Category: Daily Guide Network

President John Dramani Mahama has sworn into office eleven new Ghanaian envoys to represent the country in missions abroad, as part of his government’s commitment to strengthening international relations and advancing Ghana’s foreign policy agenda.

The swearing-in ceremony, held in Accra yesterday, followed the granting of approval by host nations throughout September 2025. Each envoy received presidential instruments of commission, officially empowering them to assume their duties in their respective posts.

All the appointees are non-career diplomats drawn from varied professional backgrounds. Among those commissioned were Kwesi Ahwoi, named Ambassador to the Republic of Serbia; Kojo Choi, Ambassador to South Korea; Captain (Rtd.) George Kofi Nfojoh, High Commissioner to Togo; Prof. Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, High Commissioner to Canada; Alhaji Abdul-Rahman Harruna Attah, High Commissioner to Namibia; Dr. Kwame Ampofo, Ambassador to Hungary; Benjamin Anani Quashie, High Commissioner to South Africa; Magnus Kofi Amoatey, Ambassador to the Republic of Congo; Benedict Batabe Assorow, Ambassador to the Holy See (Vatican); Prof. Esi Awuah, Ambassador to Switzerland; and Mohammed Abubakari Manaf, Ambassador to Benin.

President Mahama charged the diplomats to project Ghana’s image as a stable democracy and a credible partner for trade, investment, and sustainable development.

He emphasised that their work should not only strengthen bilateral relations but also promote the welfare of Ghanaians abroad.

Addressing the envoys before their departure, the President used the platform to caution Ghanaians against overstaying their visas in the United States.

He explained that visa restrictions recently imposed by the Trump administration had stemmed largely from Ghanaian nationals overstaying their permits, particularly students and members of official delegations.

‘Many of you are aware that Ghana became the only country subject to U.S. visa restrictions to secure a complete reversal from the Trump administration. Let me state clearly that this outcome was negotiated in Ghana’s best interest,’ President Mahama said.

He noted that assurances were given to U.S. authorities that Ghana would work to reduce the number of overstayers.

‘I mean, these are people who go and instead of coming back, they decide to stay. And so, they have the record. So, when they draw the threshold and you’re above it, then they cancel your five-year visas and bring you to B-5, B-3. So those of you applying for visas, please, when you go, come back. Because you affect everybody else,’ he cautioned.

He further explained that there was no financial arrangement as part of Ghana’s negotiations with Washington. Instead, talks are continuing on U.S. trade tariffs and the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which previously provided African nations with tariff-free access to American markets.

Touching on the deportation of some West African nationals to Ghana, the President stressed that the country would not accept individuals who compromise national security. ‘I wish to assure my countrymen and women that our understanding with the U.S. does not undermine our sovereignty, security, or stability. Ghana will not, and I repeat, will not become a dumping ground for deportees, nor will we accept individuals with criminal backgrounds,’ he declared.

The Kwahuhene, Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III, has called on mining companies operating in the Kwahu area to adopt responsible mining practices in line with Ghana’s mining regulations.

The king made the appeal when the management of Akoroma Mining Company, a gold mining firm operating at Obo, paid a courtesy call on him to officially introduce themselves.

Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III also called on Akoroma Mining Company and other mining firms in the region to prioritise the welfare of host communities, urging them to fulfil their corporate social responsibility (CSR) of reclaiming mined lands in order to contribute to sustainable development.

He further urged mining companies to create job opportunities for the youth in affected communities, highlighting that this would help address unemployment and reduce social vices.

In support of the Kwahuhene’s message, Odeefour Effah Opinamang III, Kwahu Obomenghene and Acting Nifahene of the Kwahu Traditional Area, commended Akoroma Mining Company for sustaining a positive relationship with the community over the past 20 years.

The company’s delegation was led by Odeefour Effah Opinamang III and included Tom Wan, Administrative Manager, and Enock Kwasi Abglor, Community Relations Officer.

