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A high-stakes dispute has erupted between the Minority in Parliament and the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) over reported financial losses. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, citing IMF data, alleges that the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP) has incurred losses of GHc22 billion ($1.7 billion USD), representing 1.5% of GDP. GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi has vigorously refuted these claims, asserting the board recorded a surplus of GHc5.4 billion ($488 million USD) in 2025. Gyamfi argues the IMF-cited figure reflects Bank of Ghana policy design intended to stabilize the cedi rather than operational mismanagement.
This conflict tests the transparency of state institutions managing Ghana's vital extractive resources. For the Mahama administration, resolving this dispute is critical to maintaining the integrity of the nation's gold supply chain and broader economic recovery efforts.
The DGPP was initiated in 2021 to formalize gold trading and bolster foreign exchange reserves. It has been credited with reducing smuggling but faces scrutiny over the high costs associated with paying competitive prices to local miners to outbid foreign buyers.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially opened nominations for national executive positions, a vital step in its reorganization after the 2024 elections. Aspirants for the National Chairmanship include Boakye Agyarko, Paul Afoko, and John Boadu. Despite being in opposition, an early poll by Africa Policy Lens shows Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia leading potential NDC contenders in 2028 hypothetical matchups. Simultaneously, the party faces a unique challenge as Chairman Wontumi attempts to run for a national post from behind bars, where he is serving a sentence for illegal mining activities.
The NPP national elections on October 3, 2026, will determine the party's ideological direction. Watch for whether Wontumi's legal team can secure a bail application on October 15 to allow him to campaign in person.
The Ministry of Finance has disbursed GHc10,816,840,318.26 ($978 million USD) to bondholders under the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP). This is the third cash coupon payment since early 2025, bringing cumulative payments to GHc41.36 billion ($3.74 billion USD). Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson emphasized that these payments are crucial to restoring investor confidence and preventing sovereign default.
Consistent debt servicing is a vital signal to international markets that Ghana is moving toward sustainability. This reliability is essential for Ghana's goal of eventually returning to international capital markets.
The timely payment schedule reduces the risk profile of domestic bonds and supports the overall stability of the financial sector. Watch for the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review for further updates on Eurobond settlements.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has unveiled a roadmap to double annual revenue to GHc310 billion (~$28 billion USD) by 2028. Central to this is a crackdown on VAT non-compliance; the GRA reports that 6 in 10 businesses fail to correctly remit VAT. The Authority is enforcing the use of Fiscal Electronic Devices for real-time visibility and has signed an MoU with the UK’s HMRC for technical assistance in digital customs models.
Improved tax administration and digital systems like ITAS make it easier for those abroad to manage property and business taxes in Ghana with higher transparency and less risk of extortion.
Investors note: The GRA aims to expand the tax base without raising existing rates, potentially improving the business environment if compliance-related costs are offset by more efficient trade facilitation.
Ghana is facing a worsening road safety emergency with an 18.2% increase in fatalities. Recent incidents include a fatal cargo truck collision at Gomoa Budumburam and a police vehicle crash at the KNUST campus. Experts indicate that 90% of heavy-duty vehicle crashes are caused by faulty air brake systems and poor maintenance. The National Road Safety Authority is calling for mandatory inspections for fuel tankers and trailers on the nation’s deadliest corridors.
Road accidents are becoming a leading cause of non-natural deaths in Ghana, impacting the workforce and increasing the burden on the healthcare system.
A fire at the Gushegu Nursing and Midwifery Training College destroyed an ICT lab and classrooms. Firefighters had to travel 61 kilometers from Yendi to tackle the blaze because Gushegu lacks a functional fire station. Local stakeholders are now intensifying appeals for a dedicated district fire station to prevent future tragedies.
Whether the government prioritizes fire station construction in the 2027 budget as part of the 'Big Push' infrastructure initiative.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has announced a GHc2.8 billion ($253 million USD) plan to address classroom deficits in basic and secondary schools. This comes as the Ghana Education Service (GES) officially debunked viral rumors that the Free SHS policy was being cancelled or that parents were being asked to pay GHc1,500 ($135 USD) for student essentials.
An Auditor-General’s report found that 10,700 public basic schools lack classrooms, emphasizing the critical need for this investment to ensure every child has access to foundational learning.
In a landmark moment for Ghanaian football, 18-year-old forward Emmanuel Abrokwa has become the first-ever Ghanaian to sign for La Liga giants Sevilla FC. Joining from Adabraka Elders, Abrokwa signed a long-term deal until 2029 and will initially join Sevilla’s U19 side for development.
Black Stars context: Abrokwa represents a new wave of youth talent moving directly from local academies to top European leagues, providing a promising future for the national team's attack.
Black Stars defender Abdul Mumin has completed a move to Girona FC on a free transfer from Rayo Vallecano. The 26-year-old centre-back, a product of the Right to Dream Academy, signed a deal valid until 2029.
Beninese legend Angélique Kidjo has made history as the first Black African artist to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The 5-time Grammy winner used her speech to highlight Africa's foundational role in global music.
This historic recognition elevates African musical heritage on the world stage and inspires the next generation of West African creatives.
Today we covered the intense political battle over GoldBod’s alleged $1.7 billion loss, the government’s timely GHc10.82 billion payment to bondholders, and the alarming rise in road fatalities across the nation. Thank you for reading the Ghana News AI Daily Brief!
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