Apology Mark Of Humility

There is no dearth of news on the political terrain in the country, and with limited space at the disposal of editorial boards, the task of what to tackle becomes challenging.

Even more challenging is the case where a subject is before our law courts, in which case we must tread carefully lest we breach the standards; and there is one such case on the bosom of our judges.

Be it as it may, last week and the current have been laden with so much to deal with.

One of the flagbearer aspirants of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia won the hearts of many Ghanaians, both within his party and outside it, when out of humility he pleaded with NPP supporters and by extension floating voters to forgive the past administration for not meeting their expectations in certain regards.

The Akufo-Addo administration of which he was a part did a lot in the area of good governance and infrastructural development. In spite of these, however, being a human institution and therefore not without blemishes, the need to plead for forgiveness where toes were stepped on should be regarded as a mark of maturity and good leadership.

The recent request for forgiveness where the expectations of the people were not met should not be tendentiously misconstrued and hanged as some seek to do within the party.

Many NPP supporters were incensed about some interventions during the previous regime, as did floating voters. This accounted for the record number of NPP supporters who refused to go and cast their votes, a protest refusal if you like.

The debt rescheduling initiative was one of such programmes which had Ghanaians, especially pensioners, complaining in spite of the many feats chalked, one being the famous Free Senior High School (SHS), which remains unparalleled in terms of social intervention.

In one of his post-office discourses, former President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the concern expressed by many, especially pensioners, about the mandatory haircut. His remorseful remark triggered a conversation among party supporters and victims of the haircut.

It is worrisome therefore when begging for forgiveness on behalf of the NPP becomes a matter of political polemics when indeed there is a plethora of bad governance being committed by those at the helm today.

One of the acts of humility from former President Akufo-Addo was when in the face of public furore when he uttered ‘all die be die’, he told Ghanaians if that had touched their sensibilities he was sorry.

It was such a show of humility which calmed tempers, and to date the subject is hardly remembered. To err is human, and to forgive is divine.

Expressing apology cannot be equated with knocking oneself down, ignoring the fallouts from stepping on toes of the governed by the governors is.

Dr. Caesar Warns Of Rising Kidney Deaths

Chief Executive Officer of M.Y. Caesar Company Limited, Dr. Caesar, has expressed grave concern over the rising number of kidney-related deaths in the country, urging citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles and prioritise regular medical check-ups to curb the trend.

According to him, recent data suggest that kidney disease claimed 4,161 lives in 2020, representing 2.38% of all deaths in Ghana.

He said the country now ranks 56th globally in kidney disease mortality – a statistic that has alarmed health experts and prompted renewed calls for preventive action.

‘This trend is alarming. Many of these deaths could have been prevented through early diagnosis and lifestyle changes,’ Dr. Caesar said and added, ‘We cannot sit back and allow this to continue. Prevention must be our first line of defense.’

Dr. Caesar, a strong advocate for natural health solutions, noted that most kidney complications develop silently and go unnoticed until they reach advanced stages.

He emphasised that early detection through regular screening can save lives and reduce the growing burden on the nation’s health system.

He urged Ghanaians to adopt healthier habits to protect their kidneys, including reducing salt and fat intake, managing blood sugar and blood pressure levels, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, staying hydrated, and refraining from misuse of over-the-counter painkillers.

‘Regular health screening is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Early detection can mean the difference between life and death,’ he stressed.

Dr. Caesar also highlighted the need for continuous public education on kidney health, warning that lifestyle-related diseases are fast becoming one of the country’s major public health threats.

He noted that through M.Y. Caesar Company Limited, the Kumasi-based natural health enterprise, he has led initiatives promoting the use of food supplements and natural therapies to support patients battling conditions such as kidney disease, liver disorders, diabetes, and infertility.

His holistic approach, he said, aims to complement conventional medicine and bring relief to people seeking safe and sustainable health alternatives.

