Category: Daily Guide Network

The Concerned Citizens of Ghana (CCG) has called on President John Mahama and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to engage the Government of Nigeria over allegations of harassment of Ghanaian workers at Jonah Capital and River Park Estate in Nigeria.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday in Accra, convener of the group, James Clarke, said the developments surrounding Jonah Capital’s investment in Nigeria had become a matter of national concern, and if not addressed, could result in dispute as well as strain diplomatic relations between Ghana and Nigeria.

According to the group, some assets of Jonah Capital have also been attacked by Nigerian authorities following a purported revocation of the company’s Development Lease Agreement.

The group appealed to both governments to allow ongoing due process, including arbitration, to supersede force in resolving the dispute.

The group alleged that armed police officers reportedly attached to the Counter-Terrorism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force participated in an operation at the company’s Gallery Clubhouse at River Park Estate, during which part of the facility’s entrance was destroyed.

‘We therefore call on His Excellency the President and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration to take this matter up formally and promptly with the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

‘We call on the authorities in Nigeria to halt all enforcement actions at River Park Estate, secure the safety of the Ghanaians connected with the estate, and allow the arbitration and court processes to run their course,’ the group stated.

The convener said in June 2025, it petitioned the Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana over what it described as attempts by the then Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to disregard the findings of the Nigeria Police Special Investigation Panel in a criminal case involving Jonah Capital and its directors.

Mr. Clarke said an independent review by Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation subsequently concluded that there was no prima facie evidence to support allegations of forgery and related offences against the company’s officials.

He noted that the Attorney-General also affirmed the findings of the Special Investigation Panel and criticised attempts to criminalise what he described as a commercial dispute.

He added that, following the Attorney-General’s directive, the Federal Capital Territory High Court struck out the criminal charges against the company’s executives in January 2026.

The group indicated that despite those developments, Jonah Capital was still facing challenges with state authorities in Abuja.

‘We are concerned that while the Minister claims Jonah Capital’s agreement has expired, a claim the company is challenging before international arbitration, his administration has entered the company’s lands with armed men, damaged company assets and put the lives of staff at risk.

‘Whether or not the agreement has expired is precisely the question now before arbitrators. No party confident of its case needs bulldozers and armed men to make its argument,’ he stated.

Mr. Clarke noted that several Nigerian banks, including UBA, Zenith Bank and Access Bank, continue to operate successfully in Ghana without interference and, therefore, asked the Nigerian Government to equally support Ghanaian businesses.

‘It is painful that the most prominent Ghanaian company in Abuja has suffered such consistent attacks while we stand by, seemingly unconcerned,’ he pointed out.

The group further mentioned that the ongoing dispute undermines the objectives of regional integration being promoted by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), particularly the protection of cross-border investments and the free movement of businesses within the sub-region.

‘We are asking the Government of Ghana to engage the Government of Nigeria firmly, and at the highest level, to ensure that Ghanaians are treated with dignity and fairness, exactly as Nigerians are treated in Ghana,’ Mr. Clarke added.

The Bank of Ghana has revoked the dedicated electronic money issuer licence of Zeepay Ghana Limited covering its mobile money wallets, the company has announced.

In a statement issued following the central bank’s announcement, Zeepay Ghana Limited said it is working closely with the regulator and all relevant stakeholders to ensure ‘an orderly, transparent and responsible approach’ to the development.

The company acknowledged concerns among customers and partners following the revocation, and appealed for patience as it engages the Bank of Ghana on next steps.

‘We recognise the concerns that this development may cause and sincerely appreciate the patience, understanding and continued cooperation of our customers, employees, agents, merchants, partners and the wider public during this period,’ the statement said.

Zeepay added that it remains committed to ‘acting responsibly, maintaining open and transparent communication, and working constructively with the Bank of Ghana and all relevant stakeholders towards an orderly resolution.’

The company said further verified updates will be communicated through its official channels as they become available.

The Bank of Ghana has in recent months tightened supervision of electronic money issuers as part of efforts to strengthen consumer protection and compliance in the digital financial services sector.

