Category: Daily Guide Network

Ghana has missed out on representation at the upcoming 69th Grammy Awards, as no Ghanaian artist made it onto the 2026 nominations list.

The nominations were announced on Friday, November 7, 2025.

Several of Ghana’s prominent musicians – including M.anifest, Gyakie, Shatta Wale, MOGmusic, Epixode, and Kwaw Kese – had reportedly submitted their works for consideration in categories such as Best African Music Performance and Best Global Music Album.

However, the final shortlist did not feature any Ghanaian names.

Music analysts have attributed the elimination to a range of factors, including limited international promotion, challenges in global distribution, and the increasingly competitive nature of the African music scene, which continues to see strong representation from Nigeria, South Africa, and other regions.

While the disappointment is palpable, many within the Ghanaian creative industry have called for renewed focus on strategic global collaborations, improved marketing, and enhanced industry support to help local musicians reach and sustain international recognition.

The 69th Grammy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on February 1, 2026, celebrating excellence across multiple genres and regions.

CEO of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, has stated that cybercriminals are increasingly using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to launch sophisticated attacks, making it crucial for individuals and organisations to stay vigilant.

Speaking at the MTN Cybersecurity chat held yesterday, Mr. Blewett emphasised that AI-powered phishing attacks are becoming more convincing and targeted, making it harder to distinguish between legitimate and malicious emails.

He added that this AI-powered social engineering tactics can trick victims into divulging sensitive information or performing certain actions.

‘For example, AI is a positive development, but like any technology, it can be used for both positive and negative purposes. We see how cybercriminals are using AI, and that’s why companies and organisations need to stay vigilant.

If you don’t keep pace with new technologies, you’re exposed to risks. That’s the danger of not being cyber-aware,’ he said.

To stay vigilant, Mr. Blewett urged internet users to keep up-to-date with the latest cyber threats and AI-powered attacks, and leverage on AI-driven security solutions to detect and respond to threats.

‘The challenge we all face is that technology is changing quickly, and it’s easy to put off learning about it. You might think, ‘I’ll get to understand that tomorrow,’ but that’s exactly what cybercriminals are counting on.

My warning is don’t wait until tomorrow. Understand what’s happening today, because if you don’t, you’re exposing yourself – and your company – to risks,’ he said.

Senior Manager at Cybersecurity Authority, Gerald Awadzie, emphasised the importance of collaboration and awareness creation in the fight against cyber threats.

He stated that the authority is focusing on building a resilient foundation, national capacity development and bringing industry stakeholders together to build a culture of service in the African region.

‘The authority is working with various organisations to raise awareness about cybersecurity and the importance of complying with security measures,’ he mentioned.

Mr. Awadzie urged individuals to take cybersecurity seriously, noting that many people don’t understand why security measures are necessary, but they’re crucial for protecting themselves.

The late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, will be given a state burial on November 28, 2025 at the Independence Square, the government has announced.

This was contained in a communique released by the Minister for Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, yesterday.

According to the statement, ‘The Government of Ghana under the auspices of President John Dramani Mahama will hold a state burial for late former First Lady Mrs Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings on Friday, November 28, 2025 at the Independence Square.’

It added that the state funeral is in recognition of the former First Lady’s contribution to the development of the country, especially in the area of women’s empowerment.

‘The state funeral is in recognition of Mrs. Rawlings invaluable contribution to the advancement of the rights of women and children in Ghana and national development,’ it stressed.

The late Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings passed on October 23, 2025, at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital at Ridge, aged 76.

She joins her husband, Jerry John Rawlings, who died on November 12, 2020, 20 days away from the anniversary of his transition.

Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings was born on November 17, 1948 and became the First Lady from June 4, 1979 to September 24, 1979 and from December 31, 1981 to January 7, 2001.

Her political ambition drove her to become the first female to vie for the position of President in 2016, when she formed a political party – the National Democratic Party (NDP). She won 0.16% of the votes cast in the 2020 general election.

She had fallen out with the political party her husband founded, the NDC, not enthused with the management of the party when her husband took leave of its activities.

