Category: Daily Guide Network

OmniBSIC Bank Ghana LTD has taken a bold step toward redefining financial inclusion in the country with the introduction of its Braille-Assisted Services for visually impaired customers.

This initiative, unveiled as part of the Bank’s Limitless Banking strategy, demonstrates OmniBSIC’s vision to make banking accessible, connected, and empowering for all, irrespective of physical ability or background.

The Braille-Assisted Services are designed to enable visually impaired customers to conduct transactions independently, securely, and with dignity

According to the Ghana Statistical Service, about 4 percent of Ghanaians, over 1.2 million people, live with some form of visual impairment. Many rely on friends or relatives for assistance in reading documents or navigating banking halls, a dependency that often undermines privacy and confidence. OmniBSIC’s new service changes that narrative, allowing customers to open accounts, read information, and make decisions autonomously.

Daniel Asiedu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of OmniBSIC Bank, described the initiative as a powerful reflection of the Bank’s ethos.

‘At OmniBSIC, we believe banking should be for everyone, everywhere. Our Braille-Assisted Services are not just a technological addition; they are a statement of our belief that accessibility is a right, not a privilege,’ he said.

Furthermore, he added that the bank seeks to extend banking services to all persons with disabilities not just the visually impaired.

With this in mind, the Bank, during the 2025 Global Customer Service Week under the theme ‘Mission: Possible’ engaged students of the University of Ghana at the Assistive Technology Lab under the auspices of University of Ghana’s Institutional Advancement Directorate, Information Technology Directorate, as well as the Centre for Disability Studies and Advocacy(CEDSA).

The engagement marked a significant moment in OmniBSIC’s financial inclusion and accessibility journey, as the Bank seeks to deepen collaboration with academia and advocates in shaping inclusive financial solutions.

At the event, Mrs. Chidinma Braye-Yankee, Group Head of Corporate and Support Services reaffirmed OmniBSIC’s stance that inclusion is a mission requiring empathy, innovation, and strategic partnerships.

‘As a bank, we are not just investing in technology, we are investing in people. Through initiatives like this, we are building a system where no one is left behind, and every customer can transact independently and with confidence,’ Mrs. Braye-Yankee noted.

OmniBSIC Bank Executive Management officials present at the event, reiterated that such innovations align with the Bank’s digital transformation agenda, which integrates accessibility across platforms.

Engineer Francis Kwabena Boakye, Chief Information Technology Officer-(CITO) of the University’s Information Technology Directorate, praised the visit as the first of its kind by a financial institution. ‘This collaboration connects the ideals of academic innovation with real-world impact. Through this shared effort, we can ensure that technology truly empowers all,’ he said.

A key point of the event was a presentation by Mr. Alexander Bankole Williams, Head of Assistive ICT Lab, who spoke on ‘The Future of Banking: Enhancing Access for Persons with Disabilities in Ghana’.

Drawing on his 25 years of advocacy and personal experience as a visually impaired professional, Mr. Williams stated that financial inclusion for persons with disabilities is not a matter of charity but a right. Citing the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715), he stressed that all public goods and services must be made accessible to everyone. ‘Accessibility is not optional, it is a legal and moral imperative,’ he said, urging other institutions to emulate OmniBSIC’s example.

Professor Joana Salifu Yendork, Director of the Centre for Disability Studies and Advocacy (CEDSA), encouraged customer-facing institutions to adopt a ‘total inclusivity approach,’ one that ensures equal access and respect for all persons, regardless of the perceived severity of their disabilities.

During the Q and A session, the Bank announced that it had commenced the braille assistive services, as well as staff training on visual impairment awareness and will extend sensitisation programmes across its 40-branch network to strengthen service delivery for customers with special needs.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has donated essential medical equipment to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in support of the Heal Komfo Anokye Project (HeKAP), a major renovation initiative spearheaded by His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

The donated items include 10 dual ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) medicine trolleys, 20 patient monitors, 15 hydraulic patient stretchers, 30 wheelchairs, 40 drip stands, 40 cardiac tables, 10 medicine trolleys, 34-folding bed screens, 15 electronic hospital beds, 10 bedside lockers, and 15 crash trolleys.

