, while two suspects from Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso were arrested in Ghana.

Director-General of the CID, COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, addressing journalists about Qnet operations, revealed that the company has been using fraudulent recruitment schemes to lure victims into human trafficking.

According to COP Donkor, Qnet’s operations in Ghana were dissolved by an Accra High Court in July 2022 due to deceptive practices akin to a Ponzi scheme.

She stated that victims, including young men and women, are promised lucrative jobs, football contracts, or visa assistance, only to have their mobile phones and travel documents seized upon arrival in Nigeria. They are then forced to contact family members in Ghana to solicit money under pretenses.

COP Donkor emphasised that those involved in such criminal activities will be prosecuted under Ghana’s Anti-Human Trafficking Act and the Criminal Code. She urged the public to be cautious of job offers or travel opportunities that seem too good to be true, especially those requiring upfront payments or unverified arrangements.

I Haven’t Met Shatta Wale Before – Fameye

Ghanaian rapper and musician Fameye, born Peter Famiyeh Bozah, has made a surprising revelation that he’s never met dancehall act Shatta Wale in person, despite their previously cordial relationship.

Fameye, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressed his disappointment on social media, stating that Shatta Wale has been unresponsive to him for months. He even tried commenting on Shatta Wale’s posts, but faced backlash from his fans.

Fameye has appealed to rapper Medikal, a close friend of Shatta Wale, to help reconnect him with the dancehall star. ‘My brother Medikal, you for carry me go meet Shatta Wale for house ‘cos he’s gone completely mute on me for months. We used to be super cool. He no go fit vex me like that? (sic)’ Fameye’s post read.

Replies under Fameye’s post suggest that Shatta Wale’s silence might be linked to Fameye’s perceived closeness with his longtime rival, Stonebwoy. However, Fameye clarified that his comments were born out of respect and admiration for Shatta Wale, and that they had plans to work together.

Some of the comments under the post read: @TuruMjb, ‘You Dey play 2 sides in Shatta Movement, we don’t do that! We are not saying don’t like the other side, but don’t play 2 sides.’

BruceNana2, wrote, ‘Mr @Antonio @Fameye or whatever you call yourself :)) stick to your ‘Efo’ we seen you already, you can’t be in two camps (sic).’

Yrn Escobar wrote, ‘Some of you di333 you gyemie pass sekof he be free with Stonebwoy nti he can’t be free with Wale too? Ghana ankasa most of Wale fans plenty fool.few weh get sense! Saying we don’t play both side in Shatta Movement Jon’s .ahiafo)) mba nkoaaa so (sic).’

Following the comments, Fameye replied critics, saying, ‘God is the master!! I give respect and show respect to my seniors like it’s supposed to!! My tweet has nothing to do with losing your so-called abused word ‘composure’. Wale has been a friend for a minute, I love him and I miss him responding to my DMs Cos (because) we had plans together!!!!’

GoldBod Nabs 6 In Illegal Gold Deal

The Taskforce of Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has arrested six people, including two foreign nationals, for engaging in an illegal gold transaction without the required licence.

The suspects, who have been identified as American citizen, Smart Philander; Moroccan national, Nina Elfseky; and four Ghanaians namely Nana Yaw Sarpong Boateng, Sowa Elisha, Evans Arhin, and Arnold Otutey, were apprehended after an intelligence-led operation at the SSNIT Emporium, near Marina Mall in Accra.

According to a statement from the GoldBod, the arrest followed several weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering by the Taskforce.

The group was caught attempting to purchase and assay 2.1 kilograms of gold valued at about GHS2.2 million without the necessary authorisation required under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).

During the operation, the Taskforce officers reportedly found gold refining equipment in the possession of the American suspect, further confirming their intention to refine gold unlawfully within the country’s jurisdiction.

The six have since been arraigned before the Accra High Court on multiple charges, including conspiracy to engage in gold trading without a licence, illegal gold trading and assaying, and attempting to refine gold unlawfully – offences contrary to Sections 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and Section 26(1) of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).

GoldBod said the arrests form part of its ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal gold trading and to safeguard the integrity of the nation’s gold marketing regime.

‘These arrests highlight our firm commitment to enforcing the laws regulating Ghana’s gold sector. Only licensed entities are permitted to trade, assay, or refine gold in the country,’ the GoldBod statement stated.

The Board has cautioned both local and foreign nationals that any involvement in gold trading, assaying, or refining without proper authorisation is a criminal offence punishable by law.

The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.

Grace Ashy Says Stephen Appiah’s Comment Made Her Stop Supporting Black Stars

Gospel musician Grace Ashy has alleged that a remark by former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah made her lose interest in supporting the national team.

In a video shared on X on October 6, 2025, Grace Ashy alleged that Stephen Appiah once told her to stop supporting the Black Stars if the state was not paying her.

She explained that the incident happened at an airport when she was helping to mobilise fans for a Ghana versus Gambia match in Kumasi.

According to her, Stephen Appiah’s words hurt her deeply because she had been a loyal team supporter for years.

‘I was very sad when he said that. Since then, even one of my team members has stopped supporting the Black Stars,’ she said.

Grace Ashy was widely known for her energetic songs and strong support for the Black Stars during their major tournaments at the time.

GSTEP Expands To Volta Region, Launches 2026 Challenge

The 2026 Ghana Science and Tech Explorer Challenge Prize (GSTEP) has been officially launched, with schools in the Volta Region set to participate in the challenge for the very first time.

This year’s challenge which is under the theme, ‘Curiosity to Impact: STEM Without Borders,’ has expanded to the Volta Region in a major step toward making practical Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) education accessible to more students across Ghana.

The virtual launch, hosted via Zoom and streamed live on Facebook, brought together teachers, students, and STEM stakeholders.

This year’s Challenge builds on the successes of previous editions held in the Greater Accra, Eastern, and Ashanti Regions, which have seen over 30,000 students, 2,000 teachers and 500 schools benefit from hands-on STEM experiences.

It is implemented by a consortium of four organisations: DreamOval Foundation (lead implementor), Partnership Bureau (partnerships and sponsorships), Shulem Lake (resources and materials), and Practical Education Network (mentorship and coaching).

The GSTEP Challenge operates in partnership with the Ghana Education Service and the Ministry of Education and is funded by the Fondation Botnar.

Executive Director of the DreamOval Foundation, Afua Oforiwaa Asiamah Adjei, said the expansion to the Volta Region makes it possible for even more young innovators to be part of this life-changing journey.

‘This expansion brings us closer to our vision of making GSTEP a truly national platform where every child, no matter where they come from, can access the opportunities and skills that STEM education provides,’ she said.

Founder of GSTEP, Constance Agyeman, reflected on the programme’s progress and its growing national impact.

‘Last year alone, over 1,000 innovative ideas were submitted by students who used STEM to address local challenges – from clean energy and sustainable farming to smart city innovations.’

Lead for Partnership and Alliance at Partnership Bureau, Francis Ahene-Affoh, noted that ‘Over the years, we have witnessed incredible solutions and inventions from technology that improves innovations that support agriculture, aquaculture, road traffic management, education, and climate resilience.’

He added that these ideas prove that given the right platform, young junior high students are capable of transforming curiosity into real impact.’

Applications for the 2026 GSTEP Challenge are open to Junior High Schools in Greater Accra, Eastern, Ashanti, and Volta regions. Interested school can register via www.gstep.org.gh to apply.