Category: Daily Guide Network

President of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana (CIMG), Michael Abbiew, has emphasised that the professional body is not solely established for marketers or salespeople, and therefore welcomes individuals from diverse professional backgrounds to join.

Speaking at the 2nd Graduation Ceremony and the 44th Induction and Conferment Ceremony of CIMG, Mr. Abbiew noted that the institute’s scope extends beyond marketing and sales, embracing professionals from various disciplines.

‘CIMG is not only for marketers or salespeople. Within our ranks, we proudly count lawyers, accountants, engineers, entrepreneurs and business owners who recognise that marketing is the heartbeat of every successful organisation. We are a family of professionals united by one vision. So, if you are not yet a member of CIMG, I warmly invite you to join us. Become part of this growing community,’ he said.

He further stated that a critical component of CIMG’s strategic agenda is to enhance membership engagement, explaining, ‘By increasing membership and deepening engagement, we strengthen the collective voice of marketing professionals across the nation. Our members benefit from continuous professional development resources, networking opportunities, recognition programmes and welfare initiatives.’

Mr. Abbiew added that CIMG is mandated to set professional marketing standards and regulate the practice of marketing in Ghana through education, professional development, research and stakeholder engagement.

‘Our mission is to develop globally competitive and locally impactful marketers, focusing on professional development, qualifications, membership and the elevation of marketing excellence across all sectors,’ he stated.

Mr. Abbiew also announced CIMG’s forthcoming mentorship programme, specifically designed to enable young professionals to find their feet in this dynamic industry.

The programme, he said, will create pathways for emerging marketers to connect with experienced practitioners who can offer guidance and provide the encouragement needed to navigate early career challenges.

In a speech, the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, commended the graduates on the successful completion of their CIMG Professional Marketing Qualifications programme.

He noted that professional marketing education should not simply be about selling products or services, but about shaping the future of the nation.

‘By investing in this, Ghana can unlock new opportunities, drive sustainable development and position itself as a competitive player on the global stage. I urge CIMG to continue engaging government in respect of public sector marketing, applying strategic marketing tools to improve public service delivery and deepen governance accountability across all government agencies and organisations,’ he added.

Ghanaian referee Darko Doris Essumang has been appointed as an assistant referee for the upcoming WAFU B U20 Girls Championship, set to take place in Benin from November 7 to 12, 2025.

Her appointment reinforces Ghana’s growing reputation in African football officiating and highlights her steady rise within the continent’s refereeing ranks.

Doris, one of Ghana’s elite FIFA match officials, will be the country’s sole referee representative at the regional tournament.

Her selection by WAFU B reflects her consistency, professionalism, and impressive progress on the international stage.

The WAFU B U20 Girls Championship remains a crucial platform for developing young female football talent across West Africa while also providing valuable exposure for top match officials. Doris’ inclusion stands as a significant milestone for both her career and Ghanaian refereeing.

The Attorney General (AG), Dr. Dominic Ayine, has dropped all charges against Edward Akuoko, the General Manager of Akonta Mining, who was charged alongside Bernard Antwi Boasiako, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for alleged illegal mining and related offences.

The AG now intends to use him as a key witness, as he seeks to secure the conviction of Wontumi, his company and others who are accused of unlawfully entering and undertaking mining in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve without legal authority.

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.

Illegal Mining

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 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 court, presided over by Justice Ruby Aryeetey, granted Wontumi and Edward Akuoko a bail of GHS10 million each with three sureties each, one of whom must be justified with landed property. This was after they pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

They were ordered to deposit their travel documents with the registrar of the court and report to the investigator once every other week.

The case was adjourned to November 4, 2025, while the prosecution was ordered to file and serve disclosures before then.

Wontumi is facing a minimum of 15 years in prison and up to 25 years if found guilty on the charges levelled against him.

The Court of Appeal yesterday dismissed two separate applications filed by lawyers for Kwabena Adu-Boahene, former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), as well as Solomon Asamoah, former Chief Executive of Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), demanding further disclosures from the Attorney General.

Mr. Adu-Boahene and his wife, Angela Adjei-Boateng and two others, have been charged for allegedly stealing a total of GHS49.1 million from the state.

