Category: Daily Guide Network

Ghana national Derrick Van Yeboah, popularly known as Van, has been sentenced to 85 months’ imprisonment in the United States for his role in an international criminal organisation that stole more than $100 million from victims via romance scams and business email compromises.

Van Yeboah had pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud before US District Judge Arun Subramanian on March 5, 2026 and was awaiting sentencing.

He was held responsible for more than $10 million he stole from victims via his romance scams.

In addition to the jail term, Van Yeboah was sentenced to two years of supervised release and ordered to pay $10,149,429.17 in forfeiture.

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, who announced the latest development, said romance scammers do not simply steal money-they weaponise trust.

‘Van Yeboah and his co-conspirators exploited trust, loneliness, and legitimate business relationships to steal more than $100 million. Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of these calculated frauds and our commitment to pursuing international criminal organisations that target Americans,’ he said.

Court documents indicate that Van Yeboah was a member of a criminal organisation primarily based in Ghana that committed romance scams and business email compromises against individuals and businesses located across the United States.

The documents point out that many of the conspiracy’s victims were vulnerable older men and women who were tricked into believing that they were in online romantic relationships with persons who were, in fact, fake identities assumed by members of the conspiracy.

Once members of the conspiracy had gained the trust of their victims, they deceived those victims into sending their money to the enterprise or into helping them launder funds from other victims, the documents stated.

‘The conspirators also committed business email compromises to trick and deceive businesses into wiring funds to the enterprise. In total, the conspiracy stole and laundered more than $100 million from dozens of victims. After stealing the money, the fraud proceeds were then laundered to West Africa.’

Court documents further point out that Van Yeboah personally perpetrated many of the romance scams by impersonating fake romantic partners in communications with victims.

They state, for instance that, in 2019 and 2020, Van Yeboah assumed fake identities to engage in romance scams with an Ohio woman and a Delaware woman and induced them into transferring approximately $4.2 million to accounts belonging to members of the conspiracy.

‘Similarly, in 2024, Van Yeboah assumed a fake identity to engage in a romance scam with a North Carolina man and induced him into transferring approximately $123,000 to accounts belonging to members of the conspiracy by claiming that he needed funds for both a parent’s funeral and to recover gold and diamonds from Italy.’

Van Yeboah’s arrest, extradition and prosecution was through a collaboration between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the US Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, and Ghana’s Attorney General.

Others include the Economic and Organised Crime Office, the Ghana Police Service – INTERPOL, Cyber Security Authority, and the National Intelligence Bureau, which all provided significant assistance to ensure Van Yeboah’s extradition.

Renowned indigenous mining entrepreneur and Founder of Rabotec Group, Alhaji Ali Ibrahim, has called for a move beyond exporting raw minerals to developing world-class mining technologies and systems that can compete globally.

Speaking in an interview, Alhaji Ibrahim said although the country has over a century of mining experience, it is yet to transform that knowledge into indigenous innovations that can be exported to the world.

He said Ghana needs to leverage its abundant mineral resources and technical expertise to create homegrown mining solutions that other countries would be willing to adopt.

He cited industry analyses indicating that Ghana still possesses mineral resources estimated to be nearly three times what has been extracted over the past century, suggesting the country has enough reserves to sustain mining for another 300 years.

‘We have over 300 years of mineral resources ahead of us. It is time for Ghana to create mining systems that the world will come here to buy,’ he said.

Alhaji Ibrahim believes this presents a unique opportunity for young Ghanaian engineers, innovators and entrepreneurs to collaborate and develop technologies that will leave a lasting legacy.

‘If 10 or 15 young engineers come together with a unique mining innovation, I’m ready to invest. I want to be part of a legacy that the world will recognise as Ghanaian,’ he added.

Reflecting on his journey as the head of an indigenous mining company, Ali Ibrahim said the greatest challenge facing local businesses is not access to capital but the lack of confidence Ghanaians have in one another.

He argued that entrepreneurs often face criticism and opposition from their own people, making leadership more difficult.

‘Being a leader in Ghana is like being on a political platform. You always have an opposition waiting for the day you make a mistake.

‘Our good days are written on water, but our bad days are written on brass,’ he said as he calls for a shift in mindset and more support from stakeholders particularly the government.

Rabotec’s Expanding African Footprint

Alhaji Ibrahim revealed that Rabotec is currently managing mining and infrastructure projects valued between US$1.5 billion and US$1.8 billion across several African countries.

