Category: Daily Guide Network

Seventy-two (72) per cent of supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who voted for former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the 2024 general election say they still prefer him to lead the party in the 2028 presidential election.

Latest Global InfoAnalytics poll released on Monday, indicate that while many of the voters prefer Dr. Bawumia, 20 per cent also prefer Kennedy Ohene Agyapong ahead of the party’s January 31 presidential primary.

In the Ashanti Region, Dr. Bawumia’s popularity continues to increase as 73 per cent of voters prefer him to Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, whose support base in the region remains at 20 per cent

Two (2) per cent of supporters of the party across the country also prefer Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, while 3 per cent prefer him in the party’s stronghold, Ashanti Region.

While 2 per cent of the NPP supporters prefer Dr. Bryan Acheampong at the national level, 1 per cent of respondents prefer him in the Ashanti Region, with 1 per cent of respondents supporting Kwabena Agyei Agyepong at both the national level and in the Ashanti Region.

Global InfoAnalytics further reported that 2 per cent of respondents at the national level and 1 per cent in the Ashanti Region were still undecided in their choice among the five flagbearer aspirants.

‘We are now assessing how many delegates who supported each of the leading candidates in previous internal elections will stick with them or switch their votes come January 2026,’ the pollsters revealed.

SENEGAL IS in mourning following the tragic death of young goalkeeper Cheikh Touré, who was found dead in Kumasi, Ghana, on Friday, October 17, 2025.

The heartbreaking news was confirmed in a statement issued by the Ministry of African Integration, Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad.

According to the ministry, initial investigations by consular services suggest that Touré, a promising Senegalese footballer, fell victim to a criminal network involved in fraud and extortion.

Reports indicate that the young player was lured to Ghana by fraudsters posing as football scouts, who deceived him into believing he had been invited for a professional trial with a top club.

Upon his arrival, however, Touré was abducted by the scammers, who demanded a ransom from his family.

Despite desperate efforts to meet their demands, his relatives were unable to raise the money. The kidnappers are believed to have then taken his life.

The Senegalese Embassy in Accra confirmed that the goalkeeper’s remains have been deposited at the Ebenezer Morgue in Tafo in the Ashanti Region.

In response, Ghanaian authorities have officially been engaged to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Touré’s death.

The ministry also announced that two embassy officials will travel to Kumasi to assist local authorities with administrative and judicial procedures, and to coordinate the repatriation of the remains to Senegal once the necessary authorisations are secured.

The Ministry of African Integration, Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad extended its deep condolences to the bereaved family and assured the public that the case is being followed closely at the highest level.

The Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has declared the government’s commitment to establishing Ghana’s culinary heritage as a major pillar of the global creative economy.

Speaking at the inaugural launch of the Afro Gastro Festival 2025 at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra last Friday, the minister outlined a strategic vision where Ghanaian food becomes an inducement for job creation, cultural diplomacy, and national development.

‘We are preparing our young chefs to showcase our authentic flavours while also adapting them to capture global palates,’ Madam Gomashie stated.

She identified the multi-million-dollar global culinary industry as fertile ground for young Ghanaians to build sustainable livelihoods while showcasing the nation’s identity.

The minister further emphasised that the cuisine is a natural gateway to promote other creative sectors. ‘Together, we want to promote agriculture, fashion, and music, and the platform we can use is food. There’s nowhere that food is served that you don’t find music and people dressed well,’ she said.

To facilitate this growth, Madam Gomashie revealed ongoing partnerships with hospitality institutions, culinary schools, local farmers, and entrepreneurs. These collaborations are designed to create platforms that empower chefs to skilfully merge tradition with innovation.

Speaking about the strategic importance of the initiative, Prof. Kobby Mensah, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Development Company, emphasised Ghana’s evolving call to the African diaspora.

‘From the days of Panafest, we have celebrated our shared heritage. The global call reminds us that Africa has always been home. Through the Year of Return, we extended another call not just to come back, but to reconnect with our roots and rediscover the essence of who we are,’ Professor Mensah stated.

