Category: Daily Guide Network

ASPIRANTS IN the just ended New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Executive Elections have been told to, with immediate effect, dissolve all their campaign teams.

The flagbearer and leader of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, giving the stern order, said the party elections are over so there is no need keeping campaign camps.

The NPP presidential candidate for the 2028 elections was speaking right after the newly NPP national executives were sworn into office on Sunday dawn.

According to him, individual camps and teams have the potential of creating deep cracks, tension and confusion in the NPP, stressing that they should be disbanded without delay.

Invites Election Losers

Dr. Bawumia also extended an olive branch inviting all the losers in the just ended National Executive Elections to join the party and work to secure victory for the NPP in 2028.

According to him, campaign for the 2028 presidential and parliamentary elections is very broad, so there is enough space for every party member to join the campaign team and work.

‘Those who did not win, it’s the NPP who is the eventual winner in the polls, so don’t consider yourself a loser because you will be part of the NPP 2028 election campaign team,’ he pointed out.

Dr. Bawumia also admonished the NPP members to do away with backbiting, animosity and name-calling, and rather unite as one ‘elephant’ family to secure victory in the 2028 elections.

He congratulated and commended all NPP members for the various key roles they have played so far in the rebuilding and restructuring process of the party, ahead of the 2028 polls.

According to him, through the hard work of all NPP members, the party has gradually and tactically been able to elect its flagbearer and party officers to prepare for the national polls.

‘By the grace of God we have had a successful conference. This is an important part of the rebuilding and restructuring processes of the NPP. We thank God for bringing us this far,’ he added.

Dr. Bawumia disclosed that very soon the various campaign committees for the NPP would be announced, thereby paving the way for the party to commence a vigorous campaign.

Thirty young people from Newmont’s 10 host communities in Ahafo have graduated from the company’s Learnership Programme this year, bringing the total number of participants who have successfully completed the programme since 2023 to 99.

The milestone reflects Newmont’s continued commitment to developing local talent, building skills and creating opportunities for young people in its host communities.

The Learnership Programme is one of several initiatives through which Newmont invests in local talent development and workforce readiness for young people in its host communities. Through technical training, mentorship, coaching, operational exposure and workplace experience, participants gain the skills and hands-on experience needed to succeed in a modern mining environment. Initially focused on Haul Truck Operations, the programme has since expanded to include Drill and Blast Operations and Process Plant Operations, creating broader pathways into the mining industry.

While the current Learnership Programme model was introduced in 2023, it builds on Newmont’s long-standing commitment to developing local talent in its host communities.

Since 2005, the company has operated the Newmont Apprenticeship Programme, which equips community youth with technical skills to become maintenance technicians for careers with Newmont, its business partners and other industries.

Newmont has also provided learnership opportunities over the years to support community participation in operational roles, including helping develop some of the first haul truck and equipment operators at Ahafo South from the mine’s host communities.

The introduction of the current Learnership Programme expanded and formalised this approach, creating additional pathways into the mining industry.

Since the introduction of the current programme model in 2023, young people from all 10 host communities in Ahafo North and South have successfully completed the programme, with 19 participants graduating in 2023, 33 in 2024, 17 in 2025 and 30 in 2026.

The programme has achieved a 96% employment rate among graduates from the 2023, 2024 and 2025 cohorts, demonstrating the value of combining industry-relevant training with mentorship and practical workplace experience.

Some graduates work directly with Newmont, while others have secured opportunities with the company’s third-party contractors. Employment outcomes for the 2026 cohort are still being tracked as graduates transition into the workforce.

These outcomes reflect careers launched, opportunities created and communities strengthened through a growing pipeline of skilled talent.

The initiative also reflects Newmont’s Purpose of unearthing value sustainably to advance lives by helping young people develop the skills, confidence and experience needed to pursue meaningful careers and realise their potential.

As Newmont marks 20 years of commercial operations in Ghana, programmes such as the Learnership Programme demonstrate how investing in people continues to create lasting value, strengthen local capacity and enhance employment opportunities, particularly for host communities.

Advans Ghana Savings and Loans Limited (Advans Ghana) has launched ‘Mmaa Mpuntuo’, a dedicated financing solution designed to help women entrepreneurs access working capital and investment funding to expand their businesses.

The product is being piloted with an initial GHS20 million commitment from Development Bank Ghana (DBG), alongside technical support from CapitalPlus Exchange (CapPlus), which supported the product’s design and is helping prepare selected Advans Ghana branches for the pilot.

Mmaa Mpuntuo forms part of Advans Ghana’s Advans Her gender programme and is aimed at addressing the financing and business-support needs identified through research and direct engagement with women customers.

