Category: Daily Guide Network

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has indicated that a final decision on Francis Abu’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup will only be made once the midfielder has fully recovered from his injury.

GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum said Abu is still in the rehabilitation phase following a serious ankle injury sustained during the Black Stars’ international friendly against Japan last month.

The Toulouse FC midfielder fractured two bones after an awkward landing while attempting to block a shot.

In an interview with Joy Sports, Asante Twum explained that Abu’s recovery timeline is closely linked to the specific surgical procedure he underwent.

‘Recovery usually depends on the nature of the surgery. Thankfully, we were able to secure the services of an excellent surgeon in Japan, who assured us that Abu would return sooner than expected,’ he said.

Initial medical assessments from Toulouse had suggested the injury could rule Abu out of the World Cup. However, his early return to training has since boosted hopes of a potential comeback ahead of the tournament.

‘We need to allow him to recover fully. Our hope is that he regains fitness in time and begins on-field work,’ Asante Twum added. ‘Once he starts featuring regularly in matches, a clear decision will be taken.’

Black Stars head coach Otto Addo is expected to announce Ghana’s final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by June 1, 2026.

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has completed the fifth review of Ghana’s US$3 billion, 39-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement, clearing the way for the immediate disbursement of about US$385 million (SDR 267.5 million).

The latest tranche brings Ghana’s total receipts under the IMF-supported programme to approximately US$2.8 billion.

In a statement following the Board’s decision, the Fund said Ghana’s reform programme is yielding positive results, after policy slippages recorded last year.

According to the statement, economic growth through September 2025 exceeded expectations, supported mainly by strong performance in the services and agriculture sectors.

The IMF said inflation has returned to the Bank of Ghana’s target range, while the external sector has strengthened, buoyed by robust gold and cocoa exports. International reserve accumulation surpassed programme targets, the cedi appreciated, and the country’s debt trajectory improved markedly.

IMF Deputy Managing Director, Bo Li, commended Ghana’s progress but underscored the need for sustained reforms to consolidate the gains made.

‘Ghana’s performance under its ECF-supported reform programme has been generally satisfactory. Going forward, continued reform efforts remain essential to maintain macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, while addressing longstanding structural vulnerabilities,’ she said.

She stressed that strengthening domestic revenue mobilisation and streamlining primary expenditure are critical to sustaining fiscal discipline.

These efforts, she noted, must be backed by reforms to improve tax administration, expenditure control, arrears management, and the efficiency and governance of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs).

The IMF also highlighted the need to decisively address challenges in the energy sector, particularly the accumulation of arrears, to contain fiscal risks.

While acknowledging progress in improving financial sector stability through ongoing bank recapitalisation, the Fund cautioned that vulnerabilities persist, especially among state-owned banks.

It called for stronger governance, full use of the bank resolution framework, contingency planning for undercapitalised banks, and robust supervisory strategies.

The IMF said the BoG had appropriately begun a cautious monetary easing cycle, adding that any further easing should be gradual and data-dependent. It also welcomed the introduction of a structured foreign exchange operations framework to smooth excessive market volatility and support reserve accumulation.

On fiscal policy, the Fund noted that Ghana’s 2026 budget is aligned with programme objectives and the new fiscal responsibility framework, while accommodating development and security needs.

However, it cautioned that successful implementation will depend on effective revenue mobilisation, expenditure rationalisation, and measures to protect vulnerable groups.

FIFA has announced a 50% increase in prize money for teams participating in next year’s World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, in a move that comes amid growing criticism over ticket prices for the tournament.

The increased payouts form part of a record financial distribution of $727m (£544.8m), approved by Fifa’s council and funded by revenues generated from the competition.

Under the new structure, the World Cup winners will receive $50m (£37.4m), while the runners-up will earn $33m (£24.7m). Teams eliminated at the group stage will still take home $9m (£6.7m).

In addition to performance-based rewards, each qualified nation will receive $1.5m (£1.1m) to cover preparation costs. This means every participating member association is guaranteed a minimum payout of $10.5m (£7.8m).

Fifa president Gianni Infantino described the increased payments as a landmark moment for the sport, saying the tournament would be ‘groundbreaking in terms of its financial contribution to the global football community’.

