Newmont, Govt Partner To Improve Road Infrastructure

Newmont Corporation has entered into a partnership with the Government, through the Ministry of Roads and Highways, to rehabilitate the 46-kilometre Sunyani-Ntotroso-Akyerensua highway, a key route serving communities within the Ahafo Region.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalising the partnership has been signed between Newmont and the Ministry, paving the way for the contractor to mobilise equipment and commence work on the project.

The rehabilitation is expected to significantly improve accessibility, boost trade, and enhance socio-economic activities along the corridor.

The initiative forms part of Newmont’s long-standing commitment to infrastructure development in its host communities, which complements its investments in health, education, and other social sectors.

Over the years, Newmont has funded and supported several major road projects in the Ahafo area, including the Ntotroso-Kenyasi and Hwediem-Kenyasi roads, as well as internal road networks within Ntotroso, Wamahinso, Gyedu, Kenyasi No.1, and Kenyasi No.2.

These interventions have not only improved road safety but have also opened up local communities to greater economic opportunities.

In a statement, the company said the Sunyani-Akyerensua project underscores its belief that quality road infrastructure is essential for the efficient movement of goods and services and for stimulating local economies.

‘Supporting government’s effort to enhance national infrastructure aligns with our purpose of creating value and improving lives through sustainable and responsible mining,’ the company stated.

The Sunyani-Ntotroso-Akyerensua highway serves as a major link between mining communities and the regional capital, and its rehabilitation is expected to ease transportation challenges faced by commuters, traders, and farmers.

Pregnant Woman Fined For Promoting Unregistered Products On TikTok

The Upper East Regional Office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has imposed a GHS25,000 fine on a pregnant woman for promoting unregistered products on TikTok.

The woman, identified as Madam Perpetual Akurugu, was found advertising unregistered aphrodisiacs and body enhancement products stored in her kitchen cabinets at her home in Yorogo, a community within the Bolgatanga Municipality.

According to the FDA, the agency conducts regular inspections in shops and markets across the region to eliminate unregistered and unsafe products. It also monitors traditional and social media platforms for illegal advertisements.

The acting Upper East Regional Head of the FDA, Mr. Abel Ndego, explained that he personally discovered Akurugu’s TikTok videos during a late-night routine check.

‘It caught my attention because she was speaking Gurune, a local language in the Upper East Region. I visited her page and found several videos advertising unregistered and potentially harmful products,’ he said.

Mr. Ndego explained that after confirming the videos, he instructed his team to investigate further. They later visited her residence, where the products were found and seized.

‘We retrieved the products and arrested her. Even though she is pregnant, the law must take its course to deter others from engaging in similar acts,’ he added.

He expressed concern over the growing misuse of social media for marketing unapproved health and beauty products, especially on Facebook and TikTok, warning that such acts pose serious public health risks.

‘We are mandated under the Public Health Act 851 of 2012 to ensure that all products on the market meet regulatory standards. Our goal is to protect public health and safety,’ Mr. Ndego stressed.

He reiterated the Authority’s determination to make the Upper East Region one of the most compliant in Ghana, emphasising, ‘We are leaving no stone unturned.’

Sarah Sarkodie Returns With ‘Abrewa Sarah’

Ghanaian gospel musician, Sarah Sarkodie, has released a spirit-filled song titled ‘Abrewa Sarah,’ which she described as both a weapon of spiritual warfare and a balm of divine healing.

Inspired by the biblical matriarch Sarah, wife of Abraham, the song is more than music-it is a prophetic declaration. ‘Abrewa Sarah’ speaks to anyone who has ever faced delay, disappointment, or doubt.

It reminds listeners that God’s promises may tarry, but they never fail. Through stirring melodies and spirit-laden lyrics, Sarah Sarkodie invites audiences to believe again, hope again, and trust again.

Raised in a devout Christian home here in Ghana, Sarah’s journey was marked early by the unmistakable presence of grace. Her love affair with music began at just seven years old, nurtured within a household where worship wasn’t just a Sunday affair but a daily lifestyle.

It was in those sacred moments-singing hymns with her family, soaking in Scripture, and leading worship in church-that her voice was shaped into the powerful instrument it is today.

With ‘Abrewa Sarah,’ she not only marks a new chapter in her ministry but also sends a rallying cry to women, dreamers, and believers who are waiting on God’s promise: Don’t give up-your time is coming.

