Category: Daily Guide Network

The Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Johnson Asiama, has affirmed that the country’s recent signs of economic stability are genuine but still being tested, and must therefore be sustained through prudent management.

Speaking at the maiden Pan-African Central Bank Governors’ Conference in Accra, Dr. Asiama said that while the country’s macroeconomic indicators reflect progress, the stability achieved remains vulnerable to global economic uncertainties.

He reassured participants that Ghana’s economic recovery is real but stressed the need for continued fiscal discipline, transparent governance, and credible policy implementation to consolidate the gains made so far.

‘Colleagues, as we stand at a reflection point, economic growth is returning in many of our countries. Beneath this growth across the continent lies our fragility. We still have to contend with high borrowing costs and fiscal constraints. In other words, our stability is real, but it is still being tested,’ he said.

Dr. Asiama urged his fellow central bank governors to view their roles not only as policymakers but as custodians of public trust, emphasising that monetary institutions bear a crucial responsibility in sustaining confidence and stability within national economies.

He further underscored the importance of close coordination between monetary and fiscal authorities, sound reserve management, and effective response mechanisms to external shocks as essential strategies for strengthening economic resilience.

The conference provided a platform for sharing experiences and best practices among African central banks and for exploring ways to enhance regional cooperation in policy formulation and implementation.

Co-hosted by the Bank of Ghana and the Bank of England, the event brought together central bank governors, deputy governors, and senior officials from across the continent.

The Confédération Africaine de Football (‘CAF’), in partnership with leading global sports brand PUMA, have unveiled the Official Match Ball for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025.

Named ITRI, the ball draws inspiration from Morocco’s centuries-old zellij art form – renowned for its intricate geometric mosaics – whilst symbolising the unity and passion of African football across the continent.

The name also pays tribute to the star featured on the Moroccan flag and reflects the star patterns that hold significance in traditional zellij craftsmanship.

PUMA marked the official launch by releasing a reveal video showcasing the ITRI ball, marking a key milestone in the lead-up to the tournament.

The ITRI ball will make its debut in the opening match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.

The ball’s striking design incorporates traditional Moroccan zellij geometric patterns, characterised by central star geometry, floral petal outlines and circular symmetry. Each design element carries cultural significance with the Star geometry symbolising ambition, light, and the pursuit of excellence on Africa’s biggest footballing stage.

The Petal shapes represent celebration, growth and the festive spirit that defines the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, while the Circular symmetry reflects the unity of the 24 nations coming together for the tournament.

The unique design also features ‘Flow of Movement’ patterns that capture the distinctive rhythm and dynamic playing style of African football. The ball’s red and green colour palette expresses passion, hope and pride while also paying homage to Morocco’s national identity.

The trial over the alleged dissipation of state funds in the non-existent $2 million Accra Skytrain project commenced yesterday, with the Office of the Attorney General calling its first witness, Yaw Dame-Darkwa, who told the court that there was no board approval for the investment.

Solomon Asamoah, former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Infrastructural Investment Fund (GIIF), and the erstwhile Board Chairman of the Fund, Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, have been charged before a High Court in Accra for their alleged involvement in an unapproved investment, which purportedly resulted in financial loss to the state.

While the first witness, Yaw Dame-Darkwa, claimed no knowledge of discussions leading to the investment, a defence lawyer challenged his attention to detail, questioning why he would append his signature to a witness statement that incorrectly spelled his name.

Evidence-in-Chief

In his witness statement, which was adopted by the court as his evidence-in-chief, Mr. Dame-Darkwa said he only became aware of the $2 million investment through the Auditor-General’s report.

He noted that, in accordance with proper procedure, a due diligence report should have been presented to the board before any approval for disbursement.

Although he admitted seeing certain GIIF board meeting minutes referencing the Skytrain project, he said the minutes did not accurately reflect the board’s deliberations or decisions concerning the project.

He further stated that the Skytrain concept was introduced at only one board meeting, and that the board did not receive any substantive proposal on the project and therefore did not deliberate or make any decision regarding it.

‘To the best of my knowledge, the Skytrain project has not been tabled for consideration at any board meeting. the board did not approve any funding for the Skytrain project during the period of my service,’ the witness said.

‘To be specific, there was no proposal discussed at any meeting I attended regarding the disbursement of funds to the project,’ he added.

