Category: Daily Guide Network

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, Patrick Yaw Boamah, has questioned the financing of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), accusing the government of potentially bypassing parliamentary approval and raising fears of monetary financing by the Bank of Ghana (BoG).

Mr. Boamah, who has been probing the fiscal and governance architecture of GoldBod since September this year, revealed that the Ministry of Finance has formally confirmed that it has made no financial releases to the Board since its establishment under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).

Reading from a letter dated 29 October and signed by Chief Director Patrick Nomo, he stated, ‘the ministry has not made any financial releases as mandatory support to the Gold Board since its establishment. the information you requested does not exist within the records of the ministry.’

Addressing the media in Parliament last Friday, the MP said this disclosure raises critical questions about how GoldBod, which the 2025 Budget earmarked to receive a cedi equivalent of US$279 million as a revolving fund to purchase and export gold, has been financing its operations, including the procurement of gold, public events, and the donations of logistics such as pickup trucks.

‘So now the question is: How is the Gold Board being funded? Is it from the central bank? Is the Bank of Ghana printing money to fund the Gold Board? Why must the Bank of Ghana be doing that?’ he queried, calling on journalists and civil society to probe the issue.

The MP further accused GoldBod of breaching Section 42 of Act 1140, which mandates quarterly publication of its operations, revenue, expenditures, contracts, and gold sourcing traceability reports.

‘If you go to the GoldBod website right now, you will not find anything as contained in the Act,’ he said, warning that such opacity has grave implications at a time when global partners are scrutinising Ghana’s gold governance and anti-galamsey commitments.

Mr. Boamah also disclosed that GoldBod had issued licences to over 420 entities within months of its establishment, including 204 Tier-2 buyers and 21 self-financed aggregators, questioning the due-diligence process.

‘This leaves the door open for more questions,’ he stressed, noting that associated fees did not pass through Parliament under the Fees and Charges Act.

He hinted plans to file urgent parliamentary questions to compel the Finance Minister and the Bank of Ghana Governor to explain GoldBod’s funding structure, pricing practices, and risk exposure.

‘This is a wholly new entity. Transparency and accountability are mandatory. Parliament must know where the money is coming from,’ he insisted.

Days after the viral video of WO1 William Mensah’s physical assault on both a pharmacist and a customer, the Deputy Minister for Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi has cautioned military personnel to uphold their disciplinary values as any unlawful acts will not go unpunished.

Speaking at the 2025 Land Combat Power Demonstration (Land/Air/Space Cyber) at the Military Training Camp, Bundase, last Friday, the minister issued a candid caution, emphasising that every soldier and officer is expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct, respect the rule of law, and safeguard the rights of all citizens, whether on duty or off duty.

The minister stressed the importance of maintaining professionalism and integrity, highlighting that the Ghana Armed Forces’ reputation and effectiveness depend on the collective commitment of its personnel to these core values.

‘Any actions that bring the image of our revered Ghana Armed Forces into disrepute will be dealt with decisively in accordance with the regulations of Ghana Armed Forces and the laws of the Republic. Let us continue to serve with honour, integrity and unwavering commitment to duty,’ he said.

The land combat demonstration witnessed a rare display of firepower synchronised to demonstrate operational precision of the country’s military forces, bringing into display full spectrum of it defense capabilities; land, maritime and air in a synchronised show of readiness and professionalism.

Mr. Genfi expressed confidence in the exercise, saying, ‘the demonstration is not merely a display of firepower and maneuver, but represents a synergy of doctrine, leadership, technology and the scale of the combatants in a world where conflicts are increasingly complex, asymmetric and multi-dimensional, this exercise underscored the importance of readiness, adaptability and interoperability among our armed forces.’

The minister pledged President John Mahama’s support to retooling the Ghana Armed Forces with modernised military machinery and equipment.

‘This commitment shall take full effect next year with steady and sustained supplies in all subsequent years consistent with the President’s broader resetting Ghana agenda in pursuit of this vision,’ he disclosed.

‘Government has so far embarked on a comprehensive restructuring of the Ghana Armed Forces, focusing on the establishment of new units built from the scratch in order to augment the capabilities of the forces.

‘The retooling effort has already seen some acquisitions in terms of modern communication systems and other advanced technologies, consistent with our clear policy priority since the inception of this administration, improving the welfare of troops remains one of our foremost objectives,’ he added.

