Category: Daily Guide Network

Manchester United have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign Brazilian midfielder, Andrey Santos, in a deal worth up to £50 million.

The transfer gathered pace after United expressed their interest over the weekend, with the two clubs quickly settling on terms. United will pay an initial £48 million, while a further £2 million in achievable add-ons could take the total value of the deal to £50 million. Chelsea have also secured a 10% sell-on clause.

Santos has been given the green light to undergo a medical ahead of completing the move to Old Trafford. He is expected to join fellow Brazilian Ederson, who is also set for a medical before sealing a £35 million transfer from Italian side Atalanta following Brazil’s exit from the World Cup.

The signing addresses a key area of concern for United, who prioritised strengthening their midfield after Casemiro left the club at the end of his contract. Their options were further reduced after Manuel Ugarte suffered a serious cruciate knee ligament injury, ruling him out for an extended period.

United explored moves for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, but both deals proved unsuccessful. Anderson’s valuation exceeded £110 million, while Fernandes opted to join Tottenham after they submitted an £85 million offer.

With Kobbie Mainoo still on World Cup duty with England, United were facing the start of pre-season with Mason Mount as their only experienced central midfielder.

Santos is set to become Chelsea’s third major departure of the summer, following the exits of Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid and Tyrique George to Everton.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Damongo, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has questioned the policy rationale behind the government’s decision to operationalise regional tribunals, arguing that Ghana’s existing judicial system has effectively served the country throughout the Fourth Republic.

Contributing to the debate on the principles of the Tribunals Bill, 2026, after its second reading by the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, Mr. Jinapor said while the Constitution empowers Parliament to establish the jurisdiction of regional tribunals, the government had failed to justify why the country needed them now.

He acknowledged that the Attorney General was acting within the law by sponsoring the bill.

‘Article 143 of the Constitution mandates Parliament to prescribe the jurisdiction of regional tribunals and offences against the state and the public interest. Therefore, the Attorney General is very much on firm grounds to be sponsoring this bill,’ he said.

However, he maintained that constitutional authority alone was insufficient justification for reviving a judicial institution that had largely remained dormant under the Fourth Republic.

‘What is the policy rationale for this great attempt to have regional tribunals? Why must we have regional tribunals now when throughout the life of the Fourth Republic we have done well with the existing judicial structures?’ he asked.

Mr. Jinapor noted that the country’s justice delivery system had successfully relied on Magistrate and District Courts, Circuit Courts, High Courts, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court for more than three decades, questioning the need to introduce another layer of adjudication.

He said regional tribunals had never been a fundamental feature of the Fourth Republic’s judicial architecture and wondered why Parliament was being asked to pass an extensive law to operationalise them.

The Damongo MP also recalled what he described as the painful history of regional tribunals during military rule, arguing that they remained associated with injustice in the minds of many Ghanaians.

‘Regional tribunals in our country have a history, and I want to submit most respectfully that the history is not pleasant. Many Ghanaians have had very terrible experiences when it comes to regional tribunals,’ he stated.

According to him, the tribunals of the past dispensed justice in a manner that resulted in serious injustices, with proceedings in which judges’ identities were concealed.

He urged Parliament to be guided by the country’s constitutional history, describing the Constitution as ‘a living organism’ that embodies both Ghana’s history and aspirations.

Although he acknowledged the Attorney General’s clarification that regional tribunals operated during the early years of the Fourth Republic under former President Jerry John Rawlings, Mr. Jinapor insisted they had never become an integral part of Ghana’s judicial system.

Instead of reviving regional tribunals, he urged the government to channel resources into strengthening the existing High Court system.

Citing the committee’s report that indicated the tribunals would help clear about 3,360 backlog cases, he argued that the same objective could be achieved by increasing the capacity of the High Courts.

He called for the appointment of more judges, additional judicial staff, improved logistics, greater investment in technology and the expansion of fast-track court systems to accelerate the administration of justice.

‘Why can we not strengthen the existing High Court, retool it, get more judges, provide more logistics and clear this backlog of cases?’ he asked.

AG Response

Responding to the concerns, Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, acknowledged that the public tribunals established during the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) era had been associated with excesses and allegations of human rights abuses.

He, however, assured Parliament that the proposed tribunals would operate strictly within the safeguards of the 1992 Constitution and would be fundamentally different from those of the past.

He said the bill provides for a Tribunal Oversight Committee, operating under the Judicial Council, to monitor the work of tribunals and prevent any abuse of power.

Dr. Ayine disclosed that he had proposed decentralising the oversight committee by establishing regional committees to monitor tribunal operations and report any misconduct to the Judicial Council and the Chief Justice.

