Category: Daily Guide Network

The Divisional Chief of Himan-Prestea, in the Western Region, Nana Nteboa Pra IV, has condemned the incessant attacks on journalists and media practitioners, saying they undermine press freedom.

‘The attacks, intimidation and poor working conditions of journalists undermine press freedom and weaken public confidence,’ he stressed.

The chief was speaking at the official launch of the first Media and Corporate Impact (CI) Awards by the Western and Western North Regional branches of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).

The awards, launched under the theme ‘Reporting Progress. Investing in People,’ seek to honour journalists whose work has shaped public discourse, influenced policy, promoted transparency and documented the development journey of the Western and Western North Regions.

The initiative will also recognise corporate institutions whose investments and social interventions continue to transform communities and improve lives.

He stressed the need for decisive action to address issues affecting media practitioners, and urged stakeholders not to trivialise the challenges confronting journalists.

He also challenged media owners to prioritise the welfare of their employees by investing in their professional growth and improving working conditions.

Nana Nteboa Pra IV encouraged practitioners in the new media space to prioritise factual, balanced and responsible reporting over sensationalism.

He further challenged journalists to continue championing the development narrative of the Western and Western North Regions by highlighting opportunities, successes and challenges across the various sectors of the economy.

He commended journalists for their indispensable role in promoting accountability, amplifying community voices and driving sustainable development across the two regions.

The Western Regional Chairman of the GJA, Desmond Cudjoe, described journalism as the bridge between development and the people, stressing that progress only becomes meaningful when citizens are informed, empowered and able to hold duty-bearers accountable.

He noted that journalists remain at the forefront of every major national and community development story-reporting on education, healthcare, infrastructure, environmental protection, governance, business and social issues-often under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions.

‘Journalists are among the first to arrive when disaster strikes, the first to tell the stories of vulnerable communities and the first to expose wrongdoing. Yet many continue to work under insecure conditions, with inadequate resources and remuneration that falls far below the value they create for society,’ he said.

Mr. Cudjoe therefore called for greater investment in journalists through improved welfare, safety, training and professional development, stressing that investing in journalists ultimately strengthens democracy, accountability and national development.

The launch also featured solidarity messages from representatives of state institutions, traditional authorities, corporate organisations, civil society groups and development partners, who paid glowing tribute to journalists for their commitment to informing the public despite numerous challenges.

The competitive award categories include best reporter in Infrastructure, Fisheries, Cocoa and Agriculture, Oil, Gas and Energy, Environment, Education, Sports, Crime and Legal Affairs, Health, Gender and Social Inclusion, and Business and Labour Affairs.

The awards are open to original journalistic works produced by journalists within the Western and Western North Regions between June 2025 and July 2026.

Beyond journalism, the initiative introduces the Corporate Impact Awards, which will honour organisations demonstrating exceptional commitment to sustainable development.

The Court of Appeal yesterday overturned a High Court judgement that found National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, liable for defaming former Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh.

The court in its decision reversed the GHS500,000 awarded against Mr. Gyamfi as general damages by the High Court in a case that started in 2019.

The appellate court in a unanimous decision held that the statement complained of in paragraph 14 of Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s statement of claim was not defamatory and had not been proven to be false or malicious.

The court consequently found that the trial judge had erred in characterising the statement as defamatory, effectively quashing the earlier judgment against Mr. Gyamfi.

Background

Dr. Opoku Prempeh had sued Mr. Gyamfi for associating him with Seidu Yakubu who was one of the suspects arrested in connection with the kidnapping of two Canadian ladies in Kumasi.

The High Court, Accra, General Jurisdiction 12, presided over by Justice Charles Gyamfi Danquah found that Sammy Gyamfi defamed the Energy Minister at a press conference in June 2019 when he said that ‘Seidu Yakubu, suspected of being involved in the kidnapping of the 2 Canadian girls in the year 2019, is the errand boy of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh.’

In his writ, filed on June 25, 2019, by Sarkodie Baffuor Awuah and Partners, Dr. Opoku Prempeh sought GHS1 million in damages, arguing that the statement had injured his reputation both locally and abroad after it circulated widely on traditional and electronic media platforms.

He contended that he had led a decent public and private life and that Mr. Gyamfi’s remarks falsely portrayed him as a supporter of thuggery and kidnapping without proof.

