Category: Daily Guide Network

President John Dramani Mahama has appointed private legal practitioner, Tony Lithur, as the Board Chairman of the Mahama Cares Foundation.

The announcement was made yesterday at a brief ceremony at the Jubilee House in Accra, where the President emphasised the need for a transparent structure for the foundation.

President Mahama, in his address, stated, ‘The work of uplifting the most vulnerable in our society cannot be improvised.’

He said it requires sustainability, integrity, and strong leadership.

Mr. Lithur, who was the President’s lawyer in 2012 and 2020 elections’ petitions, in a response, said, ‘I am honoured by the trust the President has placed in me.’

He noted that his primary focus will be to build a governance structure that is beyond reproach, ensuring that the foundation operates with the highest levels of transparency and efficiency.

The Mahama Cares Foundation aims to provide financial assistance for specialist-level treatment of chronic diseases like cancer, kidney failure, and cardiovascular conditions.

It will cover costs not included in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and it also seeks to relieve the financial burden on individuals and families affected by these diseases.

The 2024 presidential candidate of the Movement for Change (M4C), Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, has officially transitioned his political movement into a full-fledged political party known as the United Party (UP Plus), vowing to end the nation’s political duopoly and build a prosperous nation under what he calls the ‘Paradise Project.’

Unveiling the new party at a ceremony attended by representatives of civil society groups and faith-based organisations in Accra yesterday, Mr. Kyerematen described the rebranding as ‘a new dawn in Ghanaian politics.’

He said the UP Plus would bring an end to the divisiveness and acrimony that have long characterised the country’s politics.

‘We are ushering in a new era; a new dawn that will end the culture of winner-takes-all and the duopoly of the two major parties. A new dawn that will bring about economic transformation, massive job opportunities, a golden age of business, and prosperity for our country,’ he declared.

Mr. Kyerematen said the party’s vision, branded as Vision 2040, seeks to make Ghana the ‘economic powerhouse of Africa’ by the year 2040.

He pointed out that the long-term development framework, which he calls the Paradise Project, is built around unity, accountability, and inclusive opportunity.

‘Our vision is to make Ghana the economic powerhouse of Africa by 2040, and we are branding this as the Paradise Project. By the grace of God, if the people of Ghana entrust us with power, we promise that by 2040, Ghana will become a paradise,’ he said.

He explained that the UP Plus will focus on building ‘one united, peaceful, secure, and prosperous country’ by promoting equal opportunities for all citizens, particularly the youth, women, and the vulnerable.

Mr. Kyerematen also outlined the party’s core values, including integrity, discipline, rule of law, meritocracy, patriotism, tolerance, free speech, and ethical leadership.

He emphasised the need to ‘bring decency back into Ghanaian politics,’ arguing that national development depends on moral and disciplined leadership.

‘The United Party will promote a new culture of decency, discipline, and patriotism. We want to unleash the entrepreneurial spirit of Ghanaians and restore respect for ethical leadership in public life,’ he said.

The former Trade and Industry Minister added that the UP Plus remains anchored in the Movement for Change’s Great Transformational Plan (GTP), a comprehensive policy framework he developed during his presidential campaign, and reaffirmed that the new party would pursue Ghana’s transformation beyond partisanship.

‘We are building on the foundation of the Movement for Change. Within just nine months, we saw the energy of the people, from those wearing yellow T-shirts to supporters abroad. That spirit is what we are carrying forward,’ he said.

Interim National Chairman, Abubakar Saddique Boniface, said the United Party represents a broad coalition of citizens from diverse political backgrounds united by shared values and a commitment to national progress.

‘Ghana’s political history is full of divisions between left and right. But we, the UP Plus, are centrists; we bring the good from both sides to the centre. We are not just forming another party; we are forming a movement for honest, disciplined, and God-fearing leadership to serve Ghana.’

He added that UP Plus blends the experience of veteran public servants with the energy of the youth and women, ensuring a balanced approach to national renewal.

