Category: Daily Guide Network

The dream of a united Africa, which was championed by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah more than six decades ago, is once again being tested by a wave of political instability across the continent of Africa.

Military coups, constitutional amendments that extend presidential terms, as well as growing public dissatisfaction with democratic governance, have reignited debate over whether Africa is moving toward a stronger democracy or slipping into greater instability.

As the continent continues to pursue ambitious goals such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), political stability remains the foundation through which sustainable economic growth and continental integration depend.

West and Central Africa have witnessed an alarming rate of resurgence of military coups in recent years. Mali experienced coups in 2020 and 2021, which were followed by military takeovers in Guinea in 2021, Burkina Faso in 2022, Niger in 2023 and Gabon in 2023.

While many Africans condemn military intervention as unconstitutional, some citizens have welcomed these coups and have argued that elected governments always fail to tackle corruption, insecurity, unemployment and poor governance in general. This growing frustration highlights a deeper crisis where democracy cannot be judged solely by regular elections but by its ability to improve the lives of ordinary people.

Equally concerning is the increasing use of constitutional amendments to extend presidential terms. In countries such as Rwanda, Uganda and the Republic of the Congo, constitutional changes have enabled incumbent leaders to remain in office far beyond the original limits envisioned by democratic constitutions. Supporters argue that experienced leaders provide continuity, political stability and long-term development planning.

However, critics have the opinion that prolonged rule weakens democratic institutions, limits political competition, and further increases the risk of authoritarianism and civil unrest. The controversy demonstrates that constitutional reforms must serve the interests of citizens rather than individual leaders.

Again, regional and continental institutions have attempted to respond to these challenges with mixed success. The African Union has consistently condemned unconstitutional changes of government and suspended several coup-led states from its activities. The Economic Community of West African States imposed sanctions on Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger and even considered military intervention following the coup in Niger.

Meanwhile, the Southern African Development Community has promoted regional peace initiatives, particularly in Mozambique, while the East African Community has engaged in mediation efforts in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite these efforts, critics argue that regional organisations have often been inconsistent, as they appear decisive in some crises while remaining silent when elected leaders manipulate constitutions or suppress opposition.

In all these undesirable circumstances, Africa can draw valuable lessons from other regions without abandoning its unique political and cultural realities. The European Union demonstrates how countries with different histories and languages can strengthen peace through shared institutions, respect for democratic norms, and economic cooperation.

Similarly, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has shown that sustained regional dialogue and economic integration can help reduce tensions among member states. However, Africa should not simply replicate foreign models. Solutions must be tailored to local realities that include diverse governance systems, security challenges and youthful populations as well as varying levels of economic development.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to the current political landscape. On the positive side, Africa has witnessed greater civic awareness, stronger youth activism, expanding digital participation, and increasing demands for accountability. Citizens are becoming more willing to challenge poor leadership and demand better governance.

On the negative side, persistent insecurity, weak institutions, electoral disputes, corruption, and unconstitutional transfers of power continue to undermine investor confidence, discourage long-term investment and slow regional integration. Political instability also diverts scarce public resources from education, healthcare, infrastructure, as well as job creation, toward security and emergency responses.

The way forward requires stronger democratic institutions rather than stronger personalities. Independent electoral commissions, impartial judiciaries, professional security forces, and vibrant civil society organisations are essential for building public trust. Regional bodies could enforce democratic principles consistently, regardless of whether violations come from military juntas or civilian governments seeking to entrench themselves in power. Greater investment in youth employment, education, anti-corruption measures and inclusive economic opportunities would also reduce the conditions that often fuel political unrest.

Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s vision of ‘Africa Must Unite’ remains as relevant today as it was in the 1960s. Pan-Africanism cannot flourish where democratic values are weakened, and political instability becomes normalised. Yet the continent’s future is not predetermined.

By strengthening democratic governance, respecting constitutional order, learning from successful regional partnerships around the world, and placing the interests of African citizens above political ambition, Africa can build a more stable, prosperous, and united continent.

The survival of Pan-Africanism will ultimately depend not only on governments and regional institutions but also on the collective commitment of Africans to uphold democracy, accountability, peace, and the shared vision of one united Africa.