Cross-Examination

During cross-examination, Dominic Brenya-Otchere, counsel for Solomon Asamoah, asked whether the witness took particular interest in the spelling of his name, to which he replied, ‘Yes.’

Mr. Dame-Darkwa admitted that although he had read the witness statement before signing it, his last name, a compound name, had been misspelt without a dash.

The defence lawyer then asked, ‘Is it the case that you don’t read documents presented to you diligently before signing?’

The witness responded in the negative.

He was further asked to mention some strategic infrastructure projects that GIIF invested in during his tenure as a board member.

‘We did the Maaha Beach Resort, a hotel at Cape Three Points where Ghana Gas is. We did the Western Corridor Fibre Optic Project, the Atlantic Terminal in Takoradi, and Terminal 3 at Kotoka International Airport. These are the ones I can recall off the top of my head,’ he said.

The trial has been adjourned to November 12, 2025.

ýThe District Manager of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in North Dayi, Edem Sebastian, has described as regrettable and unfortunate media reports suggesting that the Member of Parliament for the area, Hon. Joycelyn Tetteh Quashie, is sabotaging President John Dramani Mahama through a rebranded health initiative.

ýMr. Sebastian vehemently rejected the claims, insisting that the reports were false and intended to create unnecessary tension between the MP and the president.

ý’Those reports are completely misleading and should be ignored,’ he said. ‘Rather than sabotaging anyone, the MP has been our strongest supporter in our ongoing drive to register more residents onto the NHIS.’

ýSpeaking to journalists, the NHIA District Manager accused the faceless authors of the allegations of attempting to undermine the Authority’s mass registration exercise, which has benefited significantly from the MP’s sponsorship and collaboration.

ýAccording to him, Hon. Joycelyn Quashie’s initiative – dubbed ‘Free Health Insurance Renewal and Registration Exercise’ – is a personal intervention aimed at supporting her constituents, and is distinct from President Mahama’s Free Primary Healthcare Agenda, which is yet to be implemented in the district.

ýMr. Sebastian explained that, following an appeal from the district NHIA office to stakeholders for assistance in meeting its annual target, the MP was the only one who responded positively.

ý’We started operations in July this year and are expected to register about 80 percent of the over 41,000 residents in the district,’ he noted. ‘However, only a limited category of persons-referred to as indigenes-qualify for free registration, and that represents less than 40 percent of the population. The rest must pay before being enrolled, which has made meeting our target difficult.’

ýHe added that the MP’s intervention came at a critical time when residents were reluctant or unable to pay for registration, threatening the Authority’s performance indicators.

ý’Hon. Joycelyn Quashie offered to sponsor free registration and renewal for her constituents. This is not the first time she has done so,’ Mr. Sebastian revealed. ‘Even before our district office was created, she collaborated with the Kpando NHIA to register her people and personally paid for it.’

ýThe NHIA boss said he was shocked that the MP’s goodwill gesture had been ‘twisted’ in the media to tarnish her reputation. He singled out The Campaigner newspaper, which first published the story, for failing to cite credible sources or provide verifiable evidence.

ý’The newspaper didn’t attribute the allegation to anyone. That alone shows the story was fabricated,’ he stressed. ‘We have not received any directive from anywhere to register everyone for free, so the claim that the MP is rebranding a presidential initiative is baseless.’

ýMr. Sebastian suggested that the publication might have been motivated by internal political rivalry, warning against dragging the NHIA into partisan disputes.

ý’I suspect this is an internal party issue,’ he fumed. ‘We are a state institution and must not be drawn into any political squabbles that could derail our work.’

ýHe reiterated that aside from the MP, none of the other stakeholders approached by the NHIA offered any assistance toward the registration exercise.

Former Manchester United and England forward Wayne Rooney has described Sunderland skipper Granit Xhaka as ‘probably the signing of the season’ following the club’s impressive return to the Premier League.

Sunderland have exceeded expectations since gaining promotion, sitting fourth on the table with 19 points from their opening 11 matches-firmly on course to meet their target of securing top-flight survival.

Xhaka, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer for an initial £13 million, has been at the heart of the Black Cats’ resurgence.

The 33-year-old former Arsenal midfielder has featured in every minute of their league campaign, contributing one goal and three assists. He currently leads the squad in assists, chances created, touches, successful passes, duels won, possession won and distance covered.

Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the former England captain praised Xhaka’s seamless adaptation:

‘Coming back to the Premier League you wonder if he can do it, especially with a newly promoted team. But he’s probably been the signing of the season. He has been brilliant.’

Xhaka made 297 appearances during his seven-year stint at Arsenal, winning two FA Cups. Though often a polarising figure at the Emirates-at times clashing with supporters and being stripped of the captaincy-he rebuilt his reputation under Mikel Arteta before departing in 2023. He later played a key role in Bayer Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga title win, ending Bayern Munich’s decade-long dominance

Rooney highlighted the midfielder’s resilience and leadership, noting his value in a youthful Sunderland squad:

‘When he fell out with the Arsenal fans, it showed real character to return and perform. Then going to Leverkusen and helping them beat Bayern to the title shows how good he is.

‘Sunderland have a very young team, so he’s almost like a father figure. He’ll be a huge support for the coach and the new signings, using all his experience.’

Xhaka’s arrival has been one of the major driving forces behind Sunderland’s early-season success, with his influence stretching far beyond the pitch.

In Ghana, every election seems to come with a new kind of uncertainty, not just for politicians, but for businesses. Contracts change hands, projects stall, and companies once hailed as national champions suddenly find themselves fighting for survival. It is a familiar, painful pattern. One that suggests that in this country, when power changes, progress dies.

The latest episode in this recurring drama is unfolding around Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), Lightwave Ghana E-Health Solutions Limited, and Zipline, three firms once celebrated for innovation and service delivery but now caught in the political crossfire following the change of government on January 7, 2025, when President John Dramani Mahama’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) took office.

The SML Saga – From Partner to Pariah

Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), a wholly Ghanaian-owned company, was contracted by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to enhance revenue assurance in petroleum, customs, and other sectors. For years, the company’s systems were credited with improving transparency in downstream petroleum operations, boosting taxable petroleum volumes by 92 percent, and generating over GHS20 billion in verified state revenue.

But all that changed when the new administration arrived.

Following a high-profile investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) into SML’s contracts with the GRA, the company’s future now hangs in the balance. The OSP, led by Mr. Kissi Agyebeng, alleged that there was no genuine need for SML’s services and that its contracts were secured through ‘self-serving official patronage, sponsorship, and promotion based on false and unverified claims.’

Those conclusions were enough for the government to terminate SML’s contracts, but the company insists it has done nothing wrong.

In a response, Cephas Boyuo, lead counsel for SML, said the company would ‘present all relevant documents before the appropriate authorities,’ adding that ‘SML remains proud of the work done, the controls that governed it, and the measurable value created for Ghana.’

SML maintains that its operations were lawful, transparent, and performance-based. Payments, the company says, were made only after independently verified results, through technical validation and report reconciliation under GRA oversight.

The firm has also disputed the OSP’s assertion that GHS125 million should be recovered by the state. ‘In fact, the State owes SML,’ the company noted, warning that the government’s decision could cost Ghana far more in lost expertise, trust, and revenue.

Lightwave’s Ordeal – E-Health Under Political Surgery

The story of Lightwave Ghana E-Health Solutions Limited mirrors that of SML. What began as a proud example of Ghanaian technological innovation in healthcare has now become the subject of political and bureaucratic crossfire.

Lightwave’s troubles began when Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh accused the company of underperformance and claimed that the country’s Lightwave Health Information Management System (LHIMS) (the backbone of the country’s e-health project) was being ‘controlled from India.’ He also suggested that Lightwave had been paid 77 percent of its contract sum despite completing less than half the work.

The company described those claims as false, misleading, and damaging.

Lightwave’s journey began in 2015, founded by Ghanaian entrepreneur Sampson Djaba to digitise healthcare delivery across the country. The company, fully Ghanaian-owned and employing over 150 professionals, successfully piloted Ghana’s first electronic medical records system in 2017. Based on that success, the Ministry of Health (MoH) signed a US$100 million contract in 2019 to expand the system to 950 facilities nationwide.

At the heart of the controversy is the question of data control. Lightwave insists all patient data ‘remains the property of the Ministry of Health,’ stored securely in servers located within the Ministry’s data centre in Accra. ‘The claim that our system is controlled from India is completely false,’ the company stated.

