Category: Daily Guide Network

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.

Veteran Nollywood actress, Patience Ozokwor, also known as Mama G and G for General, has expressed her profound appreciation to Ghanaian fans for the love shown her after arriving in Ghana for an event.

Patience Ozokwor was among some selected Nollywood stars who graced the maiden edition of the Regal Film Festival and Awards (REFFA) held at the Palms Convention Centre in Accra last Saturday.

Mama G made this statement when some Ghanaian actors paid homage to her on the red carpet of the event.

The likes of Kalsoume Sinare, Jackie Appiah, among others were seen cheering Mama G and applauding her for years of dedication in Africa’s film industry.

In response to the affection shown her, Mama G stated that she is overwhelmed with the love shown her since she landed in Ghana.

‘I don’t need a soothsayer to tell me I’m loved in Ghana. I’m very happy to be here,’ she said.

Mama G was honoured with a citation for her decades of service in the movie industry.

Part of the citation read, ‘In recognition of an extraordinary career that has shaped the heart and soul of African Cinema, the Regal Film Festival and Awards (REFFA) proudly celebrates Patience Ozokwor, affectionately known across the world as Mama G.

‘For over three decades, you have stood as a pillar of excellence in the Nigerian and African film industry. With unmatched versatility, powerful presence and a commanding ability to embody characters with depth, authenticity, and emotion, you have brought unforgettable stories to life and inspired millions across generations.

‘Your work has transcended screens, echoing in homes, cultures, across the African continent and beyond. Through drama, humour, and compelling character portrayals, you have helped elevate Nollywood to global acclaim while nurturing the next generation of actors with passion.’

In response, the actress on social media wrote, ‘I woke up this morning with a grateful heart. Thank you @reffaawards for the honour. Thank you, Ghana. Thank you, Africa. Thank you, #MamaGLovers. Happy to be celebrated while I am still here. Hall of fame recipient #ReffaAwards.’

The Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe Bonnie, has assigned three High Court judges who will oversee cases submitted by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Secretariat (NAIMOS).

This announcement was made yesterday during the annual Chief Justice’s Mentoring Programme, by a Justice of the Supreme Court, Gabriel Pwamang, in Accra.

‘The Judiciary under the Leadership of the Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, has already allocated three High Court judges, and they are being refurbished to specifically deal with cases coming from the NAIMOS and other related matters. We are hoping that early next year, we’ll launch these courts and make them available for you,’ he said.

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, said the government is committed to eradicating environmental degradation as well as reclaiming lands and water bodies affected by illegal mining, adding that government is working to cut out corruption and opacity in operations that degrade lands and water bodies.

‘Government is totally committed to eradicating this menace, to halt the degradation and to reclaim our lands, make our forests green again and make sure that our waters are turned blue. And this commitment is what built the five pillars strategy that this government is focusing on, and one is the stakeholders, engagement and collaboration, such as the one we are heading today,’ he said.

He further indicated that ‘we are trying to address this challenge by cutting out the corruption and the opacity that fuel illegal mining operations, the third is reclaiming degraded lands and polluted water bodies to turn our forest back to green, and our waters back to blue.’

The minister added that the government is tracking and geo-fencing excavators to ensure they are used only in designated areas, and has tracked and geo-fenced 1,200 excavators.

The Chief Justice’s Mentoring Programme is an initiative by the Judicial Service aimed at empowering young people, particularly vulnerable girls (kayayei).

It seeks to inspire interest in law, foster character traits such as patriotism and integrity, provide life skills, and expose participants to the judicial system through interactions with judges, visits to courts, and support from partners like the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The programme was launched by former Chief Justice Georgina Wood in 2007.

Musician, Reggie Zippy, has paid glowing tribute to Calvin Fosu, son of the late highlife legend Daddy Lumba, describing him as a model first child every responsible father should pray to have.

In an Instagram post, Reggie Zippy commended Calvin for the maturity and restraint he displayed during the controversy and backlash that surrounded his father’s funeral in Ghana. According to the musician, Calvin understood the responsibility entrusted to him by his late father and chose dignity over public confrontation.

‘Every responsible father should pray to have a first child like Daddy Lumba’s son, Calvin Fosu,’ Reggie Zippy stated, adding that those who were close to Daddy Lumba would understand why the young man remained silent despite the drama involving divided family members.

He explained that Calvin’s decision not to react publicly was a deliberate act of respect and loyalty to his father’s legacy.

‘Calvin was according his final respect to his late father, who instilled knowledge, experience and wisdom in him,’ he noted.

Reggie Zippy further described Daddy Lumba as a good and honourable man who broke boundaries to create a safer and better future for all his children and their mothers, values he believes are clearly reflected in Calvin’s conduct.

The tribute has resonated with many fans of the late musician, with social media users praising Calvin Fosu for his calm demeanour and respectful silence during one of the most turbulent periods following Daddy Lumba’s passing.