‘Our government will be based on unity – unity of ideas, unity of resources, and unity in sharing the benefits of development. The UP Plus exists as a viable alternative with open doors, welcoming merit and competence,’ he stated.

Interim General Secretary, Yaw Buaben Asamoah, was also present at the event, alongside representatives from the Christian Council of Ghana, the Trades Union Congress (TUC), FixTheCountry Movement, Ghana Pentecostal Council, Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA), Election Watch Ghana, and Youth for Change.

It was declared at the event that Alan Kyerematen’s UP Plus, symbolised by yellow, black, and white colours, has officially received its registration from the Electoral Commission, which signals the emergence of a centrist political force that pledges to build a united and prosperous Ghana by 2040.

Ghana’s small-scale gold export sector has generated over US$8 billion this year, a significant increase in revenue generated by the sector in previous years.

This impressive performance is fueled by various reforms in Ghana’s gold sector, with the introduction of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) playing a key role.

It is also attributed to improved regulation, enhanced export monitoring, and renewed investor confidence in Ghana’s small-scale mining subsector, which is jointly managed by GoldBod and the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC).

Figures from the GoldBod and the PMMC show that Ghana earned a whopping US$8.06 billion between January and mid-October 2025.

The figures show that the total gold exported by small-scale miners during the period amounted to 81,719.22 kilogrammes (kg), representing a significant increase over the 63,647.22kg exported in 2024 and 37,454.01kg in 2023.

This significant improvement is also reflected in GoldBod’s monthly data which show steady growth in both weight and value from January to October 2025.

For instance, in January this year alone, exports reached 6,178.69kg, valued at US$506.41 million, almost triple the US$170.66 million recorded in the same month of 2024.

The performance peaked in May, when small-scale exports hit 11,068.55kg, earning Ghana US$1.17 billion-the highest monthly figure recorded so far.

This strong trend continued in June and July, which recorded values of US$957.90 million and US$829.84 million, respectively.

September 2025 recorded export of 10,533.56 kg, amounting to US$1.16 billion, indicating consistent performance in the third quarter.

The success chalked this year show a significant improvement over the last three years, as figures indicate that between 2023 and 2024, small-scale gold exports increased by about 70 per cent in weight and more than doubled in value, from US$2.19 billion in 2023 to US$4.61 billion in 2024.

In 2025, the sector has seen another leap, recording a 75 per cent increase in export weight and nearly 75 per cent growth in value within a year.

Economic analysts have linked this growth to enhanced traceability systems, improved documentation, and reforms.

GoldBod Impact

GoldBod, which was established in 2025 to regulate and streamline small-scale gold exports, has been credited with restoring confidence in the sector.

The Board, working with PMMC, has introduced strict compliance measures and to ensure that all gold exported passes through official channels.

Officials of GoldBod have attributed the impressive results to improved monitoring, digital tracking of gold movement, and increased community engagement.

These interventions have helped reduce smuggling and enabled small-scale miners to obtain fair value for their products.

Economic Impact

Gold remains Ghana’s top foreign exchange earner, and the rise in small-scale exports is expected to strengthen the country’s external reserves.

The US$8.06 billion earned so far this year comes at a crucial time when the economy is recovering from recent fiscal challenges.

Economists believe the growth in gold export receipts could help stabilise the cedi, reduce pressure on foreign reserves, and support the government’s fiscal consolidation efforts.

With small-scale miners now playing a key role in the official export chain, the subsector is increasingly viewed as a major contributor to Ghana’s economic resilience.

The nation’s economy expanded by 4.5 percent year-on-year in July 2025, according to new data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).

The figure was published in the maiden edition of the Monthly Indicator of Economic Growth (MIEG), a new analytical tool designed to provide a more frequent snapshot of the country’s economic performance between quarterly GDP releases.

The index rose from 105.4 in July 2024 to 110.2 in July 2025, reflecting continued momentum in economic activity despite global and domestic headwinds.

