Category: Daily Guide Network

A new poll conducted by Global Info Analytics has pegged former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and current Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu as favourites to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) into the 2028 general election.

According to the poll released yesterday, 57 percent of Ghanaians prefer former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to lead the NPP into the 2028 general election while Haruna Iddrisu narrowly leads with 27 percent of voter preference for the NDC.

Bawumia’s Popularity

The poll, via the organisation’s official social media platforms, confirms Dr. Bawumia as the most popular candidate among the general electorate, leading his closest contender, former Assin Central Member of Parliament (MP) Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, who garnered 29 percent support.

According to the data, Dr. Bawumia enjoys a commanding lead across various regions, underscoring his broad national appeal. However, the survey also notes a recent dip in his support among NPP delegates, raising questions about internal party dynamics ahead of the flagbearer selection.

Other notable contenders trail far behind. Former Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum secured 6 percent, Food and Agriculture Minister Dr. Bryan Acheampong polled 5 percent while former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyepong received 3 percent support.

In key swing regions like Greater Accra, Central, and Western, Dr. Bawumia remains dominant, with 57 percent of respondents backing him, Kennedy Agyapong follows with 32 percent, with both Dr. Adutwum and Dr. Bryan Acheampong garnering 4 percent each, while Kwabena Agyepong obtained 3 percent.

The poll further explored a hypothetical runoff between Bawumia and Agyapong. In this head-to-head scenario, Bawumia extended his lead, winning 62 percent of the projected vote compared to Agyapong’s 38 percent.

Despite some slippage in support among party delegates, Agyapong has yet to capitalise. The survey suggests that the Vice President’s losses have not translated into significant gains for his closest rival. Instead, a notable portion of delegates appear to be moving into the undecided category.

According to some analysts, the poll reflect both Bawumia’s enduring popularity among the general public and growing uncertainty within the party’s internal structures. Global Info Analytics highlighted this divergence as a key issue as the NPP prepares for its 2028 flagbearer race.

Among NPP delegates, Dr. Bawumia still holds a clear lead with 47 percent, while Agyapong trails at 17 percent with Dr. Acheampong and Dr. Adutwum each securing 3 percent and 1 percent respectively, while Kwabena Agyepong also polled 1 percent.

It however emerged from the poll that a significant 27 percent of delegates remain undecided, while 4 percent declined to state their preference, adding that in a possible runoff among delegates, Bawumia’s support ticks up slightly to 49 percent, compared to Agyapong’s 19 percent, as 27 percent remain undecided, and 5 percent chose not to reveal their vote.

NDC’s Close Contest

In the race to succeed President John Dramani Mahama as leader of the National Democratic Congress, Mr. Iddrisu is followed closely by Asiedu Nketia at 26 percent, Dr. Ato Forson with 22 percent, while Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, registers 11 percent.

The Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, polls at 8 percent, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings 4 percent, and other contenders share the remaining 3 percent.

The results reflect a surge for Mr. Asiedu Nketia compared to earlier April findings, while Mr. Haruna Iddrisu has managed to maintain his early advantage.

Among declared NDC voters, Mr. Iddrisu widens his lead slightly with 31 percent support, compared to Mr. Asiedu’s 24 percent and Dr. Ato Forson’s 22 percent. Messrs Julius Debrah, Ablakwa, and Dr. Zanetor all remain in single digits.

The poll also reveals how voting blocs break differently depending on party affiliation and past choices.

A majority of New Patriotic Party voters surveyed favour Asiedu Nketia (32 percent), with Haruna (22 percent) and Forson (20 percent) trailing.

Among those who voted for President John Mahama in the 2024 elections, Haruna Iddrisu draws 30 percent support, Dr. Ato Forson 24 percent, and Asiedu Nketia 22 percent. Ablakwa and Dr. Zanetor attract 8 percent and 3 percent respectively.

Among respondents who did not disclose their 2024 vote, Haruna maintains 30 percent backing, Forson 24 percent, and Asiedu 15 percent, while Debrah and Ablakwa poll 10 and 12 percent respectively.

Dr. Zanetor attracts 5 percent in this group. For those who did not vote in 2024, Asiedu leads with 23 percent, Haruna secures 19 percent, and Forson and Debrah both stand at 18 percent. Ablakwa draws 15 percent, while Dr. Zanetor garners 5 percent.

When narrowed to core NDC voters who backed Mahama in 2024, Haruna’s dominance is clearer – 31 percent to Forson’s 24 percent and Asiedu’s 22 percent.