The governing body has already forecast record revenues of $13bn (£9.7bn) for the 2023-2026 cycle.

The announcement follows renewed scrutiny of Fifa’s ticket pricing strategy for the expanded 48-team World Cup, which will feature 104 matches. A day earlier, the organisation introduced a limited number of £45 tickets for every match after a public outcry over affordability.

Supporters’ groups have welcomed the move but insist more needs to be done. Tom Greatrex, chair of the Football Supporters’ Association, said the record prize fund showed there was ‘no shortage of money associated with the World Cup’ and urged Fifa to rethink its approach to ticket pricing.

He warned that the organisation still had time to avoid ‘all but killing what is special about the World Cup’ and called for immediate action.

The partial concession on ticket prices was welcomed by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who nonetheless encouraged Fifa to go further in making the tournament accessible to fans.

At the same meeting, Fifa’s council also approved the creation of a post-conflict recovery fund, aligning with its stated aim of promoting football’s unifying values. The initiative follows an announcement made by Infantino at the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit for Peace in October 2025, where he pledged to establish a support mechanism for regions affected by conflict.

Fifa said the new financial instrument would be open to third-party contributions and subject to strict oversight, complementing existing support provided through the Fifa Forward Programme and other development initiatives.

Fidelity Bank Ghana has positioned itself as the financial anchor for a new era of South-South cooperation, following a high-level strategic dialogue with Francia Elena Márquez Mina, Vice President of the Republic of Colombia, at the Bank’s Headquarters in Accra.

The engagement brought together Colombian business leaders, Ghanaian entrepreneurs, and representatives of the financial sector to explore opportunities for job creation, technology transfer, and sustainable economic growth across both countries.

Speaking on the outcome of the engagement, Atta Yeboah Gyan, Deputy Managing Director for Operations and Support Functions at Fidelity Bank, described the meeting as a catalyst for deeper economic cooperation.

‘This was largely a facilitating role for us,’ he said. ‘We brought together business owners from Ghana, who are our clients, and the Colombian business delegation to explore areas where collaboration and mutual support are possible. The meeting was a huge success because we identified clear sectors where further collaboration is needed.’

Key areas identified for collaboration included agribusiness and agri-processing, industrial machinery, and joint financing structures between local banks in Ghana and Colombia.

Mr. Gyan noted that similarities between the two economies create opportunities for South-South cooperation, particularly in adapting machinery and processing technologies suited to local conditions.

‘There should be no reason why governments from Colombia and Ghana cannot empower local banks to finance development, instead of relying solely on European or American banks,’ he said. ‘We have the capacity here in Ghana, and we see opportunities to syndicate with Colombian banks to finance projects that advance our economies.’

Addressing the gathering, Vice President, Francia Márquez Mina, reaffirmed Colombia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through private-sector engagement and cultural connection. She underscored the importance of restoring historic trade routes as channels for dignity, opportunity, and shared prosperity.

‘We are here to encourage business people and entrepreneurs to see mutual opportunities in the exchange of goods and services,’ she said. ‘Colombia wants to serve as a bridge, not only to our country, but to Latin America and the Caribbean, just as we see Ghana as our gateway to Africa.’

She also highlighted Colombia’s focus on energy transition, tourism, technology, pharmaceuticals, and food production, inviting Ghanaian entrepreneurs to explore investment opportunities.

‘The opportunities to do business between our nations are very great,’ she said. ‘We want Ghana to be the gateway to Colombia, and for Colombia to be considered the gateway to Latin America.’

The Colombian Deputy Minister for Trade, Tito Yepes, expressed strong optimism about the partnership, describing the opportunities as ‘enormous.’ He highlighted Colombia’s broader Africa strategy and the symbolic importance of strengthening ties with Ghana.

‘We are starting here with Fidelity,’ Mr. Yepes declared. ‘Fidelity has proposed facilitating engagement between the two private sectors to enable collaboration. We see Ghana as a gateway to West Africa because our sectors are complementary. Ghana has inputs we need, especially in agriculture and cosmetics, while Colombia has machinery and technology adapted to similar economic realities. This is not theory; we are already taking samples and exploring purchases.’

