Category: Daily Guide Network

The women’s wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Professionals Forum has paid glowing tribute to the late Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings.

They described the former First Lady as a pioneering figure in Ghanaian politics who championed women’s empowerment.

A statement issued by the group, which was signed by the Women’s Commissioner, Sophia Ama Otabir, said ‘As the former First Lady of Ghana, she left an indelible mark on our nation through her tireless advocacy for women’s rights and social justice.’

‘We extend our heartfelt condolences to her children, Zanetor, Yaa Asantewaa, Amina, and Kimathi, and to the entire family. May they find strength and comfort in the legacy she left behind,’ the statement noted.

The NDC women said, as a founding member of the 31st December Women’s Movement, Nana Konadu’s dedication to empowering women and girls would continue to inspire generations.

‘We stand in solidarity with the family, the National Democratic Congress, and the people of Ghana during this difficult time.

‘May her courageous spirit and selfless service be a guiding light for all. May her soul rest in peace,’ they indicated in the statement.

President John Dramani Mahama and French President Emmanuel Macron have held discussions on security cooperation, economic development, and regional stability at the Élysée Palace in Paris, France.

The meeting was organised on the sidelines of the 2025 Paris Peace Forum.

Both leaders praised the Paris Peace Initiative and the strengthening of relations between the two countries.

President Mahama, during the meeting, called for France’s assistance in combating piracy in Ghana’s territorial waters in order to protect maritime integrity.

The leaders also discussed the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel region, particularly terrorist incursions in Mali and other countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

President Mahama used the opportunity to appeal for France influence with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in order to secure Ghana’s access to the facility from the French Development Bank, noting Ghana’s improved debt-to-GDP ratio.

He used his office as the African Union (AU) Champion of African Financial Institutions to call for stronger collaboration to renegotiate loan agreements with lower interest rates for infrastructure projects in the country.

He further emphasised Ghana’s position on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) secretariat and the need for enhanced road infrastructure to promote intra-African trade.

Mahama requested the support of France to train additional French language teachers to improve language education in Ghanaian schools, while highlighting Ghana’s one-million-coders programme, which has currently registered 200,000 students.

President Macron, on his part, noted several upcoming opportunities for partnership which, includes the VivaTech Summit to be organised in Nairobi in May 2026, the African Union-European Union summit in Angola, and the June 2026 G7 summit, where Ghana could showcase its digital innovation capabilities, and France to advocate for increased support for Ghana.

President Macron praised President Mahama’s government and Ghana’s economic reforms, pledging to continue France’s support to Ghana’s development agenda.

Actor, Yaw Dabo, has added his voice to discussions about the alleged use of black magic, commonly known as juju, within the country’s movie industry, describing those who rely on such practices as ‘shallow-minded.’

A resurfaced video of Dabo’s interview on Oyerepa TV has been circulating on social media, sparking renewed discussions about spirituality and superstition in the entertainment industry.

When asked if he had ever fallen victim to spiritual attacks, the actor expressed confidence in his Christian faith, stating that it shields him from any form of evil.

‘As for me, I have surrendered my life to Christ. I know He would not allow anything to work against me. I believe no one has sent me to juju; even if you do that, it won’t work,’ he said.

Dabo went on to question the motives of anyone who might seek to harm him spiritually, emphasising that he poses no threat to his colleagues in the industry.

‘If you’re a star and you want to destroy me with juju, then you’re shallow-minded. The kind of roles I do are different from what others do. I pose no threat to anyone, so why would they attempt to sabotage me?’ he quizzed.

Responding to whether he had ever used juju himself, Dabo dismissed the notion, insisting he has neither the interest nor the time for such practices.

‘I have not, and I do not have the time to do so. What would I gain from that? I have no problem with anyone,’ he added.

A FIFA Foundation Board Member, Isha Johansen, has called for stronger collaboration to harness football as a catalyst for social change and prison reform across Africa.

She made the call during a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the Ghana Prison Service, Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, in Accra, as part of her regional engagement tour promoting football for rehabilitation, reintegration, and social development within correctional institutions.

Commending the Ghana Prison Service for its progressive approach, Madam Johansen praised the Service’s commitment to inmate welfare, skills development, and rehabilitation.

She lauded Mrs. Baffoe-Bonnie’s ‘visionary and transformative leadership,’ urging her to sustain programmes that restore purpose and hope to inmates.

Drawing from her extensive experience as a former FIFA Council and CAF Executive Committee member, as well as past President of the Sierra Leone Football Association, Madam Johansen shared success stories of football-based rehabilitation projects in Sierra Leone and Liberia.

She noted that the sport has helped inmates develop discipline, teamwork, and self-confidence – essential values for positive behavioural change.

