Category: Daily Guide Network

French tennis star Gaël Monfils has announced that he will retire at the end of the 2026 season, bringing an end to a 21-year professional career marked by flair, athleticism, and unforgettable entertainment on court.

The 39-year-old has won 13 ATP Tour titles, most recently making history as the oldest champion on tour when he lifted the Auckland Open trophy in January 2025 at 38 years and four months.

Currently ranked world number 53, Monfils has struggled with recurring injuries in recent years, including an ankle problem that forced him to withdraw from the Chengdu Open earlier this month.

Reflecting on his career, Monfils expressed gratitude for having competed in tennis’ most celebrated era.

‘Life is too short. Believe me when I say that I have no regrets,’ Monfils wrote on Instagram. ‘What I do have is the feeling that I have been lucky: insanely, stupidly lucky. I’ve had the chance to play during a golden age of tennis, alongside Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Murray. The opportunity to turn my passion into a profession is a privilege I have cherished during every match and moment.’

Monfils’ peak came in the mid-2010s, highlighted by reaching a career-high world ranking of No. 6 in 2016 after a run to the US Open semi-finals, where he fell to Novak Djokovic. He also reached the last four at Roland Garros in 2008, losing to Roger Federer.

Although he never captured a Grand Slam title, Monfils remained a crowd favourite for his acrobatics, charisma, and fearless shot-making. His career featured standout wins, including a shock victory over world number one Carlos Alcaraz at the 2024 Cincinnati Open.

Monfils acknowledged the dominance of tennis’ rising generation, led by Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who have won nine of the last 10 majors.

‘While I came close, I never did win a Grand Slam during my career. I won’t pretend that I expect to do so during the next year. But an exciting new generation is already here, and I hope they’ll enjoy their time on court as much as I have for the last two decades.’

The Frenchman’s retirement will mark the end of one of tennis’ most entertaining chapters, defined by his athletic brilliance and enduring connection with fans worldwide.

Two suspected military personnel who allegedly hatched a plan, together with some civilians to rob a mining company, have been arrested.

The alleged military men and two of the civilians were arrested by the Prestea Police, who are under the Western Central Police Command in the Western Region.

The suspects attempted to rob LongShine Mining Company Limited located at Obuohu, a suburb of Prestea in the region.

They were reported to have stormed the mining site on Sunday, September 28, 2025 at about 10:30pm, to allegedly carry out their nefarious activity.

They first subjected the security guards of the company to some beatings before asking the guards to lead them to the company’s gold room.

However, some of the security guards managed to call the police and informed them about the incident.

The police rushed to the scene and were able to arrest the suspects, including the two men in military uniform.

Information gathered indicated that the suspects were six, but two civilians managed to escape.

The remaining four were arrested and a rented brand new Toyota pickup with registration number GN6116-25, which the suspects used for their operation, was confiscated by the police.

Gideon Ofori, a Tailing Officer (T.O) at LongShine Mining, who confirmed the incident, said initially the suspects, including the men in military uniform, claimed they came from Accra.

He said some of the civilians who were wearing masks, also indicated that they were from the National Security.

According to him, after some of the suspects ordered the company’s security guards to lead them to the gold room, ‘We suspected the men were there for a different mission, and some of us managed to call the Prestea Police.’

Sources disclosed that the suspects were later transferred to the headquarters of the Western Central Police Command in Tarkwa for further investigations.

The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has pledged that during his tenure as minister, he will ensure that the Institute of Public Relations (IPR) Bill is passed into law.

He made this assertion during the PR knowledge-sharing conference in Accra on October 1, 2025.

‘Under my leadership as minister, we will ensure that the IPR Bill is passed into law. I can confirm that substantial work has been done regarding the passage of the bill. It is currently with the Attorney General, who is studying it, and will, in due course, make appropriate recommendations for us to move the process forward,’ he said.

According to him, bringing together professionals from across the world is a reminder that effective communication is essential and should be rooted in the principles of truth, trust, and professionalism.

‘By bringing together professionals from across our continent and beyond, you remind us that communication has two bodies. And that the principles of true communications, has no borders, and that’s the principles of truth, trust, and professionalism are universal,’ he stated.

