Category: Daily Guide Network

The Cybersecurity Authority has come under intense criticism in recent days over the amended Cybersecurity Act, 1038. From attempts to gain sweeping control over Ghana’s cyberspace to the controversial 30% levy on industry players, the new amendment raises serious concerns. Here are four reasons why I believe that, rather than protecting it, the amended bill poses a significant threat to Ghana’s digital security landscape.

Enables Unhealthy State Control over Ghana’s Digital and Cybersecurity Space

While Section 4A of the Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025 is presented as a mechanism to strengthen Ghana’s digital safety, its broad and unchecked scope could easily be used as a tool for state control over communication and innovation. Clause 4A(b) empowers the Authority to ‘establish standards for certifying the security of innovative products, Artificial Intelligence, cloud technology, quantum computing, big data, Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain-based technology and any other emerging technologies.’

This provision, while seemingly protective, gives the Authority sweeping power to determine what qualifies as ‘secure’ or ‘compliant.’ Without clear oversight, this could lead to bureaucratic or political gatekeeping, where startups, innovators, or tech companies are prevented from deploying digital products or communication tools unless they receive government approval.

Such a requirement could slow technological progress and create a chilling effect on innovation, as developers might fear that politically sensitive or disruptive technologies will be denied certification.

Clause 4A (d) also authorizes the Authority to ‘accredit the cybersecurity establishments of critical information infrastructure owners, cybersecurity service providers, cybersecurity practitioners and professionals and other relevant persons or institutions.’ This mandatory accreditation regime places nearly all digital actors including cybersecurity professionals, innovators, and even non-profit tech bodies under Clause 4A (e) thus under the Authority’s control.

In practice, this could be used to restrict dissenting voices, limit the operations of independent digital advocacy groups, or revoke the licenses of practitioners who criticize government digital policies. This combined with 4A (a), which allows the Authority to ‘investigate and on the authority of the Attorney-General, prosecute cybercrime,’ poses a potential threat to digital freedom and an open, innovative internet ecosystem in Ghana.

A self-financing system that can incentivize abuse of power

Section 31 of Act 1038 as amended seeks to strengthen the Communications Fund through multiple revenue streams, including ‘12% of the communications service tax’ and ‘9% corporate tax for the Fund per annum,’ however, its undefined scope raises serious concerns about state overreach and potential misuse.

The provision grants the Authority vast discretion to impose ‘a charge determined by the Authority in accordance with the Fees and Charges Act. and levied on persons licensed by the Bank of Ghana,’ as well as to claim ‘a proportion of the fees charged on all government electronic services.’ Such open-ended powers could be weaponized to impose heavy financial obligations on digital service providers, start-ups, and fintech firms effectively stifling innovation, deterring investment, and creating an uneven digital economy controlled by the state.

The inclusion of ‘50% of all fines arising from criminal penalties under the Act’ could incentivise excessive enforcement and punitive measures against dissenting voices or non-compliant digital platforms. Instead of serving its stated goal of safeguarding communications and cyber infrastructure, the amendment could transform the Fund into a tool for policy manipulation, granting the state leverage over communication networks, online services, and financial technology players under the guise of funding digital development.

A tool that could cripple the growth of Ghana’s cybersecurity industry

Section 57C(4) of the Cybersecurity Act explicitly states that ‘30% of the revenue generated by a certified cybersecurity professional or practitioner or cybersecurity service provider under the scheme shall be paid into the Cybersecurity Fund.’ This clause alone poses a serious threat to the sustainability of Ghana’s cybersecurity industry.

By demanding a 30% cut of total revenue, the provision drains financial resources directly from service providers, regardless of their operational costs or profitability. For small and medium-sized cybersecurity firms that already struggle with high certification fees, compliance expenses, and limited market access, this could make business operations nearly impossible. The policy disincentivizes innovation and competitiveness, as firms would have little capital left to reinvest in technology, talent, or expansion. In essence, while framed as a contribution to national cybersecurity development, Section 57C (4) functions more like a state-imposed levy that cripples private growth.

Empowers the CSA with Dangerous Police Powers That Threaten Digital Freedom

Section 20B of the amended Cybersecurity Act grants the Director-General, Deputy Director-General, and other authorised officers of the Cyber Security Authority ‘the powers of a Police Officer, including the powers of arrest, search and seizure,’ along with ‘the same rights, protections, and immunities conferred on a Police officer under Act 30 and Act 350.’

While this amendment is framed as a measure to strengthen enforcement in Ghana’s digital space, it poses a greater threat to civil liberties and digital freedom than it offers protection. By equipping a regulatory agency with full police powers, the line between cybersecurity regulation and criminal law enforcement becomes dangerously blurred.

