Category: Daily Guide Network

THE ORGANISERS of the Face of Ghana Youth Awards (FOGYA) have officially announced the 6th edition of the awards scheme, scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Nathan Anang Quao Auditorium, CLOGSAG Headquarters, Accra.

The Face of Ghana Youth Awards is an annual flagship event dedicated to recognising, celebrating, and honouring outstanding young Ghanaians who are making significant contributions to national development across various sectors, including leadership, entrepreneurship, arts, media, innovation, advocacy, and community service.

According to the founder, Destiny Riverson Bentil (Majesty), this year’s ceremony will be held in an elegant dinner-style format, promising an atmosphere of excellence, inspiration, and celebration. The red carpet experience will commence at 5:00 p.m., followed by the main awards ceremony at 6:00 p.m.

Entertainment for the night will be powered by DJ Xtra (Atinka FM) and DJ Glore PK (Top FM), ensuring a vibrant and memorable experience for guests and nominees alike.

Special guests to be honoured include Sista Afia, Okyeame Kwame, Jay Foley, DJ Mensah, and Agnes Opoku.

Tickets can be purchased online via www.glintafrica.com, or by contacting 024 775 7707 for reservations and inquiries.

FOGYA 2026 is organised by Glint Africa in collaboration with key partners and sponsors who continue to support youth empowerment and excellence in Ghana.

The organisers extend an invitation to corporate bodies, stakeholders, media partners, and the general public to join in celebrating the resilience, innovation, and impact of Ghana’s youth.

AFC Bournemouth have completed the signing of highly-rated Hungary midfielder Alex Toth from Ferencváros in a deal worth £10.4 million, as the Premier League club continues to strengthen its squad in the January transfer window.

The 20-year-old has put pen to paper on a five-and-a-half-year contract with the Cherries, with the agreement also including up to £2.6 million in performance-related add-ons and a 10 per cent sell-on clause in favour of the Hungarian champions.

Toth attracted strong interest across Europe, with Benfica, Galatasaray and Lazio all understood to have monitored his situation closely before Bournemouth moved decisively to secure his signature.

Speaking after completing the move, the defensive midfielder expressed his delight at joining the south coast club.

‘When I knew AFC Bournemouth were first interested in me, I was excited and happy because this is a good club in the Premier League, the best league in the world and the strongest league,’ Toth said. ‘The whole club, the whole structure is great.’

Toth arrives in England with growing international experience, having already earned nine caps for Hungary. He has spent his entire club career in his home country, including a loan spell at Soroksár during the 2023-24 season.

He made his senior debut for Ferencváros in December 2024 and has since featured 52 times for the league champions, scoring four goals while also gaining valuable experience in European competitions.

Bournemouth’s head of football operations, Tiago Pinto, believes the young midfielder is well equipped to make the step up.

‘He has come from a club that is used to competing at the highest level in Hungary, while also featuring in Europe, so we’re excited about what he can bring to us in Bournemouth as he continues to develop further under the coaching of Andoni [Iraola],’ Pinto said.

Africa’s leading provider of secure national and digital identification solutions, Margins ID Group, has secured a contract to design, build, finance, co-operate and transfer a National ID System and an Integrated Digital ID System for the government of The Gambia.

The landmark agreement, signed on January 19, 2026, represents a defining milestone not only for the company, but for Ghana and the broader African technology ecosystem.

‘This achievement reflects a new chapter where African technology is designed, trusted and deployed across Africa,’ the Group said.

The tender process, which commenced on Monday July 22, 2024, attracted 11 international companies, reflecting strong global interest in the project. Following a comprehensive technical and financial evaluation, three firms were shortlisted, with Margins ID Group emerging as the successful bidder based on superior technical design, competitive advantage, and proven delivery capacity.

‘This contract is a defining moment for African digital identity innovation,’ said Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Margins ID Group, Moses Kwesi Baiden Jnr.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Baiden Jnr. described the agreement as a historic milestone and underscored the role of a national identification system as core national infrastructure that underpins governance and access to services.

‘This is a historic milestone,’ Mr. Baiden Jnr. said. ‘We are deeply grateful to the Government of The Gambia for the trust they have placed in us.’

Mr. Baiden Jnr. emphasised that the system being deployed in The Gambia represents an evolution informed by experience, not a replication.

‘What we are doing here in The Gambia is not a replication of any regional system,’ he said. ‘It incorporates evolved architecture and enhanced security controls. We have taken the lessons learned from Ghana and built an even stronger, more seamless national identification ecosystem for The Gambia.’

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior for the Gambia, Matar Ceesay, noted that the project had been under development for an extended period and had involved a whole-of-government approach.

‘This is something that has been in the works for a while,’ he said. ‘That is why government institutions across the board have been involved and have carried out their respective due diligence.’

He added that The Gambia is looking forward to a tailored solution.

