Category: Daily Guide Network

A ferocious fire gutted the main building of the State Insurance Company (SIC) in Takoradi early yesterday morning.

The inferno affected several offices in the four-storey building destroying property worth thousands of Cedis.

One of the badly hit offices was the studio of Takoradi-based New Day Television.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known. However, it reportedly started from the television studio at about 9:00am.

Firefighters from Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and the Ghana Ports and Habours Authority (GPHA) later arrived at the scene and managed to bring the fire under control.

What started as a day of joy and celebration has ended in tears at Kade in the Eastern Region after three brothers were killed in a horrific motor accident at the C4C Junction on Monday, September 14, 2026.

The deceased, identified as Abubakar Kamiru, 26, Bashiru Fataw, 21, and Seidu Shamsu, 17, reportedly died when the motorcycle on which they were travelling crashed into a faulty Tata bus parked along the road.

Abubakar, the eldest of the three, had reportedly just tied the knot and was on his way with his two younger brothers to welcome his newly-wedded wife, who was travelling home in a car.

According to family members and eyewitnesses, the brothers, apparently overwhelmed with excitement and eager to meet the bride, were travelling at high speed when the tragedy occurred.

The motorcycle reportedly crashed into the stationary Tata bus, with registration number GT 9288H, at the Kade C4C Junction.

The impact was said to have been devastating, leaving all three brothers critically injured.

Residents who rushed to the scene quickly conveyed the victims to the Kade Government Hospital, but medical officers pronounced them dead on arrival.

The incident has since plunged the bereaved family, the newly-wedded bride and residents of the Kade C4C community into deep sorrow.

The tragedy has particularly shocked the community because it occurred on a day that was expected to be filled with happiness following Abubakar’s marriage.

Police officers at Kade have visited the scene and commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The bodies have since been deposited at the Kade Government Hospital mortuary pending burial arrangements.

The bereaved family is expected to make arrangements for the burial in accordance with Islamic customs.

The tragedy has also renewed concerns about speeding and road safety, particularly among motorcycle riders, with residents urging road users to exercise maximum caution to prevent avoidable deaths.

Delegations from seven African countries have visited Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) as part of a 12-month study aimed at examining the country’s new model to formalise gold trading and regulation, particularly efforts to retain more value from gold production.

The engagements, which began in September 2025 following a visit by Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, on September 18, will enable the seven countries which include Sierra Leone, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Sudan and Namibia to understand how the institution has been able to work so far with miners in the gold value chain.

A report indicates that discussions with the Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, centred on how Sierra Leone could adapt the Ghanaian model to strengthen its mineral revenue management.

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance, Mr. Fantamadi Bangura, who commended the achievements of GoldBod within a relatively short period, described the institution’s model as a potential blueprint for sustainable gold-sector reform in Africa.

In October 2025, a delegation from Mozambique’s Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy also undertook a two-day study visit to Ghana where the delegation, which included officials responsible for the Kimberley Process, examined the country’s institutional arrangements for regulating gold trading and certification.

Reports showed that the Mozambican officials were taken through GoldBod’s regulatory framework and day-to-day operations by Deputy Chief Executive Officer Richard Nunekpeku.

The visit by the officials from Mozambique formed part of the country’s interest in strengthening the regulation and legal framework of precious metals, rough diamonds and gemstones.

Reports further revealed that the interest continued in January 2026 when a 15-member delegation from Tanzania’s Minerals Commission visited GoldBod to also study the country’s gold-buying system and the regulatory regime supporting it, followed by a separate delegation from the Central Bank of Tanzania to study Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchasing Programme.

Tanzania’s interest subsequently extended beyond the Minerals Commission. Four months later, in April 2026, GoldBod hosted the BetterBrands Team from Zimbabwe on a technical visit focused on opportunities for formalising Ghana’s artisanal and small-scale mining sector.

The engagements by the seven African countries demonstrate the breadth of international interest in countries approach to governance, with interest ranging from mineral revenue management, gold trading and certification, licensing and regulation, domestic gold purchasing, artisanal and small-scale mining among others.

According to industry experts, the study tours will also provide opportunity for GoldBod to share its experience while strengthening technical and institutional cooperation with other African mineral-producing countries as well as helping more African countries to explore ways of capturing greater value from their mineral resources.

