Category: Daily Guide Network

The Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU) has called on government to prioritise policies and programmes that promote decent work and uphold the dignity of workers.

According to the ICU, such measures will ensure that workers benefit from the fruits of their labour even after retirement.

In a statement issued yesterday to mark today’s observance of Precarious Work Day across the world, and signed by the General Secretary, Morgan Ayawine, the ICU said precarious work, which manifests in substandard employment such as outsourcing, casual or contract work, and fixed-term contracts, has become common in workplaces, especially within transnational and multinational companies.

‘It is an injustice of the highest order to see young citizens working as casuals for more than five years, with no hope of permanency to enjoy the benefits of decent work,’ the statement noted.

The ICU explained that the commemoration seeks to draw global attention to the debilitating challenges of precarious work, which deprives millions of workers of their right to decent work. Ghana, it said, joins labour partners around the world in solidarity and in total condemnation of the growing menace.

‘Since 2008, when the World Day for Decent Work was instituted and marked annually on 7th October, millions have stepped up actions in promoting decent work across the globe,’ the statement added.

While welcoming the investment and job creation opportunities provided by transnational and multinational companies, the ICU-Ghana stressed that it would not sit idly by while the rights of workers are trampled upon under substandard employment relations and profit maximisation for the benefit of capital owners.

‘The vexed issue is that outsourcing deprives employees of decent work benefits such as the right to form or join a union, fair wages, safe working conditions, social protection including healthcare and insurance, paid leave, retirement plans, social security, and opportunities for personal development training,’ it said.

The union lamented that outsourced, casual, and contract workers often perform the same duties and work the same hours as permanent staff but are denied the fundamental benefits of decent work. This, the ICU said, amounts to unfairness and labour exploitation.

‘It is heart-wrenching to see two people in the same establishment doing the same job, yet one enjoys social protection benefits such as paid leave, social security contributions, and healthcare, while the other does not,’ the statement stressed.

The ICU further asserted that precarious work must be condemned in no uncertain terms, warning that unbridled outsourcing and contract work regimes are rapidly undermining workers’ rights and eroding their dignity.

‘This system ultimately denies workers the full benefits of decent work and infringes on ILO Conventions. Permanent job opportunities are being converted into contract, casual, or fixed-term roles – a trend that must stop,’ the statement concluded.

THE ISSUE of using votes to determine the eviction of candidates in a competition, regardless of their performances, has sparked debate following the eviction of Central Region’s representative, Afedziwa, from the semi-finals of this year’s Ghana’s Most Beautiful (GMB) competition.

Afedziwa, referred to as the ‘Diamond’ of the season, was evicted from the competition last Sunday after putting up a sterling performance to the amazement of the audience.

She embodied the role of Nana Ayekra Adeboe, the first woman king of the Denkyira, where she honoured the ancestral stool – the Bankam Dwa, the beaded stool that symbolises authority and tradition.

Her performance drew wide applause from the audience and remarkable congratulatory remarks from the judges, winning her the Most Eloquent award for the night. She grabbed two nominations, which included the Most Eloquent and Star Performer.

Afedziwa exited the competition alongside Yeli from the Bono Region. A post on TikTok under the caption, ‘Two amazing queens bow out with grace, Afedziwa and Yeli. Your journey has been inspiring,’ drew a lot of reaction from viewers expressing disappointment in Afedziwa’s eviction.

@Deen wrote: ‘The judges were unfair; you said that night the performance was 60%, votes were 40%. Afedziwa performed great, and I think she should have been given the Star Performer, but because they knew their plan, they didn’t give it to her, so they could evict her. Adjorkor, who was saved, is nowhere close to Afedziwa when it comes to performance; Yeli is also better than Adjorkor. Adjorkor’s performance last night wasn’t something to write home about, yet the judges thought otherwise.’

‘Let’s not dwell on the fact that Afedziwa has been saved a few times (even Adjorkor has also been favoured in that regard). The semi-finals had to be a new sheet to really make the ladies justify their inclusion, as far as the contestants are concerned. What in God’s name made those judges save Adjorkor over Afedziwa and Yeli? I’m really disappointed in those judges who contributed to that decision-making; they should bow their heads in shame!!!’

