Category: Daily Guide Network

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has announced plans to implement a series of actions aimed at compelling the government to intensify efforts in dealing with illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

UTAG, in a statement signed on July 30 by then National President, Prof. Mamudu Akudugu and National Secretary, Prof. Eliasu Mumuni following an emergency NEC meeting on Thursday, July 17, warned of potential industrial action if government fails to provide concrete steps to deal with the galamsey fight.

But speaking in an interview on JoyNews last Tuesday, immediate past President of UTAG, Prof. Akudugu, who expressed wider impact of illegal mining, said it was aware of the report by Peasant Farmers Association that over two million hectares of arable land have been affected by galamsey, impacting more than 500,000 farmers and farm households.

‘These are real, serious issues. We’ve also heard about the poisoning of our kontomire, cassava, and other crops. We are all deeply worried, and it is essential that we take action to ensure this menace is brought under control,’ he stated.

When asked whether UTAG might consider a strike action, he said, ‘Most definitely, we’ll take a decision that will be in the interest of the members of UTAG and also in the interest of the country. Today is Congress, we’ll go into conclave and the decision will be taken,’ he said.

The newly elected UTAG President, Prof. Vera Fiador, for her part, said while illegal mining may appear to offer employment opportunities, the overall impact is far more damaging, adding that the financial burden of restoring degraded lands and polluted water sources is negative in the long run.

She reiterated that the Association will soon unveil a set of measures to push for decisive action to hold the government accountable and drive national attention toward the urgent need to tackle galamsey.

‘At first glance, galamsey seems to provide jobs, and there’s often resistance when attempts are made to halt it. However, when you consider the financial burden of restoring degraded lands and polluted water sources, the net effect is negative in the long run,’ she stressed.

In a related development, President John Dramani Mahama, in a letter signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, has invited civil society organisations (CSOs) to the Jubilee House on Friday, October 3, to discuss issues on the galamsey menace.

GHANAIAN CONTENT Creator, Deaconess Abokomah, known in real life as Ebenezer Arthur, has grabbed a nomination for this year’s West African Citizens Awards (WAFRICAwards) themed, ‘The Rebirth Edition’.

Deaconess Abokomah is competing against twenty West African content creators in the Social Media Influencer of the Year category.

The nominees include Young 15 (Liberia), Ben South (Ghana), Ameyaw Debrah (Ghana), Enioluwa Adeoluwa (Nigeria), Veekee James (Nigeria), Hilda Baci (Nigeria), The Real Adebayor (Togo), Deaconess Abokomah (Ghana), Veralyn Vonleh (Liberia) and Boss Grl (Liberia)

The rest are Elzo JamDong (Senegal), Dulcie Boateng (Ghana), Wode Maya (Ghana), Aisha Salaudeen (Nigeria), Seyram Abdallah (Ghana), Hilda Savage (Gambia), Mankajang Daily (Gambia), Tida Jobe (Gambia), Quecy Official (Ghana), Fatou Jupiter (Senegal), and Tayo Aina (Nigeria).

In a post on social media, Deaconess Abokomah called for support from followers to emerge as the winner of the category.

Currently in its fourth year, the theme, ‘Rebirth,’ celebrates the resilient spirit of the region – stories of innovation, perseverance, and transformation that are reshaping West Africa for the better.

Since opening nominations in July, the organisers say they have received an overwhelming wave of submissions from across the sub-region, highlighting unsung heroes, trailblazing entrepreneurs, creative visionaries, and community champions.

The selection process was rigorous, guided by esteemed panel of judges, ensuring that only the most impactful contributions were selected. The awards ceremony is set for December in Nigeria.

The minority members of the parliamentary committee on Communication and Information have rebutted the recent comments by the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, accusing him of arrogance and inconsistency over the ongoing DStv impasse.

In a press statement signed by the Ranking Member, Matthew Nyindam, the minority members said they were not surprised by Mr. George’s remarks during a JoyNews interview, describing his posture as ‘arrogant, disrespectful, and pompous.’