Telecel Ghana concluded its annual Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Month celebrations with the Telecel Business Runway, a dynamic event designed to equip young entrepreneurs with practical skills and visibility to grow their businesses.

Held at the Labadi Beach Hotel under the theme ‘Gen Z Impact: Skills, Money and Mindset,’ the forum brought together emerging business founders, content creators, industry experts, and youth policymakers for a day of learning, discussions, networking, and product showcases.

Participants also benefited from free on-site services, including business registration by the Registrar General’s Department, tax orientation by the Ghana Revenue Authority, and a vendor market that highlighted innovative small businesses.

Opening the event, Telecel Ghana’s CEO, Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, urged young entrepreneurs to embrace skills, money, and mindset as the foundation for sustainable growth.

‘The mission for SME Month is to back young entrepreneurs with the skills, networks, visibility, and digital tools to grow. Skills, money, and mindset are the three essentials for business growth, and today is about giving you these tactics to apply right now,’ she said.

The programme featured insights from leading entrepreneurs and business experts, including Sam Rodgers of Wild Fusion Ghana, who discussed content strategy for growth; content creator Kojo Junior, who spoke on authenticity and digital storytelling; and Jahzara Agyemang, CEO of JTE Business Consult, who guided attendees through grant opportunities.

Others, such as Innohub CEO Nelson Amo and Absa Bank’s Head of SME Banking, Edward Mawudem, focused on funding, investor expectations, and capital access.

Young entrepreneurs, including Baaba Ankrah of GOBA Kente and Joey Lit of Free the Youth, also shared candid stories about overcoming challenges, pivoting careers, and avoiding the pitfalls of comparison in business.

The government signaled its support through Mohammed Saani Adams, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, who reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to institutionalising SMEs as a key driver of Ghana’s economy.

Beyond panel discussions, Telecel unveiled three new SME-tailored products – the Boss Plan, One Business Mobile, and an enhanced Your Business Online service – aimed at helping small businesses stay connected, market themselves, and expand digitally.

Genevieve Dzifa Akpalu, founder of The AG Shop, said she was able to register her business on-site, gain clarity on tax obligations, and secure new customers from the vendor market.

‘I’m leaving with a registered business, a roadmap to apply for grants, file taxes, and even new customers for my products. This is a great opportunity,’ she said.

Now in its ninth year, SME Month has become a cornerstone of Ghana’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, reflecting Telecel Ghana’s broader commitment to empowering small and medium enterprises with digital tools, connectivity, and access to opportunities.

East Legon’s AandC Corner turned into a hub of music, laughter, and sizzling grills on Sunday as Guide Radio’s much-anticipated Beer and Grillz event delivered a night to remember.

What was billed as a casual weekend hangout quickly transformed into a full-blown festival of sound, flavour, and celebration.

From the moment the grills fired up, the air buzzed with excitement. Guests were treated to an irresistible blend of free-flowing beer and mouthwatering cuts of meat, which many enthusiastically grilled themselves as part of the interactive theme.

The do-it-yourself barbecue vibe, paired with endless drinks, set the stage for an atmosphere that felt like the ultimate backyard party, intimate yet electrifying.

The music, however, was the true showstopper. Rising twin sensations Lali and Lola lit up the stage with a high-energy set that had the crowd singing along and dancing without pause.

Just when the energy seemed at its peak, highlife star Molly raised it another notch with her powerhouse performance. Her hit Shake It to the Max brought the entire venue to its feet, creating a euphoric wave of movement and joy.

Adding to the spectacle was the strong presence of Guide Radio’s own community, including its popular salsa teams, who dazzled the audience with their polished moves and infectious energy.

By the end of the night, it was clear that Beer and Grillz had surpassed expectations. More than just a party, it became a celebration of music, food, and community that set a new benchmark for Sunday nightlife in Accra.

