Category: Daily Guide Network

ASHANTI REGIONAL Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been granted GHS1 million bail with two sureties after appearing before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

This bail was met after he was officially charged with mining without a licence during a close-door meeting with officials of the CID on matters relating to allegations of illegal mining activities linked to his company, Akonta Mining.

He is expected to face the High Court today, October 7, 2025, where three mining-related charges will be filed against him.

Speaking to journalists after the close-door meeting, Wontumi’s lead legal counsel, Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi, confirmed that his client had been charged with mining without a licence and other related offenses.

‘The charges are related to mining. Wontumi has been charged with mining without a licence and other related offenses. We will discuss that in court tomorrow,’ he said.

Providing an update on his client’s demeanor ahead of the court proceedings, Appiah-Kubi stated that he remains hopeful the court will take a fair and judicious decision.

‘Chairman has been well composed, and expecting that tomorrow when we go to court, all of us will help the court in taking a decision that is judicious,’ he stated.

Addressing the Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine’s warning to arrest Wontumi if he fails to appear before officials of the CID, Appiah-Kubi stated that his client is cooperating fully with the investigation, saying, ‘I consider the discourse between my office and, by extension, the Attorney General’s Office as a communication gap that resulted in this. But I want to express my disappointment in the warning to defer the meeting. We don’t need to necessarily increase the political temperature in the country.’

‘We have not at any point in time decided or refused to respond to invitations. The law states that any accused person or suspect ought to be given adequate time and resources to prepare their defense. Let’s not forget that an accused person is not considered guilty until proven so.

‘Therefore, they have a right to their civil liberties. Indeed, when we go to court, the police inquiry continues until charges are filed, and then we make an application for the bail to continue. We will testify to our performance and also appear in our capacity as a person and a well-known character,’ he added.

Last Friday, Dr. Ayine announced that charges against Chairman Wontumi, and his company Akonta Mining, have been finalised and signed.

Speaking at President John Dramani Mahama’s engagement with civil society organisations on illegal mining in Accra, Dr. Ayine warned that Wontumi must appear before the CID on Monday or face arrest.

The investigation into Akonta Mining, Wontumi’s company, began after allegations surfaced that the company was involved in illegal mining activities, including selling mining concessions to unauthorised miners and operating in protected forest reserves.

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, revoked Akonta Mining’s licence due to these allegations.

Chairman Wontumi has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming that Akonta Mining operates with all necessary licences and permits. He first appeared before the CID on May 26, 2025, accompanied by his lawyers, and was granted bail after cooperating with investigators.

Ghana’s U17 national team, the Black Starlets, have safely returned home after an impressive showing at the 2025 WAFU B U17 Boys Championship in Ivory Coast.

The team arrived in Accra in the early hours of Sunday to a warm welcome from management members and officials of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

Led by head coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum, the Starlets were applauded for their discipline, determination, and quality performance throughout the tournament, which saw them qualify for the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be staged in Morocco.

Ghana finished the competition with a silver medal after a spirited run to the final, reigniting hope in the country’s youth football.

Members of the GFA Executive Council visited the team at their hotel to commend the players and technical staff for their achievement and for restoring pride to the nation’s youth football setup.

In recognition of their efforts, the GFA presented both players and technical staff with undisclosed but substantial financial rewards.

The team expressed appreciation to the Association for its support and pledged to continue working hard as preparations begin for next year’s U17 AFCON in Morocco.

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has announced a deferment of the commencement of the Third Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament until further notice.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Speaker said the postponement had become necessary ‘due to circumstances beyond my control.’

The notice effectively suspends the earlier communication issued on September 29, 2025, which scheduled the House to reconvene on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

The initial notice, made pursuant to Order 58 of the Standing Orders of Parliament, had officially summoned Members of Parliament to resume sittings after the recess period.

However, the latest statement signals a change in parliamentary plans, with no new date announced for the reopening.

The Speaker’s latest notice did not specify the reasons for the deferment, but the phrase ‘circumstances beyond my control’ suggests that unforeseen developments may have necessitated the decision.

