Category: Daily Guide Network

ýThe European Union (EU) has awarded 446 Ghanaians with the prestigious Erasmus+ Scholarship Programme for 2026. This year’s scholarship awards include 28 students for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, 14 of whom have received full scholarships to study in top universities across Europe, and 418 students and staff selected under International Credit Mobility, the short-term exchange programme.

ýýSpeaking at the event, the European Union Ambassador to Ghana, Rune Skinnebach, highlighted that these figures are important, but what matters even more is what they represent: ‘real opportunities, real ambitions, and real stories of transformation. This effort is made possible through a strong Team Europe approach.’

ýýThe Erasmus+ Programme is the EU’s flagship mobility initiative to support education, training, youth and sports in Europe under its Global Gateway initiative with a strong focus on social inclusion, green and digital transitions and promoting young people’s participations in democracy and efficient governance.

ýýThe Ambassador expressed EU’s pride in welcoming the new scholars, saying, ‘the EU is certainly proud of welcoming you to our top academic institutions in Europe, but today is not only a celebration of your success, it’s also a celebration of partnership between Ghana and Europe, between institutions and, above all, between people.’

ýýHe further underscored the broader scope of studying abroad, stressing that study opportunities in Europe are much more than academic achievement alone, ‘they are about learning, about discovery, about exchange and about building the skills and networks that will shape your future. They are also about strengthening mutual understanding and deepening the ties between Ghana and EU.’

ýýHighlighting the financial commitment to youth empowerment, he noted that the European Union attaches great importance to education, youth and mobility. The EU Global Gateway initiative, Youth Mobility for Africa, dedicates pound 970 million towards youth exchanges and mobility between Africa and Europe, including Erasmus+ and other initiatives.

ýý’Through Erasmus+, we invest in people, in knowledge, and in long-term partnerships. Since 2014, 3,618 Ghanaian students and staff have travelled to Europe for study, training or teaching opportunities,’ the Ambassador disclosed.

ýýEmphasising the collaborative nature of the initiative, he stated that this effort is made possible through a strong Team Europe approach. ‘Promoting Study in Europe and Ghana is a shared endeavour. In partnership with GIZ, through the Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration and Development, we have established a network of ‘Study in Europe’ desks in 30 Ghanaian universities.’

ýýAccording to him, these desks play an important role in raising awareness of opportunities in Europe by providing information sessions and counselling on Erasmus+, as well as on programmes offered by Campus France and DAAD, the German Academic Exchange Service.

ýýLooking beyond the academic period, he urged continuous engagement, stating, ‘We want your journey with the EU not to end when the scholarship ends, and this is why we are looking to build a stronger alumni community to keep young beneficiaries of EU programmes engaged, connected and informed about future opportunities.’

ýý’Also, we are proud to work closely with ASAF, the African Student Alumni Forum, which plays an important role in connecting and mobilising young alumni across the continent, as well as with the Erasmus Mundus Association, and I’m also grateful for the presence of the Erasmus Plus National Focal Point,’ he added.

ýýConcluding his address, Ambassador Skinnebach encouraged students to be curious, ambitious, as well as open to new ideas, to new friendships, and to new perspectives. He charged them to learn as much as they can and carry Ghana proudly with them, reminding them that they are not only students, but future leaders, professionals, and bridges between Ghana and Europe, adding that, he ‘hope to see them come back as EU ambassadors to Ghana.’

Access Bank (Ghana) Plc has challenged youth-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a critical driver of innovation, competitiveness and sustainable growth, urging entrepreneurs to ‘disrupt or be left behind’ in an increasingly digital economy.

The call was made at the BUILT Powered by Access U AI Business Sprint, an entrepreneurship and capacity-building workshop organised by Astra Roster in Accra to equip young business owners with practical AI skills to strengthen their brands, improve productivity and scale their enterprises.

The Sprint forms part of Access U, Access Bank Ghana’s flagship platform for empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs through knowledge, innovation and strategic partnerships that unlock opportunities for growth and economic inclusion.

Speaking at the event, Nana Akuffo, Head of Youth Banking at Access Bank Ghana, described AI as ‘the great equaliser’ – a force that enables businesses to compete, innovate and expand regardless of their size or stage of development.

‘AI gives you the chance to seize new territory and fundamentally redefine how business gets done, regardless of where you’re starting from. The entrepreneurs who embrace it today will be better positioned to lead tomorrow’s economy,’ he added.

