Category: Daily Guide Network

ýInfinity970, a not-for-profit organisation with a mission to improve the lives and wellbeing of communities through communication, education, interaction and advocacy, recently embarked on a public education campaign on air pollution in Greater Accra.

ýSupported by Breathe Cities, Infinity970 engaged some schools in the Ayawaso Central Municipality centering on the causes and effects of air pollution.

ýStudents from the municipality attended the session with their teachers, in addition to representatives from the assembly.

ýEmmanuel Lamptey, a director from Infinity970, briefed the learners about the campaign and the effects of air pollution as well as its impact on the environment and the health of people. It was a moment filled with education, interaction, and inspiration.

ýStudents were guided through an eye-opening discussion on ‘Air Pollution and its Sources,’ with communication materials (i.e. TV advert, Radio Jingle and Poster/Billboard) from the campaign reinforcing the message.

ýStudents were also given the opportunity to bring their perspective on air pollution, leading to the clarification of some misinformation.

ýMr. Lamptey explained the number of air pollution cases on a daily basis, adding that a report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) Report in 2022, revealed that 28,000 people died annually from air pollution.

ýHe continued that polluted air was bad for human health, economies and the planet, adding that it affected most localities even though the details and complexities differed from community to community. It ranged from dust, fumes from burning substances, and waste disposal among others.

ýIn Ghana, he said air pollution was the second biggest threat to health.

ýNana Amoako, Head of Research at Infinity970, after the event, mentioned that the session was just one of a number of interactive sessions planned for communities, schools and municipal assemblies.

ýHe then encouraged stakeholders to contribute their support for air pollution prevention.

ýObiri Yeboah Givens, Environmental Health Officer, who represented Musah Abdul Samad, Municipal Environmental Health Officer for Ayawaso Central, advised the students not to pollute the air and also to educate anyone whom they saw polluting the air.

ýAlso present at the programme were Bright Delali Asiklu, School Improvement Support Officer and Emmanuel Asante, the Municipality’s SHEP Coordinator. Together, they set the tone for what became a highly engaging programme.

POPULAR Ghanaian funeral mourner Maame Ode, known in real life as Mary Ode Bonsu, has stated that her buttocks is natural, reasons why she’s able to shake them off during occasions.

The Kumasi-based funeral mourner and traditional dancer, in an interview, stated that many people believes that she use hip pad to create a more defined and curvy silhouette for confidence-boosting, making her body appear more shapely and feminine.

‘I don’t use hip pad when dancing, that’s why my buttocks moves rhythmically to the tune of the song,’ she disclosed.

Known for her popular hit song ‘Apuutor’, Maame Ode gained prominence not only for her innuendo-inspired songs but for being a professional mourner, one paid to cry at funeral grounds.

Interestingly, Maame Ode charges clients based on the number of days her services are required, and she’s been in the business for over a decade. She’s also known for her resilience and faith, often ignoring critics and staying focused on her work.

Recently, Maame Ode was seen supporting her benefactor, Maame Serwaa, after a devastating fire destroyed several shops, including Maame Serwaa’s boutique, at the Adum PZ market in Kumasi. The fire resulted in significant losses, with Maame Serwaa’s boutique losing over GHS150,000 worth of goods.

VICE PRESIDENT of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Mark Addo, and General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo joined counterparts from the West African Football Union Zone B (WAFU B) for a high-level meeting with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to assess progress and discuss strategies for advancing football in the sub-region.

The meeting, held on the sidelines of the 47th CAF General Assembly scheduled for today brought together top football administrators, including CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, 2nd CAF Vice President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, WAFU B President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, CAF General Secretary Véron Mosengo-Omba, and CAF Member Associations Director Sarah Makuna.

In his remarks, Dr. Motsepe praised WAFU B for its efforts in promoting football and reaffirmed CAF’s commitment to supporting the zone’s development.

He stressed the importance of collaboration and innovation to achieve sustainable progress at both national and regional levels.

