Category: Daily Guide Network

The Paramount Chief of Kome-Shime Traditional Area, in the Volta Region, Togbi Amey Zegu II, has made a passionate call for a united front against rising youth drug abuse.

Togbe Amey Zegu was speaking at 2025 Klefe Yam Festival packed durbar attended by dignitaries, including the Chief of Staff at the Office of the Vice President, Alex Segbefia.

Togbi Zegu blended the festival’s cultural celebration with an urgent message of collective responsibility.

He warned that substance abuse threatens the very future of the region’s young people.

‘The same spirit of togetherness that sustained our ancestors must guide us in overcoming today’s challenges invoking the Ewe people’s historic migration from Notsie to the Volta plains,’ he said.

He pointed out that ‘Unity is our greatest inheritance and our greatest weapon.’

Togbi Zegu underscored the pivotal role of the younger generation, describing them as ‘today’s energy, innovation, and hope.’

He commended community projects such as the construction of dormitories at the Klefe Technical Institute, calling vocational education ‘the cornerstone of independence and entrepreneurship.’

Citing recent surveys, the chief revealed alarming statistics: more than half of secondary school students admit to drinking alcohol, nearly one in five report using marijuana, and more than five percent have experimented with amphetamines.

Cases of tramadol and opioid abuse, he warned, are steadily climbing.

‘These are our sons and daughters. If we lose them to drugs, we lose our future,’ he warmed.

To counter the crisis, Togbi Zegu outlined an ambitious response, urging a regional alliance of traditional leaders, parents, educators, and law enforcement to confront the menace through education, family mentorship, counselling and rehabilitation, tighter controls on illicit substances, and expanded opportunities for youth employment and skills training.

He called on the people of Volta to draw strength from their shared history, envisioning future festivals that celebrate not only rich harvests but also the triumphs of empowered, drug-free youth. ‘Let us stand united in history, purpose, and action.’

The 2025 Klefe Yam Festival was on the theme ‘Youth Empowerment: The Future of Our Community.’

Ghana Health Service (GHS) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) is introducing the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination for girls between the ages of 9 and 14 years nationwide.

The HPV Vaccination is to fight against cervical cancer, particularly in girls starting from October 7, 2025.

Speaking at a media training, the country representative for WHO, Dr. Fiona Braka explained that cervical cancer is among top most cancers that affect women globally.

She stated that about 1,600 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer daily globally, with about 50% losing their lives due to this illness.

She stressed that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women in Ghana, adding that about 3,000 new cases and about 1,700 deaths are recorded every year.

According to Dr. Braka, about 70% of the cases are detected late, emphasising that the cost of treatment contributes to the devastation that affects women.

She stated that HPV affects 80% of sexually active individuals by the age of 45, noting that the HPV vaccines offer protection against the disease.

She lauded Ghana for introducing the vaccines, add that the HPV vaccines will join the list of immunsations in the country in order to support the global and national goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.

Dr. Fiona highlighted that the strategy recommended by WHO to tackle the disease is the 90-70-90 strategy ? 90% of the girls will be vaccinated by the age of 15 with 70% of the women screened for cervical cancer by age of 35 and 45 and the other 90% of women who will be found with precancerous lesions will receive timely treatment which will eliminate the disease by the said time.

She stressed that the HPV vaccine is not new since it has been in use globally since 2006 with over 140 countries around the world using it, including 28 African countries.

She stated that WHO is remains committed help the country in the fight against cervical cancer.

Extended Programme on Immunisation Manager of GHS, Dr. Selorm Kutsoati, xplained that HPV is the necessary cause for the development of cervical cancer, stating that about 99% of the cases are caused by the high-risk HPV.

She emphasised that the early age of cervical cancer is quite asymptomatic thus women do not develop symptoms at all but will have signs such as unusual vaginal bleeding, pain during intercourse, weight loss, increased or foul smelling vaginal discharge and tiredness at the advanced stage.

She urged the media to educate the public and counter misinformation and disinformation regarding the HPV vaccination.

The President of Western Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, has called on the government to prioritise revamping the Western Rail Line.

He mentioned that investing in the Boankra Inland Port in the Ashanti Region is not a bad idea but ‘The government should first revamp the Western Rail Line’.

The Regional House of Chiefs’ President who is also the Paramount Chief of Essikado Traditional Area was addressing stakeholders at the Western Regional Development Retreat in Takoradi.