The items are expected to enhance the hospital’s capacity to deliver quality healthcare and ease the work load on medical professionals.

Speaking at the event, Second Counsellor in the Africa West Area Presidency of the Church, Elder Isaac K. Morrison, described the donation as a compassionate and prayerful response to a request made by the Heal KATH Project team about a year ago.

‘These items are not merely tools, they are instruments of healing, symbols of our solidarity, and expressions of God’s love for His children. At the core of our faith is the eternal truth that every person is a beloved child of God, each life is precious,’ Elder Morrison said.

Elder Morrison commended His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his visionary leadership in launching the Heal KATH Project, and reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to supporting the initiative.

‘Our humanitarian efforts are expressions of our faith in Jesus Christ. They are not limited by nationality, ethnicity, or religion. We seek to follow the Saviour’s example by reaching out to all of God’s children,’ he added.

President of the Africa West Area of the Church, Elder Alfred Kyungu, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to collaborate with KATH, noting that the Church’s motivation for humanitarian work stems from its desire to live out the teachings of Jesus Christ.

‘We are happy to collaborate with this wonderful hospital. As a Church, we are not trying to prove to anyone that we can do this, we are trying to live the gospel. This is exactly what Jesus Christ did, so we are following Him,’ Elder Kyungu said.

He also acknowledged the hospital’s request for additional support, and assured management that the Church would prayerfully consider it.

‘We have heard your request. This time, we are not making any promises, but we will look at the need and see if it is possible. If we have the means to support, we will,’ he added.

Chief Executive Officer of KATH, Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo, expressed deep gratitude to the Church, describing the donation as a significant boost to the hospital’s operations and ongoing renovation efforts.

‘When the King called for support through the Heal Komfo Anokye Project, we received a number of donations. After a brief pause, the project is restarting, and I am confident that very soon the entire hospital will be renovated,’ he said.

He disclosed that the donation would have been difficult to obtain without the Church’s intervention, noting that the hospital would otherwise have had to rely on its limited resources.

‘We are so grateful for these donations because, frankly, we do not have the means to procure such essential equipment on our own. We face many challenges, so this support means a great deal to us,’ Dr. Baidoo added.

He appealed for continued partnership, encouraging the Church to consider further support in the coming years as the hospital progresses toward completing its renovation.

‘Looking at the extensive work required, we may even spend more than initially projected. We will be pleased if this can be communicated to the Saints so that they may continue to extend a helping hand. With your support and that of other well-meaning Ghanaians, this project will surely be completed,’ he said.

As a demonstration of appreciation, Dr. Baidoo announced that a section of the renovated hospital block would be dedicated to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ‘That is a promise we will fulfil,’ he assured.

Ashanti Regional Health Director, Dr. Fred Adomako Boateng, also commended the Church for its generosity, noting that the donation would significantly enhance healthcare delivery in the region.

‘With universal health coverage, everyone should have access to quality healthcare. I believe the gesture you have extended today will go a long way to deepen the quality of service we so desire. In sub-Saharan Africa, our challenges are not only about coverage and access but also about the depth and quality of care we provide. This donation will go a long way in addressing that gap,’ he said.

The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has announced the freezing of assets of former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), Abdul-Wahab Hanan, and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, following alleged financial misconducts and acquisition of high-value properties using public funds.

Addressing journalists at the Presidency yesterday, as part of the Government Accountability Series, Dr. Ayine disclosed that investigators have frozen a fixed deposit account belonging to Mr. Hanan at Republic Bank’s Labone Branch in Accra, containing GHS10 million.

He said steps are also underway to confiscate several vehicles and over 61 luxury handbags linked to the couple as part of ongoing investigations.

