Category: Daily Guide Network

Member of Parliament for Ledzokuku, Benjamin Ayiku Nartey, in collaboration with the Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly, has supported the just-ended inter-school games competition aimed at promoting education, training, and sports among the youth in the municipality.

All four educational circuits in the area – Ledzokuku North, South, Central, and West – received financial support in the form of undisclosed sums of cash to aid their participation in the competition.

The games featured contests in under-13 boys’ soccer and girls’ netball, as well as under-15 soccer (boys and girls), volleyball (boys and girls), handball (boys and girls), and netball (girls).

The winning teams from each circuit will compete on 5th November 2025 at the MacDan AstroTurf, Tsuibleo, with the champions set to represent the municipality at the Zone Six Zonal Competition on 7th November 2025.

Beyond the financial contribution, the Municipal Assembly has also rented the MacDan AstroTurf for the event and will provide jerseys, water, and other logistical support to participating teams.

Delivering an address on behalf of the MP, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Israel Adjetey Otchwenmah, pledged the Assembly’s continued commitment to supporting sports initiatives.

He said the Assembly would increase its support next year to further enhance talent identification and development among young people – a move he believes will benefit individuals, communities, and the nation at large.

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor has lamented that the petroleum industry which was a catalyst for the country’s economic transformation now faces series of challenges.

He said, ‘An industry that has historically served as a significant source of government revenue, foreign direct investment, job creation and in-country value creation, is currently experiencing rapid decline in oil production.’

He mentioned some of the challenges as Regulatory inefficiencies and protracted licensing processes.

He also mentioned ambiguous and inconsistent policies, avoidable and unnecessary legal disputes over field unitisation.

‘All these have collectively made Ghana less competitive relative to other hydrocarbon-producing nations in the region’, he added.

The Minister disclosed this at the opening of the 2025 Local Content Conference and Exhibition organised by the Petroleum Commission.

The three-day conference is on the theme, ‘Revitalising Ghana’s Petroleum Exploration and Production Sector: Driving Innovation and Redefining Local Content for a Competitive Energy Economy.’

It brought together major players in the industry both locally and internationally.

He revealed that between 2019, when the country’s crude oil production reached its peak, and 2025, output has declined sharply by about 32 per cent, dropping from 71.4 million barrels to 48.2 million barrels.

‘This downward trend tells a sobering story. It signifies not only a reduction in government revenue but also a contraction in the value of opportunities and contracts available to Ghanaian companies,’ he added.

He said, ‘These setbacks have far-reaching implications. They undermine Ghana’s fiscal stability and weaken the nation’s capacity to harness our hydrocarbon resources.’

The Minister added that he has therefore directed the Petroleum Commission to prepare an advisory paper on the issue.

‘Let me assure you that government will not hesitate to terminate inactive petroleum agreements to ensure that our resources are utilised productively for the benefit of the Ghanaian people,’ he revealed.

He said he has established a Legislative Review Committee to assess the current legal, regulatory, fiscal, and institutional framework of the upstream petroleum sector.

‘The goal of this review is clear-to attract new exploration investments, encourage reinvestment by existing operators, and enhance recovery from producing fields,’ he said.

In an address read on his behalf, the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson noted that the country’s oil and gas sector has brought both opportunities and responsibilities to the region.

‘That is why gatherings such as this are so critical. They provide the platform to reflect, evaluate, and renew our collective commitment to inclusive local content and sustainable regional growth,’ he noted.

Acting CEO of Petroleum Commission Victoria Emeafa Hardcastle, called for increasing investments in the exploration and production and enhancing the level of local content and in-country value additions.

WENDY SHAY’s newly released album titled, ‘Ready,’ which was dropped on October 24, 2025, is making waves in the music scene, recording over 10.5 million on Audiomack, according to Chart Music.

This 13-track project explores themes of love, resilience, independence, and self-worth, showcasing her growth as a singer and songwriter.

The album features collaborations with artistes like Mavado, Olivetheboy, Itz Tiffany, and Nigyboy, and includes hits like ‘Black Coffee’, ‘Don’t Be Silly’ and ‘Apology’. ‘Ready’ has surpassed 10 million streams on Audiomack in just one week, solidifying Wendy Shay’s position as a leading female voice in contemporary Afropop.

Wendy Shay described ‘Ready’ as a symbol of transformation, strength, value, and prosperity, reflecting her personal and professional growth. The album’s success has sparked conversations about her potential claim to ‘Artiste of the Year’ status in next year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA).

