Category: Daily Guide Network

The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has introduced a new service dubbed ‘SSNIT Inside Banking,’ to see its operations co-located within banking halls across the country.

The initiative aims to make SSNIT services more accessible and convenient to contributors and pensioners nationwide.

The Director-General of SSNIT, Kwesi Afreh Biney, who announced this during the organisation’s annual ‘SSNITposium’ held in Accra yesterday as part of its 60th anniversary celebration, explained that the initiative forms part of SSNIT’s broader strategy to expand coverage, leverage technology, and improve customer experience through strategic partnerships with banks.

He said, ‘Last Monday, the very first ‘SSNIT Inside Banking Hall’ service point started operations with Ecobank in Tema. Our strategy is to expand coverage in a very rapid manner by bringing our services closer to the people we serve.’

He also stated that the programme will serve as alternative service points for clients who may not have easy access to existing SSNIT offices, noting that nearly every district in Ghana has at least one bank branch, making banks partners for the expansion.

According to Mr. Biney, SSNIT plans to establish 27 such service touchpoints within banks by the end of the year, adding that the banks identified for the initial rollout include Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB), Ecobank, Fidelity Bank, and CalBank, all of which have wide branch networks and existing investment relationships with SSNIT.

‘We considered banks where we have both a strong presence and strategic investments. For example, we hold the single largest investment in GCB, significant stakes in Ecobank and Fidelity Bank, and a 56.9% majority stake in CalBank,’ he stated.

Touching on the financial strength of the scheme, Mr. Biney emphasised that SSNIT’s investment portfolio remains robust, with its stock market investments growing by over GHS1.8 billion this year.

He cited ongoing projects in the energy and hospitality sectors, including increased investments in Senet Energy, plans to redevelop La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, and the expansion of Labadi Beach Hotel by up to 100 additional rooms.

The Director General further mentioned that SSNIT intends to reduce its investments in real estate, describing it as an area that ‘hasn’t yielded great returns and that proceeds from property divestitures, will be redirected toward higher-performing sectors.’

‘We plan to take money out of real estate and put it into sectors that are giving us the best results,’ he said.

The ‘SSNITposium’, attended by key stakeholders in the pension’s regulatory sector, reflected on SSNIT’s 60-year institutional journey and explored the future of social security in Ghana, with discussions on policy reform and the use of artificial intelligence to enhance service delivery as well as build a more inclusive social protection system.

Chartered Institute of Bankers, Ghana (CIB Ghana) has reaffirmed its commitment to developing future-ready banking professionals equipped to drive innovation, uphold ethical standards, and strengthen resilience in the financial sector.

Speaking at the launch of the 2025 Bankers’ Week at the University of Ghana, Legon, Chief Executive Officer of CIB Ghana, Robert Dzato, emphasised the Institute’s strategic focus on building a highly skilled and ethically grounded banking workforce capable of navigating rapid technological shifts and evolving customer needs.

‘The future of banking will belong to institutions that combine technology with trust,’ Mr. Dzato stated. ‘We are preparing banking professionals not only to embrace digital transformation but to do so anchored in professionalism, integrity, and strong ethical values.’

Themed, ‘Building Future-Ready Banks: Ethical Leadership, Sustainable Finance and Currency Stability’, this year’s celebration underscores CIB Ghana’s renewed commitment to enhancing competence, integrity, and leadership within the banking ecosystem.

Mr. Dzato highlighted the importance of balancing innovation with ethical responsibility, noting that the Institute aims to ensure that ‘the banker of tomorrow is both digitally literate and ethically grounded.’

He added that CIB Ghana continues to strengthen its capacity-building mandate through expanded professional certification programmes, strategic global partnerships, and curriculum reform aligned with emerging trends including artificial intelligence, open banking, cybersecurity, and sustainable finance.

‘The next decade will test the preparedness of Ghana’s banking and finance industry. Institutions that invest in people, ethics, and strategic innovation will define the future,’ he said.

