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The Cocoa, Coffee and Sheanut Farmers Association (COCOSHE) has commended the government for increasing the producer price of cocoa from GHS3,228.75 to GHS3,628.75 per 64kg bag for the 2025/2026 cocoa season.

In a statement signed by its National Chief Farmer, Alhaji Alhassan Bukari, the association described the GHS400 increment as a notable improvement that reflects the government’s responsiveness to the legitimate concerns of cocoa farmers across the country.

COCOSHE also lauded the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and the government for maintaining key interventions aimed at making cocoa farming more profitable, sustainable, and attractive to younger generations.

‘We highlight, in particular, the introduction of free fertilizers (liquid and granular), the forthcoming Ghana Cocoa Traceability System, and the planned Tertiary Education Scholarship Scheme for the children of cocoa farmers for the 2026/2027 academic year,’ the statement said.

The association further urged the government and COCOBOD to ensure the timely distribution of subsidized inputs to all eligible farmers across the regions.

It also called for increased investment in extension services and community-level education on the new traceability system to ensure farmers fully understand and benefit from it.

According to COCOSHE, the additional price adjustment, combined with broader sector reforms, presents an opportunity to rebuild trust and strengthen cooperation between cocoa farmers, COCOBOD, and the government.

‘We therefore urge all cocoa farmers across Ghana to appreciate and cooperate with the government and stay the course toward a more equitable and sustainable cocoa future,’ the statement concluded.

President John Dramani Mahama says he will only declare a state of emergency based on advice from the National Security Council, as his administration intensifies efforts to combat illegal mining activities across the country.

Speaking during a dialogue with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and religious leaders at the Jubilee House last Friday, President Mahama stated that although the Constitution empowers him to declare a state of emergency, such a decision must be guided by expert security and policy assessments.

‘I have the power to do it, but the President acts not only on authority, but also on the advice of the National Security Council. As at now, the Council believes we can win the fight against galamsey without declaring a state of emergency. But the day they advise me otherwise – that we now need one – I will not hesitate to declare it,’ he explained.

The President’s comments come amid renewed calls from civil society, religious leaders, and environmental advocates for stronger government action to address the growing threat of illegal mining, which has devastated water bodies, destroyed farmlands, and endangered livelihoods in several mining communities.

Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, Most Rev. Anthony Narh Asare, urged the President to establish clear benchmarks that would trigger the declaration of a state of emergency if the crisis deepens.

‘Where we have gotten to now, we have to take a decisive decision on whether we are going to tolerate illegal mining activities or not,’ Bishop Asare said.

‘We urge Your Excellency to provide clear indicators that would justify a state of emergency, ensure visible prosecution of offenders, including those named in official reports, and consider establishing Fast-Track Courts to handle related cases,’ he added.

However, not all experts agree with the calls for a state of emergency. A security analyst, Colonel (Rtd.) Boakye, cautioned that such a measure might not be necessary at this stage, arguing that with enhanced enforcement and coordination among state agencies, the government can make significant progress without invoking emergency powers.

President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to ending illegal mining and called for collective national effort in tackling the issue.

In a message shared later on his social media platforms, he urged citizens and stakeholders to remain vigilant and to hold his administration accountable.

‘In my meeting with Civil Society Organisations today, I reaffirmed my administration’s commitment to ending illegal mining. I made it clear that I am determined to win the fight, but I cannot do it alone. We need every Ghanaian – CSOs, activists, and traditional leaders – to join us in this battle,’ he said.

He added that the government’s ongoing deployment of security personnel and allocation of additional resources to affected areas would soon begin to yield results.

‘Our forefathers inherited a beautiful country blessed with lush forests and pristine rivers. We have a sacred duty to preserve this heritage for our children and grandchildren. We cannot, and will not, hand them poisoned water bodies and destroyed forests,’ he stated.

VICE PRESIDENT of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Mark Addo, and General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo joined counterparts from the West African Football Union Zone B (WAFU B) for a high-level meeting with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to assess progress and discuss strategies for advancing football in the sub-region.

The meeting, held on the sidelines of the 47th CAF General Assembly scheduled for today brought together top football administrators, including CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, 2nd CAF Vice President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, WAFU B President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, CAF General Secretary Véron Mosengo-Omba, and CAF Member Associations Director Sarah Makuna.

In his remarks, Dr. Motsepe praised WAFU B for its efforts in promoting football and reaffirmed CAF’s commitment to supporting the zone’s development.

He stressed the importance of collaboration and innovation to achieve sustainable progress at both national and regional levels.

Discussions centered on key development areas such as youth and school football, women’s football, refereeing and VAR training, coaching education, and infrastructure support. Member Associations provided updates on ongoing projects, challenges, and opportunities in their respective countries.