Nigerian musician, Yemi Alade, has revealed that she once struggled with a smoking addiction as a teenager but decided to quit after realising the habit was harmful to her health and career.

The ‘Johnny’ hitmaker made the revelation during an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, where she reflected on her brief but intense experience with smoking while in university.

Yemi Alade explained that although she initially began smoking casually, it quickly developed into a dependency. ‘When I was in the university, I tried smoking. It did not work out. But before it did not work out, it worked out a bit too much,’ she admitted. ‘I started needing to smoke before I went to bed. I was getting addicted to that lifestyle.’

She disclosed that despite her growing dependence, she often hid the habit in public because she was ashamed of it. ‘In public, I would hide the cigarette,’ she said. ‘So, I was like, ‘What’s this life – the discomfort that I can’t go to bed without smoking, and then when I go out, I have to hide it?”

According to Yemi, this internal conflict led her to make a firm decision to stop. ‘As a teenager in the university trying to figure out life, I made certain decisions for myself – that if I have to hide to do something, then I will not do it. Because I like to be aware of my environment and my decisions,’ she said.

The award-winning singer added that smoking negatively affected her voice, further motivating her to quit.

The Department of Herbal Medicine under the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has honoured Mr. Ebenezer Agyemang, founder of HEPA Plus, for his outstanding support towards research and innovation in herbal medicine.

At a presentation ceremony held at the university, the department presented a special citation to Mr. Agyemang in recognition of his exceptional commitment to advancing herbal medicine research and entrepreneurship.

In response to the department’s call for support, Mr. Agyemang instituted the HEPA Plus Research Award, a pioneering initiative with an annual sponsorship package aimed at funding innovative undergraduate research projects that promote entrepreneurial thinking among final-year students.

Presenting the citation, the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prof. Samuel Asare Nkansah, commended Mr. Agyemang for his visionary leadership and immense contribution to student development.

According to him, the HEPA Plus Research Award has already made a remarkable impact. The first beneficiary of the award, he revealed, went on to win the University Entrepreneurial Product Competition and later represented KNUST at an international competition in Thailand.

‘Mr. Agyemang’s philanthropic investment transcends monetary value. It ignites innovation, validates student creativity, and bridges academia with industry,’ Prof. Nkansah stated, expressing optimism that the partnership would continue to flourish in the coming years.

Mr. Agyemang, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the department for the honour and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting research that enhances the relevance and global competitiveness of Ghana’s herbal medicine industry.

The event attracted faculty members, students, and invited guests, who commended the HEPA Plus founder for his generosity, innovation, and continuous dedication to promoting excellence in herbal medicine research.

Ebenage Herbal Production and Consult, under Mr. Agyemang’s leadership, is a leading Ghanaian herbal enterprise renowned for producing high-quality natural health products and providing expert consultancy in herbal medicine formulation, research, and development. The company has gained recognition for combining traditional herbal knowledge with modern scientific standards to promote safe, effective, and innovative herbal remedies both locally and internationally.

Other popular products developed by Ebenage include Pavi and Plasmox, which, together with HEPA Plus, have earned widespread acclaim for their quality and efficacy.

President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate termination of all contracts with the Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) following the completion of an investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

The directive, communicated through a letter signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, and addressed to the Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, instructed that all existing agreements with SML be swiftly brought to an end.

According to the letter, the move forms part of the government’s commitment to accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.

It follows months of scrutiny over the SML contracts, which became the subject of a corruption and corruption-related offences probe by the OSP.

The Finance Minister has been tasked to ensure that the termination process is carried out in full compliance with existing financial and legal procedures.

The OSP recently concluded its investigation into the revenue assurance contracts between SML and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), which examined issues related to alleged procurement irregularities, contractual overreach, and value for money concerns.

According to findings shared by the Special Prosecutor, Mr. Kissi Agyebeng, at a presser in Accra on Thursday, October 30, the investigation revealed that there was no genuine need for engaging SML for the services it purported to perform.

The contracts, he said, were secured through ‘self-serving official patronage, sponsorship, and promotion based on false and unverified claims.’

SML Responds

Meanwhile, Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited has denied any wrongdoing, insisting that its operations were lawful and transparent, while calling for evidence to guide the national conversation.

