Category: Daily Guide Network

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.

The Minority in Parliament has demanded that the government immediately submit its recent agreement with the United States on the repatriation of Ghanaian deportees to Parliament for scrutiny and ratification, in line with Article 75 of the 1992 Constitution.

The call came from Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin during the opening session of Parliament’s Third Meeting of the First Session, where he addressed a wide range of national and international issues.

‘During the recess, a foreign policy development came to light regarding an agreement between the Government of Ghana and the United States to accept some deportees. The agreement of such magnitude, in our view, should be subject to parliamentary scrutiny,’ he asserted.

According to the Minority Leader, bypassing Parliament in matters of foreign policy not only breaches constitutional procedure but also undermines Ghana’s sovereignty.

‘Ghana’s foreign policy must never be conducted in secrecy, nor should we compromise our sovereignty for expedience,’ he warned.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin said the Minority expected the government to ensure that ‘any international agreement reflects our values and commands the confidence of the Ghanaian people.’

He called for an open, bipartisan debate on how Ghana engages in international cooperation, adding that transparency was essential to preserving national dignity. ‘We urge the government to always place Ghana’s dignity first,’ he said.

In the same address, the Minority Leader reflected on the state of the nation’s governance, expressing optimism that Ghana could overcome its current challenges through renewed leadership and national unity.

‘Ghana’s story is one of triumphs achieved through visionary leadership and the indomitable spirit of our people,’ he said, noting that the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration had pursued transformative policies that delivered tangible progress.

He cited the Free Senior High School programme, One District One Factory initiative, and expansion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) education as landmark achievements that improved access to education, created jobs, and spurred industrial growth.

‘Over 13,000 kilometres of roads were constructed, and 169 factories were established nationwide, creating nearly 170,000 jobs for citizens,’ Mr. Afenyo-Markin said.

He urged the current administration to move beyond rhetoric and implement practical measures to fulfil its economic promises, especially the much-publicised 24-Hour Economy initiative.

‘Enough of the talk. We want the reality to be seen on the streets of Accra,’ he stated.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin further reassured Ghanaians that the Minority, though only 87 strong, remained committed to its constitutional duty of oversight.

‘We may be few, but we are a mighty few. We will continue to be the voice and the shield of the people in this august House,’ he declared.

Drawing inspiration from Speaker Alban Bagbin’s past leadership during his party’s time in opposition, the Minority Leader expressed confidence that his side could regain majority status in the next election cycle.

‘When your party lost in 2000, you led a charge with fewer numbers and made progress. We are inspired by that same dream – that come 2028, the Minority will be the Majority,’ he said to applause from his side of the chamber.

He ended on a note of unity and hope, saying, ‘Let us all be reminded by [former] President Akufo-Addo’s words: to be citizens, not spectators. Ghana will prevail if we serve with discipline, hard work, and faith in God.’

The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has accused the government of double standards and political hypocrisy over the sudden disappearance of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, from Parliament’s Order Paper.

Speaking on the floor of the House yesterday, Mr. Afenyo-Markin said the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), which had previously pushed aggressively for the passage of the bill while in opposition, was now attempting to distance itself from the process under pressure from international stakeholders.

‘Mr. Speaker, we are in this political act together,’ he began and added, ‘When we were in government, our friends knew the views of stakeholders in governance on this matter. The chickens have now come home to roost.’

He accused the NDC Members of Parliament (MPs) of attempting to use ‘procedural excuses’ to delay or abandon the bill, which he said had already gone through all the necessary parliamentary stages, including approval for gazetting and advertisement for its first reading.

‘Only yesterday, when we were ready for decision, Mr. Speaker, you said the bill must pass. Now they are in government, sitting in the hot seat, and with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank breathing down their necks, they are suddenly talking about procedure. Which mistake? There was nothing administratively in error,’ he stated.

