Category: Daily Guide Network

Twenty-one (21) foreign nationals, all believed to be from Burkina Faso, have been arrested by the Amansie West District Security Council (DISEC) for engaging in illegal mining on river bodies at Esaase Bontefufuo in the Ashanti Region.

The suspects were apprehended in the early hours of Wednesday, October 22, 2025, during a special intelligence-led operation conducted by the District Police Command and the Formed Police Unit (FPU) under the command of ASP Solomon Adusei Berko.

Confirming the incident, ASP Berko said the operation followed credible intelligence about the activities of foreign nationals involved in galamsey operations that were causing massive environmental degradation in the area.

‘We moved in swiftly and arrested twenty-one Burkinabes who were actively mining on river bodies. Several tools and mining equipment were retrieved from the scene,’ ASP Berko stated.

He described the extent of destruction as alarming, noting that the illegal activities had led to the contamination of major water sources, the destruction of farmlands, and the depletion of vegetation cover in the community.

ASP Berko warned that the police would not relent in their efforts to clamp down on illegal mining operations, and assured residents of sustained security patrols in the area.

The District Chief Executive for Amansie West and Chairman of DISEC, Prince Manu Morris, lauded the swift response of the security forces and reiterated the Assembly’s determination to stamp out illegal mining in the district.

‘Illegal mining continues to destroy our environment and threaten the survival of our communities. Whether Ghanaian or foreign, anyone found engaging in such activities will face the full rigours of the law,’ he cautioned.

Mr. Morris also revealed that DISEC will intensify surveillance in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), and the Ghana Immigration Service to prevent further incursions by illegal miners.

He further appealed to residents to assist security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious activities, to help protect the district’s natural resources.

Cherise Asher Ayisi, Ghana’s representative for the Miss Earth 2025 pageant, has received her first gold medal after earning the top position during the Darling of the Press session of the competition.

She was keenly followed by Miss Belize, who occupied the second position, earning a silver medal, while Miss Australia earned bronze at the end of the segment.

Following Cherise’s win, many Ghanaians have taken to social media to commend her for stealing the show with her elegance and eloquence.

Cherise is competing with over 70 contestants for the Miss Earth title. The pageant, which advocates for environmental awareness, conservation, and social responsibility, will take place on November 5, 2025, at the Okada Manila in Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines.

This year’s event, themed ‘Silver Linings,’ marks the 25th edition as well as silver anniversary of the Miss Earth pageant.

Discussion of the event will be centred on issues and policies concerning the environment. The delegates will be showcasing unique skills and abilities as well as their fashion sense.

There will be the anticipated National Costume display to celebrate cultural heritage, and interacting with the online community.

The pageant features contestants from various countries, including new debutants like Uzbekistan. Some contestants have already begun their journey, participating in activities like a symbolic tree planting ceremony and a presentation of delegates in Filipiniana-inspired ensembles.

Ghanaian media personality, Jay Foley, has joined others in speaking out against the high price rates in the country amidst low exchange rates.

According to him, Ghanaian traders are still shelling out big bucks for goods despite the cedi’s recent gains against the dollar.

The renowned broadcaster was heard lamenting on the attitude of traders making excessive profit from increased prices of goods.

In a recorded video shared on Facebook and sighted by BEATWAVES, Jay Foley said, ‘Charlie it looks like no matter how low the dollar comes, prices of goods and services are still not going to change. I mean the dollar has come as low as GHS10 l think or there about, go and ask for the price of a car or rent a place and they quote in dollars, and it is still high. Forget, Charlie, boys they hold the cedis by the neck (sic).’

Under the post, many expressed mixed views on Jay Foley’s rants, with Chem Pe Dee saying, ‘Jay has suddenly found his voice hmm, have you bought iron rods lately??? There’s been a huge reduction.’

Bright Torku also added, ‘The way you are looking at it is not the way it works. The reduction has to be sustainable over a period. before prices can change. e.g. if you import a car at a dollar rate of say 14 and in a few months’ time it reduces to 10. Do you think it will make sense to reduce the price of the car?’

Alhassan Tahiru also stated, ‘Bro., prices of cars reduced drastically, import charges reduced, international prices including school fees reduced paaaa, I literally paid 1/3 of what I should have paid a couple of months back. Yea, local markets tend to respond slowly, but I think eventually it does over time.’

OmniBSIC Bank Ghana LTD has taken a bold step toward redefining financial inclusion in the country with the introduction of its Braille-Assisted Services for visually impaired customers.