Actress and media personality Gloria Sarfo has reaffirmed her dedication to reviving the country’s film industry, saying she now believes it is worth fighting for despite its many challenges.

Speaking on Hitz with Kwame Dadzie and Doreen Avio the award-winning actress admitted that although she once felt the Ghanaian movie industry was not worth the struggle, her perspective has changed. ‘I used to say the Ghanaian film industry is not worth dying for, but I have changed my mind,’ she said. ‘Now I see that I am fighting for the next generation of filmmakers, not for those who are content with the current state of things.’

She explained that her renewed passion comes from the encouragement from younger actors who frequently confide in her about their difficulties in the industry and urge her not to abandon her advocacy.

In a social media post, dated 15 July 2025, Sarfo compared Ghana’s faltering film scene with the more vibrant Nigerian industry. ‘If you’re in Nigeria as an actor, you’ll realise how much of your talent you’ve wasted in Ghana,’ she wrote. ‘In Nigeria, people are constantly filming, while producers struggle to make even one movie a year in Ghana.’

She described the situation as ‘disheartening’ and questioned how an industry that once thrived could decline so drastically. ‘What happened to our industry? So much talent is being wasted,’ she lamented.

Ghanaian comic actor and digital content creator, Isaac Kofi Dzokpo, popularly known as Hon Ike, has called on the government to take urgent and deliberate measures to make content creation a thriving source of employment for the country’s youth.

Speaking about the rising interest of young people in digital platforms, Hon Ike stressed that content creation has evolved into a global industry worth billions of dollars, yet Ghanaian creators remain at a disadvantage due to persistent challenges with monetisation and payouts.

‘Content creation is not just about comedy skits, music videos, or TikTok dances. It is a serious business and a powerful economic tool. Thousands of young people are already embracing it as a career, but they are trapped by barriers that deny them fair earnings,’ he said.

Hon Ike noted that most Ghanaian creators struggle to access their earnings from platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Meta because of the limited local payout systems, high transaction charges, and restrictive monetisation policies.

This, he explained, has discouraged many youth who could otherwise turn their creativity into a sustainable income. He therefore urged the government to negotiate with international digital platforms to expand monetisation access to Ghana, while also collaborating with local banks and fintech companies to simplify and speed up payout systems.

‘Imagine how many unemployed graduates and school leavers can find jobs if the digital economy is taken seriously. This is not about entertainment alone; it is about survival and national growth,’ he emphasised.

Hon Ike called for targeted government policies that recognise content creation as part of Ghana’s creative economy. These policies, he said, should include tax incentives for young entrepreneurs, subsidised data packages, and legal frameworks that protect creators from exploitation.

He further highlighted the need for nationwide digital skills training hubs to prepare young people to compete globally in areas such as video production, editing, branding, and online marketing.

Speaking on driving youth employment, Hon Ike argued that investing in the content creation industry could drastically reduce Ghana’s youth unemployment rate. By empowering creators, he believes the government can open new doors for entrepreneurship, export Ghanaian culture to the world, and boost the country’s image as a hub of digital innovation.

‘Content creation is a goldmine waiting to be tapped. If the right policies and support systems are put in place, Ghana can become a leader in Africa’s digital creative economy. Government cannot afford to ignore this opportunity,’ Hon Ike concluded.

Afrobeats singer and businessman Oluwatosin Ajibade, known as Mr Eazi, has announced that he wants to become a president in the future.

The Skin Tight hitmaker, who recently married Temi Otedola, daughter of billionaire Femi Otedola, shared his plans in a video on Snapchat.

‘I’ve been thinking about it for a while,’ he said. ‘Some of you might be from an African country looking for a president – someone young, active, not after money or power, but ready to move the country forward. I’m officially putting myself forward for the presidency.’

Although he is Nigerian, Mr Eazi has close ties with Ghana, where he studied and began his music career. He has often said that Ghana influenced his unique sound, which he calls Banku Music.

