Category: Daily Guide Network

An intelligence-led police operation has led to the arrest of four suspected drug peddlers at identified drug hotspots in Kunsu in the Ashanti Region.

The suspects, who were arrested during an operation on Friday, June 26, 2026, have been identified as Issaka Musah, 22; Amankwah Emmanuel, 25; Kwame Boateng, 32; and Appiah Prince, 23.

The police also retrieved a locally manufactured pistol, dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, a whitish powdery substance believed to be cocaine, quantities of suspected Tramadol and red capsules, as well as cash believed to be proceeds from the illicit drug trade.

Confirming the arrests in a statement, the Ashanti Regional Police Public Affairs Unit, through DSP Godwin Ahianyo, said the operation formed part of efforts to clamp down on the sale, trafficking and use of illicit drugs in the Mankranso District.

‘The Mankranso District Police Command arrested four suspected drug peddlers during an intelligence-led operation conducted at identified locations within Kunsu Township in the Ashanti Region.

‘The operation, which took place in the early hours of Friday, June 26, 2026, forms part of the Ghana Police Service’s sustained efforts to clamp down on the trafficking and peddling of illicit drugs and other related criminal activities within the district,’ he said.

DSP Ahianyo said items retrieved from the suspects included a locally manufactured pistol loaded with two BB rounds of ammunition, quantities of suspected Tramadol, red capsules, dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, a whitish powdery substance wrapped in paper suspected to be cocaine, and GHS5,647.40, believed to be proceeds from the alleged illicit trade.

He said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects had allegedly admitted ownership of the recovered exhibits.

According to him, the suspects remain in police custody assisting with investigations and will be arraigned before court after investigations are completed.

DSP Ahianyo appealed to the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to help identify and apprehend criminals.

He reaffirmed the Ghana Police Service’s commitment to combating drug-related offences and organised crime in the region.

The Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga’s claim that successive governments have failed to address the perennial flooding in Accra and so the problem lies with the people makes interesting observation.

The defeatist and uncaring remark by the legislator comes on the heels of President John Mahama and his discredited so-called seven-member Committee on Floods who were having a jolly chopper ride in the skies of Accra.

Such irritating remark from a government official does not assuage the pain being endured by victims of the floods in Accra.

The statistics of those who perished in the deluges could be higher than what officialdom has put out. It is therefore unfortunate that the Majority Leader would be so unsympathetic to the plight of the many vulnerable people who are yet to commence nursing their wounds as occasioned by the floods.

Response to Accra’s floods have varied between the two dominant parties in the country, and this we would state unequivocally.

While the past government was innovative, having come out with the only flood intervention policy in the country, the incumbent plays politics with the subject amidst a haranguing blame-game.

The World Bank’s supported Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project initiated by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration remains the only government flood intervention policy in this country.

The foregone was acknowledged by former Local Government Minister Martin Korsah during a media interview yesterday.

The sophisticated engineering interventions contained in the project would have reduced flood risks in the nation’s capital to near zero. To deny the originators of the project the deserving credit, it was abandoned as did other game-changing initiatives by the erstwhile government.

The part of the $350 million World Bank funds saw the construction of major storm drains and other interventions in identifiable spots such as Achimota, Kaneshie among others. This followed critical engineering assessment of the flood prone areas and the tributaries of the Odaw River and their impact on flooding in the national capital. This project which was in an advanced stage when the NPP exited government, has a balance of $200 million idling in the state kitty.

It is instructive that this balance has been acknowledged during a deliberation on the subject by a relevant parliamentary committee.

President John Mahama’s claim therefore that the money was squandered has been exposed to be far from the truth.

There is nothing new in government response so far to Accra’s flooding save the order by the President for the release GHS350 million as support to the victims of the floods and a call for a national day of prayers.

As for the so-called order or directives for the demolishing of structures on waterways by the President, it was being done even before the order and with zero effects.

Victims of the 2015 Circle fire and water disaster are yet to be paid the promised government compensation. During the recent anniversary of the disaster, the surviving victims had cause to cry out about the unfulfilled promise by the same National Democratic Congress (NDC) government which made the promise when over a hundred lives perished and property destroyed.