Representing Ghana, the GFA delegation highlighted priorities including AFCON qualification slots and formats for youth competitions, expanded women’s and youth football development programs, and improved coaching and refereeing training.

They also called for broader competition structures for both boys and girls at the grassroots and elite levels.

The meeting further explored issues of sponsorship, funding, and infrastructure, emphasizing the need for fair resource allocation and sustainable investment in football facilities across the region.

CAF reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with WAFU B and its Member Associations to implement practical solutions and accelerate football growth throughout West Africa.

ýInfinity970, a not-for-profit organisation with a mission to improve the lives and wellbeing of communities through communication, education, interaction and advocacy, recently embarked on a public education campaign on air pollution in Greater Accra.

ýSupported by Breathe Cities, Infinity970 engaged some schools in the Ayawaso Central Municipality centering on the causes and effects of air pollution.

ýStudents from the municipality attended the session with their teachers, in addition to representatives from the assembly.

ýEmmanuel Lamptey, a director from Infinity970, briefed the learners about the campaign and the effects of air pollution as well as its impact on the environment and the health of people. It was a moment filled with education, interaction, and inspiration.

ýStudents were guided through an eye-opening discussion on ‘Air Pollution and its Sources,’ with communication materials (i.e. TV advert, Radio Jingle and Poster/Billboard) from the campaign reinforcing the message.

ýStudents were also given the opportunity to bring their perspective on air pollution, leading to the clarification of some misinformation.

ýMr. Lamptey explained the number of air pollution cases on a daily basis, adding that a report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) Report in 2022, revealed that 28,000 people died annually from air pollution.

ýHe continued that polluted air was bad for human health, economies and the planet, adding that it affected most localities even though the details and complexities differed from community to community. It ranged from dust, fumes from burning substances, and waste disposal among others.

ýIn Ghana, he said air pollution was the second biggest threat to health.

ýNana Amoako, Head of Research at Infinity970, after the event, mentioned that the session was just one of a number of interactive sessions planned for communities, schools and municipal assemblies.

ýHe then encouraged stakeholders to contribute their support for air pollution prevention.

ýObiri Yeboah Givens, Environmental Health Officer, who represented Musah Abdul Samad, Municipal Environmental Health Officer for Ayawaso Central, advised the students not to pollute the air and also to educate anyone whom they saw polluting the air.

ýAlso present at the programme were Bright Delali Asiklu, School Improvement Support Officer and Emmanuel Asante, the Municipality’s SHEP Coordinator. Together, they set the tone for what became a highly engaging programme.

IT HAS emerged that a 10-year-old miner miraculously survived the mining pit collapse incident which claimed seven lives at Kasotie-Kyekyewere electoral area in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region.

Identified only as Yaw by the police, the minor was said to be among the illegal miners who were buried under the sand for sometime before they were finally rescued and rushed to the hospital for treatment.

A Nyinahin District Police statement, which the DAILY GUIDE has sighted, disclosed that young Yaw and three other illegal miners, including a female miner, were rescued alive last Wednesday evening.

Four Survivors

‘Four victims, namely Yaw, aged about 10 years old, Afia Pokuah, aged about 50 years old, Oppong, aged 25 years old, and Festus Asare, aged about 27 years old, were rescued alive.

‘They were rushed to the Mpasaaso Clinic and that they have been detained for treatment,’ the police disclosed, and added that bodies of all seven people, who died under the debris, have been identified.

Names Of Seven Dead People

The police mentioned the dead people as Afia, aged about 25 years; Kwame Nkansah, aged about 43 years; Kofi George, aged about 30 years; and Anthony Acquah, aged about 28 years.

The rest were also identified by the Nyinahin District Police as ‘Otuo Serebuo, aged 20 years, Paul Frimpong, aged 28 years and Kwame Shadrack, aged 23 years’.

The police said the dead bodies have since been deposited at the Nyinahin Community Mortuary for preservation and autopsy, as investigations into how the mining pit collapsed is still underway.

Search For Bodies End

According to the police, the search for bodies in the deep mining pit has official been completed, indicating that all their checks pointed to the fact that all those who were trapped in the pit have been accounted for.

‘The pit was further excavated and thoroughly searched, but no evidence was found to warrant the continuation of the search for additional bodies. Consequently, the search has been declared closed,’ the police stated.

Bishop Alfred Jackson, Presiding Bishop of the Tabernacle Praise Association of Churches International, USA, has urged Christian leaders to shift their focus from titles and positions to genuine service and discipleship.

Delivering a message at a leadership conference hosted by the Kumasi branch of the church, Bishop Jackson said many church leaders risk being distracted by titles rather than the true calling of ministry.