The Afro Gastro Festival 2025 was positioned not just as a culinary showcase but as a strategic investment in positioning Ghana as the definitive gateway to Africa’s cultural and creative rebirth.

Former Minister of Communications, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has declared her intention to contest for the position of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) General Secretary.

Mrs. Ekuful who disclosed this in a facebook post yesterday, marking her birthday, said the decision to contest forms part of a broader mission to help re-organise the party and restore public confidence in the NPP.

She said, ‘On this day of my birth, Patriots, I come before you, the fighter you have always known. I come to you in all humility, to ask you, dear patriots, to join me on this rescue mission as your next General Secretary.’

She also stated that although the party has faced difficulties, which in her view has been part of its struggles over the years, members of the party should be hopeful in its re-organisation.

‘We came out bruised, our individual and collective egos battered. We lie not in a good place. However, as our great tradition had demonstrated over the years, influenced by the then burgeoning spirit of resilience and purpose that heralded our birth in Saltpond, we will thrive,’ she said.

‘Scathed, we refuse to be burnt, and in the unlikely circumstance that we set ourselves in a blazing inferno, enduring the ultimate sacrifice for the New Patriotic Party (NPP: Development in Freedom), we will rise. It will shape us, mould us, and like the Phoenix, we will rise and be ready,’ she added.

According to her, she would work to restore confidence at the polling stations, unite members of the party in order enable them recapture power form the National DC in 2028.

‘This remains the ultimate resolve of the party. This remains the ultimate resolve of Ghanaians. It remains the ultimate resolve of Ursula Owusu-Ekuful. Patriots, join me, let us commit to the struggle, for I know with unity and God on our side, as well as the collective will of the Ghanaian people, we shall overcome,’ she stated.

She, therefore, called on members of the party to give her the mandate to serve as the General Secretary in the next election.

‘Our situation is but a necessary phase of self-introspection and diagnosis towards our journey of re-organisation. I come to you in all humility, to ask you, dear patriots, to join me on this rescue mission as your next General Secretary,’ she added.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has slapped former Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid and nine (9) others with 29 more criminal charges, accusing them of extorting a total of GHS291.574 million and $332,407.47 from bulk oil transporters and oil distributors.

The OSP had initially charged the ten – seven (7) individuals and three companies with 25 counts of charges including extortion by a public officer, conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering.

The individuals are Jacob Kwamina Amuah, Coordinator of the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF) at NPA; Wendy Newman, a staff of NPA; Albert Ankrah, Isaac Mensah, all Directors of Kel Logistics Limited; Bright Bediako-Mensah, a Director of Kel Logistics Limited and Kings Energy Limited as well as Kwaku Aboagye Acquaah, Director of Kings Energy Limited.

The three companies caught in the OSP’s alleged corruption and extortion web are Propnest Limited, Kel Logistics Limited and Kings Energy Limited.

The OSP says one suspect identified as Osei Tutu Adjei, a Director of Kel Logistics Limited is currently at large.

But the Office has now charged the ten with a total of 54 counts of charges, and the accused persons, who are all on a GHS2 million each bail granted by a court in July this year, would have to make a fresh appearance for their pleas to be taken on the new charges.

Brief Facts

The OSP says the charges stem from investigations initiated by it in late 2024 into alleged unlawful conduct involving the diversion of public funds and collusion with oil marketing and bulk distribution companies.

The summary of facts indicate that investigations by the OSP show that between 2022 and December 2024, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, Jacob Kwamina Amuah and Wendy Newman under the colour of their office as officers of NPA, set up an extortionate scheme by which they unlawfully obtained GHS291,574,087.19 and $332,407.47 from bulk oil transporters and oil marketing companies, which they knew they were not lawfully authorised to obtain.

It says the scheme was contrived by Abdul-Hamid, who sold the idea of the alleged criminal adventure to Amuah, who also recruited Newman as the primary conduit for receiving the proceeds of the crime.

The facts claim a total of GHS24 million was handed directly by Amuah to Abdul-Hamid between January 2024 and December 2024 – ‘being proceeds of the criminal extortion scheme.’

