Category: Daily Guide Network

It is a fact that the floods which hit Accra were avoidable even as government spin doctors tried hard to make it look like a force majeure, destined to happen.

We have also witnessed attempts at making it look like being an act of nature, as it also affected Cote d’Ivoire. Such infantile spins should not be attempted under the circumstances because it only adds to the pain being endured by the many traumatised victims.

Even more irritating are the efforts at telling Ghanaians that this is not a subject to be politicised. At the time then opposition leader John Mahama politicised it in 2024, did he not realise the importance of depolicitising certain subjects such as flooding?

When a subject such as the construction of infrastructure or even cracking the whip when that is the best option when impunity prevails, there is no way this subject can be depoliticised because the negligence or misplaced priority originates from the political leadership headed by the President. Herein lies the politics of the subject.

When a government abandons the principle of continuum leaving in its wake stalled projects such as the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project, the most audacious engineering response yet to the nagging perennial flooding in Accra, politicisation cannot be ruled out in a conversation.

One of our respectable academics is reported to have taken a swipe at the successive governments in the country since independence. According to him, they have all failed the citizens while taking a look at the recent flooding.

While we respect his stance, we wish to state that there is a massive difference between the two dominant political parties in the country when it comes to development.

While the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is credited with the World Bank’s certification of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy as the most outstanding government social intervention in post-independence Ghana, we cannot point at a single recognition for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the past decade.

The digitised space now operative in Ghana coupled with the mobile money interoperability for financial transactions among other projects stands out the NPP government in a rule of the tape consideration.

It is instructive that the NDC government has decided not to proceed with the GARID as it did others initiated by the NPP government, the most outstanding being the Agenda 111 project which saw the construction of multitude of hospitals across the country. The expected health revolution has been stalled by the NDC’s refusal to proceed with the project. The project was intended to lead to a massive reduction of the pressure on referral and other regional facilities in the country.

The foregone are but a few worth touching observations for the purpose of the occasional conversation as to whether or not the two dominant political parties are same in terms of delivery of lasting service to the people of this country.

The World Bank report about over $200 million not disbursed for the purpose of addressing the flooding in Accra speaks volumes about the recklessness of the incumbent government.

The aforementioned amount is part of the World Bank accessed funds for the actualisation of the GARID project initiated under the NPP administration.

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF), popularly known as Mahama Cares, has appealed to the National House of Chiefs to support government’s efforts to expand access to specialised healthcare for Ghanaians suffering from chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The appeal was made during a courtesy call on the President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, and members of the House by the Board and Management of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund.

Leading the delegation, Board Chairperson, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, said traditional leaders remain indispensable partners in ensuring that the benefits of the Trust Fund reach every community across the country.

The delegation included representatives of the Ministry of Health led by Dr. Hafiz Adams, as well as the Ashanti Regional Minister, Frank Amoakohene, and the Bono East Regional Minister, Francis Owusu Antwi, who represented Ghana’s 16 Regional Ministers at the engagement.

Addressing the chiefs, Ms. Darko-Opoku said the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, including kidney failure, cancer, stroke, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and sickle cell disease, continues to impose severe financial hardship on many Ghanaian families.

She explained that President John Dramani Mahama established the Ghana Medical Trust Fund to ensure that no Ghanaian is denied access to life-saving specialised healthcare because of financial constraints.

According to her, the Fund is built on four strategic pillars: providing financial support for patients, investing in critical medical equipment and healthcare infrastructure, training specialist healthcare professionals, and supporting medical research.

She disclosed that following the passage of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Act, 2025 (Act 1144), the Fund has established its Secretariat and Board, undertaken nationwide needs assessments in major hospitals, and deployed a digital platform to process patient applications and claims efficiently.

She added that the Trust Fund is facilitating the establishment of three modern cardiac catheterisation laboratories (Cath Labs) at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and Tamale Teaching Hospital to improve specialised cardiac care.

Ms. Darko-Opoku stressed that government alone cannot achieve the objectives of the initiative and appealed to chiefs to help educate their communities about the Fund, encourage early health-seeking behaviour and support nationwide public awareness campaigns.