Referencing Ghana’s experience, the Minister expressed confidence in the partnership.

‘The Ghana Card system is an example for Africa,’ he said. ‘Margins has done good work, and we are hopeful that this time, we have gotten it right.’

He emphasised the importance of capacity-building and commitment.

‘Knowledge transfer is very important to us,’ the Minister said. ‘The Government is fully invested in making this project successful.’

The implementation of the new identification system will modernise governance in The Gambia, enhance service delivery, and strengthen data protection and privacy for citizens. It will simplify access to healthcare, financial services, education, and digital public services, while establishing a robust foundation for e-government services, interoperability, and sustainable economic growth.

The project stands as a powerful example of Africa-to-Africa collaboration and aligns with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area, reinforcing regional integration and the ability of African enterprises to compete successfully on merit.

Italian fashion legend, Valentino Garavani, has died at the age of 93, his foundation announced on Monday.

In a statement, the Fondazione Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti said the designer passed away at his home in Rome, surrounded by loved ones. Lying in state will be held on January 21 and 22 at PM23 in Piazza Mignanelli, with his funeral scheduled for Friday, January 23, at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome.

Known simply as Valentino, the designer dressed generations of royalty, first ladies and Hollywood stars, including Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Julia Roberts and Queen Rania of Jordan. ‘I know what women want,’ he once said. ‘They want to be beautiful.’

Celebrated for his timeless elegance rather than edgy trends, Valentino enjoyed a career spanning nearly five decades, from the 1960s in Rome to his retirement in 2008. His refined designs made him a red-carpet favourite for global A-listers.

His gowns featured prominently at the Academy Awards, including Julia Roberts’ iconic black-and-white dress in 2001 and Cate Blanchett’s butter-yellow silk gown in 2004.

The First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Zakari Mumuni, has cautioned that poorly reported economic issues by the media can create unnecessary panic in the foreign exchange market, even when underlying conditions remain stable.

Speaking at the Governor’s New Year media engagement at Bank Square in Accra recently, Dr. Mumuni explained that Ghana operates a managed floating exchange rate regime in which daily movements, small appreciations or depreciations, are normal and reflect routine market trading rather than economic distress.

He noted that when such movements are reported without proper explanation or context, they can trigger fear-driven behaviour, prompting individuals and businesses to seek to protect value, artificially increase demand for foreign currency, and ultimately heighten market volatility.

‘In this sense, reporting itself becomes a market signal. Confidence in the cedi can weaken not because fundamentals have changed, but because sentiment has,’ Dr. Mumuni said.

He added, ‘Responsible, measured reporting has the opposite effect; it reinforces calm, encourages rational behaviour, and allows markets to function more efficiently.’

He stressed that the media is not merely an observer of economic events but also a transmitter of confidence and a shaper of public sentiment, often becoming an unwitting participant in market dynamics.

‘How the actions of the Bank of Ghana are reported. How they are explained, framed, and contextualized has real consequences for households, businesses, and investors,’ he added.

Dr. Mumuni also underscored that currency stability is not an abstract macroeconomic concept but one with direct implications for the daily lives of Ghanaians.

According to him, stability enables businesses to price goods with confidence, allows investors to plan effectively, and assures workers that their earnings will not lose value overnight.

He further highlighted the unique role of central banks in national life, describing them as public institutions that act in the interest of citizens while remaining operationally independent from short-term political pressures.

He explained that the Bank of Ghana regulates banks, manages the national currency, provides banking services to government, and serves as custodian of financial stability, hence the need for responsible reporting on its activities.

Dr. Mumuni warned that sensationalism can amplify anxiety, while incomplete context can distort public understanding.

Conversely, he said balanced and informed reporting can stabilise expectations and strengthen confidence, noting that perception often precedes reality.

Touching on recent performance, the First Deputy Governor said the cedi ended 2025 significantly stronger, reflecting improved economic fundamentals, disciplined policy implementation, and growing confidence in the monetary framework.

He described the outcome as ‘not a victory for the central bank alone, but a shared national gain,’ stressing that while instability harms everyone, stability benefits all.

Dr. Mumuni also called for greater context in reporting on central bank losses, explaining that such losses are not unique to Ghana and often arise when central banks take decisive actions in the public interest during periods of economic crisis.

‘When this distinction is not clearly explained, public trust can be eroded. Yet trust is the very foundation upon which monetary policy rests,’ he said.

‘The thrust of policy must not be lost – inflation fell sharply, reserves were rebuilt, and the cedi strengthened. These are the outcomes that ultimately matter to citizens,’ he noted.

Ever been stopped by a police officer on the road, only to be frustrated by their ‘license check’? They often find fault, even with the correct documents, and you end up paying at least GHS5, depending on where you are.

The truth is, some police officers have been using traffic stops as an opportunity to solicit bribes rather than enforce traffic laws. This creates a negative experience for drivers and undermines trust in law enforcement.