According to the minority MPs, they have remained diligent in their work on the committee and had formally written to the chairman, a majority member, requesting a meeting to deliberate on the impasse with MultiChoice Ghana.

They stressed that it was the chairman’s duty to summon committee meetings, not ordinary members.

The minority further reminded the public of Mr. George’s earlier statements regarding the issue, in which he declared that he would not accept any form of package upgrades from DStv but would push for a price reduction of no less than 30 percent.

‘He once stated in a media encounter that the meeting with the Ghanaian and South African team would not end without an agreed price reduction. He was clear that an upgrade was not what we wanted,’ the statement noted, questioning why Sam George’s position now appeared to have shifted.

The minority therefore demanded to know why the minister and committee leadership had altered their original stance on securing a price reduction.

They also asked how much government had collected from the GHS10,000 levy imposed on DStv since its inception.

Addressing Sam George’s criticisms of the minority members, the statement dismissed his remarks, saying they would not seek an apology because ‘it is a trait too expensive for him to afford.’

The Minority MPs reaffirmed their commitment to their legislative responsibilities, and insisted they are ‘dedicated professionals who take their work seriously and remain available for scheduled meetings.’

CEO of Popout / Esports Academy, Maximus Ametorgoh, has called on the investment community to support Electronic Sports as it presents huge prospects for economic development.

Speaking during a panel discussion at MTN DigiFest 2025 Gaming Focused Group and Closing ceremony in Accra, Maximus labeled Saudi Arabia as the country investing heavily in the global gaming and esports industry, through strategic acquisitions and initiatives like the Savvy Games Group and the Esports World Cup, which offers record prize pools.

These investments by the Saudi government, according to him, aim to establish the Kingdom as a major global gaming hub by 2030, stating that with the right investment and policy from the government of Ghana, the country will lead the sector.

He added that with the right investment, organisations can train and tool gamers, develop video games, create job opportunities, organise Esports events, and promote responsible gaming and skill development in Ghana.

Maximus added that investing in Esports is a smart move for businesses, offering a unique opportunity to tap into a young, engaged, and tech-savvy audience.

Speaking about government engagement in boosting Esports in the country, he mentioned that the National Sport Authority, in consultation with stakeholders, is working on developing esports policies.

Manager, Video and Gaming at MTN Ghana, Yaw Antwi Boadu, said the telecommunication company is supporting the industry in various areas to promote its activities in the country.

He said MTN is committed to supporting the gaming society, saying,’ MTN is looking to the future. We see the value that we can generate and also the value we will generate for the community, and we are willing to step out and work with the esports community to ensure that this is achieved.’

When asked about the need for MTN to curate a data package for gamers, Antwi Boadu said, ‘Without internet, customers will not be able to take advantage of these sports, so the next level is to design a data package for the gaming society to take advantage of.’

The Ho Municipal Assembly (HMA) has rolled out an ambitious package of projects and reforms aimed at enhancing education, infrastructure, revenue mobilisation and environmental sustainability, reaffirming its commitment to improving livelihoods and accountability in governance.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Stephen Adom, announced the measures during the 3rd Meeting of the 2nd Session of the 9th Assembly held in Ho, where he outlined new projects and policy interventions that will transform the municipality.

Education featured prominently on the agenda, the projects will expand access and improve learning conditions.

These include the construction of a three-unit classroom block for kindergarten pupils at Hodzo Alavanyo, a six-unit primary school block with ancillary facilities at Nyive, and a three-unit kindergarten block with offices at Bankoe RC School.

Other projects cover the renovation of a three-unit Junior High School block at Ziavi, and the construction of new facilities at Kpenoe, comprising a kindergarten block, a primary block and a JHS block. The Assembly is also procuring 2,000 mono desks and 1,800 dual desks for schools across the municipality.

‘These interventions will provide a conducive environment for our children to learn and excel,’ he stated, stressing the Assembly’s commitment to building a strong educational foundation for the future.