CID Rescues 110 Foreigners From Qnet Scam

A TOTAL of 110 foreign nationals, identified as both Cameroonians and Ivorians, are in the custody of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Criminal Investigative Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service after they were rescued through anti-human trafficking operation yesterday.

The foreign nationals, who are victims of a suspected Qnet scam operation at Kuntunse Satellite in the Greater Accra Region, were said to have been lured into the country with promises of lucrative employment opportunities. However, upon arrival, they were subjected to exploitative conditions under the guise of network marketing.

The early morning operation was conducted following weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering by the police. The victims have since been taken into protective custody as investigations continue to identify the perpetrators and dismantle the network behind the scheme.

According to police sources, initial findings indicate that the suspects used Qnet, a controversial online business platform, as a cover to recruit and exploit unsuspecting individuals from other West African countries.

The CID has assured the public of its commitment to intensifying the fight against human trafficking and transnational scam operations, urging citizens to be cautious of fraudulent job offers, especially those requiring upfront payments or recruitment through unverified agents. Authorities say efforts are underway to locate and arrest key members of the criminal syndicate believed to be operating across several regions.

It’s worth noting that Qnet has been accused of operating a pyramid scheme in various countries, including India, Ghana, and Indonesia, with allegations of misleading participants about the ease and returns of the business.

It would be recalled that some 76 Ghanaian victims of human trafficking linked to Qnet were rescued from Nigeria. Seven Ghanaian suspects were arrested in Nigeria, while two suspects from Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso were arrested in Ghana.

Director-General of the CID, COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, addressing journalists about Qnet operations, revealed that the company has been using fraudulent recruitment schemes to lure victims into human trafficking.

According to COP Donkor, Qnet’s operations in Ghana were dissolved by an Accra High Court in July 2022 due to deceptive practices akin to a Ponzi scheme.

She stated that victims, including young men and women, are promised lucrative jobs, football contracts, or visa assistance, only to have their mobile phones and travel documents seized upon arrival in Nigeria. They are then forced to contact family members in Ghana to solicit money under pretenses.

COP Donkor emphasised that those involved in such criminal activities will be prosecuted under Ghana’s Anti-Human Trafficking Act and the Criminal Code. She urged the public to be cautious of job offers or travel opportunities that seem too good to be true, especially those requiring upfront payments or unverified arrangements.

I Haven’t Met Shatta Wale Before – Fameye

Ghanaian rapper and musician Fameye, born Peter Famiyeh Bozah, has made a surprising revelation that he’s never met dancehall act Shatta Wale in person, despite their previously cordial relationship.

Fameye, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressed his disappointment on social media, stating that Shatta Wale has been unresponsive to him for months. He even tried commenting on Shatta Wale’s posts, but faced backlash from his fans.

Fameye has appealed to rapper Medikal, a close friend of Shatta Wale, to help reconnect him with the dancehall star. ‘My brother Medikal, you for carry me go meet Shatta Wale for house ‘cos he’s gone completely mute on me for months. We used to be super cool. He no go fit vex me like that? (sic)’ Fameye’s post read.

Replies under Fameye’s post suggest that Shatta Wale’s silence might be linked to Fameye’s perceived closeness with his longtime rival, Stonebwoy. However, Fameye clarified that his comments were born out of respect and admiration for Shatta Wale, and that they had plans to work together.

Some of the comments under the post read: @TuruMjb, ‘You Dey play 2 sides in Shatta Movement, we don’t do that! We are not saying don’t like the other side, but don’t play 2 sides.’

BruceNana2, wrote, ‘Mr @Antonio @Fameye or whatever you call yourself :)) stick to your ‘Efo’ we seen you already, you can’t be in two camps (sic).’

Yrn Escobar wrote, ‘Some of you di333 you gyemie pass sekof he be free with Stonebwoy nti he can’t be free with Wale too? Ghana ankasa most of Wale fans plenty fool.few weh get sense! Saying we don’t play both side in Shatta Movement Jon’s .ahiafo)) mba nkoaaa so (sic).’