According to him, Rabotec is executing projects worth approximately US$350 million in Mali, US$285 million in Sierra Leone, US$250 million in Burkina Faso, and US$250 million in Guinea, where the company is responsible for complete mining operations, including drilling, blasting, loading, hauling and mine management.

In Ghana, Rabotec is executing a US$400 million mining contract at Asanko Gold after the client renewed and expanded an earlier agreement.

‘Currently, we are running projects worth between US$1.5 billion and US$1.8 billion over a five-year period. That reflects the scale of Rabotec’s operations across Africa,’ he said.

Investing in Sustainable Mining

Alhaji Ibrahim highlighted Rabotec’s leadership in the design and construction of Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs), engineered facilities used to safely contain mining waste generated during mineral processing.

He said the company has built several of Ghana’s major TSFs and has undertaken similar projects across the continent, including in Sierra Leone.

He explained that TSFs play a vital role in preventing hazardous mining waste from contaminating nearby communities and the environment, adding that Rabotec has obtained ISO certification and is investing in green mining technologies to align with evolving global environmental standards.

Ambition to Become a Mine Owner

Alhaji Ibrahim reiterated his ambition to transform Rabotec into a fully integrated mining company that owns and operates its own large-scale mines across Africa.

‘My ambition is clear. Very soon, you will hear of Rabotec Mine. We are developing concessions in Ghana and other African countries, and we are working towards becoming mine owners,’ he added.

Quiet Philanthropy

Beyond business, Alhaji Ibrahim supports prison inmates and helps former inmates rebuild their lives through employment.

‘Not everybody in prison is a criminal. Sometimes circumstances put people behind bars, and when they come out, they deserve another chance,’ he said.

He said several former inmates are now employed across Rabotec’s operations as drivers, equipment operators and skilled artisans.

He disclosed that even before the government’s Nkoko Nkitinkiti initiative, he had donated day-old chicks to prisons to equip inmates with livelihood skills and support their reintegration into society.

His corporate social responsibility initiatives also include support for hospitals, orphanages, flood relief efforts, dredging waterways in communities, constructing mosques and responding to humanitarian emergencies.

Investing in People

Alhaji Ibrahim revealed that Rabotec has trained and mentored more than 300 employees who entered the mining industry with little or no prior technical knowledge.

He estimated that Rabotec currently employs more than 5,000 people directly across its operations, with the livelihoods of approximately 20,000 people supported through the company’s employment opportunities.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite the company’s rapid growth, Alhaji Ibrahim acknowledged that the journey has not been without setbacks.

He revealed that one of Rabotec’s operational sites suffered a devastating attack this year when unidentified individuals allegedly set heavy mining equipment ablaze, causing losses worth almost US$30 million.

He also noted that Ghana’s local content and localisation policies are increasingly shaping mining regulations across West Africa, requiring companies to strengthen local partnerships while remaining competitive.

‘Most countries in the sub-region are adopting Ghana’s localisation policies. We comply with local content requirements everywhere we operate, but the changing regulations remain a challenge,’ he added.

Looking ahead, he said the company’s vision is to evolve into a major mine owner and gold producer, while investing heavily in sustainability, compliance and innovation to position itself for the next phase of growth in Africa’s mining industry.

Away from business, Alhaji Ali Ibrahim is a devoted family man, happily married and blessed with children.

The Supreme Court has directed political parties in the country to take steps to allow all members to participate in internal elections, effectively scrapping the age-old delegate system.

The apex court, in a 5-2 majority decision yesterday, held that the delegate system used by political parties to elect both presidential and parliamentary candidates over the years is inconsistent with democratic principles.

The majority panel made up of Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie (presiding), Justices Gabriel Pwamang, Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu, George Kingsley Koomson, and Senyo Dzamefe, with Justice Samuel Asiedu and Ernest Gaewu dissenting, therefore, directed political parties to review their policies within one year to allow all registered members in good standing to participate in the selection of candidates ahead of general elections.

The court, however, held that all decisions lawfully undertaken in good faith before the date of judgment shall remain.

Delegate System

The delegate system is often characterised by widespread reports of inducements (cash, gifts, and logistics), with the highest bidder often winning internal elections.

Critics of the system say it leads to incumbency advantage and presents an opportunity for office holders and financiers to influence delegate selection and voting through patronage networks, appointments, or control of party structures.

