Category: Daily Guide Network

The Minority in Parliament has raised concerns about the government’s launch of several major national programmes without submitting their official documents to Parliament for scrutiny, describing the situation as a clear breach of accountability and transparency standards.

According to the caucus, at least 11 flagship programmes have been publicly announced and allocated funding, yet none of them has been properly laid before Parliament for approval.

The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Economic Committee, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, said these initiatives include the One Million Coders Programme, 24-Hour Economy Initiative, Jobs Export Programme, Adwumawura Project, National Apprenticeship Programme, Tree for Life, Accra Reset Programme, One Child-One Tree, Ghana Infrastructure Plan, Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities, and the No Fee Stress Programme.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah explained that although these programmes have been featured prominently in government communications and on national platforms, they have not been accompanied by programme documents outlining their objectives, selection criteria, funding frameworks, or performance indicators.

‘These are initiatives that have been launched, and ministers have received hundreds of millions of Ghana cedis to execute them,’ the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP said.

‘But not one of them has had a programme document presented to Parliament. So how do we know the targets, the beneficiaries, or the performance benchmarks? Without these documents, Parliament cannot perform its oversight role effectively,’ he intimated.

He stressed that the lack of proper documentation and parliamentary approval makes it difficult for the legislature, the media, and civil society to track the real impact of government policies.

‘Even ordinary citizens have no way of knowing how to access these programmes or measure their progress,’ Mr. Nkrumah added.

The MP revealed that there are growing calls within Parliament for the executive to immediately submit all programme documents for review.

He also disclosed that ‘intelligence suggests the matter has already been discussed at Cabinet level, and the President has instructed ministers to bring the relevant documents to Parliament.’

He described this as a welcome but long-overdue step, emphasising that transparency should be institutionalised rather than left to executive discretion.

‘We don’t need to run away from accountability. If programme documents are properly laid before Parliament, oversight can begin, and we can all follow the results,’ he stated.

Drawing comparisons with past administrations, the MP recalled that when the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative was introduced under the previous government, Parliament debated the policy and insisted that every transaction under the programme be brought before the House for approval.

‘That is not to say that everything in the past was perfect,’ he admitted and pointed out, ‘but even if there were shortcomings then, it doesn’t mean we should continue bad practices. Governance should improve year by year.’

He also revealed that Parliament’s committees are preparing to hold public hearings on the Annual Progress Reports (APRs) of various ministries, departments, and agencies in the coming weeks.

‘The 2024 APRs are ready and ministers will soon be invited to explain what they achieved with the funds allocated to them,’ he said.

He noted that the absence of programme documents makes it impossible to establish baseline data for evaluating future performance.

‘When we eventually review progress, what will we compare it to?’ he asked and added, ‘We need those documents to know what the targets were in the first place.’

To prevent similar lapses in the future, the MP suggested that Parliament consider a new law compelling all governments to lay programme documents before the House once funding has been approved.

‘Today we rely on moral persuasion. But if a bill becomes necessary to make it mandatory, then it is something Parliament should consider seriously,’ he asserted.

He urged the government to demonstrate its commitment to good governance by ensuring that all national programmes, whether new or ongoing, are subjected to full parliamentary scrutiny, noting, ‘Transparency is not optional. It is the foundation of trust between the government and the people.’

The Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy (CEMSE), which has been following with keen interest the strategic decisions and performances of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), has denied that the assets have been sold for $22 million as being claimed.

According to the Civic Society Organisation (CSO), ‘TOR has been a symbol of unrealised potential – a national asset languishing under the weight of debt and political controversy. Recent headlines celebrating a purported $21 million in revenue from terminal operations are monumental and help redefine TOR’s role in Ghana’s economic future.’

This performance, CEMSE maintains, ‘firmly corrects the long-standing misconception that the sustainability or continuity of strategic government decisions constitutes poor corporate governance.’

‘The recent performance is a direct outcome of strategic initiatives set in motion by the previous board and sustained by the current board,’ it said.

These measures, CEMSE stated in a statement, ‘were designed to unlock value from the refinery’s underutilised assets during a period when its core refining operations were dormant. Such key initiatives include engaging with management of Ghana Petroleum Mooring System (GPMS) to restructure dividends on quarterly bases which engendered quarterly cash flows since TOR is a shareholder of GPMS.’