She was elected First Vice Chairperson of the NDC in 2009 and later in 2011.

Her attempt at becoming the flagbearer of the NDC in 2012 against Prof. JEA Mills failed.

Her no-love-lost relationship with the NDC until she took her last breath is household knowledge in the political space of the country.

A Cape Coast Circuit Court presided over by Her Honour Nana Aba Quaiba Nunoo on Thursday, November 6, sentenced a 26-year-old man, Eric Amoah, to 16 years’ imprisonment with hard labour after he pleaded guilty to defiling a seven-year-old boy in Mankessim.

With the assistance of the victim’s father, Francis Takyi, Amoah was tracked down and arrested on November 3, 2025, and detained for investigation. Prosecutor Chief Inspector Siman Sartey presented the evidence to the court, confirming that the convict, Eric Amoah, was formally charged with defilement. Amoah entered a guilty plea, leading to the 16-year sentence. The victim has been sent to the Saltpond Municipal Hospital and is responding to treatment.

The sentence aligns with the severity of sexual offences against minors under Ghanaian law. According to Section 101(2) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), defilement-defined as natural or unnatural carnal knowledge of a child under 16 years of age-is classified as a first-degree felony. This offence carries a minimum prison term of seven years and a maximum of 25 years.

The 16-year sentence falls within this legal range, reflecting the gravity of the crime committed against a child barely seven years old.

The swiftness of the judicial process was a relief to the victim’s family. The victim’s father, spoke exclusively to Adom News, recounting the moment he received the shocking news about the assault on his child.

‘I was informed that someone had defiled my boy. Since the incident has traumatised my son, he is currently receiving treatment,’ he told Adom News.

The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) will partake in this year’s pre-Hajj and Umrah conference scheduled for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia between November 9 and 12, 2025.

According to the Director of Communications of PAOG, Alhaji Mohammed Amin Lamptey, ‘Ghana is expected to participate in this year’s conference and exhibition, which will span 52,000 square meters and feature over 260 exhibitors showcasing the latest technologies and services.’

The conference programme will include more than 80 sessions and 60 workshops, featuring international speakers and industry experts.

The event is being organised by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in partnership with the Pilgrims Experience Program (PEP) to enhance pilgrim services, promote innovation, and foster proactive leadership, transparency, and crisis management across all Hajj-related sectors.

The Pilgrims Experience Program, as a strategic body, seeks to enrich the spiritual journey of pilgrims by providing world-class facilities, efficient logistics, improved infrastructure, and digitalised services to ensure every pilgrim enjoys an unforgettable spiritual experience.

This highly anticipated annual gathering of major Hajj and Umrah stakeholders serves as a vital global platform for collaboration and dialogue on leadership, technology, services, logistics, and communication.

It brings together experts, policymakers, and entrepreneurs involved in Hajj operations to identify challenges, develop solutions, and strengthen international cooperation among service providers, participating organisations, and countries.

According to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, this year’s conference will focus on enhancing pilgrim services and leveraging modern technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), digital reporting systems and social media ecosystems to create a more integrated and meaningful experience for all pilgrims.

Key Focus Areas

The conference is dedicated to improving the quality of services for pilgrims by addressing challenges in accommodation, transportation, feeding, and crowd management.

It also aims to foster a competitive and transparent environment between service providers among others.

The conference promotes cooperation among government institutions, private companies, and service providers to create a more integrated and efficient Hajj experience.

Former Member of Parliament (MP) for the Awutu Senya East Constituency, Ms. Hawa Koomson, has called for calm from Ghanaians following the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak’s revelation which exonerated her from the accusations levelled against her over the violence which rocked the 2024 elections in Kasoa.

‘I call on all Ghanaians, especially political actors and the media to exercise calm and to avoid misinformation, incitement and divisive rhetoric. This moment calls not for blame but for retrospection, justice and national unity,’ she said in a statement issued yesterday.

The minister’s report, she recalled, confirms that 21 suspects have been identified, and that there were clear breaches of discipline by some security officers and that the use of firearms in certain situations was unjustified.