Mr. Yepes also outlined ambitions to improve connectivity between the two countries, including maritime and air links, to reduce travel and trade barriers.

‘Why not have a maritime route between Cartagena and Accra, or a direct flight from Bogotá to Accra,’ he said. ‘Instead of taking 40 hours through Europe, we can do this in 12 hours.’

The engagement marks a significant step in advancing Ghana – Colombia private sector cooperation, with Fidelity Bank positioned as a key enabler of trade finance, investment partnerships, and long-term economic collaboration between the two regions.

In a major recognition of his contributions to the nation’s socio-economic landscape, Executive Chairman of the KGL Group, Alex Dadey, has been selected as a recipient of the Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Diaspora Award for Business Excellence in Ghana.

The award will be presented during the high-profile Diaspora Summit 2025, scheduled to take place at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) from today, December 19 to December 20, 2025.

The summit, themed, ‘Resetting Ghana: The Diaspora as the 17th Region,’ is being held under the auspices of President John Dramani Mahama.

A Legacy of ‘Diaspora Direct Investment’

Mr. Dadey, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of global experience, has been a vocal advocate for the inclusion of the Ghanaian diaspora in the country’s development. Having spent more than two decades in the United Kingdom before returning to Ghana, he has pioneered the concept of ‘Diaspora Direct Investment’ (DDI)-encouraging Ghanaians abroad to move beyond remittances and actively invest their capital and expertise into the local economy.

His leadership at the KGL Group has transformed the company into a leading African corporate brand, particularly in the fintech and digital solutions sectors. Under his stewardship, KGL has revolutionised the lottery and gaming industry in Ghana through digitalisation, enhancing government revenue mobilisation and promoting financial inclusion.

Driving National Development

Beyond his business successes, Mr. Dadey is recognised for his commitment to ‘Responsible Corporate Citizenship’.

The notification of the award, signed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP), emphasises that the honour acknowledges individuals whose work has ‘significantly advanced the pursuit of reparative and social justice, Pan-Africanism, and the promotion of Ghana’s global image.’

The presentation ceremony will take place during a Dinner and Awards Gala on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Banquet Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The summit is expected to draw Heads of State, international dignitaries, and senior government officials, marking a pivotal moment for Ghana’s engagement with its global community.

President John Dramani Mahama has announced government’s plans to elevate the Ho and Hohoe Municipal Assemblies to Metropolitan status, a move aimed at strengthening local governance and accelerating urban and economic development in the Volta Region.

The President made this known during the sod-cutting ceremony for the Ho Oxygen City Affordable Housing Project, a major housing initiative being developed by the Tema Development Corporation (TDC) in partnership with government, traditional authorities and private sector stakeholders. The project, which is expected to significantly expand access to affordable housing, also forms part of a broader vision to promote planned urban growth beyond Ghana’s traditional metropolitan centres.

According to President Mahama, the decision to earmark Ho and Hohoe for metropolitan elevation is informed by their rapid population growth, expanding commercial and economic activities, and increasing strategic importance within both the Volta Region and the national development framework. He noted that the two municipalities have outgrown their current administrative status and now require stronger institutional capacity to effectively manage urbanisation pressures.

He stated that attaining metropolitan status would enhance the ability of the assemblies to plan, regulate and coordinate development more efficiently. This, he said, would translate into improved service delivery in critical areas such as housing, road infrastructure, sanitation, water supply, health, education and other social services.

‘Decentralisation remains a central pillar of our governance philosophy,’ President Mahama stated, and added, ‘By strengthening local government structures and giving them greater authority and resources, we bring development closer to the people and ensure that growth is inclusive and sustainable.’

The President further noted that metropolitan status would make Ho and Hohoe more attractive to both public and private investment, create new employment opportunities as well as stimulate accelerated infrastructure development. He emphasised that planned urban expansion, supported by affordable housing schemes such as the Oxygen City project, is essential to preventing unplanned settlements and improving overall living standards.

Ghana’s decentralisation system is anchored in the 1992 Constitution and operationalised through the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936). The policy seeks to transfer political, administrative and fiscal authority from central government to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), thereby promoting participatory governance and local development.

