Category: Daily Guide Network

A number of African parliamentarians have pledged to uphold The Accra Declaration on Freedom of Religion or Belief, recognising it as a significant document for promoting and protecting freedom of religion or belief across Africa.

This commitment was made during a three-day workshop organised by the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) and the International Panel of Parliamentary Freedom of Religion or Belief (IPPFoRB) Academy, held in Accra from October 6 to 8, 2025.

Parliamentary representatives from countries such as Ghana, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Zambia, Uganda, Kenya, and Malawi expressed their commitment to strengthening human rights in Africa by fostering interfaith dialogue and cooperation, protecting vulnerable communities, as well as promoting democratic values and good governance.

The declaration, adopted on October 8, 2025, affirmed their commitment to stand in solidarity with victims of religious violence and to denounce acts of violence as well as incitement to hatred based on religion or belief. It emphasised the importance of ensuring the right to remedy for victims and engaging with affected communities respectfully.

Additionally, the declaration seeks to ban harmful traditional practices, such as child marriage, and ensure that laws and policies related to freedom of religion or belief comply with international human rights standards at all levels. It also encourages various African countries to work in coordination with their governments to request the official visit of the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief to assess the situation regarding this fundamental right.

The parliamentarians pledged to refrain from weaponising religion for political purposes and to effectively combat incitement to hatred, as well as religious intolerance and discrimination, both online and offline.

Prof. Nazila Ghanea, the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, delivered a presentation highlighting various UN mechanisms used to promote and protect this right, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 18) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Article 18).

Her presentation provided valuable insights into the UN’s role in advocating for freedom of religion or belief. The event sparked discussions and raised awareness among parliamentarians about the significance of UN mechanisms in advancing freedom of religion or belief in Africa.

Rev. Dr. Johnson Mbilla also delivered a talk titled ‘Politics, Religion, and Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB): Focus on Africa,’ offering a timely perspective on the regional context and underscoring the importance of FoRB in the continent. He explored the complex relationships between politics, religion, and FoRB in Africa.

Some residents of Asemko in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region have called for immense support to help rebuild the community.

The farming community has currently become a ghost town as most of the residents have left the area as a result of a bloody clash with neighbouring community, Butre, which claimed one life recently.

The clash occurred due to an alleged long-standing chieftaincy dispute between the two communities.

The residents made the call when the Western Regional Security Council (REGSEC), led by the Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, visited the community to assess the extent of damage caused as well as discuss how peace could be restored.

The residents recounted how they had to leave the community without taking anything when the attack started and most houses were set ablaze.

They bemoaned the fact that unresolved chieftaincy disputes fueled the disturbances.

Meanwhile, the REGSEC has vowed to ensure peace prevail between the two communities.

It would be recalled that the disturbances between Asemko and Butre claimed the life of one John Quaocoe, believed to be the brother of the Butre chief, and left many others injured.

The deceased was butchered with a cutlass by some members of the feuding factions.

Property worth thousands of Ghana cedis were destroyed and several houses set ablaze in the mayhem.

According to information gathered, the Asemko community has been under the rule of the Butre chief for so many years.

However, recently the Asemko community claimed that it had gained its freedom and so has the right to install its own chief, which created confusion between the two communities.

The youth in the two communities, wielding guns and machetes, attacked themselves, leading to the death of the Butre chief’s brother.

A Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana, Justice Dennis Dominic Adjei, has launched a new book which explores the global framework of international human rights law and its relevance to Africa’s judicial practice.

The 20-chapter book, titled ‘International Human and Peoples’ Rights: Law and Practice,’ examines major human rights systems, landmark cases, and evolving legal principles from civil and political rights to economic, social, and collective dimensions.

The launch took place at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences last Friday in Accra.

Justice Adjei, who also serves as a Judge of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, mentioned that his motivation for writing the book came from the need to bridge the gap between theory and practice in international human rights jurisprudence.

‘Wherever I travel, whether to a library or a bookshop, I find literature on the African, Inter-American, and European human rights courts, as well as on the ICC and ICJ, but never in a single volume. This book brings them all together,’ he said.

