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President John Dramani Mahama has called for an emergency Cabinet session to review the National Petroleum Authority’s (NPA) pricing framework following a sharp rise in global oil prices. As of April 1, 2026, petrol rose 15% to GHc13.30 ($1.21 USD) per litre and diesel jumped 19% to GHc17.10 ($1.55 USD). The President assured the nation that Ghana maintains six weeks of petroleum reserves, but the meeting aims to explore reducing fuel margins to protect consumers.
Sustained fuel price hikes typically trigger immediate inflation across food and transport sectors, threatening the fragile macroeconomic stability achieved in the last year.
High fuel costs directly increase the cost of living for family members in Ghana, likely necessitating higher remittance amounts to cover basic Match and transport needs during the Easter season.
Governance under the Mahama administration is facing intense scrutiny as the President ordered an investigation into the 'Big Push' infrastructure program. Reports indicate that 88 out of 107 road contracts were awarded via sole-sourcing rather than competitive tender. Concurrently, environmental advocates, including Dr. Ken Ashigbey, are demanding the criminal prosecution of District Chief Executives (DCEs) found to be informally taxing illegal mining (galamsey) equipment.
The 'Big Push' is the administration's signature infrastructure policy, but it has faced criticism for lack of transparency. Galamsey remains a critical issue as illegal mining continues to devastate water bodies despite various government 'task forces' over the past decade.
At the 2026 Kwahu Business Forum, President Mahama revealed that Ghana has successfully restructured a $1.7 billion USD debt owed to Independent Power Producers (IPPs), securing a 20% reduction. Furthermore, interest rates have plummeted from 32% in 2024 to 9-10% in 2026. The government also unveiled plans for a permanent Kwahu Convention Centre and a new regional airport to boost year-round tourism.
The reduction in interest rates signals a significant shift in the lending environment, potentially unlocking credit for SMEs that have been stifled by high borrowing costs for years.
The 24-Hour Economy initiative has now been codified via the 24-Hour Authority Bill, providing a legal framework for industrial players to operate three shifts with government-backed incentives.
The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has announced a modernization project for Accra International Airport, including a new concourse and a 2,000-bay car park. However, this comes with a new $100 USD infrastructure charge on international passengers starting April 1. Total round-trip charges for international travelers are expected to reach approximately $243 USD.
The new $100 USD fee makes Ghana one of the most expensive destinations in West Africa. Travelers should factor this into their budget for return trips later this year.
A series of road crashes, primarily involving 'Kia Rhino' trucks and passenger buses, claimed 13 lives on the Kintampo-Tamale highway this week. Separately, a structural collapse at the Newtown Experimental School in Accra killed three people, including the 14-year-old daughter of an immigration officer. Residents are demanding stricter enforcement of building codes to prevent further urban tragedies.
The National Road Safety Authority has reduced the legal blood alcohol limit from 0.08 to 0.05. Expect increased police presence and breathalyzer checkpoints throughout the Kwahu Easter festivities.
Scientists from Imperial College London are trialing an AI-powered portable diagnostic device in Ghana. The 'Lab-in-a-Bag' can detect multiple viral infections in 30 minutes without requiring stable electricity or refrigeration, potentially revolutionizing healthcare in remote rural areas.
Boxing icon Deontay Wilder has used his platform to address the historical pain of the Black experience, emphasizing love and community as tools against systemic discrimination. Wilder, who is preparing for a comeback against Derek Chisora, has frequently expressed a deep connection to his West African roots.
In a surprising twist, Ghanaian superstar Black Sherif revealed a desire to enlist in the Ghana Armed Forces. The 'Kweku The Traveller' hitmaker stated he wants to undergo standard military training without any 'celebrity' protocols to serve his country.
The Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) 2026 nominations have ignited debate over the exclusion of gospel star Piesie Esther and Wendy Shay from the Artiste of the Year category. While both received nods in other categories, critics argue their 2025 impact warranted the top-tier nomination.
The TGMAs are Ghana's premier music recognition platform; snubs can significantly impact an artist's booking fees and international profile for the coming year.
Today we covered the government's emergency response to rising fuel prices, the massive GHc500 million investment in primary healthcare, and the ongoing economic dialogues at the Kwahu Business Forum. Thank you for reading the Ghana News AI Daily Brief!
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