The Regional Development Retreat, an initiative of the Western Regional Coordinating Council, was to facilitate dialogues on solutions that will address the numerous developmental challenges facing the Western Region.

He said developing the Western Rail Line would not only boost the economy but also create jobs and enhance food security in communities along the rail lines.

‘The initiative will also facilitate the transportation of foodstuffs to Sekondi-Takoradi and beyond’, he added.

He bemoaned the fact that successive governments have failed to honour their promises of developing the rail sector.

‘We were promised railway development using oil revenues, but later, nothing materialized,’ he said.

The Western Region Minister, Joseph Nelson noted that the challenges confronting the rail sector would not only affect the region’s transportation network but also hinder community development and deprive residents of livelihoods.

He assured that the government would redevelop the rail sector to aid in the transportation of bulk goods such as bauxite, timber, cocoa, manganese, among others.

The Minister appealed to traditional leaders to prioritise conflict resolution on pending chieftaincy disputes.

‘I am appealing to you Nananom to prioritise peace. I am concerned about the numerous chieftaincy disputes in our region’.

‘Please utilise the judicial committees of traditional councils and the Chieftaincy Act to resolve the conflicts’, he added.

He said he envisioned a region free of chieftaincy disputes, to enable the government revamp industries, promote sustainable mining, create jobs, and preserve cultural heritage.

A recent survey by the Independent Media Caucus for Development (IMCD) suggests that Dr. Bryan Acheampong could trigger a runoff in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries if the election were held today.

The report, presented by Independent Media Caucus for Development (IMCD) Convener, Nana Abeiku Baiden, said 34,736 delegates were from all 16 regions of the country.

According to the group, the findings indicate a closely contested race, with none of the leading candidates poised to secure the required 50% majority to win outright in the first round.

It stated, ‘Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Vice President, leads with support from 10,901 delegates 31%, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, former Minister for Food and Agriculture, follows with 8,091 delegates 23%. Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, secured 5,569 votes 16%. Former General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyapong was backed by 390 delegates (1.1%).

The rest are former Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum garnered 128 votes 0.3%. A significant number of delegates 9,657, representing 28% of the total sample, remain undecided.

The IMCD noted that the large undecided bloc and the relatively even distribution of support among the top aspirants indicate a likely second-round vote unless a major shift occurs.

As the days to the 2026 World Cup get closer, the Ghana and the United States are exploring various fora of mutual benefits as the two nations take steps to foster and strengthen existing relationships.

As part of measures, the National Sports Authority and the US Embassy in Ghana have engaged journalists and stakeholders in sports as the days to the World Cup which will be held in the US, Canada and Mexico draw nearer.

Held under the theme ‘Countdown to World Cup 26: ‘Bridging the Cap: Fostering Connections between the United States and Ghana through Soccer Culture,’ the programme highlighted opportunities available through sports.

It also highlighted rivalries between the Ghana Black Stars and the US Men Soccer team which have faced each other in three successive Worl Cup tournaments-2006, 2010 and 2014, with Ghana winning the first two and the US winning the third meeting.

Director General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, in a presentation highlighted various collaborations between the two nations and how various Ghanaians have benefited and continue to benefit from these programmes.

He was hopeful that Ghana will qualify for next year’s World Cup thereby providing an opportunity for Ghanaians to experience the US as well explore opportunities for themselves.

Mr. Ampofo also disclosed that the NSA is putting in place measures to unearth talents across the country – not just in football but in various sporting fields.

He also indicated that despite financial challenges, the NSA is doing its best and pointed to government’s commitment to national development through sports.

Mathew Asada, Press Attachè at the US Embassy in Ghana said the US is ready to welcome people from all over the world ‘for this mega sporting event.’

He hoped that Ghana will qualify for the tournament, nothing that ‘once it does qualify, we can think about what we can do together.

He also pointed out that the Donald Trump administration is interested in ensuring that anyone that visits the United States abides by the US immigration laws, describing it as something that is ‘common sense.’

‘Each country has the ability to control who enters and stays and leaves that country,’ he said. ‘So, the United States right now, we want to ensure that we are facilitating that legitimate trade and travel and that people are abiding by the terms of their visa,’ Mr. Asada added.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has been given a one-match ban for ‘unsporting conduct’ by UEFA following his clash with Liverpool supporters at Anfield earlier this month.

After Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk scored a 92nd-minute winner in Atletico’s 3-2 defeat, Simeone reacted after he appeared to be goaded by a small number of home fans.