He further explained that the book contains simple language which can help leaders to understand how international courts operate.

‘Everybody must get a copy. The language is simple and engaging. It will help not only lawyers but also institutional leaders and scholars to understand how international courts operate,’ he stressed.

Justice Adjei emphasised the need for countries to honour their treaty obligations once they ratify international conventions, and distinguished between ‘human rights,’ which belong to individuals, and ‘peoples’ rights,’ which are collective.

He also highlighted the importance of legal interpretation in adjudication, stressing that ‘interpretation is not common sense; it is the effective use of appropriate legal tools.’

The chairman of the book launch, former Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Rev. Aaron Mike Oquaye, lauded Justice Dennis Dominic Adjei for his remarkable scholarly contributions to legal education and jurisprudence.

He described the author as a ‘distinguished scholar and luminary’ whose works have enriched both academia and the judiciary.

He further commended Justice Adjei for his diligence in keeping his writings current and relevant in a rapidly evolving legal environment.

‘He continues to revise his texts to maintain their accuracy and usefulness. That discipline is the hallmark of a serious scholar,’ Prof. Oquaye stated.

The launch also marked the reintroduction of three revised editions of Justice Adjei’s earlier works: ‘Modern Approach to the Law of Interpretation in Ghana, Alternative Dispute Resolution: A Ghanaian Perspective’ (co-authored with Justice Barbara Ackah-Yensu), and ‘Essential Laws on Credit Creation and Administration of Security Interests: A Ghanaian Perspective’.

Prof. Oquaye described each of the books as ‘authoritative and timely’ additions to Ghana’s legal literature.

‘It combines academic depth with practical insight-a one-stop resource that reflects deep research, global exposure, and unwavering dedication to advancing the law,’ he said, as he officially launched the 968-page publication.

The book was reviewed by media personality and private legal practitioner, Samson Lardy Anyenini.

Four persons have been remanded into police custody by a Circuit Court in Accra for allegedly operating a fraudulent online food delivery service.

The accused, Elliot Sotama Atsu, 20; Elijah Sotama Etse, 20; Jethro Atsu, 20; and Selasi Agboli, 21, according to court documents, created fake food delivery platforms mimicking well-known brands like Papaye, Pizzaman Chickenman, KFC, and Mawarko.

By doing this, they had unauthorised access to victims mobile money wallet and bank accounts, and managed to lure unsuspecting victims to place orders for food and subsequently made payment, but never received the food.

The four have been charged with conspiracy to commit fraud and defrauding by false pretences. Their pleas have been reserved as investigations continue.

The court, presided over by Her Honour Jojo Amoah Hagan, remanded the accused to reappear on November 3, 2025, as the police conduct further investigations into the matter.

The prosecution’s brief facts indicate that the accused were arrested by personnel from the Cybercrime Unit of the Ghana Police Service at their hideout at Haatso in Accra, following intelligence gathered on suspected fraudulent activities of some persons within Sogakope and its environs.

They are alleged to have engaged in fraudulent activities by creating fake online food delivery services platforms mimicking established brands like Papaye, Pizzaman Chickenman, KFC, Mawarko and others.

‘Unsuspecting customers who come across these fake portals on Google placed orders for food online and are instructed to make payments in advance through mobile money accounts provided by the scammers,’ the facts state.

The facts pointed out that after payment was made, the victims never received the food they ordered.

Twelve mobile phones suspected to have been used in the fraudulent activities were retrieved during the operation and will undergo digital forensic examination to assist in the investigation.

A total of hundred young ladies have been trained in digital skills, particularly in coding, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI) during the 2025 Girl Code Hackathon organised in Accra.

Supported by MTN Ghana Foundation and Absa Bank Ghana, this initiative reaffirmed their commitment to digital inclusion and women’s empowerment through the 2025 edition of the Girl Code Hackathon.

At the end of the hackathon, participants were tasked to develop application to solve everyday challenges, Lockedin won the competition followed by Real Woman and A Connect taking the second and third positions respectively.