He added that despite the ever changing landscape of our current dispensation, where technology is rewriting the rules, geopolitical shifts are redefining alliances, and environmental and social challenges are demanding new approaches, the world’s reliance on communicators and public relations professionals to navigate uncertainty, build bridges, and drive positive change has remained the same.

‘We are living through an extraordinary period of change. Technology is writing the rules of engagement, geopolitical shifts are redefining alliances and priorities, and environmental and social challenges are demanding new approaches to problem-solving. In all of this, one thing remains constant. The world looks to communicators and public relations professionals to help navigate uncertainty, bridge gaps, and inspire collective action,’ he stressed.

The Director and Global Head of Trust and Safety for Wikimedia, Jan Eissfeldt, disclosed that, ‘In the current way we train artificial intelligence foundational models, right, stacked up, middle-aged white dudes, most of the context that’s relevant to Africa is mostly invisible because the data is not accessible on the internet to view.’

‘Communications professionals have a vital role in making African contacts and African problems in African solutions, most importantly, actually visible to the training of these foreign models,’ he added.

Founder of the International God’s Way Church, Bishop Daniel Obinim, has lashed out at critics spreading rumours about his marriage to gospel singer, Florence Obinim.

In a video shared on GHPage’s YouTube channel on September 30, 2025, the controversial pastor dismissed claims that his wife of 21 years is unhappy.

‘I am not afraid to divorce Florence, and she is equally not afraid to end our marriage, but we respect, love, and cherish each other. Who told you she is not happy?’ Obinim retorted.

He insisted his wife has never complained about their union and warned critics to stop dragging his family into public gossip. The bishop went further, issuing a spiritual curse on those peddling the rumours.

‘I swear on my kids and our 21 years of marriage, if you judge me or speak evil about our relationship, your own marriage will end, or your business will collapse,’ he declared.

Obinim urged Ghanaians to allow him and Florence to enjoy their marriage in peace, stressing that while his wife’s public life as a gospel singer is open for discussion, their private relationship should be respected.

The Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU) of the Trades Union Congress (Ghana) has suspended its indefinite nationwide strike, which began on September 19, 2025.

The suspension took effect yesterday, October 1, following what the union described as ‘very constructive dialogue’ with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and other employer institutions.

In a statement signed by its General Secretary, King James Azortibah, TEWU said the discussions had created a pathway toward an amicable resolution of its long-standing demands, particularly the conclusion and signing of Conditions of Service for its members.

The union added that it was adopting a strategic pause to allow room for further negotiations and implementation of the agreed terms.

All TEWU members within the Ghana Education Service, public and technical universities, the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, and the Ghana Library Authority have been directed to resume work immediately.

However, members who travelled outside their duty stations during the strike have until Monday, October 6, to return.

A crucial follow-up meeting has also been scheduled with the FWSC on Tuesday, October 7, to advance negotiations and finalise the agreements.

TEWU warned against any victimisation of its members for participating in the industrial action, pledging to defend all who face unfair treatment.

At the same time, the union expressed appreciation to management and school authorities who cooperated during the strike.

The indefinite strike, which the union described as ‘very impactful,’ drew the involvement of the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Jobs, the National Labour Commission, and the FWSC.

TEWU’s leadership praised the solidarity of its National Executive Council, regional officers, and grassroots members for sustaining the industrial action, affirming that ‘there is power in our collective action.’

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has announced plans to implement a series of actions aimed at compelling the government to intensify efforts in dealing with illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

UTAG, in a statement signed on July 30 by then National President, Prof. Mamudu Akudugu and National Secretary, Prof. Eliasu Mumuni following an emergency NEC meeting on Thursday, July 17, warned of potential industrial action if government fails to provide concrete steps to deal with the galamsey fight.

But speaking in an interview on JoyNews last Tuesday, immediate past President of UTAG, Prof. Akudugu, who expressed wider impact of illegal mining, said it was aware of the report by Peasant Farmers Association that over two million hectares of arable land have been affected by galamsey, impacting more than 500,000 farmers and farm households.