The Argentine complained to the fourth official with a number of stewards positioned between him and the Liverpool supporters.

Simeone had to be dragged away from the scene and continued his protests before he was sent off and walked down the tunnel.

His ban lasts for one competitive UEFA fixture, meaning he will miss his side’s home game against Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday (20:00 BST).

Speaking in the news conference after the Liverpool match, the 55-year-old said: ‘Firstly I regret the part I played. It’s clear we are in a position where we do not have the right to react and it is not good when we react.’

Simone said he ‘could not remember exactly’ what had been, but he took issue with the ‘insults throughout the whole game’ from the home supporters.

‘We [managers] are in a position where we are protagonists/standard bearers, so in the same manner that we fight against racism and insults in stadiums today, we could also fight on behalf of the managers, against the insults we receive throughout the whole game.

‘It’s not easy to be in the position we are in and receive insults for the whole game. I saw it from far away after the third goal. I saw the third goal go in and I turned, the insults continued, and well, I’m a person.’

Liverpool, meanwhile, have been fined 4,000 euros for the throwing of objects.

ASANTE KOTOKO kept their flawless start to the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup alive with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Nigeria’s Kwara United in Abeokuta on Sunday.

The Porcupine Warriors travelled with a narrow 4-3 advantage from the first leg in Accra and produced a disciplined performance to finish the tie on top.

After a tense first half with few clear chances, striker Hubert Gyau broke the deadlock, netting the decisive goal that sealed a 5-3 aggregate win for the Ghana Premier League side.

The victory books Kotoko a second-round showdown with Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club, setting up what promises to be one of the competition’s most exciting fixtures.

The clash will pit Karim Zito’s side against one of Africa’s most seasoned continental campaigners.

For head coach Zito, the result added to a remarkable personal record. The former Dreams FC manager is now unbeaten in eight away matches in the Confederation Cup, underlining both his tactical acumen and Kotoko’s growing resilience on the road.

THE ASSISTANT Headmaster of KNUST Senior High School (SHS) in Kumasi, Charles Akwasi Aidoo, has been sacked from office with immediate effect, following a viral video where he was surprisingly seen fondling the breast of a female student of the school on campus.

The Ghana Education Service (GES), in a statement, has expressed gross concern over the video, stating that the content in the video called for the removal of the assistant headmaster to pave way for thorough investigations to be carried out.

‘The attention of the Management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) was drawn to a viral video circulating on social media allegedly involving Mr. Charles Akwasi Aidoo, the Assistant Headmaster (Academic) of the KNUST Senior High School, in a compromised position with a female student.

‘Management views this matter with utmost seriousness. In line with our commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the teaching profession and ensuring the safety and welfare of students under our care, Mr. Aidoo has already been removed from the office, and prohibited from going to school while thorough investigations are being carried out,’ the GES statement said.

Viral Video

In the viral video which lasted few seconds, the female student in question, who was dressed in her school uniform, was seen comfortably sitting on the lap of the assistant headmaster as they were caressing each other in a romantic manner.

Mr. Aidoo, whose face depicted a person who was in an enjoyable mood, was captured fondling the small breast of the student (name withheld for obvious reasons) in a place that looks like the assistant headmaster’s office.

Interestingly, the female student seemed to be enjoying how the assistant headmaster was fondling her breast. She even kissed the forehead of Mr. Aidoo, in a clear approval of how he had fondled her breast.

Information making the rounds indicated that the female student recorded the video on her mobile phone and it somehow leaked on social media, sparking public outrage and debate about the safety of students in schools.

GES Reaction

Meanwhile, the GES, in its statement, assured the public that they would not sweep the sensitive issue under the carpet, saying that they would thoroughly investigate the matter and apply the appropriate sanctions if it becomes necessary.

‘Management assures the general public, stakeholders, parents and students that due process will be followed, and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the code of conduct of the Ghana Education Service.

‘The GES remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and child protection in all our schools. We strongly condemn any acts that compromise the safety, dignity and wellbeing of students,’ the statement added.

PRESIDENT OF VICTORY Club Warriors, Kuuku Bartels, has been retained as Chairman of the U19 Boys Management Committee, a decision that underscores the Ghana Football Association’s commitment to continuity and experienced leadership in youth football.

Bartels is widely recognised for his proactive approach to football administration in Ghana. Over the years, he has played a key role in advancing youth development initiatives and creating pathways for promising young players across the country.