Would it be morally acceptable to ignore the 2015 disaster victims and pay the current ones?

We doubt whether those assigned the task of disbursing the mouth-watering GHS350 million would do a good job without leaving a stain for auditors to expose.

Let us watch out for a scandal for the promised relief. Sedina Tamakloe and the compensation for the victims of the Kantamanto Market fire comes to mind. NDC government for us.

The Government of Japan has signed a grant agreement worth 341 million Japanese yen (approximately US$2.11 million) to support postgraduate scholarships for Ghanaian public sector officials under the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS).

The agreement was formalised on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, through an Exchange of Notes signed by the Chief Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Khadija Idrisu and Japan’s Ambassador to Ghana, Hiroshi Yoshimoto.

The grant will finance master’s and doctoral studies for young Ghanaian government officials at selected universities in Japan to strengthen the country’s human resource capacity and support national development.

Under the programme, beneficiaries will pursue two-year master’s degree courses and a three-year Ph.D. programme at leading Japanese universities, including Kobe University, Ritsumeikan University, Nagasaki University, International Christian University and the International University of Japan.

According to the Embassy of Japan, the scholarship programme is designed to equip young public officials with advanced knowledge and leadership skills to enable them contribute more effectively to the implementation of Ghana’s social and economic development agenda.

The initiative aims to develop a new generation of public sector leaders capable of driving policy reforms and accelerating national development.

Japan has supported the JDS programme in Ghana since 2012, providing opportunities for government officials to pursue postgraduate education in Japan.

The programme was expanded in 2020, increasing the number of master’s scholarships from 10 to 12 annually while introducing a doctoral scholarship to further strengthen capacity building within Ghana’s public service.

Since its inception, about 143 government officials have benefited from the scholarship programme, which has enhanced their professional expertise in areas critical to governance and national development.

The Embassy of Japan said the continued support reflects the strong bilateral relations between Ghana and Japan and underscores Japan’s commitment to supporting the country’s human resource development through education and capacity building.

The JDS programme forms part of Japan’s broader development cooperation with Ghana, focusing on strengthening public institutions and enhancing the skills of government officials to improve public service delivery and promote sustainable socio-economic development.

Chelsea have completed the signing of Italian right-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta for a fee worth around £47 million, including add-ons, as the club continues its summer rebuild under new manager Xabi Alonso.

The 21-year-old has signed a six-year contract, with the option of a further year, becoming Chelsea’s first signing since Alonso took charge.

Palestra had been close to rejoining his boyhood club Inter Milan, but Chelsea moved swiftly to outbid the Italian side’s reported £43 million offer and tabled a more lucrative salary package to secure his signature.

Speaking after the move, Palestra said Chelsea’s ambition, talented squad and Alonso’s vision for the team convinced him to make the switch.

The defender joins the Blues after an impressive loan spell at Cagliari, where he was named Serie A Defender of the Year.

Chelsea are expected to remain active in the transfer market, with Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix emerging as their top defensive target, while talks continue over Rayo Vallecano full-back Pep Chavarria.

The club has also agreed deals to sign striker Emmanuel Emegha from Strasbourg, winger Geovany Quenda from Sporting and is expected to complete the arrival of Strasbourg midfielder Valentin Barco.

However, further arrivals may depend on player departures after Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season and missed out on European football.

Midfielder Enzo Fernandez is reportedly attracting interest from Real Madrid, while Trevoh Chalobah has held talks with Serie A side Como. The futures of Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap, Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto and Tosin Adarabioyo also remain uncertain.

A High Court in Accra has affirmed the extradition of Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, to the United States over an alleged conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering targeting the elderly, estimated at $8 million.

This followed the decision of the court to dismiss an application filed by his lawyers challenging the decision of the Gbese District Court which had earlier granted a request by the Attorney General to extradite him to the US for the alleged crimes.

His lawyer, Oliver Barker-Vormawor confirmed the development on Facebook, describing it as a fast-tracked process and hinted going all the way to the Supreme Court to appeal the decision.