Nana Akuffo pointed to Africa’s rapidly changing demographics as both an economic opportunity and an urgent call to action, noting that by 2050, the majority of the continent’s population will be under the age of 25.

He said the demographic shift makes investment in youth entrepreneurship and digital capabilities essential to Africa’s future prosperity.

‘The question is no longer whether this shift is coming. It’s already here. The question is whether you will be among those who lead it. Africa’s economic future is being built today by its young entrepreneurs, and they must be equipped with the tools and skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving global marketplace,’ he stated.

He added that AI is not simply another business tool but a transformative force reshaping industries worldwide.

According to him, it enables young entrepreneurs to overcome traditional barriers to growth, including limited access to capital, networks and operational capacity.

Technologies that once required years of investment and institutional support are now within the reach of entrepreneurs willing to apply AI strategically to improve efficiency, enhance customer experience and unlock new markets, he said.

The Gbese District Court in Accra has granted the extradition of Daniel Yusif, aka Denteni, aka Slab, an alleged co-conspirator of Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, to the United States to face charges of wire fraud in an alleged $8 million romance scam targeting elderly Americans.

The court has given him 15 days within which to challenge the extradition, a failure for which he will be flown out of the country to stand trial over his alleged role in the romance scam charges.

Daniel Yusif, 31, and his alleged accomplice, Abu Trica, also 31, have been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

The two are facing up to 20 years’ imprisonment if found guilty of the charges leveled against them.

Yusif was arrested by security officers in January 2026 after he attempted to leave the country through the Accra International Airport.

He has since been a subject of extradition proceedings before the Gbese District Court following the unsealing of Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) indictment tied to romance scam and wire fraud investigations.

Abu Trica has already been arraigned in Northern District Court of Ohio, presided over by Judge John R. Adams, where he pleaded not guilty to the offences.

He was extradited to the United States on July 9, 2026, after his multiple legal challenges against the extradition failed.

DOJ Allegations

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) says Abu Trica and Daniel Yusif were part of a criminal network that targeted elderly victims in romance scams across the United States since 2023.

Court records allege that from about April 2023 to November 2025, Abu Trica was part of a criminal network that devised romance fraud schemes to obtain money from elderly United States citizens.

Abu Trica and Yusif, according to the DOJ, acted as leaders of a group that used online dating sites and social media to identify and target their victims, who were often widows or divorcees.

‘Kumi employed advanced techniques including artificial intelligence (AI)-driven video platforms to engage with the victims under fictitious female personas. Others involved in the deception leveraged Ghanaian associates to communicate directly with victims via encrypted apps and by phone, to maintain the false identities used to facilitate the fraud,’ the DOJ said.

It further pointed out that ‘after being misled by false stories or gold or diamond inheritances, the victims sent money via wire transfer to financial accounts controlled by conspiracy members.’

Portions of the funds were allegedly further provided to co-conspirators in Ghana and elsewhere, with the statement noting that Abu Trica and other co-conspirators used money mules based in Ghana, and contacts in the Ghanaian immigrant community in the US, to launder millions of dollars through fake businesses and bank accounts.

‘Kumi allegedly used his ill-gotten gains to acquire luxury vehicles and other items of value. Assets seized by international law enforcement partners included a mansion in Ghana, a Lamborghini, Tesla Cybertruck, Mercedes Benz, and BMW,’ the statement said.

‘Kumi has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. Additionally, his ill-gotten gains are subject to forfeiture,’ the DOJ further clarified.

It also clarified that if convicted, each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after a review of factors unique to the case, including each defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, his role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.

‘In all cases, the sentences will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum,’ it said.

The Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE) has donated coconut seedlings to the organisers of the University of Ghana Green Week 2026 celebrations to support the University’s campus tree-planting campaign.

In a statement issued on Saturday, July 25, 2026, FAGE reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability, youth empowerment and the transformation of the country’s horticultural sector.

The Federation said the donation, undertaken in partnership with the Coconut Federation Ghana (COCOFEG) and AgriOne Technologies, demonstrates a shared vision of nurturing the next generation of ‘agripreneurs’ while promoting climate-smart agriculture, environmental stewardship and export-driven agricultural development.

It noted that, beyond planting trees, the initiative is also about planting ideas, creating opportunities and cultivating a generation that views agriculture as a profitable business, a vehicle for innovation and a solution to youth unemployment.

