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In a major ceremony at Jubilee House, President John Mahama officially swore in Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, and Mahama Ayariga as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs. Three new justices—Edward Amoako Asante, Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, and Anthony Forson Jnr—were also inducted into the Supreme Court bench. This administrative shift coincides with a change in parliamentary leadership, where James Agalga has succeeded Mahama Ayariga as the new Majority Leader.
These appointments place Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings at the forefront of the fight against illegal mining (galamsey), which remains Ghana's most pressing environmental crisis. The leadership shift in Parliament suggests a new strategy for the administration's legislative agenda as it enters a critical implementation phase.
Mahama Ayariga has set an ambitious target of collecting GHc20 billion (~$1.78 billion USD) annually in property rates through technology-driven systems to empower local assemblies.
Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine has inaugurated an 11-member committee, chaired by former Attorney-General Marietta Brew, to implement recommendations for reviewing the 1992 Constitution. Key proposals include potentially extending presidential and parliamentary terms from four to five years, allowing dual citizens to contest national elections, and the direct election of local government leaders. The committee is mandated to finalize actionable legislation by November 2026.
Ghana's 1992 Constitution has remained largely unchanged for over three decades. Previous review attempts, most notably in 2010, stalled during the implementation phase. This committee aims to translate accepted recommendations into a potential referendum.
President Mahama has inaugurated the steering committee for the GHc1 billion (~$89.03 million USD) Bawku Revitalisation Fund. Chaired by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the fund is intended to rebuild infrastructure and restore essential services in the area. The President noted that recent improvements in regional security have created a window for this significant economic intervention, which aims to return Bawku to its status as a vital transit and commercial hub.
Bawku is a strategic gateway for trade with Burkina Faso and the wider Sahel. Economic stabilization is seen as a key pillar for sustaining the fragile peace in the Upper East Region.
The Bawku conflict is a long-standing chieftaincy and ethnic dispute between the Kusasi and Mamprusi groups. While security has improved, periodic tensions have historically disrupted trade and displaced thousands.
The fund signals government commitment to infrastructure in the North. Watch for procurement opportunities in construction and telecommunications as the 'Big Push' program expands.
President Mahama has broken ground on multiple airport projects, including a seven-storey hotel and car park complex at Accra International Airport. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Energy has launched a GHc598 million (~$53.24 million USD) project to connect 206 communities in the Volta Region to the national grid within six months. The DVLA also announced it is ending third-party number plate imports, moving to local production using RFID technology for enhanced security.
With the USD/GHS rate currently at 11.23, your investment power remains strong. The transition to local vehicle plate production and RFID integration suggests a move toward more secure and formal systems for car owners in the diaspora.
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has issued a list of 100 unrecognized universities, blacklisting them for failing to meet quality assurance standards. GTEC warned that any certificates issued by these institutions will not be valid for employment or professional licensing. Parents and students are urged to verify accreditation status through official GTEC channels before making financial commitments.
This is a major consumer protection action to prevent 'degree mills' from undermining the value of Ghanaian qualifications.
GTEC is expected to increase surveillance and pursue legal sanctions against the operators of these unauthorized schools.
A joint Police-Military task force arrested 11 individuals and seized weapons, including a pump-action gun and body armor, in Kromase, Oti Region. Meanwhile, residents along the White Volta have been placed on high alert as SONABEL began the 2026 spillway discharge at the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso. NADMO is currently assessing water levels to protect downstream farms from flooding.
The Bagre Dam spillage is an annual event that often destroys thousands of acres of crops in Northern Ghana. Coordination between Ghana and Burkina Faso has improved, but farmers remain vulnerable during the peak rainy season.
Ghanaian international Antoine Semenyo provided a vital assist for Erling Haaland during Manchester City's 4-1 win over Crystal Palace. Semenyo's clinical cross in the 17th minute helped break the deadlock, further cementing his status as a key creative force in the Premier League.
Black Stars context: Semenyo's form is a significant boost for the national team ahead of upcoming international fixtures.
Asante Kotoko secured the 2026 Democracy Cup by defeating Accra Hearts of Oak 4-1 on penalties following a goalless draw at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. In other local news, midfielder Daniel-Kofi Kyereh returned to competitive play after a three-year injury layoff, appearing for VfL Osnabrück in the 2. Bundesliga.
Dancehall star Shatta Wale has publicly demanded GHc5 million (~$445,137 USD) from the government for promotional services rendered during the 2026 World Cup campaign. He cited 'total disrespect' and unpaid invoices, while also calling for the dissolution of the Tourism Ministry, arguing it lacks innovation.
This public dispute highlights the friction between the creative industry and state institutions regarding commercial contracts and payments.
Today we covered the swearing-in of the new Mahama cabinet, the GHc1 billion revitalisation push for Bawku, and the GTEC crackdown on fake universities. Thank you for reading the Anansi News Daily Brief!
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