Category: Daily Guide Network

Hearts of Oak have dismissed reports claiming the club has placed a transfer valuation on goalkeeper Benjamin Asare following his impressive performances for Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a statement released on Wednesday, July 15, the Ghana Premier League club described the reports circulating in the media and on social media as false, stressing that no official asking price has been set for the Black Stars shot-stopper.

‘Hearts of Oak has not placed any valuation on Benjamin Asare and has not authorised any individual or media outlet to communicate a transfer fee or asking price on its behalf,’ the club said.

The statement comes amid growing speculation over the goalkeeper’s future after his standout displays at the World Cup reportedly attracted interest from clubs abroad.

Although the Phobians denied placing a price tag on the 2026 World Cup player, they acknowledged that they remain open to considering offers that would benefit both the player and the club.

‘Hearts of Oak remains a professionally run football club and is open to receiving and considering offers that serve the best interests of both the player and the club. However, no official valuation has been communicated at this time, and any figures currently in circulation are speculative,’ the club added.

The club urged supporters, the public and media organisations to disregard unverified reports regarding Asare’s transfer value and encouraged journalists to rely on official communication channels for accurate information.

Hearts of Oak also expressed pride in Asare’s achievements with the Black Stars and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting his development while safeguarding the club’s professional operations.

Asare’s impressive performances during Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign have significantly boosted his reputation, fuelling speculation that he could secure a move abroad during the current transfer window.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Atwima Nwabiagya South, Wisdom Osei Boamah, popularly known as Okumkom, has spearheaded a massive clean-up exercise at Abuakwa and its surrounding communities as part of President John Dramani Mahama’s nationwide sanitation campaign following the recent floods that wreaked havoc in several parts of the country.

The exercise, which targeted flood-prone areas and choked drains, brought together officials of the Municipal Assembly, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), market women and residents to improve environmental sanitation and reduce the risk of future flooding.

Addressing the media after the exercise, Osei Boamah expressed appreciation to his colleague Municipal Chief Executives who joined him in the exercise, namely Gloria Opoku Gyamfi of the Wenchi Municipal Assembly and Siata Watara of the Jaman South Municipal Assembly.

He also commended NADMO officials, environmental health officers, assembly staff and members of the public for their commitment towards ensuring a cleaner municipality.

The MCE disclosed that he has directed NADMO and the Municipal Environmental Health and Sanitation Department to carry out routine inspections at markets and other public places while intensifying the enforcement of the Assembly’s sanitation by-laws.

According to him, about 30 persons who failed to participate in the clean-up exercise and were found to have accumulated refuse in their surroundings have been summoned by the Assembly and will face the appropriate sanctions.

He stressed that the Assembly would not tolerate acts that undermine efforts to maintain a clean environment, warning that sanitation offenders would be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.

The Wenchi Municipal Chief Executive, Gloria Opoku Gyamfi, appealed to traditional authorities to support the enforcement of sanitation laws by allowing offenders to face the prescribed punishments instead of intervening on their behalf.

She urged residents to make cleanliness a daily responsibility by keeping their homes, markets and other public places clean to help prevent flooding and promote good public health.

Ghanaian feature film, Ego Reach We All (Our Time Will Come), has earned an official nomination to premiere at the 79th Locarno Film Festival, a major milestone for Ghanaian cinema and African storytelling on the international stage.

Written and directed by Amartei Armar and produced by Yemoh Ike, the 105-minute drama is a feature-length adaptation of Amartei’s award-winning 2018 short film, ‘Vagabonds’.

The original short received international acclaim after winning at the Montreal World Film Festival, an Oscar-qualifying festival, paving the way for the development of the feature film.

Shot entirely in Ghana with a local cast and crew, ‘Ego Reach We All’ was completed in France during post-production, reflecting a successful collaboration between Ghanaian filmmakers and international partners while maintaining its Ghanaian identity.

The project has attracted significant international recognition throughout its development. It won the Cannes Focus CoPro Award and received support from the Red Sea Development Fund, the Red Sea Souk Award and the Red Sea Productions Fund, establishing itself as one of Africa’s most promising film projects.

Beyond its festival achievements, the film has also benefited from several renowned international development programmes.

Director Amartei Armar was selected for the Heyazah Screening Lab in Doha, while producer Yemoh Ike participated in the 2023 EAVE Producers Programme under the CNC scholarship, with training sessions held in Luxembourg, Austria and the Netherlands. Most recently, the project was selected for the 2025 Atlas Workshop in Marrakesh, Morocco.