However, among NDC voters who did not disclose their 2024 preference, Forson and Ablakwa perform better, drawing 18 and 13 percent respectively, compared to Haruna’s 24 percent and Asiedu’s 16 percent.

Among NDC voters who abstained in 2024, Haruna commands 28 percent, Asiedu 26 percent, while Debrah rises to 19 percent.

Beyond personalities, the poll also measured overall party attractiveness. It found that the NDC continues to gain ground nationally, with 44 percent of voters openly identifying with the party, which represents an increase from 42 percent in April 2025.

By contrast, the NPP’s support has slipped, now standing at 30 percent, down from 32 percent in April.

The survey covered 10,493 respondents across 84 constituencies through a combination of online, telephone, and in-person interviews conducted between May and June 2025. The overall margin of error is estimated at ±1.23 percent with a 99 percent confidence level.

Taken together, the findings suggest that while Haruna Iddrisu retains a narrow overall lead, Asiedu Nketia’s recent surge and Ato Forson’s steady showing among Mahama loyalists make the NDC’s succession race far from settled.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has given the Acting Chief Executive of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. Yakubu Seidu Adam, 90 days within which to refund GHS113,00 to the state.

This follows the inability of the hospital to recover the said amount from its officers whose negligence led to the state paying the money in question as judgment debts.

The payments were made in the name of the state in one instance following the death of a patient who had suffered from an overdose of medication.

The other payment was as a result of a mix-up in identification of a corpse, which resulted in the exhumation and reburial, costing the tax payer to bear the cost.

The committee had earlier directed the hospital to ensure that the officers whose actions led to the various payments refunded the amount or in default the Acting Chief Executive would be made to pay it himself.

Appearing before the committee yesterday, Dr. Adam indicated that the officers had not refunded the money when he was queried about the issue.

‘We recommended that the Acting Chief Executive Officer should recover the total amount of GHS113,000 from the officers whose negligence occasioned the payment of judgment debt and the same paid into the Auditor General’s Recoveries Account at Bank of Ghana, failing which the Acting Chief Executive Officer should pay. Have you done that?’ Samuel Atta-Mills, a Ranking Member questioned.

‘We haven’t done that,’ Dr. Adam responded and tried to explain, but he was cut short by Mr. Atta-Mills who concluded that ‘Our Chief Executive Officer, we give you 90 days to pay this GHS113,000.’

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Committee (PAC), Abena Osei-Asare, has instructed the Ministry of Health to provide documentation for the payment of GHS802,725 made for the proposed construction of a Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound at Kwanyako, in Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region.

This was after she described as ‘unacceptable,’ absence of documents supporting the expenditure when it was reviewed by the Auditor-General.

‘This is a capital expenditure item. Before you make any payment, the relevant documents must be attached for the payment to go through,’ she pointed out.

‘It is a must that when you make payments, you get your receipt to show proof. When auditors come – especially for a capital expenditure item – all the necessary documents should be present,’ she added.

Explaining the omission, Daniel Nsiah from the Ministry’s Financial Reporting and Monitoring Department noted that the issue was due to the government’s electronic payment system; Government Integrated Financial Management System (GIFMIS).

He told the committee that the platform does not automatically generate traditional receipts, and added that ‘When the auditors come and you show them the swift advice, they don’t accept it as a receipt.’

He, however, assured the committee that steps are being taken to secure the required documentation validating the payment.

Ghanaian music sensation, King Paluta, has dropped another masterpiece titled ‘La Vida Loca’, which is gradually making waves not only in Ghana but across the world.

The song, since its release, has been making waves, especially on TikTok and Instagram, where fans are jamming to the musical masterpiece of the award-winning musician.

Barcelona Femeni attacking midfielder, Vicky Lopez, featured King Paluta’s newly released ‘La Vida Loca’ single in her recent Instagram post.

This was in celebration of her first-ever women’s Kopa Trophy at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Celebrating her win, the talented footballer used King Paluta’s ‘La Vida Loca’ as the soundtrack for her post on Instagram, which demonstrates the song’s global reach.

The new ‘La Vida Loca’ single, produced by award-winning music producer Apya and King Paluta, explores themes of love, trust, and hope for success.

The new song is available across streaming platforms, including Boomplay, Audiomack and Spotify, while the music video is on YouTube.

King Paluta has over the past year embarked on a music tour in Europe, where he thrilled fans in Amsterdam, Berlin, Barcelona, Modena and Vicenza.

He is currently in the United States of America, also embarking on another tour, and recently performed at the Ghana Entertainment Awards in New Jersey.

It has been a thrilling year for the award-winning musician who continues to drop back-to-back hits, including ‘Foko’, ‘Thank You’ and ‘Between Me and God’, among others.

