Category: Daily Guide Network

Telecommunications company, Telecel Group, has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Ghana, announcing plans to expand investment in the country’s digital infrastructure while supporting key national development initiatives.

The assurance was given during a courtesy call on President John Dramani Mahama by a high-level delegation from the multinational telecommunications company to discuss its business operations and future investment plans in the country.

The delegation was led by the Chairman of the Telecel Group Board, Nicolas Bourg, Group Chief Executive Officer, Moh Damush, and the Chief Executive Officer of Telecel Ghana, Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai.

They were accompanied by the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam Nartey George.

Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Damush commended the government for creating a favourable business environment, saying the company’s investment drive this year would focus on improving connectivity and enhancing service delivery across the country.

‘We acknowledge and appreciate the conducive business environment in Ghana, made possible by strategic government policies. For Telecel, 2026 is a year of significant network expansion as we invest to improve connectivity and deliver better services to customers across the country,’ he said.

Beyond expanding its telecommunications infrastructure, Telecel said it would continue to invest in digital education, healthcare and other initiatives aimed at strengthening the nation’s digital economy.

Responding, President Mahama reaffirmed his government’s commitment to maintaining a stable macroeconomic environment that encourages private sector investment and business growth.

He said the administration remained focused on creating the enabling conditions for businesses to expand their operations and contribute to Ghana’s economic development.

As part of its partnership with government, Telecel highlighted its support for the One Million Coders Programme, under which it will invest US$5 million over the next four years to train 100,000 young Ghanaians in digital skills to help build the country’s digital talent pipeline.

The company also outlined its support for the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares), through which it has donated advanced cervical cancer screening equipment and consumables to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, the Tamale Teaching Hospital and the Sefwi Wiawso Government Hospital to improve screening and treatment services.

Garden City University (GCU), Kenyase, in partnership with its international collaborator, James Madison University (JMU) in Virginia, USA, has donated a defibrillator valued at GHS26,000 to the Emergency Unit of the Manhyia Government Hospital in Kumasi to enhance emergency healthcare delivery.

The donation was made under the annual student exchange programme between the two institutions after students from James Madison University identified the absence of the life-saving equipment during this year’s clinical placements at selected hospitals in Kumasi.

Recognising the urgent need for the device, the American university procured the defibrillator to improve the hospital’s ability to respond to cardiac emergencies.

The equipment was officially presented to the management of the hospital on June 25, 2026.

The presentation was attended by the Head of the Department of Nursing and Midwifery at Garden City University, Dr. Ramatu Agambire, lecturers and clinical coordinators from the department, a representative of the Office of International Affairs, Dr. Jemima Antwi-Agyei, as well as nursing students.

Receiving the equipment on behalf of the hospital, Dr. Bernard A. Akoto, Medical Director of the Manhyia Hospital, expressed gratitude to both universities for what he described as a timely intervention.

He commended the long-standing partnership between Garden City University and the Manhyia Government Hospital, saying the collaboration has over the years enhanced healthcare delivery, clinical training and the professional development of health personnel.

Dr. Akoto noted that the addition of the defibrillator would significantly strengthen the hospital’s emergency response capacity, particularly in managing cardiac emergencies, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Garden City University, in turn, thanked James Madison University for its support and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international partnerships that contribute to improved healthcare, education and community development in Ghana.

A High Court in Accra has affirmed the extradition of Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, to the United States over alleged conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering targeting elderly victims, involving an estimated $8 million.

The decision followed the court’s dismissal of an application filed by his lawyers challenging the earlier ruling of the Gbese District Court, which had granted a request by the Attorney General to extradite him to the US to face the alleged offences.

His lawyer, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, confirmed the development on Facebook, describing it as a fast-tracked process and indicating that the matter would be taken to the Supreme Court on appeal.

‘I am out of Ghana for work. I just heard that the case of Abu Trica has been fast tracked and a judge has just ordered his extradition. Hmmm. FBI 1 – Abu 1. I guess this issue goes to the Supreme Court,’ the lawyer wrote.