The delegate system also leads to candidates primarily often targeting delegates’ immediate interests instead of broader constituency needs.

In a more recent scenario, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primary in the Ayawaso East Constituency attracted national attention after reports emerged that some candidates distributed items including motorbikes, television sets, ‘butas’ (ablution kettles), boiled eggs, ice chests, sanitary pads and cash to delegates during the exercise.

The Majority in Parliament described the developments as unacceptable, especially at a time the party was promoting an agenda to ‘reset’ Ghana’s political culture.

Writ

Former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe and Dr. Christine Amoako-Nuamah filed a writ at the Supreme Court challenging the delegate system.

Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe, reacting to the Supreme Court decision, described it as significant victory for Ghana’s democracy.

He was of the view that the apex court’s decision will help restore merit-based politics and ensure that political leadership is determined through broader participation rather than the influence of a few individuals.

‘The Supreme Court decision is indeed a good decision for democracy. If democracy must continue, then it must be merit-based. Otherwise, it has no meaning,’ he said.

The plaintiffs had argued that restricting voting rights to a limited number of delegates was inconsistent with the democratic principles enshrined in Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.

They contended that the system created inequality among party members by granting electoral rights to a privileged minority while excluding ordinary members in good standing.

The plaintiffs sought among others, a declaration that the delegate systems contained in the constitutions of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Convention People’s Party (CPP) were unconstitutional, as well as orders compelling the parties to amend their constitutions to allow equal, direct and meaningful participation by all members in good standing.

They also sought directives requiring the Electoral Commission (EC) to ensure that political party constitutions comply with the democratic requirements of the Constitution and the Political Parties Act.

The plaintiffs further contended that political parties, as institutions recognised under Article 55 of the Constitution, are required to organise and operate in accordance with democratic principles, making broad participation in internal elections a constitutional imperative.

AG Agrees

The Attorney General (AG) supported the plaintiffs’ position, noting that political parties perform an important public function within Ghana’s democratic framework.

The Office of the Attorney General contended that their internal electoral processes should reflect the constitutional values of equality, participation and universal suffrage.

In its response, the Office urged the court to grant the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs and adopt a ‘one member, one vote’ approach to internal political party elections.

Again, the Attorney General averred that expanding voting rights to all registered members would strengthen accountability and deepen internal democracy.

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has called for a permanent partnership between Parliament, academia and civil society organisations to strengthen evidence-based lawmaking, enhance public accountability and improve democratic governance in the country.

He said Parliament’s legislative and oversight functions would be more effective if they were consistently informed by independent research, policy analysis and the lived experiences of citizens, rather than relying solely on official government submissions.

Speaking at the launch of an information-sharing session between parliamentary committees on economic governance and public financial management, academia and civil society organisations, Mr. Bagbin said the initiative was intended to establish a structured platform for continuous dialogue, knowledge sharing and collaboration among the three groups.

He observed that while Parliament, universities and civil society organisations all contribute to national development, opportunities for sustained collaboration had been limited over the years.

According to him, the absence of such collaboration had meant that valuable research often failed to inform parliamentary deliberations, while the experiences of ordinary citizens were not always adequately reflected in public policy.

‘We seek to nurture an enduring partnership in which rigorous research informs legislative decision-making, while civil society enriches parliamentary deliberations with practical experience,’ he stated.

The Speaker stressed that Parliament had the constitutional responsibility of making laws, approving major public policies and holding the Executive accountable, but noted that these responsibilities could only be effectively discharged through access to credible evidence and independent expertise.

He therefore urged parliamentary committees to engage researchers and policy think tanks throughout the budget cycle, legislative scrutiny and oversight processes.

Mr. Bagbin described economic governance and public financial management as among Parliament’s most consequential responsibilities, explaining that decisions on taxation, borrowing, public expenditure and debt sustainability directly affected the welfare of citizens and the country’s economic future.

He cautioned that governments had a natural tendency to increase expenditure and said Parliament must remain vigilant in protecting the public purse.

‘As Parliament, we only have to doze off for a second and the government goes on a shopping spree at the expense of the fundamentals of life,’ he remarked, describing Parliament as the nation’s ‘guard dog’ over public finances.

The Speaker said effective oversight required more than official reports and government submissions, insisting that Parliament needed independent research, objective analysis and informed public perspectives to evaluate whether government policies were delivering their intended outcomes.

He urged academic institutions and civil society organisations to continue producing objective, policy-relevant research that would strengthen parliamentary debates and improve decision-making.