He will be deputised by Enoch Agyare Addo, Administrative Manager of Dreams FC, who has earned a strong reputation in Ghanaian football for his sharp managerial skills and unwavering dedication to nurturing young talent.

The committee also includes Kwadwo Ohene, Haruna Suale, and Zulyadaini Bawa. Suale, currently Team Manager of Steadfast FC, and Bawa, President of Techiman Liberty FC, bring extensive experience and expertise to the group, strengthening its capacity to deliver on its mandate.

The U19 Boys Management Committee is tasked with scouting, grooming, and managing emerging footballers while overseeing competitions and development programs at the U19 level.

Its work forms part of the GFA’s broader strategy to sustain Ghana’s reputation as a breeding ground for football excellence.

Across Africa, women-led businesses face well-documented barriers that hinder their growth and access to finance. Many women cannot use land, property, or significant assets as collateral because they do not own them. Instead, they often rely on informal financial services, such as savings groups. Distrust of banks, sometimes stemming from past experiences or limited financial literacy, further restricts access. Household responsibilities, including childcare and caring for dependents, mean many women have fewer resources to save or reinvest in their businesses.

Additionally, gender norms and restrictions on decision-making and mobility create further obstacles. In Northern and Western Africa, especially in Tunisia, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire, Advans is exploring ways to bridge these gaps. By using tailored product design, forming partnerships with trusted local networks, and conducting rigorous testing, Advans is learning how to make financial services both accessible and user-friendly for women.

Entrepreneurs need financing to grow, and most of these businesses are viable but remain vulnerable without formal financial systems in place. The risks are even greater in agriculture, where climate shocks and market volatility disproportionately impact women. According to CGAP, women farmers have less access to finance, adaptation tools, and risk management resources than men.

In Tunisia, Advans Tunisie introduced El Beya, a loan designed specifically for women. Ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 TND (about pound 300-pound 3,000), the loans feature lower fees and more flexible collateral requirements. After two loan cycles, women can borrow larger amounts without providing collateral. A follow-up study in June 2025 showed that 82% of female clients increased their income, 39% spent more on education, and 13% created jobs.

In Ghana, the AdvansHer programme offers women entrepreneurs personalised coaching in social media promotion, practical bookkeeping, and business structuring. Over 100 women-led SMEs have participated since its launch, supported by the Development Bank of Ghana. The institution also launched a school-fee savings feature called EduSave specifically targeted at women.

Vicentia Ananepia, a fashion entrepreneur in Ghana, recalls the moment she nearly lost a shipment. In her early days, her husband helped her with the capital to start her business. But when serious obstacles arose, she had to find her own solution. ‘One day, my goods arrived from China, and I had no money to go and claim them,’ she explains in her testimonial. ‘So, I went through Advans. They lent me money to pay my bills, and I brought the goods to market.’ That shipment supported her business and helped it grow. Today, she owns three shops. ‘As a woman, I’m proud of myself because it’s not easy for a woman to work as a trader.’

Advans’ models are not driven by lending; they are enabling businesses, which include providing financing. Côte d’Ivoire serves as another example: Advans has developed savings and lending products for rural women through Village Savings And Loan Associations (VSLAs) and cooperatives, especially in cocoa-growing areas.

Beyond Côte d’Ivoire, the results across the Advans group are tangible: the network now serves over 240,000 women, including more than 26,000 female borrowers. Women account for 35% of all depositors across its network.

Kenya illustrates what inclusive finance can achieve at scale. By 2024, widespread mobile money adoption had narrowed the gender gap in financial access to just 1.6%, compared to persistent gaps of 12 percentage points in Sub-Saharan Africa and 15 in the Middle East and North Africa, according to the World Bank’s 2025 Global Findex.

The lesson is clear: inclusion isn’t about simplifying mainstream products but about rethinking design. Financial tools must reflect how women live, earn, and plan. A 2023 IMF gender note highlighted that when women access well-designed financial services, the benefits spread outward, supporting family welfare, boosting economic resilience, and building human capital.

At Advans, we observe this firsthand. Whether through El Beya in Tunisia, AdvansHer in Ghana, or VSLA-linked savings and lending in Côte d’Ivoire, women adopt services more quickly and report stronger outcomes when products are designed with their realities in mind. It’s not a matter of lowering barriers, but of tailoring solutions to women’s realities.