Aside the monetary demands, he also sought an order of the court directed at Sammy Gyamfi to retract and apologise for the defamatory statement within seven days after the judgement.

He averred that in his entire public and private life, he had led a decent lifestyle worthy of emulation, so Mr. Gyamfi had no justification to link him with ‘miscreants’ to dent his image.

The High Court, presided over by Justice Charles Gyamfi Danquah, ruled in Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s favour, awarding GH?500,000 in damages and ordering Mr. Gyamfi to publish a retraction and apology.

Following the High Court judgment, Mr. Gyamfi’s lawyers filed a notice of appeal along with an application for stay of execution to challenge the ruling – an appeal the Court of Appeal has now upheld.

The Ashanti Regional Office of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) resolved 982 out of 1,208 complaints lodged against the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Ghana Water Limited (GWL) during the first six months of 2026, achieving an 81.29 percent resolution rate.

The Commission disclosed this in its Mid-Year 2026 Regional Performance Report, which highlighted significant gains in consumer protection, utility service delivery and public education across the Ashanti Region.

According to the report, ECG accounted for 1,116 complaints, representing 92.38 percent of the total complaints received, while GWL recorded 92 complaints, representing 7.61 percent.

The report indicated that the Commission successfully resolved 918 ECG-related complaints and 64 GWL-related complaints during the period under review.

As part of its interventions, PURC secured GHS108,969.40 in billing and payment adjustments in favour of consumers after investigations into complaints against the utility providers.

The Commission also recovered GHS55,664.74 from defaulting consumers on behalf of the utility companies.

The report further revealed that PURC facilitated the replacement of critical utility infrastructure to improve service delivery across the region.

These included the replacement of eight damaged electricity poles at a cost of GHS33,424, benefiting about 824 consumers, while three faulty electricity meters were replaced and 13 delayed electricity service connections were completed at a combined cost of GHS20,184, serving 144 consumers.

Additionally, four 200kVA transformers were replaced at a cost of GHS480,000, restoring reliable electricity supply to about 3,400 consumers.

In the water sector, the Commission facilitated the repair of 19 burst water pipes at an estimated cost of GHS22,800, restoring water supply to approximately 2,014 consumers.

Overall, the interventions involved an estimated investment of GHS556,408, directly benefiting 6,382 consumers across the Ashanti Region.

Beyond complaint resolution, the Commission intensified its consumer education and stakeholder engagement programmes through a number of outreach initiatives.

Under the ‘Tell PURC’ campaign, officials visited households in Dunkwa Ayanfuri, Asafo, Bantama, Manso Atwedie, Jacobu, Akrokerri and Adobewura to educate consumers on their rights and responsibilities while gathering first-hand information on challenges with utility service delivery.

The Commission also engaged traditional authorities and residents of Bodwesango through its ‘PURC @ the Palace’ initiative, where participants were educated on the Commission’s mandate, complaint handling procedures, meter acquisition processes, consumer rights and responsibilities, as well as electricity and water conservation.

Similarly, the ‘PURC @ the Bus Terminal’ initiative took the Commission to the Asante Mampong and Nsuta bus terminals, where passengers, transport operators and drivers were sensitised on consumer rights, the obligations of utility providers and the channels available for lodging complaints.

Under its ‘PURC Market Connect’ programme, the Commission also engaged traders at the Nyinahin and Asuofia markets, educating them on utility regulations, responsible consumption and the importance of honouring their utility payment obligations.

The report noted that these initiatives have significantly strengthened consumer awareness, improved access to the Commission’s services and enhanced confidence in the complaint resolution process, while promoting accountability among utility service providers in the region.

Ghanaian TikToker, Camilla Alhassan, has been sentenced to one-year imprisonment by a Circuit Court in Accra for making some unsubstantiated claims about President John Mahama in the run up to the 2024 general election.

She was dragged before the court on July 10, 2026, where she pleaded guilty to the charge of offensive conduct and publication of false news.

Camilla Alhassan, 43, was arrested on Friday, July 10, 2026, after she had claimed in a series of TikTok videos that President Mahama had sacrificed 32 cows to win the 2024 presidential election.

She made the claims in response to the recent floods and fire outbreaks that hit parts of Accra, resulting in the loss of lives and properties.