Over the years, there’ve been tons of documentaries and exposés showing police officers in uniform proudly receiving bribes, sometimes in broad daylight, like it’s their birthright.

Just before the end of 2025, a viral video spread across social media which captured some police officers caught on video allegedly taking money from motorists near the Côte d’Ivoire border.

After the video went viral, the officers were identified, and the Ghana Police Service took action against them. It’s a bribery scandal that sparked outrage, and it’s scary to think about the ones that go unnoticed, off camera. The fact that some officers were caught red-handed suggests there might be more cases slipping through the cracks.

Promotion Over Bribery

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, recognising the magnitude of unprofessionalism within the service regarding bribery, is introducing a new approach to tackle police officers accepting bribes.

The IGP’s approach prioritises promotion (career advancement) as a motivator to discourage officers from taking bribes, offering an alternative ‘cure’.

IGP Tetteh Yohuno, is optimistic that the culture within the Service is rapidly changing, with discipline, professionalism and hard work now driving motivation and career progression since he introduced the police promotion.

He has issued a strong warning to members of the public against attempting to bribe police officers, insisting that such acts will no longer buy freedom but rather public disgrace.

‘Anybody who attempts to bribe the policemen will be exposed,’ the IGP cautioned, adding that police officers are now committed to doing their work diligently rather than engaging in corrupt practices.

In the spirit of promotion, upon assumption of officer, the service has witnessed an overwhelming number of promotion under the watch of IGP Tetteh Yohuno.

On January 15, 2026, IGP promoted 35 police officers in recognition of their outstanding role in the arrest of suspects involved in the Adabraka gold robbery in Accra.

The promotions were awarded to personnel who demonstrated exceptional professionalism, dedication, and teamwork during operations that led to the arrest of suspects linked to the high-profile daylight robbery at a jewellery shop at Adabraka in November 2024.

Additionally, IGP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, promoted 17 officers, including two senior officers, in recognition of their exemplary conduct and dedication to duty.

Two officers of the Ghana Police Service were also promoted for their role in foiling a robbery and rescuing two victims during a night snap check operation in Accra.

The Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, announced that Chief Inspector Patience Kotoka and G/Constable Joseph Akondoh, along with four Community Police Assistants (CPAs), were honoured for their vigilance and swift action

Constable Akondoh was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal, while Chief Inspector Kotoka has been recommended for admission to the next Police Cadet Course at the Police Academy, a step that could see her commissioned as a senior officer upon successful completion.

The promotions were granted in appreciation of the officers’ distinguished performance, particularly their commitment to operational excellence, discipline and service to the nation.

IGP Yohuno, together with members of the Police Management Board (POMAB), congratulated the promoted officers and urged them to regard the elevation as a call to greater responsibility, leadership, and accountability in the discharge of their duties and charged the officers to continue working hard.

The Service have reiterated its commitment to recognising merit and rewarding excellence as a means of strengthening professionalism, boosting morale, and enhancing effective policing across the country.

While it’s early days to say if the ‘Promotion Over Bribery’ initiative will bring sanity to the service, I can say some officers might have taken bribes without the promotion incentive. That being said, we’re watching, hoping the IGP’s confidence in his men isn’t misplaced, and this move genuinely curbs corruption.

Dancehall heavyweight, Charles Nii Armah Mensah, known in showbiz as Shatta Wale, has dragged media personality Abubakar Ahmed, aka Blakk Rasta, before the High Court in Accra, demanding GHS100 million in damages for alleged defamation.

The lawsuit follows a video allegedly published on December 15, 2025, on Blakk Rasta’s social media platforms under Blakk Empire Media, titled ‘Shatta Wale, self-confessed king of fraud.’ Shatta Wale argues that the content was false, malicious, and deliberately crafted to damage his hard-earned reputation.

According to the statement of claim, the video went viral within 24 hours, clocking more than 150,000 views on Facebook and 27,000 on YouTube, along with thousands of comments and reactions. The musician says the wide reach amplified what he describes as damaging and untrue allegations.

Shatta Wale maintains that the video portrayed him as a fraudster, thief, and morally corrupt individual, claims he categorically denies. He further accuses Blakk Rasta of alleging that he associates with known fraudsters and allows stolen funds to pass through his bank accounts-assertions the artiste insists are baseless and defamatory.

The self-styled ‘Dancehall King’ contends that the publication has tarnished his image, caused distress to his family and fans, unsettled business partners, and negatively impacted his career as a public figure.

Shatta Wale is seeking a declaration that the statements are defamatory, an order for the permanent removal of the video and all related content from social media, and an injunction restraining Blakk Rasta from making further defamatory publications.

He is also demanding a public retraction and an unqualified apology to be published on Blakk Rasta’s social media pages, as well as full-page notices in the State owned newspapers.