Continuing, she said that the findings affirm ‘what I have consistently maintained, that the Kasoa incident was the result of security lapses and institutional failures, not the actions of instigation of any individual.’

The former Minister for Special Development Initiatives recalled how over the years she endured harsh and unfair public attacks, saying, ‘I was branded violent, reckless and unfit for office through sensational and misleading headlines. The judgment was swift and painful. Today, the Interior Minister’s findings have vindicated me, confirming that the violence was not directed by me but stemmed from broader systemic failures in election security coordination.’

She attributed the assault she suffered during the Ablekuma North election rerun to the unjustified accusations and intense vilification she faced.

She had gone to the election venue, as she said, to monitor proceedings, adding ‘that experience remains one of the darkest moments of my public life, a reminder of how false narratives can destroy reputations and endanger lives.

‘While I take no delight in revisiting these painful experiences, I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of all victims of electoral violence. Their loss must be our national lesson. I fully support the Interior Minister’s recommendations, including compensation for victims, enhanced police training, the use of non-lethal crowd control tools, and the discontinuation of military involvement in election control operations.’

Lawyers for former Chief Executive Officer of National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid have dismissed the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) claims of seizure of assets worth over GHS100 million in connection with their client who is standing trial for alleged extortion.

A statement issued by Hanifa Yahaya, stated ’emphatically and without ambiguity, that no assets or businesses belonging to or associated with our client have been identified, traced, or seized by the OSP.’

According to the statement, Dr. Abdul-Hamid does not own any such assets, directly or indirectly, and no property worth the stated amount exists anywhere in connection with him.

Charges

The Office has slapped Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid and nine (9) others with 54 criminal charges, accusing them of extorting a total of GHS291.574 million and $332,407.47 from bulk oil transporters and oil distributors.

The ten – seven (7) individuals and three companies were initially charged with 25 counts of charges, including extortion by a public officer, conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering.

The individuals are Jacob Kwamina Amuah, Coordinator of the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF) at NPA; Wendy Newman, a staff of NPA; Albert Ankrah, Isaac Mensah, all Directors of Kel Logistics Limited; Bright Bediako-Mensah, a Director of Kel Logistics Limited and Kings Energy Limited as well as Kwaku Aboagye Acquaah, Director of Kings Energy Limited.

The three companies are Propnest Limited, Kel Logistics Limited and Kings Energy Limited.

Frozen Assets

Last Monday, the OSP indicated in a statement that it has seized and frozen more than GHS100 million and $100,000 worth of assets, as part of ongoing trial initiated against Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid and nine (9) others.

According to the OSP, additional assets are under active tracing, pointing out that these actions are based on strong documentary, banking, and transaction evidence linking the proceeds to the alleged offences.

The statement indicated that this case represents a major step in protecting public funds, ensuring accountability in the petroleum sector, and affirming that no public official is above the law.

The OSP was reacting to a widely circulated video on social media which captured Dr. Abdul-Hamid referring to his trial as a ‘useless.’

No Seizures

But lawyers for the former NPA boss have refuted the OSP’s claims, noting that the OSP’s own amended charge sheet filed before a High Court in Accra does not mention, refer to, or concern any asset or business purportedly owned by Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, neither did the accompanying statement of facts.

‘It is, therefore, false, misleading, and injurious for the OSP to make public assertions inconsistent with its own court filings in respect of Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid,’ the statement pointed out.

It further indicated that the OSP, as a public institution established under law, is reminded that its officers are bound by constitutional and ethical obligations to discharge their duties with fairness, integrity, and respect for the rights and dignity of all persons, including persons they have arraigned before court.

‘Engaging in public commentary that distorts facts before the court is inconsistent with those obligations and unbecoming of the prosecutorial office,’ the statement stressed.

The statement also pointed out that Dr. Abdul-Hamid, has at all times cooperated fully with the OSP, from the commencement of investigations, through appearing in court at all times, and noted that his record of conduct throughout these proceedings has been one of respect for judicial process.

‘It is, therefore, deeply regrettable that instead of complying with the orders of the court, including the directive to file its disclosures, the OSP has chosen to engage in public theatrics and false reportage. We advise the OSP to devote its energies to prosecutorial diligence rather than media sensationalism,’ the statement said.