Following the comments, Fameye replied critics, saying, ‘God is the master!! I give respect and show respect to my seniors like it’s supposed to!! My tweet has nothing to do with losing your so-called abused word ‘composure’. Wale has been a friend for a minute, I love him and I miss him responding to my DMs Cos (because) we had plans together!!!!’

GoldBod Nabs 6 In Illegal Gold Deal

The Taskforce of Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has arrested six people, including two foreign nationals, for engaging in an illegal gold transaction without the required licence.

The suspects, who have been identified as American citizen, Smart Philander; Moroccan national, Nina Elfseky; and four Ghanaians namely Nana Yaw Sarpong Boateng, Sowa Elisha, Evans Arhin, and Arnold Otutey, were apprehended after an intelligence-led operation at the SSNIT Emporium, near Marina Mall in Accra.

According to a statement from the GoldBod, the arrest followed several weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering by the Taskforce.

The group was caught attempting to purchase and assay 2.1 kilograms of gold valued at about GHS2.2 million without the necessary authorisation required under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).

During the operation, the Taskforce officers reportedly found gold refining equipment in the possession of the American suspect, further confirming their intention to refine gold unlawfully within the country’s jurisdiction.

The six have since been arraigned before the Accra High Court on multiple charges, including conspiracy to engage in gold trading without a licence, illegal gold trading and assaying, and attempting to refine gold unlawfully – offences contrary to Sections 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and Section 26(1) of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).

GoldBod said the arrests form part of its ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal gold trading and to safeguard the integrity of the nation’s gold marketing regime.

‘These arrests highlight our firm commitment to enforcing the laws regulating Ghana’s gold sector. Only licensed entities are permitted to trade, assay, or refine gold in the country,’ the GoldBod statement stated.

The Board has cautioned both local and foreign nationals that any involvement in gold trading, assaying, or refining without proper authorisation is a criminal offence punishable by law.

The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.

Grace Ashy Says Stephen Appiah’s Comment Made Her Stop Supporting Black Stars

Gospel musician Grace Ashy has alleged that a remark by former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah made her lose interest in supporting the national team.

In a video shared on X on October 6, 2025, Grace Ashy alleged that Stephen Appiah once told her to stop supporting the Black Stars if the state was not paying her.

She explained that the incident happened at an airport when she was helping to mobilise fans for a Ghana versus Gambia match in Kumasi.

According to her, Stephen Appiah’s words hurt her deeply because she had been a loyal team supporter for years.

‘I was very sad when he said that. Since then, even one of my team members has stopped supporting the Black Stars,’ she said.

Grace Ashy was widely known for her energetic songs and strong support for the Black Stars during their major tournaments at the time.

GSTEP Expands To Volta Region, Launches 2026 Challenge

The 2026 Ghana Science and Tech Explorer Challenge Prize (GSTEP) has been officially launched, with schools in the Volta Region set to participate in the challenge for the very first time.

This year’s challenge which is under the theme, ‘Curiosity to Impact: STEM Without Borders,’ has expanded to the Volta Region in a major step toward making practical Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) education accessible to more students across Ghana.

The virtual launch, hosted via Zoom and streamed live on Facebook, brought together teachers, students, and STEM stakeholders.

This year’s Challenge builds on the successes of previous editions held in the Greater Accra, Eastern, and Ashanti Regions, which have seen over 30,000 students, 2,000 teachers and 500 schools benefit from hands-on STEM experiences.

It is implemented by a consortium of four organisations: DreamOval Foundation (lead implementor), Partnership Bureau (partnerships and sponsorships), Shulem Lake (resources and materials), and Practical Education Network (mentorship and coaching).

The GSTEP Challenge operates in partnership with the Ghana Education Service and the Ministry of Education and is funded by the Fondation Botnar.

