Category: Daily Guide Network

The Centre for Policy Scrutiny (CPS), has urged the government to integrate the 24-Hour Economy programme into the country’s medium term development framework of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC).

Executive Director at the Centre, Dr. Adu-Owusu Sarkodie, made the call during a review by the Policy Think Tank on the government’s 24 Hour -Economy flagship programme in Accra yesterday.

He pointed out that integrating 24-Hour Economy programmes into the National Development Planning Commission’s long term programme will not only ensure alignment with national priorities but also help eliminate duplication.

According to him, the 24-Hour policy reflects the government needs to fill the pressing need for a stronger, more diversified economy, aligning with the country’s pursuit for long term transformation.

Dr. Sarkodie, however, stated that the success of the programme will not only depend on its vision but also on coherence and efficiency to reduce implementation and fiscal risk.

He also called on the government to establish transparent costing and phased fiscal planning to enhance the credibility for effective implementation of the progamme providing cost estimates based on impact and feasibility.

According to the think tank, such transparency will support budget discipline, improve stakeholder confidence, reduce the risk of overextension in a constrained fiscal environment.

He mentioned that the Centre observed that the 24 Hour programme correctly diagnosed Ghana’s development challenges and prescribes solutions similar to previous development ambitions and strategies contrary to earlier interpretations centred on adopting a three-shift employment system across the public and private sectors.

‘None of the programmes suggested outcome indicators relates to shift work, whether projected rate of adoption or its projected prevalence in the economy by some future date,’ he noted

‘While the term 24-Hour economy may suggest round the clock -operations, the programme represents a broader national transformation agenda. The shift system may be one of the strategies employed but it is neither a perquisite nor a defining feature of economic transformation’ the Centre observed.

The event which brought together some executives of the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat, members of the academia, members of the diplomatic corps, students as well as several other dignitaries assessed the strategic coherence, fiscal credibility and feasibility of the 24 Hour Economy programme.

Residents of Ataso, a farming community in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region, are grappling with poor mobile network coverage that has disrupted communication and economic activities in the area.

According to the residents, the situation has persisted for years, forcing them to climb trees, rooftops, and even uncompleted buildings in search of a signal to make phone calls or conduct mobile transactions.

‘The network is our major problem, and it’s affecting us a lot,’ lamented one resident, Kofi Boateng. ‘It’s difficult transacting business in this village. We’re pleading with the government to come to our aid.’

The residents explained that the poor network has made it difficult to communicate with relatives, access emergency services, or engage in mobile money transactions – a vital part of rural economic life.

They have therefore appealed to telecommunication companies to extend their coverage to the community, and called on the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations to intervene urgently.

The residents believe that improved network infrastructure would not only enhance communication, but also boost business activities and overall development in the area.

An unwanted feud seems to be brewing between the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), over investigations into former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, who is accused of corruption and related offences during the erstwhile New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.

The Office of the Attorney General is rumoured to be frustrated by delays by the OSP to transmit the docket on Mr. Ofori-Atta to it, so as to carry out the extradition process initiated by the OSP.

Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, in an interview on GHOne TV, minced no words when he said his office has written several letters to the OSP demanding the docket, a request which has since not been met.

The OSP, in a sharp rebuttal in the aftermath of the interview, made its position clear on the matter, noting that it ‘does not sacrifice excellent and professional investigations on perceived frustration over a response.’

Ofori-Atta Wanted

On June 2, 2025, the OSP re-entered the name of Mr. Ofori-Atta on the list of wanted persons and declared him a fugitive from justice in relation to an ongoing investigation into corruption and related offences.

The OSP also triggered processes for the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice of the location and provisional of arrest of Mr. Ofori-Atta in whichever jurisdiction.

Clash

Since then, the public hasn’t heard anything about the matter again until the Deputy Attorney General’s comments on GHOne TV that the OSP is yet to supply a docket on the investigations despite several requests.

According to him, only the Attorney General’s Department has the legal authority to initiate the extradition of Mr. Ofori-Atta, but the Office cannot carry out the action without a docket from the OSP.

‘The Interpol alert is not an extradition procedure,’ Dr. Srem-Sai pointed out. ‘We are the only authority that can make an extradition request, but we need a docket from the OSP to be able to make that request. Without the docket, you cannot go to the American authorities and say this is the person we want.’

In spite of this, he noted that ‘We’ve made several requests to the OSP, written letters, written demands, asking that now that you’ve announced to the world that you are ready to have this person extradited. we still do not have the docket from the OSP.’

The Deputy Attorney General stressed the importance of the docket, nothing that the extradition request must be accompanied by evidence of an ongoing investigation, just like the United States does before persons are extradited from Ghana.