As part of her proposals, Madam Johansen suggested the creation of a ‘Football for Reform Summit’ to be hosted in Ghana.

The summit would bring together Football Associations and Prison Services from Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone to exchange best practices and explore innovative ways of integrating football into correctional reform initiatives.

In her response, Mrs. Baffoe-Bonnie expressed gratitude for Madam Johansen’s visit and her commitment to advancing the Service’s reformation agenda.

She commended the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for their support through the GFA Foundation Ghana Prisons Project and the CAF Football for Reform initiative.

Both parties underscored their shared commitment to promoting dignity, purpose, and transformation within correctional facilities, emphasizing that football can serve as a powerful instrument for social change.

From the Ghana AIDS Commission comes a worrying and scary disclosure about the declining patronage of condoms among Ghanaian youth.

Those who laugh off this trend must have a rethink. The reality of the virus and its fallouts cannot be ignored in a society where sex has become a common practice, especially among the youth.

This segment of the population from census figures is large, the reason the trend should attract the attention of all stakeholders.

So rampant is sex among the youth that even Senior High School (SHS) students partake in the adult practice and largely without condoms.

There was a high patronage for condoms a few years ago until recently, and the reason is not farfetched.

The youth seek maximum satisfaction which, according to them, is inhibited by the use of condoms, hence their preference for condom-less encounter.

The AIDS Commission campaign against unprotected sex from all indications has witnessed a downward spiral from its previous impressive high. We do not know whether this is as a result of budgetary constraints from both local and the international community.

Be it as it may and given the effects of AIDS infection, the state must make up for the shortfalls in the budgetary allocations from development partners. This way, the educational campaign among the youth and others will be gingered up.

The Ghana Social Marketing Initiative which saw the wide distribution of condoms gratis over a decade ago made a significant difference in the use of preventive latex.

These days, AIDS as a scary ailment hardly gets no mention in public conversations, putting it erroneously in the bracket of eradicated diseases like small pox and yellow fever.

We were recently told that a vaccine had been developed and already gone through clinical trials.

We can bet that news about the arrival of the vaccines in Ghana will be the end of condom use.

The AIDS Commission and the educational authorities such as the Ghana Education Service should partner for an enhanced campaign on the dangers of unprotected sex.

Churches and mosques, including parents, have pivotal roles to play in this direction because AIDS is real and if stakeholders fold their arms as the irresponsible and unprotected sex prevails, it would not be long before we are confronted with an alarming health challenge.

The situation can be reversed if the previous template which saw condom use on the rise is applied and, as we pointed out, it is about making appropriate budgetary allocation to the AIDS Commission and triggering a productive partnership between the Commission and relevant stakeholders across the country.

Nigerian musician, Tiwa Savage, has credited embracing her African identity to the global rise of Afrobeats, disclosing that it transformed her sense of pride and belonging.

Speaking at the Unstoppable Africans event, the award-winning singer addressed recent claims by music executives, including Paul Okoye and DJ Big N that Afrobeats is currently in decline. Tiwa, however, disagreed strongly, insisting that the genre is ‘unstoppable’ and more influential than ever.

‘Afrobeats is the fastest growing genre in the world,’ she said. ‘We kind of created it with nothing – no support, no infrastructure, no real belief even from our own people initially.’

The ‘Somebody’s Son’ hitmaker reflected on her early years growing up in London, revealing that she once struggled with her African identity due to the lack of positive representation.

‘I remember growing up in London and I was not happy being African. But now I’m so proud because of how big Afrobeats is growing,’ she admitted.

Tiwa went on to highlight the genre’s resilience and cultural impact, noting that it has defied critics who once dismissed it as a passing trend.

‘There was a conversation at one point that Afrobeats would have its 15 minutes of fame and fade away. But we are still here. We’re filling out stadiums and topping global charts,’ she stated proudly.

Reinforcing her belief in the power and unity of African artistry, Tiwa Savage described the genre as a symbol of continental pride and strength.

‘As much as they are trying to quiet us down, the music is not going anywhere. We are Africans, and we are unstoppable,’ she declared.

Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Williams Mensah of the Ghana Air Force who was seen in a viral video assaulting two civilians; a pharmacist and a female customer at the e-PRIDE Chemist within the Burma Camp community has been arrested.

He was arrested by officers of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Military Police and has since been handed over to the Cantonments Police for further investigation and possible prosecution.

In the viral video, WO1 Mensah is seen entering the pharmacy with a white polythene bag containing the purchased drug he intended to return, demanding a refund of GHS65 for the rejected medication. The pharmacist explained that drugs sold are non-refundable, which infuriated WO1 Mensah. He pushed a customer who tried to intervene and slapped her three times when she attempted to film the assault. He also slapped the pharmacist six times at different locations in the store, for refusing to refund the money.