Actress and filmmaker, Ama K. Abebrese, believes Emmanuel Nii Adom Quaye, popularly known as Strika, can still rebuild his life despite his reported seven-year prison sentence.

Ama K Abebrese, who has offered to support the ‘Beasts of No Nation’ actor, said she hopes his current situation will not mark the end of his story.

Speaking in a video shared on X on September 16, 2026, the actress said she had previously tried to reach Strika after news of his alleged involvement in the theft of metal railings went viral.

Although she was unable to get in touch with him, Ama K said her offer to help him remains open.

‘I’m just hoping that he comes out of this. I’m hoping this is not the end of his story, and he’s gonna go on to greener pastures,’ she said.

She added that she would still be willing to explore ways of supporting the actor after his time in prison.

‘That offer still stands, and hopefully, after the time that he spends in prison, we’ll see how best we can support him,’ she stated.

Strika became internationally known after starring in the 2015 Hollywood film ‘Beasts of No Nation’, but his life has since been marked by a series of challenges.

On August 29, 2026, he attracted widespread attention after a video allegedly showing him with metal railings at the Kwashieman footbridge in Accra circulated on social media.

An audio recording attributed to the actor later surfaced in which he claimed that he had been sentenced to seven years in prison.

For Ama K. Abebrese, however, the sentence should not be viewed as the final chapter of Strika’s life.

The Education Sector Policy Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has challenged President John Mahama to either apologise to Ghanaians or sack the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, over the controversy surrounding the proposed introduction of Arabic and Chinese languages into schools.

The committee said if the Education Minister announced and pursued the policy without presidential or Cabinet approval, then the President should relieve him of his position.

However, if the minister acted with the knowledge or authority of the President or Cabinet, it said President Mahama must apologise to the Ghanaian public for denying a policy that his government had already set in motion.

In a statement released yesterday, the committee said the President’s recent declaration that there was ‘absolutely no new policy’ on the introduction of Arabic and Chinese had created a serious contradiction, particularly in view of earlier actions by the Education Ministry and its agencies.

It recalled that on April 24, 2026, Mr. Iddrisu publicly announced that Chinese and Arabic would become compulsory foreign languages at the secondary school level and linked the policy to President Mahama’s vision for education.

According to the committee, the Ministry subsequently instructed the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) to undertake curriculum development work, involving about 160 writers and reviewers over several months.

It said a revised curriculum incorporating Arabic and Chinese among foreign-language options was presented to the Education Minister on July 22, 2026.

The committee claimed that instead of rejecting the curriculum, the minister referred it to the Ghana Education Service (GES) and directed the service to bring it to ‘full implementation readiness’, take early ownership and prepare for classroom implementation.

It further cited the training of teachers by NaCCA on September 3, 2026, with support from the Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast, as evidence that preparations had progressed beyond a mere proposal.

The NPP committee said the sequence of events would reasonably lead the public to believe that the policy had been authorised by the government, particularly because the Education Minister had attributed the policy direction to the President.

It therefore questioned the President’s subsequent assertion that there was ‘absolutely no new policy’, arguing that the statement had failed to explain the actions already taken by the Ministry, NaCCA and GES.

The committee also raised questions about public expenditure associated with the process, including curriculum development, workshops, technical work and teacher training.

‘If there was ‘absolutely no new policy’, why were public resources committed to developing the curricula, preparing the system for implementation and training teachers?’ it asked.

The committee also pointed to President Mahama’s concern about the availability of Chinese language teachers, particularly when Ghana was already experiencing shortages of French teachers.

It questioned why the implementation process had progressed to curriculum development and teacher training if teacher availability remained unresolved.

The NPP, however, distinguished between Arabic and Chinese, noting that Arabic had existed as an optional subject at the Junior High School level before the current government assumed office.

Chinese, it said, was different, because the 2026 process involved curriculum development, consideration by the Education Ministry, preparations by GES and teacher training.

The committee said the controversy had broader implications for government policy coordination and accountability.

It argued that if a minister could announce a major policy, attribute it to the President, involve government institutions and commit public resources to its development without the required approval, questions would arise about how other government decisions were being taken.

The committee said parents, teachers, school administrators and taxpayers deserved clear and consistent communication from the government.