Former Supreme Court Judge, Justice William Atuguba, has accused the country’s lawmakers of prioritising partisan interests over the national good and reducing parliamentary debates to a contest for political supremacy.

Speaking at the 20th Memorial Lecture in honour of the late Justice Daniel Francis Annan at Parliament House, yesterday, Justice Atuguba said the country’s democratic institutions had drifted away from their founding principles, with political actors increasingly focused on winning and retaining power rather than advancing the welfare of Ghanaians.

‘I don’t see that it is a struggle over the national interest. It is a struggle for party supremacy, supremacy of the leadership of the party and the resultant benefits from it. That’s what I see,’ the retired jurist said.

He described the country’s political environment as a perpetual ‘tug of war’ between the two major political parties, arguing that the overriding objective of the opposition was often to remove the governing party from office rather than work together in the national interest.

‘When the NDC comes to power, the sole objective of the other party is to pull them down and come back to power and share the goodies of office. That is the trend,’ he stated.

Justice Atuguba said the increasing monetisation of politics had worsened the situation, with public office now being viewed as an investment to be recouped.

‘Politics is like a business now. It’s like somebody buying a timber concession. He has paid for it, so he thinks he must exploit it to the maximum,’ he said, describing the practice as ‘despicable.’

The former Supreme Court judge lamented that many elected officials also become detached from the people who voted them into office.

‘As soon as the results come, their calls will not be picked by ministers or MPs. What kind of life is this?’ he asked.

Justice Atuguba urged political leaders to return to the values of integrity, accountability and public service, saying Ghana’s democracy could only flourish if leaders placed the national interest above party considerations.

He questioned whether the sacrifices made by parents to educate future leaders were meant to produce public officials who exploited the system for personal gain.

‘Is that why our parents sacrificed to send us to school? To come back and defraud them and play tricks?’ he asked.

Despite his criticism of the political landscape, Justice Atuguba said there were still politicians whose conduct demonstrated that principled leadership remained possible.

He singled out the Klottey Korle MP, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, as an example of a public servant whose commitment to integrity and service should inspire others.

‘She is a woman of principle, education and integrity. That is the kind of politician people should aspire to be,’ he said.

Justice Atuguba also questioned the continuous expansion of Parliament, arguing that increasing the number of constituencies imposed additional costs on the state without corresponding benefits for citizens.

He endorsed the recommendation of the Constitutional Review Committee to maintain the current number of parliamentary seats rather than create more constituencies.

The retired judge called for a renewal of the nation’s democratic values, urging politicians to embrace principle over partisanship and place the interests of the nation above the pursuit of political power.

Perfector of Sentiments Foundation (POS), a non-governmental organisation is calling for the urgent development and passage of the necessary legislative instrument to operationalise the recently passed Community Service Bill and ensure its effective implementation nationwide.

The Foundation which played a leading role in advancing the Community Service reform is also calling on the public to embrace the principles of restorative justice by supporting, rather than stigmatising, persons sentenced to community service.

‘Successful reintegration depends not only on sound legislation but also on communities willing to offer second chances, encourage accountability, and foster positive behavioural change,’ POS Foundation said in a statement signed by its founder and Executive Director, Jonathan Osei Owusu.

Parliament on July 8 passed the Community Service Bill, 2026, as an alternative to custodial sentencing for some specified criminal offences.

POS Foundation notes that the enactment of this Bill reflects Ghana’s continued commitment to building a more humane, effective, and restorative justice system, one that prioritises rehabilitation, promotes offender reintegration, and enhances public safety.

This alternative sentencing law, once implemented, will empower courts to exercise the discretion to impose a community service order as alternative to custodial sentence for eligible persons convicted of specified offences punishable by terms of imprisonment of less than three years.

This is expected to reduce prison overcrowding, promote the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders, prevent low-risk offenders from becoming hardened criminals through unnecessary incarceration, reduce the financial burden of imprisonment on the State, and strengthen restorative justice by enabling offenders to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Tracing back on the 20-year journey that led to the enactment, POS Foundation outlined the key role it played in advancing the Community Service reform agenda from concept to legislation.