‘When they ask for people to be extradited, they bring the full docket as if they are going to court. We must do the same,’ Dr. Srem-Sai added.

OSP Fires Back

But the OSP, in a strong-worded press statement, indicated that it had informed the Attorney General that the Office was in the process of boarding-up the various dockets on the subject, but its work had been extended by a search and seizure of documents and computer servers carried out by it and National Security at two offices of Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) on June 10, 2025.

It said the OSP is not frustrating and will not frustrate its own extradition request, noting that ‘there is absolutely no reason for the Attorney General’s Department to feel frustrated, if that is the case, in respect of a matter it is not involved in substantively, in respect of the investigation and prosecution of suspected persons – since OSP investigations and prosecutions are independent of any other authority.’

It further indicated that upon the communication to the Attorney General that the investigation had been extended since June 10, 2025, owing to the haul of more evidence at SML, ‘reasonable patience is required for the detailed examination and analysis of the newly discovered evidence.’

The statement, however, suggests that the OSP is not at loggerheads or in dispute with the Attorney General’s Department, emphasising that ‘the OSP is confident that that should be the position of the Attorney General’s Department.’

It further pointed out that the two offices are distinct by design but remain complementary arms of justice under Ghana’s constitutional architecture. ‘Differences in function do not imply conflict; they ensure accountability through procedural checks and balances.’

It said that the OSP will continue to cooperate fully with the Attorney General’s Department to ensure that the matter proceeds lawfully and efficiently, adding ‘the investigations remain very active, the extradition processes are underway.’

Afrobeats star, King Promise, is under fire after a video surfaced showing him claiming that Lagos, Nigeria, is bigger than the entire country of Ghana.

In the viral video, filmed during a chat with Nigerian TikTok streamer, Peller, in Accra, King Promise compared the populations of the two locations while discussing streaming numbers – but his comments quickly sparked outrage.

‘Nigeria is bigger than Ghana; come to think of it, the whole of Ghana is not bigger than Lagos. Lagos is bigger than the whole of Ghana. And it’s not even the capital of Nigeria. So if you are doing numbers-wise, it is not even fair; Ghana has 24 million people. Nigeria is about 300 million,’ he said.

The statement drew swift backlash on social media, with many Ghanaians accusing the singer of spreading misinformation and downplaying his own country.

Comments poured in, with users writing, ‘Bro is still holding on to the social studies he was taught in 2013,’ and ‘The ignorance on display is staggering.’

According to the Ghana Statistical Service, Ghana’s population stood at 30.83 million in the 2021 census and is projected to reach 33.7 million by 2025. In contrast, official figures from the Lagos State Government estimate the population of Lagos at over 22 million, though precise numbers remain uncertain.

At the start of the 2024/2025 academic year, Ghana’s secondary education sector saw a massive reform with the introduction of a new SHS curriculum by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) and the Ghana Education Service (GES).

According to Prof. Samuel Bekoe, ‘this curriculum aims to equip learners with 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and digital literacy whiles also promoting core Ghanaian values and inclusivity’.

A crucial part of ensuring the new curriculum equipped learners with these skills is pointed directly not only to teaching and learning but also how learners would be assessed. Considering this, significant part of the rollout of the new curriculum for Senior High Schools (SHS) is the introduction of a new approach to assessment and the student transcript portal.

The new curriculum promotes a balanced approach to assessment. It encourages varied and differentiated assessments and proposes an internal assessment, comprised of formative (portfolios, performance and project work in the classroom) and summative assessment, which can be an end-of-term examination. In addition, there would be external assessment, which is a comprehensive summative assessment to be conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) at the end of the year 3.

Supporting this shift in assessment is the introduction of the Student Transcript Portal (STP), which is explained in detail below.

The Student Transcript System/Portal (STP)

The Student Transcript System (STP), which is a centralised repository for learner information, provides a comprehensive record of the student’s academic performance and character qualities.

.. It contains key details such as learner bio-data, semester information, learning areas, subject combinations, assigned classes, continuous assessments information, credits hours, grades, Grade Point Averages (GPAs) and Cumulative Grade Point Averages (CGPAs). Additionally, a dedicated qualitative information section captures brief descriptions of learners’ character qualities over the period.

The introduction of the Student Transcript System marks a significant leap forward in Ghana’s effort to reform secondary education.

As Ghana continues to build a global competitive education system, innovations like the STP are laying the foundation for a new generation of learners who are confident, capable, and ready for the future. This is not just an assessment reform; it is an educational renaissance.