However, the latest figure represents a slowdown from the 8.3 percent growth recorded in July 2024, signalling a moderation in the pace of expansion across key sectors.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra yesterday, Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, said the agriculture sector was the main driver of growth, expanding by 8.0 percent on the back of improved crop yields and higher productivity in food staples.

The industrial sector, however, recorded marginal growth of 0.1 percent, constrained by challenges in energy supply and manufacturing output, while the services sector maintained moderate gains.

Dr. Iddrisu explained that the MIEG will serve as an early indicator of changes in economic activity, helping policymakers, investors, and businesses make more timely and informed decisions.

About MIEG

The Monthly Indicator of Economic Growth (MIEG) captures all economic activities included in the quarterly GDP system.

It combines monthly volume indicators and administrative records to compile growth measures for each sector of the economy.

The indicators are adjusted using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) to remove the effects of inflation.

The same indicators used in the quarterly GDP framework are applied, ensuring that MIEG growth rates align closely with real quarterly GDP trends.

There was chaos at Manso Nyankomase in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region when military personnel clashed with residents during a mining-related operation, leaving five people injured.

The confrontation, which occurred on Monday, October 13, 2025, is said to have stemmed from a reclamation exercise at a disputed mining site.

Reports indicate that the soldiers stormed the community to enforce a directive linked to the operation, but were met with stiff resistance from residents who claimed they were not notified in advance.

According to eyewitnesses, the situation quickly escalated when the officers allegedly used force to disperse the crowd.

‘They came in suddenly and started beating people. It was very violent,’ a resident recounted.

The following day, dozens of residents poured onto the streets, burning tyres and chanting protest songs to demand justice. Their demonstration disrupted normal activities in the town for several hours.

Five people who sustained injuries during the disturbances were rushed to nearby health facilities for treatment.

As at press time yesterday, neither the military, local authorities nor the Amansie South District Assembly had commented on the incident.

Community leaders, however, have called for calm while urging government intervention to prevent further escalation.

Renowned gospel musician and pastor, Rev. Josh Laryea, has voiced strong concerns over what he describes as the fading spiritual essence of Ghana’s gospel music.

Speaking in an interview with Taller Dee on Accra-based Number 1 FM, Rev. Laryea lamented that gospel music – once centred on salvation and spirit-led worship – has now become overly commercialised, with many artistes chasing fame and financial success instead of spreading God’s message.

‘Most of our gospel songs today are about us, our success, our glory, and our achievements – not about Christ’s saving power,’ he said. ‘The individual Christian is no longer concerned about their relationship with God. We’ve shifted from salvation to self-promotion.’

He warned that the church risks losing its spiritual authority if gospel musicians continue to prioritise popularity and profit over purpose, stressing that the greatest blessing believers can sing about is salvation through Christ.

While some industry observers argue that gospel artistes deserve to benefit financially from their craft, others echo Rev. Laryea’s sentiments that the genre’s spiritual authenticity is being sacrificed for commercial appeal.

The nation’s economy has rebounded strongly after years of turbulence, with growth, inflation, and market confidence all showing signs of sustained recovery, according to Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama.

Speaking at the IMF/World Bank Governor Talk Series in Washington, D.C., under the theme ‘From Crisis to Confidence: Ghana’s Journey to Macroeconomic Stabilisation,’ Dr. Asiama said the country’s economic fundamentals have strengthened significantly following months of fiscal discipline and structural reform.

‘We came to meet a challenged economy in the sense that remember we had a domestic debt issue in 2022, fiscal policy was highly expansionary. It led to us exiting the international financial market. There was resort to domestic financing.

‘We remember all the sovereign downgrades we had to suffer. We came into office with a lot of liquidity, high inflation, [and] an exchange rate that was depreciating widely,’ he said.

He revealed that at the time, there were even discussions about whether Ghana should withdraw from the IMF-supported programme, amid concerns about its ability to meet performance targets.