On top of that, the artist is asking for GHS100 million in damages, plus costs, in what would shape up to be one of the most high-profile media and celebrity court battles in recent times.

FORMER VICE President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has called for peace and unity in the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

According to him, the NPP’s desire of winning power from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2028 will materialise when the party members unite and work together.

Dr. Bawumia, who is campaigning to be elected the NPP Presidential Candidate for the 2028 elections, said, ‘It’s important that we unite as one family with a common purpose behind the elephant as we work collectively to rebuild, reposition, and secure victory for the NPP in 2028.’

Dr. Bawumia, who is campaigning for votes in the Ashanti Region ahead of the NPP presidential polls, made stops at Ejura, Mampong, and Boamang.

He was accompanied by the NPP running mate for the 2024 polls, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh aka ‘Napo’, the Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako aka ‘Wontumi and others.

Dr. Bawumia reminded the NPP delegates that they are one family, therefore, there is no need for them to fight among themselves, especially as they are working to regain political power.

According to him, ‘in unity is strength’, stressing the strongest need for the NPP members and supporters to shun backbiting, internal strife, insults, and insinuations and stay united.

Dr. Bawumia, sounding confident, stated emphatically that he has the experience to lead the NPP to win the next presidential election, urging the delegates to vote for him.

‘I’m the most prepared and suitable person among the candidates to lead the party at this critical moment so I’m urging you to vote massively for me’, Dr. Bawumia told the NPP delegates.

According to the former Vice President, he would lead a united party when elected as the NPP presidential candidate on January 31, 2026, stating that the NPP will surely win the next general election.

Napo, on his part, appealed passionately to the NPP delegates in the 16 regions to vote massively for his boss, Dr. Bawumia, since he is the best to lead the party back to power.

Former Minister for Food and Agriculture and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, has cautioned that the country could face rising food prices and possible shortages in the coming months, blaming the situation on what he says is the government’s failure to procure fertiliser ahead of the new farming season.

Addressing party delegates during the final leg of his Greater Accra regional tour on Saturday, January 17, 2026, Dr. Acheampong said the relative stability in food supply currently being enjoyed is largely the result of policies and interventions rolled out under the NPP’s Planting for Food and Jobs programme.

He warned that without timely procurement and distribution of fertiliser, coupled with adequate support for farmers, agricultural output could decline sharply, posing a serious threat to food security.

Dr. Acheampong explained that adverse weather conditions in 2024 meant fertilisers imported that year were largely unused.

However, when early rains arrived in 2025, farmers applied those inputs, leading to what he described as a bumper harvest.

‘That outcome was not accidental; it was part of the NPP’s strategic planning,’ he said.

According to him, the fertilisers used in 2025 should have been restocked and reserved to support production in 2026, but this, he claimed, did not happen. As a result, farmers are now facing shortages at the start of a new planting season.

‘With the current fertiliser gap, food production will be affected, and by mid-2026, Ghanaians should expect food prices to rise,’ Dr. Acheampong warned, urging urgent intervention to avert what he described as an avoidable crisis.

Aspiring National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu, has embarked on and completed a series of courtesy calls on all five presidential aspirants to promote peace and unity as the party prepares for its presidential primaries on January 31, 2026.

The visits, which formed part of his nationwide consultation with stakeholders and elders, are aimed at preventing any negative impact from factionalism that usually characterises the process of electing a flagbearer.

John Boadu, popularly known as Adwenkesie, during the Christmas holidays, called on four of the presidential aspirants, including Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, former Minister for Education; Kennedy Agyapong, former Member of Parliament for Assin Central; Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice President; and Kwabena Agyepong, former General Secretary of the NPP, respectively. He finally met Bryan Acheampong, the former Minister for Agriculture, yesterday.

Speaking during the engagements, Mr. Boadu emphasised the need to ensure unity and reconciliation soon after the presidential primaries. He noted that the strength of the NPP has always been derived from working together, collective responsibility, and adherence to the party’s core values.

He stated that fostering harmony among party leaders and grassroots supporters alike is critical to rebuilding confidence and positioning the party to win the next general election.

He stated that the courtesy calls were not about advancing his personal ambition, but seeking the wisdom and experiences of the aspirants as leaders to draw and share ideas from their perspectives. ‘The visits and interactions with the presidential aspirants provided me with the opportunity to seek counsel, promote dialogue, and rally the party around a common purpose,’ he stated.

The aspirants, who received John Boadu, welcomed the initiative and commended him for prioritising unity and consultation. They welcomed the call for maintaining peace and unity within the party, particularly at a time when internal solidarity is essential to resist state-sponsored persecution and intimidation against former appointees and also for effective opposition.

As members and leaders, they pledged to put the collective interest of the NPP above their individual ambitions and differences and, more importantly, work together towards rebuilding the party for future electoral victories.