Category: Daily Guide Network

Prudential Bank Limited (PBL) has donated a Nissan Navara 4×4 pickup truck for the sixth consecutive year to support the Ghana Teacher Prize.

The vehicle will be presented to the first runner-up at the upcoming awards ceremony, scheduled for October 5, 2025, at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) Cedi Auditorium in Ho.

At a brief ceremony in Accra, the Executive Head of Corporate and Institutional Banking at PBL, Edward Commey, handed over the vehicle to the National Teaching Council (NTC) on behalf of the Bank.

He expressed pride in the partnership with the Ministry of Education, the NTC, and the Ghana Teacher Prize, saying the initiative continues to inspire teachers nationwide.

‘Quality education is fundamental to societal advancement. Education equips individuals, fuels economic progress, and strengthens community bonds,’ Mr. Commey noted.

He was accompanied by the Bank’s Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Akosua A. Boahen.

Receiving the vehicle, NTC Registrar Dr. Christian Addai-Poku commended Prudential Bank for its sustained contribution toward improving teacher motivation and performance.

He stressed that recognising excellence in education aligns with national development goals and urged other corporate institutions to emulate PBL’s commitment.

The 2025 Ghana Teacher Prize, now in its seventh year since its rebranding from the Best Teacher Awards, marks 31 years of celebrating exceptional educators.

Since 1994, teachers have been honoured with houses, vehicles, and monetary awards to motivate excellence and dedication to service.

This year’s celebrations will kick off with a two-day symposium and exhibition at the Volta Serene Hotel from October 3 to 4, before culminating in the grand ceremony on World Teachers’ Day, October 5.

President John Dramani Mahama will grace the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour.

The Paramount Chief of Kome-Shime Traditional Area, in the Volta Region, Togbi Amey Zegu II, has made a passionate call for a united front against rising youth drug abuse.

Togbe Amey Zegu was speaking at 2025 Klefe Yam Festival packed durbar attended by dignitaries, including the Chief of Staff at the Office of the Vice President, Alex Segbefia.

Togbi Zegu blended the festival’s cultural celebration with an urgent message of collective responsibility.

He warned that substance abuse threatens the very future of the region’s young people.

‘The same spirit of togetherness that sustained our ancestors must guide us in overcoming today’s challenges invoking the Ewe people’s historic migration from Notsie to the Volta plains,’ he said.

He pointed out that ‘Unity is our greatest inheritance and our greatest weapon.’

Togbi Zegu underscored the pivotal role of the younger generation, describing them as ‘today’s energy, innovation, and hope.’

He commended community projects such as the construction of dormitories at the Klefe Technical Institute, calling vocational education ‘the cornerstone of independence and entrepreneurship.’

Citing recent surveys, the chief revealed alarming statistics: more than half of secondary school students admit to drinking alcohol, nearly one in five report using marijuana, and more than five percent have experimented with amphetamines.

Cases of tramadol and opioid abuse, he warned, are steadily climbing.

‘These are our sons and daughters. If we lose them to drugs, we lose our future,’ he warmed.

To counter the crisis, Togbi Zegu outlined an ambitious response, urging a regional alliance of traditional leaders, parents, educators, and law enforcement to confront the menace through education, family mentorship, counselling and rehabilitation, tighter controls on illicit substances, and expanded opportunities for youth employment and skills training.

He called on the people of Volta to draw strength from their shared history, envisioning future festivals that celebrate not only rich harvests but also the triumphs of empowered, drug-free youth. ‘Let us stand united in history, purpose, and action.’

The 2025 Klefe Yam Festival was on the theme ‘Youth Empowerment: The Future of Our Community.’

Ghana Health Service (GHS) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) is introducing the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination for girls between the ages of 9 and 14 years nationwide.

The HPV Vaccination is to fight against cervical cancer, particularly in girls starting from October 7, 2025.

Speaking at a media training, the country representative for WHO, Dr. Fiona Braka explained that cervical cancer is among top most cancers that affect women globally.

She stated that about 1,600 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer daily globally, with about 50% losing their lives due to this illness.

She stressed that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women in Ghana, adding that about 3,000 new cases and about 1,700 deaths are recorded every year.

According to Dr. Braka, about 70% of the cases are detected late, emphasising that the cost of treatment contributes to the devastation that affects women.

She stated that HPV affects 80% of sexually active individuals by the age of 45, noting that the HPV vaccines offer protection against the disease.

She lauded Ghana for introducing the vaccines, add that the HPV vaccines will join the list of immunsations in the country in order to support the global and national goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.

