Category: Daily Guide Network

Ghanaian Content Creator, Kwadwo Sheldon, has taken a swipe at the CEO of Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Malik Basintale, after promising to equip 2,000 Ghanaians with digital skills.

This was after the YEA CEO stated that a new digital skills programme with Ghana Digital Centres Limited will equip 2,000 Ghanaian youth with in-demand skills in areas including artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, cybersecurity and data analytics.

According to Kwadwo Sheldon, Basintale has been ‘singing these songs’ ever since his appointment, yet the youth unemployment rate keeps increasing day by day.

He made this assertion when he reposted a post on X by Citi FM which captured a video of Basintale announcing the 2,000 job initiative for the youth.

The post read, ‘This guy he no Dey taya creating imaginary jobs? Hoh (sic).’

Malik Basintale is facing growing criticism over what some youth groups and political commentators describe as the YEA’s failure to deliver tangible job opportunities for young Ghanaians. The criticism comes amid rising unemployment concerns, with many young people calling on the YEA to do more to connect them to jobs, skills training, and entrepreneurship support.

With unemployment remaining a major concern for Ghana’s youth, pressure is mounting on the YEA to deliver measurable results.

Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has called for deliberate investment in Ghana’s Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, describing it as central to deepening industrialisation, expanding local value addition, and creating sustainable jobs.

Speaking on his behalf at the 5th Edition of the National FMCG Awards, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim said the call comes at a time when Ghana’s economy is showing renewed momentum.

Citing Ghana Statistical Service data, she said the economy recorded 6.4% real GDP growth in the first quarter of 2026.

The industry sector grew by 6.9%, accounting for 32.9% of GDP and contributing 34.1% of overall economic growth in the period. Manufacturing also hit a record GHS7.06 billion in constant price GDP in Q1 2026.

‘These encouraging statistics are clear evidence that when industry grows, Ghana grows,’ Ms. Muslim stated. ‘Strengthening the FMCG sector is not simply a business priority. It is actually a national imperative. It is central to deepening industrialization, to expanding local value addition, and creating sustainable jobs.’

Positioning For AfCFTA

She said under the African Continental Free Trade Area, (AfCFTA) Ghana must move beyond exporting raw materials and capture more value domestically.

‘What Africa shouldn’t do is to wait on the sidelines and yet again be mere participants. We cannot be a country that is powering the global economy without refining in the same country,’ she indicated.

Ms. Muslim added that President John Mahama is leading initiatives, including a research drive, aimed at reclaiming Africa’s health sovereignty amid a shifting global order.

Digital Transformation Urged

She said AI, automation, digital payments, e-commerce and data-driven decision making are no longer future technologies but tools defining successful businesses today.

‘Consumer expectations are evolving faster than ever. Technology is transforming every stage of the value chain and competition is becoming increasingly global,’ she said.

She urged FMCG businesses to embrace digital transformation and innovation, while creating opportunities for young people.

‘A new growth code demands agility, continuous innovation, investment in technology, research and development, product quality, and human capital. It requires businesses to anticipate change rather than react to it,’ she added.

A passport is more than a travel document.

It is a covenant between a citizen and a nation.

It carries rights, responsibilities, and an oath of allegiance. That is why the debate over dual citizenship is not simply about remittances, investment, or global mobility. It is about one fundamental question:

Should those entrusted with leading Ghana owe constitutional allegiance to only one country or to two?

The reported decision by the Chairman of the Council of State, Right Honourable Edward Doe Adjaho, to reject calls for legislation that would permit dual citizens to occupy Ghana’s highest constitutional offices deserves serious national reflection.

This debate should not be driven by emotion or by the amount of money sent home through remittances. It should be guided by one overriding principle: the protection of Ghana’s sovereignty and national interest.

No one disputes the enormous contributions of Ghanaians living abroad. Every year, the Ghanaian diaspora supports families, invests in businesses, builds homes, creates jobs, and contributes billions of dollars to the economy through remittances. These contributions are invaluable and should continue to be encouraged.

However, economic contribution alone should not determine eligibility for the nation’s highest public offices.

Citizenship is not merely about economic value. It is about constitutional responsibility, accountability, and undivided allegiance.

Ministers, national security officials, members of Cabinet, and the President are entrusted with sensitive state secrets, foreign policy decisions, military matters, and the long-term strategic interests of Ghana.