The brief facts further points out that within the same period, Abdul-Hamid also directly received GHS230,000 from one oil haulage company.

Of the total amount received by the three, a sum of GHS227,232,323.58 and $17,207.47 were paid through Newman, who disbursed it at the instruction of Amuah, the facts further alleged.

The investigations further revealed that Ankrah, Mensah, Bediako-Mensah and Acquah together with Osei Tutu Adjei, with the complicity of the accused persons, established and ran Propnest, Kel and Kings Energy ‘by which they proceeded to unlawfully launder the proceeds of the criminal adventure.’

This, the OSP claims was done ‘through various transfers for the acquisition of movable and immovable property for the purpose of concealing or disguising the illicit origin of the proceeds of the criminal enterprise and to evade the legal consequences of the unlawful activity.’

The brief facts added that Amuah and Newman transferred various sums of money directly to three companies and funded the purchase of lands, the construction of houses, the purchase of trucks for oil distribution business, and the construction of fuel filling and service stations ‘in pursuance of the criminal adventure.’

Outstanding number of women who gathered under the pavilion of the Alisa Hotel in Accra to observe the maiden edition of the Seats of Strength conference on breast cancer awareness have applauded the organisation for the initiative.

The project, organised under the Women of Valour Program, founded by broadcast journalist, Nana Aba Anamoah, highlighted the resilience of survivors, promoted open conversations about breast cancer, and raised funds to support those affected by the disease.

Head of the Breast Unit at the Department of Surgery, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital,

Dr. Florence Dedey, stated that breast cancer is the most common cancer in Ghana, accounting for about a third of all female cancers and the second most common cause of cancer deaths.

She said, despite being less common in Ghana compared to developed countries, new cases and deaths have increased by 60-70% over the past 15 years, and are expected to double in the next 15 years.

‘In our region, breast cancer often results in poor outcomes due to late diagnosis and inadequate treatment. It’s crucial that we increase our knowledge of breast cancer to make informed decisions and encourage our loved ones to do the same,’ she added.

Obuobia Darko-Opoku, Administrator, Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares) stressed on the need to confront stigmatisation of breast cancer patients, saying, ‘Women and men living with breast cancer carry not only the weight of the disease but also the burden of silence, shame and misunderstanding. Today, I urge us all to break that silence, to let us create a culture where people can share their stories without fear.’

Madam Darko-Opoku stated that the Ghana Medical Trust Fund is committed to providing access to life-saving diagnostic tools through early detection, offering financial support to women and men battling breast cancer and other non-communicable diseases.

She further stated that the Mahama Care fund seeks to retain and train specialists to ensure quality care is accessible locally, as well as conduct research on diseases to inform proactive measures.

She praised Nana Aba Anamoah and her team for organising the event, saying, ‘This initiative, born from her heart and mind, provides survivors a platform to share, heal, and find strength together. It takes rare vision and compassion to harness empathy. Nana Aba Anamoah’s pioneering spirit and conviction that something beautiful can emerge from pain will undoubtedly impact generations of women and men, touching every survivor.’

Nana Aba Anamoah expressed her gratitude to the survivors for sharing their story, saying, ‘We should share our strength and courage. Looking around this room, I see women who’ve faced incredible challenges and fought battles that would have broken many. Yet, they’ve stood tall, refused to cower, and held onto hope. Today, we celebrate their courage and resilience. It takes bravery to share one’s story, and we’re honoured to have these women on this platform.’

Etornam, representing the Volta Region, was crowned the winner of Ghana’s Most Beautiful (GMB) 2025 last Sunday at the National Theatre, Accra.

Etornam’s victory marks the third time the Volta Region has claimed the crown, following Emefa in 2012 and Selorm in 2023.

With her win, Etornam took home an impressive prize package, including a brand-new car: a Haval Jolion SUV worth over GHS400,000, a cash prize of GHS20,000, a fully sponsored trip abroad courtesy of Global Winds and Travel, and other prizes including a year’s supply of fabric from GTP, plus souvenirs from sponsors.