In effect, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) originally designed to provide technical oversight and promote digital safety could now act as an armed enforcement body capable of conducting arrests, searches, and seizures without traditional police oversight.

This risks fostering abuse of power, intimidation of critics, and the suppression of online dissent under the pretext of ‘cybersecurity enforcement.’ The inclusion of ‘rights, protections and immunities’ means CSA officers could operate with near-total legal protection from accountability, allowing them to target individuals or organisations arbitrarily.

Instead of sanitsing the digital environment, Section 20B could create a surveillance-heavy, fear-driven cyberspace, where innovation, privacy, and free expression could easily be undermined by overreach and politicised enforcement.

Ashanti Region produced a resilient display to defeat Greater Accra Region 2-1 in a thrilling final Group B clash of the MTN Elite U19 Championship on Wednesday, clinching top spot and securing a semi-final berth.

The much-anticipated encounter at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence lived up to its billing, featuring intensity, skill and determination from both sides.

Ebenezer Anane fired Ashanti ahead in the 22nd minute, setting the tone for a fiercely competitive contest. Greater Accra’s hopes of a comeback were dashed late on when defender Afetse Emmanuel inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 85th minute to double Ashanti’s lead.

Despite a spirited late response, capped by Mustapha Bunyamimu’s fine strike in the 89th minute, Greater Accra fell short of finding an equaliser – suffering their first defeat of the campaign.

The result means Ashanti Region finished atop Group B with 10 points, just one ahead of Greater Accra, who also progress to the semi-finals. Both teams have been standout performers throughout the tournament, setting up a mouthwatering knockout stage.

With the group phase now concluded, attention turns to the semi-final fixtures today, October 31, before the grand final on Sunday, November 2, 2025.

Running from October 23 to November 2, the MTN Elite U19 Championship features ten regional teams from across Ghana and serves as a crucial platform for emerging footballers to showcase their talent, gain valuable experience and attract the attention of national selectors and professional scouts.

Powered by MTN Ghana, the tournament underscores the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) commitment to youth football development – creating a structured pathway from grassroots to the professional level and nurturing the next generation of Ghanaian stars.

MTN Ghana is poised to do all that is required to stay sustainable as a business.

To this end, this year alone, the company has invested over $300 million to improve its network, coverage and quality of service.

This is part of efforts by the company to respond to the changes in the industry to be able to grow it’s business and respond to stakeholders’ concerns.

Within the last five years the company has invested $1 billion in its business as part of its ambition 2025 agenda which focused on sustainability.

The Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN, Madam Adwoa Wiafe, disclosed this in an interview during the Western Region Editors’ forum organized by MTN.

She explained that the company’s Ambition 2025 started in 2021 and that it was aimed at growing MTN’s business to help in responding to the changing dynamics within the industry.

She said in that ambition, MTN Ghana was moving from Telecomunication to a platform player’.

‘And so there were key platforms we were looking at. For instance financial technology (Fintech), Enterprise business and the Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that enable us to pay our ECG bills through mobile money without going to their office’, she added.

Madam Wiafe mentioned that going forward, MTN Ghana was focusing on three main areas including building on its connectivity business through its network, growing its Fintech business through mobile money and focusing on its digital platforms.

‘We are ensuring that we respond to customers’ needs for more services, efficacy and how to ensure we bring our services closer to them,’ she said.

‘We are pushing our MTN Application (App), the Momo App and putting lots of services on the Apps so that customers can access all the services in the comfort of their homes’, she indicated.

She pointed out that the company also has an ambition to cut its carbon emissions to net zero by 2040, saying ‘we are all working towards that’.

A recent statement by the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has sparked widespread public debate after he declared that government ‘will not tolerate long hair in schools today or tomorrow.’

The remark, made in response to growing discussions about whether new female students should be compelled to cut their hair upon admission into Senior High Schools (SHS), has drawn sharp criticism from religious leaders, educationists, and parents.

Many have described the minister’s stance as an infringement on students’ rights to religious and cultural expression.

Dr. Abdul-Muhsin Baafi, an Islamic scholar, described the minister’s comment as ‘unfortunate and troubling,’ arguing that the enforcement of such a policy serves no meaningful educational purpose.

‘What educational value does cutting a student’s hair provide?’ he questioned. ‘How does keeping one’s natural hair interfere with learning or discipline?’

Dr. Baafi stressed that Ghana’s 1992 Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and expression, and that any policy disregarding these fundamental rights could alienate certain groups.