‘The legislative journey of the Community Service Bill demonstrates commendable bipartisan commitment to criminal justice reform. While substantial preparatory work was undertaken under the previous administration, the current Government successfully secured Cabinet approval, laid the Bill before Parliament, and worked closely with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Defence and Interior throughout the legislative process, culminating in its successful passage,’ the statement said.

For many years, POS Foundation has remained at the forefront of efforts to improve Ghana’s criminal justice system through evidence-based advocacy and practical interventions.

Notably, the Foundation has facilitated the ‘Justice for All Programme’ which has contributed to significantly reducing the remand population from 33% in 2007 to currently 12.8% as per records from the Ghana Prisons Service.

The National President of the Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives Ghana (UPNMG), Maxwell Oduro Yeboah, has urged the government and health sector employers to honour agreements reached with nurses and midwives, warning that repeated delays in implementation are fuelling the migration of skilled health professionals from the country.

He said improved conditions of service and healthy employer-employee relations are essential to retaining healthcare workers and improving quality healthcare delivery.

Speaking at the Volta Regional Nurses and Midwives Conference held at Femie Chances Hotel in Ho, Mr. Oduro Yeboah stressed that trust between employers and healthcare workers is built on the faithful implementation of negotiated agreements. The conference was held on the theme, ‘Forging a Healthy Employer-Employee Relationship for Optimum Productivity and Job Satisfaction – A Shared Responsibility.’

He commended nurses and midwives in the Volta Region for their dedication despite persistent staffing shortages and logistical challenges, noting that the region’s gains in maternal healthcare, postnatal services and emergency care were largely the result of their commitment. ‘If you want the hen to continue laying eggs, you must feed the hen,’ he remarked, urging employers to adequately motivate healthcare professionals.

The UPNMG President expressed concern over the increasing exodus of nurses and midwives to foreign countries, attributing the trend to poor remuneration, unfavourable working conditions and inadequate recognition. He noted that many healthcare professionals leave not because they lack patriotism, but because they seek environments where they are fairly rewarded, respected and professionally fulfilled.

Mr. Oduro Yeboah also reminded nurses and midwives that industrial harmony requires commitment from both employers and employees. He urged members of the profession to uphold ethics, discipline, accountability and compassion, stressing that excellence in service remains their strongest tool in advocating for better conditions. He further disclosed that the union continues to support members through its welfare fund, which provides millions of cedis in loans while investing in initiatives to improve members’ welfare.

Representing the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, Mr. Yanick Noah Agboado called on nurses and midwives to recommit themselves to compassionate, patient-centred and professional healthcare delivery. While acknowledging the dedication of the majority of health workers, he expressed concern over reported cases of poor attitudes, delayed emergency response and medical negligence, which he said continue to attract public criticism of the profession.

He called on nurses and midwives to restore public confidence by ensuring that compassion, empathy and professionalism remain central to patient care.

The Volta Regional Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Faustine Asante, representing the Volta Regional Director of Health Services, commended nurses and midwives for their commitment during the recent industrial action and floods that affected parts of the region. She said management would continue to advocate improved staffing, better working conditions and adequate logistics while expecting healthcare workers to maintain professionalism and teamwork.

Madam Asante disclosed that the Volta Region currently has a nursing and midwifery workforce of 5,604, comprising 1,868 registered nurses, 1,112 registered midwives, 1,655 enrolled nurses and 969 community health nurses. She, however, noted that the region has only 35 specialist nurses, excluding those at the Ho Teaching Hospital, and no specialist midwife, although some midwives are currently undergoing specialist training.

She also urged all licensed nurses and midwives to renew their practising licences and complete their Continuous Professional Development (CPD) requirements to uphold professional standards.

President John Dramani Mahama has cut the sod for the construction of a state-of-the-art 24-Hour Economy Market at Juapong in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region, describing the project as a transformative initiative that will boost agricultural trade, reduce post-harvest losses and stimulate economic growth across the Volta Region.

Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony on Thursday, the President said the market forms part of the government’s flagship programme to construct modern 24-hour economy model markets in all 261 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across the country.

According to the President, the project is designed to provide farmers, traders and other economic actors with the infrastructure needed to support production, trade and enterprise while strengthening local value chains and creating sustainable employment opportunities.

President Mahama stated that the modern market would significantly reduce post-harvest losses by providing adequate storage and trading facilities, enabling farmers to secure better returns on their produce. He added that traders would also operate in a cleaner, safer and more efficient environment.

He noted that the project would have a multiplier effect on the local economy, benefiting transport operators, artisans, food processors and other service providers through increased commercial activity.

‘The market will strengthen linkages across the local economy, ensuring that more value is created and retained within the community,’ the President stated.

He disclosed that all 18 districts in the Volta Region would benefit from the government’s 24-Hour Economy Market initiative, with the Juapong project marking the beginning of the regional rollout.

President Mahama said the network of modern markets would connect producers directly to consumers, promote regional trade, strengthen agricultural value chains and reinforce the Volta Region’s position as a major hub for agriculture, commerce and industrial development under the government’s 24-hour economy agenda.

He further announced that although North Tongu is not a Metropolitan Assembly, Juapong has been selected to receive a Category Four market, the highest category under the programme, which is typically reserved for Metropolitan Assemblies because of their population size and commercial activities.

Providing details of the project, the President said the market would feature 100 lockable stores, 150 market sheds and stalls, 10 warehouses, a police post, a fire station, a clinic, a pharmacy, a daycare centre, modern washrooms and shower facilities, a Women’s Development Bank branch, a butcher’s shop and a cold storage facility.

He indicated that the warehouses would allow traders to safely store unsold goods overnight, thereby reducing losses, while the cold store would preserve meat and other perishable products.

The President added that the police post and fire station would ensure round-the-clock security and emergency response, while the clinic and pharmacy would provide immediate healthcare services to traders and patrons.

He also noted that the inclusion of a daycare centre would enable women and other traders with young children to conduct business with peace of mind, knowing their children would be cared for within the market.

President Mahama reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the 24-Hour Economy initiative, stressing that investments in modern market infrastructure would drive inclusive economic growth, create jobs and improve livelihoods in communities across the country.

The Minority Caucus in Parliament on Wednesday staged a walkout in protest against what it described as the First Deputy Speaker’s persistent use of the Standing Orders to stifle parliamentary oversight and frustrate opposition MPs from scrutinising the government.

The protest followed a ruling by the First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, who disallowed a supplementary question from the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, during Question Time on the government’s planned fresh biometric SIM registration exercise.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin had sought clarification from the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, on the cost of the nationwide exercise to taxpayers after the Minister indicated that subscribers would not bear any cost.

However, the First Deputy Speaker ruled that the supplementary question did not flow from the original question on the Order Paper and therefore could not be entertained under the rules of the House.

The ruling sparked an exchange between the Minority Leader and the Chair, after which Minority MPs walked out of the Chamber in protest.

Minority’s Protest

Addressing journalists after the walkout, the Minority Leader accused the First Deputy Speaker of repeatedly using parliamentary rules to intimidate opposition MPs and undermine Parliament’s oversight responsibility.

‘We have observed the First Deputy Speaker has a way of using the rules to stampede parliamentary oversight,’ Mr. Afenyo-Markin said.

According to the Minority Leader, backbench MPs have increasingly found it difficult to ask questions because the presiding officer routinely relies on procedural rules to prevent them from making contributions.

‘The rules are not meant to be used to intimidate, frustrate and bring Parliament to a standstill,’ Mr. Afenyo-Markin stated.

The Minority maintained that the question on the cost of the fresh SIM registration exercise was a legitimate matter of public interest, particularly because the government had justified the new exercise on grounds that some SIM cards had previously been registered using false, stolen or unverifiable identities.

