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Pep Guardiola to decide Manchester City’s future! Ex-Barca boss sets date to decide on Etihad’s future

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Pep Guardiola is ready to make a final decision on his Manchester City future after a humiliating Champions League defeat. As a historic era at the Etihad Stadium comes to an end, the Catalan coach is said to have set aside a specific time to consider his next actions.

Real Madrid crushed City’s European ambitions on Tuesday night, leaving Guardiola with serious doubts about his future in Manchester. The 55-year-old appeared upset as Vinicius Jr scored twice to help Los Blancos win 5-1 on aggregate in the round of 16.

Guardiola spoke bluntly to the media when asked about the pressure and frequent rumors around his resignation. “Everybody wants to fire me,” Guardiola remarked. “One day I will come out here and say ‘bye, bye guys’.” After a decade at the helm, the 55-year-old is under contract until 2027, but the manner of their European exit has further fueled rumors that he may leave sooner than expected.

Despite the noise, a clear timeline has emerged for when the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich mastermind will sit down to assess his options. A report from Daily Mailsuggest that Guardiola will take a break and make his mind up about his future following Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Arsenal. This upcoming international window provides the rare breathing room needed to make such a significant career choice.

The timing is critical as City look to salvage a season that is threatening to underwhelm by their own sky-high standards. While the Premier League crown looks increasingly likely to head to north London, a victory at Wembley would provide a much-needed trophy and a moment of clarity for the manager before he enters the final year at the Etihad.

While the result against Madrid was one to forget, the fixture allowed Guardiola to etch his name even deeper into the history books of European football. By taking charge of the second leg, Guardiola has officially surpassed Sir Alex Ferguson to claim second place for the most games managed in Champions League history with 191 matches. He still trails Carlo Ancelotti’s record of 218 games managed in the competition.

Jadon Sancho to make a stunning Bundesliga return?! Borussia Dortmund is linked with a surprising move to re-sign former winger.

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Borussia Dortmund are looking at a stunning third term for Jadon Sancho, whose Manchester United contract expires in June. The Bundesliga giants are confident about enticing the 25-year-old back to Germany, as long as he accepts a hefty pay cut from his present £300,000-per-week salary. Sancho, who has battled for consistency since leaving Germany in 2021, could now attempt to reignite his career in familiar surroundings.

Dortmund intend to re-sign Sancho this summer, when he becomes a free agent. The 26-year-old winger is currently on loan at Aston Villa, marking the end of his United career. Sancho, who moved to Old Trafford in 2021 for a reported £73 million (€85 million/$97 million), has battled to regain his form as one of Europe’s most fearsome strikers. His third tenure at Signal Iduna Park would come after his 2017-2021 breakout and a brief, productive loan return in the second half of the 2023-24 season. Dortmund’s management believes they can assist the England international regain form.

According to a report from The Times, Dortmund’s sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, has emerged as the primary advocate for Sancho’s return. While head coach Niko Kovac initially moved away from using traditional wingers, he has reportedly approved the pursuit after a change in tactical philosophy. Internally, the club views the move as a high-reward gamble; however, the financial terms pose a significant hurdle. Sancho currently earns approximately £15 million per year in Manchester, a figure Dortmund cannot match. To facilitate the move, the club has decided to let the contracts of several senior players expire, freeing up nearly £21 million in the annual wage budget.

Sancho’s journey since his 2021 exit has been fraught with difficulty, moving from a self-described “dream come true” at United to a public falling out with manager Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman famously dropped Sancho in 2023, citing training performances, leading the winger to claim he was being made a “scapegoat” in a deleted social media post. Subsequent moves have failed to provide a permanent home; Chelsea even triggered a£5 million escape clause to avoid a permanent obligation to buy after his loan stint. With 53 goals in 158 games across his previous spells in Germany, a return to the North Rhine-Westphalia region represents his best chance at stability.

NPP urges members to register for cards

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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Akan Constituency has intensified its call on members and sympathisers to register for the Party’s membership cards, describing the exercise as critical to strengthening its structures ahead of future elections.