‘These are real, serious issues. We’ve also heard about the poisoning of our kontomire, cassava, and other crops. We are all deeply worried, and it is essential that we take action to ensure this menace is brought under control,’ he stated.

When asked whether UTAG might consider a strike action, he said, ‘Most definitely, we’ll take a decision that will be in the interest of the members of UTAG and also in the interest of the country. Today is Congress, we’ll go into conclave and the decision will be taken,’ he said.

The newly elected UTAG President, Prof. Vera Fiador, for her part, said while illegal mining may appear to offer employment opportunities, the overall impact is far more damaging, adding that the financial burden of restoring degraded lands and polluted water sources is negative in the long run.

She reiterated that the Association will soon unveil a set of measures to push for decisive action to hold the government accountable and drive national attention toward the urgent need to tackle galamsey.

‘At first glance, galamsey seems to provide jobs, and there’s often resistance when attempts are made to halt it. However, when you consider the financial burden of restoring degraded lands and polluted water sources, the net effect is negative in the long run,’ she stressed.

In a related development, President John Dramani Mahama, in a letter signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, has invited civil society organisations (CSOs) to the Jubilee House on Friday, October 3, to discuss issues on the galamsey menace.

GHANAIAN CONTENT Creator, Deaconess Abokomah, known in real life as Ebenezer Arthur, has grabbed a nomination for this year’s West African Citizens Awards (WAFRICAwards) themed, ‘The Rebirth Edition’.

Deaconess Abokomah is competing against twenty West African content creators in the Social Media Influencer of the Year category.

The nominees include Young 15 (Liberia), Ben South (Ghana), Ameyaw Debrah (Ghana), Enioluwa Adeoluwa (Nigeria), Veekee James (Nigeria), Hilda Baci (Nigeria), The Real Adebayor (Togo), Deaconess Abokomah (Ghana), Veralyn Vonleh (Liberia) and Boss Grl (Liberia)

The rest are Elzo JamDong (Senegal), Dulcie Boateng (Ghana), Wode Maya (Ghana), Aisha Salaudeen (Nigeria), Seyram Abdallah (Ghana), Hilda Savage (Gambia), Mankajang Daily (Gambia), Tida Jobe (Gambia), Quecy Official (Ghana), Fatou Jupiter (Senegal), and Tayo Aina (Nigeria).

In a post on social media, Deaconess Abokomah called for support from followers to emerge as the winner of the category.

Currently in its fourth year, the theme, ‘Rebirth,’ celebrates the resilient spirit of the region – stories of innovation, perseverance, and transformation that are reshaping West Africa for the better.

Since opening nominations in July, the organisers say they have received an overwhelming wave of submissions from across the sub-region, highlighting unsung heroes, trailblazing entrepreneurs, creative visionaries, and community champions.

The selection process was rigorous, guided by esteemed panel of judges, ensuring that only the most impactful contributions were selected. The awards ceremony is set for December in Nigeria.

The minority members of the parliamentary committee on Communication and Information have rebutted the recent comments by the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, accusing him of arrogance and inconsistency over the ongoing DStv impasse.

In a press statement signed by the Ranking Member, Matthew Nyindam, the minority members said they were not surprised by Mr. George’s remarks during a JoyNews interview, describing his posture as ‘arrogant, disrespectful, and pompous.’

According to the minority MPs, they have remained diligent in their work on the committee and had formally written to the chairman, a majority member, requesting a meeting to deliberate on the impasse with MultiChoice Ghana.

They stressed that it was the chairman’s duty to summon committee meetings, not ordinary members.

The minority further reminded the public of Mr. George’s earlier statements regarding the issue, in which he declared that he would not accept any form of package upgrades from DStv but would push for a price reduction of no less than 30 percent.

‘He once stated in a media encounter that the meeting with the Ghanaian and South African team would not end without an agreed price reduction. He was clear that an upgrade was not what we wanted,’ the statement noted, questioning why Sam George’s position now appeared to have shifted.

The minority therefore demanded to know why the minister and committee leadership had altered their original stance on securing a price reduction.