Solomon Asamoah, on the other hand, is before a court with the erstwhile Board Chairman of GIIF, Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, for their alleged involvement in the dissipation of state funds in the non-existent $2 million Accra Skytrain project.

They had each filed separate applications before the trial courts asking them to order the Attorney General to disclose certain documents they contend are critical to their defence.

Both trial courts dismissed the applications, and the accused persons, not satisfied with the decision of the courts, challenged the decisions at the Court of Appeal.

The Court of Appeal, however, dismissed both applications, holding that the applications lacked merit.

Adu-Boahene Request

Mr. Adu-Boahene had filed an application for further disclosures, asking the court to order the prosecution to disclose all National Security Coordinators’ special operational accounts, spanning 33 years and five presidents – from 1992 to date.

The request was heavily opposed by the Office of the Attorney General, which asked the court to deny the request, calling it fishing and an attempt to delay the trial.

His lawyer, however, strongly argued that those documents establish a particular pattern and is very crucial to any defence the accused would mount.

Despite the strong opposition mounted by the Attorney General in court, and while the court was yet to deliver its ruling on the motion for further disclosure, the Office of the Attorney General released the National Security Coordinators’ operational accounts from 2017 to 2024 – covering the Akufo-Addo-led New Patriotic Party (NPP) government while leaving out the other accounts.

The court, presided over by Justice Eugene Nyante Nyadu, eventually delivered his ruling on July 3, 2025, reading just the concluding part and dismissed the request for further disclosure, stating that the accused did not provide justification for the request.

Solomon Asamoah

Mr. Asamoah, on the other hand, filed an application before the court asking it to order the prosecution to disclose certain documents which he said were deliberately omitted during disclosure but are crucial to his preparation for defence.

Among the documents he was asking for are all board packs that were sent to members of the GIIF board from 2017 to 2021, along with both signed and unsigned minutes of the Board and Investment Committee meetings that took place during that period.

He was also seeking the complete attendance records for every GIIF Board and Investment Committee meeting within those years.

Again, Mr. Asamoah sought for all memoranda related to the AI Skytrain project, as well as email correspondence between himself and several members of the board, among others.

Moving the motion, his lawyer, Victoria Barth argued that Mr. Asamoah is guaranteed a right under the constitution to have unfettered access and equal right to evidence of meetings that will establish the cause of dealings of the GIIF Board and the nature of its processes of approval.

She said it will also establish the credibility of the ‘persons who claim to have no recollection of the very approvals that are alleged to be lacking,’ adding that ‘it is not the preserve of the prosecution to determine for the accused person what is relevant to the preparation of his defence.’

The application was opposed by Deputy Attorney General, Justice Srem-Sai, who also argued that the materials requested for are not in the prosecution’s possession and did not come into their possession or the possession of the investigators.

‘It would therefore be an impossible order to direct us to produce that which we do not have and we could not have during investigation,’ he said.

The court, initially presided over by Justice Comfort Tasiame, dismissed the application, holding that the prosecution had indicated that the said documents are not in their possession and since there are other means counsel for applicant can use to procure the documents they are requesting for, the request would not be granted.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has arrested the Acting Head of Legal Affairs at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Freeman Sarbah, in connection with its ongoing investigations into the controversial revenue assurance agreement between the GRA and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML).

The arrest, announced by the OSP in a statement yesterday, forms part of investigation into suspected corruption and alleged ‘obstruction of justice’ connected to the GRA-SML deal.

The SML contract, which sought to enhance revenue monitoring in the downstream petroleum industry and other sectors, has faced intense public criticism over alleged inflated fees, procurement irregularities and concerns regarding the scope and legality of the services provided.

The OSP launched an investigation following media report of possible breaches of procurement laws and potential conflicts of interest. That probe has since expanded to cover senior figures within the GRA and the Ministry of Finance.

The Special Prosecutor’s office has disclosed that it expects to commence prosecutions by the end of November 2025.

Individuals likely to face charges, according to the OSP, include former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta; former GRA Commissioners-General, Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah and Emmanuel Kofi Nti; as well as other high-ranking officials and former advisers at the Finance Ministry.

The Special Prosecutor has indicated that emerging findings point to alleged corruption, abuse of authority and violations of procurement procedures in the awarding and management of the SML contracts.