Mr. Bagbin also announced plans to deepen citizen engagement by strengthening Parliament’s institutional mechanisms for public participation.

He highlighted initiatives such as the Open Parliament Plan, the electronic petitions platform, live broadcasting of parliamentary proceedings, Open Parliament Week and the establishment of the Citizens Bureau as measures designed to make Parliament more transparent, accessible and accountable.

He directed Parliament’s administrative departments to ensure the Citizens Bureau functions as the central repository of parliamentary information, enabling citizens, researchers and civil society organisations to access information on parliamentary proceedings more easily.

According to him, the Bureau should serve as a bridge between Parliament and the public by collecting, organising and making parliamentary information readily available while facilitating the flow of citizens’ concerns into legislative deliberations.

The Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, said the information-sharing session marked an important milestone in Parliament’s efforts to deepen public participation and bridge the gap between research and policymaking.

He said the forum would enable Members of Parliament (MPs) to benefit from independent research and diverse perspectives as the House considered the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review, thereby promoting more informed decision-making in the national interest.

If there is a time that this country needs spiritual deliverance laced in repentance; a national assemblage of persons of all faiths coming together in a true spirit of intercession without the hypocritical partisan touch, it is now.

Previous events, clothed in concealed partisan garbs, politicisied as they were, lacked the sincerity which should accompany such spiritual engagements. God cannot be mocked and so intercessions, when they are not underscored by clean hearts bereft of vengeance, cannot meet the standards of the Almighty Omniscient.

The country is enveloped in a spiritual gloom, one whose description in words is beyond us. Many who should have been talking against the iniquities of the rulers against the ruled have been cowed by the incessant abuse of state power represented by Gestapo-style law enforcement.

A few days ago, the country was greeted with the heartbreaking scene of stupid policing in a civilised setting, one of many experienced under the present regime within under two years of their being at the throttles. What better way can we describe the attack on nursing students in Mampong Krobo in the Ashanti Region by megalomaniac and unprofessional gang of police officers in riot order.

Coming on the heels of the alleged torturing of Camilla Alhassan by National Security operatives as her five-year-old kid waited indefinitely for her return.

The Ashanti Regional Police Commander, the Divisional and District Commanders all have questions to answer for their unprofessional response to a peaceful demonstration.

We have no regrets for condemning the excuse by the Principal that the irate students had locked her up as they embarked upon the demonstration. She acquiesced to the ill-treatment meted out by the unprofessional police and must share in the brutish conduct of the cops.

They even fired warning shots, and we wish to ask whether the mostly female students could pose such danger as to warrant the discharge of rounds.

We bet that had there been fatalities, the unprofessional trigger-happy cops would have arranged a story to suit and protect their interests.

This is the country in which we find ourselves in today. The message is clear and unambiguous. The government is telling Ghanaians that regardless of the constitutional guarantees for the freedom to demonstrate within the confines of the law, this can be varied arbitrarily as being witnessed.

A few days have elapsed since the human rights of the nursing students were abused and no statement has been issued by the authorities let alone ordering an investigation.

Ghanaians who witnessed the video footage of police officers who appeared to be more like militias than trained law enforcement officers dragging young girls into a waiting car could not believe their eyes.

A similar scene occurred in Kumasi recently when the Mayor of the Garden City organised police officers and Metro Guards to storm a slum. It was so crudely executed with police officers wielding cutlasses and using same to inflict pain on occupants of the slum. The scenes were reminiscent of the barbarism in apartheid South Africa.

Things are just not proceeding in the right direction and we think that while considering alteration in the state of things, we should not lose sight of intercession, especially when a pastor claims to have buried 32 cows for the NDC to win power. Why would a country like Ghana with an admirable democratic pedigree descend so low on the decency chart within a year and half of the swearing in of a new government?

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced KFC Ghana as the Official Meals Partner of the Ghana Women’s Premier League in a move aimed at strengthening support for women’s football.

The partnership underscores KFC Ghana’s commitment to the development of the women’s game by providing meal support throughout the league season. It also aligns with the GFA’s broader strategy of building stronger relationships with corporate organisations to enhance the growth and professionalism of domestic football.

According to the GFA, the collaboration is expected to improve the welfare of players and officials, recognising their vital role in the continued progress of the Women’s Premier League.

The Association believes the agreement is another step towards creating a more sustainable and competitive women’s football environment, as the league continues to attract greater corporate interest and investment.