Everyone has a role to play in making Africa united and vibrant.

Retro Vibe, the country’s biggest day club experience, landed in Kumasi with its ‘Asanteman Edition,’ taking over the region with vibrant music and total enjoyment.

Held on Sunday, July 5, 2026 at the AQ3 Centre, Kumasi, patrons were seen in colourful Asanteman jerseys, adding ultimate excitement to the event.

From high-energy DJ sets by the likes of DJ Vyrusky, Mr. Kaxtro, and DJ Delagh, with MC Kwabbsferry on hosting duties, it was a complete experience.

The event paid musical homage to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II with Daddy Lumba’s song ‘Ahenfo Kyiniy?’, which features vocals from Pat Thomas, to praise the Golden Stool and honour the King’s rich cultural legacy.

Legendary Okomfour Kwadee also mounted the stage to bless patrons with his early-2000s hit songs, infusing his signature rap style to the amazement of the audience.

Few countries in the world have had to confront water as relentlessly as the Netherlands. Yet, despite living under conditions that would seem almost impossible, it has become one of the safest and most prosperous countries in the world.

There is an important lesson there for Ghana.

The Netherlands is a remarkably low-lying country. Nearly one-third of its land lies below sea level, while more than half of the country is vulnerable to flooding from the sea, rivers or heavy rainfall. In many places, water sits above the level of the surrounding land. By comparison, Ghana’s geography is considerably more favourable. Although we face coastal erosion, seasonal flooding, overflowing rivers and intense rainfall, the vast majority of our country lies well above sea level.

Yet, Ghana experiences destructive flooding far more frequently than the Netherlands.

The difference is not geography. It is preparation.

For centuries, the Dutch accepted a simple reality: water cannot be defeated, but it can be managed. Instead of treating flooding as an occasional disaster, they made water management a permanent national priority. Every generation invested in stronger flood defences, better planning, improved engineering and continuous maintenance.

They built dikes to keep out the sea, dams and storm surge barriers to protect vulnerable communities, canals to direct excess water, pumping stations to remove water from low-lying areas and retention basins to temporarily store floodwater during heavy rains. More importantly, they embedded flood resilience into every aspect of national planning.

Their roads are designed with drainage in mind. Their housing developments consider flood risk before construction begins.

Critical infrastructure such as electricity installations, hospitals and transport systems are protected against flooding.

Building regulations are enforced.

Natural floodplains are preserved where possible.

Water management is not left to emergency response teams after disaster strikes; it forms part of the country’s long-term development strategy.

That is perhaps Ghana’s greatest lesson.

Flood resilience is not simply about constructing larger drains after each rainy season. It is about changing how we plan our communities from the outset.

We should no longer permit construction that blocks natural waterways. Drainage systems must be designed, expanded and maintained to reflect modern rainfall patterns rather than conditions that existed decades ago. Flood risk assessments should become a routine part of infrastructure development, whether we are constructing roads, schools, hospitals, markets or electricity substations.

Local assemblies must be empowered and resourced to enforce planning laws consistently. Encroachment on wetlands and waterways cannot continue without consequence. At the same time, citizens must recognise that indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains is not merely an environmental offence; it is an action that places entire communities at risk.

For communities like Keta, these lessons are especially relevant.

Living between the Atlantic Ocean and the Keta Lagoon means water will always be part of our identity. Our objective should not be to eliminate water from our landscape, but to learn how to coexist with it safely and productively. Around the world, many coastal communities have demonstrated that proximity to water can become an economic advantage when matched with thoughtful planning, resilient infrastructure and responsible environmental management.

Climate change makes this conversation even more urgent.

Extreme rainfall events are becoming more frequent. Sea levels continue to rise. Weather patterns are becoming increasingly unpredictable. These are no longer future concerns; they are today’s realities.

If we continue to build for yesterday’s climate, we will continue paying tomorrow’s price.

The Netherlands teaches us that resilience is not created by wealth alone. It is created by vision, discipline, planning and consistency over many decades. Their success did not happen overnight. It resulted from generations of leaders who recognised that preparing for disasters is always less costly than recovering from them.