In a spectacular evening celebrating Ghana’s most impactful businesses and individuals, Brain Hill International School (BHIS) has been honoured as Best International School in Ghana at the 8th Ghana Business Awards, 2025 held at Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel.

The recognition highlights the school’s curriculum which blends Ghanaian national standards with international best practices, fostering critical thinking, creativity and academic excellence.

BHIS over the years provides a safe, spacious and well-equipped environment, with temperature-regulated classrooms, nutritious meals, and extended operating hours to accommodate working families.

The Ghana Business Summit and Awards is the nation’s premier platform for thought leadership, market linkages, and recognition of outstanding business excellence. This year’s event was on the theme, ‘Creative Economy Revolution through Innovation: Redefining Ghana’s GDP Landscape’.

In a post media interview, Executive Director at Brain Hill International School, Mary Anane Awuku, expressed her profound gratitude to the staff of the school for their tireless and unflinching dedication towards the development of the school.

According to her, the relentless drive by the passionate educators helps to ensure that every child is empowered to reach their full potential.

‘This honour is super amazing to us at Brain Hill International School. This has come to cement our status as the Best Cambridge Educational School in Ghana. We will continue to work hard and still stand as a beacon of transformative learning in Ghana,’ she said.

Ms. Awuku also took the opportunity to inform the public about the school’s new campus location on the Naa Oyeo Street, Gbawe, which offers programmes for preschool, primary, lower and upper secondary and therapy services for special needs learners.

To her, Brain Hill has the commitment to nurture future leaders for global citizenship.

The event was attended by high-profile dignitaries, including government officials, and the diplomatic corps, among others.

A special security taskforce of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has arrested 30 commercial drivers at Santasi for allegedly charging unapproved transport fares at night.

The operation, which involved police, military, and KMA officers, was carried out following several complaints from passengers over persistent fare hikes on the Santasi-Ahenema Kokobeng route.

The approved fare for the stretch is GHS3, but the arrested drivers were reportedly charging as much as GHS10, taking advantage of the night hours to exploit passengers.

Leader of the taskforce, Sergeant Sampson Dadzie, disclosed to the DAILY GUIDE that all the culprits will be arraigned before court for prosecution.

He said the exercise formed part of the KMA’s efforts to ensure sanity and discipline in the transport sector within the metropolis.

Some passengers expressed relief over the intervention, describing the move as timely and commendable.

‘They always overcharge us at night because there are fewer vehicles. Sometimes we pay whatever they ask just to get home,’ a stranded passenger lamented.

The KMA has assured the public that similar operations will continue across Kumasi to clamp down on drivers who flout approved fare regulations.

GHANAIAN FORWARD Antoine Semenyo says representing the Black Stars is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream that continues to inspire him and his family.

The 25-year-old AFC Bournemouth striker, who made his Ghana debut in 2022, has since earned over 30 international caps and become a key part of the national setup.

Speaking to the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), Semenyo reflected on his deep emotional connection to the team he grew up supporting from his home in London.

‘It’s a dream come true representing Ghana. As a kid, we always used to watch every African Cup of Nations and every World Cup campaign. We’d gather at my uncle’s house, shouting, screaming, and feeling every emotion – joy and heartbreak alike,’ he recalled.

One of his most vivid memories remains Asamoah Gyan’s missed penalty in the 2010 World Cup quarter-final against Uruguay, a moment that denied Ghana a historic semi-final place.

‘I remember that day like it was yesterday. We were running around the house in disbelief – it was crazy,’ he said.

Now wearing the same jersey he once cheered for, Semenyo says the experience carries deep pride and meaning for his family.

‘My mum, dad, uncles, aunties – everyone still talks about it. They always message me to say how proud they are. Like I said, it’s an honour,’ he added.

Over 90% of students can’t identify letter names, letter sounds or read simple words at expected levels after three years of schooling a new literacy report has revealed.

According to the report, ‘Effective Reading Instruction in Low- and Middle Income Countries: What the Evidence Shows,’ failure to use evidence-based approaches to instruction is one of the main causes of the literacy crisis.

‘Too many children are in school but not yet learning to read. This report underscores how literacy is at the very core of a child’s learning trajectory – shaping their opportunities and future,’ said Pia Rebello Britto, UNICEF Global Director, Education and Adolescent Development.

