Category: Daily Guide Network

Black Stars goalkeeper, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, has expressed confidence that Ghana will secure qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite the disappointment of missing out on the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana’s focus will now shift towards the AFCON qualifiers, which are scheduled to begin in September this year, as the team looks to return to Africa’s biggest football tournament after missing the previous edition held in Morocco.

Ati-Zigi, who plays for Swiss side, St. Gallen, believes the quality and hunger within the current Black Stars squad will be enough to guide the team to qualification for the tournament, which will be hosted jointly by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.

‘If you look at the players we have, I think we have what it takes to qualify for the AFCON next year. These are young and hungry players,’ Ati-Zigi told Sporty FM in an interview.

The experienced goalkeeper also believes Ghana can make a strong impression at the tournament if they secure their place.

‘I believe we can make a statement with what we have as a group in the AFCON next year,’ he added.

Ghana has been drawn in Group C of the AFCON qualifiers alongside regional rivals Ivory Coast, Gambia, and Somalia.

The Black Stars are determined to make a return to the continental competition after their failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, ending a long-standing run of appearances at the tournament.

Ati-Zigi’s comments come amid efforts by the Ghana Football Association and the technical team to rebuild confidence in the national side following the World Cup setback and prepare a competitive squad for the upcoming AFCON campaign.

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has outlined six criminal offences it says are being investigated against former Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD), Dennis Miracles Aboagye, over the alleged misappropriation, diversion and theft of approximately GHS55 million in public funds.

The anti-graft agency said Mr. Aboagye, who also served as a senior aide to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is being investigated alongside the former Accountant of IMCCoD, Gerald Appiah, and other unnamed persons over alleged financial and procurement-related irregularities at the Secretariat.

According to EOCO, the offences under investigation are conspiracy to steal, stealing, using public office for profit, causing financial loss to the state, dissipation of public funds, defrauding by false pretences and money laundering.

Although the agency listed seven alleged offences in its statement, it said the investigations centre on six broad categories of economic and organised crime arising from the management of public funds at the Secretariat.

Mr. Aboagye was arrested upon his arrival at the Accra International Airport on Saturday night after officers of the Ghana Immigration Service executed a stop order placed on him by EOCO.

He was subsequently handed over to the anti-graft agency on Sunday morning.

His arrest has generated intense political debate, with the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) accusing the government of using state security agencies to intimidate political opponents.

The arrest came only hours after Mr. Aboagye publicly declared his intention to contest the position of National Communications Director of the NPP ahead of the party’s upcoming national delegates’ conference.

Forensic Audit

EOCO explained that the investigations originated from a forensic audit into the operations of IMCCoD covering the period from August 1, 2022, to February 2, 2025.

According to the agency, the current Executive Secretary of the Secretariat petitioned EOCO to undertake further investigations after reviewing the findings of the audit.

‘The investigations concern suspected misappropriation, misapplication, diversion and theft of public funds amounting to approximately GHS55 million,’ the statement noted.

EOCO said the investigations had been ongoing for several months and that Mr. Aboagye was already aware of the probe, having previously engaged with investigators.

The agency further disclosed that new findings obtained last week strengthened its suspicions regarding alleged fraud and theft, prompting investigators to initiate an operational plan to effect his arrest.

Stop Order

EOCO rejected suggestions that Mr. Aboagye’s arrest was arbitrary, explaining that a stop order had been placed on him about a week before his arrival in Ghana.

According to the agency, the order was intended to prevent any unexpected travel that could interfere with investigations.

However, EOCO said investigators were unaware that Mr. Aboagye had already travelled outside the country before the stop order was issued.

It explained that immediately he arrived at the Accra International Airport on Saturday night, officers of the Ghana Immigration Service enforced the stop order and transferred him into EOCO custody the following morning.

The agency added that Mr. Aboagye later accompanied investigators to conduct searches linked to the ongoing investigations.

EOCO stressed that the former government official would be granted bail in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of Ghana.

It also disclosed that former IMCCoD Accountant, Gerald Appiah, was expected to satisfy his bail conditions before being released while investigations continue.

The agency further revealed that Mr. Appiah had voluntarily begun refunding portions of funds connected to the alleged offences.

However, EOCO stressed that the refunds neither conclude the investigations nor absolve any suspect of criminal responsibility.

‘The recoveries do not by themselves conclude the investigative process neither do they absolve any suspect of any crime,’ the statement emphasised.