It maintained that the controversy could not simply be declared settled, and repeated its call for President Mahama to either apologise to the nation and provide a full account of the policy and expenditure involved, or sack the Education Minister for acting without the necessary authority.

Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has paid tribute to generations of Ghanaian football stars whose journeys to the highest level began through the country’s Colts football system.

Speaking at the launch of the 2026/27 Colts Football Season at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, Simeon-Okraku highlighted the important role Colts football has played in Ghana’s football history.

‘Before we talk about numbers, competitions, facilities and investments, let us remember the reason Colts football matters,’ he said.

He cited several former stars who began their careers in Colts football, including Abedi Pele of Great Falcons, Asamoah Gyan of Great Cedabs and former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah of Mighty Victory.

Fantomas FC was also credited with developing Sammy Kuffour, Emmanuel Duah, Jerry Akaminko, Ransford Osei and Mark Edusei.

Other notable graduates mentioned included Anthony Yeboah of Anokye Stars, Nii Odartey Lamptey of Karen Stars, Yaw Preko of Kotobabi Powerlines and Laryea Kingston, Aziz Ansah, Godwin Attram and Dan Quaye of Cowlane Babies.

Simeon-Okraku also highlighted Michael Essien, whose Colts journey began with Paa Badu/Liberty Babes before he became one of Ghana’s most accomplished midfielders in European football.

Other former Colts stars mentioned included Sulley Muntari, Derrick Boateng, Mohammed Gargo, John Boye, Ishmael Addo, Yusif Chibsah and Thomas Partey.

He said the history of these players underlines the GFA’s decision to revive and restructure Colts football since 2020, with the aim of creating a pathway from community football to professional clubs and the national teams.

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has returned to training with Al Shabab after recovering from the injury that has kept him out since August.

The 33-year-old suffered the injury during Al Shabab’s Saudi Pro League clash with Al Riyadh last month and has been undergoing rehabilitation.

Partey has now stepped up his recovery, taking part in intensive training sessions under the supervision of Al Shabab’s fitness coach.

It remains unclear whether he will feature when Al Shabab face Al-Ittihad later on Wednesday, but his return to full training is a boost for Ghana ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers

The Black Stars begin their Group C campaign away against Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on September 24 before hosting The Gambia in Accra three days later.

Partey remains an important figure in Ghana’s midfield and is expected to be included in Carlos Queiroz’s squad for the two qualifiers if he maintains his fitness.

Ghana missed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and will be seeking a return to the continental tournament through the 2027 qualifying campaign

The Sparks Foundation has donated educational materials worth thousands of Ghana cedis to four basic schools in the Ashanti Region, giving hundreds of pupils a major boost in their academic work.

The donation, comprising 2,000 exercise books and 1,000 pens, was made to Asibey Nkwanta D/A Primary and JHS in the Ahafo Ano South West District and Wansanbire D/A Primary and JHS in the Atwima Mponua District.

Each of the four beneficiary schools received 500 exercise books and 250 pens.

The foundation said the gesture was intended to support needy pupils and ease the financial burden on parents and guardians who struggle to provide basic educational materials for their children.

Presenting the items to the schools, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Sparks Foundation, Jeslord Fofie Samuel, said the donation was part of the foundation’s commitment to reaching out to individuals and institutions in need.

He said the foundation sought to provide charitable assistance to needy people and schools while putting smiles on the faces of beneficiaries.

Mr. Fofie Samuel, who is also a journalist with Amansie FM at Asante Bekwai, explained that the foundation’s philanthropic activities went beyond education, noting that it also supported orphanages, needy individuals and people struggling to settle medical bills.

According to him, needy students benefited from school bags, exercise books, textbooks, mathematical sets, pencils, pens, sanitary pads and other educational materials under the foundation’s support programmes.

Mr. Fofie Samuel, popularly known in media circles as D-Jay Tugar, commended the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Sparks Foundation, Chief Inspector Isaac Dwumfour, alias Chancellor, of the Ashanti South Police Command, for his generosity and commitment to supporting vulnerable people.

He said the CEO’s dedication to philanthropy had enabled the foundation to extend assistance to several individuals and communities in need.

Appeal

Receiving the items on behalf of Asibey Nkwanta D/A Primary School, a Class Six teacher, Felix Appiah Sarpong, expressed gratitude to the foundation for the timely intervention.

