Category: Daily Guide Network

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.

The maiden Global Outstanding Women Conference (GOWC) is scheduled to take place in Toronto, Canada next Summer (2026), at a yet to be announced venue, ASKOF Productions Limited, organizers of the event have confirmed.

The conference aimed at equiping women with the knowhow to realize their full potentials on the theme ‘Beyond Limit – Redefining Women’s Global Influence’.

‘The Global Outstanding Women Conference – Canada 2026 is a high-level international platform dedicated to celebrating, empowering, and redefining women’s global influence,’ Afua Asantewaa, CEO of ASKOF Productions Limited said.

She added ‘It serves as a beacon of collaboration, innovation, and leadership-bringing together women leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and policymakers from across the world.’

It seeks to redefine global leadership by celebrating and empowering women beyond limits.

The conference also focuses on creating a forward-thinking ecosystem where women leaders connect, collaborate, and champion transformative initiatives that shape the global future.

The conference aims to empower women through knowledge exchange, mentorship, and skill development.

It also targets connecting global leaders and policymakers to foster partnerships and investments. Celebrate women of excellence through the Global Outstanding Women Awards(GOWA), promote diversity, inclusion, and sustainability as core values of global growth.

The two – day conference will feature keynote addresses, leadership panels, exhibitions, networking sessions, and a gala awards night.

Each day is designed to foster meaningful dialogue, impactful storytelling, and actionable.

‘We invite strategic partners, brands, institutions, and government agencies to align with this transformative global initiative. Sponsorship packages include brand visibility, speaking opportunities, media coverage, and global networking access.

Humanity has always wrestled with profound questions: What is the purpose of life? What lies beyond our earthly existence? Across cultures, faiths, and centuries, the answers converge on one enduring truth – that goodness, purity of heart, and a life lived in harmony with divine values lead to a reward beyond measure. This eternal blessing, often symbolised as the crown of God, represents the ultimate spiritual honour reserved for those who have walked in righteousness.

The crown of God is not a material trophy crafted from gold or jewels. Rather, it is the divine reward for a life aligned with truth, compassion, humility, and kindness. It signifies eternal peace, communion with the Divine, and liberation from the burdens of earthly trials. In its essence, it represents the highest fulfilment: to be welcomed into the presence of God and embraced by everlasting love.

A Life of Virtue: The Path Toward Divine Reward

Living a good and pure life does not mean living without struggle or failure. Purity is not the absence of imperfection, but the sincere and consistent pursuit of righteousness. To be pure is to maintain a heart unsullied by malice, to seek forgiveness when we err, and to extend forgiveness when others fall short. Goodness is the steady choice to love, to give, to uplift, and to act justly even when injustice surrounds us.

Such a life requires discipline (not a harsh discipline), but a loving one. It calls us to rise above selfish impulses, to choose honesty over deceit, gentleness over aggression, and humility over pride. It teaches us to see not with the eyes of judgement, but with eyes of mercy. When we choose goodness, we choose alignment with the divine essence within us.

Every act of kindness, every moment of patience, every sacrifice made for righteousness becomes a thread in the tapestry of our eternal destiny. Goodness is never wasted. Even when unnoticed by human eyes, it is seen and cherished by God.

The Spiritual Crown: A Symbol of Eternal Honour

The crown that God places upon the righteous soul is a metaphor of profound significance. It reflects: Victory over temptation and trials; fulfillment of divine purpose; recognition of a life lived in grace; and eternal peace and union with the creator.

This reward is not transactional; it is transformational. One does not earn it like wages. Instead, it unfolds naturally from a soul purified and uplifted by virtue. Just as a seed grows into a mighty tree through patience and nurturing, a good life blossoms into eternal reward through steadfast devotion to truth and goodness.

Heaven as the Home of the Pure in Spirit

Spiritual traditions describe the afterlife of the righteous in luminous terms – gardens of peace, realms of light, the company of angels, eternal rest for the weary soul. These images inspire hope and strengthen faith. Yet the deepest meaning transcends imagery: heaven is the state of perfect nearness to God.

To dwell in that sacred presence is to experience joy unending, love unbroken, and serenity beyond comprehension. The soul that has cultivated purity and lived in alignment with divine will does not fear eternity; it longs for it. For such a soul, death is not a defeat but a passage, a return to its true home.