She said, ‘Whether you’re walking through a silent season or standing on the edge of breakthrough, this song is your anthem. It is a reminder that the same God who fulfilled His promise to Sarah is still in the business of doing the impossible.’

‘Abrewa Sarah’ is now available on all major digital platforms.

FABAG Calls For ECG, Ghana Water’s Reform

The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to initiate immediate reforms at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL).

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Monday, the Chairman of FABAG, Rev. John Awuni, said approving new utility tariff increases without comprehensive restructuring of the two agencies would amount to ‘a profound injustice to businesses and households.’

He argued that reforming ECG and the Ghana Water Company goes beyond utility management, describing it as ‘a matter of national security, economic survival, and governance legacy.’

‘ECG and the Ghana Water Company reform is more than a utility issue. It is a matter of national security, economic survival, and governance legacy. If Ghana demonstrates efficiency reform, it will protect households and businesses,’ Rev. Awuni stressed.

He recommended the establishment of a Presidential Compact for both institutions to enhance performance and accountability.

‘Respectfully, we recommend a Presidential Compact for ECG and the Ghana Water Company. We call for a performance compact between the ECG, Ministry of Finance, PURC, and the Energy Commission, signed under His Excellency’s authority,’ he said, urging the President to launch the compact within the next 30 days.

Rev. Awuni further stressed that the greatest legacy President Mahama could leave behind would be to fix ECG and the Ghana Water Company, noting that Ghanaians would experience the benefits of good governance through increased economic activity and a reduction in the cost of goods and services.

‘Ghana deserves a utility sector that powers growth, not one that drains it,’ he emphasised.

Also speaking at the event, the President of the Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association, Ebbo Botwe, said electricity constitutes one of the major input costs for the plastic industry, noting that recycling alone accounts for about 20 percent of total production costs.

He observed that many manufacturers are now turning to green energy, particularly solar power, but expressed concern that the power sector’s current design is not business-friendly.

‘The structure of the power sector drives away investors and investments from the country and the plastic industry,’ he lamented, urging government to consider their petition and act immediately.

’Ho Municipality Yet To Attain Metropolitan Status’

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ho Central, Richmond Edem Kofi Kpotosu, has clarified that no Legislative Instrument (L.I.) has been passed to upgrade the Ho Municipal Assembly to metropolitan status, cautioning that recent public pronouncements on the matter amount to ‘optical shows’ rather than genuine progress.

Addressing journalists after the Ho Municipal Assembly’s General Assembly Meeting, Mr. Kpotosu explained that the critical parliamentary requirement for the elevation a Legislative Instrument has not yet been laid before Parliament.

‘By the grace of God, when we resume for our third session of the Ninth Parliament, the L.I. will be laid for the mandatory 21 days before we can officially say that Ho has been elevated to a metropolitan assembly. Only then can we establish sub-metros,’ he pointed out.

The MP underscored that upgrading Ho to metropolitan status is vital to accelerating socio-economic development, particularly in fishing, urban infrastructure, and other key sectors. However, he expressed concern that despite discussions across four consecutive parliaments, no concrete legislative action has been taken.

‘Everything done so far is just optics. You can have the optical shows and say anything, but the reality will always expose you,’ Mr. Kpotosu stressed, urging stakeholders to avoid misleading the public with premature declarations.

The clarification comes amid growing public interest in granting Ho metropolitan status, a move expected to provide greater administrative autonomy and attract more development opportunities to the Volta Region’s capital.

Black Stars Eye Early Qualification For 2026 World Cup

Ghana will be hoping to book a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they take on the Central African Republic (CAR) today, October 8, 2025 in Morocco.

The Black Stars currently boast a three-point lead in Group I, ahead of the fixture against CAR, with victory enough to see them advance into the global showpiece.

Otto Addo’s side has dropped just five points throughout the games played in the qualifiers, coming against Comoros (1-0 loss) and Chad (1-1).

CAR sit fifth on the table with just five points from eight games so far, leaving them out of the race to qualify for the World Cup.

Ghana go into Wednesday’s fixture on the back of a draw against Chad and a 1-0 win over Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium during the September international break, while CAR lost both of their games against Madagascar and Comoros, respectively.