The legal team subsequently filed an application seeking to halt the extradition pending the determination of an appeal against the order.

The application seeks, among other reliefs, an order directing that no further steps be taken by the Attorney General, the Minister for the Interior, the Ghana Police Service (INTERPOL), or any other agency ‘to surrender, extradite, remove, transfer or otherwise deliver’ Abu Trica into the custody of the authorities of the United States pending the final determination of his challenge against the extradition.

The lawyers have also filed a notice of appeal challenging the High Court’s decision.

The court had earlier granted Abu Trica bail in the sum of GHS30 million with two sureties, both to be justified with landed property.

The decision came as a much-needed relief for Kumi, who had been in custody since his arrest in December 2025 through a joint operation involving Ghanaian law enforcement agencies and their US counterparts.

His previous attempts to secure bail while the extradition proceedings were pending had failed, as multiple High Courts dismissed applications filed by different lawyers.

Information available indicates that Abu Trica was rearrested by security officers after the High Court dismissed his challenge against the initial extradition order.

The Gbese District Court in Accra, on March 27, cleared the way for Abu Trica’s extradition to the United States to stand trial for allegedly defrauding elderly men and women.

The ruling followed the court’s rejection of claims by his lawyers that the extradition was politically motivated. They had argued that conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering are not extraditable offences under the 1931 extradition treaty between Ghana and the United States.

‘Money laundering and conspiracy, though not specifically mentioned in the 1931 treaty, have been catered for under the relevant United Nations Convention. The preliminary legal objection is therefore overruled,’ the court, presided over by Her Honour Anna Akosua Appiah Gottfried Anaafi Gyasi, ruled.

The court subsequently gave him 15 days within which to challenge the decision permitting the extradition.

The ruling was delivered while legal actions initiated by Abu Trica’s lawyers remained pending before the High Court, challenging the extradition as well as alleging violations of his human rights by state security agencies and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Abu Trica alleges that his prolonged detention by officers of Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Attorney General’s Department from the morning until late evening following his arrest on December 11, 2025, during which he was continuously restrained in handcuffs, deprived of food, water, rest and other basic necessities, and subjected to physical and psychological distress, amounted to torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment contrary to Article 15 of the 1992 Constitution, and was therefore unlawful and unconstitutional.

Sales professional and business development expert, Jerome Adzah, has launched ‘The Salesman Playbook’, a book aimed at bridging the gap between classroom sales education and the practical realities of the business world.

Speaking at the launch in Accra, Mr. Adzah said the publication was inspired by his personal experiences and is intended to equip both aspiring and experienced sales professionals with practical skills that are often absent from academic training.

He explained that the inspiration for the book came from his childhood, when he assisted his mother in selling beans and gari, popularly known as ‘g?b?’, on the streets of Accra.

According to him, the experience taught him that successful selling is built on trust rather than mere familiarity.

‘Having worked with my mum on the streets of Accra, learning how to sell, I discovered one thing: people bought from her not because they knew her, but because she had built trust over time,’ he said.

Mr. Adzah stressed that trust remains a critical ingredient in doing business in Ghana and many parts of Africa, noting that business transactions are often driven by relationships and referrals.

‘In the corporate field, it is very difficult to close deals if you do not have relationships. In our part of the world, businesses happen because of two things – relationship or referral,’ he stated.

Touching on technological advancements, the author acknowledged the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the sales profession but maintained that technology could never completely replace the human element in selling.

He explained that while AI would help speed up sales conversations and improve customer engagement, it could not replicate the trust, empathy and emotional connection that underpin successful business relationships.

‘Sales has a heart, and the heart is what human beings hold,’ he added.

During a panel discussion, the Chief Executive Officer of Dalex Finance, Joe Jackson, endorsed the book, describing it as a valuable resource for sales professionals and business executives.

He observed that trust remains a scarce commodity in many African markets, making relationship-based selling an essential component of business success.

‘If I have to make a business decision, I have to trust you that if something goes wrong, I can call you and we can work together to fix it,’ he said.