The initiative builds on Advans Ghana’s existing reach among women, who account for 61 percent of its client base but remain concentrated among its smallest borrowers.

In 2025, Advans Ghana disbursed more than GHS900 million to over 15,000 clients, while the company currently disburses close to GHS100 million each month.

Launching the product, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Advans Ghana, Guillaume Valence, said women entrepreneurs should not be denied access to credit because of limited collateral.

‘We are here to do business, you are here to do business, and we are here to do business together. Refusing a loan because of lesser collateral is not just a shame; it is a business mistake,’ he said.

According to the Advans, Mmaa Mpuntuo was developed following research and customer engagement undertaken with CapPlus to better understand the barriers women entrepreneurs face when seeking finance and growing their businesses.

The product offers lower interest rates and processing fees than Advans Ghana’s standard loans, more flexible collateral requirements and faster loan processing, the Savings and Loans company said.

Beneficiaries will also have access to mentoring, business and marketing support, as well as automatic enrolment in EduSave, a savings and investment account designed to help families plan for children’s education and offering higher interest rates for women.

The facility is available to women aged 18 and above, including existing and new Advans Ghana customers, who operate or seek to expand a business and have a clear growth plan.

The Chief Sales and Distribution Officer of Advans Ghana, Barbara Odei, said the initiative was intended to provide women with both finance and knowledge to grow their businesses.

‘Women, we want to say this morning that we are here for you. We want to make sure you have access, and we want to make sure you have knowledge,’ she said.

DBG’s GHS20 million commitment forms part of a women-focused fund of more than GHS300 million launched by the bank in August.

Mr. Valence said the success of the initiative would be measured not only by loan volumes and repayment performance but also by how customers used the financing to secure larger contracts, build savings and invest in their families.

I have seen a lot of National Democratic Congress (NDC) and government functionaries sharing the press release of Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) on their walls either as a justification of the inhumane demolition of La Pleasure Beach Resort or that it extricates them from any responsibility/liability. I cannot believe my eyes.

In 2024 when this same SSNIT wanted to sell 60% of some hotels including the famous Labadi beach hotel, the NDC kicked against it. I remember the many fora, meetings and consultations that these same party bigwigs had with the people of La, the traditional leaders and the Wulomo.

I remember what they told the people of La, that the NPP wanted to sell off their prime asset, the Labadi beach lands to themselves, that the La people will lose their source of livelihood if that sale is allowed to take place. At those meetings, these NDC bigwigs impressed on the allodial owners of the land not to allow the sale to take place but do everything in their power to stop the sale. I was at the La kpa naa and manjaano consultative meetings.

Remember that the decision to sell the 60% was done by the same board of SSNIT whom we are being told today are sacrosanct.

The people of La listened to the NDC and joined them in the fight against the sale. Press conferences were held, then they joined in the demonstration. I can just recall how Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa waxed lyrically about his admiration for the late La wulomo who joined the demo, poured libations and pronounced spiritual retributions if the sale was allowed to proceed.

Today, the same people who recognised the allodial owners of the land in opposition and consulted them now say they do not matter.

Today, the same people who fought alongside them in protecting their livelihoods in opposition have obliterated these same livelihoods now that they are in power.

Today, these same people who fought against a press release and explanations from the board of SSNIT on the sale of 60% of Labadi beach are shoving a press release in our faces as if it’s the 10 Commandments.

As the MP for the area put it succinctly, we fought alongside them to protect our livelihood and local economy but they have rewarded us with an obliteration of those same livelihoods on a scale never experienced in a proper democracy.

Let me digress a little: about two weeks ago, government announced that it had suspended its programme of breaking the Agbogbloshi yam market to build a 24hr market. This is to allow for more consultations with the market folks there even when the allodial owners have okayed the project. The people of La did not deserve that same courtesy abi?

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) could have used this same modus of national security, soldiers to take over the La pleasure beach while they offload the 60% share. They did not. They retreated quickly after the uproar.

Today, what we feared most as La m3 has happened and it happened in the most crudest way ever seen and it was done with tacit approval from those we fought alongside with.

My request to the government, board of SSNIT and Labadi beach hotel:

Show us the land documents

Show us consultations

Show us the notices

Show us the legal authority

Show us the environmental assessment

Show us the social impact assessment

Show us the restoration plan.

The very people we fought for and alongside with in opposition just stabbed us in the stomach while smiling at our pain.

To those justifying the crude demolition and the inhumane treatment meted out to distraught citizens, bystanders, business owners, journalists and bloggers, we say ayekoo.

To those who led the demolition, okayed the use of force without restraint, emotional intelligence and fellow feeling, we say, otsun).

To those who considered us worthy to be consulted, worthy to fight along with, worthy allodial owners in the past but worth nothing today, we say ny3yiwaladon, akpe, mpagya and y3 da moasi.