This initiative, unveiled as part of the Bank’s Limitless Banking strategy, demonstrates OmniBSIC’s vision to make banking accessible, connected, and empowering for all, irrespective of physical ability or background.

The Braille-Assisted Services are designed to enable visually impaired customers to conduct transactions independently, securely, and with dignity

According to the Ghana Statistical Service, about 4 percent of Ghanaians, over 1.2 million people, live with some form of visual impairment. Many rely on friends or relatives for assistance in reading documents or navigating banking halls, a dependency that often undermines privacy and confidence. OmniBSIC’s new service changes that narrative, allowing customers to open accounts, read information, and make decisions autonomously.

Daniel Asiedu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of OmniBSIC Bank, described the initiative as a powerful reflection of the Bank’s ethos.

‘At OmniBSIC, we believe banking should be for everyone, everywhere. Our Braille-Assisted Services are not just a technological addition; they are a statement of our belief that accessibility is a right, not a privilege,’ he said.

Furthermore, he added that the bank seeks to extend banking services to all persons with disabilities not just the visually impaired.

With this in mind, the Bank, during the 2025 Global Customer Service Week under the theme ‘Mission: Possible’ engaged students of the University of Ghana at the Assistive Technology Lab under the auspices of University of Ghana’s Institutional Advancement Directorate, Information Technology Directorate, as well as the Centre for Disability Studies and Advocacy(CEDSA).

The engagement marked a significant moment in OmniBSIC’s financial inclusion and accessibility journey, as the Bank seeks to deepen collaboration with academia and advocates in shaping inclusive financial solutions.

At the event, Mrs. Chidinma Braye-Yankee, Group Head of Corporate and Support Services reaffirmed OmniBSIC’s stance that inclusion is a mission requiring empathy, innovation, and strategic partnerships.

‘As a bank, we are not just investing in technology, we are investing in people. Through initiatives like this, we are building a system where no one is left behind, and every customer can transact independently and with confidence,’ Mrs. Braye-Yankee noted.

OmniBSIC Bank Executive Management officials present at the event, reiterated that such innovations align with the Bank’s digital transformation agenda, which integrates accessibility across platforms.

Engineer Francis Kwabena Boakye, Chief Information Technology Officer-(CITO) of the University’s Information Technology Directorate, praised the visit as the first of its kind by a financial institution. ‘This collaboration connects the ideals of academic innovation with real-world impact. Through this shared effort, we can ensure that technology truly empowers all,’ he said.

A key point of the event was a presentation by Mr. Alexander Bankole Williams, Head of Assistive ICT Lab, who spoke on ‘The Future of Banking: Enhancing Access for Persons with Disabilities in Ghana’.

Drawing on his 25 years of advocacy and personal experience as a visually impaired professional, Mr. Williams stated that financial inclusion for persons with disabilities is not a matter of charity but a right. Citing the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715), he stressed that all public goods and services must be made accessible to everyone. ‘Accessibility is not optional, it is a legal and moral imperative,’ he said, urging other institutions to emulate OmniBSIC’s example.

Professor Joana Salifu Yendork, Director of the Centre for Disability Studies and Advocacy (CEDSA), encouraged customer-facing institutions to adopt a ‘total inclusivity approach,’ one that ensures equal access and respect for all persons, regardless of the perceived severity of their disabilities.

During the Q and A session, the Bank announced that it had commenced the braille assistive services, as well as staff training on visual impairment awareness and will extend sensitisation programmes across its 40-branch network to strengthen service delivery for customers with special needs.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has donated essential medical equipment to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in support of the Heal Komfo Anokye Project (HeKAP), a major renovation initiative spearheaded by His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

The donated items include 10 dual ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) medicine trolleys, 20 patient monitors, 15 hydraulic patient stretchers, 30 wheelchairs, 40 drip stands, 40 cardiac tables, 10 medicine trolleys, 34-folding bed screens, 15 electronic hospital beds, 10 bedside lockers, and 15 crash trolleys.

The items are expected to enhance the hospital’s capacity to deliver quality healthcare and ease the work load on medical professionals.

Speaking at the event, Second Counsellor in the Africa West Area Presidency of the Church, Elder Isaac K. Morrison, described the donation as a compassionate and prayerful response to a request made by the Heal KATH Project team about a year ago.

‘These items are not merely tools, they are instruments of healing, symbols of our solidarity, and expressions of God’s love for His children. At the core of our faith is the eternal truth that every person is a beloved child of God, each life is precious,’ Elder Morrison said.

Elder Morrison commended His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his visionary leadership in launching the Heal KATH Project, and reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to supporting the initiative.

