Category: Daily Guide Network

It is for good reason that due process of the law is multifaceted, each one serving as a filter.

While the judge in the Bernard Antwi Boasiako’s case has delivered her judgment in the Republic vs the aforementioned citizen, others or he himself has the right to seek a higher opinion, which is what the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has served notice to do. And why not?

The NPP, while imputing political motivation in the high-profile case, has adduced various issues which, according to the party, constitute travesties of the law.

As we await the outcome of the process, it is important that we point out some developments which cropped up as the case progressed.

National Democratic Congress (NDC) activists, many of them ignoring the kind of finesse required in discussing the subject, pointed at the eventual conclusion of the case – a conviction and a jail sentence. This certainly impacted the impression many have about the judicial decision.

If the judge sealed her ears to the public discourse on the case on social media, we are unable to tell. The social media discourses constituted a battlefield for activists of the two dominant parties.

We would have rather things did not descend to that level of polemics among political activists, social media providing the dangerous fuel. So bad did things pan out that one activist was damningly categorical that the embattled NPP stalwart would definitely be behind bars as the World Cup tournament proceeded.

The now convicted man has been jailed just when the whistle was blown for the end of the last match of the tournament. It made us want to know whether he was privy to some information when he opened his mouth too wide.

Justice and fairness are important ingredients in enforcement of the law. When these are absent, the pillars of justice are unable to stand firm, giving room for legitimate questions to be posed about judicial decisions.

Our President once said that their own NDC people are implicit in the illegal mining activities. This, according to him, makes the fight against the environmental challenge difficult.

With the awesome powers of the state bestowed upon his office, we would want to find out whether he has the appetite to pursue the internal guys? With his own Attorney General going further to name two big fishes in their camp and even demanding that the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) probe them, we are surprised no such move has been initiated.

With the speed with which the case under review was adjudicated, we think that the Attorney General’s demand could have been dealt with equal dispatch if the President so desires.

We are all ears as the NPP leadership march to the Appeals Court to put the judge’s decision under a legal microscope.

Was Wontumi involved in illegal mining or his concession was assigned to another without recourse to the appropriate state agency for authorisation?

The petitioner, Ken Ashigbey, would have rather the sentence is 25 years. That is his opinion. Shouldn’t he press the NDC kingpins mentioned by the Attorney General to be hauled before the courts? Maybe he thinks otherwise.

MTN Ghana, the leading telecommunication company says it will keep on investing in initiatives that would create opportunities and deliver impact across communities.

The company currently contributes roughly six per cent of the cuntry’s total tax revenue and it is poised to help power Ghana’s digital ambitions.

This came to light at the Media and Stakeholders forum held in Takoradi.

This year’s forum which formed part of activities marking MTN Ghana’s 30th anniversary celebration was used to reflect on three decades of technological change and the network’s role in Ghana’s social and economic transformation.

The company’s anniversary celebration is on the theme, ’30 Years of Progress, Powered by You’.

The forum was attended by journalists and other stakeholders across the Western and Central Regions.

Chief Internal Audit and Forensic officer, MTN Ghana, Michael Gbewonyo, said MTN continues to invest in digital infrastructure, health, education and economic empowerment initiatives.

He said, ‘Through the MTN Ghana Foundation, thousands of young people have benefited from scholarships and support programmes’.

‘We are proud of our achievements, not because of the size of our business, but because of the impact we have made together,’ he said.

‘They demonstrate our commitment to being more than a telecommunications company.

‘Our achievements were made possible by our customers, partners, communities, media and stakeholders who challenged us, supported us and shaped who we are’, he added.

He pointed out that MTN keeps on connecting more people, supporting more businesses, closing the digital divide and helping Ghana grow.

He said technology has reshaped everyday life, adding, ‘A business owner in Takoradi can meet a client in Accra virtually without leaving the shop, traders can confirm Mobile Money payments instantly, and students can access learning resources anywhere on their phones’.