The deferment means that legislative business, including the consideration of pending bills, motions, and committee reports, will remain on hold until a new commencement date is communicated.

Parliament’s Third Meeting is traditionally an important session in the legislative calendar, often used to consider key national issues, including the presentation of major policy statements for the coming year.

The Federation of African Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (FAPMA) and the Vizuri Health Dynamics, has announced the African Healthcare Manufacturing Trade Exhibition and Conference (AHMTEC 2025) scheduled from October 7 to 9, 2025, at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra.

The conference brings together more than 200 delegates from leading manufacturers and healthcare leaders. Also, 46 speakers and representatives from 111 organisations across 26 countries are expected to participate, as well as numerous Ghanaian manufacturers and stakeholders, who are central to delivering on the government’s agenda for jobs and its strategic goal of becoming a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub for West Africa.

Now in its second year, AHMTEC 2025 builds on the momentum of its inaugural event with the theme ‘Collaborate to Compete: Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Growth’ – driving an Africa-led shift from dependency to manufacturing self-reliance.

The Urgent Case for African Health Manufacturing

National health systems across the continent are grappling with disrupted global supply chains, less donor support, and an overreliance on imported medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics. African manufacturers currently supply less than 30% of the medicines consumed on the continent.

‘This is a life-threatening vulnerability, not just a market imbalance,’ says Dr. Skhumbuzo Ngozwana, FAPMA Board Member. ‘We are past the wake-up call. Our people’s lives depend on how quickly we move toward manufacturing self-reliance, and AHMTEC is the platform to drive that transformation.’

In response to this challenge, Ghana is taking decisive steps through initiatives like the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan and support for the African Medicines Agency (AMA). Hosting AHMTEC is a key strategy for success.

A Manufacturer-Led Agenda for Growth

Every session and panel session during AHMTEC aims to deliver practical solutions for: building competitive, financially viable manufacturing businesses and creating supportive policies, incentives, and investment. In parallel, AHMTEC will host a trade exhibition, investor-readiness workshops, visits to Ghanaian manufacturing facilities, and networking opportunities.

‘AHMTEC isn’t about speeches. It’s for manufacturers who are ready to grow,’ said Dr. Mariatou Tala Jallow, Council Chair of Vizuri Health Dynamics. ‘With Africa’s healthcare manufacturing at a crossroads, we either continue to wait for help or we actively build the systems ourselves, starting at AHMTEC.’

AHMTEC 2025 will debut the African Manufacturing Market Intelligence and Network Analysis (AMMINA), a groundbreaking data platform drawing from 700+ manufacturers and 2,500+ health products across 18 countries. With an interactive, data-driven dashboard, AMMINA is able to provide real-time data on manufacture capacity, products, and investment readiness.

It responds to a need long demanded by industry and partners. With AMMINA’s insights, decision-makers can better recognise opportunity and risk, inform policies, and mobilise greater investment across Africa’s manufacturing ecosystem.

Ghana’s selection as host underscores its leadership in advancing Africa’s health sovereignty. Its clear national agenda to become a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub for West Africa make it the ideal venue to forge the partnerships needed for a self-reliant healthcare future. Health security is a shared responsibility.

Sarkodie’s Rapperholic Homecoming Organiser, Nabil Alhassan, has explained songstress Gyakie’s absence on stage during the event which took place at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on September 27, 2025.

Explaining the situation on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z with Kwame Dadzie, Nabil cited weather conditions as a significant factor that disrupted the programme’s flow and performance schedule.

‘Gyakie was supposed to perform before Sarkodie took the stage. She was present, but due to the rain, attendees were scrambling for shelter. When she arrived, she faced considerable challenges just to enter the stadium. I witnessed her struggle to get in,’ he shared.

Nabil further elaborated that a shift in plans became necessary after Sarkodie opted to proceed with his performance despite the weather-related hiccups. ‘It would have been easier if Sarkodie had a collaboration with her. He got tired of waiting and wanted to start the show since everyone was eager to see him. We didn’t have time to coordinate who should perform at what time,’ he explained.