Dr. Fiona highlighted that the strategy recommended by WHO to tackle the disease is the 90-70-90 strategy ? 90% of the girls will be vaccinated by the age of 15 with 70% of the women screened for cervical cancer by age of 35 and 45 and the other 90% of women who will be found with precancerous lesions will receive timely treatment which will eliminate the disease by the said time.

She stressed that the HPV vaccine is not new since it has been in use globally since 2006 with over 140 countries around the world using it, including 28 African countries.

She stated that WHO is remains committed help the country in the fight against cervical cancer.

Extended Programme on Immunisation Manager of GHS, Dr. Selorm Kutsoati, xplained that HPV is the necessary cause for the development of cervical cancer, stating that about 99% of the cases are caused by the high-risk HPV.

She emphasised that the early age of cervical cancer is quite asymptomatic thus women do not develop symptoms at all but will have signs such as unusual vaginal bleeding, pain during intercourse, weight loss, increased or foul smelling vaginal discharge and tiredness at the advanced stage.

She urged the media to educate the public and counter misinformation and disinformation regarding the HPV vaccination.

The President of Western Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, has called on the government to prioritise revamping the Western Rail Line.

He mentioned that investing in the Boankra Inland Port in the Ashanti Region is not a bad idea but ‘The government should first revamp the Western Rail Line’.

The Regional House of Chiefs’ President who is also the Paramount Chief of Essikado Traditional Area was addressing stakeholders at the Western Regional Development Retreat in Takoradi.

The Regional Development Retreat, an initiative of the Western Regional Coordinating Council, was to facilitate dialogues on solutions that will address the numerous developmental challenges facing the Western Region.

He said developing the Western Rail Line would not only boost the economy but also create jobs and enhance food security in communities along the rail lines.

‘The initiative will also facilitate the transportation of foodstuffs to Sekondi-Takoradi and beyond’, he added.

He bemoaned the fact that successive governments have failed to honour their promises of developing the rail sector.

‘We were promised railway development using oil revenues, but later, nothing materialized,’ he said.

The Western Region Minister, Joseph Nelson noted that the challenges confronting the rail sector would not only affect the region’s transportation network but also hinder community development and deprive residents of livelihoods.

He assured that the government would redevelop the rail sector to aid in the transportation of bulk goods such as bauxite, timber, cocoa, manganese, among others.

The Minister appealed to traditional leaders to prioritise conflict resolution on pending chieftaincy disputes.

‘I am appealing to you Nananom to prioritise peace. I am concerned about the numerous chieftaincy disputes in our region’.

‘Please utilise the judicial committees of traditional councils and the Chieftaincy Act to resolve the conflicts’, he added.

He said he envisioned a region free of chieftaincy disputes, to enable the government revamp industries, promote sustainable mining, create jobs, and preserve cultural heritage.

A recent survey by the Independent Media Caucus for Development (IMCD) suggests that Dr. Bryan Acheampong could trigger a runoff in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries if the election were held today.

The report, presented by Independent Media Caucus for Development (IMCD) Convener, Nana Abeiku Baiden, said 34,736 delegates were from all 16 regions of the country.

According to the group, the findings indicate a closely contested race, with none of the leading candidates poised to secure the required 50% majority to win outright in the first round.

It stated, ‘Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Vice President, leads with support from 10,901 delegates 31%, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, former Minister for Food and Agriculture, follows with 8,091 delegates 23%. Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, secured 5,569 votes 16%. Former General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyapong was backed by 390 delegates (1.1%).

The rest are former Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum garnered 128 votes 0.3%. A significant number of delegates 9,657, representing 28% of the total sample, remain undecided.

The IMCD noted that the large undecided bloc and the relatively even distribution of support among the top aspirants indicate a likely second-round vote unless a major shift occurs.

As the days to the 2026 World Cup get closer, the Ghana and the United States are exploring various fora of mutual benefits as the two nations take steps to foster and strengthen existing relationships.

As part of measures, the National Sports Authority and the US Embassy in Ghana have engaged journalists and stakeholders in sports as the days to the World Cup which will be held in the US, Canada and Mexico draw nearer.

Held under the theme ‘Countdown to World Cup 26: ‘Bridging the Cap: Fostering Connections between the United States and Ghana through Soccer Culture,’ the programme highlighted opportunities available through sports.

It also highlighted rivalries between the Ghana Black Stars and the US Men Soccer team which have faced each other in three successive Worl Cup tournaments-2006, 2010 and 2014, with Ghana winning the first two and the US winning the third meeting.

Director General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, in a presentation highlighted various collaborations between the two nations and how various Ghanaians have benefited and continue to benefit from these programmes.

He was hopeful that Ghana will qualify for next year’s World Cup thereby providing an opportunity for Ghanaians to experience the US as well explore opportunities for themselves.