It further reminded the public that Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid remains innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the 1992 Constitution, adding that any attempt to prejudice public opinion through misinformation undermines the rule of law and the integrity of the judicial process.

The President of Ghana Publishers Association (GPA), Mr. Asare Konadu Yamoah, has clarified that the use of technology cannot replace the role of publishers, stressing that the publisher is the developer of the content of a book while technology is rather another area of opportunity for publishers since it enhances the work of publishers.

‘The content that we place in the physical book that you see, is the content that will be placed on the tablets for use; these are developed by publishers and, therefore, the publishing role continues to be there and we are not shaken by any development of technology, after all, publishing has been fascinated (it) has given a lot of boost because of technology,’ he stated.

He added that the publishing industry will continue to exist, emphasising that without the industry, education will bear the brunt of the extinction.

He said,’The publishing business cannot be extinct, it just adapts, if the world decides that we are using tablets, the content is key. And the publisher develops the content, so publishing can never be extinct,so (when) publishing gets extinct, that means education is gone.’

He explained that the publishing industry has been taken for granted, though it is essential to life, education and progress of the nation.

He said, ‘What we have realised is that as a country, we have taken for granted the book business (but) it is essential to life, to education, to progress that it is more or less like a national asset or property, but we also tend to forget that there are people working behind the scenes who are bringing these books out.’

He stressed that the book industry should not be seen just as a business entity, but as a necessity used to transform lives, and should be guarded and promoted in order to facilitate its integration into the national life of the country.

He urged government to collaborate with stakeholders to develop a progressive policy for the publishing industry.

Speaking at the 48th Annual General Meeting under the theme ‘Policy as a Catalyst: Transforming Ghana’s Publishing Ecosystem for National Development’, the guest of honour, Sir Justice D. Dominic Adjei, mentioned that publishers play an important role in the production and dissemination of content such as books, journals, newspapers, magazines, and digital media, emphasising that the digital media is in the hands of publishers.

He said, ‘But as people fail to appreciate that when you talk about digital media, it is in the hands of publishers, because when I hear people saying that a time may come because of electronic distribution, the work of publishers will be done, but I hold a contrary view.’

He called for the implementation of policies to improve the publishing industry in the country,stressing that government should promote a national book policy; a guaranteed purchase fee to commit government to its agencies to purchase books or publications from local authors and publishers, which will ensure that local authors are printed by local industries to avoid competition from foreign publishers.

He also used the opportunity to urge local authors to publish their books in the country, and added that publishers should provide quality services in order to attract the services of the authors.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Elections Committee has announced that it will provide all presidential aspirants with a provisional voters’ register on Thursday, November 13, 2025, for verification before finalising it for public exhibition.

Speaking at a press conference at the party’s headquarters in Accra, the Chairman of the Committee, Joseph Osei-Owusu, stated that aspirants would have two weeks to review the register, make observations, and provide feedback.

He explained that the measure is intended to promote transparency, fairness, and credibility in the party’s upcoming presidential primaries to be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

On Friday, July 25, 2025, the National Council of the party established the Presidential Elections Committee with the mandate to plan, organise, supervise, and execute the presidential election process.

Mr. Osei-Owusu further disclosed that party members who have forfeited their membership under Article 391 of the party’s constitution would be excluded from participating in the primaries, while adopting a strict policy framework to proactively address and resolve all concerns as well as maintaining open and transparent communication to prevent suspicion.

‘We have taken several steps to ensure that every issue is handled swiftly and transparently to uphold the sanctity of the process. Such individuals shall not take part in the presidential election on January 31, 2026,’ he stated.

Touching on some activities the committee has completed so far, Mr. Osei-Owusu said the Elections Committee, in collaboration with officials of the Electoral Commission of Ghana have successfully conducted a balloting exercise to determine the order in which candidates will appear on the ballot, with notices of poll printed and distributed to all regional and constituency secretaries, as well as to the respective presidential aspirants.