In a statement by the company’s Lead Counsel, SML said, ‘We will present all relevant documents before the appropriate authorities. We remain proud of the work done, the controls that governed it, and the measurable value created for Ghana.’

It said SML has efficiently performed on its Transaction Audit and External Price Verification, and the Downstream Petroleum Audit contracts under continuous GRA supervision.

‘All payments were tied to verified deliverables and measurable outputs. Oversight mechanisms included technical validation, data and report reconciliation, and documentary confirmation before any payment was made,’ it further noted.

SML maintained that it is a wholly Ghanaian-owned company with no political affiliations, and that its contracts with the GRA were structured under a ‘risk-and-reward’ framework to enhance national revenue mobilisation through measurable results.

It also questioned the basis of the purported GHS125 million ‘to be recovered’ by the state, as the evidence on record clearly indicates otherwise.

‘In fact, the state owes SML. Official statements on verified performance data and financial reconciliations are available directly from the GRA. SML’s revenue assurance audit systems were developed entirely at its own cost and risk, without any financial support from the state. To date, our systems remain the first-of-its-kind, fully integrated, multi-site digital audit and assurance system in the world,’ it said.

It mentioned that the integrated audit system in the downstream petroleum operational chain has generated approximately GHS20 billion in verified revenue for the state, as corroborated by the respective Bank of Ghana Petroleum Collection Holding Account.

‘The system has led to a 92 percent increase in taxable volumes, while SML’s Transaction Audit Service has further contributed to a 33 percent rise in import clearance revenue collection across the monitored sectors,’ it added.

SML reiterated its stand as a Ghanaian innovation story; a private enterprise that assumed operational risk under a performance-based framework and is compensated only after verified results.

The decision to terminate the SML contract follows the Ghana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) action in May 2024, when it complied with directives from former President Akufo-Addo to terminate the Transaction Audit and External Verification Service (AEVS) contract with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML).

The GRA also suspended the Upstream Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Audit components of the agreement, pending a comprehensive review of the contract details.

Additionally, the Authority announced plans to amend the Measurement Audit for the Downstream Petroleum Products contract by converting it to a fixed-fee structure.

GRA further indicated that it would conduct a detailed review of other provisions of the contract, including service delivery expectations, termination clauses, and intellectual property rights.

Legal Counsel to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Kow Essuman, says that the LGBTQ+ bill passed by the 8th Parliament was not officially transmitted to the Presidency for assent due to lack of proper constitutional procedure.

Mr. Essuman, who revealed this in an interview on Starr FM, said though there were attempts by some Members of Parliament (MPs), it did not materialise because the bill was before the Supreme Court.

His comments come in the wake of concerns raised by some MPs, including the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga that there was no need for Parliament to reconsider the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2021 because it had already been passed by Parliament.

Mr. Essuman said, ‘The bill did not officially get to the Presidency. We were in Cabinet at Peduase when we were informed that some officials from Parliament sought to bring the bill, which was not the proper process. The officials were subsequently informed that unless due process was adhered to, the bill was not going to be accepted,’ he disclosed.

He also stated that Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante, in a letter to the Clerk of Parliament, subsequently asked Parliament not to proceed to the Presidency with the bill for assent until all the legal challenges were resolved by the Supreme Court.

‘The bill had fundamental constitutional hurdles. It had not crossed certain hurdles that the Constitution expected it to cross, and beyond that, there were human rights provisions that were not properly couched,’ he added.

The bill, when assented, will impose three years’ minimum jail term and five years’ maximum incarceration on those who engage in and promote homosexual activities in the country.

It will additionally criminalise and prohibit pro-gay advocacy, as well as those who fund the activities of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, asexual, among others.

His Excellency John Dramani Mahama has commended Victory Bible Church International for four decades of steadfast faith, visionary leadership, and transformative impact on Ghana and beyond.

Delivering the President’s message on his behalf, Hon. Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, described the church’s 40-year journey as ‘a testimony of divine favour, steadfast leadership, and an unrelenting commitment to the Great Commission.’

He recalled that ‘Forty years ago, in a modest fellowship at Kokomlemle, the seed of this great ministry was planted. From that humble beginning on 2nd June 1985, Victory Bible Church International has grown into a vibrant global family with over 250 branches across four continents – Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.’