Daddy Lumba, one of Ghana’s most influential highlife musicians, passed away on July 26, 2025, leaving behind a powerful musical legacy.

A 28-YEAR-old student nurse at Goaso in the Ahafo Region has, allegedly, been raped by her male friend, who has since gone into hiding after committing the heinous crime, prompting a manhunt by the police in Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region.

The victim (name withheld) for security reasons, reportedly, had attended the graduation ceremony of her elder sister, Helena Boamah, at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, on December 9, 2025.

Suspect Ransford Yeboah, who is a friend of the victim, also attended the same programme. When the event came to a close, Yeboah lured the student nurse to accompany him to Kotei, which is not far away from KNUST, so he could show her his residence.

The innocent student nurse, who didn’t suspect any foul play, followed Yeboah to his house at Kotei, only for the suspect to forcibly release his libido on her. Yeboah was said to be aggressive, so the victim bled profusely after the sexual encounter.

The victim has since been hospitalised and responding to treatment after being rushed to a nearby medical facility after her ordeal.

‘On 10/12/2025 about 1700 hours, an extract of occurrence was brought from KNUST Police Station together with complainant Helena Boamah, aged 35 of Sewuah, reporting that, on 9/12/2025 about 2200 hours, her 28-year-old younger sister, a student Nurse at Goaso/Ahafo Region, came to her graduation at KNUST and a friend of hers by name Ransford Yeboah, took her to his house at Kotei with the pretext of showing her his residence, and forcibly had sexual intercourse with her without her consent.

‘That, after the act, victim bled profusely and was taken to KNUST Hospital, where she was admitted for treatment,’ part of a statement from the KNUST District Police DOVVSU, confirming the rape incident, which the paper has sighted, disclosed.

It said after the case was reported, the police, together with the complainant, visited the victim at the hospital, where she was met responding to treatment, adding that the statement of the student nurse is yet to be taken.

‘Police medical report form issued in the name of victim for endorsement,’ the statement indicated and added, ‘Efforts underway to trace the suspect to assist with investigations.’

Access Bank Ghana has launched a revamped Pick Now, Pay Later platform, offering zero percent interest for the first six months.

The fully digitalised service is designed to provide salary workers and everyday Ghanaians with faster, clearer and more convenient access to credit.

Speaking at the launch, the Head of Distribution and Product Capabilities, Michael Djaba, described the upgrade as a major step forward in delivering financial solutions that respond to the pressures of modern life.

He noted that while the previous model served its purpose, changing customer expectations made the upgrade necessary.

‘What would have taken a day or two now takes just six minutes for approval,’ he said, adding that the new system allows users to navigate the entire credit journey ‘with ease, with confidence and without delay.’

The promotion is being rolled out in partnership with a diverse network of trusted vendors, ensuring customers can conveniently access a wide range of quality products across different areas of need.

According to him, the platform offers instant approvals and enables users to complete the full credit process within minutes. Participating vendors include Ashfoam, Electromart and Simba Tech, among others.

Mr. Djaba urged customers to embrace the new digital solution to enjoy a faster and more flexible credit experience.

The Chief Operating Officer of Access Bank Ghana, Ugochi Okoro, said the platform’s purpose goes beyond digital convenience, noting that it is designed to support customers when essential purchases cannot wait.

‘Every feature was designed with one intention, which is to make life a little easier and give customers the speed they deserve,’ she said.

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has warned the public against the sharing of sexually explicit videos and photographs involving Senior High School (SHS) students, stressing that anyone caught in the act may face imprisonment of five years or more.

In a statement posted on CSA page on X, formerly Twitter, the Authority stressed that any individual, blogger or institution found circulating sexually explicit videos or photographs of children risks severe punishment under the law.

‘Any person, blogger or institution who is found circulating sexually explicit videos or photographs of children is liable to a term of imprisonment of not less than 5 years and not more than 10 years,’ the Authority warned.

The Authority pointed out that the action is a serious criminal offence under Ghana’s laws, stating that Section 62 of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038) prohibits the creation, possession and distribution of indecent images of children.

‘The public is hereby reminded that it is a crime to share indecent videos and images of children as specified in the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038). Section 62 of the Act states that a person shall not take, produce, publish/stream, or possess an indecent image or photograph of a child in a computer system or on an electronic device such as a mobile phone,’ the statement read.

According to the Authority, Section 62 of the Act reveals that a person shall not take, produce, publish, stream or possess an indecent image or photograph of a child on a computer system or electronic device, including mobile phones.

The Authority has urged individuals who receive such content to immediately delete it and refrain from forwarding it to others, stressing that even sharing such material is equal to committing the offence.

It further encouraged the public to report individuals and bloggers involved in the circulation of explicit content to report@csa.gov.gh and contact 0501603111 for immediate action.