He said the committee has also completed comprehensive operational guidelines for the primaries, which will soon be presented to aspirants or their representatives and other key stakeholders for compliance.

The chairman noted that the committee has also held productive engagements with both the Electoral Commission and the Ghana Police Service to ensure that the election process remains orderly, peaceful, and credible.

He also added that the Ghana Police Service has been granted exclusive authority over election-day security, adding that no private or unauthorised security arrangements will be allowed at any voting centre, as access to voting areas will be limited to delegates, accredited presidential aspirants or their agents, and electoral officials.

‘The Electoral Commission will oversee the entire conduct of the primaries, including the printing, distribution, and monitoring of ballot papers, as well as the enforcement of operational guidelines. To ensure neutrality, the Commission has also been tasked with recommending suitable voting centres or venues, which will then be shared with candidates or their accredited representatives for consideration,’ the party stated.

Mr. Osei-Owusu said the committee during a recent validation exercise covering all constituencies and external branches identified some IT and clerical discrepancies, including omissions, misspelled names and inaccuracies.

He said those issues have been rectified, and were purely administrative and had no effect on the credibility of the register.

The chairman also stated that the committee will hold a meeting with presidential candidates to discuss the roadmap, guidelines, and assurances of fairness and transparency ahead of the January 2026 primaries.

Mr. Osei-Owusu disclosed that a joint conference involving presidential candidates, the Electoral Commission, and the Ghana Police Service will also be held in addition to a peace pact signing ceremony between the presidential aspirants, National Council of Elders, and former presidents to promote unity ahead of the primaries.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Suame, John Darko, has called on the government to urgently develop and fund retraining programmes for mechanics and artisans in the automotive industry to avert massive job losses as country transitions to electric vehicles (EVs).

He said the global shift towards electric mobility, while beneficial to the environment, poses a serious threat to the livelihoods of thousands of skilled workers at Suame Magazine, the country’s largest auto-mechanical hub.

‘The world is fast moving towards electric vehicles, and in the next few years, their numbers will outstrip those of combustion engine vehicles,’ Mr. Darko cautioned during an exclusive interview with DAILY GUIDE.

‘This change has clear environmental benefits, but it also comes with painful consequences. Many artisans who depend on repairing and maintaining combustion engine vehicles will lose their jobs if we don’t act now,’ Mr. Darko stated.

The MP explained that the design of electric vehicles eliminates many components that mechanics traditionally service such as pistons, gaskets, and oil filters, meaning that workers who specialise in these areas could soon become redundant.

‘An electric car doesn’t need an oil change; it doesn’t use gaskets or pistons. So, those who depend on fixing these parts will lose their source of income,’ he said.

He, therefore, urged the government to invest in retraining programmes that equip artisans with the technical skills required to handle electric vehicles, including diagnosing and repairing electrical systems and components.

‘Government must take practical steps now because unemployment is already a big problem. Introducing technologies that will further reduce available jobs without providing alternatives will worsen the situation,’ he warned.

Mr. Darko further encouraged local innovation and small-scale manufacturing within the Suame industrial enclave, suggesting that artisans begin developing and producing some of the tools and components used in vehicle repair, to reduce dependence on imports and create new employment opportunities.

‘Suame Magazine can become a centre for manufacturing specific parts needed for electric vehicles. We should not import everything. If we start making some of these tools locally, there will still be jobs for our people,’ he proposed.

While acknowledging the environmental advantages of electric vehicles, such as reduced carbon and nitrogen emissions, Mr. Darko expressed concern that the transition could have long-term economic implications for oil-producing countries like Ghana.

He noted that as major economies abandon fossil fuels, African oil exporters risk ending up with stranded assets, unused petroleum reserves with declining global value.

‘We have to find a way to balance the shift towards electric vehicles with the need to still benefit from our oil resources,’ he argued.

The Suame MP, therefore, urged policymakers to adopt a balanced and strategic transition plan that protects local industries, sustains employment, and ensures the country derives full value from its energy resources.

‘This future is inescapable. Electric vehicles are coming whether we like it or not. But the government must prepare our people for it by retraining them, supporting them, and making sure they are not left behind,’ he noted.