He thanked media partners for amplifying community stories and holding the company to account. ‘We do not take this partnership lightly,’ he said.

Ghana must be deliberate in empowering indigenous businesses if it wants to achieve sustainable economic transformation.

This was the strong message from Professor Godfred Alufar Bokpin, Professor of Finance and public policy advocate, at a zonal capacity-building workshop on Public Financial Management (PFM) organised by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) in collaboration with the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA).

According to Prof. Bokpin, Ghana has failed to intentionally nurture indigenous businesses into globally competitive enterprises, unlike countries such as Nigeria, South Africa and Morocco, where deliberate policies have helped local companies grow into continental and global giants.

He noted that although Ghana is among the eight largest economies in Africa, the country has no indigenous business among the continent’s leading corporate giants, describing the situation as unfortunate.

‘The private sector is our player. If we want to win the game, then we must deliberately support indigenous businesses to grow from micro to small, from small to medium, from medium to large, and eventually into global companies,’ he stressed.

Prof. Bokpin criticised the practice where businesses rise and fall with changes in political administration, saying such a trend discourages investment and weakens the country’s economic growth.

He urged successive governments to support local businesses irrespective of political affiliation, insisting that politicians should not see successful Ghanaian entrepreneurs as threats but as partners in national development.

The workshop formed part of efforts to strengthen public financial management and fiscal decentralisation through enhanced media and civil society oversight. It aimed at equipping journalists and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) with practical skills to promote transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources.

Implemented under the Participation, Accountability and Integrity for a Resilient Democracy (PAIReD) programme, the initiative was commissioned by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), co-financed by the European Union in Ghana and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), and implemented by GIZ in partnership with the Ministry of Finance.

The programme brought together selected journalists and CSO representatives from the Ashanti, Eastern, Oti, Volta, Western North, Western, Central and Greater Accra regions.

Participants were taken through practical sessions on local public finance, the budget cycle, budget analysis, fiscal decentralisation, Domestic Revenue Mobilisation (DRM), tax progressivity, tax administration, public expenditure analysis, public goods, externalities, efficiency, internal and external controls, gender and public finance, tax estimation and other key aspects of public financial management.

Also addressing participants, GIZ-PAIReD Component Manager, Dr. Jrgen Eheke, said he expected government to maintain its fiscal consolidation agenda during the upcoming mid-year budget review.

He said the review should provide updates on Ghana’s exit from the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-supported programme, implementation of the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI), government revenue performance and measures to sustain macroeconomic stability while driving resilience, structural transformation and productivity growth.

The organisers expressed confidence that the training would strengthen the capacity of journalists and CSOs to monitor public spending, hold public officials accountable and promote evidence-based reporting that support transparency and good governance.

The inaugural ‘This Is Music Business Seminar’, organised by Nicholas Asefuah Mensah, professionally known as Mannaq Mensah, concluded on a high note, bringing together Ghana’s vibrant creative community for a powerful day of insightful conversations, practical learning, and meaningful networking.

Powered by Navqiel, a leading music distribution and marketing company, in partnership with Beda’s Association, the seminar was designed to bridge the gap between raw talent and essential industry knowledge. By equipping artistes, managers, producers, executives, and creative professionals with the business acumen needed to thrive, ‘This Is Music Business’ reaffirmed its core truth: This Is Music Business, and it is people’s business.

The event featured an outstanding lineup of speakers who shared expert knowledge across critical areas of the modern music industry, including artiste development, talent management, digital streaming platforms, music publishing, public relations, traditional media, branding, touring and bookings, and strategies for building sustainable, long-term careers.

Attendees included respected music industry professionals, artistes, executives, media personalities, and emerging creatives – all gathered in an open environment where knowledge, experience, and opportunities flowed freely.

Speaking after the successful maiden edition, organiser Mannaq Mensah expressed deep gratitude to the speakers, partners, volunteers, attendees, and supporters who embraced the vision.

