Category: Daily Guide Network

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.

At least four military personnel with the Ghana Armed Forces, and two National Security operatives have been apprehended by the Bawjiase District Police Command for attempting to install a new chief.

According to the police, the arrest follows chaotic agitation by indigenes when the security men allegedly attempted to enstool a rival chief for the people of Awutu Kwashie Abbey in the Awutu Senya West District of the Central Region, despite the presence of an already recognised traditional ruler, Nai Kwashie Abbey VII.

The security officers were detained at the scene, sparking protest by supporters of the incumbent chief, who surrounded the police station demanding the release of the suspects and threatening violence.

Tensions continued until a military vehicle, registered as 52 GA 62, arrived with reinforcements to secure the release of the arrested officers.

Asafo members loyal to Nai Kwashie Abbey VII have denounced the attempted installation, alleging state security interference in local chieftaincy matters.

Asafo Supi Nipa-Nka, the group’s leader, has urged military and National Security personnel to avoid involvement in traditional disputes, cautioning that such actions could spark unnecessary community conflict.

New photos of American music mogul, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, have surfaced online, showing him for the first time since he began serving a 50-month prison sentence.

The images, published by several entertainment outlets, show the 55-year-old at the Federal Correctional Institution in Fort Dix, New Jersey.

Diddy appears dressed in a navy jacket and orange beanie, with a grey beard, during recreation time in the prison yard.

This marks the first public sighting of the rapper and producer since his sentencing in October 2025. Diddy was convicted on two counts of transporting individuals to engage in prostitution but was acquitted of more serious charges including racketeering and sex trafficking.

Reports indicate that Diddy has been assigned to laundry duty at the low-security prison, where he is also expected to participate in a rehabilitation programme. His projected release date, with good behaviour, is set for May 2028.

An overwhelming number of irate youth stormed the Hwidiem Police Station in the Ahafo Region, demanding the release of two of their people, as well as two vehicles – a Range Rover and an unregistered Rav 4 – seized at a galamsey site.

Additionally, the police seized a side handbag that contained a Smith and Wesson pistol, two pistol magazines, 21 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and 12 phones. They also burnt some wooden structures and mining equipment belonging to the illegal miners.

According to a police report, the arrest occurred after Col Dominic Buah, Head of the National Anti-illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and some nine other military personnel drove to the Hwidiem Police Station and reported that they had spotted an illegal mining site at Bronikrom near Hwidiem.

On reaching the site, one Zakaria, the owner of the site, and Kwame Alex were arrested and the mining equipment seized.

Whilst the officers were at the police station, some irate mob from Hwidiem and its environs, numbering about 600, besieged the station and demanded the immediate release of the two seized vehicles, and requested the police to hand over the soldiers ‘for them to be disciplined’.

According to the report, the irate mob vandalised and smashed the windscreen of a Toyota Hilux pick-up with registration No AD 7191-25 belonging to the NAIMOS team.

Upon learning of the escalating situation at Hwidiem station, a team led by Regional Crime Officer C/Supt Prince Odom-Koduah and a 15-member Regional Task Force team led by Insp Ofosu were dispatched to the scene.

They met the Divisional Commander (Goaso), Supt John Atanga; District Commander (Kenyase), Supt Opoku Yamoah, and other officers, including ASP Lomovi Quarshie and ASP Akuffo, who were already present.

On arrival, seven male and one female military officers were met at the charge office, whilst two others were at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) office under police protection, as the irate mob was getting agitated and uncontrollable, demanding the release of the ignition keys of the seized vehicles.

The police, military, and Hwidiem Zongo Chief Zarikyi Mohammed Bashiru, who had earlier appealed to the mob to exercise restraint, agreed to release the ignition keys of the seized vehicles to their owners.

‘The Zongo Chief offered to release his Toyota Sequel 4×4 to rescue the military officers to a safe location. Col. Buah and his officers were rescued to the Newmont Site at Kenyase under police escort. In the process, the Toyota Sequel 4×4 was vandalised, and the back windscreen was smashed. No casualties were recorded,’ part of the statement read.