It is therefore reasonable to ask whether those occupying such positions should have a single, unquestioned constitutional allegiance.

Supporters of expanding eligibility often argue that dual citizens bring international experience, investment opportunities, and valuable expertise. There is truth in that argument. Many members of the Ghanaian diaspora possess exceptional skills that can help national development.

Yet expertise does not require holding the country’s highest constitutional offices.

Diaspora professionals can serve Ghana as advisers, investors, academics, consultants, entrepreneurs, and technical experts without creating constitutional uncertainty over questions of allegiance.

Another important issue is civic responsibility.

Citizenship carries obligations as well as privileges. Depending on the laws of another country, citizens may have legal duties such as taxation, jury service, military obligations, or compliance with foreign legal requirements. These obligations vary from country to country, but they illustrate why questions of competing legal responsibilities deserve careful consideration before expanding eligibility for the highest offices of state.

The world is also becoming increasingly unpredictable.

Recent years have witnessed tighter immigration policies, growing nationalism, geopolitical tensions, and changing relationships between states. These developments remind us that every country ultimately places its own national interests first.

During periods of international disagreement or diplomatic tension, questions may arise fairly or unfairly about competing loyalties. Whether or not such concerns are justified, public confidence in national leadership depends on citizens believing that their leaders’ allegiance is beyond question.

This is not an argument against the Ghanaian diaspora.

Nor is it an argument against dual citizenship itself.

Many countries benefit enormously from citizens who maintain ties to more than one nation. Dual citizenship can promote trade, education, investment, tourism, and international cooperation.

The issue before Ghana is narrower and more significant.

It concerns whether the highest constitutional offices, those responsible for protecting the sovereignty, security, and future of the Republic, should be reserved for citizens whose legal allegiance rests solely with Ghana.

That principle does not diminish the patriotism of dual citizens. Many have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to Ghana despite living abroad.

Rather, it reflects the unique responsibilities attached to leadership at the highest level of government.

The debate should therefore move beyond personalities and politics.

It should focus on constitutional integrity, national security, public confidence, and the long-term protection of Ghana’s democratic institutions.

Every nation has the sovereign right to determine the qualifications for its highest offices.

Whatever Parliament ultimately decides, the guiding principle should remain clear:

The highest positions in the Republic of Ghana must always place Ghana’s interests above every other consideration.

The future of the nation deserves nothing less.

A word to the wise is enough.

Spain have reached the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after defeating France 2-0 in a commanding semi-final performance on Tuesday night.

The European champions produced a mature display at the semi-final stage, with Mikel Oyarzabal’s first-half penalty and Pedro Porro’s second-half strike enough to send Luis de la Fuente’s side into Sunday’s showpiece event.

Spain were handed the perfect opportunity to take control of the match in the 20th minute after they were awarded a penalty following Lucas Digne’s foul inside the box.

Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up for La Roja and showed composure from 12 yards, firing an unstoppable shot into the top right corner.

France struggled to create clear chances before the break, while Spain continued to threaten. Fabián Ruiz came close to extending their lead in the 38th minute, but his effort from inside the penalty area was brilliantly blocked, with Spain earning a corner.

Spain doubled their advantage shortly after the hour mark through an excellent attacking move.

Dani Olmo showed great awareness to find Pedro Porro inside the penalty area with a clever pass, allowing the defender to fire a first-time finish into the right side of the net and make it 2-0 in the 58th minute.

Lamine Yamal thought he had added a third goal three minutes later, but his effort was ruled out after the assistant referee raised the flag for offside.

France pushed forward in the closing stages as they searched for a route back into the match.

Desire Doue tested Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón with a powerful long-range effort in the 81st minute, but the goalkeeper produced an important save to maintain Spain’s advantage.

Deep into stoppage time, Ousmane Dembele came closest to scoring for Les Bleus after a brilliant solo run into the box, but Simón once again stood tall to deny him.

The final whistle confirmed Spain’s place in the World Cup final, as they continue their pursuit of a second World Cup trophy after their historic triumph in South Africa in 2010.

Several Ghanaian entertainers have been shortlisted for the 2026 African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) organised by Big A Entertainment, which is scheduled for September 12 at Dallas, Texas.

Ghana’s Incredible Zigi, Dancegod Lloyd, Hooliboy among others were nominated for the Best African Dance. Babs grabbed Best Video Director of the Year nomination.