The 2025 Bankers’ Week commenced with a health and fitness event dubbed ‘Sports for Life’ at the Athletics Oval, University of Ghana, Legon.

The event featured cancer and mental-health awareness sessions in line with the global advocacy period, alongside sporting activities such as football, basketball, volleyball, and board games.

Mr. Dzato emphasised that the initiative aligns with the Institute’s well-being agenda, noting that physical and mental wellness are key pillars for sustaining high-performance professional culture.

THE GHANA Football Association (GFA) has launched a landmark partnership with the National Lottery Authority (NLA) and lottery company Rambell to offer 220 Ghanaian supporters the chance to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

The initiative, dubbed ‘World Cup Bonanza,’ was officially unveiled at the GFA Headquarters on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The colourful launch was attended by GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, NLA Director-General Mohammed Abdul-Salam, and Rockson Konde, representing Rambell’s Board Chairman.

Supervised by the NLA, the World Cup Bonanza offers fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win an all-expenses-paid trip to support the Black Stars at the global showpiece across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Speaking at the launch, GFA President Kurt Okraku emphasised the campaign’s focus on rewarding loyal Ghanaian fans:

‘Having ensured that Ghana will be at the Mundial, it’s important for us at the FA not to think about ourselves but about the country – especially the 12th man,’ he said.

‘We didn’t qualify alone, and we cannot go to the World Cup alone. The supporters must come with us. With the support of the NLA and Rambell, we now have an amazing opportunity to bring our fans along on this incredible journey.’

The campaign’s slogan – ‘Play More, Win More, and Experience Football’s Biggest Stage’ – captures its dual mission: to offer unforgettable experiences and contribute to Ghana’s sporting development through the Good Causes Fund.

To participate, fans can enter the raffle by dialling USSD code *899899#. Winners will receive subsidised flights, free accommodation, match tickets for Ghana’s three group games, and full visa assistance.

The partnership marks a significant milestone in fan engagement and national pride, giving Ghanaians the opportunity to cheer the Black Stars from the stands and share in the global excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has disqualified former Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah from holding any public office for a period of five years for acts of fraud and corruption resulting in financial loss of GHS8,971,933.43 to the state.

This follows investigations into a contract awarded to three companies – Ronor Motors Limited, Sajel Motors Limited and Telino Ghana Limited for the supply of vehicles to the GRA.

The Commission has also referred him and Directors of the three companies to the Attorney General for possible prosecution and recovery of the lost funds.

The investigations were initiated by a petition filed by Movement for Truth and Accountability, a civil society organisation which had found that the contract was laced with fraud and irregularities.

The Commission, at the end of its investigation, made some startling findings, including the fact that the three companies did not have the capacities to meet the terms of the contract.

Interestingly, it found that Sajel Motors Limited and Telino Ghana Limited had no physical locations and could not be traced to the addresses provided by them in all their correspondences at the time of the contract.

It said the two companies ‘in fraudulent circumstances entered into separate contracts with Ronor Motors for the supply of the same vehicles to the GRA,’ although Ronor Motors was single-sourced for the supply of the vehicles and logistics.

According to CHRAJ, Dr. Owusu-Amoah misled the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) in approving the request of GRA to award the contracts to the three companies using single source procurement method in dubious circumstances.

The Commission found that ‘the blatant disregard for procurement rules and regulations, fraudulent misrepresentations as well as the lack of due diligence in selecting a supplier for the supply of goods deemed urgent goes against the duty to exercise sound judgment in making procurement decisions imposed on the Respondent under section 18(3)(e) of Act 663.’

It further held that both the act of disregarding the procurement rules and the omission to exercise due diligence in the selection of the three companies have been done to purposely result in the illicit enrichment of these companies to the detriment of the state, amounting to corruption.

The Commission also found that at the material time of contract – October 2021, the three (3) companies were unqualified to be engaged for any public procurement because they had no evidence to show that they had fulfilled their obligations to pay taxes and social security contributions.