Under the decentralised system, local assemblies are responsible for development planning, budgeting, revenue mobilisation and service delivery within their jurisdictions. The system is designed to ensure that decisions affecting local communities are made at the local level, with direct input from the people.

Assemblies in Ghana are categorised based on population size, level of urbanisation and economic activity. Generally, a District Assembly serves areas with populations below 75,000. A Municipal Assembly is established for towns and cities with populations of at least 95,000 and significant urban characteristics. A Metropolitan Assembly is created for large urban centres with populations of 250,000 or more, or with special strategic and economic importance.

The creation of an assembly requires a government proposal, approval by Parliament through a Legislative Instrument, and endorsement by the President. In some cases, population thresholds may be complemented by considerations such as regional capital status, economic significance and development potential.

Ho currently serves as the Volta Regional Capital and has witnessed steady growth in population, commerce, education, health services and real estate development. Hohoe, on the other hand, has emerged as a key commercial and transit hub in the northern corridor of the region, with increasing industrial and agricultural activity.

President Mahama indicated that the processes toward metropolitan elevation would involve technical assessments, stakeholder consultations and the necessary legal and administrative steps. Once completed, the new metropolitan assemblies would have enhanced staffing, expanded departments and greater fiscal authority to manage development.

He assured residents that government would work closely with traditional authorities, opinion leaders and the general public to ensure a smooth transition and to maximise the benefits of the new status.

The planned elevation of Ho and Hohoe, coupled with major housing and infrastructure projects, signals a renewed focus on decentralisation as a tool for balanced national development. For the people of the Volta Region, the move is expected to open a new chapter of growth, opportunity and improved quality of life.

Former Vice President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) George Afriyie has voiced strong belief in the Black Stars’ capacity to rise above the challenge in their 2026 FIFA World Cup group, declaring that none of Ghana’s opponents are beyond reach.

Ghana has been placed in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama at next summer’s tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

While acknowledging the pedigree and experience of the teams drawn against Ghana, Afriyie remains optimistic about the Black Stars’ prospects.

Speaking in an interview with Asempa FM, Afriyie stressed that Ghana possesses the quality and depth required to compete at the highest level.

According to him, the presence of England and Croatia-both established forces in world football-should not intimidate the team.

‘England, Croatia, and Panama are all beatable,’ Afriyie said, expressing confidence that the Black Stars can secure positive results in each of their group matches.

He also highlighted the need for proper preparation ahead of the tournament, urging the Ghana Football Association to line up top-level international friendly matches.

Afriyie believes such fixtures would sharpen the team and provide the technical bench with a clearer picture of the squad’s readiness.

‘Playing high-profile friendlies is the right approach ahead of the World Cup,’ he added.

Ghana will open their Group L campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto before facing England in Boston on June 23. The Black Stars will wrap up the group stage with a clash against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.

After suffering group-stage exits at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and the 2022 edition in Qatar, Ghana will be eager to make a deeper run at the 2026 tournament and restore their reputation on the global stage.

The Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Jonson Pandit Asiama has called on banks to expand credit to productive businesses, especially Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to drive inclusion and help build a resilient economy.

Speaking at the post Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), engagement with heads of commercial banks in Accra, he said the banking sector is expected to consolidate the gains in the financial sector to improve credit allocation to help strengthen governance.

‘We call on banks to support the real sector, expand credit to productive enterprises, especially SMEs, and drive innovation that enhances access and inclusion, while managing risk. Let us turn this recovery into a financial system that is both stable and catalytic in shaping Ghana’s prosperity.

‘Colleagues, our task is to consolidate these gains by deepening financial intermediation, improving credit allocation, and strengthening governance,’ he stated.

According to him, after a period of significant strain, banks have demonstrated resilience, sound liquidity, improved capital strength renewed profitability.

The gains, the Governor explained reflect stronger governance, improved risk management, and a regulatory framework that continues to evolve toward a more forward-looking approach.

He stated that while challenges remain, particularly in asset quality, the banks commitment to responsible risk management is evident stating that the Central bank will therefore continue to work closely with the players in the industry to safeguard stability and support sustainable credit growth.