‘The Bible says if a man desires to be a bishop, he desires a good thing. But God also gave clear qualifications,’ he explained. ‘It is never about the title but about doing the work of ministry. Jesus Himself did not come as ‘Apostle Jesus’ or ‘Archbishop Jesus’. He came simply to do the will of the Father.’

Bishop Jackson reminded participants that the role of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers is to equip believers for service and build up the body of Christ. ‘Satan is never afraid of titles,’ he warned and added, ‘He fears the power of God and the anointing upon a believer’s life.’

The two-day conference, themed ‘Experiencing Divine Overflow’, was held on October 2-3 at the Tabernacle Praise Church premises in Kumasi. Lead Pastor of the Kumasi branch, Rev. F. Lendor, explained that divine overflow is about receiving abundance from God and extending blessings to others.

‘When Jesus said out of your belly shall flow rivers of living water, He meant that God’s blessings are not just for us, but to overflow into the lives of others-through spiritual gifts, finances, or talents,’ Pastor Lendor said.

The event also featured teachings on leadership, evangelism, the power of the Holy Spirit, financial stewardship and cross-cultural missions, led by international facilitators including Dr. Melvin G. Miller, Elder Latonya Buchanan, Evangelist Linda Simpson and Bishop Dr. Jackson G. Wean.

Organisers said they expect participants to return to their congregations with renewed energy and a stronger commitment to winning souls and building the church.

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has outlined a five-pillar strategy to tackle illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, in the country.

The strategy emphasises stakeholder engagement, regulatory reforms, law enforcement, reclamation, and alternative livelihoods as the foundation for eliminating illegal mining and promoting responsible small-scale mining across the country.

The sector minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), who also doubles as the caretaker Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, said the move forms part of efforts to safeguard Ghana’s environment, water bodies, and mineral resources.

He disclosed this when President John Dramani Mahama held a stakeholder dialogue with civil society in Accra on galamsey.

Mr. Buah said the first pillar which is stakeholder engagement and collaboration will work towards bringing together everyone, including traditional leaders, local authorities, academia, civil society organisations, and residents, to build consensus against illegal mining through educational campaigns to encourage local ownership of the fight and promote responsible mining practices.

He noted that the Ministry is also strengthening the Licensing Regimes and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that only properly registered miners operate within the law.

‘The Ministry is also driving a decentralisation agenda to ensure that District Mining Committees are a central part of the process of the issuance of mining licences – they are to make recommendations to the Minerals Commission before any licence is issued,’ he added.

Mr. Buah said the law enforcement pillar involves close collaboration with law enforcement agencies to clamp down on unlicensed operators while protecting legally compliant miners.

‘The establishment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) – as the operational nerve centre for the coordination of all anti-illegal mining law enforcement operations is instrumental in the successes that the government has chalked so far. Digital tools are being deployed to track excavator imports, and geotagging and geofencing their use within stipulated jurisdictions,’ he said.

The fourth pillar involves the rehabilitation of degraded lands and the restoration of polluted rivers.

Under this pillar, the sector minister said two key initiatives have been launched – the Tree for Life Reforestation Programme and the Blue Water Initiative, respectively.

He also indicated that special attention is being given to communities severely affected by galamsey, with reclamation projects already underway in several regions.

‘Forest Reserves and Water Bodies have also been declared Security Zones to be manned by the NAIMOS task force.

‘Under the Blue Water Initiative, the first leg is the deployment of Blue Water Guards who serve as community vanguards in the riverine areas, driving awareness creation, warding off illegal miners on waterbodies, and serving as first responders for NAIMOS along the major waterbodies.

‘Through their work, some nine hundred (900) water pumps confiscated from illegal miners have been disbursed to farmers through the Ministry of Agriculture for better use,’ he added.

Mr. Buah again listed the provision of alternative livelihoods, which aims at providing sustainable economic opportunities for communities dependent on galamsey, as one of the strategies being used to fight illegal mining.

The strategy involves the training and support in agriculture, agro-processing, and other vocational ventures to reduce reliance on illegal mining. The Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) is the vehicle driving this programme.

‘It is fundamentally designed to achieve sustainable community transformation through three critical objectives; the Promotion and facilitation of environmentally responsible cooperative mining, Provision of vocational, technical, agricultural, digital, and entrepreneurial training to youth and women to equip them with relevant skills for alternative employment and self-employment, and the Restoration of lands degraded by illegal mining for productive use in agriculture, forestry, and other income-generating activities,’ he said.

According to the Minister, this multi-faceted approach will not only curb illegal mining but also ensure that small-scale mining contributes meaningfully to the country’s economy without destroying its environment.

President John Dramani Mahama pledged full transparency in the fight against illegal mining activities.