He further explained that compelling Muslim girls to shave their hair is contrary to Islamic teachings, which prohibit women from shaving their hair except for legitimate medical reasons.

‘In Islam, a woman’s hair is part of her dignity and identity. Muslim girls cover their hair as a sign of modesty and faith. Forcing them to shave undermines their religious obligations,’ Dr. Baafi said.

Quoting various hadiths and rulings from Islamic scholars, he emphasised that the policy, if implemented, would directly conflict with the religious principles of many Muslim families.

Dr. Baafi urged the Ministry of Education to engage in broader consultations with religious leaders, parents, and education experts before introducing or reinforcing any policy that touches on students’ personal identity or beliefs.

‘In many countries, female students attend school with their natural hair without any impact on discipline or academic performance,’ he noted and added, ‘Education should be about nurturing knowledge, discipline, and character-not enforcing conformity at the expense of faith and culture.’

The debate over students’ hair in Ghanaian schools has been ongoing for years, often reflecting deeper tensions between institutional discipline and personal freedom.

Observers say the controversy highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive review of school policies to ensure they reflect Ghana’s cultural diversity, respect for human rights, and commitment to inclusive education.

DJ Sly King, popularly known as ‘The Unstoppable’, is the leading favorite to sweep multiple awards at this year’s Guinness Ghana DJ Awards, happening on Saturday, November 29, at the Palm Convention Center.

The celebrated Ghanaian DJ has emerged as the most nominated record spinner for the 2025 edition, reflecting his exceptional year of dominance on the turntables. His competitors include DJ Vyrusky, DJ Lord OTB, DJ Millzy, AD DJ, DJ Loft, and TMSKDJ.

DJ Sly King earned nominations in several major categories, including: DJ of the Year, Mobile DJ of the Year, Male Radio DJ of the Year, Afrobeats DJ of the Year, Nocturnal People’s Choice, Best DJ (Greater Accra), Event DJ of the Year and DJ/Artist Collaboration of the Year.

During the year under review, DJ Sly King delivered over 50 electrifying performances at major events across the country and beyond, cementing his reputation as one of Africa’s most sought-after DJs.

Some of His Top Performances Include: DJ Sly King Unstoppable Concert, Unstoppable Rave at KTU (Koforidua), Hey Ibiza Festival, Tech in Ghana (Accra Edition), Detty Splash, Fuse ODG’s Kente Party, The Mainstack Africa Launch, Rapperholic: The Homecoming, Shatta Fest 2025, Chale Wote Street Art Festival 2025 and Womba Accra Street Art Festival 2025.

There is also Asaase Nation Jamz, Guinness Ghana DJ Awards Launch, Sickle Cell and Awareness, Numerous festival and club appearances across Accra, Cape Coast, Sunyani, Kumasi, Takoradi, Ho, Tarkwa, Lome, and more.

Adding to his impressive achievements, DJ Sly King was recently announced as a member of the Recording Academy’s 2025 Grammy Class, joining an exclusive global community of music professionals who contribute to shaping the future of the Grammy Awards.

As anticipation builds, fans have taken to social media, confidently predicting that DJ Sly King will win big – including the coveted DJ of the Year title – at the 2025 Guinness Ghana DJ Awards.

England forward Michelle Agyemang has confirmed she has suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and will miss the rest of the season.

The 19-year-old, who played a key role in England’s Euro 2025 triumph, sustained the injury during the Lionesses’ 3-0 friendly win over Australia. She was carried off on a stretcher after going down in a non-contact incident just 13 minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute.

‘Disappointed that results show a torn ACL,’ Agyemang wrote on Instagram. ‘I am so grateful for all the kind words and support from everyone. Recovery starts now – I will be back stronger than before.’

Agyemang, currently on loan at Brighton and Hove Albion from Arsenal, has been one of the standout young talents in the Women’s Super League this season, starting five of Brighton’s six league games.

Brighton confirmed they will work closely with Arsenal, England, and the Football Association on her rehabilitation programme.

‘Everyone at Albion sends all their support to Michelle as she begins her recovery, with her wellbeing foremost in all of our minds,’ the club said in a statement.

Agyemang was instrumental in England’s Euro 2025 success, scoring crucial goals off the bench in the quarter-final against Sweden and the semi-final against Italy. She was also shortlisted for the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the world’s best Under-21 women’s player.

Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), Kwadwo Twum Boafo, has revealed that Ghanaian businessmen Daniel McKorley, popularly known as McDan, and Richard Nii Armah-Quaye have been cleared of any wrongdoing following investigations into their financial transactions.

Mr. Boafo, who disclosed this in an interview with Accra based GHOne television on Wednesday, said the accounts of the two entrepreneurs were unfrozen for them to gain full access.