Discussions centered on key development areas such as youth and school football, women’s football, refereeing and VAR training, coaching education, and infrastructure support. Member Associations provided updates on ongoing projects, challenges, and opportunities in their respective countries.

Representing Ghana, the GFA delegation highlighted priorities including AFCON qualification slots and formats for youth competitions, expanded women’s and youth football development programs, and improved coaching and refereeing training.

They also called for broader competition structures for both boys and girls at the grassroots and elite levels.

The meeting further explored issues of sponsorship, funding, and infrastructure, emphasizing the need for fair resource allocation and sustainable investment in football facilities across the region.

CAF reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with WAFU B and its Member Associations to implement practical solutions and accelerate football growth throughout West Africa.

Mining magnate Angela List, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nguvu Mining, has been honoured with the 2025 Global Power Female Award, one of the world’s most prestigious recognitions for accomplished businesswomen.

The award was presented at a high-profile ceremony in New York, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

The Global Power Female Award celebrates women who have redefined leadership and created enduring social impact.

It is organised by the Global Power Forum (GPF), a collaboration between the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD) and the African Leadership Organisation (ALO).

The event brought together Heads of State, First Ladies, global business leaders, and changemakers from Africa, South America, the Caribbean, and the global diaspora.

Angela List made history as the first Ghanaian to receive the award, which organisers described as a tribute to her ‘journey, accomplishments, and bold leadership.’

She was also inducted into the Global Power Women Network (GPWN), an exclusive platform for influential women shaping business, policy, and development worldwide.

With over two decades in the mining industry, Ms. List has built an impressive career marked by resilience and vision.

Her company, Nguvu Mining, operates across Mali, Liberia, and Burkina Faso, and owns Adamus Resources Limited in Ghana and Northern Ashanti Mines, expected to begin production in early 2026.

Nguvu currently produces around 150,000 ounces of gold annually, with projections to reach 200,000 ounces once Northern Ashanti comes on stream.

Expressing gratitude, Angela commended her team’s dedication to safety, excellence, and community development.

‘Our commitment to shared prosperity in the communities we operate is what drives me,’ she said.

As gold prices soar, rising from $1,990 per ounce in 2023 to nearly $3,800 in 2025, Ms. List noted that Nguvu’s host communities will benefit directly.

‘Whenever gold prices rise, our contributions to community welfare automatically increase. We are changing the narrative in mining by making a profound difference in people’s lives,’ she affirmed.

She acknowledged the challenges women face in the male-dominated mining sector and urged more women to take leadership roles.

‘There can be no excuses. We must perform and pave the way for others. Soon, many more women will rise as mining professionals and executives,’ Angela said.

The 2025 Global Power Forum was headlined by leaders including former Tanzanian President Dr. Jakaya Kikwete and Bahamian Prime Minister, Philip Davis, underscoring its global significance.

President John Dramani Mahama says he will only declare a state of emergency based on advice from the National Security Council, as his administration intensifies efforts to combat illegal mining activities across the country.

Speaking during a dialogue with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and religious leaders at the Jubilee House last Friday, President Mahama stated that although the Constitution empowers him to declare a state of emergency, such a decision must be guided by expert security and policy assessments.

‘I have the power to do it, but the President acts not only on authority, but also on the advice of the National Security Council. As at now, the Council believes we can win the fight against galamsey without declaring a state of emergency. But the day they advise me otherwise – that we now need one – I will not hesitate to declare it,’ he explained.

The President’s comments come amid renewed calls from civil society, religious leaders, and environmental advocates for stronger government action to address the growing threat of illegal mining, which has devastated water bodies, destroyed farmlands, and endangered livelihoods in several mining communities.

Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, Most Rev. Anthony Narh Asare, urged the President to establish clear benchmarks that would trigger the declaration of a state of emergency if the crisis deepens.

‘Where we have gotten to now, we have to take a decisive decision on whether we are going to tolerate illegal mining activities or not,’ Bishop Asare said.

‘We urge Your Excellency to provide clear indicators that would justify a state of emergency, ensure visible prosecution of offenders, including those named in official reports, and consider establishing Fast-Track Courts to handle related cases,’ he added.