The Minority Leader argued that the governing party had used the anti-LGBTQ+ debate as a political weapon while in opposition, only to retreat now that they must act on it in power.

‘You forced LGBT on the throat of the previous government. Today, you don’t want it. You used it to win elections, and now when your international friends are warning you, you want to run away,’ he declared.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin recounted how, during the previous administration, opposition NDC MPs had insisted that the bill be signed into law even when it was still before the courts.

‘Now that you are in government, you are saying the bill must wait. You are in the kitchen now, and you can feel the heat,’ he said, drawing laughter from both sides of the chamber.

He reminded the House that the anti-LGBTQ+ bill was presented as a moral and cultural defense of Ghana’s family values and traditions, while President Mahama was seeking re-election.

‘Even at the time, President Mahama said the bill had been seen and referred to the Attorney-General for advice. That was in January. So what has changed now?’ he asked.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s comments came after confusion arose over the fate of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which was advertised for its first reading but did not appear on the Order Paper the following day.

Later, at a press briefing, Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, confirmed that the bill had completed all procedural steps before the recess, and accused the NDC government of acting ‘in a rather Nicodemus manner’ to remove it.

According to him, the bill was duly approved by the Speaker, reviewed by the Legislative Drafting Department and the Attorney-General’s office, and referred to the Committee on Private Members’ Bills chaired by the First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, who raised no objection at the time.

‘The Speaker cannot say he is unaware, the Clerk cannot say he is unaware, and the First Deputy Speaker cannot say he is unaware,’ Mr. Fordjour said and added, ‘This clearly shows there is a deliberate attempt to run away from the bill.’

Mr. Fordjour insisted that the bill reflected the moral convictions of the majority of Ghanaians and must be restored immediately to the Order Paper for debate and passage.

‘The same bill that was important yesterday must be important today. We will not allow the government to bury it. Ghanaians want this bill passed now to protect our values and traditions,’ he said.

Majority Leader

However, the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, assured Ghanaians that the governing National Democratic Congress will not allow the practice of LGBTQ+ activities to flourish under its administration.

Responding to comments by the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, on the floor of Parliament, Mr. Ayariga dismissed suggestions that the government was backtracking on the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025.

‘Mr. Speaker, I can assure you, and I can assure every Ghanaian, that under the watch of the NDC government, this practice will not be allowed,’ the Majority Leader said firmly.

‘Even when we were in the Minority, we succeeded in passing this bill, and so far as the records will bear it, this House passed the bill,’ he insisted.

His comments followed a heated exchange in the chamber after the Minority accused the government of ‘running away’ from the bill, which they claimed had mysteriously disappeared from Parliament’s Order Paper despite being advertised for its first reading earlier in the week.

Mr. Ayariga, however, maintained that there was no cause for alarm, insisting that Parliament had already done its part and that the bill was not in jeopardy.

‘So far as we are concerned, this House passed the bill,’ he reiterated, adding, ‘We will wait for the Speaker to return and give directions in this matter.’

La Liga says plans to hold a regular-season match between Villarreal and Barcelona in Miami in December have been cancelled.

In August, the Spanish football federation (RFEF) approved plans to move Villarreal’s fixture against Barcelona to Hard Rock Stadium on 20 December – a decision that sparked discontent in Spain.

The plans to hold a top-flight game outside Spain for the first time faced a huge backlash, with players refusing to move for the first 15 seconds of matches in La Liga at the weekend.

Promoters of the match, Relevent, state the reason for the cancellation is because of ‘insufficient time’ to organise the event, with La Liga also citing the ‘uncertainty in Spain’.

The match will now be held at Villarreal’s Estadio de la Ceramica home as originally scheduled.

The decision to cancel the match in Miami was announced during Villarreal’s 2-0 Champions League defeat at home by Manchester City.

Afterwards, Villarreal boss Marcelino said it showed ‘absolute disrespect’ to communicate this decision while his side were playing.