The pharmacist, after persuasion from another female, gave WO1 Mensah the money before he left the shop.

A statement signed by Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations Department (GAF), confirmed that the officer in question was apprehended at dawn on Thursday, October 30, 2025 after the incident occurred on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

‘The suspect is currently assisting with investigations into the incident,’ the statement said. It further noted that the two victims have received medical attention and are also cooperating with investigations.

The Ghana Armed Forces reiterated its commitment to upholding discipline and professionalism, stressing that it, ‘will not condone any acts of assault on civilians and will not shield any soldier engaged in such misconduct.’

The disturbing footage, which has been widely circulated on various social media platforms, sparked public outrage and calls for disciplinary action.

PSGH

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has expressed deep concern and outrage over the assault.

In a press release issued on Thursday, October 30, the PSGH confirmed that a delegation had visited e-PRIDE Chemist to verify reports and to offer direct support to the pharmacy’s care team.

‘The Society unequivocally condemns this barbaric, reprehensible, and utterly unacceptable act of violence perpetrated against pharmacy personnel and a client,’ the statement read.

‘Such conduct not only violates the fundamental human rights and dignity of the victims but also constitutes a grave affront to public trust and the sanctity of healthcare spaces,’ it said.

The PSGH stressed that community pharmacy personnel are frontline healthcare providers who work tirelessly to ensure public access to essential medicines and care. It warned that any attack on pharmacy professionals is an attack on public health and the safety of every Ghanaian who relies on their services.

The PSGH also called on the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident, ensuring that justice is delivered swiftly and in accordance with the law.

THE BLACK QUEENS have finally received their outstanding bonuses from their third-place finish at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, following their emphatic win over Egypt on Tuesday.

The Ministry of Sports and Recreation settled the arrears shortly after Ghana’s 4-0 victory over Egypt in the second leg of the 2026 WAFCON qualifiers at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Each player received a cheque of $9,000, representing payment for their performance at last year’s continental tournament.

Reports indicate that $500 was withheld as tax, with players receiving the balance on Tuesday night.

The payment brings relief to the team after a tense standoff with the Ministry earlier in the week.

The Queens had threatened to boycott the qualifier against Egypt, missing two consecutive training sessions to press home their demand for the delayed bonuses.

Coach Kim Lars Björkegren’s side eventually resumed training on the eve of the match after several meetings with key officials.

Despite the off-field tension, the Black Queens delivered a dominant performance to thrash Egypt 7-0 on aggregate, having already claimed a 3-0 win in the first leg in Ismailia.

The cheques were presented to the players at their base at Erata Hotel following Tuesday night’s victory.

The Black Queens broke camp on Wednesday, October 29, to rejoin their clubs and will regroup in late November ahead of their high-profile friendly against England on December 2.

The Cybersecurity Authority has come under intense criticism in recent days over the amended Cybersecurity Act, 1038. From attempts to gain sweeping control over Ghana’s cyberspace to the controversial 30% levy on industry players, the new amendment raises serious concerns. Here are four reasons why I believe that, rather than protecting it, the amended bill poses a significant threat to Ghana’s digital security landscape.

Enables Unhealthy State Control over Ghana’s Digital and Cybersecurity Space

While Section 4A of the Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025 is presented as a mechanism to strengthen Ghana’s digital safety, its broad and unchecked scope could easily be used as a tool for state control over communication and innovation. Clause 4A(b) empowers the Authority to ‘establish standards for certifying the security of innovative products, Artificial Intelligence, cloud technology, quantum computing, big data, Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain-based technology and any other emerging technologies.’

This provision, while seemingly protective, gives the Authority sweeping power to determine what qualifies as ‘secure’ or ‘compliant.’ Without clear oversight, this could lead to bureaucratic or political gatekeeping, where startups, innovators, or tech companies are prevented from deploying digital products or communication tools unless they receive government approval.

Such a requirement could slow technological progress and create a chilling effect on innovation, as developers might fear that politically sensitive or disruptive technologies will be denied certification.

Clause 4A (d) also authorizes the Authority to ‘accredit the cybersecurity establishments of critical information infrastructure owners, cybersecurity service providers, cybersecurity practitioners and professionals and other relevant persons or institutions.’ This mandatory accreditation regime places nearly all digital actors including cybersecurity professionals, innovators, and even non-profit tech bodies under Clause 4A (e) thus under the Authority’s control.

In practice, this could be used to restrict dissenting voices, limit the operations of independent digital advocacy groups, or revoke the licenses of practitioners who criticize government digital policies. This combined with 4A (a), which allows the Authority to ‘investigate and on the authority of the Attorney-General, prosecute cybercrime,’ poses a potential threat to digital freedom and an open, innovative internet ecosystem in Ghana.