The nominations for the 9th Ghana Beauty Awards are officially out, and the excitement is building as the industry prepares for the big night on October 24, 2025, at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra.

Voting is already open and will close on October 20, giving the public the power to help decide who takes home the honours.

This year’s ‘Thrive Edition’ highlights the creativity and excellence of Ghana’s beauty industry. In the Makeup Artist of the Year category, Faruza Yakubu of FYGlam, Kevin Tetteh of Beauty Maven, Leonard Ahia of Datherapizt, and Saida Mumuni Montia of Image Bloom By Saida will battle it out for the top spot.

The Best Special Effects Make-Up Artist award sees Nathanial Amewugah, Felix Carl, and Ralph Quam vying for recognition. At the same time, the Discovery of the Year category features fresh talent including Covered Cosmetics, Daniella Hammond Makeup, Emmanuella Adu Owusua Styleish, and Esme Hair Care. Mikesh Hair Products and Radelshair are both in contention for Hair Brand of the Year.

The Ghana Beauty Awards, organised annually by Makeup Ghana, was established to celebrate excellence and innovation in the beauty industry while giving recognition to professionals and brands that continue to inspire and raise standards across the sector.

This year’s theme, ‘Thrive,’ reflects the resilience and growth of the industry, shining a light on those who have continued to flourish and make an impact despite challenges.

For one to cast a vote, dial 71381# or visit the link in the bio of @ghanabeautyawards_official page.

Trade between Ghana and China reached $11.8 billion in 2024, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, disclosed this in Accra.

He made the revelation during celebrations marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 65th anniversary of China-Ghana diplomatic relations recently.

He noted that the trade volume reflected the steady growth of bilateral ties, which were elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2024.

Chinese investments in Ghana, he said, span infrastructure, manufacturing, mining, aviation, green energy, and petroleum refining, creating thousands of jobs.

‘China remains Ghana’s largest trading partner and a major source of foreign investment. In 2024 alone, bilateral trade reached a new high of 11.8 billion US dollars,’ he said.

‘These are vivid examples of the unity and friendship between China and Ghana, which will continue to deliver practical benefits to our peoples,’ he said.

The Ambassador further emphasised China’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s development priorities, citing the recent signing of a bilateral economic and technical cooperation agreement, as well as Beijing’s decision to grant zero-tariff treatment on 100 percent of tariff lines for African countries, including Ghana.

Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang commended China’s contribution to Ghana’s development, particularly in infrastructure such as roads, bridges, hospitals, educational facilities, and cultural exchanges.

She stressed the importance of aligning such projects with Ghana’s 24-hour economy policy, which prioritizes job creation, modernization, connectivity, and export expansion.

‘We know there has been steady growth in our relationship in terms of trade, and it has reached great heights. But Ghana is determined to ensure that our trade and relations translate into sustainable local development, with emphasis on creating opportunities for our brilliant and determined youth,’ she said.

‘Our outlook is clear: we want to deepen our relationship with China in ways that generate jobs, foster innovation, and ensure prosperity for all – especially the youth and women,’ she added.

It has emerged that most of the health workers, particularly nurses who are posted to the Elubo Government Hospital in the Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region, refuse to accept the postings.

Zachariah Musah, the Medical Superintendent of the hospital, who disclosed this, expressed worry about the situation.

He said the challenge, coupled with inadequate accommodation for health personnel, is hindering the hospital’s ability to provide essential care to the people of Elubo and its environs.

The 65-bed facility with state-of-the-art equipment which was opened in 2023, is currently grappling with severe shortage of staff.

DAILY GUIDE gathered that even though the health facility has the capacity to absorb 120 health workers, only 45 are currently available.

Interacting with the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, the Medical Superintendent stated, ‘We have two key obstacles – the reluctance of some nurses to accept postings to the facility and lack of accommodation for staff.’

He said, ‘We recently opened the theatre, and most of the functional units have machines that are state-of-the-art, but they remain closed because we do not have trained personnel to use them.’

For his part, the Regional Minister, Mr. Nelson, could not fathom why nurses posted to the facility decline the postings.

‘It beats my mind why when some nurses and health workers are transferred or posted to a facility, they can simply refuse and still remain on the payroll,’ he stated.

He pointed out that while some health facilities are overstaffed, others are facing shortages.

He pledged his commitment to finding solutions to the hospital’s two key challenges, but called on those responsible for managing the situation to take action.

‘As the government seeks long-term solutions to the staffing crisis, it is essential to transform this multi-million-cedi investment into a fully operational healthcare hub,’ he added.