As the last song faded and the grills cooled, one question lingered in the minds of attendees: where will Guide Radio take the next Beer and Grillz?

The Black Princesses received a significant boost after their impressive 4-0 aggregate win over Tunisia in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier, thanks to a generous donation from Andre Ayew.

The victory, which saw the team win 2-0 in the return leg at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, sealed their progression to the third round of the qualifiers, where they will face South Africa in February 2026.

Before the match, Andre Ayew visited the team at their training grounds, urging them to make Ghana proud.

Ayew’s visit and words of encouragement clearly had an impact, as the Black Princesses dominated the match, with Mercy Attobrah opening the scoring in the 37th minute and Agnes Yeboah doubling the lead just after halftime.

The donation is a testament to his commitment to supporting Ghana’s female football talent.

The Black Princesses will now focus on their upcoming fixtures against South Africa, with their sights set on qualifying for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Yesterday, September 30, 2025, marked the end of an era for Ghanaian and African exporters as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) officially expires after 25 years of duty-free access to the U.S. market.

For two decades, AGOA was more than a trade arrangement – it was a lifeline for businesses, a source of foreign exchange, and a catalyst for industrialisation.

Ghana’s cocoa derivatives, processed fruits, apparel, and other goods found a competitive footing in the United States largely because of the preferential access AGOA guaranteed.

But as the curtain falls, exporters now confront an uncertain terrain. From today, Ghanaian products entering the U.S. market could face tariffs of up to 15%, instantly eroding competitiveness and thinning already tight margins.

For companies that have built supply chains, financing structures, and employment models around AGOA preferences, the shift is seismic.

The expiration of AGOA is not merely a technical trade development; it is a defining moment for Ghana’s economic direction. The policy conversation must now move beyond lamenting the loss of duty-free access to shaping a forward-looking growth agenda. Exporters and policymakers alike must ask: What next?

For Ghana, this means accelerating efforts to diversify exports beyond raw materials, investing in value addition, and building stronger trade resilience. Overreliance on external preferences such as AGOA has proven precarious. The future will depend on how quickly the country can harness its strengths – competitive agriculture, a budding manufacturing sector, and a youthful labor force – to reposition for global markets.

New Opportunities In A Shifting Landscape

While the end of AGOA appears like a setback, it also opens new opportunities. Firstly, Ghanaian businesses can re-orient toward niche markets within Africa and beyond, where rising demand for processed foods, textiles, and digital services is less exposed to abrupt policy changes.

Secondly, exporters can explore bilateral deals with the U.S. or other partners, pressing for terms that reflect mutual interests rather than broad continental preferences.

Equally important, the expiration should sharpen Ghana’s focus on industrial policy. Incentives for agro-processing, light manufacturing, and technology-driven exports could reduce dependency on unilateral trade schemes. This shift requires tighter collaboration between government and private sector players to ensure that exporters are not left stranded in the new tariff regime.

AfCFTA: The Unseen Advantage

Perhaps the most underappreciated cushion for Ghana and its peers is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). While AGOA opened a window to the U.S., AfCFTA offers access to a far larger and closer market: 1.4 billion Africans with a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion.

By deepening regional integration, AfCFTA can absorb much of the shock from AGOA’s expiry. For Ghana, which hosts the AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra, this is an opportunity to lead by example. Streamlining border protocols, eliminating non-tariff barriers, and improving logistics infrastructure would allow Ghanaian exporters to pivot more effectively into African markets.

Intra-African trade currently accounts for just 15% of the continent’s commerce; if Ghana can capture even a small share of the growth potential, it could offset the losses from U.S. market access.

Moreover, AfCFTA provides a platform for industrial collaboration. Instead of competing as individual countries, African firms can develop regional value chains – for instance, Ghana processing cocoa and partnering with Nigeria’s packaging industry or Kenya’s logistics firms to deliver products at scale. Such cooperation could create a more resilient base of export-driven growth than AGOA ever allowed.