Representing the Minister for Health, Dr. Hafiz Adams said the ministry recognises the critical role traditional authorities play in national development and healthcare delivery.

He explained that government’s healthcare financing strategy is based on three key interventions-Free Primary Healthcare, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, which focuses on financing specialised treatments that remain beyond the reach of many Ghanaian families.

He urged chiefs to use their influence to promote awareness of the Fund, encourage early diagnosis and ensure that vulnerable persons benefit from the intervention.

Speaking on behalf of the country’s 16 Regional Ministers, Dr. Frank Amoakohene reaffirmed the commitment of regional ministers to supporting the decentralisation of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund through the local government system.

He noted that non-communicable diseases account for about 75 percent of deaths globally and approximately 45 percent of deaths recorded in hospitals in Ghana, making sustainable healthcare financing a national priority.

Drawing from his experience as a medical practitioner, Dr. Amoakohene said he had witnessed many families sell properties and other valuable assets to finance dialysis and other life-saving treatments.

He said the Trust Fund was established to bridge that gap by supporting patients suffering from illnesses such as cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension and neurological disorders that are not adequately covered under the NHIS.

Nigerian music promoter and socialite, Sam Larry, has reportedly been hospitalised following a fatal road accident along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road in Lagos.

The crash, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, reportedly happened after the vehicle he was travelling in rammed into a trailer.

According to reports, Sam Larry’s bouncer died at the scene, while the music promoter sustained serious injuries and was rushed to hospital for treatment.

Videos and photos circulating on social media show the badly damaged vehicle following the crash.

Confirming the incident in an Instagram post on Saturday evening, Nigerian comedian and MC, Mario Wazobia, appealed to the public to pray for Sam Larry.

‘PRAY FOR SAMMYLARRY,’ he wrote.

Sharing photos from the accident scene, he added: ‘More photos from the early morning accident involving socialite Sam Larry and his bouncer. Reports indicate the bouncer tragically lost his life at the scene while Sam Larry has been rushed to the hospital in critical condition.’

Ghanaian blogger and humanitarian, Jullie Jay-Kanz, has been named an awardee at the 5th Global Women Leadership Summit and Awards 2026 for her work in media and community service.

The summit, under the theme ‘Celebrating Women Leading the Future: AI, Innovation and Impact’, will bring together global leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.

The event aims to spotlight the role of women in shaping the future through innovation and service. Jullie Jay-Kanz was recognised for her diligence in blogging and humanitarian work.

As a blogger, she uses her platform to amplify important voices and social issues. As a humanitarian, she has led initiatives focused on impact and empowerment in her community.

The Global Women Leadership Summit and Awards is an annual platform that celebrates outstanding women leaders in health, business, governance, social impact, technology, and advocacy. This year’s edition will focus on how women are leading in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), driving innovation, and creating sustainable impact in their communities and beyond.

‘Fisheries Without Borders’ (FWB) has organised a capacity-building workshop for fishermen, fish processors, community leaders and marine scientists as part of efforts to strengthen sustainable fisheries management in the face of climate change.

The workshop, held at the Conference Hall of the National Fisheries Association of Ghana (NAFAG), formed part of a regional initiative involving Ghana, Nigeria and Benin aimed at addressing declining fish stocks in the Gulf of Guinea through collaborative fisheries management.

Ghana’s fisheries sector continues to face significant pressure, with fish catches declining sharply over the past three decades. Marine landings have dropped from about 900,000 tonnes to approximately 400,000 tonnes, raising concerns about food security and livelihoods.

Ghana Country Lead for the FWB project and faculty member at the University of Ghana’s Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, Professor F.K.E. Nunoo, said the situation requires a new approach that places communities at the centre of fisheries management.

He explained that introducing co-management systems alone would not guarantee improved food security, livelihoods or sustainability unless communities understand their roles in making such systems effective.

One of the facilitators, Dr. Angela Lamptey, Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana and Chairperson of the Scientific and Technical Committee of the Fisheries Commission, took participants through areas including fisheries co-management, ethical principles, rights-based approaches, climate resilience and community governance.