EOCO reaffirmed its commitment to conducting investigations professionally, impartially and strictly within the law while respecting the constitutional rights of all persons under investigation.

Political Backlash

The arrest has attracted sharp criticism from the NPP, whose supporters gathered at EOCO headquarters demanding Mr. Aboagye’s immediate release.

The party’s National Youth Organiser, Salam Mustapha, alleged that Mr. Aboagye had initially been denied access to both his legal team and members of his family following his detention.

The NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, described the arrest as a setback for Ghana’s democracy, accusing the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of weaponising state institutions against political opponents.

Addressing journalists outside EOCO headquarters yesterday, Mr. Kodua said the investigation was part of a broader political strategy aimed at diverting public attention from what he alleged were attempts by President John Dramani Mahama to pursue a third presidential term.

‘It is a shame for our democracy. It is a shame for the struggle our forefathers made to bring this country this far,’ he stated.

He maintained that the Constitution clearly limits presidents to two terms and insisted that the NPP would not be intimidated by ‘politically motivated’ actions.

Mr. Kodua further expressed confidence that the opposition party would return to power in the 2028 general election.

Due Process Concerns

Meanwhile, Dr. Ekua Amoakoh, Special Aide to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, criticised the manner of Mr. Aboagye’s arrest, insisting that it was unnecessary.

According to her, the former IMCCoD Executive Secretary had honoured EOCO invitations on two previous occasions and therefore could not reasonably be regarded as a flight risk.

She questioned why investigators resorted to a ‘Rambo-style’ arrest despite his cooperation with the investigation.

Dr. Amoakoh stressed that while no one should be shielded from investigations where wrongdoing is suspected, all persons under investigation are entitled to fair treatment and due process.

She also alleged that members of Mr. Aboagye’s family, his lawyers and senior NPP officials initially experienced difficulty locating him after his arrest.

The Overlord of Dagbon, Ndan Ya Naa Abukari Mahama II, has died in South Africa where he travelled for medical treatment after a short illness.

Kuga Naa Adam Abdulai II, who is the Head of the Dagbon Kingmakers, announced the overlord’s death amidst traditional drumming at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi in the Northern Region.

Ndan Ya Naa Abukari Mahama II has since been buried in accordance with the customs and traditions of Dagbon.

However, Kampakuya Naa Yakubu has since been installed as the Regent of the Dagbon Kingdom, serving as the traditional caretaker and overseeing the kingdom’s affairs on behalf of the Dagbon throne in accordance with Dagbon custom.

In 2019, Abukari Mahama II was crowned the King of Dagbon in a coronation which attracted thousands of traditional and political personalities, as well as well-wishers in Ghana and abroad.

The coronation was the culmination of elaborate traditional arrangements which started with the presentation of cola by the Gushei Naa and Kuga Naa in accordance with Dagbon tradition after the funeral rites for the late Ya Naa Yakubu Andani II, who died in 2002, were completed.

The late Ya Naa Abukari Mahama II was the 42nd Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom.

Govt Mourns Ya Naa

The Government has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II, describing his death as a great loss to the Dagbon Kingdom and the nation.

In a statement issued on Monday, July 13, the government said President John Dramani Mahama extends his deepest condolences to the Royal Family, the people of Dagbon, and Ghanaians during what it described as a period of immense grief.

According to the statement signed by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the late Yaa Naa would be remembered as a distinguished traditional ruler whose reign ushered in healing, reconciliation and lasting peace in Dagbon after years of conflict.

The government noted that the late King’s unwavering commitment to unity, stability and the welfare of his people created an enabling environment for development across the kingdom.

It added that his leadership also strengthened the enduring partnership between traditional authorities and the government in promoting progress in Dagbon and across Ghana.

Paying tribute to the revered traditional leader, the government said Ya Naa Abukari Mahama II rendered invaluable service to the nation through his wisdom, statesmanship and dedication to peace.

It expressed confidence that his legacy of unity and selfless leadership would continue to inspire future generations, and prayed for the peaceful repose of the late Ya Naa’s soul while assuring the Royal Family and the people of Dagbon of the government’s solidarity and support as they mourn one of Ghana’s most respected traditional rulers.

Bawumia Eulogises Ya Naa

Also, Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has extended his condolences to the family and people of Dagbon for the passing of the Overlord of Dagbon, Ndan Ya Naa Abukari II.

‘It is with grief that I send my sincere condolences to the Chiefs and people of the Dagbon Kingdom on the passing of Ndan Ya Naa Abukari Mahama Il,’ he said in a statement.