Mr. Adom also disclosed that the Assembly received GHS2,220,957.52 and GHS4,590,707.51 from the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) for the first and second quarters of 2025 respectively. For the third quarter, a revenue projection of GHS1,076,533.14 was set, of which GHS973,546.81, representing 90 percent, had been collected as of August 31.

Beyond education, the MCE announced several flagship projects to enhance infrastructure and civic amenities. These include the commencement of work on the Kpenoe-Takla-Hodzo road, the construction of 500 steps at Kabakaba Hill to promote tourism and access, and the design of a modern 24-hour market at the Civic Centre.

Mr. Adom also confirmed the termination of the current AstroTurf contract due to non-performance by the contractor.

On internal management and accountability, the MCE stated that newly posted National Service personnel will be deployed to strengthen revenue mobilisation.

He cautioned that strict disciplinary action would be taken against Assembly staff who exhibit absenteeism or poor punctuality.

The hassle associated with this year’s school placement has been nightmarish.

Although the picture of a smooth exercise is being painted, we can simply conclude that it is just part of a choreographed propaganda.

Indeed, the best persons to give a true picture of the situation on the ground are parents.

Parents who do not have the means to influence those in charge of the placement centres have to cope with the complaints of their wards at home, especially those who did so well and are expecting to be placed in schools of their choices. Some of such students, and they are many, have ended up being placed outside their places of residence and as day students.

Boarding status has been denied many prospective students, a situation which has led to speculations that it is part of a deliberate scheme to reduce the number of boarders in public schools. If you do not want to be openly scrapping the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme and earn the wrath of the people, simply reduce the numbers going to the boarding schools. That is what government is subtly doing, according to political gossips.

As usual when people are pressed, they fall victims to corrupt officers in charge of the school placement activities.

Some parents are paying good money for their kids to have their schools changed, and it is happening. The more popular the school is, the more parents have to pay to have admissions for their wards. The amount being paid of course without receipts vary between two thousand and fifteen thousand Ghana Cedis. That is the story, and those who dispute this can go to the field for verification.

There is no convincing explanation about students gaining aggregate 9 being denied their first choices.

A young girl who did very well, aggregate 9, was given O’Reilly Senior High School and as day student. The father of the young girl was so incensed that he simply did not know what to do. He ruled out bribing to have his daughter gain admission to Achimota or Accra Girls’ Senior High School.

His last resort – seeking the intervention of politically connected persons some of whom might not pick his calls. What if he does not have such links?

Perhaps it is time to rethink the system, especially given the rising number of pupils qualifying to proceed to SHS across the country.

We progressed from the initial first and second school choices and a region for the third to the current computer placement, which over time has posted challenges as being witnessed in this year’s chapter.

Parents and pupils too should be blamed for some of the challenges being witnessed. With schools categorised and for that matter having varying grades for admissions, yet some pupils who do not meet the grades insist on being posted to such schools.

This is where the corruption sets in, and those who benefit from it are exploiting the once-in-a-year opportunity to the detriment of financially stressed parents.

We are looking at a future where challenges as aforementioned do not feature in the school placement system. It can be done when stakeholders brainstorm on the subject so they can come out with effective interventions.

A petition has been sent to President John Dramani Mahama calling for the removal of Supreme Court judge, Justice Yonny Kulendi, for alleged judicial misconduct.

The petition, presented by Daniel Marfo Ofori-Atta on September 30, 2025 to the Office of the President, is accusing Justice Kulendi of improper interference in the trial of now Minister of Finance Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa, Director of Operations at the National Security Council.

Citi News reported that the petitioner argues that the alleged actions of Justice Kulendi contravene provisions of the Code of Conduct for Judges and Magistrates.

He further contends that such conduct undermines judicial independence and erodes public trust in the judiciary.

There is no official communication from the Office of the President regarding the petition, and any action taken by the office must be in strict compliance with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, which deals with the removal of justices of the Superior Courts.