Dr. Ayine said between 2017 and 2024, Abdul-Wahab Hanan in concert with Richard Sam Asante and Bismark Owusu Boakye allegedly orchestrated and transferred GHS78,269,084.04 from the bank account of Buffer Stock Company to a private company linked to him, his wife and staff of Buffer Stock Company at Republic Bank and Ecobank.

‘Evidence showed that the funds were instantly retransferred to companies owned by Hanan Abdul Wahab himself and entities owned and associated with Hanan and his wife,’ Dr. Ayine pointed out.

Money Laundering

The Attorney General also disclosed that the investigators also uncovered a sophisticated money laundering operation involving suspicious transfers amounting to GHS40.5 million through Sawtina Enterprise, a company allegedly linked to the former Buffer Stock CEO.

According to him, some of the properties traced by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and suspected to have been acquired illegally by the former Buffer Stock CEO include a five-bedroom house at Chain Homes, valued at $1.625 million, a three-bedroom house at Cantonments, purchased for $600,000, multiple plots of land at Airport Development Area, worth $750,000.

Others are a 17-bedroom boutique hotel in Gumani, Tamale, acquired for $250,000, a four-bedroom bungalow at Dzorwulu, Accra, valued at GHS4,142,451, and a 0.32-acre parcel of government land, purchased for GHS307,200.

Other properties alleged to have been acquired by Abdul-Wahab Hanan, especially in Tamale, according to the Attorney General, are three storey building (Chicken Republic) situated at Estate Junction, and a five-bedroom mansion at Kanvili, Dorado Street.

The rest are three-bedroom house at Kpalsi, Tamale, one storey building, Number 10, Selby Gardens at Achimota in Accra, 0.2 acre plot of land at Estate Junction, Tamale, and 0.29 acre land close to Workers College in Tamale.

Between October 2019 and January 2022, Mr. Hanan also allegedly orchestrated some suppliers to transfer an amount of GHS11,998.830.48 to an entity owned by a staff of Buffer Stock, and later instructed the staff to retransfer the funds to a company owned and run by the former Buffer Stock CEO and his wife.

Dr. Ayine further stated that in July, 2022, investigations found that Abdul-Wahab Hanan transferred GHS251,050 from Buffer Stock Account at Republic Bank belonging to Energy Partners Ltd, a company co-owned by him and the Head of Corporate Affairs of Buffer Stock Company, Emmanuel Arthur.

Denial

Meanwhile, Mr. Hanan has denied all the allegations of corruption levelled against him, describing the claims as ‘untrue and deeply unfortunate.’

In a statement released after the Attorney General’s address, he said he had never been involved in the matters referred to by the Attorney General, and has instructed his lawyers to take steps to safeguard his reputation.

‘I wish to state, respectfully, that these claims are untrue and do not reflect the facts of the matter. I have no involvement in the issues being referred to, and I find the comments deeply unfortunate,’ the statement read.

He added that his legal team is reviewing the situation and will advise on appropriate actions, including the possibility of pursuing legal remedies.

‘I look forward to the opportunity to present my side and to have my day in court, where I am confident that the truth will be made clear,’ he added.

Storytelling has always been at the heart of African culture. Long before written records, African communities relied on oral traditions to pass down knowledge, values, and history from one generation to the next.

These stories, often told by griots, elders, and family members, served as living archives that preserved the rich history of the continent.

African storytelling is not merely a form of entertainment; it is a powerful tool for education, identity formation, and resistance against cultural erasure.

A Living History: The Role of Oral Traditions

African societies have historically depended on oral traditions to document their histories. Unlike Western historiography, which largely relies on written records, African storytelling employs spoken word, music, and performance to communicate historical events. Griots, also known as jeli or praise singers in West Africa, are the custodians of history, preserving genealogies, battles, and the rise and fall of empires through their narratives. Their accounts ensure that vital information about rulers, wars, migrations, and cultural changes is not lost over time.

These oral narratives have helped preserve the histories of great African civilizations such as the Mali Empire, the Kingdom of Benin, and the Zulu nation. Epic tales like the Sundiata Keita legend, which recounts the rise of the Mali Empire, continue to provide insights into Africa’s medieval past.