Under the inspired leadership of its founder and presiding bishop, The Most Reverend Nii Nabi Apiakai Tackie-Yarboi, the church has faithfully lived out its calling to ‘raise the foundations of many generations.’ This year’s anniversary theme, drawn from Isaiah 58:12, was described by the President as a fitting reflection of the church’s mission and enduring legacy.

President Mahama, through his envoy, lauded the church’s holistic approach to ministry, which combines evangelism, education, community outreach, and social development. He praised the church’s numerous initiatives – including health campaigns, youth empowerment programmes, music and arts ministries, and the renowned Wonderful Jesus Conference – describing Victory Bible Church International as ‘a light on a hill – a church not hidden, but radiating God’s glory across nations.’

The President further acknowledged the church’s role in nation-building, noting that it has become ‘a model of excellence and discipline, proving that Ghana can produce churches and leaders who stand shoulder to shoulder with the best across the world.’

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with faith-based organisations in advancing the Reset Agenda and the 24-Hour Economy, emphasising that such national initiatives must rest on strong moral and ethical foundations.

‘Without faith, there can be no moral foundation; without integrity, there can be no trust; and without trust, there can be no sustainable development,’ the President stated.

‘As you celebrate 40 years of grace and growth, may this milestone propel you to even greater heights,’ the message concluded. ‘May the next decade see Victory Bible Church International expand its influence in governance, technology, education, and entrepreneurship – raising a new generation of Ghanaians who will transform every sector of society through faith and innovation.’

Also addressing the congregation, the Chief of Staff, Hon. Julius Debrah, commended Bishop Tackie-Yarboi and the entire church leadership for their exceptional dedication and transformative impact over the years.

He remarked that there is ‘something truly unique and inspiring about the church – particularly its ability to blend spiritual purpose with social responsibility and innovation.’

Hon. Debrah expressed optimism that the 40th Anniversary celebration would usher in a new era of hope and opportunity for Ghana, saying that the spirit of the event would inspire renewal and national progress. He especially praised Bishop Tackie-Yarboi for his forward-thinking focus on reorienting the mindset of the younger generation towards entrepreneurship, innovation, and self-reliance – a vision he described as ‘perfectly aligned with Ghana’s drive for sustainable development.’

Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, Member of Parliament (MP) for the Banda Constituency and Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, together with his Deputy, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for the La Dade-Kotopon Constituency, joined the congregation of Victory Bible Church International for their thanksgiving service.

The grand celebration, held at the Independence Square in Accra, attracted a large and jubilant gathering of worshippers, dignitaries, and international guests, who joined in thanksgiving for the church’s extraordinary journey of faith, growth, and excellence.

As Victory Bible Church International marks its 40th anniversary, it continues to stand as a beacon of transformation, demonstrating how faith, leadership, and purpose can work together to shape a stronger and more prosperous Ghana.

GHANAIAN FORWARD Antoine Semenyo says representing the Black Stars is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream that continues to inspire him and his family.

The 25-year-old AFC Bournemouth striker, who made his Ghana debut in 2022, has since earned over 30 international caps and become a key part of the national setup.

Speaking to the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), Semenyo reflected on his deep emotional connection to the team he grew up supporting from his home in London.

‘It’s a dream come true representing Ghana. As a kid, we always used to watch every African Cup of Nations and every World Cup campaign. We’d gather at my uncle’s house, shouting, screaming, and feeling every emotion – joy and heartbreak alike,’ he recalled.

One of his most vivid memories remains Asamoah Gyan’s missed penalty in the 2010 World Cup quarter-final against Uruguay, a moment that denied Ghana a historic semi-final place.

‘I remember that day like it was yesterday. We were running around the house in disbelief – it was crazy,’ he said.

Now wearing the same jersey he once cheered for, Semenyo says the experience carries deep pride and meaning for his family.

‘My mum, dad, uncles, aunties – everyone still talks about it. They always message me to say how proud they are. Like I said, it’s an honour,’ he added.

Over 90% of students can’t identify letter names, letter sounds or read simple words at expected levels after three years of schooling a new literacy report has revealed.

According to the report, ‘Effective Reading Instruction in Low- and Middle Income Countries: What the Evidence Shows,’ failure to use evidence-based approaches to instruction is one of the main causes of the literacy crisis.