‘The goal has never been just to host another seminar. This Is Music Business is the people’s business – it exists to build a stronger, more empowered music industry by ensuring that talented creatives truly understand the business behind their craft. This is only the beginning,’ he said.

Mobile Money Fintech Limited has launched its ‘Ride with MoMo’ initiative in Ho, the Volta Regional capital, as part of efforts to promote digital payments within Ghana’s transport sector and deepen financial inclusion among commercial drivers.

The initiative, which follows a national launch in Accra, seeks to onboard commercial transport operators onto digital payment platforms, beginning with ‘Can Do’ (Keke) riders before expanding to taxi drivers and other commercial transport operators across the country.

Speaking at the launch, Senior Manager for Fintech Channels, Abdul-Majeed Rafai, said the programme is designed to reduce the transport sector’s reliance on physical cash while making transactions safer, more convenient and transparent.

He noted that although commercial transport plays a critical role in moving people to school, workplaces and markets, cash remains the dominant mode of payment, exposing both drivers and passengers to challenges such as disputes over change, theft and other security risks.

Mr. Rafai explained that digitising fare payments would improve convenience for commuters, enhance transparency in financial transactions and contribute to Ghana’s broader digital economy agenda.

According to him, reducing dependence on cash would also lessen the cost of printing and circulating currency, thereby easing the financial burden on the state while creating a more inclusive digital payment ecosystem.

Charles Osei Owusu, Senior Manager for Fintech Business Development at Mobile Money Fintech Limited, said the company, in partnership with the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS), is equipping commercial drivers with merchant wallets to enable them to receive fares through mobile money.

He said drivers only need a valid Ghana Card to register for the merchant wallet, which offers several benefits including eliminating disputes over change, protecting users from counterfeit currency and providing instant payment confirmation through SMS or notifications.

Mr. Owusu added that the merchant wallet also generates transaction records and statements, making it easier for drivers to monitor their earnings and settle payments with vehicle owners electronically.

He encouraged commercial drivers to embrace the initiative, stressing that digital payments would improve operational efficiency while allowing them to conduct business with greater peace of mind.

The launch of the ‘Ride with MoMo’ initiative forms part of Mobile Money Fintech Limited’s commitment to expanding cashless payment solutions, improving financial inclusion and supporting Ghana’s digital transformation agenda through the transport sector.

The Cedi depreciated by 8.4% against the US dollar during the first five months of 2026, higher than the 6.6% depreciation recorded over the same period in 2025

The data contained in the May 2026 Economic and Financial Summary released by the Bank of Ghana (BoG) shows that the Cedi weakened from an average mid-rate of 10.95 to the dollar in January to 11.4125 by mid-May 2026 despite improvements in several key macroeconomic indicators.

Some market players have linked the pressure to increased demand from energy sector players seeking foreign exchange to finance crude oil imports, finished petroleum products and payments to power producers.

The currency came under pressure early in the year, recording a year-to-date depreciation of 4.6 percent in January before briefly recovering in February, still declining despite relatively strong external fundamentals while others believe the challenge is largely due to inadequate dollar supply to match demand from businesses.

However, the cedi resumed its downward trend in March and continued weakening steadily through April and May unlike the sharp volatility witnessed in 2025, the 2026 depreciation pattern has been more gradual and sustained.

The report also stated that Ghana recorded a trade surplus of 5.28 billion dollars as of April 2026, supported by strong gold and oil export earnings with Gross International Reserves at $14.42 billion in May 2026, equivalent to about six months of import cover, while inflation eased sharply to 3.4 percent in April from 18.4 percent a year earlier.

Market watchers believe that the sustained pressure on the currency despite improving macroeconomic conditions suggests that factors such as capital outflows, portfolio adjustments and investor sentiment may be playing a bigger role in driving foreign exchange market dynamics.

Financial experts say if the exchange rate pressures persist over the coming months, it could affect import costs, inflation expectations and planning.