Ghana possesses the talent, the engineers, the planners and the institutions capable of achieving similar progress. What is required is the collective determination to make flood resilience a national priority rather than a seasonal conversation.

The rains will continue to come.

The question is whether we will continue reacting to floods, or finally begin designing our communities to live successfully with water.

That choice is ours.

Ghana’s aquaculture sector is increasingly becoming a focal point for innovation-driven development. As demand for fish continues to rise and pressure on wild fisheries intensifies, partnerships between local institutions, government agencies, research organisations, and international development partners are exploring new ways to improve fish production and strengthen the country’s blue economy.

At the heart of these efforts is a shared ambition: to improve productivity, strengthen sustainability, and build a more resilient aquaculture value chain. Yet, as innovation initiatives expand, questions remain about their reach, coordination, and long-term impact on the small and medium-scale fish farmers who produce most of the country’s farmed fish.

The rise of innovation-driven interventions

Ghana’s aquaculture industry has witnessed a growing emphasis on programmes designed to address long-standing challenges, including inconsistent fingerling quality, poor hatchery performance, limited technical capacity, high production costs, and weak market linkages.

Innovation is increasingly taking different forms across the sector. Business incubation programmes, technology transfer, research collaborations, farmer training, improved hatchery management, and digital advisory services are helping producers adopt better practices and improve efficiency.

One example is the Blue Food Innovation Hub (BFIH), hosted by the Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana. The Hub supports aquaculture entrepreneurs through business incubation, mentorship, technical training, networking opportunities, and access to strategic partners, with the goal of accelerating innovation and enterprise growth within the sector.

Photo Credit: Chamber of Aquaculture/Blue Food Innovation Hub Launch

These interventions seek to bridge the gap between research, policy, and practical farming realities while creating pathways for innovation-led growth.

Partnerships driving sector transformation

Collaboration has become a defining feature of Ghana’s evolving aquaculture landscape. Increasingly, local institutions are partnering with international organisations to strengthen technical capacity, improve production systems, and promote sustainable aquaculture practices.

Among these initiatives is a UKRI-supported innovation partnership involving the Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana, FutureFish, and SmartHatch Brazil. The collaboration is examining one of the sector’s most persistent challenges: tilapia hatchery performance and the production of high-quality fingerlings. By promoting knowledge exchange and sharing technical expertise, the partners aim to strengthen hatchery management systems and improve seed quality for fish farmers.

Such partnerships reflect a growing recognition that sustainable aquaculture development requires coordinated action among government agencies, researchers, development partners, financial institutions, and the private sector.

Closing the gap between innovation and implementation

Despite increasing investment in innovation, translating programmes into measurable improvements at farm level remains a challenge.

Many smallholder farmers continue to face constraints, including limited access to quality seed, affordable feed, financing, technical extension services, and reliable markets. In some cases, innovation projects remain concentrated in pilot locations, making it difficult for producers in other parts of the country to benefit directly.

Scaling successful interventions will require stronger coordination among implementing organisations, continuous monitoring and evaluation, and policies that support wider adoption of proven technologies and best management practices.

Sustainability and the future of Ghana’s blue economy

Strengthening aquaculture is central to Ghana’s broader blue economy agenda, which seeks to improve food security, create employment, reduce fish imports, and promote environmentally responsible food production.

However, sustainability extends beyond environmental stewardship. It also depends on profitable farms, resilient supply chains, skilled producers, and institutions capable of supporting long-term sector development. Addressing persistent challenges such as input costs, access to finance, technical capacity, and market access will be essential if innovation is to produce lasting results.

Conclusion

Innovation partnerships are helping reshape Ghana’s aquaculture sector by introducing new technologies, strengthening entrepreneurial capacity, improving hatchery systems, and fostering collaboration across the value chain. These initiatives represent important progress toward building a more productive and sustainable industry.

The next challenge is ensuring that these innovations reach more farmers and translate into measurable improvements in productivity, profitability, and resilience. Achieving that goal will require sustained collaboration among government, research institutions, development partners, financial institutions, and the private sector, backed by policies that support innovation at scale.