Dr. Lamptey stressed that fisheries regulations are more effective when fishers participate in developing them, adding that women and young people must also be represented in decision-making processes.

She noted that traditional knowledge from experienced fishers and community elders remains valuable and should complement scientific approaches in fisheries management.

According to her, co-management systems built on accountability, shared responsibility and community participation offer one of the most effective ways of addressing the overexploitation of shared marine resources.

President of the National Fisheries Association of Ghana, Nana Jojo Solomon, encouraged participants to share the knowledge acquired with members of their respective fishing communities.

A member of the project’s collaborating partners team, Dr. Andrews Agyekumhene, conducted baseline and endline surveys during the workshop to assess changes in participants’ knowledge and confidence.

Prof. Nunoo said although one workshop cannot transform the entire fisheries sector, it can help lay the foundation for the reforms needed to protect Ghana’s marine resources.

The FWB project is funded by Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors through the Blue Convergence Fund and runs until 2027, with similar training programmes taking place in Nigeria and Benin.

Ghana’s Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences at the University of Ghana serves as the national lead for the project, with the Wildlife and Human Resource Organisation (WHRO Ghana) supporting community engagement and coordination.

For us at the African Centre for the Study of Worldviews and Wholistic Development of Societies, while this declaration is commendable, we have serious concerns because it appears to affirm only the religiosity of Ghanaians.

While it is important to acknowledge the love for prayer among religious people, as well as the numerous monthly revivals, fasting programmes, prayer conventions and other religious activities, it is equally important to examine our love for prayer vis-à-vis our mindsets and attitudes.

Prayer is generally meant to appeal to God, intercede, and seek His face and favour in times of need. It is also an act of worship and praise to the Most-High God. Prayer is, above all, a relationship between believers and the God they serve. This is why Christians pray, ‘Our Father…’ However, the question that should be asked is whether people truly know Him and have a genuine relationship with Him.

As a nation, God has given us almost everything we need for development and prosperity, including abundant natural resources, fertile land, rich vegetation and, despite the effects of climate change elsewhere, plentiful rainfall and favourable weather.

Above all, we have talented, skilled and hardworking people. Yet we pray as though God has done nothing for us and everything depends on Him doing it all over again.

We must critically examine the causes of poverty, disease, hunger, deprivation and the devastating floods that recently affected our nation. Can we honestly say these problems come from God, or are they man-made through our carelessness, greed, selfishness, corruption and immoral conduct?

Despite our religiosity and constant prayers, corruption remains endemic. Greed, nepotism and selfishness continue to characterise our society. Can we continue praying to God or Allah when we neither respect, honour nor obey Him, while persisting in these sinful practices? Are we not making a mockery of Him by continuing to pray, sing and worship while refusing to obey His commands?

2 Chronicles 7:14 states:

‘If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sins and heal their land.’

This is the God to whom we pray. It is astonishing that more than 80 per cent of Ghana’s population worships in churches, chapels, cathedrals and mosques, yet many continue to engage in bribery, greed, selfishness, corruption and other forms of wickedness. These behaviours have brought our nation to its knees and contributed to disasters such as the recent floods.

Can successive governments account to Ghanaians for the billions of cedis received since the 1990s from the World Bank, the IMF and other development partners in grants and loans for drainage, dredging, sewage, pollution control and sanitation projects?

If even half of those funds had been properly invested in improving sewage and drainage systems in Accra and other cities, many of these flooding challenges would have been significantly reduced.

The various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies employ officials who are paid monthly to plan, monitor and supervise projects. Unfortunately, many appear more concerned about personal gain than the responsibilities entrusted to them.

Likewise, many of the politicians we elected to serve in ministries, departments and public institutions are religious people who attend churches or mosques. Yet they are simply being called to pray. Leaders and citizens who engage in theft, greed, corruption, selfishness and immoral conduct are all invited to pray, without first being challenged to change their ways.

Proverbs 14:34 says:

‘Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.’