Executive Director of the DreamOval Foundation, Afua Oforiwaa Asiamah Adjei, said the expansion to the Volta Region makes it possible for even more young innovators to be part of this life-changing journey.

‘This expansion brings us closer to our vision of making GSTEP a truly national platform where every child, no matter where they come from, can access the opportunities and skills that STEM education provides,’ she said.

Founder of GSTEP, Constance Agyeman, reflected on the programme’s progress and its growing national impact.

‘Last year alone, over 1,000 innovative ideas were submitted by students who used STEM to address local challenges – from clean energy and sustainable farming to smart city innovations.’

Lead for Partnership and Alliance at Partnership Bureau, Francis Ahene-Affoh, noted that ‘Over the years, we have witnessed incredible solutions and inventions from technology that improves innovations that support agriculture, aquaculture, road traffic management, education, and climate resilience.’

He added that these ideas prove that given the right platform, young junior high students are capable of transforming curiosity into real impact.’

Applications for the 2026 GSTEP Challenge are open to Junior High Schools in Greater Accra, Eastern, Ashanti, and Volta regions. Interested school can register via www.gstep.org.gh to apply.

OmniBSIC Bank Completes Ninth Health Walk

OmniBSIC Bank Ghana, the fastest-growing bank in Ghana, has concluded the ninth edition of its quarterly Health Walk, reaffirming its commitment to promoting a culture of wellness, social connection, and community empowerment among staff, customers, and the wider public.

The event brought together employees, customers, vendors, and fitness enthusiasts in a shared commitment to healthy living.

Chairperson of the OmniBSIC Health Walk Committee, Akyaa Arhin Addo-Kufuor, said the growth of the event reflects the bank’s broader purpose beyond financial services. ‘Every edition has surpassed the previous one. What started as a wellness activity for staff has now become a national event that attracts people from Kumasi, Takoradi, and other parts of Ghana. It shows the kind of impact we’re making not only in banking but in people’s everyday lives,’ she said.

She explained that the Health Walk was introduced to raise awareness about the dangers of sedentary lifestyles, especially among professionals. ‘We realised that many of us spend long hours at our desks, and it was important to remind ourselves and others that health must come first. The walk is our way of encouraging regular exercise and balance, even in demanding work environments,’ she noted.

Beyond its fitness focus, the Health Walk has become a vibrant community fair, offering opportunities for small businesses to showcase their products and services at no cost.

Mrs. Addo-Kufuor said this element of inclusivity has been one of the most rewarding outcomes. ‘We do not charge vendors to participate. They come, they sell, and they connect with new customers. It is our way of giving back to the business community and helping enterprises grow,’ she said.

According to her, the initiative has strengthened OmniBSIC’s relationship with its customers and enhanced its reputation as a forward-looking bank.

Mrs. Addo-Kufuor noted that the committee has deliberately kept the format dynamic to sustain enthusiasm. ‘We like to keep people guessing. Every edition is a little different; new routes, new experiences, new energy. People now call ahead just to find out where the next walk will be,’ she said.

One Killed In Bloody Chieftaincy Clash

A long-standing chieftaincy dispute between two communities-Butre and Asemko-all in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region turned bloody yesterday when the youth in the two communities clashed.

The disturbances 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.

It was gathered that early yesterday morning, the youth in the two communities, wielding guns and machetes, attacked themselves, leading to the death of the Butre chief’s brother.

Most of the residents, particularly the women, had to run from their various homes to nearby bushes, making the communities ghost towns.

DAILY GUIDE gathered that, so far, no arrest has been made, but those who got injured as a result of the clash were sent to the hospital.

The paper also learnt that the police are currently in the communities to maintain peace.

The Relentless Crusader: Ken Ashigbey And The Gospel According To The River Gods

In the Republic of Uncommon Sense, we have mastered many arts – talking without listening, mining without thinking, and branding without evidence. The latest victim of this national pastime is Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, a man who has spent the better part of a decade fighting for the rivers that no longer run and the forests that no longer breathe.