As Ghana continues to pursue its blue economy ambitions, the true measure of success will not be the number of partnerships or programmes launched, but their ability to improve livelihoods, strengthen food security, and create lasting opportunities for the people who drive the country’s aquaculture sector.

Veteran musician, Reggie Rockstone, has lost his personal car after it was damaged by the devastating floods that swept through Accra on June 29, adding to the widespread destruction caused by the disaster.

The hiplife legend is now relying on ride-hailing services as he adjusts to life without his vehicle after heavy rains submerged several parts of the capital.

Speaking in a video shared on Instagram on July 6, Reggie Rockstone confirmed that his Toyota Corolla S did not survive the floods.

‘Right now, I have to be taking Ubers; my personal car, a Corolla S, is dead. The floods killed it,’ he said.

He explained that although his household still has one other vehicle, he prefers not to depend on it because his wife also uses the car.

The musician added that he hopes to get support from Shaxi, the ride-hailing service owned by Shatta Wale, noting that he had previously worked with the company as a brand ambassador.

Reggie Rockstone also revealed that he intends to use his Uber rides as an opportunity to engage drivers and create content about everyday life in Accra.

The June 29 floods caused extensive damage across Accra and other parts of Ghana, destroying homes, vehicles and other property while displacing thousands of residents. Rescue teams from the Ghana National Fire Service, the Police Marine Unit, NADMO and the Ghana Armed Forces were deployed to assist affected communities.

Prophet Nigel Gaisie has allegedly threatened to sue ATV media personality, Kwaku Atta Boadu, over alleged defamatory comments made against him during a television programme.

In a legal letter dated July 2, 2026, in circulation, the founder of Prophetic Hill Chapel claimed that Kwaku Atta Boadu described him as a ‘corrupt’ and ‘fake pastor’ while discussing his prophecy about the Black Stars’ participation in the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

The notice, signed by lawyer Peter Kwasi Nimo of Dosoo, Obeng-Ntim and Associates, states that the comments were false, unfair and damaging to Prophet Nigel Gaisie’s reputation.

According to the letter, the preacher is demanding that Kwaku Atta Boadu retract the statements and issue an unreserved apology on the same television platform where the remarks were allegedly made.

The legal team has given the broadcaster seven days to comply, warning that failure to do so could lead to legal proceedings.

Sharing the legal notice on social media, Prophet Nigel Gaisie said people should avoid making false statements that could damage another person’s reputation.

‘Truth has a voice, and lies have a deadline,’ he wrote, adding that it takes years to build a reputation and people should not make false accusations against others.

Work has commenced on opening the spillway gates at Havedzi in the Anloga District of the Volta Region as part of efforts to drain excess water from the lagoon into the sea and reduce the risk of flooding in surrounding communities.

The operation, which is being supervised by engineers from the Volta River Authority (VRA) in collaboration with other key stakeholders, is aimed at lowering water levels in the lagoon to prevent further destruction of lives, property and livelihoods.

The District Chief Executive for Anloga, Sandra Seyram Kpedor, said the intervention forms part of ongoing emergency measures to address the flooding situation affecting communities along the lagoon.

She stated that allowing the excess water to flow safely into the sea would help minimise the impact of the flooding and protect vulnerable residents, farmlands and businesses from further losses.

Ms. Kpedor assured residents that the exercise is being carried out under the guidance of technical experts to ensure the process is safe and effective.

She also urged residents living in flood-prone areas to cooperate with the authorities and comply with any safety directives issued during the operation.

The District Chief Executive reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to working closely with the Volta River Authority and other stakeholders to safeguard lives and support affected communities as efforts continue to manage the flooding situation.

Charles de Ketelaere scored twice for Belgium as the United States became the third and final co-host to be knocked out of the World Cup.

It was a largely lethargic display by the US who had star striker Folarin Balogun in their starting line-up after President Donald Trump had asked FIFA to review his ban following his red card in the previous round.

FIFA responded by suspending the automatic one-match ban for 12 months but their leading scorer at the tournament, with three goals, was largely isolated as Belgium dominated the game.

They took the lead in the ninth minute when Nicolas Raskin’s pass across the face of goal was tapped in by De Ketlaere.