The Vice President of Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana (CIMG), Gifty Ama Amoah, also commended the publication, saying it reflects the realities of selling in the African context.

She explained that while formal education provides theoretical knowledge, practical street selling teaches relationship management, effective communication and customer assurance, which are indispensable in building lasting client relationships.

According to her, successful salespeople must go beyond simply giving customers direct answers and instead build confidence by demonstrating commitment to finding solutions.

She further encouraged sales professionals to adopt a positive mindset by viewing selling as an engaging and rewarding process rather than a burden.

‘The moment you change your mindset that it is a playbook and your goal is to excite the customer and capture their attention, selling becomes easier,’ she said.

The launch brought together business leaders, marketing professionals, sales practitioners and students, who described the book as a timely contribution to improving sales practice and professional development in Ghana.

The Catholic Bishop of Ho and Chairman of the National Peace Council, Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, SVD, has called on Ghanaians to embrace responsible environmental practices, warning that the increasing incidence of flooding and other climate-related disasters is largely the result of human neglect of the environment.

Addressing the launch of the Special Diocesan Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi in the Ho Diocese, Bishop Fianu said the devastating floods experienced in parts of the country, including Accra, should serve as a national wake-up call to protect the environment and promote sustainable living.

He noted that while climate change poses a global challenge, many of its devastating consequences are intensified by irresponsible human activities such as the indiscriminate destruction of forests, poor waste disposal, pollution, and the failure to safeguard natural ecosystems.

‘The floods in Accra and elsewhere are a warning to us to learn to listen to the voice of God, to respect the environment in which we live, and to live harmoniously with God’s creation,’ the Bishop stated.

According to him, humanity has both a moral and spiritual responsibility to care for the earth, stressing that environmental protection should not be viewed merely as a civic obligation but as an essential expression of Christian faith and stewardship.

He explained that God’s creation has been entrusted to humanity and must be preserved for the benefit of both present and future generations, adding that neglecting the environment ultimately threatens lives, livelihoods, and sustainable development.

Bishop Fianu urged individuals, families, schools, churches, businesses, and communities to adopt environmentally friendly lifestyles by protecting forests and water bodies, reducing pollution, managing waste responsibly, and supporting initiatives that promote environmental sustainability.

He observed that genuine care for creation reflects gratitude to God and demonstrates respect for the dignity of human life, since environmental degradation disproportionately affects the poor and vulnerable.

Drawing inspiration from St. Francis of Assisi, widely revered as the patron saint of ecology, Bishop Fianu encouraged Catholics and all people of goodwill to emulate the saint’s profound love for creation and commitment to living in harmony with nature.

He said the Jubilee Year offers an opportunity for deeper reflection on humanity’s relationship with the environment and a renewed commitment to safeguarding the earth through responsible action.

The Bishop further stressed that addressing the growing threat of climate change requires collective action involving government, religious institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector, and citizens working together to protect the nation’s natural resources.

Five Ghanaian small businesses have each received GHS30,000 after emerging winners in MTN Ghana’s SME Business Pitch Competition held to mark this year’s World Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day in Accra.

The winners – Tahiru Field Recycling, Edible Treats, Dyluri Beauty, Manehlla Foods and Tropical Snacks – were selected from 10 finalists after beating hundreds of entries submitted from across the country.

In addition to the cash prize, each winning business will participate in MTN Ghana’s 13-week Mini MBA programme in partnership with NOVA Business School and gain access to digital business solutions and mentorship through the company’s SME Accelerate Programme.

The five other finalists, namely 10-10 Foodie, Awhenepa Cookery, House of Lush, Bubune Africa Limited and Lebenam Skin, received GHS2,000 each, along with MTN Business support tools, including Y’ello Biz Routers and MiFi devices.

Speaking at the event, the Senior Manager for SME Sales at MTN Ghana, Mohammed Abubakari Sidick, said the competition forms part of the company’s broader commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises with access to finance, digital technology and business development opportunities.