They also asked how much government had collected from the GHS10,000 levy imposed on DStv since its inception.

Addressing Sam George’s criticisms of the minority members, the statement dismissed his remarks, saying they would not seek an apology because ‘it is a trait too expensive for him to afford.’

The Minority MPs reaffirmed their commitment to their legislative responsibilities, and insisted they are ‘dedicated professionals who take their work seriously and remain available for scheduled meetings.’

CEO of Popout / Esports Academy, Maximus Ametorgoh, has called on the investment community to support Electronic Sports as it presents huge prospects for economic development.

Speaking during a panel discussion at MTN DigiFest 2025 Gaming Focused Group and Closing ceremony in Accra, Maximus labeled Saudi Arabia as the country investing heavily in the global gaming and esports industry, through strategic acquisitions and initiatives like the Savvy Games Group and the Esports World Cup, which offers record prize pools.

These investments by the Saudi government, according to him, aim to establish the Kingdom as a major global gaming hub by 2030, stating that with the right investment and policy from the government of Ghana, the country will lead the sector.

He added that with the right investment, organisations can train and tool gamers, develop video games, create job opportunities, organise Esports events, and promote responsible gaming and skill development in Ghana.

Maximus added that investing in Esports is a smart move for businesses, offering a unique opportunity to tap into a young, engaged, and tech-savvy audience.

Speaking about government engagement in boosting Esports in the country, he mentioned that the National Sport Authority, in consultation with stakeholders, is working on developing esports policies.

Manager, Video and Gaming at MTN Ghana, Yaw Antwi Boadu, said the telecommunication company is supporting the industry in various areas to promote its activities in the country.

He said MTN is committed to supporting the gaming society, saying,’ MTN is looking to the future. We see the value that we can generate and also the value we will generate for the community, and we are willing to step out and work with the esports community to ensure that this is achieved.’

When asked about the need for MTN to curate a data package for gamers, Antwi Boadu said, ‘Without internet, customers will not be able to take advantage of these sports, so the next level is to design a data package for the gaming society to take advantage of.’

The Ho Municipal Assembly (HMA) has rolled out an ambitious package of projects and reforms aimed at enhancing education, infrastructure, revenue mobilisation and environmental sustainability, reaffirming its commitment to improving livelihoods and accountability in governance.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Stephen Adom, announced the measures during the 3rd Meeting of the 2nd Session of the 9th Assembly held in Ho, where he outlined new projects and policy interventions that will transform the municipality.

Education featured prominently on the agenda, the projects will expand access and improve learning conditions.

These include the construction of a three-unit classroom block for kindergarten pupils at Hodzo Alavanyo, a six-unit primary school block with ancillary facilities at Nyive, and a three-unit kindergarten block with offices at Bankoe RC School.

Other projects cover the renovation of a three-unit Junior High School block at Ziavi, and the construction of new facilities at Kpenoe, comprising a kindergarten block, a primary block and a JHS block. The Assembly is also procuring 2,000 mono desks and 1,800 dual desks for schools across the municipality.

‘These interventions will provide a conducive environment for our children to learn and excel,’ he stated, stressing the Assembly’s commitment to building a strong educational foundation for the future.

Mr. Adom also disclosed that the Assembly received GHS2,220,957.52 and GHS4,590,707.51 from the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) for the first and second quarters of 2025 respectively. For the third quarter, a revenue projection of GHS1,076,533.14 was set, of which GHS973,546.81, representing 90 percent, had been collected as of August 31.

Beyond education, the MCE announced several flagship projects to enhance infrastructure and civic amenities. These include the commencement of work on the Kpenoe-Takla-Hodzo road, the construction of 500 steps at Kabakaba Hill to promote tourism and access, and the design of a modern 24-hour market at the Civic Centre.

Mr. Adom also confirmed the termination of the current AstroTurf contract due to non-performance by the contractor.

On internal management and accountability, the MCE stated that newly posted National Service personnel will be deployed to strengthen revenue mobilisation.

He cautioned that strict disciplinary action would be taken against Assembly staff who exhibit absenteeism or poor punctuality.