Goodness as a Daily Offering

The promise of eternal reward does not exempt us from worldly duty. Rather, it illuminates it. Every day becomes a sacred opportunity to prepare for eternity by living in love. Small acts gain cosmic significance, i.e. a smile offered to someone in pain, a meal shared with the hungry, a word of encouragement extended to the discouraged, a quiet prayer for the suffering.

Holiness is not reserved for saints and mystics; it is cultivated through everyday choices. To be truthful when dishonesty is convenient, to be peaceful when provoked, to be generous when resources seem scarce. These are the marks of a heart oriented toward God. Such a life becomes a hymn of gratitude and devotion.

The Purifying Power of Trials

A pure life is not free from hardship. In fact, spiritual growth often blossoms through adversity. Pain, loss, failure, and disappointment refine the soul, stripping away illusions and deepening faith. Trials teach patience, compassion, and surrender. They remind us of our dependence on divine grace and strengthen our resolve to keep choosing goodness even in darkness.

A crown is not bestowed upon one who has never fought a battle; it is awarded to one who has fought well. Similarly, the crown of God honours those who have persevered, who stood firm in goodness even when evil appeared triumphant, who kept hope alive when the world offered despair.

The Eternal Legacy of a Good Life

The beauty of a virtuous life lies not only in the reward it secures for the soul but also in the legacy it leaves on earth. Goodness outlives the mortal body. A kind word can echo across generations; a life of service can uplift countless hearts. When our earthly journey ends, our deeds become seeds planted in the world, continuing to grow and bear fruit long after we have crossed into eternity.

To pursue goodness, then, is to weave meaning into existence. It is to be a mirror of divine love in a world that hungers for compassion and truth.

Conclusion: The Crown Awaits

In the end, the greatest triumph is not measured in wealth, power, or worldly acclaim. These fade with time. The true crown, the crown of God, is eternal. It is reserved for those whose lives reflect goodness, purity, humility, and love. It is the divine seal of approval on a life well lived.

Let us therefore strive each day to align our hearts with the sacred, to grow in virtue, to act with kindness, and to walk a path of love. For beyond this earthly voyage, an everlasting reward awaits.

This is a crown not fashioned by human hands, but given by the Creator as the ultimate affirmation that goodness endures forever.

The Bekwai Circuit Court has sentenced three individuals to 20 years imprisonment each for robbing travellers on the Jacobu-Anwiankwanta highway in the Ashanti Region.

The convicts – Peter Boadi, alias Kwao Ziggy, Daniel Kwaku Owusu, and Eric Kwaku Danso – were found guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery and robbery after trial.

Presenting the facts of the case in court, the prosecution said the three, armed with pistols, ambushed and robbed travellers at Fiankoma near Jacobu on April 29, 2024.

The prosecution further noted that they seized two iPhones, GHS7,000 in cash, and forced a Chinese national to transfer GHS30,000 via mobile money to an accomplice’s account.

A sustained police operation between June and September 2024 led to their arrest and, investigators, acting on intelligence, raided Boadi’s residence at Obuasi Bogobiri, where they retrieved a foreign Bruni pistol, a locally manufactured pistol, and live ammunition – all of which were tendered in evidence during the trial.

Delivering his verdict, the presiding judge, His Honour Appiatu described the robbery as a ‘shameful and heartless crime against innocent travelers,’ warning that such acts would not be tolerated in a civilised society.

The Ghana Police Service has since lauded its investigative team for their professionalism and assured the public of its unwavering commitment to flush out highway robbers and ensure the safety of commuters across the country.

Chief Executive Officer of National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, has announced that his outfit is working assiduously with stakeholders to provide a comprehensive coverage for kidney dialysis.

He said the comprehensive coverage aims to alleviate the financial burden on patients and their families, who previously struggled with the high cost of life-saving dialysis procedures.

Speaking at the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) conference themed, ‘Consolidating strategic partnership for a resilient and the inclusive health insurance scheme,’ Dr. Bampoe added that kidney disease remains a significant health concern in Ghana, with many patients struggling to access life-saving treatment.

He said, ‘Its public knowledge that a tender was floated by the Ministry of Health, and we’ve discussed coverage of dialysis. The country is actually being divided into sectors to ensure that no one is left behind. It’s a very important and comprehensive policy of the Mahama administration.’

He explained that the country is moving towards comprehensive dialysis coverage, with plans to cover the entire nation.

Dr. Bampoe reiterated that a recent meeting with the Minister of Health and nephrologists was held to discuss additional requirements for improved coverage. ‘Currently, patients pay around GHS499 or GHS500 per session, but this will change soon with more comprehensive coverage being implemented,’ he disclosed.