Storytelling as a Tool for Cultural Identity

African storytelling plays a fundamental role in shaping communal and individual identities. Folktales, proverbs, and myths instill societal values and teach moral lessons that guide behavior. For instance, Anansi the Spider, a trickster figure in Ghanaian folklore, teaches the value of intelligence and wit over brute strength. Similarly, proverbs such as ‘Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter’ emphasise the importance of Africans telling their own stories rather than allowing outsiders to dictate their narratives.

Additionally, storytelling helps reinforce a sense of belonging by connecting people to their ancestry. Through oral traditions, younger generations learn about their lineage, heroes, and struggles, fostering pride in their heritage. This is especially important in post-colonial Africa, where many nations have sought to reclaim their histories from colonial distortions.

Resistance and Resilience Through Storytelling

During periods of colonial rule and enslavement, African storytelling became a form of resistance. Enslaved Africans in the Americas carried their oral traditions with them, using storytelling as a means of preserving their cultural identities in hostile environments. They adapted their tales, embedding messages of hope, resilience, and survival. For example, the Br’er Rabbit stories in African American folklore have their origins in West African trickster tales, where animals use cunning to outwit oppressors.

Moreover, African freedom fighters and revolutionaries used storytelling to inspire movements against colonial rule. Figures like Nelson Mandela and Amílcar Cabral understood the power of stories in uniting people against oppression. By recounting the triumphs of past African leaders and warriors, they motivated their people to fight for independence and self-determination.

The Evolution of African Storytelling in the Modern Era

While oral traditions remain significant, modern African storytelling has evolved to include literature, film, and digital media. African authors like Chinua Achebe, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie have used storytelling to challenge misconceptions about Africa and present authentic narratives. Their works bridge the gap between oral traditions and written history, ensuring that African voices remain prominent in global discourse.

Furthermore, digital platforms have given new life to African storytelling. Podcasts, social media, and virtual griots have expanded the reach of traditional narratives, making them accessible to a global audience. This has allowed African storytelling to continue thriving in contemporary society while maintaining its historical significance.

Conclusion

African storytelling is more than just a means of passing time; it is an essential tool for preserving history, shaping cultural identity, and resisting erasure. Whether through the spoken word of a griot, the written works of modern authors, or digital storytelling, Africa’s rich oral traditions remain a testament to the resilience and wisdom of its people. As long as stories are told, Africa’s history will live on, ensuring that the past continues to inform and inspire future generations.

Celebrated musician, King Ayisoba, has called on the government to award him a diplomatic passport, citing his long-standing efforts to promote Ghanaian traditional music abroad.

His request comes weeks after five Ghanaian creatives-travel vlogger, Wode Maya, reggae artiste, Rocky Dawuni, broadcaster, Anita Erskine, visual artist, Ibrahim Mahama, and entrepreneur, Dentaa Amoateng-were honoured with diplomatic passports for their contributions to promoting the country internationally.

In an interview with broadcaster Kafui Dey, King Ayisoba praised the recipients, singling out Grammy-nominated reggae artiste Rocky Dawuni for his hard work and global recognition. ‘For me, I can’t say those who have received it don’t deserve it. Someone like Rocky Dawuni has really worked hard, it’s not easy to earn a Grammy nomination. I just hope they also consider me because, truthfully, when it comes to Ghanaian music traditions, I’m one of those who’ve carried it,’ he said.

The diplomatic passports were presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, during the launch of the Diaspora Summit 2025 on September 17, 2025.

The event was jointly organised by the Office of the President, Diaspora Affairs, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to the ministry, the five recipients were selected for their proven track record in promoting Ghanaian and African culture internationally.

Nigerian social media influencer, activist, and critic, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has recounted moments where he used dancehall act Shatta Wale’s birthday wishes to help him extend his stay in Ghana.

He claims that after Shatta Wale wished him a happy birthday, he added the greeting to his CV. When he presented it to Ghanaian immigration officials, they were impressed, and he was granted a 60-day stay instead of the initial two weeks.