Mr Merigah Abdul Sataru, Akan Constituency Secretary of the NPP, said the registration drive would enable the Party to build a credible and reliable database of its members.

He explained that such data would enhance effective communication and improve mobilisation efforts across polling stations.

Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Kadjebi in the Oti Region, Mr Sataru noted that the initiative forms part of broader strategies to reorganise the Party at the grassroots level.

He urged the party faithful to take advantage of both the online registration platform (https://member.newpatrioticparty.org) and the support of polling station executives to complete the process seamlessly.

According to him, the involvement of local party officers would ensure that no interested member is left out of the exercise.

Mr Sataru stressed that a well-documented membership base would not only improve internal coordination but would also position the Party strongly as it prepares to reclaim political power in the 2028 general elections.

He called on all supporters to actively participate in the ongoing exercise and contribute to efforts aimed at revitalising the Party’s fortunes in the constituency and beyond.

CMC urges clarity in cocoa sector reforms

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The Cocoa Marketing Company (Ghana) Limited has urged that reforms in Ghana’s cocoa sector be anchored on a clear understanding of the country’s marketing architecture to sustain investor confidence and foreign exchange earnings.

In a policy brief authored by Dr Wisdom Kofi Dogbey, Managing Director of the Company, and shared with the Ghana News Agency, the institution said persistent mischaracterisation of Ghana’s cocoa marketing system continued to distort public discourse and policy direction.

The brief explained that Ghana’s cocoa marketing system was a structured model involving farmers, Licensed Buying Companies, quality assurance institutions and the Cocoa Marketing Company as the exclusive interface with international buyers.

It noted that while the system had been widely discussed, it was often “reduced to oversimplified narratives,” leading to confusion about how cocoa moves from farm gate to the global market.

“When the purchasing function is conflated with the marketing function, or price‑setting mechanisms are mistaken for trading strategy, the result is a distorted public conversation,” the brief stated.

The Company said solutions lay in improving stakeholder understanding of the distinct roles within the cocoa value chain, particularly the commercial and risk management functions performed by the Cocoa Marketing Company.

It highlighted that the Company’s forward sales programme, tied to international benchmarks such as ICE London, ensured price stability, managed counterparty risks and guaranteed delivery performance across multiple markets.

“These are functions that demand both institutional continuity and real‑time market intelligence. They are not reducible to a single headline or political sound bite,” it said.

Dr Dogbey emphasised that Ghana’s model, though complex, had delivered long‑term benefits, including reliable foreign exchange inflows, consistent quality standards and sustained buyer confidence.

The brief noted that the coordinated system provided predictability for international processors and manufacturers, especially at a time when global supply chains faced increasing regulatory scrutiny, including compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation.

It cautioned that reforms based on incomplete narratives could disrupt these gains, stressing that “assumptions shaped by incomplete narratives, however well‑intentioned, are a poor foundation for policy.”

As part of proposed solutions, the Company called for enhanced public education, structured media engagement and fact‑based policy discussions to improve transparency and deepen understanding of the sector.

It said strengthening communication between institutions and stakeholders would build trust and ensure reforms supported, rather than weakened, the existing system.

The brief reiterated the Company’s commitment to demystifying cocoa marketing through continuous engagement with policymakers, the media and industry players.

“Cocoa is not just a commodity. In Ghana, it is a national institution. And institutions earn trust not only through performance, but through transparency,” it added.

SIC Insurance PLC honours top agents, charts path to regain industry leadership 

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SIC Insurance PLC has celebrated its agents at the company’s annual engagement meeting with the Association of SIC Agents (ASICA) by rewarding them for their dedicated service. 

The gathering in Accra brought together Management and ASICA members to strengthen collaboration, review performance, and chart strategies for the year ahead. 

It was a moment of reflection on shared achievements and a renewed commitment to excellence. 

A statement issued by SIC Insurance PLC to the Ghana News Agency on Wednesday said.  

It said a highlight of the programme was the recognition of agents who distinguished themselves through outstanding performance in 2025. “Their dedication, professionalism, and hard work continue to expand SIC’s reach and ensure quality insurance services for clients nationwide,” Managing Director (MD) of SIC Insurance PLC, Mr. James Agyenim-Boateng, said. 

He expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the long-standing cordial relations over the years that had existed between SIC Insurance PLC and ASICA. 

Mr. Agyenim-Boateng thanked ASICA executives and members for their invaluable contributions and commitment towards the company’s growth and encouraged them to continue to give their best as the company prepared to regain its leadership position in the industry. 

He said, “Let us rededicate ourselves to regain the number one position in the insurance industry. Collectively as agents, you remain an indispensable asset to our business, and we will continue to nurture these important relationships.” 

On his part, Mr. Kakra Wilson, the President of ASICA, commended Mr. Agyenim-Boateng, the MD of SIC Insurance PLC, and his team for good work done. 

“I have always dreamt of a day where we patted each other on the shoulders for a marvelous job done, and I want to confidently say today that, with the intervention of our able-bodied M.D., Mr. James Agyenim-Boateng., and his team, we can pat shoulders for a great work done,” he said. 

Top-performing agents received prizes ranging from cash to home appliances. 

Mr. Michael F. Koranteng received the prize for the best overall agent. 

President Mahama welcomes 48 Engineers Regiment back from Jamaica

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President John Dramani Mahama has welcomed 54 personnel from the 48 Engineers Regiment of Ghana Armed Forces deployed to offer humanitarian assistance to help Jamaica recover after the ‘Hurricane Melissa’ disaster last October.

Speaking during a welcome ceremony held at the Teshie Camp in Accra, President Mahama commended the troops for the successful mission, which involved critical reconstruction projects, describing it as a “non-combat, humanitarian mission” rooted in shared Afro-Caribbean history and Pan-African solidarity.

The 54-member team, primarily from the 14 Engineer Regiment (with support from the 48th, 49th, and 50th regiments), rebuilt over 26 homes and public facilities, specifically focusing on roofing works in the St. Elizabeth Parish (including Middle Quarters and Black River) with the support of the Jamaica Defence Force and the US

The deployment of the Ghanaian contingent followed a formal request from the Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness.

HIV/AIDS spread: Health Consultant urges adolescents to stay away from unsafe sex 

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Dr Thomas Kyere, a Health Consultant at the Sunyani branch of the 21st Clinic, a facility specialized in sciatica and other health-related diseases, has advised the adolescents to avoid unprotected and unhealthy sexual behaviours.
He said the rate at which new HIV infections were spreading in the Sunyani Municipality and parts of the country was alarming, saying that though the virus was spread through other means, unsafe sex remained the major factor fueling the rapid spread of HIV and AIDS.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, Dr Kyere warned that “A lot of people are now living with the virus”, and advised those who did not know their HIV and AIDS status to check voluntarily.
Dr Kyere indicated that self-protection remained the surest way against infectious diseases, and advised the youth to also abstain from premarital sex, adding however that those who could not control their sexual desires ought to avoid unprotected sex.
He said that strict adherence to antiretroviral therapy protected persons living with the virus from contracting other related diseases, and urged those living with HIV and AIDS to take their drugs and do regular medical checkups to live longer.
Dr Kyere also called for intensified awareness creation to enhance HIV self-test and for the masses to understand the dynamics in the spread of HIV and AIDS.

President Mahama begins nationwide tour

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President John Dramani Mahama will today, Wednesday, March 18, begin a nationwide tour of all 16 regions to review ongoing development projects.

A statement issued by the Presidency said the tour would commence in the Bono Region from Wednesday, March 18 to Thursday, March 19, 2026.

It noted that this would provide the President an opportunity to engage directly with chiefs and citizens to get their feedback on his policy initiatives.

NRWP confirms participation in Kedzi Norvikporgbe Za Easter 2026 Water Sports

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Madam Betty Krobei Mensah, National Coordinator of the National Recreation and Wellness Programme (NRWP), has confirmed her outfit’s participation in this year’s Kedzi Norvikporgbe Za Easter celebrations, featuring water sports activities and a health walk.