Camilla Alhassan further claimed that government’s decision to distribute sanitary pads to flood victims was a ploy to cover up the alleged sacrifices undertaken by the President.

She also wished death on the President and his wife, while making a further allegation bordering on infidelity against the President.

‘These offensive and abusive statements against the President of the Republic of Ghana are likely to provoke a breach of the peace,’ a court document alleged.

She pleaded guilty to the charges and was remanded by the court, presided over by Her Honour Emmanuella Asmah, who had deferred her sentencing pending a pregnancy test.

Before her sentencing, her lawyers prayed the court to temper justice with mercy and pleaded for leniency.

The court, however, noted the rapid surge in such utterances on social media and said there was the need to impose a sentence that serves a deterrent.

A video of Camilla Alhassan being escorted to court under heavy police security surfaced online yesterday, sparking mixed reactions about the need for such security measures given the nature of the offence.

Before her arrest, she had uploaded another video claiming that a woman identifying herself as an officer of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service had contacted her and instructed her to report to the CID Headquarters or risk being arrested.

She told her followers she was going to turn herself in voluntarily, adding that her brother would escort her to the police headquarters.

Her sentencing comes just a little over a month after another TikToker, Mahama Aminat, who allegedly threatened the life of President John Mahama and First Lady Lordina Mahama on social media, was admitted to a bail of GHS1 million with three sureties.

Two of the sureties must provide documents of a landed property while the third must be a civil servant earning not less than GHS5,000 a month.

Mahama Aminat was dragged before a Circuit Court on one count of offensive conduct conducive to the breach of the peace and another charge of threat of death.

Court documents indicate that the 26-year-old trader, on May 19, used unprintable words aimed at the President and his wife ‘with intent to provoke a breach of the peace or by which the breach of the peace is likely to be occasioned.’

Rapper, Awal, has extended an olive branch to fellow musicians Fameye and Medikal, apologising for past misunderstandings and calling for greater unity within the country’s music industry.

Speaking in an interview on Okay FM, Awal said he has reflected on some of the conflicts that strained his relationships with colleagues and believes it is time to move forward.

Recalling his fallout with Fameye, Awal said the two were once close friends before a business disagreement affected their bond.

‘I had issues with Fameye. I don’t even know how it ended, but there was a misunderstanding between us. I don’t know how he felt. Maybe he felt really bad. I would like to tell him that if I’ve stepped on his toes, I’m sorry,’ he said.

He added that he misses the friendship they once shared.

‘We were friends and there was business involved, but sometimes I feel bad that we don’t have that kind of vibe anymore,’ Awal stated.

The rapper also addressed his relationship with Medikal, explaining that their differences arose from the competitive nature of hip-hop, where lyrical jabs are often exchanged between artistes.

‘As for Medikal, I recorded a song, ‘Take It or Leave It.’ In the hip-hop fraternity, it’s part of the culture to take shots at someone. Medikal also used to like me and support me, but through rap culture, one way or the other, I stepped on his toes,’ he explained.

Awal concluded by apologising to anyone in the creative arts industry who may have been hurt by his actions or words, stressing the need for collaboration to elevate Ghanaian music.

‘To all my colleagues in the industry, if I’ve stepped on your toes in one way or another, I want to say please find a place in your heart to forgive me. Let’s do this together because we are doing this for the culture. Let’s put Ghana on the map,’ he added.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has reaffirmed its commitment to developing women’s football by outlining its long-term vision during the FIFA Women’s Football Campaign held in Dabala.

The event brought together pupils, teachers and community members, providing an opportunity to educate participants on the campaign’s objectives while highlighting football’s role in empowering young girls through education, personal development and sporting opportunities.

Speaking at the programme, GFA Women’s Football Development Officer, Jennifer Amankwaa Sarpong, said the initiative forms a key part of the Association’s grassroots strategy aimed at increasing female participation in football across the country.

She explained that the campaign is designed to identify and nurture talented young girls, creating a clear pathway for them to progress from grassroots football to Ghana’s national women’s teams.

According to Jennifer, the initiative goes beyond introducing girls to football, focusing instead on creating opportunities, inspiring ambition and ensuring every talented player has the chance to reach her full potential regardless of her background.

She also urged parents, teachers and communities to support girls interested in football, stressing that their encouragement plays a crucial role in both their personal and sporting development.