‘Our humanitarian efforts are expressions of our faith in Jesus Christ. They are not limited by nationality, ethnicity, or religion. We seek to follow the Saviour’s example by reaching out to all of God’s children,’ he added.

President of the Africa West Area of the Church, Elder Alfred Kyungu, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to collaborate with KATH, noting that the Church’s motivation for humanitarian work stems from its desire to live out the teachings of Jesus Christ.

‘We are happy to collaborate with this wonderful hospital. As a Church, we are not trying to prove to anyone that we can do this, we are trying to live the gospel. This is exactly what Jesus Christ did, so we are following Him,’ Elder Kyungu said.

He also acknowledged the hospital’s request for additional support, and assured management that the Church would prayerfully consider it.

‘We have heard your request. This time, we are not making any promises, but we will look at the need and see if it is possible. If we have the means to support, we will,’ he added.

Chief Executive Officer of KATH, Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo, expressed deep gratitude to the Church, describing the donation as a significant boost to the hospital’s operations and ongoing renovation efforts.

‘When the King called for support through the Heal Komfo Anokye Project, we received a number of donations. After a brief pause, the project is restarting, and I am confident that very soon the entire hospital will be renovated,’ he said.

He disclosed that the donation would have been difficult to obtain without the Church’s intervention, noting that the hospital would otherwise have had to rely on its limited resources.

‘We are so grateful for these donations because, frankly, we do not have the means to procure such essential equipment on our own. We face many challenges, so this support means a great deal to us,’ Dr. Baidoo added.

He appealed for continued partnership, encouraging the Church to consider further support in the coming years as the hospital progresses toward completing its renovation.

‘Looking at the extensive work required, we may even spend more than initially projected. We will be pleased if this can be communicated to the Saints so that they may continue to extend a helping hand. With your support and that of other well-meaning Ghanaians, this project will surely be completed,’ he said.

As a demonstration of appreciation, Dr. Baidoo announced that a section of the renovated hospital block would be dedicated to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ‘That is a promise we will fulfil,’ he assured.

Ashanti Regional Health Director, Dr. Fred Adomako Boateng, also commended the Church for its generosity, noting that the donation would significantly enhance healthcare delivery in the region.

‘With universal health coverage, everyone should have access to quality healthcare. I believe the gesture you have extended today will go a long way to deepen the quality of service we so desire. In sub-Saharan Africa, our challenges are not only about coverage and access but also about the depth and quality of care we provide. This donation will go a long way in addressing that gap,’ he said.

The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has announced the freezing of assets of former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), Abdul-Wahab Hanan, and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, following alleged financial misconducts and acquisition of high-value properties using public funds.

Addressing journalists at the Presidency yesterday, as part of the Government Accountability Series, Dr. Ayine disclosed that investigators have frozen a fixed deposit account belonging to Mr. Hanan at Republic Bank’s Labone Branch in Accra, containing GHS10 million.

He said steps are also underway to confiscate several vehicles and over 61 luxury handbags linked to the couple as part of ongoing investigations.

Dr. Ayine said between 2017 and 2024, Abdul-Wahab Hanan in concert with Richard Sam Asante and Bismark Owusu Boakye allegedly orchestrated and transferred GHS78,269,084.04 from the bank account of Buffer Stock Company to a private company linked to him, his wife and staff of Buffer Stock Company at Republic Bank and Ecobank.

‘Evidence showed that the funds were instantly retransferred to companies owned by Hanan Abdul Wahab himself and entities owned and associated with Hanan and his wife,’ Dr. Ayine pointed out.

Money Laundering

The Attorney General also disclosed that the investigators also uncovered a sophisticated money laundering operation involving suspicious transfers amounting to GHS40.5 million through Sawtina Enterprise, a company allegedly linked to the former Buffer Stock CEO.

According to him, some of the properties traced by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and suspected to have been acquired illegally by the former Buffer Stock CEO include a five-bedroom house at Chain Homes, valued at $1.625 million, a three-bedroom house at Cantonments, purchased for $600,000, multiple plots of land at Airport Development Area, worth $750,000.

Others are a 17-bedroom boutique hotel in Gumani, Tamale, acquired for $250,000, a four-bedroom bungalow at Dzorwulu, Accra, valued at GHS4,142,451, and a 0.32-acre parcel of government land, purchased for GHS307,200.

Other properties alleged to have been acquired by Abdul-Wahab Hanan, especially in Tamale, according to the Attorney General, are three storey building (Chicken Republic) situated at Estate Junction, and a five-bedroom mansion at Kanvili, Dorado Street.