For his troubles, he’s been baptized – not in the polluted waters of the Pra or Ankobra, but in the acidic stream of political labeling. His new title? ‘NPP operative.’

It’s a cruel joke worthy of a Kumawood plot twist: the man who once sparred with NPP officials over the government’s sluggish galamsey fight is now accused of being their secret disciple. If irony could mine gold, Ghana would be Dubai with potholes.

Let’s set the record straight. When Ken Ashigbey speaks, he doesn’t recite party manifestos – he reads the obituary of our environment. He was there when the rivers turned to brown soup. He was there when journalists were beaten for filming the truth. He was there when excavators vanished into thin air like politicians’ promises. And every time, he raised his voice, not his party flag.

So where did this ‘NPP tag’ nonsense come from? From the hallowed chambers of political insecurity, of course – that temple where every criticism must wear a party colour before being heard. It started when Stan Dogbe, now the Deputy Chief of Staff at the Jubilee House, accused Ashigbey of fighting a ‘coloured fight.’ Translation: you’re only angry because your team isn’t in power.

But Ashigbey’s reply was classic Ghanaian gospel – polite but piercing: ‘I pray God forgives you.’ You could almost hear the moral slap echo from Accra to Atewa.

What Dogbe and his chorus conveniently forget is that when the NDC came to power, he named names – Joseph Yamin, Yakubu Abanga, and a host of alleged political miners who treated the soil like family property. When the NPP held the reins, he blasted them for hypocrisy, weak enforcement, and the mysterious disappearance of impounded excavators. He even got arrested – three times – during the NPP era for refusing to shut up. If this is what being an ‘NPP operative’ looks like, then perhaps the party needs more operatives like him.

Ashigbey’s record is simple: he has never traded truth for applause. While politicians were busy forming committees to express concern about why rivers were dying, he was forming coalitions to demand action. While others were calculating electoral gains, he was calculating the turbidity levels of poisoned water.

His latest sermons have grown more urgent. He warns that the ‘window to defeat galamsey is closing fast.’ He calls for declaring states of emergency in mining zones. He criticizes judges who order the release of seized excavators, calling such decisions ‘a betrayal of the national conscience.’ For this, some say he’s too loud. But silence, as Ashigbey knows, is how nations die slowly – drowned first in mud, then in excuses.

In a saner republic, a man like Ken Ashigbey would be decorated, not defamed. He’d be given national airtime, not side-eyes. But this is the Republic of Uncommon Sense, where truth is a stubborn weed – it grows best where it’s least wanted. Here, speaking sense automatically qualifies you for political suspicion. Criticize the NDC, and you’re NPP. Criticize the NPP, and you’re NDC. Criticize both, and they’ll call you mad.

The tragedy is not that Ashigbey has been labeled – it’s that the label is meant to distract from the rot he’s exposing. Galamsey is not a partisan sin; it’s a national suicide note written in mercury and signed by greed. Every day we delay action, we’re one rainfall closer to drinking poison with our porridge.

But Ashigbey soldiers on. Like a prophet preaching to a stubborn congregation, he keeps calling out to a nation losing its moral compass. ‘This fight is not about parties,’ he reminds us. ‘It’s about survival.’ And survival, in the Republic of Uncommon Sense, has become the most radical ideology of all.

So brand him whatever you like – NPP, NDC, NGO, or UFO. Ken Ashigbey remains what few dare to be in this republic: consistent. The rivers know his name. The forests whisper his prayers. And long after politicians have traded seats and excuses, his voice will echo through the valleys of Atewa and the corridors of conscience – reminding us that silence, not criticism, is the real betrayal.

Because in a nation where truth now needs a party clearance, men like Ken Ashigbey are not nuisances – they’re national treasures covered in mud.