‘Every coconut tree planted today symbolises a lasting investment in food security, climate resilience, wealth creation and Ghana’s green economy,’ the statement said.

According to the Federation, the presentation also officially builds momentum towards the Ghana Horticulture Expo 2026, the nation’s premier horticultural investment, trade and innovation event, scheduled to take place from September 3 to 5, 2026, at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Accra.

It said the Expo would bring together students, young ‘agripreneurs’, exporters, investors, researchers, development partners, financial institutions and policymakers to unlock new opportunities across Ghana’s horticultural value chains.

‘Through exhibitions, investment forums, technology showcases, business matchmaking, youth innovation sessions and policy dialogues, the Expo will provide an unparalleled platform for young people to transform ideas into thriving agribusinesses while connecting with markets, finance, technology and global opportunities,’ parts of the statement read.

Receiving the seedlings, the Green Week leadership expressed profound appreciation to FAGE and its partners, describing the donation as a lasting legacy that perfectly complements Green Week’s mission of promoting practical learning, environmental responsibility, entrepreneurship and youth leadership in sustainable agriculture.

In his remarks, the President of FAGE, Davies Narh Korboe, used the opportunity to invite students and young entrepreneurs to attend the Ghana Horticulture Expo 2026.

He described the Expo as a platform where ideas meet opportunities, partnerships are forged and tomorrow’s agribusiness leaders emerge.

The Vice President of the Coconut Federation Ghana (COCOFEG), Kwaku Boateng, also encouraged young Ghanaians to embrace horticulture as a pathway to national development.

‘FAGE, COCOFEG and AgriOne Technologies remain committed to working with educational institutions and industry stakeholders to empower Ghana’s youth, accelerate horticultural development and position Ghana as a leading hub for sustainable agriculture and high-value exports,’ the statement added.

The Apinto Divisional Council in the Western Region has opposed the continued dominance of mining operations in the country by foreign companies.

The Council is the traditional owners of the land on which Gold Fields Ghana Limited in Tarkwa, operates.

Despite the mining company’s long presence in the Western Region, the chiefs in the area claim that the operations of Gold Fields have not contributed significantly to the overall development of the host communities.

The chiefs have therefore, kicked against the renewal of the mining lease of Gold Fields Tarkwa Mine when it expires in April 2027.

‘We believe that the operations of Gold Fields in Tarkwa have been less beneficial to the Apinto communities than they should have been,’ the chiefs pointed out.

‘We have poor roads, inadequate school infrastructure, insufficient healthcare facilities, unemployment among the youth, and many other pressing concerns,’ they noted.

Addressing a press conference in Tarkwa, the traditional leaders called for a new shared prosperity model for a proposed government-owned mine in Tarkwa.

‘We are honoured to inform the people of Ghana that the Apinto Divisional Council has developed an Apinto Shared Prosperity Proposal, which will be submitted to the Government of Ghana for its consideration and approval,’ the chiefs indicated.

Speaking on behalf of the chiefs, the Gyaasehene of the Apinto Divisional Council, Dr. Nana Adarkwa Bediako III, noted that the chiefs are not enthused about projects provided by Gold Fields.

He said, ‘The level of development provided by Gold Fields does not commensurate with the extent of the degradation of our lands and the socio-economic challenges confronting our communities.’

He told journalists that a recent tour of the company in Tarkwa by the Apinto Divisional Council revealed that more than 4,000 hectares of Apinto lands have been degraded, depriving many young people and indigenous communities of their livelihoods, access to farmlands, and the effective enjoyment of their surface rights.

‘We wish to state that we support the call by many well-meaning Ghanaians for the Government of Ghana to establish a government-owned mining operation in Tarkwa,’ said Dr. Bediako III. ‘We believe this presents a historic opportunity for Ghana to derive maximum benefits from its natural resources.’

‘It will also help to correct the long-standing imbalance between mineral extraction and the development of host communities,’ he pointed out.

Dr. Bediako III noted that the transition from a foreign-owned mine to a government-owned mining enterprise will advance Ghana’s national economic interests.

‘It will also ensure that the traditional authorities and host communities of Apinto, have sustained mining for generations and also ensure that those who continue to suffer the adverse effects of such operations, become genuine partners in the ownership, governance, and benefits of the mine,’ he pointed out.

He stressed that the Apinto Divisional Council supports responsible mining and welcomes investments.