Ghana’s DJ Sly King was nominated for Best DJ Africa, Black Sherif was also nominated for Best Male Rap Act, MOGBeatz earned Best Producer of the Year nomination, AFRIMMA Timeless Impact Award had Sarkodie in the nomination, DopeNation grabbed Best African Group nomination, Moliy, Shaneil Muir earned Best Female Reggae and Dancehall nomination respectively, Shatta Wale was nominated for Best Male Reggae and Dancehall.

Best African DJ USA has DJ Akua as a nominee, Best Female West African Artiste – Moliy, Moses Sumney was nominated for Best African USA-based Artiste, Black Sheriff – Best Male West African Artiste. Best Female Rap Artiste had Freda Rhymz and Eno Barony grabbing a nomination.

Ghanaians across the world are entreated to vote for their favourite artistes by logging on to AFRIMMA.COM to cast their votes.

Former Chief Executive Officer of National Food Buffer Stock Company Limited (NAFCO), Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, has opposed an application by the Attorney General (AG) seeking to reverse the permission granted him by a High Court to travel to the United Kingdom for medical reasons.

He argues in an affidavit in opposition that the AG’s application is devoid of any merits, brought in bad faith and calculated to obtain a legal covering for the Attorney General’s brazen defiance of the orders of the court.

He further avers that the AG’s application seeking the reversal impugns the exercise of the court’s discretion on the basis of ‘untruths and unfounded allegations, which stem from a wilful disregard for the court’s orders rather than any genuine legal or factual basis.’

Arrest

Mr. Aludiba is standing trial with his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, for allegedly stealing and causing financial loss to the state totalling GHS62.6 million.

He was arrested at the airport in the late hours of July 4 when he attempted to travel to the United Kingdom for a medical reason.

Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, in a Facebook post, confirmed the arrest and claimed Mr. Aludiba, who was granted permission by the trial court to travel, attempted ‘to use false means to empty his frozen bank account with Republic Bank on Thursday which occasioned tonight’s arrest.’

His legal team lead by former Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, sharply denied the allegation and threatened to initiate contempt of court proceeding against the AG and the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI) Director for thwarting the orders of the court which permitted him to travel to London for medical reasons.

The lawyers subsequently filed an application for Habeas Corpus asking the court to compel the Attorney General, BNI and Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to produce his body following his Rambo-style arrest at the Accra International Airport.

The Attorney General later filed an application asking the court, presided over by Justice Francis Achibonga, to reverse the permission granted to Mr. Aludiba.

Hanan Fights Back

Mr. Aludiba argues in his affidavit in opposition that the AG’s motion, carefully examined, amounts to a review or veiled appeal against the orders of the court lawfully given within the exercise of the court’s jurisdiction.

‘No credible ground in law or in fact, has been canvassed for a grant of the order prayed for in this application.’

He further contends that the Attorney General has not exhibited anything to show that he (Hanan) intended to avoid standing trial, or indeed any of the serious allegations made against him.

‘That I say without equivocation that it is completely false and malicious to allege that I had no intention of returning to stand trial,’ he argues.

Mr. Aludiba further contends that the reason provided by the Deputy Attorney General as basis for his ‘unlawful arrest’ is completely false, and the AG had no reasonable basis to suspect that he had committed an offence or was about to commit a criminal offence under the laws of Ghana.

He denies making any attempt to withdraw any specific amount of money from any of his accounts by any of the known means of withdrawal of money from a bank.

‘That I was not found in possession of any money withdrawn from any accounts by any of the known means of withdrawal of money from a bank frozen bank account.’

Mr. Aludiba also argues that the complete disregard for the laws of the Republic shown by the AG and his law enforcement agencies in his unlawful arrest and detention ought not to be condoned by a grant of the instant application, especially where no proof whatsoever of the allegations has been furnished to the court.

Again, he pointed to allegations about officers of Economic and Organised Crime Office keeping about £7,000 which he had borrowed for his travel expenses and medical treatment, and his two mobile phones.

He also points to EOCO official allegedly unlawfully accessing data on his mobile phones without any judicial authorisation.

‘That the attempt to downplay Boots Opticians, a leading optician in the United Kingdom with over 550 practices, as a beauty retailer is disingenuous and calculated to mislead this Honourable Court. This information is easily and publicly verifiable by a simple web search.’

He adds that the decision of the AG, BNI and EOCO to apprehend him was a flagrant and contemptuous act which ought to be punished by the court, rather than being condoned with a grant of the instant application ‘which is grounded in false and malicious allegations against me, calculated to mislead the Court and pervert the course of justice.’

