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What is your prediction of the four countries at the world cup?
MICHAEL D. ABAYATEYE- Journalist
I believe Germany, Spain, France and England are strong contenders to reach the semi-finals. Over the years, these nations have built formidable squads with a blend of experience, quality, and depth, and they will be eager to make a significant impact at the World Cup.
That said, teams like Brazil, Argentina, Portugal, and the Netherlands have the quality and pedigree to challenge them every step of the way. However, if I were to place my bet, it would be on the four European giants mentioned earlier.
Overall, the tournament promises to be an exciting and highly competitive World Cup, with the possibility of an underdog emerging to spring a surprise and capture the imagination of football fans around the world.
HON IKE-Journalist &Blogger
My prediction for the final four teams at the World Cup is Argentina, France, Spain, and Brazil. Argentina have shown great consistency and resilience in recent years, while France continue to boast one of the deepest and most talented squads in world football. Spain’s blend of youthful energy and technical quality makes them a serious contender, and Brazil’s rich football tradition, coupled with their abundance of attacking talent, always makes them a team to watch. Based on their current form, squad strength, and experience at major tournaments, these four nations have a strong chance of reaching the semi-finals, although football is known for its unpredictability and surprises.
NANA KWAKU ADUAH, Broadcast Journalist
I believe France, Spain, the Netherlands, and Brazil have the strongest chances of reaching the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to their impressive squad depth, consistency, and ability to perform on the biggest stage. While teams such as Argentina, Germany, Portugal, and England could also mount serious challenges, my prediction is that France, Spain, the Netherlands, and Brazil will reach the last four based on their squad quality, depth, consistency, and recent performances in international football.
AMOS WUSSAH-Agritech Specialist
I believe Brazil, Ghana, Argentina, and Spain will make it to the semi-finals. While many people may question Ghana’s chances of progressing that far, I think the Black Stars have the potential to be the tournament’s surprise package.
Many fans may doubt Ghana’s ability to reach the last four, but if there is one team capable of shocking the world and exceeding expectations, it is Ghana.
The Black Stars thrive when written off, and a deep run to the semi-finals would not be beyond them.
KAKRA DEBRAH – Musician
My prediction for the final four teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is Spain, Argentina, France and England.
Spain remain one of the most technically gifted teams in world football, with a talented group capable of controlling matches. Argentina, the reigning champions, have a winning mentality and the experience needed to compete at the highest level.
France boast incredible squad depth and world-class players who can change games in an instant. England have developed into a strong and balanced side, with quality across all areas of the pitch. Together, these teams have what it takes to reach the semifinals.
DANIEL OFOSUHENE-Marketing Officer
The last four countries I’m tipping for this world cup are France, Spain, Brazil and Argentina
France because they have appeared in two consecutive world cup finals and they still have a young and formidable squad
Spain because they will be hoping to build on to their European Championship victory
Brazil because of their history in the world cup being the country with the most world cup trophies. Additionally they have a promising squad and an experienced Coach now so i believe they can make a deep run
Argentina because they are the defending champions and have managed to keep the core components of their world cup winning side from the previous edition
The National Identification Authority (NIA) has announced the commencement of enforcement of the National Identity Register (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2523), warning institutions that fail to comply with the new requirements of possible fines of up to 2,000 penalty units.
The Authority says it will deploy a Biometric Verification Implementation Task Force to inspect institutions and ensure they comply with the regulations, following the expiration of a three-month grace period granted to businesses and public institutions.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Monday, November 2, 2026, the NIA’s Corporate Affairs representative, William Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas, said the Authority had completed its public education and stakeholder engagement activities and was now moving into the enforcement and compliance monitoring phase.
He explained that the regulations require institutions that verify the identities of customers or applicants as part of their operations to use the NIA’s approved biometric verification platform instead of relying solely on visual inspection of the Ghana Card.
Under the new rules, institutions are prohibited from photocopying, scanning or keeping copies of the Ghana Card for identity verification purposes.
Mr Darlas stressed that simply collecting a customer’s Ghana Card, looking at the photograph and comparing it with the person presenting it would no longer be accepted as a valid method of identity verification.
He, however, clarified that the Ghana Card remains the country’s official national identity document and that citizens are not required to register for a new card or capture their biometrics again under the new regulations.
He said the new system is intended to reduce identity fraud, impersonation and other crimes by ensuring that the person presenting the Ghana Card is the actual owner.
According to him, the biometric verification process will rely on information already captured during Ghana Card registration, including fingerprints, iris details and facial features stored in the card’s chip.
Mr Darlas warned institutions against using third-party companies or individuals to access the NIA’s identity verification platform, insisting that the Authority does not work with intermediaries.
He said institutions seeking access to the National Identity Register must deal directly with the NIA and complete its official onboarding process.
The process requires institutions to prove that they are legally registered companies in Ghana, obtain certification from the Data Protection Commission and work with the NIA’s technical team to establish the necessary connection to its platform.
He further cautioned institutions already connected to the platform against subletting their access to other businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.
He disclosed that the Authority had received reports of some institutions providing their verification services to other businesses without the NIA’s approval and warned that those involved would face legal action.
Mr Darlas said organisations that fail to comply with L.I. 2523 could face fines ranging from 500 to 2,000 penalty units, depending on the nature of the offence.
He explained that the NIA does not have the authority to impose the fines directly but would take offenders to court for the appropriate punishment.
He indicated that Institutions found guilty could also face additional administrative measures, including being barred from accessing the NIA’s verification platform in the future.
The NIA representative further clarified that the new regulations do not prohibit all institutions from physically using the Ghana Card during transactions.
The Managing Director of the Ghana Publishing Company Limited, Nana Kwesi Boatey, has revealed how he transformed a major overstaffing challenge into a success story through the government’s 24-Hour Economy initiative.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, November 2, Mr. Boatey disclosed that when he assumed office in February 2025, and inherited a bloated workforce of 250 employees doing work that could be efficiently handled by 150 people, a situation that created serious liquidity challenges for the state-owned company.
Instead of resorting to downsizing, he adopted an innovative approach by instituting a 24-hour operational system.
Under the new system, staff were redistributed across three shifts: 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., and 10 p.m. – 4:30 a.m.
This not only ensured optimal use of labour but also maximized machine utilization and improved overall output.
According to him, the single move redefined the productivity culture within the company, reinforcing discipline, accountability, and efficiency.
The Ghana Publishing Company’s turnaround is being cited as a practical example of how the 24-Hour Economy policy can drive growth without job losses.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