‘However, we believe that the next phase of mining in the Tarkwa-Apinto area must move beyond royalties and corporate social responsibility projects towards a genuine partnership among the Government, investors, and host communities,’ he added.

‘Our message is simple: A mine that generates wealth from the lands of Apinto must also create lasting prosperity and sustainable development for the people of Apinto,’ he indicated.

A High Court has dismissed a suit which sought to restrain the National Democratic Congress (NDC) from implementing its directive requiring certain government appointees to resign at least six months before contesting the party’s internal election scheduled for December 2026.

The ‘General Jurisdiction Division 8’ of the High Court in Accra delivered the decision on a suit filed by a member of the NDC, clearing the way for the governing party to implement the policy announced in January this year.

General Secretary of the NDC, Fifi Kwetey, on January 29, 2026, announced that party members occupying certain government positions must resign at least six clear months before filing nominations if they intend to contest for party office.

The directive applies to Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Chief Executive Officers, Managing Directors and their deputies, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, as well as persons occupying analogous offices.

‘Any person seeking to contest for a party position who currently holds an office to which he or she was appointed by the President or government must resign from that office at least six clear months before filing nomination claims,’ Mr. Kwetey announced at a press conference.

He said the measure, introduced pursuant to Article 54 of the party’s constitution, was intended to ensure a level-playing field for all aspirants.

The directive, however exempts chairpersons and members of governing boards, as well as persons occupying analogous board positions. As a result, board appointments alone do not trigger the six-month resignation requirement.

The NDC has scheduled its national congress for December 19, 2026, while nominations for the internal elections are expected to close on November 9, 2026.

The six-month resignation directive expired in June 2026, and government appointees who hold party positions are yet to tender in their resignations.

This could suggest that they do not intend to contest in the upcoming internal elections as the party gears itself up for the 2028 general election.

Colombian singer, Shakira, has explained why she featured Nigerian artiste, Burna Boy, on the official 2026 FIFA World Cup song, Dai Dai.

Speaking on the Capital Evening Show with Jimmy Hill, Shakira said she wanted a strong male voice for the song and believed Burna Boy was the right person for the collaboration.

She said she had always wanted to work with the Grammy-winning singer.

‘I have always loved Burna. I was obsessed with getting him on the track, so I called him,’ she said.

Shakira added that she could not imagine anyone else performing Burna Boy’s part on the song.

Since its release, Dai Dai has topped Spotify’s Global Music Video Chart. The song also made Burna Boy the first African artiste to reach number one on Apple Music’s Global Top Songs chart and the first African artiste to perform at the FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show.

Renowned gospel minister, Diana Hamilton, led worshippers into what she described as a ‘glorious’ encounter during night one of the ‘Signs and Tokens Conference’ at Power Chapel Worldwide in Kumasi.

The event, which drew a large congregation, featured Hamilton ministering in songs of worship and praise.

Speaking after Diana Hamilton’s ministration, Head Pastor of Power Chapel Worldwide, Pastor Victor Kusi Boateng, could not hide his admiration for the award-winning gospel artiste.

‘The presence of God is a touch of life. I don’t know if you experienced it tonight,’ Pastor Kusi told the congregation.

He continued: ‘There is nothing more than the presence of God. It is a tangible personality. What a presence! What a presence!’

Turning to Hamilton, Pastor Kusi expressed gratitude for her ministry, saying, ‘I want to thank God for the life of this great minister. Minister Diana Hamilton, you are an outstanding minister. You are in a class of your own.’

Diana Hamilton also shared her excitement after the service.

‘What a glorious time we experienced in God’s presence last night,’ she said. ‘I was blessed. I am excited and eagerly looking forward to an even greater outpouring this evening.’

The Upper West Regional Police Command, through the Regional Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU), has secured the conviction and sentencing of 42-year-old Elyasu Kunateh for the defilement of a seven-year-old boy in Wa.

The convict was arrested by the police on January 20, 2026, following a report of the incident, which occurred on January 17, 2026, by the victim’s mother.

According to the Upper West Regional Commander, DCOP Francis Yiribaare, upon receiving the complaint, the police immediately commenced investigations and referred the victim to a medical facility for examination, in addition to offering him psychosocial support.

The accused was remanded into police custody after being arraigned before the Wa High Court, and on July 23, 2026, after a full trial at the Wa High Court, His Lordship Justice Osei-Wusu Antwi found him guilty of the offence and sentenced him to 10 years’ imprisonment in hard labour.