Furthermore, according to the CSO, ‘the board secured a crucial ‘take-or-pay’ agreement with the Sentuo Oil Refinery for the usage of TOR’s crude oil tanks, guaranteeing income regardless of fluctuating demand. The contract with Sentuo is estimated to yield about $2 million on monthly income.’

Additional revenue streams were activated through loading rack fees from third-party petroleum distributors and right-of-way fees for pipelines traversing TOR’s premises, the statement disclosed.

These moves, the statement noted, were part of a broader strategy to reposition TOR as a diversified petroleum logistics hub, a vision emphasised during the tenure of the former board.

By focusing on its vast storage and terminal infrastructure, the previous board created a financial buffer, CEMSE pointed out, adding that ‘the continuity in strategic direction by the current board and management has proven essential, demonstrating that even without active crude refining, TOR’s assets can generate substantial revenue to support its operational viability.’

The current board, the CSO admonished, ‘must take cue from the previous board in getting private companies to engage in tolling.

‘It is against this backdrop that the transaction with Netoil Energy Ltd must be understood by the current board as a lifeline, and not sale as being speculated in the media.’

A report on the global refining sector by McKinsey and Company highlights that ‘tolling arrangements can provide a stable, low-risk revenue base for refinery owners, insulating them from market volatility and allowing them to focus on operational excellence.’

The new board, CEMSE concluded, ‘must learn from the previous boards in getting partnership deals similar but improved deals like the Netoil and Tema Energy Limited that is found in strategic foresight that secured its revitalisation deal. The management of TOR must move beyond the era of political point-scoring and into a new age of pragmatic problem-solving. Like the previous boards, the solution to the company has never been about outright sales nor state sponsorship but a smart and, de-risked partnership that safeguards national interests while leveraging global expertise and for that matter must be emulated by the current board so as to monetise its existing assets without bearing the crushing financial burdens.’

A POLICEMAN, in charge of a motorbike, has sustained injuries after a borehole drilling truck knocked him down. The truck driver sped off to escape arrest.

The victim, identified as G/L/Cpl Yaw Akowuah Boateng, of Asokwa DCID, is said to be responding to treatment at the Hart Adventist Hospital, Ahinsan, in the Greater Kumasi.

A police document disclosed that the accident happened at the Zen Filling Station-Ahinsan area on October 14, 2025 when the victim was riding his motorcycle to work.

‘On 14/10/2025, about 0830 hrs, G/L/Cpl Yaw Akowuah Boateng, of Asokwa DCID, was riding Hyundai motorbike number GD-2398-21, from Ahinsan to work at Asokwa.

‘At a section of the road in front of Zen Filling Station-Ahinsan, he was knocked down by a hit-and-run driver in charge of a borehole drilling truck.

‘The victim sustained injuries and was rushed to Hart Adventist Hospital, Ahinsan, and he was admitted. He was visited, and he is responding to treatment,’ the police said.

The report further said the police had already visited the accident scene and taken vital information, adding, ‘The accident motorbike has been impounded for examination and testing.’

According to the police, they are doing everything legally possible to locate the hideout of the hit-and-run driver so they can apprehend him to assist in investigations.

The 2025 edition of the Ghana Beauty Awards (GBA) came off on Friday night at the Labadi Beach Hotel, celebrating excellence, innovation, and creativity within Ghana’s beauty and fashion industry.

The event, organised by Makeup Ghana and hosted by Roselyn Feli, featured captivating performances from Okyeame Kwame, Comedian Hogan, and other talented acts.

The ceremony attracted distinguished guests including Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dzifa Abena Gomashie; Director of Diasporan Affairs at the Presidency, Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD); Head of Creative Agency, Gideon Ayeequaye; and Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo who served as the Guest of Honour.

A historic highlight of the evening was the announcement of Saida Mumuni Montia of Image Bloom by Saida and Leonard Ahia of Datherapizt as Makeup Artists of the Year – marking the first tied win in the history of the awards.

Faruza Yakubu after receiving her award

According to CEO of Makeup Ghana and organiser of the ceremony, Rebecca Donkor, the judges found both artists equally outstanding. ‘They were both exceptionally good, and the panel agreed they each deserved the honour,’ she explained.