Jennifer expressed the GFA’s appreciation to FIFA for its continued investment in women’s football, noting that the campaign is helping more girls discover the sport, develop valuable life skills and pursue their dreams.

The GFA also commended schools, teachers, local authorities and other stakeholders for their support in ensuring the successful organisation of the programme, describing their collaboration as vital to the continued growth of women’s football in the country.

The Concerned Citizens of Ghana (CCG) has called on President John Mahama and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to engage the Government of Nigeria over allegations of harassment of Ghanaian workers at Jonah Capital and River Park Estate in Nigeria.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday in Accra, convener of the group, James Clarke, said the developments surrounding Jonah Capital’s investment in Nigeria had become a matter of national concern, and if not addressed, could result in dispute as well as strain diplomatic relations between Ghana and Nigeria.

According to the group, some assets of Jonah Capital have also been attacked by Nigerian authorities following a purported revocation of the company’s Development Lease Agreement.

The group appealed to both governments to allow ongoing due process, including arbitration, to supersede force in resolving the dispute.

The group alleged that armed police officers reportedly attached to the Counter-Terrorism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force participated in an operation at the company’s Gallery Clubhouse at River Park Estate, during which part of the facility’s entrance was destroyed.

‘We therefore call on His Excellency the President and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration to take this matter up formally and promptly with the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

‘We call on the authorities in Nigeria to halt all enforcement actions at River Park Estate, secure the safety of the Ghanaians connected with the estate, and allow the arbitration and court processes to run their course,’ the group stated.

The convener said in June 2025, it petitioned the Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana over what it described as attempts by the then Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to disregard the findings of the Nigeria Police Special Investigation Panel in a criminal case involving Jonah Capital and its directors.

Mr. Clarke said an independent review by Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation subsequently concluded that there was no prima facie evidence to support allegations of forgery and related offences against the company’s officials.

He noted that the Attorney-General also affirmed the findings of the Special Investigation Panel and criticised attempts to criminalise what he described as a commercial dispute.

He added that, following the Attorney-General’s directive, the Federal Capital Territory High Court struck out the criminal charges against the company’s executives in January 2026.

The group indicated that despite those developments, Jonah Capital was still facing challenges with state authorities in Abuja.

‘We are concerned that while the Minister claims Jonah Capital’s agreement has expired, a claim the company is challenging before international arbitration, his administration has entered the company’s lands with armed men, damaged company assets and put the lives of staff at risk.

‘Whether or not the agreement has expired is precisely the question now before arbitrators. No party confident of its case needs bulldozers and armed men to make its argument,’ he stated.

Mr. Clarke noted that several Nigerian banks, including UBA, Zenith Bank and Access Bank, continue to operate successfully in Ghana without interference and, therefore, asked the Nigerian Government to equally support Ghanaian businesses.

‘It is painful that the most prominent Ghanaian company in Abuja has suffered such consistent attacks while we stand by, seemingly unconcerned,’ he pointed out.

The group further mentioned that the ongoing dispute undermines the objectives of regional integration being promoted by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), particularly the protection of cross-border investments and the free movement of businesses within the sub-region.

‘We are asking the Government of Ghana to engage the Government of Nigeria firmly, and at the highest level, to ensure that Ghanaians are treated with dignity and fairness, exactly as Nigerians are treated in Ghana,’ Mr. Clarke added.

The Ministry of Education has urged the Ghana Police Service to, as a matter of urgency, locate and arrest the interdicted Bole Senior High School (SHS) teacher, who remains at large weeks after a nationwide manhunt was announced.

According to the Education Ministry, it is deeply concerned that the suspect has yet to be arrested despite the seriousness of his misconduct and the public interest at stake.

‘We have taken note of reports suggesting that the fugitive teacher recently granted an interview in which he claimed his conduct was unintentional. Indeed, the emergence of a statement attributed to him, asking for a transfer to a village school, should be enough of a clue for the Police to track him down,’ the Education Ministry said.

The Ministry believes that with intensified efforts, including digital tracking and contacting the source, which reported his flimsy excuse, could prove useful in locating him.

‘We are determined to see the erring teacher arrested urgently because information available to us indicates that contrary to what he claimed in his recent interview, his unprofessional conduct was deliberate and intentional,’ the Education Ministry noted.