The former Vice President noted that the late Ndan Ya Naa Abukari Il emerged as the King of Dagbon during one of the most challenging periods in Dagbon history, and with ancestral wisdom and patience, he guided the ancient Kingdom towards peace, unity and prosperity.

‘His reign was short but greatly impactful. Through his wise leadership, he united families once broken and healed a society greatly fractured before him,’ he disclosed.

According to him, the late Overlord of Dagbon represented a blend of tradition and modernity perfectly in the way he led Dagbon, adding that he constantly advocated for and lobbied for major developmental projects in Dagbon.

‘At the personal level, I benefited immensely from his counsel during my time as Vice President of Ghana and later, as the Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party. It was always an honour to pay him homage at the ancient Gbewaa Palace and to draw from his immeasurable wisdom and guidance,’ he revealed.

‘His passing marks a great loss to me, to the Dagbon Kingdom, and to Ghana as a whole. May Allah comfort his immediate family, the Chiefs and people of Dagbon, and Ghana as a whole. It is a painful affliction,’ the statement added.

The World Bank has downgraded the performance of Ghana’s Energy Sector Recovery Programme from ‘Moderately Satisfactory’ to ‘Unsatisfactory’, citing setbacks resulting from the country’s political transition.

According to the World Bank, the Original Development Objective (approved on June 12, 2024) of the programme is to improve the financial viability of the country’s electricity distribution sector and increase access to clean cooking solutions.

However, the World Bank’s latest Implementation Status and Results Report (ISR), published on June 30, 2026, stated that the programme’s progress towards achieving its Project Development Objective (PDO) and its Implementation Progress (IP) had both been revised downward, while the overall risk rating remained ‘Substantial’.

‘The Programme became effective on March 18, 2025. Programme implementation timelines were affected by national elections and the transition to the new administration. The achievement of key programme disbursement-linked results was delayed due to the formulation of new procurement directives and disbursement caps,’ the report stated.

Despite the downgrade, the report noted that implementation could improve if coordination among government institutions is strengthened.

‘It is expected that, with better coordination among implementing agencies and the Government on approval processes, the programme’s delivery will be accelerated to achieve its intended outcomes,’ the report added.

The Chairman of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) of Ghana, Apostle Abraham Amoh, has praised President John Dramani Mahama for agreeing to relocate the nation’s capital to another yet-to-be-cited place.

He also appealed to the President not to politicise the relocation issue, but rather follow due process and bring Parliament on board to ensure that the right thing was done for the good of the nation.

Speaking to the media in Accra on Monday, Apostle Amoh explained that until the relocation was done, no amount of effort could control the flooding situation in Accra, since attitudinal change was a major critical factor.

He indicated that the new national capital, if properly done, would reduce pressure on the current infrastructure in Accra, which compel some people to build on waterways, and dispose of refuse into drains, among others.

Again, the Chairman of the Church stated that now that those who issued permits for people to build in waterways are still at post without any punishment, no amount of demolition in such areas will help curb the menace.

Apostle Amoh appealed to Parliament to enact a law that will ensure that any Municipal, Metropolitan and District Chief Executive (MMDCE) who approves any such waterlogged area for redevelopment should be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.

He suggested that the Suhum to Asamankese stretch and the stretch of land from Suhum to Koforidua were the areas which should be considered as the location for the new national capital.

This, he attributed to the topography of the area, which will be free from flooding, availability of large acreage of land for building of selected ministries, industries and residency, coupled with the right infrastructure that fits a national capital.

The issue of relocating the national capital has become a common statement by Presidents of Ghana anytime the current capital experiences flooding.

Some activists of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Western Region have praised the smooth conduct of the party’s constituency elections in the region over the weekend.

The elections were conducted in 14 out of the 17 constituencies in the region. The delegates cast their ballots without any incident.

The elections in the Takoradi and Kwesimintsim constituencies were put on hold due to court issues. The Tarkwa-Nsuaem Constituency elections also did not take place because of some misunderstanding.

The Western Regional Secretary of the NPP, Okatakyie Amankwaa Afrifa, congratulated all the elected executive officers for their victory.

He said, ‘Your mandate is to lead, unite and rebuild the party in your respective constituencies for the party’s victory in 2028.’

In the Mpohor Constituency, an active member of the party, Kwesi Andoh was elected chairman. He polled 418 votes to beat his two contenders, Razak Dadzie and Pius Prah, who had 109 and 75 votes respectively.