He stressed that the objective of the bill was to promote the expeditious administration of justice, broaden citizens’ participation in the justice delivery system as envisaged by Article 125 of the Constitution, and complement, not replace, the existing courts.

The Attorney General rejected suggestions that the revival of tribunals was intended to resurrect the politically controversial public tribunals of the past or target members of any political party.

‘I want to assure every Ghanaian that bringing back or operationalising the tribunals does not in any way resurrect the ghosts of the past,’ he said.

Bill Memorandum

According to the memorandum accompanying the bill, the proposed legislation seeks to establish a comprehensive constitutional and statutory framework for the operation of tribunals, clarify their jurisdiction and procedures, reduce case backlogs, promote access to justice and ensure greater public participation in the administration of justice while embedding robust safeguards to protect human rights and uphold due process.

The suspects, comprising 41 males and three females, were picked up during the intelligence-led exercise in communities including Emena New Site, Boadi, Abuabo, Ash Town, Kodie, Bremang, Pankrono, Gyinyaase, and adjoining areas.

A statement issued by the Head of the Public Affairs Unit of Ashanti Regional Police Command, DSP Godwin Ahianyo, indicated that the operation uncovered what police described as a drug distribution network allegedly targeting students of tertiary institutions.

‘Police intelligence indicates that the network had been operating around university communities,’ the statement said.

Among the key suspects arrested is Emmanuel Duah, 24, who is alleged to have been producing cannabis-laced toffees, advertising them on online platforms and selling them mainly to students.

Another suspect, Richard Boateng, 45, is accused of producing cannabis-infused alcoholic beverages for distribution, while Frederick Agyei is alleged to have served as a major supplier of cannabis to university students.

The police also seized several suspected narcotics and other items during the operation.

The exhibits retrieved included 200 sachets of 225mg Tramadol tablets, quantities of 250mg Tramadol, 400 sealed wraps of dried leaves suspected to be narcotics, locally prepared fruit juice suspected to contain narcotic substances, and a refrigerator containing suspected narcotic concoctions.

Other items seized were Rizla rolling papers and nine casino jackpot machines believed to have been used for unlawful activities.

DSP Ahianyo said all exhibits had been secured for forensic examination and evidential purposes, adding that the suspects remained in police custody assisting with investigations.

The police said they were pursuing additional suspects believed to be connected to the network as efforts continued to dismantle every link in the alleged supply chain.

The Ghana Police Service assured parents, students, educational institutions, and the general public of its commitment to protecting communities from illicit drug trafficking and related crimes.

It further commended members of the public whose information helped in the operation and urged citizens to continue providing credible intelligence to assist in the fight against crime.

The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has revealed significant differences in the weight of commonly used food measurement units across the country, highlighting the need for standardisation to improve the accuracy of agricultural statistics.

The findings are contained in three publications released under the Non-Standard Units Survey (NSUS), conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA).

According to the reports, the same cups, tins, sacks and size classifications used daily in homes, markets and at farm gates often represent different quantities depending on the region, making it difficult to compile reliable national data on agriculture, food security and the economy.

The survey found, that a small-sized cup of local rice weighs an average of 0.352 kilogrammes nationally but ranges from 0.320 kilogrammes in the Savannah Region to 0.378 kilogrammes in the Greater Accra Region.

Similarly, a medium-sized margarine tin used in markets has a national average weight of 0.276 kilogrammes, but weighs as little as 0.228 kilogrammes in the Ahafo Region and as much as 0.346 kilogrammes in the Ashanti Region.

The Household Report also revealed that a small-sized Puna yam weighs an average of 1.043 kilogrammes nationwide but reaches 1.564 kilogrammes in the Bono Region, while the weight of a medium-sized cup of gari differs from 0.267 kilogrammes in Bono East to 0.292 kilogrammes in the Eastern Region.

At the farmgate level, the survey uncovered even wider disparities.

The commonly used cocoa (jute) sack for dried yellow maize weighs between 131.1 kilogrammes in Greater Accra Region and 198 kilogrammes in Bono East Region, a difference of nearly 67 kilogrammes.

The report further showed that size descriptions such as small, medium and large are often unreliable indicators of actual weight, whereas container-based measures used for oils generally provide more consistent results because of their fixed capacities.

To address these inconsistencies, GSS has developed nationally representative conversion factors that translate commonly used non-standard units, including olonka tins, cups, heaps, bundles, bottles and size-based classifications, into standard metric measurements.