According to Nabil, Sarkodie began his set with songs featuring other artistes present at the event, complicating the possibility of including Gyakie in the lineup.

‘He doesn’t have a song with Gyakie, so there wasn’t an opportunity to slot her in. If they had collaborated, it would have been much simpler,’ he added.

The Rapperholic Homecoming concert, part of Sarkodie’s 2025 Rapperholic series, showcased a star-studded lineup that included Shatta Wale, Obrafuor, Reggie Rockstone, Kweku Smoke, Medikal, and many others. Despite the rain causing logistical challenges, thousands of fans filled the stadium to witness one of Ghana’s most anticipated music events.

Team Ghana wrapped up their impressive campaign at the 2025 Africa Aquatics Zone 2 Championships with a total of 69 medals as the three-day competition concluded at the Borteyman Sports Complex in Accra.

The host nation’s Junior Team, comprising 12 swimmers, finished first overall with 43 medals, with Senegal finishing second while Nigeria took the third spot.

In the individual junior awards, Benin’s Lonnah Eliane Douillet was named Best Female Swimmer, winning seven medals-including six gold medals.

Ghana’s Lea El Haj finished second with five medals (three gold), while compatriot Jada Yankey claimed third place with 11 medals, including two golds.

On the male side, Nigeria’s Aidan Dumuje-Abilli earned the Best Male Junior Swimmer title after collecting eight medals (six gold). He was followed by Senegal’s Nael Lamine Vision, who won seven medals (four gold), and Ghana’s Kal-El Ntiamoah, who secured five medals, including two gold.

Ghana’s junior contingent included: Tamba Akin Boamah, Yamin Amankwah Boamah, Michael Crabbe-Mann, Kal-El Ntiamoah, Andre Nimoh, Johnson Gyarko, Kwasi Frimpong, Oduma Aba Agyei, Jada Yankey, Mercedes Abdallah, Yemen Bozuma Cornie, and Lea El Haj.

In the senior category, Ghana dominated, finishing as the best team with 26 medals – 13 gold, 7 silver, and 6 bronze. Senegal followed closely with 36 medals (12 gold), while Benin placed third with 8 medals.

Senegal’s Oumy Diop was crowned Best Female Swimmer, winning 11 medals, nine of them gold.

Ghana’s Joselle Mensah finished second with five medals (three gold), while Noelie Lacour from Gabon placed third after collecting 11 medals, including one gold.

The strong performances from both Ghana’s junior and senior teams underscored the country’s growing presence in African aquatics, as the Borteyman Sports Complex once again proved to be a world-class venue for regional competition.

The Former Second Lady, Hajia Samira Bawumia, has called on stakeholders, especially governments, to prioritise the youth in their quest to seek for solutions to tackle climate crisis.

Speaking at the 2025 Africa Women and Children Conference (AFRIWOCC) yesterday in Accra, Mrs. Bawumia said the youth, who consist of the continent’s growing population, could help provide bold ideas, meaningful partnerships and a renewed resolve to shape narratives on climate change.

She said, ‘We must ensure that every proposal considered is assessed for its potential impact on women, children, and young people. No longer should they be peripheral voices in climate action, they must be empowered and be at the front and centre, reflecting the lived experiences of its most vulnerable populations.’

According to her, the 2025 AFRIWOCC marks a pivotal moment in a journey that began just two years ago with the commitment to translate the aspirations into interventions, partnerships, and policy influence.

Touching on some successes chalked by the organisation, the former Second Lady said NextGen Youth Climate Forum at the Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa hosted by AFRIWOCC is considered the single most attended youth event at the summit.

She stated that the forum provided space for young Africans to present scalable climate solutions and integrate their innovations into the broader climate agenda.

Mrs. Bawumia however, indicated that despite the strides made, many commitments from the 2023 conference remain aspirational, particularly climate financing and the quest to achieving full inclusivity.

