Category: Daily Guide Network

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.

Acting Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie is set to appear before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for vetting following his nomination by President John Dramani Mahama as the next Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana.

The nomination, made in accordance with Article 144(1) of the 1992 Constitution, was announced in a formal message from the President, which was read on the floor of Parliament yesterday by Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.

According to the message, President Mahama’s decision followed consultations with the Council of State, as indicated in its letter dated October 14, 2025. The President described Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as a distinguished jurist of ‘unwavering integrity, sound judicial temperament, and deep commitment to the rule of law.’

‘Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has demonstrated professionalism, fairness, and a passion for justice throughout his meritorious service on the Supreme Court. He possesses the leadership, administrative competence, and vision to drive ongoing judicial reforms and to strengthen public confidence in the Judiciary,’ the President stated.

The Speaker, after reading the President’s message, referred the nomination to the Appointments Committee for public hearing and scrutiny.

He noted that while all Members of Parliament (MPs) may attend the committee’s sittings, only members of the committee have the right to vote.

Speaker Bagbin stressed the importance of the vetting process, urging MPs to approach it with transparency and dedication to ensure the nominee’s suitability for the highest judicial office.

‘We trust that this will be done in accordance with the laws of this country, and at the end of the day, we will assist His Excellency to ensure that confidence in the arms of government is restored and enhanced,’ he remarked.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s vetting is expected to draw significant public attention, given the controversy surrounding the removal of his predecessor.

If approved, he will assume leadership of the Judiciary, one of the three arms of government.

Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica have joined forces with the United States in a joint bid to host the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup – a move that would make the tournament the first-ever to be staged across four countries.

The expanded 48-team competition would mark a new era for women’s football, with the North American and Caribbean nations pledging to deliver the ‘biggest and most impactful Women’s World Cup in history.’

FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed in April that the United States had submitted the sole bid to host the 2031 edition, with ‘potentially some other Concacaf members’ expected to join – a scenario now officially realized.

US Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone said the joint bid represents a historic opportunity to elevate the women’s game globally. ‘Together, we have an extraordinary opportunity to host the biggest and most impactful Women’s World Cup in history, one that will inspire a new generation of fans and help grow the women’s game across our entire region and around the world,’ she said.

‘We’re excited to drive lasting progress for women’s soccer by creating a legacy that reaches far beyond 2031 and sets a new global standard for the sport.’

Concacaf president and FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani also threw his full support behind the collaboration, describing it as a reflection of the confederation’s unity and commitment to women’s football.

‘Concacaf fully supports this four-nation bid, which embodies our One Concacaf philosophy,’ he stated. ‘Hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2031 will build on the momentum we’ve created, inspiring future generations of players and fans across North America, Central America and the Caribbean.’

The joint bid follows the successful co-hosting model of the 2026 Men’s World Cup by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

FIFA has already confirmed that Brazil will host the 2027 Women’s World Cup, while the United Kingdom is currently the sole ‘valid’ bidder for the 2035 edition. The hosts for both the 2031 and 2035 tournaments are expected to be officially announced at next April’s FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada.

A fire outbreak at Asuakwa, a suburb of the Sunyani East Municipality of the Bono Region, has claimed the lives of a couple, who were trapped in their room.

The victims, identified as Nana Ameyaw Ampofo, aged 65, and Grace Adu Boafoawaa, aged 49, were found burnt beyond recognition. Their valuables were also destroyed.

A statement issued by the Bono Regional Public Relation Officer, Chief Inspector Thomas Akeelah, stated that a crime scene management team conducted an assessment and discovered that the building and its contents had been completely destroyed.

‘Two bodies were recovered from the kitchen area, while a Toyota Highlander and a pickup vehicle parked nearby were partially damaged,’ he said.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has commenced investigation to uncover the cause of the fire outbreak.

‘The Bono Regional Police Command has commenced investigations into a fire outbreak and the death of a couple at Asuakwa, a suburb of the Sunyani East Municipality. Police received a distress call on October 20, 2025 and promptly proceeded to the scene where personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service were already working to extinguish the blaze,’ part of the police statement read.

Chief Inspector Akeelah further stated that the bodies of the deceased have been conveyed to the Sunyani Teaching Hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

‘The Bono Regional Police Command is working closely with the Ghana National Fire Service to determine the cause of the fire and assures the public of updates as investigations progress,’ the statement read.

From the earliest days after independence, Ghana sought to increase women’s participation in governance. For example, in 1959, the Representation of the People Act reserved ten seats for women in the National Assembly.