Each of the winning team members received one tablet, keyboard, wireless mouse, headset and a book.

Speaking at the 30-hour hackathon, Senior Manager of the MTN Ghana Foundation, Robert Kuzoe, said the programme reflects MTN’s broader mission to equip young women with the technical and soft skills necessary to excel in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

‘Today’s programme is something we do every year. We bring together young women from tertiary institutions – a couple of hundred girls – for a hackathon that challenges their minds and creativity. The goal is to empower them with digital skills, particularly in coding, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence,’ he said.

Mr. Kuzoe explained that the hackathon encourages participants to identify pressing social and business problems in their communities and to develop technology-driven solutions to address them.

He described this year’s edition as unique because it focuses exclusively on tertiary-level participants, who are expected to deliver more advanced and refined ideas.

Head of Technology and Service Management at Absa Bank Ghana, Anita Twum-Ampofo, encouraged young women in technology to develop innovative, inclusive, and secure digital solutions that respond to the needs of ordinary Africans.

Speaking under the theme, ‘Future-Proofing Africa: Innovation at the Intersection of Fintech, Cybersecurity, and AI,’ she noted the importance of using technology as a force for inclusion, empowerment, and ethical transformation.

She stressed that Africa’s young population and rapidly growing digital economy present not only immense opportunities, but also responsibilities to ensure trust and inclusion in technology.

CEO and Founder of GirlCode, Zandile Mkwanazi, outlined the main judging criteria for the competition, noting that teams would be assessed based on four key areas – innovation activity, technical execution, impact and usefulness, and presentation or demonstration.

The Director-General of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah, has called for equitable and sustainable management of Africa’s natural resources to promote shared prosperity and social justice.

Speaking at the Equity in Extraction Conference 2025 in Accra yesterday, organised by the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC) in collaboration with the Ford Foundation and International Development Economics Associates (IDEAs), Dr. Amoah stressed that ‘equity in extraction is not just an economic goal but a moral and development imperative.’

She said Africa’s vast mineral wealth, including gold, bauxite, lithium, cobalt, and nickel, must translate into tangible improvements in jobs, education, and infrastructure for local communities.

The conference drew participants from Sierra Leone, Liberia, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Sudan, Nigeria and Benin, and it was held under the theme ‘Equity in Extraction: Addressing Inequalities in Natural Resource Governance, Critical Minerals and Climate Change.’

Using the example of Ghana’s polluted River Pra, the NDPC boss warned that unregulated mining, weak governance, and short-term political interests have caused widespread environmental harm and social injustice.

Citing data from the African Development Bank and UNDP, Dr. Amoah noted that although Africa holds nearly 30 percent of the world’s mineral reserves, it remains one of the least industrialized regions.

According to her, only about 15 to 20 percent of mining revenues stay within local economies, leaving resource-rich communities among the poorest.

She therefore urged African governments to strengthen transparency, fair contracting, and community participation while promoting value addition, technology transfer, and regional cooperation to avoid remaining mere exporters of raw materials.

The Executive Director of IDEAs, Dr. Charles Abugre, echoed these concerns, urging policymakers to adopt a long-term, sovereign, and technologically driven approach to managing natural resources.

He warned that Africa’s extractive model, which is capital-intensive and externally controlled, continues to widen inequality and deepen poverty despite decades of mining.

‘Our economies grow poorer even as extraction intensifies. Poverty is rising, inequality is worsening, and environmental degradation continues,’ Dr. Abugre said.

He cautioned against ‘regulatory capture’ by foreign corporations and urged governments to reclaim ownership and strategic control over resource exploitation.

Turning to the emerging critical minerals sector, he warned that Africa risks repeating the mistakes of the gold and diamond era if it fails to invest in research, technology, and industrial value chains. ‘We cannot afford to be price takers again in the global green transition,’ he stressed, calling for patient, long-term planning to ensure minerals drive inclusive prosperity.