‘We’ve come a long way in a short time, but we still have a long journey ahead. We must translate dialogue into systemic reforms and get fully funded activities off the ground. Young voices must be at the table not just as leaders of tomorrow, but as leaders of today and with greater impact, we must connect these ideas to policy, financing, and implementation,’ she added.

The Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Montrat, for her part, reaffirmed commitment to climate education and skills training to tackle climate challenges.

She also emphasised the critical role of teachers in preparing students to tackle climate challenges, while expressing concern that only 30% of educators currently feel confident teaching climate-related topics.

The High Commissioner also highlighted the inadequacies in both infrastructure and curricula, which she said are often ill-equipped to address the urgent demands of climate education.

‘We believe that climate education must be integrated into broader educational goals, empowering students with the knowledge and skills to contribute to sustainable solutions,’ she stated.

She also mentioned the devastating impact of climate change on women and girls, particularly those who are socially excluded, noting that their increased care giving and household responsibilities heighten dependence on threatened natural resources, leading to ‘time poverty, limited adaptability, and reduced access to education and economic opportunities.’

The High Commissioner further noted that Canada is open to deeper engagement with Ghana’s Ministries of Education, Youth, and Gender to identify synergies in expanding skills training opportunities, especially for young women entering non-traditional job sectors.

The two-day event, which started on Monday, October 6 and ends today, Tuesday, October 7, brought together some members of the diplomatic community, academia, civil society organisations (CSOs), and students from some senior high schools, was held under the theme ‘Young Voices, Innovative ideas, Greater Impact for Africa’.

Ghanaian music executive, Richie Mensah, has been appointed as a voting member of the Recording Academy, the organisation behind the Grammy Awards.

The accomplished music producer, singer, songwriter, and Chief Executive Officer of Lynx Group of Companies, announced the news by sharing artwork from the Recording Academy confirming his appointment.

In a Facebook post, Richie captioned the artwork, ‘Thank you, Recording Academy, for the honor.’

His appointment has been met with excitement among Ghanaians, who view it as a significant milestone for the country’s music industry.

While a few Ghanaians are already members of the Academy but have kept it private, many believe Richie’s inclusion will further open doors for local talent.

Social media users have expressed hope that his appointment will positively impact the development of Ghana’s music scene.

Richie Mensah has produced numerous superstars from his label, Lynx Entertainment, which has launched talents such as Kuami Eugene, KiDi, Asem, Eazzy, MzVee, DopeNation, Zigi, and the late OJ Blaq, among others.

A 30-YEAR-old nurse has been arrested for allegedly murdering a 70-year-old woman at Amoamang near Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.

Suspect Selina Boateng, according to the Bohyen District Police, stabbed Margareth Oppong, with a kitchen knife, leading to her death on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

A police report, confirming the bloody incident, did not state the circumstances leading to the stabbing incident, but only disclosed that Selina had been apprehended for questioning.

‘On October 5, 2025, at 1530 hours, Kwame Nkansah of Afful Nkwanta, Kumasi, accompanied by Charles Ofei, and the former reported to police that his wife, Lucy Nkansah, had informed him that Selina Boateng, a 30-year-old nurse at Amoamang CHIPS Compound, had stabbed and killed her 70-year-old mother, Margareth Oppong, with a kitchen knife.

‘Upon receiving the complaint, the police with the complainant, proceeded to the scene at Amoamang.

‘On arrival they found the deceased, Margareth Oppong, lying lifeless on the floor with multiple stab wounds on her left breast and cheek in a supine position,’ a police report said.

The statement, which has been sighted by the paper, further narrated that a kitchen knife, stained with blood, which was allegedly used by Selina to stab the 70-year-old woman, has been retrieved and kept as evidence by the police.

The police said the suspect has since been arrested and brought to the station to assist in investigations, adding that the body of the deceased has been deposited at the Ebenezer Mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

The Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has lauded Ghanaian teachers for their unwavering dedication, resilience, and sacrifice in nurturing the nation’s human resource base, emphasising that their role remains central to Ghana’s development agenda.