In recent years, more Nigerian celebrities have shown interest in politics. Actress Eniola Badmus recently said she hopes to become a senator, and former Senator Ben Bruce once predicted that singer Davido could become the Governor of Osun State.

Mr Eazi did not say which country he plans to run in, but his statement has already got fans talking across Africa.

Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has called on Ghanaians to rally behind the Black Stars as they prepare for the decisive final round of matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Ghana will face the Central African Republic on Wednesday, October 8, before taking on Comoros on Sunday, October 12, in their final Group I fixtures.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Minister who doubles as Member of Parliament for Buem Constituency expressed confidence in the team’s resilience and determination throughout the qualification campaign.

‘Our Black Stars have shown incredible determination and skill throughout this campaign,’ Mr. Adams said.

‘I am optimistic about their ability to secure qualification and bring glory to Ghana. With your support through prayers, cheers, and positive thoughts, we can lift their spirits and motivate them to succeed.’

He further urged unity among Ghanaians, stressing that national support could be the decisive factor as the Black Stars push to make their fifth World Cup appearance.

ASHANTI REGIONAL Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been granted GHS1 million bail with two sureties after appearing before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

This bail was met after he was officially charged with mining without a licence during a close-door meeting with officials of the CID on matters relating to allegations of illegal mining activities linked to his company, Akonta Mining.

He is expected to face the High Court today, October 7, 2025, where three mining-related charges will be filed against him.

Speaking to journalists after the close-door meeting, Wontumi’s lead legal counsel, Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi, confirmed that his client had been charged with mining without a licence and other related offenses.

‘The charges are related to mining. Wontumi has been charged with mining without a licence and other related offenses. We will discuss that in court tomorrow,’ he said.

Providing an update on his client’s demeanor ahead of the court proceedings, Appiah-Kubi stated that he remains hopeful the court will take a fair and judicious decision.

‘Chairman has been well composed, and expecting that tomorrow when we go to court, all of us will help the court in taking a decision that is judicious,’ he stated.

Addressing the Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine’s warning to arrest Wontumi if he fails to appear before officials of the CID, Appiah-Kubi stated that his client is cooperating fully with the investigation, saying, ‘I consider the discourse between my office and, by extension, the Attorney General’s Office as a communication gap that resulted in this. But I want to express my disappointment in the warning to defer the meeting. We don’t need to necessarily increase the political temperature in the country.’

‘We have not at any point in time decided or refused to respond to invitations. The law states that any accused person or suspect ought to be given adequate time and resources to prepare their defense. Let’s not forget that an accused person is not considered guilty until proven so.

‘Therefore, they have a right to their civil liberties. Indeed, when we go to court, the police inquiry continues until charges are filed, and then we make an application for the bail to continue. We will testify to our performance and also appear in our capacity as a person and a well-known character,’ he added.

Last Friday, Dr. Ayine announced that charges against Chairman Wontumi, and his company Akonta Mining, have been finalised and signed.

Speaking at President John Dramani Mahama’s engagement with civil society organisations on illegal mining in Accra, Dr. Ayine warned that Wontumi must appear before the CID on Monday or face arrest.

The investigation into Akonta Mining, Wontumi’s company, began after allegations surfaced that the company was involved in illegal mining activities, including selling mining concessions to unauthorised miners and operating in protected forest reserves.

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, revoked Akonta Mining’s licence due to these allegations.

Chairman Wontumi has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming that Akonta Mining operates with all necessary licences and permits. He first appeared before the CID on May 26, 2025, accompanied by his lawyers, and was granted bail after cooperating with investigators.

Ghana’s U17 national team, the Black Starlets, have safely returned home after an impressive showing at the 2025 WAFU B U17 Boys Championship in Ivory Coast.

The team arrived in Accra in the early hours of Sunday to a warm welcome from management members and officials of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

Led by head coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum, the Starlets were applauded for their discipline, determination, and quality performance throughout the tournament, which saw them qualify for the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be staged in Morocco.

Ghana finished the competition with a silver medal after a spirited run to the final, reigniting hope in the country’s youth football.

Members of the GFA Executive Council visited the team at their hotel to commend the players and technical staff for their achievement and for restoring pride to the nation’s youth football setup.