‘And I remember when we came in there were talks about if we should cancel the programme altogether, there were doubts as to whether we will be able to carry on the programme,’ he stated.

According to Dr. Asiama, economic growth has picked up, inflation has eased, and Ghana’s performance under the IMF programme now exceeds expectations. Inflation, which stood at 23.5 percent in January 2025, has fallen to 9.4 percent in September, the country’s first single-digit inflation rate in four years, beating the government’s target of 11.9 percent.

He noted that improved fiscal management, tight monetary policy, and increased coordination between the Ministry of Finance and the central bank have helped stabilise the macroeconomic environment.

‘Growth has rebounded, inflation is cooling, and investor confidence is returning. Our task now is to sustain these gains through prudent policy management and the restoration of market confidence,’ he said.

Former Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Acheampong, has advised presidential aspirants of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and their supporters to exercise restraint in their campaign messages and conduct.

Speaking in an interview yesterday, Mr. Acheampong underscored the importance of unity within the party, urging candidates to focus on presenting their vision for the NPP and Ghana rather than resorting to divisive or inflammatory statements.

He stressed that a united NPP is essential for maintaining Ghana’s democratic balance and for positioning the party as a credible alternative to the current administration.

‘We must be cautious and ensure that our words and actions are ones we can confidently defend at any time,’ he said. ‘I value unity and stability, and these can only be achieved if we are measured in our approach. Let’s focus on the things that bring us together, not what divides us.’

Mr. Acheampong added that internal cohesion would strengthen the NPP’s public image and readiness for governance. ‘We need unity to become a force the people recognise. If we are divided, we cannot be the viable alternative Ghanaians are looking for,’ he cautioned.

His comments follow recent remarks by NPP presidential hopeful Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, who suggested that if he were Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, he would not have conceded defeat in the 2024 general election until the Electoral Commission had officially declared the results.

The NPP’s upcoming presidential primary, scheduled for January 31, 2026, is shaping up to be a hotly contested race among five candidates: former Assin Central Member of Parliament, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong; former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong; former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia; former Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum; and former NPP General Secretary, Ing. Kwabena Agyepong.

Following the balloting, Mr. Agyapong secured the first slot, followed by Dr. Acheampong, Dr. Bawumia, Dr. Adutwum, and Ing. Agyepong.

A former Public Relations Manager of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Dr. Razak Poku, has stated that the KGL Group of Companies makes millions towards the sustainability of the former.

In a statement, Dr. Poku said, ‘this fact is unfortunately lost to our colleagues at the Fourth Estate and Media Foundation for West Africa,’ who as he put it, ‘are gradually undermining their own integrity and credibility in relation to their investigative work about the NLA-KGL deal.’

On September 19, 2025, Fourth Estate and Sulemana Briamah claimed that, NLA had exchanged a prime business for a peanut of GHS170 million from KGL for the year 2025.

On October 9, 2025, Fourth Estate and Sulemana Briamah indicated that, NLA received GHS157.6 million from KGL for 2024, and surprisingly on October 16, 2025, Fourth Estate and Sulemana Briamah are misinforming their readers that, ‘KGL makes millions in profit while NLA makes zero.’

‘If the NLA received GHS157.6 million in 2024 from KGL, on what basis is Fourth Estate telling Ghanaians that KGL makes millions in profit while NLA makes zero?’ he asked.

‘According to the mathematical brains of Fourth Estate, GHS157.6 million (2024) + GHS 170 million (2025) equals to ZERO PROFIT for NLA?’ he asked.

In total, NLA would obtain GHS327.6 million (GHS157.6m + GHS170m) from KGL for the financial years of 2024 and 2025.

This amount of GHS327.6 million paid by KGL to NLA shall definitely go up if monies NLA received from KGL in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 are added.

Also, on Monday, October 13, 2025, Fourth Estate published that, ‘in 2019, for the first year of the NLA-KGL deal, NLA’s PROFIT for the State reduced to GHS17 million’.