Etornam’s journey to the crown was remarkable, showcasing her exceptional cultural knowledge, eloquence, and stage presence. She plans to use her platform to champion her Early Childhood Education project, aiming to ensure every child in Ghana has access to quality education.

First runner-up was Asakia, representing the Upper East Region, with Sika, representing the Ashanti Region grabbing the second runner-up position.

Etornam’s journey to the crown was nothing short of inspiring. Out of 16 contestants who represented all regions of Ghana, only five made it to the grand finale after twelve intense weeks of cultural displays, talent showcases, and evictions. Etornam stood tall among her peers with six awards and twelve nominations, the highest ever for the 2025 season.

Her path to victory wasn’t an easy one. Born and raised in Yeji, Etornam endured a tough childhood, growing up in a broken home and facing abuse, stigmatisation, and street life. At one point, she worked as a tro-tro mate just to survive. Despite these challenges, she rose above her circumstances-starting formal education at age 14, and later studying at the Oxford Institute of Business and Journalism after completing her secondary education at Adidome Senior High School.

Throughout the competition, Etornam impressed judges and viewers with her deep cultural knowledge and authentic performances. She proudly represented the Volta Region, showcasing Ewe culture through traditional fabrics like kete and dances such as the Atrikpui and Agbadza war dances-earning applause for her creativity and storytelling.

Her victory also marks a historic milestone-it’s the third time the Volta Region has claimed the GMB crown, making Etornam’s win a celebration for her people and a proud moment in Ghana’s pageant history.

The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced plans to review the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) to ensure greater fairness and efficiency.

During a visit to Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School (PRESEC), Legon, on Monday, October 20, the minister inspected facilities and assessed the school’s admission processes. He expressed concern over increasing reports of students being denied their preferred schools or programmes despite achieving excellent grades.

‘I have observed that some parents and students have genuine concerns. A student may choose Science but end up being placed in General Arts or Business. That’s unfair and discouraging for hardworking learners,’ he said.

Mr. Iddrisu acknowledged that the current placement system has not been performing as intended.

‘It means the computerised placement system is not working well for the country. I’m happy to review it – and I will,’ he affirmed.

‘A committee will be formed to assess its performance over the past decade and propose credible alternatives. Admission must be based on merit. It’s unacceptable for a student with Aggregate 6 to miss their first-choice school,’ he said.

The minister also spoke on broader issues affecting the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme, noting that sustaining quality education requires significant investment.

‘We need to manage the challenges in providing quality Free SHS education. That means deliberate and sustainable investment – expanding classrooms, laboratories, and dormitories for students,’ he explained.

Mr. Iddrisu further commended the role of alumni and religious institutions in supporting education delivery.

‘I’ve observed the strong partnership between churches and the state, particularly the Presbyterian Church, in providing quality education. I want to acknowledge and commend their efforts,’ he said.

He praised PRESEC for its consistent record of excellence, mentioning notable alumni such as the Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and former Minister for Health, Bernard Okoe Boye. However, he admitted that the school faces infrastructural challenges.

‘My assessment shows that classrooms, dormitories, and laboratories are inadequate and need urgent improvement,’ he stated.

To address these gaps, the minister announced plans to upgrade schools nationwide. ‘Government will, from 2026, work to upgrade 10 Category C schools to B, and 10 Category B schools to A. Additionally, a special group of 10 top-performing schools, including PRESEC, will receive targeted infrastructure support,’ he revealed.

Meanwhile, about 590,000 first-year Senior High School students have begun reporting to their respective schools from Saturday, October 18 to Monday, October 20, 2025, marking the start of the 2025/2026 academic year.

GHANAIAN FOOTBALLERS returned from international duty in impressive form over the weekend, delivering standout performances for their clubs across Europe and beyond.

Fresh from helping the Black Stars secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, many players were back to their best as they strengthened their cases for inclusion in the final tournament squad.