People are being encouraged to pray instead of being urged to repent, abandon immoral behaviour and turn away from wickedness. Religious leaders have a responsibility to nurture righteousness among their followers so they can positively influence society and contribute to national prosperity. Sadly, many in Ghana continue to urge their congregations to pray, even when many are not living according to the principles of the God they profess to serve.

We therefore suggest that this occasion should rather be observed as a National Day of Repentance and Prayer, reminding citizens to turn away from greed, selfishness, wickedness and corruption.

Our nation needs religious leaders who are sincere, courageous and faithful to the God they claim to represent. They are aware of the wickedness, corruption and moral failings that exist among many members of their churches and mosques. Yet too many fail to call them to repentance and a change of lifestyle, choosing instead to continue calling them to worship and prayer.

God hears the prayers of those who humble themselves, sincerely seek Him and turn away from their sins and wickedness, as stated in 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Floodwaters in Samreboi in the Western Region have finally receded, but they have left behind widespread devastation and extensive property damage.

Many affected residents spent more than two weeks in temporary shelters after being displaced by the floods. The disaster, triggered by the overflow of the Samre and Tano rivers, displaced thousands of people.

The heavy downpours and subsequent flooding forced more than 2,000 residents out of their homes, with many taking refuge in temporary shelters for over two weeks.

The severity of the flooding has also been linked to environmental degradation caused by illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, in the area.

Residents are, however, appealing to the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other stakeholders for relief items, financial assistance and support to rebuild their livelihoods.

They are also calling for the replacement of damaged property to enable them to recover from the disaster.

A recent assessment by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identified human activities, particularly illegal mining, as the primary cause of the unprecedented flooding.

Delta Air Lines has expanded its premium travel offering at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with the opening of the first phase of its second Delta One Lounge, as the airline steps up investments ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The new 4,000-square-foot lounge, located on the mezzanine level of Terminal 2, accommodates 75 guests and is designed to provide a quieter and more intimate experience than the larger Delta One Lounge in Terminal 3.

The opening forms part of Delta’s long-term strategy to establish LAX as its premier gateway on the U.S. West Coast while meeting growing demand for premium travel.

The airline said a second phase of renovations is scheduled for completion in 2028. It also plans to open an 11,000-square-foot Delta Sky Club in Terminal 2 in 2027.

By 2028, Delta expects to operate four dedicated lounge facilities at LAX – two Delta One Lounges and two Delta Sky Clubs across Terminals 2 and 3.

The latest addition also expands Delta’s global lounge network to 60, the largest operated by any U.S. airline.

Delta’s Vice President for Sky Club and Lounge Experience, Megan Humphreys, said the investment reflects the airline’s commitment to enhancing the premium customer experience both at LAX and across its international network.

She noted that the continued rise in demand for premium travel had prompted the airline to create lounge facilities that deliver a seamless travel experience while maintaining the high standards associated with the Delta One brand.

The Terminal 2 lounge features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the airfield, artwork by seven Los Angeles-based artists, three shower suites, four private cabana-style bathrooms, a premium bar, wireless charging stations and portable work monitors.

Passengers travelling in Delta One can also enjoy an exclusive airport experience, including curbside drop-off at Terminal 3, private check-in and security screening, followed by golf cart transfers directly to the Terminal 2 lounge.

Food and beverage offerings are a major highlight of the new facility. According to Delta’s Culinary Director, Michael Rouleau, the menu focuses on fresh California produce and seasonal ingredients.

Guests are served restaurant-style meals at their seats, with menu options rotating regularly. Signature dishes include lamb bolognese with house-made pasta, hamachi crudo prepared with fish flown daily from Japan, French onion soup, acai bowls and huevos rancheros.

Fresh pastries and artisan jams are also available, alongside signature cocktails, smoothies, fresh juices, specialty coffee and premium teas.

The lounge expansion coincides with Delta’s continued growth at Los Angeles International Airport.

The airline currently operates up to 151 departures on peak travel days to 50 destinations from LAX and is expanding its route network with new and upcoming non-stop services to Hong Kong, Chicago O’Hare, Vancouver and Newark.