A statement signed by the Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, said they have seen other videos of the same teacher engaged in similar inappropriate behaviour with other girls they believe are also students, and based on what they know so far, they believe that the now disgraced and interdicted teacher used his privileged position as a teacher to exploit vulnerable female students.

‘The Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu has accurately described the incident at Bole Senior High School as unacceptable, shameful, and inconsistent with the values and standards expected of members of the teaching profession,’ he stated.

He indicated that it will be a disappointment if the Ghana Police Service, in whom they have so much confidence, is unable to track the suspect down, knowing its impressive abilities and enviable record in grabbing perpetrators of crimes.

Dr. Apaak urged members of the public, who may have information about the whereabouts of the Bole SHS teacher, to contact the police or the Ministry of Education.

‘The Ministry further uses this opportunity to reiterate its grave concern over the increasing cases of indiscipline involving teachers, heads, and students across educational institutions in the country. These incidents undermine teaching and learning, weaken public confidence in schools, and threaten efforts to build safe and disciplined learning environments,’ he stressed.

The Deputy Minister for Education disclosed that the Minister for Education has empowered and directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to take firm and decisive action against all forms of misconduct in pre-tertiary institutions, stressing that acts which fall below acceptable standards of professional and student conduct will attract appropriate sanctions in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

‘The Ministry reiterates that discipline remains a cornerstone of quality education and that there must be clear consequences for actions that violate established rules and ethical standards,’ he added.

Dancehall artiste, Stonebwoy, has expressed his grief over the death of Jamaican reggae star, Fantan Mojah, describing him as a fearless voice whose music touched lives across the globe.

In his tribute on X, Stonebwoy reflected on the late musician’s visit to Ghana for the 2025 Bhim Festival, saying it was a privilege to host him and celebrate his remarkable contribution to reggae music.

‘The Macka Tree Goes Home. It was an honour to welcome you to the Motherland and to celebrate your legacy at BHIMFESTIVAL 25,’ Stonebwoy wrote.

The award-winning musician likened Fantan Mojah to the ‘Macka Tree,’ a reference to one of the reggae icon’s most celebrated songs, praising his unwavering commitment to truth, African culture and conscious music.

‘You stood tall like the Macka Tree – rooted in culture, unshaken in truth, and sheltering generations with your sound. Rest well, Jah Warrior,’ he stated.

Stonebwoy said although Fantan Mojah had departed, his legacy would continue to inspire people through the powerful messages contained in his music.

‘Your songs were more than music – they were medicine, they were fire, they were faith. You uplifted my spirit, and you continue to uplift millions worldwide,’ he added.

He ended his tribute by saying, ‘Fantan Mojah Forever in our hearts,’ paying his final respects to the reggae legend, whose music championed spirituality, justice and African identity throughout his career.

TWELVE PEOPLE are reported dead following a gory road accident involving three vehicles at the Konongo Anglican Basic School area on the Kumasi-Accra highway.

The deceased included 8 male adults, three females, and a young boy, who is believed to be five years old.

Several others also sustained varying degrees of injuries and were convey to the Steward Hospital in Yawkwai for treatment.

The bodies of the deceased have since been deposited at the mortuary.

According to reports, the accident, happened around 11pm on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, involved a DAF Cargo truck, from Kumasi to Accra, loaded with tomatoes, a commercial bus carrying passengers from Accra to Kumasi, and an empty fuel tanker.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the DAF cargo truck tried to overtake another car and lost control, colliding head-on with the commercial bus, which was from the Accra area.

The driver of the empty fuel tanker, perhaps, did not see the accident on time as he unfortunately drove his vehicle into the already collided cargo truck and the passenger bus.

The deafening sound that the accident made attracted scores of curious people to the scene, who managed to transport the injured people to the hospital for immediate medical care.

Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service, the Ghana Police Service and the National Ambulance Service were deployed to the scene to rescue trapped victims.

The crash brought traffic on the busy Kumasi-Accra Highway to a standstill for several hours as emergency responders and security personnel carried out rescue and recovery operations.

At the time of filing the report on Thursday afternoon, there were reports that 13 people survived the crash.

Meanwhile, the police at Konongo in the Ashanti region are said to have commenced investigations to help find what caused the accident.