‘So, if NLA could make a profit of GHS17 million for the State in the first year of NLA-KGL deal in 2019, then why is Fourth Estate turning 360 degrees to say that, KGL makes millions in profit while NLA makes zero?’ he quizzed.

KGL Profit in 2024

For the avoidance of any doubt, KGL make a profit of GHS70 million while it pays GHS157.6 million to the NLA. This data clearly shows that NLA rather makes more money than what KGL earned as a profit in 2024.

A fact check from Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) also indicate that, KGL paid taxes to GRA in 2024, an amount higher than the profit earned by KGL in 2024.

By the end of 2025, both the National Lottery Authority (NLA) and Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) shall receive payments from KGL which would be eventually higher than the profit of KGL for 2025.

The total debts of NLA before NLA-KGL deal was around GHS233,121,889.28 million, as accumulated debts, which comprises:

Unpaid Lotto Prizes to winners of national lotto.

Unpaid Contractors

Unpaid Withholding Tax (Income Tax) to Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

Unpaid SSNIT Contributions.

Unpaid Technical Service Providers (TSP) Fees.

Unpaid Lotto Commission to Lotto Marketing Companies.

Unpaid Provident Fund

Unpaid Staff Union and Association Dues Deductions.

The duty of NLA to transfer money to the Consolidated Fund is a political and management decision which has absolutely nothing to do with NLA-KGL deal.

The responsibility of KGL is to pay its fees to the NLA in accordance with the terms and conditions of its licence agreement.

What NLA does with the money paid by KGL is NOT the business of KGL, just like KGL cannot dictate to Ghana Revenue Authority on how it uses the taxes paid by KGL to the State.

Would you also blame KGL if GRA is unable to transfer the paid taxes of KGL to the Consolidated Fund?

According to Section 32(3) of Act 722, ‘The Authority shall pay out of the Lotto Account prize monies for winners of National Lotto and commissions to Lotto Marketing Companies licensed by the Authority’. This provision must be satisfied before you can proceed with the implementation of Section 32(4) of Act 722 which states that, ‘The Authority shall transfer the *net balance in the Lotto Account* on monthly basis to the Consolidated Fund.’

So, what if there is NO net balance in the Lotto Account after the payments of:

Prize monies for winners of National Lotto as stated in Section 32(3) of Act 722?

Commissions to Lotto Marketing Companies licensed by the Authority as stated in Section 32(3) of Act 722?

Operational and capital expenditure from the Lotto Fund as stated in Section 50 of Act 722?

From the evidence above based on Facts and Data, it is very clear that, in order for NLA to transfer monies to the Consolidated Fund in accordance with Section 32(4) of Act 722, there is the need for the NLA to breach Section 32(3) of Act 722. This has always been the case from enactment of National Lotto Act, 2006(Act 722).

From 2012-2020 (9 years), NLA transferred a total amount of GHS209, 409,495.24 to the Consolidated Fund yet within that same period of 2012-2020, NLA was indebted to winners of national lotto, Lotto Marketing Companies, Technical Service Providers, Suppliers etc. at a cost of GHS233,121, 889.28.

So what is the justification for Fourth Estate and Sulemana Briamah to needlessly blame KGL Technology Limited as the cause of NLA inability to transfer money to the Consolidated Fund in accordance with Section 32(4) of Act 722? Completely no basis at all.

And why should NLA necessarily transfer monies to the Consolidated Fund if they haven’t been able to pay winners of national lotto, commissions to Lotto Marketing Companies, fees to Technical Service Providers, salaries and benefits of NLA workers etc.?

Each year, Ghana celebrates the call to the Bar of hundreds of new lawyers in what has become a recurring moment of prestige, pride, and perseverance.

Legal education has become a national obsession, with thousands striving to enter law faculties and the Ghana School of Law. The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine’s ongoing reforms – abolishing the Ghana School of Law’s monopoly and decentralising legal training – promise to open the doors even wider.