However, not all experts agree with the calls for a state of emergency. A security analyst, Colonel (Rtd.) Boakye, cautioned that such a measure might not be necessary at this stage, arguing that with enhanced enforcement and coordination among state agencies, the government can make significant progress without invoking emergency powers.

President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to ending illegal mining and called for collective national effort in tackling the issue.

In a message shared later on his social media platforms, he urged citizens and stakeholders to remain vigilant and to hold his administration accountable.

‘In my meeting with Civil Society Organisations today, I reaffirmed my administration’s commitment to ending illegal mining. I made it clear that I am determined to win the fight, but I cannot do it alone. We need every Ghanaian – CSOs, activists, and traditional leaders – to join us in this battle,’ he said.

He added that the government’s ongoing deployment of security personnel and allocation of additional resources to affected areas would soon begin to yield results.

‘Our forefathers inherited a beautiful country blessed with lush forests and pristine rivers. We have a sacred duty to preserve this heritage for our children and grandchildren. We cannot, and will not, hand them poisoned water bodies and destroyed forests,’ he stated.

The Ghana Railway Company has been dealt a big blow as illegal miners have completely taken over one of its most profitable lines-the Takoradi-Nsuta Rail Line.

The company hauls large volumes of manganese from Nsuta to the Takoradi Port for export using the line.

The Takoradi-Nsuta line therefore, does not only sustain the company’s operations but also supports the Sekondi-Takoradi passenger train service.

However, years of neglect and poor maintenance of the line had led to frequent derailments, which has crippled the company’s ability to sustain its haulage operations.

Even attempts by the Ghana Manganese Company and other stakeholders to revive the line have not been successful.

DAILY GUIDE has gathered that currently, haulage has been grounded to a halt, leaving the company in financial distress.

The situation has worsened as illegal small-scale miners, also called galamseyers, have taken over sections of the Takoradi-Nsuta line.

Recent pictures and videos circulating on social media reveal young men mining directly beneath and around the tracks at Achem, between Bonsawire and Nsuta in the Western Region, destroying several metres of the line.

The illegal miners are seen seriously mining for gold behind the construction company working on the new standard gauge line.

The illegal miners appear unconcerned about the consequences of their actions on the line and the environment.

Some of the residents reported that the galamseyers’ activities are taking place close to the new standard gauge line, which is a multi-million-dollar project initiated by the previous government.

As part of the project, rail lines have already been laid up to Manso in the Essikado-Ketan area, with land formation completed up to Esuaso before Bonsawire.

The encroachment by the galamseyers therefore threatens to derail the investment before it even becomes operational.

The extent of the damage suggests the activity has been ongoing for a long time, raising questions about how such destruction could occur without it being detected.

The residents claim that the destruction of the Takoradi-Nsuta line is part of a long thread of devastation caused by galamsey in the area.

‘Water bodies have been polluted and now, rail lines belonging to Ghana Railway Company Limited, which is already begging for attention, are under siege,’ they lamented.

In an interview with DAILY GUIDE, an official from the Ghana Railway Company in the Western Region noted that the company is aware of the situation, adding, ‘But you know this is beyond us.’

He then appealed to the National Security to assist the company by patrolling the area to prevent the galamseyers from destroying the lines further.

The Cocoa, Coffee and Sheanut Farmers Association (COCOSHE) has commended the government for increasing the producer price of cocoa from GHS3,228.75 to GHS3,628.75 per 64kg bag for the 2025/2026 cocoa season.

In a statement signed by its National Chief Farmer, Alhaji Alhassan Bukari, the association described the GHS400 increment as a notable improvement that reflects the government’s responsiveness to the legitimate concerns of cocoa farmers across the country.

COCOSHE also lauded the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and the government for maintaining key interventions aimed at making cocoa farming more profitable, sustainable, and attractive to younger generations.