The home side levelled in the 31s t minute when Malik Tillman’s free-kick took a wicked deflection off Belgium’s Hans Vanaken.

But the European side restored their lead two minutes later when De Ketelaere headed in Leandro Trossard’s cross.

In the second half they were gifted a third when De Ketelaere tackled hesitant US keeper Matt Freese and Vanaken side-footed the ball into the bottom corner from outside the penalty area.

And in the 93rd minute substitute Romelu Lukaku slotted in Belgium’s fourth with a low shot into the far corner from a tight angle.

It means Belgium will face Spain in the last eight in Los Angeles on Friday (20:00 BST) after the European champions beat Portugal 1-0 on Monday.

Outspoken Ghanaian media personality, Afia Schwarzenegger, has questioned state security agencies over why Israel Kwadwo Safo, also known as Akofena, is walking free despite his alleged involvement in the shooting incident involving his sister and former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament, Sarah Adwoa Safo.

According to her, the silence of many gender-related advocacy organisations and female political activists is worrying.

‘This shouldn’t be only Adwoa Safo’s fight but for all women in position. Today it is Adwoa Safo, tomorrow it will be you,’ she said.

Afia Schwarzenegger expressed displeasure with how the shooting case has been handled, citing the case of musician Medikal, who was remanded for brandishing a registered gun some years ago.

‘Adwoa Safo’s brother Akofena allegedly ordered his boys to shoot at her more than 40 times. An unarmed woman. When police visited Akofena’s house they confiscated a lot of weapons. He was sent to court and has been released on bail. Is Ghana a banana republic?’ she quizzed.

She added that considering Adwoa Safo’s contribution to the nation, ‘she is not being treated well at all. If she had died, we would be witnessing political leaders sharing their condolences, but because she didn’t die, we have all ignored what happened to her.’

She called on the Ghana Police Service to re-arrest Akofena, and appealed to the Chief Justice to treat him as a criminal, stating that his alleged order to shoot Adwoa Safo is a criminal act that must be addressed with an iron fist.

‘Some of us, under this year’s ‘Women Supporting Women’ agenda, will demand justice. And we are demanding justice for Hon. Adwoa Safo. Akofena needs to be arrested and charged again, along with his accomplices,’ she added.

A communication team member of the Western Regional branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Chris Larbi Boateng, has made it clear that Ghana cannot move forward with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at the helm of affairs.

‘The country cannot move forward when a political party like the NDC is in power,’ he stressed.

He criticised the John Mahama-led NDC government over what he described as its failure in delivering major campaign promises.

He has, therefore, appealed to Ghanaians never to think of retaining the NDC in power in the next general election, stressing that the ruling party has nothing good to offer the country.

Mr. Boateng said the NDC is almost two years in office and has not implemented any of its flagship policies, particularly those targeted at tackling unemployment and improving living conditions.

‘Where is the formula 1-3-3 which was the commitment to deal with youth unemployment in our country?’ he quizzed.

Speaking to DAILY GUIDE, the well-known NPP activist noted that his party will remain focused on scrutinising the current government’s performance.

‘Where are the major flagship programmes the government put before Ghanaians during the 2024 electioneering?

‘The mother of all of them being the 24-Hour Economy. We are yet to see those programmes being implemented,’ he added.

‘John Mahama promised to ensure automatic postings of nurses and teachers. He promised to create boreholes in cocoa farms and pay the farmers better. He promised to give money to head teachers to go to markets to buy foodstuffs for students. What has happened to all those promises?’ he quizzed.

Mr. Boateng pointed out that the country always retrogressed when the NDC is in power.

He stressed that currently youth unemployment is high, and that there is rising cost of living, adding that, ‘These two remain the biggest challenges confronting Ghanaians.’

‘How can Ghana move forward when this political party is in power? Look at what President Mahama did when Accra got flooded recently.

‘Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia demonstrated leadership. He went to commiserate with the affected residents and later supported them with some requisite items,’ he added.

He assured that the NPP will intensify efforts in holding the government accountable and work to recapture power in 2028.

He wished all aspirants in the NPP’s constituency elections, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, good luck.