He made this revelation on ‘X’, replying to the ongoing misunderstanding between Shatta Wale and Nigerian social media influencer Big Jiggy. The issue between Shatta Wale and Big Jiggy appears to be a fallout after Big Jiggy’s appearance at ShattaFest 2025, Shatta Wale’s birthday concert.

Big Jiggy, a Nigerian TikToker, claims he was invited to perform at the event but was disrespected and humiliated. He alleges that Shatta Wale promised him proper treatment, but things didn’t go as planned, considering the days of promoting Shatta Wale’s music.

On social media, the outspoken commenter VDM waded into the conversation to share his thoughts on the matter.

According to him, many individuals in Ghana have promoted Shatta Wale’s music for years, but have never received a call or a text as compared to him.

‘I know people in Ghana who have promoted Shatta for years, but they’ve never received a call or text from him to talk, or see him. Big Jiggy vibed to a couple of his songs, and boom, Shatta invited him. Bro, he got to Ghana and had NO PATIENCE,’ part of the post read.

He further stated that, ‘Got angry that Shatta introduced him as a fan. Do you know what it means for the biggest Dancehall artiste in Africa to introduce you in front of 200k people? And you performed with him? But his pride got the best of him.’

The post continued, ‘Bro got back and blocked Shatta. What a joke! Do you know what it takes to prepare for such a concert? You can’t be focused. You must miss certain things. This lil bro needed to calm down, and after the concert, he had an audience with the King.

‘You dey block the person wey the whole country and Africa plus Jamaica love? Persons wey fit change your life? That’s lame (sic).’

‘Shatta wished me a happy birthday, and I added it to my CV. I showed it when I was at immigration in Ghana, and they gave me 60 days in the country instead of 2 weeks,’ he added.

The Tamale Teaching Hospital and Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Hospital have received advanced cervical cancer screening equipment from Telecel Group to enhance early detection among women in the regions.

The initiative, which forms part of the telco’s support for the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, also covers free screening for women at the facility over the next two years.

The newly installed digital colposcopy machines equipped with Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), HPV testing kits, biopsy instruments and other consumables will enhance both hospitals’ capacity to detect and treat cervical cancer at an earlier stage.

Receiving the equipment on behalf of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Abubakari Bawah Abdulai, said, ‘Telecel has consistently supported this hospital over the years, and this donation is another demonstration of their commitment to healthcare in the northern part of the country. As the only tertiary hospital serving the five northern regions, this equipment will go a long way in saving lives. I urge our staff to ensure its proper use and maintenance.’

As the Western North main referral health facility, the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Hospital until now, relied largely on visual inspection methods for cervical cancer, which limited clinicians’ ability to detect early-stage precancerous lesions with accuracy.

‘With this new colposcopy machine, we can finally move beyond relying solely on the naked eye. This technology allows us to identify cervical abnormalities much earlier and with greater precision. It’s a significant step forward for women’s health in our municipality and across the Western North Region,’ said Dr. Mary Benyiwaa Amuah, the hospital’s medical superintendent.

The Director for External Affairs at Telecel Ghana, Komla Buami, reaffirmed the telco’s broader commitment to initiatives that advance public health and community well-being.

‘Telecel’s purpose goes beyond connecting people through technology; it’s also about connecting them to better health and brighter futures. This colposcopy machine, equipped with a UPS and maintained by Telecel for the next two years, reflects our commitment to improving women’s health outcomes in Northern Ghana,’ Mr. Buami said.

Representing the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, Director of Operations, William Omane Adjekum, highlighted the national significance of the initiative in combating cervical cancer.

‘Each year, about 3,000 women in Ghana are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and too many lose their lives due to late diagnosis and lack of diagnostic equipment. This donation by Telecel Group through the Ghana Medical Trust Fund represents hope for the women of Northern Ghana, enabling early detection, early intervention, and the possibility of saving countless lives,’ he said.