‘The evidence adduced on their behalf to show they were Tax and SSNIT compliant were either issued after the contracts were awarded or had expired by the date of the contract,’ the report indicated.

Again, CHRAJ found that having regard to their specifications and bulk purchase, the prices at which vehicles were procured from Ronor Motors Limited were inflated as TGCL from whom Ronor Motors purchased a majority of the vehicles from for the onward delivery to GRA had better price quotations which were indeed more advantageous than Ronors Motors’.

The finding also pointed out that the impugned companies were unable to duly fulfil their contractual obligations simply because they did not possess the requisite capacity to carry out the contract of such magnitude and not because of disruptions in the supply chain owing to the COVID-19 pandemic as alleged by Dr. Owusu-Amoah.

CHRAJ also found that as at the date of the complaint, the three companies had not paid in full the required taxes on the vehicles and other logistics supplied to GRA.

WENDY SHAY’s newly released album titled, ‘Ready,’ which was dropped on October 24, 2025, is making waves in the music scene, recording over 10.5 million on Audiomack, according to Chart Music.

This 13-track project explores themes of love, resilience, independence, and self-worth, showcasing her growth as a singer and songwriter.

The album features collaborations with artistes like Mavado, Olivetheboy, Itz Tiffany, and Nigyboy, and includes hits like ‘Black Coffee’, ‘Don’t Be Silly’ and ‘Apology’. ‘Ready’ has surpassed 10 million streams on Audiomack in just one week, solidifying Wendy Shay’s position as a leading female voice in contemporary Afropop.

Wendy Shay described ‘Ready’ as a symbol of transformation, strength, value, and prosperity, reflecting her personal and professional growth. The album’s success has sparked conversations about her potential claim to ‘Artiste of the Year’ status in next year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA).

Wendy Shay, on X, expressed appreciation to her music lovers for streaming the album, saying, ‘Forever grateful for every stream, every share, every word you’ve sung back to me. This album lives because of YOU. Thank you SHAYGANG #READY.’

MTN GHANA’S Bright Conversations series hosted a high-level cybersecurity discussion, emphasising the need for individuals, businesses, and organisations to prioritise digital safety and responsible technology usage in today’s connected world. The event championed safe and responsible technology adoption.

Speaking at the event, Senior Manager for Enterprise Information Security and Governance at MTN Ghana, Jacqueline Hanson Kotei, stated that as part of the telecommunication efforts to provide holistic usage of the internet, it has implemented several cybersecurity measures to create a holistic internet.

She stated they are in partnership with organisations to enhance online security and educate customers on protecting themselves from cyber threats.

Some of their tailored-made measures include organising workshops and discussions to raise awareness about cyber threats, implementing robust security protocols to protect customer data, and promoting safe online practices through public awareness campaigns.

‘We visited some service centers two or three weeks ago to discuss cybersecurity with customers and staff. We’ve been engaging our staff on cybersecurity. The danger often comes from within, so educating our staff is crucial,’ she said.

Jacqueline Hanson Kotei reaffirmed MTN Ghana’s commitment to cybersecurity education and public engagement through initiatives such as Bright Conversations, designed to empower users with knowledge and promote safe digital practices.

Senior Manager at the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Isaac Socrates Mensah, revealed that most cyber incidents in the country are no longer purely technical but increasingly socially engineered, exploiting human trust rather than system flaws.

‘Many people think cybersecurity is only about systems and software. But more often than not, the issue begins with human behavior. People are deceived into giving out personal details or clicking on malicious links. Since January alone, we’ve handled nearly 300 cases linked to online criminal activity,’ he noted.

Mr. Mensah also announced that the country is taking bold steps to strengthen its digital identification system and clamp down on SIM-related fraud. He disclosed plans for a new SIM re-registration exercise to correct earlier verification challenges and align user data with national digital ID platforms.

For his part, CSA Senior Manager Legal and Compliance, Seth Gyapong-Oware, called for strong cross-sector collaboration to tackle cybercrime and promote digital safety at every level of society.