Wendy Shay, on X, expressed appreciation to her music lovers for streaming the album, saying, ‘Forever grateful for every stream, every share, every word you’ve sung back to me. This album lives because of YOU. Thank you SHAYGANG #READY.’

MTN GHANA’S Bright Conversations series hosted a high-level cybersecurity discussion, emphasising the need for individuals, businesses, and organisations to prioritise digital safety and responsible technology usage in today’s connected world. The event championed safe and responsible technology adoption.

Speaking at the event, Senior Manager for Enterprise Information Security and Governance at MTN Ghana, Jacqueline Hanson Kotei, stated that as part of the telecommunication efforts to provide holistic usage of the internet, it has implemented several cybersecurity measures to create a holistic internet.

She stated they are in partnership with organisations to enhance online security and educate customers on protecting themselves from cyber threats.

Some of their tailored-made measures include organising workshops and discussions to raise awareness about cyber threats, implementing robust security protocols to protect customer data, and promoting safe online practices through public awareness campaigns.

‘We visited some service centers two or three weeks ago to discuss cybersecurity with customers and staff. We’ve been engaging our staff on cybersecurity. The danger often comes from within, so educating our staff is crucial,’ she said.

Jacqueline Hanson Kotei reaffirmed MTN Ghana’s commitment to cybersecurity education and public engagement through initiatives such as Bright Conversations, designed to empower users with knowledge and promote safe digital practices.

Senior Manager at the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Isaac Socrates Mensah, revealed that most cyber incidents in the country are no longer purely technical but increasingly socially engineered, exploiting human trust rather than system flaws.

‘Many people think cybersecurity is only about systems and software. But more often than not, the issue begins with human behavior. People are deceived into giving out personal details or clicking on malicious links. Since January alone, we’ve handled nearly 300 cases linked to online criminal activity,’ he noted.

Mr. Mensah also announced that the country is taking bold steps to strengthen its digital identification system and clamp down on SIM-related fraud. He disclosed plans for a new SIM re-registration exercise to correct earlier verification challenges and align user data with national digital ID platforms.

For his part, CSA Senior Manager Legal and Compliance, Seth Gyapong-Oware, called for strong cross-sector collaboration to tackle cybercrime and promote digital safety at every level of society.

He noted that Ghana’s national cybersecurity agenda, led by the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, emphasises policy reforms, international cooperation, and workforce development to safeguard the country’s digital infrastructure.

A delegation from the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) and the Ghana Music Producers Association (GAPI), led by the Former President of MUSIGA and Vice President of the International Federation of Musicians, Alhaji Sidiku Buari, on Friday paid a solemn visit to the family of the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, to express their condolences.

Present at the gathering were several distinguished members of Ghana’s music fraternity, including Rev. Thomas Yawson, 1st Vice President of MUSIGA; Madam Asabea Cropper, Chairlady of the Aged Musicians Welfare; Daddy Bosco Ahuma, MUSIGA Special Projects Coordinator; Ras Appiah Levi, Global Ambassador for PANAFEST and Emancipation; Pat Thomas, MUSIGA Opinion Leader; Mary Ghansah, Director of the Gospel Fraternity; Gifty Ghansah, Welfare Officer; Lady PJ Mary; and Osbone, representing GAPI.

To receive the delegation were members of the Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings family, including her children and the Head of the family.

After a brief welcome address by the Head of the family, Rev. Thomas Yawson, on behalf of MUSIGA, formally introduced the Former President of the Union, Alhaji Sidiku Buari who spoke on behalf of MUSIGA and GAPI.

He described the late Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings as ‘a mother to all musicians,’ highlighting her immense contributions to the development of Ghana’s music industry.

‘We are here on behalf of the Executives and Members of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) and the Ghana Music Producers Association (GAPI) to express our condolences to the family concerning the passing of our dear mother, Her Excellency Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings,’ he said.

‘She was very supportive of MUSIGA’s events and activities. I remember when the Union was in dire need of an office, she assisted us in various ways, including helping us secure the former Passport Office, which later became the headquarters of the Musicians Union of Ghana.’

Alhaji Sidiku Buari further recalled that, in recognition of her invaluable support, MUSIGA honoured Nana Konadu with a special Obatanpa Award, a testament to her nurturing and generous spirit.

‘The Union will forever remember her. May she rest in perfect peace. We also wish to assure the family of our full support during the funeral celebrations,’ he concluded.