‘Too many children are in school but not yet learning to read. This report underscores how literacy is at the very core of a child’s learning trajectory – shaping their opportunities and future,’ said Pia Rebello Britto, UNICEF Global Director, Education and Adolescent Development.

A study launched at the ADEA Triennale in Ghana analysed data from early grade reading assessments (EGRAs) from over 500,000 students across 48 LMICs in 96 language.

This new paper is based on evidence from around 120 studies (including 50 studies in African countries), on effective reading instruction conducted across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, across over 170 languages of which 22 languages are specific to the African region (including; Arabic, Chichewa, isiZulu, Kikamba, Kiswahili, Oromo, Setswana and Siswati and amongst others).

The report is endorsed by the Global Education Evidence Advisory Panel (GEEAP), an independent, multidisciplinary panel of leading global experts in education evidence and policymaking that is co-hosted by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), UNICEF and the World Bank.

It highlighted two main sets of skills needed for reading – decoding and language comprehension.

‘Decoding is the ability to recognise written symbols (e.g., letters) and convert them into the sounds they represent to recognise words. Language comprehension involves understanding the meaning of words, sentences and text,’ it stated.

‘A central finding of science-based approaches to reading is that children do not learn to read naturally: they must be explicitly taught. Going from consensus to identifying specific skills for all languages including African languages is an important concrete contribution to improving literacy practices,’ said Nompumelelo Mohohlwane, co-author of the literacy report and Deputy Director at the Research Coordination, Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate at the Department of Basic Education, South Africa.

‘Literacy is the cornerstone to education, lifelong skills, and meaningful employment. When children master literacy early, they have better learning outcomes, and are more able to adapt, innovate, and thrive in the rapidly evolving job markets of the 21st century,’ Luis Benveniste, World Bank Global Director for Education and Skills added.

The report urges education policymakers to promote evidence-based instruction so more children become skilled readers, recommending that policymakers make a national commitment to ensure all children become skilled readers through effective, evidence-based instruction.

‘Choose appropriate languages of instruction and give children the support they need to learn to read in those languages,’ the report indicated.

Nathanael Bevan, Deputy Director Research, FCDO, said, ‘These approaches offer policymakers a practical evidence informed plan for improving reading in schools. They can be aligned to local contexts, cultures, languages, and goals, using the accompanying how to guide to help tailor implementation.’

THE EASTERN Regional Football Association (ERFA) has held its 2025 Ordinary Congress in Koforidua, bringing together key football stakeholders to review the past season and outline strategic plans for the year ahead.

The meeting, held at the New Juabeng Municipal Library on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, drew club executives, coaches, referees, and administrators committed to advancing football in the region.

Daasebre Adu-Asare, the Regional Football Associations Coordinator at the Ghana Football Association (GFA), represented GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku at the Congress. In his address, he commended the ERFA for its strong leadership and consistent focus on grassroots development.

He reaffirmed the GFA’s commitment to supporting regional associations through funding, technical assistance, and capacity-building initiatives, emphasising that the Federation’s growth depends on empowering RFAs to drive football development from the base.

Delegates were briefed on several new GFA initiatives, including the KGL-backed U-17 Championships, the mandatory use of NHIS cards for player identification, and the introduction of monthly subventions for regional associations.

As part of its logistics and development drive, the GFA announced a support package for juvenile competitions consisting of jerseys, footballs, and GH?10,000 per region, alongside similar benefits for Women’s Division One champions.

Additionally, the GFA has set aside GH?300,000 to assist with referee payments across all Regional Football Associations.

Another major highlight was the rollout of a US$200,000 FIFA Forward investment, designated for the supply of footballs to Division Two, Division Three, Women’s Division One, and Colts clubs nationwide.

The Congress further underscored the GFA’s progress in referee and coaching development. Through the ‘Catch Them Young’ refereeing initiative, over 2,500 young referees have been trained nationwide. In addition, more than 750 coaches have acquired CAF D to B licenses over the past year, strengthening the technical base of the sport.

ERFA Chairman, Linford Boadu Asamoah, expressed appreciation to member clubs and the GFA leadership for their unwavering support.

‘The Eastern Region remains a proud pillar of Ghanaian football. This Congress reinforces our shared commitment to building strong foundations, empowering youth, and ensuring that football continues to be a force for hope, opportunity, and progress,’ he said.