Other major winners included Mikesh Hair Products, which picked up the Indigenous Brand of the Year Award, and Faruza Yakubu of FYGLAM, who was named Best Bridal Makeup Artist of the Year. Sara Lawson earned the Content Creator of the Year Award, which comes with an exclusive trip to the 2026 Grammy Awards as part of her prize package. Tasheia Smith of Alux Klaws won Nail Technician of the Year, while The Reve Atelier was awarded Sustainable Fashion Brand of the Year.

Among the special honours, media personality Akumaa Mama Zimbi, Agnes De Graft Sampson of De Paragon Beauty Institute, and Dora H. Torwiseh of Nuts for Growth Limited received Honorary Awards, while veteran fashion designer Nora Bannerman, CEO of Sleek Garments Export Ltd, was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Ghana Beauty Awards, powered by Labadi Beach Hotel, Feel Naturals, Marie Noelle Spa and Salon, Unique Floral, Windi Sun Energy, Agri-Impact, and Globe Away, continues to serve as the country’s premier platform for recognising the talent, institutions, and brands shaping the future of Ghana’s beauty industry.

In a heartwarming display of commitment to Ghanaian students in the People’s Republic of China, Ambassador Kojo Bonsu has been honored with the title ‘Gen Z President’ by the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) in China. The title is a testament to his tireless efforts in supporting and empowering students across various Chinese provinces.

During a virtual Akwaaba night ceremony, Mr. Bonsu assured students of President Mahama’s unwavering commitment to their safety and well-being. He emphasized the importance of utilizing their acquired knowledge to contribute to Ghana’s development, urging them to be proactive and innovative in solving the country’s challenges.

The Ambassador’s open-door policy was warmly welcomed by the students, who were encouraged to reach out to the Embassy for assistance and support. He also highlighted opportunities for graduates in both public and private sectors, emphasizing the need for young professionals to apply their skills and expertise to drive national development.

In a bid to foster closer ties with the students, Mr. Bonsu announced plans to introduce initiatives that would enable the Embassy to monitor their progress, organize annual get-togethers for networking, and address problems that may arise.

The student leaders were visibly excited and grateful for the Ambassador’s support, thanking him for his dedication and commitment to their well-being.

The ‘Gen Z President’ title is a testament to Kojo Bonsu’s dedication to empowering Ghanaian students in China, and his vision for their future success.’

In the spiritual journey of life, every human being walks between two eternal pillars – Mercy and Severity. One stands for divine forgiveness, the other for divine justice. Together, they shape our destiny and reveal the mystery of how God’s grace and the law of cause and effect (what many call Karma) work in harmony.

The Pillar of Mercy represents God’s compassion, His willingness to forgive our wrongdoings and offer us another chance. The Pillar of Severity, on the other hand, symbolises the law of moral consequence: ‘For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap’ (Galatians 6:7). Between these two pillars, man’s soul learns balance – mercy softening justice, and justice keeping mercy from indulgence.

To live rightly, one must understand both. Forgiveness without accountability weakens the soul, while judgment without compassion hardens the heart. The journey to the crown, eternal life and divine perfection, demands that we walk uprightly between these sacred truths.

The Pillar of Mercy: God’s Endless Forgiveness

The pillar of mercy stands as a reminder of God’s unfathomable love. The psalmist declared, ‘The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy’ (Psalm 103:8). Mercy means more than pardon; it is the healing grace that restores the fallen, uplifts the contrite, and gives hope to the lost.

When we err, the voice of severity declares, ‘You must reap what you sow.’ But mercy intercedes, whispering, ‘Repent, and you shall be forgiven.’ Through Christ, mercy triumphed over judgment, offering humanity redemption. ‘For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved’ (John 3:17).

Yet mercy is not a free license to sin. True mercy transforms. The one who has been forgiven must in turn forgive others. Jesus taught, ‘Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy’ (Matthew 5:7). Each act of forgiveness we extend builds within us the likeness of God.

To live under the pillar of mercy is to walk in love, to let go of resentment, and to forgive even those who seem undeserving. This does not erase accountability but ensures that love, not vengeance, governs our response. Mercy cleanses the heart and frees the soul from bitterness (the very chains that keep us from ascending to the divine crown).

The Pillar of Severity: The Law of Karma

Opposite the pillar of mercy stands the pillar of severity; the eternal law of consequence. Scripture declares plainly, ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap’ (Galatians 6:7).