The GFA welcomed KFC Ghana to the Women’s Premier League family and expressed optimism that the partnership will make a meaningful contribution to the development of women’s football in the country while supporting the league’s long-term growth.

Delta Air Lines is giving travelers a new way to fly premium for less, with the expansion of its Basic fare option to Delta First, Delta Premium Select, and Delta One.

The move builds on changes Delta introduced last year, including new product names and the rollout of Basic fares to Delta Comfort in fall 2025. Starting now, customers who want the core onboard premium experience without the full flexibility can choose a Basic ticket in higher cabins.

‘This expansion gives customers more ways to choose the Delta experience that best fits their trip, and a new way to access our premium tier products,’ said Joe Esposito, Delta’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. ‘No matter the fare, every customer can expect the thoughtful service, comfort and care that continues to set Delta apart.’

The onboard experience doesn’t change. A passenger in ‘Basic Business’ gets the same 180-degree lie-flat seat, privacy suite on select aircraft, chef-curated three-course meal, warm nuts, complimentary beer, wine and spirits, hot towel service, plush bedding and Missoni amenity kit as someone in a full Delta One ticket.

Delta calls it ‘Basic Business’ instead of ‘Delta One Basic’ to signal it’s an industry-standard business class fare without the ground perks Delta One customers expect.

Where Basic fares differ is before and after the flight, seats are assigned after check-in, not in advance, changes or cancellations are allowed for a fee, with value issued as an eCredit and fewer earned miles.

Typically there is one fewer free checked bag than Classic, depending on route with no automatic access to Delta One Lounge or Sky Club with the ticket.

Customers can still purchase seat assignments within their cabin if available and upgrades are not included with Basic fares. There’s a transition period through Jan. 18, 2027, with Basic Business and Delta First Basic customers still getting Delta One check-in and lounge access.

Gold Medallions and above on international Delta Premium Select Basic will also keep Sky Club access via Medallion benefits. Delta 360 members will retain Sky Club access on Basic fares through their status. After Jan. 18, 2027, lounge access on Basic premium fares will require a separate membership, credit card, or other credential.

Delta First Basic is available now on select domestic and Latin America routes, with flights starting July 8.Delta Premium Select Basic and Basic Business are on sale starting July 8, but won’t begin flying until September on domestic and select long-haul international routes.

Availability will vary by market and route. You’ll see the Basic option appear in Delta’s app, on Delta.com, by calling Reservations, and through third-party booking channels.

For frequent flyers with a Delta SkyMiles American Express Card, the first checked bag remains free worldwide, with more benefits for eligible card members.

In short: Delta is splitting the premium experience into two parts – the seat and service in the air, and the flexibility and ground perks on the ground – and pricing them accordingly.

Musician, Choirmaster, has returned to Ghana ahead of the funeral of his late wife, actress Beverly Afaglo, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the State House.

The funeral will begin at 7:00 a.m., after which a private burial will be held. A thanksgiving service is also scheduled for Sunday, August 9, at Action Chapel International, starting at 9:00 a.m.

Choirmaster arrived from the United States on July 28 and was received at the Accra International Airport by friends and colleagues, including Praye Tiatia and rapper, Dr Cryme, who offered him words of comfort during this difficult period.

Videos of his arrival, which have since circulated on social media, showed the musician visibly emotional as he reunited with his close associates.

Beverly Afaglo died on May 24, 2026, at the age of 42, just four days before her 43rd birthday.

Her passing sent shockwaves through Ghana’s entertainment industry, as family, friends and fans prepare to bid her a final farewell.

GHANAIAN MUSIC sensation, Black Sherif, is the only Ghanaian artiste to get a feature on Davido’s 13-track album titled ‘ORIADÉ’.

This was made public after the Afrobeats icon, born David Adedeji Adeleke, revealed the official tracklist for his forthcoming sixth studio album, just days before its scheduled release on July 31, 2026.

According to many, Black Sherif’s feature on the ‘Amazing Grace’ track of the album, is because of his massive cross-border appeal, powerful storytelling, and undeniable chart dominance in Ghana. Black Sherif blends highlife, reggae, and raw reality into his music, providing an emotional depth and gritty storytelling style that complements Davido’s dynamic Afrobeats framework.

The collaboration follows a period of heavy chart presence by Black Sherif in Ghana, highlighting a strategic mutual respect between the two stars to bridge Nigerian and Ghanaian markets seamlessly.