He appealed to the health workers to focus more on patients’ care, and proposed for the establishment of an office dedicated to safeguarding patient interests.

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has announced that its 2025 enlistment and recruitment exercise will begin in the coming days, and will be held simultaneously in all 16 regional capitals.

In a press release issued on Monday, September 29, the GAF explained that the decentralised exercise is intended to provide equal opportunity to eligible applicants nationwide.

The statement stressed that official recruitment details will only be available on the GAF’s verified platforms-including its official websites-and in state-owned newspapers such as the Daily Graphic and Ghanaian Times.

The Ghana Armed Forces also cautioned the public against falling victim to fraudulent recruitment adverts and links being circulated on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and other social media platforms.

‘Any purported recruitment links on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp or any other social media platforms inviting people for protocol recruitment is a scam and should be ignored,’ the statement warned.

It further emphasised that no recruitment or enlistment invitations will ever come from individual members of the Armed Forces or its High Command.

The GAF appealed to the public for cooperation in safeguarding the integrity of the exercise, and urged applicants to remain vigilant by relying solely on official information sources.

I’m very pleased to be back in Ghana after nearly 20 years and honoured to return as the British High Commissioner. My previous posting here from 2006 to 2009 left me with fond memories. My children spent their early years in Accra; we celebrated Ghana’s 50th independence anniversary in 2007, cheered the Black Stars at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, and enjoyed more Waakye than we probably should have!

Back then, I saw energy and possibility everywhere, from young tech entrepreneurs in internet cafés to communities building schools and clinics, and excitement around the discovery of oil. On returning, the first thing that struck me was Accra’s transformed skyline, a clear sign of business confidence. I’m eager to explore the many other changes across the country.

What hasn’t changed is the generosity, optimism, and democratic spirit of Ghanaians. These qualities are the bedrock of progress and the reason I believe Ghana’s future is so promising. The UK wants to be a partner in that future. Our shared history includes difficult chapters, but from that past we’ve built a relationship rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision.

In London, I saw how the British Ghanaian diaspora acts as a vibrant bridge between our nations, driving trade, innovation, and cultural exchange. These connections are the foundation of a modern partnership, one that’s evolving to meet the challenges of a changing world.

UK’s partners with the Ministry of Education in childhood development

We’re moving from traditional aid to partnerships that foster shared prosperity. UK collaboration with Ghanaian institutions – like supporting tax reforms with the Ghana Revenue Authority, boosting industrial growth through growth partnerships, and fostering parliamentary partnerships and mutual learning – works because it’s Ghana-led, with UK expertise offered in a practical, respectful way. This modernised approach to development, from aid to investment, was showcased during the UK Minister for International Development’s visit to Ghana earlier this month.

UK’s partners with the Ministry of Education in childhood development

We’re supporting local private sector investment, linking Ghanaian and UK markets, creating jobs and bringing Ghanaian products to UK supermarket shelves. Strategic partnerships have attracted over £125 million in investment and created 5,000+ jobs across multiple sectors. UK-backed infrastructure projects-Kejetia Market, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, and airports in Tamale and Kumasi-are enhancing connectivity and public services. UK partnerships with the pharmaceutical sector have helped produce sera vaccines, essential COVID-19 medicines and other advanced products here in Ghana.

Trade remains central to our partnership. Bilateral trade reached £1.6 billion in early 2025, with room to grow especially in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, education, infrastructure, and clean energy. The UK-Ghana Trade Partnership Agreement provides duty-free, quota-free access for Ghanaian exports to the UK, supporting Ghana’s industrial transformation and export development goals. As host of the African Continental Free Trade Area, Ghana is a gateway to West Africa and beyond for UK businesses.

We continue to work together on shared challenges like countering terrorism, organised crime, disinformation, cyber threats, and keeping the peace. Ghana’s leadership in promoting regional stability is invaluable. I look forward to collaborating bilaterally and at the UN on global issues like international human rights, media freedom, and reforming international finance.

Dr. Christian Rogg with President John Mahama

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting President John Mahama. We discussed current global challenges, how our bilateral partnership has evolved but remains strong and deep, and will draw even closer on our shared growth and security priorities. Our partnership holds promise.

Ghana’s young population, growing economy, and democratic institutions offer a strong foundation for progress. The UK brings expertise, investment, and market access to help unlock Ghana’s potential while learning from Ghanaian resilience and innovation.

Returning to Ghana is more than a professional assignment; it’s a personal journey and a homecoming. I’m committed to listening, learning, and working closely with partners across government, civil society, and the private sector, in the spirit of mutual respect and genuine dialogue.