‘I am out of Ghana for work. I just heard that the case of Abu Trica has been fast tracked and a judge has just ordered his extradition. Hmmm. FBI 1 – Abu 1. I guess this issue goes to the Supreme Court,’ the lawyer wrote.

The court had earlier granted Abu Trica a bail of GHS30 million with two sureties who must be justified with landed property.

The decision came as a much-needed relief for Kumi who has been in custody since his arrest in December 2025, through a combined effort of local law enforcement agents and their US counterparts.

His previous attempts to secure bail while the extradition proceeding was pending failed, as multiple High Courts refused all his applications filed by different lawyers.

Information available indicates that Abu Trica was rearrested by security officers following the High Court’s decision to decline his challenge against the initial extradition order.

Earlier Order

The Gbese District Court in Accra, on March 27, cleared the path for Abu Trica’s extradition to the United States to trial for allegedly defrauding elderly men and women.

This followed the court’s decision to reject ‘political motives’ claims by his lawyers who had argued that the offence of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering are not extraditable offences under the 1931 treaty between Ghana and the United States.

‘Money laundering and conspiracy, though not specifically mentioned in the 1931 treaty, and in the case of Conspiracy and Money Laundering, same has been catered for in the above-named UN Convention. The preliminary legal objection is therefore, overruled, the court, presided over by Her Honour Anna Akosua Appiah Gottfried Anaafi Gyasi had ruled.

The court subsequently gave him up to 15 days within which to challenge the decision to allow the extradition to go though.

The court granted the request amidst pending legal battles initiated by Abu Trica’s lawyers at the High Court challenging the extraction and some alleged abuse of his human right by some state security agencies and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).

Abu Trica alleges that his prolonged detention by officers of NACOC, EOCO and the AG from the morning until late evening during his arrest on December 11, 2025, whilst continuously restrained in handcuffs, deprived of food, water, rest, and basic human necessities, and subjected to physical and psychological distress, constitutes torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment contrary to Article 15 of the 1992 Constitution and is therefore unlawful and unconstitutional.

Crest Africa, a digital platform and organisation dedicated to showcasing, informing and celebrating African entrepreneurs, has shortlisted Ghanaian content creator, Kwadwo Sheldon, among the Top 10 Africans Shaping the Future of Digital Storytelling in 2026.

Kwadwo Sheldon was named alongside some of Africa’s leading digital content creators, including South Sudan’s Nyma Tang and Nigerians Tobi Shinobi, Fisayo Fosudo, Steven Ndukwu, Willy Kanga, Korty EO, Dimma Umeh, Osas Ighodaro and Tayo Aina.

He rose to prominence on YouTube and other social media platforms through his unfiltered and often humorous commentary on entertainment, politics, sports and everyday Ghanaian life. He is widely recognised for his signature delivery, rapid-fire reactions and ability to break down trending issues in a manner that resonates with Gen Z and Millennial audiences.

Kwadwo Sheldon is also the host of The Kwadwo Sheldon Podcast, where he interviews celebrities, athletes, musicians and other prominent public figures. He is one of Ghana’s most-subscribed independent digital creators, producing content that spans comedy, reaction videos and social commentary.

He is consistently ranked among Ghana’s most influential digital creators and remains one of the country’s biggest YouTube personalities by subscriber numbers and total views.

Over the years, he has hosted high-profile guests, including Black Sherif, Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, leading athletes and politicians. His podcast has been credited with helping to popularise long-form, creator-led interviews in Ghana.

Kwadwo Sheldon is also widely recognised for helping shape Ghana’s modern digital creator economy. By making reaction and commentary content mainstream, he has demonstrated that independent creators can build successful media brands without relying on traditional television or radio platforms.

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic Catering and Logistics Limited, Maud Lindsay-Gamrat, has supported flood relief efforts in the Greater Accra Region, providing hot meals to communities displaced by torrential rains that have claimed lives and left many homeless.

Working in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Mrs. Lindsay-Gamrat and her team distributed hundreds of hot meals across multiple flood-affected communities over two days, providing immediate relief to displaced households and vulnerable residents.