According to Mr. Lawrence Dogbatse, Deputy Registrar of WAEC, ‘This new curriculum reflects WAEC’s strong commitment to transforming traditional assessment methods. We are moving beyond exam-based evaluation to incorporate project work, practical applications, and critical thinking.’ He added, ‘The introduction of the Student Transcript Portal (STP) is a key part of this shift, as it ensures that every aspect of a learner’s growth, not just test scores, is recognised and valued.’

Benefits for Stakeholders

For learners, the STP encourages them to be consistent and engaged, knowing that every group project or values-based lesson contributes to their academic profile. It promotes intrinsic motivation and moves away from the old ‘chew, pour, pass, forget’ approach.

Parents gain access to a fuller understanding of their child’s strengths and areas for improvement. Instead of seeing only end-of-term grades, they see how their child participates in class, leads group discussions, and develops problem-solving skills.

Teachers and schools’ benefit from clear guidelines, assessment rubrics, and technology-enabled systems that support more accurate and equitable evaluations. This makes it easier to tailor support to different learner needs, including students with disabilities or special needs.

Tertiary institutions and future employers receive access to a rich dataset on prospective students. The STP reflects not just academic scores but also competencies like leadership, ethics, and teamwork, skills that matter in the real world.

Speaking on the significance of the STP, Prince Agyemang-Duah, Director of Schools and Instruction at GES, expressed, ‘Learning is not just about what students can memorise and reproduce in a two-hour paper. It’s about how they think, collaborate, create, and apply knowledge to real-world situations’. The Student Transcript Portal enables us to document this broader learning experience.

It ensures that students are recognised for the full range of their efforts. This is how we nurture confident, competent, and future-ready graduates. In line with the ambitions of the new SHS curriculum, STP revolutionises how we define and recognise learning, moving from rote memorisation to real-life application, inclusivity, and personal development.

A Shift in Assessment Philosophy

The new curriculum champions a balanced approach to assessment with internal assessments such as portfolios, project work, and practicals are now given eight alongside external examinations. Lawrence Dogbatse from WAEC explains that, ‘While WAEC still conducts final assessments, its methods have evolved to measure higher-order thinking: only 30% of the exam now assesses factual recall, while 70% evaluates critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication.’

As Ghana embarks on this transformative educational journey, it is imperative for all stakeholders-teachers, parents, and students-to embrace the shift towards this future-ready curriculum.

Akosua Manu, Special Aide to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia says he is the best candidate to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2028 general election.

In a social media post on Facebook last Sunday, Akosua Manu, also known as Kozie, said given Dr. Bawumia’s track record, integrity, and resilience in the country’s political landscape, especially within the party, set him apart as the best to lead the party and subsequently recapture political power from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.

‘Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has been through that sacred furnace, he has been tested by time, by trials, by tongues of critics, and by the weight of leadership, yet, he stands unbroken, unbent, unbought. He is the standard-bearer of purposeful leadership within the NPP and the country at large,’ she stated.

Ms. Manu also indicated that Dr. Bawumia’s life and career embodies what she calls ‘Divine Quality Control’ through which time, trials, and truth separate true leaders from others.

The former Deputy Chief Executive of the National Youth Authority (NYA) further said the flagbearer hopeful has consistently demonstrated bold leadership by transforming a number of challenges facing the country into opportunities.

Among some of his track record, she mentioned, include championing Ghana’s digital transformation agenda by modernising systems across public institutions as well as enhancing transparency and efficiency in governance, while urging delegates of the NPP to reflect deeply as they prepare to select a flagbearer on January 31, 2026.

‘When others sought power for pride, he sought it for purpose. When others spoke to be heard, he spoke to be understood. When others complained about Ghana’s challenges, he devised solutions,’ she disclosed.

‘The 2028 mission will not be about who shouts the loudest, it will be about who has been prepared, refined, and approved by both time and truth. That man is Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, a man of intellect, humility, faith, and focus,’ Ms. Manu stressed.

Ms. Manu’s post comes amid heightened political activity within the NPP, as several aspirants intensify campaigns for the party’s flagbearer position, adding to the growing momentum around Dr. Bawumia’s leadership narrative as a tested and trusted choice for the next electoral cycle.

‘The destiny of Ghana deserves nothing less than a leader who has been tested, proven, and prepared to deliver. I will call on members of the party as well as all Ghanaians to recognise the significance of the moment and support a leader who embodies discipline, depth, and dedication to national service,’ she added.

Four persons have been killed and several others injured after unknown gunmen opened fire at the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) office at Garu, in the Upper East Region.

Several persons who sustained various degrees of injury were rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

The Garu District Chief Executive, John Abaare, in an interview with DAILY GUIDE indicated that according to eyewitnesses, four armed men on two motorbikes stormed the NHIA premises and began firing indiscriminately.

He said the gunmen fled toward Nakpanduri in the North East Region after shooting for several minutes.