This is the divine law that ensures justice in the universe. Every thought, word, and deed produces fruit, good or bad, according to its nature. When we sow kindness, we harvest peace; when we sow hatred, we reap unrest.

Many call this Karma; the Bible calls it divine justice. The prophet Hosea warned, ‘For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind’ (Hosea 8:7). Life, therefore, is a field, and every human being is both farmer and reaper.

Severity is not cruelty. It is correction. Just as a loving parent disciplines a child for his good, God allows us to face the results of our actions so that we may learn righteousness. ‘For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth’ (Hebrews 12:6).

The pillar of severity teaches personal responsibility. It reminds us that grace does not cancel accountability. Even when forgiven, we may still face the natural results of our deeds, not as punishment, but as instruction. Through these lessons, the soul matures and learns the wisdom of right living.

The Balance: Mercy Tempers Justice

Life’s spiritual path demands balance between these two pillars. If we lean too much toward severity, we become judgmental and unyielding. If we lean only toward mercy, we become careless and permissive. The righteous man stands in the middle – humble before God’s mercy, yet mindful of divine law.

The Prophet Micah captured this perfect balance when he wrote: ‘He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?’ (Micah 6:8).

Doing justly reflects the pillar of severity: – that is the commitment to fairness and truth. Loving mercy reflects the pillar of compassion – the readiness to forgive. And walking humbly reflects the awareness that we depend entirely on divine grace.

The wise soul therefore acts with kindness but also integrity; forgives others but learns from experience; prays for mercy but sows good seeds. Such a person understands that spiritual growth comes not from escaping justice, but from allowing mercy to guide one’s response to it.

The Physical and Spiritual Journey

Physically, man must live with discipline – honest in work, pure in speech, fair in dealings. The body, being the instrument of action, must serve righteousness. ‘Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not’ (Galatians 6:9). Every act of goodness adds a stone to the bridge that leads to divine reward.

Spiritually, man must cultivate forgiveness, compassion, and humility. The inner attitude determines the outer outcome. Anger, envy, and pride sow seeds of discord, while faith, patience, and love sow peace. As Jesus taught, ‘Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God’ (Matthew 5:8).

Thus, the journey of life is both physical and spiritual: the visible and invisible paths converging toward the same goal – the crown of righteousness.

The Crown: Reward of the Balanced Soul

To ‘merit the crown’ is to achieve inner victory. Thus mastery over self, harmony with divine law, and oneness with God. The Apostle Paul declared, ‘Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day’ (2 Timothy 4:8).

This crown is not given to those who only seek mercy without accountability, nor to those who demand justice without love. It is reserved for those who, walking between mercy and severity, have allowed both to purify their souls.

The man who forgives when wronged yet takes responsibility for his actions, who shows compassion yet upholds truth, who prays for mercy yet labours in righteousness. Such a man walks the royal path.

In him, mercy and severity are not enemies but allies. Mercy cleanses the heart; severity strengthens the will. Together, they make him fit for the eternal reward – the crown of life promised to those who overcome.

Conclusion: Living Between the Two Pillars

In the end, the pillars of mercy and severity are not opposing forces but divine instruments shaping the soul’s ascent. Mercy invites us to forgive and be forgiven; severity reminds us that our deeds have consequence.

To walk rightly between them is to live as Christ lived: firm in righteousness, gentle in compassion, and faithful unto the end. For only then shall we hear the words that echo through eternity: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. enter thou into the joy of thy Lord’ (Matthew 25:21).

Let every man, therefore, sow good seed in the field of life, water it with mercy, and harvest it in righteousness. For as sure as we reap what we sow, so too will those who walk in love and truth wear the everlasting crown of divine justice and grace.

The Western Regional Police Command has arrested five suspects in connection with the murder of John Abban at Asemkor in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region.

The suspects include Kennedy Abor alias Abongo, aged 30; Kojo Attah Panyi, 20; Joseph Basses, 30; Abraham Cudjoe alias Yalle, 39 and Ekow Painstil, 45.

The deceased, John Abban, who is a brother of the chief of Butre and Asemkor, was attacked and murdered on October 6, 2025 at Asemkor following a chieftaincy dispute.

The suspects fled the town and went into hiding after the murder.