Although that measure ended following political upheavals in 1966, it set a precedent. Over the years, Ghana signed regional and international agreements on women’s rights, issued administrative directives to promote women’s involvement in public boards and committees, and adopted gender policies to address inequality in education and public service.

Despite these initial efforts, many policies remained largely aspirational. In 1979, a quota guideline aimed for 40 percent representation of women on state boards, commissions, and committees; however, that goal was seldom achieved. During the late 1990s, the government under then President Rawlings introduced administrative directives targeting similar aims, but implementation faced significant challenges due to weak institutional structures, a lack of enforcement mechanisms, and cultural resistance.

As a result, women continue to be glaringly absent from the corridors of power where critical decisions about national life are made. Their voices are often muted in Parliament, their representation on public boards is minimal, and their ambitions are frequently undermined by unwritten rules that favor conformity to a male-dominated political culture.

Our dear country has repeatedly promised equality, yet these promises have often gone unfulfilled. Passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 121), represents the boldest attempt yet, to disrupt systemic exclusion and write gender equality and incorporate gender equality into the framework of governance.

This legislation marks an important milestone in our nation’s development and aims to transform equality into a lived reality. Act 121 indicates that the current situation of underrepresentation, systemic discrimination, and deeply rooted gender norms can no longer be tolerated. With the government instituting minimum quotas for women in governance and public institutions, Ghana stands at a pivotal point: this Act has the potential to initiate real, measurable change, or it could become just another unfulfilled good intention.

The Affirmative Action Act 2024

In July 2024, Parliament passed the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Bill, showcasing a strong commitment to achieving gender equity in public and political life. The Act aims to promote gender equity across various aspects of society, including political, social, economic, educational, and cultural spheres.

Key provisions of the law include progressive quotas for women’s representation: a minimum of 30 percent in public decision-making bodies by 2026, increasing to 35 percent by 2028, and reaching 50 percent by 2030.

The Act also mandates institutional reforms within political parties, local governance, public recruitment processes, and the monitoring of gender balance.

Successful implementation will depend on establishing supportive structures. For example, the Act proposes the creation of Affirmative Action Units within ministries to conduct gender parity audits and outlines sanctions for non-compliance. While the passage of this law is a significant achievement, it does not guarantee change on its own.

One year after the law was enacted, various stakeholders, including civil society organisations, government agencies, and academic institutions, evaluated its implementation process. They identified several barriers, which are institutional, financial, and cultural, that could limit the law’s impact.

Concerns have been raised regarding the law’s effectiveness, with a significant issue being the weak enforcement of the law and vague political provisions.

Although it establishes quotas and targets, it lacks strong penalties or binding mechanisms to ensure compliance from political parties and the private sector.

For example, women who aspire to run for office often face financial obstacles, limited access to fundraising networks, little institutional support, and social norms that stigmatize or ridicule women in politics. Additionally, negative stereotypes and ongoing resistance within political parties create informal barriers to women’s participation.

Data indicate that women’s representation in Parliament remains low, as witnessed in the 2024 elections, despite the Act; women held only about 14-15 percent of the 275 parliamentary seats, a figure that falls far short of the quotas established by the law.

What is left to be done

Looking ahead, the promise of the Affirmative Action Act will require consistent political will, institutional capacity, adequate funding, legislative clarity, and social transformation.

The government must first ensure that implementation tools such as Legislative Instrument (LI), regulations and other administrative guidelines are drafted, adopted, and widely disseminated to clarify the obligations of ministries, political parties, and public institutions.

Additionally, enforcement gaps need to be addressed so that quotas are mandatory rather than optional. Political parties serve as the primary gatekeepers and must be required to field women in competitive constituencies, not just as token candidates. For instance, political parties can establish clear criteria for filling quota-allocated positions, ensure transparent selection processes, impose sanctions for non-compliance, and implement oversight by independent bodies. They must also challenge deeply ingrained cultural attitudes that view politics as a male domain through civic education, media campaigns, and leadership role models.

Financial barriers for female candidates need to be addressed through public funding or subsidies, mentoring programmes in grassroots politics, measures to alleviate campaign costs, and capacity-building initiatives. These efforts should aim to support capable women who may lack the resources or networks to run for elections, thereby leveling the playing field. Without such measures, quotas will merely be symbolic.

Additionally, public institutions, political parties, and traditional authorities must work to change social norms and cultural practices that undermine women’s participation through civic education and media campaigns aimed at shifting attitudes, reducing stigma, and challenging stereotypes. They should also support women in leadership positions to withstand hostility and scrutiny.