‘We highlight, in particular, the introduction of free fertilizers (liquid and granular), the forthcoming Ghana Cocoa Traceability System, and the planned Tertiary Education Scholarship Scheme for the children of cocoa farmers for the 2026/2027 academic year,’ the statement said.

The association further urged the government and COCOBOD to ensure the timely distribution of subsidized inputs to all eligible farmers across the regions.

It also called for increased investment in extension services and community-level education on the new traceability system to ensure farmers fully understand and benefit from it.

According to COCOSHE, the additional price adjustment, combined with broader sector reforms, presents an opportunity to rebuild trust and strengthen cooperation between cocoa farmers, COCOBOD, and the government.

‘We therefore urge all cocoa farmers across Ghana to appreciate and cooperate with the government and stay the course toward a more equitable and sustainable cocoa future,’ the statement concluded.

Ghana midfielder Mohammed Kudus produced another standout performance for Tottenham Hotspur, scoring his first goal for the club in a 2-1 victory over Leeds United that ended the home side’s 23-game unbeaten league run at Elland Road.

Kudus was instrumental throughout the match, setting up the opener before sealing the win with a superb solo strike in the second half.

Mathys Tel gave Spurs the lead in the 23rd minute when his deflected effort found the net, but Noah Okafor equalised for Leeds shortly before halftime.

The decisive moment arrived in the 57th minute as Kudus weaved past Gabriel Gudmundsson on the right wing and fired a precise low shot into the bottom-right corner, leaving goalkeeper Karl Darlow with no chance.

The result lifts Tottenham to second place in the Premier League, just one point behind leaders Liverpool, while Leeds drop to 12th after suffering their third defeat of the season.

Since joining Spurs, Kudus made an immediate impact, registering one goal and four assists in seven league appearances.

Kudus now turns his attention to international duty, joining the Black Stars for Ghana’s final two 2026 World Cup qualifiers against the Central African Republic and Comoros during the upcoming international break.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority in Parliament has clarified the impression that the Kumasi Inner Ring Road Improvement Project is an initiative of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.

According to the Minority, the initiative was conceived and negotiated under the erstwhile Akufo-Addo administration.

In a statement signed by the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Roads and Transport Committee, Kennedy Nyarko Osei, the opposition said it welcomed the government’s decision to proceed with the project, describing it as ‘a hallmark of responsible governance.’

However, the statement stressed that the groundwork for the project – recently announced under a grant from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) – was laid before the change of government.

According to the Minority, a JICA mission met with Ghana’s Ministry of Finance in February 2024 for technical discussions, followed by a Minutes of Discussions signed in September 2024, which ‘effectively sealed the deal.’

The formal signing, it said, had been scheduled to take place on the sidelines of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in September 2025.

‘The grant arrangements and protocols were all completed by the NPP administration,’ the statement noted, adding that the project aims to expand capacity, reduce congestion, and improve safety on sections of the Kumasi Inner Ring Road.

The Minority urged the government to continue other key infrastructure projects started by the former administration, including the Suame Interchange, Sunyani Road Phase 2, and the Konongo Bypass.

‘For the people of Kumasi and the Ashanti Region, what matters most is not which government started a project, but continuity and delivery,’ the statement added.

After a five-day search, the body of a seven-year-old boy, identified as Kwame, who went missing at Abrepo Bronikrom in the Ashanti Region, has been found at Akropong, several kilometres away from where he was last seen.

The tragic discovery last Monday stunned search teams, who said they had not anticipated the boy’s body would travel such a long distance.

Kwame went missing five days earlier while playing in the rain with two other children. According to eyewitnesses, one of the children’s slippers was washed away by floodwaters, and Kwame was swept into a gutter while attempting to retrieve it.

Wayomi, a member of the search team, expressed shock over the development. ‘They are really surprised because they didn’t know that the body will go that far,’ he told reporters.

The remains of the deceased have since been deposited at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) for autopsy. The family and the search team are awaiting the release of the body for burial.

The incident has left the community in deep grief, though the recovery of the boy’s body brings some closure to his family and neighbours after days of uncertainty.