The Statistical Service said the conversion factors would improve the quality and comparability of agricultural data used to estimate production, trade, consumption, food security, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

According to GSS, the reports represent a major milestone in Ghana’s agricultural statistical system by providing policymakers, researchers, development partners and other data users with reliable evidence for planning and decision-making.

The Service added that the new conversion factors will help ensure greater consistency in agricultural data collection and strengthen evidence-based policy formulation for the country’s development.

Residents of Adwafo in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality of the Ashanti Region have been thrown into a state of shock following the death of a 38-year-old man, Kofi Moses, who was found dead behind his house shortly after returning from church on Sunday.

The deceased was reportedly found hanging from a mango tree behind his house under circumstances that are yet to be established.

Speaking to DAILY GUIDE, the Area Committee Chairman, Bro. Sammy, described the incident as heartbreaking, saying the community was struggling to come to terms with the tragic loss.

‘The whole community is in shock. He went to church and when he came back, this happened behind the house. We are all praying for the family,’ he stated.

According to him, Kofi Moses was well known in the community, and his sudden death has left his family, friends and neighbours devastated.

The body has been deposited at the Nkawie Government Hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

Meanwhile, the police have commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death.

Bro. Sammy disclosed that the police have since released the body to the family for burial, which has been scheduled for today.

The incident has sparked calls from community leaders for residents, particularly young people, to seek support from family members, pastors, elders and health professionals whenever they face emotional or personal challenges instead of suffering in silence.

Fear and uncertainty have gripped residents of Anyinamso No. 1 in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region following the discovery of the body of an unidentified woman hanging in a thick bush.

The deceased, believed to be about 27 years old, was found hanging from a rope tied to a tree after residents stumbled upon the body.

According to reports, the body is suspected to have remained at the scene for about three days before it was discovered.

Officials from the Environmental Health Department, the traditional authorities (Nananom), and personnel from the Mpasatia Police Command later supervised the burial of the body in accordance with local health and traditional protocols.

The Mpasatia Police Command has launched investigations to establish the identity of the deceased and determine the exact cause and circumstances surrounding her death.

The incident has thrown the community into a state of fear, with residents expressing shock over the mysterious death.

Meanwhile, the traditional authorities have appealed to the public, particularly families with daughters who have gone missing within the past three days, to report to the palace for possible identification of the deceased. They said relatives would be directed to the burial site to assist with the identification process.

Police have also appealed to anyone with information that could aid the investigation to contact the Mpasatia Police Command as efforts continue to unravel the mystery behind the woman’s death.

Ghanaian foodpreneur, Aba Dope, has affirmed that she is a ‘gold digger’ and is not ready to settle with a man without substantial wealth to cater for both her material and spiritual needs.

The renowned social media personality made this statement during a TikTok live session with dancer Alo Danny on Monday.

During the live session, a fan known as BlissMedia joined and showered Aba Dope with admiration for her beauty and accomplishments. While complimenting her, the fan stated that he has a fortune named after Aba Dope.

In response to the revelation, Aba Dope stated, ‘I’m a gold digger,’ adding that she is ready to enjoy all the benefits that fortune presents.

Born Loretta Bannerman-Martin, she has grown from 15k to over 1.1 million followers on TikTok. She started on Snapchat before switching to TikTok, where a viral live video about being called out for bleaching her hair blew up.

She currently employs 96 staff, many of whom she trained from dispatch riders to chefs, and hired from the streets.

Aba Dope was named ‘Best Entrepreneur of the Year’ at the Pulse Ghana Awards and ‘Best Catering Service of the Year’ at the Women Choice Awards.

The Accra Sports Stadium is currently not in a condition to host the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations unless urgent rehabilitation works begin immediately, Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has warned.

Speaking on Sporty FM, Mr. Ampofo Ankrah said Ghana’s ability to stage the tournament will depend on the immediate mobilisation of funding for renovation.

‘If we don’t have funding, whether from corporate bodies, international partnerships or the state, nothing is going to happen. Where we are now, I don’t think we can host the U-20 AFCON unless we start work immediately,’ he said.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded Ghana the hosting rights for the 2027 U-20 AFCON. It will be the second time Ghana stages the competition after hosting it in 1999.

The tournament is scheduled to coincide with Ghana’s 70th Independence anniversary celebrations and will feature 12 teams. The top four nations will qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Mr. Ampofo Ankrah also expressed concern over the state of the country’s football infrastructure despite Ghana’s pedigree on the global stage.

‘We have been to the World Cup five times, yet we don’t have a standard stadium. That should worry all of us,’ he added.

He disclosed that authorities are awaiting a technical assessment report from a foreign company to determine the extent of work required at the facility.