‘The Regional Crime Officer went to Kenyase to meet with the officers, and as instructed by team leader Col. Buah, the following items were handed over to the police: Lexus ignition key, 2 pistol magazines with 21-9mm ammunition, 1 Smith and Wesson pistol, and 1 black side bag,’ the report disclosed.

Also, GHS11,000 cash, 4 Samsung smartphones, 4 other phones, 3 Tecno smartphones, 1 Villanelle phone, 1 Itel phone, and 1 power bank were handed over to the police.

THE ANLOGA to Keta corridor came alive with vibrant celebrations of culture, history, and community, bringing significant economic benefits to the Volta Region as many observed the Hogbetsotso Za Festival 2025 in full display.

Observed under the theme ‘Building Bridges: From a Common History to a Common Destiny,’ the durbar held last Saturday at Hogbe Park in Anloga brought together dignitaries from both traditional and political sphere, notable among them include Togbi Sri III, Awoamefia of Anlo, and special guest Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, Akwamuhene, and Togbi Agbesi Awusu II, Awadada of Anlo.

National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, also led a delegation of NDC stalwarts including Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah.

The streets and durbar grounds buzzed with colour, music, and the steady beat of drums as the Anlo people commemorated their ancestors’ historic exodus from Notsie in present day Togo. Traditional priests offered prayers for the Anlo Dukor, invoking blessings, protection, and unity at the grand Hogbetsotso Za celebrations.

The Hogbetsotso Za’s iconic procession was a breathtaking spectacle, as the vibrant parade made its way to the durbar grounds, reenacting the brave escape of the Anlo people from King Agorkoli’s tyranny in Notsie. This powerful reenactment commemorates their historic migration to their present homeland, celebrating their resilience and quest for freedom.

Ghana spends a staggering $3 billion every year on food imports despite its vast agricultural potential, Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has disclosed.

He said the situation was unacceptable for a country endowed with fertile land and a youthful population capable of transforming the sector into an engine of economic growth.

Speaking at the Africa Youth Day 2025 Ministerial Youth Dialogue in Accra, Mr. Opoku said the country’s heavy food import bill, ranging from poultry to vegetables, undermines national development and poses a threat to long-term food security.

He revealed that the country imports about $400 million worth of tomatoes annually, even though the produce can be grown locally in abundance.

‘Ghana spends $3 billion annually importing food. How do we justify importing tomatoes and poultry when we have arable land and young people ready to work? What is wrong with us?’ he questioned and added, ‘We must rise to unlock our full agricultural potential.’

The Minister observed that the nation’s poultry production deficit remains alarming, noting that in 2022 the country produced only 15,000 metric tons out of a national consumption demand of 324,000 metric tons.

‘This overdependence on imports weakens our domestic agriculture and exposes us to external shocks,’ he said.

He stressed that reversing the trend requires urgent, innovative and youth-driven agricultural solutions.

With more than 500,000 young people entering the job market annually and only a fraction securing employment, Mr Opoku argued that agriculture presents the most assured pathway for mass job creation and economic stability.

‘Africa produces nine million unemployed youth every year. If the situation is not addressed, the future is calamitous,’ he warned, urging the continent to tap into its agricultural potential, which includes 60 percent of the world’s uncultivated arable land.

According to him, despite agriculture employing 38.3 percent of Ghana’s population, youth participation stands at only 5 percent, with the average farmer aged 45.

The Minister described this as a demographic imbalance that must be urgently corrected if the country is to achieve food sovereignty.

Mr. Opoku said government would launch a campaign to encourage mass participation in agriculture and make the sector more attractive to young people, particularly through value addition and agribusiness development.

He emphasised that Africa earns just 5 percent of the $130 billion global chocolate market because it exports raw cocoa rather than processing at scale.

‘Every dollar invested in agriculture returns $23. Agriculture is not just about farming. It is a wealth creation tool,’ he stated, calling for accountability and deliberate policies to drive youth-led agricultural transformation.

The dialogue brought together policymakers, development partners, youth leaders and civil society to explore solutions to unemployment and support Africa’s agricultural and economic future.

The Awoamefia of Anlo Dukor, His Royal Majesty Togbi Sri III, has sounded a clarion call for an urgent and collective response to the alarming decline in educational standards across Anlo Dukor, describing education as the foundation of progress and the most sacred duty of leadership.