The Office of the Attorney General (AG) has filed disclosures and statements of witnesses it intends to rely on for the trial of Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, alias Chairman Wontumi, and his Akonta Mining Company for allegedly facilitating others to mine without lawful authority.

Although the documents were not served on the accused or his lawyers as at the time the case was called yesterday, Maame Osae Gyamerah, a State Attorney, told the court they were filed on October 31, 2025.

She, therefore, pleaded with the court to adjourn the case to enable the prosecution to serve the accused person and his lawyer.

Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, the presiding judge, confirmed that the prosecution had filed the disclosures but noted that there was no proof of service on the accused or his counsel. She, therefore, adjourned the case to November 12, 2025, for continuation.

In a related development, the Attorney General has also filed disclosures in the other case before ‘Criminal Court 1’ where Wontumi and three others are standing trial for allegedly entering and undertaking mining in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve without legal authority.

However, the case had to be adjourned to December 4, 2025, for mentioning because the trial judge, Justice Ruby Aryeetey, who sat during the legal vacation, is on leave.

Wontumi, his company, Edward Akuoko as well as two others were accused of ‘extreme environmental destruction, including the devastation of approximately 13 hectares of land,’ in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve with illegal mining activities.

The prosecution’s brief facts state that despite his company having licence to mine, its application to mine in the forest reserve was refused in August 2022. That notwithstanding, the company allegedly undertook the mining activities.

‘To provide housing for the teeming number of persons working for it, A1 (Akonta Mining) put up several makeshift structures across the Forest Reserve,’ the facts allege.

The Attorney General has, however, dropped all charges against Akuoko and intends to use him as a prosecution witness against the other accused persons.

Edward Akuoko had been charged with offences including undertaking mining operation without licence, abetting the unauthorised felling of trees in forest reserves, and abetting the unauthorised erecting of building in forest reserve.

‘Take NOTICE that the Honourable Attorney-General has, pursuant to Section 59 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960, (Act 30), withdrawn EDWARD AKUOKO, the 4th Accused Person herein, from prosecution in respect of all the charges brought against him in this case,’ a notice of withdrawal signed by the Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, read.

This is not the first time the Attorney General has dropped charges against an accused person in order to use them against the others they were initially charged together with.

Last month, the Attorney General dropped all charges against Mildred Donkor, a banker who allegedly conspired with the erstwhile Director-General of National Signals Bureau (NSB), Kwabena Adu-Boahene, to launder ‘stolen’ funds from the Bureau.

Fair Trial

Meanwhile, Andy Appiah-Kubi, counsel for Chairman Wontumi, has indicated that they ‘will resist the oppressor’s rule’ given the manner in which the Attorney General appears to be ‘poaching’ accused persons to testify against their co-accused, which ‘suggests that there is intent to undermine the course of justice.’

He, however, indicated that the decision by the Attorney General to drop charges against Akuoko does not affect the defence team, as they are ready to prosecute the case.

Former England captain David Beckham has been formally knighted by King Charles III for his outstanding services to football and British society.

The 50-year-old, who was named in the King’s Birthday Honours list earlier this year, received the honour during an investiture ceremony held in Berkshire on Tuesday.

Beckham, a global football icon, earned 115 caps for England and captained the Three Lions for six years between 2000 and 2006. He represented the country in three FIFA World Cups and two European Championships.

A product of Manchester United’s academy, Beckham rose to fame as part of the club’s celebrated Class of ’92, spending 11 years in the first team before moving to Real Madrid in 2003 for £25 million.

He later played for LA Galaxy, had loan spells at AC Milan, and concluded his illustrious career with Paris Saint-Germain in 2013.

Beyond football, Beckham’s influence extends well into public life. He played a pivotal role in London’s successful bid for the 2012 Olympics and has served as a UNICEF ambassador since 2005, launching the 7 Fund in 2015 to support vulnerable children worldwide.

In 2024, he became an ambassador for the King’s Foundation, supporting educational initiatives and programmes that promote young people’s connection with nature.

Beckham also maintains deep ties to the sport through ownership roles – he is part-owner of Salford City alongside former Manchester United teammates and co-owner of Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer.

His knighthood cements his legacy as one of England’s most celebrated athletes and public figures, whose impact resonates both on and off the field.

SEVERAL FOOD vendors who cook for day students in Senior High Schools (SHS) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions are gearing up to picket at the Ministry of Education over 10 months of unpaid services.

According to the caterers, who are referred to as ‘One Hot Meal Vendors’, the government has refused to pay them after months of rendering services to the ministry, emphasising that they intend to embark on a demonstration to register their displeasure.