He noted that Ghana’s national cybersecurity agenda, led by the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, emphasises policy reforms, international cooperation, and workforce development to safeguard the country’s digital infrastructure.

A delegation from the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) and the Ghana Music Producers Association (GAPI), led by the Former President of MUSIGA and Vice President of the International Federation of Musicians, Alhaji Sidiku Buari, on Friday paid a solemn visit to the family of the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, to express their condolences.

Present at the gathering were several distinguished members of Ghana’s music fraternity, including Rev. Thomas Yawson, 1st Vice President of MUSIGA; Madam Asabea Cropper, Chairlady of the Aged Musicians Welfare; Daddy Bosco Ahuma, MUSIGA Special Projects Coordinator; Ras Appiah Levi, Global Ambassador for PANAFEST and Emancipation; Pat Thomas, MUSIGA Opinion Leader; Mary Ghansah, Director of the Gospel Fraternity; Gifty Ghansah, Welfare Officer; Lady PJ Mary; and Osbone, representing GAPI.

To receive the delegation were members of the Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings family, including her children and the Head of the family.

After a brief welcome address by the Head of the family, Rev. Thomas Yawson, on behalf of MUSIGA, formally introduced the Former President of the Union, Alhaji Sidiku Buari who spoke on behalf of MUSIGA and GAPI.

He described the late Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings as ‘a mother to all musicians,’ highlighting her immense contributions to the development of Ghana’s music industry.

‘We are here on behalf of the Executives and Members of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) and the Ghana Music Producers Association (GAPI) to express our condolences to the family concerning the passing of our dear mother, Her Excellency Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings,’ he said.

‘She was very supportive of MUSIGA’s events and activities. I remember when the Union was in dire need of an office, she assisted us in various ways, including helping us secure the former Passport Office, which later became the headquarters of the Musicians Union of Ghana.’

Alhaji Sidiku Buari further recalled that, in recognition of her invaluable support, MUSIGA honoured Nana Konadu with a special Obatanpa Award, a testament to her nurturing and generous spirit.

‘The Union will forever remember her. May she rest in perfect peace. We also wish to assure the family of our full support during the funeral celebrations,’ he concluded.

The Office of the Attorney General (AG) has filed disclosures and statements of witnesses it intends to rely on for the trial of Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, alias Chairman Wontumi, and his Akonta Mining Company for allegedly facilitating others to mine without lawful authority.

Although the documents were not served on the accused or his lawyers as at the time the case was called yesterday, Maame Osae Gyamerah, a State Attorney, told the court they were filed on October 31, 2025.

She, therefore, pleaded with the court to adjourn the case to enable the prosecution to serve the accused person and his lawyer.

Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, the presiding judge, confirmed that the prosecution had filed the disclosures but noted that there was no proof of service on the accused or his counsel. She, therefore, adjourned the case to November 12, 2025, for continuation.

In a related development, the Attorney General has also filed disclosures in the other case before ‘Criminal Court 1’ where Wontumi and three others are standing trial for allegedly entering and undertaking mining in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve without legal authority.

However, the case had to be adjourned to December 4, 2025, for mentioning because the trial judge, Justice Ruby Aryeetey, who sat during the legal vacation, is on leave.

Wontumi, his company, Edward Akuoko as well as two others were accused of ‘extreme environmental destruction, including the devastation of approximately 13 hectares of land,’ in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve with illegal mining activities.

The prosecution’s brief facts state that despite his company having licence to mine, its application to mine in the forest reserve was refused in August 2022. That notwithstanding, the company allegedly undertook the mining activities.

‘To provide housing for the teeming number of persons working for it, A1 (Akonta Mining) put up several makeshift structures across the Forest Reserve,’ the facts allege.

The Attorney General has, however, dropped all charges against Akuoko and intends to use him as a prosecution witness against the other accused persons.

Edward Akuoko had been charged with offences including undertaking mining operation without licence, abetting the unauthorised felling of trees in forest reserves, and abetting the unauthorised erecting of building in forest reserve.