Mr. Aludiba is, therefore, urging the court to compel the AG, EOCO and BNI to comply with the order of the court which granted him permission to travel as well as release his personal effects, including his money, two unlawfully seized mobile phones and his passport.

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has taken its nationwide financial literacy campaign to 10 selected Senior High Schools (SHSs) in the Western Region to equip students and teachers with skills for sound financial decision-making and fraud prevention.

The initiative targets young people at an early age, with the aim of also influencing financial habits within their families and communities.

Participating schools include Archbishop Porter Girls SHS, Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS), Mpohor SHS, Adiembra SHS, Methodist SHS, Takoradi SHS, Annor Adjaye SHS, Amenfiman SHS, Bonzo-Kaku SHS and Holy Child College of Education.

Core Topics Covered

Central Bank officials engaged students on responsible saving and investment, identifying BoG-licensed financial institutions, protecting personal banking information, and recognising financial scams and red flags.

Other areas included complaint handling procedures, responsible borrowing and credit management, the role of loan guarantors, digital lending services such as mobile money loans, and the consequences of loan defaults on future access to credit.

Students were also educated on their rights and responsibilities as customers of financial institutions, including the need to safeguard passwords and PINs, and the proper channels for lodging complaints against regulated institutions.

As part of the practical session, the BoG demonstrated how to distinguish genuine Ghana cedi notes from counterfeits using the currency’s security features.

Teachers from the participating schools also received training to strengthen their own financial literacy for daily transactions.

Early Habits Key

Speaking during one of the engagements, Godfred Cudjoe of the BoG’s Financial Stability Department said the Bank has already rolled out campaigns on radio, television, social media and among market women.

‘The decision to extend the programme to second-cycle institutions is to instil sound financial habits early,’ Mr. Cudjoe said. ‘These habits will guide students and, by extension, their families in making important financial decisions.’

The BoG says the school outreach will continue in other regions as part of its broader public education strategy.

Two officials of the Energy Commission have been detained by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) as investigations intensify into the smuggling of $208 million worth of methamphetamine (meth) concealed in a consignment of charcoal from Ghana to Australia.

According to sources, the two officials were taken into custody to assist with investigations because of their alleged role in the approval process for the charcoal export.

Investigators say the detained officials may have information on how the shipment was cleared and whether proper export procedures were followed.

The arrest, according to state officials, forms part of a broader probe to uncover those behind the alleged trafficking network and to determine if there were any breaches or compromises in the export approval system.

While names of the alleged suspects have not been disclosed, authorities say investigations are still ongoing and the public will be updated as more details emerge.

Investigators suspect the charcoal was laced with methamphetamine in what is believed to be part of an international drug trafficking operation.

Before the detainment of the two Energy Commission staff, four other persons (names withheld) including a woman were arrested by the Narcotics Control Commission for their alleged involvement in the smuggling.

The commission arrested the first suspect, who works at the Tema Harbour and facilitated the documentation of the consignment.

The first suspect then led NACOC officers to the other two suspects, who were arrested in Kumasi, and the fourth suspect was arrested later in Accra.

All four suspects were under intense investigations.

Australian police launched an investigation in April after border authorities detected anomalies in two shipping containers that had arrived at Sydney’s Port Botany from Ghana.

Authorities found a ‘white crystalised substance’ after they X-rayed the contents of the containers, which were listed as bags of charcoal. Further testing confirmed it was meth.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ofoase Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has criticised the government’s flagship 24-Hour Economy policy, describing it as a programme that has failed to deliver on its promises nearly two years after the National Democratic Congress (NDC) assumed office.

Contributing to the debate on the government’s 24-Hour Economy policy in Parliament, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah argued that despite Parliament approving about GHS650 billion in public expenditure over the period, there was little evidence that the policy had translated into the promised three-shift (1-3-3) system or meaningful industrial expansion.

According to him, the government has shifted attention to the construction of 24-hour markets and the promise of future incentives for the private sector instead of implementing measures capable of driving industrial production and job creation.

He described the proposed investment in 24-hour markets as an imprudent policy measure, arguing that infrastructure alone could not create demand for continuous trading without broader economic reforms.

The former Information Minister also criticised what he described as delays in introducing incentives for the private sector, saying government officials had admitted during committee deliberations that the incentive package was still being prepared.