Delivering the conference’s welcome address, ISODEC Executive Director Sam Danso highlighted how poor governance and climate change reinforce inequality across resource-rich regions.

He noted that agricultural productivity in Africa has fallen by 34 percent since 1960 due to climate change, and the World Bank estimates that up to 35 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa could be pushed into poverty by 2025.

He added that adaptation costs in West Africa alone, he said, could reach US$50 billion annually by 2050.

Mr. Danso called for transparency, accountability, and fair benefit-sharing in extractive governance.

The three-day conference aims to produce actionable policy recommendations for governments, industries, and civil society, ensuring Africa’s resource wealth becomes a foundation for equity, climate resilience, and inclusive development rather than exploitation.

About 49 breast cancer cases recorded in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem and Prestea Huni Valley municipalities of the Western Region over the past year, have been referred for further assessment and care.

The cases were recorded when 283 women were screened for breast cancer in various community medical outreaches organised by Gold Fields Ghana Foundation (GFGF).

This came to light when the Foundation hosted its Quarter Four (Q4) Breast Cancer and Community Medical Outreach programme at New Atuabo, under the ‘Pinktober’ 2025 theme: ‘Support, Screen and Survive.’

The event was held in collaboration with Telecel Ghana, Unilever Ghana and the Rotary Club of Tarkwa for residents from New Atuabo and surrounding communities.

A key highlight of the event was a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) registration exercise, during which Telecel Ghana sponsored 500 NHIS registrations and provided medical equipment for ultrasound scanning.

In all, 741 community members were registered or had their cards renewed.

Unilever Ghana also supported with the donation of toothpaste and hygiene supplies, which were distributed to all participants.

Ayishetu Mohammed, Project Coordinator of GFGF, explained that the outreach formed part of the Foundation’s Group Legacy Programme (GLP).

She said the GLP prioritises health awareness campaigns and access to quality healthcare as a cornerstone of sustainable community development.

‘It also reaffirmed Gold Fields’ alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,’ she added.

She noted that the outreach placed strong emphasis on breast cancer education and screening to commemorate the breast cancer awareness month, also called ‘Pinktober’.

She said beyond the cancer screening, attendees received an array of essential health services, including blood sugar and pressure checks.

They also received BMI assessments, malaria testing, dental and eye examinations, ENT consultations, and access to free medications.

‘To date, the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation has invested over $4.9 million in health and wellness initiatives,’ she stressed.

Dr. Magdalene Bakari, Lead Specialist on Health at Gold Fields Ghana, described breast cancer as the most common cancer in the country, and said when detected early, it could be treated.

Tension has erupted in Nyensobga, a farming community in the Karaga district capital of the Northern Region, after claims that the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Iddrisu Yakubu Dasana, ordered the disconnection of the community from the national grid after it was reconnected by the Karaga Member of Parliament (MP), Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam.

Residents of Nyensobga community had been without electricity for months because of a faulty transformer.

According to Ibrahim Iddi, the community’s Assemblyman, repeatedly reported the problem to the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) and followed up at the district office, but to no avail.

He indicated that the community’s chief reportedly sent a delegation to the Karaga MP, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, to help resolve the issue.

The Karaga MP contacted the relevant agencies and a new transformer was immediately installed, restoring power to the village.

However, some residents have claimed that the MCE was angered by the MP’s intervention and instructed NEDCo officials to disconnect the community from the national grid until he returned from Accra to the community.

The NEDCo staff however refused on grounds of professional ethics, resulting in the MCE directing supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to remove the fuse from the transformer, cutting power again.

Residents claimed that the MCE threatened them that they should not expect government development projects because the community had not voted for the NDC in the 2024 elections.

Residents of Nyensobga are therefore appealing to the Northern Regional Minister and national authorities to intervene, describing the incident as politically motivated and will greatly affect the welfare of the community such as farming, household needs and livelihoods of community members.

The MCE for Karaga, Iddrisu Yakubu Dasana, in an interview with DAILY GUIDE, refuted all the allegations levelled against him.