He added: ‘It is absolutely disrespectful to the club, professionals and board of directors and fans. From here onwards, the club will send an official communication but this is just what I think.’

La Liga said it ‘deeply regrets’ the postponement and described it as a blow to the ‘international profile of the entire football ecosystem’.

La Liga also believed staging an official match outside Spain would have been a ‘decisive step in the global expansion’ of its competition, and that ‘passing up such opportunities makes it difficult to generate new revenue’.

It would have been the first time a European top-flight league match had taken place in the United States, although the Spanish Super Cup has been held in Saudi Arabia in four of the past five seasons.

After the Miami game was originally confirmed, the Italian football federation (FIGC) decided to sanction a Serie A match between AC Milan and Como to be played in Perth, Australia, in February.

Barcelona said it ‘respects and accepts’ the decision to cancel the match and ‘regrets the missed opportunity to expand the competition’s image’ in a market that has a ‘great capactiy for growth and generation of resources for everyone’.

The club added it ‘regrets deeply’ that its fans in the USA ‘are denied the opportunity to see an official game in their country’.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick had previously said his ‘players are not happy’ and he was ‘not happy’ but ‘La Liga decided that we will play this game’.

The Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Johnson Asiama, says financial technology (Fintech) could become a major source of threat to the financial sector if the country fails to regulate its operations.

The Governor who made this known at the ongoing IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings, in Washington D.C said the Bank of Ghana is already working to improve supervision of the digital financial space.

He said, ‘We did not have fintechs those days, but I believe that if not handled properly, risk could emerge in that area going forward. We are mending the legislation there as well to safeguard financial stability

Dr. Asiama explained that his broader vision for the central bank is to be ‘ready and able to adapt’ to emerging global financial risks.

‘It is critical today. It could be something else tomorrow. It could be anything but we should have the manpower, we should have that agility, we should have the balance sheet to be able to contend with any of these risks as they emerge in the future,’ he added.

The Governor, who has been in office for eight months acknowledged progress made so far by the Central Bank especially the stabilisation of the cedi and financial stability. He, however, stated that deep-seated structural issues such as dollarisation remain a concern.

Dr. Asiama further indicated that his goal is to build a central bank which is not only stable but also agile in the face of evolving challenges emphasising that wider use of the cedi in domestic transactions will strengthen monetary policy and improve economic resilience.

Brandon Thomas-Asante struck twice as Coventry City secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Portsmouth at Fratton Park to move four points clear at the top of the Championship.

The Sky Blues took the lead midway through the first half from a well-rehearsed corner routine. Bobby Thomas nodded the ball across the box to Ellis Simms, whose cushioned header found Thomas-Asante to finish smartly from close range.

Moments before the opener, tempers flared on the touchline as Coventry boss Frank Lampard and Pompey manager John Mousinho clashed following the referee’s decision to wave away a Portsmouth penalty appeal. Referee Gavin Ward and the fourth official had to step in to calm both managers.

Portsmouth pressed hard for an equaliser after the break, but Coventry doubled their advantage ten minutes into the second half. Simms outmuscled Josh Knight near the touchline before sliding a pass through to Thomas-Asante, who raced clear and coolly slotted home past Josef Bursik for his eighth goal of the season.

The home side found a late lifeline in stoppage time when Makenzie Kirk lobbed Carl Rushworth, but Coventry held firm under pressure to seal all three points.

The result strengthens Coventry’s grip on top spot, though second-placed Middlesbrough could cut the gap to one point if they defeat Sheffield Wednesday on Wednesday night.

British YouTuber and BMX rider, Ryan Taylor has opened up about his brief engagement to Nigerian DJ and billionaire heiress, DJ Cuppy.

Speaking on the Ladders Podcast, Taylor revealed that their relationship ended due to personal and professional differences.