Mr. Ampofo also disclosed that the NSA is putting in place measures to unearth talents across the country – not just in football but in various sporting fields.

He also indicated that despite financial challenges, the NSA is doing its best and pointed to government’s commitment to national development through sports.

Mathew Asada, Press Attachè at the US Embassy in Ghana said the US is ready to welcome people from all over the world ‘for this mega sporting event.’

He hoped that Ghana will qualify for the tournament, nothing that ‘once it does qualify, we can think about what we can do together.

He also pointed out that the Donald Trump administration is interested in ensuring that anyone that visits the United States abides by the US immigration laws, describing it as something that is ‘common sense.’

‘Each country has the ability to control who enters and stays and leaves that country,’ he said. ‘So, the United States right now, we want to ensure that we are facilitating that legitimate trade and travel and that people are abiding by the terms of their visa,’ Mr. Asada added.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has been given a one-match ban for ‘unsporting conduct’ by UEFA following his clash with Liverpool supporters at Anfield earlier this month.

After Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk scored a 92nd-minute winner in Atletico’s 3-2 defeat, Simeone reacted after he appeared to be goaded by a small number of home fans.

The Argentine complained to the fourth official with a number of stewards positioned between him and the Liverpool supporters.

Simeone had to be dragged away from the scene and continued his protests before he was sent off and walked down the tunnel.

His ban lasts for one competitive UEFA fixture, meaning he will miss his side’s home game against Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday (20:00 BST).

Speaking in the news conference after the Liverpool match, the 55-year-old said: ‘Firstly I regret the part I played. It’s clear we are in a position where we do not have the right to react and it is not good when we react.’

Simone said he ‘could not remember exactly’ what had been, but he took issue with the ‘insults throughout the whole game’ from the home supporters.

‘We [managers] are in a position where we are protagonists/standard bearers, so in the same manner that we fight against racism and insults in stadiums today, we could also fight on behalf of the managers, against the insults we receive throughout the whole game.

‘It’s not easy to be in the position we are in and receive insults for the whole game. I saw it from far away after the third goal. I saw the third goal go in and I turned, the insults continued, and well, I’m a person.’

Liverpool, meanwhile, have been fined 4,000 euros for the throwing of objects.

East Legon’s AandC Corner turned into a hub of music, laughter, and sizzling grills on Sunday as Guide Radio’s much-anticipated Beer and Grillz event delivered a night to remember.

What was billed as a casual weekend hangout quickly transformed into a full-blown festival of sound, flavour, and celebration.

From the moment the grills fired up, the air buzzed with excitement. Guests were treated to an irresistible blend of free-flowing beer and mouthwatering cuts of meat, which many enthusiastically grilled themselves as part of the interactive theme.

The do-it-yourself barbecue vibe, paired with endless drinks, set the stage for an atmosphere that felt like the ultimate backyard party, intimate yet electrifying.

The music, however, was the true showstopper. Rising twin sensations Lali and Lola lit up the stage with a high-energy set that had the crowd singing along and dancing without pause.

Just when the energy seemed at its peak, highlife star Molly raised it another notch with her powerhouse performance. Her hit Shake It to the Max brought the entire venue to its feet, creating a euphoric wave of movement and joy.

Adding to the spectacle was the strong presence of Guide Radio’s own community, including its popular salsa teams, who dazzled the audience with their polished moves and infectious energy.

By the end of the night, it was clear that Beer and Grillz had surpassed expectations. More than just a party, it became a celebration of music, food, and community that set a new benchmark for Sunday nightlife in Accra.

As the last song faded and the grills cooled, one question lingered in the minds of attendees: where will Guide Radio take the next Beer and Grillz?

The Black Princesses received a significant boost after their impressive 4-0 aggregate win over Tunisia in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier, thanks to a generous donation from Andre Ayew.

The victory, which saw the team win 2-0 in the return leg at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, sealed their progression to the third round of the qualifiers, where they will face South Africa in February 2026.

Before the match, Andre Ayew visited the team at their training grounds, urging them to make Ghana proud.

Ayew’s visit and words of encouragement clearly had an impact, as the Black Princesses dominated the match, with Mercy Attobrah opening the scoring in the 37th minute and Agnes Yeboah doubling the lead just after halftime.

The donation is a testament to his commitment to supporting Ghana’s female football talent.

The Black Princesses will now focus on their upcoming fixtures against South Africa, with their sights set on qualifying for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Yesterday, September 30, 2025, marked the end of an era for Ghanaian and African exporters as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) officially expires after 25 years of duty-free access to the U.S. market.

For two decades, AGOA was more than a trade arrangement – it was a lifeline for businesses, a source of foreign exchange, and a catalyst for industrialisation.