Did African leaders miss the moment?

One hard question lingers: did Africa’s leaders squander the opportunity to negotiate as a bloc? For years, African ambassadors in Washington lobbied separately for AGOA’s renewal, often focusing on country-specific advantages rather than continental strategy. The result was a fragmented approach that left the continent vulnerable when U.S. political winds shifted.

A united African front, leveraging the combined weight of AfCFTA, might have secured better and longer-lasting terms. Instead, Africa’s dependence on unilateral concessions left its exporters exposed to sudden reversals. The lesson is clear: Africa must speak with one voice in global trade negotiations. Without it, the continent risks being played off piecemeal in a world increasingly defined by blocs and mega-deals.

Charting Ghana’s Growth Agenda

So, where does Ghana go from here? Three priorities stand out.

Invest in value addition: Exporting raw cocoa beans and unprocessed fruits will not sustain long-term growth. Ghana must push aggressively into value chains that capture more revenue at home – from chocolate manufacturing to processed juices and textiles.

Strengthen regional integration: With AfCFTA on its doorstep, Ghana has no excuse not to maximize intra-African trade. Policies that reduce logistics costs, harmonize standards, and expand industrial zones will be key.

Negotiate smartly with global partners: The era of waiting for unilateral trade gifts must end. Ghana should pursue reciprocal, strategic agreements that protect its exporters and create predictable frameworks for long-term investment.

A Test Of Resilience

AGOA’s expiry yesterday is not just the end of a trade agreement. It is a wake-up call for Ghana and Africa to craft a growth path rooted in self-reliance, smart partnerships, and regional collaboration. For businesses that have thrived under AGOA, the adjustment will be painful, but it could also spark the innovation and resilience needed for the next chapter of Ghana’s trade story.

The question is no longer whether AGOA will be renewed. It is whether Ghana, and Africa at large, can seize this moment to pivot from dependence to independence in shaping their economic futures.

The depreciation of the Ghana cedi eased over the past two weeks, with the interbank and retail markets recording modest dips.

In the interbank market, the US Dollar cedi pair closed the fortnight at GHS12.40 from GHS12.15, marking a 2.02% dip compared to 6.17% recorded two weeks earlier.

In the retail market, the cedi remained range-bound between GHS13.40 and GHS13.50 against the US dollar, posting a 0.74% decline from 6.72%. In parallel, the pound and euro closed at midrates of GHS18.05 (-2.49%) and GHS15.70 (-1.59%) from GHS17.60 and GHS15.70, respectively.

‘We note that the slowdown in the cedi’s depreciation confirms our earlier expectations of stability, supported by stronger FX [foreign exchange] inflows and softer market sentiments. Looking ahead, we maintain a cautiously optimistic near-term outlook, with seasonal FX inflows from commodity exports expected to filter through’, Databank Researchers said.

It acknowledged that heightened corporate demand, particularly from the services sector ahead of the festive season, may create upside risk.

However, it said sustained forex support from the Bank of Ghana, underpinned by a strong reserve buffer and positive expectations around the International Monetary Fund’s fifth programme review to anchor its outlook is expected.

It further noted that, the ongoing U.S. budget stalemate could sustain dollar softness, providing further support to the USD/GHS pair.

The Anala family has organised a memorial mass for the late Wing Commander Peter Baafemi Anala and his late siblings Fr. Tony Anala and Grace Anala at OLA Catholic Cathedral Parish in Tamale in the Northern region.

The memorial mass was graced by the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Tamale, Most Rev. Philip Naameh, the Clergy, Ghana Airforce, St. James Old Boys Association, Catholic Church groups, family members, sympathisers among others.

Leticia Anala, who read a tribute on behalf of the family, expressed their gratitude to the entire nation for their support and wished the late family members farewell.

‘Though we part for now, we await the day we will be united again in God’s kingdom,’ she stated.