On Tuesday, the intervention focused on Tema West, covering Tema New Town and communities along the Chemu Lagoon, where 500 meals were distributed. On Wednesday, the effort extended to the Klottey Korle constituency and Ablekuma North, with 200 meals delivered as part of a coordinated distribution exercise.

‘When I saw the images of families sitting in floodwater with nowhere to go, we knew we had to act quickly. We reached out to NADMO and mobilised to support,’ said Mrs. Lindsay-Gamrat.

NADMO and partner agencies continue to assess the full extent of damage caused by the flooding while coordinating ongoing relief and recovery support for affected communities across the Greater Accra Region.

The full impact of Accra’s June 29 torrential rainfall is being felt in the city’s creative sector, after floodwaters swept through the production facility of fashion house House of NAE, wiping out equipment, fabrics and in-progress orders.

The brand, known for menswear labels The Cultured Man, a bespoke suit and tie atelier, and Nateev, an indigenous contemporary fusion line, said the ‘rush of rain’ entered its workshop and destroyed core production assets.

According to a press statement signed by Co-founder and Creative Director, Odoom Michael Brett, the flooding has halted daily operations and wiped out the company’s investment.

‘Our production facility was significantly affected by the recent flooding. The unexpected incident has impacted our workspace, equipment, and materials currently in production,’ the statement said.

The company confirmed that sewing machines, rolls of fabric, and accessories were damaged beyond use, leaving the team unable to meet current production schedules.

House of NAE said it is now assessing the scale of the damage and working to salvage what it can.

However, it warned of ‘unavoidable delays in the completion and delivery of some orders.’

‘Clients with orders currently in production will be contacted individually over the coming days with updates regarding their specific timelines,’ Mr. Brett stated.

Despite the setback, the brand says it is determined to recover. ‘The Cultured Man and Nateev were built on resilience, craftsmanship, and community. While this setback is significant, we remain committed to serving you with the excellence you have come to expect from us,’ the statement added.

The June 29 downpour submerged several parts of Accra, destroying homes, businesses, and inventory, further highlighting the vulnerability of small enterprises to extreme weather.

The Tema Oil Refinery has recorded a profit after tax of GHS1.09 billion for the 2025 financial year, its first annual profit in more than a decade.

Board Chairman, Nayon Bilijo, disclosed this to shareholders at the company’s 18th Annual General Meeting in Accra. He described the result as a major milestone after years of operational difficulties and legacy debt.

Mr. Bilijo noted that although TOR operated at reduced levels for much of the year due to forex exposure and legacy debt, 2025 marked a decisive turnaround. Revenue, which fell from a peak of GHS325 million in 2018 to GHS129.6 million in 2021, recovered to GHS285.9 million in 2025 as operations resumed.

The recovery was driven largely by foreign exchange gains. The cedi’s strength in 2025 delivered a forex gain of about GHS1.38 billion, compared to a loss of GHS981.5 million in 2024. This pushed operating profit to approximately GHS1.25 billion, profit before tax to GHS1.42 billion, and profit after tax to GHS1.09 billion.

Despite the profit, accumulated losses remain a challenge. The deficit narrowed from about GHS8.96 billion in 2024 to GHS7.87 billion in 2025, while borrowings also dropped. Because there are no retained earnings yet, the Board did not declare a dividend for 2025 but expressed optimism about future payouts.

Managing Director, Edmond Kombat, said prudent forex management was key to the turnaround. He added that finance income rose to GHS149.4 million, income from associate investments grew 2.8% to GHS155.1 million, and finance costs fell 26.8% to GHS142.8 million.

Long-term borrowings also reduced by 27%, from GHS957.2 million to GHS695.5 million.

‘Lenders have reduced their exposure by 27%, which we regard as a vote of confidence in the direction of the company,’ Mr. Kombat said.

The AGM was attended by the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, Board members, government officials, and other dignitaries.

Banking has quietly become one of the most powerful forces shaping modern life. Beyond deposits and withdrawals, it now influences how quickly people can respond to emergencies, seize opportunities, grow businesses and build financial security. In today’s fast-moving world, the difference between financial progress and financial stress often comes down to how accessible, responsive and relevant banking services are.