The Upper West Regional Police Commander assured the public that it remains committed to protecting vulnerable persons, and will continue to pursue all reported cases of child abuse, sexual and gender-based violence.

He encouraged parents, guardians, caregivers, and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases of abuse to the nearest police facility for immediate action.

The day that was once the most anticipated day on the school calendar, the day filled with laughter, juice boxes, and paper baskets of colour, has become a war zone of outrage.

As basic schools across the country officially end the term on Thursday, July 23, 2026, social media has exploded into a heated debate. The trigger? A wave of mounting allegations from frustrated parents claiming that the once beloved end-of-term ‘Our Day’ tradition has been hijacked and turned into financial extortion.

For decades in Ghanaian culture, showing gratitude to educators was simple but spontaneous and heart-driven. But recent claims paint a vastly different picture of today’s classrooms where direct solicitations are used.

According to reports monitored on social media, parents now report receiving direct messages and phone calls from teachers nudging them to fund end-of-term ‘appreciation packages.’

Some of the requests have reportedly ballooned from small tokens of appreciation to high-ticket items, including home appliances such as microwaves and substantial cash demands.

The situation has pushed parents, especially those with wards in private schools, into a corner, fearing their kids will be embarrassed or treated differently if they go to school empty-handed.

‘Our Day’ Then And Now

The controversy stands in stark contrast to the memories of older generations.

Gone are the days when ‘Our Day’ meant excitement, laughter, and sharing, not expectations.

Growing up, while living with my late grandmother, my school was just behind our house. I could easily read between the lines when classes were about to begin. I would quickly prepare myself and rush off to school, eager to join my friends.

Those were our ‘Syto’ days in public schools. Our biggest excitement back then was not about buying gifts for teachers; the real deal lay in ‘Our Day’ celebrations.

Going to school with biscuits, drinks, and food packed in beautifully decorated baskets covered with white cloth was the ‘ish’ of the day. It was a real joy.

‘When I was in primary school, our biggest excitement was not about buying gifts for teachers. We looked forward to bringing biscuits, drinks, and food packed in beautifully decorated baskets covered with white cloth. That was the real joy. It was never a rule. No parent was forced, and no child felt embarrassed.’

Pupils brought small tokens like drinks or biscuits in appreciation of their teachers, who accepted them with utmost pride.

But it was a voluntary gesture, as no parent was forced, and no child felt embarrassed because they could not offer a gift to their teacher.

It was simply an expression of a show of love and appreciation. But society over time is changing, forcing the meaning attached to ‘Our Day’ gifts to change too.

There is no doubt that teachers deserve to be appreciated. They shoulder bigger responsibilities even beyond the walls of classrooms.

They provide guidance and counselling and, in some instances, spend financially on their pupils. Those teachers deserve recognition.

For instance, if a parent recognises the influence of a teacher on a ward and showers gifts on him or her willingly, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

After all, appreciating people for their good deeds is sacrosanct with the Ghanaian upbringing.

A small gesture from a grateful heart can mean a lot.

But the real problem begins when appreciation becomes an expectation.

When parents are asked to exchange expensive gifts such as microwaves or large sums of money, then it raises concerns.

Some overburdened parents already struggling to make ends meet will be put under unbearable pressure.

A gift should bring happiness, not stress

Some people argue parents who choose private schools over public ones should be ready to meet the expectations that come with them. institutions. While parents certainly want the best for their children, appreciation should never feel like a compulsory payment.

Perhaps a better approach is to allow parents to raise specific concerns instead of blaming teachers for their predicaments. If a particular teacher or school makes unreasonable demands, that situation should be addressed directly rather than painting every teacher ‘black’.

Because the truth is, many teachers continue to serve with dedication and commitment.

At the same time, we should not allow this conversation to destroy our culture of kindness and generosity.

Giving has always been part of who we are as Ghanaians.

When we are kind and loving to others, God is pleased.

So, let us continue to appreciate teachers, but let that appreciation come from the heart – not from pressure, fear or obligation.

Perhaps the greatest gift a teacher can receive is not an expensive item wrapped in a package but the appreciation of their patience, sacrifice and hard work that have helped shape the life of a child.

Ultimately, the essence of Our Day is not about the gifts. It was always about gratitude, love, and appreciation.