The film stars Idrissu Tontie, Dorothy Adobea Tandoh, Emmanuel Wilberforce, Barbara Yong Jin, Emmanuel Owusu Ofori, O’Bryan Kwame Enyan, Gabriel Narh Addo, Nelly Bilson and Kwame Brenya.

The official selection of ‘Ego Reach We All’ for the prestigious Locarno Film Festival is a landmark achievement for Ghana’s film industry. It highlights the strength of Ghanaian filmmaking, with the production proudly showcasing local talent while bringing authentic African stories to a global audience.

THE BEKWAI Circuit Court has granted bail to three people for reportedly disrupting the New Patriotic Party (NPP) constituency executive election process at Bidieso in Obuasi, in the Ashanti Region.

The suspects have been identified by police as Haruna Iddrisu, aka ‘Dole’, Osei Boateng alias ‘Nana Osei’, and Charles Opoku, who is popularly known as ‘Blackman’.

They pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit crime, namely rioting, and rioting with weapons, and were each granted bail in the sum of GHS50,000 with two justified sureties.

According to a police report, the trio ‘stormed the polling station on July 12, 2026, armed with offensive weapons, scattered ballot boxes, and threatened election officials and voters without provocation.’

The three suspects, reportedly, caused massive destruction at the place before they were eventually apprehended after policemen at the election venue had called for reinforcement.

‘A police reinforcement team swiftly intervened and arrested the suspects, retrieving one axe and one cutlass during the operation.

‘The suspects were subsequently put before the Bekwai Circuit Court on charges of conspiracy to commit crime, namely rioting, and rioting with weapons,’ the police disclosed.

According to the police report, the case has been adjourned to August 10, 2026, while investigations continue, adding that police are doing their best to arrest other persons suspected to be involved in the violent incident.

Veteran Highlife musician, Akosua Agyapong, has made it clear that she will no longer entertain questions about her marriage or personal relationships, urging the media to keep their interviews centred on her music career.

Speaking in an interview with JoyPrime TV, Akosua said she is frequently questioned about her relationship with fellow musician Nat Brew, popularly known as Amandzeba, but believes such matters are private and unrelated to her profession.

‘An issue came up, and people started asking, ‘What happened between you and Nat (Amandzeba)?’ That should not concern anyone. It’s not part of my music,’ she said.

The veteran singer emphasised that she is always open to discussing her achievements and contributions to the music industry, but draws the line when it comes to her personal life.

‘Nowhere in my music career have I indicated that I’m going to talk about my relationship or marriage because that is my personal life. When it has something to do with music, I am ready to answer,’ she stated.

Akosua explained that her decision to keep her private life private is largely motivated by her desire to protect her children from comments that could affect them.

‘Stay away from my private life because I have children. I will not come and sit here and say things that could hurt my kids,’ she said.

She also cautioned public figures against feeling compelled to respond to every personal question during interviews, noting that some answers could later become a source of regret.

‘Some presenters throw questions at you, and if you’re not smart, you start answering things you may later regret. I came here because of my music, so ask me about my music career,’ she added.

Akosua further suggested that some journalists who probe into the personal lives of celebrities may themselves be dealing with difficulties in their own relationships.

‘If you look at some of the presenters asking these questions, if you go behind the scenes, what they are going through in their own relationships may be very bad, yet they want to find out about somebody else’s,’ she added.

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.

Personnel from the Adenta Fire Station of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) have retrieved the body of an 11-year-old boy, Samuel Awalime, who reportedly drowned in a pit at Adenta Aviation.

The distress call was received by the station and a rescue team was immediately dispatched. The operation was led by DOIII Obosu, who coordinated efforts on the ground. Upon arrival, firefighters worked alongside personnel from the Ghana Police Service, as well as chiefs and members of the Adenta Traditional Council to conduct a search and recovery operation.

The collaboration between emergency responders and community leaders was key to managing the scene, controlling access, and ensuring the operation was carried out safely. After several hours of intensive work, the team successfully retrieved the boy’s body from the pit at approximately 10:50 a.m.

The body was subsequently handed over to the Ghana Police Service, Adenta Division, for preservation and further investigations to determine the exact circumstances leading to the incident. The incident has renewed calls from residents and traditional authorities for proper fencing and covering of abandoned pits and construction sites in the area, to prevent future tragedies involving children.

The Ghana National Fire Service has also advised the public to keep children away from uncovered pits, water reservoirs, and other hazardous areas, and to report such dangers to the Assembly or emergency services early.