Mr. Abaare said military personnel and police officers from Bawku have since been deployed to Garu to restore peace and order.

‘Military from Bawku has been deployed to Garu and police as well to conduct patrols to maintain peace and order in the area,’ he said.

The Garu DCE, urged residents to be vigilant and report any strangers in their communities to the community leaders or the nearest police station.

‘I want to appeal to residents not to gather in groups at night because we don’t know what can happen next. If they see any strange person around, they should report to community members or the nearest police station,’ he stated.

He, however, noted that no arrests have been made so far in the attack at the NHIA office in Garu.

Meanwhile, the motive for the attack remains unclear, and the police have launched an investigation, appealing to residents to provide any reliable information that could help apprehend the perpetrators.

Old Mutual Ghana, a leading Integrated Financial Services Provider, offering innovative life insurance and pension solutions, has reiterated its commitment to the well-being and peace of mind of its clients and stakeholders by standing with them in moments of loss and celebrating with them in times of triumph.

In line with this, Old Mutual Ghana paid a courtesy call on the Department of the Civilian Establishment of the Ghana Armed Forces (Ministry of Defence), as part of its pledge to deliver exceptional service and ensure efficient and continued support to the Ministry.

During the engagement, Old Mutual Ghana expressed heartfelt condolences to the Ministry regarding the gallant officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. The company also presented a cash donation as well as Group Welfare claims of over GHS130,000 for seven officers to the Director General of the Defence Civilians Establishment, Brigadier General Dagadu.

Brigadier General Dagadu commended Old Mutual for its role in improving the welfare of many units within the Ghana Armed Forces and acknowledged the profound support the Ministry has received from the Company.

The visit was led by Kosmas Egumbo, Old Mutual Africa Regions (OMAR) Life and Asset Management Executive, who stated that, ‘We take relationships with our stakeholders seriously. We believe that our business thrives because of stakeholders like you,’ Kosmas Egumbo stated.

Also present were Roy Punungwe, Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Old Mutual Ghana, and Emma Ocansey, who is the Head of Distribution at Old Mutual Ghana. Mr. Punungwe emphasised that, ‘as a business that is dedicated to protecting what matters most for institutions and businesses, these gestures are important to us.’

The visit underscored Old Mutual’s mantra of being that certain friend in uncertain times, safeguarding what matters most, which not only means funds but, more importantly for corporates, safeguarding their most valuable assets – their people.

Gospel musician, Piesie Esther, has revealed that she once believed social media was a tool for evil spirits – and wanted nothing to do with it.

Speaking in an interview on Hitz FM on October 19, 2025, the award-winning musician admitted she used to think social media was for ‘maame water’ (marine spirits) because of the kind of content she saw online.

‘I knew that I was working, but people kept saying I had gone silent. I didn’t understand why until I realised it was because I wasn’t active on social media,’ she said. ‘I used to say social media was for maame water. Some of the things that went on there were beyond me, so I wasn’t interested at all.’

Piesie Esther explained that her attitude changed when she discovered how powerful social media could be for promoting her music and connecting with her fans.

‘I wasn’t posting anything, I wasn’t showing what I was doing. People didn’t know I was still recording and working,’ she admitted.

Now, the gospel singer says she has learned to embrace the digital world.

‘When you hear certain things, you begin to think deeply. I’ve grown to understand it better,’ she said.

Former West Ham manager Graham Potter has been announced as the new head coach of Sweden.

The 50-year-old has accepted the role on an initial short-term basis in a bid to aid Sweden’s faltering World Cup qualification campaign.

Potter said: ‘I am very humbled by the assignment, but also incredibly inspired. Sweden has fantastic players who deliver in the world’s best leagues during the weeks.

‘My job will be to create the conditions so that we as a team deliver at the highest level to take Sweden to the World Cup next summer.’

Sweden had been seeking a new head coach since the dismissal of Jon Dahl Tomasson following their 1-0 loss to Kosovo on 13 October, a result that made automatic qualification from their group impossible.

However, they could still reach the play-offs even without finishing in the top two of Group B as a result of their success in the 2024-25 Nations League, where they topped their group.

Potter was sacked by West Ham at the end of September after a disappointing start to the season.

Five losses in six games in the 2025-26 campaign had left the Hammers in the Premier League bottom three. Overall, he won just six of 23 matches since joining the east London club in January.

However, Potter retains a positive image in Sweden, having delivered three promotions in four seasons at Ostersund, taking them from the fourth division to the top flight, while also winning a domestic cup in 2017.

Potter also had successful spells managing Brighton and Swansea City before joining Chelsea in 2022 but was dismissed from his role at Stamford Bridge after seven months.