The equipment handover in Tamale and Sefwi Wiawso marks the second and third donations under Telecel Group’s cervical cancer care initiative in partnership with the Ghana Medical Trust Fund and the Ministry of Health. The first installation took place at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.

Several shops at Kantamanto Tazani Lane near Ecobank in Accra have been destroyed by fire.

According to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), a distress call came in at about 1:31 a.m. yesterday, causing an immediate response from multiple fire stations across the capital.

The first fire appliance arrived at the scene 11 minutes after the call came in, thus 1:42 a.m., with fire fighting teams battling the blaze for more than three hours before bringing it under control.

An intensive firefighting operation by personnel of the GNFS brought the fire under control around 4:49 a.m.

The Acting Chief Fire Officer, the Director of Operations and the Greater Accra Regional Commander, were present at the scene to assess the extent of damage as well as coordinate ongoing response efforts.

So far, no injuries were reported, even though properties lost are expected to rise due to the commercial nature of the area.

The GNFS is expected to conduct a full investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

Kantamanto, a trading hub in Accra with many traders dealing in second-hand clothing, has witnessed several fire outbreaks. The last recorded fire outbreak was on January 2, 2025, which destroyed over 7,000 shops and affected 30,000 traders.

The Minority in Parliament has raised fresh alarm over the worsening scourge of illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, describing it as Ghana’s gravest governance failure and a full-blown national disaster that threatens lives, livelihoods, and the country’s environmental future.

Addressing Parliament at the opening of the Third Meeting of the First Session, Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, delivered a sobering account of what he called ‘the poisoning of Ghana’s soul,’ warning that unchecked illegal mining has pushed the nation to the brink of irreversible ecological collapse.

‘Even as we convene today, our rivers run brown with pollution, vast tracts of once fertile land lie scarred and toxic, and many of our citizens in mining communities face illness and death from poisonous chemicals,’ Afenyo-Markin declared.

He cited new findings by Pure Earth and Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which revealed that mercury contamination in some mining communities is 134 times above safe levels, while arsenic concentrations have surged 4,000 percent higher than World Health Organisation (WHO) standards.

‘These poisonous metals are seeping into the water, into food crops, into the very bodies of our people. Doctors are reporting children with mercury pellets in their X-rays, children now requiring dialysis because of the poisonous fruits of galamsey,’ he lamented.

The Minority Leader said the menace had persisted across successive governments but had worsened under the current administration.

Recounting earlier warnings, he cited the 2010 Africa Investigates documentary by journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, which exposed the human and environmental toll of galamsey, including the Dunkwa-on-Offin pit disaster that killed over 150 people.

The Minority Leader described the crisis as both an environmental and an economic catastrophe, noting that the rise of unregulated small-scale gold mining has created an underground economy draining state revenue while empowering criminal networks.

‘In just eight months this year, small-scale gold exports surged to over $6.3 billion, according to the Ghana Gold Board. Yet much of this trade is believed to be illicit. The state loses billions while communities suffer devastation,’ he said.

He called for a non-partisan national crusade against illegal mining, anchored on transparency, accountability, and sustainable livelihoods for affected communities.

The Minority Leader urged the government to work with civil society, religious bodies, and traditional authorities to design an all-inclusive recovery plan for degraded mining zones.

‘If we fail to protect our rivers, land, and communities, we risk failing an entire generation,’ he warned.

THE BLACK Queens held their first training session in Ismailia, Egypt, on Monday evening as they stepped up preparations for their crucial 2026 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against the Pharaohs of Egypt.

Eighteen players took part in the session, which was led by Head Coach Kim Lars Björkegren and his technical team.

The drills focused on light recovery routines, ball control, and tactical work designed to help the players adapt to the weather and pitch conditions in Ismailia.

Coach Björkegren expressed satisfaction with the players’ commitment and energy levels, describing their focus as ‘excellent’ as the team fine-tunes its strategy for the upcoming encounter.

The remaining squad members are expected to arrive in camp to complete the team’s roster before the final training session ahead of the match on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Ismailia-Suez Canal Stadium.