The rest are three-bedroom house at Kpalsi, Tamale, one storey building, Number 10, Selby Gardens at Achimota in Accra, 0.2 acre plot of land at Estate Junction, Tamale, and 0.29 acre land close to Workers College in Tamale.

Between October 2019 and January 2022, Mr. Hanan also allegedly orchestrated some suppliers to transfer an amount of GHS11,998.830.48 to an entity owned by a staff of Buffer Stock, and later instructed the staff to retransfer the funds to a company owned and run by the former Buffer Stock CEO and his wife.

Dr. Ayine further stated that in July, 2022, investigations found that Abdul-Wahab Hanan transferred GHS251,050 from Buffer Stock Account at Republic Bank belonging to Energy Partners Ltd, a company co-owned by him and the Head of Corporate Affairs of Buffer Stock Company, Emmanuel Arthur.

Denial

Meanwhile, Mr. Hanan has denied all the allegations of corruption levelled against him, describing the claims as ‘untrue and deeply unfortunate.’

In a statement released after the Attorney General’s address, he said he had never been involved in the matters referred to by the Attorney General, and has instructed his lawyers to take steps to safeguard his reputation.

‘I wish to state, respectfully, that these claims are untrue and do not reflect the facts of the matter. I have no involvement in the issues being referred to, and I find the comments deeply unfortunate,’ the statement read.

He added that his legal team is reviewing the situation and will advise on appropriate actions, including the possibility of pursuing legal remedies.

‘I look forward to the opportunity to present my side and to have my day in court, where I am confident that the truth will be made clear,’ he added.

Storytelling has always been at the heart of African culture. Long before written records, African communities relied on oral traditions to pass down knowledge, values, and history from one generation to the next.

These stories, often told by griots, elders, and family members, served as living archives that preserved the rich history of the continent.

African storytelling is not merely a form of entertainment; it is a powerful tool for education, identity formation, and resistance against cultural erasure.

A Living History: The Role of Oral Traditions

African societies have historically depended on oral traditions to document their histories. Unlike Western historiography, which largely relies on written records, African storytelling employs spoken word, music, and performance to communicate historical events. Griots, also known as jeli or praise singers in West Africa, are the custodians of history, preserving genealogies, battles, and the rise and fall of empires through their narratives. Their accounts ensure that vital information about rulers, wars, migrations, and cultural changes is not lost over time.

These oral narratives have helped preserve the histories of great African civilizations such as the Mali Empire, the Kingdom of Benin, and the Zulu nation. Epic tales like the Sundiata Keita legend, which recounts the rise of the Mali Empire, continue to provide insights into Africa’s medieval past.

Storytelling as a Tool for Cultural Identity

African storytelling plays a fundamental role in shaping communal and individual identities. Folktales, proverbs, and myths instill societal values and teach moral lessons that guide behavior. For instance, Anansi the Spider, a trickster figure in Ghanaian folklore, teaches the value of intelligence and wit over brute strength. Similarly, proverbs such as ‘Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter’ emphasise the importance of Africans telling their own stories rather than allowing outsiders to dictate their narratives.

Additionally, storytelling helps reinforce a sense of belonging by connecting people to their ancestry. Through oral traditions, younger generations learn about their lineage, heroes, and struggles, fostering pride in their heritage. This is especially important in post-colonial Africa, where many nations have sought to reclaim their histories from colonial distortions.

Resistance and Resilience Through Storytelling

During periods of colonial rule and enslavement, African storytelling became a form of resistance. Enslaved Africans in the Americas carried their oral traditions with them, using storytelling as a means of preserving their cultural identities in hostile environments. They adapted their tales, embedding messages of hope, resilience, and survival. For example, the Br’er Rabbit stories in African American folklore have their origins in West African trickster tales, where animals use cunning to outwit oppressors.

Moreover, African freedom fighters and revolutionaries used storytelling to inspire movements against colonial rule. Figures like Nelson Mandela and Amílcar Cabral understood the power of stories in uniting people against oppression. By recounting the triumphs of past African leaders and warriors, they motivated their people to fight for independence and self-determination.

The Evolution of African Storytelling in the Modern Era

While oral traditions remain significant, modern African storytelling has evolved to include literature, film, and digital media. African authors like Chinua Achebe, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie have used storytelling to challenge misconceptions about Africa and present authentic narratives. Their works bridge the gap between oral traditions and written history, ensuring that African voices remain prominent in global discourse.

Furthermore, digital platforms have given new life to African storytelling. Podcasts, social media, and virtual griots have expanded the reach of traditional narratives, making them accessible to a global audience. This has allowed African storytelling to continue thriving in contemporary society while maintaining its historical significance.