The Governor added that external buffers have rebuilt considerably to enhance the country’s ability to withstand future shocks coupled with the positive response of the cedi that is also showing renewed resilience.

He noted, ‘Ghana’s external sector has emerged as a pillar of resilience. Strong export performance, led by gold and supported by cocoa, delivering substantial trade surpluses and strengthening the current account position.’

Dr. Asiama also indicated that the Central Bank will consolidate regulatory gains through strict enforcement, expanded training, and deeper engagement with the industry as part of its programmes.

That, he mentioned, will be the next phase of reforms which will include new directives spanning stress-testing, recovery planning, and risk management to further enhance the sector’s resilience and alignment with global best practices.

He said the country’s economy is charting a confident path forward though the international environment remains fragile, shaped by lingering trade tensions and policy uncertainty.

FIFA has announced the introduction of a new Supporter Entry Tier ticket priced at $60, aimed at making the 2026 FIFA World Cup more accessible to fans following their national teams across the tournament.

The new pricing initiative comes amid unprecedented demand, with FIFA confirming that 20 million ticket requests have already been submitted during the ongoing Random Selection Draw sales phase.

The Supporter Entry Tier tickets will be available for all 104 matches, including the final, and are specifically reserved for supporters of nations that have qualified for the tournament.

Distribution of these tickets will be handled by the Participating Member Associations (PMAs), with each association responsible for setting its own eligibility criteria and application process. FIFA has urged PMAs to prioritise loyal fans who have a strong connection to their national teams.

Under the allocation structure, 50% of each PMA’s ticket quota will fall within the most affordable categories.

This includes 40% for the Supporter Value Tier and 10% for the newly introduced Supporter Entry Tier. The remaining tickets will be split evenly between the Supporter Standard Tier and the Supporter Premier Tier.

FIFA also confirmed a refund incentive for fans applying through their PMAs. Supporters whose teams fail to progress to the knockout stage will have their administrative fees waived when refunds are issued for unsuccessful ticket applications.

Christian Service University (CSU) has installed Most Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Kwaku Asante as its first Chancellor, marking a major milestone in the institution’s history following the granting of its charter.

The investiture ceremony took place on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, and was attended by members of the University Council, management, faculty, clergy, students, alumni, and invited guests.

In his acceptance speech, Most Rev. Prof. Asante described the appointment as a great honour and a heavy responsibility, pledging to work with all stakeholders to advance the University’s mission of academic excellence and Christian service.

He paid tribute to the founders, missionaries, and partners whose sacrifices laid the foundation of the university, particularly the West Africa Evangelical Church (WEC) missionaries and their Ghanaian collaborators who nurtured the institution from its early years.

The Chancellor commended past Council Chairmen and Presidents for their visionary leadership, acknowledging their roles in steering CSU through challenging periods and guiding it to chartered university status.

He expressed special appreciation to the immediate past President and first Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sam K. Afranie, and the immediate past Council Chairman, Rev. Dr. Frimpong Manso, as well as former Chairman Mr. Sarfo, for their contributions to the university’s transformation.

Most Rev. Prof. Asante also acknowledged the academic mentorship provided by the University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), and the University of Cape Coast, noting that their support strengthened CSU’s academic systems.

Addressing faculty, staff, and students, he urged unity, discipline, and hard work, stressing that the university’s future depends on collective effort, strong moral values, and high academic standards.

Reaffirming CSU’s mandate, the Chancellor said the university remains committed to producing graduates who are professionally competent, ethically grounded, and guided by Christian values, capable of serving both church and society.

Profile

Most Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Kwaku Asante is a renowned academic, theologian, and ordained minister, and an alumnus of Christian Service University.

He served as Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana from 2009 to 2015, and is the immediate past Chairman of the National Peace Council.

In 2022, he was appointed by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to the Advisory Group of the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, where he served for two years.

His academic career includes serving as an Adjunct Lecturer at Christian Service University College, Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor at Trinity Theological Seminary, and Head of the Department of Religious Studies at KNUST. He has also worked as an external examiner and consultant in Religious Studies for several tertiary institutions and regulatory bodies.