He said the donation would motivate the pupils to take their studies seriously and develop a greater interest in education.

Mr. Appiah Sarpong appealed to old students, community members, philanthropists and other well-meaning individuals in Ghana and abroad to support the school.

He particularly appealed for computers and other teaching and learning materials to enhance the quality of education at the school.

A Class Six pupil, Yakubu Abena Vida, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked the foundation for the donation and prayed for God’s blessings upon the donors.

She appealed to other stakeholders to support the schools with classroom infrastructure and other essential facilities to create a conducive environment for effective teaching and learning.

The Headmaster of Wansanbire D/A Primary and JHS, David Tawiah, together with the Assembly Member, Joseph Amankwah, also commended the foundation for the gesture and urged other individuals and organisations to emulate its example.

Gifty Afriyie, wife of Ghanaian actor and comedian Oteele, has announced plans to return to their home after forgiving her husband following a leaked video involving him and another woman.

Speaking during a TikTok Live session with Oteele on September 15, 2026, Gifty said she still loves her husband and believes the controversy has been a difficult experience for him.

She acknowledged that mistakes had been made but said Oteele had endured enough over the incident.

‘You’ve gone through a lot. I still love you. I understand we’re human and we make mistakes,’ she said.

Gifty also prayed that the experience would lead to a positive change in Oteele’s life, saying she could not stand by and watch him continue to struggle over the controversy.

‘I’m pleading with God that with the things you’ve gone through over this issue, may He use that to change you,’ she stated.

Describing Oteele as her soulmate, Gifty said she had made the decision to forgive him and reunite with him.

‘You’re my soulmate, and I can’t watch you get wasted. I’ve forgiven you, and I will return home this week,’ she said.

Telecel Ghana has introduced an annual award to promote ethical leadership and academic excellence among graduates of Palm University College.

Dubbed the ‘Telecel Award for Excellence and Ethical Leadership’, the award, sponsored by Telecel Ghana, will be presented to a graduating student who demonstrates strong academic performance, sound judgement, integrity, responsibility and service during their time at the university.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Telecel Ghana, Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, announced the initiative while speaking as Guest Speaker at the commencement ceremony of Palm University College at Manya Jorpanya in the Shai Hills.

She said the award was intended to reinforce the importance of ethics and excellence among young professionals preparing to enter the workforce and wider society.

Ing. Obo-Nai also called for leadership that combines competence with integrity, courage and responsibility to society.

Speaking on the theme, ‘The Quest to Educate Ethical and Excellent Leaders in Ghana’, she said educational institutions had a critical role to play in shaping responsible leaders.

‘Through education, we can shape individuals into moral citizens who are capable of making informed decisions about their actions and their impact on society. Ethics must therefore be intentionally integrated into the curriculum, reinforced through example, and practised through everyday decision-making,’ she said.

She said the growing demand for ethical leadership was evident across the economy, with investors requiring trustworthy managers and employers seeking people whose judgement, discipline and character could strengthen their organisations.

‘Technical expertise may open the door, but integrity is what sustains trust, builds brands and creates lasting value,’ she said.

Founder and President of Palm University College, Dr Peter Carlos Okantey, said the institution was established on the conviction that Ghana’s development challenges were not only about skills shortages but also a lack of ethical leadership.

‘Our university is built on the foundations of intellectual rigour, innovation and a commitment to ethical leadership in action. We have always placed a high premium on integrity, leadership and excellence. I therefore implore all graduates to exhibit and apply the values, skills and talents that have been nurtured in you over the past several years,’ he said.

Dr. Okantey said initiatives such as the Centre for Ethical Leadership (CEL), the Palm Corporate Mentoring Programme and the Palm GreenLab Innovation and Incubation Lab were helping to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world impact.

The ceremony brought together members of the Board of Trustees, faculty, students, parents, traditional leaders, industry partners and friends of the university.

One of the two valedictorians, Dr. Alex Osei, who graduated with an MSc in Services Management and Leadership, said ethical leadership required individuals to make difficult but principled decisions.

‘Ethical leadership, as we have learnt in this programme, means making the harder right choice when no one is watching. It means transparency when it could be more convenient and perhaps profitable to conceal. It means equity and accountability when it is easier to deflect and blame,’ he said.