On the question of payments, Lightwave argues that the Minister’s figures are ‘a manipulation of numbers.’ According to the company, the project’s progress was measured not by the number of facilities alone but by their type and complexity. By the end of 2024, it had completed installations in 253 major hospitals, including all teaching, regional, and district hospitals – representing 72 percent of the project’s contract value.

‘The claim that we were overpaid for underperforming is mathematically and factually wrong,’ Lightwave said in its statement and added, ‘It’s like saying a party lost an election because it won only five out of sixteen regions without checking the actual votes.’

The company fears that political mischaracterisation of its work could cripple a health system already dependent on digital records for patient management and policy planning.

Zipline – The Next in Line?

While SML and Lightwave fight to save their reputations and businesses, Zipline Ghana, the drone delivery service known for transporting medical supplies to remote communities, is rumoured to be the next target.

The company’s partnership with government hospitals under the previous administration helped Ghana become a global model for medical drone logistics. But insiders say the new administration is reviewing Zipline’s contracts and tax arrangements, a move seen by many as the beginning of yet another politically motivated corporate purge.

The Politics of Business Survival

These cases are not isolated. They are part of a broader trend where Ghanaian enterprises, especially those with government contracts, find themselves in peril every time political power changes hands.

Since January, the Mahama administration has reversed several policies and incentives introduced under the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, including the cancellation of tax waivers for companies under the One District, One Factory (1D1F) programme. For many businesses, these reversals threaten jobs, investor confidence, and long-term sustainability.

Economic analysts and the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, warn that such politically driven disruptions create a chilling effect on private sector participation in public projects.

‘Investors, both local and foreign, are losing confidence because success in Ghana seems tied not to performance, but to political patronage,’ said Mr. Afenyo-Markin, who is also a businessman.

A Cycle That Must Be Broken

The tragedies of SML, Lightwave, and possibly Zipline highlight a deeper national problem – thus the politicisation of enterprise. When each new government views the achievements of its predecessor as illegitimate, progress is dismantled in the name of political correction.

The result is predictable: projects stall, jobs are lost, and the economy suffers. Companies that should be competing on innovation and efficiency instead spend time defending their existence before political committees and investigative bodies.

For a country aspiring to industrial transformation and digital leadership, this endless cycle of destruction and reinvention is costly and self-defeating.

As one industry observer put it bluntly, ‘Ghana doesn’t need another change of government to grow; it needs a change of attitude.’

Until politics stops deciding which company deserves to succeed, the story will remain the same – power changes, progress dies, and business bleeds.

United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has officially launched its operation in Ghana, facilitating easy flight travel from Lagos and Abuja to Accra.

Speaking at the inaugural launch of the operation at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra, UNA Chairman, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, said the launch of the airline’s operation in Ghana is an affirmation of the long-existing relationship that exists between the two countries.

He also indicated that the aircraft, named after the late former President of Ghana, Jerry John Rawlings, is a gesture in honour of his legacy as a Pan-African leader and his lifelong commitment to regional integration and African unity.

Ghana Airport Company Limited Managing Director, Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, said UNA has become the 25th international airline to operate an International Airport in the country, expressing appreciation to the management team of the airline for its achievement.

She added that the commencement of operations is a clear demonstration of the growing confidence in the country’s aviation industry, emphasising that it reinforces the company’s ongoing efforts to position Ghana as the preferred aviation hub and leader in airport business in West Africa.

‘The new service marks the beginning of a new era of convenience and efficiency for travelers, whether for business or for nature, by offering more options and seamless connectivity between three of the region’s vibrant cities.

I am informed that United Nigeria Airlines will operate daily flights between Abuja and also four times a week between Lagos and Accra,’ she said.

Mrs. Opare reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting all partner airlines to ensure operational excellence.

Former Member of Parliament, Fritz Baffour, who represented the Rawlings Family at the function, applauded the airline for naming an aircraft in honour of the late former President.

He called on United Nigeria Airlines to go the extra mile to deliver exceptional customer service, ensuring that every passenger enjoys a seamless, safe, and pleasant travel experience, as the late former President stood for excellence.

The High Commissioner of Nigeria to Ghana, Ambassador Dayo Adeoye, indicated that UNA’s operation in Ghana has strengthened bilateral relations.