They argued that although the Minister had assured Parliament the exercise would be free for subscribers, Ghanaians deserved to know how much the exercise would cost the state and the procurement arrangements that would govern its implementation.

According to the caucus, the previous nationwide SIM registration exercise involved significant public expenditure, making it reasonable for Parliament to seek accountability over the financing of the new exercise.

The Minority further contended that the supplementary question was admissible under the Standing Orders because it sought clarification on an answer already provided by the Minister.

They cited Standing Order 89(1), arguing that it permits Members to ask supplementary questions arising from a Minister’s response.

The caucus also claimed that even members on the Majority side disagreed with the ruling, alleging that the Majority Leader appreciated that the question should have been allowed.

Despite their protest, the Minority said the walkout was limited to expressing their displeasure over the Deputy Speaker’s conduct and stressed that they would return to the Chamber to continue participating in parliamentary business.

Minister explains new SIM registration

Earlier, responding to the substantive question, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, explained that the government had decided to undertake a fresh biometric SIM registration exercise, officially called the Electronic Communications Numbering Resource Registration Exercise, to strengthen the integrity and security of the country’s telecommunications system.

According to the Minister, although the previous registration exercise sought to link SIM cards to verified identities using biometric validation against the National Identification Authority (NIA) database, the biometric information collected was not properly verified against the database.

This, the Minister said, enabled some individuals to register SIM cards using false, stolen or unverifiable identities, thereby undermining the integrity of the National SIM Register.

He maintained that the fresh registration exercise was intended to address those weaknesses and assured Parliament that subscribers would not be charged for the exercise.

The Ashanti Regional Office of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) resolved 982 out of 1,208 complaints lodged against the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Ghana Water Limited (GWL) during the first six months of 2026, achieving an 81.29 percent resolution rate.

The Commission disclosed this in its Mid-Year 2026 Regional Performance Report, which highlighted significant gains in consumer protection, utility service delivery and public education across the Ashanti Region.

According to the report, ECG accounted for 1,116 complaints, representing 92.38 percent of the total complaints received, while GWL recorded 92 complaints, representing 7.61 percent.

The report indicated that the Commission successfully resolved 918 ECG-related complaints and 64 GWL-related complaints during the period under review.

As part of its interventions, PURC secured GHS108,969.40 in billing and payment adjustments in favour of consumers after investigations into complaints against the utility providers.

The Commission also recovered GHS55,664.74 from defaulting consumers on behalf of the utility companies.

The report further revealed that PURC facilitated the replacement of critical utility infrastructure to improve service delivery across the region.

These included the replacement of eight damaged electricity poles at a cost of GHS33,424, benefiting about 824 consumers, while three faulty electricity meters were replaced and 13 delayed electricity service connections were completed at a combined cost of GHS20,184, serving 144 consumers.

Additionally, four 200kVA transformers were replaced at a cost of GHS480,000, restoring reliable electricity supply to about 3,400 consumers.

In the water sector, the Commission facilitated the repair of 19 burst water pipes at an estimated cost of GHS22,800, restoring water supply to approximately 2,014 consumers.

Overall, the interventions involved an estimated investment of GHS556,408, directly benefiting 6,382 consumers across the Ashanti Region.

Beyond complaint resolution, the Commission intensified its consumer education and stakeholder engagement programmes through a number of outreach initiatives.

Under the ‘Tell PURC’ campaign, officials visited households in Dunkwa Ayanfuri, Asafo, Bantama, Manso Atwedie, Jacobu, Akrokerri and Adobewura to educate consumers on their rights and responsibilities while gathering first-hand information on challenges with utility service delivery.

The Commission also engaged traditional authorities and residents of Bodwesango through its ‘PURC @ the Palace’ initiative, where participants were educated on the Commission’s mandate, complaint handling procedures, meter acquisition processes, consumer rights and responsibilities, as well as electricity and water conservation.

Similarly, the ‘PURC @ the Bus Terminal’ initiative took the Commission to the Asante Mampong and Nsuta bus terminals, where passengers, transport operators and drivers were sensitised on consumer rights, the obligations of utility providers and the channels available for lodging complaints.