‘I’m determined. We need your support. We need your criticism, your advocacy, your pressure. Continue to put our feet to the fire, and let’s win this fight together. Our great-grandfathers gave us a beautiful country with trees and beautiful rivers, and we should not hand over poisoned water bodies or desecrated forests to our children and great-grandchildren. I want to personally assure you that as President, I will also continue to put pressure on the Minister and other officials in charge to deliver on our promise,’ the President said at the meeting.

American music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been sentenced to 50 months in prison after being found guilty of charges related to transporting individuals for sexual encounters.

The sentence was handed down by a federal judge in Manhattan on October 3, 2025. In addition to the prison term, Diddy was fined $500,000 and will serve five years of supervised release after completing his sentence.

During the court hearing, Diddy apologised for his actions, calling them ‘disgusting and shameful,’ and expressed remorse to the victims.

He was convicted in July 2025 under the Mann Act, but was cleared of more serious charges including sex trafficking and racketeering.

Diddy’s lawyers have said they plan to appeal the ruling, arguing that the judge considered evidence from charges he was acquitted of.

The rapper and producer has already spent about a year in custody and could serve roughly three more years in prison.

The case marks a major fall from grace for one of hip-hop’s biggest figures, once known for his business empire and chart-topping hits.

BIBIANI GOLDSTARS extended their impressive start to the Premier League season with a narrow 1-0 win over Swedru All Blacks at the Swedru Sports Stadium on Saturday.

A decisive strike from forward Michael Nkoah just two minutes into the second half proved enough to hand the defending champions all three points in a fiercely contested Matchday 4 fixture.

The newly promoted All Blacks made a strong start, inspired by their vocal home crowd, and dominated much of the opening half.

Despite creating several clear chances, they were left frustrated by poor finishing and the disciplined defending of GoldStars, led by the experienced Vincent Atingah.

After soaking up early pressure, GoldStars found their moment soon after the restart. Nkoah timed his run to perfection to meet a well-weighted through ball before calmly slotting past the onrushing goalkeeper to break the deadlock.

The hosts pressed relentlessly for an equaliser, with substitute Hakim Mohammed nearly rescuing a point in stoppage time when his thunderous strike crashed off the woodwork.

GoldStars themselves were denied a second goal earlier when Samuel Atta Kumi’s close-range effort also struck the post.

CONTROVERSIAL MEDIA personality, Sally Mann, has joined many Ghanaians in questioning Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on the criteria used in selecting the five personalities to be granted diplomatic passports as part of a move to strengthen the country’s cultural and people-to-people diplomacy.

Speaking on her show, Showtym on Adom TV, Sally Mann emphatically stated that the likes of Sarkodie, Shatta Wale, King Promise among other big names deserve the honour of being given diplomatic passports.

She said, aside from Wode Maya and Rocky Dawuni, the other three did not merit a diplomatic passport, questioning their level of influence in attracting diasporans to Ghana.

‘Aside from Wode Maya, Rocky Dawuni, no other person on it deserves a diplomatic passport. Because in Ghana, our biggest exports are music and football. There has not been any other person in this country who has marketed the country in those two sectors,’ she pointed out.

Sally Mann added that, ‘When you travel outside the country, the first name people mention is Asamoah Gyan, Stephen Appiah, and Michael Essien. If you want those who can attract the masses to Ghana based on the assignment given by government, who is Anita Erskine? She does not have enough popularity to bring any diaspora person here, and that’s in my opinion.’

‘Same as Lady Dentaa, yes Grammy’s, GUBA awards among others – but those projects she initiated are for her personal interest, just as the musicians and the footballers have been doing their personal projects,’ she added.

Sally Mann expressed disappointment in the government’s inability to honour the likes of Sarkodie, Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, and King Promise, stressing, ‘If you look at Wode Maya, his impact is felt across the continent, so his diplomatic honours were expected. But to abandon the likes of Sarkodie, who has advocated for Ghana’s diplomatic passport for a long time, for you to choose Anita because she is a correspondent for MNET’s Studio 53, I think they did a disservice to us.’

Sally Mann further stated that the diplomatic passports issue was a family and friends affair, saying, ‘Honourable Okudzeto Ablakwa, it wasn’t carefully planned at all, this is a family and friends giving diplomatic passports to people. If it was properly planned, the two segments selling Ghana are music and football. Yes, they might deserve it, but they are C-listed people to consider.’

Sally Mann’s submission follows an earlier submission made by media personality Nana Aba Anamoah questioning the criteria used to select five Ghanaians for diplomatic passports.

She argued that the selection process seems elitist, favouring English-speaking personalities over those who promote local languages. She believes Nana Ama McBrown, a popular Ghanaian actress, deserves a spot on the list due to her significant influence in Ghanaian communities worldwide.