On October 15, 2025, following sustained intelligence by the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate, suspects Kennedy Abor, Kojo Attah Panyi, and Joseph Basses were arrested at their hideout in Funko, in the municipality.

On October 21, 2025, the Regional Intelligence Directorate in collaboration with its counterpart in Accra apprehended the two main suspects, Abraham Cudjoe and Ekow Painstil.

They were arrested at their hideout in Afuaman Ayigbe Town located within the Ga West Municipal Assembly in the Greater Accra Region.

All the suspects are in police custody assisting in investigations and will be put before the court.

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Regional Police Command, Supt Olivia Ewurabena Adiku.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat has disclosed that the continent loses about $5 billion annually through foreign exchange transactions.

According to the Secretariat, the situation is a major contributor to the continuous raise in the cost of doing business across the continent.

According to the Secretariat, the losses have become a major barrier to Africa’s economic growth and competitiveness.

Speaking at the 2nd International Conference on Environment, Social, Governance (ESG) and Sustainable Development of Africa (ICESDA 2025) in Accra, the Director for Coordination and Programmes at AfCFTA, Dr. Tsotetsi Makong, said the Secretariat has identified similar losses in digital transactions and is developing measures to address them.

Dr. Makong also underscored the need for African countries to consolidate their resources to attract large-scale investments, stressing that no single nation can achieve sustainable development alone.

‘Remember, we’ve been fragmented, and these artificial borders have been created. Nobody is going to invest in Ghana because Ghana is too small to attract huge investment. But if you put Nigeria together, Togo together, and you create one single market, which is what we’re doing in the AfCFTA, you increase the possibility and the possibility for investments to be made in the continent.

‘Otherwise, individually, no single African country can advance. It doesn’t matter what we have in our national Vision 2020, Vision 30. All of those things, the markets are very small to justify huge investments. For the investments that we require, we need to make sure that we pull together as countries,’ he added.

The PGA Tour has cancelled its 2026 season-opening tournament, The Sentry, after efforts to find an alternative venue in Hawaii or elsewhere proved unsuccessful.

Originally scheduled for January 8-11, 2026, the event was set to take place at the Plantation Course at Kapalua on the Island of Maui. However, ongoing drought conditions forced organizers to move the competition.

In a statement, the PGA Tour explained that ‘having assessed alternate venues in Hawaii and beyond,’ the tournament could not proceed due to ‘logistical challenges – including shipping deadlines, tournament infrastructure, and vendor support.’

With The Sentry’s cancellation, the Sony Open, set for January 15-18 at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, will now serve as the first event of the 2026 PGA Tour season.

The Sentry, which first relocated from California to Maui in 1999, has long been a traditional season opener, featuring the top 50 players from the FedExCup standings and winners from the previous season.

It held the opening slot from 1986 to 2013 before reclaiming that position in 2024 when the Tour returned to a calendar-year format.

THE GHANA Football Association (GFA), in collaboration with FIFA, has successfully concluded the second phase of the Referee Capacity Building Course under FIFA Women’s Development Programme: League Development.

The four-day training, held at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence (GSCE) in Prampram from Tuesday, October 14 to Friday, October 17, 2025, focused on enhancing the skills and professionalism of young female referees selected through the Catch Them Young (CTY) initiative.

The CTY Female Referee project is one of the GFA’s flagship programmes aimed at identifying, nurturing, and developing young refereeing talent across Ghana.

Participants were taken through intensive theoretical and practical sessions to strengthen their understanding of the laws of the game, improve decision-making, and prepare them for higher levels of officiating.

A key highlight of the course was the inspiring story of Referee Emmanuella Aglago, one of the outstanding products of the Catch Them Young programme.

She shared her personal journey and experiences, encouraging participants to remain focused, disciplined, and passionate about their dreams. Her success served as a powerful motivation for the young officials.

The training also underscored the growing impact of the Catch Them Young initiative, which has significantly boosted the involvement of girls and women in football – not only as players but also as referees, coaches, and administrators.

This capacity-building course forms part of ongoing efforts by FIFA and the GFA to promote the sustainable growth of women’s football in Ghana.

It aligns with FIFA’s broader vision of achieving 60 million female participants worldwide by 2027, through improved technical development, infrastructure support, and expanded opportunities for women and girls in the game.