GHANAIAN CONTENT Creator, Kwadwo Sheldon, is mocking the government’s ‘Nkok? Nkitinkiti’ backyard poultry policy after news broke that some beneficiaries have started consuming the chickens they received because they cannot afford feed.

According to him, many recipients lack the funds to buy poultry feed, forcing them to eat the birds instead of rearing them for long-term income.

In a post on X, Kwadwo Sheldon weighed in on the issue, stating, ‘Dem say the beneficiaries of the ‘Nkok? Nkitinkiti’ policy start dey eat the chicken cos dem no get money to buy feeds for the nkok? (sic).’

Following the post, fresh concerns have been raised about the sustainability of the policy and whether adequate support structures are in place for beneficiaries to maintain the project.

Suleiman replied to Kwadwo Sheldon’s post, saying, ’24-hour economy but the chicken can’t even eat for 24 hours.’

Wiseworld stated, ‘Feed prices are currently doing high jump, what did they expect? The chickens had to make the ultimate sacrifice.’

Manta wrote, ‘The water carry my nkok? nkitinkiti all go.’

The ‘Nkok? Nkitinkiti’ programme was launched as a flagship initiative to reduce Ghana’s massive reliance on imported poultry. It distributed 3 to 7 million day-old chicks to households and backyards to empower citizens as well as cut down poultry imports.

Beneficiaries were provided with 50 chicks along with initial feed support and technical guidance to get started.

The long-term plan was for citizens to rear the fowls, produce eggs, and generate sustainable profits.

A High Court in Accra has granted the Attorney General and Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, additional time to conclude plea bargain negotiations initiated by the embattled businessman, who is accused of causing GHS30 million financial loss to a public body.

The court, presided over by Justice Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Bassit, had previously adjourned the case to July 6 to hear the outcome of the plea negotiations initiated by counsel for the accused.

However, Principal State Attorney, Joshua Sackey, told the court yesterday that the negotiations were still ongoing and prayed for a further adjournment to allow both parties to conclude discussions.

The court granted the request and adjourned the case to July 27, 2026, by which time an agreement between the state and the accused may have been reached.

Trial

Chairman Wontumi is standing trial for allegedly causing GHS30 million financial loss to a public body in connection with a business transaction involving the Ghana Export-Import Bank (Ghana EXIM Bank).

Wontumi, who is also standing trial in two separate courts over mining-related offences, is accused of obtaining GHS14,302,000 from the bank by false pretences.

He is further accused of using a forged receipt, knowing it was not genuine, to obtain about GHS4 million from the bank in 2018.

Charged alongside him are Thomas Antwi-Boasiako, who is on the run, and Wontumi Farms Limited.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail by the court, presided over by Justice Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Bassit, on May 18, 2026.

Plea Bargain

His lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, initiated the plea negotiations in a letter dated June 5, 2026, addressed to the Attorney General regarding the charges against his client.

A notice of commencement of plea negotiations has since been filed by the Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, in accordance with Section 162C (3) of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30), to formally notify the court while the Attorney General and the defence negotiate the terms of the agreement.

If the negotiations are successful, Chairman Wontumi could receive a reduced sentence. He would also be required to repay the money allegedly lost by the state and pay compensation.

Attorney General’s Brief Facts

Court documents indicate that in January 2018, Wontumi applied to the Ghana EXIM Bank for a GHS19 million facility to undertake a farming project.

According to the prosecution, he stated in the application that he had secured 100,000 acres of land for the venture.

Attached to the application was a document titled ‘Board Resolution Letter,’ dated January 23, 2018, and signed by Thomas Antwi-Boasiako, indicating that the company’s board of directors had authorised the application through a resolution purportedly passed on December 9, 2017.

The prosecution, however, alleges that the resolution was dated four days before the company was incorporated.

The Attorney General further states that on January 16, 2018, the bank approved a combined loan and grant facility of GHS18,734,260.

According to the prosecution, the bank subsequently disbursed GHS14,302,000 to Wontumi Farms Limited, but the accused persons failed to undertake the proposed farming project.

‘All efforts by the bank to recover the monies from the accused persons landed on rocks,’ the court documents stated.