Yet, as we celebrate the rise of lawyers, we must confront a sobering truth: Ghana is not producing enough engineers, doctors, scientists, and technicians – the very professionals who build the real economy that sustains litigation.

Ghana currently has about 11,000 lawyers, with roughly 8,000 actively practising, translating to about one lawyer for every 2,000 citizens. Meanwhile, some engineering and science departments in our universities graduate fewer than ten students annually. This imbalance is not merely academic; it is existential – and it speaks volumes about our national development priorities.

While many have offered theories to justify this anomaly, one truth remains: we cannot litigate our way to development.

A courtroom victory does not build a bridge. A legal argument does not irrigate a farm. A brilliant submission before a judge will not turn poisoned rivers back into sources of life. Neither will it establish a business or employ the hundreds of graduates idling about.

Exodus of Critical Professionals

While the legal profession enjoys steady, if not excessive, replenishment, Ghana is bleeding its most essential talent.

A recent study found that 71.8 percent of Ghanaian doctors intend to emigrate, with the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada as top destinations. The reasons are painfully familiar: poor working conditions, low pay, slow career progression, and limited postgraduate opportunities.

According to the International Council of Nurses, Ghana loses between 400 and 500 nurses every month to emigration. Even though the country’s health workforce density has doubled in two decades, from 16.56 to 41.92 per 10,000 people, many professionals remain unemployed due to fiscal constraints, while others leave for better opportunities abroad.

In effect, we are spending scarce resources to train healers who heal other nations and builders who build elsewhere. Yet, we continue to produce more lawyers to argue over what we have failed to construct.

Engineers Built Nations

Nations that transformed their economies did so by prioritising engineering and technical professions.

Singapore rose from third-world to first-world status by investing heavily in engineering, technology, and research.

China produces millions of engineers annually, fuelling its rise as a global manufacturing and technology powerhouse.

South Korea made engineering a prestigious career, central to its industrial revolution.

Germany and Japan built global reputations on engineering excellence and vocational training.

These nations did not build their futures on legal arguments alone – they built them on bridges, railways, software, and factories.

Ghana, therefore, must re-evaluate its educational priorities to stop starving vital sectors such as agriculture, mining, construction, energy, and manufacturing – the true engines of growth, job creation, and national wealth.

Despite these sectors being the heart of the economy, technical and vocational education remains underfunded and misaligned.

An August 2025 UNICEF study revealed that only one out of 57 TVET institutions in the Ashanti Region offers agricultural training despite high demand. ICT training remains similarly scarce. The Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) warns of a widening skills mismatch and infrastructure strain due to rising enrolment without corresponding investment.

Lawyers Need the Real Economy

Let me emphasise that I understand the value of legal education. I assembled a formidable legal team to defend myself through nearly eight years of persecution. I am, therefore, not against the training of more lawyers.

However, I, like many others, believe Ghana must be more deliberate in nurturing the professionals who build the economy.

Lawyers are indispensable, but they thrive only when the economy thrives. They draft contracts for factories, negotiate mergers for businesses, and litigate disputes in mining, tech, banking, and manufacturing. Without a vibrant real sector, the legal profession has fewer cases to handle – apart from crimes born out of economic hardship or political persecution like what I endured.

That is why Ghana must rebalance its national priorities.

We must make it just as prestigious to be a neurosurgeon, robotics engineer, or renewable energy expert as it is to be a lawyer. We must invest in technical education, align curricula with industry needs, and retain our critical professionals. We need champions for open, merit-based medical and technical education – just as Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare has been for reforming legal education.

Let us not become a nation of brilliant litigators arguing over broken systems.

Let us not raise generations of lawyers to defend what we failed to build.

Let us not celebrate the courtroom while our clinics are empty, our roads unfinished, and our industries underdeveloped.

Let us expand the real economy so that the lawyers we train have industries to advise, contracts to draft, and deals to close.

Let us build a Ghana where prestige meets productivity, where law serves industry, and where education fuels transformation.

Let us reprioritise. Rebalance. And build – starting now.