Kumawood actor, Mr Beautiful, has denied allegations that he took part of the GHS2,000 given to veteran actress Adjoa Pee to support her medical bills.

According to Mr Beautiful, he was contacted by Adjoa Pee about her condition and subsequently approached the authorities for assistance. He said he was given GHS2,000, which he personally delivered to the actress at the hospital near Prampram.

‘When you spoke to her, she confirmed that the amount I brought was GHS2,000. At what point did I take any money from it? Did I take part of the money after handing it over to her, or did I take it before giving it to her?’ he questioned.

Mr. Beautiful said his transport expenses had already been provided, insisting there was therefore no reason for him to deduct money from the donation. ‘If part of the money had already been taken, would it still have been GHS2,000? Yet she confirmed that the amount I gave her was GHS2,000. So, does it mean that after I had given the money to her, I then took my share from it,’ he asked.

He also cited another instance where he was entrusted with GHS27,000 to settle the medical bills of veteran musician, Naa Amanua, at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC). ‘Even GHS27,000 I didn’t touch; how much more GHS2,000?’ he said.

Mr. Beautiful admitted that he had stopped answering Adjoa Pee’s calls but explained that his decision was linked to requests she made after receiving the medical support.

‘Yes, it is true I don’t answer Adjoa Pee’s calls. She said most veterans were given a house, so she also wants a house, a car, and her son should be given a scholarship to study abroad,’ he explained.

He added, ‘The person who offers the help through me is not a real estate developer, the person is not a car dealer, and the person doesn’t work at the Scholarship Secretariat. So where was I going to get that help for her? That is the reason why I don’t answer Adjoa Pee’s calls.’

Cavan Sullivan became the youngest goalscorer in United States men’s national team history after scoring a stunning lob in a 3-0 friendly victory over rivals Mexico.

The 17-year-old surpassed Mathis Albert’s record, which had been set just five days earlier when he scored against Chile at the age of 17 years and 131 days.

Sullivan, aged 17 years and five days, intercepted a pass from Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel before producing a composed lob to double the USA’s lead in the 62nd minute.

‘These are the moments you dream of when you’re a three, four, five or six-year-old,’ Sullivan said. ‘I manifested this moment, not just these past couple of hours when I found out I was starting, but my whole life.’

Sullivan currently plays for MLS side Philadelphia Union and is expected to join Manchester City next season after the Premier League club secured his signature when he was 14 in 2024.

However, uncertainty surrounds the move following City’s recent financial ruling, with the club found guilty of breaching the majority of the 115 charges brought against them by the Premier League. City are expected to appeal the decision.

Julian Hall, another teenager, gave the USA the lead in the 28th minute before Sullivan doubled their advantage. Malik Tillman completed the scoring in the 84th minute.

Mexico’s night ended on a sour note when substitute Luis Chavez was sent off in the 68th minute for putting his hand into Sebastian Berhalter’s face.

Content creator, Kwadwo Sheldon, has set social media on fire after calling out Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam Nartey George, following the Black Stars’ embarrassing performance against The Gambia last Tuesday.

The Black Stars were stunned 4-2 by The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium in a game that left fans fuming and demanding answers.

Reacting to the shock defeat, Sam George took to X with a brutal verdict: ‘As for the Black Stars, my position before is my position today. Disband the team. Sack the FA. Let FIFA ban us for 2 years. Take the time to properly rebuild the team. Truth hurts but the patch work is worse. Cheers.’

But Kwadwo Sheldon was not having it. The popular YouTuber pulled out receipts.

In a sharp reply to the Minister’s post, Sheldon wrote: ‘No problem. I have another question, Hon. At some point, you said that the performance of the Black Stars was a reflection of the government. Going by your own words, would it be fair to say that the Black Stars’ performance today is also a reflection of the current government? Find attached in the comments the video in which this statement was made.’

The comeback has since gone viral, with many fans praising Sheldon for holding the government accountable and accusing politicians of using football for politics when it suits them.

Social media is currently divided – some agree the team should be disbanded, while others say Sheldon’s question is the real highlight of the night.

The demolition of the Polo Beach Club, Ghana’s number one destination for nightlife, has sparked concerns over its possible implications for this year’s ‘Detty December’.

Polo Beach Club was a massive anchor for Ghana’s Detty December festivities in Accra, serving as a premier, high-energy beachfront destination where thousands partied until dawn.

For five to six years, it helped define the seasonal identity of December nightlife in Accra and across West Africa. Organisers reported employing nearly 500 individuals during the peak December season, providing a major boost to local jobs and hospitality.