A study launched at the ADEA Triennale in Ghana analysed data from early grade reading assessments (EGRAs) from over 500,000 students across 48 LMICs in 96 language.

This new paper is based on evidence from around 120 studies (including 50 studies in African countries), on effective reading instruction conducted across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, across over 170 languages of which 22 languages are specific to the African region (including; Arabic, Chichewa, isiZulu, Kikamba, Kiswahili, Oromo, Setswana and Siswati and amongst others).

The report is endorsed by the Global Education Evidence Advisory Panel (GEEAP), an independent, multidisciplinary panel of leading global experts in education evidence and policymaking that is co-hosted by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), UNICEF and the World Bank.

It highlighted two main sets of skills needed for reading – decoding and language comprehension.

‘Decoding is the ability to recognise written symbols (e.g., letters) and convert them into the sounds they represent to recognise words. Language comprehension involves understanding the meaning of words, sentences and text,’ it stated.

‘A central finding of science-based approaches to reading is that children do not learn to read naturally: they must be explicitly taught. Going from consensus to identifying specific skills for all languages including African languages is an important concrete contribution to improving literacy practices,’ said Nompumelelo Mohohlwane, co-author of the literacy report and Deputy Director at the Research Coordination, Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate at the Department of Basic Education, South Africa.

‘Literacy is the cornerstone to education, lifelong skills, and meaningful employment. When children master literacy early, they have better learning outcomes, and are more able to adapt, innovate, and thrive in the rapidly evolving job markets of the 21st century,’ Luis Benveniste, World Bank Global Director for Education and Skills added.

The report urges education policymakers to promote evidence-based instruction so more children become skilled readers, recommending that policymakers make a national commitment to ensure all children become skilled readers through effective, evidence-based instruction.

‘Choose appropriate languages of instruction and give children the support they need to learn to read in those languages,’ the report indicated.

Nathanael Bevan, Deputy Director Research, FCDO, said, ‘These approaches offer policymakers a practical evidence informed plan for improving reading in schools. They can be aligned to local contexts, cultures, languages, and goals, using the accompanying how to guide to help tailor implementation.’

THE EASTERN Regional Football Association (ERFA) has held its 2025 Ordinary Congress in Koforidua, bringing together key football stakeholders to review the past season and outline strategic plans for the year ahead.

The meeting, held at the New Juabeng Municipal Library on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, drew club executives, coaches, referees, and administrators committed to advancing football in the region.

Daasebre Adu-Asare, the Regional Football Associations Coordinator at the Ghana Football Association (GFA), represented GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku at the Congress. In his address, he commended the ERFA for its strong leadership and consistent focus on grassroots development.

He reaffirmed the GFA’s commitment to supporting regional associations through funding, technical assistance, and capacity-building initiatives, emphasising that the Federation’s growth depends on empowering RFAs to drive football development from the base.

Delegates were briefed on several new GFA initiatives, including the KGL-backed U-17 Championships, the mandatory use of NHIS cards for player identification, and the introduction of monthly subventions for regional associations.

As part of its logistics and development drive, the GFA announced a support package for juvenile competitions consisting of jerseys, footballs, and GH?10,000 per region, alongside similar benefits for Women’s Division One champions.

Additionally, the GFA has set aside GH?300,000 to assist with referee payments across all Regional Football Associations.

Another major highlight was the rollout of a US$200,000 FIFA Forward investment, designated for the supply of footballs to Division Two, Division Three, Women’s Division One, and Colts clubs nationwide.

The Congress further underscored the GFA’s progress in referee and coaching development. Through the ‘Catch Them Young’ refereeing initiative, over 2,500 young referees have been trained nationwide. In addition, more than 750 coaches have acquired CAF D to B licenses over the past year, strengthening the technical base of the sport.

ERFA Chairman, Linford Boadu Asamoah, expressed appreciation to member clubs and the GFA leadership for their unwavering support.

‘The Eastern Region remains a proud pillar of Ghanaian football. This Congress reinforces our shared commitment to building strong foundations, empowering youth, and ensuring that football continues to be a force for hope, opportunity, and progress,’ he said.