A young carpenter, identified as Yussif Zakari, has died after he was allegedly assaulted by a group of youth at Sabon Zongo in Kumasi’s Asokore Mampong Municipality of the Ashanti Region following an accusation of theft.

Yussif Zakari, believed to be in his 20s, was reportedly accused, together with a friend, of masterminding the theft of GHS4,500. The allegation allegedly led some members of the community to attack him.

According to reports, the attack took place in the presence of his mother, who allegedly watched on as her son was beaten by the youth. Yussif was reportedly left unconscious after sustaining severe injuries, including multiple bruises and suspected stab wounds across his body.

His brother, speaking to the media, said the family rushed him to the Manhyia Hospital for medical attention but was informed that there were no beds. He was later transferred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.

Chairman Bawa of the Ashanti Regional Neighbourhood Watchdog Committee, confirmed that two suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.

He further disclosed that eight other suspects, believed to have participated in the alleged assault, are currently at large even as police continue to search for them.

The body of Yussif Zakari has been deposited at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital mortuary pending autopsy.

The death of Yussif Zakari has once again highlighted the dangers of mob justice in Ghana, as human rights advocates and security experts continue to urge the public to report suspected offenders to the police and avoid taking the law into their hands.

The trial of former Chief Executive Officer of National Food Buffer Stock Company Limited (NAFCO), Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, has taken a new twist as he has filed an application asking the court to strike out the charges against him.

He avers in an affidavit in support that a careful consideration of the charges levelled against him by the Attorney General reveal they are ‘vague, ambiguous, duplicitous and renders a fair trial impossible and violate his fundamental human rights as an accused person under the constitution.’

Mr. Aludiba is standing trial with his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, for allegedly stealing and causing financial loss to the state totalling GHS62.6 million.

He is facing 16 counts, including defrauding by false pretences, willfully causing financial loss to the state, stealing, using public office for profit, intentional dissipation of public funds and money laundering.

Mr. Aludiba, who is represented by former Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, contends that Article 19(2)(d) of the 1992 Constitution guarantees to every person charged with a criminal offence the right to be informed immediately in a language that he understands, and in detail, of the nature of the offence charged, noting that a violation of this fundamental provision renders the trial unfair, and the charges unfit to proceed to trial.

He said this constitutional provision is fortified by the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30), but the charge sheet based on which he is on trial is confusing, ambiguous and deprives him of a proper understanding of the precise nature of the allegations against him.

He clarified that the period within which it is alleged that he allegedly committed the offences of stealing, using public office for profit and willfully causing financial loss to the state – February 2017 to February 2025 – spans eight years, during which multiple payments were allegedly made to Sawtina Enterprise.

He contends that the particulars of offence do not identify which specific payments or transactions caused the loss or whether the loss is aggregated from multiple acts.

Mr. Aludiba also points out that count three accuses him of stealing about GHS50,879,210 from NAFCO by purporting to pay it to Sawtina Enterprise without specifying how the alleged stealing was done, or what specific act(s) constituted the stealing and what modus was used.

‘Most fundamentally, whilst the amount is stated to be about GHS50,879,210, there is no indication whether this sum represents one single transaction or multiple payments over the eight-year period (2017-2025).’

He argues that if the alleged act of stealing consists of alleged multiple payments or transactions, each transaction is required by law to be set out in a separate count, as a failure to do so violates his fundamental constitutional right to a fair trial, and to be informed in detail of the nature of the offence charged against him.

‘That in respect to the four counts of stealing, the particulars allege that I stole various sums of money while purporting to make payments.’

He said he is confused as to whether he is alleged to have done the act or pretended to do it and, in the process, stole it, noting that ‘these fundamental defects make me unable to properly prepare for the trial.’

Mr. Aludiba argues that these defects also affect counts 6, 13, and 18, as they employ the identical deficient particulars which make them incurably defective, and are indicative of systemic defects throughout the charge sheet.