Otto Addo is expected to have a full complement of the squad on Tuesday as he currently has 23 players available. Twenty players were involved in the team’s second training session in Casablanca before their departure to Meknes, where they take on CAR.

The gaffer’s 24-man squad has just two new faces, with Kojo Peprah Oppong of OGC Nice and Medeama’s Prince Owusu coming into the team. Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Alidu Seidu, who suffered long-term injuries to the cruciate ligament, have also returned to the Black Stars fold for the final round of qualifiers.

The Black Stars are hoping to qualify for the fifth World Cup since 2006, having missed only the 2018 edition during that period.

Man Arrested For Inflicting Machete Wounds On Victim Over Mobile Phone

The Police in the Walewale District of the North East Region, has arrested one person for inflicting multiple machete wounds on a victim at Walewale.

On October 4, 2025, the suspect, Rafai Tahiru, 25, and two others currently at large alleged that the victim had stolen a mobile phone belonging to suspect Rafai Tahiru.

The three suspects then tied up the hands and legs of the victim with robes, put him in a tricycle, whipped him with canes, and inflicted multiple machete wounds on his forehead and body.

The victim was however rescued by onlookers and rushed to the Walewale Government Hospital for medical attention, while a report was lodged with Walewale Police.

Robert Anabiik Anmain, Deputy Superintendent of Police Public Affairs Unit, North East Region, who confirmed the incident to DAILY GUIDE, said suspects fled the scene after committing the crime. However, on October 5, 2025, based on intelligence, suspect Rafai Tahiru was arrested at his hideout in Tampulungu, a suburb of Walewale.

According to him, a search in the suspect’s room led to the discovery of a machete which was stained with blood and believed to be the weapon the suspects used to inflict the wounds on the victim.

He disclosed that the suspect will be arraigned before court, while efforts are being made to arrest his accomplices.

Let’s Embrace Technology, Innovation – Ag. CJ

Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has reiterated the need for justice delivery to be anchored on leadership, innovation and technology to enable the Judiciary to deliver on its mandate of adjudicating cases efficiently.

According to him, ‘the convergence of leadership, innovation and technology is not accidental; it is strategic,’ adding that ‘when we integrate these three pillars, we create a justice system that is resilient, inclusive and future-ready.’

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, in a message ahead of the 2025-2026 legal year, noted that the challenges confronting our justice system-heavy caseloads, case backlogs, limited resources and procedural delays-cannot be addressed by doing things the same way they have always been done.

He, however, pointed out that innovation is not only about introducing new systems, but also about cultivating a culture that values efficiency, openness and adaptability.

‘Court users should encounter not barriers but pathways-clear signage, simplified forms, helpful court staff, and procedures that respect their time and dignity,’ he noted.

He added that the Judiciary must be open to progressive interpretations that reflect the changing realities of society, balancing continuity with the need for justice that is relevant and living.

Touching on technology, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie indicated that it is no longer a luxury for justice delivery but a necessity.

‘The recent global crises have underscored the importance of digital tools in ensuring continuity of service. Virtual hearings, e-filing systems, electronic case management, and digital registries are no longer optional experiments-they are the new frontiers of justice,’ he disclosed.

He said embracing technology enhances transparency by allowing litigants to track their cases, reduces delays by automating repetitive processes, and widens access by breaking geographical barriers.

He, however, advocated caution, noting that technology must not create new divides between those who can access it and those who cannot.

‘As we digitise, we must ensure that no citizen is left behind – that rural communities, the elderly and those without digital literacy are equally empowered to benefit from modernised justice systems,’ he stressed.

He added that ‘investing in technology must also go hand in hand with building the capacity of our judges, lawyers, and court staff. Training and re-training are essential if digital tools are to be effectively used and sustained.’

Justice Baffoe-Bonie also called for strong leadership in the Judiciary, noting that it ‘means more than maintaining tradition; it means having the courage to reform where systems are failing, to speak truth where silence enables injustice, and to remain steadfast in upholding the Constitution even in the face of pressure.’

The Anglican Bishop of Accra, Rt. Rev. Dr. Daniel Sylvanus Mensah Torto, speaking at a church service to usher in the new legal year, noted that the Judiciary must be seen to foster trust among the public and ensure that justice is served without bias, ill will, or favour.

‘The Judiciary must follow due process, not to be against the processes. There must continue to be a non-political arm of government where she acts with integrity and follow the rule of law,’ he added.

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.