Under its ‘PURC Market Connect’ programme, the Commission also engaged traders at the Nyinahin and Asuofia markets, educating them on utility regulations, responsible consumption and the importance of honouring their utility payment obligations.

The report noted that these initiatives have significantly strengthened consumer awareness, improved access to the Commission’s services and enhanced confidence in the complaint resolution process, while promoting accountability among utility service providers in the region.

Asante Kotoko are set to appoint experienced South African coach, Eric Tinkler, as the club’s new head coach, bringing an end to their search for a permanent manager.

The Porcupine Warriors have been without a substantive head coach since the departure of Karim Zito, with interim coaches Prince Yaw Owusu and later Hamza Obeng overseeing the team.

The club recently appointed Dutchman, Stanley Menzo, as Director of Football, tasked with overseeing the technical direction, and the search for a new head coach has been a key priority.

Tinkler brings a wealth of experience to the role, having managed several clubs in the South African Premier Soccer League. He has previously been in charge of Orlando Pirates, Cape Town City, SuperSport United, Chippa United, and Maritzburg United. Most recently, he led Sekhukhune United.

The 55-year-old former Bafana Bafana midfielder, who earned 45 caps for South Africa, has won three trophies during his coaching career: the League Cup with Cape Town City FC (2016), the Nedbank Cup with Orlando Pirates (2013/2014), and the South Africa 8 Cup with SuperSport United FC (2017/2018).

Tinkler’s appointment is expected to bring stability and experience to Kotoko as they prepare for the 2026/27 season.

Two months after a midnight inferno destroyed the Sunyani Circuit Court and District Magistrate Court ‘B’, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) is yet to disclose the cause of the blaze.

On Sunday, April 26, 2026, at around 1:00 a.m., a devastating fire swept through the court complex. The blaze destroyed vital documents, files, computers, registers, judges’ chambers, the cashier’s office, courtrooms, and the bailiff’s section. Eyewitnesses say it took GNFS personnel eight hours to bring the fire under control, a delay they blame on water shortages.

Litigants whose cases were pending were left in tears as courtrooms were reduced to ashes and debris. Since then, judicial activity has stalled.

Court staffs now operate from a cramped General Office at the High Court, described as ‘temporary and too small.’ Two rooms at the Sunyani Municipal Social Welfare Department have been allocated, but no sittings have resumed.

Despite the scale of the destruction, GNFS has not released any findings on what caused the fire.

The current Bono Regional Commander, ACFO II Robert Attah Kumi, told this paper he had just resumed office and had ‘no knowledge of the incident.’ When asked about handover notes, he said he was yet to review them. His predecessor, ACFO I Cecil Addo, who spoke to journalists at the scene, has since been transferred.

Citing GNFS policy, ACFO II Kumi said only the national headquarters is mandated to speak on fire investigations. ‘Investigations take time… we must finish, send the report to headquarters, then we will know the cause,’ he stated. Attempts to reach DO II Desmond Ackah, Head of Public Relations at GNFS, have not yielded a response.

A source within the Fire Service told this paper that ‘criminality is involved, hence the delay in releasing the report.’

The Police are also silent. The Bono Regional Police Commander was unavailable, with officials citing travel and meetings. However, a police source said investigations had been completed and pointed to arson.

According to the source, investigators found evidence of combustible materials, including an empty petrol container and a matchbox, at the scene. The Police are, however, waiting for GNFS to take the lead in publishing the report, since it falls under their remit.

The Bono Regional Administrative Officer of the Judiciary has also been unreachable after a reported transfer to the Northern Region. At the Commercial High Court, Court Service Officer Jamima Yeboah Amankwa said nothing further had been communicated since April 26. She added that any enquiries must be backed by a letter and directed to Accra.

Until GNFS speaks, the cause of the fire that crippled justice delivery in Bono and Ahafo remains a mystery – and the silence is costing public trust.

Sources indicates that after the Parliamentary Select Committee on Judiciary visited the scene and there is not even a provisional report provided by the fire service.