It’s important not to overlook regional and local levels in this process. Implementation must extend to every district and local government. If not, the targets of the Act will be achieved only in visible institutions in the regional capitals, while large segments of rural districts remain unaddressed. This could ultimately mask regional inequalities by relying on national averages.

Transparency will be essential. Therefore, effective monitoring and evaluation systems should collect data that is disaggregated by gender, region, and socioeconomic status. This data must be published regularly to show the proportion of women in Parliament, district assemblies, boards, and executive positions.

Additionally, ministries and political parties should be required to submit public reports on their progress towards meeting these targets. Civil society and the media should be empowered to monitor compliance and work in partnership with the government to ensure transparency and encourage accountability.

‘Equality is not an abstract aspiration. It is a right to be realised in law, policy, and practice.’

Lessons from around the world show that affirmative action works when it is supported by enforcement and complemented by supportive measures. Rwanda combined constitutional quotas with targeted recruitment, training, and public appointments, and now women dominate its Parliament.

Argentina adopted a ‘zebra list’ law requiring parties to alternate male and female candidates on their ballots, ensuring women are placed in winnable positions. India reserved one-third of local council seats for women through its 73rd Constitutional Amendment, which has transformed village-level governance and created a pipeline of women who later ran for higher office. These examples prove that when quotas are supported by training, financing, and institutional reforms, they lead to lasting change.

Conclusion

‘Gender equality must become a lived reality.’ – Michelle Bachelet.

These words from former UN Women Executive Director, Michelle Bachelet, capture the essence of Ghana’s current moment: Equality cannot just be a lofty principle written in laws or policy documents while women continue to be excluded from the decision-making rooms. Affirmative action is not about giving women special favors; it aims to break down the barriers that prevent half of the population from having an opportunity to shape their country’s future. Countries that have embraced gender parity have experienced numerous benefits, including more inclusive governance, stronger democracies, and better development outcomes.

Ghana has taken a bold step by passing the law, but it now faces the more challenging task of ensuring its enforcement.

This requires creating regulations, funding programmes, changing party rules, and shifting public attitudes, not just in speeches but in concrete actions. As the nation reflects on its past efforts and current frameworks, it becomes clear that while significant progress has been made, much work still lies ahead.

Former President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, yesterday hosted the five candidates of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer election to a breakfast meeting at his private residence in Nima, Accra.

The meeting forms part of the former President’s desire to foster a spirit of camaraderie and unity ahead of the party’s presidential primaries scheduled for January 31, 2026.

The aspirants, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Kwabena Agyei Agyepong are vying for the position of presidential candidate of the NPP ahead of the 2028 general election.

A statement issued by former Minister for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, who is spokesperson for the former President, said the meeting also underscores the critical importance of a cohesive party for the 2028 general election, as the NPP prepares to recapture political power.

Former President Akufo-Addo, in his remarks, expressed profound gratitude to the aspirants for taking time out of their busy campaign schedules to break bread with him.

According to the statement, the former President noted that the presence of the candidates ‘was a testament to their shared commitment to the collective good and future prospects of the NPP.’

The former President reminded the gathering that he has worked closely with each aspirant and holds them in high esteem, noting that their candidacies are based on merit and their significant contributions to the party and the nation.

Mr. Akufo-Addo encouraged the candidates to conduct their campaigns in a healthy, issue-based manner that focuses on presenting their visions to the party delegates.

The former President further emphasised that his primary commitment is to the unity of the NPP, the credibility of the process and to working towards a properly energised and rallied party, fully prepared to secure victory in the 2028 elections.

The statement further indicated that in a significant show of solidarity, each of the five aspirants gave their personal assurance, and that of their campaign teams, to maintain a healthy but competitive campaign atmosphere.

‘Furthermore, they expressed their commitment and that of their supporters, to rally behind the eventual winner and uphold the unity of the party after the primaries,’ the statement said.

It said Nana Akufo-Addo thanked the candidates for their positive engagement and urged the party’s leadership to ensure a credible and fair process to facilitate the unity of the party after their presidential primaries.

The meeting was also attended by Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, Chairman of the NPP Council of Elders; Danquah Smith Buttey, Acting National Chairman of the NPP; Justin Kodua Frimpong, General Secretary of the NPP; Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Minority Leader, and Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, former Chief of Staff, Office of the President.

GHANA’S AMBASSADOR to China, Kojo Bonsu, has described his host country as the ‘New World’, urging developing countries to learn from China’s experiences to improve.

According to him, developing African countries, especially Ghana, that aspire to properly and effectively transform and make life better for their citizenry, should learn from China.