The 13-track project boasts an impressive lineup of collaborators, featuring Leon Thomas, Aya Nakamura, Mayorkun, Fola, Llona, NO11, JAZZWRLD and GL_Ceejay, highlighting Davido’s blend of African and international talent.

The announcement video, accompanied by a stirring Yoruba eulogy, reflected the album’s cultural inspiration and symbolism. ‘The kingdom expands. Chosen long before the throne,’ Davido wrote, introducing what will be his sixth studio album and seventh overall project since rising to prominence more than a decade ago.

ýMinister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo Esq, has stated that Ghana’s population of over 12 million young people represents the single most important fact of the nation’s future, stressing that potential becomes prosperity only through deliberate government investments in education, healthcare, skills development, employment, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

ýHe said this at the 2026 commemoration of the World Population Day (WPD), held in Accra on the theme, ‘Investing in Ghana’s Future through Healthy, Skilled and Empowered Young People.’

ýAccording to him, Ghana is home to more than 34 million people, and over 12 million of them are young people between the ages of 15 and 35, representing the single most important fact of the nation’s future.

ýTo capitalise on this, he said potential becomes prosperity only when governments deliberately invest in education, healthcare, skills development, employment, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

ýMr. Opare Addo disclosed that through the National Apprenticeship Programme, the powers of young people are acquired through practical skills directly from experienced master craftsmen and artisans.

He added that through the Labour Exchange Programme, structured, safe, and dignified pathways are opened for skilled Ghanaian youth to access international employment opportunities, whilst protecting their rights and enhancing Ghana’s reputation as a reliable source of skilled and talented workforce.

ýHe thus expressed appreciation to the National Population Council and the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF) for convening the event.

ýDelivering a speech at the event, the Deputy Council Chair, National Population Council, Dr. Nii Akwei Addo, highlighted that Ghana’s population today stands at 34.4 million, approximately, and of this number, roughly 12 million, about 38.2%, are young people between the ages 15 and 35. ý

ýDr. Akwei Addo, who also graced the event as the Chairperson, emphasised that this year’s global theme, ‘Realising the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People, Today and the Future,’ recognises young people not as beneficiaries of development but as its drivers.

ý’Handled well, through sustained investment in education, health, skills and decent jobs, this youthful population structure can translate to Ghana’s demographic dividend: a period of accelerated economic growth. Conversely, handled poorly, the same youth bubble becomes a missed opportunity and a source of social and economic strain,’ he said.

ý The 2025 National Labour Statistics, he said, indicated that nearly one in four young persons in Ghana between the ages of 15 and 35 is not in education, employment, or training. Moreover, despite real gains in school enrollment, too many young persons still do not complete the journey from education into skills development and decent employment.

ý’Therefore, investing in the health, education, skills, and empowerment of Ghana’s young people is a role of nations, a role of governments, and a role of society,’ he underscored.

ýAccording to Ag. Executive Director of the National Population Council, Angelina Osei Kodua-Nyanor, Ghana is a remarkably youthful nation, with approximately 12 million citizens aged 15 to 35 making up about 38% of the country’s population. However, this youthful demographic does not automatically guarantee economic growth, as a demographic dividend must be deliberately earned through strategic investment.ý

ý She pointed out that youth participation must extend beyond mere consultation, allowing young people to actively influence the policies designed for their future. ‘Government action alone cannot deliver these outcomes; instead, coordinated cross-sector collaboration among civil society, the private sector, and development partners is essential to transform the potential of Ghana’s youth into tangible national development gains,’ she added.

ýUnited Nations Population Fund Country Director, Dr. Wilfred Ochan, emphasised that Ghana stands at a critical threshold with over 12 million young people under age 35. This demographic structure offers a once-in-a-generation economic opportunity, but the primary window to harvest this dividend is narrow and projected to peak around 2031.

ý’To capitalise on this potential, immediate synchronised investments are required. Policy creators must prioritise youth healthcare and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) spending, while educators align curricula with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and green energy,’ he stated.

ý He also stated that business leaders should create structured apprenticeships, traditional leaders must combat child marriage, and the youth must actively serve as decision-making partners.

ýFor her part, Member of Parliament for Asokwa, Patricia Appiagyei, emphasised that empowering young people requires providing a meaningful voice and active citizenship, reminding them to be active citizens rather than mere spectators to build a resilient, prosperous nation.