He stated that the transformer was procured by government through NEDCo, and that the Member of Parliament cannot claim to have been the one who purchased it.

‘The MP contacted NEDCo for the transformer while the assembly was also pushing for the same transformer, and finally government listened to our cry and provided the transformer, so the MP cannot claim to be the person who bought it,’ he claimed.

The Karaga MCE, noted that should the MP provide any developmental project in the district, the assembly will commend him for it.

Mr. Dasana called on NDC supporters to stay calm about the situation, assuring the community that electricity will not be disconnected.

Mr. Stephen Adjokatcher, President of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), has been elected Vice President of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), the global body for Freight Forwarders.

The election took place at the National Convention Centre in Hanoi, Vietnam, at the FIATA World Congress 2025, held from October 6 to 10.

His election marks a significant milestone not only for Ghana but for the African freight forwarding community, as Mr. Adjokatcher brings decades of experience and leadership to the global logistics platform.

In stiff competition with 13 other candidates, Mr. Adjokatcher emerged victorious. Other countries who contested the vice presidency included, India, Italy, Columbia, Vietnam, Morocco, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Iran, Chinese Taipei and Egypt.

In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Adjokatcher expressed gratitude to the newly elected President, Thomas Sim from Singapore and the Director-General of FIATA, Mr. Stephane Graber for the confidence placed in him by FIATA’s member associations, and reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the pressing challenges confronting the global logistics and transport sector.

‘The world is experiencing rapid changes in supply chain dynamics, digitalisation, and sustainability expectations. As Vice President, I am dedicated to collaborating with stakeholders worldwide to develop practical, future-oriented solutions,’ he stated.

He added that ‘Together, we must ensure that the freight forwarding industry stays resilient, efficient, and inclusive amid global disruptions.’

Even before his election, Mr. Adjokatcher had already initiated measures aimed at connecting the Togolese Association, Union Professionnel Des Agrés en Douane du Togo (UPRAD TOGO) with FIATA. This has allowed the Togolese Freight Forwarders to access the benefits of the global organisation.

An astute Freight Forwarder of several decades, Mr. Adjokatcher is also the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Santa Shipping Company.

The 2025 FIATA World Congress, under the theme, ‘Green and Resilient Logistics’, brought together more than 1,000 leaders in the logistics and transport sectors from 100 countries across the world.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the congress after his election, Mr. Adjokatcher expressed gratitude to the delegates for the confidence reposed in him, promising to perform his duties diligently and to the best of his ability.

He thanked his colleagues from GIFF who went with him to the congress for the support they gave him, which paved the way for his election.

Under his leadership at GIFF, Mr. Adjokatcher has been instrumental in driving regulatory reforms, capacity building, and the digital transformation of freight forwarding in Ghana.

For almost 100 years, FIATA has been convening industry leaders and innovators in logistics at its flagship FIATA World Congress (FWC) to discuss industry challenges and trends.

This annual event, which takes place around September and October, brings together around 700 to 1,000 participants from the logistics, transport, and cargo industries, as well as observers from other sectors and a number of institutional attendees.

FIATA, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, represents over 40,000 forwarding and logistics firms worldwide.

Afrobeat star KiDi has said he has a firm belief in monogamy, insisting that love and relationships should focus on one man and one woman.

In an interview on Asempa FM, the ‘Lomo Lomo’ hitmaker revealed that his parents’ enduring relationship shaped his views on commitment.

‘I grew up watching my mum and dad build something beautiful together. They’ve been together for years, and that has shaped how I see love and family,’ he said.

KiDi clarified that his perspective is personal and rooted in his Christian faith, rather than a rule for others.

‘Muslims are allowed to marry more than one; Christians are not, so I cannot say what’s right or wrong for anyone else. What works for one person might not work for another,’ he explained.

The 2022 Telecel Ghana Music Awards Artiste of the Year said his family’s example instilled in him loyalty, commitment, and partnership-values he plans to uphold in his own love life. The new revelation has come weeks after KiDi was quoted as saying he is not a romantic type of lover.