CID Probe

Daniel Marfo Ofori-Atta has also petitioned the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to investigate Justice Yonny Kulendi and Richard Jakpa for allegedly conspiring to interfere with the administration of justice in the ambulance trial.

According to him, Jakpa right from the beginning of the trial in January 2022, allegedly deployed the highly influential Justice Kulendi ‘to obstruct the course of justice in the case with the ultimate object of ensuring that the prosecution of Richard Jakpa was either abated by the then Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, or he (Jakpa) was acquitted.’

It indicates that the acts of Justice Kulendi and Richard Jakpa border on the commission of crimes relating to interference with legal proceedings.

He detailed court proceedings capturing Jakpa telling the court under cross-examination how he contacted Justice Kulendi, who is his cousin, to assist him in the ongoing trial.

For instance, the petition points out that on January 18, 2022, after Richard Jakpa had been arraigned in court, he solicited the help of Justice Kulendi, to procure the assistance of the then Attorney General ‘to facilitate the release of Richard Jakpa when he had not satisfied the conditions of the bail granted to him.’

‘Justice Kulendi actually went to the office of the former Attorney General, Godfred Dame, to request that his cousin be permitted to go home,’ the petition indicated.

It also pointed a proceeding where Richard Jakpa ‘confessed’ to obtaining the telephone number of Mr. Dame from Justice Kulendi, after which he confidently attempted to meet with Mr. Dame and inundated him with many WhatsApp messages.

‘The evidence shows that from the time Richard Jakpa first got in touch with Attorney General Godfred Dame via WhatsApp, he sent in all sixty-eight (68) WhatsApp messages to him, in reply to which the then Attorney General sent only two (2). Richard Jakpa confirmed this under cross-examination by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mrs. Yvonne Atakora-Obuobisa,’ the petition noted.

Again, the petition alleges that Justice Kulendi ‘lured’ Mr. Dame into a meeting at his (Justice Kulendi’s) home to meet Jakpa, after Jakpa’s several attempts to get the former Attorney General to meet him in person failed.

‘Indeed, the record showed that apart from inside the courtroom and the house of Justice Yonny Kulendi, Mr. Godfred Dame has never met Mr. Richard Jakpa,’ the petition disclosed.

He urged the CID to commence investigations into the conduct of Justice Yonny Kulendi and his cousin, Richard Jakpa, to unravel all acts of criminality disclosed by their conduct, and take such prosecutorial action as is consistent with law.

Prudential Bank Limited (PBL) has donated a Nissan Navara 4×4 pickup truck for the sixth consecutive year to support the Ghana Teacher Prize.

The vehicle will be presented to the first runner-up at the upcoming awards ceremony, scheduled for October 5, 2025, at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) Cedi Auditorium in Ho.

At a brief ceremony in Accra, the Executive Head of Corporate and Institutional Banking at PBL, Edward Commey, handed over the vehicle to the National Teaching Council (NTC) on behalf of the Bank.

He expressed pride in the partnership with the Ministry of Education, the NTC, and the Ghana Teacher Prize, saying the initiative continues to inspire teachers nationwide.

‘Quality education is fundamental to societal advancement. Education equips individuals, fuels economic progress, and strengthens community bonds,’ Mr. Commey noted.

He was accompanied by the Bank’s Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Akosua A. Boahen.

Receiving the vehicle, NTC Registrar Dr. Christian Addai-Poku commended Prudential Bank for its sustained contribution toward improving teacher motivation and performance.

He stressed that recognising excellence in education aligns with national development goals and urged other corporate institutions to emulate PBL’s commitment.

The 2025 Ghana Teacher Prize, now in its seventh year since its rebranding from the Best Teacher Awards, marks 31 years of celebrating exceptional educators.

Since 1994, teachers have been honoured with houses, vehicles, and monetary awards to motivate excellence and dedication to service.

This year’s celebrations will kick off with a two-day symposium and exhibition at the Volta Serene Hotel from October 3 to 4, before culminating in the grand ceremony on World Teachers’ Day, October 5.

President John Dramani Mahama will grace the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour.