Conclusion

African storytelling is more than just a means of passing time; it is an essential tool for preserving history, shaping cultural identity, and resisting erasure. Whether through the spoken word of a griot, the written works of modern authors, or digital storytelling, Africa’s rich oral traditions remain a testament to the resilience and wisdom of its people. As long as stories are told, Africa’s history will live on, ensuring that the past continues to inform and inspire future generations.

Celebrated musician, King Ayisoba, has called on the government to award him a diplomatic passport, citing his long-standing efforts to promote Ghanaian traditional music abroad.

His request comes weeks after five Ghanaian creatives-travel vlogger, Wode Maya, reggae artiste, Rocky Dawuni, broadcaster, Anita Erskine, visual artist, Ibrahim Mahama, and entrepreneur, Dentaa Amoateng-were honoured with diplomatic passports for their contributions to promoting the country internationally.

In an interview with broadcaster Kafui Dey, King Ayisoba praised the recipients, singling out Grammy-nominated reggae artiste Rocky Dawuni for his hard work and global recognition. ‘For me, I can’t say those who have received it don’t deserve it. Someone like Rocky Dawuni has really worked hard, it’s not easy to earn a Grammy nomination. I just hope they also consider me because, truthfully, when it comes to Ghanaian music traditions, I’m one of those who’ve carried it,’ he said.

The diplomatic passports were presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, during the launch of the Diaspora Summit 2025 on September 17, 2025.

The event was jointly organised by the Office of the President, Diaspora Affairs, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to the ministry, the five recipients were selected for their proven track record in promoting Ghanaian and African culture internationally.

A violent confrontation erupted in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District of the Ashanti Region on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, when a mob set ablaze a vehicle allegedly used by a group of thieves who had stolen goats and sheep at Esaso. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the incident.

According to eyewitnesses, the suspects, who were travelling in a Pregio commercial bus, reportedly stole six goats and six sheep from residents of Esaso. Their attempt to escape was foiled after residents pursued them through nearby communities.

Speaking to DAILY GUIDE, the Assembly Member for Maabang Electoral Area, Mr. Atta Akwasi, said he received a distress call from a resident informing him of the theft. He immediately contacted residents in Barekuma, Aninkroma, and Kumi to block all possible escape routes.

‘The residents stationed themselves at vantage points, and when the suspects got to Maabang and realised people were waiting for them, they abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush,’ he narrated. ‘Two of them were later caught after a hot chase.’

He added that but for the timely intervention of the Adankwame Police, the suspects would have been lynched by the angry mob. However, the vehicle they were using was burnt beyond recognition.

Reports indicate that one of the suspects managed to flee the scene but was later arrested by police. The stolen animals were also retrieved and are currently in the custody of the Adankwame Police, who have launched an investigation into the matter.

Mr. Atta lamented the increasing cases of livestock theft in Maabang, Esaso, and surrounding communities, describing the incident as a result of the community’s growing frustration.

‘We often wake up to find out that residents’ livestock have been stolen, and many reports have been made to the police without results,’ he stated. ‘Although I do not condone the burning of the vehicle, the residents’ actions were driven by anger over the rampant theft.’

He, however, commended the Adankwame Police for their swift response and the Maabang Unit Committee members for their role in apprehending the suspects.

As of press time, the identities of the suspects had not been released. Police investigations are ongoing.

The 9th Ghana Beauty Awards (GBA) takes place tomorrow, Friday, October 24, 2025, at the Labadi Beach Hotel, celebrating excellence, innovation, and creativity in Ghana’s beauty, fashion, and wellness industry.

Under the theme, ‘THRIVE’, the awards will honour pioneers, professionals, and emerging brands driving growth and raising standards in the sector.

Organised by Makeup Ghana, GBA is the country’s premier platform for recognising outstanding talent, educators, institutions, and businesses shaping the industry’s future.

Awards will be presented across categories including makeup artistry, skincare, hair, fashion, education, manufacturing, retailing, and innovation. The night will also feature musical, comedy, and creative performances, alongside Lifetime Achievement and Honorary Awards for iconic industry figures.

The 2025 edition is powered by Labadi Beach Hotel, Feel Naturals, Marie Noelle Spa and Salon, Unique Floral, Windi Sun Energy, Agri-Impact, and Globe Away, with top winners set to enjoy prizes including an all-expense-paid trip to Barbados and the 2026 GRAMMYs, reflecting the event’s growing international recognition.

Guests are encouraged to dress to THRIVE in green and earthy tones, embracing evening glam and traditional elegance for a spectacular red-carpet night.