The confirmation follows a working visit by a delegation from the Kedzi Norvikporgbe Za 2026 Planning Committee, led by Chairman Mr Dotse Dadadzogbor, to the NRWP offices at the Borteyman Sports Complex, where they presented the programme lineup for the festival.

This year’s sporting activities will include the second edition of Water Volleyball, as well as the introduction of new disciplines such as Water Handball.

Other highlights are a Health Walk scheduled for Friday, April 3, and a Regatta Relay slated for Sunday, April 5.

Madam Krobei Mensah described the planned activities as innovative and impactful, noting that they align with NRWP’s mandate of promoting recreation, fitness, and wellness among Ghanaians.

She assured organisers of the programme’s readiness to support the event and help mobilise the necessary resources to ensure its success.

Facilitating the engagement on behalf of the organisers was Mr Dzidodo Ruben Adjahoe, Volta Regional Sports Development Officer of the National Sports Authority (NSA).

He noted that water sports in Kedzi had gained increasing attention following viral videos from the maiden edition, further amplified by the endorsement of popular YouTuber and travel vlogger Wode Maya.

He appealed for greater institutional support for emerging sporting disciplines that promote recreation and youth engagement within local communities.

The delegation also paid a courtesy call on the Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Mr Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, and the Chief Operating Officer, Mr Yaw Gyamfi Kusi Awere, to seek their support for the successful organisation of the festival.

Mr Ampofo Ankrah commended the initiative, describing it as unique and significant in promoting lesser-known sporting disciplines, and pledged the Authority’s support for this year’s event in Kedzi.

Other members of the planning committee who accompanied the delegation included Messrs Awuku Mawulawoe Shine, Babanawo Enoch, and Sesenu Augustus.

Social Sports Kedzi

World Bank urges Ghana to prioritise renewables  

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The World Bank has warned that escalating tensions in the Middle East expose Ghana’s vulnerability to fossil fuel dependence and the urgent need to prioritise renewable energy. 

 The Bank and private sector leaders urged Ghana to accelerate reforms in the renewable energy regulatory framework to enhance private sector participation. 

 The call was made during a visit to LMI Holdings’ rooftop solar installation by Mr Paschal Donohoe, Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer of the World Bank Group. 

 Mr Donohoe said current global instability should serve as a wake-up call for Ghana, noting that the Middle East conflict had raised concerns about the reliability of global oil supply, with petroleum-dependent countries experiencing market shocks. 

 “Global tensions especially in the Middle East have reinforced the need for countries like Ghana to prioritise renewable energy as a sustainable and independent power source,” he said. 

 Mr Donohoe said renewable energy, particularly solar, offered Ghana long-term energy security amid growing geopolitical volatility. 

 He commended LMI Holdings for developing energy solutions that reduced reliance on imported oil, citing its contribution to job creation and tax revenue, and said this demonstrated the potential of private sector-led initiatives to strengthen resilience. 

 Mr Donohoe said the future of Ghana’s energy sector depended on effective collaboration between Government and private operators to expand renewable capacity. 

 Mr Kojo Adu-Hene, Chief Executive Officer of LMI Holdings, said the Middle East crisis underscored the need for Ghana to reduce reliance on oil and expand its solar energy portfolio. 

 “We’re not getting oil. We don’t need oil to generate electricity. If anything, the Middle East conflict proves why Ghana must invest more in renewables especially solar,” he stated. 

 Mr Adu-Hene said regulatory restrictions remained a major obstacle to scaling renewable energy. 

 “We need the regulatory environment to be more accommodating. The public sector currently dominates the space. The private sector must be allowed to grow,” he said. 

 Mr Adu-Hene said investors would expand renewable projects if the framework guaranteed viable returns, particularly through reliable payments from distribution utilities. 

 “Some of us believe privatisation should be considered to ensure financial discipline and timely payment,” he said. 

 Mr Adu-Hene reaffirmed LMI’s ambition to scale solar generation to 1,000 megawatts, comparable to the output of the Akosombo Dam, though limited to daylight hours. 

 “If we do it, it proves others can do it. This supports Ghana’s broader industrialisation agenda,” he said. 

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