The Adinkra symbol, Ese ne Tekrema, representing the tongue and teeth, reminds us that true partnership involves not just agreement, but respectful conversation. Guided by this principle, I begin my posting to Ghana with renewed commitment to collaboration.

I’m honoured to serve once again and deeply grateful for the warmth and hospitality of the Ghanaian people. Let’s continue to grow together and strengthen the bonds of friendship and shared progress.

IT LOOKS likely the new Asantehemaa will be named in the coming days, possibly this week, close sources at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, the seat of the Asante Kingdom, have hinted the paper.

According to them, the palace has gone far, behind the scenes, with regards to the selection of a new queen, so they would not be surprised if the 15th Asantehemaa is announced to the public soon.

The sources, who demanded anonymity for obvious reasons, said the Manhyia Palace doesn’t want the Asantehemaa’s throne, which is highly regarded and respected in the Asante Kingdom, to be vacant for a long time.

In this regard, the sources claimed that the necessary consultations and discussions have been done in the last few days, therefore they are hopeful that Asanteman would get their 15th Queen in the earliest possible time.

Fake Asantehemaa Reports

Meanwhile, there were wild reports that the new Asantehemaa has been selected by the Manhyia Palace on Monday, September 29, 2025. This news, which sparked excitement, was later on found to be a hoax.

Checks by the paper at the palace, indicated that speculations on social media platforms, regarding the selection of the new Asantehemaa, were not true so the public should treat them with contempt.

‘There are laid down traditional structures in the selection of the Asantehemaa, which has been adhered to for close to four centuries, so don’t believe concocted reports on social media, regarding a new Asantehemaa.

‘The Asante King is the sole person who will announce the new Asantehemaa. Until Otumfuo speaks, treat all the wild rumours making rounds as palpable falsehood,’ a source at the Manhyia Palace told DAILY GUIDE.

Asantehemaa’s Role

The Asantehemaa, per the Asante traditions and customs, is regarded the mother of the Asante Kingdom. She owns all the markets in Kumasi, the capital of the ancient kingdom.

The occupant of the Asantehemaa’s stool, traditionally, is also the mother of the occupant of the Golden Stool, the Asantehene. She always offer advice and wise counsel to the King, behind the scenes, to make his reign successful.

Immediate-Past Asantehemaa

Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III, 98, the immediate-past Asantehemaa, was the 14th Asante Queen. She succeeded her late mother, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, who visited her ancestors in the latter parts of 2016.

Nana Konadu Yiadom III was on the sacred throne for eight years, during which time she made an indelible impression in the kingdom. She contributed immensely towards the improvement of healthcare and education.

The body of the 14th Asantehemaa was finally interred at the Royal Mausoleum in Breman near Kumasi on the night of Thursday, September 18, 2025, following four days funeral rites, known in the Asante tradition as ‘Dote Yie’.

The Committee for Professional Boxing in Ghana has rejected the Interim Management Committee (IMC) to replace the current Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) Executive Board in running professional boxing in Ghana.

The committee has also criticised the decision to suspend all boxing activities following the demise of professional boxer Ernest Akushey aka Bahubali.

The Ministry of Sports and Recreation dissolved the board of the GBA, replacing it with an Interim Management Committee (IMC) which is expected to be inaugurated in the coming days.

But the Committee for Professional Boxing has criticised the decision, noting thar the NSA has overstepped its boundaries with its decision to replace the current board with an interim management committee.

The Committee in a statement noted that ‘the NSA has no such mandate since the GBA is governed by a constitution and it is only the congress of the GBA that has the power to elect board members to supervise professional boxing in the country.’

It further argues that the decision of the NSA ‘is a complete overthrow of the GBA constitution and for that matter cannot be countenanced.’

On the suspension of all boxing activities, the Committee noted that all decisions to be taken concerning professional boxing in Ghana should be within the remits of the GBA constitution and not in the manner in which the NSA seeks to micromanage the GBA.

‘We therefore, find the purported suspension of boxing activities and the replacement of the GBA board highly irrational and unlawful,’ the statement added.

THE NATIONAL Sports Authority (NSA), in consultation with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, announced the immediate suspension of all boxing activities in Ghana after the tragic death of professional boxer Ernest ‘Bahubali’ Akushey last week.

The decision, officials say, is aimed at prioritising the safety, health, and welfare of athletes in the sport.

Akushey’s passing came just months after the death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, which had already triggered a ministerial review into safety standards in Ghanaian boxing.

According to the NSA, preparations had already been completed to roll out reforms recommended by the Ministerial Committee on Boxing.