Ghana’s cocoa derivatives, processed fruits, apparel, and other goods found a competitive footing in the United States largely because of the preferential access AGOA guaranteed.

But as the curtain falls, exporters now confront an uncertain terrain. From today, Ghanaian products entering the U.S. market could face tariffs of up to 15%, instantly eroding competitiveness and thinning already tight margins.

For companies that have built supply chains, financing structures, and employment models around AGOA preferences, the shift is seismic.

The expiration of AGOA is not merely a technical trade development; it is a defining moment for Ghana’s economic direction. The policy conversation must now move beyond lamenting the loss of duty-free access to shaping a forward-looking growth agenda. Exporters and policymakers alike must ask: What next?

For Ghana, this means accelerating efforts to diversify exports beyond raw materials, investing in value addition, and building stronger trade resilience. Overreliance on external preferences such as AGOA has proven precarious. The future will depend on how quickly the country can harness its strengths – competitive agriculture, a budding manufacturing sector, and a youthful labor force – to reposition for global markets.

New Opportunities In A Shifting Landscape

While the end of AGOA appears like a setback, it also opens new opportunities. Firstly, Ghanaian businesses can re-orient toward niche markets within Africa and beyond, where rising demand for processed foods, textiles, and digital services is less exposed to abrupt policy changes.

Secondly, exporters can explore bilateral deals with the U.S. or other partners, pressing for terms that reflect mutual interests rather than broad continental preferences.

Equally important, the expiration should sharpen Ghana’s focus on industrial policy. Incentives for agro-processing, light manufacturing, and technology-driven exports could reduce dependency on unilateral trade schemes. This shift requires tighter collaboration between government and private sector players to ensure that exporters are not left stranded in the new tariff regime.

AfCFTA: The Unseen Advantage

Perhaps the most underappreciated cushion for Ghana and its peers is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). While AGOA opened a window to the U.S., AfCFTA offers access to a far larger and closer market: 1.4 billion Africans with a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion.

By deepening regional integration, AfCFTA can absorb much of the shock from AGOA’s expiry. For Ghana, which hosts the AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra, this is an opportunity to lead by example. Streamlining border protocols, eliminating non-tariff barriers, and improving logistics infrastructure would allow Ghanaian exporters to pivot more effectively into African markets.

Intra-African trade currently accounts for just 15% of the continent’s commerce; if Ghana can capture even a small share of the growth potential, it could offset the losses from U.S. market access.

Moreover, AfCFTA provides a platform for industrial collaboration. Instead of competing as individual countries, African firms can develop regional value chains – for instance, Ghana processing cocoa and partnering with Nigeria’s packaging industry or Kenya’s logistics firms to deliver products at scale. Such cooperation could create a more resilient base of export-driven growth than AGOA ever allowed.

Did African leaders miss the moment?

One hard question lingers: did Africa’s leaders squander the opportunity to negotiate as a bloc? For years, African ambassadors in Washington lobbied separately for AGOA’s renewal, often focusing on country-specific advantages rather than continental strategy. The result was a fragmented approach that left the continent vulnerable when U.S. political winds shifted.

A united African front, leveraging the combined weight of AfCFTA, might have secured better and longer-lasting terms. Instead, Africa’s dependence on unilateral concessions left its exporters exposed to sudden reversals. The lesson is clear: Africa must speak with one voice in global trade negotiations. Without it, the continent risks being played off piecemeal in a world increasingly defined by blocs and mega-deals.

Charting Ghana’s Growth Agenda

So, where does Ghana go from here? Three priorities stand out.

Invest in value addition: Exporting raw cocoa beans and unprocessed fruits will not sustain long-term growth. Ghana must push aggressively into value chains that capture more revenue at home – from chocolate manufacturing to processed juices and textiles.

Strengthen regional integration: With AfCFTA on its doorstep, Ghana has no excuse not to maximize intra-African trade. Policies that reduce logistics costs, harmonize standards, and expand industrial zones will be key.

Negotiate smartly with global partners: The era of waiting for unilateral trade gifts must end. Ghana should pursue reciprocal, strategic agreements that protect its exporters and create predictable frameworks for long-term investment.

A Test Of Resilience

AGOA’s expiry yesterday is not just the end of a trade agreement. It is a wake-up call for Ghana and Africa to craft a growth path rooted in self-reliance, smart partnerships, and regional collaboration. For businesses that have thrived under AGOA, the adjustment will be painful, but it could also spark the innovation and resilience needed for the next chapter of Ghana’s trade story.

The question is no longer whether AGOA will be renewed. It is whether Ghana, and Africa at large, can seize this moment to pivot from dependence to independence in shaping their economic futures.