Known for loud music, pool parties, and sunrise sessions, it was a top-tier networking and party spot for both locals and international diaspora visitors.

Following the October 1 demolition exercise, just months before the holidays, partygoers and tourism stakeholders are questioning what the loss of this iconic hub means for the upcoming December season in Accra.

In a post, BlackVolta wrote: ‘Following the demolition of the venue earlier this week, Accra has lost a location that held memories for thousands of people. @polobeachclub’

The post has generated a lot of reactions online.

One user, flexxy17, commented: ‘Dirty December is officially cancelled.’

Another user, amarightnow, wrote: ‘It is the one venue on my list to visit in Ghana. How could they get rid of a National Treasure?’

THE INCARCERATION of former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as ‘Wontumi’, has been described as politically motivated.

Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, aka COKA, the current Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, who made the remarks, said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government is terrorising its political opponents.

According to him, from all indications, the President John Dramani Mahama’s administration is using the judiciary to terrorise their political opponents, of which Wontumi, unfortunately, is one of the victims.

COKA disclosed that he recently visited Wontumi in prison, noting that during the visit he realised that despite his horrible situation, his predecessor (Wontumi) was in good spirits and firmly behind the NPP to succeed.

‘Wontumi is a political prisoner,’ COKA lamented, attracting cheers from his sizable and charged audience.

Speaking during the NPP National Delegates Conference, which was held at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, he urged the NPP members to rise up and work for the party to oust the NDC from power in 2028.

According to him, the only way that the NPP could prevent the NDC from leading the country into abyss is to win the 2028 presidential and parliamentary elections.

Sounding very confident, COKA emphatically stated that the NPP would win the next elections, promising that the Ashanti Region, which is the stronghold of the NPP, would lead the party’s quest for victory in 2028.

He said the NPP has learnt bitter lessons from the 2024 electoral defeat, noting that the party is now determined and ready to wrest political power from the non-performing NDC government under President Mahama.

COKA also admonished his teeming party members to unite and work for the NPP to win political power, noting that ‘Let’s put aside our personal differences and unite and work for the NPP henceforth.’

‘With hard work, the NPP will see victory in 2028, and I’m stating here today that Dr. Bawumia is the next president of Ghana. The NDC is on their way to opposition, nothing can save them from losing 2028 polls,’ he stated.

President John Dramani Mahama has presented relief items to victims of the recent floods in Hohoe Municipality of the Volta Region.

The President made the donation when he visited Hohoe Zongo and other affected communities to assess the extent of the damage, sympathise with residents and support ongoing relief efforts.

Preliminary figures from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) indicate that 5,140 people have been displaced, while 412 houses have been affected across the disaster-hit communities.

The flooding followed persistent heavy rainfall which caused the River Dayi to overflow into low-lying communities in the Hohoe Municipality. Areas affected include Bla, Galikorpe, Hohoe Zongo Nima, Martvin Down, Segbedenu, Water Works Down, Kpoeta, Atabu, Kledzo and Panic Site.

President Mahama said the purpose of his visit was primarily to sympathise with affected residents and traditional authorities while providing immediate assistance to households impacted by the floods. ‘We came here today to sympathise with Togbuiga Gabusu, the chiefs and the people who have been affected, and we also brought few items to donate,’ he said.

He assured the affected residents that the government would continue to mobilise support as recovery efforts progressed. He also commended traditional leaders, the Hohoe Municipal Assembly, NADMO, government institutions and other individuals and organisations for their interventions since the disaster occurred.

The President disclosed that businessman Ibrahim Mahama, owner of Dzata Cement, had pledged 5,000 bags of cement to assist residents whose houses were destroyed during the floods. The cement, he said, would help affected households begin the reconstruction of their homes.

President Mahama further directed the Hohoe Member of Parliament, the Municipal Chief Executive and the Volta Regional Minister to ensure that the relief items were distributed fairly to residents directly affected by the disaster. He said the distribution should prioritise households that had suffered the greatest impact.

The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, expressed appreciation to the President for visiting the affected communities and supporting residents. He said an ad hoc committee had been established to coordinate relief efforts and ensure that assistance reached affected households. The committee comprises assembly members from affected areas, traditional authorities, Zongo chiefs and women’s representatives.

The Hohoe Municipal Chief Executive, Prosper Kumi, said about 5,336 people had been individually affected by the floods, with several homes and other structures damaged or destroyed. He said three critical bridges had also been affected, temporarily disrupting access to some communities.

The Member of Parliament for Hohoe, Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo, thanked the President and government for responding to the disaster and appealed for additional support from government, businesses, organisations, development partners and individuals.

He said the scale of the destruction required assistance beyond immediate relief, particularly for families whose homes had collapsed and whose livelihoods had been disrupted.