Speaking at a public gathering, Togbi Sri III expressed deep concern over the falling quality of basic education, the persistent shortage of teachers, and the poor state of infrastructure in many schools within the Anlo Traditional Area. He lamented that many children complete basic education without acquiring adequate literacy and numeracy skills, a situation he described as ‘a national crisis that must trouble every conscience.’

‘This should trouble every leader, every parent, and every traditional authority,’ he stressed.

‘Education is not just a pathway to individual success; it is the heartbeat of our collective future as Anlos and as Ghanaians,’ he added.

Togbi Sri III instructed all Fiagawo (divisional chiefs) under the Anlo jurisdiction to take personal responsibility for monitoring and supporting educational outcomes within their communities.

He emphasised that traditional leaders must play an active role in mobilising community resources, encouraging parental involvement, and fostering accountability in schools.

As part of his key appeals, the Awoamefia called for: the construction of an E-Block for a new secondary school in the Shime area; a new dormitory block for the Anlo Awoamefia Senior High School at Anyako; and the reconstruction of damaged facilities at Anlo Senior High School (ANSECO), which remain in disrepair years after being destroyed by storms.

Togbi Sri III further urged government agencies, development partners, and the Anlo diaspora to prioritise investment in education as a critical driver of social mobility and economic transformation.

‘Our ancestors built schools when they had little; we have no excuse today,’ he stated. ‘If we fail to educate our children, we fail our future.’

The Awoamefia’s passionate appeal is expected to renew commitment among local authorities, educators and citizens toward restoring Anlo’s legacy of academic excellence and civic responsibility.

THE WEST African Football Union Zone B (WAFU B) has announced new dates for the second edition of the WAFU B U-20 Girls Cup, which will now be staged from November 7 to 12, 2025, in Benin.

The regional body adjusted the tournament’s original schedule – previously set for November 3 to 10 – to allow participating nations more time for preparation and logistical arrangements.

So far, three countries have confirmed their participation: host nation Benin, Nigeria, and defending champions Ghana.

Ghana’s U-20 women’s team, the Black Princesses, will enter the competition as reigning champions, aiming to defend the title they won in Kumasi during the maiden edition, where they edged Nigeria 3-1 on penalties after a thrilling final.

The WAFU B U-20 Girls Cup continues to serve as an essential platform for nurturing young female footballers across West Africa, promoting development, competition, and international exposure for the region’s emerging talents.

A total of 140 outstanding workers of Papaye Fast Food and eight (8) of Papaye Recreational Village were awarded last Friday for their years of service to the company during the 2023/2024 Long Service Awards of Papaye Group.

The awardees were selected based on their years of service, spanning between five (5) to 30 years, and receiving prizes which include an undisclosed amount of money, certificate as well as electronic appliances such as refrigerators, and smart television among others.

Out of the 148 awardees, 80 have been serving for 5 years, 41 for 10 years, one for 15 years, 12 for 20 years, 4 for 25 years and two for 30 years. Additionally, four individuals were honoured for 10 years, one for 20 years, and three for 25 years of dedicated service at the Papaye Recreational Village.

Addressing the occasion, under the chairmanship of Aburihene, Otoobour Djan Kwasi II, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Papaye Group, Divine Kwadwo Asiedu said the award ceremony has become a tradition of the establishment due to staff contribution over the years.

‘The award we present today, are not merely token of recognition; they symbolise our appreciation for your hard work, loyalty and the countless hours you have devoted to ensuring that our customers receive the best possible service,’ he said.

Mr. Asiedu also appealed to the government to render support to the fast food and hospitality industry, saying, ‘we urge the government to create a conducive environment for business to thrive with policies that support local sourcing, workforce development and investment in infrastructure.

‘Together, we can elevate the industry and ensure its sustainability for generations to come. We face many challenges that are hindering our growth, especially the invasion by internet scammers in the industry.’

Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Abeiku Aggrey Santana, urged the workers to uphold the company’s integrity to attract more customers to patronise their services.

He also pledged the authority’s support to Papaye Group and other fast food companies in the country through flagship programmes.