Frank Hanson (Ltd), Ghana Airforce, described the late Wing Commander Peter Baafemi Anala as a dedicated, intelligent and welcoming officer who served the nation diligently.

Wing Commander Peter Baafemi Anala, tragically lost his life with seven others in a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash near Adansi Brofoyedru in the Ashanti Region.

He was born on November 2, 1989 in Tamale.

He hailed from Siniensi, in the Builsa North District of the Upper East Region, and was the youngest child of Honorable Oscar Anala, former Member of Parliament for Builsa and Lucy Apung Anala, a retired educationist.

Peter began his primary and junior secondary education at Barwah Barracks, home to the Air Force Base in Tamale.

He later attended St James Seminary/Secondary School, where his discipline and academic excellence flourished.

Upon graduating from St James, Peter pursued a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) graduating in 2012.

He went on to obtain a Master of Science in Air Transport and Aviation Management from the same institution in 2023.

At the time of his passing, he was pursuing postgraduate studies in Safety and Accident Investigation in the United Kingdom.

Ghanaian gospel artist and public servant, Daniel Asamoah, popularly known as ‘The Singing Prophet’, has earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Health from the Livingstone International University of Tourism Excellence and Business Management (LIUTEBM) in Lusaka, Zambia.

The graduation ceremony was held on Friday, September, 19, 2025, at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka.

Dr. Asamoah’s dissertation, titled, ‘Healthcare Facilities Regulations in Ghana: Compliance and Challenges’, highlights his expertise and innovative approach to addressing key issues in Ghana’s health sector.

His research is expected to contribute significantly to healthcare regulations and public health policy in Ghana and beyond.

Beyond his role as a gospel artist best known for the hit song ‘Di Yen Anim’, the musician has built a reputation as a respected professional in health regulation, healthcare facility establishment, and the development of Standard Operating Procedures.

His academic achievement reflects his dedication to advancing healthcare regulation and public health policy.

Eleven other Ghanaians who were also awarded PhDs in various disciplines such as Public Health include Dr. Jennifer Andoh, Dr. Mabel Afi Togbe, Dr. Catherine Armah, Dr. Gifty Dede Mateko Angmor, Dr. Augustina Ampah, and Dr. Hafez Adam Taher.

The rest are Dr. Felix Ahima-Adonteng, Dr. Raphael John Marfo, Project Dr. Joseph Okine and Dr. Isaac Setordzi.

President John Dramani Mahama has assured private universities of government’s readiness to consider measures that will improve their operations and contribution to higher education in Ghana.

This assurance was given when a delegation from the Christian Service University (CSU) in Kumasi, led by its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sam Afrane, paid a courtesy call on him at the Flagstaff House in Accra.

Prof. Afrane, speaking on behalf of the delegation, urged the government to extend the Stress-free Fee Programme for first-year students in private universities, arguing that the initiative should not only benefit students in public institutions.

He also appealed for scholarships to be made available to lecturers in private tertiary institutions to enable them pursue Doctoral programmes, thereby improving faculty capacity.

President Mahama, in his response, welcomed the delegation warmly and expressed appreciation for their support and prayers. He emphasised that private universities play a vital role in expanding access to higher education and deserve attention from the government.

To demonstrate his commitment, the President tasked the Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, who was present at the meeting, to study the issues raised and make recommendations.

The CSU delegation included the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Dr. Stephen Banahene; the Registrar, Mr. Andrews K. Doku; the Dean of the Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, Dr. Cynthia Akuoko; and the University Chaplain, Rev. Anthony Boateng Agyenim. Before their departure, they prayed for the President, his government, and the peace and prosperity of the nation.

Christian Service University, located in the Ashanti Region, is a leading private institution offering programmes in theology, business, health sciences, and applied sciences. Its call for support highlights broader challenges facing private universities across Ghana, particularly in the areas of funding, staffing, and student access.