Madam Josephine Yaa Tachie polled 282 votes to win the First Vice Chairman position. Two male contenders Newton Joseph Appiah and Bernard Asante had 132 and 185 votes respectively.

Prince Koomson was elected Second Vice Chairman, Gideon M. Boamah, Constituency Secretary; Robert Ansah, Assistant Secretary and Kingsford Yalley, Organiser.

Bernice Kensah was elected Constituency Women Organiser; Geoffrey Smith Oduro, Youth Organiser; Frank Nkrumah, Treasurer, and Kojo Aseidu, Constituency Communications Officer.

In the Prestea Huni Valley Constituency, Dr. Felix Kwame Quainoo was elected Chairman; Elvis Duah – First Vice Chairman; Francis Yarrah – Second Vice Chairman and Emmanuel Fosu -Secretary.

The rest were Archibald Boadu – Deputy Secretary; Robert Yankson – Organiser; Richard Mensah – Youth Organiser; Hannah Onsonyameye – Woman Organiser; Victoria Bimpeh – Treasurer and Alamboada Ishaq -Nasara Coordinator.

In the Ahanta West Constituency, a businessman, Albert Yankey was elected Chairman. Emmanuel Baidoo – First Vice Chairman; Ishmael Kobina Johnfia – 2nd Vice Chairman; Desmond Okine – Secretary and Saudatu Shaibu – Women Organiser.

The rest were Barnabas Annan – Communication Officer; Solomon Kojo Arthur – Organiser; Joseph Nana Kwame – Youth Organiser; Ebenezer Cudjoe – Deputy Secretary and Abu Sufyan Mensah – Nasara Coordinator.

Head Pastor and General Overseer of Roja City International Church, Prophet Samuel Henry, popularly known as Prophet Roja, has donated relief items to victims of the recent floods in Alajo.

The items were presented to the Chief of Alajo, Nii Armah Adjor II, as part of efforts to support residents displaced by the June 29, 2026 downpour.

Receiving the donation, Nii Armah Adjor II expressed gratitude to the man of God and prayed for God’s blessings on him.

Speaking through his spokesman, the chief recalled how the torrential rains left the entire community submerged.

‘We are located between the Odaw River and the Onyinase River. When both rivers overflowed, the whole community including myself was affected. Only a filling station and two houses were spared, and that is where we took refuge,’ he said.

He noted that Prophet Roja’s visit had done more than bring relief. According to him, it has drawn the attention of other organisations and corporate bodies to Alajo’s plight.

‘Our people are looking up to me for help. I am therefore appealing to individuals, organisations and philanthropists to come to our aid with more relief items for those affected,’ he added.

Prophet Roja, in his remarks, cautioned that the danger was not over. He urged authorities and residents to urgently desilt gutters and clear debris from the first flood to prevent a repeat.

‘The rains are far from over. The next rains will be heavier than what we just experienced. We must clear the gutters now, especially since Alajo sits between two rivers,’ he warned.

The prophet also advised residents not to rely solely on forecasts from the Ghana Meteorological Agency, saying predictions are often inaccurate. He pledged to engage traditional leaders and continue advocating for the clearing of drains to mitigate future flooding.

‘As we pray against more disasters, we must also take practical steps to protect our communities,’ he concluded.

The Manhyia South Constituency New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Kumasi, has successfully elected executives to manage the affairs of the party for the next four years.

The polls, which were organised in a peaceful atmosphere, saw veteran politician, Peter Kwaku Asamoah polling 565 votes to beat Seth Twumasi, who had 237 of the votes cast, in the Chairman race.

In the First Vice Chairman election, Ackah Blay managed to secure a whopping 662 of the valid votes cast to win the position ahead of Pius Agyeman Duah, who polled 140 votes.

Aminu Mubashiru accumulated 511 votes to secure the Second Vice position, followed by Justice Anokye, 149 votes, Isaac Kwakye, 98 votes and Bashiru Issaka, 47 votes, respectively.

In the Treasurer election, which was a two-horse race, Stephen Addai, who was the underdog, pulled a major surprise with 588 votes to beat Henry Adu Kobi, who had 215 votes.

Dofuoh Joseph Junior, who is very popular in the constituency, was elected as Organiser with 620 votes as against 184 votes polled by Dabanka Mainoo Joseph.

In the Women’s Organiser race, the incumbent, Mary Coker, had 543 votes cast to beat her only challenger, Darko Charlotte, who managed 261 of the valid votes cast.