Highlighting his expectations and aim as Ghana’s Ambassador to China, he said, ‘China has everything. This is the new world. If you want to develop without China, your development is nil or zilch.

‘So I think this country’s experience is what every country should want to build on, especially a developing country like Ghana and African countries.’

Mr. Bonsu stated that China has made giant strides in its development, and serves as a yardstick of many countries.

According to him, he would work assiduously and make sure that his presence in China as Ghana’s ambassador would go a long way to help his country to develop at a lightning speed.

‘We need to learn a lot, and we are going to pick a lot from here (China),’ Kojo Bonsu confidently disclosed in an interview, which has been posted on Facebook.

He said Ghana and China have enjoyed fruitful working relations for over 65 years, promising to use his stay in China to significantly improve the Ghana-China relations for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

‘My aim and expectations as Ghana’s Ambassador to China is to work and ensure that during my tenure, Ghana-China relations, which has been in existence for 65 years, will greatly improve.

‘I’m very happy about Ghana-China working relations, and I’m going to work and make it better,’ Kojo Bonsu said, adding ‘personally, I love China and I’m elated to be here, working for my country.’

Parliament yesterday swore in two newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs), Bernard Bediako Aidoo, representing Akwatia, and Professor Alidu Seidu Mahama, representing Tamale Central.

The ceremony was presided over by Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin in accordance with Article 100 of the 1992 Constitution and Order 13 (1) of the Standing Orders of Parliament.

The two legislators were elected during separate by-elections following the deaths of Ernest Kumi, the late MP for Akwatia, and Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, the late MP for Tamale Central.

They took the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of a Member of Parliament before the House, formally confirming their membership of the Ninth Parliament.

Speaker Bagbin subsequently presented each of them with a copy of the 1992 Constitution and the Standing Orders, which govern the conduct and procedures of the House.

Addressing the new members, the Speaker urged them to approach their new roles with humility and a willingness to learn, describing Parliament as a ‘new school’ where all members, regardless of their professional or academic background, must adapt to its unique culture and discipline.

‘Whether you are a Professor or what, you have come to a new school. Learn. Parliament is a new school for you,’ he advised, drawing laughter and applause from members on both sides of the chamber.

Speaker Bagbin then welcomed the MPs on behalf of the House, noting that their swearing-in brought the total number of sitting members to 276.

‘Honourable Members, on your behalf, I welcome the two members. We now have the full complement of the House. We are 276,’ he announced.

Following the brief ceremony, the entire House stood to recite the National Pledge.

Fisherfolks in several coastal communities within the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region are currently experiencing a bumper fish harvest, thanks to favourable weather conditions that have boosted fishing activities in the area.

The communities benefiting from this abundance include Tetekope, Abutiakope, Vodza, Kedzi, and others along the Keta coastline.

Fish species such as tilapia and anchovies have been caught in large quantities, bringing joy and relief to many in the fishing communities.

However, the excitement has been dampened by concerns over the lack of ready markets to sell the fish, leading to fears of post-harvest losses and declining incomes for local fisherfolks.

Simon Tettevi, a fisherman, attributed the bumper harvest to the ongoing rainy season, which has created favourable conditions for fishing. ‘We are really harvesting a lot, but despite the abundance of fish, we don’t have a ready market to sell.’

He indicated that the situation has forced many fisherfolks to sell their catches on credit, while others struggle to find buyers, resulting in lower incomes and potential losses that could affect the local economy.

Mr. Tettevi added that while the bumper harvest has led to increased supply and lower prices in local markets, which is a relief for consumers, it has created economic difficulties for those who depend on fishing for their livelihoods.

‘Formerly, we used to send our catches to Agbozume, Aflao, Sogakope, Akatsi and other towns, but the challenge now is that other fisherfolks along the coast are also recording bumper harvests. The markets are flooded, and demand is low,’ he disclosed.

He appealed for government intervention and support to address the situation.

A fishmonger, Mawulorm Woashie, also called on government and stakeholders to support the fishing industry through collective action to protect marine life and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.

She urged authorities to provide proper storage facilities and explore innovative preservation methods to prevent post-harvest losses.

Madam Woashie further raised concerns about the growing impact of climate change and illegal fishing practices on fish stocks, calling for strict enforcement measures to safeguard the marine ecosystem.

The Keta Municipal Assembly and other relevant bodies have assured fisherfolks of support, including improved infrastructure and modern equipment to enhance operations and address persistent challenges in the sector.

The fisherfolks are also appealing to individuals, hotels, restaurants, and other institutions to buy from local fishers to help sustain the industry, strengthen the local economy, and promote food security in the coastal communities.