The decision by the FIC comes after the accounts of the two entrepreneurs were frozen as part of a wider inter-agency probe into alleged financial irregularities.

He said, ‘McDan’s issue has been resolved. That is why I keep saying we don’t do personal vendettas. You can speak with him. His accounts are unfrozen. The accounts of Richard Nii Armah-Quaye were frozen, but they have been unfrozen now because there was a determination that there was no need for it to go forward.’

He further clarified that both men had cooperated fully with investigators during the process, making it easier for the FIC and its partner agencies to assess the legitimacy of their business and financial activities.

‘He came here, sat down with us and gave us a thorough explanation of what he does and there was no problem. Like I said, we deal with people fairly and I don’t have a personal vendetta against anyone,’ he added.

The FIC boss emphasised that the Centre’s operations are not politically motivated or targeted at specific individuals but are guided strictly by evidence and due process adding that investigation found no evidence of criminality or financial misconduct against them .

He said the agency’s mandate was to protect Ghana’s financial system from abuse, not to persecute citizens or businesses while urging Ghanaians to be confident in the work of state institutions as they are based on facts rather than public speculation.

Mr. Twum Boafo stressed that such investigations form part of Ghana’s ongoing commitment to strengthen its anti-money laundering framework to help promote transparency within the financial sector.

Ghana recorded a total of 77,501 outbound same-day trips in 2023, which according to Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, highlighted the growing importance of short cross-border travel for business, trade, and social purposes.

This was disclosed during the presentation of key findings from a national mobility report detailing travel trends among Ghanaians who leave the country and return on the same day by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).

Dr. Iddrisu explained that men accounted for about 52% of same-day outbound travellers, while women made up 48%, reflecting a relatively balanced participation in cross-border movement. The largest age group of travellers was between 25 and 44 years, indicating that most same-day trips are undertaken by economically active individuals.

‘Men accounted for a slightly higher share, about 52% of the outbound travellers, compared to women who accounted for about 48%. Among young travellers aged between 25 and 44 years, who formed the largest group overall, we see that both men and women participated actively in cross border trips, showing a growing balance in mobility for work and family purposes,’ he pointed out.

The findings also revealed that business and professional trips were the leading reasons for travel, representing about 34% of all same-day journeys. This was followed closely by funeral-related travel at 23%, emphasising that such trips are not only motivated by trade but also by strong family, cultural, and social connections.

In terms of transportation, nearly all travellers used road transport, underscoring the importance of Ghana’s land borders for regional movement.

The report further indicated that self-arranged tours dominated travel activity, with 94.4% of trips being personally organised rather than booked through agencies. Only 4.6% of trips were packaged through tour operators.

Regionally, the Ashanti Region recorded the highest number of same-day travellers across all four quarters, with between 3,000 and 5,000 trips each period. This trend, according to analysts, reflects the region’s strong commercial and social linkages with neighbouring countries, particularly within the middle belt and West African sub-region.

Among destination countries, Togo consistently attracted the highest number of Ghanaian travellers, accounting for 54% of trips in the second quarter and an even higher 71.2% in the third quarter of 2023.

On expenditure, the report estimated that same-day travellers spent a total of about GHS60 million throughout 2023, with the majority approximately 95% spent during the trip itself.

Experts say these findings underscore the critical role of short cross-border travel in Ghana’s socio-economic fabric, linking trade, culture, and regional mobility in ways that support both livelihoods and cross-border cooperation.

The management, staff, and students of ENAS Hybrid School at Ahodwo Daban in Kumasi, have once again demonstrated their commitment to community service and social responsibility by donating GHS20,000 to support women battling breast cancer at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi.

The presentation, led by the school’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Nana Yaa Amo, together with staff and members of the marketing team, formed part of the school’s activities to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The donation was received by Dr. Opare Sem and his medical team, who expressed profound gratitude to ENAS Hybrid for the timely intervention and urged other educational institutions and corporate bodies to emulate their example.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Amo stated that ENAS Hybrid School believes education extends beyond the classroom. ‘We aim to nurture not just academic excellence but also compassion, empathy, and a sense of responsibility toward our community,’ she said.

She added that the donation reflects the school’s core values of care, compassion, and giving back to society, especially to those facing health challenges.

Dr. Opare Sem commended the school for its generous gesture, noting that such support plays a crucial role in easing the burden of patients undergoing treatment. He also encouraged the public to prioritise early screening and awareness to reduce breast cancer fatalities.

The ENAS Hybrid team later interacted with the medical staff and patients, reinforcing their belief that together, we can make a difference.

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.