They also accused the Coordinator in charge of School Feeding, Benita Okity-Duah, and the sector minister Haruna Iddrisu of ignoring their numerous pleas.

Elizabeth Quartey Nkrumah, a caterer, in an interview with United TV late-night news, said the association, numbering over 200 members, has been stranded following the change of government.

‘Upon assumption of power, government directives to us were to deal directly with the heads of the day SHS, as they would fund our catering services. We’ve been cooking for these students, but no payment. Our contract expired, and we were cautioned not to continue. We started requesting arrears, and we were promised payment in September,’ she said.

Ms. Nkrumah further stated that upon trying to engage the Education Minister, the association members were prevented from engaging the minister.

Monica Afriyie, spokesperson for the association, stated that the contract with the ministry states that after pre-financing the feed cost, ‘you are given 21 days to pay for the services.’

‘Since the assumption of power by the new government, we have not been paid, the reason behind our agitation and eagerness to meet the minister on the issues,’ she said.

Ms. Afriyie added that the unpaid services are causing havoc to caterers, saying, ‘Many of our colleagues are owing loans because it is pre-finance that we take in loans to cushion our services.’

Majority Leader and Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has urged the Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin, to prioritise addressing escalating insecurity in northern Ghana before turning attention to international peace mediation efforts.

His comments come after Speaker Bagbin’s recent appointment to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Task Force on the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war, a global diplomatic role that places him among eight distinguished parliamentarians leading parliamentary efforts towards ending the conflict.

Speaking at a meeting with members of the diplomatic community in Parliament, Mr. Ayariga welcomed the Speaker’s new international mandate but stressed that violent tensions and recurring unrest in parts of the north require urgent, high-level attention.

‘We have a major problem with our peace in the north. My constituency and the entire half of the region covering six constituencies have witnessed major instability in the past several years, and it has intensified a bit,’ he said.

Mr. Ayariga disclosed that he has already engaged the Speaker on the matter, urging him to pay closer attention to emerging security threats back home.

‘Before he goes to Ukraine, I think he should check his own neighbourhood and then let’s see how we can work together to deal with the peace situation in the north,’ he stated.

The Bawku Central MP lamented that underlying tensions relating to land ownership, traditional authority, and chieftaincy disputes continue to simmer without proactive intervention.

‘Most of the underlying issues are really about land and who is entitled to rule over which areas,’ he noted, warning that delays in addressing root causes have historically allowed disagreements to escalate into violent conflict.

To address the situation, Mr. Ayariga revealed plans by the Northern Caucus in Parliament to convene a regional peace conference and engage development partners, including the United Nations, to help facilitate dialogue among traditional leaders, community stakeholders, and security actors.

‘The early warnings are always there. We just don’t act on them until they erupt,’ he stressed.

Speaker Bagbin’s appointment to the IPU Task Force has been widely praised, with the IPU President citing his ‘integrity, impartiality, and ability to build trust with all parties.’

The Task Force, established in March 2022, has held more than thirteen meetings and led initiatives aimed at fostering dialogue between Ukrainian and Russian parliamentarians.

However, for Mr. Ayariga and the Northern Caucus, Ghana’s own stability must remain a priority, cautioning that Ghana could not wait for tension to turn into a crisis.

The family of the late music legend, Daddy Lumba, has appeared before the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace over the dispute that has stalled the singer’s funeral arrangements.

The misunderstanding, which has divided the family, arose after Akosua Brempomaa, a sister of the deceased, invoked the Sacred Oath (Ntamkese) to suspend the funeral, insisting that the real cause of her brother’s death be investigated.

The matter was heard behind closed doors by Otumfuo, the Saamanhene, and other elders of the Asanteman Traditional Council.

Speaking after the meeting, Akosua Brempomaa revealed that the chiefs had directed both sides of the family to resolve the issue peacefully and return to the Palace by Friday with their final report.

‘The chiefs have asked us to handle the matter in a civil manner and bring the outcome on Friday. We are ready to cooperate,’ she said.

The family head, Kofi Owusu, refused to comment, describing the issue as a family matter under traditional consideration.

A source close to the Palace disclosed that the formal processes for the Otumfuo Ntamkese will be outlined once the family submits its resolution report.

Per Asante custom, the funeral of the celebrated highlife icon will remain on hold until a final decision is made by the Manhyia Palace on the Sacred Oath.

The case is expected to be revisited on Friday, where a conclusive determination will be made by the chiefs.