‘Take NOTICE that the Honourable Attorney-General has, pursuant to Section 59 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960, (Act 30), withdrawn EDWARD AKUOKO, the 4th Accused Person herein, from prosecution in respect of all the charges brought against him in this case,’ a notice of withdrawal signed by the Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, read.

This is not the first time the Attorney General has dropped charges against an accused person in order to use them against the others they were initially charged together with.

Last month, the Attorney General dropped all charges against Mildred Donkor, a banker who allegedly conspired with the erstwhile Director-General of National Signals Bureau (NSB), Kwabena Adu-Boahene, to launder ‘stolen’ funds from the Bureau.

Fair Trial

Meanwhile, Andy Appiah-Kubi, counsel for Chairman Wontumi, has indicated that they ‘will resist the oppressor’s rule’ given the manner in which the Attorney General appears to be ‘poaching’ accused persons to testify against their co-accused, which ‘suggests that there is intent to undermine the course of justice.’

He, however, indicated that the decision by the Attorney General to drop charges against Akuoko does not affect the defence team, as they are ready to prosecute the case.

Former England captain David Beckham has been formally knighted by King Charles III for his outstanding services to football and British society.

The 50-year-old, who was named in the King’s Birthday Honours list earlier this year, received the honour during an investiture ceremony held in Berkshire on Tuesday.

Beckham, a global football icon, earned 115 caps for England and captained the Three Lions for six years between 2000 and 2006. He represented the country in three FIFA World Cups and two European Championships.

A product of Manchester United’s academy, Beckham rose to fame as part of the club’s celebrated Class of ’92, spending 11 years in the first team before moving to Real Madrid in 2003 for £25 million.

He later played for LA Galaxy, had loan spells at AC Milan, and concluded his illustrious career with Paris Saint-Germain in 2013.

Beyond football, Beckham’s influence extends well into public life. He played a pivotal role in London’s successful bid for the 2012 Olympics and has served as a UNICEF ambassador since 2005, launching the 7 Fund in 2015 to support vulnerable children worldwide.

In 2024, he became an ambassador for the King’s Foundation, supporting educational initiatives and programmes that promote young people’s connection with nature.

Beckham also maintains deep ties to the sport through ownership roles – he is part-owner of Salford City alongside former Manchester United teammates and co-owner of Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer.

His knighthood cements his legacy as one of England’s most celebrated athletes and public figures, whose impact resonates both on and off the field.

SEVERAL FOOD vendors who cook for day students in Senior High Schools (SHS) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions are gearing up to picket at the Ministry of Education over 10 months of unpaid services.

According to the caterers, who are referred to as ‘One Hot Meal Vendors’, the government has refused to pay them after months of rendering services to the ministry, emphasising that they intend to embark on a demonstration to register their displeasure.

They also accused the Coordinator in charge of School Feeding, Benita Okity-Duah, and the sector minister Haruna Iddrisu of ignoring their numerous pleas.

Elizabeth Quartey Nkrumah, a caterer, in an interview with United TV late-night news, said the association, numbering over 200 members, has been stranded following the change of government.

‘Upon assumption of power, government directives to us were to deal directly with the heads of the day SHS, as they would fund our catering services. We’ve been cooking for these students, but no payment. Our contract expired, and we were cautioned not to continue. We started requesting arrears, and we were promised payment in September,’ she said.

Ms. Nkrumah further stated that upon trying to engage the Education Minister, the association members were prevented from engaging the minister.

Monica Afriyie, spokesperson for the association, stated that the contract with the ministry states that after pre-financing the feed cost, ‘you are given 21 days to pay for the services.’

‘Since the assumption of power by the new government, we have not been paid, the reason behind our agitation and eagerness to meet the minister on the issues,’ she said.

Ms. Afriyie added that the unpaid services are causing havoc to caterers, saying, ‘Many of our colleagues are owing loans because it is pre-finance that we take in loans to cushion our services.’