He maintained that such incentives should have preceded implementation of the policy rather than being introduced almost two years into the administration.

Mr. Oppong Nkrumah further urged the government to reconsider its decision to abandon the One District, One Factory (1D1F) programme, arguing that the initiative had already established a framework for industrialisation.

Citing the National Development Planning Commission’s 2024 Annual Progress Report, he said at least 150 1D1F factories were operational by the end of 2024 and contended that dismantling the policy architecture had stalled industrial growth.

He recommended that the government revive the programme and make any necessary improvements instead of replacing it with a policy that, in his view, had yet to produce tangible results.

Mr. Oppong Nkrumah warned that the absence of a robust industrial policy was worsening youth unemployment, which he said stood at 32.4 percent, citing figures from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).

He maintained that every day without an effective industrialisation programme represented lost employment opportunities for thousands of young Ghanaians.

Responding to the criticism, the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, insisted that the 24-Hour Economy extends far beyond the construction of markets.

He explained that the proposed 24-hour markets formed only one component of the broader Accelerated Export Development Programme aimed at stimulating domestic trade, promoting import substitution and expanding Ghana’s exports.

Mr. Iddrisu also rejected claims that the government had failed to submit its coordinated programme of economic and social development policies to Parliament, stating that the document had been laid before the House in February in fulfilment of constitutional requirements.

On the issue of industrialisation, he acknowledged the need for stronger incentives to support the private sector but disputed suggestions that the 1D1F initiative had successfully addressed unemployment.

He challenged proponents of the programme to demonstrate the number of jobs it created and its contribution to gross domestic product (GDP), arguing that unemployment remained high even under the previous administration.

The Education Minister nevertheless agreed that the government must prioritise job creation and work with the Ministries of Finance and Trade, Agribusiness and Industry to ensure that the incentive regime under the 24-Hour Economy supports businesses and accelerates export-led industrial growth.

Ghanaians had another opportunity to assess the quality of the state’s management of coercive power through investigative bodies under the presidency of Commander-in-Chief John Dramani Mahama a few days ago.

The Director of Communications in the Office of the Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dennis Miracles Aboagye, was Rambo-style arrested when he touched down from a foreign trip under a bizarre ‘Stop Order’. Label it ‘Stop Order Upside Down’ and you have not erred.

Why would a ‘Stop Order’ be issued when the subject is outside the jurisdiction of the country?

Why would such a noisy arrest method be carried out on a person who has already had a conversation with investigators at Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) earlier and before his trip abroad?

So far what Ghanaians are being served in terms of governance continues to be what they observed in the aftermath of the most foul of coups in the country – the so-called 1979 revolution.

For a political party birthed from a junta, these Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) traits should not surprise scholars of Ghana’s contemporary history.

These traits of violence are endemic to the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The President once boasted that when it comes to violence, no other party parallels the NDC. He is right as events being exuded show – suspected torture of persons being held for political comments is now being discussed by many Ghanaians.

EOCO was established by law to serve a good cause, but under the current political dispensation in the country, the Office’s Gestapo-style operation has earned for it and the government an unenviable notoriety.

Although Miracles is now home after weathering one of the typical punishing bail conditions, his arrest and detention for three days leaves a dent on the image of the government.

It is important to take another look at the objective of ‘Stop Order’ – meant to prevent a suspect in which the state has an interest from fleeing jurisdiction.

In the case of Miracles, he was stopped only when he was returning home.

We can argue that the subject cannot be a flight risk given his prominence on the political space and his position in the Office of the former Vice President.

The political leverage which EOCO and the government seeks to achieve from the deliberately noisy arrest method have fled through the window, leaving behind a further injured image for the President and his assigns; so avoidable when the subject could have simply been invited for a parley as happened earlier.

He wants to contest for the position of Communications Director of the NPP and must have his reputation dented by EOCO before he takes the first critical steps. This state investigative agency is on a mission to ‘destroy’, and with this fact already known, the goal is moribund.

We cannot be supporters of those who breach the laws of the land; we would however shout out the names of those who use the transient power at their disposal to overreach the state’s coercive power.

This Gestapo-tactics would not stop the subject and other Ghanaians from exposing the instances of bad governance of the NDC.

The NDC administration is mired in a coup mentality which is doing our democracy more damage than good.

EOCO is on overdrive. Who is the next politically-exposed person to be Rambo-style arrested?