Akwasi Amankwa Adusei, also caused an upset with 556 votes to beat the bookmaker’s favourite, Caroline Owusu, who had 239 of the votes, to emerge as the Youth Organiser.

Ali Mohammed was elected as the Nasara Coordinator with 551 votes; Joseph Appiah Addai, Communications Officer and Oscar Boah, who is the newly elected Deputy Secretary.

The new executives, led by their Chairman, Peter Kwaku Asamoah, after the elections results were declared, called for total peace, oneness and unity in the party.

According to them, their major focus is to work assiduously to help the NPP to secure more votes in the constituency, for Dr. Bawumia to be elected as the next president of Ghana.

The Africa West Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has donated humanitarian relief items valued at approximately US$300,000 to the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) to support people affected by recent flooding in the country.

The donation, presented at NADMO Headquarters in Accra, includes food supplies, clean water, mattresses, blankets, mosquito nets and essential hygiene products to provide immediate relief to families impacted by the floods.

Items donated comprise 2,000 bags of rice, 1,000 boxes of cooking oil, 500 boxes of canned fish, 100 large sacks each of maize and gari, 2,000 bags of sachet water, 5,000 blankets, 5,000 mosquito nets, 5,000 student mattresses, 1,000 packs of toilet rolls, 200 boxes of sanitary pads and 200 boxes of baby diapers.

The relief items were received by NADMO for onward distribution to affected communities in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area, with additional consignments allocated to Wassa Amenfi East in the Western Region and the Dosukorpe community in the Anloga District of the Volta Region, in response to requests received from NADMO and the affected areas.

Speaking during the presentation, Elder Adeyinka A. Ojediran, General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said the donation reflects the Church’s commitment to serving those in need and following the teachings of Jesus Christ. ‘Our faith teaches us to love our neighbors and serve those in need, and this donation is an expression of that discipleship,’ he said.

He noted that the floods had left many families vulnerable and underscored the need for food, shelter and basic supplies to restore dignity and hope.

Elder Ojediran said the initiative demonstrates the strong collaboration between the Church, NADMO and local communities, expressing appreciation to government agencies, local leaders and volunteers for supporting humanitarian efforts.

‘We urge that these items be used to bless the lives of those most affected. May they bring relief, comfort and renewed strength. We reaffirm our commitment to continue working with NADMO and the Government of Ghana to support communities in times of need,’ he added.

The Church emphasized that while the donation is valued at about US$300,000, its true significance lies in the lives it will impact through timely humanitarian assistance. Beyond emergency relief, the Church called on Ghanaians to help prevent future flooding by promoting environmental cleanliness and responsible waste management.

As part of this commitment, the Church announced that members worldwide will participate in the annual All-Africa Service Project on August 15, 2026, dedicating at least three hours to community service activities such as environmental clean-up exercises, tree planting and other projects aimed at strengthening communities.

Receiving the donation on behalf of NADMO, Director-General Major (Rtd) Dr. Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon expressed appreciation to the Church for its continued support to disaster response efforts.

He described the Church as one of NADMO’s regular humanitarian partners and commended its consistent commitment to assisting vulnerable communities across the country.

‘The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been a consistent partner in supporting Ghana’s disaster management efforts. This is not the first time they have come forward to assist communities in need; their compassion and commitment to humanitarian service continue to make a meaningful difference,’ Dr. Bikanyi Kuyon said.

‘In times of emergencies, effective response requires collaboration among government institutions, partners and communities. We appreciate the Church’s willingness to support and for responding swiftly to the needs of people affected by these unprecedented floods,’ he added.

Ghana’s Black Queens have landed in Morocco to begin the final stage of their preparations for the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Eighteen players have already reported to camp as head coach, Kim Lars Björkegren, and his technical staff kick off the team’s build-up to the continental tournament.

The squad arrived in high spirits and will spend the coming days sharpening tactics, improving match fitness and strengthening team chemistry as they prepare for the competition.

The pre-tournament training camp is expected to play a key role in ensuring the Black Queens are fully prepared before their opening fixture. The remaining invited players are scheduled to join the camp in the coming days, allowing the squad to reach full strength ahead of the tournament.

Ghana has been drawn in a challenging Group D alongside Cape Verde, Mali and Cameroon. The Black Queens will be aiming to make a strong impression in the group stage as they seek a successful campaign in Morocco.

With preparations now underway, the technical team will be focused on fine-tuning the squad as the Black Queens look to compete for continental honours at the 2026 WAFCON.