Speaking at the 2025 Ghana Teacher Prize ceremony held at the Cedi Auditorium of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho, Professor Opoku-Agyemang reaffirmed government’s commitment to improving teacher welfare and strengthening the education sector.

‘As we celebrate our teachers, we honour their hard work and devotion to duty. Education is the lifeblood of our democracy, the backbone of our economic progress, and a key driver of national research and innovation,’ she stated.

The Vice President stressed that Ghana’s vision of achieving quality and equitable education with a strong focus on foundational learning, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) hinges on empowering teachers.

‘Teachers are central to the talent, skills, and attitudes that will drive the 24-hour economy and our overall national development.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang paid glowing tribute to the late former President Jerry John Rawlings for instituting the Best Teacher Award scheme in 1994, describing it as a visionary initiative that continues to reward excellence in teaching, particularly among those serving under difficult conditions.

‘Over 30 years later, the scheme continues to honour teachers who have chosen service over stress, sacrifice over comfort, and nation-building over personal gain,’ she pointed out.

The Vice President stated that the Mahama-led administration has been working over the past nine months to strengthen institutions and improve teacher conditions.

Among the key interventions, she mentioned the ‘Teacher Debre Initiative,’ plans to include teacher accommodation in all new school projects, and measures to make the promotion of hardworking deputy directors more efficient.

She further disclosed that trainee teachers will soon be able to write their licensure examinations within their training institutions to simplify the process.

Additionally, through the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), over 60,000 teachers have been trained in digital literacy, modern pedagogy, and inclusive education practices under the National Digital Teacher Training Programme.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang referenced a UNESCO study identifying mental health as a major challenge to achieving quality education by 2030. She announced that the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service (GES), and teacher unions have rolled out nationwide capacity-building programmes on mental health and psychosocial support for pre-tertiary teachers.

Richard W. Timob of the Savelugu Senior High School in the Northern Region was crowned Ghana’s Most Outstanding Teacher for 2025, receiving a fully furnished three-bedroom house as his prize.

Other awardees also received saloon cars, pickup trucks, motorbikes, cash prizes, laptops, and ‘School-in-a-Box’ teaching kits for Most Outstanding Kindergarten Teacher.

The event was held under the theme ‘Elevating the Status of Teachers for Quality Education.’

The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to improving teacher welfare and working conditions, recognising educators as the ‘backbone of Ghana’s education system.’

‘This is an auspicious occasion to celebrate our teachers; the backbone of our educational system. Teachers shape the minds and characters of our students and, by extension, the destiny of our nation,’ he stressed.

Mr. Iddrisu disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama’s administration is prioritising the resolution of long-standing infrastructural and welfare challenges in the sector. He revealed that the President has directed the Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Agbodza, to initiate a new policy dubbed ‘University-Related Roads,’ to improve access roads to tertiary institutions nationwide.

He further announced plans to expand the University for Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) with a new campus in Keta, which will host the School of Pharmacy and School of Biomedical Engineering.

‘We know that teachers are paid very low, and we will correct those imbalances. We will rise to the occasion and uplift the teaching profession,’ he assured.

Mr. Iddrisu further cautioned teachers against any form of misconduct or abuse of students, emphasising that the ministry would uphold strict professional standards.

‘Any teacher who takes advantage of students will be punished. No teacher is above the law,’ he added.

To the students present, he urged discipline, integrity, and hard work as key principles for personal and national success.

The President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Rev. Isaac Owusu, urged the government to address key challenges facing teachers, including delayed salaries for over 6,000 newly recruited staff, inequalities in salary structure, and inadequate housing and professional development support.

He emphasised that teachers are not only classroom instructors but also community leaders and nation-builders.

The Ghana Teacher Prize, organised annually by the National Teaching Council (NTC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and its partners, celebrates exceptional teachers and education professionals whose dedication continues to transform education and inspire future generations.