A self-financing system that can incentivize abuse of power

Section 31 of Act 1038 as amended seeks to strengthen the Communications Fund through multiple revenue streams, including ‘12% of the communications service tax’ and ‘9% corporate tax for the Fund per annum,’ however, its undefined scope raises serious concerns about state overreach and potential misuse.

The provision grants the Authority vast discretion to impose ‘a charge determined by the Authority in accordance with the Fees and Charges Act. and levied on persons licensed by the Bank of Ghana,’ as well as to claim ‘a proportion of the fees charged on all government electronic services.’ Such open-ended powers could be weaponized to impose heavy financial obligations on digital service providers, start-ups, and fintech firms effectively stifling innovation, deterring investment, and creating an uneven digital economy controlled by the state.

The inclusion of ‘50% of all fines arising from criminal penalties under the Act’ could incentivise excessive enforcement and punitive measures against dissenting voices or non-compliant digital platforms. Instead of serving its stated goal of safeguarding communications and cyber infrastructure, the amendment could transform the Fund into a tool for policy manipulation, granting the state leverage over communication networks, online services, and financial technology players under the guise of funding digital development.

A tool that could cripple the growth of Ghana’s cybersecurity industry

Section 57C(4) of the Cybersecurity Act explicitly states that ‘30% of the revenue generated by a certified cybersecurity professional or practitioner or cybersecurity service provider under the scheme shall be paid into the Cybersecurity Fund.’ This clause alone poses a serious threat to the sustainability of Ghana’s cybersecurity industry.

By demanding a 30% cut of total revenue, the provision drains financial resources directly from service providers, regardless of their operational costs or profitability. For small and medium-sized cybersecurity firms that already struggle with high certification fees, compliance expenses, and limited market access, this could make business operations nearly impossible. The policy disincentivizes innovation and competitiveness, as firms would have little capital left to reinvest in technology, talent, or expansion. In essence, while framed as a contribution to national cybersecurity development, Section 57C (4) functions more like a state-imposed levy that cripples private growth.

Empowers the CSA with Dangerous Police Powers That Threaten Digital Freedom

Section 20B of the amended Cybersecurity Act grants the Director-General, Deputy Director-General, and other authorised officers of the Cyber Security Authority ‘the powers of a Police Officer, including the powers of arrest, search and seizure,’ along with ‘the same rights, protections, and immunities conferred on a Police officer under Act 30 and Act 350.’

While this amendment is framed as a measure to strengthen enforcement in Ghana’s digital space, it poses a greater threat to civil liberties and digital freedom than it offers protection. By equipping a regulatory agency with full police powers, the line between cybersecurity regulation and criminal law enforcement becomes dangerously blurred.

In effect, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) originally designed to provide technical oversight and promote digital safety could now act as an armed enforcement body capable of conducting arrests, searches, and seizures without traditional police oversight.

This risks fostering abuse of power, intimidation of critics, and the suppression of online dissent under the pretext of ‘cybersecurity enforcement.’ The inclusion of ‘rights, protections and immunities’ means CSA officers could operate with near-total legal protection from accountability, allowing them to target individuals or organisations arbitrarily.

Instead of sanitsing the digital environment, Section 20B could create a surveillance-heavy, fear-driven cyberspace, where innovation, privacy, and free expression could easily be undermined by overreach and politicised enforcement.

Ashanti Region produced a resilient display to defeat Greater Accra Region 2-1 in a thrilling final Group B clash of the MTN Elite U19 Championship on Wednesday, clinching top spot and securing a semi-final berth.

The much-anticipated encounter at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence lived up to its billing, featuring intensity, skill and determination from both sides.

Ebenezer Anane fired Ashanti ahead in the 22nd minute, setting the tone for a fiercely competitive contest. Greater Accra’s hopes of a comeback were dashed late on when defender Afetse Emmanuel inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 85th minute to double Ashanti’s lead.

Despite a spirited late response, capped by Mustapha Bunyamimu’s fine strike in the 89th minute, Greater Accra fell short of finding an equaliser – suffering their first defeat of the campaign.

The result means Ashanti Region finished atop Group B with 10 points, just one ahead of Greater Accra, who also progress to the semi-finals. Both teams have been standout performers throughout the tournament, setting up a mouthwatering knockout stage.

With the group phase now concluded, attention turns to the semi-final fixtures today, October 31, before the grand final on Sunday, November 2, 2025.

Running from October 23 to November 2, the MTN Elite U19 Championship features ten regional teams from across Ghana and serves as a crucial platform for emerging footballers to showcase their talent, gain valuable experience and attract the attention of national selectors and professional scouts.

Powered by MTN Ghana, the tournament underscores the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) commitment to youth football development – creating a structured pathway from grassroots to the professional level and nurturing the next generation of Ghanaian stars.