He noted that SMEs remain the backbone of the nation’s economy because they create employment, stimulate innovation and contribute significantly to economic growth.

According to him, the business pitch competition is one of the flagship initiatives under MTN’s year-round SME Accelerate Programme, which also provides entrepreneurs with access to Mobile Money financing and other business support services.

He disclosed that this year’s competition was the third edition organised by MTN Ghana, following similar events held during the MTN Women’s Summit in Accra and AshantiFest in Kumasi.

The overall winner, Tahiru Field Recycling, said the GHS30,000 prize would be used to purchase a vacuum pump and expand the supply of used engine oil for recycling.

Chief Executive Officer of the company, Tahiru Umar, said the business currently employs 30 people and plans to recruit two additional workers immediately and another six before the end of the year as production expands.

He appealed to both the public and private sectors to increase support for young entrepreneurs, saying greater investment in small businesses would help create more jobs and accelerate Ghana’s economic development.

The Black Queens will begin their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign under a revised fixture schedule following changes announced by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Kim Lars Björkegren’s side will open their Group C campaign against Cape Verde on Wednesday, July 29, at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, with kick-off set for 17:00 GMT.

Ghana will return to the same venue on Sunday, August 2, to face Cameroon in their second group match, also kicking off at 17:00 GMT.

The Black Queens will conclude their group stage campaign against Mali on Thursday, August 6, with the match scheduled for 20:00 GMT at the Moulay Rachid Stadium.

The revised fixtures follow CAF’s adjustments to the tournament programme, which also resulted in Ghana’s team base being relocated from Fez to Casablanca ahead of the competition.

The Black Queens will be aiming to make a strong impression in Morocco as they seek to advance from Group C, compete for the continental title, and strengthen their bid to secure qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

With all three group matches set to be played at the Moulay Rachid Stadium, Ghana will hope familiarity with the venue provides an advantage as they chase a place in the knockout stages of the tournament.

A suspected armed robber has been shot dead after a violent attack on a mobile money (MoMo) vendor at Lashibi in Accra.

The incident occurred on July 3, 2026, when two armed men on a motorbike allegedly trailed and attacked the vendor as he was driving home with GHS140,000 in cash.

According to a statement issued by the Accra Regional Police Command and signed by Head of Public Affairs, Chief Superintendent Juliana Obeng, the suspects opened fire on the victim’s vehicle, damaging the right rear tyre and front windscreen in an attempt to force him to stop.

The attackers subsequently succeeded in snatching the cash but were confronted moments later when the complainant reportedly returned fire.

‘After the suspects had snatched the complainant’s bag containing GHS140,000.00 and were attempting to escape on their motorbike, the complainant fired at them, and one of the suspects died at the scene,’ the police statement said.

The second suspect managed to escape on the motorbike, abandoning the stolen money, which was later recovered by police. The complainant, police confirmed, did not sustain any injuries.

A search conducted on the deceased suspect led to the recovery of an AK-47 assault rifle, two magazines loaded with 55 rounds of ammunition, 11 additional rounds of live ammunition, GHS3,000 in cash, a Samsung mobile phone, and an identification card bearing the name Innocent Elemuwa Akachukeu, aged 46.

Police also retrieved five spent AK-47 shells and two spent pistol shells from the scene.

The body of the deceased has been deposited at the Police Hospital mortuary for preservation, autopsy, and identification.

The Accra Regional Police Command has taken over investigations and says efforts are underway to arrest the fleeing accomplice.

The Police Service has also appealed to the public for assistance in tracking down the suspect still on the run.

Family-owned businesses in Ghana and across Africa have been urged to strengthen governance structures and institutionalise succession planning to enhance their long-term competitiveness, preserve wealth across generations and increase their contribution to economic growth.

The call was made at the fourth International Finance Corporation (IFC) Family Governance Workshop in Accra, where business owners, executives and governance experts examined strategies for ensuring business continuity, leadership transition and sustainable value creation.

Participants observed that family enterprises remain the backbone of Africa’s private sector, accounting for a substantial share of business activity and employment.