Yet for many people, banking can still feel unnecessarily difficult. Long queues, delayed access to funds and rigid processes remain part of the experience, even as technology continues to transform nearly every aspect of our daily lives.

This contrast highlights an important reality: the future of banking is no longer just about access, but about impact.

This is where the conversation around retail banking becomes increasingly important.

For decades, retail banking was largely defined by its ability to provide basic financial services such as savings accounts, loans and payment solutions. Today, that definition is expanding.

Customers no longer judge banks only by their ability to hold money securely, but by how effectively they help improve everyday financial decisions and experiences.

This shift is forcing financial institutions to rethink how they create value.

Convenience, speed and affordability have become just as important as trust and stability. More importantly, customers now expect banks to understand their realities and respond with practical solutions that fit into their lives.

At its core, retail banking remains the most direct connection between financial institutions and the everyday customer. It shapes daily life in very tangible ways.

From receiving salaries and paying bills to accessing credit and building savings, retail banking has become central to economic participation.

Its growing importance also aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on poverty reduction, economic growth, innovation and reducing inequalities.

Across Africa, banks are increasingly playing a broader development role by deepening financial inclusion, supporting entrepreneurship and investing in digital innovation.

This progress is becoming more visible. Research indicates that, account ownership across Sub-Saharan Africa has more than doubled over the last decade, reflecting meaningful strides in bringing millions into the formal financial system. But inclusion alone is no longer enough.

The bigger question is whether financial services are creating measurable improvements in people’s lives.

In Ghana, the answer is beginning to emerge through the evolution of customer-focused banking solutions. Across the industry, banks are introducing digital products that reduce barriers, improve convenience and expand access to financial support.

One clear example is digital salary advance solutions, which allow salaried workers to access up to 80% of their net salary before payday without the need to visit a branch.

For many customers, this kind of innovation addresses immediate financial pressures and provides flexibility during emergencies or unplanned expenses.

Beyond convenience, it reflects a deeper understanding of customer behaviour and financial realities. This product which was launched in July 2026 has already made impact up to 1 billion cedis addressing financial needs.

Access to personal credit has also evolved significantly. Faster approvals, simplified processes and more flexible repayment terms are helping customers meet important needs, from education and healthcare to home improvements and business expansion. In many cases, these financial products are no longer seen as luxuries, but essential tools for navigating modern life.

At the same time, the importance of savings cannot be overstated. While credit can provide short-term relief or opportunity, savings remain the foundation of long-term financial resilience. Across the banking sector, savings campaigns and incentive-driven products are helping customers develop stronger financial habits and build a culture of discipline.

This balance between credit access and savings mobilisation is critical. Economies grow stronger when individuals are empowered not only to spend and borrow, but also to save and invest.

Still, technology alone cannot define the future of retail banking. Behind every mobile app, automated process or digital product is a human need that must be understood. This is why customer-centricity remains one of the most important drivers of retail banking success. Institutions that listen, adapt and respond to customer realities will continue to stand out. Indeed, the banks that will win will be the ones that will solve customers’ problems.

‘He who solves the customer’s problem, gets the customer’s money’

Equally important is the role of people within the banking system itself.

Relationship managers, customer service teams and frontline staff remain essential in translating financial products into meaningful customer experiences. Their ability to guide, educate and support customers often determines whether banking becomes empowering or frustrating.

Ultimately, retail banking should be measured by more than the number of accounts opened or transactions processed. Its true value lies in the impact it makes, how effectively it enables individuals to solve problems, build security and unlock opportunities.

Ultimately convenience has become the mark for the millennials, Gen Zs and the lower generations. This is because, convenience compounds more than interest. To achieve this, investment in technology will provide the necessary asks of our customers. Realising this imperative, the Bank has invested in an end to end customer on-boarding system that enable instant account opening across all account types.

As the financial landscape continues to evolve, the institutions that will lead are those that can balance innovation with inclusion, profitability with purpose, and digital efficiency with human understanding. In the years ahead, retail banking will not simply be about transactions. It will be about transformation and its ability to improve lives at scale.