He called on stakeholders to support the airline in realising its collective vision.

Telecel Group and Huawei Technologies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on a landmark network modernisation and digital infrastructure project.

The agreement reinforces the two organisation’s shared commitment to accelerating country’s telecom innovation and connectivity.

It also establishes a framework for cooperation on the Telecel Ghana Rollout Project, a multi-phase initiative valued at approximately USD 70 million.

The project aims to enhance network performance and deliver next-generation digital services to consumers and enterprises across the country.

Implementation of the expansion project commenced this month, marking the official start of an ambitious rollout that will see phased network upgrades across key regions of the country.

‘For Telecel Group, this MOU represents a significant step forward in our long-standing collaboration with Huawei, the Group’s strategic partner across its different markets. It aligns with the Group’s mission to advance digital infrastructure and innovative services in Ghana, aligning with broader efforts to expand connectivity and drive sustainable growth’ said Malek Atrissi, Telecel Group, Chief Operating Officer.

‘This partnership marks an important milestone in our mission to deliver world-class digital experiences to our customers,’ said Patricia Obo-Nai, Telecel Ghana CEO, ‘Huawei’s proven expertise and technology leadership will help us enhance capacity, reliability, and innovation within Ghana’s telecom landscape.’

Huawei added, ‘We are proud to strengthen our long-term partnership with Telecel and to contribute to Ghana’s digital transformation. This MOU reflects our shared vision of building an intelligent, inclusive, and connected future.’

The signed MOU underscores both organisations’ strategic intent to advance connectivity and sustainable growth across Africa’ telecom ecosystem.

ACADEMIC WORK is set to massively improve at the Tijaniyya Senior High School (SHS) at Effiduase-Asokore, in the Sekyere East District of the Ashanti Region.

This follows the official commissioning and handing over of a four-unit classroom block, a beautiful new mosque, and a mechanized borehole at the school.

The projects, which are capital intensive, were successfully executed through financial donation, which was provided by a Palestinian businessman, Yussif Sheikh Hasan.

Significantly, the project was executed as part of the ‘Palestinian Community Project,’ which aims to support and provide quality education for communities in the country.

The project was facilitated by the Minister of Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, with the construction work being supervised by the Palestinian Embassy in Ghana.

The Palestinian Ambassador to Ghana, Abdul Fatah Ahmed Khalil Alsattari, speaking at the commissioning ceremony described ‘education as the bedrock of any nation’s progress.’

He stated that, ‘Every country’s future depends on the good education it offers to its children of school-going age,’ adding that the gesture will not be a nine-day wonder.

The Palestinian government, he said, remains ‘committed to providing quality education to needy Ghanaians’, lauding the Interior Minister for his roles in making the project possible.

Ambassador Alsattari expressed concern over the instability in his homeland, stating that, ‘I hope that one day, Palestine will also have the peace it deserves.’

Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak, who doubles as Asawase MP, advised the students to concentrate on their books and also shun all social vices.

‘Take your books seriously and stay away from drugs and gambling,’ he urged the students, saying, ‘the NDC government is committed to providing quality education across the entire country.’

Member of Parliament for Effiduase-Asokore, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, expressed profound gratitude to the Interior Minister for his ‘selfless gesture’ in facilitating such a significant project within his constituency.

He also admonished the school’s administration, staff, and students, to adopt a strong maintenance culture in order to ensure the new facilities serve future generations as well.

THE BAWKU chieftaincy crisis, which has claimed several lives and caused destruction to properties, worth millions of Ghana Cedis, will come to a conclusion in 20 days’ time.

The Manhyia Palace, the seat of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who is mediating the crisis, has set November 30 and December 1, 2025 as the days for conclusion of talks between the two parties.

The Asantehene commended the two factions for their understanding, coorperation and commitment for a quick return of peace and normalcy to their community.

The aforementioned statement was contained in a press release, dated November 10, 2025, which was authored and signed by Kofi Badu, the Chief of Staff of Manhyia Palace.

The statement, further stressed on the need for all stakeholders to live upright lifestyles and avoid actions that have the tendency of sparking tension and destroying the gains chalked so far during the mediation process.

‘His Majesty praises both sides for their positive approach to the mediation so far and appeals to all concerned to avoid any actions likely to affect the progress towards a lasting solution to the Bawku conflict,’ it stated.