On the charges of willfully causing financial loss to the state, he contends that the drafting style of the prosecution in lumping everything together under the phrase ‘wilfully caused,’ is impermissibly vague and prejudices his right to know the case against him.

He again argues that counts 134 and 14, which have charged him with stealing and defrauding by false pretences, in respect of the same transaction are mutually exclusive, as a person cannot both ‘take and carry away’ a property without consent (stealing) and simultaneously induce the owner to part ways with it by false pretences (defrauding).

He further adds that the charge of money laundering levelled against him cannot be sustained where the predicate offence upon which it depends is incurably defective.

‘To prepare my defence, I would need to know what I am accused of doing. The charges do not provide me with details but demand that I guess,’ Mr. Aludiba added.

Council of State Member for the Western Region and CEO of Win Energy, Dr. Maxwell Boakye, has sponsored students from various basic and secondary schools across the Western Region on a two-day educational eco-tourism excursion to Safari Valley Resort and Eco-Tourism Park in Adukrom, the Eastern Region.

The initiative formed part of his commitment to youth development and environmental education, providing students with practical exposure to biodiversity conservation, agro-tourism, and sustainable tourism through guided nature walks, bird watching, wildlife encounters, zip-lining, and visits to the resort’s organic farms and conservation projects.

Speaking on the initiative, Maxwell Boakye said the sponsorship was intended to deepen environmental awareness among the youth and inspire them to become responsible stewards of Ghana’s natural heritage.

Students described the excursion as educational and inspiring, while teachers commended the initiative for complementing classroom learning and promoting leadership, teamwork, and environmental responsibility.

Management of Safari Valley Resort also welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing sustainable tourism and environmental education through strategic partnerships.

The excursion reflects Dr. Boakye’s continued investment in youth empowerment, education, and environmental sustainability across the Western Region.

He has also extended support to vulnerable residents with two separate donations in health care and disaster relief.

Dr. Boakye donated GHS100,000 to fund critical heart surgery for one-and-a-half-year-old Jayla Queen Fynn at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

The gesture, described by family members as life-saving, is expected to cover the cost of the procedure and related treatment for the toddler.

Mr. Boakye also donated relief items to flood victims in Samreboi, the Western Region. The floods destroyed homes, disrupted businesses, and displaced several families.

The donation, delivered by a team on his behalf, included, student mattresses, boxes of mackerel, cartons of cooking oil, boxes of food, packs of sachet water, mosquito nets and bags of rice among others.

This, he said, forms part of his commitment as a Council of State Member to respond to the needs of the people in his region, especially in times of health emergencies and natural disasters.

Ghanaian Influencer, Princess Ama Burland, has pledged to uphold the ‘sisterhood friendship’ she enjoys with colleague influencer Gisela Amponsah.

Speaking on the ‘Bants and Rants’ podcast show on KSS studio, on the topic, ‘Wedding Vs Graduation: What Would You Do? Between your partner and friend,’ Ama Burland opined that considering the bond she has shared with Gisela over the years, she will ditch her partner’s graduation for her best friend’s wedding.

‘My friendship with Gisela is what is public in the media. I will not go to any boy’s graduation over her wedding because that boy has family. He has a lot of people, I will probably buy him a graduation gift and congratulate him, but will not leave Gisela’s wedding for him,’ she disclosed.

When asked about Gisela’s family, she responded, ‘Gisela’s family is not there like how I am there for her. We started this thing together, that is my sister. I cannot be absent. I am even the one to facilitate her operations. Gisela and I can never depart,’ she stressed.

Gisela Amponsah and Ama Burland have an unbreakable best friend relationship built around content creation, business, and supporting each other publicly.

They have built thriving influencer marketing careers and talk openly about how it changed their finances. They worked together on several projects – Rants, Bants and Confessions (RBC). After leaving RBC, they launched their own podcast together and were seen teasing it with a sleek studio setup.