Taylor, who proposed to Cuppy in December 2022 after less than a month of dating, claimed the DJ showed disinterest in working with Nigerians in her business. ‘Is it weird that I told you she didn’t like Nigerians? She came into my business and didn’t even want Nigerian staff,’ he said.

Reflecting on the breakup, Taylor described the experience as a learning opportunity. ‘To be honest, what I got from that was lessons. I learned that money is not everything, but not having it is,’ he added.

The couple, who met during the Gumball 3000 rally, sparked excitement with their engagement, but by mid-2023, fans noticed they had unfollowed each other on Instagram, signaling the end of their short-lived romance.

The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has launched a blistering critique of the committee probing the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo, describing its conduct as ‘a travesty of justice’ and a serious blot on Ghana’s democracy.

Speaking at a leadership meeting with the Parliamentary Press Corps yesterday, Mr. Afenyo-Markin accused the Justice Pwamang Committee of procedural impropriety and bad faith, saying its actions had ‘reduced our democracy to something that cannot even be described.’

According to the Minority Leader, the committee prematurely concluded its work despite not completing hearings on all three petitions filed against Justice Torkornoo.

He said the committee initially directed the respondent and her lawyers to return on the 15th of the month for a second hearing, only for a report recommending her removal to surface ‘out of the blue’ shortly afterward.

‘The Pwamang Committee must be ashamed of itself. Within two hours of producing the report, a decision was taken to act on it. That is not justice; that is an abuse of process,’ Mr. Afenyo-Markin charged.

He further alleged that the committee’s rushed decision-making, especially when the matter was already before both the High Court and the Supreme Court, reflected a disturbing disregard for due process.

‘If the Supreme Court can move expeditiously to hear an injunction but fails to determine the substantive case, what message are we sending?’ he queried.

The Minority Leader warned that such precedents risk eroding judicial independence and damaging the credibility of state institutions.

‘We are setting a precedent that blots the beautiful democracy we otherwise have. Today it is Chief Justice Torkornoo; tomorrow it could be anyone else,’ he said.

Citing historical examples, Mr. Afenyo-Markin recalled how Parliament once upheld fairness when concerns were raised during the nomination of then-Justice Pwamang to the Supreme Court.

He said even opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) at the time, including KT Hammond, resisted calls to block the process, emphasising the need for equity and restraint.

‘What my Lord Pwamang has forgotten is that when he was nominated, some people petitioned Parliament to halt the process. Yet, Parliament chose fairness. Why can’t he do the same for his colleague now?’ he quizzed pointedly.

The Minority Leader also cautioned that the political tit-for-tat culture, where one party justifies questionable actions by citing the other’s past misdeeds, was corroding the nation’s governance. ‘This ‘you-do-me-I-do-you’ politics is not sustainable. We can do better as a democracy,’ he stressed.

Turning to related issues, Mr. Afenyo-Markin said the Minority would soon raise preliminary constitutional objections to the committee’s recommendations and challenge the legality of the process in Parliament and the courts. ‘Whatever approach we take will be in the national interest,’ he assured.

He also touched on other governance matters, including the state of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), national security in Bole and Bamboi, and stalled infrastructure projects under the government’s Agenda 111 initiative.

On ECG, the Minority Leader called for bipartisan cooperation to reform the utility company, arguing that inefficiencies and waste, not tariffs, were the real cause of financial strain.

‘You cannot just burden Ghanaians with a 14% increase while the wastage remains. Let’s focus on reforms, even if it means limited private sector participation,’ he proposed.

Addressing the recent conflict in the Savannah Region, he urged the Minister for the Interior to brief Parliament on government interventions following deadly clashes that left 31 people dead and displaced over 50,000 residents.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin, in his concluding remarks, called for a renewed spirit of fairness and accountability across institutions, warning that the ‘reset’ of state institutions must be managed carefully to avoid undermining democracy.

‘There is always a tomorrow. Let’s not destroy the foundations of justice today and expect stability tomorrow,’ he stated.