The Paramount Chief of Kome-Shime Traditional Area, in the Volta Region, Togbi Amey Zegu II, has made a passionate call for a united front against rising youth drug abuse.

Togbe Amey Zegu was speaking at 2025 Klefe Yam Festival packed durbar attended by dignitaries, including the Chief of Staff at the Office of the Vice President, Alex Segbefia.

Togbi Zegu blended the festival’s cultural celebration with an urgent message of collective responsibility.

He warned that substance abuse threatens the very future of the region’s young people.

‘The same spirit of togetherness that sustained our ancestors must guide us in overcoming today’s challenges invoking the Ewe people’s historic migration from Notsie to the Volta plains,’ he said.

He pointed out that ‘Unity is our greatest inheritance and our greatest weapon.’

Togbi Zegu underscored the pivotal role of the younger generation, describing them as ‘today’s energy, innovation, and hope.’

He commended community projects such as the construction of dormitories at the Klefe Technical Institute, calling vocational education ‘the cornerstone of independence and entrepreneurship.’

Citing recent surveys, the chief revealed alarming statistics: more than half of secondary school students admit to drinking alcohol, nearly one in five report using marijuana, and more than five percent have experimented with amphetamines.

Cases of tramadol and opioid abuse, he warned, are steadily climbing.

‘These are our sons and daughters. If we lose them to drugs, we lose our future,’ he warmed.

To counter the crisis, Togbi Zegu outlined an ambitious response, urging a regional alliance of traditional leaders, parents, educators, and law enforcement to confront the menace through education, family mentorship, counselling and rehabilitation, tighter controls on illicit substances, and expanded opportunities for youth employment and skills training.

He called on the people of Volta to draw strength from their shared history, envisioning future festivals that celebrate not only rich harvests but also the triumphs of empowered, drug-free youth. ‘Let us stand united in history, purpose, and action.’

The 2025 Klefe Yam Festival was on the theme ‘Youth Empowerment: The Future of Our Community.’

Ghana Health Service (GHS) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) is introducing the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination for girls between the ages of 9 and 14 years nationwide.

The HPV Vaccination is to fight against cervical cancer, particularly in girls starting from October 7, 2025.

Speaking at a media training, the country representative for WHO, Dr. Fiona Braka explained that cervical cancer is among top most cancers that affect women globally.

She stated that about 1,600 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer daily globally, with about 50% losing their lives due to this illness.

She stressed that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women in Ghana, adding that about 3,000 new cases and about 1,700 deaths are recorded every year.

According to Dr. Braka, about 70% of the cases are detected late, emphasising that the cost of treatment contributes to the devastation that affects women.

She stated that HPV affects 80% of sexually active individuals by the age of 45, noting that the HPV vaccines offer protection against the disease.

She lauded Ghana for introducing the vaccines, add that the HPV vaccines will join the list of immunsations in the country in order to support the global and national goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.

Dr. Fiona highlighted that the strategy recommended by WHO to tackle the disease is the 90-70-90 strategy ? 90% of the girls will be vaccinated by the age of 15 with 70% of the women screened for cervical cancer by age of 35 and 45 and the other 90% of women who will be found with precancerous lesions will receive timely treatment which will eliminate the disease by the said time.

She stressed that the HPV vaccine is not new since it has been in use globally since 2006 with over 140 countries around the world using it, including 28 African countries.

She stated that WHO is remains committed help the country in the fight against cervical cancer.

Extended Programme on Immunisation Manager of GHS, Dr. Selorm Kutsoati, xplained that HPV is the necessary cause for the development of cervical cancer, stating that about 99% of the cases are caused by the high-risk HPV.

She emphasised that the early age of cervical cancer is quite asymptomatic thus women do not develop symptoms at all but will have signs such as unusual vaginal bleeding, pain during intercourse, weight loss, increased or foul smelling vaginal discharge and tiredness at the advanced stage.

She urged the media to educate the public and counter misinformation and disinformation regarding the HPV vaccination.