Director of Strategic Health Purchasing, Dr. Mrs. Ruby Aileen Mensah, explained that the review of dialysis tariffs considers the overall cost of care, including initial shunting sessions for ward patients.

She indicated that the new tariff structure will cover a specified number of sessions, providing comprehensive care from stabilisation to discharge and beyond.

‘The amount for the two dialysis sessions has also been requested. This coverage will include routine labs, as well as medications, such as erythropoietin, which is currently under discussion due to its high cost. Once implemented, these changes will make the coverage for kidney disease more comprehensive,’ she added.

Volkwagen Ghana (VW) has launched a new model of T-Cross in the country as part of its five years anniversary celebration of assembling cars in the country.

The VW T-Cross, which is assembled in the country, comes with features such as a 1.6 litre petrol engine, 109 horsepower (Hp), 176km/h top speed, 12.6 sec 0-100km/h, wireless charging, ISOFIX, digital Cockpit, cruise control, Alloy wheels, Climatronic Aircon, 10 inch infotainment display and a Rear view camera system.

Speaking in an interview, VW Ghana Chief Executive Officer, Jeffery J.O. Peprah, mentioned that the company’s five-year journey has been a mile stone as the market has accepted the brand with VW leading the auto industry in the country.

He added that VW has assembled over 2,600 cars in country since 2020 noting that the facility plant at Tema is able to assemble 5000 unit vehicles capacity per year.

He said, ‘we are going to add more and more people to create jobs, of course, when we have the value demand, we will move from single shift to second and third shift which is also in line with the governments flagship of 24 hour economy because you can only support this policy by producing around the clock’.

He stressed that the auto industry is a sector that needs to work with the government in order to drive more jobs and create a better economy.

‘Looking at other OEM’s (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Ghana is on the way or on the path to become a part of the hub of West African automobile industry,’ he said.

Mr. Peprah further mentioned that models of VW cars now assembled in the country include Virtus, Tiguan All space, T-Cross, Teramount, Touareg, and Amarok.

He used the opportunity to urge Ghanaians to drive Volkswagen auto mobiles.

He said, ‘I will always say we drive local, we drive Ghana and of course drive VW’.

Telecel Ghana has been honoured with the ‘New Media Campaign of the Year’ award, in recognition of its groundbreaking rebranding campaign dubbed, ‘Telecel Ghana is Here’ at the recently held Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG) Awards.

The accolade celebrates Telecel Ghana’s bold and strategic brand transition following its acquisition of majority shares in the Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited.

The campaign, designed to introduce the new identity while maintaining customer confidence, successfully announced the telecom brand’s arrival, educated the public on their value, and reaffirmed the continuity of trusted connectivity services.

Executed nationwide across key customer touchpoints beyond media segments including markets, bus stations, and high-footfall areas, the ‘Telecel Ghana is Here’ campaign achieved exceptional visibility and recorded total of 71% brand awareness nationwide within seven months of launch, driving mass awareness and relevance across Ghana.

According to the CIMG citation, the campaign stood out for its ‘strategic clarity, impactful reach, and customer assurance,’ achieving impressive results including a 14.9% market share that firmly positioned Telecel Ghana as one of the country’s leading telecom brands.

Speaking on the recognition, Head of Brand, Marketing Communications and Events, at Telecel Ghana, Andre Tayo Jnr, expressed appreciation to the campaign team and external stakeholders for their commitment and creativity.

‘This award speaks to the dedication, innovation, and passion of the Telecel Ghana team. Rebranding a household name was no small feat, but through collaboration, innovation, agility, and a deep understanding of our customers, we have built a strong new identity that Ghanaians trust and connect with,’ he said.

CHINA CITY Mall, a major retail shopping center located at Santase Roundabout in Kumasi, has been razed down by fire.

The fire, reportedly, started yesterday afternoon when people were shopping in the facility.

According to eyewitnesses reports, shoppers and the attendants at the mall, upon seeing the fire, took to their heels to save their lives.

The dangerous inferno, destroyed items in the shop, valued at millions of Ghana Cedis.

The exact cause of the fire was not immediately known but some people at the scene suspected electrical power fluctuation may have sparked the inferno.

Personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) who were called to the scene managed to douse the fire.

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) Chief Executive, Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi aka ‘Zuba’ also rushed to the scene to console the owners of the facility.

The cause of the fire was being investigated by the GNFS when the story was being filed.