In recognition of their efforts, the GFA presented both players and technical staff with undisclosed but substantial financial rewards.

The team expressed appreciation to the Association for its support and pledged to continue working hard as preparations begin for next year’s U17 AFCON in Morocco.

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has announced a deferment of the commencement of the Third Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament until further notice.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Speaker said the postponement had become necessary ‘due to circumstances beyond my control.’

The notice effectively suspends the earlier communication issued on September 29, 2025, which scheduled the House to reconvene on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

The initial notice, made pursuant to Order 58 of the Standing Orders of Parliament, had officially summoned Members of Parliament to resume sittings after the recess period.

However, the latest statement signals a change in parliamentary plans, with no new date announced for the reopening.

The Speaker’s latest notice did not specify the reasons for the deferment, but the phrase ‘circumstances beyond my control’ suggests that unforeseen developments may have necessitated the decision.

The deferment means that legislative business, including the consideration of pending bills, motions, and committee reports, will remain on hold until a new commencement date is communicated.

Parliament’s Third Meeting is traditionally an important session in the legislative calendar, often used to consider key national issues, including the presentation of major policy statements for the coming year.

The Federation of African Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (FAPMA) and the Vizuri Health Dynamics, has announced the African Healthcare Manufacturing Trade Exhibition and Conference (AHMTEC 2025) scheduled from October 7 to 9, 2025, at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra.

The conference brings together more than 200 delegates from leading manufacturers and healthcare leaders. Also, 46 speakers and representatives from 111 organisations across 26 countries are expected to participate, as well as numerous Ghanaian manufacturers and stakeholders, who are central to delivering on the government’s agenda for jobs and its strategic goal of becoming a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub for West Africa.

Now in its second year, AHMTEC 2025 builds on the momentum of its inaugural event with the theme ‘Collaborate to Compete: Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Growth’ – driving an Africa-led shift from dependency to manufacturing self-reliance.

The Urgent Case for African Health Manufacturing

National health systems across the continent are grappling with disrupted global supply chains, less donor support, and an overreliance on imported medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics. African manufacturers currently supply less than 30% of the medicines consumed on the continent.

‘This is a life-threatening vulnerability, not just a market imbalance,’ says Dr. Skhumbuzo Ngozwana, FAPMA Board Member. ‘We are past the wake-up call. Our people’s lives depend on how quickly we move toward manufacturing self-reliance, and AHMTEC is the platform to drive that transformation.’

In response to this challenge, Ghana is taking decisive steps through initiatives like the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan and support for the African Medicines Agency (AMA). Hosting AHMTEC is a key strategy for success.

A Manufacturer-Led Agenda for Growth

Every session and panel session during AHMTEC aims to deliver practical solutions for: building competitive, financially viable manufacturing businesses and creating supportive policies, incentives, and investment. In parallel, AHMTEC will host a trade exhibition, investor-readiness workshops, visits to Ghanaian manufacturing facilities, and networking opportunities.

‘AHMTEC isn’t about speeches. It’s for manufacturers who are ready to grow,’ said Dr. Mariatou Tala Jallow, Council Chair of Vizuri Health Dynamics. ‘With Africa’s healthcare manufacturing at a crossroads, we either continue to wait for help or we actively build the systems ourselves, starting at AHMTEC.’

AHMTEC 2025 will debut the African Manufacturing Market Intelligence and Network Analysis (AMMINA), a groundbreaking data platform drawing from 700+ manufacturers and 2,500+ health products across 18 countries. With an interactive, data-driven dashboard, AMMINA is able to provide real-time data on manufacture capacity, products, and investment readiness.

It responds to a need long demanded by industry and partners. With AMMINA’s insights, decision-makers can better recognise opportunity and risk, inform policies, and mobilise greater investment across Africa’s manufacturing ecosystem.

Ghana’s selection as host underscores its leadership in advancing Africa’s health sovereignty. Its clear national agenda to become a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub for West Africa make it the ideal venue to forge the partnerships needed for a self-reliant healthcare future. Health security is a shared responsibility.