In the English Premier League, Antoine Semenyo played a key role in Bournemouth’s thrilling 3-3 draw against Crystal Palace, contributing to the opening goal though he was unfortunate not to receive the assist.

Mohammed Kudus was also in fine form for Tottenham Hotspur, seeing a well-taken goal ruled out during their narrow 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.

In the Championship, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku continued his brilliant season by setting up Leicester City’s equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Portsmouth, while Jordan Ayew made a late cameo appearance. Fatawu now boasts two assists and three goals in the league.

Meanwhile, Brandon Thomas-Asante fired in his sixth goal of the season as Coventry City beat Blackburn Rovers 2-0 to move to the top of the table. With three assists, the forward now has nine goal contributions in 12 matches across all competitions.

Elsewhere in Europe, Abdul Baba Rahman opened his scoring account for the season with a superb strike in PAOK’s 2-0 victory over AEK Athens in Greece.

In Switzerland, goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi was the hero for St. Gallen, saving a crucial penalty to secure a 2-1 win over Young Boys, keeping his side within a point of the league leaders.

In Belgium, Joseph Opoku delivered his fourth assist of the campaign as Zulte Waregem cruised to a 4-1 win over Gent.

Over in the United States, Joseph Paintsil wrapped up the MLS regular season in style, scoring in LA Galaxy’s 2-1 triumph over Minnesota United – his 15th goal and 18th direct contribution (15 goals, 3 assists) in 34 appearances.

Meanwhile, in Croatia, rising star Daniel Adu-Adjei continued his excellent form for Rijeka, scoring in consecutive games during a 1-1 draw with Slaven Belupo.

The 20-year-old, who joined from Bournemouth in the summer, has now notched three goals and one assist in just seven appearances.

The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno last Tuesday, paid a high-level working visit to the New York City Police Department (NYPD) Headquarters at One Police Plaza, where he held bilateral discussions with NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and members of her executive command team.

The engagement, part of IGP Yohuno’s ongoing U.S. law-enforcement partnership tour, focused on expanding cooperation between the Ghana Police Service (GPS) and the NYPD in areas of technology-driven policing, counterterrorism, intelligence-led operations, and urban crime prevention.

Commissioner Tisch briefed the delegation on NYPD’s advanced public safety systems, including the use of integrated surveillance cameras, real-time crime centres, and drone technology to enhance situational awareness and operational response.

During a live demonstration, IGP Yohuno observed firsthand how NYPD’s network of drones and integrated camera systems are deployed in real time to monitor incidents, track suspects, and prevent crime across the city. Impressed by the innovation, he remarked that ‘seeing how the NYPD employs drone and camera technology to prevent crime in real time underscores how critical technology has become to modern policing. The Ghana Police Service is committed to leveraging similar smart policing tools to make our communities safer, more secure, and more resilient.’

In a landmark development, both leaders agreed to explore the exchange placement of police officers in each other’s headquarters to strengthen institutional cooperation and knowledge sharing. Under the arrangement, the NYPD would explore assigning an officer to the Ghana Police Service Headquarters in Accra, which will fall under the NYPD’s International Liaison Unit, while the Ghana Police Service would post a liaison officer to the NYPD’s Regional Intelligence Support Center in New York City. The initiative aims to promote continuous intelligence exchange, operational coordination, and professional development between the two agencies.

Commissioner Tisch commended Ghana’s proactive leadership in regional security and expressed the NYPD’s readiness to expand collaboration through training and operational partnerships.

The engagement concluded with a guided tour of the NYPD Joint Operations and Counterterrorism Centers, offering the Ghanaian delegation a firsthand look at how technology and interagency coordination drive effective public safety in New York City.

The visit followed IGP Yohuno’s earlier meeting at the FBI New York Field Office, where discussions centered on cybercrime, transnational fraud investigations, and counterterrorism cooperation. Both visits, facilitated by the FBI Legal Attaché Office in Accra and supported by U.S. Embassy Accra, underscore the growing depth of the U.S.-Ghana security partnership and the shared commitment to combating evolving global threats through innovation and collaboration.