‘As we speak, we are expecting a report from a foreign company that conducted a technical review of the facility. They will determine its current state and advise on whether we need renovations or even a temporary closure, be it for a week, a month, or longer,’ he explained.

Motorists and commuters travelling along the Kasoa-Mallam road are facing increasingly severe traffic congestion, as a result of deteriorating road conditions on the SCC-Old Barrier stretch and the Mallam Junction road.

The journey that usually takes less than an hour from Kasoa and nearby communities into Accra, now takes between three and four hours during the morning and evening rush hours, leaving many commuters frustrated and concerned about the growing loss of productive time.

The worsening traffic congestion is largely attributed to the deteriorated condition of the SCC-Old Barrier section of the road, deep potholes worsened by wastewater flowing into the road from the Bortianor and Red Top communities after a major drainage channel in front of Noble House became heavily silted and blocked.

The overflowing water has rendered the road deplorable, as well as creating waterlogged sections with deep potholes that compel motorists to reduce speed significantly and sometimes stopping the vehicles completely.

As vehicles merge into one lane over long stretches of the road, traffic queues now extend for several kilometres, creating daily problems that begin early in the morning and continues in the evening.

The situation is further worsened at Mallam Junction, causing delays from the SCC-Old Barrier stretch, resulting in travel times that frequently exceed four hours, as well as turning the road into a continuous gridlock stretch, with traffic often from Kasoa towards Mallam and extending deep into adjoining communities.

Residents and business owners along the route complained that the prolonged traffic congestion is disrupting commercial activities, with some businesses shutting operations while some commuters also get to work late and tired.

The poor road conditions have also raised safety concerns as some motorists attempt dangerous overtaking to avoid potholes or escape traffic congestion, increasing the risk of crashes, while pedestrians are forced to walk close to moving vehicles because sections of the road have been taken over by vehicles.

Many residents attribute the worsening situation also to poor drainage maintenance, particularly the blocked drainage channel in front of Noble House, and are therefore urging the government to immediately desilt the drain to restore the free flow of water and prevent wastewater from spilling on the road.

Residents at Kasoa are also calling on the government to rehabilitate both the SCC-Old Barrier stretch and the Mallam Junction road to reduce traffic congestion, as the road continues to deteriorate despite repeated concerns over the years.

The absence of reliable fiscal data on Ghana’s Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) sector is undermining government efforts to assess revenue performance and formulate effective policy, policy experts have said.

Speaking at the Mining for Development Forum in Accra, Senior Programme Manager and Policy Lead for Minerals and Mining Policy at the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), Mabel Acquaye, said attempts to obtain official figures on the sector’s contribution to national revenue have yielded nothing.

‘I’ve been searching in the last six months for ASM contribution to the national fiscal contribution, and I’m not finding any document,’ Acquaye said. ‘I have been to the Ghana Revenue Authority and even filed a Right to Information request to the Minerals Commission, but the Commission could not provide any data to show the fiscal contribution of ASM.’

Despite legal provisions for royalty payments from ASM operations, Madam Acquaye noted that the lack of accessible data persists, leaving a critical gap in revenue accountability.

She urged the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD) and the Minerals Commission to prioritise ASM data collection to support the GRA in conducting accurate fiscal assessments, instead of focusing solely on traceability initiatives.

She also criticised the country’s local content policy for its narrow focus on ownership. She argued the policy should instead emphasise local manufacturing, technology transfer, and value addition.

‘Many mining companies report that between 70 and 80 per cent of procurement goes to local contractors, but the real question is where those contractors source the goods. In many cases, they simply import them,’ she said, citing China as an example of a country that built competitive industries through deliberate investment in skills, research, and technology.

She also called for a broader industrial policy that links mining to other sectors, promotes competitive local manufacturing, reduces the cost of doing business, and encourages investment in research and innovation.

Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ken Ashigbey, acknowledged the data challenge, saying some ASM payments are collected at the local level without a centralised reporting system.

‘What is happening is that some of their payments are made at the local level, and there’s no dedicated way of collecting the data,’ Ashigbey said. ‘That data collection is important because we need to know how much is coming from the sector.’

Mr. Ashigbey said comprehensive data is essential for determining the mining sector’s overall contribution to the economy and for informing decisions on revenue allocation and development planning.

‘Without the necessary data, development becomes difficult,’ He added. ‘The policies you make are not based on complete information. It is something we all need to push so that we can get the data required to support our development.’

Mr. Ashigbey recommended collaboration between the Minerals Commission, the Ghana Revenue Authority, and the Ministry of Finance to establish a system for capturing and reporting ASM fiscal contributions nationwide.