However, many struggle to survive beyond the founding generation due to weak governance frameworks, informal management systems and the absence of structured succession plans.

The workshop explored key issues including governance frameworks, ownership transition, succession planning, next-generation leadership development, liquidity planning, philanthropy and the use of family charters to guide decision-making and preserve family values across generations.

Speaking at the event, IFC’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Advisory Lead for Africa, Moez Miaoui, described succession planning as the single most significant challenge confronting family-owned businesses worldwide.

‘In any family business setting, succession is the most critical challenge that the family would face and the business would face,’ he said.

According to him, founders often retain control of their businesses for prolonged periods without adequately preparing successors, while many are reluctant to relinquish leadership, exposing businesses to operational and strategic risks when transition eventually becomes inevitable.

Mr. Miaoui stressed that sustainable family businesses require a clear separation between family governance and corporate governance.

He explained that establishing a family council, alongside a professional board of directors, enables families to address issues such as succession, education of future leaders, family values, philanthropy and ownership matters without interfering in the day-to-day management of the business.

He said applying sound corporate governance principles across family, ownership and business structures enhances resilience, reduces conflict and improves the prospects of successful intergenerational transitions.

IFC Senior Country Officer, Yewande Giwa, said family businesses are uniquely positioned to generate both economic and social value because they typically take a long-term view of investment and community development.

‘When you are a family business, you are not just thinking about your bottom line. You are thinking about how do I influence my community, how do I make a difference, how do I create more jobs?’ she said.

She noted, however, that many family-owned enterprises continue to rely on informal governance arrangements despite their growth ambitions.

Ms. Giwa urged business owners to establish competent boards or advisory committees and ensure leadership appointments are based on merit, qualifications and experience rather than family relationships alone.

She said putting the right governance structures in place would improve operational efficiency, strengthen accountability, enhance productivity and position businesses for expansion.

Reaffirming IFC’s commitment to private-sector development, the corporation’s Senior Country Manager for Ghana and Liberia, Kyle Kelhofer, said the sustainability of family businesses is critical to the resilience of the broader economy.

He noted that businesses with strong governance systems, professional management and well-planned succession strategies are better positioned to outlive their founders, protect employment, attract investment and create long-term value.

An intelligence-led police operation has led to the arrest of four suspected drug peddlers at identified drug hotspots in Kunsu in the Ashanti Region.

The suspects, who were arrested during an operation on Friday, June 26, 2026, have been identified as Issaka Musah, 22; Amankwah Emmanuel, 25; Kwame Boateng, 32; and Appiah Prince, 23.

The police also retrieved a locally manufactured pistol, dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, a whitish powdery substance believed to be cocaine, quantities of suspected Tramadol and red capsules, as well as cash believed to be proceeds from the illicit drug trade.

Confirming the arrests in a statement, the Ashanti Regional Police Public Affairs Unit, through DSP Godwin Ahianyo, said the operation formed part of efforts to clamp down on the sale, trafficking and use of illicit drugs in the Mankranso District.

‘The Mankranso District Police Command arrested four suspected drug peddlers during an intelligence-led operation conducted at identified locations within Kunsu Township in the Ashanti Region.

‘The operation, which took place in the early hours of Friday, June 26, 2026, forms part of the Ghana Police Service’s sustained efforts to clamp down on the trafficking and peddling of illicit drugs and other related criminal activities within the district,’ he said.

DSP Ahianyo said items retrieved from the suspects included a locally manufactured pistol loaded with two BB rounds of ammunition, quantities of suspected Tramadol, red capsules, dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, a whitish powdery substance wrapped in paper suspected to be cocaine, and GHS5,647.40, believed to be proceeds from the alleged illicit trade.

He said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects had allegedly admitted ownership of the recovered exhibits.

According to him, the suspects remain in police custody assisting with investigations and will be arraigned before court after investigations are completed.

DSP Ahianyo appealed to the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to help identify and apprehend criminals.

He reaffirmed the Ghana Police Service’s commitment to combating drug-related offences and organised crime in the region.